Synergyz Vol. 8 - October 2009

SYNERGYZ

Journal of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce

Vol. 8 October, 2009

orld Zoroastria of W nC y r on a s r gr e v i

s es

50t hA nn

Celebrating Two Milestone Events

Dubai 2009

nni 10th A versary o fW ZC C

For Private Circulation only

WZCC’s Vision: To facilitate Networking, Enhance Trade & Commerce and Re-energise the Zarathushti entrepreneurial spirit

Synergyz_Cover.indd 18

12/1/09 2:24:09 PM

Synergyz_Godrej Ad_Page IFC.indd 18

12/1/09 2:28:22 PM

SYNERGYZ Contents Published by The World Zarathushti Chamber Of Commerce Vol 8, October 2009 — For Private Circulation only

50t hA nn i

s es

rld Zoroastria f Wo nC on ry o a s gr r ve

nn 10th A iversary o fW ZC C

Registered Office: 5750 South Jackson St.. Hinsdal, IL 60521 - 5109 Website: http://www.wzcc.net President: Kersi Limathwala WZCC Journal Conceived and Developed by: Meher Bhesania, WZCC Director, Middle East Region Treasurer: Barjor Bajan, P.O. Box 2222, Dubai, UAE Tel: 0097143930660 Editorial Board: Burjor Patel, General Manager, Khaleej Times, Dubai Karl Mehta, Managing Director, Blitz Media & Communication Kersy Bhesania, Managing Director, Climate Control LLC, Dubai Nowshir Engineer, Director, Event Management Development Institute Hoshi Siganporia, Managing Director, The Big Idea Co., Dubai Contributing Editors: Marzban Giara, Mumbai, India Mithi Daver, Sydney, Australia Pervin Khajotia Idnani, Dubai, UAE Shernaaz Engineer, Mumbai, India Design & Production: FourPlus Advertising www.fourplusadvertising.com The Publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this journal, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this journal are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Readers are advised to seek specialist advise before acting on information contained in this journal which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this journal or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.

WZCC: Approaching A Decade Of Growth ........................................ Page 6 Sam Balsara .................................................................................... Page 10 Dorab Mistry: Face of the Global Zoroastrian Community ................ Page 12 Who is Kali Jal?................................................................................ Page 15 Lara Balsara .................................................................................... Page 17 Jehangir Sarosh............................................................................... Page 18 Paurushasp Jila ............................................................................... Page 20 Eric Engineer ................................................................................... Page 21 Entrepreneurship: Do you have what it takes? ................................ Page 22 Dubai gets ready to host the IX World Zoroastrian Congress ............ Page 24 Highest French Distinction:”The National Order of the .................... Page 27 Legion of Honour” conferred on Mr. Nadir Godrej WZCC’s Glittering Felicitation for Minoo Shroff ............................... Page 28 Burjor Patel: Fond farewell .............................................................. Page 32 Meher Bhesania : Meet the Congress Chair...................................... Page 34 News from WZCC ME ....................................................................... Page 36 Zarir Irani ........................................................................................ Page 38 News from WZCC North Texas Chapter ............................................. Page 39 Farida Irani ...................................................................................... Page 40 Houston Hosts WZCC Global AGM ................................................... Page 42 WZCC & The Power of Networking ................................................... Page 46 WZCC hosts felicitation in Mumbai .................................................. Page 48

WZCC CHAPTERS & CHAPTER CHAIRS Australia Phil Madon Canada – Toronto Sam Meer Fariborz Rahnamoon Canada – Vancouver India – Chamber Minoo Shroff India – Ahmedabad Oorvaksh Medora India – Delhi Cyrus Engineer India – Hyderabad Jehangir Bisney Pheroze (Phili) Kharas India – Mumbai India – Pune Adi Engineer Iran Shahram Jiveh Middle East Pakistan UK USA – Atlanta USA – Boston USA – Central Florida USA – Chicago USA – Houston USA – New York USA – North Texas USA – San Francisco USA – Seattle USA – Southern California

Meher Bhesania Soli Parakh Shernaz Engineer Rustom S. Kanga Zareen Karani Araoz Mezdi Birdie Yezdi Godiwala Behroze Daruwalla Arnaz Maneckshana Firdosh Mehta Jamshed Gandi Jehangir Bharucha Perinne Medora

pars09@yahoo.com smeer@devencorenkf.com fariborzr@hotmail.com mrshroffadst@yahoo.com oorvaksh@medoraindia.com delhi@indboilers.com hyd2_bisney@sancharnet.in pkharas@hotmail.com adiengr@hotmail.com shjiveh@yahoo.comshjiveh@yahoo.com info@wzcc.irshjiveh@yahoo.com bhesania@emirates.net.ae soli.r.parakh@pk.pwc.com shernaz@verityappointments.com rkanga@comcast.net zareen@managingcultures.com dastur@comcast.net godiwaly@uww.edu behrozepersonal@yahoo.com amanecksha@aol.com fdjmehta@charter.net jbgandi@bgwbcpas.com jehanb@improcon.com perinne@zubin.com

OTHER REPRESENTATIVES Hong Kong Singapore China

Jal Shroff Russi Ghadiali Mehrnosh Pastakia

Shroff@fossil.com russighadiali@yahoo.com ahuranet@public2.bta.net.cn

SYNERGYZ Synergyz_Contents and credits_Page 01.indd 1

1 12/1/09 2:37:19 PM

Synergyz_Roshan Construction_Page 02.indd 2

12/1/09 2:38:56 PM

Message from the desk of the Regional Director - Middle East

T

Welcome to the Eight Issue of SynergyZ his year has flown faster than expected, evidently because of all the preparations taking place for the Congress.

This issue covers two milestone events: the 50th Anniversary of World Zoroastrian Congress and the 10th Anniversary of World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC), both momentous occasions!

We look forward to the Congress bringing greater solidarity in our community which is so widely spread on this globe. Hence, the theme “Unity through the Sands of Time� is so apt. Many have wondered why Dubai was selected as the venue for the Congress.

Dubai is one of the world’s fastest growing and most talked about destinations, a vibrant business hub and a melting pot of cultures. The choice of this city is a salute to Zoroastrians, who, like the city of Dubai, have shown progressiveness and innovation whilst retaining their culture and values. Selecting Dubai also sends out a message to the community members who are interested in exploring possibilities of doing business in Dubai. A large Trade Show is being held for this purpose on 29th December 2009.

The Congress will be a mega event. Over 700 delegates from around the world have registered. The programs lined up are very interesting. Speakers range from members of the ruling family to diplomats to outstanding leaders from within the community and prominent local and international businessmen. Please see the time table appearing on the Congress website - www.wzcongress.org. The thrust will be to create a blueprint for our community for doing various programs collectively through Community Organizations beyond 2010.

