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WZO Annual Report

 
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THE WORLD ZOROASTRIAN ORGANISATION LTD

ANNUAL REPORT

For the Year Ended 31st December 2001

Ladies and Gentleman,

The International Board of the World Zoroastrian Organisation has great pleasure in placing before you the Annual Report of the 21st successful year of its operation.

The year commenced with Chairman Rumi Sethna together with his wife Hilda, embarking on a fact-finding tour of the regions encompassing Singapore, Australia and India. In today's high-tec environment of communication via e-mail etc. Rumi felt that what was still missing was the personal touch, the human face, and the one to one rapport, which can only be achieved by personal contact.

Leaving the UK on 2nd February 2001, their first port of call was Singapore where they were met by Russi and Shirin Ghadiali. Russi is the President of the Singapore Association and also an International Board Committee Member of WZO. During the meeting Rumi outlined the amendments we were seeking on the WZO Constitution with the UK Charity Commissioners, in order to satisfy the wider needs of our membership and the community at large. Our sincere thanks to Rusi and Shirin for welcoming Rumi and Hilda, and for their constant support to WZO.

Arriving on 6th February in Melbourne, Australia, Rumi and Hilda were met by Nergish Udvadia - President of the Melbourne Association. Dinner was hosted by Roshan and Adi Billimoria at their home and after dinner Rumi was asked to speak about WZO. He explained the work we were doing and what we were trying to achieve in the next decade and our commitment to a united community. We would like to offer our thanks to Nergish Udvadia, Roshan and Adi Billimoria for organizing this friendly forum with the Melbourne Committee who was also present during the evening.

On 9th February Rumi and Hilda left for Sydney and were guests of honour at a dinner reception hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Purviz Kolsawalla. Guests attending included Captain Noshir Sachinwalla - President of the Sydney Association, Dr. Sam Kerr - WZO International Board Member and Mrs. Dinaz Mistry - Vice President of the Sydney Association.

The following day Dinaz Mistry hosted a lunch at her home, which was attended by all the above and the Committee members of the Sydney Association including Past President Mr. Nauzer Bana.

On 11th February Dr. Sam Kerr took Rumi and Hilda to the Sydney Darbe Mehr. Dr. Purviz Kolsavalla introduced Rumi and Hilda as chief guests to a gathering of about 150 Zoroastrians. Also present was Mrs. Lilaonwalla who later gave a speech on Zoroastrian religion. Following lunch Rumi Sethna spoke on the activities of the WZO and its aims and objects, which were followed by a robust question and answer session. Captain Noshir Sachinwalla chaired the session.

The same evening Adi Daver, a great supporter of WZO, welcomed Rumi and Hilda to his home to a very enjoyable dinner.

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Purviz Kolsavalla, Dr. Sam Kerr, Dinaz Mistry, Nauzer Bana and Adi Daver for their hard work, hospitality and for extending their hand in friendship and cordiality helping to make this trip a success.

Rumi and Hilda arrived in Mumbai on 21st February and proceeded to the WZO offices, where they were briefed by Dinshaw Tamboly on the earthquake in Gujarat and other local and international issues.

The following day they met up with Sarosh Bana, President of the Youth Wing (India) and subsequently attended a committee meeting at Sarosh’s home. At the meeting Rumi Sethna congratulated them for their hard work in fund raising and for their deep commitment to rescuing and safeguarding our history and heritage.

In Udvada they were engaged in renovating premises for conversion into a pilgrim's residential home so that they could visit our Pak Iranshah. The home would cater for very poor Zoroastrians, who could not afford to stay in hotels, for a minimal charge of Rs. 20 per night. Through their fund raising efforts they hoped to achieve a corpus of one million rupees to ensure that the pilgrim's home in Udvada could be kept open. The Young Zoroastrians had also been given the Mirza Hall by Dasturji Mirza to house a permanent museum about our landing in India, a display of artefacts and other material regarding Udvada and Pak Iranshah.

Moving on to Navsari, they visited the Centre for Senior Citizens and were delighted to see the happiness and the sense of security and comfort enjoyed by the residents.

On 24th February they left for Surat and had a meeting with Dr. Sam Bhacca - President of the Surat Parsi Panchayat and Sohrabji Katpitia with regard to the proposed changes to the WZO constitution.

Returning back to Mumbai on 25th February, Rumi Sethna was engaged in meetings with Minoo Shroff and Rustom Tirandaz Trustees of the BPP and Keki Ghandi, Secretary of the Federation of Zoroastrian Anjumans. Also present were Dinshaw Tamboly and Dadi Engineer, International Board members of WZO and Trustees of the BPP.

Rumi Sethna elucidated the benefits of BPP joining us to form a truly united world body and lay to rest the many personal divisions, misconceptions and doubts that plague our community.

WZO remembers

The day concluded with an award ceremony organized by WZO (India) in the grounds of Cusrow Baug, where 35 Zoroastrians were publicly honoured with lifetime achievement awards, for their outstanding services to the community and for their commitment and support to WZO in India. Rumi spoke briefly about the WZO's achievements and its commitment to social, economic and religious advancement before an audience of nearly 1000 attendees. Rumi Sethna was then invited to present awards to individuals who received awards in London but were unable to attend the London Function. The recipients of these awards were Dadi Engineer, Jehan Daruwala, the late Davar Kavasji Mody (posthumously), Firoj Panthaky and Farrokh Kasad. He was then invited to present commemorative plaques and a bouquet of roses to all the awardees.

