Synergyz Vol 17 Dec 2018

Vol. 17 | Dec., 2018

Persia Ancient

The Soul of Iran

Special Edition: Zoroastrianism and Entrepreneurship

Arg-e Bam Located in Kerman Province, in southeastern region of Iran, Bam is the largest adobe building made from earth and organic materials found in that region. The origin of this enormous citadel, on the Silk Road, can be traced back to the Achaemenid Empire (sixth to fourth centuries BC) and even beyond. The heyday of the citadel was from the seventh to eleventh centuries.

Being at the crossroads of important trade routes and known for the production of silk and cotton garments it was a flourishing place. On December 26, 2003, the Citadel was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake, along with much of the rest of Bam and its environs but it was announced that it would be rebuilt. It is listed by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage Site - “Bam and its Cultural Landscape�.

Arg-e Bam The largest Adobe building in the world, listed by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage Site.

KINGDOM OF THE JAGUAR In the Central and South American jungles, the elusive cats hold sway as apex predators – and as gods.

And a God of the Underworld for the Maya The jaguar, weighs anywhere between 79 and 350 pounds (36 and 160 kilograms) with a length between 3.9 and 6.4 feet (1.2 and 1.95 meters). It is the undisputed largest of the big cats in the Americas. This makes the jaguar the third largest cat in the world (behind the lion and the tiger) and the largest cat in the western hemisphere. The jaguar prefers to live in dense rainforests, but can survive any number of different habitats, although it usually will stay in those that include bodies of water.

The jaguar is actually a very gifted swimmer, however, its population in the United States has greatly decreased in recent years as a result of hunting and habitat loss.

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Sands of Time at the Empty Quarter – Rub al Khali Desert

Rub al Khali Desert

The Rub al Khali desert (the Empty Quarter) is the largest contiguous sand desert in the world, encompassing most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. The desert covers some 650,000 km2 including parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Along the middle length of the desert there are a number of raised, hardened areas of calcium carbonate, gypsum, clay that were once the site of shallow lakes. Evidence suggests that the lakes were home to a variety of flora and fauna. Fossil remains indicate the presence of several animal species, such as hippopotamus, water buffalo, and long-horned cattle. The lakes also contained small snails, ostracods, and when conditions were suitable, freshwater clams.

There is also evidence of human activity dating from 3,000 to 2,000 years ago, including chipped flint tools, but no actual human remains have been found.

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December, 2018 Volume - 17

CONTENTS

Frieze of Royal Guards on glazed tiles from the Palace of Darius at Susa.

(Louvre Museum, Paris) The Global President’s Message By: Edul Daver

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In Search of Dughdova 20 Story on one of the most powerful women in Persian History and Spitaman Zarathushtra the Founder of Zoroastrian Religion

Marketing is dead…Long live Entrepreneurial marketing By: Zubin Sethna and Kay Nightengale

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Parsees don’t miss out on the Rewards of Entrepreneurship By: Sam Balsara

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The Gathic Entrepreneur By: Fariborz Rahnamoon

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History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilization Persia - Ancient Soul of Iran

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Ancient Persia An overview of the people who lived on Iranian Plateau, 100,000 years ago and the key role played by the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian Dynasties

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My Journey from Lahore to Gloucestershire 78 By: Shireen Patel 82

Zoroastrianism & Entrepreneurship By: Nozer Buchia

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SentiAr Inc. Transforming Interventional Procedures with Augmented Reality By: Jennifer Avari Silva

Tribute to Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla By: Synergyz

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Journey to the Top By: Adi Siganporia

84

Passion, Purpose and People By: Edul Daver

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Defining Success Zoroastrian Entrepreneurs changing lives and breaking boundaries

88

What does it mean to be an Entrepreneur?

By: Fred Sarkari

68 WZCC AGM - Bangalore, 2017

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Temple of Artemis, Greece

Amada Temple, Egypt

Gobekli Tepe Temple, Turkey

Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temple, Malta

Ggantija Temple, Malta

10 Magnificent Ancient Temples

Hypogeum, Italy

Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt

Luxor Temple, Egypt

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Temple of Seti Abydos, Egypt

Stonehenge, England

Message

On Entrepreneurship, we know the world is ready for a change and that too for a smart one – that much is clear. For leaders of all kinds, this moment presents a rate opportunity. Computational power is now being put into things such as computers – cars, appliances, cameras, roadways…even pharmaceuticals and livestock.

We are interconnecting all this through internet and we are applying smart analytics to turn oceans of data into insight, knowledge and intelligence.

Meher Bhesania

Zoroastrianism and Entrepreneurship

Welcome to the 17

th

issue of SynergyZ!

The theme of the journal, this year, is: “Zoroastrianism and Entrepreneurship.”

In terms of Zoroastrianism, we bring you a powerful story on 'Dughdova,' the mother of Spitaman Zarathushtra, as well as an interesting article on the ‘History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilization - Persia.’

Smart traffic systems, Smart food systems, Smart healthcare systems and police departments are correlating street level information from myriad observations and devices to identify crime patterns - helping to prevent crimes. The list is long, and the transformation is just beginning. Its benefits will not only be reaped by large enterprises but medium size and small companies the engines of economic growth everywhere - and by individuals and communities around the world.

The opportunity is before us, and the moment will not last forever. Will we seize it? As we look to stimulate our economies and rebuild our infrastructure, will we simply repair what’s broken? Or will we prepare for a smarter future? Read the articles presented by us on Entrepreneurship. They are interwoven with beliefs and ethics on Zoroastrianism, which makes them an interesting read.

Wishing you all a peaceful and productive 2019!

The story on 'Dughdova,' does what people have been doing for nearly 3500 years: It seeks out the truth about this epochal figure who was one of history’s most powerful Meher Bhesania women on earth. Her story is presented with incomparable Chairman, SynergyZ illustrations especially prepared for the journal, along with the story of Prophet Spitaman Zarathushtra, the founder of Zoroastrian religion and the revealer of the oldest monotheistic faith in the world.

With regards to the 'History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilisation,' we present an overview on the most important aspects of the kingdoms that developed on the Iranian plateau during the pre-Islamic period and the significant role played by each of them. It is no coincidence that the Mazdaic cult reformed by Zarathushtra spread during the Achaemenid era. The entire historical journey is supplemented by detailed considerations of arts, religion, tradition and customs of a population that once lived on the Iranian Plateau.

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WZCC INTERNATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS Edul Daver Yazdi Tantra Adi B. Siganporia Katayun Kapadia Jimmy Medhora Homi Italia P. P. Kharas Parviz Varjavand Porus Guzdar Nauzar Manekshaw Rustom Engineer Neville Shroff Dr. Bahram Partovi Dr. Natalie Gandhi Jehan Kotwal Minoo R. Shroff

Global President eduldaver@gmail.com Global Vice President yazdit@gmail.com Global Corp. Secretary adisiganporia@gmail.com Global Hon. Treasurer kkatayun@msn.com Regional Director - Australia jimmymedhora@gmail.com Regional Director - Canada homiitalia@hotmail.com Regional Director - India phili.kharas@gmail.com Regional Director - Iran solvolant@yahoo.com Regional Director - Middle East porus@incentiveconnections.com Regional Director - U.K. nm@mieraconsulting.com Regional Director - USA rustom47@hotmail.com Director - Hong Kong nshroff@shroff.com.hk Director - Iran partovi.bahram@gmail.com Director - USA nvania@encouragenewbiz.com Global Youth Director jehaan@jfktransporters.com Immediate Past Global President mrshroffadst@gmail.com

WZCC CHAPTER CHAIRS

Jimmy Medhora Fariborz Rahnamoon Neville Shroff Air Chief Marshal Fali Major (Retd.)

Tehemton Dalal Mahrukh Bharucha Parviz Varjavand Firdaus Irani Shernaz Engineer Jehangir Darukhanavala Sharmeen Irani Darius Jamshidian Afsaan Kermani Faredun Dadachanji

Australia - Sydney B.C Canada - Vancouver Hong Kong India - Bengaluru India - Mumbai India - Pune Iran - Tehran UAE - Dubai United Kingdom, London USA - Chicago USA - Houston USA - New York USA - Orlando,Florida USA - Southern California

jimmymedhora@gmail.com fariborzr@hotmail.com nshroff@shroff.com.hk falimajor@yahoo.co.in tehemtondalal@gmail.com mahrukhbharucha@gmail.com solvolant@yahoo.com fidzirani@hotmail.com shernaz@verityappointments.com jvdarukhanavala@aol.com sharmeen_irani@yahoo.com darius125@aol.com afsaan@asktechacct.com fkdadacha@gmail.com

WZCC AREA REPRESENTATIVES

Afreed Mistry Nergish Mistry Zareen Karani-Araoz Jehangir Bharucha

Canada - Toronto India - Delhi USA - Boston USA - Seattle

Aspi Antia

Chief Executive Officer

afreed.mistry@gmail.com nergishm@gmail.com zareen@managingcultures.com jehanb@improcon.com

WZCC ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE wzccindia@on-lyne.com

Picture Credits

Google.com: Cover page & 8, 10-12, 14-19, 21, 24, 26-33, 35-58, 61, 66-70, 72-73, 76, 78-79, 90-93 & 95.

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 your window to the world. It’s a carefully crafted publication. It's comprehensive, credible and thoroughly exhaustive in its coverage.

For AD Space contact: Zarine Khan - Sr. Administrative Officer Aban Mistry - Administrative Officer WZCC Mumbai Chapter Tel: +91 22 2353 2522 Email: wzccindia@on-lyne.com Website: www.wzcc.net

WZCC Chapters Bengaluru | Chicago | Dubai | Hong Kong | Houston | London Mumbai | New York | Orlando | Pune | Southern California | Sydney Tehran | Vancouver Area Representative Offices Boston | Delhi | Seattle | Toronto

Every now and then the dawn of civilization is reenacted on a remote hilltop in southern Turkey. We used to think that agriculture gave rise to cities and later to writing, art, and religion. Now the world’s oldest temple suggests the urge to worship sparked civilization. It’s likely no one lived at Gobekli Tepe, a religious sanctuary built by hunter-gatherers.

Pillars and Sculptures excavated at the site of the Temple of Gobekli Tepe in southern Turkey - 11600 years old.

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President’s Message

Edul Daver

W

ZCC is a global organization in the midst of a global order which is being disrupted by political actions. However, corporations and individuals continue on the path of progressive change and globalization I believe will prevail in the long run.

WZCC marches on towards being global centric and I would like to thank all the Directors and Chapter Boards who have contributed their time and energy towards this objective. We have been quite demanding and periodically I need to remind myself that the Directors and Boards are volunteers many of whom have regular jobs and young children and are making sacrifices to make WZCC a value added organization. Let me take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all WZCC office bearers and members for significantly increasing WZCC’ visibility worldwide and working together to make the new initiatives launched, successful and meaningful in the long haul.

The AGM held by Bangalore, in December 2017, was a resounding success and each AGM has been better than the previous one confirming the power of continuous improvement. Fali Major, Zarine Kharas and their Team have earned our respect and set a very high bar for future AGM’s.

I had mentioned in my last year’s message that two objectives, namely, expand and

reach especially to include the youth and financing help to entrepreneurs are critical to WZCC becoming a meaningful and sustainable entity. We have focused on these two objectives with a laser focus.

Jehaan Kotwal was elected to fill the vacant Youth Director’s position. He put together a core Youth Team in Mumbai and most Chapters from around the World nominated Youth Representatives.

A “Whats App Group” was created where youngsters are discussing business related issues and a substantial amount of business has been conducted amongst themselves. “Coffee with WZCC” was initiated by Xerxes Dastur where young people involved in business get together on a regular basis to discuss business issues with mentors present to offer guidance. The concept has been very successful and Zubin Sethna has initiated a similar group in London. We are encouraging all big cities where there is mass to initiate something similar.

New York Chapter took the initiative to have an “Entrepreneurship Day” for the very young, between 5 and 15yrs old. We feel it is critical that the youth become familiar with entrepreneurship as early as possible and that parents understand and talk about entrepreneurship at their dining tables.

The Youth have always identified the lack of financial resources as the biggest hurdle for entrepreneurship. To address this issue numerous alternatives were considered with the final outcome for WZCCI to work with WZOTF to collect funds and then WZOTF would provide funds to valid entrepreneurs, in India, who in turn would return the monies without interest over a predetermined period. The monies would then be recycled to other entrepreneurs. Our goal is to collect Rs. 5 Crores from supporters and well-wishers and I am happy to report that within 5 months

of it’s launch on March 7, 2018 we have collected close to Rs. 1 Crore and will start disbursing funds after thorough screening to deserving entrepreneurs from August, 2018. We have received many compliments for this initiative and requests to do something similar outside India. Rustom Engineer and Rohinton Rivetna are looking into it for North America.

I would request readers to please consider stepping up to the plate and donating to this productive scheme.

We have also received suggestions that WZCC should go “paperless” with all membership forms, annual renewals, event registration and dues/fee collections by credit card on line. This will reduce administrative needs and free up time for increased revenue generation activities.The Youth have clearly indicated that this is not something, just nice to have, but a mandatory need for increased participation. Yazdi Tantra is working on this for India. Some Chapters already have this capability and all Chapters are encouraged to do likewise.

SynergyZ under the stewardship of Meher Bhesania continues to excel year after year. This year’s theme is “Zoroastrianism and Entrepreneurship,” which will also be the lead panel session at the next AGM. Central Florida Chapter, will be the host and the AGM will be held in Orlando, Florida, USA, 1-5, May, 2019.

The FEZANA AGM and probably the GWG will also be held in tandem during this period. We expect significant global participation and the event will provide a stimulating and motivating environment to “Build the Spirit of Entrepreneurship.”

Edul Daver

Global President, WZCC

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Capital of a Column from the Audience Hall of the Palace of Darius I, Susa, Iran.

The capital with a double taurine Protome, made of limestone, sustained the colonnades of the Hall of Apadana, in the Achaemenid Palace at Susa (ca 510 BC). These capitals supported a very high wooden roof around 60 feet high of the Hall.

ZOROASTRIANISM

Whether a novel, a movie, or a television show – there is nothing like a good story.

We, therefore, begin the journal by narrating a powerful story on the “Farohar” - a symbol revered by the Zoroastrians. The symbol reached its finest and final form in the rock carvings of Persepolis and it is the Persepolis “Farohar” which has become not only a graphic symbol of the Zoroastrian faith but also a folk motif.Today the “Farohar” decorates Zoroastrian temples; is made into jewelry; woven into wall hangings and carved on marble and semi-precious stones.

So what is a “Farohar”? It’s significance can be used to illustrate the basic elements of the Zoroastrian religion. Each part of the Farohar signifies an idea or a philosophy.

The male upper body represents the human soul. The right upper hand, pointing upwards, is a reminder that the path to heaven lies in higher things or that the path of righteousness is the only path to choose. The other hand holds the covenant ring that urges Zoroastrians to remember to be true to their promise. The ring in the center symbolizes the eternity of universe or the eternal nature of the soul – no beginning and no end.The two streamers which extend outwards from the central disc illustrate Zoroastrian ethics.They symbolize the two choices humans have between good or evil and that one should proceed towards good and turn away from bad. The three layered wings symbolize “good thoughts, good words and good deeds,” the three fold path of Zoroastrianism. The lower part of the “Farohar” consists of three parts, representing “bad reflections, bad words and bad deeds” which cause misery and misfortune for human beings.

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Dagger with Lion-headed handle and Ibex-headed hilt Achaemenid Persian (5th - 4th Century BC.) Said to be from Hamadan Gold L. 41.27 cm, W. 10.47 cm National Museum of Iran Š British Museum

In this Bas-relief from Persepolis, a group of Scythian Delegates pay tribute to the Achaemenid Lord. They have brought him a horse as gift.

The Tree of Life An alabaster relief found in the throne room of the Palace of Ashurnasirpal II in Nimrud.

It shows the Assyrian monarch in front of a sacred date palm, a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Ninth Century B.C British Museum, London.

An artistic impression of Dughdova, the mother of Spitaman Zarathushtra.

Painting prepared by: Atul Panase, Dubai, U.A.E.

