VOL 6
November 2007
FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY
Journal of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce
Piruz Khambatta Chairman & Managing Director
RASNA Pvt. Ltd.
Who they are? What do they want to be?
Cheers! Australia hosts the
4th WZYC
1 Wzcc's Vision: To facilitate networking, Enhance trade & commerce & Re-energise the Zarathushti entrepreneurial spirit SynergyZ November-2007-bleed.indd 1
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VOL 5 • NOVEMBER 2007 • FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY
SYNERGYZ
VOL 6
November 2007
FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY
Journal of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce
Journal of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce
Published by the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce Piruz Khambatta Chairman & Managing Director
RASNA Pvt. Ltd.
Registered Office: 5750 South Jackson St. Hinsdale, IL 60521- 5109 Website: http://www.wzcc.net
Who they are? What do they want to be?
Cheers! Australia hosts the
4th WZYC
President: Bomy Boyce 1 Wzcc's Vision: To facilitate networking, Enhance trade & commerce & Re-energise the Zarathushti entrepreneurial spirit
WZCC Journal Conceived and Developed by: Meher Bhesania, WZCC Director, Middle East Region
Contents
Treasurer: Barjor Bajan, P.O.Box 2222, Dubai, UAE Tel: 009714 3930660 Editorial Board: Burjor Patel, General Manager, Khaleej Times, Dubai Karl Mehta, Managing Director, Blitz Media & Communication Kersy Bhesania, Businessman, Dubai, (WZCC Journal Committee Chair) Noshir Engineer, Director, Event Management Development Institute Hoshi Siganporia, Managing Director, The Big Idea Co., Dubai Nowshir Patel, Managing Director, Perfect Graphics, Dubai
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Contributing Editors: Marzban Giara , Mumbai, India Mithi Daver , Sydney, Australia Pervin Khajotia Idnani , Dubai, UAE Shernaaz Engineer , Mumbai, India
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WZCC Chapters & Chapter Chairs Australia Filli Madon Canada-Toronto Sam Meer Canada-Montreal Parviz Shahriari India-Ahmedabad Oorvaksh Medora lndia-Delhi Rustom Daroga India-Hyderabad Jehangir Bisney India-Mumbai Edil Katrak India-Pune Adi Engineer India-Surat Hormazdiyar Patel Iran Khodayar Attaie Middle East Meher Bhesania Karachi-Pakistan Soli Parakh UK Shernaz Engineer USA Atlanta Rustom Kanga USA Chicago Yazdi Godiwala USA Houston Behroze Daruwalla USA-Los Angeles H.Bhoodanwala USA-New York Arnaz Maneckshana USA-North Texas Firdosh Mehta USA-San Francisco Jamshed Gandhi USA-Seattle Jehangir Bharucha Other Representatives: Hong Kong Jal Shroff Singapore Russi Ghadiali China Mehernosh Pastakia
pars09@yahoo.com sam_meer@devencoregva. com laser@gemvis.com Oorvaksh@medoraindia.co rustom@selvelvantagegroup.com hyd2_bisney@sancharnet.in synochem@vsnl.com adiengr@hotmail.com automotive_pressing@hotmail.com khodayarattaie@hotmail.com bhesania@emirates.net.ae soli.r.parakh@pk.pwc.com shenaz@verityappointments.com rkanga@comsat.net godiwaly@uww.edu behroze@ssrx.com wzcc_la@yahoo.com AManeksha@aol.com fdjmehta@charter.net Jbgandi@bgwbcpas.com jehanb@improcon.com
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Legendary Success Story of Piruz Khambatta,
Shroff@fossil.com russighadiali@yahoo.com ahuranet@public2.bta.net.cn
The Publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this journal, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this journal are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this journal which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this journal or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form wthout the permission of the publishers in writing. An excemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purose of fair review.
Chairman and Managing Director, Rasna Pvt. Ltd.
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Australia hosts the 4th WZYC
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Talk with the Titans
15
Best of Editors & Journalists
16
Young Entrepreneurs
18
Meet the 20 Big Dreamers and Excellers
23
Young Musicians and Singers
30
Zoroastrian Diaspora in Dubai
36
WZCC Trade Delegation to Karachi
40
Shernaz Engineer meets with the Queen
41
Business Cell Seminar - Mumbai Chapter
42
Lets go into Business, WZCC Houston
44
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President's Message
Moving Forward I
am happy to say that the Trade Delegation to Pakistan organized by the India Chamber has been a magnificent success. We owe thanks to Byram Avari, one of our Honorary Members, who played a very significant part in “making things happen”. He also extended his gratuitous hospitality to all the delegates at his Avari Towers. With Byram’s help, the Karachi Chapter of WZCC has been set up and we wish Soli Parakh, the Chapter Chair, every success.
Byram’s help, “With the Karachi Chapter of WZCC has been set up and we wish Soli Parakh, the Chapter Chair, every success.
”
The organizing of travel, obtaining of visas, etc. was very ably managed by Edil Katrak, Chapter Chair, Mumbai Chapter and we express our appreciation to him. We also owe thanks to the dynamic leadership of Minoo Shroff, who interfaced with Pakistani Government officials and business leaders in Karachi. The Government of India is reaching out to various Diasporas to attend the Bharatya Pravasi Divas. I would like to encourage WZCC members to participate in this event. The Business Matrix Units continue to be established. One such Unit is now established in Toronto. A contest has been started offering financing of $100,000 to people who would submit the best business plan. The Mumbai Chapter has already held a one-day seminar with interested members to exchange ideas and opportunities. You will read more about this in this issue. As many of you are aware, the WZCC day at the XIV North American Zoroastrian Congress was a great success. There were many attendees. To further the progress in exchanging business ideas and opportunities through BMU, I had in my speech invited donations to cover continuing costs. I am happy to say that some of the attendees recognized the potentials and offered donations, totalling over US$10,000/-. The names of the Donors will soon be entered in WZCC web. The next AGM of WZCC will take place at Pune, India on 12 and 13 January, 2008. The Pune Chapter Chair, Mr. Adi Engineer, the ex (retired) MD of Tata Power Ltd., has agreed to take on this challenge. We look forward to members from various regions participating in the event and making it a grand success! Bomy Boyce President, WZCC 5
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From the Regional Director - ME
Welcome to SynergyZ This issue is dedicated to the youth and it co-incides with the Fourth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress, taking place in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, this year end. Putting this issue together was an amazing experience. Lots of hard work went towards preparation, but in the end it was gratifying to publish the stories of young entrepreneurs and professionals who are exploring new routes to productivity, profitability and progress. Also the stories of our young businessmen are inspiring when we see them following the tried and true rules of business and building up their brands. Some are fortunate to have successful fathers whom they can look up to for advice. Equally inspiring are stories of professionals who have excelled in various fields like engineering, science, arts, culture, sports and music. It’s only a matter of time when many of them will leave their mark on the world with excellent display of their work. In addition to all this, the issue contains interesting news on WZCC Chapters and the opening of a new Chapter in Karachi. It also contains the profiles of contributing editors of SynergyZ who have given freely of their time and expertise to write interesting stories and profiles in various issues of SynergyZ. Also the interview with the Titans, a program organized by WZCC at the Toronto Congress, is covered in this issue. So sit back and enjoy SynergyZ! If you have any interesting stories or ideas then please share the same with us by writing to wzccsynergyz@gmail.com and we shall be happy to review and publish them in our future issues. From the wonderful team of SynergyZ, we wish you all a very Happy 2008!
Good Wishes, Meher Bhesania
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Meet Mr. Piruz Khambatta Chairman and Managing Director, RASNA Pvt. Ltd. Today Mr. Khambatta with his ingenuous qualities of hands-on-management and innovativeness in products and promotions has developed RASNA into a legendary Indian success story.
RIDING HIGH ON
STEADY BY MARZBAN GIARA
Born on 7th January 1968, joined his father’s business at the age of 18 Mr. Piruz Khambatta became the Chairman and Managing Director of Rasna Pvt Ltd.in 1997. Rasna is India’s largest and the most popular Soft Drink Concentrates brand. Present annual turnover Rs.350 crores. Exports account for 20% of the total sales. His company has a track record of 15-20% compounded growth since 1997 when Piruz took over. The company is certified with ISO 9001-2000 and has offices in U.S.A., Dubai and Bangladesh..
Rasna has the distinction of being ranked No. 1 in the beverages category as the Most Trusted Brand by Brand Equity’s Nationwide Survey 2003 conducted by A.C. Nielsen and Economic Times, and rated as the No. 15 top brand in India, including service brands. Relentless dedication and hard work by the Rasna team also earned Rasna the honor of being adjudged the Most preferred brand in the Soft Drink Concentrates category at the FMCG Most Preferred Awards 2003. Rasna has got Consumer Award for the year 2005. Under Mr. Khambatta’s leadership the company has developed core strengths in brand salience, consumer understanding led marketing and a distribution network that spans the entire country. This highly competitive company remains strong on innovations and has an effective promotion and advertising platform that is based on intensive research.
Today, Mr. Khambatta with his ingenuous qualities of hands-onmanagement and innovativeness in products and promotions has developed Rasna into a legendary Indian success story. Rasna has braved competition from giants like International Best Foods, Unilever, Coca Cola, Rallis and a host of smaller players. Currently enjoying 97% market share, Rasna has left its competitors far behind.
Rasna’s advertising and marketing has received notable awards
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With an aggressive price strategy Rasna has grown phenomenally in recent years (introduction of 50 paise pouches for the first time in the world), added to that is the emotional appeal Rasna has struck with its target audience by roping in Ms. Karisma Kapur, Kapil Dev, Paresh Raval, Hrithik Roshan, as its Brand Ambassadors.
Rasna’s greatest achievement was to provide a drink to the common man, by making each product more accessible and affordable to reach every nook and corner of the country.
Rasna’s greatest achievement in recent months was to provide a drink to the common man, by making each product more accessible and affordable to reach every nook and corner of the country. Taking the lead further, Rasna has now set its sight upon the Cola market with latest Soft Drink Concentrate launch - Rasna Cola Cola and ethnic herbal makes with launch of Kharka Range of mixes.
Rasna has braved competition from giants like International Best Foods, Unilever, Coca Cola, Rallis and a host of smaller players. Currently it enjoys 97% market share amd has left its competitors far behind.
Under Mr. Khambatta’s leadership Rasna has also had success with foods, especially with its ‘Rasna Spread Maker’ & ‘Rasna International’. With these products Rasna has spread its supremacy to over 40 countries across the globe. Its mammoth overseas operations make concentrates worth 200 crores i.e. 2 billion glasses - making it one of the biggest brand concentrate business in the world. Rasna’s vast product portfolio in exports consists of Instant Drinks, Sports Drinks, low sugar drinks, Soft Drink Concentrates in dual form – Powder & Liquid, Fruit Jams, Fruit Cordial, Rasna flavors and Fruit Syrups; Rasna’s ethnic basket includes - Rasna Curry in a Hurry, Pickles, Curry Paste, Instant Curry Mix Powder, Chutneys and Rasna Syrups. The latest being Rasna Bollywood Bite snacks which is India’s first Namkeens in a canister pack. Rasna is the only Indian company to launch Juice based drinks in Tetrapak ‘Juc Fit’.
GROWTH every year. With each campaign’s personal supervision by Mr. Khambatta right from the storyboard stage to end stage, this attention to detail has lead to innovative and unique promotion schemes like Rasna Genie scheme, Rasna Prankies or the latest - Sky Party with Karisma contest. Mr. Khambatta’s accomplishments at Rasna lie in his diligence in developing innovative concepts, whether it is the pioneering ‘Relish a gain’ corporate strategy or the introduction of the revolutionary Rasna ‘Ek ka Do’, cited as the single biggest attempt by a company of this category to grow the market. Using 1 ka 2 - Rasna reached out to the masses. Armed with down-to-earth marketing, the localization of the flavour names and the introduction of ‘paan wallah’ salesmen, Rasna has penetrated into the remotest corners of the country. Rasna became the first company to introduce combination flavors in India in 1998 under the brand, Rasna Jungle Fun. Rasna was also the first company to launch Chota Packs, for the Urban Lower Middle class and the Rural Middle Class, making it one of the select branded packaged foods to be available in rural India.
Rasna’s international operations in more than 40 countries in the world are backed with a vast distribution network of 7 factories in India at various locations. The 5 Sales Offices and 24 warehouses are backed up with a dedicated sales force of 350 people and a factory workforce of 1000 people. Rasna’s products are available in the remotest corners with the help of the 2500 stockists and 17,00,000 retailers contributing to its enormous success. Management institutes have written case studies on its competitive aggressiveness, On the corporate level too Mr. Khambatta is actively involved in industry affairs through various associations. He is the Co-Chairman – of the West Zone of All India Food Processors’ Association, was Chairman of CII Gujarat Council for 2003-04 and has been re-elected for the year 2004-05 as well. He was Chairman CII National Committee on Food Processing for the year 2005-06 and has been re-elected for the year 2006-07 and 200708. In addition to that he is active in National & Western Regional committee and Council of CII, and has steered many events and functions as Chairman in CII. He is Chairman FMCG Task force, CII Western Region. Mr. Khambatta’s relentless dedication and foresight to take his company to greater heights has won him the prestigious ‘Dadabhai Naoroji Millennium Award’ 2003, in recognition of his achievement as Young Entrepreneur.
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(Left to Right) Piruz Khambatta with his wife and Parents Mr. and Mrs. Areez Khambatta
Also, the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) has conferred the ‘AMA - Zudys Cadila Marketing Man of the Year Award’ to him in 2004. Mr. Khambatta has been conferred the “Kashalkar Memorial Award”, for the year 2005, for his outstanding contribution to the development of Food Processing Industries in the Country. The award was presented to him, by Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Hon’ble Union Minister for Food Processing Industries. This is a very prestigious award given by The All India Food Processors Association, for exemplary work done by individuals in the field of Food Processing. On the academics front, Mr. Khambatta has a Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelors degree in Law. He has also attended several courses in management at the prestigious Wharton School, Philadelphia and IIM Kolkata. Rasna is scouting for acquiring a Rs.100 crore snack and packaged foods company in the Middle East or South Africa by
the year end. It is also developing speciality precuts for malls and supermarkets. Piruz’s hobbies are: 1. Active involvement with Confederation of Indian Industries for development of industry. The CSR wing of the CII has adopted villages in rural areas and provided them with sanitary facilities. 2. Travelling and 3. Walking. Piruz feels that Parsi youths are complacent. They need to study hard and compete. They need to be guided. On his part he gave a one hour presentation to the Ahmedabad Parsi Youth League. Piruz says :”India is the land of opportunities.” When asked what is his secret of success, he said, he follows his illustrious father’s example of being focussed on a cause and pursuing it relentlessly.
Very Tasty, Very Healthy SynergyZ November-2007-bleed.indd 10
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Shiraz J. Mistry Chairman, 4th WZYC 2007 I am very honoured to therefore take on the role as the leader of this Congress. This is a great personal opportunity and I would like to thank those who have given us this privilege to serve our people.
