Synergyz Vol 15 Dec 2016

Vol. 15 | Dec., 2016

Journal of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce

THE STARTUP & SME ISSUE

LEAD STORY

DR.NAUSHAD FORBES PRESIDENT, CII

GROW SS E N I S BU IGHT S R U O Y EW HE TO N Funding of Startups & SMES

5 Pillars of a Successful Startup

Driving Excellence in Boardrooms

Why Business Strategies Fail?

Dubai Pravasi Yatra Program

Smart & Scalable Infrastructure

Women Achievers

Cyber Threats

Business Section

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It’s time.

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Visit Myanmar One of the most magical and undiscovered destinations in the world. A golden country of breath taking beauty and charm steeped in fascinating history and tradition.

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DECEMBER 2016 VOLUME 15

CONTENTS 13 The President’s Message 58 Dubai Pravasi Yatra Program

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70 Udvada - A perfect getaway 38 Mover Advantage in Iran

74 Parsi Philanthropy 50 Women Achievers

14 Naushad Forbes Icon of Resurgent India

46 Cyber Threats Strong Defence Strategies to ward off Cyber attacks

18 Mahatma Mandir A Masteriece

48 Focus on Education. Improve Nations

By Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBE, DL

20 Scriptural Reflection ‘The Dignity of Women’

52 Business Section Profiles of Business owners in North America & India

22 Driving Excellence through Board Rooms Setting the ‘Tone at the Top’

60 Should Startups be everywhere on Social Media Eight tips to nurture social media presence

26 Funding of Starts-ups and SMES First tier financing for Entrepreneurs

62 Human Capital and Smart Cities

30 Five Pillars of Successful Startups Five foundations of growing your business

64 Higher Education & Startups in India Vision 2030

32 Values & Risks in Global Financial Markets By: Matien Khalid, Executive Director, Asas Capital Ltd. Dubai

68 Innovative Product New India Assurance Company

34 Smart and Scalable infrastructure Building Infrastructure for growth

76 WZCC AGM & Awards Ceremony A big success in Goa

40 Why do most Plans and Strategies Fail?

By: Nozer Buchia, Author – Why Entrepreneurs really fail?

80 Glimpses of Threads Continuity A spectacular exhibition on ‘Parsi Life and Culture’ in New Delhi

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Exciting Destinations in the World Here are a few finds of ours around the world, for you and your family to enjoy!

Welcome to THE DUBAI DESERT

Conservation Reserve

The Dubai Desert Safari Park, will soon become a global benchmark for wildlife habitats when it opens this year, boasting approximately 1000 animals and some of the finest facilities the world has ever seen. The Park is dedicated to conserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Arabian Desert.

The Park will have four distinct sections: African, Asian and ArabianVillages, plus an open Safari area for animals coming from a variety of geographical locations. All architecture and landscaping will match the various themes.

This will be far more than ‘just’ another Safari Park and will consist of a Zoo, Safari and Butterfly Park, Botanical Garden, Resort and Golf Course, in addition to educational, conservation and veterinary facilities. It will provide a much higher quality of life for the animals.

Shwezigan Pagoda, Bagan, Myanmar

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Northern Plains Germany

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National Museum Cambodia

The park is designed to provide a wide variety of conditions to suit different animals, using modern interactive methods in animal control and wildlife.

What’s more, visitors will be able to move among many of the animals in the Safari area while riding air-conditioned jeeps, thereby providing them an opportunity to see exactly how the animals react in their own environment.

Getting there is

HALF THE ADVENTURE

BABA YAGA ABODE - ABALAK, SIBERIA If you are lucky, you can expect to find Father Christmas and possibly even a Reindeer at Christmas time!

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Ocean Park

Hong Kong Disneyland

Repulse Bay Botanical Garden

Victoria Harbour Lantau Island Tian Tan Buddha,

Golden Bauhinia Square

Hong Kong Peak Tram

Disney Land Hong Kong Castle

Avenue of Stars Bruce Lee Statute

Po Lin Monastery Deva

19 Statues Buddha Monastery

Birds in Botanical Garden

Jade Market

Po Lin Monastery

Stanley Market

Temple Street Night Market HONG KONG – PEARL OF THE ORIENT VENUE: WZCC AGM - 2016 It’s the right time to visit this extraordinary city, famed for its tower-studded skyline. The food scene goes beyond - where one can get food from Cantonese dim sum to extravagant high tea. The shopping spans from chaotic Temple Street Night Market to the city’s innumerable bespoke tailors. Join us at the WZCC AGM from 16th to 18th December 2016 and experience the unforgettable charm of this destination which is also a major port and the Global Financial Centre of the East.

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Message

Enabling Trade Opportunities

Meher Bhesania

During times of crises such as the recent downturn, or even in the general milieu of tough competition that prevails in the business world, what everybody, from the CEO to the Chaiwala or Rikshawala, welcomes is advice – some definitive words of wisdom from persons we respect and admire. But advice turns golden only once it is implemented and found to be of value in real life. We, therefore, approached some of the super achievers and leaders of large organisations in several countries and sought their advice on various topics.

The best advice received is laid down in the form of articles in this issue for our readers to enjoy.

Further, we contacted a few WZCC business owners in the US, Canada and India and requested them to send us their company profiles. The information gathered is available in the Business Section.

This information will help the WZCC fraternity to maximize growth opportunities through industry collaboration and internationalization and widen their contacts. So don’t put this issue down without reading how our hidden heroes are bringing convenience and comfort to their customers’ lives.

Our lead story this year is on Dr. Naushad Forbes, the President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He is a rare combination of a doer and a thinker. Hailing from an iconic family of entrepreneurs he has just not furthered the business as the Co-Chairman at Forbes Marshall, but given it a modern dimension.

The theme of this year’s journal is Startups and SMEs. We have, therefore, covered interesting articles on these two topics plus others, such as - The Five pillars of successful Startups; Why plans and strategies fail; Funding of Startups and SMEs;Women achievers; Driving Excellence through the Board Rooms; Cyber threats; the Parsi Philanthropy and more…

SynergyZ compliments Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt. Ltd.(SPCPL), on winning the coveted Golden Peacock Award, in Dubai, from the ‘Institute of Directors’ on 19th April, 2016.

An inspiring article on how SPCPL commissioned the dough-nit ground plus three-storey museum in record time at the Mahatma Mandir, is covered in this issue. Mahatma Mandir consists of a Convention Centre and a Memorial built in the memory of Gandhiji. It is truly a Masterpiece in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

If you have any interesting articles or news items, then do share them with us by sending them to wzccsynergyz@gmail.com For your advertising needs we encourage you to use SynergyZ as your communication platform to advertise your company’s products and services. The tariff is reasonable. If you have any queries on advertisements, kindly send the same to wzccindia@on-lyne.com Hope you like the Journal.

Wishing you all a peaceful and productive 2017!

Meher Bhesania Chairman, SynergyZ

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SynergyZ

Vol 15, December 2016 — For Private Circulation only Registered Office 5750 South Jackson St. Hinsdale, IL 5109 - 60521, Website: www.wzcc.net Global President Edul Daver Editorial Board Burjor Patel, Former General Manager, Khaleej Times, Dubai Kersy Bhesania, Managing Director, Climate Control L.L.C, Dubai Dadi Motiwalla, CEO, mt2, Dubai Yazdi Tantra, Managing Director, On-lyne Computers, Mumbai WZCC Journal Conceived and Developed by: Meher Bhesania, Chairman, SynergyZ Journal designed by: Vilas Bodke & Tushar Chavan, Graphic Designer, Colour Power L.L.C., Dubai.

Journal printed by: M/s. PC Print Control, Mumbai Treasurer: Barjor Bajan P. O. Box 34129, Dubai, UAE. E-mail: sherubaji@gmail.com WZCC BOARD MEMBERS Edul Daver Yazdi Tantra Adi B. Siganporia Katayun Kapadia Jimmy Medhora P. P. Kharas Parviz Varjavand Porus Guzdar Rustom Engineer Homi Italia Neville Shroff Dr. Bahram Partovi Nauzar Manekshaw Natalie Gandhi Minoo R. Shroff

President Vice President Corp. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Regional Director - Australia Regional Director - India Regional Director - Iran Regional Director - Middle East Regional Director - USA Director - Canada Director - Hong Kong Director - Iran Director - U.K. Director - USA Immediate Past President

eduldaver@gmail.com yazdit@gmail.com adisiganporia@gmail.com kkatayun@msn.com jimmymedhora@gmail.com phili.kharas@gmail.com solvolant@yahoo.com porus@incentiveconnections.com rustom47@hotmail.com homiitalia@hotmail.com nshroff@shroff.com.hk bahram.partovi@gmail.com nm@mieraconsulting.com nvania@encouragementnewbiz.com mrshroffadst@gmail.com

WZCC CHAPTER CHAIRS

Learn More : WZCC Board Members SynergyZ Board 2016 10 & SynergyZ, December,

Jimmy Medhora Fariborz Rahnamoon Firdosh Mehta Afreed Mistry Dr. Zarir Sholapurwala Nergish Mistry Adi B. Siganporia Ms. Mahrukh Bharucha Parviz Varjavand (CC) Dr. Bahram Partovi (VC) Firdaus Irani Shernaz Engineer Zareen Karani-Araoz Jejangir Darukahavala Afsaan Kermani Sharmeen Irani (CC)/ Jal Sethna (VC) Darius Jamshidian Bahram Shahrvini

Australia - Sydney jimmymedhora@gmail.com B.C Canada - Vancouver fariborzr@hotmail.com B.C Canada - Vancouver fdjmehta@shaw.ca Canada - Toronto afreed.mistry@gmail.com India - Bengaluru zeonicssys@gmail.com India - Delhi nergishm@gmail.com India - Mumbai wzccindia@on-lyne.com India - Pune mahrukhbharucha@gmail.com Iran - Tehran solvolant@yahoo.com Iran - Tehran bahram@gmail.com UAE - Dubai fidzirani@hotmail.com United Kingdom shernaz@verityappointments.com USA - Boston zareen@managingcultures.com USA - Chicago jvdarukhanavala@aol.com USA - Florida afsaan@asktechacct.com USA - Houston sharmeen_irani@yahoo.com USA - Houston jsethna@earthlink.net USA - New York darius125@aol.com USA - Seattle shahrvini@gmail.com Picture Credits

Google.com: Cover page & 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 17, 20-22, 24, 26-30, 32, 34-38, 40-41, 43-46, 50, 58, 60-62, 64, 66, 68-70, 73, 75 and 82.

IS YOUR

WINDOW TO THE WORLD ................

WHETHER YOU YEARN FOR SUCCESS STORIES… CLAMOR FOR CULTURE… WISH TO READ PROFILES OF VISIONARIES… FOCUS ON BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT ARTICLES… OR EXPLORE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS…

SynergyZ is a window to the world for you and others around the globe. It’s a carefully crafted publication. It's comprehensive, credible and thoroughly exhaustive in its coverage.

For AD Space contact: WZCC Mumbai Tel: +91 22 2353 2522 Email: wzccindia@on-lyne.com Website: www.wzcc.net

WZCC Chapters Bengaluru | Boston | Chicago | Delhi | Dubai | Florida Hong Kong | Houston | London | Mumbai | New York | Pune Seattle | Sydney | Tehran | Toronto | Vancouver SynergyZ, December, 2016

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Silhoutted people with a bike crossing the U Bien bridge at sunset, Myanmar, Mandalay, Burma

So Far so Close

Both the images are from equatorial parts of the world where transition times are fast and fleeting

U Bein Bridge The U Bein Bridge, is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. It is used as an important passageway for the local people and has become a tourist attraction.

The scenery looks stunning in the evening against the sunset, when bicycles, tree limbs, bold yellow and silhouette show how light, colour, action and pattern can in one instant make a unique image.

Stunning sundown at Fort Kochi dotted with fishing nets.

Kochi The fishing nets in Kochi, India at sunset look stunning. Many fishermen earn their livelihood by using these massive nets.

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President's Message government and even home makers.

So one of our objectives is to widen the scope of WZCC and encourage you to participate not only to receive but also give.

T

Edul Daver

he WZCC Mission was conceptualized and launched in 2000 under the Leadership of Rohinton Rivetna. I served as one of the founding directors in the role of Corporate Secretary. Since then numerous teams under various leaders have worked hard to build a solid foundation for WZCC. Mr. Minoo Shroff, the most recent President from 2010-2015, finally attained the distinction of making WZCC and in particular WZCC India into a mature ongoing organization. The other seven regions, namely, Canada, USA, UK, Iran, Middle East, Hong Kong and Australia are all functioning at various levels of maturity. I have now assumed the President’s role and it will be the Global Director’s mandate and challenge to take WZCC to a higher level, especially the Regions outside India.

Our Mission is sound, “ To facilitate networking, enhance trade and commerce and to re-energize the Zarathushti Entrepreneurial Spirit and thus bring economic prosperity to all Zarathushtis worldwide.”

In the simplest but very powerful terms “Entrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunity beyond the resources currently controlled”. So by definition it involves creativity, innovation and some element of calculated risk. It also becomes clear that entrepreneurship is not limited to just start-ups and small companies but is also evident in pockets of large corporations, professionals,

Rekindling the entrepreneurial spirit is not something that happens overnight. WZCC can offer the opportunity to network, opportunity for trade and commerce, opportunity to learn, opportunity to learn from success stories and failures, opportunity to provide mentorship, and opportunities for facilitating financing. We cannot offer instant gratification and like any other challenge one has to work hard and sacrifice to take advantage of the opportunities. Going into business for yourself is the ultimate objective but you and only you can make this happen with a fire in your belly and a can do attitude. Pursuit of this opportunity starts at a very young age and we will increase our efforts to encourage youth to consider such a career choice. In reality it is a generational effort, and so with patience and persistence we will strive to change attitudes and career choices and thus attain our Mission’s objectives. We therefore need your participation, we need the Youth to participate, we want the elders to encourage the youth to participate, we want you to talk about business and entrepreneurship at your dining tables at home.

We have many new ideas which we discussed and fine-tuned at the December ’15 Global AGM in Goa, India and a special North American Hob Nob Meeting in Novi, Michigan in April ’16. Some of the must do items include an ideas bank; an improved global web site linked to chapters worldwide; a jobs portal putting together job seekers with available jobs; an improved communication system including monthly E-Blasts,

Quarterly Newsletters and the outstanding annual Synergy magazine; joint projects with other organizations whereby WZCC could help provide business expertise in needy Zarathushti areas in the form of Solar Energy or Clean Water; a closer working relationship and coordination at the NAZC and WZC events; establish a Rs. 2-3 Crore Venture Fund for entrepreneurial initiatives in India and in a smaller way, in North America, some form of Venture Plan competition tied to limited financing; and perhaps a Trade Mission to Iran.

Some of our Regions/Chapters are actively formulating their own initiatives with WZCCME scheduled to host the Dubai Pravasi Yatra (DPY) in October ‘16 which in addition to showcasing Dubai will also enable business people and professionals to network and explore business opportunities.

In conclusion, India is open for business and opportunities are plentiful. The Middle East and Iran offer new early opportunities and even the mature western countries offer great opportunities for anyone with a unique idea, vision, hard work, daring and most importantly passion. With the help of the WZCC Global Team, Area and Local Chapter Champions we are at your service. We have many new ideas and initiatives, some of which have been highlighted above, which will provide added value benefits. We need your participation, your encouragement, your help and advice so we may keep moving in the right direction. With Industry and Integrity nothing is impossible!

Respectfully, Edul Daver Global President, WZCC

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Dr. Naushad Forbes President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) & Co - Chairman, Forbes Marshall

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IcoN of Resurgent India

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dmirable and truly gifted, Naushad Forbes is a rare combination of a doer and a thinker. He is driven by action rather than by words. With a consumer-centric business philosophy, his cherished goal is to touch lives for the better.

