"Manijeh Aunty was a silent philanthropist who lived for others. The hall behind me is a testimony to her benevolence. She donated lakhs of rupees to refurbish this hall… Not only does the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat (APP) earn lakhs of rupees from its rental income, it has also been a boon for the community,” said Porus Karanjawalla, trustee of the Dhunjishaw and Manijeh Gamir Charitable Trust (DMGCT) (see "True benevolence,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, October 7, 2016). Manijeh, who expired in August 2016, was missed at the flag hoisting ceremony on Republic Day, January 26, 2017, an activity the DMGCT has been conducting since the past three years. Over 300 Parsi Zoroastrians of Ahmedabad were in attendance at the Parsi Sanatorium, notes Karanjawalla in an email to Parsiana.
Function and flag hoisting ceremony at the Parsi Sanatorium in Ahmedabad
Chief guest Areez Khambatta, former commandant of the Home Guards and chief operational officer of Civil Defence, recalled, "I had the opportunity to interact with her (Manijeh) when I was president of the APP. She wanted to donate huge sums to renovate/extend/beautify our dharamshala. Unfortunately, due to municipal laws we could not move forward… Renovation of this hall was an act in the right direction. It is not only facilitating our humdins but also generating huge rental income for the APP… Money brings more money which commenced during my presidentship,” Khambatta stated, according to the write-up.
Perin Davar sang a patriotic song. Karanjawalla thanked Firdose Zaiwalla for assisting the DMGCT to erect the flag mast and Hervez Bharucha for his expertise in conducting the flag hoisting ceremony. Kaizad Dalal and his team were appreciated for conducting games for all age groups — senior citizens, youngsters and toddlers. A subsidized unlimited brunch was catered by Nauzer Daruwala, the email concludes.