On 2^nd February, 2020, the Mancherji Joshi Dharmagnan Class at Dadar celebrated its Annual Prize Distribution Day at the Mancherji Joshi Hall of the Dadar Athornan Institute. Each year, the Annual Day is presided over by a Chief Guest who is an accomplished ex-student. This year, Counselling Psychologist and Classical Ballet dancer-cum-choreographer – Urveez Kakalia – graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Er. Dr Ramiyar P. Karanjia spoke about missing, for the first time in forty years, the presence of Mithoo Jimmy Jesia, Trustee of MEJMT, pioneer of Dharmagnan, due to unavoidable circumstances. He paid a tribute to late Afrin Rabadi and late Manaz Faroodi, associated with the classes, who passed away last year. After acknowledging the presence of Mahiyar Dastur and Darayus Zailwala, Trustees of MEJMT, who had kindly graced the occasion, he handed over the evening to the dashing young compares – Yazaan Bulsara and Kiana Pavri, who efficiently led the program, starting with the Hambandagi followed by a devotional song, a fun song, and other young talented singers trained by Hufrish Bamji and Havovi Karanjia.

The young students of the Dharmagnan class conducted the stage performances with aplomb. Yazaan Bulsara and Shanaya Saklatwala welcomed the audience; Darayus Daji shared the ongoing, varied, in-house activities; Jehan Bajan introduced the Chief Guest, Urveez Kakalia. In her nostalgic and touching address, Urveez cited instances from her personal and professional life, mentioning the great significance of the role that the Dharmagnan Class had played in her life.

A humorous interlude by Kayomarz Dhabhar and Yazishni Daji had the audience in splits, against a lovely Fairy Dance performed by little girls of the class. A short skit, ‘Agyari ma Agvar’, directed by Rukhshana Dhabhar, depicted the mistake that children and grown-ups alike unknowingly make while visiting the Fire Temple.

Speaking to Parsi Times, Er. Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia said, “Religious education helps children to be compassionate, aware, balanced and grounded. It prepares them for the realities of life and helps them discover their own selves. Parents should make the effort to see that their children imbibe religious education at an early age.”

Janine Khajotia and Paurush Kerawala conducted the prize distribution ceremony. Yohann Makujina and Mazdaa Davar proposed the Vote of Thanks. Darayus Daji was adjudged the ‘Best Boy’ for the year and the ‘Best Team’ prize was jointly shared by ‘Team Ahura’ and ‘Team Mazda’. A play titled ‘Dasturji Meherjirana In The Court Of King Akbar’, was greatly appreciated by all. The function concluded with the proud rendition of ‘Chhaiye Hame Zarthoshti’ and the National Anthem.