As the Congress enters its 50th year, WZCC enters its 10th year. Ten years is not a very long time in history. However, in this period WZCC has become a widely known concept in the community and now has 22 chapters around the world.

This issue carries a story of WZCC entering its 10th year, profiles of successful businessmen and professionals like Sam Balsara, Dorab Mistry and Jehangir Sarosh who are well known personalities in the community. Young profiles of Lara Balsara, Paurushasp Jilla and Eric Engineer are also featured, and SynergyZ applauds the work done by them in respective regions of the world.

With the Congress drawing closer (28th to 31st December 2009), on behalf of the Congress Organizing Team, I would like to extend a hearty welcome to all those delegates and guests who have registered themselves for the Congress.

Wishing everyone a very happy and fruitful Congress and also a prosperous 2010!

Best wishes Meher Bhesania WZCC, International Director & Chair, World Zoroastrian Congress, 2009

Synergyz Synergyz_Chairpersons Message_Page 03.indd 3

3 12/1/09 2:39:39 PM

HONORORY MEMBERS OF THE WORLD ZARATHUSHTI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WZCC

0 0 0 2

Nadir Godrej

3 200

Fali Nariman

6 200

Byram Avari

4

1 0 0 2

Alayar Dabestani

4 200

Pallonji Mistry

7 200

Dr. J.J. Irani

2 0 0 2

Minoo Shroff

5 200

Lord Karan Bilimoria

8 200

Sam Balsara

SYNERGYZ

Synergyz_Honorary Members and Directors_Page 04-05.indd 4

12/1/09 2:40:46 PM

REMEMBERING THEIR CONTRIBUTION

LETS STRIVE TO TAKE WZCC FORWARD

ADDING PRIDE TO WZCC (left to right): Rohinton Rivetna, Homi Davier. Sarosh Collector, Kobad Zarolia, Bomi Boyce, Dadi Mistry, Dorab Mistry, Fali Shroff, Ness Lakdawalla, Framroze Patel, Edul Daver, Kersi Limathwala, Yazdi Tantra, Phil Madon, Meher Bhesania, Khodiyar Attaie, Shernaz Engineer, Rusi Gandhi, Hoshang Karani, Rustom Engineer, Firdosh Mehta, Dr. Zareen Karani Araoz, Zarine Commissariat

SYNERGYZ Synergyz_Honorary Members and Directors_Page 04-05.indd 5

5 12/1/09 2:41:07 PM

Once WZCC’s true potential is unleashed, there will be no stopping. The best is yet to come.

WZCC

Approaching A Decade Of Growth

W Rohinton Rivetna Founding President, WZCC

ZCC will be approaching its 10th anniversary during the World Zoroastrian Congress in Dubai, in December 2009.

As we gather to celebrate this landmark, at a moment in time when the world is in turmoil and financial turbulence threatens all around us, we look to WZCC to be the harbinger of economic stability for our global Zoroastrian community; and most importantly, be a catalyst for change leading the way for economic justice and prosperity for all around the globe.

There is no doubt in my mind that as our relationships mature and as networking amongst us increases, we will reach that pinnacle when Zarathushti businesses will once again be recognized, not only for their integrity and industry, but will also make significant impact on the world wide economy.

Inception and Growth WZCC is an organic organization, since its inception — during two FEZANA Business Conferences in Las Vegas, in 1997 and 1998, culminating in the formal launching of WZCC at the World Zoroastrian Congress in Houston at the turn of the Millennium — growing and transforming as circumstances demand.

Without our knowing it, what we have developed in today’s organizational jargon, is known as a “Chaordic” organization.

It is a simple structure, with no hierarchy, bound together by a common Purpose, which is “To energize the Zarathushti entrepreneurial spirit through a networking of its businesses and professions.”

Thus our far flung chapters (now grown to 8 in USA, 5 in India, 3 in Canada, and one each in Australia, Iran, Middle East,

6

Pakistan, and UK) operate with complete autonomy, connected only through our common Vision and Mission. Gone are the old “command and control” organizations, giving way to this more spontaneous, hands-off structure, giving autonomy to its various components.

This appears to suit our Zarathushti ethos of independent and innovative thinking.

That is its brilliance. Albeit, its potential has not yet even been scratched, but nevertheless, its validity and need is unquestioned.

In retrospect, it is surprising that our community functioned through the 20th century with no economic/business/ professional support structure. We have a plethora of secular/socio-religious, and a few religious bodies, but no economic organization. We can say that WZCC is an idea whose time was ripe.

Accomplishments In the short span of nine years, WZCC has grown by leaps and bounds. Since 2004, WZCC has permanent office space at Gamadia Colony, Mumbai, through the generosity of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, and the India Region supports worldwide membership management and general administration. Membership is currently over 1500 worldwide. During the decade, eight illustrious Zarathushtis have been inducted as Patrons and

Synergyz

Synergyz_Approaching a Decade_Page 06-07-08-09.indd 6

12/1/09 2:42:56 PM

Honorary Members (Nadir Godrej, Alayar Dabestani, Minoo Shroff, Fali Nariman, Pallonji Mistry, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Byram Avari, J. J. Irani and Sam Balsara).

The recognitions program, ably managed

by Phil Madon (WZCC-Australia) annually recognizes excellence in Business and Professions.

The Chapters, the building blocks, are actively engaged in promoting local businesses, while at the same time networking with others around the globe. One has only to look at the website and read the Annual Report prepared by Corporate Secretary, the indefatigable Zarine Comissariat

However, can we truthfully say that we are achieving our vision, “to make WZCC the economic engine for the prosperity and the well-being of our community?” The real measure of our success will be in the number of our community members that we can inspire to take on the challenges of entrepreneurship, and in the numbers of businesses that we can help grow and prosper, leading ultimately to improved economic conditions for Zarathushtis worldwide.

Future directions As the visionaries and Founding Directors (Meherwan Boyce, Sarosh

The real measure of our success will be in the number of our community members that we can inspire to take on the challenges of entrepreneurship (Mumbai) to get a taste of their varied initiatives. Our finances are now in the able hands of Treasurer Framroze Patel (New York). Successful business delegations from India, have visited Dubai, Iran and Karachi. Other initiatives in the works include: Business Advisory Council and Business Cells, help with funding startups, Zoroastrian Bank, internship programs, and numerous Youth Programs. WZCC is supporting the YLEP (Youth Leadership Enhancement Program) being developed by the Dubai World Congress.