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In Search of

DUGHDOVA

D

FRAHIM.RAVANA AND FRENI’S SPECIAL CHILD

oughdova is one of the most famous women in Persian history, but what do we know of this young girl who became the mother of Prophet Spitaman Zarathushtra? Dughdova is a reminder of humanity’s brief years on this earth during which we feel close to her for bringing joy, love and warmth in our hearts. The young girl from Chorasmia helped us start a legacy through her son Zarathushtra that is so precious called ‘Zoroastrianism.’

So, who is Dughdova and why did Ahura Mazda choose her? It is a question people have asked for over three and a half thousand years and today it is her life and that of her husband Pourushasp and her son Zarathushtra that we explore in these pages.

Her Early life: Can anything good come out of Chorasmia wondered everyone? Chorasmia also known as Khwārezm, is located in a large oasis region on the Amu Darya river delta in western Central Asia, bordered on the north by the (former) Aral Sea, on the east by the Kyzylkum desert, on the south by the Karakum desert, and on the west by the Ustyurt Plateau. People who lived in Chorasmia, in ancient times, relied on their livestock as a way of life and economic survival. While not much is known about Dughdova, she was the daughter of a very kind man Frahim.ravana and a religious lady Freni.

Dughdova was a special child who gave birth to Spitaman Zarathushtra. The Denkard, a compendium of Mazdaen Zoroastrianism beliefs and customs, states that three spiritual elements came together for the conception of baby Zarathushtra. His ‘Khwarr’ or divine glory, his ‘Fravahr’ or guardian spirit, and his ‘Tan gohr,’ his physical body. They were all united in his mother Dughdova, to form the baby, created and guided by Ahura Mazda’s divine forces. The ‘Khwarr,’ came from the light of the sun and moon and then passed onto the stars. From there it descended to the hearth-fire of Zarathushtra’s maternal grandfather, Frahim.ravana zoish’s home. This fire was said to have burned perpetually, without any fuel. From the hearth fire, the ‘Khwarr’ passed onto his wife, Freni, the mother of Dughdova. From her, the ‘Khwarr’ radiated brightly onto Dughdova’s body who gave birth to Zarathushtra.

It was a light so bright that those around her were puzzled and afraid. The Devs, (the evil ones) began afflicting the minds of those in their society not being able to comprehend the luminous light enveloping Dughdova. They believed that she would grow up to be a sorceress and make people suffer, hence they became increasingly afraid and turned against her and put pressure on her father to send her away. So her father sent her to the Chief of the Spitaman clan, Paeterasp’s house who lived far away from his house and was the father of Pourushasp.

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An artistic impression of Dughdova holding baby Zarathushtra in her hands with Pourushasp and some people watching the baby. Paintings by: Atul Panase, Dubai, U.A.E.

Young Zarathushtra distributing food to people during famine time 22

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Young Zarathushtra surrounded by people listening to his preachings

The Mother and Father of Zarathushtra:

Women and the Home:

Dughdova grew up in a beautiful place surrounded by mountains and rivers in the home of Paeterasp. He was very kind to her. Paetrasp had a son called Pourushasp.

Families arranged the unions in those times which had only a few hundred people. Dughdova and Pourushasp became betrothed and eventually Pourushasp of the Spitaman clan married Dughdova.

In ancient times, most women at home oversaw small kitchen gardens; tended to whatever livestock they had, from cows, to goats, to chickens; maintained the storage of food and other goods and produced pottery. Dughdova would have had a life centered on these things and praying and caring for her family.

The Birth of Zarathushtra: Zarathushtra’s ‘Fravahr’ pre-existed in the abode of Ohrmazd (Ahura Mazda) and was placed in the stalk of a Hom plant by the ‘Yazatas.’ The divine glory was now ready to enter the world.When Pourushasp and Dughdova were walking in the meadow, Bahman and Ardibehesth Ameshaspand took Pourushasp near a tall tree on which the Hom Plant was placed. Pourushasp climbed the tree and brought down the spiritual stalk with the 'Fravahr.' He then pounded the stalk of the Hom plant in milk. Both Dughdova and Pourushasp drank the milk mixed with the crushed stem of the Hom plant. In this way, the ‘Fravahr’ the third component that of the ‘Tan gohr,’ of Zarathushtra came into the possession of Dughdova and in this way Ohrmazd transmitted the spiritual essence of Zarathushtra to Dughdova, and Zarathushtra’s ‘Khwarr,’ ‘Fravahr’ and ‘Tan gohr’ became united in her, with the help of the Divine Beings Bahman, Ardibehesht, Khordad and Amardad. The evil spirits tried to kill the baby in the womb but did not succeed.

Ancient Economy: Economies were simple and revolved around agricultural cycles and the harvest. Pourushasp and Dughdova looked after the herds and raised such crops that would have survived them in those times and made them selfsufficient.

Zarathushtra comes of Age: Legend has it, that when Zarathushtra was fifteen years old, he chose his share of ‘Kusti’ (girdle) as his inheritance, leaving all the other wealth to his brothers which indicate his spirituality and his close contact with the Divine.

Legend has it, that he gave away all the cattle fodder from his father’s supply to other herdsmen who were suffering because of a famine in the area. There are several references in the ‘Zardusht Nama’ about the goodness and compassion of young Zarathushtra.

At the age of twenty, he departed from his parents’ home in search of the truth. His compassion also extended to the animal world; he once saw a starving dog who had just delivered five puppies and wanted to give it bread.

Unfortunately, by the time he found some food, the dog Supernatural signs accompanied by miracles have had died, and so he fed the hungry puppies. surrounded the birth of many prophets, as it foretells the On his journey, Zarathushtra’s innate kindness led him coming of a divine being and Zarathushtra’s birth and early to help the poor and save many injured and hungry life were filled with miraculous happenings. According to animals. He could endure long periods of solitude and tradition, baby Zarathushtra was born on Roz-e Khordad, contemplation because of his childhood training as a priest Mah-e Fravardin, and this day, came to be known as in the pre-Zoroastrian faith that was followed by his family.

‘Khordad Sal’ – the symbolic birthday of the Prophet.

In his thirtieth year, during the spring festival, Place and Date of Birth of Zarathushtra: Zarathushtra went to fetch water from the good river The date and place of birth of Zarathushtra remain Daitya, for the sacred strength giving ‘Haoma’ ceremony. speculative and cannot be ascertained with certainty, As he waded into the clear waters of the river, he saw the Amesha Spenta Bahman as a shining being standing but linguistic evidence suggests that Zarathushtra was on the other side of the river bank, who took the young born somewhere in the region around the Aral Sea in a Zarathushtra into the celestial court of Ohrmazd (Ahura settled pastoral society in Eastern Iran, a part of Airyana Mazda) from whom he received a series of seven revelations Vaejah, the ancient Land of the Aryans. His date of birth is over a period of ten years. also speculative but scholars suggest that Zoroastrianism developed in the middle of second millennium B.C.E During this period, he had no followers, and his only (1500 B.C.E – 1200 B.C.E) and Zarathushtra after whom disciple was his cousin Medyomah. Zarathushtra also had the religion takes its name was the bearer of a faith which to battle against the temptations and assaults that came was passed down orally, it is believed by Zoroastrian his way from the forces of evil. However, he withstood these attacks and succeeded in not deviating from the priests for over a millennium.

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revelations, as contained in the Avesta, the all-important sacred formula of the Ahuna Vairya (Av.Yatha Ahu Vairiio) prayer given by Ohrmazd to Zarathushtra. These experiences nurtured his character and nourished his soul as he embarked upon his journey to become the great Iranian Prophet Spitaman Zarathushtra.

Zarathushtra and King Vistasp’s favourite horse: As in all legends there comes a turning point, when the forces of good, triumph over evil. According to tradition, one day King Vistaspa’s favourite black horse fell ill. People did everything in their power to cure the horse, but they failed. Queen Hutaosa remembered what Zarathushtra had said during his religious discourses that disease and suffering were not the work of God but the work of evil. She requested the King to call Zarathushtra from prison where he was accused wrongly by evil men who had planted evil things in his room. In desperation, the King agreed to the suggestion, and Zarathushtra was brought from his prison cell to the court, and was asked to cure the paralysed limbs of 'Aspasia,' the favourite horse of the King and also in a sense to test his teachings and his divine status. Zarathushtra succeeded in curing the horse with the recitation of the ‘Yatha Ahu Vairyo’ prayer and the King’s favourite horse regained the health.

Zarathushtra asked King Vishtaspa to grant him four favours: First, that he should accept his teachings; secondly, his son Isfandiar should promote and support the new religion; thirdly, Queen Hutos (Hutaosa) should also accept the new faith and fourthly, those who had conspired against him should be put to death. King Vishtaspa granted all four boons to Zarathushtra. In return, Zarathushtra granted one wish to King Vishtasp a by showing him his place in heaven.

Upon King Vishtaspa and his people accepting the new religion, there was opposition from neighbouring Kings.

One such King was Arjasp, the King of the Turanians who refused to accept the religion given by Ohrmazd to Zarathushtra. A bitter war was fought but the invasion was repulsed by Vishtaspa and his son Isfandiar however King Arjasp died in the second invasion.

Zarathushtra’s Teachings: Zarathushtra’s greatest gift to his followers were his five religious teachings: • Monotheism: belief in one God – ‘Ahura Mazda’ • The existence of the spiritual world • The two opposing forces in the universe – good and evil • The immortality of the soul • The sanctity of Creations 24

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Spitaman Zarathushtra, also known as Zoroaster was a great Iranian Prophet who founded the Zoroastrian religion in ancient Iran

Artistic impression of Spitaman Zarathushtra in old age.

Painting prepared by: Atul Panase, Dubai, U.A.E.

His principle of “Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds” forms the foundation for a good Zoroastrian life.

Zarathushtra’s family: Middle Persian sources note that Zarathushtra had two brothers Ratushtar and Rangushtar who were both older than him and two brothers younger to him, Nodriga and Nivedis.

Hvovi, the wife of the Prophet was Frashoshtra’s daughter.

It is also believed according to the later tradition, as found in the Middle Persian texts, that Zarathushtra had three sons.The eldest was Isat.vastra (Desiring Pastures) and was the head of the priestly class. His second son was Hvare. chithra (Sunfaced One), and the third was Urvatat.nara

(Commanding Men), and who were recognised as heads of the warrior and farming classes, respectively (Yst.13.98).

Zarathushtra is also said to have had two daughters Freni and Thriti whose fravashis are remembered in the Fravardin Yašt.

Zarathushtra died at the age of 77 years.

Thus ends the story of Zarathushtra. Even after 3500 years, the faith is still followed by Zoroastrians living all over the world, who persever against all odds to follow Zarathushtra's teachings at the heart of which lies ‘Asha’ - the truth.

Story adapted from the article of Dr. Firoze Kotwal in the book ‘Zarathushtra and the Origins of Zoroastrianism’ SynergyZ, December, 2018

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Historyand

Treasures

of an ancient civilization

PREHISTORY (Ca 5th - 4th Millennium BC) The first human traces found on the Iranian plateau date back to approximately 100,000 years before the Christian era.

Excavations from time to time have gradually uncovered the prehistoric past of Iran. The oldest findings were from the areas of Kermansha (northwest Iran). However, the largest settlements are in the area of Siyalk, near Kashan (north central), to the edge of enormous desert where Iran’s prehistoric civilization flourished.

They bear witness to a civilization whose economy was based on farming and raising livestock. In the 5th and 4th millennia BC, the people also produced pottery.

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THE ELAMITE CIVILIZATION (Late 4th - early 3rd millennium BC) The Elamites arrived on the plateau coming down from the mountains overlooking Susa.

The city which would ultimately become the capital of this empire, had a sophisticated federal government. Because of their endless conflicts with the Mesopotamian states, the Elamites also faced difficult periods.

They established contact with the great population of western Asia Minor, such as the Sumerians, the Assyrians and the Babylonians, though peace and trade alternated with warlike contact.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE ARYANS (2nd - 1st Millennium BC) In the middle of the 2nd Millennium BC the plateau faced waves of incursions by the Aryan populations that came from the north and settled in the fertile areas around the Caspian Sea. Subsequently, other groups of Aryans penetrated the northeastern side of the plateau. These people were valiant warriors and skilled horsemen.

THE ACHAEMENIDS (550 - 331 BC) The Achaemenid princes who ruled the region of Fars (referred to as Pars by the Greeks) in southern Iran, defeated the Median dynasty in the middle of the 6th Century BC. Under Cyrus, the Achaemenids formed an enormous empire that included Asia Minor and part of Central Asia, extending as far as the Indus Valley. His successor Darius expanded the empire to its greatest extent, but clashed with the Greeks. This conflict, which continued under his heirs, proved fatal for the Achaemenids.

The empire was based on a sophisticated tax and administrative system, a road network that encouraged trade and great tolerance for the cultures, religion and languages of all those who came under the central power.

ALEXANDER THE GREAT AND THE SELEUCIDS (330 mid - 3rd Century BC)

THE MEDES (9th - 6th Century BC) The Medes settled in the plateau in about the 9th century BC. They were perpetually at war with the population originally composed of six tribes, including that of the powerful Magi. They continued to wield enormous influence at the court of their successors, the Achaemenids.

In 334 BC Alexander, the Macedonian crossed the Hellespont and defeated the Achaemenids in a series of battles. Despite his military victory Alexander was deeply influenced by the PersianAchaemenid civilization, borrowing numerous customs. Upon the leader’s death, the ancient Achaemenid Empire was entrusted to Seleucus, one of Alexander’s generals. The Seleucid dynasty which was administratively weak, forged a vital synthesis of the Hellenistic, Greek and Persian cultures in art, language and religion.

THE PARTHIANS (256 BC - 226 AD) In the middle of the 3rd Century BC, an Iranian tribe of nomads from the southeast of the Caspian Sea overturned the last of the Seleucids and proclaimed themselves the legitimate heirs of the Achaemenids. The Parthians managed to keep control of their vast territory for approximately five centuries, during which they

were embroiled in fighting against Rome to the west, periodic internal tensions, and the growing threat of nomads to the east. The Achaemenid legacy was thus revived by the Iranians who remained responsible for administrative matters and tax collection. The Parthians were also tolerant towards other cultures. They understood the importance of communication and undertook extensive work to build and maintain roads. This was also due to the fact that the plateau kingdom was at the crossroads of an important west-east route between Rome and China.

THE SASANIDS (226 AD - 651 AD) The true successors of the Achaemenids were from the same area (Fars) - the Sasanids.

They ruled a large centralized empire that attracted the Romans as well as nomads from Central Asia. The Sasanids built important civil engineering works, reformed laws, and updated the bureaucracy and the army. The Sasanid regime marked the triumph of Persian bureaucracy Zoroastrianism was reinforced as the religion of state, more fire temples were built and the principles of this religion were set down in writing in the Avesta. The Sasanids encouraged art and science, and Persia became the Centre of exchange and the philosophical, literary and scientific ideas.

Nevertheless, religious and civil tension remained.

Sasanid art extended beyond the empire reaching Western Europe and China. The Sasanid Empire was overturned by Arab populations who brought the new faith, Islam in 651 AD.

“

WHERE DID WE COME FROM?

”

Source: “Zarathushtra and the Origins of Zoroastrianism” by Meher Bhesania and “Ancient Persia - History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilization” - Texts, Anna Vanzan SynergyZ, December, 2018

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PERSIA ANCIENT SOUL OF IRAN

Persepolis

Persepolis

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550-330 BC). It is situated 60 kms., northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars Province, Iran.

Persepolis is a testament to Persian power established by Darius the Great. The art of Persepolis was so great that it impressed dignitaries who came from far ends of the largest empire of the age to present gifts to the King. The structure with predominant and commanding motifs reflected the glory of the Persian Empire and its cultural complexities. Although Persepolis was destroyed the legacy of the Persians survived. It is known as the first global empire in history that was built on the model of tolerance and respect for other cultures.

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GLORY

OF IRAN

Bas-relief of Lion – Persepolis

On a grand staircase in Persepolis, a ravening lion brings down a bull – an ancient cross-cultured metaphor for the power of the king. Under the Achaemenid rulers, who controlled numerous realms in a domain stretching from the Indus to the Mediterranean, Persia became the greatest empire the world had known.

