The second function to mark the silver jubilee of Ahmedabad’s Ushta-Te Foundation on February 4, 2024 at Thakorebhai Desai Hall was an evening of fun, entertainment and an "outpouring of gratitude by so many for so many who have helped and supported the Foundation to be what it is today,” noted senior trustee Shirin Kanga in a note to Parsiana. An entertainment-cum-felicitation program was held in November 2023 (see "Silver for Ushta-Te,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, December 21, 2023-January 6, 2024). Kanga stated that yet another event, "solely by children,” is planned for June 2024. Under their Zarathushti Awareness Group Ahmedabad (ZAGA), the Foundation conducts religion classes for children, and also holds other cultural activities, felicitates meritorious students and helps the needy.
Top: Guests and office bearers of the Ushta-Te Foundation; above: children welcoming guests with a monajat
Chief guest, chairman of the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trusts Dinshaw Tamboly paid tribute to the "diligent, vibrant and vivacious ladies” who run the Foundation. (They have an all-women team of trustees and managing committee members.) "Any welfare institution that celebrates its silver jubilee is an indication that its efforts have stood the test of time and is destined to reach many more milestones in the years to come.” He stated that the "community centric services of Ushta-te are bound to have an inspiring and motivating effect amongst the youth of Ahmedabad and encourage them to get involved in community centric activities.”
Tamboly paid special tribute to founder and trustee emeritus Meher Medora who attended despite a recent illness. Medora voiced her appreciation of all donors, well-wishers, supporters, helpers and colleagues. She specially lauded the efforts of the young trustees and the volunteer teachers of their religion classes.
A prayer, monajat and "a very lively action song” by 32 children of ZAGA kicked off the program. Managing trustee Mini Patel’s welcome address focused on the Foundation’s many charitable activities. Mementoes were distributed to children and volunteers. Dilber Bokdawala was felicitated for her first book, The White Feather, noted Kanga.
Kanga noted that the evening culminated with a staging of Dinshawji na dabba gul by dramatist Yazdi Karanjia’s theater company. "The play was a light-hearted comedy and everyone was full of praise for all the artistes specially the sprightly movements of Yazdi as though he was only 40,” she remarked of the octogenarian dramatist. Kanga offered the vote of thanks.
The event was compered by the Foundation’s trustee and honorary secretary Pearl Sabawala. F. J.