Reflections
From sweeping floors at our local Zoroastrian Association of Victoria functions when we were young boys, my brother and I have been involved in many “good deeds” for the benefit of the local Zoroastrian community in Melbourne, Australia. I went on to become the Vice-President several years later of the same Association. My brother, Naushad, and sister-in-law, Mehernaz, were one of the first people who immediately came to my assistance and who supported the 4thWZYC2007 when I was delegated at Pune in December 2003 to Chair this global event. When I was young I attended Sunday school taught at our house. Who would have thought at that time that several years later, I too would be teaching the Youth of today about our beautiful religion? Our humble beginning with only a few families was yet a strong group of people joined together for the sake of our religion. I get along with most people and it is the children, the youth of tomorrow who seem to gravitate towards me. The numbers of families over the years have increased and we are happy that our Zoroastrian fold is ever growing in size.
As the Congress was given to “Australia” and not to any one city or state in it, I am very happy that my Vice-Chair is from Perth. Delara C. Mistry brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the Youth scene in Australia and I am very fortunate to have her on this winning team. Our hard working Honorary Secretary, Shirin J. Mistry, is well known amongst the Zoroastrian circles in Cyberspace and is the one writing to various bodies and associations and individuals, informing them about the Congress. The purse strings are carefully monitored by our dedicated and meticulous Treasurer/Financial Controller, Khushroo N. Patel. So what have I learnt from this whole experience? Much of what I have learnt is to do with Teamwork. When I was delegated, I looked for like-minded strong individuals to build the foundations for the project. Inviting people to be on the Executive Board was as much a matter of luck as me knowing the strengths of each person in the group. Together we have worked hard and will continue to do so beyond the Congress boundaries. One thing that I have learnt from London in 1997 was of the positive vibe and energy that was created by all members of the Organising team. Again, this was seen in the Pune Organisers in 2003 during the 3rd World Zoroastrian Youth Congress.
Australia
hosts the 4th World Zoroastrian Youth Congress from 27th December, 2007 to 3rd January 2008
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We had learnt a great deal from Pune. One of the things they did mention was that it’s best to have everyone in the same place so it was easier to manage the crowds. With that in mind, I thought that an ideal place would be like a University as the prices to hold a Congress in the heart of Melbourne, as nice as that sounds, was going to be very expensive – especially for the overseas Delegates. I chose Ballarat as the city that would be very unique for the International delegates. One of our Zoroastrian Priests, Er Zarbux Karkaria, and I set off to book the University of Ballarat in Early 2004. We were informed that there was no one going to be taking up residence during the summer holidays of 2007, so we booked the place for ourselves. During the years that followed, Ian Parker of the University of Ballarat has been organising various buildings and facilities and genuinely helping the Executive Board to make this a very unique experience for all who choose to take up this offer. The Australian bush setting of the University will be something that many will not have experienced before and this is something that will be another thing to remember our Congress by.
human beings right through to the papers and pens! For me and many of the other organisers, juggling a full time job and working on the Congress has been a very interesting act. The Congress is something that does take a great deal of balance and devotion. Placing too much emphasis on one thing could be a detriment for another part of it. I think it would be correct to say that the respective companies we work at are learning a great deal about us and Zoroastrianism , thanks to the Congress – I know some of my colleagues are! As part of this journey, I have had the best time meeting and communicating face to face with several people. Some are just learning to walk and some are just learning to slow down. However, they all have one thing in common – they help where ever they can. Small donations are from the largest hearts I know. At many of the Info sessions, I have met the local Zoroastrian Youth who are very excited to be having the Congress in Australia. In London at the 8th World Zoroastrian Congress, I had the good fortune to meet many people I had met when I was there for the Youth Congress in 1997. It was really good to catch up and renew old friendships. I have learnt that going anywhere in this world and being a Zoroastrian, you are always welcome. Flying half way around the world and still keeping in touch and so welcomed is something to be treasured and it is something we on the Executive Board wish to offer all Delegates at this Congress too. We want them to make Friends Forever.
To organise such an event as a World Congress is a big adventure and it can be seen as a logistical nightmare without the proper stones in place. Since this was taking place in Ballarat and not Melbourne, visiting the University of Ballarat to ensure everything was running smoothly required a lot of effort and co-ordination between the Executive Board and the very helpful staff at the University itself. We must not forget the generous assistance from the City of Ballarat for all their efforts with the Congress. Their guidance and constant support has been invaluable when we needed it.
The biggest motivator has been the true energy shown by the global Youth themselves. Using programs such as MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger have been a way to tap right into how the Youth are feeling about this event. The buzz has been extremely positive whoever I have spoken to. Some are unable to make it, but they are also very excited and make positive and encouraging comments wishing us well with the whole event.
We live in an age where Communication is done using technology as a means to get the message across. Email, the tool we rely upon more than the telephone, has been a necessary resource of how we communicated within the Dream Team 2007. Having Delara physically located away from Melbourne, it was never a problem to get in touch with her with a quick email or two. Of course having telephone conferences was another method we used to keep in touch. Using email again we were able to invite Guest Speakers, Dignitaries and special guests to this Congress. Remember that our Zoroastrians are miles and miles apart and in different time zones, so the best method still would be using emails as a tool for communication. Sending out flyers announcing various themes and activities about the Congress was also done on a large scale with emails being sent to various mailing lists around the globe. We are very thankful to the various moderators and Administrators of those lists for passing on the messages to as many Zoroastrians as possible. We would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the different webmasters of web sites that have promoted our Congress to all.
One of the many things that I have learnt is that there are going to be many disappointments during the course of the lead up to the Congress, especially with people dropping out! People wanting to be billeted with their own friends during their stay at the University, people wanting us to do their tourist bookings before and after the Congress and organising extras for them, volunteers breaking promises are all examples of how hard it is to organise any Congress. I have attended many conferences and I never really appreciated the Administration side of the work – until now! We have done a great deal of research when developing these forms and we are still quite astonished that forms are coming to us incorrectly filled in. Since this is a Youth Congress and we are trying to encourage as much participation from the younger members of the Zoroastrian faith, it means that when they fill in the forms, certain items may be inadvertently left unfilled on the form. Thus constant follow ups and reminders are a common thing and will be, right up till the Congress commences in December. Blood type is a common one that is left off the forms as many do not know theirs. Also for minors under the age of 18, a parental letter of consent is needed with the Registration Form, sometimes this was missing and another follow up was required. As you can see, a great deal of our time is spent chasing people for details. One big headache that the Finance people have faced has been that even though we have written that money must be sent in Australian Dollars, some people have chosen to ignore this and have sent money in various foreign currencies. As you must be able to appreciate, every time a bank transaction takes place to convert into Australian Dollars we are out of pocket. Multiply this over the people that forgot and the amounts we lose become quite significant.
Organising events like this, for me for the first time, needs a lot of preparation and planning. We are constantly learning how to do things better than before. I think that one of the best assets we have as a group, has been the diversity of experiences and backgrounds. The volunteers that I have come across have complemented each other and I am very proud to have served with them. From the very young helpers to the very skilled elders, we are very fortunate to have such a good mix of people.
One of my first aims when Australia got given the honour of hosting this event was to create a Yahoo! Groups mailing list.
Much of the Executive Board’s time has been spent on constantly organising the resources for the Congress, from the physical
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For me, it was a way to keep in touch and inform those on a mailing list about the Congress. Many of the ideas of the Congress and the tentative timetable have been a direct result of interaction among the Zoroastrian Youth on this mailing list. Since I created this mailing list, I was also the moderator. This mailing list also needed to have some specific rules and regulations and thus the Executive Board went about creating those for all attendees. If you are a member, you will have also seen that besides the Congress, we have discussed many topics of interest to the Youth. Some may question why topics are not directly related to the Congress being discussed here, however, those same few will forget that the topics are the result of the Youth having a healthy conversation in a forum they feel comfortable doing so. As the moderator, it is my duty to ensure that things go smoothly and I am very glad to say that I have never had to once interject with people using bad language. There may be opposing views on topics, but all members have given their opinions in a very respectful manner towards the opposition. I am very proud of the Zoroastrian Youth and am very glad to see the dialogue continue. This is what it is all about – empowering the Youth of tomorrow to analyse and respect the religion of their Forefathers and continue to do so well into the next millennium.
trying to cater for what was important to the Zoroastrian Youth. Very early on we learnt that the Youth did not want the boring long speeches and there had to be a mix of activities. It will be a time to meet new people from all different countries, but having the one same goal – Having fun while learning more about the Zoroastrian religion. Working for various companies and having input from various Volunteers has shown that there is always a need to have consistency in everything we do. Having a theme, a logo and a letterhead that were interwoven with the motto of the Congress was something that I am proud to say has worked well. Support from other Australian Zoroastrian Associations. As pointed out by our Vice-Chair, The 4thWZYC2007 was give to Australia, so we therefore appreciate the positive assistance given by the President and Committee Members of AZA of NSW (Australian Zoroastrian Association of New South Wales) and ZAWA (Zoroastrian Association of Western Australia). Men cooking? Well, this was another idea from the positive dialogue of the Youth on the Yahoo! Mailing List. Then someone in the group suggested a Cook Book for the attendees at the Congress. We sought the expert culinary skills and knowledge of Dr. Katy Dalal. With the assistance of the group of assistants around her, she was able to give us a comprehensive list of mouth watering recipes to create our own feast. As many of the Executive Board have commented, these “recipes are set out in simple, easy to follow steps that are mouth-watering just by their titles.” The people who get the opportunity to own one of these limited edition Cookbooks will see and savour the large hearted magnanimity of such a humble and well respected contributor to the preservation of Parsi culture via its cuisine.
Like corporate businesses, the chairman is involved with all projects for this event. I am glad that I have been able to oversee the various stages of tasks that have been allocated to people. From the business cards we have designed, the letterhead for our Official correspondence, the various flyers that have been sent, the unique Congress stamps, the dialogue of ideas from the Youth on the Congress Mail list and countless other activities, I am very fortunate to be able to see, discuss and present a view that is my own. Of course, this is in consultation with the Executive Board and senior volunteers without whose constant guidance we would be at sea.
In conclusion, I would like to say that for anyone thinking of doing something like organising a Global event such as a World Congress, I would like to wish them all the very best. I hope that they have as much personal success and excitement as I have discovered along the way. I have been asked, “If I had this chance again, would I do it again?” I would empathically reply in the affirmative as this has been one project that I am very proud to be involved in. Of course, we have had tough times, but why are we doing all this? It’s for the future generations! Babies like my nephew, Aarish, are the future and we need to ensure that the religion he is fortunate to be born into continues beyond his lifetime. We all have a very unique opportunity in that we have loving and stable families. With this winning combination and a will to survive well into the Future, I can see that our Zoroastrian religion and race will flourish all over the globe.
A great idea might be a logistical nightmare. For example, those who know the physical location of Ballarat will know that there is no water close by, so when our Vice-Chair had the idea of having a Beach Party at a real beach, during the Congress, we all said “Not possible!” However, with a little bit of discussion with Ian Parker at the University of Ballarat, we will be visiting the beaches around Geelong. It sounded fine until we realised the logistics of transporting all attendees to the beach. This required some major research and Shirin and Jimmy Mistry were assigned the task of investigating the feasibility of this great idea from a Youth. As they say, where there is a will there is a way, we have now found a most suitable spot for the Aussie Beach Party to go ahead. With such a big event taking place and I having a hand in all activities, it is important that I make sure we have a balance between the Zoroastrian religious content and the Australian flavour we are placing on this Congress. Yes, we can mix both and make it a truly memorable experience for all who choose to take up this opportunity. What I have learnt over the course of these years, is in how to strike that balance! Having a tentative timetable and asking what the Youth wanted was one way to obtain a balance by
Today’s babies are tomorrow’s Youth! Let us all work towards making their future a great success by building the foundations for a great tomorrow to match our yesterdays. Shiraz J. Mistry Chairman, 4thWZYC2007
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Talk with the Titans
Mr. Ratan Tata
Mr. Nadir Godrej
Lord Karan Bilimoria
The 14th North American Zoroastrian Congress held under the auspices of FEZANA(Federation of Zoroastrian Associations in North America) at Toronto, gave poignant importance to trade, commerce and entrepreneurship. The organisers skillfully interweaved a unique interactive video conferencing session on the ‘Talk with the Titans’ably moderated by Mr. Minoo Shroff. The Titans who participated were Mr. Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Group; Mr. Nadir Godrej, Director of the Godrej Group, Lord Karan Bilimoria of Cobra Beer, UK; Mr. Byram Avari, Chairman of the Avari Group in Pakistan and Mr. Fali Nariman, legal luminary of India and a retired member of the Rajya Sabha.
Mr. Byram Avari
Mr. Fali Nariman
- specially on the economic front by helping every member of the community to the extent possible. He also advocated the need to develop contacts with Zoroastrians living in the Central Republics of Independent States and network together in areas of common interest. Prior to moderating this program, Mr. Minoo Shroff in his keynote address, brought out the challenges facing the community and observed that despite the migration of Zoroastrians from India, Iran and Pakistan to various countries of the west, “they have adjusted themselves admirably wherever they have settled, readily absorbing the culture of the host countries while continuing to practice their religion Mr. Minoo Shroff and upholding as best as they can their ancient traditions.” He added that “although Parsis constituted barely 0.006% of India’s population, their contribution in the field of trade, commerce, industry and defence has been significantly remarkable.
The entire discussion and debate revolved round specified topics, viz: • What are the major economic and social issues confronting the community • How do you see Zoroastrians participating in global opportunities • How do we get the Zoroastrian diaspora worldwide integrated with the Parsi community in India • How far have our values influenced the Zoroastrian spirit of enterprise in today’s multi-ethnic global scenario. According to Mr. Ratan Tata – whose role model was his mentor the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata - “Zoroastrians who have spread all over the world should consider themselves as a global community. Centres of excellence are scattered all over the world and we should network and get connected as in the case of this Congress. Our community has thrived in India because of our high values and integrity which is a tribute to our ancestors who set the pace for us.”
On the Indian economic performance, he mentioned that “ Indian GDP has grown at a sizzling annual rate of over 8.5% during the last four years. GDP has just crossed $1 trillion in nominal terms and $ 4.5 trillion in purchasing power parity terms, equaling that of Japan. India therefore is in a challenging process of change.”
The poet in Mr. Nadir Godrej, whilst endorsing what Mr. Tata said narrated a beautiful limerick tracing our past, present and giving an insight to the future not only for Parsis in India but those who have migrated to the west.
On the role of Zoroastrian Enterprises in India he said that today out of 25 top industrial groups, four are controlled and managed by Parsi entrepreneurs. He lamented that “ the earlier zest which led to our pre-eminence in trade and industry before independence has waned somewhat due to more lucrative opportunities in the professions and easier availability of well remunerated jobs. What is lacking today is dash and energy”. He felt that emergence of the WZCC will give a spur to the spirit of entrepreneurship among the Zoroastrian youth. He felt that globally, Zoroastrians “enjoy a high Brand Equity because of our unique qualities of trust, character, competence, civility, joie de vivre and above all self-confidence. Let us build on this priceless legacy.”
