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"Children are growing in numbers. Kaun kéhch ké Parsi na bachchao ochha chhè (Who says there are few Parsi children)? Bring them here and let them take a look,” exclaimed Shihan Vispy Kapadia, founder of the ZoChild Foundation (ZCF) in his inaugural speech. The man behind  ZoChild Day was addressing the "fortunate few” students participating in the 14th ZoChild Day extravaganza at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) on November 27, 2016.
"A disturbing factor which has really broken my heart was that I had to say ‘no’ to around 600-700 children this year. Due to a change in venue from the sprawling Shanmukhananda Hall in Matunga, five-seven green rooms of the NCPA were full of children awaiting their turn to get place in the around 1,200 seater auditorium when the next set of children proceeded to perform on stage. Lamenting that children don’t submit forms in time and don’t get their ID cards, the 8th dan karateka stated that in the past he has "never let one child go back.”
Leading the audience through the oath which is to "uphold the tenets of our faith and keep the fires of our great ancient religion always burning bright,” Kapadia who had fathered four children urged the students to work hard, marry and procreate. After the flag hoisting and singing of the ZoChild anthem, those who had passed away were remembered: Fareena Kapadia (Shiraz and Vispy’s daughter, the inspiration behind the event), ZCF committee member Dr Daisy Sidhwa and singer Marazban Mehta.
With children trundling in from Surat, Navsari, Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Indore, Dahanu, Nagpur, Poona, Vapi and Deolali besides Bombay, the plush interiors of the Theatre resounded with raucous chatter of children. Over 400 outstation students who had been accommodated at the M. F. Cama Athornan Institute in Andheri, Bandra’s Cama Convalescent Home and the Panday Sanatorium at Chira Bazar enjoyed an additional day of fun at Saina resort in Malad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment galore
The cultural items on Sunday morning started with monajats mellifluously rendered by students of the Bai Avabai Petit Girls High School. With a lighted photo of Iranshah around his neck, 77-year-old Marazban Wadia sang a song in praise of the exalted fire. Thirteen-year-old Ervad Rooyintan Mehenty recited the Din no kalmo. The meaning of the prayer was explained by ZCF committee member Hutokshi Aibara. Surat’s Farhad Patel sang a few songs.
Lithe and fit, the Avabai Petit girls enthralled with a stunning display on the parallel bars, choreographed by their coach Ervad Marazban Maney. Recalling in dance form poignant memories of the 26/11 terrorist attack on Bombay eight years ago were children from Navsari. Chandrakant no thaiyo dehant, a play by Activity School students had everyone in splits.
Under Vispi’s direction, students of his dojo put up an outstanding karate display. Burzin Contractor played some numbers on his keyboard and when Zubin Sanjana of Salsette Parsi Colony casually invited a few youngsters to come and dance on the stage while he was singing, there was such a rush that many had to return to their seats.
During lunch break, all savored the sali murghi, Bharuchi akuri and chicken pulao dar catered by Jimmy Gadiwalla.
Malcolm Baug children enacted a play directed by Khushru Kapadia during the afternoon session. They presented an episode from the life of Yazdegird Sheriar, the last Sasanian king. Dancing skills were displayed by the Godrej Baug contingent in a Bollywood fusion dance; there were graceful garbas by Avabai Petit. The finale — Dance Dhamaka — was performed by Gamadia colonites.
The event was compered by Hoshedar Khambatta who flies down from Dubai every year just for this! Sanaya Kapadia gave the vote of thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keynote speakers
ZCD is not all majha masti (fun and frolic). The organizers invite guest speakers to impart some gyan (knowledge) to the youngsters.
Introduced as the "personification of humaneness and humility,” Dinshaw Tamboly, managing trustee of The WZO Trust Funds drove home an important message: "There are two most important sets of people in your lives — your parents and your teachers. I hope you realize the sacrifices your parents make for you. They sacrifice their present so they can build your future. They inculcate in you the values of being good human beings. Teachers are like angels who fill your mind with knowledge and wisdom.”
He exhorted the youth who "will soon bear the burden of leading the community” that education and discipline are the "backbones of progress, the promise of peace and prosperity, the instruments of liberty and the foundation to build the lofty structures of our community and country.”
Vidushi Daga, founder of Clone Futura Education held her audience captive with the help of power point audiovisuals. She spoke of cyber crime which is "way easier than in the real world” since the criminals need only a laptop and internet connection. "Cyber bullying is very dangerous because it spreads very fast through rumors and gossip, posting embarrassing pictures, sending threatening comments, all of which are punishable by law. Adults can be jailed for three-10 years and those below 18 years can be sent to a juvenile prison. In addition, a fine of rupees one-10 lakhs can be levied on the fraudster.
"In India there are so many cases that don’t come out in the media because of family honor. Please be aware before accepting any friends whom you don’t know. Talk to your parents, teachers, principal (in case of bullying). Be safe, be secure,” she concluded.