Beaker

1100-1000 BC, Marlik, northwest Iran, gold - Cleveland Museum of Art.

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Ancient

PERSIA

This story takes you back in time to old Persia 100,000 years ago. It depicts the role played by various dynasties such as, the Elamites, the Indo-Europeans,the Medes, the Achaemenids, the Parthians and the Sasanians, that ruled the Iranian plataeu before Islam became the predominant religion in Iran.

Prehistory (Ca 5th Millennium BC)

Prehistory (Ca 4th Millennium BC)

The first human traces found on the Iranian plateau date back to approximately 100,000 years before the Christian era. They mainly involve dwellings carved into the rocky faces of the Zagros Mountains in western Iran. Excavations from, time to time, have gradually uncovered the prehistoric past of Iran. As a result we now have detailed documentation of the Iranian civilization starting from the 5th Century BC. It is believed that one of the oldest settlements was discovered at Siyalk, near Kashan about 125 miles south of Tehran. The people who populated this area during the Neolithic period lived in dwellings made of beaten mud and loved to wear jewelry.

In the 4th Millennium BC living conditions of people improved. The dwellings became larger and more solid, made of mud bricks, and were also decorated.

Nevertheless, the level of sophistication achieved by the plateau populations is testified by the pottery, the vessels created using a rudimentary potter’s wheel and decorated with animals – mainly goats, but also birds and wild animals. Later on, potters also proved to be sculptors creating statuettes of deities and other figurines that were used for recreation. Susa, which was one of the most important centers reflecting Mesopotamian culture introduced a taste of new monochrome pottery and increasingly elaborate jewelry made of gold, silver and lapis Lazuli.

Female figure wearing a Necklace 2700 - 2800 BCE – Louvre, Abu Dhabi

Plank-idol with two heads 1900 - 2300 BCE – Louvre, Abu Dhabi

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The Proto-Elamite tablet made of unbaked clay is decorated with alternating lions and bulls

Jar decorated with gazelles and a tree 3300 - 3600 BCE – Louvre, Abu Dhabi

The Elamites (Late 4th - early 3rd Millennium BC) Towards the end of the 4th Millennium and the early part of the following millennium a complex civilisation developed on the plateau: The Elamite culture. The Elamites came down from the mountains overlooking the Susa. The city had a good federal government. Women enjoyed privileged position. They guarded the hearth, made pottery could head the tribe and exercise priestly functions. The Elamites established contact with the great populations of western Asia Minor such as the Sumerians, the Assyrians and the Babylonians though peace and trade alternated with warlike contact. The height of the power came in 1175 BC when King Shutruk-Nahhunte I managed to defeat Babylonians capturing Susa and taking

substantial spoils including the famous diorite block carved with the Code of Hammurabi. Elamites defeated another plateau Kissites that corresponds to the current region of Luristan. However the constant wars disturbed the Assyrians and King Assurbanipal decided to crush Elamite power and Susa was razed.

The Elamite civilisation played a leading role in the cultural legacy of the plateau. The Achaemenid rulers were also drawn up in the Elamite language indicating that the Elamites played an important role in the Achaemenid kingdom at least in its early years.

The glazed brick frieze is a part of decoration on the Temple of Inshushinak at Susa (ca 1200 BC) Louvre Museum, Paris

The picture shows the entrance to the impressive mud brick Ziggurat at Choga Zanbil built by the Elamite Ruler, Untash in about 1250 BC.

The gold and bronze statue found at Susa known as God with a Golden Hand (ca 1900 BC) Louvre Museum, Paris

This ceramic statue of a couching lion decorated the acropolis of the city of Susa (ca 1200 BC)

Arrival of the Aryans (2nd - 1st Millennium BC) The most significant event in the history of the plateau during the 2nd millennium was the arrival of the Indo European or Aryans who came from the Eurasian Steppes of Southern Russia. The Aryan groups, settled around the Caspian Sea, in search of fertile pasturelands, for their herds, while others crossed Caucasus going as far as the Euphrates. The Aryans continued to penetrate and never assimilated with the local population. The waves of Aryans coming from Caucasus, the territories beyond Oxus River rose as a conquering power. The new arrivals were valiant

warriors who were skilled above all as horsemen and built fortified cities because they were at war with other great power of the area, the Assyrians.

Assyrian annals from the late 9th Century recount that after defeating the army at Urartu another power that had settled in the mountainous area of Armenia, a longtime rival of Assyrians, and one eastward journey, the Assyrians encountered two Iranian populations the Parsua (Persians) and the Muddai (Medes).

The reddish lusterware items in different shapes affirm the nomadic civilization that existed near Marlik (Northern Iran) around 12th Century BC.

Ancient earthen pots and jars decorated with geometric designs.

Marlik (Northern Iran) decorated with animals (14th - 12th Century BC)

The Medes (9th - 6th Century BC) The Medes settled in the plateau by the 9th Century BC. They were a group perpetually at war with the surrounding populations, above all, the Assyrians and the Urartians.The general nucleus was composed of six tribes including those of the Magi. This is how the Medes managed to occupy extremely vast areas that extended from the modern city of Hamadan to the eastern boundaries of the Damavand range. When the Medes went to war with the Assyrians, they won the war thanks to Synthians. Cyaxares revived the Median army. He forged alliance with Babylonains.

Backed by Babylonains Cyaxares took Nineveh and divided the treasure among Median leaders. After the conquest of Nineveh, the Medes were undisputed lords and they ruled

shrewdly. They ruled through the system of 'Satrapies' meaning that the Medes did not hold direct control over the territory – the empire also counted on vassal states such as those of Parsua, Armenia, Elam and northern Mesopotamia reaching as far as modern day western Afghanistan. With time the Persians gradually became stronger during the period of Medes who were defeated by the Scythians. The son of Achaemenes, Teispes managed to enlarge the boundaries of the kingdom. The region was split up among Teipes heirs, Anaramnes and Cyrus. The latter’s grandson Cyrus the II ultimately attacked Astyages in 553 BC taking the King prisoner and putting an end to the Median Empire.

This gold plaque in the shape of an imaginary creature with a lion’s head and body, the legs and ears of a deer and the horns of an Ibex is an example of Scythian art from the 4th - 2nd Century BC. It is part of the Oxus Treasure (British Museum, London)

The gold plaque depicting a male figure bearing a bundle of rods in his right hand and a dagger on the belt is from the collection known as the Oxus Treasure (Tajiskistan). An example of Achaemenid art from the 5th Century BC (British Museum, London)

Ancient art object

The Bas-relief from one of the Palaces at Persepolis depicts a Median official

The Achaemenids (550 - 331 BC) Cyrus the Great Cyrus the Great was extraordinary in many ways. After taking over the Median Empire he expanded it enormously.

First he won the decisive battle against wealthy Lydia by frightening King Croesus cavalry with Persian army’s camels. He then defeated the Greek cities on Aegean Sea. He then conquered Margana, Arachosia and Bactria.

He then returned to the west and conquered the ancient symbol of opulence – Babylon, which virtually fell without putting up a fight.

Pasargadae whose name meant “field of the Persians.” He undertook extensive work in Pasargadae, adding palaces that had to reflect the grandeur of an empire and its cultural complexity. When Cyrus the great died in 530 BC, during one of the campaigns his son Cambyses rose to the throne and embarked on an undertaking that Cyrus had planned the conquest of Egypt. His mission was successful and he conquered the land of the Pharaohs, however the campaign to Ethopia was not successful and his attempts to capture Carthage also failed. Following his death, Darius a high dignitary of the Achaemenid court though not a member of the family rose to power.

Cyrus’ greatness was also manifested by his humane ways of dealing with those he conquered. He treated his captive the Babylonian king Nabonidus, with great respect. He also issued an edict whereby the Babylonian Jews – numbering more than 40,000 could return to their homeland. This deed is celebrated in the Bible which forged a bond between the Jews and the Persians. Cyrus also maintained the central role of the old Median capital of Ecbatana, though he added other capitals: Susa and

The Cyrus Cylinder, 2600 years old object, sometimes called “the first declaration of human rights,” is a barrel-shaped baked clay cylinder. Discovered in the ruins of Babylon, the Cyrus Cylinder is from the 6th Century BC when Cyrus the Great defeated Nabonidus the last ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and conquered the city. It is inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform script.

The Empire of Darius The beginning of Darius’ reign was quite stormy. Fighting and rebellion broke out across the immense empire from Susiana to Babylonia and Armenia to Arachosia.

Hence the first few years were fraught with difficulty but Darius was a capable man. He quelled all the uprisings and expanded his empire in Central Asia beyond Kabul.

He then headed to southern Russia, where the Scythians continued to represent a threat. He conquered Thrace and annexed it as a province. He declared his victory by carving proclamations on rock faces in the main languages of the empire (Old Persian, Babylonian and Elamite in cuneiform characters).

Economic and social life Darius used religion to justify his power. He claimed that Ahura Mazda, had appointed him to rule the world.

He took the title of 'Shahanshah, King of Kings.' He built a new capital, Persepolis, forty-three kilometers downstream along the river Pulvar. However, Pasargadae remained an important place, probably as the religious capital of the Achaemenid Empire where the inauguration of the Kings took place. Darius knew that successful state could only be established on sound economic and legal foundations. The legal system was underwritten by a new law and introduced by Darius. A standard currency-a gold coin known as a daric was also introduced which allowed Darius to collect taxes and pay for the construction of an impressive new imperial capital, called Parsa, better known to history as Persepolis, which in Greek means the ‘City of the Persians.’ Darius also worked to improve many existing cities. He built a large canal between the Nile River and the Red Sea. The Persian Kings needed to move troops so he ordered the building of the Royal Road-a highway running from the city of Sardis in the west to Susa in the east, which was completed during his reign.

A system of messengers and horses along the Royal Road allowed for the speedy transmission of information to and from Darius.

The Persian Empire created some of the most astonishing feats of engineering the world has ever seen.

Magnificent palaces rose up from barren desert. Several road ways, bridges and canals were built by the mighty Kings.

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Image to the Left: On this Achaemenid coin, Darius I, is portrayed as he shoots an arrow (Coin Museum, Tehran)

The Bas-relief from Persepolis shows Darius seated on the throne. Standing behind him is a Persian Guard (6th Century BC).

Religion in Achaemenid Period Zarathushtra preached the belief in one God. His preaching theorized that the world was sustained by two principles, Good (Ahura Mazda) and Evil (Ahriman). According to this view, the complete evolution of life of each individual is permeated by the struggle between these two principles, resolved at the end of the person’s life. Those who would follow the principles of good would go to paradise, and those who followed evil would be punished.

Living by following good, meant having good thoughts, good words and good actions; these are the basic ethics of the Zoroastrian faith. During the Achaemenid period Zoroastrianism became state religion or in any event the religion of the court and notables. The fire altar was the privileged place of worship, and a central element of the Persian religion.

God Ahura Mazda unfurls his wings over two anthropomorphic lion depicted on the glazed tiles covering the walls of the Palace at Susa (National Museum of Iran, Tehran) 44

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Art and Architecture

bas-relief that decorates the ramps leading to the Apadana depicting the processions of the delegations bringing gifts to the ruler.

The tombs of the last Achaemenid rulers were carved into Kuh-e Rahmat, the ‘Mount of Mercy’ rising over the palaces of Persepolis. Each tomb carved into the rock is cruciform with an opening in the middle leading to the sepulcher. Darius’ tomb depicts the king standing on a podium with three steps. His left hand resting on a bow. In front of him there is a fire altar: the winged and bearded figure representing Ahura Mazda is shown over them.

Darius and the altar are sustained by a two level platform that, in turn, is held up by the representatives of thirty conquered populations.

The Bull-shaped Capital sustained one of the 100 columns, with lotiform basses, in the Audience Hall built by Xerxes and completed by his son Arthaxerxes at Persepolis

An empire this large and complex from an ethnic and cultural perspective naturally generated art that was cosmopolitan in scope. This was also due to the fact that some of the populations that came into the Achaemenid Empire were the bearers of refined and highly developed artistic concepts. Cyrus the Great also called Cyrus II who was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, built two palaces at Pasargadae, the capital city. The buildings had huge halls supported by columns that were decorated with monumental reliefs. Lovely gardens surrounded the palaces near Pulvar River. A small tomb of Cyrus the Great is located in Pasargadae. Today this site is surrounded by arid and uncultivated land, but during Achaemenid era it was surrounded by a vast park.

At Susa, Darius built a complex that included a citadel and a palace. Materials used were Lebanon cedar, teak from Gandara, gold from Sardis and Bactria, lapis lazul from Chorasmia, silver and copper from Egypt and ivory from Ethiopia.These materials were crafted by Greek, Egyptian, Babylonian and other workers. The royal palace had a room sustained by columns topped by capitals with bull protomes. The rooms overlooked the internal courtyards in the Babylonian style. Likewise the walls were made of glazed mud bricks with figures of real and imaginary animals. Nevertheless the place most representative of Achaemenid architecture was Persepolis situated in Persians’ homeland. Darius built a city to use and put on show above all during the annual Norouz ceremony when delegates from all the satrapies came to pay homage to the King and deliver the tribute of the provinces.

The work continued after Darius’ death and the palaces of Xerxes, Artaxerxes I, and Artaxerxus III were added by his successors. Xerxes built the Gate of All Nations.

Achaemenid power is echoed almost obsessively in the

The Achaemenid predilection for animal forms is also revealed by the weapons found in Persian archeological sites. The short swords used by the Persian army were often decorated with wild animals whose mouths were opened menacingly and the hilt guards were decorated with the heads of goats.

Jewelry worn extensively among the Persians takes up the animal motifs popular with the Scythians.

Bracelets with animal heads at the ends, pendants presented crossed lions and plaques decorated with winged lions. Gold and silver was found on the plateau (Kerman area) in Asia Minor and in India. The cups and vessels the Persian used during the banquets – described by the Greeks were made of precious metals.

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The Tombs of Naqsh-e-Rostam have a cruciform plan and were hollowed from the rock cliff at an inaccessible height.

This is the tomb of Darius I, who is portrayed on a platform sustained by the nations he ruled and is set across Ahura Mazda.

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Persepolis also known as ‘Takht-e Jamshid’ or 'Throne of Jamshid.' Bas-relief carvings remain one of the highlights of this ruined capital of the Achaemenian Empire.

Finely engraved rosewater sprinkler from Iran

Alexander the Great and Seleucids (330 mid - 3 Century BC) rd

The Achaemenid Empire was essentially created by Cyrus and Darius.With the death of Darius, the kingdom began its inexorable decline and finally disappeared with the arrival of Alexander of Macedonia. Although the Achaemenid Empire came to an end, its greatness remains.

one of Alexander’s former generals and the ex-Satrap of Babylonia, who seemed to be a capable man of continuing the work of the Achaemenids and Alexander the Great.

Modern day Bushir – which the Seleucids called Antioch of Pars was founded during this period. The Greeks did not impose their religion or traditions. They played a fundamental role in continuing Hellenisation work started by the great Macedonian leader. This was achieved through a colonization policy that strived to populate the vast empire with Greeks and Macedonians. Immense population flows from southeastern Europe and the lonian coasts moved towards the new urban centers built by the Seleucids. Although Syria was the center of the empire, Iran continued to be important for the Seleucids. The Hellenistic style can be seen in forged works which was popular during that period. Example includes figurines found in a temple of Nihavand. Ultimately the Seleucids were unable to hold the Achaemenid Empire and gave up Bactria and Parthia. It was from Parthia the new leaders emerged. They took advantage of the weakness of Seleucid who entered into conflict with Rome and that led to final collapse of the Seleucid power.

Whilst Alexander put an end to the Achaemenid Empire yet to a certain extent he continued his work and attempted to merge Greek and Persian elements and even more ambitiously Western and Eastern culture. But, The Parthians (256 BC - 226 AD) Alexander died young (323 BC) and his empire was torn The advent of the Parthians ended Hellenism on the plateau apart by the infighting of his former companions. What and lead to the revival of “Iranianness.” The Parthians remained of the immense empire was Seleucus Nicator, were an Iranian population of warriors and horsemen from

The gold buckle studded with stones portrays an eagle, the symbol of the royal power of the Parthians, clutching a goat in its talons (1st Century AD). The object is thought to be from Nehavand, in Iran (British Museum, London) 50

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Hyrcania, an area southeast of the Caspian Sea. They were part of the Parni tribes that in turn were part of a vast confederation of Scythian tribes. The Parni led by brothers Arsaces and Tiridates, invaded the nearby region of Parthia, systematically eroded the power of the Seleucids and they built the first capital of the new dynasty named after the Parthians or Arsacids.

