Nari-Gandhi trophy is a competition in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STUDENTS OF ARCHITECTURE-NASA. This time the documentation is about a HOUSE, emphasizing on its culture and tradition, the various spaces, occupants and their experiences.
Students who are members and who are interested in participating, may go through the enclosed details and apply immediately.
For all queries related to the submission please contact Srivardhan Rajalingam Vice President – NASA India +9189037 74096 vicepresident@nasaindia.co
In the prior Ahmaai Raeshcha and Hazangarem prayers, I ask for blessings from Ahura Mazda. I do not ask for these blessings for myself. I seek them for that person who has dedicated his/her life for the good of others. This is to impress upon our mind, that to qualify and earn all these blessings, I need to live a dedicated life for the good of others.
In this prayer, I ask for Ahura Mazda’s help. Oh Mazda! Come to my help! Help me to become conscious of the following eight concepts. By offering this prayer, I become conscious of these facts of life, which then help me in the progress of my life.
Our prayers contain various aspects. The most important of these are devotion to Ahura Mazda and the spiritual and ethical laws of righteous living. What we affirm in our daily prayers must be confirmed in our daily life and in our actions.
When I recite my prayers regularly and with full understanding, it reinforces my intellect, vigor and moral stamina to do the right things in my daily life. By saying my prayers with full understanding, I achieve a complete and harmonious assembly of body, mind and spirit. This gives me my unshakable strength and faith in Ahura Mazda. It is through prayers that I can attain the fullest development of my personality — the ultimate integration of my highest faculties.
We write this note to introduce our son Hoshmand Elavia who has secured the 2nd Place in the JK Tyres Indikarting National Series powered by Tata Motors, which is a National level Karting Championship.
Hoshmand is 8 years old and has a lot of promise coupled with an avid interest in topping the sport at National and International level. After starting his training in February 2016 he has already secured 4 victories and 12 podium finishes in the total of 15 races.
In view of his performance and potential his guide and mentors feel it fit that he participates and excels at JK Tyres National Rotex Championship which is Indias highest level of Karting.
Karting, being an expensive sport, an amount of Rs 25,00,000(Twenty five lakhs) is needed to make this dream see reality. Rayo Racing, JK Tyres, Tata Motors and Indikarting has kindly consented to bear an amount of Rs 8,65,500/- towards the above.
We being middle class parents cannot afford to fund the balance cost from our budget and request your financial support which will enable Hoshmand to participate and give his best.
Hoshmand will be pleased to display details of his sponsors as desired.
Thanking you in anticipation of a positive response.
Yours sincerely
Freddy.Elavia
9820267456
Delegates at the 25th All India Zoroastrian Youth Meet in Pune organised by the Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Associations (FOZYA).
Not many know who Zoroastrians are; they may be termed as a dying breed but they refuse to go down without a fight! With approximately 69,000 in India, Zoroastrians are often compared to dying species like the Tiger but the Parsis/Zoroastrians take pride in wanting to expand their community. And the recently concluded – 25th All India Zoroastrian Youth Meet in Pune was a step towards it. The youth meet was organised by the Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Associations (FOZYA). Fozya came into existence at the first All India Youth Seminar held at New Delhi in 1987.
This annual youth meet has never been an intentional matrimonial meet but is organised so that Parsi/Zororastiran youth can mingle, get to know each other better and have a good time. This year, the meet celebrated its silver jubilee and took place at the Dr Erin Nagarvala High School, Kalyani Nagar, Pune from October 29, 2016 to October 31, 2016. About 170 people (in the age group of 18-35) from cities like Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Navsari, Mumbai, Pune and Surat attended the meet. It was also attended by a guy from Karachi (Pakistan) who now works in Mumbai.
The meet kick started with Dr Cyrus Poonawalla being felicitated by Dr Shernaz Cama (Foundation head of Parzor foundation) at the Poonawalla Auditorium.
