Appeal for Anaj Packets

VASAI PARSI COLONY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (WELFARE)

c/o Mrs Banoo Damania, B/101, Serene P Jeejeebhoy Bldg, Bhabola Chulna Rd, Vasai (W) 401202.

Tel: 0250-2384827. E-mail: vpcra07@gmail.com

APPEAL

Our regular distribution of ANAJ packets during Jamshedji Navroz is to be given to the needy Parsi Iranis residing in Vasai Taluka (during March).

Our activities besides distribution of Anaj Packets (during March & August) are as follows during the year :

• Medical Aid (limited amount)

• Education Aid (limited amount)

• Free Monthly Meals

• Distribution of notebooks/stationery to poor & needy students

• Meals and provisions will also be provided at regular intervals during the year, to Orphanages, Old Aged Homes and Medical Centres who treat Cancer and AIDS patients. •

• Free trip to Udvada

• This year, we propose to sponsor for performing Navjote rites of a needy Parsi boy/girl (once a year).

As you are aware, that there is a steep rise in prices of all commodities which has affected the living of the common man especially the high cost of medicines, which in some way has concerned us too. The funds we receive from donors are fully utilized for the above mentioned causes during the whole year. We have been sincerely carrying on with the above activities for the last few years and look forward to continue with the same. We are grateful n thankful to all our donors who have from time to time donated for the above noble causes and hope will continue to do so in future.

Kindly donate generously for the above causes.

Send us your donations by cash/cheque favouring VASAI PARSI COLONY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (WELFARE) at above mentioned address.

THANKS. ” USHTA TE”

(BANOO DAMANIA)

1st International Day of Service (Zoroastrians Stepping Forward)

 1st International Day of Service (Zoroastrians Stepping Forward)
Zoroastrians Stepping Forward (ZSF), a NextGenNow (NGN) initiative, is an international day of service that will be led by local chapters on May 5th, 2012.  Associations are encouraged to organize a day of fun and host a shoe drive to support local charities. This event will help raise awareness about the importance of shoes in enhancing the physical, mental and emotional lives of disadvantaged individuals. Furthermore, it is an opportunity for the Zoroastrian community to gather and celebrate philanthropy and health.
We are inviting every center, as well as remote populations, to join in on this inaugural event. Together we can foster unity within our community both locally and globally.
Please refer to the attached documents for more information.
Resource Manual- Contains information about ZSF and a guide for associations to plan their day of service.
Media Packet- Contains sample documents for customization (letter to members, newsletter article, poster/flier).
Guidebook for Religious Class Teachers- Contains lesson and project ideas for teachers to educate their students in the areas of poverty and social service.
Sincerely,
Behrose Taraporewalla, ZSF Chair

Mantreh Atashband, NGN Director


Behrose B. Taraporewalla

behroset@gmail.com,
“I am in the world to change the world”–Kathe Kollwitz

INDICORPS is accepting applications for 2012-2013

INDICORPS is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 fellowship year:

The INDICORPS fellowship is a profound personal experience and an opportunity to understand participatory development through intense voluntary service. The structured program encourages participants to leave their comfort zones, place others’ interests before their own, test their own potential to affect change, explore their relationship with India, and understand what it means to lead by committing themselves to innovative grassroots projects. INDICORPS believes that giving one’s time and energy, without any attachment to the outcome, regardless of the circumstances, is an unparalleled personal experience in service. At the same time, the fellowship is a chance for fellows to address their own identity, recognize their personal boundaries, and understand how to produce change in their environment(s). The fellowship is deeply rewarding, a transformational and challenging personal journey, and part of INDICORPS collective experiment for change.

For the Indicorps 2012 Fellowship, we have 26 projects are based in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. Fellows will become involved in development themes such as agriculture, community based rehabilitation, education, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, health, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, youth empowerment, etc.