Lord Karan Bilimoria traced his success to the upbringing received from his parents and the dominant influence of Prophet Zarathushtra’s doctrine. When he entered the House of Lords for the first time, he was overwhelmed by the role played by Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji the first Indian to be appointed to the House of Commons. Mr. Byram Avari eulogized the training he received from his father who migrated to Pakistan from Navsari and who encouraged him to shape the business empire which he and his sons in turn have now built. He was really proud to be a Zoroastrian and more proud to call his Group as a Parsi Group – nurtured and administered by him and his family. He further proclaimed that although he was an orthodox in his beliefs, he has now realized the importance of looking outward, listening to others, appreciating their viewpoints and taking a much broader view of Zoroastrians settled in different corners of the world.
In finality, Mr. Shroff observed that our numbers may have declined but our values, tradition and moral fiber are still in tact. He concluded with the wise words of India’s erudite President, Dr. Abdul Kalam “Dream is not what you see in sleep; Dream is the thing which does not let you sleep. Past has been great, it is in our hands to make the future glitter.”
Mr. Fali Nariman being an astute lawyer gave a very balanced view of what confronts the Parsis in India and Zoroastrians abroad. He emphasized the need to respect differing views and to work unitedly
By Homai Homi Mehta
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SynergyZ compliments the Best of Editors & Journalists
Marzban Jamshedji Giara
Born at Navsari in 1942 in a simple but religious Parsi Zarathushti family. A science graduate of Bombay University with a postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management he served for 14 years with IBM as a computer marketing professional. Keenly interested in self-development, he is a life member of Bombay Parsi Association, Iran League, Bombay Management Association, British Council Library, Computer Society of India, International Tourism Council, Indo American Society, Indo Iran Friendship Society, K. R. Cama Oriental Institute. He has been an active member of various social, cultural and religious organisations in Mumbai and served on various committees.
Marzban Jamshedji Giara is the author, publisher and distributor of books on Zarathushti religion, Parsi history. In the eighties he helped Dr. Surti to publish seven volumes of SHAH NAMEH OF FIRDAOSI in English Prose. What started as a hobby has become a full time obsession. In the past 23 years he has produced many firsts including the Zoroastrian Worship Temples, Pilgrim’s Guide, Parsi Statues and many other books, some authored or compiled by him, some translated from Gujarati into English. He is perhaps the only one who has had a track record of consistent performance in bringing out new and informative publications that meet the needs of the community and all this with his own resources, without seeking any sponsorship. He is also the contributing editor to SynergyZ.
His parents and his teachers have been the inspiration for him. Right from childhood, his father ingrained in him the idea: “ Son, be a creator and not a spectator in life. We must give back to society more than what we have received from it.” These words have motivated him to pursue his noble work of bringing out new and innovative books in the service of the community. Married to Bapsy (nee Daruvala) since 1969, they have a son Zareer. The family’s support and encouragement from friends and well wishers motivates him to carry on with his work in his chosen field of endeavour.
He has been working zealously for the spread of religious education by taking books to the people at various community functions. A keen student of Parsi history and Zarathushti religion he is an independent thinker, writer, public speaker and research worker.
Shernaaz Engineer
New York City, and the Washington State Department for Women. She counts it as an amazing experience and wrote prolifically about it.
Shernaaz Engineer has just been featured in Zerbanoo Gifford’s book on the world’s most influential women. A popular columnist with the ‘Afternoon Despatch & Courier’ and formerly with the ‘Bombay Times’, Shernaaz Engineer is a Mumbai-based journalist writing for leading publications. She’s also Consulting Features Editor for ‘The Free Press Journal’.
Shernaaz later went on to freelance as a columnist, writing a weekly social column on Mumbai’s movers and shakers for the ‘Bombay Times’. Today, she writes freelance articles/columns for several publications like ‘Verve’, ‘Beautiful People’, ‘Marwar’, ‘Hi Blitz’, ‘The Taj Magazine’, ‘Reader’s Digest’, ‘Upper Crust’, ‘The Sindhian’, ‘Global Gujarati (G2)’, London’s ‘Asian Woman’, etc., and has authored a coffee table book on men’s fashion. She is also the contributing editor to SynergyZ.
“I am particularly fascinated by the history and unique heritage of the Zoroastrian community and enjoy writing on community issues,” she confesses. Shernaaz has been associated with the ‘Jam-e-Jamshed’ for several years, her poignant columns earning her much acclaim, and edits the journal for the WZCC-India, a quarterly publication that is printed along with the ‘Parsiana’.
She was awarded the Young Achiever’s Award by the Indo American Society, and writes lucidly on a range of topics. More recently, she has started her own publishing company, with a focus on content generation and contract publishing for corporates, editing and producing high quality corporate newsletters, brochures, company profiles and journals.
She got her big break in journalism with the late Behram Contractor at ‘The Afternoon Despatch & Courier’. “I owe him a great deal,” Shernaaz recalls. While at ‘The Afternoon’, Shernaaz wrote several columns, one of which, ‘A Moment of Your Time’, won her a prestigious US Government fellowship to various universities across America (Rutgers, UCLA, Rochester, and the State University of Ohio) as part of an international study group on women’s rights. She spent time at the United Nations Commission for Women in
With her abiding faith in the Zoroastrian religion, and her determination to be a devout and righteous Parsi, preserving and propagating the timeless tenets of our faith, Shernaaz confesses that she is continually inspired by her parents, Pervize and Adi Engineer (former Managing Director of Tata Power). “They’re the reason for me being what I am – and whatever I’ll become in future,” she concludes.
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for contributing interesting articles to the journal
Mithi Daver
Mithi Daver who arrived in Sydney in 1978 is a keen sports woman. What is little known is that in her younger years she represented Bombay in hockey and athletics and Maharashtra State in basketball at the National level. A graduate in Commerce, she represented Bombay University in Hockey, Basketball and Athletics. Soon after her arrival in Sydney, she started taking a keen interest in the community’s activities and volunteered her services in any manner useful to the AZA. Over the years she has served as a committee on AZA Committees for several years, as Secretary, Vice President and ordinary member, she has also worked on the Foundation Committee of the Association at a time when the Association was collecting funds for their Darbe Meher. She has been Editor of the community publication the MANASHNI for the past seven years. She edits with flair, giving the Association a good image overseas. In addition to this, she is also the contributing editor of SynergyZ, the Journal of WZCC (World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce). In 2006 she received the Zoroastrian of the Year award of the Australian Zoroastrian Association of NSW. This choice was spontaneously and enthusiastically applauded by everyone.
foodina ni chai, and every minute detail is planned after much deliberation. She is invariably the first one at the hospital when anyone is in need. Lastly, she is one of our devoted members at the working bee. The rose garden with its redolent flowers is a matter of great pride to Mithi. At just the right time of the year – the roses are pruned, treated and fed.
She is an avid gardener and has made a profession out of her hobby. None of our functions would be complete if we did not have a floral arrangement done by Mithi, nor any of our weddings/ navjotes without some presence of “Daver’s Flowers”. She is a compassionate and caring person and spends much of her spare time visiting some of the very old members of our community, thereby bringing a bit of comfort and joy to their lonely lives.
Come spring to late autumn, we have this beautiful show of her roses…. “Mithi’s patch” as is known to most of us. Her advice on gardening matters is invaluable and always appreciated and at most times followed, albeit reluctantly, for Mithi looks to how a tree will look 10 years from now and the more short-sighted of us want instant gratification.
Her annual Senior Citizens’ picnics are very popular and eagerly looked forward to by the older members of our community. The venue, the transport, the entertainment, the food, the
Pervin Khajotia Idnani cuisine, interviews with govt officials, doctors etc. Journalism has been an extremely rewarding experience for her and what interests her the most, is to hear people’s stories and find out what makes them tick, why they think the way they do? Pervin Khajotia is a Brand Manager at a reputed jeweler – Rosyblue, in Dubai. She is also a freelance Journalist for SynergyZ and a freelance Features writer for the Khaleej Times, City Times, Weekend Magazine, The Alukkas Magazine, What’s New, India Club Magazine, The Indian Business Promotion Council magazine as well as the Gulf Marketing Review. The subjects covered range from the creative to the more mundane: art, artists, fashion, jewellery trends, holistic massages, travel,
Winning the DeBeers Award in Jewellery Design in the year 1990 opened up new vistas, which helped hone her creativity in field of jewellery design and manufacture. Moving on to the marketing side, she is a Brand Manager with the world’s No.1 diamond manufacturer – Rosyblue. Traveling is a passion and she has been very lucky to travel all around the world sourcing jewellery and attending jewellery fairs throughout the year.
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Fred and Danesh Madon are fortunate to have as their business mentor and guide, a very successful and tenacious father - Phil Madon. Fred came to Australia from Tehran in 1979 when he was just six years old. At sixteen, he started working at Dad’s Mc Donald’s store on week ends. In 1997 he married Janet but his other big love was cricket. Sachin Tendulkar and Steeve Waugh were his heroes. He wanted to play with the same brand of bat that Sachin used which was the MRF brand manufactured in India by Madras Rubber Factory but MRF had no representation in Australia. Not to be beaten, Fred contacted them for the agency. They refused. Determined, Fred placed a small order of about 3000 dollars and ordered MRF batting gear. Then one day he saw Steve Waugh batting without a label on his bat. Fred contacted MRF again and told them about Steve Waugh. They were interested in signing up Steve Waugh and promote MRF. Fred approached Steve Waugh’s manager and a deal was struck. Fred was the unpaid middle man but he enjoyed the experience.
Fred Madon
With this deal Fred built up a reputation and now MRF was happy to have Fred to represent them. His first order was for $85,000 and that figure kept growing Brian Lara signed up with MRF and scored 400 runs (the highest runs in the world) with an MRF bat With Steve, Sachin and Brian scoring runs, Fred’s business soared to new heights. Fred has introduced MFR in New Zealand also. He has through this venture made many friends in the sports arena. He has a collection of bats signed by leading cricket personalities and has donated many cricket bats signed by Sachin, Steve and Brian Lara to charities and is a close friend of the three legends of cricket. On13th August, 2007, Dad handed over ownership of his St Peter’s McDonalds Restaurant to Fred and Janet .Their goal now is to spread into more restaurants and expand their business. They have time and age on their side and are confident they can do it. (Picture left to right: Phil Madon & Fred Madon with the young one)
Danesh was born in New Castle in 1980. After gaining his University Degree in Computer Science, he took up a job exporting wines. On one of his wine selling trips, he came across a company selling organic foods. He was so taken up by it, that on his return to Sydney he resigned from his job. He studied the local market for Organic Foods and then placed a small order of about 3000 dollars with an Indian Organic food supplier. Everyone at home thought he was being wrongly influenced and on the wrong track. When his consignment arrived, Danesh spent a few hours in his room labelling the items and took an appointment with a leading importer and distributor of Organic Foods. He returned home smiling to tell us that he had sold his full consignment and made some money as well. That was the beginning of the Organic business. Danesh imported his second consignment under the brand World Organic Foods. He could see a future and the enormous prospects in the business and decided to go to India and make some long term arrangements there. He changed the company name to Eaternal Health and Organic Foods and set up a small factory in Mumbai where he installed packing and other needed equipment. He now exports to Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong and is negotiating with other countries as well. He is working on adding new lines to his business and is preparing a packaged organic meal which is to be introduced on the market soon. He is also supplying organic foods to local five star hotels for their international clients. The business in Australia has grown and now a warehouse has been rented to stock goods imported from Eaternal India. The Eaternal brand is gaining worldwide aclaim and enquiries are also pouring in through his web site www.eaternal.com designed by Danesh. Danesh would love to return to Australia but for the moment atleast, there is no point of return. By Mithi Daver
Danesh Madon
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The Langrana brothers Bobby (33 years) and Freddy (31 years), have been fortunate to have as their mentor and guide, their father Pervez. They have done it the hard way. From small beginnings they now have a thriving Import/Export business. Pervez got them into the act at a very young age. In fact Freddy was only seventeen, and whilst his class mates were celebrating the end of their exams, Freddy was pulled into the fray the very next day, when they opened their own little retail shop. Brother Bobby, was then training to become a pilot in the United States of America, but returned to join the business. Full marks to the family for their perseverance – they had a rough time in the early nineties when several small businesses wound up. The family worked seven days a week twelve hours a day for two years, after which they sold the shop to start their own Import/ Export business - FBC International. They started importing gift wear, toys and supplied several major retailers including Woolworths, Coles and several chain shops. Later they started 3rd party exports, exporting from Europ e, U.S.A., India, Europe China and even
Russia. At present they are the exclusive agents for Amul products, and believe it or not, it is their number one selling product. Talk about taking coal to Newcastle!! - Who would have dreamt that bringing these products
Born on 2nd November, 1978 in Mumbai, Nowshir Engineer is today an ambitious entrepreneur with various different dreams and passions. Primarily raised in South East Asia (Indonesia), Nowshir moved back to India to complete his schooling from Bombay International School. A Business Management Graduate (MBA) with professional knowledge in the field of brand building through event marketing, Nowshir undertook his summer training with ICICI Bank – in their Retail Division. On completion of his MBA in 2002, he put all his fears aside, and alongwith two other MBA batchmates, put all the business skills to the forefront to launch EMDI (Event Management Development Institute), an endeavour to provide structured training to students in Events with the best Industry faculty members and providing internships. As the Founder Director of Event Management Development Institute his Primary Responsibility is Strategic Marketing & New Business Development.
From humble beginnings in Mumbai alone, EMDI in two years launched its branches in Bangalore and Pune. Once again taking a gamble, Mr. Engineer decided to expand operations and it was then he decided to shift to Dubai to launch the first international branch of the company - EMDI in Dubai, Knowledge Village. Today his company is a phenomena in the field of Events training –with a student base of over 300 students annually, EMDI would probably be the worlds largest specialized event training institute. Besides Events training, the company has now diversified into training for Advertising and Communications, Public Relations, Radio Jockeying /Management etc. Besides the business, Nowshir is a Speaker on the topic of Event Management at various International forums such as Festivale Dubai 2007, Radio Channel Talk Shows, and also various colleges and institutes in Dubai and India On a personal front - Mr. Engineer is now happily married since the past one year, and if not found satisfying his ‘gourmet urges’ eating at a new restaurant, can often be found laughing away with his friends and enjoying life.
Nowshir Engineer
The Langrana Brothers into a country known throughout the world for its dairy products would ever sell? They now have markets all over Australia and even New Zealand. FBC International has grown from strength to strength – with Freddy globe trotting around the world bringing in new customers and products, Bobby working as the Import Director and father Pervez always there to support them. By Mithi Daver
He lives by the quote –
Dreams are not goals/ambitions that you see while you sleep, they are those goals / ambitions which keep you from sleeping till you achieve them!