A number of lectures were conducted by prominent people over three days. While, Major General RS Jambusarwala conducted a lecture on ‘The Ethos of the Armed Forces’, Ashdeen Lilaowala, a designer by profession, shared an interesting experience of him coming across a group abroad which was fascinated to know about the Zoroastrian community. Ashdeen tried to educate them and in process also acquired a lot of knowledge about his own community.
Pearl Mistry from the Jiyo Parsi Organisation conducted a small workshop on Community Affairs. She raised the issue of decline in Parsi population and explained as to why Parsis should try and make a difference and have more children.
On the last day, there was a workshop – It’s all in the mind – by Behzad Randeria. An open house debate session was held after the workshop and was conducted by Behzad along with Major General RS Jambusarwala. This session discussed love, infatuation, marriage and live-in relationships. Though the discussions were intense, they had their share of humour. From intimacy to loyalty after marriage, everything was openly discussed. Interestingly, the ones who agreed on live-in relationships also thought it had a time period and the relationship needed to be sealed with marriage. Just before everyone dispersed to come back for the night, Brandon Lalkaka, a stand-up comedian by passion, from Ahmedabad put up a show that thrilled and entertained everyone.
Apart from the discussions, the meet was also high on fun and bonhomie. Outdoor games like volleyball, throw ball, basketball and football were played in between sessions and they kept the excitement levels high. Mingling in groups was a common sight at the event. Some old friendships were renewed and some new ones blossomed. Though not a matrimonial meet, some special relationships did take shape! The entertainment included a beautiful and graceful belle dancer who enthralled everyone with her moves. A dance and music session was enjoyed by all to the fullest at Vivaanta, Taj Blue Diamond. It was then that Mabrin Nanavati (President of FOZYA) passed on his responsibilities to Ariz Bokdawalla.
Here are the experiences of some of delegates who attended the meet!
Behafrid Motafram, Ajmer
I had a great time listening to the speakers and the debate was also pretty good. I made many friends from all walks of life and different age groups too! It was my first youth meet and I’m looking forward for the next one. I think the next meet should be for more than 4 days so that people can get more time.
Jamshed Dumasia, Mumbai/Karachi, Pakistan
It was a fab event and everybody was so enthusiastic. We should have more youth meets like these and the meet should go on for at least a week!
Michelle Lalkaka, Ahmedabad
I felt extremely welcomed at the youth meet. This meet was a great first experience. I enjoyed the debates as it gave all of us a chance to share our different point of views.
Hera Havewala, Mumbai
The icebreakers were a lot of fun and I played volleyball for the first time! The debates actually opened up a whole new world of ideas in my head. People say Parsi girls are materialistic but I did see a few of us vouching for love over money during the debates!
Kazvin Marfatia, Ahmedabad
Everyone made me feel super comfortable at the youth meet even though I didn’t know many people at the meet. Towards the end of it, I felt like I was a part of a great big family! I want to thank Foyza, the organisers and volunteers for making this experience so memorable.
Mehernaz Mavalwalla, Nagpur
I felt amazing as I never interacted with so many Bawas and Bawis before! Being an introvert it’s difficult for me to interact with new people but as the days passed away at this meet, I made some really nice friends.
Firoz Mehta, Mumbai
I have always loved coming for Fozya camps and this is the 4th youth meet I have attended. These meets are very relaxing and very different from other youth meets I have attended. It’s my yearly getaway and I eagerly wait to attend it. The lectures were very refreshing.
Rayumand Yazdani, Mumbai
I loved the time spent at the youth meet. I got to meet so many new people; we lived in a dormitory and that made me nostalgic about the good old college life!
Brandon Lalkaka (Ahmedabad)
Initially, I felt pretty awkward as I don’t meet many people from the community. However, at the meet, as the days passed by, I felt more comfortable with others. I loved the company of people and the activities which took place. And, of course, I enjoyed the debates. I was one of the few who spoke after all!
