The Dadar Athornan Institute marked its Annual Day at the Institute’s Mancherji Joshi Hall on 23^rd December, 2025. The well-attended event reflected the enduring regard the community holds for this century-old institution dedicated to the training of future Zoroastrian priests. The hall was filled to capacity with proud family members, alumni and well-wishers who gathered to encourage and applaud the young students of the Institute.

The programme was attended by several distinguished members of the community, including the President of the Athornan Mandal, Vada Dastoorji of Iranshah Atashbehram – Khurshed Dastoor; Chief Guest, Dr. Piruz Areez Khambatta, Chairman of the Rasna Group and Founder Trustee and Chairman, CSR arms of Areez Khambatta Benevolent Trust and Rasna Foundation, and his wife, Binaisha Khambatta and their daughters; Trustees of the Athornan Mandal; Er. Dr. Parvez Bajan; DPYA School trustee Shernaz Talati, Principal of DAI – Er. Dr. Ramiyar P Karanjia.

The evening commenced on a solemn and devotional note, with senior students leading the congregation in Humbandagi, followed by a soulful rendition of the Monojat, Neki ni Kharidi. Younger students then recited a portion of the Tandorosti prayer and thoughtfully explained its meaning and significance. Their confident delivery and clear understanding of the prayers drew appreciative attention from the assembled senior dasturs and guests.

Er. Cyrus Dabari formally introduced the guests and invited them to share their thoughts with the gathering. In his address, Vada Dastoorji Khurshed Kekobad Dastoor fondly recalled his own student days at the Institute under the guidance of Er Rustomjee Panthakey. He emphasised how DAI continues to thrive due to the selfless service of dedicated teachers and administrators over the decades. He reminded the audience that many senior priests serving across India today are alumni of the Institute, and he lauded Er Dr Ramiyar Karanjia for his 26 years of committed leadership as Principal.

Presenting his annual report, Er Dr Ramiyar Karanjia shared that while the Institute remained stable and well-managed, enrolment numbers continued to be a matter of concern, with only 14 students currently on roll. He appealed to the community to encourage eligible children to consider priestly training. He highlighted the students’ ability to balance academic studies with bhantar and noted their commendable achievements in extra-curricular activities, supported by the guidance of Havovie Karanjia.

Mrs. Binaisha Khambatta gracefully felicitated the students for the prize distribution ceremony. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr. Piruz Khambatta spoke about the importance of preserving religious heritage alongside national progress. He underlined the vital role that institutions like DAI play in safeguarding the faith and announced a new financial assistance scheme through his foundation to support families wishing to enrol their sons for Navar training. A great supporter of DAI, he had recently donated Rs. 35 lakh for sponsoring two scholar priests. He announced a foundation scheme offering financial support for families, covering travel, education, boarding and lodging for sons training as Navars.

The proud recipients of Trophies and Special Prizes at the Annual Prize Distribution included Er. Sarosh K. Bharucha and Er. Zhian M. Turel (Academics category); Er. Barjis K. Bharda, Huzan Z. Engineer and Delyaz M. Panthaky (Bhantar & Diction); Er. Maidyarem K. Chinoy (Arts & Crafts); and Ziyan Z. Nalladaru, Miran Z. Engineer and Mizan Z. Engineer (Progress & Student Integration). Cash prizes were accorded in various categories to numerous students for ‘BHANTAR’ (Er. Zhian M. Turel, Delyaz Panthaky & Er. Shahan Bhesadia); ‘DHARMAGNAN’ (Er. Zhian Turel, Huzan Z. Engineer, Er. Barjis K. Bharda, Er. Maidyarem K. Chinoy, Kaiwan K. Sidhwa, Pashaang D. Karanjia and Yazdan F. Panthaki); TAVARIKH (Er. Zhian M. Turel, Delyaz M. Panthaki & Pashang D. Karanjia); in addition to other prizes given for Sports (Er. Maidyarem K. Chinoy, Huzan Z. Engineer, Er. Shahan H. Bhesadia & Kaiwan K. Sidhwa); Co-Curricular Activities (Er. Zhian M. Turel, Delyaz M. Panthaki, Er. Shahan H. Bhesadia, Pashaang D. Karanjia & Kaiwan K. Sidhwa) and other School Prizes (Delyaz M. Panthaki, Yazdan F. Panthaki, Pashaang D. Karanjia, Jehaun P. Sinor, Shahan H. Bhesadia & Huzan Z. Engineer).

The evening also saw the Chief Guest unveil of the 41^st edition of the Institute’s magazine, Knowledgiate (edited by renowned philatelist – Er. Cyrus Dinshaw Sidhwa). Continuing a long-standing tradition of honoring an ex-student who studied under Er. Rustomjee Panthakey, an award was presented to Er. Cyrus Sidhwa, in recognition of his contributions. The programme concluded with an engaging and informative play performed by the students, titled, ‘Agyari Javaanu Bhultaa Na’, highlighting the importance of regular Agiary visits. Giving the formal vote of thanks, Er. Cyrus Darbari, thanked all those who have assisted and supported the DAI and its students.

The Dadar Athornan Institute continues to serve as a cornerstone of the community, shaping young boys into future custodians of the faith while equipping them with strong values and life skills. Parsi Times applauds this dedicated effort and extends its best wishes for the Institute’s continued progress and service to the community.