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Anahita Daryushnejad Anahita Daryushnejad came to Toronto in the summer of 2000. Born in Bombay and raised in Tehran (Iran) has obtained her B.A in English Literature from the Azad University , and pursued further education in the Financial Industry and completed her Financial Planning programme (CFP). Anahita represented the Social and Tourism Team for IMPACT (North American Zoroastrian Congress) held in her home town Toronto, Anahita has also been involved with the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario and the Iranian Cultural Kanoun for the past seven years. Anahita is also the Assistant Secretary for FEZANA. She has also received the five years volunteer appreciation award from the Province of Ontario. Aside from her Zoroastrian community involvement, Anahita works for ING DIRECT as a banker and is the chair of the social committee, planning and organizing corporate social, charitable events and annual Galas and fundraisers. She is also a business owner and travel consultant of ‘TRAVELONLY’ looking to accommodate the community with their travel needs.
Arts & Antiquities Dilnavaz Mehta
lithography. Each of these earlier prints, depicting landscapes, sports, events, mythology, religion, costumes, portraits, monuments, with the colours often being manually added, is considered an original. The books in Mehta’s collection were published between 1775 to 1940 and cover literature, history, travel, art, architecture, archeology, biographies, natural history and include administrative records and personal diaries.
Dilnavaz Mehta’s Rare Finds deals in the remnants of the past – maps. “A lot of people are realizing that maps make nice décor items,” she revealed recently, “they make good gifts and collectibles.”
Her personal collection includes certain valuables, which she would not consider parting with like the volumes of the Vendidad and Hodiwalla’s Gujarati treatise PakIranshah ni tavarikh (even though she can barely read Gujarati)! Among her prints is ‘Rite of Truth’ showing a man placing his hand over a fire and another of typical home life in Yazd by an unknown French artist (mid 19th century) besides several on Bombay.
Dating between 1650-1900, her collection of maps at a recent exhibition comprised: ancient India to the east of the river Ganges; the world shown in two spheres; the coasts of Persia, Gujarat and Malabar published under the order of Count de Maurepas and regulated by astronomical observations; Bombay showing the different administrative areas along with the medical statistics for the control of plague…
About 10 percent of her clientele must be Parsi. Prints of Parsi merchants welcoming the Prince of Wales, Parsi monuments, a Zoroastrian reciting prayers before the waterfront, depictions of Persian/Iranian history and culture are subjects that interest members of the community. According to her, “By nature, Parsis like old things, collectibles. They appreciate art and like to maintain it well.”
Playing mother to a young son, Dorab, Dilnavaz and husband Minoo say, “He (their son)’s changed things drastically.” They have to adjust their schedule, travels, keeping little Dorab in mind. Accompanying his mother on her trips, he gladly shows around the original works on his mother’s instructions. Since both Dilnavaz and Dorab share the same initials she happily announces, “We already have the next generation of D. M. Mehta!”
Dilnavaz has authored articles and is a visiting lecturer for a postgraduate course in Indian aesthetics at the Bombay University. Rare Finds has now evolved into an organization, which provides ancillary services of restoration, evaluation, book search, customized mounting and framing to individuals and corporates. In fact 40 percent of her time is now devoted to helping her clients maintain their collections.
In addition to maps, Dilnavaz sells prints and antiquarian books. Viewing prints as an “interesting blend of art and history” she explains how the technique and process in use determined its classification – engravings, etchings, aquatinting, mezzotinting,
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Perizaad Zorabian By the time this piece is printed, Perizaad Zorabian, married to builder Boman Irani, will be playing her best-loved role so far: that of a first-time mum! Blessed with a heartwarming smile, Zorabian still basks in Bollywood. Calling, her debut film, which had been “a most unexpected hit.” She confesses, “During the shooting there were times when I couldn’t give director Nagesh Kukunoor the performance he wanted. He would tell me to play the bimbette with sincerity, not as a spoof, which was difficult for me.” Her mother, Firoza, and father, Khoram, have been pillars of strength and support for her throughout, as is husband, Boman, today. Perizaad now works with her father in the family’s poultry and catering business from which she had taken a sabbatical to pursue her fascination for acting. Khoram, who owns a poultry farm in Khopoli, runs Gondola restaurant at Pali Market, Bandra, and has helped son, Sohrab, establish himself in the catering world under the Cheron Caterers banner. Perizaad got acclaim with the hit TV series, Hum PardesiHo Gaye, aired on Sony TV. Following her MBA in advertising and marketing from Baruch University (the business school at the City University of New York), for a while Perizaad devoted herself to her father’s business. She would be working from 7.30 in the morning to 8.30 in the evening with her life revolving around chickens! She imbibed her work ethics during her happy stint with the 695-room Lexington Hotel in New York, which she had joined as Assistant Manager and which she had left as
Front Office Manager, her mentor being Sam Bhadha. Her stage and screen presence she attributes to her love and aptitude for dancing since she was a schoolgirl at Bandra’s Auxilium Convent and a commerce student at the Mithibai Motiram Kundani (MMK) College from where she graduated, topping the Bombay University in management accountancy. While studying management in the US she also did a course at the Lee Strasberg College of Drama. For 12 years she studied ballet with Tushna Dallas. A popular model in her heyday, the first commercial for which she modeled was Fair and Lovely, after coordinator Monaz Irani, who met her at a navjote, asked her whether she would be interested. Since then she has modeled for Ponds, Ariel, BPL, Titan, Tanishq, Close-up… Films still remain her big love, but for the time being its baby boom for the lovely Perizaad! By Shernaaz Engineer
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Susan Kaboly-Zadeh maintenance was invaluable! Upon completing premedical studies, Susan's journey in Traditional Chinese Medicine was through a 4-year professional degree encompassing 3000 hours theory and over 1000 hours clinical training at SCU in Los Angeles. Susan was able to further enrich her knowledge and gain clinical experience working at the University Health Center on campus, LA Free Clinic, as a Research Assistant for CAM projects (Osteoarthritis, MS, Fibromyalgia), and a volunteer three years in a row at national TCM conferences. Susan is in good standing with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in British Columbia. She is also a Member of AIMS (Alternative Integrative Medical Society) at the University of British Columbia, and TCMABC (TCM association of British Columbia).
Private Practitioner on Chinese Medicine Born and raised in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Susan Kaboly-Zadeh has always enjoyed a well-rounded life in this beautiful city-higher education, family, friends, the Arts and choir / dance, high activity in sports such as hiking, biking, volleyball, tennis, and skiing and so much more. Susan Kaboly-Zadeh, graduated from Simon Fraser University earning her Bachelor's degree with a Double Major in Sociology and Anthropology, and Minor in Communications. Personal success with Acupuncture fuelled her interest in practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine. Susan, since childhood dealt with a seasonal dry heaving cough lasting for 2 weeks at a time. After years of unsuccessful methods Susan was surprised that Acupuncture worked, as prevention was the key and
Susan has a private practice in West Vancouver, B.C. and lives with her beloved parents Iraj and Parvin who have been self-employed since coming to Canada over 36 years ago from Tehran, Iran. She also has an older brother and sister living in Southern California with their spouses, and four nieces and nephews whom she loves dearly.
Award by the Indo-American Society, the Woman Achiever Award by the Archana Trust, Selfless Service Award by the Rotary International District 3140… among others. ’Akanksha’, meaning ‘aspiration’ in Sanskrit, has been constantly striving to support each child by giving him or her a strong educational foundation, a good time, self esteem, values and guidance on how to earn a steady livelihood to improve his or her standard of living. Akanksha’s staff ensures that they do not lose sight of the holistic growth of the child. While originally Mistri was substantially involved in training the children, presently she only conducts drama classes at different centres on a weekly basis because much of her time goes into “development of new programmes and people, planning strategies, overseeing the training of teachers as also the trends in the organization, branding and fund raising,” she relates.
Shaheen Mistri Shaheen Mistri, over the course of the last 15 years since she conceived Akanksha as a non -profit organization with a mission to impact the lives of less privileged children, has never ceased to be amazed by “how happy and contented they (the kids) are; how resourceful and brave.” Starting with 10 children from her first centre at the Holy Name High School in Colaba, by 2006 Akanksha had reached out to nearly 4,600 kids through 53 centers in Mumbai and Pune. The World Economic Forum had named Mistri a ‘Global Leader for Tomorrow’ in 2002. The previous year she earned an Ashoka Fellowship from Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, a global nonprofit organization working in 44 countries. Mistri’s work at Akanksha has been further recognized with the Young Achiever’s
There is no doubt that time is a rare commodity, especially when it comes to her kids. “But I try and spend my evenings with them,” says the single mother of two daughters. “I try to involve them at Akanksha when I can.” Observing her eight-year-old Samara, a student at the J. B. Petit School, Mistri comments, “She’s unbelievably compassionate. We are both so happy we have Sana (her two-year-old adopted daughter).” Mistri reveals how she always wanted to adopt a child so she proceeded with her plan, undeterred by her divorce. Clearly, Akanksha fills her up to the brim and she is grateful that she is able to do something she so enjoys. She adds, “Genuinely wanting to do good is important but delivering what you say is even more important.” The Akanksha voyage for her has been “one long, continuous journey of personal development with unbelievable challenges and exposure to a whole range of different people,” recognizes Mistri. “It has taught me what is important.”
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Meet the Big Dreamers and Excellers!
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Success Profile
Firdosh Bhesania Director for Bluetooth and USB, & Senior Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation, USA
in the market to establish a win-win situation and we present the product with a compelling message of what the customer wants.
He has just turned 30, and sits on the Board of Directors for Bluetooth and USB. Along with this role, he also plays the role of a Senior Program Manager and works with an elite team at Microsoft Corporation, USA.
Do you regard yourself a success? I strongly believe that success is a journey not a destination. There have been a few milestones that I have enjoyed, like graduation and post graduation from a prestigious university with double majors, working with the world’s most admired company, Microsoft Corporation, even a few patents or awards for that matter.
Holder of over a dozen patents worldwide, the thing that is closest to Firdosh’s heart is the development of innovative products. He believes that competition posed by leading companies is good for products and for the market but, “We can’t take it easy. If we don’t work hard, the business will cease to prosper, “ he says.
Describe your typical day. Unfortunately there is no such thing like a typical day in my life, but that’s the part I like the most. Some days are filled with meetings with top most executives from large multi-national organizations, others are filled with meetings with international standards bodies identifying new technologies and or supporting pressing problems. These predominantly relate to USB and Bluetooth where I sit on the Board as a Director. The rest of the time is spent on holding meetings with internal teams (to ensure close alignment and synergy) but not a day goes by without responding to over 200 emails that are received.
Armed with a Masters Degrees in Electronic Engineering and Computer Architecture he is not afraid to dream big. What kind of Products do you look into? I look into everything related to modern day devices. From simplest of keyboards and mice to complex music players and set top boxes; ensuring device connectivity and interoperability. My team and I provide the most complex software on Windows, ensuring that when one plugs in a USB flash drive or a smart phone, it just works.
What is your Mantra for relaxation? Relaxation to me is a combination of travel, friends and sports. To unwind, I generally travel to remote destinations or visit my parents in Dubai. I wish if the planes could fly a bit faster and the lines at airports could be shorter, that would be more thrilling! When I am in town I regularly play racquetball or work out in the gym with my friends.
Times are changing. The world is going wireless. The next 2 years are going to be very crucial for the industry. There will be a revolution of change impacting other devices like wireless printers, wireless monitors, projectors and stereo systems just like the cell phones.
What does happiness mean to you? I measure happiness by the smiles on the faces of my family and those around me. From the time I get up, I pour my passion and perseverance into work, because the type of work I do impacts lives of millions. If my work and actions bring joy and laughter on their faces then that’s what makes me happy!
How do you make inroads into a market flooded with big brand names? Successful market entry and high customer satisfaction are the tenets we go by. Our products invariably have innovative features. We work synergistically with key leaders
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Success Profiles
Nikan H. Khatibi, MBA Chair, Zoroastrian Youth of North America (ZYNA) and Chief Editor, FEZANA Journal’s Youthfully Speaking Section Things have a way of turning out for the best I’ve always said - and to be honest, they have. My story begins in California where I fell in love…not once, but twice – each time, falling head over heels as if I could love no more. My first encounter with love was with the field of medicine. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to attend medical school and learn everything there was about providing health and fighting disease. Being a physician was going to be my life and I was ready to face it. But before I would attend medical school, something happened in my 2nd year in college.
I was visiting homes around the city during a routine volunteer mission and I began talking to people in the community. I found out first hand what kind of lives people in the community were living and how disappointed they were about their political representatives who promised to make their lives a little better. Right then, I knew something had to be done and so I did something about it. At the age of 20, I ran for political office in Orange County. Now, my two separate encounters with love have merged into one love – a love for mankind. A love that has driven me to do everything I can to this date, to improve the quality of life for as many people as I humanly can. I am currently a medical student as well as a former political candidate. At the age of 25, and with a bachelor in science, masters in business administration, and soon, a doctorate in medicine, I plan on doing my best to provide health to as many members in the community as possible until shortly thereafter, I am able to sustain a position in the United States Senate where I can extend my reach even further. My love of improving the way mankind lives, will hopefully be achieved – after all, things have a way of turning out for the best.
Narius K. Dastur Narius K. Dastur was born in Vancouver, Canada, and has lived there for the past 22 years. All his life he has grown up around fellow Zoroastrians and has been fortunate to have been involved with the Zoroastrian community around him. Using his Computing Science background he has been able to help create Zpeakerbox.com, a world Zoroastrian Youth website attracting members from all around the
Dinsha Mistree
world. For over three years Zpeakerbox has been giving Zoroastrian Youth a place and forum to discuss topics relating to our religion. It encourages casual discussions along with serious discussions on all the major issues that Zoroastrians encounter. Through the site’s other features it has allowed Zoroastrians from throughout the globe to network with each other. Zpeakerbox’s direction is not set by its administrators and moderators, but by the active members and their input into the site. The administrators, moderators, and members of Zpeakerbox encourage all Zoroastrian Youth to join, and participate in the community which has been created.
Dinsha Mistree is a researcher at MIT. He holds a Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science in Political Science, also from MIT. He has recently finished co-editing a 500 page book, called "Mapping Sustainability:
Knowledge e-Networking and the Value Chain," and is currently co-authoring a second book about how the processes of governance are changing within countries, between countries, and at the global level due to the pressures of globalization and the possibilities of new technologies. Dinsha is also very involved in the Zoroastrian community. He helped organize and run the Zoroastrian Students of Boston for several years, has written for FEZANA, and has volunteered with the Zoroastrian Poor Peoples’ Project. For his efforts, Dinsha was recently recognized with the FEZANA Outstanding Young Zarathushti Award. In his spare time, Dinsha enjoys reading, playing soccer and basketball, and traveling.