Diana Olpadwalla (Mumbai)
This was my first meet and it was a wonderful experience. I got in touch with so many crazy Bawas!
Yannick Sethna, Ahmedabad
The meet was well planned with the right amount of interactions. Unlike most meets, I have always felt that meets in Pune give you a chance to bond with more people. The debates were enjoyable and I specifically liked the way Behzad Randeria put her points forth. Speaking about the debate, I feel one should marry for love but one also needs money to live happily. I am not against live-in relationships but the fickle nature and its legal implications mean that I wouldn’t want to do the same.
Berjis Sethna, Ahmedabad
As always, FOZYA youth meet gave us a proud feeling of being a Parsi/Zoroastrian. Cheers to Fozya which makes it possible to bring so many youth from all around the country under one roof.
Astad S Dalal, Mumbai
The meet was fun filled with lots of activities, debates, dance, sports and of course the Bawa food! The debate organised was good, but at some point of time the discussion was going off the main topic and had talks only about sex.
Sarosh Mevawalla, Mumbai/Surat
Fozya has written a new chapter in history by connecting the largest number of youths from every corner of India. I feel lucky to be attending such a grand camp.
Navroze Mubarak to you and your dear ones! Here is a wish for Good Health and Healing for the Soul for the New Year!
Let us begin this year with an appropriate wish that each day we may try to become the person who is truly saintly with true goodness to deserve these blessings of thousand and ten thousand healing remedies that we pray for when we recite the Hazangrem prayer.
As in the prior Ahmaai Raeshcha prayer, I ask for blessings from Ahura Mazda. I do not ask for these blessings for myself. I seek them for that person who has dedicated his/her life for the good of others. This is to impress upon our mind, that to qualify and earn all these blessings, I need to live a dedicated life for the good of others.
Our prayers contain various aspects. The most important of these are devotion to Ahura Mazda and the spiritual and ethical laws of righteous living. What we affirm in our daily prayers must be confirmed in our daily life and in our actions.
When I recite my prayers regularly and with full understanding, it reinforces my intellect, vigor and moral stamina to do the right things in my daily life. By saying my prayers with full understanding, I achieve a complete and harmonious assembly of body, mind and spirit. This gives me my unshakable strength and faith in Ahura Mazda. It is through prayers that I can attain the fullest development of my personality — the ultimate integration of my highest faculties.
Here is a link to the tenth lesson, Hazangrem
Enjoy!
With best wishes for an enlightened community,
Kayomarsh P. Mehta
No marriage ritual is complete without paying homage and seeking blessings from our ‘Pak Iranshah Atash Padshah Saheb’ in Udvada. And how wonderful it would be if our trip to our sanctum sanctorum got even more comfortable! After PM Narendra Modi affixed the prestigious title ‘Pavitra Yatra Dham’ (Cultural and Heritage Center) to Udvada, it is now our current Union Cabinet Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani who took yet another progressive step forward! PT Special Correspondent Delaveen Tarapore presents a detailed report from Udvada.
31st October, 2016 marked the New Year of the Hindu calendar, but few know that this date is also the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – the first Home Minister of Independent India. On the occasion, Textiles Minister, Smriti Zubin Irani commenced her tour with the inauguration of the newly constructed Police Outpost at Udvada, opposite the Zoroastrian Information Center, at the behest of Udvada’s Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, on behalf of the villagers as well as the community. Irani said, “The smooth functioning and running of every police station comes under the periphery of the Home Ministry, and I feel truly honoured to have inaugurated this Outpost on the very birthday of the first Home Minister of India, Mr. Vallabhbhai Patel”. The inauguration was attended by local Member
Textiles Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani promises welfare of Udvada
of Parliament (MP), Shri. Dr. KC Patel and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Shri. Kanubhai Desai.
