With a firm belief in the adage, ‘Happiness to those who help others’, every year, the committee members of ‘Young Rathestars’ of Dadar, Mumbai, reach out to provide help and support to poor Zarthosti families living the hinterland of Gujarat for decades, in the talukas of Mandvi and Mangrol of the Surat District as well as around Ankleshwar and in the interiors of Gujarat such as Ilav, Surali, Zankhvav etc. A tradition that has been going on for over 30 years now, this year too, the Young Rathestars organized three extensive rural trips stretching over a total of six days to reach out to these families, with local support from the Kavina and Dalal families of Ankleswar and Bharuch in interior Gujarat; Aspi Tantra (Gandevi), Hoshang Havewala (Nargol) and Porus Sinor (Pune).

The Gujarat and Pune rural trips took place on 12^th and 13^th January, 2019 to Gandevi and Nargol; from 21^st to 23^rd February, 2019 to other interior villages of Gujarat; and on 10^th March, 2019 to Pune. A kit of essentials including food grains, toiletries, linen, household articles, daily commodity items and other necessities, were distributed, in quantities which would suffice up to six months. Each year, the Bombay Parsi Panchayat gives bundles of wool free of cost, to be distributed to ladies for making ‘Kushtis’ to earn their living. Also, sadras and pyjamas are distributed to all.

The smiles of gratitude and the warm welcome is what makes the arduous journey well worth it.

Those who wish to support the cause, can send in your cheques in favour of: ‘YOUNG RATHESTARS’ to the President, Mrs. Arnavaz Jal Mistry, 803A, Mistry Manor, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Dadar (East), Mumbai 400014. For details, Call: 9821009289 or contact Vice President, Shahrukh N. Dhalla at 9820148164.