.

JAMSHED’S GIANTS (JG):

President nominee, Ava Nariman, was in charge and was ably assisted by volunteer Khushnuma Bhaddha and Xi Maherzad Mogal. To show their gratitude to the motherland, the members were asked to make a short video on what they felt captured the significance of this historic day. The participants got creative displaying videos that ranged from singing patriotic songs, dances set to rousing patriotic music and enacting the role of India’s legendary freedom fighters. The participants took great efforts to make every video a standout performance. About 22 children participated. This was no mean task as being a long weekend, many were travelling and several members were preparing for school exams. The videos were then compiled with the help of Xi and the volunteers. As Khushnuma said, “It was good to see that kids not only felt proud but felt responsible too towards their country.”

.

KATAYUN’S CONQUERORS (KC):

On 12^th August, 2022, the dynamic girls of Katayun’s Conquerors gathered at the BAF Petit Girls High School. President nominee, Ziya Patel, led them through the choreography that had all the members dancing to patriotic songs. 25 girls participated, wearing the uniform with the tri-colour sash draped over them. The planning of the event had its set of challenges like hitting on the right patriotic idea, designing the right costume and poster and choreographing the dance. However, it all came together beautifully! Talking about the event Ziya said, “We felt proud dancing on patriotic songs for our country. It felt nice and enthusiastic.”

.

CYRUS’ SUPERSTARS (CS):

Honouring the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, Riya Mullan, President Nominee of Cyrus’ Superstars planned a trip to Mani Bhavan with the help of volunteer Armin Mullan. All participants assembled at the historical Mani Bhavan at Laburnum Road which served as Mahatma Gandhi’s Bombay headquarters for seventeen eventful years (1917-1934). Participants were given a tour of the building. They also discussed and narrated a few stories about Gandhiji’s life and the virtues of truth and Ahimsa. They later participated in a small quiz about Gandhiji. On the Mani Bhavan terrace, the young and old joined in to sing, ‘Sare Jahan se Acha’ and distributed the National flag as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative.

The event was highly appreciated by all. Homai Shroff said “Our President Nominee Riya organized a well-planned event! There were so many CS kids who had not visited this historical place. Having played the crucial role in India’s independence, Gandhiji is an integral part of Indian history. As we celebrate 75 years of our Independence this year, his immense contribution is certainly to be appreciated and valued.”

.

BEHRAM’S BATTALION (BB):

Under the able leadership of President Nominee, Zerxes Daruvala, Behram’s Battalion planned a weekend of fun events that would see members of all ages participating. The first day, 6^th August, saw a drawing competition and a Tie-Dye workshop, where over 25 BB members gathered with art materials and white t-shirts. Kids from under 7 to over 12 years participated and the top 3 kids from each category were chosen as winners, and awarded prizes, by judge, Katayun Bharucha, a renowned art teacher. Day-2 held a fancy-dress competition for the Juniors. The judges were Mrs. Zarin Jamasji, wife of the late Squadron Leader, Parvez Jamasji, Veer Chakra awardee and Mr. Kersi Zaiwalla, member of the 11^th Gurkha Rifles Regiment, Indian Army. The Quiz and Antakshari held for the Silvers was great fun for all present. BB kids who had excelled in their 10th board exams this year were also felicitated at the function. One of the parents, Paurujisti Jasawalla, appreciating the efforts of the BB team, said, “An absolutely amazing evening… had lots of fun! Both my kids loved the Tie & Dye t shirts. Thank you all!”

.

DARAIUS’ DAREDEVILS (DD):

Daraius’ Daredevils’ President Nominee – Cyrus Vajifdar organised a scavenger hunt around Cusrow Baug on 6^th August. 3 teams – Orange, White and Green – comprising of a total of 17 enthusiastic children, participated. The event kicked off with each team being asked a question about India’s independence struggle. Teams had to complete a circuit of locations around the Baug. On completion of the hunt, a prize distribution ceremony saw everyone present being given the national flag under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative. Speaking about the event, Iyanah Daruvala said, “This event was very well executed by Cyrus with the help of the president and president elect. I think I speak for everyone when I say it was a lot of fun and the kids were competitive and enthusiastic. Everything went smoothly and everyone enjoyed! Look forward to more such events in the future!”