For us Parsis it was double reason to celebrate as Smt. Smriti Irani also promised to take upon herself the complete welfare and progress of Udvada, as the convoy further moved to attend a function at Seth PP Mistry School, next to Udvada Gam Panchayat office. This decision is a result of the rural development programme, ‘Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana’ launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2014, which necessitates each Member of Parliament to choose one village each and convert it into a model town, by fixing certain parameters. Towards the same, a twenty-three pointer proposal was read out for the welfare of Udvada, including:
The proposal for primary medical health clinics.
Separate vegetable and fish markets.
Construction of a fuse gate near the sea in order to constrict the sea water from entering the village during high tide and heavy rainfall.
The construction of two gates at the entrance of Udvada Gam (which begins after the Doongerwadi area), for which funds have already been sanctioned to the Foundation for Development of Udvada (FDU).
What will seem particularly appealing to the community is the declaration to install ‘free wi-fi’ and ‘CCTV cameras’ with immediate effect. Irani concluded by sanctioning Rs. 50 lakhs on the spot, for the construction of a new school building at PP Mistry School (event site) replacing the current one. Speaking to Parsi Times, Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor said, “It was certain that Udavada would be Smriti Irani’s choice of a visionary village, due to her love for the Parsi community. Ever since her visit with then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi back in 2011, Smriti visits Udvada twice a year and has always been associated with various development. She is always ready to undertake and execute progressive and constructive measures for our holy town.”
The extended weekend evening saw Smriti Irani visiting Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor’s house along with the MP, Dr. KC Patel, MLA Kanubhai Desai, Collector Raamya Mohan and Superintendent of Police, Valsad District, Prem Veer Singh, as a mark of respect.
With Mumbai’s iconic Royal Opera House set to re-open after six years of laborious renovation, we’re in the mood for some more delectable history.
To that end, Quint Lens presents a handful of photographs from the several hundreds stored in the Tata Central Archives, Pune, of properties built, owned, rented and maintained by the rich industrial family of the Tatas between 1822 and 1965.
While most of the buildings featured are in Pune, several classic landmarks are in Mumbai and even France, meant for parties and respite from the Indian summer.
Esplanade House, Mumbai. (Photo Courtesy: Tata Central Archives)
The Esplanade House in Mumbai, for instance, was built by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata in the 1880s. It continued to serve the Tatas as a place of residence until the 1930s. It is built in the neoclassical style of the 20th century, complete with columns, pilasters, ivory inlays and painted ceilings.
In 2014, Esplanade House opened after being renovated over 10 years. It went on to win the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award for cultural heritage restoration.
The 130-year-old building with intricate stone-cut work in the courtyard served as the home of the founder of the Tata business empire, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata.
It currently belongs to the RD Sethna Scholarship Fund and houses the office of the same. In fact, most heritage buildings owned by the Tatas are now used for research or archival purposes, with some housing offices and colleges.
Esplanade Courtyard. (Photo Courtesy: Tata Central Archives)
These photographs and others are currently on display in Pune in an exhibition hosted by the Tata Central Archives, which term these heritage markers as “iconic representations of the architecture of city skylines across the world”.
Perhaps more relevant now, the Bombay House is a historic, privately owned building in Fort, Mumbai, that has been serving as the Tata Group’s headquarters since 1924, i.e. for the last 92 years.
Bombay House. (Photo Courtesy: Tata Central Archives)
Another iconic, though much more elaborate, property is Gladhurst in Pune, first purchased by Sir Dorabji Tata. Lady Meherbai and him, along with their family, often visited this palatial retreat to take a break from the heat and bustle of Bombay in cold, quaint Poona. Known as the ‘Dutch Palace’, the property had huge grounds for evening parties and weddings with elaborate interiors.
It is currently a private property owned by Edward Pereira and can be booked for weddings and events even now!
Nari-Gandhi trophy is a competition in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STUDENTS OF ARCHITECTURE-NASA. This time the documentation is about a HOUSE, emphasizing on its culture and tradition, the various spaces, occupants and their experiences.
roposal was read out for the welfare of Udvada, including:
