"The tangible outcome of the camp was that children learnt survival skills, to follow orders without grumbling, clean and wash their plates, cups, spoons and take responsibility for their belongings and materials provided to them,” stated Mabrin Nanavatti, joint honorary secretary of the Poona Zarthosti Seva Mandal (PZSM) that organized an overnight camp on November 25-26, 2023 for the community’s youngsters. "The intangible learning was immense… To become self-reliant, live in cohesion, bond and share with (their) peers…live without any devices and the comforts of their family and homes.” The event was organized under PZSM’s Zappy Zoroastrians program, a children’s study class active since August 2019. The 49 participants included children from the city, as well as boarders from the J. N. Petit Technical High School.
Navroze Siganporia (standing) mentoring Poona children
Held at the Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Agiary, the camp was conducted by Navroze Siganporia ("Sigi Sir”) of the Mancherji Eduljee Joshi Memorial Trust, Bombay, "who has been a scouts master and conducted several camps over 57 years,” Nanavatti noted. Its purpose was to inculcate discipline, honesty, self-reliance, team spirit, and public speaking skills in children, with activities involving art and craft, brainstorming and building awareness about the environment.
The camp commenced with a humbandagi led by Ervad Kaipaishin Raimalwala of the Agiary. PZSM president Rukshana Anklesaria was present for the closing event. Thanks were offered to organizers Nanavatti and Jehanbux Desai, to Ervad Ardaviraf Sinor for the meals, C. T. Pundole for sponsoring prizes and the trustees of the Agiary for use of their premises.
Established in 1940, PZSM has been involved with the amelioration of underprivileged members of the community by way of medical, education and monthly financial help. The other office bearers are vice president Mini Grant, joint honorary secretaries Meher Gazder and Nanavatti and treasurer Roshan Chindhy.
Committee member Ratush Wadia told Parsiana that to spread awareness about the religion and customs in a participative, innovative and fun way, Zappy Zoroastrians uses worksheets, stories, resource persons and the popular "Randhva Chalo Ji (Come, Let’s Cook)” program. They hold sessions twice a month, one online and one in person. Alongside the regular sessions there are camps, field trips and fun fairs as well.