At the forefront of the iconic family which symbolises the true essence of enterprise, Naushad Forbes has not only furthered the tradition, but has also given it a modern dimension.

Cultured and courteous he is the epitome of graciousness.

Nominated to take on the awesome responsibility of President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) he is, indeed, an icon of the community and resurgent India.

Summarising Dr. Naushad Forbes’ journey, he is the Co - Chairman of Forbes Marshall, India’s leading Steam Engineering and Control Instrumentation firm. He chairs the Steam Engineering Companies within the group.

He was a Lecturer and Consulting Professor at Stanford University from 1987 to 2004 where he developed courses on Technology in Newly Industrializing Countries. He received his Bachelors, Masters and PhD Degrees from Stanford University.

Dr. Forbes is on the Board of several educational institutions and public companies. He is an active member of CII and has chaired the National Committees on Higher Education, Innovation, Technology and International Business.

Dr. Naushad Forbes is currently the President of The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Here are a few excerpts from our conversation with Dr Naushad Forbes...

What is the number one item on your wish list/to do list as the President CII?

This year CII’s priority is Building National Competitiveness, at the national, industry and firm level. Productivity is the source of growth and wealth. Productivity is GDP growth at the national level and the source of sustainable growth and success at the company level. So our focus is on productivity as a way of building enduring national competitiveness.

What is your number one personal principle/success mantra at work?

Within firms, it is important to build a culture of Innovation. We must make Innovation widespread (it must happen everywhere) and be continuous (it must happen all the time). As Firms, our productivity is still a fraction of similar foreign firms - but some firms are closing the gap.

As Individuals, our average wage is also still a fraction of that of our counterparts in foreign firms. Innovation is at the heart of the Catch Up process for both Nation and firms.

What is one major life lesson that you have learnt and what advice would you give others?

My friend Jim Adams (Prof Emeritus, Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University) has the view that an organization will reward success but the difference between innovative and non-innovative organizations is how they treat failure and not trying.

An innovative organization tolerates failure and punishes ‘not trying’. Non-innovative organizations punish failure and tolerate not trying. As a company, we have always encouraged our members to experiment and try out new things and no one ever got into trouble for making mistakes, however expensive.

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?

To turn my 24 hour day into a 48 hour one! Just to keep pace with my commitments and do justice to them.

(L-R) Dr. Naushad Forbes with his father Darius Forbes and his elder brother Farhad Forbes SynergyZ, December, 2016

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Who is your role model?

My father is my role model. He is a successful businessman.

He has never chased turnover or market share but to be worthwhile, business had to be profitable here and now.

But business has never been the end in itself – it exists for customers, for people and for society. It is Business with a difference. He has always believed in giving back to society. Corporate Social Responsibility is not something he does to look good, or by writing NGOs a cheque.

Instead, he looks around and sees needs in society which he can provide, and he provides them. He is either the origin of, or present at the origin of, all the company’s values, most policies, and much of the business.

What advice would you like to give to budding entrepreneurs/businessmen?

Rely on internal factors. Work on improving internal processes; focus on all round better efficiencies; invest in a strong R&D team and have a steady output of new products and product lines year after year. Look upon the slow down as an opportunity to improve and strengthen your company; strengthen your business, financial, people and customer related processes.

The three priorities I would recommend are: 1) Investment in R & D and new products which can be sold around the world; 2) Investment in talent development and building a leadership pipeline 3) Meeting customer needs instead of simply responding to enquiries

BRIEF PROFILE

FORBES MARSHALL Forbes Marshall provides steam engineering and control instrumentation products and services for industrial efficiency.

For over seven decades they have helped their customers save energy, improve process quality and throughput, and run a clean and safe factory.

They deliver from benchmark manufacturing facilities in three geographies. They partner with leading technology companies in Belgium, Germany and Japan to complement their in-house efforts.

Their core values of Family Spirit, Integrity, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Delivering Value not only to customers, but also to their members and society makes Forbes Marshall a place that puts people first.

Forbes Marshall has been listed several times among the Top 5 “Best Workplaces in India”, and first in the manufacturing industry by surveys conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute® in association with The Economic Times. They have recently been ranked 11th Best workplace in Asia 2016, and are the highest ranked true engineering company. Countries included in the ranking are Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates.

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rom ancient times, India, has had much to offer to the world in terms of philosophy, comparative medicine, literature, architecture, astonomy and other sciences.

INDIA AND THE WORLD An ambitious exhibition in 2016 points to a new direction for encyclopaedic museums

In fact, the world’s first university opened in the fifth century, at Nalanda, in Bihar, the birthplace of Buddhism.

By the time Oxford University opened in 1096, Nalanda had been educating students from Tibet, China, Korea and Central Asia. Nalanda was the only foreign institution in which students in the ancient world went for education outside their countries.

In December 2016, an ambitious exhibition ‘India and the World’ is scheduled to take place at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

A rich study of what India contributed to the world, as well as the ideas it assimilated, will be presented at a ground-breaking exhibition at the Museum which houses approximately 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history as well as objects from foreign lands. Nothing like this has been tried earlier in India before, either in terms of objects or in its presentation.

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Mahatma Mandir

A Masterpiece

B

uilt in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Mandir is a Convention Centre with a Memorial located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. The iconic place opens up unique global projects with contributions from each human habitat in the state. The only Mantra which stays constant is that, it spreads the messages of Mahatma Gandhi and the place symbolises the growth of Gujarat.

international arm provides construction and associated services in around 21 countries and has been the author of this masterpiece, right from concept, detailed design, procurement, execution, operation and maintenance.

The project was assigned to SPCPL in March 2014 with a scheduled completion date of 3rd February, 2015. The timeline for such a unique project was quite challenging, The Convention Centre: especially due to design preparation and approvals, It is spread over 34 acres. It is one of the biggest Convention procurement of long lead items, synchronizing of all Centres of India and can accommodate over 15,000 people. services such as air-conditioning, electrical, lighting, It has four seminar halls and seven high-tech conference BMS, fire detection and protection, multimedia cabling, halls and a meeting room. It is Gujarat’s elegant provision intelligent cabling and sensors for audio guide system, for International Conferences and Events. etc., and with civil works execution.

The Museum: It is a grand show piece of elegance, architecture and grandeur. The leading contracting and design-build entity in the country, Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt. Ltd., (SPCPL) has carried out the EPC work on turnkey basis for the Mahatma Mandir Project Phase 2 B for construction of a Museum based on Gandhiji’s life.

In order to complete the project without delays or default the execution team followed the policy of “Do it right, the first time.”That’s literally true! With excellent co-ordination between architects, designers, engineers, services consultants, structural consultants and museum experts, the project was completed and opened to public viewing in a record span of seven months in order to facilitate the inauguration on the eve of centenary of Mahatma’s return The dough-nit shaped ground plus three-storey museum is to India from South Africa. housed inside an existing conical “Salt Mound” - the cone symbolizing the famous “Dandi March.” The museum has The project is lauded by every visitor for its splendor 100mt suspended pedestrian cable-stayed bridge. This is a and grandeur apart from having a unique experience all benchmark in EPC work on turnkey basis. around. It is the best example of the grit & determination SPCPL is a part of Shapoorji Pallonji Group, with a of SPCPL management to make everything possible with legacy of 150 years in the contracting business and commitment and motivation of its teams. diversified business portfolio. The SPCPL along with its

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Significant historical moments have been recreated inside the museum by making use of adoptive technology to suit presentation and to achieve maximum impact on the viewer. Major multimedia formats of display include - 3D holographic projection, 3D projection mapping, digital signature and visitor feedback system, curved and blended projection, laser animation, water fog screens, 360 degree Immersive (virtual reality) projection, transparent LCD screens, interactive screens, LED and tiled LCD video walls and geometric distorted video walls.

In recognition of this great achievement, the coveted “Golden Peacock Award” in the category of innovative product/services for EPC work on turnkey basis for Mahatma Mandir Project Phase 2B was awarded by the Institute of Directors to SPCPL on 19th April, 2016 in Dubai.

The honor indicates a milestone achievement for SPCPL.

Apart from multimedia technology, static exhibits in the form of walls, murals, banners, help in engaging the experience of the viewer and the 90 minutes journey draws every individual a bit closer to the life of the Mahatma, thus making an effort in imbibing values of life into the younger generations.

PoL C ck c a SdeP e P n

LEVEL 3 ns Wi

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Left to right - Shailendra Ajri, Vice President, SP E & C, M. D. Saini, Managing Director & CEO, SP International, H.H Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Hon. Cabinet of Culture & Knowledge Development, Government of The journey starts from level three which shows the Minister UAE, Nilesh Bhagat, DGM, SP E & C and Lt.Gen. J.S.Ahluwalia, visitors Gandhiji’s early childhood days experiences PVSM (Retd.), President Institute of Directors through multimedia visuals and pictures.

LEVEL 2

Level 2 exhibits Gandhiji’s experience of London’s High society.

LEVEL 1

Level 1 exhibits his travels through India from 1915-1917.

GROUND FLOOR

YOU MUST BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD - Mahatma Gandhi

At ground level, Mahatma’s legacy is captured by depicting his ideals.

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Scriptural Reflections The Dignity of Women

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ll religions in the world cherish the dignity of women, but the potential of women to transform society has been ignored over centuries. As a matter of fact, it is from the mother that a child learns to love and respect others, builds relationships with others, and gains knowledge about the world and spirituality.

A mother has the ability to connect her child with the Supreme, so the connector to the Divine should be held in great esteem and treated with utmost respect. However, over the years it has been the practice to eulogize the achievements of men, praise their valour and sing their ballads. Rarely has there been any acknowledgment of the contribution of women who consistently and devotedly nurtures and guides humanity.

SynergyZ brings you interesting annotations from various faiths on the ‘Dignity of Women.’

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Annotations from various faiths on the ‘Dignity of Women’.

mind (BRAHMACHARYA) and Non-possessiveness (APARIGRAH).

Judaism

Bahá’í Faith

In the Jewish religion both men and women are equal but have different roles. While men take up services in According to the teachings of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh, the world the Synagogue, women for example are responsible for of humanity has two wings – one is women and the other men. the preservation of maintaining a Kosher home, lighting Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. the candles and ensuring the house is ready for festivals.

Should one wing remain weak, the flight is impossible. Hence, according to Bahá’í Faith, both men and women are equal.

Sikhism Buddhism In Buddhist religion, men and women are considered equally useful to society. Both are expected to share equal responsibility and conduct their duties with equal dedication. The wife is considered a friend, a companion and a partner to the husband. She is expected to acquaint herself with her husband’s trade, business or industry so that she is in a position to manage his affairs in his absence.

In Sikhism a mother embodies the spiritual attributes of compassion, selflessness, courage and forgiveness. She is capable of recognizing and strengthening her children’s inherent spirituality through the thoughtful practice of dharam or faith. Her role is like a Guru. A Guru is one who takes people from spiritual darkness (Gu) to spiritual light (Ru). In the Guru Granth Sahibji, the mother is described as one’s first Guru in life.

Christianity Jesus Christ always showed the greatest respect for woman and treated women with compassion, grace and dignity. He re-established woman in her full dignity as a human being before God and before men.

Hinduism According to Hindu religion a woman has the same religious and spiritual freedom as a man. Neither is woman superior to man, nor is man superior to woman.

Both are perfect halves to make a perfect whole. There are Goddesses too in Hindu religion who are worshipped in many forms such as Durga for strength, Saraswati for wisdom and Laxmi for wealth.

Islam Qur’an was revealed 1400 years ago, and with it came the era that revolutionized the status of women. Islam recognizes that it is not the gender, race and culture that enables one to excel in the eyes of God, it is piety and good works. Prophet Muhammed encouraged education as a means of defeating ignorance so that both men and women may be beneficial to a wider society and its development.

Jainism In Jainism men and women are considered as equals. Both are expected to play their common roles of helping each other, working for the common welfare of humanity and protecting the environment. Women in Jainism are treated within the same code of ethics as that prescribed for men, those being - Virtues of nonviolence (AHIMSA), Truth (SATYA), Non-stealing (ACHAURYA), Purity of body and

Zoroastrianism In Zoroastrianism and ancient Iran women enjoyed a level of gender equality unmatched anywhere in the ancient world. There were female emperors and rulers. They had important positions in the courthouse, ministries, military, state and all types of administrations. In prayers too women are mentioned and remembered equally with men and they are referred to as masters of the house, well educated, leaders of countries and well advanced in thoughts, words and deeds. There are feminine divine beings too like AvanYazad.

Conclusion: If society wishes to end violence againt women then religious, civic and community leaders will have to work together to prevent acts of violence againt women and mobilise the compassion of religious communities to help care for and heal survivors of violence.

Adapted from Religions for Peace UK Women of Faith Network. Courtesy: Jehangir Sarosh, General Secretary of the European Council of Religious Leaders

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What does the “Tone at the Top” mean?

Driving Excellence through the Board Rooms

SETTING THE

“TONE AT THE TOP”

“Tone at the Top” is a term is used to define management’s leadership and commitment towards openness, honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior.

It is the most important component of the control environment. A good tone at the top is considered a prerequisite for good corporate governance.

It is said that the boards of directors have a dual role: a. Creating Codes of Conduct, and b. Living by them.

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Let’s begin with an interesting story that takes us back in time to the battle of Mahabharata.

THE STORY: …Arjun, is preparing for the great battle between Kauravas and the Pandavas. Arjun himself is a born warrior, but there are a million mutinies going on in his mind relating to the war.

Arjun asks Krishna: “My heart is overpowered with grief, pity and shame, My mind is confused about whether to fight my own people or give in, Tell me decisively what I should do, I am your disciple. Instruct me for I have taken refuge in you.”

Krishna, Arjun’s charioteer and divine guide, advises him to rise above the turbulence of his mind so that he can follow the wise path of judgment and make a right decision weather to go to war or give in.

The same parable applies to leaders to.

The following points will help the leaders in setting the Tone at the Top:

will people think about me in my organisation if I act this way instead of that?” Such a mind is unable to reflect the depths of an ocean.

Krishna advises Arjun to get rid of the self-made knot in his mind and energise himself by thinking differently to achieve mastery over his mind.

Message – When leaders are inspired, they can inspire countless others, just as a single flame lights up a million flames.

Create alternative realities

Leaders should bring in a refreshing perspectives that reframe current reality. A perspective is sight plus insight.

Many of us, think that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. In reality, the sun neither rises nor sets. We on earth, just move closer to the sun or farther away from it. What is night to our senses is actually a bright day somewhere else in the world. To change reality, we need to change the mental filters through which we see our own perspectives. Just as a white building when viewed through red glass looks red, similarly, reality can be distorted by the colours of emotions in the mind.

Krishna was successful in creating a new reality in the mind of Arjun by showing him how to think like a victor rather than a victim.

Let go of your ego:

An ego is a disposable idea, the biggest deterrent. It’s like Message – Reframe reality in a way that gives hope to a tissue paper and must be disposed of. In Arjun’s case, followers, even in the most hopeless circumstances. his ego was coming in his way.

Challenge the conventions of business Krishna advises arjun to let go of his ego and think more in terms of transformation.

Leaders have to learn to overcome the herd instinct that gets into the way of progress. They should be aware that Message – To transform any organisation, the leaders should let all conflicts start in the mind. The summer has no conflict go of their egos and get out of their comfort zone if they wish to with the winter. It’s only that the mind gets conditioned establish a new order in their organisation. by the warmth of summer so it starts resisting the winter.

Arjun is worried about the severance of his material and

Embrace discontinuity physical relations with his dear ones.

Nothing is this world is permanent. The past perishes Krishna resolves the fear by putting Arjun on the path of and old relationships fade away. Principally, life renews victory by explaining the significance of his microscopic itself through the birth of new forms, just as an old leaf and macroscopic actions. trembling on a tree is soon replaced by a new one.

