Neither an inaudible sound system nor a power failure in the area for over 30 minutes could dampen the spirits of the prize winners, dignitaries, invitees and guests gathered at Allbless Baug on April 14, 2018. They had come for the annual prize distribution function of the Iran League (IL) where the chief guest was Dr Bakhtiar Bhesania, partner of the law firm Mulla and Mulla and Cragie Blunt and Caroe and the guest of honor, Diana Marfatia, principal of the Bai Avabai Petit Girls High School.
A jashan performed by Ervad Keki Ravji of the Pallonji Khurshedji Cama Daremeher (Cama Baug) kick started the evening after which students of the Dadar Athornan Institute led a humbandagi. Appreciating the work of the IL consistently done over 96 years, Bhesania emphasized the need for prayers. "Walk away from fears and failures and walk towards happiness,” he urged the youth, adding, that they should "lead a balanced life and do not forget the tenets of our religion.” A little more audible was Marfatia who had some mantras for success. Find your strength, don’t make excuses, don’t postpone today’s work to tomorrow, think big and work for people, instead of working for money. Stressing that taking part in competitions organized by associations like the IL helps one to be better rounded personalities, she ended her address by quoting American statesman Colin Powell: "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.”
(Top) Cmde Medioma Bhada (retd) (ext r) being presented with the
Hataria Heroism Trophy by Sam Choksey (far l) with Vispi Dastur looking on;
Above (l-r): Dr Bakhtiar Bhesania, Diana Marfatia and Saroosh Dinshaw
The Hataria Heroism Trophy was awarded to Cmde Medioma Bhada (Retd). Having a distinguished career in the Indian navy spanning 35 years, Bhada is currently on the boards of some corporates. "Serve the country with valor,” was his brief advice to the Parsi youth.
When the time came to announce the names of the prize winners of the various competitions, the venue was plunged in darkness. That notwithstanding, Silloo Shapoorji, one of the competition judges shouted out the names of each winner, all gathered closely around the stage, lest they missed hearing their names. Eager parents too crowded around to capture their children’s winning moment. Thirty trophies and around 400 prizes were distributed that sultry evening.
The highlights of IL’s year round activities were read out by committee member Tehmina Peer and the audience was entertained with monajats sung by Roshan Dastoor and Marazban Wadia. The IL newsletter edited by its president Vispi Dastur was released.
By the time the 400 strong gathering sat down to enjoy Jimmy Gadiwalla’s lagan nu bhonu, power was thankfully restored.
Roxan A. Driver