When Mithridates came to power he reunited most of the provinces of the former Achaemenid Empire and became the King. The Achaemenid legacy was thus revived and Iranians even remained responsible for administrative matters and tax collection. The Parthians built roads as the plateau kingdom was at

the cross roads of an important west-east route between Rome and China, known as the Silk Road. The Parthians established diplomatic relations with China and the two areas traded profitably. The Parthians introduced goods such as saffron, jasmine, alfalfa, grapevines and onions to the Celestial Empire. In turn, China introduced the cultivation of peaches and apricots to the plateau as well as silkworm breeding. The Parthians introduced the custom of ‘Iwan’ - an open fronted vaulted hall that was used in their great palaces. It was inspired by the tents in which the Parthians lived. Parthians love of living well is documented by the stucco decorations, frescoes and murals that embellished their palaces. They also loved ivory. Important rulers in Parthian times were Mithradates II and Valkesh.

The Sasanid (226 AD - 651 AD)

The large silver plates which are partially gilded show a Sassanid King hunting wild animals (National Library of France, Cabinet des Medailles, Paris.)

According to tradition the founder of the Sasanid dynasty was Sassan, who was a priest at the temple dedicated to Anahita at Istakhr near Persepolis. His son Papak who had married a local princess, overturned the King of Pars, a subject of the Parthians, and proclaimed himself lord of that province. Papak’s son Ardashir had far different ambitions to extend the kingdom by conquering the outlying regions and then to attach the last Arsacid Artabanus V whom he defeated by capturing the capital city of Ctesiphon where Ardashir had himself crowned King of Kings. The Sasanids felt they were the legitimate heirs of the Achaemenids. However times had changed.

To the west was the powerful Roman Empire and to the east were the Kushans the population that had settled in Bactria. Then there was the threat posed by the White Huns who were pushing west from the Central Asian steppes. Ardashir reconquered several Mesopotamian cities. Under his son Sahapur they also took several Syrian cities including Antioch. His victory near Edessa over the Roman Emperor Valerian was a defining moment of his reign. Shahpur conquered Indus valley and entered Samarkand and deposed the ruling Kushan dynasty.

Shahpur was unquestionably a great leader and after his death Bahram I became the new ruler. Shapur’s heirs had checkered relations with Rome as well as Kushan and Hephthalite Kingdoms.The bone of contention with Rome was primarily Armenia. The restless province long poised between Iranian and Western culture turned decidedly to the West embracing Christianity and becoming increasingly close to Byzantium. Shapur II imposed double taxation on his Christian subjects. It was not much later, SynergyZ, December, 2018

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Ardeshir I King of Persia, Sasanid Dynasty

during the reign of Bahram V ‘Gor’ that the solution to the problem of Iran’s Christians was found, when the church of Iran was made independent of Byzantium. During the reign of Peroz the internal situation of the empire deteriorated owing to a famine. When his son Kavad ascended the throne, Iran was gripped by a class struggle - the Mazdakite Movement (led by Mazdak). Thus, when Kavad’s son Khosrow I ‘Anushiravan’ (‘the Just’) gained the throne, among his first tasks was to rid the country of Mazdak. Under Khosrow I Anushiravan (531-579 AD), the monarchy emerged victorious. He undertook the fiscal reorganization of the empire, army reforms, and repairs to infrastructure. To the south, the empire annexed Yemen. Khosrow I’s reign was the most brilliant period of the Sasanian age. His son, Hormozd IV, ran afoul of the immensely influential general, Bahram Chubin, whose rebellion led to the King’s death.

When Khosrow II Parviz, came to the throne, he was compelled to take refuge with the Byzantine Emperor Maurice, from whom he obtained troops to help crush

A large silver plate partially gilded during Sasanian period now in Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Bahram Chubin’s rebellion. Khosrow Parviz was intent on re-establishing Sasanian might. In 611 AD his troops captured Antioch and Damascus and in 626 AD, Persia laid siege to Constantinople. Iran now appeared formidable.

However, the pushback by the new Emperor Heraclius was swift, and Iran soon lost the conquered territories.

Most significantly, one of Zoroastrianism’s most holy fires, the ‘Adur Gushnasp,’ was sacked. A general’s revolt led to the King’s assassination. The Sasanian dynasty’s decline after Khosrow Parviz’s reign was swift and unseemly.

Two of his daughters – Purandokht and Azarmidokht - briefly occupied the throne. In 633 AD, Yazdgird III, a young prince - among the last remaining with Sasanian blood - was made King. Arab victories at Qadisiyya in 636 AD, and the final denouement at the Battle of Nihavand in 642 AD, saw Yazdgird III take refuge in eastern Iran, where he was murdered in 651 AD.The Iranian Empire, once a political colossus, was demolished.The Post Sasanian history includes Arabs, Turks, Monghols, Muslim Persian Dynasties and Iranian Muslim Dynasty while Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979.

This Sardonyx cameo with three layers cut into ovals, depicts King Shahpur I, taking Emperor Valerian prisoner (National Library of France, Cabinet des Medailles, Paris) 52

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Shahpur I - Persian King

The Palace at Firuzabad faces a small lake supplied by a spring. It was built by Ardahir I (3rd Century AD) and is made of hewn stone finished with plaster SynergyZ, December, 2018

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The

Royal

gleam of Gold

Achaemenid men and women loved to wear jewellery. These are earrings decorated with different shades of Enamel.

Brooch in the form of an eagle (500-400 AD).

Gold and Garnet – Louvre, Abu Dhabi

Ancient Mesopotamian Jewelry

Ancient Gold Bracelet with Agate Goat Terminals, 5th Century BC

Mythology ancient Persia history artifact.

The horse’s head made of gold demonstrates the exceptional craftsmanship of Sasanid artists (4th-5th Century AD)

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

FROM

ANCIENT TIMES

TO MODERN ERA

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Over thousands of years‌ the Zoroastrians have played a very important entrepreneurial role in the history of human kind and the development of art, commerce, trade and industry. The Zoroastrian qualities of justice and truth, good thoughts and righteousness, philanthropy, and belief in a monotheistic religion have all contributed towards the foundation of the Entrepreneurial spirit of forging ahead.

To keep the divine flame burning within one's self, it is important that every Zoroastrian entrepreneur and professional internalises and implements the role of seven (Amesha Spentas) in their lives and imbibes the good qualities of the holy immortals, to earn a good name in the society and progress in life.

The essential characteristics of seven bounteous immortals are outlined below: l

Hormazd - the source of wisdom. Every attempt should be made to acquire knowledge and wisdom.

l

Bahman - means good mind, so knowledge should be nurtured through good mind.

l

When Hormazd and Bahman work in tandem, the highest Truth - Ardibihesht is generated in the form of Righteousness and Order.

l

When Hormazd, Bahman and Ardibihest interact together, they give one a sense of Power and Dominion - Shehrevar.

l

Shehrevar must be nurtured with a sense of Devotion and Piety - Spendarmad.

l

The interaction of Hormazd, Bahman, Ardibihest, Shehrevar and Spendarmad bring one’s actions, to the point of Perfection - Khordad .

l

When this happens, the completed task is recorded, allegorically, in the cosmos, and the act becomes Eternal or Undying - Amardad.

These principles can be applied to any situation in life. These seven Amesha Spentas also constitute the first seven days of the religious calendar month.

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P

arsis are a fading community scattered across India and other parts of the world. “In numbers Parsis are beneath contempt, but in contribution, beyond compare”…

Mahatma Gandhi

ZOROASTRIANISM

& Entrepreneurship By: Nozer Buchia

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with little or no concentration on our ongoing growth and survival?

(Entrepreneurship 101: Recognized absence of an Entrepreneurial Vision for progression). For if so, then we are headed towards the ‘cliff of no return’!

If the Zoroastrian community were to be classified as a species, we would But is that really so today? Are we be considered endangered. as a Zoroastrian community really beyond compare or do we just believe But we really do not obsess too such words to humor feelings of a much with that (there is of course dwindling community with no focused some noise on this subject though) leadership? (Entrepreneurship 101: as we have never associated ourselves Too many philosophies with no with numbers alone but instead distinct governance). Are we living have represented ourselves as an on past laurels and are content Entrepreneurial community with a that our heritage dictates our mindset for progress. What could destiny? (Entrepreneurship 101: be limiting our Entrepreneurial Entrepreneurship failure of living in advancement is the interpretation the past). Are we merely talking about (or rather lack of it) of our celestial our forefathers and their achievements religion by those that do not even

fully understand it in the first place but yet consider themselves experts and comment on it. (Just as working professionals would comment on the ideologies of Entrepreneurs).

The Entrepreneurial platform has been visibly set by many eminent Parsis, some who were firsts in their respective fields: Dadabhai Naoroji– Founding Member Indian National Congress; Jamsetji N.Tata – an Industrialist, Nationalist, Humanist and Founder of the Tata Group; Sam Manekshaw–Field Marshal of India; Homi Bhabha–nuclear physicist and Father of The Indian Nuclear Program; Arbab Rustam Guiv-a true visionary and entrepreneur; Freddie Mercury-Rockstar; Polly Umrigar, Nari Contractor and Farokh Engineer–Cricketers; Adi Marazban– Playwright and Stage Personality; Sorab Modi–Film maker; Zubin Mehta–Music Conductor… just to mention a few that have made a significant difference to the world, and advanced community recognition and appreciation through the pursuit of their entrepreneurial vision… either for themselves; or for their community, their art, their passion and their country.

Parsis… Heritage to Heroism In the last three hundred years, the Parsis have played a very important entrepreneurial role (in spite of the out of proportion to our numbers) in the development of art, commerce, trade and industry in India. And our Zoroastrian qualities of justice and truth, good thoughts and righteousness, philanthropy, and the belief in a monotheistic religion have all contributed towards the foundation of the Entrepreneurial spirit of forging ahead even when the road seemed challenging enough to call it ‘quits’. Remember we were just a handful, (compared to the opposition), that fled Persia under religious persecution in the eighth century as we believed in the preservation in our beloved religion!

Rustom Maneck (a broker, banker, and moneychanger to the English East India Company), Lowjee Wadia (master shipbuilder), Framjee Cowasjee Banaji (director of the Great Indian Peninsular Railway and founder of the Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce in 1838 which later become the Times of India), were the early birds that got the Entrepreneurial spirit roaring amongst the Parsis. In the nineteenth century we almost had a loosely organized ‘Parsi Company’ at work. The development of a Parsi enterprise in Bombay was also complemented by the growth of a community affirming a common Parsi identity. The Jeejeebhoys, the Petits, the Readymoneys, the Shroffs, the Wadias, the Tatas and the Camas were successful and influential entrepreneurs of their time and truly believed in the age old entrepreneurial mantra: collaboration is always better than competition.

A strong sense of their own community prevailed among Parsi merchants. The numerous photographs of Parsi businessmen sitting formally, setting out on their bicycles or as part of a music club available in a compendium, present a story of their own. More significantly, ties of community and friendship among these merchants were further cemented by ties of kinship, something that is the cornerstone for all successful entrepreneurs and for all entrepreneurial ventures.

We are Entrepreneurs… we motivate via Thoughts, Words & Deeds

JAMSETJI NUSSERWANJI TATA (1839-1904) In 1874, Jamsetji started the Central India Spinning, Weaving and Manufacturing Company, later named the Empress Mills, in Nagpur.

A pioneer, patriot and a visionary, Jamsetji channelized the wealth he created to enrich India. Three significant projects whose seeds he sowed were: The Indian Institute of Science (IIS) in Bangalore, a hydroelectric project in Mumbai and the Iron and Steel Works in Jamshedpur… a gem in the TATA Empire.

The IIS was his entrepreneurial vision to take India to the threshold of the 20th century through a world-class educational institution. Torrential rainwater gushing down the Western Ghats near Mumbai inspired him to think of building a reservoir at the height of 3,000 feet to speed the flow of water via giant pipelines down the mountains and let the artificial waterfall turn turbines to generate energy. Thus was born India’s first hydro-electric power station.

Thomas Carlyle’s famous lecture in Manchester: “The nation which gains control of iron soon gains control of gold” set Jamsetji thinking of building an iron and steel plant in India. In 1902, he wrote to his son, Dorab Tata, of what his dream city of steel should look like: “Be sure to lay wide streets planted with shady trees and be sure there is plenty of space for lawns and gardens, and large areas for football, hockey and parks.” On January 2, 1919, the then Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford, visited the Iron and Steel Works at Sakchi, and announced Jamshedpur as the new name of the town in memory of Jamsetji Tata.

The elegant Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, completed in 1903 was his gift to Mumbai, the jewel in his entrepreneurial crown and an iconic landmark. He set up the JN Tata Endowments in 1892, for his goal was to enable young Indians to acquire SynergyZ, December, 2018

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higher education at international academic centers. His message to his family and his followers was one that truly defines an entrepreneur… “Go on doing my work and increasing it, but if you cannot, do not lose what we have already done”.

In a tribute JRD Tata said: “The wealth gathered by Jamsetji Tata in half a century of industrial pioneering formed but a minute fraction of the amount by which the nation was enriched. Since the whole of that wealth is held in trust for the people and used exclusively for their benefit, the cycle is thus completed; what came from the people has gone back to the people many times over.” Jamsetji is a classic example of how entrepreneurship helps create wealth for a community.

Ardeshir Godrej… and the Swadeshi Independence Movement

Around 1909, Ardeshir read an article by Dadabhai Naoroji on the impoverishment of India through unfair trade practices and excessive taxation levied by the colonial authorities. He soon realized that although India had a positive trade balance, the taxes that the colonial authorities levied consumed the advantage, leaving virtually nothing that could be invested. It dawned on him that Indian independence could not be achieved by simply boycotting British goods but instead by developing a local industry that was economically self-reliant. Moreover, he propagated the entrepreneurial 60

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philosophy that India had the right to choose its technology, production, consumption habits and marketing techniques depending on its resources and based on its genius.

existence of an entrepreneurial vision amongst the Zoroastrians from early days of our existence as a community.

Freddie Balsara (Stage name: Freddie Mercury) openly accepted In his opinion, there was absolutely his sexual preference as an individual no valid reason why Indian goods and yet pursued his entrepreneurial manufactured in India could not be as dream of leveraging his talent in the good as or better than those that were field of music. Rumor has it that he imported, and the encouragement to stood in silence with his eyes shut and accept substandard Indian goods was mumbled something under his breath simultaneously the reinforcement of each time before he went on stage for a performance; could it have been the the idea that products made in India Yatha Ahu Variyo? were automatically of lower quality Zubin Mehta, on the other hand, than those manufactured abroad. was lucky to be born into a musical Ardeshir insisted that India could family and at age seven was first taught become independent only if it actively to play violin and piano by his father. made itself independent, and that When he reached his early teens his self-reliance (Swadeshi) could only father allowed him to lead sectional be achieved when accompanied by rehearsals of the Bombay Symphony, mental self-reliance, that is, self- and at sixteen he was conducting the respect. WOW… what a powerful full orchestra during rehearsals. He entrepreneurial statement! could have pursued to do different Godrej was incidentally the company things but his DNA had other plans chosen to build the first ever ballot for him. In-spite of being a much boxes for India’s first ever election; sought after music conductor, when a company that had started with asked about his religion, he went on to propagate it through the film “On Rs.3,000 for manufacturing scalpels, Wings of Fire,” as he believed that we forceps, pincers, scissors and the owed it to the world to let them know other implements of a surgeon›s who we were as a community and as trade. Ardeshir graduated into people that peacefully practiced the the manufacture of safes when oldest monotheistic religion of the the commissioner of police called world. for better security for homes and businesses due to high crime rates Adi Marazban (who I incidentally in the city of Bombay. When his had the pleasure of working with on attention was drawn to the fact that and off the stage), started his career as a publicity officer for Western most soaps in the world contained India Theatres but left the job to tallow and other animal fats take up the editorial work of his (inappropriate to many stringently family newspaper, “Jam-e-Jamshed” in vegetarian Hindus), he found a method 1936, simultaneously working for to manufacture soap from vegetable “Gupsup”a monthly humor magazine. oils, a procedure that everyone told He is known to have staged over 100 him was impossible. What a perfect plays in Gujarati, and wrote around message to entrepreneurs of today! 5000 scripts for the All India Radio.