You can find the Indicorps 2012 Fellowship application here apply.indicorps.org

Final Application Deadline: 10pm IST on March 1, 2012

Keep in touch with Indicorps – To learn more, visit our website, or friend us on Facebook: Indicorps Seva. Check out our Youtube Channel and follow us on Twitter.

If you have any further queries please write to apply@indicorps.org

Also, feel free to contact Indicorps 2003 alum Roshni Kasad at roshnikasad@gmail.com.

Cuisine for a Cause

 

CUISINE for a CAUSE is a unique cookbook that includes recipes of two kinds – the traditional gastronomic variety, and the ones that make up the philanthropic success stories that Parsis are equally renowned for. In all, the book profiles 37 organisations which Parsis have founded, head, or are part of. From noted dancers Shiamak Davar and Astad Deboo, to female philanthropists like Rati Forbes and Anu Aga who have showcased the human face of Indian corporate, and much-loved institutions like Sir Ratan Tata Trust (RTI) and Women’s India Trust, they all share their insights on giving and contribute favorite Parsi recipes.

 

Additionally, the book has a special treat for fans of the legendary Parsi ‘Lagan Nu Patru’ the wedding meal that owes its fame as much to the legions of skilled wedding caterers as to the delectable nature of Parsi food. It chronicles the life and times of Tanaz Godiwalla, Kaizad Patel and Kurush Dalal, three exemplars of this profession, and also gets them share their signature recipes.

 

Most want to do good. However, intent is not often translated into action. CUISINE for a CAUSE is an opportunity to consider how one can contribute to a buffet of causes that have been laid out. The book is based on the theme of ‘giving’ and makes a perfect gift. More important it showcases how giving can truly benefit others and is a delightful read of 37 non-profit causes that showcase their work with their favorite food recipe.

 

All profits from this book will go to charity.

 

This book is now available at :-  The Kitab Khana Book Store (Flora Fountain, Mumbai)

The Bombay Store (P.M.Road)

You can order online at CAP Website

Click Here for the promo video

Meher Gandevia-Billimoria and Noshir Dadrawala have been the main inspiration behind this wonderful book.

 

Zoroastrians Stepping Forward

Zoroastrians Stepping Forward 


The Zoroastrians Stepping Forward initiative was born from a NextGenNow (NGN) session at the Fifth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in Vancouver, 2011. Our goal is to raise awareness for those in need, particularly with a focus on shoes as an essential accessory to survival. Together, we can make a difference locally by addressing a global cause. Our leadership team, in collaboration with members of the NGN leadership team, is grateful for your time in reviewing our appeal for participation in the First Annual Zoroastrian Day of Service.
 
WHY SHOES?
Many of us take shoes for granted. They ease our mobility and act as an accessory. But could you imagine living without them—working on a farm, going to school, or traveling along hot roads? Please join us this holiday season and on the First Annual Zoroastrian Day of Service, to be held on May 5th, 2012.
 
WHY YOU?
We are asking for your support in making the Day of Service a success. Organize a day of fun with your community! Collect gently used shoes and help raise funds, for this important cause. There are many activities you can do, including: a sports day, picnic, silent auction or a community walk.
 
WHAT NEXT?
After collecting the gently used shoes, decide on where you can donate locally to make a difference. Choose from homeless shelters, to women’s shelters, orphanages, community organizations, YMCAs, Amvets, Goodwill, and those within your Zoroastrian community who may benefit.
We look forward to sending you more details in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us at zoroastrianssteppingforward@gmail.com or 626.378.5564 for more information.
On behalf of the Zoroastrians Stepping Forward and NGN leadership teams, we thank you for your time, interest and consideration. This project means a lot to many of us and we hope it means just as much to you. As Zarathushtra once said, “Taking the first footstep with a good thought, the second with a good word and the third with a good deed, I entered Paradise.”
 
Let’s take the first step together!


Behrose B. Taraporewalla

“I am in the world to change the world”–Kathe Kollwitz

Appeal : Feed needy old parsis in Mumbai

Friends, Rustomejee tells me the donations have dropped and the poor old Parsis of Mumbai need help. Please help if you can.

