The XYZ (Xtremely Young Zoroastrians) Foundation award for Achieving Continuous Excellence (ACE) was presented to builder Boman Irani, founder director of the Rustomjee Group at the 10th anniversary celebrations held on December 15, 2024 at the Bai Avabai Framji Girls’ School in Bandra. The award was in recognition of Irani’s contribution to society and his commitment to making a difference.
1st row, from l: Hoshaang Gotla, Boman Irani; XYZ award winners;
above: XYZ’s executive committee called Artaxerxes’ Army
"The juniors have brought fresh energy and enthusiasm, the members have dedicated their time and resources selflessly, and the seniors have guided us with their wisdom and experience. Together we have built a legacy of compassion, resilience and service,” wrote Hoshaang Gotla, founder of the one decade old XYZ Foundation, in a communication to Parsiana. Annual awards are given to XYZ members, both groups and individuals, for teamwork, innovation and tireless efforts. Over 350 XYZ juniors, seniors, volunteers, parents and well-wishers attended the function.
The program also marked the finale of the competition "XYZ being Parsi” in which six groups participated, displaying aspects of the Parsi heritage such as the dynasties of ancient Persia, the importance of the pilgrimage town of Udvada, fire temples, items unique to Parsi households and eminent members of the community. Behram’s Battalion emerged victorious and Tehmurasp’s Titans were runners-up, notes Gotla.
The XYZ family is 600 strong, with 300 children in the seven to 15 year age group. There is an XYZ Juniors group for those under seven years of age with 200 members and the XYZ Seniors, aged between15 and 25, number 100, informs Gotla. The Foundation’s goal is to instill leadership skills, decision making, teamwork, people skills, money management and ethics through various activities. These include athletic meets, indoor and outdoor sports, literary and fine arts events, summer camps, cooking competitions, fashion shows and talent contests and many others for all age groups. Their donation drives have brought relief to the underprivileged, provided necessities to those in need and offered hope during challenging times, notes Gotla.