If the Chapters are the building blocks of our organization, Networking is its life blood. At the heart of WZCC networking, is its website, www.wzcc.net, which has been taken to unparalleled heights with innovative new features, by Yazdi Tantra of On-Lyne Systems, Mumbai. The e-group zchamber@yahoogroups.com, ably managed by Zareen Karani Araoz is another valuable networking tool. The jewel in the crown of WZCC is its flagship publication, SynergyZ, produced by WZCC (Middle East) under the inspired leadership of Meher Bhesania, launched at a glittering gala in Dubai in 2005.

Collector, Edul Daver, Homi Davier, Ness Lakdawala, Dorab Mistry, Dadi Mistry, Rohinton Rivetna, Fali Shroff and Kobad Zarolia) who set up this organization following a dream and nurtured it through its fledgling years, roll out, and the new guard takes the reins (among them Khodayar Attaie, Zareen Araoz, Meher Bhesania, Bomy Boyce, Zarine Commissariat, Rustom Engineer, Eric

Engineer, Shernaz Engineer, Rusi Gandhi, Hoshang Karani, Kersi Limathwalla, Phil Madon, Firdosh Mehta, Framroze Patel, Yazdi Tantra … ) we ask ourselves if any course corrections are necessary.

We shall hear some of their viewpoints below. We especially look forward to our young director Eric Engineer to inspire entrepreneurship among our next generation.

One knows that in every period of human development opportunities are abundant. Providentially we are situated in every corner of the globe to avail of globalization and major economic transformations that are taking place around the world. Our reach is everexpanding. However, no longer is it possible for a person to grasp these opportunities on their own. It takes a consortium. If we work singly like the frog in a well, the walls will be our limit. If we work together there are no limits as to what we can achieve. They are boundless, as wide as the oceans.

The exercise of our Zarathushti spirit of Hamazori, which we taught the world, will get us far. What waits to be done is to find those synergies and work together. Once WZCC’s true potential is unleashed, there can be no stopping.

The best is yet to come!

— Rohinton Rivetna Founding President, WZCC Rivetna@aol.com, (630) 325-5383.

of n years success e t ing t a r eb Cel

So one may say that WZCC has accomplished much in the first decade.

Synergyz Synergyz_Approaching a Decade_Page 06-07-08-09.indd 7

7 12/1/09 2:42:57 PM

Congratulatory Messages from Directors yy Minoo Shroff, President WZCC, India WZCC is a wonderful initiative to connect Zoroastrians across the globe in the economic and business domain. Those who laid the foundation must be lauded for their prescience and establishing a credible organization.

Despite the inevitable teething problems and the usual cynicism (what is in it for me) it has made commendable strides is establishing abiding links by networking through its excellent website. The wide range of programmes it has organized, especially for budding entrepreneurs has had a salutary impact. Green shoots of a few youngsters launching out on their own are now visible. This is an encouraging augury.

WZCC’s most enduring achievement is its ability to galvanise talent, experience and energies of a wide segment of our community. I feel greatly privileged to be actively associated with this very constructive endeavor. WZCC has come a long way but it has to strive even harder to achieve its mission. The omen is certainly propitious.” yy Homi Manchershaw Davier, Ex-Vice President, WZCC “A goal, is a dream with a plan”. Our dream began 9 years ago with a plan and today we have reached our goal. WZCC is thriving and has 22 Chapters worldwide.

It has been founded to keep the spirit of Zarathushti enterprise alive and to facilitate trade and commerce so that the Zarathushti community may continue to remain vibrant and prosperous. In future, if businesses stand ready to help and support each other, they will form a nucleus of intellectual capital and grow together and strengthen our Zarathushti community worldwide. yy Edul Daver – Ex- Secretary, WZCC A simple but powerful battle cry, “ To Energize the Zarathushti entrepreneurial spirit through a networking of it’s businesses and professions” helped to launch WZCC in 2000. Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurial, Entrepreneurship has been and will be repeated a 1000 times.

What does it mean? In its simplest form it is, “ the pursuit of opportunity beyond the

8

resources currently available”. If I may say so WZCC itself is a perfect example of an entrepreneurial organization. With limited resources it has laid the foundations for a vibrant group which with modern communication vehicles envelopes the globe with no regard to time or distance.

Examples of success abound, some involve doing business with Zarathushti’s or helping to find jobs, others involve joint collaborations and even inspiration and help to start one’s own businesses.

We are gradually but surely attracting the youth of today who are superbly educated, confident and successful in their endeavors. WZCC with it’s mentors will act as a catalyst to energize their entrepreneurial spirit, one person at a time. We will undoubtedly reach a “Tipping Point” when we will achieve exponential success, which will translate our dreams to making Bright Tomorrows. yy Phil Madon – International Director, WZCC, Australia The World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce was launched by a group of conscientious and dedicated Zarathushtis to guide our entrepreneurial and business Community. They saw the digital revolution as the perfect opportunity for our scattered community to stretch out, form effective partnerships and shape their future.

The Australian Chapter of the WZCC is run by educators, business people and entrepreneurs, who work towards strengthening a collaboration in the business community and help re-cultivate the Zoro spirit of Entrepreneurship.

We also have three youth on our committee who work with our youth (culture of participation is apparently lacking amongst our youth worldwide). By restoring a social bond and making it easy to share ideas, we trust to forge a connection. Hopefully, it will make them realise that contributing to a society also benefits the self and can assist them to reach their individual goals.

We are proud members of this global hub which effectively and honestly holds to its vision to help the community to take charge and bounce back.

Please visit our website wzcca.org and Australian website wzcca.org

yy Hoshang Karani, International Director, WZCC, USA We congratulate WZCC on achieving 10 years of solid stellar growth. However, like any new fledgling entity it was only made possible through the vision and dedicated efforts of those who believed in its merits and tirelessly worked towards nurturing it to its present strength.

The achievements of WZCC are many of which we are fully aware. However, to maintain its current trajectory path in the future, it will require continuous efforts from those who continue to believe in the merits of the dream.

When the tide comes in, all boats rise.

When the tide goes out, all boats, regardless of size, descend. If WZCC is to be an economic engine for our community, the more we actively participate the greater will be the resulting benefits for us all.

yy Meher Bhesania, International Director, WZCC, Middle East WZCC has grown from a vision to an enthusiastic energetic organization. In Dubai, the WZCC Chapter has a strong and faithful base of members with talents ranging in scope from small business developments and start-ups to the more traditional sectors of trading, construction and real estate, banking and others. Our members look forward to reaching out to the global WZCC community businessmen who are eager to tap the Zarathushti entrepreneurial spirit and willing to explore business opportunities in Dubai and the other parts of the UAE. Wishing WZCC the very best as it enters its 10th Anniversary! yy Yazdi Tantra, Technical Director, WZCC The budding child, approaching 10, looks forward to yy Focus on Youth yy New Technologies yy Encouraging Social Entrepreneurship yy Innovative Idea Sharing yy State of the Art Delivery Systems yy Enhanced Networking All, leading to self-sustained Economic Prosperity for our community across borders seamlessly.