Message – The world is changing fast and becoming a more Krishna advises Arjun - to embrace discontinuity and not turbulent place for organisations.The necessity to adapt has never grieve over relationships that are not finite and proceed been greater. on the path of wisdom.

Message - To reinvent the future of an organisation leaders will Devote unselfish commitment to work have to embrace discontinuity from time to time.

Unselfish commitment to work produces best results.

Achieve mastery over your mind and A leader needs to pay attention to his work rather than

energise your will keeping one eye on the reward.

It is crucial for leaders to achieve mastery over their mind before they can influence the minds of others. If a leader whose will is crippled will always keep wondering, “What

Krishna informs Arjun not to worry about the results of war otherwise it will be difficult for him to engage in his work.

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Message – Keeping an eye on the reward, is like playing baseball with one eye on score board.This is best illustrated by the story of an apprentice monk who comes to the master to be enlightened.

The Story:

enthusiasm came in Arjun’s life when Krishna unfolded the path of invincible wisdom to him.

Message – Leaders should not see their work as mere activity but rather a calling.

“How long will it take me to be enlightened, the monk asks the master relentlessly? About 10 years, comes the reply. What? The novice cries out in desperation. What if I double the hours of sitting and triple the hours I am awake, how long will it then take to be enlightened?

About 20 years, answers the master calmly. This simply illustrates that when you have one eye to work with whereas the other eye is committed to hastening results, it will naturally take double the time.”

Message – When we view our work from higher standpoint than just fulfillment of personal ambition our work becomes a greater contribution to the organization and society. Our identity gets enriched and expanded.

Sustain change till it becomes a culture

Have you ever thoughts of - what separates the legends from the rest of the world? Whenever legends embrace change, they monitor and sustain the change till it becomes their culture. If this is done, then our life will be an upward spiral.

Arjun tells Krishna to break away from the shackles of his mind, then only will he be able to rise and win the war.

Summing up - Have you ever thought how the lives of so many leaders like Krishna, Gandhi, Buddha and Christ still holds sway over large masses way beyond their lifetimes?

The answer is - they all worked with integrity, were committed to the purposes in their lives and were all righteous people - the three most important virtues for setting a good “Tone at the Top”.

Message – Culture is nothing but the shadow of the leader. If standardization becomes a part of your organisation’s process, good strategy and execution will help you in establishing a better culture.

Create enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is like a current that keeps the engine of success constantly in motion. It was Edward Butler who said: one man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years can make a success of his life. Enthusiasm is like a fire that warms others around you. The greatest moment of

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By: Mamta Binani

President of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)

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SynergyZ, December, 2016

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FUNDING OF

STARTUPS & SMES By: CyrusVevaina

T

here has been a surge in startups especially in India in the last two years. The Make In India Campaign aims at supporting young entrepreneurs which will give a fillip to this activity.

Firstly, I wish to discuss some of the aspirations of a young entrepreneur i.e. what a young entrepreneur longs for?

• Funding • Office space, infrastructure and staff • Clearances and licences from the government. This is probably the most difficult and greatest hassle in the process of starting up.

As regards funding, usually the initial investment comes from personal savings and loans from friends and family.

This is known as Bootstrapping- starting a business with very little money and growing the business by ploughing back surplus cash from the business. It certainly means starting a business without the help of venture capital firms or even significant angel investment.

However, in most cases to reach a reasonable scale thereafter, the entrepreneur needs an investor. These are normally Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists.

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Angel Investors are High Net Worth individuals, often successful in business or running a Company, who are investing their own personal funds into what they believe will be a lucrative and thriving business after it successfully scales up.

Venture Capital is invested by a Company that uses other people’s money. They raise that money by offering investors an opportunity to invest in a Fund that is then deployed in different businesses. The fact that Angels are using their own money and Venture Capitalists are using other people’s affects their scale and risk taking ability.

The main differences between an Angel and Venture Capitalist is:

contestants were awarded cash prizes (1st prize was Rs 500,000) and the panel of judges did not invest their own money! The contest was open to all members • An individual investor versus a Company. worldwide to create more participation. Also I am not • An Angel normally invests in early-stage ventures aware of any Parsi Angel Investors nor could I find anything though he may occasionally invest in businesses that on the internet. I do realise, though, that most Parsi Angels have crossed the initial stage and need funds to expand would prefer to be low key so that they are not pestered or grow. A Venture Capitalist normally comes in at a by people with just ideas or unproven business models later stage when there is proof of concept and a or unviable or trivial projects. If readers are aware of any revenue stream.

Parsi Angel investors or organisations that would assist • Funding is much larger by Venture Capital Companies. Parsi Entrepreneurs, please inform SynergyZ . I’m sure • Angels are less hands on though many mentor and WZCC or The Zoroastrian Bank would offer advice and, use their contacts and experience to help the business possibly guide them to right persons. take off. Venture Capital is generally more hands on and require a seat on the Board and have the An Entrepreneur seeking funding must have a business infrastructure and personnel to monitor the business. plan, market study, some revenue and not just an idea • In both types of funding, you now don’t own 100% of or theoretical concept. They must know their numbers the business and can’t take independent decisions. for example - Cost of production, wholesale price, retail price, cost of acquisition of a customer etc. Also,it would It is my personal opinion that the entrepreneual spirit be of immense value to become a member of the Indian among the Parsi’s is on the wane. Last year at Enterprise Venture Capital Association http://www.ivca.in/.

Dubai, (very ably organised by Meher Bhesania and her team), there was a Business Plan Contest on which I Here’s hoping for more Zoroastrian Enterprises! was on the panel of judges. Entrepreneurs put forward their pitch similar to the TV show Shark Tank of which some of you may be familiar. The big difference was the

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MORE POWER TO THE PEOPLE A Solar Revolution is transforming lives in the developing world.

At a brick kiln in India’s rural state of Uttar Pradesh, workers use Solar lanterns to illuminate their paths. The developing world struggels to provide power to its people. Worldwide about 1.1 billion people have no excess to electricity.

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In India’s state of Odisha villagers trap fish using cone-shaped baskets and solar lights. Fewer than half of Odisha’s 42 million residents use grid electricity.

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5

Pillars Of A Successful Startup

M

any people talk about starting a business, but not so many actually do it, much less do it successfully.

However, we live in a world in which a small or medium enterprise or a startup is relatively easy to create. Many people choose to create their own company in order to take control of their dreams. However, many never start or simply give up quickly.

By: Fred Sarkari

#1 SYSTEMS:

Set a strong foundation before you race off the start line.

Essentially systemize your business so you can work on your business instead of getting stuck in your business being busy.

The planning stage involves a lot of research and learning.You need to learn not only about the specifics of your business, but about managing the business as well. Most start-ups fall A great deal of a success of any business is set before the into the trap of working in their business instead of on their business goes “live”. It’s like building a house. Even if you business. When you get stuck within your business, you have a great design and architecture, the house won’t cannot focus on the priorities that help it grow. hold up with a flawed foundation. Similarly, even if your business has potential for success, some early issues can Every success and failure in business is a direct reflection of prevent it from materializing. the systems that created them.

Above and beyond many pillars of a successful startup, There is a paradoxical effect in psychology, known as the there are five basic principles that most fail to consider. Dunning-Krueger effect. It describes a situation in which a

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person who lacks competence in an area isn’t capable of evaluating their own competence and, hence, feels that they are competent. Running a business can look easy (and actually not be all that hard). We need to create systems that streamline our processes and protect ourselves from our own emotions and uncertainties of growing a successful business.

people do not talk about their future ideas or people getting stuck in their planning stage. There comes a time when you just have to pull the trigger and simply just start. #5 THE RIGHT PEOPLE:

One of the most powerful things you can do is to revolve yourself around the right team. These are people within The idea can only go as far as your internal business your startup and your ‘go to people’ for guidance. systems allow it to grow You need to focus on your business, and let the experts in their fields help with what needs to be done in the business. #2 IDENTIFY YOUR CLIENTS: If you have a vision and a dream to start your own business, then simply chase it with all your heart. You have one life, A step most start-ups do not pay attention to is clearly make it what you want it to be, live, take a calculated identifying their clients and the need that your business chance, and simply follow your dreams. will fill. Is your business meant for young adults? For women? For sports fans? A clear idea will guide your marketing strategies, your designs, and every element of your business. Consider, for example, an online business directed at older adults. Could it work? Maybe, but it would be important to make it especially accessible for those older adults who are not as computer savvy.

This may seem as an obvious to most readers, yet the reality is that most startups move at light speed and, within that whirlwind, they lose sight of the most important element to their success; their niche clients. The hardest thing for a start up to do is to let go the desperation of chasing anyone and everyone for their products and services and focus all their efforts on the niche market. #3 CONDFIDENCE IN YOUR VISION: A successful business is balanced with practical and psychological aspects.

A startup’s heart beat is the mind-set of the visionary leading the dream.

You need to have extraordinary belief and confidence in your startup in order to leave no room for doubt. A lack of confidence and belief will stop you from doing what you need to do in order to create your momentum, to hold on when no one believes in you, to smile and keep your chest high when other say no to you. Most importantly, during a startup the few people on your side are the most precious resource you can have, and they need to have faith in a leader. Simply said, when people are saying you are crazy to do what you are doing, you know you are doing the right thing. You are swimming against the current.

Fred Sarkari is a licensed Psychotherapist with a focus around behavior patterns in your personal and professional life.

If you are looking for a professional speaker to inspire, educate and help your people execute their ideas – please connect with Fred at www.FredSarkari.com

Any fish, even a dead one, can float down stream. It takes a fight against the current to do what most only talk and dream about. #4 PULL THE TRIGGER: A successful business requires a strong foundation, but it also needs to begin. There is not a place I can go where

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from fatter interest rate spreads and higher returns on excess cash. In Europe, I would recommend high dividend shares that have a 5% yield and revenue exposure to the vibrant North American economy. Daimler, the German auto/ truck vendor or the French insurer AXA meets these criteria.

Value and Risk in Global Financial Markets By: Matein Khalid

I

n September 2016, the eighth anniversary of Lehman Brother’s failure, witnessed another spasm of risk aversion in global financial markets on angst about the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes and the global oil glut. Stock market indices have fallen all over the world. The Volatility Index (VIX), Wall Street’s pendulum of greed and fear, has risen 50% in a week.

Emerging markets have witnessed their sharpest correction since Brexit on June 23. Bond yields all over the world have spiked higher. Investors have learnt the hard way that global asset prices were inflated by an epic tsunami of easy money from the Federal Reserve that may well end this autumn.

The Federal Reserve has reached the limits of its dual mandate to maximize employment consistent with a 2% inflation rate. The US unemployment rate has fallen to 4.9%, de facto full employment, while wage increases are rising at well above a 2% annual rate.

The Federal Reserve will probably wait

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till December to hike the overnight borrowing rate to maintain its stance of political independence, especially since Donald Trump has unsettled Wall Street by accusing Janet Yellen of being a pawn of the Obama White House. Hilary Clinton’s health scare has amplified the nervousness in financial markets, since a President Trump would undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve and threaten trade wars with Mexico and China that could prove catastrophic for global economic growth. The S&P500 index trades at 17.8 times forward earnings, in the top decile of its historic valuation range since World War Two. Fed risk and election risk could well trigger a 10% correction in American equities by end 2016.

Unlike post stock market corrections, bonds will not be a safe refuge. The yield on the ten year US Treasury note could well rise to 2.50% if a Fed rate hike triggers a bloodbath in the global bond market. US high yield debt is most at risk since credit risk spreads have compressed dramatically since January’s energy bond sell off and average coupons have fallen from 10% to 6%. This is simply not enough to hedge against a rise in US corporate default risk above 5% in 2017.

In currencies, the Mexican peso is the most undervalued major currency in the world at 19 against the US dollar. I expect another rate cut and a rise in gilt purchase from the Bank of England while the Federal Reserve tightens monetary policy. This means sterling can well fall to 1.24 in the next six months. The Indian rupee remains the best high yield emerging market currency on the planet, as Urjit Patel will continue Dr. Raghuram Rajan’s inflation targeting regime at the RBI while Indian GDP growth could surpass 7%, the world’s highest. Gold has been the best performing asset class of 2016, up 25%, but higher volatility in asset markets and a Fed rate hike means its rate of ascent will slow.

In emerging markets, Chinese H shares in Hong Kong have compelling value at 8 times earnings as the People Bank of China (PBOC) injects liquidity into its banking system. South Korea, despite Pyongyang’s latest nuclear blast, is also a classic value market. Earnings will rise, thanks to an accommodative Bank of Korea monetary policy and the competitiveness of the won/yen exchange rate. Crude oil can easily trade above $50 if Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and Russia agree to a production freeze at Algiers though $60 remains a ceiling due to Texan shale!

A rise in interest rates is not a negative for all equities. US money center banks trading below tangible book value such as Citigroup or trust banks such as Bank of New York Mellon will actually benefit Matein Khalid Executive Director - Strategy ASAS Capital Ltd. Dubai

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SMART & SCALABLE BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GROWTH

By: Richard Rekhy, CEO, KPMG

I

t’s been estimated that the world needs to spend about $57 trillion on infrastructure over the next few years just to keep pace with anticipated global GDP growth. That’s more than the entire worldwide stock of infrastructure on the ground today and nearly 60% more than the world has invested in the past 18 years.

We all have a stake in the infrastructure surrounding us — the roads, buildings, power lines, and telephone networks that we rely on daily. How well they’re built and operated is crucial to economic growth and is a key arbiter of an economy’s competitiveness and yet, virtually every economy faces an array of infrastructure challenges.

The fourth industrial revolution is expected to bring about transformation of systems of production, distribution, consumption through speed, scale and force – this demands addressing global risks and challenges to re-empower the disempowered citizens and societal stability needs to be a priority.

Rapid Urbanisation is creating immense strain on existing infrastructure. With changing resource dynamics, food, energy, water securities will be challenged. The Global Risks Landscape 2016 named climate change mitigation as the most impactful challenge globally while naming geopolitical volatility as the most urgent risk needing

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greater attention and breakthroughs. These risks will inevitably be obstacles for growth of infrastructure.

Estimates indicate that climate change if not tackled might result in Africa losing more than 3% of GDP per annum in damages and India losing close to 3% of GDP per annum in damages. Moreover, the transition to an even warmer climate will likely have important adverse implications both for agriculture (water availability and desertification) and for human health (infectious disease).

Smart cities engines of economy In short, challenges need to be converted into opportunities and capitalised upon.

1. Infrastructure will have to serve as a pathway to technology and innovation Mega infrastructure projects and transformation agendas can become conduits of technology and innovation creation and transfer, resulting in a win-win for developed and developing nations. For instance, India’s Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT, with a combined outlay of more than USD 22 billion will optimally tap into digital technologies while infusing sustainability into urban living. Governance, energy, environment, transportation, ICT, construction, health and education are all set to experience transformation as a result.

Enhancing connectivity will beacome a crucial factor for trade integration.

Creation of Continental crossroads - Two grand trade routes are envisaged between the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. One is the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the other is China to Europe Silk Road. The INSTC will help containerised goods travel from the Port of Mumbai to Iran’s Gulf coast – bypassing Pakistan – to reach Moscow and Europe in half the time taken by the Suez Canal. As well as saving time, the route has been estimated to save $2,500 for every 15 tonnes of cargo.

Coming to roads, the Great Asian Highway Project is a cooperative project among countries in Asia and Europe and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), to improve the highway systems in Asia. Six of the Nine Asian Highway (AH) projects pass through India.

Tehran’s Railway Revolution - Iran’s major cities are separated by hostile deserts and high mountains. The government is planning a major expansion. By 2025, existing lines will be electrified and double-tracked and about 12,000km of new lines will be built, nearly doubling the size of the network.

“Estimates indicate that climate change if not tackled might result in Africa losing more than 3% of GDP per annum in damages and India losing close to 3% of GDP per annum in damages.”