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Success Profiles
Farah Minwalla
Boys and Girls Clubs. While living in Las Vegas, Farah wrote for six different magazines on the state, national, and international levels. Farah writes on a broad range of subjects for national magazines and continues to progress her passion for writing and enthusiasm for reporting the news. Farah has interviewed public figures such as Brad Pitt, Andy Roddick, and The Killers. In the future, she sees herself writing for Newsweek and Rolling Stone and hopes to emphasize community service and faith throughout her articles. One day Farah aspires to work for the United Nations as a humanitarian worker and build schools for children in rural parts of India and Africa. She hopes to see the Zoroastrian community prosper in all parts of the world through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. To contact Farah, please email her at PMinwalla@cox.net.
Having been a ‘Youthfully Speaking’ columnist for the FEZANA Journal for the past year, Farah Minwalla is a college freshman in New York City pursuing a degree in Journalism and Archeology. Farah is originally from the gaming capital of the world, the hot and sunny Las Vegas, NV. Farah was involved with many charities including the Ronald McDonald House and the
Deena Guzder Deena Guzder is a dual-degree graduate student at Columbia University who is studying journalism and international affairs. She is a freelance reporter whose articles on human rights issues have appeared in numerous publications including the New York Blade, Chicago Tribune, Black Star News, Providence Journal, Metta Center’s Nonviolence in the News, Arab American,
Chronicle-Herald, Columbia Journal of International Affairs, Worcester Telegram & Gazette News, Arizona Central, The New York Resident, Michigan Journal of Public Affairs, Common Dreams, New York Times (letters section), Brooklyn Daily Eagle, CounterPunch, Morristown Daily Record’s Panache, Indian Express, National Geographic Traveler and elsewhere. She runs a nonprofit organization, Students Together in Tackling Child Hunger ( S.T.I.T.C.H). Deena recently spent two weeks in Iran reporting on how Zoroastrians are preserving their faith and she hopes to continue reporting on human rights issues internationally.
Shelly Saklatwala Shelly Saklatwala is a first generation Canadian, born and raised in Montreal. Thanks to Montreal’s diversity, she has learned various languages and been exposed to different cultural backgrounds. Her involvement in the Latin community has helped her discover her enthusiasm for the performing arts. From a young age Shelly has always loved children, so it was no surprise that she chose a career in education. She is passionate about teaching; however, she is always searching to find ways,
big or small, to help alleviate the social injustices suffered by children around the world. Her role as an educator is to try and open the minds of young students and to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate. To this end, She has encouraged her students to raise money, be it to help a local family enjoy a Christmas dinner, acknowledge the sacrifice of Veterans, or to help children in Africa and India through World Vision. She organized a project in school called “Kids helping Kids,” raising students’ awareness to the hardships of children in a Rwandan orphanage. Most recently, she has volunteered in a special-needs school in Guatemala. Her profession provides her the opportunity to influence young minds, guiding them towards awareness and empathy in the hopes of creating a more tolerant, peaceful world.
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Success Profiles
Sherazade Firdosh Mehta Sherazade was born to Rashna & Firdosh Mehta on 05 December 1973, in North York, Ontario, Canada. Soon after, Sherazade’s birth, her family moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where she grew up. Sherazade has a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Elementary Education, and an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Elementary Diploma. After completing her education, Sherazade taught at Langley Montessori, BC, Canada, for a year, then moved to Boston, MA, where she taught Montessori Elementary School for 6 years. She now lives in Dallas, Texas, and is a full-time Montessori teacher for Grades 4 to 6. She also teaches religious classes to the 9-12 year old group for the Zoroastrian Association of North Texas (ZANT).
Delara Mistry Born in Mumbai but migrated to Perth, Western Australia, with her family when she was five years old. Delara has lived the majority of her life in Perth and completed her education there. Since graduating with a Masters in Science, Delara is currently working as a Speech & Language Therapist. She has worked in various organisations in Perth and London, providing services to individuals with multiple and profound disabilities. Her main area of interest is Alternative and Augmentative Communication and one day hopes to specialise in this area.
Diana Vania Diana Vania is a 17-year old student from Toronto whose extensive travels have made her aware of the different standard of living in various countries and prompted her strong motivation to help others. Taught at a young age to demonstrate the Zoroastrian legacy of charity, she has been described as someone with an “enormous sense of civic responsibility”. Diana was nominated for the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award in 2003 and her volunteer work has been featured in local newspapers. Diana has represented FEZANA at the 2006 United
Between 2000 and 2003 Sherazade held the position of one of the three co-chairs of ZYNA (Zoroastrian Youth of North America). In Boston, Sherazade became active with The Zoroastrian Association of Greater Boston Area (ZAGBA). She helped to re-instate and teach Children’s Religious classes at ZAGBA. She also served as President of ZAGBA for three years. In 2002, during the 12th North American Zoroastrian Congress in Chicago, Sherazade received FEZANA’s Outstanding Young Zarathushti Award. She has also received trophies of recognition from ZYNA in 1999 and in 2003, which was presented at the World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in Pune, India. Sherazade is presently a the co-chair of FEZANA’s Performing and Creative Arts Scholarship committee, and is chosen to represent ZYNA at the upcoming 4th World Zarathushti Youth Congress in Melbourne, Australia.
Delara also has a keen interest in community affairs and has been involved in her local Zoroastrian Association, as well as Zoroastrian Youth groups. She served as the first ever Youth Committee Member for the Zoroastrian Association of Western Australia (2000-2003). She is also founder and Youth Representative for the ZorOz Youth Group, which began in 2004 and aims to unite the Zoroastrian Youth of Austral-Asia. However her biggest and most challenging role to date is her involvement in the 4th World Zoroastrian Youth Congress, which is to take place in Ballarat, Australia in December 2007. As Vice-Chairperson for this event, Delara has volunteered her time and efforts over the past three years to make this congress both educational and entertaining. “It’s a huge honour to be part of this congress, and to be working closely with a dedicated bunch of volunteers from all the over world who are coming together in community spirit to make this congress happen.”
Nations conference held in New York to support the Millennium Development Goals. Upon returning to her school, she led over 600 students and staff in Stand Up, an anti-poverty pledge. Diana has helped raise funds to build a school and a well in Kenya and has donated money to buy a new well and sanitation system for a village in India. Diana also donates her hair for wigs for cancer patients and spearheaded the Operation Eyesight campaign for IMPACT, sending eyeglasses to developing countries. At the 2007 North American Zoroastrian Congress held in Toronto, Diana was invited to deliver a presentation on her volunteer work. Recently, Diana volunteered at Wockhardt Hospitals in Bangalore, India. Diana is an ongoing volunteer at Zoroastrian Society of Ontario events and has won several academic awards at school. Her goal is to become a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon.
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Success Profiles
Shireen Cama Shireen Cama is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is currently in her third year at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2004, she graduated with honors and a B.A. in Economics from Yale University, where she focused on health policy. As an undergraduate, she coordinated a tutoring program in New Haven elementary schools and served as a board member of the South Asian Students Association and the Persian Students Association. In between her college and medical education, she spent a year as a Congressional Hunger Fellow, working with both
grassroots and policy oriented anti-hunger organizations in New York City and Washington, DC. The educational material she developed was featured as a “Promising Practice in Food Stamp Outreach” by the United States Department of Agriculture. Shireen has also worked in India and Nicaragua on public health and community empowerment programs for women and adolescents. In her medical career, Shireen hopes to uplift the health and situation of marginalized and impoverished groups in the US and in developing nations by incorporating a multifaceted approach to their health needs. Shireen is very appreciative of the positive influence that the Zarathushti religion and community has had on helping her form and achieve her goals. She is the 2005 FEZANA Scholar and recipient of Fali Chothia and ZAGNY scholarships. She is an active member of the Zarathushti community, having served as a member of FEZANA’s UN NGO Team, a guest editor for the FEZANA Journal, and one of the current leaders of the Zarathushti Students of Boston.
Nasha Sarkari Nasha Sarkari’s passion with golf started when she was little over 7 years old in Dubai. Her father Rumi Sarkari was constantly encouraging her and put her through recognized PGA instructors. By the time she was 8 she enrolled herself for the Junior Development Program (JDP) at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club; a prestigious golf club in Dubai where the world famous golfers come to play every year. No other form of recreation has transfixed Nasha with such engaging appeal. At 16, after rigorous training Nasha has learned that using the big muscles in the hips and legs could be a more reliable, powerful, and effective way to hit a golf ball than the more wristy method. She is noteworthy for the way her swing is, being upright along the target line, employing a full shoulder turn with restricted wrist cock, and for the way she keeps her knees flexed in the downswing.” Nasha’s major came when she participated in the UAE Championship in the category for Girls in 2005 and since then she is the reigning champion. She has participated in lots of local tournaments for juniors as well as Ladies open in UAE. She played at the Sri Lankan Airlines open in Kandy last year. She has marshaled at Dubai Desert Classic for number of years & has had the privilege of meeting leading golfers like Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, and Mark O’Meara & attended there coaching clinics as well. The slim and fit star’s future plans are to finish ‘A’ levels & go to a golf school in USA as well as continue with her passion in the fashion field.
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Success Profiles
Anahita Amalsad for outstanding academic performance, member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honors Society. She was also a recipient of the President’s Education Award Program and featured in the National Honor Roll, Who’s Who Among High School Students, National Society of High School Scholars and All American Scholars Directory.
Anahita Amalsad, daughter of Katayoon & Meher Amalsad was born and raised in Orange County California. At the age of 16, with a gold seal of the California Scholarship Federation on her diploma, she graduated from the Cornelia Connelly High School as a straight A distinguished honor roll student.
With 404 hours of community service, she was the President and Founder of Literacy Club for underprivileged kids at her high school and a member of the Hearts and Hands committee.
As a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars; Anahita is presently studying Pre-Med at the University of California at Riverside with a tuition scholarship award from the University and Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Award from the State Of California. She has received certificates of appreciation and recognition from the California State Assembly and California State Senate for her outstanding achievements, leadership skills and extracurricular activities at Cornelia Connelly High School.
Her future aspirations include becoming a Medical Doctor because she enjoys helping others by just being there for them unconditionally. She thinks that it is important for us to preserve and protect our unique religious identity and strengthen the tradition that holds the fabric of our integrity; which comes through proper education – not only within our community but also among others in our society. In 2006, Anahita was the recipient of FEZANA Academic Scholarship Award and selected as Miss Teen Westminster, California.
During her high school tenure she was selected for the UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA TOP 4% recognition
Alisha Shroff captain for swimming and dance. During her studies she worked as a volunteer to teach English to local students and was awarded 'Volunteer of the Year' in 2000.
Alisha Shroff was born and raised in a business orientated family in Hong Kong. During her school years she developed a thirst to expand her business knowledge. Eager to follow in her father, Neville Shroff's footsteps, Alisha adopted a business lead approach to her secondary schooling, where she won a number of interschool competitions including Best Company of the Year and Best product design in her Business Studies project. Alisha was a great contributor to her school, being awarded school prefect as well as captaining her schools water polo team, and being nominated vice
Following her secondary education, Alisha arrived in the UK in 2001 where she completed a Double Honours degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management from the University of Keele. Founding a great interest into the business world, Alisha went on to complete an MSc in International Marketing Management at the University of Surrey in 2005. Upon graduation, she joined Fossil Inc. and has been working there for the past 2 years, organising various fashion brands and looking after the sale and marketing strategies of this prestigious company throughout the UK.
When you need more information on WZCC look no further simply log on to www.wzcc.net
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Young Ardavan Pervaiz Ardavan Pervaiz Taraporewala was born in Karachi, Pakistan, 15 years ago. He was only 3 when his family came to Dubai, so his memories of life in Karachi are immensely clouded. He owes the cultivation of his talent in the performing arts to the opportunities available to all youngsters here in Dubai. Ever since he can remember, music and theatre have intoxicated his mind and soul and to this day he makes no effort to rid himself of this “poison”. At the tender age of three and a half he was enrolled into the Dubai Music School, run by a very talented artist named Glenn Perry. Tremendously memorable have been his years there, and continue to be. He considers the school to be his inspiration towards his quests for lyrical and rhythmic success. His most admirable companion remains a mahogany polished edifice – the piano, to whom he was introduced nearly eleven years ago. He is currently training for my Grade 6 Trinity College London
Piano exam which will take place in May 2008. He enrolled himself into the Musical Youth Theatre a year ago and took part in two performances, which were both tremendous successes. He is unfortunately no longer with them. However, the little time he spent with MYT will not be forgotten, as it proved to be a vital part of his training as a musical theatre actor, a career he has endlessly desired. He also sees himself as quite a prolific writer and poet. He has quite a few poems which he hopes to see published in the near future. He is also adding a play to his repertoire, one that he has dedicated the past few weeks to, with the prospect of it being enacted someday. Above all, he thanks his parents for assisting him in quenching his thirst in the performing arts and enrolling him into every program and organisation his heart desires.
Kobad Bhavnagiri Kobad Bhavnagri is 23 years old. He was born in Melbourne and has been residing in Sydney since 2002. He has been heavily involved with the Zoroastrian community, being the youngest ever committee member of the Zoroastrian Association of Victoria, where he served as youth leader. During this time he initiated an exchange program between the youth of Sydney and Melbourne, directed plays and started an annual cricket match. He has won the Australian Zoroastrian Association of NSW essay competition and occasionally teaches Sunday school classes in Sydney.
Kobad graduated with First Class honours in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of New South Wales in 2006, and is currently working as a Management Consultant with the global strategy firm Oliver Wyman. He is also a budding Opera singer, having appeared in a production of West Side Story as well as giving numerous other solo performances. His other achievements include the Premier Scouting Award, School Captain, and winning the Engineers Australia public speaking competition. He has a keen interest in Zoroastrian philosophy, and credits the community for much of his personal success.
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Musicians & Singers
Zubin Kanga
Australian born Zubin Kanga graduated from the University of Sydney in 2006 where he studied music, philosophy and science. During his studies he received many awards from the Sydney University Music Department including three Frank Albert Prizes (2001, 2002 and 2006), the Donald Peart Memorial Scholarship (2003 and 2006) and the Busby Musical Scholarship (2005). He graduated with 1st Class Honours and the University Medal in music. He won first prize at the inaugural Keys National Piano Competition (2003) and was runner-up in the 2006 2MBS Young Performer of the Year Competition. Zubin performs a wide range of challenging piano works including Bach’s Goldberg Variations in 2003 and many new works by young composers. He performs with some of Australia’s leading new music ensembles: AARK, Halcyon, Sonic Art Ensemble and Ensemble
FARITA
Farita, is a young Zoroastrian recording artist hailing from Australia. Although relatively new to the entertainment industry, Farita has already achieved much over the past year. This enterprising artist started her own record label, Ishtim Records and has released her debut CD “Karma – The EP”, which she also co-wrote. Her unique blend of Pop/R&B with dash of the east landed her the title ‘BEST FEMALE SOLO ARTIST AUSTRALIA’ 2006 in the International Music Aid Awards as voted by industry professionals. Over 2006/2007 Farita has also dominated the USA Independent Broadjam.com Charts including the Earth Top Ten, Pop Top 10, Contemporary R&B Top Ten, Production (Other + Mid Tempo) Top 10, Female Vocal Top 10, California Top 10, Australian Top Ten & West Top Ten - multiple times! Her success has meant that all the tracks off her debut CD ‘Karma - The EP’ have now been Broadjam. com Top Ten hits with several No.1 hits!