Ah! the joys of growing up! _________________________________

Synergyz

Synergyz_Approaching a Decade_Page 06-07-08-09.indd 8

12/1/09 2:42:57 PM

Message froM Kersi liMatHWala PresiDent WZCC (Jan-DeC 2009)

The countdown to the World Zoroastrian Congress (WZC) in Dubai has already begun – an event that has created great expectations and promises to be a grand community extravaganza. It is also time for celebrations, on WZC reaching its 50th year and World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) entering its 10th year.

I am pleased that this issue of SynergyZ is dedicated to these events.

We as individuals are associated with a trade body in some form or the other and we are also a part of some community organization, be it social, religious or welfare. So when the WZCC was formed a decade back, the community at large did not know what to expect from this hybrid. Would it be a business organization or a welfare body? Fortunately the founders in their wisdom have harmoniously blended the twin objects and the results are there for the community to see. As a business organization through our network of 20 chapters, WZCC has opened tremendous opportunity for networking. This is backed by a very informative website under the stewardship of a dedicated Technical Director and the usual channel of communication through newsletters, bulletins, circulars and our very popular SynergyZ. As a welfare body we make every effort as facilitators for those planning an enterprise – through funding options, mentoring, initial handholding,

success stories, inspirational talks, workshops, seminars, etc. We carefully attempt to weave both these objectives in most of our activities. The recently announced Business Plan Competition provides an opportunity for young community members to conceive a business idea and see it through with orientation, mentoring and funding from experienced and successful businessmen.

The economic recession which has resulted in job losses has also impacted our community. WZCC has been at the fore with other community organizations especially in the US with the Zoroastrian Stimulus Plan.

The International Board has taken several progressive initiatives during the year to take the organization to the next level, but one that pleases me most is the induction of Youth Representatives on all WZCC Boards – it has brought in welcome energy. I find the message in Swami Vivekananda’s Dhaka speech very appropriate for the youth of our community. It has always enthused me and I am sure it will spur the youth in whom the community holds great promise, “But the one great danger in meditating over long past greatness is that we cease to exert ourselves for new things, and content ourselves with vegetating upon that bygone ancestral glory and priding ourselves upon it.”

Synergyz Synergyz_Approaching a Decade_Page 06-07-08-09.indd 9

9 12/1/09 2:42:58 PM

India’s Most Influential Media Man

Sam Balsara

S

am Balsara was all set to become a Chartered Accountant after a degree in commerce but chose to pursue Management. That was a great decision; otherwise India would not have had such a brilliant adman and creative thinker.

Born on 12th January 1951 in Bombay, his early schooling up to Std 6 was at St Joseph Convent School in Bulsar (now called Valsad). He later moved to Bangalore - Bishop Cotton Boys School and then to St. Joseph’s College of Commerce. He came to Bombay and got admission at Jamnalal Bajaj Institute to do a two-year MBA course in 1972 and stayed back in Bombay ever since. His interest in marketing was kindled by his Marketing Professor, Pran Chaudhary, who later offered him his first job at Sarabhai. Sam went on to take up enriching stints at Cadbury’s, Contract and Mudra.

Tanya and Lara Balsara

10

Sam with wife Homai Balsara

In 1988 he bought a small, advertising agency and started off by inducting 3 new clients into it – Godrej, Nelco and Mafatlal. Today, 20 years later, Madison has grown into a Rs.23 billion company employing over 700 communication professionals across 9 cities in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In an industry dominated by global agency networks, Madison’s growth record has been phenomenal. In April 2008 he startled the ad world by acquiring a 51% stake in Mediacom India, an MNC agency. He conducts business by a set of values which are deeply ingrained. His clients include AIG, Airtel, Allianz, AOL, Asian Paints, Axis Bank, BBC World Service, Blue Star, Britannia, Cadbury’s, Coca Cola, Dish TV, Domino’s Pizza, General Motors, Godrej, IndianOil, Levi Strauss, Marico, Max New York Life Insurance, McDonald, Procter & Gamble, Spicejet, Tata Chemicals, Tata Tea, TVS and Zee Network.

Sam is the Chairman and Managing Director of Madison World which has 20 units across 10 specialised functions in advertising, media, public relations, outdoor, BTL, rural, retail, entertainment, events and sports management. The Economic Times, Brand Equity Ad Agency Reckoner 2005 and 2007 ranked Madison Media as the most admired media agency. The same survey ranked Sam as “India’s Most Influential Media Person” for 3 consecutive years from 2006 till 2008 and also ranked Sam as the “3rd Most Influential Person in Advertising” in 2008.Madison World made it to Business

Synergyz

Synergyz_Sam Balsara_Page 10-11.indd 10

12/1/09 2:53:10 PM

Today’s list of TOP COOL Companies in 2007.

Madison Media recently won 2 international awards at Festival of Media Awards, Valencia, April 2009 and Cannes Media Lions Award, June 2009 for work done for BBC World Service Trust AntiAids Campaign. Madison Media also bagged as many as 12 awards at the recent GOAFEST and Emvies Awards organized by the Advertising Club, Bombay.

Over the past decade, Sam has headed every major industry committee or association, including the Advertising Agencies Association of India, Advertising Standards Council of India, Ad Club of Mumbai and the National Readership Studies Council. He served on the Jury of the prestigious Media Lions awards at the Advertising Festival in Cannes two years ago. He is a regular speaker and judge at various conventions and awards.

Each Madisonite is given a pocket book with Madison’s vision and values and how it will achieve this vision

Madison World is run based on value systems: Rendering professional advice without fear or favour; Putting client interest ahead of self interest and Protecting the confidentiality of media rates secured for a particular client from other clients and non-clients. Each Madisonite is given a pocket book with Madison’s vision and values and how it will achieve this vision.

He lives in an 80-year-old ancestral bungalow at Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, with his wife Homai and two daughters Lara and Tanya. ________________________________

His clients say he has all the positives of a Parsi and no negative qualities. He is friendly and transparent in his dealings.

He is simple and humble and a man of consistent habits. He works hard but parties even harder.

Sam Balsara, the man Your hobbies, games, sports activities At Bishop Cottons School in Bangalore, games were compulsory and in each of the 3 terms you were to play hockey, cricket and football and the compulsoriness I think spoilt it for me and I have not been much of a sportsman since. I was into elocution competitions, debating and a bit of theatre on the Bangalore Parsi Club stage at Navroz and New Year. Some Parsis would remember my performance as that of a retarded child!!

How do you manage time for family, business, professional activities?

Weekdays and nights are for business and professional activities, Saturday evenings for friends and Sunday is family time. I always believe that if you have the inclination you can create the time.

Your message to Parsi businessmen, youth and WZCC In today’s world to succeed, you need to work both hard and smart, and you need to go beyond the conventional and think of those businesses and professions which did not exist 10 years ago or do not exist now and create new business models which hitherto did not exist. Our mantra at Madison therefore is, “If it’s safe, it’s risky”.

What opportunities/growth do you visualise in the advertising industry?

Advertising is an extremely competitive business anywhere in the world, because for persons with a bit of experience and imagination there are no entry barriers. Whilst the advertising industry has grown rapidly in the last 5 years and is now at around Rs. 20,000/- crore, it is still only 0.4% of GDP, whereas the global average would be more like 1%. So the advertising market in India is bound to explode - there is no doubt about. I think the trick for the young, imaginative person with fire in his belly but little cash resources is to identify the right niche within the emerging specialist disciplines in advertising and position himself or herself uniquely.

Your formula for success Work hard. Work smart. Work to win and succeed. Maximise your efforts-tooutput ratio and remember all good ideas are not monetisable.

Synergyz Synergyz_Sam Balsara_Page 10-11.indd 11

11 12/1/09 2:53:11 PM

Meet the sharp and charismatic, palm pundit who draws big audiences not only with his impressive track record but is also the face of Global Zoroastrian community

W

hen Dorab Mistry gets ready to deliver his papers for a Palm Oil Conference anywhere around the world, he knows that many people would want to hear what he has to say, so he wrestles with ideas, crunches with numbers and sharpens his arguments.

The Vice Chairman, Datuk Carl Beck Neilsen, of United Plantation Bhd aptly sums it: “When Dorab is about to deliver his paper, you can be sure that people will rush in early to get their seats and the hall will be filled to the brim with eager listeners.”

So says, Mr.M.R.Chandaran a plantation industry consultant and former Malaysian Palm Oil Association, Chief Executive that “In the oils and fats complex Dorab has built up a reputation as a very astute analyst.”

Who is the palm pundit and global face of the community?

SynergyZ takes a short peek and brings

12

you some interesting facts on Dorab Mistry who is the Executive Director of Godrej International Ltd, based in London. His chief assignment is sourcing of raw materials for the Godrej Factories which produce Soap, eleochemicals and fatty alcohols. Over the years he has learnt enough about the markets to nudge Godrej International into trading.

“IN THE OILS AND FATS COMPLEX DORAB HAS BUILT UP A REPUTATION AS A VERY ASTUTE ANALYST.”

“Trading is purely a result of clever position and nothing else.” That’s his day job, but he is better known in the edible oils and fats circles for his impressive track record in foreseeing the palm oil markets.

He has growing audience seeking indications of the market’s next move.

He gives his price outlooks at selected conferences around the world. As a forecaster Dorab has tremendous ability to understand Indian subcontinent’s supply and demand complex and to reconcile this with the world. His papers include his opinions on the big issues that affect the industry. His comments and criticism are value additions that people look out for in his talks.

Dorab was born and raised in Mumbai, and is working in London for over three decades. He and his wife Shernaz, have three daughters. They return to India regularly to meet their extended family.

His professional achievements are:  Gave Bek Neilson Foundation Lectures on Vegetable Oil Market in 2000  Speaker at Annual Price Outlook Conference since 1997 till date and acknowledged as world’s leading analyst of vegetable oil price behavior  Elected to Managing Council of the International Association of Seed Crushers from 2000 to 2008. Elected Vice President of IASC 2006 to 2008

SYNERGYZ

Synergyz_Dorab Mistry_Page 12-13.indd 12

12/1/09 2:57:14 PM

Dorab Mistry

Face of the Global Zoroastrian Community

FACT BOX QUALIFICATIONS  Graduated in 1973 with degree in commerce, Mumbai University  Qualified as Chartered Accountant in 1976

CAREER  Joined the Godrej Group in 1976  Has been based in London since 1977  As and Executive Director he handles the group’s vegetable buying and trading portfolio

OTHER POSITIONS

 Treasurer Indian Maritime Association UK from 1988 to 1995  Member Board of Appeal, Federation of oils, Seeds and Fats Association Dorab’s professional career and his passion for community work and charity go hand in hand. He has worked tirelessly towards progress and well being of the Anjuman of UK and Europe, the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe. He has been instrumental in furthering the international profile of ZTFE not only within the Zoroastrian community but also within the interfaith arena.

His tryst began in 1993, when he joined the new premises steering Committee and became the Chairman in 1995.

In 1996 he joined the ZTFE Managing Committee and was elected the Treasurer. He was unanimously elected the President in Nov. 1977 until he stepped down in November 1995. With his plethora of experience he serves as the Treasurer of ZTFE to date.

It was during Dorab’s tenure that the community’s ambition was realized and the community moved to present

Zoroastrian Centre in Harrow. He led the campaign of getting the special resolution for the new premises and ensured success with majority votes and thereafter built rapport with philanthropic Zartoshty family in particular with Mehraban Zartoshty, the Patron of ZTFE. He overcame Herculean barriers with his team, first in finding a suitable premise, then raising funds to make the bid, securing planning permission for change of use and renovation of the building in keeping with its heritage status of being an important example of Art Deco style of 1930s. Dorab’s sterling efforts resulted in smooth transition of the community moving from West Hampstead to Harrow.

During his tenure as Treasurer and as President he has raised almost Pounds 4 million for ZTFE from Patrons, Donors and UK Zoroastrian community.

The first royal’s visit (Prince Edward and his wife Sophie) to Zartoshty Brothers hall is a feather in Dorab’s cap.

He also deepened ZTFE links with the School of Oriental & African Studies.

 Vice President of International Seed crushers  Vice Chairman of the Faith based regeneration Network of the United Kingdom  Past President of Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe Inc.

ACHIEVEMENTS  1976 - Won the President’s Gold Medal  2005 – GG2 Community Leadership Award

In June/July 2005, ZTFE hosted the 8th World Zoroastrian Congress. He was the Chair of the Congress. In the same year he received the GG2 Community Leadership award. Sir Ian Blair, Commissioner of the Metropolitan police, London, who was the Chief Guest at gala dinner made a powerful statement that “an award is today being given to a man who is the face of Global Zoroastrian community. He has led this small but hugely influential community with flair and distinction.” _________________________________

SYNERGYZ Synergyz_Dorab Mistry_Page 12-13.indd 13

13 12/1/09 2:57:15 PM

IN OUR HEART BURNS THE FLAME WHICH GIVES LIGHT TO HOPE

nd Fu

Zoro as

h C arity n a i tr

ac ao

s

n Ho

gk on

g Canton & M Estd.:1822

ON THE AUSPICIOUS OCCASSION OF THE 9TH WORLD ZOROASTRIAN CONGRESS, THE ZOROASTRIAN CHARITY FUNDS SALUTE THE SPIRIT OF SHARING AND ENCOURAGES FELLOW ZOROASTRIANS TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER...

ilding Zo stririaann BBuuilding roaast Zoro

Synergyz_HongKong Ad_Page 14.indd 14

12/1/09 3:01:42 PM

Before it’s too late, click and treasure the charisma of ups to vitalize during downs.

