The Gujarat Poverty Relief Project of the Young Rathestars – our community’s leading Social Welfare Association from Dadar Parsi Colony – conducted another successful annual Food Distribution Camp, from 1^st to 4^th February, 2023. Young Rathestars’ stalwarts – Arnavaz Mistry, Homiyar Doctor, Shiraz Guard and Aspi Elavia – travelled all the way to the interiors of rural Gujarat with supplies for the sustenance of our underprivileged community members. The Gujarat Poverty Relief Project has been in operation for over two decades.

Every year, the trustees of the Young Rathestars visit remote villages of Gujarat with the aim of reaching out to and bringing relief to the poorest of poor Parsi families living in the villages of Borbatha, Ilav, Mandvi, Ambapardi. Ambawadi, Varetpetia, Sathvav, Khodamba, Jakharda, Vankal, Boria, Zankhvav, Lavet, Chokhvada, Sanandhara, Madhi, Akhakhol, Balda and Khambat. The Parsi families were given sadras, 10 litres of oil, various kinds of pulses, cereals, house hold articles, bedsheets, tea, sugar, etc.

Each year, the Young Rathestar trustees set up a base camp at Ankleshwar and the trip lasts for three days, which covers 20 remote villages in the Talukas of Mandvi and Mangrol in Surat District and the villages around Ankleshwar in the Bharuch District.

As the trustees approach the mostly ramshackle dwellings, Parsi homes stand out due to the presence of chalk and toran at the doorsteps. “This time over 85 families in Gujarat and over 60 families in Pune were given the necessary items. The smiles of gratitude and the warm welcome everywhere has to be experienced to be believed! This is the Young Rathestars’ real reward!” say the wonderful troupe of Young Rathestars!

The Young Rathestars is a group of Parsi based in Dadar, Mumbai who reach out to the poor and needy Parsi Zoroastrian families by way of educational help, medical help, financial help and distribution of grain and other household items in Mumbai, Pune and the interior villages of South Gujarat.

Those who would like to contribute to this worthy and noble cause can send in cheques favouring ‘Young Rathestars’. For details, connect with: Arnavaz Mistry (President) – 9821009289; and Homiyar Doctor (Vice President) – 8693822722