On the pearl anniversary of Zonta International’s (ZI) District 25, on December 14, 2021, its first ever male governor Errick Elavia recognized the contribution of 14 Zonta clubs as also Zonta delegates who constituted "the foundation of not only their clubs, but of the Zonta international pyramid,” noted a report on the event sent to Parsiana by past president Mahazaver Dalal. On the occasion a charter was presented to the Zonta Club of Bhopal, the newest club of India and Zonta international.
To mark the milestone, a three-day conference at the Taj Mahal Hotel from December 13-15, 2021 themed around "Equal Opportunities – New Opportunities” saw participation of members from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. This was the fourth conference of the District under Elavia before he retired as governor and was appointed chairman of their nominating committee.
Above, from l : Dolly Thakore, Errick Elavia, Firuza Sena; inset: Kishori Pednekar
The chief guest at the inaugural function was Bombay mayor Kishori Pednekar who was presented a special memento. Others who were felicitated during the conference were thespian Dolly Thakore who shared the challenges of her life in a male dominated world; politician, social worker, fashion designer Shaina N. C.; Pratibha Pai of Chirag Foundation for bringing light via solar electrification in Indian villages; and educationist Dr Mangala Sirdeshpande.
The Zonta International Biennium Theme Transitions — Changes — New Opportunities Award was presented to Seva Sadan Society that has continued to offer a "new horizon to women for over a century thanks to the vision of social reformers Behramji Malabari and Dewan Dayaram Gidumal in 1908.” The Club’s Amelia Earhart Spirit Award was presented to the all women crew of four pilots and flight safety director Nivedita Bhasin for "their North Pole vault with direct flight from San Francisco, USA to Bangalore, India.”
The conference included three workshops on "Power is in You! You Create New Story,” "Say No to Violence,” and "Challenges for Women under Pandemic and Zonta Action.” "Bonds of friendship were strengthened and Zontians parted with inspiration and directions” for their work, concluded the note. F. J.