"The judges were enthralled at the originality of the dances, the costumes and music,” stated XYZ (Xtremely Young Zoroastrians) founder trustee Hoshaang Gotla of the performances at the XYZ Xtravaganza held on December 16, 2023 at the Kishinchand Chellaram College hall. The dance competition themed "Around the World” saw each group representing diverse countries — from Brazil to South Korea and Iran to Austria. The teeny tots garnered the most applause. But it was the Maori dancers from Tehmurasp’s Titans (Andheri) who were runners-up, and the exotic Brazilian dancers from Jamshed’s Giants (Byculla) that walked away as winners.
Awards were given for Best Members and Best Presidents. The XYZ ACE Award was presented to Tanya Balsara, founder of 14 Tanya Computer Centres across the country to teach the visually impaired. "This year, for the fourth time in a row Jamshed’s Giants won the Best Group award.”
Top: Jamshed’s Giants, "Best Group” of XYZ; above: executive committee, from l, Zyros Zend,
Hutoxi Doodhwala, Zenobia Mody, Zayan Sanga, Hoshaang Gotla, Avan Badha, Jeniffer Daruvala,
Bazyan Mistry, Delnaz Sinor, Shahrukh Irani
The nine-year-old XYZ Foundation is implementing a succession plan for its executive committee members by inducting two new members in their 20s into the committee, increasing the 11-member committee to 13. The current average age of members is "approximately early 40s.” The newest inductees are 20-year-olds Zayan Sanga, studying
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for his bachelor’s degree in film and new media production and Avan Bhada, a business administration student. XYZ conducts events that are a mix of education and entertainment for children and young adults throughout the year in Bombay.
EC member Jeniffer Daruvala told Parsiana on December 26 that the new duo have been "integral members of XYZ since its inception and have evolved into leaders within their respective groups, and from group presidentship to directorial positions in the Seniors Group.” Sanga and Bhada will work to ensure that all groups align with planned activities and new themes. "Additionally, they will assist Gotla and me in organizing and conducting all XYZ inter-competitions for 2024… Eventually in the next five to 10 years, we want younger blood to take over this committee as we start passing the baton,” Daruvala stated.
Citing her own example, and that of co-member Zenobia Mody, Daruvala recalled, "We initially volunteered for one of XYZ’s groups, and our potential was recognized by Hoshaang… He saw the value in our contributions.” The executive committee comprises Gotla, Delnaz Sinor, Daruvala, Mody, Zyros Zend, Bazyan Mistry, Shahrukh Irani, Meher Amalsadiwalla, Hutoxi Doodhwala, Jasmine Palia, Huzan Forbes and now Bhada and Sanga.
The Committee, also known as Artaxerxes’ Army, "has invested years of tireless effort to innovate and introduce new events and activities, ensuring that every member enjoys the XYZ experience,” stated Daruvala. The primary goal is to mentor the younger generation, preparing them to gradually assume leadership roles within XYZ.
In the run-up to the XYZ Xtravaganza they raised about Rs 20,00,000 through raffle tickets, souvenir advertisements and entrance tickets for the event, Gotla announced. This is for a fund to provide assistance to fire temple caretakers, priests, and also for fire temple maintenance, he stated. Teams of children have fanned out to 29 of Bombay’s 50 or so agiaries to determine the needs of the potential beneficiaries, Gotla told Parsiana on January 3, 2024. A database will be compiled, he stated.
"Everyone is now looking forward to the 10thAnnual Day,” signed off Gotla.