FEED NEEDY OLD PARSIS in MUMBAI: APPEAL to all Zoroastrians Worldwide
by Rustom C. Chothia

THE DADAR-MATUNGA PARSI ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATION
(Registered under the Societies Registration Act., XXl of 1860)
(Registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act ,1950 under No. F -736
Bom.)
(Estd. May 1925)
PRESIDENT: RUSTOM C. CHOTHIA – 757, RD.NO. 7,
PARSI COLONY, DADAR, MUMBAI 400014.
TEL/FAX: +91 (India) -22 (Mumbai) -24148394
E-mail: chothia@vsnl.com

Dear Folks,

WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

I approach you on behalf of The Dadar Matunga Parsi Zoroastrian Association, which is doing laudable work since the last 70 years by helping old and needy people of our community. The segment of society we assist are aged, infirm people, people who are mentally and physically handicapped and people in need of medical help. Many of our beneficiaries are widows and some are even bedridden. These are people who cannot be rehabilitated as they are incapable of doing any sort of work. Most of these people are under constant medical treatment though they cannot even afford a square meal. We have today more than 200 such on our roles and there is a waiting list of fresh applicants. We extend cash assistance of Rs 100 per month which is inadequate in present inflationary times. It is our aim to raise this sum and also to help more people who are on our waiting list. Our volunteers screen each applicant individually for suitability (financial and health) before we accept them as beneficiaries. You may find it difficult to believe but some of our beneficiaries are even residing in slums.

We organize a GHAMBAR LUNCH every year at Sohrab Palamkot Hall and feed over 500 poor people who come from all over Bombay to enjoy a true LAGAN NU BHONU complete with side dish, eggs, chicken and pulav followed with ice-cream.

We organize an EXHIBITION CUM SALE once a year with more than 100 tables where people bring all types of home made utility articles and foodstuff and also bought out items for sale.

We purchase mulmul and get poor women to stitch sudras which are then sold by our members.

We have brought out 4 editions of the Dadar Parsi Colony Directory listing all Parsi residents with addresses, phone numbers and even blood groups. It also lists emergency services, doctors etc and is very popular with the people.

We hold social/cultural functions to raise money but still our funds are limited and we depend on donations we receive from time to time from charitable minded organizations and individuals. We look forward to your support by way of a generous corpus donation which shall bring relief to and blessings from the underprivileged of our community. Today out of one billion Indians we are only around seventy thousand, which works out to less than one Parsi per ten thousand Indians. The other communities are not going to help our people. It is for us to look after our poor.

If you are abroad, personal cheques can be sent in foreign currency to the above address. Please make out the cheque payable to “Dadar Matunga Parsi Zoroastrian Association” and send it to the address. RUSTOM C. CHOTHIA – 757, RD.NO. 7, PARSI COLONY, DADAR, MUMBAI 400014 India.

Currently donations are quite low so the poor old Parsis need all the help they can get. Please ask your friends to donate too. You can send a local rupee cheque or you can also send a foreign currency cheque.

We do not qualify for income tax exemption as we are helping our own community only.

Yours sincerely,

RUSTOM C. CHOTHIA. (President)
E-mail: chothia@vsnl.com
TEL/FAX: +91 (India) -22 (Mumbai) -24148394

USHTA AHMAI YAHMAI USHTA KAHMAICHIT
HAPPINESS TO HIM WHO MAKES OTHERS HAPPY
(PROPHET ASHO ZARATHUSTRA, HOLY GATHA YS. 43-1)

Sir Ratan Tata Trust

 

Activities during 2010-11

During 2010-11, the Trusts completed their fourth year of activities based on the Strategic Plan 2011 (SP 2011). The total disbursals made by the Trusts during the year were Rs1,687.09 million ($38.34 million). Disbursals of Rs1,367.54 million ($31.08 million) were made on all programme grants during the year. Endowment grant disbursals totalled up to Rs22.17 million ($0.50 million). Small grants touched Rs25.24 million ($57 million). Fifty-six new programme grants, one endowment grant and fifty-two new small grants were added to the Trusts’ portfolio during the year. The total disbursals to individuals amounted to Rs272.14 million ($6.19 million).

