– Team WZO Trusts –

Navsari’s vibrant Parsi community came alive on 21^st and 22^nd January, 2025, with much excitement and camaraderie, thanks to the efforts of WZO Trust Funds.  The eve of 21^st January had community members pouring in to witness ‘The WZO Trust Funds 20^th Annual Prize Distribution Program’, at the fabulous Tata Auditorium, to welcome and celebrate the academic achievements and excellence of final-year students having roots in Navsari. This year, the auditorium was jam packed with students, parents and invited guests, since WZO Trusts combined two programs this year – the prize distribution and a musical evening with Mumbai’s renowned artist, Viraf Daruwala and team.

A whopping 109 of the 184 student applications – ranging from KG to Post Graduation – were considered this year as recipients of various academic endowments. Even those who didn’t make it as per the selection criteria, were bestowed with gifts. The evening’s programme, compered by Dr. Hufriz Deboo, began with a ‘Monajat’ rendition and the felicitation of Viraf Daruwala and team (Shiraz, Jasmine and Vijay Pithwa) by Chairman WZO Trust Funds – Dinshaw Tamboly, followed by a motivating speech. Next was the prize distribution ceremony where students were called upon the stage and congratulated by Trustees of WZO Trusts.

One of the highlights of the evening were the achievements shared by parents whose children were unable to receive the honours, thanks to their dedication which has taken them places. The mother of Zeaan Mehernosh Pithawala proudly shared how Zeaan had secured admission to the prestigious Yale University (USA) for pursuing his MS in Epidemiology of Infectious diseases, and expressed immense gratitude to WZO Trust Funds for their financial support and encouragement. Awardee Raayan Kotwal and Mrs. Armaity Kika expressed similar thankfulness to WZO Trusts for organising such events and empowering students.

Viraf Daruwala and his team then took over, entertaining the audiences with a bonanza of Hindi movie songs, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks to all for their support, followed by the rendition of ‘Chhaiye Hame Jarthosti’ and the National Anthem.

A feeling of merriment and joie de vivre overtook the evening of 22^nd Janaury at the WZO Trust Funds Senior Citizens Centre, where once again Viraf Daruwala’s talented melodious troupe regaled the excited seniors with their vast repertoire of Bollywood songs. Scheduled originally as a two-hour show, the program lasted well beyond three, as a spell of gay abandon enveloped the enthused residents who sang and danced the eve away, some with walkers and some with sticks, twirling and grooving to famous songs, and asking for more! A memorable evening indeed! The festive mood continued, as the residents were then treated to a sumptuous dinner arranged at a restaurant, while those who stayed back at the Centre had food delivered to them.

This marked the conclusion of two super-fab twin delights over two days, thoroughly enjoyed by community members in Navsari. Kudos to Team WZO Trusts for their continued dedication and endless efforts towards the welfare and happiness of our community members.