The dynamic ladies of ZWAS (Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat) recently held a fun 3-day Summer Camp for about 35 children, which provided a constructive and educational platform, amidst loads of entertainment.

The first day saw the children thoroughly enjoying games organized by Pearl Contractor, followed by an educative session by ZWAS founder member – Maharukh Chichgar on Sadras and dance practice by Mahzarin Variava. Day-2 comprised a trip to the Amroli Agiary and the Pariya Mai, where Parizad Mandviwala, wife of Panthaki Er. Kaizad, shared stories about Pariya Mai and Goolbanu and how wishes of hundreds of devotees were fulfilled after praying at the well. All were the treated to ice-creams by Panthaki Saheb’s family. Next stop was the temple housing the ‘Teen Patti Vad’, where Danveer Karna’s funeral was conducted. Young artists Pashaan Mehta and Shanaira Variava then conducted a craft session making cards for Mother’s Day, finishing the day with tasty lunch by Delnaz Katpitia and Kainaz Variava.

On the third day, the kids visited Farmetos Plant Nursery, where they learnt the importance of planting trees, and Kukdi Chopdi, a paid library and game zone, followed by a meal at Mc Donalds and dance practice for the finale in the evening. Maharukh Chichgar had the children enact a play from ‘Shahnameh’, alongside other skits and excellent dance performances. The finale was attended by dignitaries including Padmashree Yazdi Karanjia alongside Vira and Mrs. Perin Karanjia. The finale was ably hosted by Pashaan Mehta and Shanaira Variava, with Thiya Bhatena’s welcome speech and Nekbakht’s vote of thanks. The eve concluded with declicious Parsi bhonu catered by Freny and Nozer Daruwalla.

In addition to the camp, to preserve the culture of sadra-stitching and ensure it doesn’t become a lost art, ZWAS also organized a free, 2-day sadra-Stitching Tutorial Camp under, the guidance of Homai Dumasia and Binaz Coachman. Held at the Nariman Girls’ Orphanage (Shahpore) on 18^th and 19^th May, 2024, it was attended by 20 women, who learnt the art of stitching sadras, from start to finish.

Kudos yet again to the fabulous community service and initiatives taken by team ZWAS, under the leadership of President Mahzarin Variava, Secretary Daisy Patel, and committee members Kashmira Palia, Maharukh Chichgar, Piloo Bhathena, Dilnaz Besania, Mahatab Variava, Delnaz Katpitia, Kainaz Variava, Keshmira Kama, Aafrin Amalsadiwala, Tanaz Coachman and Nekshan Khandhadia.

[Courtesy: Nilufer Bavaadam, ZWAS]