On 4^th October, 2022, the 100 Toronto Zoroastrian Scout Group celebrated its 32 Anniversary with a gathering of about 140 persons comprising parents, past and present Leaders and Scouts, all assembled once again at the Darbe Mehr, to celebrate this auspicious occasion.  To inaugurate the celebration, the Scouts formed a circle, hoisted Canada’s National Flag, sang the National Anthem and recited 2 Yathas and 1 Ashem. This was followed by Jashan led by Ervads Khushru Bharda, Mehbad Dastoor and his son Xerxes – all ex-Scouters of the 100 Toronto Scout Group.

ZSO President, Mitra Jam, congratulated the Scout Group on its services to the youth over the past three decades.  The 100 Toronto Scout Group too thanked ZSO for steadfastly having been its sponsor. The festivities continued with 100 Scout Group Toronto Commissioners and Co-Chairs, Ferozshaw Ogra and Kersi Khambatta welcoming Chief Guest – Natalia Rutchanka, Scouter from Toronto 69^th Group, Khushru Bharda (Group Commissioner of sister Group – 100 Oakville) and other past Scouters of 100 Toronto.

Scouter Natalia handed out several Merit Awards, notably to the three Founders – Freddy Mirza, Noshir Dastoor and Vispi Patel; as also to the family of the deceased including that of Jimmy Mistry, Maneck Sattha, Noshir Mirza and Phiroz Dastoor. ZSO member – Dara Homavazir recalled the achievements of his grandfather, Ardeshir Byramjee Homavazir, Founder member of 11^th CBDA (Central Bombay District Association) Scout Group.

A scrumptious lunch followed, catered by Master Chef Scouter Kersi Khambatta and Firozshaw, which also included serving fruits and nuts from the chasni. A celebratory afternoon made memorable with the efforts of all leaders and friends, with special mention of Anahita Ogra for her tireless efforts towards its success.

The 100 Toronto Zoroastrian Scout Group was founded in September 1990 as an idea that germinated outside the Darbe Mehr of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO), in Toronto.  A group of parents, all ex-scouts from various Scout Groups in Mumbai thought it a good idea to start a Zoroastrian Scout Group for their children in Toronto. Thus was inaugurated the 100 Toronto Scouts Group, the first Zoroastrian Scout Group in all of North America – thanks to the vision and meticulous execution of its seven founders – Freddy Mirza, Jimmy Mistry, Maneck Sattha, Noshir Dastoor, Noshir Mirza, Phiroz Dastoor and Vispi Patel. Affiliated with Scouts Canada, ZSO stood up as its sponsor and continues to be so till date. Over 50 Zoroastrian boys and girls participated as ‘Scouts’ of 100 Toronto. In 2015, the group celebrated its Silver Anniversary, attended by about 150 patrons, at the Darbe Mehr. Here’s commending the 100 Toronto Zoroastrian Scout Group for its efforts, with best wishes for continued success!

(Courtesy: Kersi Khambatta, Group Commissioner, 100 Toronto Scout Group)