The awardees were as follows:

Public Life and Social Service
- Jehangir Nicholson
- Capt. Hormusdiar Desai

Sport (Cricket)
- Poly Umrigar
- Nari Contractor
- Hoshi Amroliwala
- Rustom Cooper
- Mehli Irani
- Behram Irani

Sport (Swimming)
- Adi S. Bharucha

Sport (Cycling)
- Adi R. Havewala (posthumously)
- Bob Damri
- Bapoo Malcolm

Sport (Weightlifting coaching)
- Viraf E. Panthaky

Sport (Athletics Coach)
- Naval S. Pithawala

Religion
- Ratamai P. Peer
- Nergish N. Aibara

Education
- Roshan Driver (posthumously)
- Bejan Desai
- Adi H. Mulla

Journalism
- Dorab R. Mehta
- Thrity D. Mistry

Music
- Parvez J. Katrak
- Phiroze M. Damri

Art
- KeKoo Ghandi

Literature
- Dr. Ratansha R. Marshal

Law
- Justice Bakhtawar Lentin
- Justice Dinshaw Mehta

Theatre
- Dadi B. Sarkari
- Nadir B. Nariman
- Dolly and Bomi Dotiwalla
- Moti Phiroze
- Antia Irani

Medicine
- Dr. Jal Mehta
- Dr. Jimmy Sidhwa
- Dr. Dinyar Gamadia

This important occasion gave us an opportunity to demonstrate what WZO really stood for and that its existence should be safeguarded for generations to come.

We would like to take this opportunity of thanking Bachi and Dinshaw Tamboly, Dadi and Siloo Engineer, Villoo and Minoo Shroff, Sarosh Bana, Dara Marfatia and to all the others for their selfless service to the community and for all their kindness and assistance during this ground breaking trip.

Annual general meeting

The year 2001 Annual General Meeting of the World Zoroastrian Organisation was held at the International Students House, London on Sunday 23rd September. The Chairman Mr. Rumi Sethna welcomed all the members and guests from the UK and abroad.

The report and audited accounts for the year ended 31st December 2000 were presented at the meeting and these were approved unanimously. Three UK and six overseas Committee members were due to retire. All the outgoing Committee Members offered themselves for re-election.

UK Committee Members
Mr. Rumi Sethna
Mr. Sammy Bhiwandiwalla
Ms. Shahin Bekhradnia
Mr. Noshir Umrigar (co-opted 21/10/2001)

Overseas Committee Members
Dr. Russi Bulsara (Canada)
Mr. Dadi B. Engineer (India)
Mr. Dinshaw K. Tamboly (India)
Mr. Russi M. Ghadiali (Singapore)
Mrs. Dhunmai P. Dalal (USA)
Prof. Kaikhosrov D. Irani (USA)

The meeting proceeded smoothly, with a vote of confidence being granted to the ongoing Committee.

Mr. Rumi Sethna was nominated from amongst the members of the committee and re-elected as the Chairman for the year 2001/02

Mrs. Nash Harvey, Chartered Accountants, were unanimously re-appointed auditors for the ensuing year.

PERSONALITIES AND EVENTS

Gujarat Earthquake Rehabilitation Program

26th January is one of the greatest days in the Indian Calendar, the day that India declared herself a Republic to become the world's largest democracy. Millions proudly celebrate this day every year.

As thousands prepared for the celebration parades in Gujarat, a massive earthquake in the Kutch district struck major towns such as Bhuj, Anjar, Bhachau and Ahmedabad. Virtually all properties turned to rubble with many of the families and children buried alive and severe injuries and loss of homes and businesses occurred. The first tremor was over 6.8 on the Richter scale and during the next seven days another 400 tremors, reading from 0.5 to 5.00, were recorded. People lived in fear of their lives and would not go back into the buildings. The Army and engineers went to work immediately. Volunteers from all over the world had already sprung into action in an attempt to rescue as many people as they could. Many of the international charitable institutions responded magnificently with funds raised in a short space of time.

On hearing the sad news, WZO immediately sent out an appeal to all their members and the community at large and received a heart-warming response to the appeal. Within days we were inundated with donations from virtually most regions of the world where Zoroastrians reside. WZO also received a substantial donation collected by the children and staff of Thorntree School, London, through their Head-Mistress Mrs. Mercer. Our sincere thanks to Inderjit Chhabra, who was instrumental in obtaining these funds on behalf of WZO.

In India, Team WZO (EQREHAB) was set up to coordinate all inquiries and visit affected areas where possible. To the best of our knowledge there was only one Zoroastrian confirmed loss of life. However, there was substantial damage to property and these were dealt with as follows,

Relief measures
Rs. 2,00,000: towards purchase of waterproof covers, blankets, and tarpaulins for distribution to the affected areas of Bhuj, Anjar and Bachau.

Rehabilitation Support to Institutions
Rs. 3,00,000: towards repairs to Rustom Baug Blocks at Ahmedabad Parsi Punchayat.
Rs. 3,00,000: towards repairs to Vakil Blocks at Ahmedabad, through Ahmedabad P.P.
Rs. 3,00,000: towards repairs to Zoroastrian Ladies Industrial at Ahmedabad, through A.P.P.

Rehabilitation Support to Individuals
Rs. 37,82,500: 33 families were supported either directly or through the good offices of the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat, in areas such as Navsari, Surat, Moritha, Valsad etc.

The total support extended has been to the tune of Rs. 46,82,500. (£66,893 or US $100,339).

(As at 31st March 2002, 34 families and 4 Zoroastrian institutions were assisted to the sum of Rs. 52,50,000/ £75,000/ US $112,500.)

The World Zoroastrian Organisation takes this opportunity to extend its gratitude to all donors, big and small, individuals and institutions, for their immediate response and generosity towards this massive humanitarian operation.

Mrs. Mehran Kekobad Marker - A centenarian and still going strong

Through WZO, Mrs. Mehran Kekobad Marker has been the benefactress of many an indigent member of our community in many a diverse area. After being made aware by WZO of the plight of the poor Zoroastrian agrarians of India, she issued a clarion call to the Zoroastrians of Pakistan to mobilize resources for their rehabilitation.