Offspring as well as the Conservatorium Modern Music Ensemble. Highlights include the Australian premiere of Gerard Grisey’s Vortex Temporum in 2006 and Elena KatzChernin’s film score, Menschen am Sontag at the 2005 Sydney Film Festival. In 2006 he performed the world premiere of Daniel Rojas’ Concierto para piano y Orquesta as soloist with the Sydney Youth Philharmonic, conducted by David Banney, receiving a standing ovation. Zubin’s work in musicology is highly regarded and he presented his research on the Australian composer, David Lumsdaine at the 2006 National Conference of the Musicological Society of Australia. Zubin has a full scholarship for a Master’s Degree at Royal Academy of Music, London which he will commence in September 2007 and has received two additional scholarships from the University of Sydney to support his studies in the UK.
Farita is proud of her Zoroastrian faith and has been asked to write and perform the theme song for the 4th World Youth Zoroastrian Congress December 2007 which is to be held in Australia (Ballarat, Victoria). Farita has also offered to make a donation to the congress for each copy sold, of her debut CD, ‘Karma, The EP’ and has offered to be a part of a new Zoroastrian youth CD project headed by Freyaz Shroff. Working between Australia and the USA, her next ambition is to complete her debut album and crack the USA & international markets. Farita’s career is only beginning and this is one artist who is going to make her mark on the world, it’s only a matter of time.
For further information please visit: www.farita.com www.sonicbids.com/artistfarita www.myspace.com/artistfarita
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Meet our young athletes Cycling
Tennis
FIRDAUS & NAVROZE PATWA FROM VADODRA
KYRA SHROFF Kyra Shroff had been trained in Tennis at Bhupati Academy at Bangalore. In order to attain an international ranking, she has taken intensive training in India and Abroad.
Both brothers started excelling in the field of competitive Cycling at the young age of 12. Firdaus had been Gujarat State Champion in Junior Category(U/19) for two successive years 2002 and 2003. Navroze had won 2nd Place in the Gujarat Championship in sub-junior category (U/16) in the year 2002. This outstanding performance of both brothers was made by using just an ordinary cycle.
Currently Miss Kyra is No.1 and the National Champion in the U/16 & U/18 Category in Tennis. She had the distinction of representing India in Junior-fed Cup. She has also broken the 250 barrier and now holds 249th Rank in the World in U/18 Category. Unfortunately Kyra suffers from Juvenile Diabetes and is insulin dependent 4 times a day. Inspite of this handicap she has so far shown a very impressive progress in Tennis.
Firdaus has successfully taken part in several events in cycling such as State Level Road Race, World Tourism Day Cycling events organized by Gujart Institute of Hotel Management, Mountain Cycling Race, and Navroze is currently concentrating on his studies in B.Com. and C.A. courses.
Athletic – Track & Running event PESHOTAN J. MEHTA
Body building
Peshotan Mehta has so far obtained 63 Medals at several National Competitions in Track & Running Event. He has secured First Place in 1500 mts. Run at Open Floodlit Athletic Meet held in February 2007 in Mumbai. Also secured First Place in 1500 mts. Run and Third Place in 400 mts. Hurdles respectively at Jal Pardiwala All Parsis Annual Athletic Meet held in February 2007, Mumbai.
NAVROZ P. DAPOTAWALA FROM SURAT Navroze Dapotawala is taking advanced Body Building training under National Champion Mr. Baiju. He is “Mr. Gujarat” title winner 8 times consecutively from 1989 to 1996 and “Mr. Western India” title winner twice by participating in 5 National Body Building Championships. He won “Mr. Gujarat” (Masters) 2006 title at Gujarat State Level Masters competition held at Ahmedabad. He also secured Second Place and was awarded Best Performance Award at the Gujarat State Level Seniors Competition held in January 2007 at Navsari. He secured First Place in Senior’s and Master’s Group at South Gujarat Body Building Championship held in May 2007 at Surat.
Yachting VIRAF HIRJEE AND XERXES BAMBOAT Since the age of 8 the two boys, viz. Viraf Hirjee and Xerxes Bamboat have been keenly practicing, training and participating in Yachting in National events. Since then they both have attended several Yachting Championships at National Level.
Navroze Dapotawala is running his own gymnasium at Surat in the name of “Seven Sea Gym”.
Archery
Viraf Hirjee had qualified and selected for the following 4 International Events and had been successful:
YAZNEEN SAROSH RANA Yazneen Rana is being trained in Archery by Mr. Sanjeeva Singh, an Arjuna Awardee since several years.
1. “IODA Asian Optimist Sailing Championship 2005” held at Pattaya – Tahiland, in October/ November 2005. 2. “Asian Sailing Championship 2006” held at Doha-Qatar in March 2006. 3. ABN AMRO National Optimist Coastal Championship 2006” held at Mumbai in May 2006. 4. “IODA ASIAN Optimist Sailing Championship 2006” held in Taipei, Taiwan, in July-August 2006.
In November 2004 she represented Indian Compound Women Team in the 3rd Grand Pix Archery Tournament held in Vietnam and won International Bronze Medal for the team. Her medal tally stands upto end of December 2004 at 7 Gold, 6 Silver and 10 Bronze at National & International Levels.
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On the Fast Track Rayomand Banajee ADCA (Advanced Driving and Corporate Academy founded by Ebrahim and Indian racing champion Karun Chandhok), held a scholarship test for all their drivers. Thrilled by his performance during the tests, Ebrahim ensured that Banajee drove the full Formula India season. What Banajee won was exactly what he was looking for — a one-year full sponsorship for Formula India.
Barely in his early 20s, Rayomand Banajee won both the 10-lap and 15-lap races in the second round of the National Formula Racing Championship in Madras in October 2002. Says the Poona lad: “I was always attracted to fast cars. After I started watching Formula 1 in 1993-94 on television, I felt that what the racers were doing was literally superhuman! I’m confident of beating anybody. I know what my capabilities are…”
Till date, Banajee’s fastest time in the Formula India races on a 2.1 km track has been 1:13.1 seconds, that’s an average speed of 106 km per hour.
Banajee started with kart racing in 1999. Untrained and 19-yearsold then, he was one of the first drivers to enter this new sport in the country conducted by First Track Go-karting at Poona. “I wasn’t very serious at that time and recovering from a scooter accident in which I had broken my right hand fingers. I was pretty happy when I stood second!”
Although the winning streak continues, sponsors are hard to get. Each and every pie he wins goes back into the next race. Eventually, he lands up spending at least Rs 40,000 for every event. Banajee’s dream is to take part in Formula 1 (a level no Indian has yet reached). Having had three to four car crashes in his racing career thus far and luckily escaping injury, Banajee dismissively quips: “If you’re aiming to reach a certain level, do you expect to get there without a couple of bad moments?”
He trained with the Gaekwad Racing Team at karting tracks in Bombay in September 2000. He qualified for the JK Tyre National Karting championship held in New Delhi in 2000. In 2001 no qualifying round was held in Poona, so Banajee qualified from the Bangalore region and became the Bangalore Champion for 20012002.
However, he believes in God and the power of our Zoroastrian prayers. He always prays three Yatha Ahu Vairyos and one Ashem Vohu before and after each race. Banajee believes that Parsis should marry within the community “so that our dwindling community prospers!” Well, more vroom to his tyres!
In August 2001 he was selected for a five-day intensive course on race driving by Akbar Ebrahim, the great Indian racer who has raced abroad and holds a Formula 1 superlicence. A month later,
By, Shernaaz Engineer
With Best Compliments from
Bomy Boyce Toronto, Canada
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The Youth Leadership Enhancement Program (An initiative of World Zoroastrian Congress - 2009)
Your opportunity to be
'Future Responsible Leaders' Program gearing up for the 9th World Zoroastrian Congress
28 - 31 December 2009 Dubai, U.A.E. An Exciting Event to meet world renowned personalities For more information read program outline on opposite page
Send your applications in prescribed format available on opposite page to: WZCYLEP@gmail.com
For Queries you may contact: Homai Mehta (India)
Tel: +992222871058
Firdosh Mehta (USA)
Tel: +8175999609
Email: fdjmehta@charter.net
Behram Pastakia (USA)
Tel: +3014939131
Email: bpastakia@aol.com
Nowshir Engineer (Dubai, UAE) Filli Madon (Sydney, Australia) Paurushasp B.Jila (London, UK) Khodayar Attaie (Tehran, Iran) Toxy Cowasjee (Karachi, Pakistan) SynergyZ November-2007-bleed.indd 34
Email: jjcc@vsnl.com
Tel: +971506453359
Email: nowshir@emdiworld.com
Tel: + 0411614300
Email: pars09@yahoo.com
Tel: +447939083832
Email: paurush.jila@virgin.net
Tel: +9123211911
Email: khodayarattaie@gmail.com
34 Tel: +92215867088
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Youth Leadership Enhancement Program Empowering the Young Community Leaders of Tomorrow Encouraging teamwork in leveraging resources for the community What is the “Youth Leadership Enhancement Program”? The “Youth Leadership Enhancement Program” is a new initiative which aims at encouraging community leadership among 23 to 35 years old. The program is gearing up for presentation at the 9th World Zoroastrian Congress to be held in Dubai in 2009.
f. Develop a sense of support for the community, safety, quality of life, culture awareness, environment, history g. Have a handshake with world renowned personalities. About the Program: In the year 2008 the selected applicants for the program will learn more about each other, share their future plans, learn how to design life goals and identify possible ways to accomplish those goals with the mentors who will be leading personalities from various fields and impart advice and provide creative inputs.
The objective of launching this program is to build a network of enthusiastic young individuals and create a sustainable pool of next generation leaders that will benefit the community in the long run. The youth will be mentored by eminent industrialists/ entrepreneurs and receive valuable inputs/advice from them. They will be encouraged to support several community causes. What’s important is that the youth will have an opportunity to explore and experience the qualities of leadership, collaboration, entrepreneurship, creativity and community rooted ness.
In the year 2009 – the selected Youth Leaders will be divided into teams and each team will present a program at the congress on 28th December 2009. The Title of the program will be "Young Community Leaders – Sharing with the Community”. Awards: All members will receive awards and the winning team will receive exciting prizes as “Future Responsible Leaders” at the congress.
The application process: • Youth with commitment to Zoroastrian ideals and ethics, good communication, leadership & team building skills and proven excellence in his/her field of activity will be eligible to apply. • Acceptable age group is 23 to 35 years. • Applications will be accompanied by an essay, not exceeding 600 words, on the following topic:
APPLICATION FORMAT Personal Details Name (Last, First, Middle) Date of Birth
“A Worldwide Youth Leadership Enhancement Program”
Mailing Address
Deadline Entries must be submitted electronically to WZCYLEP@gmail.com, by March 2008
Telephone / Cell phone
Date d de xten
Email Address
E
Permanent residency status
Format Applicants are requested to provide details as per the prescribed format on this page.
Country of citizenship
Judging Winners will be judged by a select panel of judges on the following three criteria’s: 1. Creativity 2. Recognition of leadership qualities 3. Persuasive writing style
Extra Curricular Activities
Educational background Honors, Awards, Scholarships Community Service ESSAY TOPIC: “A Worldwide Youth Leadership Enhancement Program” (600 words) (Each candidate will give ideas on most important issues facing the community and the leadership skills necessary to address these issues and a detailed action plan to bring about a positive change in our community)
What will be the benefits of the Program? The benefits will be as follows: a. The youth will be a role model for the younger generation b. Be an ambassador for the community c. Receive inputs, advice from Mentors on projects/services, goal setting, future progress d. Network with Business Leaders in the community e. Interact with young members in different regions/countries and develop like minded projects/share ideas and develop programs
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I certify that the information provided on this application is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I confirm that I have not received any assistance in preparation of this essay and that I am a Zarathushti between the ages of 23 to 35 years. I also agree to support the program and work with dedication towards its success.
Name of Applicant: Signature of Applicant: Date:
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Zoroastrian Diaspora in Dubai The Host City of World Zoroastrian Congress, 2009
them with ample opportunities of employment. Undoubtedly, the Zarathushtis living in Dubai and other emirates are a happy lot. Most of them are employed in respectable positions in local and multinational companies, while some have their own business. They meet for pot lucks and dinners over week ends. At festivals, they meet for dinner parties at hotels. They go to the beaches for picnics. The children have lots of fun as there are lots of parks and places for entertainment. There is no Agiary but Zarathushtis follow the religion in their homes. There are a few Mobeds who perform Jashan ceremonies on auspicious occasions. A few navjote ceremonies have also taken place in Dubai.
According to official sources, Dubai is home to more than 200 nationalities, which is a remarkable achievement given that United Nations can boast of 192 member states. The Europeans, Americans, Indians, Russians, Pakistanis, Iranians as well as other nationalities from all over the world live very peacefully in the UAE. What is even more remarkable is that there are more than 1,500 Zarathushtis living in Dubai and other emirates of UAE. The arrival of the Zarathushtis can be traced back to the last three decades when oil was discovered in the late sixties in the Middle East Region. Most members who have settled here are from India, Pakistan or Iran. They are either accountants, engineers, doctors, software experts, management consultants, architects, or people with special skills. The trend continues as countries in the Persian Gulf sit on top of the greatest pool of oil reserves in the world.
One of the first families to have arrived in Dubai is the Motiwalla family. They came in 1967, after the political unrest began in Aden. With Dubai offering good opportunities for trade, the family soon set up several businesses in the UAE and offered employment opportunities to those Zarathushtis who wanted to settle down in Dubai. The family is well respected and known for their benevolence. The second generation is equally illustrious, and well placed in life.
The way Dubai has developed over the past 25 years is nothing but amazing. The rulers have been sincere towards the people. They have worked hard and showed the world that if one is earnest and loves his country; even roses can be grown in the desert. At present people from all over the world are coming to Dubai for business and leisure. Dubai has become one of the most important cities on the globe. One good thing is that the locals here are very tolerant and respect people of other nationalities. They provide
The first Zarathushti Chartered Accountant with international operations to arrive in Dubai was Russi Patel also in the year 1967 from Aden. After 36 years BDO Patel and Saleh still continues to
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be a successful and a reputed professional accounting firm in the UAE and Oman.
Their commitment over the years is praise worthy. Equally inspiring is the contribution of the Sidhwa family, a leading business family in Dubai. Freddy and Freny Sidhwa epitomize the true Zarathushti ethos of charity and humility. They silently support several worthy causes and sponsor gambhars and sports events for the community year after year.
