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The
Athornan Mandal was established on: 9th
May 1915, (Roz 30, Mah 8, 1284 YZ) with
the intention of ameliorating and improving
the condition of Mobeds and solving the
problems facing the priestly Community,
and providing guidance to the Community
in religious and ecclesiastical matters.
It was founded by Dastur Darab Peshotan
Sanjana, Seth Jehangirji Vimadalal, Seth
Faredun Dadachanji, Dastur Minocher Jamaspji
JamaspAsana, Ervad Mahyar Nowroji Kutar
and others.
Its lasting contribution
to the Community is the Athornan Boarding
Madressa which was founded in June 1919
(Roz 30, Mah 2, 1289 YZ) at Golanji Hill.
Then the Madressa building was built in
1924, and since 21-4-1924, (Rox 8, Mah 10
1293 YZ), the Madressa is situated at 651-52,
Firdausi Road, Mancherji Joshi Parsi Colony,
Dadar. Athornan Mandal, at its own expenses
constructed the second storey of the building
in 1926.
In the general meeting of the Athornan Mandal
dated 24-3-65, a resolution was passed to
close down the Athornan Madressa for lack
of funds and students. It was re-opened
after a year in June 1966 under a new management.
Er. Rustomji N. Panthaki was the unanimous
choice as its Principal. Rustomji served
as a Principal of this period for a long
period of twenty nine years.
In 1990, the three storeyed Annex Building
of the Madressa was inaugurated. This building
is a monument to the dedication and love
of Rustomji for the Madressa and the priestly
Class. As a mark of honour to him, the Trustees
decided to have it inaugurated by his own
hands, as he was instrumental for this Annex
right from its visualization and planning
to fund-raising and completion.
Supporting young and senior priests
Since the past 10 years, the Athornan
Mandal along with the W.Z.O. has been giving
out help to the young full time priests
– even those pursuing their higher
studies. Under this scheme monthly compensation
is given to priests depending on the type
of rituals they are doing, their enthusiasm,
their education and their Community service
and circumstances. This help ranges from
Rs.1,200 to 3,000 per candidate per month.
In the financial year 2005-06 – around
11 lakhs of Rupees were given as compensation
to 52 such priests and the Mandal is always
on the look out for worthy candidates to
increase the scope of the scheme. Under
this scheme the priestly candidates not
only get monthly stipend but are also assured
of Retirement benefits.
The Athornan Mandal also felicitates Senior
Mobed Sahebs by awarding a sizeable amount
for appreciating their lifetime service
of 50 years or more to the Community.
Founders of Athornan Mandal:
Dastur Darab Peshotan Sanjana, Seth Jehangirji
Vimadalal, Seth Faredun Dadachanji, Dastur
Minocher Jamaspji JamaspAsana, Ervad Mahyar
Nowroji Kutar.
Past Presidents of Athornan Mandal:
Dasturji Kaikhushru Kutar, Dastruji Manekji
Bhathena, Dasturji Garda, Dasturji Kaiobad
Dastur.
Past Chairmen of Athornan Mandal:
Seth F.K.F. Madan, Seth Erach Nadirsha,
Seth Jehangirji F. Shroff.
Past Hon. Secretaries of Athornan Mandal:
Jal Bajan, Mahiyar Kutar, Fali Master, Er.
Parvez M. Bajan.
Present Office Bearers:
Prof. Er. Nadir A. Modi, Chairman, Board
of Trustees
Dasturji Khurshed K. Dastur, Trustee &
President of Managing Committee
Ervad Vispi S. Dastur, Trustee, Treasurer
and jt. Hon. Secretary to the Trustees
Ervad Aspandyar R. Dadachandji, Trustee
Mr. Homi R. Ranina, Trustee,
Er. Parvez M. Bajan
Mr. Hoshang N. Sinor
Er. Cyrus D. Unwalla
Jt. Hon Secretaries:
Er. Cyrus D. Darbari and Er. Kaizad F. Karkaria
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