The Republic Day celebrations organized by Ahmedabad’s Dhanjishaw and Manijeh Gamir Charitable Trust (DMGCT) saw a turnout of almost 325 community members, notes an email from trustee Aspy Bharucha. The national flag was hoisted by Maj 
Gen Rohinton Jambusarwalla (Retd) (pictured) of Poona in the compound of the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat’s (APP) Sanatorium (Lalkaka Hall), following which the national anthem was sung. Patriotic songs were rendered by Armin Dutia and Perin Davar.
Jambusarwalla bemoaned the declining numbers of Parsis in the defence services. Having served for almost 40 years in the army, he said that people should keep in mind that a career in the services is indeed very tough, monetary returns low, and offers a different life style from those engaged in business. He urged youth to join the services to "live with pride that they are doing something for the country.” A second generation army officer, Jambusarwalla was commissioned in 1967.
Trustee Ariez Munshi introduced the chief guest and acquainted those present of Jambusarwalla’s career in the army. Earlier, Harvez Bharucha, who holds an honorary position in the National Cadet Corps, led Jambusarwalla to the saluting base.
Aspy paid tributes to the settlers of the Trust, Dhanjishaw and Manijeh, who lived a simple lifestyle and "left behind a legacy for the welfare of the Parsi Zoroastrians of Ahmedabad.” As notes a write up on the settlors attached with Aspy’s email, the Gamirs had "big hearts… Those who had approached (them) for some kind of financial help, they never turned back.” Manijeh’s most significant service to the community in Ahmedabad was when, in 2007, she donated a sum of Rs 35 lakhs in the name of her late husband for renovating the dilapidated Parsi Sanatorium (see "True benevolence,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, October 7, 2016).
Trustee Aspy Unwalla proposed a vote of thanks. Games organized by Jeniffer Kapadia and Ariz Bokdawalla followed, after which those assembled partook of a subsidized lunch served by Malcum Bastawala of Mek Caterers.
Service veterans present for previous events have been Maj Gen Navroz Chinoy (Retd), APP president Brig Jahangir Anklesaria (Retd), Areez Khambatta, ex-commander of Home Guards and chief operating officer of Civil Defence, Ahmedabad, and Col Kaizad Bhaya (Retd).
Last year DMGCT had arranged an all-India matrimonial meet for the community’s youth (see "Tied at Ahmedabad,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, November 21, 2018).