Today many of them live in relative prosperity in comparison to their earlier abject poverty.

In 1993, when in her early nineties, she wrote for her grandchildren the book "The Religion and History of the Parsees", which was subsequently published. Mrs. Marker donated the entire proceeds from the sale of the book to WZO for the benefit of the indigent Zoroastrians in Mumbai. These funds continue to support the deprived members of our community.

On behalf of the Committee of the World Zoroastrian Organisation, the Chairman Mr. Rumi Sethna wished Mrs. Mehran Kekobad Marker a happy 100th birthday falling on 21ST July 2001. In his letter, Mr. Rumi Sethna extolled her dedication of bringing cheer and comfort into the hearts of the poor and downtrodden, irrespective of their colour, caste, creed or religion. To mark this occasion a bouquet of flowers was presented to Mrs. Marker on behalf of the WZO.

A letter congratulating her on this memorable occasion was also sent by Dinshaw Tamboly - Managing Trustee of The World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust, India.

WZO wishes to record its sincere thanks to Mrs. Marker for her constant support and generosity in assisting us to fulfil our obligations to the community.

In Appreciation

On 15th December 2001, the Bombay Parsee Panchayat and the World Zoroastrian Organisation jointly paid tribute to two legal luminaries, Sam Bharucha, Chief Justice of India, and Supreme Court Judge Sam Variawa. Eminent Zarathushtis and members of the Parsi community of India gathered at Mumbai's Cusrow Baug to honour these two fellow Zarathushtis and to present them with plaques and memento on behalf of the various Zarathushti organizations of the country.

This was the first time in the history of India that two members of the community were serving simultaneously on the Bench of the apex court of the country.

Jamshed Guzder, President of the BPP and Dadi Engineer, President of the WZO (India), and other speakers paid accolades to both Sam Bharucha and Sam Variawa. Both have served within the judiciary with integrity and are held in high esteem by the community, legal profession and the country as a whole.

The guests of honour reminisced how they had both started off in the legal profession and had performed their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

Dinshaw Tamboly, Managing Trustee of the WZO Trust Funds, delivered the vote of thanks.

Our congratulations to them both on behalf of the WZO and the wider community.

Lectures and seminars
WZO's Summer 2001 Seminar saw once again a capacity crowd, hungry as ever to seek clear perspectives on Zoroastrian History, Religion and Culture. Two of the worlds most respected scholars and speakers enlightened the audience on their chosensubjects, Zarathushtra's Spiritual Vision, and Iranians and Turanians in the Avesta.

Dr. Farhang Mehr - U.S.A. - Dr. Mehr's many publications place him among the best of Zarathushti scholars of the Gathas and our faith. A prolific writer and lecturer, he also has many publications on law, economics and international relations to his credit and given numerous interviews in the international media. He has taught for fourteen years at the well-known Boston University and at present is Professor-Emeritus of International Relations at that University.

He quietly influences the North American community with his astuteness, sagacity and wisdom, while always emphasizing the need for solidarity and pride in our Zarathushti identity. He recently founded the Centre for Ancient Iranian Studies in Boston, which has begun its work by producing an outstanding quarterly journal called Humata, exploring and reflecting on our faith and heritage.

Zarathustra's Spiritual Vision. Dr. Mehr did not wish to go into the insignificant aspects of our religion such as rituals. Religion without rituals is no religion. However rituals in themselves were an empty shell. In the past they were accepted unquestioningly, but today Zoroastrians want to know their significance. Otherwise whether we wanted it or not they would be discarded. For this reason he chose to speak about Zaratushtra's Spiritual Vision.

Only by understanding the philosophy and vision of our religion can we appreciate it, understand the rules, compare them with other religions, determine the best way of life and how we should behave to make this a better world. Zarathushtra realized in his time, that so many diverse deities could not have created the world and he realised that there must be one god who created the world, who is the source of all being.

Hence Zarathushtra was the first person who introduced monotheism and the concept of one god, "Ahura Mazda" that was transcendent. This was Zarathushtra's first vision. Zarathushtra realised that there must be a creator and that he could see his creation, but why could he not see the creator? He concluded that there must be two types of existence or two worlds, the spiritual and the corporeal. We cannot see God because he is the 'Spirit of Spirits', but we can see his manifestation in this world through the 'Benevolent Spirit' or Spenta Mainyu the good mind.

Ahura Mazda had given human beings the choice of decision making, to come to their own conclusions.

Zarathushtra's vision was a fusion of the mystery of creation and the best way of life and to follow the path of Asha. Ahura Mazda could only be a good god and we were his co-workers in this world.

Material matter perishes but the spirit lives on. And so Zarathushtra came to the conclusion that there was an after life.

Dr. Farhang Mehr went on to explain the fundamental differences between Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

He asked the audience whether those who followed the Gathas were orthodox or reformist.

The reply from the audience was clearly 'ultra-orthodox'.

Dr Farhang inquired, "Why then are those who follow the Gathas being mischievously labelled as reformists".

Dr. Ali Jafarey - U.S.A. - Dr. Jafarey, a scholar and prolific writer has penned over 100 essays on Zoroastrian religion and History. He has written 23 books and booklets in Persian and English on the Zoroastrian Religion and five more are ready to go to press. His "The Message of Zarathushtra, as Understood from his Songs", 1st ed. 1967, is a best seller and has had several editions in Iran and one in the United States. His Persian translation of "the Gathas and the Supplements in the Gathic dialect" under the title Stot Yasn, first published in 1981, is now in its second revised edition. The English translation, "The Gathas, Our Guide" was published in 1989.

He is a Founder-Director of the Zoroastrian Assembly based in Los Angeles. The Assembly is dedicated to the spread of the Pristine Message of Zarathushtra as embodied in the Gathas.