Summing up Smart is the only way forward for emerging economies and scalability must become the primer for policy making.

To narrow or close the infrastructure gap, governments can pull three levers – • Make more strategic choices about the projects we’re investing in – Governments need to evaluate costs and benefits rigorously and prioritize accordingly.

• Streamline delivery – for example speed up permits and land acquisition particularly for new transport infrastructure, to structure contracts to encourage innovation and cost savings, and to strengthen collaboration with contractors.

• Optimise existing infrastructure assets - i.e. making them more effective, cheaper or longer lasting.

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10 Trends that will change the world of infrastructure over the next 5 years: 1. Macro risk environment shifts - Geopolitical power plays will create fundamental shifts in the world order, trade and investment flows.

2. Competition for investments will heat up - Over the long term, who takes what risks, when they take the risks and how will alter the dynamics.

3. Focusing on the larger benefits to unclog the pipeline. Expectation is that the governments will start becoming more active in influencing and catalyzing their infrastructure markets.

4. Asset management will get sophisticated Advancement in areas such as Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and data/analytics indicates that technological advances will continue to drive efficiency in infrastructure operations.

5. Technology will rocket up the infrastructure agenda - this isn’t about buying into the newest technologies and consumer demands. This is about understanding the direction, pace and impact of technological change to make informed long- term decisions around investment, business models and customer service.

6. Security will become a mainstream issue - With political unrest on the rise in many parts of the world and several high-profile, cross-border infrastructure projects underway or currently being planned, the physical and cyber security of assets will only increase in importance, particularly to individuals and users.

7. The gap between public and private will narrow – private and public sectors to continue to drive each other to achieve ever-higher levels of performance, regardless of the chosen implementation method 8. Innovative new ways to fund infrastructure emerging - over the long term, will see the more progressive emerging markets and this, in turn, should unlock new sources of funding to bridge the developing world infrastructure gap.

9. The institutional debt market takes off - The big question is whether the multilaterals will be able to take the right steps at the right time to truly unlock private investment. If they are able to get it right, the world will enjoy the massive benefits that will flow from a moreliquid debt market. The long-term goal here is not to invest billions over the next 2 years but rather to catalyze some US$70 trillion in investment over the next 30 years.

10. China and India have arrived - today, companies from India and China successfully compete on par with Western competitors and both markets are generating new ideas, products and value at an unprecedented pace.

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HOW INDIA IS PACED? Today, major bottlenecks hamper infrastructure implementation in India. Challenges in the tendering phase like poor quality of planning and engineering design, unviable PPP projects, inappropriate contracts in use, slow and centralised pre-tendering approval process - to name a few, affect viability of projects, thereby, delaying implementation Five Initiatives to enhance infrastructure: 1. Change land availability norms and tighten contractual penalties for delays.

2. Establish a high-power group to monitor and de-bottleneck infrastructure projects.

3. Amend policies and regulation to hasten dispute resolution process.

4. Judiciously adopt delivery mode to increase success rate of tendering PPP projects.

5. Select design and engineering consultants on the basis of quality-cum-cost assessment instead of the traditional L-1 basis.

6. Continued infusion of bankability into projects crucial – balancing of risk and maintenance of ratings (international and local standards).

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Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan HONG KONG BUSINESSES SEIZE FIRST

MOVER ADVANTAGE IN IRAN

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The Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan is one of the largest city squares in the world.

It has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

A

19-member delegation from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) visited the major cities of Tehran, Mashhad and Isfahan, this year, to explore opportunities for business cooperation and to meet potential partners in line with the Mainland’s Belt and Road initiative, following the lifting of sanctions on Iran as a result of the successful outcome of the “Five plus one” negotiations.

Delegates met with top representatives of the Iranian public and private sectors, banks, chambers of commerce, and local businesses, and the commercial and tourism development authorities.

Commenting on the trip upon returning to Hong Kong, Chairman of HKGCC’s Asia & Africa Committee and mission leader Andrew Wells, said that “delegates were surprised by the level of sophisticated development that the country had achieved, despite years of sanctions, largely on its own initiative.

People were very welcoming and open, well-educated, proud of their heritage and eager to engage with international businesses”.

He said, “Delegates agreed that Iran today is completely different from the way it is often portrayed in the international media. We have no doubt that there are highly profitable opportunities in a wide range of sectors for Hong Kong companies entering the world’s largest remaining untapped market in the year ahead.”

Mainland Chinese and Taiwanese businesses have been active in Iran for many years, and Hong Kong’s other competitors, such as Singapore, are also actively exploring opportunities. The delegation called on China’s Ambassador to Iran Pang Sen, who encouraged HKGCC to play an active role in promoting economic cooperation

between Hong Kong and Iran, whilst Dr. Mojtaba Mousavian, Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade Promotion, explained to delegates the tax breaks available to Hong Kong investors in Iran, as well as the legal safeguards on investment provided by Iran’s Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act. Isfahan, home to developed heavy and service industries contributing nearly 10% of the country’s GDP, is also a key tourism destination. It is also home to many UNESCO sites, and is actively seeking investment in hotel and supporting infrastructure to accommodate the rising inflow of tourists.

“Companies that we met with in Isfahan were eager to work with Hong Kong companies for both import and export of raw materials, finished products, and also tourism services, including hotel investment,” said deputy mission leader Neville Shroff. He added that Mashhad, as a religious centre for the country - also, offers great potential as a tourism destination.

The city attracted around 27 million religious tourists alone last year, and is actively promoting health and medical tourism.

For trade and investment to take off fully, however, financial services

offered by Hong Kong to investors in and from Iran need to be normalized as soon as possible. Dr Abdolnaser Hemmati, Chairman of Iran’s oldest and largest private bank, Bank Melli Iran, explained that the lifting of sanctions means that overseas banks are, in practice, already free to provide banking services for business transactions in Iran. Some European banks, notably in Switzerland and Austria, were already offering such services to their customers and others are expected to follow. Those taking a more cautious approach, perhaps waiting for the U.S. to resume normal financial relations with Iran, risk losing a major competitive advantage.

“Difficulties still exist in opening letters of credit and payments, but these will ease once financial services are fully normalized. Hong Kong and Iranian businesses, particularly those in Isfahan, which are similar to Hong Kong SMEs, have great potential for cooperation in everything from general trading and manufacturing to services and tourism.”

Summing up the trip, “Hong Kong businesses need to get ready to play an important role in restoring Iran’s international trade potential and its role as a key junction in China’s Belt & Road initiative.

Chamber members now have a firstmover advantage: we know both the opportunities Iran can offer, as well as the challenges.

I advise other Hong Kong businesses to see for themselves and talk to Iranian companies as soon as possible, or risk being left behind by our competitors in the region.”

By: Neville Shroff

Chairman, Shroff & Co. Hong Kong

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WHY DO

MOST PLANS AND

STRATEGIES FAIL?

Y

ou spend time prepping, researching, sourcing facts and figures; you analyze, speculate and coordinate your plan for success… your masterpiece - and then you step into this ruthless and intolerant world of business to show off your skills, and then suddenly out of nowhere, there comes the left-hook that lands squarely on your jaw, leaving you dazed, paralyzed and thinking – that was not supposed to happen to me… now where in the world did that come from? That is when this unforgiving world of business wickedly teaches us that even the best strategies have to be prepared for the unexpected.

Many people believe they can resolve a dilemma by trying to escape it. But they become bound by the very things they wrestle. The more they struggle, the more they are ensnared. It is our attempt to avoid the problem that leads us to great difficulty. When it comes to your business and personal challenges, yes have a plan… but always stay positive. Concentrate and focus on the hit, not on striking out! We cannot seek to be successful until we learn to ACT! Action is always specific, concrete,

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By: Nozer Buchia

individualized and so unique, that it needs to come from within the entrepreneur. Action orientation is a characteristic of all highly successful people. Insufficient results come from insufficient actions. The more action you take, the more likely you will triumph.

Also think about the physical principle of inertia which was discovered by Sir Isaac Newton. Based on Newton’s finding, you can say, “A person in motion tends to remain in motion. It takes much less energy to keep moving than it does to stop and try to start moving again.” Most successful people are always in motion. Keep yourself in continuous motion. Do something every day that moves you toward your most important goals! And remember my principle of POP… Plan or Perish.

And why do most Plans and Strategies fail?

Corporations crumble, egos get destroyed and plans and strategies fail, for before we started on our journey, we forgot to factor in THE SCIENCE OF FAILURE!

Everybody has a Plan until you get punched in the Face!!!

We do not know what to do when failure stands on our doorstep threatening to challenge our sub-conscious biases that we have in our heads. For before commencing on a business venture, what we have failed to consider and prepare for is… WHAT WILL I DO IF I DO NOT SUCCEED? Have I planned for Failure?

We tend to take credit for our successes, attributing them to internal factors such as the amount of effort we put into a venture, our skills and our past experiences.

Failure on the other hand is something we don’t like to admit to and therefore we blame failure on external factors such as luck or a business climate and thereby refuse to plan for it. We literally cannot admit that we can fail! At some point, sit down and look over the record of the mistakes (if you choose not to call them failures) you have made. Faced with a true list of your errors committed and how they have actually helped you rather than hindered your progress, you will find that your opinion of failure will slowly change.

Anxiety comes from worry about trying to make the perfect choice, and about not making the wrong choice.

So to avoid this internal turmoil in your sub-conscious, try this method that I use quite often…. treat every decision, every choice as an experiment. And in an experiment you do not make decisions – you conduct testing. And when you conduct testing there is no right and wrong, and hence there is no failure; it is simply… learning! So when you finally plan for the negative effects of your testing (I still call it failure), you have in reality

started acknowledging THE SCIENCE OF FAILURE! Failure will surely now (in your sub-conscious) become the condiment that will give success its flavor!

From Surviving to Thriving – Focus We normally get stuck in a ‘survival mode’ when facing a challenge or going through transition. We may feel paralyzed, disempowered and helpless to move on, for our motivation is diminished and life feels hopeless. At this point in time, get back to what I choose to call “your core values”. These values will serve as a primary motivating factor and will allow you to get a balanced vision of the issue at hand and permit you to make strong decisions and take appropriate action. Remember, being aligned with your core values and vision will put you back in the driver’s seat and will keep you focused at all times. And ofcourse… we must ACT… for lack of action is inertia.

Focusing on what is important versus what is urgent is where most of us tend to get off the path. Focusing on what is essential at the moment is a powerful ability, for it allows us to move away from distracting ideas, information and more importantly opinions. Ask yourself this question always… “What is important now?” And trust me… you will start planning better, think more clearly and will experience this feeling of finally moving ahead.

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Mind over Matter Heard this many times… right! But what does it really mean? How can we make this a part of our regular lives and our day-to-day thinking? It is not difficult at all to attain this.You can achieve this by what I choose to call a PARADIGM SHIFT. The subsequent sentence stares me in the face every time I sit on my desk (yes I have it right where I can see it every time), and it reads… The size of my success depends on the strength of my desire!

about THE SCIENCE OF FAILURE! So in summation, don’t fear failure, plan for it. Fear success… for when you succeed, you are going to live your dream 24 hours a day. So make sure it is what you really want. Turning back will be very costly and traumatic, to say the least!

And remember, to be successful what matters is not how hard you can hit… it is how hard a hit you can take!

The Pygmalion effect says it all – higher expectations lead to increase in performance. A person will achieve or perform as he is expected to perform, for what we expect from the external world ultimately shapes our reality. To be successful we need to transform ourselves starting with the way we think (Mind over Matter).

Remember the word is TRANSFORM not CHANGE… for Change is reversible, Transformation is not!

Another classic mistake we all make, and one that exemplifies the Mind over Matter situation, is what I call the Hammer and Nail Syndrome. All our planning (or lack of it) stems from the fact that we know what we know and tend to use only that knowledge to solve all our problems. We block everything else for when we have a hammer… the whole world appears before us like a nail! Our sub-conscious compels us to think based on what we are capable of doing instead of trying to focus on what we really want to do and then figuring out how to make it all happen.

Failure is not the falling down but the staying down.

Success on the other hand is moving from one failure to another with renewed enthusiasm.

Moving On… Planning can be very simple but indeed very thoughtful.

Focus on the end result and you will start to see your creative ‘planning’ juices flowing.

A CEO of a small manufacturing company was once asked when he was presented with an award for being selected as one of the top companies to work for in the manufacturing industry. The key to success of this company was due to the fact that workers of the plant were always there well before time, hence contributing to increased production. When asked what caused this phenomenon, the CEO smiled and said…

“Careful planning...You see I have 30 employees in my manufacturing plant and only 29 parking spaces… the 30th parking space is paid parking!” Talk about simple ingenious planning!

Companies that are serious about improving productivity, retaining and empowering their people need to convey a message that gets to the core of their employees productivity and thereby transforms them to be productive and hence, effective. It is called PLANNING with an open consideration and acceptance 42

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Nozer Buchia, also referred to as Mr. Motivator, and The Motivational Entertainer, is an internationally acclaimed motivational, inspirational and keynote speaker of repute. He is known as a “speakers-speaker” due to his dynamic inimitable style of humor and delivery, and his practical approach to any situation.

Author of WHY ENTREPRENEURS REALLY FAIL (published and released in the USA & in India) and ROADMAP TO SUCCESS (coauthored with Dr. Ken Blanchard and Dr. Deepak Chopra), Nozer guides and mentors organizations and individuals, and helps them plan and strategize for success.

Individuals and corporations worldwide have greatly benefitted from his motivational and keynote addresses, his seminars, and his leadership training sessions, for he stimulates thinking and helps formulate and communicate corporate strategy with clarity and effectiveness.

Nozer can be contacted at nozer@nozerbuchia.com and at (832) 606-1777

KERSHAW K. KHUMBATTA, PLLC

OU

D MEMBER O F

PR

Business and Individual Tax Preparation & Planning US Individual & Business Tax Returns with Foreign Assets and/or Incomes, Tax Consultants

HOUSTON

KERSHAW K. KHUMBATTA, CPA Nazneen K. Khumbatta, Office Manager Mitra K. Khumbatta, Staff Accountant

TaxPrep@KhumbattaPC.com 1455 Hwy 6 South, Suite A Sugar Land, Texas 77478, USA

Tel: +1 281 313 8006 Fax: +1 281 313 8036

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CYBER THREATS Subrata Bagchi

C

yber warfare seems to be dominating headlines as of late. Be it a clandestine group hacking computers for ‘fun’ or alleged government agencies attempting to steal classified information, the Internet landscape has been transformed into a binary battlefield.

SynergyZ brings you an interesting article on Cyber Threats by Subrata Bagchi, Senior Managing Director, Protiviti.

In 1565, the Ottoman Empire invaded Malta and lay siege on the island. The Knights Hospitaller withstood the onslaught and drove the invaders out, with just 2000 foot soldiers and 400 Maltese men, women and children. This victory became one of the most celebrated events in sixteenth-century Europe.

Voltaire said, “Nothing is better known than the siege of Malta,” and it undoubtedly contributed to the eventual erosion of the European perception of Ottoman invincibility.

Such sieges and attacks were common in the medieval history. In the 21 century, the intrusions and onslaughts are not on the wane but has taken a different form – ‘Cyberattacks’. Governments, corporations, civil society and individuals are threatened by this faceless foe. None is invincible.

The severity and intensity of damages cannot be trifled away. The challenge lies in anticipating threats, warding them off and building resiliency. It’s all about vigilance, resourcing and action.

Let us for a moment, focus on the corporations and draw an analogy to a fort or a city under an attack and try understand who the attackers are, the motives behind Cyberattacks, the threat objects,

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the exposures and vulnerabilities, challenges faced, the action plans and factors that contribute to building resiliencies. The fact remains that threats could be from outside as well as inside.