Some families who arrived in the 80’s decided to migrate to other countries like New Zealand, Australia and Canada in pursuit of greener pastures or to educate their children. A few Zarathushtis who are presently into business are Padam Cooper of Thermo King, Nozer Antia of Antia Chartered Accountants, Mickey Bamboat and Minoo Minwalla of Freight Systems Ltd., Minoo Jamaji of Roshan Construction Company, Soli Dastur of Dastoor Consultants, Darius Antia of Ericson and Richards, Dadi Motiwala of Mot2iwalla (mt2), Kersy Bhesania, of Climate Control LLC, Karl & Rita Mehta of Blitz Media and Communication, Hoshi Siganporia of The Big Idea Company, Yazdi Karai of Business Consultancy Co., Noshir Engineer of Event Management Development Institute, Meherji Frenchman of Al Koufa Trading., Noshir Patel of Perfect Graphics, Rumi Sarkari of JRS Logistics, Mazarine Patel of Mazarine saloon & Spa and Dara Rajwadewalla of Percy Caterers and the list is increasing. The contribution of these businessmen in various fields has earned a lot of recognition and good will from the regional business community. Doctors like Zubin Nalladaru, Nozar Bamboat and Firoz Motiwalla have gained good reputation in the field of medicine and dentistry and are often very helpful to the community members.
Despite living in a progressive nation, the community members do not seem to have forgotten their roots. The holy Muktad prayers take place every year at Percy and Zarine Tantra’s house in Dubai. Percy and Zarine make an exemplary couple and ensure that each family’s request for Muktad prayers is met. The ten days’ ceremony is conducted with great fervour with help from Dasturjis and friends. Dubai has several Dasturjis who are doing very well in their own professions. They are always willing to help the community during Muktad time and on auspicious occasions. Jubilation is in the air these days, with Dubai being the next host city for the 9th World Zoroastrian Congress. The year 2009 will be a defining year for all Zarathushtis around the world. The Congress will be held under the signature theme, “Unity through the sands of time”. The Congress will feature many good speakers and cover several interesting presentations on socioeconomic topics, arts, heritage and culture all with an accent on Zoroastrianism. Presentations will be targeted to individuals of all ages, including youth. The Youth Leadership Enhancement Program has already been launched and is gearing up for presentation at the Congress. The program will offer opportunities to youth to become future responsible leaders. The evenings will have programs featuring artistic and musical talent from within the community.
The community has come a long way on their own and over the last few years luminaries such as Lord Karan Bilimoria, Mr. Minoo Shroff, Mr. Dorab Mistry, Mr. Firdosh Vandrewalla, Mr. Byram Avari, Mobed Kourous Niknam, MP Zoroastrians, Iran and Mr. Khodayar Attaie have visited Dubai at the invitation of World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce, (WZCC). The WZCC Middle East group (Dubai and Muscat) was formed in 2002. Since then it has become a proactive arm of WZCC. The affairs are ably managed by the Regional Board comprising of respectable personalities. The present Directors are Mr. Noshir Motiwalla, Mr. Cyrus Vevaina, Mr. Minoo Saher, Mr. Cyrus Magol, Mr. Kersy Bhesania, and Mr. Firoz Irani. Mr. Barjor Bajan is the Treasurer and the Chapter Chair and International Director, WZCC is Mrs. Meher Bhesania. A variety of management and trade related programs are conducted through out the year in line with the vision and mission of WZCC. A notable program which took place was the Trade delegation’s visit to Dubai. Twenty two businessmen and professionals came from India to Dubai to explore business opportunities. It was for the first time in the history of Zarathushtis that such a delegation visited Dubai which was arranged in coordination with Mumbai Chapter. The event concluded successfully with most businessmen meeting success on their very first trip.
Over 750 community members are expected to attend the Congress. Congress dates have been finalized as 28th December to 31st December 2009. Respected leaders of various organizations and institutions from the community are expected to attend and participate in the event. One day will be assigned to trade conference and exhibition. Top luminaries of the community, regional businessmen, and Consul Generals of various countries will attend the congress. Some prestigious companies like the Tatas, Godrej, Britannia, Cobra Beer, Forbes, Fossil, Thermax from overseas destinations are expected to participate along with local companies owned by Zarathushtis and other businessmen in the UAE. The event will open with a grand opening ceremony. The whole event will be conducted in the form of a festival and the delegates and local companies from Dubai will be able to showcase their products and services. A mix of events will keep the delegates interests alive, with key note speakers, interesting sessions on various topics on the lines of previous congresses. Special programs will be held for the youth. The event will end with a grand finale in the desert, bringing the congress to a close and ringing in the New Year 2010. The website www.wzcongress.com is coming up soon and will provide regular news / updates on the congress. Several families will offer hospitality to friends and guests at their lovely homes during congress time. Accommodation in 5, 4, 3 and 2 star hotels will also be arranged. The Congress Organizing Team will help members in every way. For those who have not visited this region, Dubai remains a mysterious land. However, the truth is – it’s the land of opportunity. As one Zarathushti would say to another– ‘May God Prolong our stay in Dubai!
There is never a dull period in Dubai with the city offering so much entertainment. Besides, the ever dedicated Emirates’ Parsees Working group comprising of Aban Kapadia, Barjor Bajan, Dina Motiwalla, Maharukh Dadachandji, Katy Madan, Dara Rajwadewalla, Minoo Unwalla, Vistasp Contractor, Hoshedar Cooper and Cyrus Debara, are always there to organize social functions including jashans so that the community keeps meeting.
We extend a cordial invitation to all Zoroastrians to attend the Congress and leave their foot prints in the sands of time! By: Meher Bhesania
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World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce Chicago Chapter We are most proud that our Hoshang and Bonnie Karani had last year bought the eighty year “Coleman Fireproof Door Company” near Chicago, and, they are turning it around with total dedication and instilling into it modern management and IT techniques.
The mission of the WZCC-C is to promote the idea of entrepreneurship and business for one’s self among the mostly professional Zoroastrians in the Chicago area. Our activities are focused on kindling awareness of possible opportunities to create one’s own business among the Chicago area Zoroastrians who may have a latent interest in entrepreneurship. We are doing this through various ways. We provide opportunity of networking for new business idea evaluation and analysis among professionals like: lawyers, scientists, doctors, accountants, HR managers, professors, engineers and government officers. We have conducted two day-long, rigorous workshops on various topics of entrepreneurship and small business. We have also had tours of members’ companies, together with the stories about their company acquisitions and activities during early start-up. We have had speakers make many presentations to the Chicago area Zoroastrian community on various topics concerning entrepreneurship and small business. These speakers include business owners, professors and consultants on topics including entrepreneurship, international, strategic and innovation management.
We are also making a special effort to reach out to the youth through “The Next Gen” meetings. The tenet is that we should plant the seed of business for one’s self earlier. The youth are our future and we believe investing in them by exposing to them our ethical values and our entrepreneurial spirit. The WZCC-C has been active since 2002 and its membership has been about 30. Previous Chairpersons have been: Sarosh Khambatta, Hoshang Karani, Pheroze Nagarwalla, Ron Karani. Equally importantly, Rohinton Rivetna has always provided us with his wisdom and hard working support. The current Chairperson is Yezdi H. Godiwalla. E-mail address: godiwaly@uww.edu Postal address: Management Department, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI 53190-1790, USA.
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Invitation
Congress Venue: Dubai Date: 28th – 31st December 2009
Plan your vacation from now and be a part of this momentous occasion in Dubai
The Congress will offer interesting programs on various themes. It will include a Trade Program for businessmen to network with each other and also interact with regional businessmen in Dubai. A special track has been designed for youth and youth are encouraged to participate in the Youth Leadership Enhancement Program which has already been launched and will gear up for presentation at the Congress. Attend the Congress and leave your foot prints in the sands of time! Congress website coming soon... www.wzcongress.org
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WZCC TRADE DELEGATION TO KARACHI By Kersi Limathwalla The World Zarthusti Chamber of Commerce in its commitment to rekindle the spirit of enterprise in the community organized a successful trade sojourn to Karachi from September 8 to 13, 2007. The delegation of 16 from as diverse a field as numismatic to aircraft ground handling made impressive presentation at official and private forums and received commendable acknowledgments.
the good offices of Byram Avari, were very encouraging before His Excellency the Governor of Sind , the Honorable Federal Minister of Trade, the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Karachi Chamber of Commerce. The media was very receptive with good television and press coverage and a special interview with CNBC.
The single person responsible for this trade fair was Byram Avari, a highly respected hotelier and industrialist of Pakistan whose business empire stretches across continents. The WZCC rightly bestowed upon him the Honorary Membership – 2006 as he epitomises true Zarathusti ethos of enterprise, benevolence, integrity and humility. This delegation was third in a row of delegations after Dubai and Iran organized through the India Chamber. Every participant made wholesome contribution and need to be complimented for the success of the Trade Delegation. It was a milestone in more than one way. Almost all the participants were from India and one from Dubai (who is also originally from Pune). The highlight of the Trade Delegation was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between WZCC - I and Karachi Chamber of Commerce during the visit. Pakistan is home away from home for Indians and likewise for Pakistanis visiting India – everything from the dug up roads to the warmth and hospitality makes you feel at home. There is no doubt that both Pakistan and India share a lot of homogeneity in terms of culture, language, dress code, eating habit, likes and dislikes. The success of a Trade Delegation can be measured in two ways - how it has impacted as a group and how individual participants benefit. The performance as a group under the inspiring leadership of Minoo Shroff was outstanding. He was sprightly and more enthusiastic than some younger members of the delegation and his recall of economic figures was astounding. The reception and response at all official meetings, through
Mr. Byram Avari and Mr. Minoo Shroff with top officials of The Federation Of Pakistan Chambers Of Commerce The long cherished desire of the International Board of WZCC came to fruition with the inauguration of Karachi Chapter of WZCC and the appointment of Chapter chair at a grand ceremony at the banquet hall of Hotel Avari Towers organized by the host of hosts Byram Avari. Every delegate is sure to have happy memories of this trade visit. But the overall success of a Trade Delegation shall largely depend on the individual benefit to every participant in terms of business generated or at least the interest evinced during one to one meetings with business counterparts which was arranged for every participant. Although it may be to early in the day to conclude but the feedback received so far has been very encouraging. Business is likely to get firmed up in supply of chemicals, machinery, handmade embroidery, dairy products, software and aircraft ground handling. Kersi Limathwalla is a senior practicing Chartered Accountant. He is Vice - President of WZCC, International Board of Directors and is associated with various professional, cultural and philanthropic organizations locally and internationally.
Pictures from the event
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Shernaz Engineer
has Lunch with The Queen at Buckingham Palace
Her Majesty The Queen, hosted a luncheon reception for women in business on St Valentine’s day. Shernaz Engineer, Owner of the Verity Recruitment Group and Chair of the World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce – UK Chapter was one of the women invited.
at length. She thanked Shernaz for her active support to ‘Sense International’, a charity for deaf and blind children of which the Princess is a Patron. The Duchess of Cornwall remarked on how exciting it must be to run a recruitment business and how no two days would be the same as one would meet so many different people. Shernaz reminded Sophie Wessex about her visit to the Zoroastrian Centre and she said that it was a memorable day and she had a very enjoyable time meeting the Zoroastrian Community.
As well as The Queen, Princess Anne, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Countess of Wessex and The Duchess of Gloucester were also present. Shernaz met Her Majesty who was intrigued to know about Shernaz’s recruitment business and the outsourcing firm she owns in Mysore. Her Majesty was most interested in how the transcription business worked and how work is transferred to Mysore and back to clients. The Princess Royal spoke to Shernaz
Shernaz said it was a super day and that it was wonderful not only to meet the Royal Ladies but all the other remarkable women who were there. So many women had amazing stories to tell including Sharon Osborne who spoke to a crowd of women about the X-factor and was both funny and warm.
Chapter News, WZCC – UK On a rather wet evening in early-July, members and guests of the WZCC-UK were treated to an exciting presentation on Body Language, followed by lots of Cobra beer and a delicious buffet dinner at arguably one of the Top-5 Indian restaurants in London – the famous Café Spice Namasté, run by Cyrus Todiwala, MBE. Around seventy members of WZCC-UK and their guests braved the London monsoons, and packed the main dining hall of Café Spice.
you hold your arms, what your eyes focus on – these all speak volumes. The reason why we should learn to read body language is that when it is in conflict with the spoken word, your body language is usually always the correct portrayal of the truth. Then to the delight of the audience, she launched an interactive session asking questions: • Do you know what your partner is actually thinking about you when he or she’s smiling benignly and nodding?
The main event was presented by Nicole Bachmann, a regular speaker at the networking events of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Institute of PR and University of Essex. Nicole Bachmann is an international communicator with a strategic business background and a law degree. Nicole runs her own successful coaching company, and she is an expert, motivational, keynote and inspirational speaker.
• What about that crucial interview? Did you notice that the interview was going great till you crossed your legs and pointed your shoe at your future boss? • How do you decipher body language and use it to your advantage?
Here’s what she said: You know that old saying about actions speaking louder than words? It’s so true ... because your body language reveals a lot about you. Your facial expressions and body gestures are the first things people notice – even if they don’t consciously realise it. Before you utter a single word, your mannerisms, no matter how subtle, send a message that’s loud and clear. Your posture, how
The audience was very participative with a lot of positive feedback, and the acting was good enough for a role in Bollywood! The evening ended on a positive note with more Cobra beer and lots of networking. WZCC-UK members and their guests had some serious fun at the Body Language Clinic.
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WZCC - Mumbai Chapter Makes Successful Beginning with Business Cell Seminar It was a sultry morning in Mumbai when a band of 27 enthusiastic entrepreneurs arrived at the Nehru Science Center, each with a dream to pursue, fire in his/her belly and an inquiring mind. The WZCC’s one day Business Cell Seminar created commendable enthusiasm, backed by some very expert advice and opportunities for the participating entrepreneurs.
training franchise in four of the past six years, Crestcom is seeking distributors and franchisees worldwide. Master distributorships are also available in some countries. The USP here is that you run your own company and the franchisor gives you all the training and support needed. And, you are allowed to evaluate the opportunity at no cost and you would be bound only if you find the initial free training satisfying and suited to your needs and skills. The service is a unique blend of DVD training, produced by international experts, and follow-up sessions being conducted by the franchisee. More information on the Crestcom franchise opportunity is available on http://www.crestcom.com
The Zoroastrian business ethos was artfully articulated by Minoo Shroff, President of the WZCC’s India Chamber and Chair of the Advisory Body. What exactly does the WZCC stand for and how does it synergize entrepreneurial energy, skills, and networking within the community? This was the sum and substance of the introductory presentation made by Kersi Limathwalla, Vice-President of the International Board.
Then followed an interesting opportunity presented by Suresh Shastry from Reliance World – a unique offer to open up Reliance World outlets in Mumbai. The franchisor would invest in the property (or rent it out), the infrastructure and the training of staff, and the franchisee would have to man the outlet, which would be like a Cyber Cafe with several add-ons – global teleconferencing, sale of mobile phones, sale of the RIM CDMA service, financial services, etc. The initial investment would be in the form of a one-time franchise fee and a refundable, interest-bearing deposit, and the rest would be taken care of by the company. The contract would be for nine years, renewable every three years.
