On the cold winter evening of 21^st January, 2023, WZO Trust Funds organised its 18^th Academic Annual Prize Distribution Programme, at Sirvai Party Plot, Navsari, for Zoroastrian students in schools and colleges, who had fared well academically. Of the total 221 students who had applied, ranging from junior KG to various Post Graduate levels, 114 students qualified to receive cash prizes.

Dr. Minoo Hiraji Parabia (M. Sc., Ph. D.) – retired professor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, presided as Chief Guest, whilst Guests of Honour were Roomi Baria – eminent stage actor, director and music director; and Dr. Cyrus Dara Jokhi (M.D., Path.) – a young pathologist serving across various hospitals of Navsari.

The evening commenced with the introduction and felicitation of the three dignitaries on the dais by Trustees of WZO Trusts – Cyrus Vandriwala, Rohinton Contractor and Aspi Ambapardiwala, followed by a welcome speech by Ambapardiwala, who informed the audience about multifarious welfare activities undertaken by the three WZO Trusts, across India. The programme was well compered by Gulshan Vandriwala and Sharmin Tamboly.

All the speakers motivated the students with their speeches, inspiring them to stay committed to achieving their goals, with perseverance and hard work. Next, young achievers were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour and Trustees of WZO Trusts.

Two special prizes were announced for brilliant achievers – Dr. Hufreez Deboo and Dr.  Shehnaz Billimoria, for completing their doctorate in philosophy [PhD]. They greatly motivated the students with their short speeches.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Rohinton Contractor conveying gratitude to all dignitaries on the dais for attending the function and motivating the youth, to the Trustees of Bai Dosibai Kotwal Parsi Boys Orphanage for providing gratis use of their beautiful party plot, WZO Trusts Chairman – DinshawTamboly and Bachi Tamboly for their financial and moral support, helping hands – Sharmin Tamboly, Simin Bharda, Parvana Vandriwala, all volunteers, and Sunnu Kasad for providing refreshments at concessional rates and to the many dignitaries of Navsari who attended the function. The programme concluded with everybody singing ‘Chhaiye Hame Jarthosti’ and the National Anthem.