Iranians and Turanians in the Avesta

Ancient legend says that Iranians and Turanians had been fighting a war from the inception of the two brotherly nations. Dr. Ali Jafarey examined how far this could be testified from the Avesta and from Firdowsi's epic Shah-nama containing the country's myths, legends and historic reminiscences.

Talk of the Iranians and Turanians and one automatically recalls the very vengeful combats and holy wars between generations of two races, one supposed to be Masdayasni Zoroastrians and the other Devayasni Polytheists.

The oldest source of our information was the extant Avesta but the major source of information was the Shah-nama recording the legend of Faridun who ascended to the throne of Iran and his three grown up sons Salm, Tur and Eraj.

On closer examination one could deduce that the Iranians and Turanians were of one stock and that the Avesta showed them as living close together and belonging to the same creed and worshiping the same gods and goddesses. Legend and the Avesta showed that there were a number of battles over a family feud and that this belonged to the pre-Zoroastrian times. It was the fratricide of the ruling families, which caused them to fight each other. Subsequently there was no record of further fighting. Therefore, the good religion was accepted, practiced, promoted and propagated by Iranians, Turanians and other neighbourly people. This shows the universality of the first monotheistic order in history. It stands for all people without any discrimination. The good religion joined all the people into a united fellowship that created a new progressive world, which formed the first federation of nations of the civilized part of the world, under the benevolent and tolerant Achaemenians followed by the Parthians.

SOCIAL FUNCTION

The 'Annual Barbecue' held on Sunday 15th July at Hilda and Rumi Sethna's residence drew a capacity crowd who have grown to enjoy the relaxed and enjoyable surroundings, to the sounds of live music. An Indian summer's day, combined with a variety of food and drinks, heightened the day's activities of fun and entertainment. Our sincere thanks to all the people who kindly donated food, drink and raffle prizes and helped from morning till late evening. The day's proceedings raised a sum of £2,378 towards the many good causes supported by WZO. It goes without saying that our hosts, Hilda and Rumi, deserve the highest praise for their effort, hard work and 'open house' in organising this occasion year after year.

WZO's annual Gala Charity Ball, held on 17th November, in aid of the Gujarat Farmers Appeal, was the glittering occasion of the year. In the atmosphere of a stunning ballroom, excellent music and entertainment, good food and wine, this was a memorable night indeed. In typical fashion, those who attended dug deep into their pockets to give most generously to a Zoroastrian humanitarian cause unfettered by politics, colour, class or creed. Our sincere thanks to all those who attended, and who now make this annual event a must in their diaries.

By the end of the evening the Gujarat Fund had been credited by a further £5730.

The WZO wishes to record its special thanks to Hilda and Rumi Sethna for their fund raising and organizational skills and in creating a venue for public awareness of a miniscule community in India and its social and economic needs.

MEMBERSHIP

At the start of the year, the committee assigned a project to update our membership records and cards to the Membership Secretary, Mrs. Havovy Fernandes. The decision to purchase a dedicated computer was made and a completely new design of membership card providing better protection and ease of handling was implemented. A laminated credit card sized version was agreed with the WZO logo on the front and the Asho Fravahar on the reverse.

These will be issued progressively to new and existing members.

Since its inception, some twenty years ago, WZO has endeavoured to project itself as the conscience of the "International Zoroastrian Community" unafraid to face up to the challenges that confront us.

While one of its activities has been the upliftment of the community in socio-economic terms such housing, employment, education and health, WZO has equally played its part in assisting displaced persons, freeing them to live their lives and practice the faith of their choice.

We will continue to support all sections of the international community, brushing aside narrow sectional interests. We pride ourselves in conducting our activities with moderation and understanding. The family is paramount, and WZO is in the forefront by supporting sound family values. We rely on your ceaseless support to go forward into the 21st century. Others now try to emulate the same principles we have engendered and fought for since the WZO was formed. Your continued membership lends weight to our ability to support the wider community and we urge you to encourage new membership amongst family and friends, associations and anjumans, helping us to fulfil WZO's motto: "Unity Worldwide".

CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES

In April 2001, our Chairman, Rumi Sethna and President, Rustam S. Dubash and Vice-President Dinshaw Tamboly were invited to attend a meeting with FEZANA Board members.In addition, there were also present representatives from Zoroastrian Associations belonging to Greater New York, Houston, Ontario, Quebec, Greater Boston, California as well as those from the Iranian Zoroastrian Association and the Traditional Masdayasni Zoroastrian Association. Additionally, Prof. K. D. Irani and Mr. Adi Daver, International Board Members of the WZO were also present.

Rumi Sethna and Rustam Dubash gave a presentation and outlined the revised WZO constitution and the further changes that would be required comply with the UK's Charity Commissioners. Rumi Sethna explained that the new company WZO 2001 (a working name) would be registered as a company limited by guarantee carrying out all the charitable activities done by the present WZO with the present WZO's function being simply as a financing arm WZO 2001's charitable activities.

WZO 2001 would be the sole trustee of WZO. Following discussions over 11/2 days during which Rumi Sethna made various concessions, the majority of the attendees were in favour of the revised constitution format but there was opposition by some of the Houston delegates.

The proposals would be considered at the forthcoming FEZANA AGM meeting where Dr. Farhang Mehr would represent WZO.

In August 2001 we received an interim report from Mrs. Khorshed Jungalwala, Chair of the FEZANA Working Group on a World Body. The report detailed its process of deliberation and commented that they hoped to prepare their final report following a brainstorming session 'to create and analyse the additional structures for a world body.'

BOOKS, PERIODICALS AND PRESS

Triumph Over Discrimination: The Life Story of Farhang Mehr

by Lylah M. Alphonse

"Triumph Over Discrimination" is the life story of Dr. Farhang Mehr, an exceptional Zarathushti. It deals with Dr. Mehr's early life and education; his experiences in OPEC and in Iran's oil and insurance agencies; and his achievements in politics, including his experience as the first Zarathushti to serve as Deputy Prime Minister of Iran.