Profile of the Invaders: In the medieval times the profile of the invaders were: • foreigners with expansionist mentality • marauders with the intention to pillage and plunder • traitors • zealots The profile has not changed much since then.

In today’s world they could be: • Nation state attackers • Crypto lockers, that lock up victim’s system for a ransom • Hacktivists that that spread political messages • Trojans who steal money and information, sometimes for re-sale to the dark net • Disgruntled employees who want to take their pound of flesh Motives that drive the attackers History bears testimony to the fact that attackers have always have malicious intent. The motive has not changed even today, except that the impact can be far reaching and could be real time.

Threat Objects Similar to the ancient times, the object of threat is something which has value (except, back then it was primarily tangible assets). In our times such objects could both tangible and intangible such as - data, information, IP etc. leading to loss of business, brand erosion, litigation etc.

The Nature of Risk and the Challenges From a cyber risk perspective a corporate has a number of similarities to that of a fort. A citadel I was vulnerable to: - Sieges preventing egress and access - Breaches - Onslaughts - Contamination of food and water - Sabotage, treachery etc.

In a corporate environment cyber risk exposures are very similar in nature: - Denial of services - Security breaches through attack and penetration - Data and IP theft by employees - Corrupting the system through spread of viruses - Password compromises etc.

The attackers then and now have always exploited the soft under belly of security vulnerabilities to achieve their means. The challenges in today’s world is the dynamic nature of the threat and the technological advances by the cyber underworld.

The Defense Strategies and Resiliency A well thought out strategy, the strength of the ramparts, the width and depth moats, vigilance at the watch tower, the discipline and training of the soldiers, provisions, constant vigil and awareness are the factors that were key to a strong defense.

In today’s world these factors have all remained constant.

The technology has undergone a change.The robust security policy, settings in the firewall, training and awareness, vigilance, regular update of security patches, a pragmatic risk response plan (BCP/DRP) etc. contributes towards a creating a strong defense against cyber threats and helps build resiliency.

Like the Knight Hospitallers, corporates today need to have a cross functional team that are well trained to ward off hostile attacks from the cyber criminals. The key is to remain one up!

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Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBE., DL. recently appointed as Chair of the Cambridge Judge Business School Advisory Board

I

Focus

on Education.

Improve Nations.

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am a firm believer in lifelong education, and view this as one of the most important elements of any society. Learning is a joy and a privilege, and a key ingredient to achieving your goals. I personally have never stopped learning because there are always new ways to think about both life and business.

It was with great pride that I was recently appointed the Chair of the Cambridge Judge Business School Advisory Board, one the world’s most respected business schools.

Indeed, the UK is home to some of the best global learning institutions and education is one of our greatest exports.

Earlier this year, I was also humbled to receive an Honorary doctorate in Civil Law from the University of East Anglia, which gave me cause for reflection and the opportunity to convey my encouragement to graduating students.

The importance of lifelong education does not end on our home-grown talent. I am strong supporter of international students and the economic prosperity, soft power and international competitiveness they bring to the UK. We should be doing all we can to attract these talented students to study at our universities.

I was recently appointed as President of the UK Council for International Student Affairs, a position I am using to push for the right policies to ensure this.

This year, I was also proud to become the Founding Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Students alongside Paul Blomfield. The purpose of this group is precisely to highlight this vital contribution that international students make to the UK, and to encourage overseas governments to send their students here. We cannot forget the long term benefits here – when international students go back to their home nations they are lifelong ambassadors for Britain.

Alongside my commitments in the field of education, my business always remains at the heart of what I do. It is a great responsibility, and a source of enormous pride and inspiration. Cobra is now one of the most highly awarded world beers, having recently received a further six awards at the 2016 Monde Selection Awards. This year, Cobra won five individual product awards, including the prestigious Grand Gold accolade for two of our products, Cobra Premium and King Cobra. In addition, Cobra was also awarded an International High Quality Trophy this year for having achieved a high level of quality for three consecutive years. It makes me incredibly proud to know that we’re still at the forefront of innovation as we approach our 30th anniversary as a business.

Given the nature of my business, I have always been a strong advocate for the UK manufacturing sector’s needs and the importance of supporting these to achieve economic growth.

This summer I was appointed Chair of the cross-party Manufacturing Commission, which undertakes in-depth research into some of the most pressing issues facing the UK manufacturing sector.

The recommendations made in the Commission’s reports play an important role in driving forward the policies which will grow UK manufacturing, which is such a fundamental part of our economy.

By: Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBE., DL.

Chairman, Cobra Beer Partnership SynergyZ, December, 2016

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WOMEN ACHIEVERS

Homai A Daruwalla, a Chartered Accountant by profession, is more of a doer than a talker as she sincerely believes in not controlling people, but guiding them and empowering them; hereby bringing out their full potential. Her hallmark is the quest for excellence.

HOMAI DARUWALLA

Chairperson,The Zoroastrian Co-op Bank Ltd. & Former, Chairperson & Managing Director Central Bank of India

She is the second woman Professional Banker and the first woman from Zoroastrian community who has reached topmost position purely on the strength of work ethics, with no relevance to gender whatsoever. She has done the job entrusted to her with competence, eagerness, earnestness and enthusiasm.

Vibrant and brimming with enthusiasm, she has tried to subtly bring about a radical change in the outlook, attitude and perspective amongst the staff working with her. This said, as an individual, Homai has always shunned being high profile, waiting for her work and personality to speak about herself and her achievements. She believes in converting threats into opportunities and although the task is extremely arduous and challenging, but equally rewarding, she tries to rejuvenate the workforce to give their very best to the Institution.

She was the Region of India Director on the Board of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Florida, U.S.A. for a term of two years. IIA, Florida is an international renowned body having audit luminaries from all over the world as its members.

Eldest of the three children, born to Rati & Ardeshir, her family has always been her source of strength and success. Post retirement, she keeps herself busy by being an Independent Director on the Boards of some prestigious companies. Finance being her forte, she also works as an Executive Advisor / Consultant.

With effect from 06 April, 2016, she has been appointed as the Chairperson of The Zoroastrian Co-op Bank Ltd. for a term of five years.

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Tanya Balsara After her graduation from St. Xavier’s, Mumbai, sometime in 2000, Tanya came across a course that promised to teach computers to the blind, so she got myself enrolled in for it and her Mom painstakingly took her for the course regularly.

In hind sight that was the turning point of her life. The course provided her with a window to the world and she thought it would be wonderful if she could provide the same facility to others like her and thereby also keep herself gainfully employed. Thus was born TANYA COMPUTER CENTRE(TCC) at MNB Home near her house.

Today the Centre operates with a state-of-the-art facility from a renovated garage in their Home. At TCC, they use a screen reading software called JAWS. What JAWS does is that it reads out what is on the screen as well as what is being typed. At TCC, each session is for about two hours, thrice a week and the whole course lasts for about 7 months.

TANYA BALSARA

Tanya Computer Centre (TCC) Mumbai

Since 2006 over 200 students have passed out and she is very happy to say that most of them are employed. She would like to say to her readers - “Please do not look at a disabled individual with sympathy because what is required is empathy and not sympathy. The visually challenged may not have sight but they don’t lack vision.”

Dr.Yasmin R. Engineer, M.D., FACOG After receiving MBBS degree in 1972 from Bombay, Dr.Yasmin Engineer arrived in USA for specialized training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. While pursuing residency at St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, Illinois, she met Rustom Engineer, who after receiving a Master’s Degree in Engineering, had recently moved to Peoria to work in the automotive industry.

They got married in Peoria in 1975 and in 1978 relocated to Farmington Hills, Michigan.

For the next 13 years, Dr. Engineer practiced as an Obstetrician / Gynecologist at the Henry Ford Hospital while her husband was employed by the Ford Motor Company.

During that period, they had two children, son Eric and daughter Diana. Later, in search of warmer climate and a larger Parsi community, the whole family moved to Houston, Texas.

DR. YASMIN R. ENGINEER, M.D., FACOG

Dr. Engineer, continued to practice as an Obstetrician / Gynecologist in Houston until retirement in 2015 so that she could fully enjoy her time with her two tiny grandchildren and one on the way. Dr. Engineer, over 40 years provided Gynecological care to women of all ages and delivered between 3,500 to 4,000 babies. The biggest joy of her life has been to meet children she delivered way back 30 or 40 years ago, many of them Parsi kids, who continue to come and hug her and thank her!

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Business Section E

ntrepreneurship is essential to the vitality of any economy, developed or developing. Entrepreneurs create new businesses, generating jobs for themselves and those they employ. In many cases, entrepreneurial activity increases competition and, with technological or operational changes, it can increase productivity as well. Entrepreneurs give security to other people; they are the generators of social welfare.

SynergyZ, brings you profiles of Zoroastrian business owners from North America and India with a view to encouraging networking and creating more business opportunities between WZCC members worldwide.

Business Owners: Vancouver - Canada Azad Custom Cabinet & Contracting Ltd. Azadmehr Kaviani, Owner & President Established in 1993, Azad Custom Cabinet & Contracting Ltd. offers the following services: • Interior Design • General contracting • Designing and building architectural millwork and custom cabinetry Contact details: Office: 604-924-1898 | Mobile: 604-230-0405 azad@azadcustomcabinet.com Pervez H. Patel & Associates Inc.

Pervez H. Patel ACA, AICWA, CIM, FCSI President & CEO

Pervez Patel, President & CEO, Pervez H. Patel & Associates Inc. has been in the wealth management business for the last 23 years.

He presently looks after about US $140 million in assets for clients in 45 countries worldwide. He is currently licensed as a registrant to sell stocks, options and managed money solutions to his investors. In addition to his domestic practice in Canada, he specializes in dealing with expatriates who live and work outside of North America – specifically in the Far East, Middle East, India and Latin America. His suppliers include some of the largest financial institutions internationally and in Canada.

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Dr Farah Shroff, PhD Shroff Consulting Company Established in 1997, Shroff Consulting is a Vancouverbased consulting company led by Dr. Farah Shroff PhD. Shroff Consulting carries out: -research -writing -education -evaluation -facilitation related to health, social issues, women’s issues, international development-in English, French and/or Spanish.

Besides leading Shroff Consulting, Dr Shroff teaches at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine in the Department of Family Medicine and the School of Population and Public Health.

Business Owners: Houston, Texas, USA Bhandara Holdings Ltd - aka Ardenwood Group Real estate development in Texas Bhandara Holdings Ltd., in the last 30 years, has transformed itself from a small real estate investment company dealing in rental homes into a diversified real estate and construction business worth tens of millions of dollars. There are several business divisions in their diversified portfolio that shield them from downturns in the business cycle such as: Ardenwood Group This company owned by the Group manages approximately 700,000 square feet of commercial real estate projects in the Houston area including 6 office buildings, 2 shopping centers, 360 apartment units, and a 137 bed hospital.

Mazda Construction, Inc: Since 1992, Ardenwood Homes has developed and built over 300 homes in the Houston suburbs. Currently, they are proposing a $40 million project - Planned Development District (PDD) on their 205 acres in Katy, TX for an additional 374 home sites and 50 acres of commercial development.

Feroze Bhandara Owner Bhandara Holdings Ltd aka Ardenwood Group

Over the years, the group has nurtured several startup businesses. They serve on several city Boards and these connections in turn help their business. Last year, ‘The Bhandara Foundation’ donated over US$3 million to charitable projects in USA and Pakistan.

C D Advisors Inc. (Certified Public Accountant) Sarosh Collector is a practicing Certified Public Accountant since 1978, and a Credit Valuation Analyst (CVA) since 1998.

Specialties: • Business consulting for closely held businesses • Taxation of high net worth Individuals • Taxation of small to medium Business Entities • Structuring Business entities to provide for optimizing taxation in US for domestic and foreign entities.

Sarosh also consults on Foreign Transactions, both inbound and outbound, reporting requirements on both FATCA and foreign asset reporting for US and non US taxpayers.

Sarosh J. Collector CPA, CVA President & CEO

Additional areas of specialization include - Taxpayer representation before the Internal Revenue service, and US Tax Courts.

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Business Owners: Houston, Texas, USA Coating Industries, Inc. Coating Industries, Inc. is a coating applicator that provides experience, reliability, and results for the oil and gas industry. The Company uses corrosion protection coatings, high performance coatings, and internal coatings to protect metal in the harshest environments.

For over 30 years, Coating Industries. Inc. has served metal fabricators, major oil companies, chemical refineries, and shipbuilders. They are renowned for providing quality products in a timely manner.

Arish Rusomji, Vice President Coating Industries Ltd.

Coating Industries has a nine acre plant with designated areas for abrasive blasting, and industrial coatings.

Their state-of-the-art facilities include industrial paint booths and abrasive blasting rooms. As a result, their customers protect their equipment from chemical and offshore environments. They have been certified by NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) and ISO (International Standards Organization).

Coverlon Coverlon has been successfully manufacturing swimming pool covers since 1990 and spa covers since 2007.

It’s a family run business out of Branchburg, New Jersey. They pride themselves on quality manufacturing, products, and exceptional customer service. They carry a very attractive line of patterns for in ground and above ground pools and spas. Their high standards have helped them create a loyal customer base nationwide.

Farrokh Patel

Owner Coverlon 19 Readington Road Branchburg, New Jersey 08876 908-707-1122 farrokh764@aol.com www.coverlon.com

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Their state-of-the-art production facility gives them the ability to make special order covers on demand, making them one of the fastest growing cover manufacturers in the USA. From simple to complex, computer design and advanced manufacturing techniques assure them of a properly designed cover that fits perfectly every time.

Free form designers, rock formations, waterfalls and raised walls are handled with ease by their automated cutting tables.

SynergyZ, December, 2016

Sethna Financial Group, LLC Financial Advice & Management Zarir Sethna, has been providing insurance, estate planning, wealth management, and financial solutions for retirement planning to successful business owners, professionals and executives since 1988. Clients engage Sethna Financial Group’s process to crystallize their financial objectives, help them to take action and monitor their progress. Zarir is also an Investment Advisor with Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor.

Zarir’s production is consistently in the top 2 percent of 10,000 New York Life Agents. He is a Court of the Table Life and Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, which is recognized as the standard of excellence in life insurance sales performance. He serves on the Board of Directors of NYLARC, which is the largest agent owned re-insurance company in the world. He is a member of the Association of Advanced Life Underwriters and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Zarir J. Sethna CLU©, LUTCF Sethna Financial Group LLC

Zarir is passionate about his philanthropic endeavors and he is a supporter of ‘Share Our Secrets’ an educational organization. He is contributor to the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation, a meaningful way for MDRT members to give back to people in need. He is also a founding Board Member of Touch Base Center for Death Blind Individuals.

Opportune Title Agency, LLC Opportune Title Agency, L.L.C is a premier full service Title and Escrow Company.

They assist clients in Real Estate Title and Closing needs. They pride themselves in superior customer service with a “Whatever it Takes” attitude and they always strive to be the Best.

Once an order is placed by the client with Opportune Title, they can be assured that we will get the job done and they have worked with them they always like to work with their knowledgeable and experienced staff who are extremely polite, courteous and prompt and respond in a timely and courteous manner every time.

Opportune Title Agency, LLC provides services to: • Attorneys • Mortgage Bankers • Mortgage Brokers • Loan Officers • Commercial Clients • Owners • Builders • Realtors

Percis Daruwala

Owner Opportune Title Agency, LLC 100 Planifield Avenue Edison, New Jersey 08817 percis@otatitle.com 732-219-9471 http://www.otatitle.com/

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Business Owners: India CG Lab Private Limited CG Lab Private Limited, is a post-production and visual effects company founded in Jan 2010. Their focus has been on servicing the advertising industry in North America and the UK. Within visual effects there is a lot of white collar labor intensive work that gets outsourced from the west to countries in the east. They are one of the players in this segment. Their scope of work ranges from cleaning up wires & harnesses on actors, to extracting a matter from footage shot on green screen to providing 3d tracking data for our clients.