Click Here for their website and each individual link below for downloads of their activities.

Water Sector Policy Research Kharash Vistarotthan Yojana (Gujarat Salinity Initiative)

 Interlinking Water Harvesting Structures Through Link Water Channels
 Integrated Development of Valadar Village Through Wasteland Development Initiative
 Agriculture and Water Resource Development in Salinity Ingress Affected Coastal Areas


Elementary Education

 School libraries and reading
 Impact Assessment reports of Eklavya


Reviving the Green Revolution

Watch the video
 Basmati IPM Project impact assessment report
 Cotton IPM Project impact assessment report

Sukhi Baliraja Initiative

 Impact assessment report

Central India Initiative (CInI)

 CInI Newsletter – Volume 2 (August 2009)
 Kharif-Maize Stabilisation Programme
 Institutional Viability of Lift Irrigation Federations Promoted by Sadguru Foundation

Himmothan Pariyojana (Resolving the Himalayan dilemma)

 Study on Agrochemicals usage in the vegetable belts of Uttaranchal


Early Literacy Project

 Explorations and Reflections Part 1: Theoretical Perspectives
 Explorations and Reflections Part 2: Interventions in Hindi Classrooms


Microfinance

 Impact assessment report of Kalanjiam Foundation
 Health Financing: Protecting the Poor
 Feasibility of a Community Based Health Insurance (CBHI) at Wayanad, Kerala
 Report on Community Health Insurance in India
 ACCORD Community Health Insurance: Increasing Access to Hospital Care
Rajasthan urban poor cash flow reports
 Bikaner
 Jaipur
 Jodhpur
 Kota
 Udaipur


Knowledge on Non Profit sector

 Pravah and appreciative enquiry 2000 – 2003
 Flowing together at Pravah: An appreciative enquiry


Annual Reports

 Annual Report 2010-11 (3.99 MB)
 Annual Report 2009-10 (4.44 MB)
 Annual Report 2008-09 (7.79 MB)
 Annual Report 2007-08 (4.08 MB)
 Annual Report 2006-07 (8.43 MB)
 Annual Report 2005-06 (8.68 MB)
 Annual Report 2004-05 (3.52 MB)
 Annual Report 2003-04 (4.32 MB)
 Annual Report 2002-03 (2.11 MB)
 Annual Report 2001-02 (173 KB)
 Annual Report 2000-01 (1.68 MB)
 Annual Report 1999-00 (2.08 MB)

Year-end donation request for FEZANA

As we approach the end of 2011, please accept our sincere thanks for your support of FEZANA over the years.

At the last Annual Meeting, FEZANA Members approved a new 10-Year Strategic Plan that will provide a framework for continued progress towards its mission, which is:

“To develop a Zarathushti community in North America that is well-connected, well-educated, well-grounded in Zarathushti religious thought, values, and ethics, respectful of diversity, strong in collective giving, economically prosperous, a community which will be recognized for its contribution in all aspects of religious and communal life.”

 

FEZANA continues to grow in strength and reputation. FEZANA regularly reports its activities in the FEZANA Journal and on-line via the FEZANA Bulletin. As FEZANA grows, its annual budget is also growing.  Due to the present performance of the financial markets, FEZANA’s investment income as well as receipts from donations ($65,000 to date in 2011) have substantially decreased in comparison to past years; and we are seeking additional donations to continue our work without dipping into our principal assets.  FEZANA is budgeted to spend over $109,000 during the 2011 fiscal year (January to December).