In addition to several TV programs such as “Aavo Mari Sathe” and the quiz Entrepreneurism and series, “What's the Good Word.” Adi also Zoroastrianism wrote the screenplay for the film, “On Jamsetji and Ardeshir have not been Wings of Fire,” a film on the history singled out simply to glorify their of Zoroastrianism featuring Zubin work and ignore the unparalleled work Mehta. He is truly the “Father of the of others, but instead to evidence the Parsi Theatre.”

Entrepreneurism A Philosophy and a Sensible Alternative

Entrepreneurism… the divine flame that promotes advancement These and many more individuals within our illustrious community have demonstrated time and again that the spirit of entrepreneurism has been, and continues to burn within the hearts of our Zoroastrian community, just as our eternal fire has been burning brightly for centuries now. Is it our eternal holy fire then that gives us our entrepreneurial strength and instills in us the yearning to keep on going?

life time, who is truly a titan among industrialists has changed the paradigm of conducting business and helped usher India into a global market. Such great men have taught us very valuable lessons on entrepreneurism… if you want to Was Arbab Rustam Guiv not prosper and be successful you can, possessed by our venerable duty of for it is entirely up to you. We could giving without expecting anything have stayed in Persia and converted in return? He in turn has permitted to another religion but instead believed in the message of our Lord the advancement of our religion Zarathushtra and decided to protect by allowing his wealth to be used our roots and leave a legacy for for promoting the education of our those to follow. We had a choice and ancient heritage and culture. we exercised it. As an entrepreneur, On the other hand, Dr. Minocher one of the most difficult decisions Karkhanavala, of a lesser known fame you will ever make in life and in this (an ordained and respected priest, and unforgiving world of business, is a scientist that worked under Homi whether to walk away or try harder.

Bhabha) exhibited his entrepreneurial We tried harder and therefore today, commitment to the nation by we can boast of our heritage, our suppressing his own ambitions of culture and most importantly our being a renowned physicist and commitment to our faith. supported India’s Nuclear Program; My message to our Zoroastrian yet always proudly wore the priestly youth is to search within yourself garb including the paghri even when for there lies your answer... will giving lectures on Physics and religion you follow your passion and advance at home and abroad. He demonstrated in doing what you believe in or will that entrepreneurism is not always you run at the first sign of difficulty about starting a company but also and struggle? Will you pursue your helping others succeed along the dreams or will you allow someone way; an important Zoroastrian and else to pursue theirs by working for them? Do not construe what you do entrepreneurial philosophy. not understand, be it interpreting our Search within yourself… religion or following the tenets of for there lies the answer entrepreneurship.

Did Homi Bhabha have a vison for developing a nuclear program or did that arise from within the tenets of our religion and the age-old practice of building anew and creating a legacy where others could follow?

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Ask questions…. for trust me there are answers.

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 (co-authored 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.

Tribute to Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla

Founder, Chairman & Managing Director Serum Institute of India In 1966, Dr. Poonawalla embarked on his journey to establish Serum Institute of India with a meager capital equivalent of US$25,000 in order to make low-cost vaccines previously unavailable in his country. Today, Serum Institute is the world’s largest producer of vaccines by number of doses, producing more than 1.5 billion doses a year of life-saving vaccines used in over 170 countries to combat infection from Rabies, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Influenza and Meningitis, among others.

It’s a testament to Dr. Poonawalla’s vision, grit and innovative approach that Serum Institute has attained world leadership by reaching the unmatched figure of protecting more than 2/3rd of the infant population globally, thus saving the lives of more than 20 million mostly under-privileged children across the globe, who would have otherwise suffered or perished without the availability of affordable vaccines. The global impact of Dr. Poonawalla’s work is undeniable.

As a philanthropist, millions of dollars have been donated by Dr. Poonawalla for public causes such as charitable schools, hospitals, public parks and the cleaning Pune City movement. Additionally, hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of vaccines have been donated free of charge or heavily subsidized by Dr. Poonawalla in areas where they were needed most.

For these efforts, Dr. Poonawalla has received numerous accolades and prestigious awards, including: • “Padma Shree” in 2005 for his most outstanding contribution in the field of Health, awarded by the President of India.

• Award for commitment to Global Public Health being presented by GAVI [Global Alliance forVaccines and Immunization] in December, 2018.

• “Lifetime Achievement Award” in March 2005 by the Honorable Prime Minister of India.

• “Sabin Humanitarian Award 2005” and the “Sabin Corporate Philanthropy Award” in June 2005 in New York, USA. • The first Indian to receive the “Excellence in Inter-American Public Health Award” in September 2010, presented by The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) for his extraordinary contribution to eliminate Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in South America.

• “Best Vaccine Executive of the Year” presented during the World Vaccine Congress Asia event in 2011 in Singapore.

• “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2012” under the category of Business Transformation.

• “Business Leader of the Year Award” conferred at The Asian Awards function held in London in April 2014.

• “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2014” in February 2015.

Dr. Poonawalla graduated from Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC) in 1963 and was conferred a Ph.D. from the University of Pune in 1988 for his thesis entitled “Improved Technology in the Manufacture of Specific Anti-Toxins and Its Socio-Economic Impact on the Society.”

He was awarded the prestigious Honorary Degree of “Doctor of Humane Letters” by the University of Massachusetts in Boston on June 3, 2018. He was also conferred “Doctor of Literature” at the hands of His Excellency Governor of Maharashtra, Shri. C. Vidyasagar Rao on March 5, 2015.

Dr. Poonawalla has also authored several books and scientific papers.

The Founder of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute of India, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla has been nominated from India for the prestigious Nobel Prize.

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FUNDING

FOR YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT & SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM

Misson To build the Spirit of Entrepreneurship within the global Zarathushti community by facilitating education, networking, mentoring, trade & commerce, and entrepreneurship opportunities, thus uplifting the community and bringing economic prosperity to the Zarathushti community worldwide.

Case for Change Our youth is the integral and most important part of the WZCC mission. In addition to education, networking, mentoring and facilitating trade & commerce, the youth have identified the availability of and access to funds, to help entrepreneurs and professionals start-up business and grow, as the most critical need.

WZCCI (World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce India) and WZOTF (World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust Funds) announced a plan on 7th March 2018, to collect funds for this purpose, in India, and also requested proposals for funding. Collected funds would be dispersed to worthy candidates after close evaluation by a business Advisory Committee (BAC)

Capital Needs and Sustainability Program Collect INR 5 crores from individuals and corporations all over India as well as the Zarathushti diaspora outside India. We request all Zarathushtis to join by contributing INR 25-5 lakhs each.

Individual contributions of INR 1 crore and higher will be specially recognized in a mutually acceptable manner. Our objective is to collect the entire amount of INR 5 crores within three years. Projects will be funded only after a trigger amount of INR 1 crore has been collected. Currently, the total amount raised is INR 97 lakhs and is expected to surpass the trigger during July 2018. Individual funding will be returned over a predetermined schedule, without interest burden, enabling funds to be recycled to others.

Operational Procedure • Obtain donations from all Zarathushtis and Zarathushti supporters in India and worldwide. Objective is to seek donations in the range of INR 25–5 lakhs, but any amount larger or smaller is most welcome.

• Entertain proposals from Zarathushti entrepreneurs and professionals who are in need for funding for their start-up and early growth mode.

• Proposals received will be screened and evaluated by the BAC, who would also be responsible for monitoring progress.

Depending on expertise required, the BAC may seek help and advice from other specialists.

• Businesses will be funded in the range of INR 25–5 lakhs and the base amount will be required to be returned, without interest charges, over a predetermined schedule.

• Operational expenses, if any, would be borne from the Capital Fund.

WZCC Business Advisory Committee

Secondary Review for Final Approval:

Please contact a Business Advisory Committee member for further questions and/or information.

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Current Status of Donations

Sam Balsara, Business Advisory Director sam@madisonindia.com Mob.: 98920 00678

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Percy Master, WZCC-India President percym@mastergroups.com Mob.: 98210 12869

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Dinshaw Tamboli, Chairman WZOTF dinshawtamboly@gmail.com Mob.: 98200 50168

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Xerxes Dastur, WZCC-India Director dasturxerxes@gmail.com Mob.: 98200 84440

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Edul Daver, WZCC-Global President eduldaver@gmail.com Mob.: +1 (908) 397 4443

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Yazdi Tantra, WZCC-Global VP yazdi@on-lyne.com Mob.: 98922 19340

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Phili Kharas, WZCC-Global Director phili.kharas@gmail.com Mob.: 98211 62997

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Monies collected and pledged as of May 31, 2018: Total: INR 97 lakhs

Current Status on Applications Since the initial announcement of launching the Program in March 2018, WZCC has received 21 funding request applications which are undergoing initial review. Some applicants have been requested to provide more details and specific information for further processing by the BAC. Selected applications shall undergo a secondary review for final approval during the next couple of months.

For Donations & Funding Applications: India contact: percym@mastergroups.com

Adi Siganporia, WZCC-Global Secretary adisiganporia@gmail.com Mob.: 98205 49826

Outside India: eduldaver@gmail.com

FINANCING

available for

m Start ups

Businessmen

Industrialists

Professionals

entrepreneurial endeavour

World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce Building the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Email: wzccindia@on-lyne.com Website: www.wzcc.org

HMS Trincomalee

When Passion runs deep the journey is infinite!

The oldest surviving British warship, HMS Trincomalee, was built by the Wadia family, in 1817, in Mumbai. It is now the main attraction at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience and attracts 54,000 visitors a year.

PASSION PURPOSE

and PEOPLE

optimism, confidence and a ‘Positive Can Do’ attitude.

Most importantly they have a ‘Passion,’ a fire in their belly, and overcome all the negative naysayers. They are successful because they do not know or believe that the objective was supposed to be impossible.

It is not sufficient for the leader to be passionate, every employee must develop and have the same passion. How does one do this?

Firstly, it is leading by example which makes it contagious and rubs off on every employee. It is treating every By: Edul Daver employee with respect, providing employees the freedom to be creative and innovative, recognizing successes, celebrating at every opportunity and most importantly having the right incentives such as superior compensation What makes a Company successful? It could be one mega with opportunities for growth. Perhaps the single most item or 100’s of small things. A mantra for a successful important incentive is having a stake in the success of business is “Be First, Be Different or Be Best”. This could the company. If there is true passion, work becomes fun apply to products or people or any resource. This explains and employees look forward to coming in to work and why two companies that have the same products, the same contributing and “earning their wings” every day. technology, same number of people but one is flourishing Leaders provide a shared ‘Purpose,’ a shared Vision. and other is struggling.

They set a direction to accomplish objectives and then In this article, you will discover the Leadership Philosophy align people and goals by clear communication and of 3Ps – Passion, Purpose and People. involvement and by providing motivation, inspiration and Leaders are opportunity driven and see opportunities again incentives.They work towards incremental successes where others do not. They proceed with a flood of which cumulatively leads towards the ‘purpose’ with a 66

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laser focus. Most importantly, Honesty, Integrity and Credibility are key corner stones of the ‘purpose’ with the end never justifying the means.

The objective of all businesses is to be successful and thus generate profit and wealth. A good Zoroastrian is a person who generates wealth honestly and also shares it with the employees, the less fortunate, and worthy causes which in turn brings happiness and contentment. Benefaction is a very important duty and the Parsis are known for this vi rtue.

Leaders build ‘People’ into the best Team. They take the best of each to make the best world for all. People should be skilled and knowledgeable in their area of expertise. In today’s fast moving world they need to be action oriented and change agents. To them speed is money and “just do it” and ‘calculated risk’ is par for the course. Once again the qualities of respect and integrity are critical. An important tool which has produced extra ordinary results is “Open Book Management (OBM)”. OBM is a way of running the business with complete transparency of all financials; educating and enabling business literacy and understanding of critical numbers to every employee; employees accepting responsibility and being empowered to impact and move numbers in the right direction; getting every person focused on helping the business be successful with profit maximization; enabling every person to see themselves as partners in the business with a direct stake in the Company’s fortune. Based on personal experience the results will be better than you ever anticipated.

More detailed information can be found in “Open Book Management by John Case”.

Another very powerful concept formula, for Leaders to remember, are the key factors impacting employee’s performance. It is impacted by each of the items mentioned below which provides an easy to remember tool.

Performance = (Ability) X (Motivation) +/- (Environment Factors) Ability = Apptitude X Education/Training/Experience Motivation = Incentive X Need Environmental Factors = Working Conditions, Factors at Home, Others

I would like to end by saying that a successful Leader and a successful Company needs to work on hundreds of items simultaneously but one should always remember the ‘Four fundamental Principles’ as outlined below:

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What does it mean to be an ENTREPRENEUR? By: Fred Sarkari

1. Entrepreneurship is a mindset, way before it is a business.

The path of entrepreneurship is simply a path of accountability. You in the end are responsible for all your results, all your failures. The best training towards this path is to have the same mindset no matter what your role is in life and business. This world around us is crumbling with an entitlement mind set. Us as Zoroastrians have accountability and responsibility flowing through our blood. It is one of the reasons why I believe Zoroastrians are successful business people.

Just recently I was speaking at a business conference.

Someone came over to me after telling me that they wanted to be an entrepreneur. They followed by asking me, what would be a good business to start? It is amazing how many times I have people asking me the above.

2. Balance There is something more critical to answer when it comes The most common thing I have seen is how people to the life of an entrepreneur. lose sight of balance in their lives.

What does it mean to be an Entrepreneur? Without Brushing your teeth in the morning does not mean clarifying this question, the life of an entrepreneur can lead you can forget about your teeth for the next few days. down a regrettable road. Working endless hours, creating That is the same as balance. It is a constant battle, minimal results, and as time passes losing connection with and always will be. We need to be aware of it every your loved ones. moment of the day.

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There is no such thing as a perfectly balanced state.

This is why it is critical to know why you are building what you are building. Everything has a price, but I have sadly seen too many people lay their families on the wayside to build an empire.

Chase your business, fight for it, sacrifice for it, but never at the cost of sacrificing your family and what truly matters to you.

Run Your Own Race

3. Slow and steady wins the race We live in a fast paced, noisy world. Things are moving so fast we hardly know what happened to the month. There is so much noise in this world we cannot hear our own thoughts. Everyone is in a rush to get somewhere, to accomplish something, to build something. We have to realize, there is no end game to anything. Everything is simply a stepping-stone to the next chapter in our lives.

I remember registering of another triathlon. This time around, I was ready, I was ready to give it all, to train hard and finish with a qualifying stage. Right after I registered, I badly injured myself. My injury did not allow me to train the entire time, eventually pulling myself out of the race. Two weeks prior to the race, it occurred to me that I still can take my time and simply finish the race. Not worry about how long it will take me.

Well, truth be told, it was a very long day. I think I came third in my age group. Oh wait, meant to say third last in my age group.

But I finished, and it was by far the best race I ever had. I took my time, I enjoyed every step of the race, I chatted with people, I actually took in the beautiful scenery along the way. And the amazing thing was, I was not even tired or exhausted.

When building our business, our career, slow down and enjoy the process.

Zoroastrians of all the people know what patience is about. To keep moving forward slowly, patiently, and building a foundation that will last for centuries.

Every time you make a decision in your life, ask yourself, why am I doing this? Is it truly for me and my family?

Or I am more concerned with what my neighbors and strangers will think.

Once you understand the Entrepreneurship Mindset, the world is your playground.

4. Run your own race

Years ago, I had a client that was qualifying for the Olympics. His biggest fear was being on National TV in front of the world. He had to understand the Olympian mindset; they run their own race. When Olympians gets to the starting line, nothing exists in their sight except their own race. The whole world is watching, yet all they focus on is their own race.