Murad Currawalla

The NFL Super Bowl finals attracts the largest ad revenue in the world ($5 million for 30 secs of airtime in 2016). It’s a prestigious event to be involved with an ad in the super bowl because the quality of production is one of the highest levels. CG Lab worked on 3 ads that aired during Super Bowl 2016.

India: 91 - 22 2682 4568 USA: 1 - (323)-325-2120 info@thecglab.com

The clients include large companies like Toyota, Budweiser, HP, Nike, Honda, T-Mobile, Audi, Reebok to name a few. They have also worked on some noteworthy music videos like ‘Imagine Dragon’s Radio Active’, ‘Fall Out Boy’s Centuries’ and ‘Snoop Dogg’s Peaches & Cream’ and more…

CEO, CG Lab Private Limited (www.thecglab.com)

Financial Artists a financial boutique 2005 saw the birth of, Financial Artists that focusses on ‘Financial Planning’ with an emphasis on capitalizing the brilliance of Mutual funds, Insurance, Real estate, offshore funds and Will Writing as an option for financial well-being.

Maher Dhamodiwala is a Certified financial planner with over ten years of experience.

He is a graduate in Management from one of the premier institutes of the country.

Maher Dhamodiwala Owner, Financial Artists & Certified Financial Planner

FA Financial Artists has 3 verticals: Advisor to Investors: They have developed a matix called the “triangle of prosperity” which has 4 layers in it.

1. Mediclaim & Personal Accident Cover: For sudden medical emergencies.

2. Term Plan Insurance Cover: For sudden eventualities like death of the bread winner.

3. Investments: Before each portfolio is crafted a very careful exercise of ‘Financial Plans’ or ‘asset allocation’ for the client’s retirement, kid’s education, marriage or even holidays is performed.

4. Donate:The company encourages each client to donate 7 to 10% of their earnings.

Their Role: They manage investor’s emotions as that’s the Key to managing their wealth. This develops their muscle of not just RECEIVING but also GIVING. Mentor to Entrepreneurs: They preach what they practice in their own business. They have developed a team of 65 entrepreneurs (brokers) who are advised on the similar business model. This helps them to make this eco system diverse, strong, vibrant and rich with new ideas.

Training: They train brokers on financial advisory business using different modules.

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Extentia Established in 1998, Extentia is an Indo-German global technology consulting organization that delivers solutions to clients in 5 continents. The company’s focus is on Technology, Consulting, and Innovation for Mobile, Cloud, and Design.

With strong technical skills in Microsoft, cloud, mobile, and open source technologies, Extentia has experience across multiple sectors including education, aviation, travel, agriculture, healthcare, and finance, with several enterprise deployments.

Umeed Kothavala CEO, Extentia www.extentia.com inquiries@extentia.com +91-20 6728 5200

The company’s acclaimed Design Studio is a graphics design and UI group that actively supports a multi-skilled software development team. Its usability testing and research lab provides User Centered Design services for software products and systems. Extentia also has a consulting arm that assists startups, early stage companies, and businesses in IT and related spaces.Techquarium is a company platform for innovation in IoT, augmented reality, wearables, AI, and neuroscience.

Notably, Extentia offers a vivacious and stimulating work environment. In-company activities include internal league competitions, cultural events, hackathons, talent showcases, and CSR – with a focus on encouraging team spirit. CONNECT at Extentia is a global internship program with interns from all over the world, aimed at promoting cross-cultural interaction in the workplace.

Extentia has offices in India, the United States, Europe, and the UK.

Albaj Engineering Corporation: Incorporated in 1976, Albaj Engineering Corporation is a professionally managed Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction Company. They are an ISO 9001:2008 Company, engaged in design and manufacturing of High Pressure Piping, Coded Pressure Vessels, Heat Exchangers, Storage Tanks, Skid mounted package systems, Steam Boilers, and they also undertake Turnkey contracts for Piping & Tankages for Engineering Industries, Chemical and Process Industries, Paper Mills, Sugar Mills, Pharmaceuticals Plants, etc.

The ALBAJ GROUP OF COMPANIES, include the following two companies, registered under the Indian Companies Act.

Viraf Deboo Director Albaj Engineering Corporation

• Albaj Engineering Corporation Pvt. Ltd. • Vee Bee Industries ALBAJ was awarded the ASME ‘U’ Stamp, after stringent audit, through TUV-SUD, in May 2015. They are approved and registered with Statutory Inspection bodies like Baxcounsel Inspection Bureau, TUV, Det Norske Varitas, Bureau Veritas, Tata Consulting Engineers, SAFESS, M. N. Dastur, PDIL, UHDE, Quest Inspection Services, O.N.G.C., LRS, etc.

Albaj has the infrastructural facilities to execute turnkey orders as well as supply and fabrication of small and large sized equipment and piping for boilers, pressure vessels, as well as Utility process piping systems.

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i Yatra Dubai Pra. vMasr. Dadi Mistry n o Awardee - H

Dub Awardeea-i KPravasi Yatra hodayar Att aie

DUBAI PRAVASI YATRA A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

Dub Awardeaei P- ravasi Yatra Villoo Mir z

a

vasi Yatra Dubai P- rDa r. Keki Turel Awardee

Dubai Prava tra Awardee - Manek siKaYa lyaniw

alla

7th Oct. to 11th Oct. 2016

T

he Dubai PravasiYatra, one of the most awaited events of the year 2016, turned out to be a grand success with participation ranging from 70 international delegates to 600 local residents at various programs held from 7th to 11th October, 2016. The event was held under the auspices of WZCC, an organization that values building relationships with its key constituents comprising businessmen and professionals through a variety of programs across the globe.

Those who got together to explore business opportunities were happy

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with the leads and offers that fell into their lap in just 4 days’ time in the field of art, medicine, law and financial investment. The success can be attributed to the advance preparations made by the WZCCME Team ensuring that all businessmen met top personnel in top companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Those who came on a visit to see Dubai and Abu Dhabi were mesmerized by the legendary hospitality that excelled to new heights with this program.

The WZCCME Team comprising Porus Guzder - President; Firdaus Irani - Chapter Chair; Nowshir

Engineer - Business Development Director (WZCCME) ; Cyrus Debara - Youth Director (WZCCME); Kashmira Kotwal - Treasurer; and Wahbeez Wankadia - Secretary after a brief introduction of themselves, highlighted the twin objectives of hosting a game changer program for our community members worldwide, that successfully redefined travel and tourism for families and leisure-cumcommerce for businessmen.

Meher Bhesania, the founding director of WZCCME, speaking on the World Expo 2020 said, the Expo is expected to bring in 20

million visitors to Dubai in 2020. The government is investing heavily in infrastructure projects that includes the expansion of roads, Dubai Metro lines and airports.

Dubai’s theme of “Connecting Minds and Creating Future” with sub themes – Mobility, Opportunity and Sustainability, is set to create a new bench mark in the history of World Expos. She added, “the Dubai Pravasi Yatra program in a way was also a salute to the Zoroastrians living in the GCC region, who came without any connections, braved difficulties and ultimately succeeded in their respective trades and professions.”

While wishing a pleasant stay to all the delegates, she extended a hearty welcome to those who were on a business trip and said, “May this trip prove to be a turning point in each one’s life, just as Africa proved to be a turning point in the life of Gandhiji who began his journey as a common man and ended up being addressed by many of his followers as Mahatma”.

In a short span of four days the delegates saw the iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa – the tallest tower in the world, the Dancing

Fountains, the Palm, The Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, the Museum, Gold Souk and more... The evenings included the enjoyable Dhow Cruise, the Desert Safari and dinner theatre with Laughter Therapy Comedy Play at the Sh. Rashid Auditorium, attended by 700 businessmen and professionals. Be they millionaires, billionaires or youth they all laughed till the end. The Silly Point Productions team received rave reviews on their debut performance in Dubai.

The prestigious Dubai PravasiYatra Awards were presented to: • Hon. Mr. Dadi Mistry (New Delhi) • Dr. Keki Turel (Mumbai) • Mr. Khodayar Attaie (Iran) • Mrs. Villoo Mirza (Ahmedabad) and • Mr. Manek Kalyaniwalla (Mumbai) for their services to the community and the society at large.

An excursion to Abu Dhabi the capital of the United Arab Emirates proved to be a memorable trip. The delegates saw the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the corniche; the heritage village; the dates market and the Emirates Palace Hotel, the most sought after 7 star luxury hotel of the Emirati Capitol.

The Dubai Pravasi Yatra program

safely said delivered on its promise and more.

Summing up - the joy of seeing a new destination at an economically priced package; the generous gifts and delicious chocolates and fruit’n nuts bites every day; the comfort of being driven in air-conditioned coaches; the fine dining experience at different restaurants and the opportunity to mix and mingle with the Zoroastrians in the UAE presented a rewarding experience to all the delegates. The beauty and majesty of Dubai and Abu Dhabi captured the hearts of the visitors. Both destinations were presented in a totally new light.

Weaving a vacation of their lifetime the delegates departed with a smile on their faces and large bags of heavy shopping on 11th October, 2016 to their respective destinations with a solemn promise to return to Dubai in 2020 when the World Expo takes place in the sunshine state.

Thank you messages are being received adding to the success of the event. What more can WZCCME organisers ask for?

A Hit Show At the Dubai Pravasi Yatra Program on 8th Oct. 2016 in Dubai

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SHOULD STARTUPS AND SMES BE EVERYWHERE ON SOCIAL MEDIA? By: HameedYousuf

A

s a digital marketer, I am approached by Startups and SMEs to advise them on setting up and sustaining their footprints in the digital world.

Some people that I speak with are very curious about online or digital marketing, but don’t understand how it can directly increase their business. Many of them are seeing less return from the advertisements in traditional media like The Yellow Pages, newspapers and direct mailing campaigns, and are looking to explore new ways of expanding their market share.

When the advantages of online marketing are laid out for example - reduced cost, brand engagement, demographic targeting, real time results, ease of measuring the return on investment and redefining the strategy… it becomes easy for them to see merit in investing in social media as the most cost effective marketing solution.

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Noticing a significant shift in consumer habits and marketing budgets, in the last few years I set up an ecommerce website with my two friends to understand how Startups cope against competition and how much amount is required for investment to survive the 365 days period. It was then, that I realized the hardships faced by most SMEs. Thereafter, I have not turned down any Startups or SMEs that approach me for consultation despite relatively small budgets.

This article is therefore, curated from a marketer and entrepreneur’s perspective to guide the Startups and SMEs on what they should expect whilst investing in social media.

Defining Social Media – Everyone talks of social media, but very few people ever define what it is that they’re talking about. Social media are computer-mediated tools that allow people, companies and other organizations to create, share, or exchange information, career interests, ideas, and pictures/ videos in virtual communities and networks. The most common elements are “Create, Share & Network.” These three elements ride on content, which is the most essential element of the social media ecosystem.

Time Spent by consumers on Social Media According to Global Web Index, digital consumers around the globe spend on an average 1 hour 49 minutes every day on social media and the average hits a peak amongst millennials.

The Middle East market alone enjoys an average of three – four hours of social media activity on a daily basis.

Hence it is very important for social

pages to push quality content to engage the fan base.

Leveraging Social Media Marketing Leveraging is important. If your business is not leveraging social media marketing, your business is not maximizing its revenues.

However, prior to entering social media, it is necessary for Startups and SMEs to 1. Identify the role of each social channel the company wishes to opt for.

2. Set objectives – Be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound).

3. Identify target audience.

4. Do research on competition and understand the tonality of social communication.

5. Draw up a right strategy, plan and execute.

Importance of Social Media Just as networking events offer a great opportunity to businessmen to interact with prospects and develop new business relations, social media also offers them an opportunity to target potential audiences.

Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,YouTube etc. store social data - age, gender, location, interests etc. that make great tools to push communication to individuals who are most likely to engage in the company’s brand provided the company has clarity about its target audience.

It is estimated that out of 3.4BN active users on the internet globally, 2.3BN reside in the social space.

Based on the mechanics of the

market, a sound strategy will help companies communicate with users having a high affinity towards the brand and eventually build brand loyalty.

higher engagement and maintain consistency in the tonality. Video content is always bound to get higher organic reach compared to image and text posts.

It is important that Startups and SMEs live and breathe in the social space as this is their space to engage with their future brand advocates.

• Build Brand recognition in the social space Ensure email signatures, company websites, collaterals and business cards carry details of your social assets.

Salient statistics on Social Media • F acebook – There are 40 million active small business Pages.

•T witter – There are 500 million Tweets sent each day. That’s 6,000 Tweets every second.

•Y ouTube – 300 hours of video content is uploaded to YouTube every minute.

• I nstagram – Over 80 million photos are uploaded each day.

I urge Startups and SMEs to invest a minimum budget to sustain for two weeks and assess the results.

It isn’t easy to do it without firsthand knowledge, hence I strongly recommend partnering with a media agency. Most Startups and SMEs refrain from doing so, however this is one of the first steps to educate themselves and learn from the experts who spend long hours updating their knowledge and interacting with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google etc.

Eight tips on how to nurture your social media presence the right way •A lways have a qualitative approach Ensure you have fans who are interested in your offering.

Having big numbers on your fan page will mean nothing if there is low engagement for every communication you push to your fans.

• Build a social media calendar Analyse the type of posts that receive

• Change strategy In case one strategy is not performing, don’t fret! Try an alternative to what you are doing and you will get to that sweet spot eventually.

• Never force fit your brand offering to the audience Cross mention brands instead.

• Don’t be one of “those” pages that post viral videos off the net It will affect your brand’s overall image.

• Treat every social media platform differently The tonality on Facebook should not be the same as the tonality on LinkedIn however the tonality on Instagram can be similar to Twitter, in terms of the usage of hashtags.

• Keep a track of time of posts to understand what time of the day works for you.

The more people see the post the better the engagement and organic reach the social page will yield. But remember, reach ≠ sale!

Concluding Remarks: Your website and social assets are a replica of your brand. If you don’t evolve, you will dissolve, so keep your posts lively and refreshing and feel free to reach out to me on @ iAmHamii or hameed@teezaar.com should you have any queries.

HameedYousuf is a passionate digital marketer by profession and a budding entrepreneur.

He has been a digital obsessive for over a decade, consulting prominent brands and startups on their visibility in the digital world.

He was titled as Middle East’s Top Media Talent aged under 30 by CampaignME and has managed successful initiatives for the government of UAE and India - Expo 2020, #happydubai and International Yoga Day. He has also strategised and executed various digital campaigns for luxury brands, hoteliers, airlines, financial institutions, autos, retail and FMCGs. Apart from his day job as a Senior Digital Manager, he is a guest lecturer at universities, content writer for prominent digital channels and an entertainer when time permits.

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H

uman capital is a term that refers the stock of knowledge, habits, social and personality attributes, including creativity, embodied in the ability to perform labor so as to produce economic value. Alternatively, it refers to a collection of resources—all the knowledge, talents, skills, abilities, experience, intelligence, training, judgment, and wisdom possessed individually and collectively by individuals in a population. These resources are the total capacity of the people that represents a form of wealth which can be directed to accomplish the goals of the nation or state or a portion thereof.

Rajiv Kaul, Chairman, Nicco Group,

HUMAN CAPITAL

AND SMART CITIES

in this article shares his views on Human Capital and its importance in building smart infrastructure that is scalable and make a big difference at socio-economic level in India.

By: Rajiv Kaul, Chairman, Nicco Group

Quick Takes with Rajiv Kaul: 1. Why is human capital important for development?

The confluence of rapid technical change, globalisation and economic liberalisation in recent years has prompted governments in developed and developing countries alike to prioritise skills development as a key strategy for economic competitiveness and growth.

