Over two days in August several educational as well as fun competitions were organized for children of the community by the Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat (ZWAS). Cyrus Dotiwala, chief guest on August 10, 2013 suggested that a dharma gnyan (religious knowledge) class be started to provide religious education for the children of Surat and ZWAS has promised to take up the responsibility in the near future, mentions trustee Maharukh Chichgar in an email sent to Parsiana.
Winners of competitions at ZWAS function in Surat, along with committee members
A prayer competition sponsored by the Minu Gustadji Mehenty Charitable Trust was judged by Zarin Bhathena and Rati Naladaru. The judges were introduced by Diana Palia and Dilshad Bhathena. While the judges were busy deciding on the winners, Benaiffer Engineer livened up the proceedings with a religious quiz for children. Standing first, second and third in the prayer competition in Group A (three to four years) were Dilara Chindiawala, Dilnaz Chindiawala and Aazmin Besania, respectively. In Group B (between five and seven years) the winners were Shervin Bavaadam, Pakzaad Karanjia and Aanoash Chichgar, while in Group C (eight to 12 years) the first three winners were Darayus Gheyara, Meher Patrawala and Hoshedar Bhathena.
In exhibiting skill in telling a story based on any mythological event of any religion Kevin Besania stood first and Aanoash Chichgar second. Each participant received a gift sponsored by the Mehenty Trust. ZWAS president Tanaz Coachman welcomed the audience and honorary secretary Mahtab Bhatporia proposed a vote of thanks for the contest which was hosted by program committee chairperson Delnaz Katpitia and Kainaz Variava, the email notes.
Winners of the card making and "best out of waste” competitions, judged by Bhartiben Parekh and Daisy Elavia were Kevin Besania, Zehan Mistry and Aanoash Chichgar who stood first, second and third respectively in Group A (five to seven years), while Meher Patrawala stood first, Vershin Patel second and Khushnaz Dumasia third in Group B (eight to 12 years). Encouragement prizes were given to Aileen Bhatporia, Mehzad Variave and Khodi Madanwala. In Group C (13 to 16 years) the first three were Verolin Cooper, Yohaan Patrawala ad Liza Abadan.
Percy Engineer, principal of the faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology, who was chief guest on August 11, 2013 counseled Parsi youth to venture into business or go in for professions like medicine, chartered accountancy, architecture, etc. Fifty toddlers took part in the Dress Your Baby competition judged by Vahbiz Engineer and Keshmira Kharadi and handled by Carol Vaid and Farzin Katpitia. Shayan Khansaheb topped the contest, followed by Ruksheen Engineer in second place with Farmaan Dastur adjudged third. Consolation prizes went to Kayan and Delzin Bavaadam, Kaira Elavia and Zeniska Kadwa.
The spirited Antakshari that followed, filling the air with musical strains was conducted by Mahazarin Chichgar, who steered the participants through the event with innovative rounds. Winners in Group A (eight to 14 years) were Simin Engineer and Diana Patel with Liza Abadan and Zerish Gandhi coming second. In Group B (15 years and above) the winning pairs were Marazban and Farida Italia (first), Zena Chipia and Afrin Patrawala (second) with Dara and Vahishta Engineer coming third.
ZWAS expressed gratitude to the Surat Parsi Panchayat for its continuing support. All events were managed under the guidance of ZWAS office bearers including treasurer Dilnaz Besania, and trustees Chichgar and Piloo Bhathena. The enjoyable evening concluded with a contributory dinner catered by Freny and Nozer Daruwala of A-1 Food, the email mentions.