It is human nature to make decisions based on what others think, what they will see, what they will talk about‌ All we have to worry about is running the race with only those that matter, our family and loved ones.

Fred Sarkari is a liscenced Psychotherapist. He speaks at company conferences around the world. Fred is still highly active in his coaching practice. www.FredSarkari.com SynergyZ, December, 2018

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Marketing is dead…..

Long live ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING! By: Dr. Zubin Sethna and Kaye Nightingale Entrepreneurs and marketers, like the rest of us, are partial to making those ‘once-a-year’ promises to oneself – also known as New Year’s resolutions.

These decisions are based on our recent past and some element of forecasting (wishing for) a particular result in the future. These decisions are usually accompanied with thoughts of ‘this year it’s going to be different’? Whether it’s a strategy for ‘going forward’ or for increasing ones network, when one looks back on events which have taken place in our enterprise through the year, do entrepreneurs do so with an acute eye and a reflective mind? Furthermore, how many go on to make this reflective insightful process part of their regular day-to-day activities?

There are, of course, many anecdotal throw-away sayings which spring to mind…‘history repeats itself’ and ‘we learn from our mistakes.’ But when we’ve been crushed, we’ve collapsed and we’re completely frustrated with our previous resolution list, can we honestly say that we can see the reasons behind why we failed to achieve as much as we had intended 70

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to achieve? This method could either be seen as an invitation to be self-critical or it could be seen for what it is intended to be: namely an opportunity for a focused and honest selfevaluation. Whilst we may recognise some successes in our enterprise, we quite often denigrate ourselves for the slightest slip-ups or failures. But why do we tend to do things in a particular way? For instance, an SME owner, with an established business for over 35 years, may convince himself that Social Media Marketing (SMM) is the way forward and has to be approached in an all-or-nothing way. So he gives up traditional marketing which he sees it as ‘old’ and sets himself up on every SMM platform that he can access. In contrast, another SME owner may spend time conducting research, synthesizing the data and then integrating the information into her marketing plan by making small modifications to the current journey ‘going forward’ which are based on informed decisions. What the latter realises is that such insightful methods go far beyond making a simple resolution. It encompasses the critical accumulation of a personalised assessment (Sethna and Blythe, 2016) and a targeted entrepreneurial marketing (EM) strategy making full use of data and customer insights. Thus, the ability to use a method which enables the entrepreneurial marketer to conduct an honest assessment of both failures and successes will mean that the cycle of ‘resolution-repeat-fail’ can be broken, once and for all.

EM is a spirit, an orientation as well as a process of passionately pursuing opportunities and launching and growing ventures that create perceived customer value through relationships by employing innovativeness, creativity, selling, market immersion, networking and flexibility (Sethna et al, 2013).

Our Entrepreneurial Marketing 4S model (in the shape of a pair of dice – see Figure 1) allows the entrepreneur to make short-term decisions as well as long-term resolutions about their enterprise. The actor goes on a journey of mapping four key paths based on their own responses to the throw of the pair of dice with a focus; one will focus on ‘Strategy, Serendipity, Storytelling, and Software’ and will be combined with the other ‘action-orientated’ dice of ‘Thinking, Reading, Writing, Speaking’ (See Figure 2). It is this combination that is crucial to understanding a future in which entrepreneurial longevity is secured for each enterprise.

Figure 1: Dice 1 - The 4S Model: Entrepreneurial Marketing (S1 Strategy, S2 Serendipity, S3 Storytelling, S4 Software)

Figure 2: Dice 2 The 4S Model: Entrepreneurial Marketing (T Thinking, R Reading, W Writing, S Speaking)

Our 4S model (in the form of a pair of dice) is a toolkit to encourage everyone to focus, perhaps daily, on the key aspects to assist in moving their enterprise constantly in the right direction, little by little, day by day.

Step 1 - Throw one of the pair (until either Strategy, Serendipity, Storytelling, or Software appear) and this will determine which of the 4S’s is to be contemplated.

Step 2 - Throw the second dice of the pair (until either Thinking, Writing, Reading, Speaking appear) which will determine what method should be used.

Step 3 – Do whatever the two dice have now instructed you to do! (You should also make brief notes of the outcomes on a daily basis).

Let’s take an example. Navaz, my wife, is the owner of an educational centre called Kumon Wembley Central, teaching Maths and English to children aged 3-18. It’s a franchise, with approximately 4 million students enrolled on the Kumon programmes in 49 different countries. Navaz’s centre has been operating since 2006, opens three times a week, employs about 15 staff and caters for approximately 250 students. It's one of the leading centres in London with ‘Elite Instructor’ status. Entrepreneurs like Navaz are, more than often, too busy doing their ‘day job’ but Navaz knows that by taking time out (just 15 minutes) on a daily basis to throw the dice (small steps), her long-term entrepreneurial future can be designed, planned for, managed and thus secured. Last week, for instance, she threw ‘storytelling and writing’ which prompted her to write a story for the Kumon Newsletter about recent success stories of children who have achieved excellent grades in their National Exams, and believe they’ve done so as a result of studying at her Kumon centre. Yesterday, Navaz threw ‘thinking and strategy’; 15 minutes were spent thinking about strategies to increase the number of students at the centre by 8% this coming semester. Coincidentally, today she throws ‘writing and strategy’ which enables yesterday’s thinking to be turned into a solid plan of action with a weekly timeline, objectives, and communications plan. Easy when you’re building on prior work! Remember that old Chinese proverb…“a journey of a thousand miles starts with one small step”….and so it continues.

Clearly, the two dice can be thrown simultaneously or one after the other in either order; there are no rules with the 4S method other than it needs to become a regular habit; little and often. Think of the dice as your very own business partner asking you key questions on a daily basis. This is our suggested antidote to avoiding the nightmare scenario of leaving such important matters to just once a year (i.e.

New Year’s Resolutions, or the annual marketing planning cycle) or to when a crisis arises and desperate measures become needed. The whole point of using the 4S model, little by little, day by day, is to encourage a feeling of focus especially for people who find themselves easily distracted by the information overload that we can be overwhelmed by each day.

Can you spare just 15 minutes a day?

Through repeated use of the 4S Model, entrepreneurial marketers should be able to analyse and emphasise building and furthering networking relationships, but also do so by being flexible, creative, and innovative.

Dr. Sethna is an academic, author and consultant based in London, UK and can be contacted at zubin.sethna@btopenworld.com.

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Parsee Zoroastrians: Don’t Miss Out on the Rewards of

ENTREPRENEURSHIP By: Sam Balsara

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In this article Sam Balsara says that business is in the genes of Parsees but in recent decades they have become dormant.

He urges Parsee youth to look at Entrepreneurship as part of their life-plan and urges them to take advantage of the resources set up by the community through WZCC to help, guide and assist. He also gives tips to entrepreneurs based on his personal experience.

Trust worthy; Honest; Transparent; Straight forward; Fun loving... these are the words that friends and admirers of our community use to describe most Parsees who especially in India have been known in the past for their initiative, zeal and passion for trade, commerce and manufacturing.

These are precisely the qualities or attributes required to start and sustain a profitable business enterprise that plays a useful role in society. That is why today in India you have the Tatas, Godrejs, the Wadias and hundreds of other thriving, growing and lesser known groups that meet the needs of society at a small profit for themselves. But I dare say that entrepreneurship has taken a back seat amongst the community in the last 2-3 decades. Necessity, they say is the mother of invention and often lack of opportunity, drives the initiative to be entrepreneurial and explore new

area and avenues. But clearly the last few decades have been decades that have thrown up adequate opportunity, which has made us complacent, less ambitious, more riskaverse and selfish to some extent, not to strive and strain but follow the path of least resistance and just do that much to lead a comfortable life. Very often a degree from a renowned university or institution followed by a plum job in a multinational or a new age organization, actually proves to be a deterrent to entrepreneurship. However this does not mean that you don’t pursue higher studies and shine academically.

I would appeal to Parsee youth to consider and weigh the pros and cons of entrepreneurship in their overall life-plan. Those who have less attractive employment opportunities open to them at the start of their working lives can consider starting a business right at the start, others who have highly employable academic qualifications can consider entrepreneurship seriously as a mid-career option; that’s what I did and with a bit of luck and experience and expertise and adequate dose of Parsee attributes highlighted at the start of this piece, achieved moderate success.

I must throw a word of caution that just because you are a Parsee that does not mean that you have all the qualities necessary to be a successful entrepreneur. But there are good chances that you do, so I ask you to introspect, evaluate carefully your personal traits and skill sets and life - goals that you can live with and come to a decision.

The Community has the WORLD ZARATHUSHTI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE with chapters in over 10 countries, including Dubai and has created resources and facilities to help, assist guide and mentor those who want to start a business of their own. And all these facilities are available almost literally for the asking.

What it takes to be a Successful Entrepreneur?

Based on my own personal experience as an entrepreneur, I want to share with you a few tips on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur: 1. Domain expertise: You need to be competent in the area that you operate in. If you are planning to start out on your own after employment in a field similar to your employer, don’t be in a hurry; gather enough expertise and recognition before you start out on your own. A year or two later won’t be too late, but a year or two earlier could be dangerous. But don’t procrastinate. Strike when you believe the moment has arrived.

2. Customer Focused: Whatever business you are in, you have to put all your effort in delighting your customers or clients. No customer; No business.

3. Keep costs minimal: You should be frugal in your approach to expenses, but liberally incur those costs that will improve your quality of product or service.

4. Stand for something: Your business and brand should stand for something - Quality of service or values/ principles. Don’t be a rudderless buoy chasing only money.

5. Be patient: Don’t be hungry for success. Don’t invest too much money upfront. Be realistic in your expectations.

6. Be ready to experiment: At Madison our mantra for our clients’ success as well as our own is - If its safe, it’s risky. The biggest risk in business is to not take any risks.

But they must be calculated risks.

7. People: Once you have achieved reasonable scale, hire the right people and delegate. Hire people who are better than you.

8. Passion: Have passion for the business, don’t become an entrepreneur just for the money. If you love your work, you won’t have to work for a single day! It won’t look or feel like work.

JOURNEY of a thousand miles begins with a

SINGLE STEP. Don't miss out

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With Best Compliments From:

Zoroastrian Charity Funds Hong Kong Canton & Macao Wishing WZCC every success

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The Gathic Entrepreneur THE GATHIC ENTREPRENEUR By: Fariborz Rahnamoon

The three Magis, the wise men from the East, belonging to the learned tribe of the Medians, gave three gifts to baby Jesus. They were the first three Gathic steps towards a fulfilled life. Steps that need to be pursued that will pave the way towards Righteousness, Perfection, Immortality and Self Realization. Jesus mastered them. When he was taken to the wilderness and put to test, Jesus came out with flying colors. The story in the Bible goes like this and there is a lot for entrepreneurs to learn from this anecdote: Satan asked Jesus - “You are the son of God and are hungry, command these stones to convert to bread.”

Jesus replied, “Man does not live by bread alone.”

Satan wanted Jesus to use his mind to make money out of nothing and without any ethical consideration. Jesus who had mastered the three gifts of VohuMana, Asha Vahishta, and Khash Atra Vairya and pursued the Gathic way of life towards Spenta Armaiti, Hurvatat, Ameretat, and realizing the God within, rejected the offer of dying a millionaire by converting stone into bread.

Today, we have many successful entrepreneurs who convert stone into bread. They produce nothing worthwhile, they just create superficial needs and unethically cash in on consumer psychology. On top of the list is social media and online platforms, followed by insurance, banking and many more. Not that we do not need banking and insurance but 76

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that all service industries should be run like credit unions, a not for profit cooperative. Insurances make money by first creating fear and then capitalizing on people’s misery.

Banks double dip, first by charging on deposits and then by lending customers money on interest. Rightly Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers.

On the other hand, there are entrepreneurs who are trying to move society towards perfection by identifying and putting their efforts towards making energy sustainable, revolutionizing the Internet, Space Exploration, Artificial Intelligence and the Human Genetics.

The Amesha Spentas Spenta Mainyu The Holy/Virtuous Spirit

Vohu Manah (Good mind)

Spenta Armaiti (Holy Devotion/Piety)

Asha Vahishta (Best Truth)

Haurvatat (Wholeness/Perfection)

Kshatra Vairya (Desirable Kingdom)

Amertat (Immortality/Undyingness)

The Gatha specifies the steps that lead towards achieving perfection. Not with the aim of building wealth but with the aim of achieving happiness, earning a good name and in the process being remembered for generations, in other words becoming immortal.

Here are two powerful verses from the Gathas: Truly, the Asha derived By the Good Mind Never before known Among the wise and all creation With it, make Good Rules never waning Increasing Righteousness Leading us towards Perfection

Zarathushtra – Gatha -Yasna Ha 28.3 (FR)

And those who are righteous are known for Good deeds and use of the wise mind In a righteous way in harmony withWisdom in Existence Their aim achieved Their desire assuredly Happiness Their reward, knowledge and being known as righteous, faithful and are praiseworthy Zarathushtra - Gatha -Yasna HA 28.10 (FR)

These verses were canonized as “The Amesha Spentas” that defined the path in life, to be pursued by all.

1. Good Mind- Use your Good Mind to inquire and learn the

2. Ultimate Truth- the Laws of Nature- Use them to make

3. Good Rules-Good Laws- Good Products – Which will lead to

4. Lawful Desire-Righteousness – that will pave the way towards

5. Perfection-Mental, Physical and Spiritual – which will lead to

6. Immortality: a) In Death being remembered for your good work for generations b) In Life by losing the fear of Death –resulting in oneness with

7. Ahura Mazda-The Creator of Wisdom - Khod Ah - KHOD = Self AH = to come.

To understand God through Self Realization. Being one with God. Seeing the God within.

What should a Gathic Entrepreneur do?

A Gathic Entrepreneur should use his Vohumana to learn from nature (Asha) and make good products that are in harmony with nature. The desires of such an entrepreneur should be righteous and endeavor to achieve perfection in what he does to leave behind a legacy for which he will be proudly remembered (Amordad).

A Gathic entrepreneur should also remember that: Everything that is created is first a Thought.

So, let your Thoughts be Good.

Good Thoughts are those that are in harmony with the Wisdom in Existence (Nature).

Let your Good Thoughts be known through Good Words For that’s when Creation first comes into being Zarathushtra - Gatha -Yasna HA 28.11 (FR)

A thought that is not in harmony with nature is not a good thought.

The Tata Story The Tata’s are an example of true Gathic entrepreneurs; to combat the inevitable flaws of capitalism they created ‘Tata Sons’ where the bulk of the profits of the Tata Industries go and are used for charity. Thus, for them there is no desire to enslave their workers, to be inconsiderate to their customers, or to bend laws.

Those who pursue a righteous path that is close to their heart, that which they have an inner inclination towards, that which they enjoy doing, without aiming for monetary rewards, they will be a successful entrepreneur and money will inevitably follow. Such an Entrepreneur will achieve happiness. Money alone does not necessarily bring happiness. Man does not live by bread alone.

“

The Gathas specify the steps that lead towards achieving Perfection.

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In any walk of life, one has to choose one’s career and its ultimate goal and destination. In this choice one has to define, what one wants to become. The choices are innumerable. One can become a Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer… but time tested advice is - first become a ‘GOOD HUMAN BEING.’ How do you define a good human being? While every person’s journey is different, being good has a lot to do with discovering one’s own self and the role one wants to play in this world. A good human By: Adi Siganporia being is truthful, simple, and content. If he needs more, he works hard for it. Hard work helps in building one’s character and contributes to one’s success and happiness.

Life itself is a journey - from cradle to the grave. Sometimes Hard work coupled with Passion and love helps one to short, sometimes long, sometimes smooth, sometimes excel. But ultimately whatever you do, the journey of life rough, sometimes cruel and sometimes kind. What is has to be joy ride. At times difficult but achievable. During ultimately important, is the purpose of this journey. the journey, knowledge of the terrain has to be known and I am reminded of the following lines that tend to seal the studied. Blind acceleration can cause serious catastrophe. fate of one’s Journey to the Top. At that stage “organized behavior” and team work comes into play. Journey to the top sometimes can be a lonely one as decisions need to be taken spontaneously based on Temporal man, sets out to Plan, intuition, experience and leadership qualities. However,

Plans that are proud and heady, quite often, collective decision making process cannot be Plan and Plan as much as you can, ignored. But here comes that problematic human factor

The Plan is planned already. called EGO.