2. What are the opportunities that human capital provides?

It improves the labour market outcomes both in terms of employment rates and earnings. It improves the socioeconomic fabric of a country in many ways. Adults with high levels of foundation skills feel that they have a voice that can make a difference in social and political life.

Besides investing in skills is far less costly, in the long run, than paying the price of poorer health, lower incomes, unemployment and social exclusion – all of which are closely tied to lower skills.

3. What are the challenges in India?

Infrastructure is one sector that needs high quality of human capital in India in addition to huge quantity of financial capital. The days of dumb infrastructure are gone.

The economy of today and of the future, needs

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infrastructure that is smart and such an infrastructure requires not only metal and concrete but also intelligent people and machines. Equally important is the need to build a smart infrastructure that is scalable.

Smart Cities India has set out to invest big in infrastructure, including in smart infrastructure, particularly in the cities. The government recently selected 20 cities to be developed as Smart Cities, which will serve as the models for creating urban infrastructure in the rest of the country.

The key features of these smart cities would be adequate and efficient urban mobility, IT connectivity and digital administration in addition to tech-enabled adequacy of power, water and waste management.

The development of smart infrastructure in these 20 cities will not only improve their efficiency and productivity, it will have a multiplier effect on their economies by attracting more investment, commerce and talent to these cities. These cities are expected to compete with each other for domestic investment and talent and also with other cities in the world for global investment and talent.

The smart cities project has attracted substantial foreign interest, including from the private and public sector organizations from France, Malaysia, Japan and the UAE.

Roads, Railways, Aviation & Waterways While the smart cities project will create exemplary infrastructure, India is also looking to invest more than $30 trillion in roads, railways, aviation, waterways, power and more. India needs smart and scalable infrastructure in all these areas in order to realize its mission of Make in India.

India has made tremendous progress in highway building during the past decade, with many tolled expressways improving connectivity among the major cities. While the country continues to press for further increase in roads and highway speeds, it is also focusing on making its railways competitive. Indian Railways has the fourthlargest track network in the world and the largest workforce, however, it is not particularly efficient.

It has largely focused on quantity of service and not so much on the quality. The proposed Bullet Train project with Japanese assistance has made headlines but much bigger action is taking place in upgrading the tracks, stations, signalling, communication, energy efficiency and diversification, and digitization of passenger and freight services. A smart Indian Railways will be a key part of India’s infrastructure modernization efforts.

Freight coridors Then there are also the dedicated freight corridors in every zone of the country, which will not only help the manufacturing and the exports enterprises but which will also catalyse development of smart industrial township along their routes.

Highways The government has taken many initiatives to develop infrastructure and passed laws to enable formalization and modernization of waterways and awarded about 100 new highway projects in the public-private partnership mode.

Data Centres Whilst building networks of connected infrastructure, there is going to be a need for huge data processing and communicating infrastructure. As data will only increase and accumulate, e-governance and e-commerce will require that data to be mined and shared, so countries need to invest in data centres and communication hubs. The connected countries will be the new winners in the competition for global business.

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HIGHER EDUCATION & STARTUPS IN INDIA VISION 2030

By: Mohandas Pai

T

he higher education system in India has grown in a remarkable way, particularly in the post-independence period, to become the third largest in the world, next to the United States and China.

India has 800 universities, 47,000 plus colleges and is the second largest in terms of students’ enrolment around 31 million students. It has 336 State Universities, 225 Private Universities and 46 Central Universities. Unaided private higher education providers account for 64% of total institutions in higher education and 62% of student’s enrolment. Over 80% of investment in professional education is done by the private sector. Public expenditure on higher education is only 1.25% of GDP as compared to 3.1% in USA and 2.6% in Canada.

Total expenditure on higher education is Rs.6 bn out of which Rs.4 bn is private sector spending and Rs.2 bn is 64

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spent by public sector. The Federation for Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) vision document has estimated Rs. 8 bn of investment in higher education.

Sustained economic growth and availability of disposable income with Indian middle class makes India attractive market for higher education. Acute shortage of faculty, skill gaps amongst graduates and skill shortages due to emerging sectors make it imperative for Indian institutions to collaborate with Industry and foreign education providers.

Faculty shortage in IITs and Central Universities is around 35% - 40%. High Student Teacher ratio of 26:1 as opposed to 15:1 in developed countries. While it is important to address the existing shortcomings in the higher education system, it is more important to move towards a bold and aspirational vision.

The Three Pillars for global excellence envisioned are given below: Equity and Inclusion

Quality and Excellence

Access

Reach out to students who are unable to participate in the higher education system due to social context, economic ability and geography

Shift from mere expansion to improvement in quality of higher education to increase employability

Improve reach of higher education for all and for international students by increasing capacity to meet rising demand

THE

2030

Partnership

Infrastructure

To achieve excellence in higher education, transformational and innovative interventions will be required across all levels of the higher education system. The 21st century model for higher education of high quality yet equitable and affordable will make India a role-model for higher education system that is not just the best in the world but the best for the world.

Research

Framework for Indian Higher Education Excellence

HIGHER EDUCATION ARCHITECTURE

Faculty

MODEL

Curiculum & Pedagogy

21 CENTURY ST

Equity, Access, Excellence Funding

Governance

Leadership

Where do we see India in Education in 2030?

• By 2030 India will have the largest population in the world in the higher education age bracket. Increasing urbanization in income levels will drive demand for higher education.

• India’s economy is expected to grow at a fast pace; rapid industrialisation would require a gross incremental workforce of > 250 million by 2030 India could potentially emerge as a global supplier of skilled manpower.

• India has the opportunity to become prominent R&D destination.

• Given the expected socio-economic scenario in 2030, India would need a robust higher education system that can deliver on multiple imperatives.

• A differentiated system of institutions with differing objectives and focus areas would be critical for achieving the proposed goals.

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Indian Startups SCENARIO

SCENARIO

2015

STARTUP VISION

2030

12,500 Startups 1 in 20 $billion Startups is from India 100,000 Startups 1 in 2 $billion Startups will be from India Employment for 3.5 mio technical people $ 500 + billion in market value # 2 after US

Based on above statistical data a bolder and brighter vision exists for Indian Startups which are located mainly in Bangalore, Pune, Delhi and Mumbai.

Factors favouring rise in Startups: • Vast availability of high quality tech talent

• 800+MNC R&D centers in India • S everal MNCs (Microsoft, Citrix, Google etc.) setting up accelerators in India • IT/ITES market accounts for $150B + revenue today •T alented software engineers from the US with Stanford, MIT and experience at Google,Yahoo etc… are returning back to India •G lobal shift in On-Premise software to the Cloud (Saas) will help India product startups due to low cost operations 66

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Conclusion: By 2017 India will have the largest Face book population.

By 2020 India will be world’s youngest country with 64% of the population in working age.

By 2020 India’s mobile economy will contribute 400 bn to the GDP. By 2020 India will have 500 mio broad band users.

By 2021 it will have largest pool of college educated talent growing to around 45 mio. India today ranks 3rd amongst the top countries Smart Phone users today.

SynergyZ, December, 2016

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INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS OF

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE By: C. S. Ayyapan,

Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Operations

The

Innovative approach of New India Assurance goes back to 1920. The Company started in 1919 at Mumbai, opened its first overseas branch in 1920 considered to be the Mecca of Insurance. Pioneered in issuing the first aviation policy when Mr.J.R.D.Tata piloted the first flight from Karachi to Mumbai. Insuring satellites to bullock carts with innovative features had become the practice of the company over the years. Now, with the branches/subsidiaries and Associate Companies in 28 countries spread around Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and South and central America New India Assurance innovates for global needs with local experience. Its operations in Dubai opened the gateway for insuring the international offshore risks also.

The commitment to the Rulers of the Nations where ever New India is present is appreciated and recognized world over.

The pride of Indian Entrepreneurial skills and acumen in general insurance enabled The New India Assurance to sculpt the innovative insurance products. Two such products were selected for Innovative Product/Service award in Golden Peacock Awards category. A simple reading gives an enormous information about both the insurance products. Let us take the Griha Suvidha policy for Indian customers and its benefits.

Salient Features of the New India Griha Suvidha Policy: • The main objective of New India Griha Suvidha Policy is to provide protection to householder’s contents against fire and allied perils

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•

• • • •

•

including Riot, Strike, Floods, Earthquake, Terrorism, Burglary, Housebreaking, Theft & accidental damage to contents including Jewellery & valuables, Breakdown of domestic appliances including Television &/or Desktop.

New India Griha Suvidha Policy has four specific options and each option has five built-in sections with pre-fixed Sum Insured on a First Loss basis (based on value declared and customer not penalized for declaring lower value by over sight) The policy also has an Optional cover where the Residential Premises can be covered on Full Sum Insured Basis.

The main highlight of the policy is its simplicity and ease to the customer in providing the details and description of the contents.

It has a simple and hassle free process of claims administration as Condition of Average is not applicable for the contents.

This policy is available to any person residing in India, including foreign nationals, provided the contents proposed for insurance is situated within the Indian Territory. The settlement of the claims shall be in Indian currency only.

Suitable for budget and salaried segments to protect the hard earned valuables.

• • • • • •

A family need to be protected from all angles. New India Assurance gives the financial solution for medical challenges through Top up mediclaim policy also.The fascinating features are: The Policy can be taken on Individual basis or floater basis for entire family.

The family will consist of Self, Spouse, Parents and Dependent Children.

A single member or a family of up to six members can take the Policy.

This policy is available to persons between the age of 18 years and 65 years. Children can be covered from 3 months to 25 years.

No Pre-acceptance Health Check-up for person upto 50 years of age, or if the person has Health insurance policy from our company and there is no claim for previous two years.

The Proposer can choose any of the options from the following table: Coverage Type

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

Sum Insured 5,00,000 10,00,000 15,00,000 7,00,000 12,00,000 17,00,000 22,00,000

•

SPECIAL COVERAGE: • • • •

Cataract claims, upto Rs. 50,000/-, for each eye.

More than 72 Day Care Procedures covered.

Congenital Internal Diseases shall be covered after 24 months of Continuous Coverage.

AYUSH treatment will be covered, upto the Sum Insured.

TIME BOUND EXCLUSIONS: •

TOP UP MEDICLAIM POLICY •

•

Threshold and Rs. 800 per day for Rs. 8,00,000 Threshold, maximum for 10 days of Hospitalisation.

Get Well Benefit of Rs. 5000 for Rs. 5,00,000 Threshold and Rs. 8000 for Rs. 8,00,000 Threshold. This benefit will be payable only for the first four admissible claims.

Ambulance Charges upto Rs. 5000 for Rs. 5,00,000 Threshold and Rs. 8000 for Rs. 8,00,000 Threshold.

• • •

Treatment of any Pre-existing Disease shall be covered after 48 months of Continuous Coverage.

Any Illness contracted during the first 30 days of the commencement date of this Policy.

Twenty four months waiting for specified diseases listed in the Policy Document.

Forty eight months waiting for Age-related diseases listed in the Policy Document.

CLAIMS MANAGEMENT: Insured has an option to avail cashless service from the Network Hospitals in India numbering 4000+.

Threshold 5,00,000 5,00,000 5,00,000 8,00,000 8,00,000 8,00,000 8,00,000

BENEFITS: • •

Room Rent, upto of Rs. 5000 per day for Rs. 5,00,000 Threshold and Rs. 8000 per day for Rs. 8,00,000 Threshold.

Hospital cash at the rate of Rs. 500 per day for Rs. 5,00,000

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TRAVEL

UDVADA - A PERFECT GETAWAY

By: Meher Bhesania

I

n the heart of an ancient nation a sacred fire burns. It hasn’t been extinguished for over 1294 years. Its mysteries inspired by the faith of millions lies at the very root of what the Zoroastrians believe in today. To define it, we will have to set out on a long journey that will take us back in time and to a place where our history began - Iran.

The story goes like this - after landing in Diu in 697 CE the early group of Zoroastrians shifted to Sanjan in 716 CE where the holy fire Iranshah was consecrated in the new home land.

Iranshah remained in Sanjan for many decades, then shifted to Barhot, Vansda, Navsari, Surat, again Navsari, Valsad and was finally enthroned in Udvada on 28th October 1742.

Udvada near Surat, is a small sleepy village, located in the southern coast of Gujarat. It is home to the highest fire Iranshah.

This place of worship is the only surviving example of its kind in the world that has established Udvada as a place of pilgrimage for the Zoroastrians worldwide.

Busy Udvada town straddles the highway and rail-lines, while it is Udvada village, that is eight kilometers away from the station where the actual Iranshah Atash Behram is located.

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It’s a place where our forefathers lived. It is filled with rich history, culture and legends. Originally known as the ‘grazing ground of camels,’ it is best known for its beautiful shoreline, made of muddy brown sand and rocky terrains. The nearby area is inhabited by the fishermen community.

Walking through the narrow lanes of Udvada one experiences the ethnic charm of an ancient village with rich architecture.

The typical Parsi homes with their high ceilings, sloped roofs, ornamental skirting, and double porches are over a century old, all worth preserving especially for those wanting to enjoy life at a slower pace.

The glittering Iranshah consecrated in 1742 CE remains to this day the major attraction of the city. The ‘Boi Ceremony’ takes place five times a day. At the change of each ‘Geh’, the fire is fed with sandalwood and incense; the bell is rung nine times, taking the hearth fire to new solemnity.

Udvada comes to life when large number of devotees come to pay their respects to Iranshah, offering sandalwood, flowers and other religious paraphernalia to the fire.The ‘Salgiri’ celebrations of the Atash Behram, and other religious observances like

“Behram Roz” and the “Parsi New Year’s day,” are special at Iranshah. The angelic figures that guard the majestic entrance of Pak Iranshah add extraordinary beauty to the Atash Behram.

The Udvada Museum sponsored by the Government of Gujarat is a treasure trove of the most intriguing artifacts. The walls are adorned with summaries of the teachings and beliefs of Lord Ahura Mazda, the history of the Parsi’s and the holy ceremony of the Parsis called Navjote. For visitors not familiar with the history of this community, this is the perfect place to visit to satiate their curiosity.

The bedrock of Udvada’s culinary culture is the cluster of old and new hotels that have revived old and forgotten Parsi recipes. Signature dishes like Dhansak, Sali boti, Traditional Boi, Aleti Paleti and Dudh na Puff are all time favourites of Parsis and tourists alike.

Vans selling Parsi pickles and masalas are thronged by visitors who also slurp on delicious homemade mango and sitaphal ice cream. Known for their excellent baking skills, the locals have a number of bakeries that tourists visit to eat Parsi specialities such as buttery mawa cakes, batasas, melt-in-the-mouth khari and macroons.

Pak Iranshah Udvada For the first time in history of Udvada, The Iranshah Udvada Utsav took place from 25th to 27th December, 2015. It was attended by around 3500 Zoroastrians from around the world. The three days event gave the Zoroastrians a chance to chant, sing, pray and most importantly, imbibe their religious traditions with action and receive blessing from Iranshah our Greatest King!

Crusaders for Udvada’s preservation are working towards declaration of the status for Udvada as a ‘Heritage Precinct’ to protect the ancient residences and the Holy Fire Temple.

For those looking for some peace and quiet, Udvada is a perfect getaway that combines both the town and country environment and oodles of food for thought and for the soul.

SynergyZ, December, 2016

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Parsi Philanthropy

A MILESTONE EFFORT TOWARDS

HELPING HUMANITY

28th February, 2016 will always be remembered as a • Difficulty in commuting from the suburbs to south remarkable day in the history of B.D. Petit Parsee General Mumbai necessitates people to seek medical attention Hospital as the ground breaking ceremony for the new nearer to their place of residence 200 bed multi-specialty Shroff Medical Centre took place on • Smaller Nursing Homes have mushroomed in the this day. It was attended by several luminaries. suburbs and with mediclaim, patients prefer admission at the smaller Nursing Homes near their place of Homa D Petit, President, The B.D.Petit Parsee General residence Hospital in his welcome speech, shared a few insights on • Our present inability to provide services like CT, MRI, how the idea of making the medical centre started. He Cathlab etc due to low volumes, and, providing the said, “of late the Hospital is finding it difficult to continue same to free and subsidized patients would financially the vast charity care that it has been doing, because of:mean incurring additional losses.