It details his escape from Iran during the Islamic Revolution of the late 1970s, his self-imposed exile in the United States, and his hopes and dreams for the future of Zoroastrianism and the Zoroastrian community worldwide.

Lylah M. Alphonse is a cum laude graduate of the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, and was recently inducted into their alumni Hall of Fame. She is an assistant editor of National News at the Boston Globe newspaper in Boston, Massachusetts, where she occasionally writes for the Life at Home and Calendar sections and the Boston Globe Magazine. She has contributed articles to "Our Times, 5th edition" (Bedford Books, 1998) and "Interactions: A Thematic Reader" (Houghton Mifflin Co., 1999.)

WZO wishes to record its sincere thanks to Rumi and Hilda Sethna for financing the publication of this remarkable life story.

Book Price £10 plus £3 (UK) or £7 (overseas) postage and packing.

***

A unique record of the Proceedings of the WZO 1993 Gatha Colloquium is now available in a paperback volume titled "New Approaches to the Interpretation of The Gathas."

Edited by Farrokh Vajifdar, this 264-page record of the Proceedings contains the fully revised and expanded versions of the ten lectures given at the first ever Gatha Colloquium, held in Croydon, England.

Published for the first time here, its contents represent the mature viewpoint of scholars and the challenging perspectives of learned interpreters of the seventeen Hymns of Zarathushtra Spitama, the founder of the faith, today followed by devout communities of Zoroastrians worldwide.

The book contains contributions by Ilya Gershevitch, Helmut Humbach, Pallan Ichaporia, Kaikhosrov Irani, Ali Jafarey, Dina McIntyre, Hormazdyar Mirza, Martin Schwartz, Paul Thieme and Farrokh Vajifdar.

This publication could not have been contemplated without the finance provided through the generosity of Mrs. Goli Farhangi in loving memory of her husband, the Late Mehraban Farhangi.

Book Price £20 plus £3 (UK) or £7 (overseas) postage and packing.

***

Discovering Ashavan

By Farishta Murzban Dinshaw
Illustrated by Homi Meherhomji

Ashavan, an orphaned stable boy disparaged by his peers because of his deformed leg, gets into a midnight brawl to save a dying dog. This impulsive act snowballs into an alarming chain of events as he fights to clear his name of charges of sorcery cast on him by a vindictive man and a fearful community. As the story unfolds, we see how Zarathushtra, a boy who befriends him, gives him the courage to resolve the fears within himself and take a stand for what he believes.

Discovering Ashavan vividly portrays the era of superstition and irrationality that pervaded ancient Iran four millennia ago. A story of many layers, Discovering Ashavan appeals to all ages because it tells a story that is true for all ages: it is a timeless tale of the battle between good and evil, of coming of age, of friendship and belonging, and of searching for one's own self.

Farishta Murzban Dinshaw was born in Karachi, Pakistan. In 1993 she won the Eve Bunting Scholarship awarded by the Highlights Foundation for their "Writing for Children" program at Chautauqua; USA. She was the initiatory editor of Funline, Pakistan's first English magazine for children. Although her primary interest lies in writing for children, she also writes on women's issues, education and general topics for local newspapers and magazines. She has co-authored several handbooks for teachers, and has an Urdu story Thar Ki Ek Larki (Girl from Thar) to her credit. She has written three plays and numerous skits as fundraisers for charity. This is her first English novel.

Farishta had generously donated the proceeds of this book, to provide financial assistance to deserving youths in Pakistan to travel to the 7th World Zoroastrian Congress held in Houston, at the end of 2000.

All proceeds received after November 2000, will go towards the education of the youth in Pakistan.

Book Price £8 plus £2 (UK) or £7 (overseas) postage and packing.

***

Hamazor

We continue in our endeavor to make Hamazor an enjoyable and enlightening publication with progress reports on our projects, profiles on personalities, our religion and history.

Our readers are invited to submit interesting articles, details of young achievers and local news that may be of interest to the wider community. In the New Year we will see a change of editor for Hamazor and we take this opportunity of thanking our current editor Noshir H. Dadrawala for his services to WZO. WZO wishes to record its thanks to the Trustees of The World Zarathushtrian Trust Fund for their support in financing Hamazor until now.

Year after year, WZO relies on the continued exposure given to its many activities and projects by the press, thereby creating public awareness and involvement. We appreciate their own objective views on community problems and possible solutions in resolving them in an open, frank and unbiased manner.

WZO website - http://www.w-z-o.org

The WZO website, continues to draw an increasing number of visitors, both Zoroastrians and non-Zoroastrians, from around the world. Judging from the comments entered in the Guest book, our visitors find the information on the website, laid out in a clear and concise manner.They find the information useful in enriching their knowledge of our great religion.

It is a truly interactive site allowing our guests to read WZO's Annual Report, follow-up on our latest projects, a calendar of events and activities to be held locally and extracts from recent issues of our own periodical Hamazor. WZO uses the power of the Internet for its special appeals. The new Bookstore section attracts a number of visitors, who then go on to order the books from thewebsite.

An increasing number of our visitors are no longer just content with viewing the information, but wish to use the benefits of an inter active website. They make their views known to the committee members and ask questions on various aspects of the Zoroastrian faith. By far the largest number of e-mails are for our Religious Affairs correspondent, Ms. Shahin Bekhradnia. Our website is now well known to other religious and multi-faith organisations around the world. We also receive requests for information or assistance from governmental departments, as well as cultural and social organisations. We constantly strive to keep our website fresh and interesting by changing and updating the information and format. Do come and pay regular visits to our website.

THE WORLD ZOROASTRIAN ORGANIZATION PROJECTS AND FUNDS

The Gujarat Farmers Rehabilitation Project

Since its inception a major transformation has taken place in the lives of many of the families who live and work in villages of Southern Gujarat. This assistance needs to reach many more of our co-religionists in the adjoining regions of Maharashtra. Given the continued support, co-operation and goodwill from individuals and institutions from all over the world, the WZO is determined to eradicate poverty and rehabilitate all rural Zoroastrian agrarians. The WZO remains committed and dedicated to providing full complete information that any donor may seek.

The work continues with the active interest taken by our Trustees Mr. Firoj M. Panthaky and Mr. Farrokh Kasad.

List of work done in the villages of South Gujarat and Maharashtra till 31st December 2001 is given hereunder:
Number of families supported, spread over 150 villages,
359 Wells/tube wells sunk,
95 Pump sets to draw water from wells and pipelines,
165 Poultry farms,
30 Dairy farms,
22 Flour/rice grinding mills supplied,
26 Innumerable fields have been levelled to enable proper cultivation, seeds and fertilizers, and a host of other modes of support have been made available.

Most of the Zoroastrians agrarians, who were provided with training and financial support, have not only been prospering, but have also started to make repayments for the agricultural inputs that have been made available.

Rural Housing - the changing horizons

Many of the Zoroastrian farmers live in huts made from mud and cow dung. These huts require a fresh lick every few months; failing this the walls dry up and shrivel.

From funds that have been raised, financial support has been extended to over 25 Zoroastrian families to replace their huts with cottages, the walls of which are made from bricks and are plastered with cement, stone floors and tiled roofs.

The replacement of the huts by cottages cost Rs. 150,000 each; this project has begun to change the skyline in rural areas.

Centre for Senior Citizens - Navsari

The WZO Trust Funds, Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Centre for Senior Citizens became operational at Navsari in January 1998. This is a very vibrant institution, where senior citizens live in happy surroundings, spending the evening of their lives with their contemporaries, being independent and with self-respect and dignity.

This splendid facility could not have been conceived without the foresight, munificence and benevolence of the Trustees of the Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund.

Our unqualified thanks and appreciation for their continued support to the community at large through the World Zoroastrian Organisation.

Housing for poor and needy

From funds received from the generous Trustees of the Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund, the WZO has constructed two residential buildings at Navsari, where the occupants live in 20 fair sized apartments for a modest licence fee. Construction on a small third building has also commenced.

Our sincere gratitude for the continued support we receive from the Trustees of Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund.

Sanatorium at Sanjan

A bungalow situated in approximately 4 1/2 acres of land was purchased in 1997 from funds provided by Trustees of Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund.

Renovation, repairs, refurbishment of the bungalow, and development of the property was undertaken through further donations and the sanatorium became fully operational on Monday 24th September 2001.

Sanjan conjures up nostalgia and sentiment in the heart of every Zoroastrian, for it was on the shores of Sanjan in Gujarat that Zoroastrians received sanctuary when they landed 1371 years ago to preserve their faith and escape from religious persecution. The rest, as we all know, is history.

A mere three hours journey from Mumbai, the sanatorium is ideally situated to provide Zoroastrians with peace, tranquillity and comfort, in an environment that is pollution free, at extremely reasonable rates. The boarding and lodging charge have been fixed at a moderate Rs. 175 per person per day, and is available to all members of the community.

Athornan Mandal - Full time mobed welfare scheme

No community can survive without a strong religious foundation. At the same time no religion can survive without an enlightened clergy. The success and survival of our Zoroastrian community is directly linked to our religion and our mobeds.

It was recognized in looking to the present and future spiritual needs of the community, what was necessary, was the development of an educated, intelligent, knowledgeable and articulate class of mobeds. It was very essential not only to encourage our young athornans to embrace mobedi as a full time profession by making it economically viable, but also to inculcate in them the essential requisites for the class of mobeds needed by the community, not only all over India, but worldwide.

The WZO Trust Funds and Athornan Mandal, who were both striving towards the same objectives, forged a working relationship to jointly address the issue and launched a project to transform thought into reality.

Dadar Ahura Mazda was generous in His blessings for this project. The WZO Trust Funds were able to raise donations amounting to Rs. 9,000,000 (Rupees nine million).

The scheme has been functioning for four years now.

The WZO Trust Funds & the Athornan Mandal are pleased to share with members of the community some salient features of the scheme and the results produced thus far.

31 young Athornanzadas presently take advantage of the scheme.

From these, 18 perform higher liturgical ceremonies, such as Yazashne, Visparad, Vendidad, Nirangdin and Atash Behram Boi Ceremonies. The other 13 perform ceremonies such Baj, Geh sarna, Dhoop Nirang, Fareshta, Agiary Boi ceremonies, Jashan, Satum, Afargan, Faroksi, and funeral ceremonies at Doongerwadi.

Out of a total of 31 young Athornanzadas covered by the scheme, 18 practice at Mumbai, 6 at Surat, 2 at Navsari and 1 each at Banglore, Billimoria, Dhanu, Gandevi & Neemuch.

Each of these Athornanzadas is motivated to perform progressively higher liturgical ceremonies, which are supervised. The monthly support extended to each of these 31 young Athornanzadas ranges between Rs. 1250 to Rs. 4000. The aggregate amount disbursed every month is Rs. 72,500.

The revival of mobedi as a profession where by income is in tune with the times is well under way. Any young Athornanzada who is keen to embrace mobedi as a full time profession can now be assured of a decent income. This is a win-win situation for the community as well as for the Athornans.

The WZO Trust and Athornan Mandal, who have collaborated to jointly conceive, launch and execute the "Full Time Mobed Welfare Scheme" are justifiably proud that their vision in investing in the future spiritual need of the community has been effective & successful.

The administrators of The WZO Trust Funds & Athornan Mandal Full Time Mobed Welfare Scheme take this opportunity of expressing their gratitude to donors from all parts of the world, who have been generous in their support. Gratitude is also due to members of our core team who have willingly given their time and talent to further this noble cause. May Dadar Ahura Mazda continue to shower His choicest Blessings on our community.

Donations for this project are very welcome, as it will enable to extend further support to our young athornans.

Cheques/Drafts made out in the name of "The WZO Trust Funds" may be forwarded to:

The WZO Trust Funds, Shanti, 5th Floor, 6, Banaji Street, Fort. Mumbai 400 001. India.

Self-Employment Scheme

This scheme has been operational since 1995. Trustees of Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund provided funding till 1999. New applicants devoid of the necessary finance, receive funds from the repayments that are received from previous beneficiaries. Over 362 Zoroastrians, from 39 different urban, semi urban and rural locations have been provided funds to pursue self-employment in their choice of trade or profession such as manufacturing/workshops, electronic data processing, transport and trading etc.

Education - an essential investment for the future

Academic education in India as well as overseas, has always been regarded as an essential investment and not an expense. A good education ensures a sound future for our youth and thereby the community. The WZO has always remained in the forefront to encourage the pursuit of education, by using its good offices to assist in raising funds to financially support our youth who are willing to put in efforts to excel.

Equal weighting is given to vocational training and also for developing and honing inherent skills in our youth who wish to pursue technical disciplines. Zoroastrian children from indigent families are also assisted through a student sponsorship scheme supported by sponsors from all around the world.

The Medical Benevolent Fund

Now in its tenth year, the fund has reached a sum of £214,978 through single-handed efforts of one senior Life Member of the WZO. He has worked ceaselessly inspite of his increasing ill health to reach his own target of £250,000. This fund already supports applications for medicines and hospitalisation costs on an ongoing basis for those who do not have the financial resources or services in their own country of residence. We request donors to come forward for this very worthy and humanitarian cause for the benefit of our community.

The Holiday Project

A unique and well-considered project, specifically designed for widows and their children. This scheme provides for some a welcome break from the drudgeries of life. These families have a treat of a lifetime with an all expenses paid, door-to-door holiday, in the refreshing atmosphere of the hills of Khandala. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. (Mrs.) Shirinbanoo S. Kutar for this ongoing project.

Dinshaw Byramjee Madressa Fund

Mr. Marzi J. Byramjee was an initial contributor to the Dinshaw Byramjee Madressa Fund. This fund is organized to fund the religious education of Zoroastrian priests at the Madressa.

Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. Marzi Byramjee, for implementing this fund.

Roshan A. Dehnugara Benevolent Fund

This fund, set up in loving memory of Roshan, a well loved and respected member of the UK community, will utilize the income from the corpus for the relief of poverty among our brethren.

Our thanks to the Dehnugara family and others who have contributed to the fund.

WZO (India) Youth Wing

Since its inception in February 1997, the WZO (India) Youth Wing has organised a range of activities designed to benefit the young as well as the old and disadvantaged.

On 22nd February it celebrated it’s forth anniversary with a Jashan ceremony graced by the vada Dasturjee of Udvada, Dasturjee Dr Hormazdyar Mirza, accompanied by his son Ervad Peshotan Mirza. We wish the youth wing many more years of accomplishment and success in their endeavours for the benefit of the Zoroastrian community at home and abroad.

Sarosh Bana, President, WZO (India) Youth Wing presents an update and outlines below one of their current schemes in Udvada - The Ervad Ratanshah Katila Stopover Lodging Place.

Dasturji Kaikobad Dastur, one of the two vada Dasturjis of Udvada, blessed the "Ervad Ratansha Katila Stopover Lodging Place" of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (India) Youth Wing as he inaugurated it on 18th April 2001, in the presence of a large gathering.

"There was a heartfelt need for such a lodging in Udvada, which will be a boon for needy Parsi pilgrims", said Pak Iranshah Atashbehram secretary Merwanji Dastur.

WZO (India) Vice-President Dinshaw Tamboly remarked, "The Youth Wing has given shape to the vision of WZO (India), Joint Secretary Rohinton Chinoy, the late proprietor of the Union Press, whose dream it was for such a resort for the poorer sections of the community". Lauding the youth wing's efforts he pointed out that, though a section of detractors were seeking to thwart the WZO's progress, the worldwide organization would forge on regardless. The WZO flourishes on the unity of its members the world over and on the unstinted goodwill and support from its legions of patrons and well-wishers.

Welcoming the gathering, Sarosh Bana said the project, located close to the Iranshah, was a tribute to the memory of Ervad Katila, a staunch Zoroastrian who had upheld his principles all his life. He stressed that the facility, which was along the lines Chinoy had envisaged, did not aspire to be either a dharamshala or a hotel but a facility that would cater to those who find even the prevailing prices unaffordable and are hence unable to visit Udvada on their own.

This project, though largely complete thanks to the overwhelming response from donors all over the world, still required internal fixtures and fittings, and the necessary funds to sustain it in perpetuity. Contributions may please be sent by cheque made out to "WZO Youth Wing" and forwarded to Mr. Sarosh Bana, 52 Bakhtawar (main), 22 Narayan Dabholkar Road, Mumbai 400 006.

GENERAL COMMENTS

WZO pledges to carry on with its social and moral responsibility, its humanitarian work, medical assistance, religious and academic education, whenever and wherever it can reach out. Twenty-one years of experience have given us an insight into the hopes and aspirations of the wider community.

All we ask for is less politics and more trust to take us all forward. Your undiminished support both moral and financial will give us courage to project ourselves into a secure future.

It may perhaps be the time for the community to realize and accept that as its world body, WZO has an established successful track record of dealing with governments and international bodies for more than two decades. That performance should be positively recognised, and engender faith and trust that WZO will intervene when it becomes aware of instances were the community's or individual Zarathushti rights are compromised.

