The 17^th ZOCHILDAY, themed ‘ZOCHILD With A Difference’, was celebrated on 16^th November, 2019, by children across Mumbai and India, at Mumbai’s St. Mary’s (ISC) Auditorium in Mazgaon. Hanshi Shihan Vispy Kapadia – Chairman and Founder of Zochilday, along with the dedicated team of Zoroastrian Children’s Foundation (ZCF) organised an incredible event, reinforcing the catchphrase, ‘Proud To Be A Zochild’, which resonated loud and clear.

An additional day of entertainment and education was organized for all Upcountry Parsi/Irani Zoroastrian children, who came in from Surat, Navsari, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Dahanu, Baroda, Pune, and other places, at the Nehru Science Centre, Worli on 17th November, 2019. They were accommodated at the M F Cama Athornanan Madressa (Andheri), The Bandra Parsi Convalescent Home (Bandra) and the Pandey Dharamshala. All the children, guests and volunteers were provided lunch catered by Jimmy Gadiwalla and ice-cream donated by Aban and Giev Patel.

The programme kicked off on the 16th with the hoisting of the Indian Flag and the Zochilday flag, by Chairman Kyoshi Vispy Kapadia, followed with the Zochild Pledge and a tribute to the ‘Inspiration of Zochild’ – Late Fareena Kapadia. Posthumous tributes were paid in memory of the late Retd. DGP Arvind Inamdar, Dilnavaz Billimoria, Dr. Daizy Sidhwa, Marazban Mehta, Dadi Engineer, Padmashree Dinyar Contractor, Er. Nariman Dalal, Padmashree Dr. Burjor Dastur and Mehru Dastur. The Zochild song, composed by Gulnar Tafti was rendered by students of Bai Avabai Petit High School and the Alexandra Girls’ English Institution. Next, ‘Monajats’ were rendered by students of Lady Engineer School and Bai Avabai F. Petit School. Surat began with a foot tapping number. A poignant dance on ‘Nirbhaya’ was performed by Activity School students. A magic show followed performed by a Tarapore siblings and Stand-up comedy by Dhaval was next. An enthralling Patriotic Zumba was performed by Bai Avabai F. Petit girls, followed a solo Ballet performance by Pakzin Wadia. Keynote speaker, Vidushi Daga motivated the children on moral ethics about the use of mobile and Cyber Safety.

Zochild Day recognizes, encourages and rewards achievements by students, having instituted and pioneered major awards. This year, the Zochild ‘Award of Excellence’ was awarded to Padmashree Prof. Dr. Keiki Mehta; The Zochild ‘Jewel of the Community’ Award was presented to Dasturji Kekhashru Ravji MeherjiRana –Vada Dasturji Navsari; Jamshed Irani – Artist / Painter; Mehrzban ‘Bawa’ Patel – Hockey Coach; and Mithoo Wadia – Education; The Zochild Award of Distinction was presented to Jehan Daruvala – F1 Formula Racing Driver and Inspector Cyrus Irani – President Medal Awardee; Zochild Rising Star Awards were given to Daarish Mehta – Busan Karate medalist, Yohan Behramkamdin – Swimming, Diana Tanttra and Roshni Irani – Kho Kho.

BPP Chairman – Yezdi Desai, BPP Trustees – Armaity Tirandaz and Xerxes Dastoor, former BPP Chairman – Dinshaw Mehta, patrons – Sam Choksi, Neville Deboo, Yazdi Karanjia, Aban and Khodu Irani were felicitated.

A stunning Karate display under the directions of Hanshi Vispy Kapadia and Keuri was presented to the audience, followed by the screening of a short, inspiring film on ‘Parsis’ by Jio Parsee under the tutelage of Pearl Mistry; and numerous dance performances by children representing different contingents. The Grand Finale was the Dance Dhamaka Fusion by Gamadia Colony children.

The closing ceremony comprised lowering of the flags, rendition of the Parsee Anthem, ‘Chhaiye Hame Zarthosti’ and the National Anthem. The children left after a tasty dinner and gifts. Anchored by Hoshedar Khambatta, the vote of thanks was offered by Sanaya Kapadia to all for making the 17^th Zochilday a great success.