• A Steady decline of the Parsi population.

• Our Annual Charity Care amounts to almost 3 crores • Demographic composition of the Parsi Communityand this Charity Care should not be lost to our most young Parsis are settling overseas, or moving from underprivileged members of our community.”

South Mumbai to the suburbs or other smaller cities like etc. December, 2016 74 Pune SynergyZ,

He added, “It was almost three to four years ago, when Jal on one of his visits to Mumbai, spoke to Aban, Hector and me that he was concerned about the yearly deficits of The B.D.Petit Parsee General Hospital.

In the course of the discussions, he suggested that if a diagnostic facility could be set up it would probably help in bringing in income which could help to subsidize the deficit. Having sown the seed with us, we explored several possibilities and came to the conclusion that a mere diagnostic facility would not, according to the Doctors, be sufficient but if the diagnostic centre was part of a secular Hospital, which would be run on commercial lines, then, there would be a good possibility of subsidizing the deficit. When we put this to Jal, he said that he was willing to consider the same, provided there was a financial feasibility study carried out, and he also mentioned that he would be willing to consider pledging more than just for setting up a diagnostic unit, if the feasibility study so showed. I must confess that, once the feasibility study was carried out, Jal’s pledge increased from funding a mere diagnostic centre to contributing to a full-fledged hospital. Finally, Jal pledged to us a munificent amount of 22.5 Million US Dollars, making it clear that this would be his maximum contribution and that if there was any overrun it would have to be met by the Hospital. We are indeed grateful to Pervin, Jal and his family for having increased his donation from time to time till his final pledge of 22.5 Million US Dollars, which included 2.5 Million US Dollars specifically for an Oncology Department.” Briefly stated, “Jal made it abundantly clear that he was pledging this amount only because he wanted the benefits to go to: (a) meeting the deficits of the present Hospital and (b) that the benefits of modern technology, which the present Hospital cannot afford due to low volumes etc, would also flow for the benefit of the Parsi Community including our poor and needy brethren and

Left-Right: Jal and Pervin Shroff and Aban and Homa Petit (c) Improving the quality of medical facilities to the Parsi patients of the existing Hospital.

It is only with these laudable motives and keeping the benefits which will accrue to our community in mind, that this project has been conceived.

I would like to make it clear that it is both the Donors, as also our firm commitment, that the present B.D. Petit Parsee General Hospital will continue to be ONLY for Parsee patients and this “Parsipanu” will not be affected.

As we take our first giant step in bringing this project to fruition, it will also be a signal to our Honorary Doctors to eventually bring back inpatients to the paying ward of the present Hospital, as with the new project, all the facilities would soon be available on campus for our Parsi patients including, CAT Scan, MRI and other sophisticated technology.

The Healthcare scenario is changing fast and there are increasing expectations from patients for quality care at affordable rates which my Committee and I feel, we will be able to soon generate, thanks to the munificence of Pervin and Jal and his family in assisting us in setting up the new project.”

Jal Shroff

graciously said: “The new Shroff Medical Centre for secular use will help Parsee General Hospital bridge its widening financial gap.

The financial pledge is for no personal gain. The guaranteed income has to be paid from the new hospital, to Parsee General, to continue the charity care for our community. Parsi patients should also get some consideration in the new hospital.

The Shroff Medical Centre is dedicated to my wife Pervin and my patents. I have also asked for a portrait of Prophet Zarathushtra to be etched on glass and placed prominently in the lobby of the new hospital as a reminder that it is a Zoroastrian Philanthropy that has provided a new state-ofthe-art Medical Centre for the city of Mumbai.”

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Some WZCC Int’l Board members (L-R) Rustom Engineer Reg. Dir. USA; Katayun Kapadia, Treasurer; Immediate Past President, Minoo Shroff; New President, Edul Daver; Adi Siganporia, Corp. Secretary; Yazdi Tantra, Vice President; Phili Kharas, Reg. Dir. India; & Parviz Varjavand, Reg. Dir. Iran.

WZCC AGM IN GOA

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fter completion of 15 glorious years, WZCC held a glittering Event at the International Centre, Goa wherein close to 150 delegates interacted with each other.

The two main and reputed organizations in Goa – Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry and The International Centre, Goa - joined hands with WZCC which resulted in more constructive dialogue for the benefit of all delegates.

On the first day, i.e. Friday 18th December 2015, there was only networking amongst the participants with sumptuous barbeque dinner

Mr. Minoo R. Shroff felicitating Mr. Collin Curry, the Trustee of International Centre Goa.

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together with cocktails, both going well with Goa’s reputation.

The most useful activity started with the Board Meetings followed by a very constructive Panel discussion where successful entrepreneurs from Goa shared their views on their respective professions and businesses.

Prominent personalities like Mr. Dilip Salgaonkar, CMD-Geno Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Ashton Godinho, CEO-Investment Promotion Board, Mr, Jervis Pereira, Director, Goa IT Innovation Centre and Mr. Wilfried Theisson, MDPutzmeister Concrete Machines Pvt. Ltd. regaled the delegates with

Mr. Ashton Godino, CEO, Investment Promotion Board, Goa. Mr. Dilip Salgaoncar, CMD, Geno Pharmaceuticals.

Mr. R.S. Kamat, Directot General, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Mr. Jervis Pereira, Director, Goa IT Innovation Centre.

Mr.Wilfried Theissen, Managing Director, Putzmeister Concrete Machines Pvt Ltd.

their practical anecdotes and gave an insight into the excellent investment opportunities available in Goa. They mentioned that although Goa is known for tourism, fun and food, there are excellent industries which form the commercial part of India’s economy namely Pharmaceutical Industry IT Industry and of course, Tourism Industry. The Theme of this Panel Discussion was “Opportunities of Investment in Goa” The second interesting Panel discussion “Overcoming Challenges for Growth in Competitive Business Environment” was held in the afternoon and was ably anchored by Mr. Umeed Kothavala, Managing

Mr. Minoo R. Shroff felicitating Mr. R.S.Kamat, Director General of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The Elite Audience at the Awards Function

Elite audience at the WZCC Awards function Director-Extentia-Pune. All the Panelists were members of WZCC and successful entrepreneurs in their own fields of activity. The theme revolved around the practical ways of crossing the barriers in the growing competitive environment.

All the panelists were of the view that one has to continuously change the strategies and change according to the competitive business environment. On the question of doing business ethically, they were all unanimous that unless the policy of “Fair Play” is adopted, the existence of long term sustenance will always be in jeopardy.

The evening witnessed nothing but glitterati of the Parsi Community from Goa and various parts of the world along with the glorious presence of two eminent personalities – Lord Meghnad Desai, Member of the British Parliament and well known Global Economist coupled with Brig. Behram Panthaki, ex-ADC to Late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Lord Meghnad Desai in his very stylish and humorous way described India’s political scenario

and expressed hope that the same will favourably change as time goes by under the new leadership of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

Brig. Behram Panthaki in his disciplined manner explained how Defence Forces conduct their lives and how a good leadership can motivate a team.

The evening saw the presence of Mr. Sandip Bhandare, Vice President, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Ramakant Kamat, Director-General GCCI. Mr. Bhandare appreciated the contribution made by the Parsi Community in the development of the country.

Glowing tributes were also paid to Mr. Minoo R. Shroff, the Outgoing President, for his splendid work on all fronts and was given a standing ovation by all present.

Mr M.R. Shroff felicitating the Chief Guest, Lord Meghnad Desai.

WZCC Members present during the AGM

The Incoming President, Mr. Edul Daver, then presented his views on the future plans of WZCC.

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WZCC AWARDS CEREMONY Over the last 15 years,WZCC has been presenting Awards to Zarathushti Entrepreneurs and Professionals.

SynergyZ brings you details on the three Awardees for the year 2015.

Lord Meghnad Desai presenting The Award to – The Outstanding Entrepreneur of theYear 2015 – Dr Zarir Hector Sholapurwalla.

Ms Jasmin Sohrabji was judged - The Outstanding Professional of theYear 2015. As she could not attend the ceremony, her Award was received

by Mr Sam Balsara of Madis

Chief Guest Lord Meghnad Desai presenting the Award for the OutstandingYoung Professional of theYear 2015 to Dr Urvaksh Meherwan Mehta.

Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 – Dr. Zarir Hector Sholapurwalla

Outstanding Zarathushti Professional of the Year 2015 Ms Jasmin J. Sohrabji

Outstanding Young Zarathushti Professional of the Year 2015 – Dr. Urvakhsh M. Mehta

Dr. Zarir H, Sholaprwala, an Electrical/ Nuclear Engineer after his graduation is a Nuclear Scientist who founded the Zeonics Electronic Engineers and Consultants on 15th February, 1981 and Systech Capacitors Pvt Ltd. in 1985, both companies merged into a single company on 20th October, 2006 as Zeonics Systech Defence & Aerospace Engineers Pvt. Ltd. He has to his credit Development of High Voltage & Nuclear Systems of unsurpassed capabilities. He has won several awards.

Jasmin’s career in advertising (media planning) has seen rapid growth since she entered the profession. Her career is marked by vast local understanding and expertise coupled with international exposure and experience.

Dr. Urvakhsh M. Mehta grew up in Shahabad, Karnataka. He pursued his MBBS in Neuropsychiatric disorders at Mysore Medical College. He joined the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore for an MD in Psychiatry in 2007. He passed out from NIMHAS as the best outgoing student of his batch (2010).

He has established himself as a leading clinician-scientist in the domains of mental health and neurosciences.

His major contribution is in the Futuristic Advanced Weapon Systems like Electromagnetic Systems, Radar Pulser, IED Explosive Defeat, Wall through watch Radar Power Supplies & similar systems, E-BOMB, Fuel mix exploders, EPF systems, CFG systems, HPM weapons.

He had the privilege to work with several famous Scientists like Late Dr. Homi J. Sethna, Late Dr. Raja Ramanna, Dr,. A P J Abdul Kalam, Dr. Stanley Glaros and Dr. Bom Beverly.

He has to his credit development of more than 2200 products from which nearly 980 are being used by the Armed Forces on a regular basis.

He has a own funded Charitable Trust under the name of “Z. H. SHOLAPURWALA CHARITABLE TRUST” and helps a lot of people from own generated funds for Educational help. Every year close to 70 people are funded from this scheme.

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In February, 2007 Jasmin launched OMD India – Omnicom Group’s media agency and the #1 agency globally. In the first year of operation, OMD was given an A Grade by RECMA (a Paris-based agency that ranks all media agencies globally).

This was the first time an agency in India was awarded a Grade A in its launch year.

In June 2013, Jasmin was promoted to CEO South East Asia, where she is now responsible for three media agencies within OMG (OMD, phd and M2M) across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam (+Indochina) and India.

In 2012 and 2013 : Ranked #1 among Advertising in IMPACT magazine’s top 50 most influential women in Media, Marketing & Advertising in India.

Some of the media research studies initiated by Jasmin have not only won awards, but also become industry syndicated benchmark research offerings today (including Light TV Viewing and Multi-set Viewing). She has been the recipient of multiple industry awards for her ground-breaking, innovative approach to her work in media planning and research.

Some of the techniques that he uses in his research include a combination of non-invasive brain stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation), functional neuro-imaging and genetic studies. At 28 years of age, he was appointed as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore.

Throughout his formative years, Urvakhsh has been felicitated for his academic achievements by the Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman (BPZA), the Baroda Parsi Panchayat and has received scholarships from the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP). In coming years, he desires to spread novel scientific knowledge about psychiatric disorders via public engagement in order to reduce stigma related to these devastating disorders. He also wishes to generate awareness among Zarathushtis about neuropsychiatric disorders vide such public engagement.

AIRPORTS ON THE MOVE Flight delayed? Long layover?

Instead of waiting at the gate, you can now swim laps, or do a yoga without leaving the airport.

Chief Guest Lord Meghnad Desai conferring theWZCC Special Award to Ms.Tanya Sam Balsara

All those present appreciated the extraordinary achievements of all the three Awardees.

This year, a very special Award was presented to Ms. Tanya Sam Balsara (herself a visually challenged individual) for her outstanding contribution in making the lives of more than 200 visually impaired persons more fruitful and comfortable (in terms of giving training in Computers and helping them find appropriate job placements) in her new venture – Tanya Computer Centre. Tanya, in her acceptance speech, expressed her grateful thanks and was given a spontaneous standing ovation by all those who were present.

Worldwide, airports are helping travelers integrate fitness and wellbeing into their schedules. With on-site gyms, luggage storage, and workout clothing rentals, there’s no excuse for not exercising.Yoga studios reduce the stress of air travel. Meditation rooms are designed to echo the tranquility of the ocean.

Some airports are flexing their muscles even more. Fake Golf courses and ice-skate indoors are available. Bike, in-line skate, and observation decks are also there at certain airports such as Zurich.You can also practice butterfly strokes in Dubai’s or Munich’s indoor pools.

In the evening there was a cultural show, which was well enjoyed by one and all.

The Global Meet ended with music, cocktails and dinner.

On Sunday, 20 December 2015, the delegates enjoyed Goa sightseeing.

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Glimpses from“The Threads of Continuity Exhibition on Parsi Life and Culture” curated by: Shernaz Cama, Ashdeen Lilaowala, Dadi Pudumjee and Kritika Mudgal.

The Tree of life – made of white lamb’s wool.

The primary symbol of Zoroastrian Faith

Portrait of Zarathushtra Courtesy: Cursetji Manokji Agiary, Jamshedpur

Abstract Painting from Homi Bhabha’s personal collections.

Also seen are A. M. Davierwalla’s Quartette, 1962, & the Minotau 1965.

Courtesy: TIFR Mumbai

Items on display of the Yasna Ceremony

Installation of an agiary Courtesy: Delhi Parsi Anjuman Agiyari & Ervad Cavas Bagli

A collection of finest pieces of Parsi embroidery.

Jamshetji Tata – Oil on canvas Courtesy: Cursetji Manokji Agiary, Jamshedpur

Portrait of Dadabhai Naoroji – The grand old man of India.

Courtesy: F. D. Alpaiwalla Museum, BPP, Mumbai

Madam Bhikaji Cama Courtesy: Parliament House Museum New Delhi

Oil Portrait of Ardeshir Kotwal Courtesy: Surat Parsi Punchayet

The Gateway of India was built by Sorabji Ruttonji Contractor. The Sanad records his title as ‘Khan Saheb’

Traditional Zoroastrian costumes of Iranain women patterned in green and red and loose trousers

Preserving D the Past for the Future

elhi had the unique distinction of hosting, for the first time ever, (from 22nd March to 29th May, 2016) four major exhibitions on Zoroastrianism “The Everlasting Flame” (at the National Museum), “Painted Encounters, Parsi Traders and the Community” and

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“No Parsi is an Island” (at the National Gallery of Modern Art) and “Threads of Continuity” (at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts). These exhibitions have given the Zoroastrian community an understanding of their history, roots and culture.

Picture Courtesy – Parzor Foundation

Magical Manifestations Epitomising Style, Craftsmanship and Eminence

By: Wendell Rodricks and Ashdeen Z Lilaowala

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With Best Compliments from:

COWASJEE DINSHAW TRUST Helping Community | Working Together | Giving Back

Sir H. C. Dinshaw Building, 16, Horniman Circle, Fort, Mumbai 400001, India.

Tel: +91 22 22660987, 22671462

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CONGRATULATIONS from the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton and Macao to the WZCC on the 2016 AGM in Hong Kong Zoroastrian Building, Hong Kong

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