The community’s premiere children’s institution in Surat – ‘Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly Of Surat; (ZWAS), organised the fun-filled ZWAS Summer Camp for about 57 excited children, from 5^th – 7^th May, 2023. The children, divided into three age-based groups, were taught to make name plates and pen stands by Daizy Patel and Keshmira Cama, while Mahazarin Variava choreographed the groups on Bollywood numbers. Kainaz Variava taught a self-composed Parsi song for the kids to sing. Numerous other fun activities with professionals included sessions on Zumba session, health and self-care, self-defence, making chains-pendants and bracelets; and even learning basic culinary skills, where the children made and relished sandwiches and choco-pops!

The dynamic Maharukh Chichgar, known to lead from the front for community activities, spoke on the religious importance of being a Zoroastrian and shared relevant stories from the scriptures. She also directed two skits on Parsi saints – ‘Homaji’ and ‘Toothi Agiary Ni Hakikat’ – which were enacted by the children, compiled accurately by Er. Dr.  Ramyar Karanjia. The children put forth a presentation on the 12 Mahs, 30 Roj and 5 Gathas of Zoroastrian Calendar, under the religious classes conducted by Cyrus Surty.

The last day included an insightful and sensitizing visit to ‘Noah’s Arc’ – an Eco-farm, where animals rescued by Team Nature Club, are taken care of. After a sumptuous lunch catered by Kashmira Palia, the children kids visited the historical Fort of Surat, before arriving at the auditorium within the Fort for the Camp’s evening finale. Chief Guests Monaz and Meherzad Jamadar, who generously donated towards the camp, were accompanied by their parents Vispy and Hutoxi Jamadar. Padmashri Yazdi Karanjia and Vira Karanjia also graced the eve, alongside trustee of Nanpura Anjuman, Er. Mehernosh Gulestan and family.

The show was ably conducted by Khushnuma Kolah, alongside Diaan Sarkari who welcomed the guests and parents, while Farvash Gulestan presented the vote of thanks. Jehan Kerawala and Mazda Bhagalia conducted a religious quiz, while Delzeen Bavaadam shared the camp activities over three days.

Padmashri Yazdi Karanjia congratulated ZWAS on its dedication to the community. Monaz Jamadar encouraged parents to send children to such camps for overall development. Senior ZWAS member, Benaiffer Engineer expressed her wish of organising a Youth Wing at ZWAS, while inspiring the youth to take on more community services. Perin Karanjia, Piloo Bhathena, Afrin Ambapardiwala, Binaifer Patel, Firozi Karanjia, Mahatab Bhatporia, . Pashaan Mehta, Nilufer Bavaadam and Mahtab Variava were thanked for their constant support. President of ZWAS – Delnaz Katpitia, expressed gratitude to Chief Guest Meherzad and Monaz Jamadar, Jamshed Dotivala and Cyrus Dotivala, Nadir Italia, Vispy Kharadi, Freny and Nozer Daruwala, Surat Municipal Corporation and Trustees of Nanpura Parsi Anjuman for their support towards ZWAS activities.

For three decades now, ZWAS has been building bonds of unity and bringing smiles to children’s faces through various activities including competitions, talent shows, sports and camps. Kudos to these Super-ladies of Surat!