.

RUSTOM’S ROCKSTARS (RR):

 

On 13^th August, 2022, Rustom’s Rockstars proved that ‘Our flag does not fly because of the wind, it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it’. Kayhan Dee, President Nominee, planned a fun day infused with the patriotic spirit, starting with colouring and sticking strings of Orange, White and Green on our Indian National Flag. The National Anthem was sung by all with great enthusiasm. Later, the participants painted pots with the tri-colour and as these were drying, they relished some refreshments. Tulsi plants were also planted in the pots to spread the word about the Green India Mission. Encouraging everyone to support the ‘Swacch Bharat Abhiyan’, the participants cleared up the event venue as well. Gian and Xavi Dastoor thoroughly enjoyed the day, saying, “The event was super-duper! We loved dressing up in our traditional outfits; and the flag sticking activity with painting our own pots was the icing on the cake – Jai Hind!”

.

TEHMURASP’S TITANS (TT):

Aarash Kotwal, President Nominee believes strongly in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?” The events that he planned for 13^th August honoured the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Aarash faced up to the challenge of completing the preparations in the limited time at his disposal and ensuring that the events were a fun and learning experience for all. All participants played three games based on the patriotic theme – The ‘F4 Game’ (Fastest Freedom Fighter First) which was a team game; The ‘Discover India Game’, modelled on the popular Housie game where each participant had a ticket with 4 pictures depicting an important event in Indian history since independence; and the ‘Race To Freedom Game’, which was a team game combining the concepts of quiz and obstacle relay race.

The day culminated with a round of refreshments and everyone received the Indian flag and a Tricolour band to take home. Armin Wadia, TT parent volunteer, rightly commented, “Brilliantly executed by Aarash! We all had a wonderful time celebrating India’s 75th Independence Day! Thank you for making this historic moment memorable for us.”

.

XERXES’ INVINCIBLES (XI):

The XYZ seniors added to the excitement by organizing a treasure hunt across Mumbai (that time Bombay) related to iconic spots placed in Mumbai, with played  a role in India’s freedom struggle, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years of Independence. Khooshnaz Pithawalla was assisted by Aban Bhadha and Zayan Sanga in the planning and execution of the treasure hunt which started at Salsette Colony, Andheri, and ended at Gateway of India (as the last English troops left Indian soil from here). A total of 8 teams, comprising 5 members each, participated. The treasure hunt took them to places like August Kranti Maidan, Gandhi statue, Mumbai Harbour, Times of India office, Mani Bhavan, INS Vikrant and Gamdevi Police station, which has been active since the British era. The treasure hunt was won by Team 7 – Fast and Furious, but all the teams gained from the camaraderie and exploring the hidden treasures of Mumbai which have framed the Independent Nation we live in today.

.

NOSHIRWAN’S KNIGHTS (NK):

Varun Sethna, President Nominee for Noshirwan’s Knights brainstormed on the essence of ‘Azadi’ or Independence, from which was birthed the idea of making an eco-friendly National Flag to highlight the need for ‘AZADI from POLLUTION.’  Participants made eco-friendly Indian flags at home and explained their process over a presentation. The other activity comprised participants dressing up as popular national leaders and sharing a short speech about them. The day ended with cake and snacks as it was current President Freya’s birthday. All NK members thoroughly enjoyed the fun and learning through these activities, which were conducted smoothly.

.
As the community’s leading children’s and young adults’ organisation, established by the dynamic Founder, Hoshaang Gotla, ‘XYZ Foundation’ continues to set the perfect precedent for our community’s young ones, by instilling a sense of values, culture and compassion in our younger generations, thus preparing them to truly grow into responsible citizens of India and Parsis who will continue doing our nation proud!