Who is

Kali Jal?

B

Kali Jal a science graduate from Bombay, a celebrity photographer and a beauty craftsman, having no competition, has successfully launched innumerable new faces of different nationalities in the modeling and advertising world, from 1976 till date in Dubai.

He has to his credit, many photo exhibitions locally and internationally. Of all “Femina” was the most successful, with 500 female photographs displayed at Hyatt Regency Dubai and Mumbai.

He is a consistent winner of photography awards, mainly for clicking classical dances in Emirates and India.

He was a lecturer for Advance Photography in Higher College of Technology – Women’s College in Sharjah University and Dubai University College.

His studio is designed exclusively for modeling with updated high-tech photo equipments, professional lights and advanced graphic computer systems.

Studio Special Effects is the only studio in

the emirates, dedicated to classical and cultural portraiture.

His assignment includes clicking high dignitaries of corporate houses, famous celebrities of film industry, launching models for advertisements, websites and magazine covers, airline crews, radio and TV anchors.

For Kali Jal, every face is a new challenge and his encouraging style of work and the caring rapport with his models has made him the most incomparable and distinguished in his field, making him the most trusted and a winning professional.

His studio always welcomes new faces and feels like is a journey of ups and downs, so before it’s too late, click and treasure the charisma of ups to vitalize during downs.

He served as still photographer for TV Soaps shot in United Arab Emirates and Mumbai.

His photo portfolios have fetched jobs for models, aircrew, soap artists, TV presenters and many glamour jobs.

HIS EXHIBITIONS ARE VERY CHALLENGING AND A SPARKLE TO ART LOVERS...

His painting style of photography reflects as signature masterpieces all over the world.

His mega exhibition “Sensational Souvenirs” is always a high level show of Gulf culture and heritage, more ethnic, most traditional and is used to display mainly on the walls of five star hotels and the high rise business towers and also promoted by the travel, tourism and marketing in outlets all over the world.

His exhibitions are very challenging and innovative, a sparkle to art lovers, creativity and zest absolutely unseen before anywhere on globe. You have to see the exhibition, to accept it. _________________________________

SYNERGYZ Synergyz_Kali Jal_Page 15.indd 15

15 12/1/09 3:11:51 PM

Climate Control Partners you can trust in the UAE Air-Conditioning – Electrical- Building Management System - Voice & Data communication – Access control & CCTV – Fire Fighting – Plumbing & Specialty Electromechanical systems

Climate Control is a premier provider of Electromechanical Systems.

Over the years they have completed a variety of buildings in the United Arab Emirates & abroad. These Include villas, palaces, shopping malls, museum, airport facilities, recreational facilities, club house, commercial & industrial complexes, high-rise buildings and more.

Climate Control Co. LLC. B.K. Building, AlGarhoud, Dubai, UAE Tel: + 9714 2823232 , Fax: +9714 2868868, email: climate@eim.ae

Synergyz_Climate Control Ad_Page 16.indd 16

12/1/09 3:26:36 PM

Lara Balsara

Whether it is her business school education at Bristol or the genes she inherited from her father, this iron in a velvet glove lady, has much to count as achievement at a young age.

A

stute, Perceptive and Sharp” are words that most people who have interacted with Lara on concluding business deals, use to describe her.

Most people find these descriptors surprising because those who know her only casually see her as a soft spoken, young girl of few words.

Whilst, whether it is her business school education at Bristol or the genes she inherited from, her father is responsible for this iron in a velvet glove lady, she has much to count as her achievement at a young age.

Lara is currently Business Development & Diversification Manager at Madison World – a 22 year old diversified Communication Group offering specialists services in different areas of Communication like Advertising, Media, Outdoor, Rural, Retail, Entertainment, BTL, Mobile, Events and Sports; employing over 700 Communication Professionals across 9 cities in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

In the 5 years that Lara has worked at Madison, she has been involved in transforming Madison from an advertising agency with focus on Media, and a handful of SBUs and a billing of Rs.

5 billion to a Diversified Communications group, with a Billing of Rs. 23 billion; having 20 Units across 10 specialized functional areas.

She herself has been involved in the setting up of new division/UNITS by identifying the needs of clients and gaps in Madison’s offering and then hunting for appropriate talent or forging strategic alliances: yyEntertainment - MATES yyMobile marketing & promotions – MADISON XURPAS yySports Marketing - PMG yyArtists Promotion and International Events - Penada yyMedia - Mediacom (JV with multinational network WPP in India) yyMedia - Madison Media Sri Lanka (first foray of Madison Media outside India) Lara joined Madison 5 years ago as a Management trainee and then worked for a year as a Client Servicing Executive in the Advertising Unit. She then went on to become the Business Diversification Executive where she proved her mettle.

Lara also has additional responsibility of Organization Building and HR at Madison.

Some time back she had conceptualized a theme of “Think Pink” for a Madison Management Conference to get Madisonites to think out-of the box and to think innovatively and not think in Black and White like most Corporates do.

Last year when Madison celebrated its 21st anniversary, she conceptualized the theme of “Let’s Turn Ants” - the thought being that as Madison grows in size, it needs to focus on systems and processes and like Ants work in a systematic way.

About 3 years ago, she conceptualized a unique Madisonites Stock Partnership

Madison was recently featured as one of the top “Cool Companies”, by Business Today, a leading Business Magazine in India Scheme to attract and reward key talent within the Group.

Madison was recently featured as one of the top “Cool Companies”, by Business Today, a leading Business Magazine in India.

Lara has done her Bachelors in Economic from St. Xaviers’ College in Mumbai and her Masters in Marketing from UWE, Bristol. When not at work, Lara is a big fan of working out and eating right & healthy (and eats as much as 8 times a day!!).

Synergyz Synergyz_Lara Balsara_Page 17.indd 17

17 12/1/09 3:29:14 PM

Tireless campaigner and titanic achiever – Interfaith & Human Rights

Jehangir Sarosh

O

n 1st January 2009, Jehangir Sarosh stepped down after 10 years as the European President of Religions for Peace – the largest global coalition of religious communities cooperating for peace. Europe’s most highly recognised Zoroastrian could savour his retirement and his promotion to President Emeritus. He had recently celebrated his 70th Birthday and on 26th November 2008, the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe had conferred upon him its Highest Honour by electing him an Honorary Life Member. Retirement will give Jehangir and his beloved wife Irma a little more time together and enable him to devote more time to the Eruch & Roshan Sadri Foundation (a large charitable trust set up by his family to administer the Estate of his Late sister Roshan).