JOURNEY TO THE TOP

“

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”

‘Power’, ‘Ego’ and ‘Arrogance’ travel together. This reminds me of the beautiful lines of Abraham Lincoln: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” History has shown several instances where these three words have ruined the journey to the top. It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “To handle yourself use your head, to handle others, use your heart”. Charlie Chaplin spread laughter across the world, but at the same time he has given bouts of wisdom too. This is what he said - “You need Power, only when you want to do something harmful; otherwise Love is enough to get everything done.”

Journey to the top becomes fruitful only if it involves selfless thoughts resulting in selfless motives. It is heartening to note what the noted author R.M. Lala mentioned in his book “For the love of India: The Life and Times of Jamsetji Tata”. “…One day a telegram came from Jamshedpur that there was not enough money for wages. R.D.Tata and Sir Dorab Tata (who was knighted in 1910) struggled to raise funds. In November 1924, the Steel Company was on the verge of closing down. Sir Dorab pledged his entire personal fortune of Rs.1 crore including his wife’s jewelry to obtain a loan of the same amount from the Imperial Bank of India.”

that matters in life. It is how and why you get there”. Similarly, how interesting it is to read, what Bertrand Russell said years ago, when he was asked; “What is the way to achieve total disarmament?” His reply was; “It is impossible to convince anybody to give up any of his power.” It should be noted, that rank does not give power to a leader. It imposes responsibility.

In olden times, our ancestors and well accomplished business leaders were highly respected because they treated one and all with utmost respect. Every action of theirs was a mix of good thoughts and noble intentions filled with humility. Humility is not a sign of weakness.

In fact, it weakens the opposition and helps in controlling one’s ego.

Let me recollect the beautiful words of Jesus: “When you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place so that when your host comes, he may say to you, friend move up higher. Then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Let me conclude with the divine words of Zarathushtra “Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds.” These words form the foundation for a good Zoroastrian life and if one walks on this path, this will be the ideal Journey to the Top.

The aforesaid action speaks volumes. Imagine the height of commitment and dedication which was shown by Jamsetji Tata’s worthy son, Sir Dorab Tata. This was the real gem of a journey which is worth emulating.

In today’s world, when we read of great business scandals, motivated by greed, corruption or frauds, it makes us sad.

Sooner or later these people not only ruin themselves and their families but bring down the very pyramid they used to thrive on. The whole thing crumbles like a pack of cards. Their attitude results in mass destruction of the Organization, the business, the character, the culture and murder of humanity. Tradition states – ‘living one’s life on a happy note is interesting. Living one’s life for the happiness of others is more interesting, but living one’s life as a Leader with a noble purpose is the very essence of life.’

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Zoroastrian Faculty Network (ZFN)

Announcement Zoroastrian Faculty Network announces creation of a platform for students to interact with experienced Faculty/ Mentors who will assist them in pursuit of their academic goals.

Vision To empower Zarathushti students to learn how to create economic, cultural and intellectual values.

Mission To prepare Zarathushti Youth through higher and specialized education for 21st Century careers in industry, academia, government and entrepreneurship.

Motivation 1. ZFN activities will focus on benefiting both students and faculty.

2. Mentor young Zarathushti’s in their home countries in seeking admission to universities.

3. Provide assistance in writing a “Statement of Purpose.”

4. Provide assistance in generating seed funding/scholarships for studies.

5. Provide support from organizations to offer internships and/or apprenticeship opportunities.

6. WZCC business community ZFN members to help promote faculty exchanges and partner in research, consultation and start-up funding.

7. Most importantly provide continuous mentoring for building a sound vision that will help the next generation “rise to prominence and invest in the global Zarathushti community.”

Contact details:

Farrokh Mistree Email: farrokh.mistree@ou.edu

SentiAR Inc. TRANSFORMING INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES WITH AUGMENTED REALITY By: Dr. Jennifer Avari Silva

Following inspiration from my great uncle, my career path has led me to Pediatric Cardiac Electrophysiology where I work to take care of children with heart rhythm abnormalities. A widely-used therapy for taking care of these patients is to perform minimally invasive, electrophysiology studies, where the patient’s normal and abnormal electrical systems are identified and targeted for ablation. This therapy is applied by introducing catheters through blood vessels in the legs and carefully directing them into the heart. Electrical maps are then created to carefully identify and target the abnormal tissue with hot or cold energy. This approach is rather young with a heavy component of technology and engineering.

I met my husband and venture partner, Jon Silva, in 2007, and we almost immediately began thinking about ways to combine my clinical skills with his biomedical engineering background. Fast forward to 2015, Jon is now a professor and is invited to participate in the Microsoft Faculty Summit in Seattle, WA where new and emerging technologies are presented to a national gathering of academic leaders. In this meeting, he is first exposed to “mixed reality,” a true technology leap where 3D digital images are placed within a user’s room. These mixed reality displays can take a plain room with a table in it, and set holographic flowers on the table, art on the walls, and virtual guests in the chairs. It was seeing this technology, and Jon’s following phone call home to me where an idea was born.

that MxR technology could empower electrophysiologists to not only better understand the anatomic and electrical relationships by providing true 3 dimensional visualization, but also to allow the electrophysiologist, often the most experienced person in the room, the ability to control the data they were viewing and better empowering them. It was and still is a disruptive proposition. We have started with visualizing and controlling the electroanatomic maps and catheter locations-our vision is to integrate more tools into the system with future versions. The product itself is a “software as a medical device” – our software is loaded onto the Microsoft HoloLens (the Mixed Reality hardware we are using).

As we started to crystalize the idea, we received significant support from our home institution of Washington University in Saint Louis-they worked with us through the patent process, provided guidance on forming a company, seed funding and made critical introductions to local investors and entrepreneurs. In 2017, we founded our company, SentiAR, Inc with the goal of commercializing the technology that we had diligently nurtured. SentiAR was recently awarded a US$2.2M Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for further engineering and clinical work on advancing this technology in the market. The company currently has eight employees and will grow to 10 by the end of the summer. Our first commercial product will be For years, when we would discuss our days at work, we a limited release product following FDA 510(k) clearance, would talk about the limitations in the Electrophysiology with a target of mid-year 2019, with version 2 being the Lab-use of radiation, heavy lead aprons to protect the teams general release product targeted for 2020. performing the procedure, and the precise teamwork needed to have several people working in synchrony to SentiAR’s mission is to improve the way we take care have an optimal patient outcome. It took years of training of patients. At the core, the guiding vision is not all that and practice to develop proficiency, and there remain different from basic Zoroastrian teachings I grew up with difficult cases with no clear answers. Jon and I hypothesized from childhood.

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Top (L-R) Cyrus Rivetna, Prof.Yuhan Vevaina, Jim Engineer, Layla Mazdyasni, Diana Bharucha, Arashasp Shroff, Mark Gifford, Shazneen Limjerwala, Karl Desai, Kayras Irani Middle row: Jimmy Madon, Shireen Patel, Sheherazad Pavri, Narges Kakalia, Tinaz Karbhari, Zerbanoo Gifford, Benafsha Shroff Bottom row: Arzan Wadia, Shazneen Munshi, Baroness Janet Royall, Sanaya Master, Tanya Hoshi, Jehaan Kotwal

My Journey from Lahore to

Gloucestershire

to attend the 1st World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF) By: Shireen Patel Living in Lahore as a Parsi, I recall my early childhood growing up in a community with 300 other Parsis. This was not a large number to begin with, and, within a short span of time, most families migrated, bringing the community size down to less than 50 individuals. Today, two decades later, the community has only 26 individuals.

Given the minuscule size of the community and with no mobeds, there are no religious classes either, which meant we grew up with minimal knowledge about our religion.

Hence, when I heard about the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF) from my cousin Tanya Hoshi, I applied instantly, as such platforms are the only way for young people to meet and interact with other fellow Zoroastrians. I had no idea of what to expect as I had never attended a forum like this or a congress before.

The WZYLF was the brainchild of Sanaya Master, a dedicated and active youth leader from New Zealand. We 84

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were graciously hosted by Zerbanoo Gifford, a renowned human rights campaigner and the founder of the ASHA Centre.

Two months later, I found myself in Gloucestershire, UK along with 19 other participants who came from USA, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand and the UK to participate in the 1st World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum from 16th - 25th March, 2018. Our home for the next 10 days was the stunningly beautiful ASHA Centre, located amidst the Forest of Dean.

The primary objective of the WZYL Forum was to bring together young enterprising Zoroastrians from around the world to connect with each other; reflect on the current situation of the Zoroastrian community and join forces to come up with creative solutions for the betterment of the global Zoroastrian community.

The sessions were brilliantly facilitated by Mark Gifford and Adrian Locher (Co-Directors of the ASHA Centre) who took us on an insightful journey of connecting with each other and Zoroastrianism through the - 10 days forum. Mark has a Masters with Distinction in Zoroastrian Studies from SOAS and Adrian, is one of the co-founders of the award-winning Stroud-based Taurus Voice Theatre Company. Edul Daver hosted an engaging session on leadership that provided an overview on general concepts relating to leadership including entrepreneurship and management. He also made a presentation of a case study showing actual implementation of process within

Session in Progress ACuPowder and gave an overview of WZCC and its priority projects.

We gathered every morning from 9 a.m until 6 p.m and had endless discussions about the challenges faced by the Zoroastrian community. We brainstormed ideas and discussed possible solutions which could be implemented both locally and globally. Every activity was so well thought through and executed, that it added value to the next session and paved the way forward. What surprised us the most, was the commonality of issues discussed by us such as – disengaged youth, lack of religious knowledge, dwindling numbers of Zoroastrians; how to live upto Zoroastrian values and traditions and more...

These issues were experienced by all of us regardless of the geographical locations and the size of the community.

However, what was most encouraging was that our group was willing to put in endless efforts and commitment to make a difference for the progress of our community.

During our stay there, a lot of fun group activities were planned for us. We had the first ever Zoro Master Chef, Zoro Talent Show, Movie night, Salsa night, Bonfire night, Yoga classes, and a Forest walk. We celebrated Navroze together in traditional saris and duglees. Every night we all got together after dinner to play mafia, a game that united

and divided all of us and kept us awake till 2 a.m. We got to eat the most scrumptious meals every day prepared by the volunteers at the ASHA Centre.

A trip to the Oxford to attend a lecture of a young Zoroastrian Prof. Yuhan Vevaina at Somerville College, Oxford was interesting. It focused on the Middle Persian (Pahlavi) interpretations of the Gathas. A trip to Wales was equally interesting with small picnic by Tintern Abbey.

The forum truly allowed young Zoroastrians from all over the world to connect with each other over their religious and cultural identity and take ownership of local and global projects. The organizers of the trip - Zerbanoo, Mark, Adrian and Sanaya deserve full credit for all the dedication and hard work they put in to ensure participants have a comfortable, enjoyable and a successful learning experience.

Needless to say, these 10 days were the most memorable days for all participants. The forum concluded with the drafting of the ‘Guiding Principles’ - a document that covered the Vision and Mission Statement as well as the plans and projects for the future. For more details see the next page.

World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum

Vision

‘A harmonious Zarathushti community flourishing through righteousness’

Mission

‘To connect today’s Zoroastrian youth leaders, fostering dialogue, and empowering diverse voices into action.’

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WZYLF

Projects and Ownership Plan Prepared by following Participants USA

: Arzan Sam Wadia, Benafsha Shroff, Cainaz Vakharia, Cyrus Rivetna, Diana Bharucha, Jim Engineer, Layla Mazdayasni, Narges Kakalia.

Canada : Arashasp Shroff, Kayras Irani, Tanya Hoshi.

New Zealand : Sanaya Master, Tinaz Karbhari.

India : Jehaan Kotwal, Shazneen Limjerwala, Sheherazad Pavri.

UK : Jimmy Madon, Shazneen Munshi.

Australia : Karl Desai.

Pakistan : Shireen Patel.

Passing the baton of good wishes from the Bangalore Chapter ~ 2017 Global Meet Team ~

ORLANDO‌.may it be a ful?lling race to the ?nish !

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Defining Success

Zoroastrian Entrepreneurs who are changing lives, breaking boundries and making history.

Delna’s inspiring career in animation began over 30 years ago and tells a story of determination, commitment and vision.

Starting from an office in a spare bedroom, Delna and her partner Barry Ward have grown their business from a small team with big talent to a really big team with groundbreaking talent in Vancouver. As CEO and Co-founder of Bardel, Delna manages the studio’s corporate affairs, production, and business development. She works closely with her executive team and all stages at the studio to strategize, manage and uphold the highest quality standards on which Bardel’s reputation was built. Together, Delna and Barry have achieved their vision, establishing Bardel as one of the most trusted names in the animation industry.

DELNA BHESANIA

Raised in Calcutta Farrokh earned an MBA from NYU. Following an internship in The Netherlands, he worked at Union Carbide in India and the US. Thirty six years ago, after working for 13 years for Diamond Shamrock’s plastics division, he opened his own business manufacturing pool liners and covers which he has grown to one of the 100 largest Indian companies in the US. Farrokh is also active with the Zoroastrian community in greater New York and was instrumental in the construction of the New York Dar-e-Mehr.

FARROKH PATEL

Honesty and Integrity are by far the most important assets of an Entrepreneur.

XERXES MULLAN

PERVEZ H. PATEL

XERXES BHATHENA

Xerxes Mullan is the CEO and Founder of Avestar Capital, a multi-family Office and Global Financial Advisory boutique, with offices in New York, San Francisco and Mumbai.Prior to Avestar, Xerxes worked as the Managing Director – Investments at the Private Banking and Investment Group at Merrill Lynch. Xerxes also worked with Goldman Sachs & Co., in its Investment Management Division in New York, London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Xerxes holds an M.B.A in Finance and Strategy from Yale University, a Masters in Commerce in Macroeconomics and Bachelors in Commerce in Accounting and Economics from the University of Mumbai. He is on the Tri-State Board of Pratham, an education-based non-profit organization, and is a Charter Member of TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs). Xerxes is also an FAA certified multi-engine commercial pilot and lives in New York with his family.

Pervez Patel, is the President and CEO, of Pervez H. Patel & Associates Inc. He has been in the wealth management business for the last 23 years. He currently looks after US$140 million in assets for clients in 45 countries worldwide. He is presently 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.

Since immigrating to Vancouver, Canada, in 2001 Xerxes Bhathena has had the opportunity of applying his entrepreneurial passion in a financial services business. He is proud to be now involved in 3 business ventures: an Investment and Insurance advisory firm (Lucra Financial), a Real-estate Designing and Home Development enterprise (Gatehouse Developments) and a Septic & Hydrovac Services company (Royal Flush Pumping Services). All of this would not have been possible without hard work, perseverance and a great support system!

ZUBIN AND ZENOBIA TANTRA Lake County Physical Therapy (LCPT) was a dream put into action and reality by Zubin Sam Tantra of Chicago before he turned 30. “Allow Us to ExceedYour Highest Expectations” is not just the practice’s mantra and philosophy but a way of life for Zubin and Zenobia Tantra.

Partners in love, life and healing, they feel humbled and blessed to be completing two decades of empowering people to live their life and dreams to the fullest. “A Good Doctor Adds Years to Your Life, A Good Therapist Adds Life to those Years” is put into action daily by the LCPT Family that comprises of amazing team players that have been with the company for decades. Zenobia says, “None of this would be possible without our team and our loyal patients and we are grateful to them. Our practice is diverse in its team and in its treatment approaches and prides itself on a Holistic Approach. Life is even more fun and awesome now due to our two PB&Js (Pure Bliss and Joy) children, Zaara and Zayden, who make everything in life more fun, exciting, adventurous and most certainly reflective. We are eternally grateful to God and the Universe for our fabulous journey.”

What is great about entrepreneurship is that entrepreneurs create the tangible from the intangible.

