The Mancherji Edulji Joshi Dharmagnan (MEJ) Class at Dadar, under the auspices of the Mancherji Edulji Joshi Memorial Trust (MEJMT), celebrated its 38th Annual Day on 19th November, 2017, at JB Vachha High School at Dadar. Coordinated by MEJMT Trustee, Mahiyar Dastur and executed by the students of the Dharmagnan class, under the able supervision of Er. Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia and Mithoo Jesia, the Annual Day commenced with a humorous episode of a Parsi couple, along the lines of the Swachha Bharat Abhiyan and GST, followed by a humbandagi, monajat and the Youth Anthem that highlighted virtues of a true Zoroastrian. A CD of Zoroastrian songs named Naman, produced by this Trust a few years ago, has been introduced by the Dharmagnan class. A dance by the tiny tots choreographed by Urveez Kakalia accentuated the presence of Yazads, Ameshaspands and Farohars, whose help we can invoke at any time through prayer.

The Dharmagnan class comprises two groups – Ahura and Mazda – consisting of eighty junior and senior students who learn prayers, religious practices and insights into our Iranian history, along with games which are thoroughly enjoyed by all. Afreen Mistry spoke of the spectacular audio visual plays, written and directed by Mithoo Jesia, which are staged every Annual Day. Paurush Kerawalla introduced Chief Guest Delraaz Bunshah, tracing her achievements in academics, athletics, singing, and personality events, where she recently featured in the reality singing contest, ‘The Stage’, aired on Colors Infinity channel. Praising the Dharmagnan class and Er. Dr. Ramiyar for answering all her questions about religion and urging all students to think for themselves, Delraaz awarded thirty students in the junior, middle and senior categories for excellence in prayer, religious knowledge, class participation, all round class excellence and book maintenance. The prizes for Best Students were awarded to Mahiyar Marfatia and Janine Khajotia, while Team Ahura won the team award. After the interval Delraaz showcased her singing talent, followed by the play ‘The Miracle of King Darab’, from the Shahnameh.

Praising the function, Vada Dasturji Khurshed exhorted the children to live by the tenets of good thoughts, good words and good deeds, while Mithoo Jesia encouraged the audience to send their kids for the Dharmagnan class to enable them to be good Zoroastrians.

Trustee Mahiyar Dastur thanked Khushroo Daruwalla for serving the Mancherji Edulji Joshi Memorial Trust for 18 years and was felicitated by Senior Trustee, Jimi Jesia. Yazad Pooniwalla and Zrey Dodhi expressed a vote of thanks to the Principal, management and staff of JB Vachha High School and DPYA High School, Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor and wife Havovi, Havovi Karanjia, Shahnaaz Talati and Hufrish Bamji. The function ended with ‘Chhaiye Hame Zarthoshti’ and the National Anthem.