Jehangir has been involved in Interfaith activity since 1970.

After a great deal of persuasion, in 1990 he managed to take the Zoroastrian faith into membership of the Interfaith Network of the UK. For 16 years Jehangir was the official representative on all recognised UK bodies of the Zoroastrian community.

His tenacity, his determination and his own enormous profile culminated in recognition in 2000 at the Millennium celebrations, of Zoroastrianism as one of the nine major faiths in the UK. Recognition in Europe soon followed. There is no doubt that Jehangir has enjoyed a profile which has been at times more widely recognised than that of his beloved Zoroastrian Faith particularly in Europe. His organisational work has opened doors for Zoroastrian representation to enter.

Dr William Vendley is the Secretary General of Religions for Peace and is based at its HQ at 777 United Nations Plaza in New York. Says Dr Vendley, “Jehangir’s dedication to the God-given dignity of each person is rooted in his Zoroastrian faith. It is a faith he expresses with simplicity, appealing modesty and committed action. Jehangir has laboured with brilliance to help build peace and justice through multi-religious cooperation”.

Brian Pearce, the founder director of the Interfaith Network of

18

the UK, from 1987 to 2007, pays tribute thus “ In his farsightedness, Jehangir became involved in interfaith work at an early stage, when it was still regarded as a somewhat marginal activity and before its crucial importance was recognised as it is today by all faith communities”.

Asked what he considered his most endearing legacy and his most prominent achievements, Jehangir says “Facilitating the building of : yy National Inter Religious Councils in different countries, yy The European Women of Faith Network yy European Interfaith Youth Networks and yy The European Council of Religious Leaders And then bringing all these aspects into one European Body working together at international, national and local levels completed what my wish was to see All moving Forward Together”.

What were the challenges that he faced and enjoyed tackling ?

Says Jehangir “As to the challenges that pleased me most were: 1.When I invited six prominent religious leaders of different faiths and they all came to a meeting and we inaugurated the European Council of Religious Leaders, ECRL. A body now fully recognised by the European Union, Council of Europe and The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) and many national governments in Europe. Zoroastrians now have a seat on this body as one of the nine traditional religions of the world.

2.Building an Inter-Religious Council

Synergyz

Synergyz_Jehangir Sarosh and Dhun Noria_Page 18-19.indd 18

12/1/09 3:30:02 PM

in Ireland. A council that transcends national / political boundaries ( Northern Ireland / Eire ) and to have got the two very distrusting / uncompromising, even warring communities to agree on a common constitution”.

Bishop Emeritus Gunnar Stalsett, an acknowledged leader of the ECRL, who served on the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee for 15 years, worked with Jehangir over many years and says “Jehangir Sarosh has been a genuine interpreter of Zoroastrian spirituality. He is a devout defender of the dignity of every human being and a champion of religious freedom and other fundamental human rights. His voice carries weight and his tireless efforts as a bridge builder are widely respected”.

Jehangir Sarosh was born in Indore in India in 1938 and came to live in England in 1952. His father and mother had embarked on a unique odyssey with their children to move to the UK and they

“Faith and reason is the marriage of religion and science” travelled first by boat to Iran and then drove in their 14 year old Ford convertible through Iran, West Asia and Europe to arrive in London in December 1952. As a result of this move, Jehangir’s education was disrupted and he undertook a series of jobs to keep the family pot boiling.

He did a stint in the Royal Air Force and then after a brief career in civilian work he embarked into business.

Jehangir has admirers in all faiths and regions. Dr Mustafa Ceric, the Grand Mufti of Bosnia praises Jehangir in the following words “ not many people are devoted to religious dialogue like Jehangir Sarosh. His Zoroastrian faith does not prevent him to be in the forefront of the promotion of worldwide mutual understanding among all religions and cultures .”

I first met Jehangir in 1993 and have been a big admirer of this indefatigable campaigner. Over the years, we have

worked closely as I became President of the ZTFE and he guided me to involve the Association and our community in Interfaith work. It was enlightened self interest for Zoroastrians to participate in Interfaith work and so raise the profile of our small but significant community. Jehangir says the Millennium celebrations of 2000 were a watershed and the community finally embraced and acknowledged the importance of Interfaith networking. In many ways, I have considered Jehangir my Interfaith Guru.

Finally I asked him about his reflections on the teachings of Zarathushtra – the faith that he has almost single-handedly placed in the public arena and has got recognised as a major traditional religion in the UK and now in Europe.

He says with emotion “ The beauty of Zarathushtra’s teachings is and always has been that the traditionalist, the reformer, the liberal and the orthodox can live together for He, Zarathushtra, made it clear in his Yasna 30.2 that we did not have to obey Him but had to decide according to our present day context. No other Prophet, to my knowledge, has given his followers that freedom and responsibility. In our post modern scientific age, it is vital we share this teaching for they are not dogmas but reasonable ( in every sense of the word ) guidance. Faith and reason is the marriage of religion and science.”

Jehangir is the Chairman of a successful Import-Export business which has offices in the UK, in India and in USA. His two sons now manage the business and he is very pleased he has been able to take a back seat from business.

What next for this tireless and intrepid campaigner ? His work for the ERSF will take more of his time and he will strive with his colleague trustees to expand its operations. He also says “ If I had funding, I would love to travel and meet the young and the old of our community. To help them see beyond the narrow traditionalist, reformist, liberal or orthodox views to the whole and reasonable religion of Zarathushtra, not as a teacher but in dialogue and discussion groups where we could share and learn from each other. ” ________________________________

By Dorab Mistry

University Health Network

Sept 2007

Dr. Dhun Noria Mr. Philip Orsino, Chairman of the University Health Network Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dhun Noria as a Trustee of the hospital.

Dr. Noria is the Chief of Laboratory Medicine at The Scarborough Hospital, and is the founder and president of Shared Hospital Laboratory. Dr. Noria is currently a member of the board for the Yee Hong Centre and a past member of the board of The Scarborough Hospital and its foundation board. She also served as the Chair of The Metro Toronto District Health Council.

Dr. Noria has received the 25 Year Service Award for teaching and service at the University of Toronto and in 2006 received the Hind Ratan Award in New Delhi India for Outstanding Services by a Non Resident Indian overseas. She is a previous recipient of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year Award.

University Health Network includes Toronto General, Toronto Western and Princess Margaret Hospitals.