As the session briskly went underway, the panel was introduced by Prof. Faredoon Kapadia, Managing Committee Member and the main architect of the seminar. It was illuminating to have the concept of entrepreneurship ably explained by Dr. Atthreya, whose expertise was well appreciated at the WZCC’s week long Young Entrepreneur’s Programme (YEP), held in Mumbai last year.
Dolly Dhamodiwalla then presented the WZCCI’s plans for the ‘Own Your Business Programme’ at Ahmedabad. This would be a seven-day residential course being conducted by a premier institute – the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) – renowned for its entrepreneurship development courses The course would be held on the sprawling campus of the EDI and would cover all aspects of entrepreneurship – identifying a project, conceptualizing, marketing, production, finance, successful launch, etc. The EDI also runs a mentoring programme for up to six months after the end of the course, to help prospective entrepreneurs find their bearings. Most of the participants were upbeat about the course and were willing to participate. Other WZCC members who are desirous of joining are also welcome to indicate their interest as the dates for the programme are in the process of being finalized. The big issue that bugs most entrepreneurs is how to generate the finances in order to fuel their dreams. This important aspect was also addressed at the Seminar by Pheroze Patel, who handles the Venture Capital Fund of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat. Following which, there were presentations on the availability of finance and the terms and conditions to be complied with by Urvashi Dharadhar of Saraswat Co-operative Bank, GS Rao of the Central Bank of India and Aspi Katgara of the Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank. Charged by the concept of the Business Cell and eager to offer his expertise, Dr. Atthreya very kindly offered his services to the participants free of cost, with prior appointment. “Never a dull moment throughout the day,” was how Edil Katrak, Chapter Chair of the WZCC in Mimbai, described the Seminar! The participants were most effusive about their appreciation of the programme and wanted many more of this kind to rejuvenate the entrepreneurial spirit within the community. And, saving the best for last, the finale was the gracious vote of thanks by the WZCC’s International Corporate Secretary, Zarine Commissariat!
As the whole purpose behind the exercise was meaningful interaction, the participants introduced themselves and outlined their aspirations. Prof. Kapadia explained that the concept of the Business Cell of the WZCC was to put together a platform for getting opportunities and opportunity-seekers together. For a start, the Business Cell would meet on the first Saturday of every month, discussing and advising, one-on-one, interested entrepreneurs with prior appointment. The meetings would be held at Tardeo and Andheri to facilitate entrepreneurs across the city. The prime objective of the Business Cell is to fructify a smooth transition for a prospective business owner to jumpstart his/her business, or for galvanizing growth for an existing enterprise. At the Seminar, there was a special session on Business Opportunities, presented by three franchisors – each from a different product or service group and each from a reputed organisation. Pradeep Verma presented franchise opportunities from the house of Eureka Forbes. The opportunity was mainly for a new line of water purifiers, which the company would be launching and which, incidentally, would need neither electricity nor running water! With an investment of Rs. 2.5 lakhs, one could build an enterprise. Technical information and product knowledge would be the responsibility of the franchisor. The franchisee was just expected to gather and motivate sales teams and spur winners for himself and the organisation. Ramesh Padekar from Crestcom International Ltd. presented the franchise opportunities that his organization had to offer. The idea was to become the CEO of your own management training company. Entrepreneur Magazine’s No. 1 management/sales
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Sydney proud of young Mobeds Ervad Beghzad Bana
By Mithi Daver
Ervad Homeher Bana
Beghzad was born in Mumbai on 18 January 1983 and migrated to Sydney at the tender age of 10 months. He was ordained the title of priesthood at a very young age of 9. He had to study his Navar prayers at the Athornan Madressa in Dadar. Beghzad was granted leave of absence from his primary school for one year to accomplish this mission. He learnt his prayers under the stewardship of the learned scholar, late Ervad Rustomji Panthaki, who was then the Principal of the Madressa.
Homeher was born in Sydney on 26 September 1990 and has followed in his elder brother’s footsteps in an almost identical way. Homeher is currently the youngest priest in Sydney. Homeher also learnt his Navar prayers under the loving care and guidance of his guru, late Ervad Rustomji Panthaki. Like his brother, Homeher too was granted leave of absence for one year from his primary school to achieve this.
Beghzad, now 24, is a qualified Chartered Accountant. He is very involved in the AZA community. He performs jashans, navjotes, weddings and other religious ceremonies. He is one of the leaders of the AZA Youth Group. He is the Quizz Master and enjoys organizing Trivia Nights as also the annual AZA Cricket Match.
Homeher, now 16, is studying in Year 11. He is also involved in the AZA community and performs jashans and navjotes.
Beghzad is a keen sportsperson and plays cricket at club level. He has also had the distinct honour of being an Escort Runner during the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Karl Desai
Homeher is also a keen sportsperson and plays cricket and rugby at club level. His other interests include physical fitness and various social activities.
The Desai family has made invaluable contribution to the Zoroastrian Association of NSW. With three dasturjis in one family they are constantly called upon to perform jashans, navjotes, wedding ceremonies and recite prayers at funerals.
Kaizad Panthaki
Ervad Tim Desai, did his Navar in Navsari, and practised in Mumbai for a few years before migrating to Sydney. He continues his priestly duties here and encouraged his sons Neveille and Karl to follow the parental lineage. Karl is only 19 years of age, and has been practising as a priest for over seven years now. At the age of ten he began studying the necessary prayers for Navar under the tutelage of our Kety Marolia and within a year he traveled to Mumbai in 1999 for his induction into priesthood
Kaizad Viraf Panthaki did his Navar when he was nine years old. He then went on to do his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering in Pune and later did his Marine Engineering and was a Gold Medalist. He went out to sea but did not like it and so he ventured into pastures new and arrived in Australia in 1998. Kaizad came to Sydney as a student and applied for some 94 scholarships. He did his Masters in Business/IT and paid off all his loans and debts as did not want to burden his parents.
Karl tells me with great pride “all arrangements had been made for me to complete my Navar at the Banaji Agiary at Charni Road, Mumbai, where I would spend twenty-one days undertaking daily rituals and prayers. The process culminated in a final prayer ceremony with fellow Dasturjis where I was announced as a priest in front of family and friends. It is very rewarding to be a priest and I continue to carry out annual Jashans, Navjotes and other religious ceremonies at the Australian Zoroastrian Association of New South Wales, Sydney.
He managed to get his Permanent Residency and got employed by KPMG and later joined Ernst and Young to do his chartered accountancy as IT jobs were hard to come by due to over saturation of the market.
Karl is presently studying for his degree in Bachelor of Civil Engineering / Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology, Sydney
Kaizad has a great flair for dancing and trained with Shiamak Daver in Jazz. He now does Bollywood dancing with various groups in Sydney and performs at corporate functions and weddings with his cousin Khursheed Irani, herself a talented dancer. They call themselves Bollywood Sensations!
We are certain that with devoted youngsters like Karl showing so much interest and enthusiasm, the family tradition of the Desais, who originally came from Navsari, will long continue for the benefit and proliferation of our Zoroastrian Religion.
Kaizad has been fondly named as the ‘Dancing Dastur’
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Chapter News WZCC - Houston, USA LETS GET INTO BUSINESS! An enthusiastic crowd of over 135 attendees gathered at the Zoroastrian Heritage and Cultural Center, Houston on June 24, 2007 to listen to two young entrepreneurs and a young professional describe their struggles, hopes and aspirations in pursuit of success. It was the first ever event organized by WZCC to honor and recognize our youth. It was a joint event organized by the Houston and the Dallas chapters of WZCC. Thanks to the hardworking members of the Executive Committee, the event was a real success.
taught him the ropes. I had an opportunity to visit further with Neville after his talk. Some of the things that this young man has done are very interesting, well worthy of a book. Neville’s advice to other young entrepreneurs was: 1. Get a Mentor and don’t hesitate to request an expert to be a mentor for you. The Mentor does not need to be in the same business that interests you. 2. Write all your ideas down and develop a niche from the list by a process of elimination. 3. Read a lot; do research on your ideas. For him, books on psychology and how to manage people were more helpful than actual technical books. 4. Once you make some money, establish an investment account and use it for anything to improve you. Neville suggested that the Chamber develop programs to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs and start a mentorship program.
The president of the Houston Chapter, Mrs. Behroze Daruwalla and the International “WZCC Director and President of the Dallas Chapter, Mr. Firdosh Mehta, welcomed the attendees. Mr. Rustom Engineer introduced Mrs. Zarine Commissariat, an International Director and the Secretary of the Board from Mumbai who was visiting Houston. Mrs. Commissariat has been master of ceremony at countless events where celebrities like Dalai Lama, Royalty of Brunei, Bollywood stars, etc. were chief guests. She has played prominent roles at many national and international events organized by the Asian Secretaries & Administration Professionals; the Lion’s Club and also has anchored many television programs. “Mrs. Commissariat very eloquently delivered a talk on “A World Perspective on the WZCC”. Starting with the success of the two WZCC delegations to Dubai and Iran, she highlighted some of the up and coming programs that the WZCC Executive Committee headed by the Chairperson Mr. Bomi Boyce is currently working on. The talk was followed by some interesting questions and answers.” Our first young entrepreneur Neville Medhora whose exploits have been written up in the Wall Street Journal was introduced by the Houston Chapter Executive Member Mr. Kaemerz Dotiwalla. Neville’s topic was, “Achieving Success in E-Commerce on a Shoe String.” He regaled the audience with his life experiences in the Internet Industry. Neville’s interest in entrepreneurship perked when he saw one of the Zarthushti entrepreneurs in Houston driving around in, “Cool Cars”. He also wanted to make money, be independent and not have to depend on anybody for his future progress and success. Neville had no idea how to get started in business. He overcame this hurdle by reading a lot of books on the lives of entrepreneurs who had made it. Neville took his first plunge into the world of business at the tender age of about 13. He taught himself the then cutting edge technology of Web Design. He built a website at the age of 16 yrs while still in high school. Since then he has developed a number of internet related businesses, some of which sustained him through college and which he still operates. He also stated that being a member of the Zarthushti community was of great benefit to him as that allowed him to gain Zarthushti mentors who are successful in the business community and who
Our next young entrepreneur was Aaresh Jamshedji. Whose topic was, “From Mufflers to Night Club in 7 Short Years?” Aaresh informed his audience about how at a very young age, he would buy a packet of gum and sell each individual stick of gum to his classmates for a profit. He helped his parents at their gas station/garage. After graduating from high school, Aaresh purchased a Midas Muffler franchise which was about to go under. The price was right because it was going under. Aaresh spent many long days and turned the business around in a very short time by adding services and products which were not previously provided. At the age of 20, he was the youngest franchisee in Midas’s history. Aaresh’s next business venture took root because a friend asked Aaresh to lend $5000.00 on a car at interest. This led Aaresh into the finance business of buying and carrying notes. This again is his second successful business venture. Aaresh likes to work hard and play hard. When most of us go to a bar or a disco, we are busy sipping drinks listening to music and cutting the rug. Aaresh did all these things. However, he did one additional thing. He counted the number of drinks costing about $1.50 being sold at $7.00. This lit the fire in his belly to get into the night club business. He went around studying various night clubs in town and visualized his dream nightclub. He bought a run down clinic and spent 11 months building the night club with his own hands with the help of his father and brother. There were many days when he would come home so tired and dirty that he would sleep on the floor next to his bed as he had no energy to take a shower and sleep on a clean bed. Aaresh thanked his grandparents and parents for instilling in him gratitude to Ahura Mazda for blessings. He said that Zarathushti religion has played a major role in his life. Closings for both his businesses were done on March 21st. Jamshedi Navroze. A divo is always burning at his place of business.
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THE WZCC TEAM (left to right) Rustom Engineer, Kersi Commissariat, Behroze Daruwalla, Firdosh Mehta, Zarine Commissariat, Neville Medhora, Smita Eduljee, Homi Davier, Dr, Darius Wania, Kaemerz Dotiwalla, Sarosh Collector & Ken Bhappu. Aaresh was followed by Ms. Smita Eduljee, an unassuming young professional lady showing great determination. Smita’s topic was, “Making it in a Professional World”. Smita is presently working for Shell Research, a one time bastion of the good old boy mentality. Smita related to the audience how she ran into a stone wall from her male
co-workers especially at the refineries and plants. She conveyed to us how through patience, perseverance and hands on hard work she overcame this resistance, gained respect in their eyes and has made it in a man’s world. She told us about how her interest in chemistry took her from Mama School in Karachi, Pakistan to MIT, and then to Shell Research in Houston. Her story was of special inspiration to our young girls in the field of hard sciences. There were a number of young ladies present at the seminar and she certainly lit a fire for some of them.
As the seminar came to an end, one could see from the enterprising spirit of these young Zarthushti Entrepreneurs that Zarthushti entrepreneurship is not dead. The spirit of Tatas, Wadias, Readymonies, Petits, Godregs and so many others is still smoldering, waiting for that breath of fresh air to whip it into an inferno of Zarathushti enterprises as it once was. Will WZCC become this breath of fresh air? Additionally, will the charitable nature of our Sethias of old be matched by our new Zarathushti Moguls to reflect their Zarathushti Pane? That will be a test only time will tell. Houston WZCC Team
WZCC will hold its AGM at Pune, India on 12 & 13 January 2008 All Members are cordially invited. For more details please refer WZCC website www.wzcc.net 45 SynergyZ November-2007-bleed.indd 45
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HOME EQUITY CREDIT LINES LETTER Rusi D. Gandhi
A very nice Parsi lady had a fine home in New England. But this diinguished woman ended up throwing away all her equity! She scrambled at the last minute to help her aunt’s daughter Ruby get settled in the USA. But she really had trouble since she also went through an unexpected work layoff. If she had had a line of credit from before her job layoff, she would have had an easier time when Ruby arrived. Let me explain how lines of credit work.
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Remember too, there are other ways to borrow money from a lending institution. For example, you may want to explore second mortgage installment loans. Although these plans also place an additional mortgage on your home, second mortgage money usually is loaned in a lump sum, rather than in a series of advances made available by writing checks on an account. Also second mortgages usually have fixed interest rates and fixed payment amounts. You also may want to explore borrowing from credit lines that do not use your home as collateral. These are available with you credit cards or with unsecured credit lines that let you write checks as you need the money. In addition, you may want to ask about loans for speciďŹ c items, such as cars or tuition.
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... SynergyZ is the place to advertise! To place your adverts contact your Chapter Chair or send us an email to www.wzccsynergyz@gmail.com
Reference; Jonathan Shaw, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Debtor Nationâ&#x20AC;?, Harvard Magazine, July-August, 2007. Copyright, Rusi Gandhi, Fall, 2007. Mr. Rusi D. Gandhi, MBA is a Real Estate Broker and Investor (at www.RusiGandhi.com).
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