"There was no unhealthy competition or fear of losing… There were no disagreements over winners or the score as every aspect was self-evident.” Awards were given to winning teams as well as for individual performance. "What emerged during the day were young leaders, team players, distance gazers, dreamers, protectors, cheerleaders, and taggers-along,” stated the Poona Zarthosti Seva Mandal’s (PZSM) joint honorary secretary Mabrin Nanavatti.
Clockwise from top: group activities and humbandagi at "Fusion Playdate” in Poona
The PZSM "Fusion Playdate” on April 21, 2024 saw 52 boys and girls, including the boarders (all boys) of the J. N. Petit Technical High School aged between seven and 14 participating. A mix of locations were availed of: outdoors before the sun got fierce, and within "the spacious hall of the beautiful Petit School campus.” Children comfortable in Gujarati communicating with those attuned to English, healthy snacks, cool drinks, a delectable lunch and prizes made it special, wrote Nanavatti. Starting off with "ice breakers,” he said that "the heat of the sun, which would normally deter adults could not find a chink in the natural armor of the children.” Poona’s April temperatures can cross 40 degrees (centigrade).
Indoor activities, regular breaks for milk and snacks kept the "children’s energy levels high and tan shades in check,” stated Nanavatti. Post lunch activities saw new team combinations and various complex tasks completed. The session with parents included verbal feedback from their wards along with a colorful sheet for each child to note down their experiences on paper. The day’s activities were managed by PZSM member Yazdi Marker whose "exceptional dedication and tireless efforts made the fun day of activities for children a resounding success.”
PZSM trustee Ratush Wadia thanked, amongst others, the parents for "entrusting their children to the Seva Mandal, to instill Zoroastrian values in a fun and exciting manner.” F. J.