JAMSHED RIVETNA

HOSI MEHTA

CYRUS RIVETNA

Jamshed Rivetna showed the true entrepreneurial spirit when he left his job as a Management Consultant at Deloitte to start his own consulting business, ‘Ensoft Consulting,’ in Chicago and providing specialized Facilities Management Consulting Services. Since then, he has steadily grown his consulting staff working with an everexpanding client base of universities, hospitals, government, and commercial institutions. Over the years, he has established his firm as a leader in this niche industry and is a frequent lecturer at industry events

Hosi Mehta started Mehta Motors in 1983, with the purchase of a gas station and repair shop in Chicago. Over the last 35 years, Hosi, with his wife Kim and the family, have transformed the business into a full-fledged auto repair, parts sales, car wash and detail center, in a large facility located in Elmhurst, Illinois. Hosi is very proud of his three sons, Shawn, Sheroy, and Shazad, who after finishing their studies, and gaining experience elsewhere, have joined the business.

He feels blessed that they have retained the habit of honesty and hard work and is grateful to his family for his upbringing in Ahmedabad, for giving him his roots; and to his family, and all in Elmhurst, USA for sowing the seeds of a contented and happy life over the past 30 years.

A true entrepreneur, Cyrus Rivetna branched out on his own, from positions at prestigious architecture firms, and founded Rivetna Architects, Inc. in downtown Chicago, which now has an impressive portfolio of residential, commercial and religious projects. His passion for designing fire-temples that serve contemporary Zoroastrians while also perpetuating timehonored traditions and rituals, could possibly serve as a launchpad for future religious practice in the Western Diaspora.

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Dr. Ferzaan Engineer Dr. Ferzaan Engineer, is an extraordinary pharmaceutical scientist and healthcare entrepreneur. He was the Chairman and CEO of Quintiles India which had a staff of 8000 and also operated in China. He is a Co-founder of Medwell Ventures, a home healthcare company, and Co-founder and Chairman of Cytecare Hospitals Private Limited in Bangalore, India. Cytecare one of India’s only organ-based cancer hospitals specializes in cancer surgeries, radiation techniques and chemotherapies. More details about this state of the art cancer facility are available at www.cytecare. com. A pharmacist by training, Ferzaan received a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of South Carolina.

Dr. Cyrus F. Hirjibehedin

Dr. Cyrus F. Hirjibehedin, from the University College London, was awarded ‘The Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) Medal,’ for 2018, in recognition of his contributions to the field of ‘Scanning Probe Microscopy’ (SPM). Dr. Hirjibehedin is a physicist whose research focuses on studying the intriguing and counterintuitive behaviours manifested by quantum mechanics and explores how the effects may lead to revolutionary advances in technology. He has worked with a tool called scanning tunneling microscope (STM) that can image, probe and manipulate objects at the level of individual atoms. SPM techniques helps to gain new insights on low dimensional systems, ranging from defects in traditional semiconductors like silicon to novel layered materials like graphene and silicone. Internationally recognised as a leader in the SPM community, he has played a leading role in both the development of SPM techniques for the fabrication and spectroscopy of atomic-scale electronic and magnetic systems as well as in advancing the understanding of quantum nanostructures.

For more details visit: https://www.rms.org.uk/discover-engage/ competitions-awards/rms-medal-series.html).

Shehriyar Antia

Shehriyar is a native New Yorker and an awardwinning macroeconomist. After years on trading desks in Asia, Shehriyar served at the Federal Reserve during the financial crisis. He then leveraged his unique expertise and launched Macro Insight Group (MIG) which provides bespoke analysis to global investors. Shehriyar sold the business in 2017 and is a senior advisor for an Asian investor. He lives in upper Manhattan with his wife and two children.

Dr. Jennifer Avari Silva Dr. Jennifer Avari Silva, MD is the CMO and Founder of SentiAR Corporation whose mission is to transform the experience for both patient and clinician in interventional procedures with a 3D augmented reality platform featuring real-time holographic visualization of the patient’s actual anatomy, “floating” over the patient. Jennifer is responsible for the clinical application of the SentiAR technology for patient use. She is an Asst. Professor of Pediatrics at Washington University in St. Louis and Director of Pediatric Cardiac Electrophysiology at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where she leads the largest pediatric electrophysiology program in the Midwest. Dr. Avari Silva has published numerous papers bringing new technologies to pediatric patients, allowing her to develop an extensive industrial network with companies that include, St. Jude Medical, Medtronic, Biotronik, and Biosense Webster. Her academic credentials include a BA from Union College, an MD from St. George’s University School of Medicine, residencies in Pediatrics at Miami Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Cardiology at Washington University School of Medicine, and in Pediatric Electrophysiology at Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard University. For more details visit: (www. sentiar.com)

Jamshed Bharucha

Professor Jamshed Bharucha, President of the Cooper Union from 2011 to 2015, has become the founding vice chancellor of India's new research university, SRM University - Amaravati. “This is a pivotal moment in time for Amaravati – one full of extraordinary possibilities and opportunities to pursue new knowledge, challenge the status quo ...” said Dr. Bharucha. “Such a time calls for a shift in strategic thinking, flexibility, and freedom to encourage and ignite the curiosity of young minds.”We read that, Dr. Bharucha’s role will be to provide strategic vision in pursuit of excellence in education, research, and engagement... The emphasis will be on multi-disciplinary approaches, for which Dr. Bharucha is well-positioned given his own research bridging cognitive neuroscience and music.

For more details visit: (SRM University, http://srmap.edu.in/ vice-chancellor/)

Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.

Rustomji H. Vania Rustomji Hormaz Vania is the Sr. Director of Cyberinfrastructure Research Services at the University of Texas, at Dallas. He is an IT Enterprise Architect with over twenty years of professional IT experience involving networking and Linux system administration. Previously, at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Illinois, he was the Director of Research Computing and Cyberinfrastructure. He added centralized cluster computing and 40 Gbps of network connectivity to the SIU environment. He was instrumental in developing extensive state and national level exposure. In a recent effort, he is responsible for an American historic first and is facilitating a gift of about US$1.0 Million in computer equipment to a predominantly African-American institution of higher learning. He is excited to be a part of the UT Dallas environment because the level of research is on a cutting edge frontier. It is his goal to help researchers break ground in innovation. He is a Taekwondo black belt and an avid swimmer. When not at work, he stays busy as a Ham Radio operator.

Rusi D. Gandhi

Rusi D. Gandhi, M.B.A. - Broker Investor and Developer is the first Zoroastrian worldwide to win the Re/Max Hall of Fame award.

He buys and sells commercial and residential properties, businesses, and 1031 Exchanges.

Rusi earned 2018's “Top Five Certificate of Excellence” and “Maximizer Certificate of Excellence” from Re/Max Select.

He was the Founder of WZCC's NewYork Chapter and is a friend of Stanford Professionals in Real Estate.

Ferzin Irani Ferzin Irani is an entrepreneur and creative director for her clothing brand ‘Escale.’ She has been living in the UAE for the last 14 years. Ferzin’s brand Escale, has a very unique ability to include natural fabrics in collections and yet adapt them to the mainstream line of fashion. Her brand is mindful about giving back to the community by employing gifted women artisans in their own countries.

Firoz Tarapore Firoz Tarapore is the Chief Executive Officer of ‘Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd.,’ a global company headquartered in Dubai. DAE serves airline clients in 60 countries and generates annual revenue of US$1.4 billion. Firoz holds an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Commerce, from the University of Bombay.

Dadi Motiwalla Dadi Motiwalla, a graduate of the Brooks Institute of Photographic Art and Science, established mt2, in Dubai, as a digital resource, in a multi-disciplined environment with an unmatched track record and wealth of experience spanning 36 years in the Middle East.

The company provides integrated digital solutions experiential services and creates marketing tools for businesses to communicate effectively with their target audiences.

Firoze Jal Vandrewalla

Act local.

Market global.

A decade of experience in selling warehouse Shelving, Racking & Material Handling solutions in Oman taught Firoze to visualize as an engineer what the customer needed even though they were not clear on it themselves. So he started his own company ‘WINGS,’ in Dubai, providing total warehouse solutions in 1996. His son joined in 2014, following into the footsteps of his father.

Dr. Ashievanghuie Deboo Dr. Ashievanghuie Deboo, the youngest daughter of Dr. Aramaity and Farok Deboo was born in Dubai. She completed her primary schooling in Mumbai and pursued her dental graduation and postgraduate studies in Mangalore. She has specialized in Prosthodontics. Her portfolio includes teaching at the Government Dental College in Hyderabad, and writing for various publications. She is a specialized prosthodontist at Mediclinic Welcare Al Qusais and simultaneously runs a successful dental practice in Dubai since 2010.

Mozard Antia Mozard moved to the UAE as a teenager in 1993, and following a family tradition which spans for more than 3 generations, he joined the maritime fraternity and sailed the high seas for a decade. He then took over the reins of Ericson & Richards (M.E.) in Dubai, which has been involved in maritime inspections and surveys in the Middle East for more than 28 years.

WZCC DAZZLES BANGALORE

2. Cytecare Hospitals are one of India’s only organ-based cancer hospitals and are super-specialized in various surgeries, radiation techniques and chemotherapies.

Dr.Villoo Morawalla Patell, Founder and current Chairman and Managing Director of the Biotechnology Company Avesthagen Limited spoke on “Avestagenome Project – Providing global cure through precision medicine”. Her company was founded in 1998 with a long term, strategic model to change the world and make it a better place with affordable healthcare and Environment Adjusted Crops.

This was followed by entertainment by Sanjay Manaktala, Bangalore’s best Stand-up Comedian.

AGM in progress WZCC’s Bangalore Chapter hosted the Global AGM on 14, 15 and 16 December, 2017 at Clarks Exotica Resort & Spa in Bangalore, India. The Bangalore Chapter Reception Committee was set up to welcome around 120 delegates from worldwide Chapters of WZCC. The Global Annual General Meeting began with Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Shereyar Vakil from Bangalore welcoming the delegates. The Meet was officially opened by the lighting of the “diva” by our Global President, Mr. Edul Daver and the Bangalore Chapter Chair, Air Chief Marshal Fali Major (Retd) followed by a “Humbandagi” led by Ervad Fardoon Karkaria.

The Office Bearers of WZCC Mr. Edul Daver, (Global President); Mr. Yazdi Tantra, (Global Vice President); Mr. Adi Siganporia,( Global Corporate Secretary) and Ms. Katayun Kapadia, (Global Hon. Treasurer) presented their reports for the year. Two major initiatives, which are expected to be game changers for WZCC’s long term point of view, were the focus of the AGM • Youth Initiative - Apointment of aYouth Director and global interaction on Social Media.

• Financing Initiative - help Start-ups and growth of existing businesses and professionals. Plans include collection of donations worldwide to support businesses and improve the economic well-being of the community, initially in India and gradually globally. This initiative will involve the support of World Zoroastrian Organization Trust Fund (WZOTF).

Two speakers of repute addressed the delegates at the start of the evening.

Dr. Ferzaan Engineer, a pharmaceutical scientist and healthcare entrepreneur spoke on “Creating model cancer hospitals in India”. He narrated his experiences on how he co-founded two companies : 1. Medwell Ventures offers home healthcare services under the Nightingales brand.

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Prelunch saw a Panel Discussion on “The Relevance of Zoroastrian Values in Today’s Entrepreneurial Environment”.

The Moderator, Cyrus Dhabhar, member of the Bangalore Chapter gave the audience food for thought by drawing out interesting anecdotes from the six panellists from diverse businesses. The Panel comprised of Mr. Adi B. Siganporia, Mrs. Pilloo Aga, Mr. Zerick Dastur, Mr. Viraf Deboo, Ms. Zaver Divecha, Ms Rokhsar Vakharia. All the Panelists expressed their views based on the practical experiences they had that generated lot of interest amongst participants.

After the Panel discussion there was an inspiring talk by Dr. Rashna Writer, a political scientist and a political analyst.

She has authored several books on the Zoroastrian Community and holds a doctorate from the London School of Economics in International Relations.

Dr. Writer addressed the subject of “Entrepreneurial Social Conscience as a means of Zoroastrian Self-Preservation” in the hope that her talk will highlight Parsi Entrepreneurs who, having acquired wealth will consider it their duty to re-invest a part of it in the community.

The last and youngest of our speakers pre-lunch was Ms. Pronita Saxena, a graduate in Economics, with honours from UC, Berkeley spoke on why she founded Citizengage, a technology company operating the world’s first water-to-resource platform that channels waste into energy, compost and recycled products.

Post lunch,the speaker, Ms Kanika Choudhary, Hon.Ambassador of Philadelphia, Special Envoy, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to India and UAE spoke on “Outlining the Friendship between Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and WZCC”.

Knowing how most eyelids tend to droop post lunch, participants experienced some interesting Team Leadership Interactive games for the afternoon. Mrs. Zerbanoo Gifford, an author and a human rights campaigner and founder of the ASHA Centre, needs little introduction. She along with Adrian Locher, the Artistic Director at the Asha Centre-UK, took the delegates through an absorbing self-awareness exercise.

The formal evening of Saturday,16th December was a glittering gala night and the highlight of the Global Meet. Young Leah Divecha, 13 years of age, opened the evening with a violin recital and stole everyone’s heart.

Entertaining music was provided for the evening by our Pianist, Ernie especially flown down from Mumbai for the event.

Air Chief Marshal, Fali Major (Retd), as Chairman of the Bangalore Chapter, delivered the Welcome Address, encouraging the youth to strive and achieve great glory for the community and themselves. This was followed by an address by the Global President, Mr. Edul Daver followed by that of Dr. Peter Garland, the Chief Guest. He is Executive Vice Chancellor of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, (PASSHE), USA and expressed his hope that WZCC and PASSHE can work together in the Education field in the months ahead.

Ms. Behroze Daruwalla, Chairperson, Sub-Committee “WE” Wing, International Board was Master of Ceremonies for the Award Function and outlined the basis on which the Awardees are selected and introduced each Award winner.

The Awards were presented to following winners:

“The Outstanding Young Zarathushti Entrepreneur / Professional Award for 2017” was presented to Zerick Hosi Dastur, India, for achieving excellence in academics and for displaying Professional Brilliance in the Legal field and also for providing extraordinary service to the Community.

All the three Awardees briefly shared their experiences and their journey to “success” and expressed their grateful thanks to WZCC. Lastly the 'Vote of Thanks' was proposed by Corporate Global Secretary, Mr. Adi B. Siganporia. Amongst the long list of many to whom a big “ThankYou” was sincerely expressed, he specially mentioned the untiring and splendid efforts put in by Bangalore Chapter - Zarine Kharas and her dedicated Team, duly led by Air Chief Marshal Fali Major (Retd) for organising this glittering Event. The gathering gave a standing ovation coupled with a thunderous round of applause.

"The Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur Award for 2017” was presented to Feroze Peshotan Bhadara, USA, for his entrepreneurial zeal, pioneering efforts, commitment and vision in the field of Engineering, Construction and Real Estate.

The evening ended with the sumptuous dinner provided by the Clarks Exotica Resort and Spa, Bangalore.

Join us in Orlando, Florida 1th - 5th May, 2019

"The Outstanding Zarathushti Professional Award for 2017” was presented to Dr. Ferzaan Nariman Engineer, India, for his remarkable Professionalism and high commitment towards Superior and innovative Clinical Research, Healthcare Service and Co-Founder of Super-Specialized Cancer Hospital.

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TRANSFORMING LIVES FOR A BETTER TOMORROW THE WZO TRUSTS’ - SEEDING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY

Supporting the initiative of small Dairy Farming business run by Zoroastrian families

Supporting Sugarcane Plantations to earn a higher income by Zoroastrian farmers

Supporting young hardworking Zoroastrians to invest and ply Auto Rickshaw for better living

Supporting the initiative of Poultry Farming in the villages to help Zoroastrians earn a decent income

Supporting the initiative of a young Zoroastrian to start a service station for Tankers on the State Highway in Gujarat

Supporting the initiative of a young enterprising Zoroastrian to start

a restaurant

The WZO Trusts’ have been living true to their credo of Building Confidence, Changing Lives, Creating a Strong Community. Over the last 22 years, 1038 Zoroastrian individuals spread over 141 locations in India have been supported by way of interest free loans in their pursuit of being self employed.

For more details contact WZO Trusts at the following address: Location: C-1, Hermes House, 3rd Floor, Mama Parmanand Marg, Opera House, Mumbai 400 004. India.

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