Armin Dutia Motashaw of Ahmedabad has earned a name for herself from the plentitude of poems she has penned on varied subjects, occasions or situations, many of them concerning the community. Her verses have appeared regularly in Parsi newspapers and magazines but are now seen increasingly on social media groups. The versifier’s latest, My Precious Pearls: A collection of poems contains 55 of her estimated 2,000 poems, as noted in the foreword. Motashaw has three other published books to her credit.
In his preface, titled "A talented bawi,” community chronicler, the late Marzban Giara writes: "She is a grandma, a senior citizen and full of zest for life. Composing poems in English, Hindi and Gujarati and sharing them with others is her passion. Her other interests are music, writing and love for our religion.” Motashaw’s concern for the community is evident from her appeal, appearing before the contents page: "If you can, please be part of this noble deed, join me in my endeavor to help the helpless elders. Please donate whatever you can to the Navsari Parsi Infirmary, Dastur Wad, Mota Falia, Navsari 396445.”
Her range of themes includes the "magical” effects of the Ashem Vohu prayer, family occasions, the joys of grandparenthood, relationships, nature and the need to safeguard the environment, the seasons, healing, education and long Parsi noses! The 70-page book, published in collaboration with
www.notionpress.com, and priced at Rs 480 is available on Amazon and from Notion Press. S. V.