This element of WZO's activities cannot always be fully publicised, as this work needs to be done unobtrusively and quietly, in order to prevent adverse reaction.

This method clearly seems to be the correct one and also demonstrates mature and experienced leadership.

Those of us who work in committees and share the limelight and our quota of brickbats often fail to give due praise to our spouses supporting us in the background. Their assistance in many cases comes unquestioningly and is required during social functions, correspondence, preparing mailing lists and all the little things that need doing. Rarely mentioned, it is worth putting on record that we owe them our sincere thanks and of course their unending support.

The 7th World Zoroastrian Congress held in Houston seems to have focused and motivated the mindsof the Zarathushti community as never before. There is now a sense of urgency, an acceleratedmomentum for change. They have taken the bull by the horns, they have bitten the bullet. They simply don't want to carry on in the same old ways; they want to declare the Universality of Zarathushtra's Vision, no longer restricted to the traditional homelands of our faith.

We see resurgence in the Zoroastrian religion as far away as Russia, Uzbekistan and parts of Europe.

Who would have dreamt, that individuals, associations and anjumans would have even dared to debate the definition of 'Who is a Zarathushti.' Is this a new beginning? Only time will tell.

Focus Groups

The 7th World Zoroastrian Congress held in Houston in December 2000 laid the foundation to the formation of numerous focus groups one of which was the Zarathushti/Zoroastrian Women's International Network (ZWIN).

The founding members, many of them already active in community services in their own geographic areas are successful women at a personal and professional level. They bring together under one umbrella some of our finest brains and a wealth of experience in women's affairs, allowing Zoroastrian women to communicate at a global level.

They have set up the parameters of their activities and their key goals are as follows:

- To study the changing trends of the social structure of the community and to help individuals and families understand and visualize our interconnected web and
- Common heritage, however geographically separated we may be, through a study of family genealogy and profiles.
- To collect and disseminate accurate and pertinent medical information to membersof our community to enable us to enjoy optimal health and well being.
- To assist and facilitate medical research that pertains to our community. A currentproject is the Breast Cancer Project at the University of Washington in Seattle.
- To build a database of Zarathushti health care professionals worldwide.
- To assess the socio-psychological needs of the community by conducting a surveyprioritising areas for assistance to form the basis of future projects.


Contact via a web-site to Dr. Zareen Karani Araoz:
http://www.managingcultures.com, e-mail \[EMAIL=zwin3-subscribe@yayoogroups.com\]zwin3-subscribe@yayoogroups.com\[/EMAIL\].

THANKS BY WZO

The International Board of the World Zoroastrian Organisation wishes to record its sincere gratitude for the continued support and financial help received from the Late Mehraban Farhangi and his dear wife Goli, donors of the World Zarathushtrian Trust Fund and benefactors to other WZO Trust Funds.

We wish to express our sincere thanks and deep appreciation also to:

The Trustees of Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund - Mumbai, India for their exceptional support for the causes espoused by WZO.

The Trustees of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton and Macao, at Hong Kong, who have been very generous in their support to the various appeals passed on to them.

The President and members of The Karachi Zoroastrian Banu Mandal, for their services to the entire Zoroastrian community in Pakistan and for their staunch support, financial help and fund raising efforts for the many worthy causes funded through the WZO.

The Firuz Madon Foundation, UK for its much-appreciated support in all the WZO's activities.

Dinshaw and Bachi Tamboli, the catalysts who have awoken the community's conscience, forging and shaping a new revitalised future, through ceaseless dedication in serving the community.

The Chairman, Mr. Dadi B Engineer and Members of the India Committee.

The Trustees in India of the WZO Trust Funds, the WZO Trust for Women and Children and the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust.

Dr. (Mrs.) Shirinbanoo S. Kutar, our past Chairman, who continues to motivate WZO with her immense wisdom and moral support. The Zoroastrian community owes much to her and the Late Dasturji, (Dr.) Sohrabji H. Kutar, High Priest of the Zoroastrians in the UK and Europe, for their benevolence through the various Trust Funds endowed upon the community worldwide.

Mr. Keki Bhote - President WZO US Region, for incorporating a WZO Chapter in the USA and for assisting WZO in the furtherance of all its causes.

Mr. Sarosh Bana President WZO (India) Youth Wing, and all its members for their multifarious activities, for relief of the poor sections of the community and for the Udvada Project.

Mr. Firoj Panthaky and Mr. Farrokh Kasad who volunteer freely their services in harsh working conditions, offering guidance and expertise to the deprived sections of the community.

The Proprietors and Editors of the Bombay Samachar, Parsiana and Jam-e-Jamshed in India and the Parsi Sansar in Karachi.

The World Zoroastrian Organisation wishes to express its thanks for the legacies endowed from the estates of deceased members of our community and for putting their trust in the Board Members of WZO to act as executors of their estate.

Our Well Wishers and Supporters World Wide for their confidence and financial support without which the WZO could not sustain enduringly all that has been achieved so far in Social, Economic and Religious matters.

The Auditors, Nash Harvey, for providing their services to the WZO.

We conclude the report with the following verse from:

The Hymns of Zarathushtra

"O Mazda, from the beginning
You fashioned for us
physical bodies, an awakened conscience and a
directive intelligence
through your own Mind.
You infused life breath
into mortal forms.
You granted us
capacities to act and true teachings to guide us
so that we could choose to be with You or against You"

(Yasna 31.11).

"Since then
each lifts up his voice to proclaim his faith,
both the liar and the truth-speaker,
whether learned or unlearned,
according to his own heart and mind.
But compassionate Devotion stands by
to deliberate with the spirit
of whoever is perplexed by doubt"

(Yasna 31.12).

Atha Zamyat Yatha Afrinami
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