The Nowroze Baug Play Centre (NPC) organized its 72^nd Annual Cultural Program with an entertainment extravaganza titled ‘Spotlight’, on 3^rd June, 2023, at the Sophia Bhabha Auditorium. Over 70 excited residents and members of Nowroze Baug and NPC participated in this fundraiser which aims to support various social, cultural and welfare activities organized by the Centre.

The function kicked off with gracious host Naznin Govadia welcoming Chief Guest and prime sponsor, Capt. Percy Master and wife – Arin Master, of the Master Group of Companies; Chairperson and BPP Trustees and the audiences, who were regaled with a peppy introductory dance, followed by a video presentation celebrating the legacy of Nowroze Baug and the Play Center. 9-year-old Meheraaz had the audience applauding her extraordinary vocal talent. The energetic dance performance stole the show – where a bevy of talented dancers, from 4 to 50 years of age, all choreographed by Pearl Tirandaz and assisted by Dawood, danced in sync to live songs sung by legendary Bollywood singers.

The highlight of the evening flaunted Pyramid formations, coordinated to perfection, by Cyrus Siganporia alongside Kaiwan Amrolia and Perzon Porbunderwala, who trained over 48 participants to excel in over 11 Pyramid formations. Lucky draws based on seat numbers were held regularly through the eve, much to the excitement of the audiences.

Post a short interval for refreshments, NPC President – Homi Ustad felicitated the dignitaries on the dais including the Chief Guest – Capt. Percy and Arin Master; Chairman of WZO Trust Funds – Dinshaw Tamboly; BPP Trustees and Child President of NPC – Parzaan Zaveri, for his exemplary academic and sports achievements. The evening witnessed a memorable moment as Mr. Ustad announced the welcome news of the N N Wadia Welfare League (NNWWL) and NPC, coming together as one united association, after years, thanks to Roozbeh Mamletdar – President, NPC and NNWWL.

In his address, Chief Guest Percy Master motivated the youth to be disciplined, have vision and the confidence to achieve their dreams. This was followed by an address by Parvaan Zaveri and BPP Chairperson, Armaity Tirandaz, who stressed on the importance of community unity. The evening also witnessed the felicitation of Pearl Tirandaz, Dawood, Cyrus Siganporia, Dinshaw Mehta, Bachi Tamboly, Nariman Mehta, Soli Katrak and Vispi Balsara for contributing to the success of the event.

The next forty minutes had the audiences enthralled with non-stop dance performances, with Tushna belting out the finale English song performance, as all participants came on stage for the final bow. Naznin Govadia delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to sponsors, participants and the enthusiastic audience for the great success of the show, which ended with renditions of ‘Chhaiye Hame Zarthosti’ and the National Anthem.

[Courtesy: Delaveen Tarapore]