 

FEZANA’s funds are prudently managed by a competent financial planner and the accounts are audited periodically by a CPA. A non-profit corporation tax return is filed every year in compliance with US Internal Revenue Service 501 (c)3 regulations, which becomes part of public records.

We urge you to consider a year-end donation to FEZANA.  The most urgent need at this time of the year is to add to the corpus of the FEZANA General Fund, which is used for funding most of FEZANA’s budgeted activities.

Please visit the FEZANA web site at www.fezana.org to make a donation with a credit card; orsend your donation by mail to the FEZANA Treasurer, Mr. Ratan Mistry, at 1258 Water Lily Way, San Jose, CA 95129; or contact one of the FEZANA officers listed on the web site.

With best wishes for the New Year 2012,

Yours in service,

Bomi Patel                              Rustom Kevala

President                                 Chairperson, FEZANA Funds & Finance Committee

President@fezana.org             rjkevala@aol.com

Bharucha Baug Education Association

Sir,

We take this opportunity to introduce Shapurji Bharucha Baug at S.V. Road, Andheri (west), Mumbai, as the most proactive Association. The Baug is one of the biggest in the Parsi community accommodating over 500 families.

The Association does yeoman service for the community spread across Andheri and is recognized by the Parsi Punchayet. One of its activities include encouraging our young children to excel in academics, for which each year we hold an Education Award function for our youngsters right from Nursery to Graduation (all streams).

From the time we have started giving awards, we have found a marked difference in the achievements of our children; they seem to be striving harder and harder to best not only the results of their fellow students, but their own results too. They have become very enthusiastic to receive the award each year. This is apparent from the way the children, and not their parents, come to us asking when the award function will be held and when they have to submit their results. This alone compensate for all the hard work that we have put in to make the function a success.

You will agree Sir, that children imbibe all the qualities from their elders, may it be their parent or teacher or philanthropist like you. They watch and learn and it is our duty to show them the right way to lead their life.

However as all such activities require monetary assistance, we request you to be generous and donate towards this worthy cause. Your generosity will go a long way in securing a good future for our upcoming generation, thereby securing the future of the globally rising India too.

The cheque may be issued in the name of ‘Bharucha Baug Education Association’.

Hoping to receive a favourable response,

Yours faithfully,

J.Pithawala, President

Bharucha Baug Education Association

Parsi Orphanage – Appeal

Bai Dosibai Kotwal Parsi Orphanage : Navsari 
Off: 5/1226, Dastur Street, Navsari 396445 Phone: 02637-257445

Appeal for Financial Help We most respectfully beg to inform your goodselves that this institution was founded in 1923 under the trust captioned “BA! DOSIBAI KOTWAL PARSI ORPHANGE” Luncikui, Navsari- 396445. It is run for the benefit of very poor as well as orphan Parsi Zoroastrian boys who come from interior villages of Gujarat and Maharashtra. At present the total number of inmates is 40. They attend Primary, Secondary, Higher Secondary and Technical School in Navsari. Their parents being very poor, they are not able to or in a position to contribute anything towards the expenses of their sons and wards, as a result of this, the Orphanage has to bear all the expenses of their Education, Boarding, Lodging, Clothing, Laundry, Medicals etc. The inmates being backward in studies have to be given extra coaching in school subjects by engaging private tutors who are paid by Orphanage.
Due to soaring prices and inflation as well as decreasing interest on corpus it is becoming extremely difficult for the Orphanage Trust to make both ends meet. In order to carry out despite financial difficulties, we have to depend upon generous donations from charity trusts and charitably inclined persons to lighten the burden of meeting our expenses.
Donations are accepted by cash/cheque/demand draft drawn in favour of the BAI DOSIBAI KOTWAL PARSI ORPHANAGE, NAVSARL  Relevant official receipt will be dispatched without fail by return of post.
Awaiting your favourable consideration to the above request and thanking you in anticipation.

Yazdi J. Kasad Contact: 09825945167 (Honorary Secretary)

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