The Dadar Athornan Institute (DAI) celebrated its Annual Day at Mancherji Joshi Hall on 17th December, 2023, presided over by Vada Dasturji of Iranshah – Khurshed Dastur, President of the Athornan Mandal and Chief Guest Roxana Parelwalla, Principal, Dadar Parsee Youths Assembly (DPYA) High School.

Conducted by young students Er. Zhian Turel and Huzan Engineer, the program commenced with a Humbandagi and respects paid to DAI’s ex-teacher and eminent priest, late Er. Keki Dosabhai Panthaky. Er. Cyrus Darbari, Jt. Hon Secretary and Trustee of the Athornan Mandal introduced and welcomed Dasturji Khurshed, lauding his several achievements and constant efforts for the Parsi Community. He also praised Principal Roxana Parelwala for her humility and for devoting her life to the DPYA High School, bringing it many laurels and raising its standards.

In his address, Dasturji Khurshed commended the DAI for all its efforts and giving the community numerous priests and scholars of repute. He fondly reminisced his days at DPYA High School and saluted the great teachers of DAI through its century-long history. He thanked the community in India and abroad for supporting the Institute.

Two ex-students from the DAI and DPYA were felicitated – Er. Spenta Karkaria, who recently became the Vice Principal of DPYA and Er. Cyrus Sidhwa – a world-renown Philatelist, scout master for three decades and the editor of the Institute’s magazine – Knowledgiate, for four decades, who has dedicated 50 years to the institutes, as a senior teacher.
Next, DAI Principal – Er. Dr. Ramiyar P. Karanjia shared annual report of the Institute’s activities highlighting the students’ achievements in academics, prayers, and extra-curricular activities like Shahnameh, elocution, Quiz and sports. He thanked the management, donors, staff and parents for their support.

Er. Meherzad Parvez Turel, Sr. VP – Kotak Mahindra Bank, was awarded the annual Rustomji Panthaki Best Ex-student Award, alongside a token of appreciation and a citation by Dasturji Khurshed, for dedicatedly tending to sacred fires of Surat’s Goti Adaran for over 35 years.

Roxana Parelwalla then released the annual edition of the in-house magazine ‘Knowledgiate’, edited by Er. Cyrus Sidhwa, dedicated to Mumbai city, also carrying a free gift of a special 2024 calendar, based on Parsis statues and stamps from across the world, with informative and entertaining articles by students and experts, which is available at the Institute for Rs. 100/-. She distributed awards and cash prizes to students for excelling in categories including prayers, academics, religious studies, extra-curricular activities and sports. In her address she warmly shared her journey with DAI, having witnessed its growth through the years. She exhorted all Parsi parents to admit their children to the Institute, which provided priestly knowledge and all-round development to become independent and responsible adults.
Er. Cyrus Darbari proposed the vote of thanks, offering floral tributes. The latter part of the evening comprised the show, ‘DAI Has Got Talent’, showcasing talents of students, including singing Monajats, Shanhnameh, prayer recitation, dancing and playing musical instruments. The evening concluded with the renditions of ‘Chhaiye Ame Zarthoshti’ and the National Anthem, with the audience being treated to light refreshments.

The Athornan Mandal and the Dadar Athornan Institute thanks all donors and well-wishers, with a request to continue their support for this unique institute for training Parsi priests. (For details: www.dadarathornaninstitute.org).

Pic Courtesy: Er. Kaizad Chinoy