The scope of research and complexity of patient care at University Health Network makes it a national and international resource for discovery, education and patient care. It has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Synergyz Synergyz_Jehangir Sarosh and Dhun Noria_Page 18-19.indd 19

19 12/1/09 3:30:03 PM

Paurushasp Jila President, Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

P

aurushasp Jila is the President of Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), the Zoroastrian community organisation of Europe, with its headquarters in the UK. Nominated and elected by his community as their President at the age of 31 years, Paurushasp is believed to be the youngest and first British born and bred leader of an Asian faith-based community organisation in the UK. Paurushasp heads a thriving community centre in a grade II* listed Art Deco building in Harrow, London, where Navroze celebrations are attended by up to 650 members. Paurushasp has been instrumental in promoting a very interesting mix of social, religious, cultural, educational and inter faith programmes at the Zartoshty Brothers Hall at the Zoroastrian Centre.

Paurushasp was instrumental in the setting up of the eXtra Young Zoroastrian (XYZ) committee, to provide community events for children under 15 years of age. XYZ events help children form strong friendships and camaraderie from an early age by organising sports days, children’s parties, talent competitions, picnics, etc.

His work for the community is in a completely honorary capacity. By profession, Paurushasp is an IT consultant, providing his technical expertise through his company Knight Beaumont Ltd. He specialises in Investment Banking software and has 12 years of experience in the City of London, Europe’s financial capital. He is currently consulting at the Royal Bank of Scotland. Always enthused by advancing technology, Paurushasp

20

also enjoys enhancing interiors to amplify material comforts. Paurushasp is currently working on expanding the home network and audio/visual design and installation side of his business which compliments Marzbeen’s Interior Design business, Inspiring Designs Ltd. He sees it as a natural extension of Knight Beaumont’s experience in IT networks; they are looking to expand their design and installation projects of structured cabling, home networks, multi-room audio/video and home cinema to owners of luxury homes.

Paurushasp is also looking at providing corporate clients outsourced IT services.

He is working on building a relationship with an up and coming software house based in Pune, which was introduced to him through WZCC contacts.

Paurushasp is married to Marzbeen and has a young family of two children, Vahishta aged 6 and Vishtasp aged 4. He is also active on the board of Governors of his children’s school. Paurushasp and Marzbeen are both passionate about driving and enjoy taking their TVR sports car to various track circuits. He is also keen on SLR photography and ceases every opportunity to hone his skills in it.

Marzbeen is often asked by bemused friends of how they cope with Paurushasp being such deeply involved in the ZTFE along with a full time job and several other appointments and hobbies?

Her response to that is, “Paurushasp by nature is very active, hardworking and organised. She has always known him to be dedicated in whatever he sets his mind to and that includes serving his community.”

Synergyz

Synergyz_Paurushasp Jila_Page 20.indd 20

12/1/09 3:30:52 PM

Eric Engineer

E

ric Engineer, an active member of the WZCC Dallas Chapter, was recently named the WZCC’s first Youth Representative to its Global Board of Directors.

In this new leadership role, he is charged with : yyRecruiting and leading a network of official Youth Representatives in each of the WZCC’s worldwide chapters yyRepresenting youth interests at the global board level in order to make WZCC more accessible and attractive to younger members yyIncreasing youth membership by spearheading youth-related outreach, initiatives, and programming worldwide Eric will be representing WZCC at this year’s North American Youth Congress in Fremont, CA—where he will run a Professional Networking session that will introduce youth to WZCC and organize them based on career aspirations.

In addition to his leadership role within WZCC discussed above, Eric was selected to participate in the World Zoroastrian Congress’s Youth Leadership Enhancement Program. As part of this program, he created and runs the Zoroastrian Stimulus Plan—a job search and career/entrepreneur counseling service for the Zoroastrian community (http://tinyurl.com/zorostimulus); the program is currently running in North America and will be expanded worldwide later this year.

Professionally, Eric is a Senior Associate at Sevin Rosen Funds—a Dallas-based

Recently appointed WZCC’s first Youth Representative to the Global Board of Directors Venture Capital firm with a 28-year history of teaming with innovative entrepreneurs to build world-class technology companies. Eric is focused on early-stage investments in software, Internet, digital media, mobile, and information services. He works closely with the Boards of several Sevin Rosen portfolio companies—including Invodo (e-commerce video syndication) and BIAP (software for cable set-top boxes).

for outstanding performance. Prior to Microsoft, he worked at Trilogy Software, an Austin-area technology startup, where he served as a Technical Sales Consultant focused on the automotive industry.

Eric sits on the Board of Directors for TeXchange Dallas and is a regular participant/speaker for other local technology entrepreneurship organizations including: the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship,

Eric has created a Zoroastrian Stimulus Plan – a job search and career/entrepreneur counseling service for the Zoroastrian community Eric has a breadth of operational experiences in technology-related product management, development, marketing, and sales. At Microsoft, he held a variety of roles, including Product Manager for the suite of Windows Mobile developer tools, Product Planner for the Windows CE and Windows XP Embedded operating systems, Associate Account Manager calling on enterprise software customers, and Program Manager Intern for Hotmail. Eric was a top performer in the company’s highly-selective fast-track leadership program and was awarded the Microsoft Gold Star Award

The Indus Entrepreneurs, and the Dallas Business Club.

Eric earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was President of the Technology and Media Club and first place winner of the Harvard Business School Venture Capital Investment Competition. Eric holds a Masters degree in Distributed Computer Systems from Rice University—where he also earned his undergraduate degree (cum laude) with majors in Computer Science and Managerial Studies. _________________________________

Synergyz Synergyz_Eric Engineer_Page 21.indd 21

21 12/1/09 3:32:06 PM

Entrepreneurship Do you have what it takes?

One of the hardest yet most rewarding personal journeys you can take to legitimately claim “I made this.”

T

here are lots of valid reasons to become an entrepreneur, but you’d better know your reason.

Let’s begin with “why”: yy To get rich? yy Follow a passion? yy Scratch an itch? yy Just got laid off? yy To manage your own destiny?

What it takes to be an Entrepreneur? yy Courage yy Fortitude yy Focus yy Determination yy Passion yy Competitiveness

22

yy Common Sense yy Strong Stomach yy CONFIDENCE All these are just the genetic factors you need to get started!

This is Hard Stuff: yy It takes a lot of hard work, good timing, and luck to make a successful company You don’t control all these factors. The buck stops with you and there are many forces conspiring against you. yy Learn to follow your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses yy Find a partner yy Ask for help yy It’s ok to screw up, but learn The Business What are you doing? Articulate it in 30 seconds and make it clear to the

layperson. Is it better, faster, or cheaper? It better be. And it better be 10x. yy How do you know there’s a market? yy What’s the total opportunity? yy What will it take to win? yy Ok, what will it really take to win?

Optimism Do you know the startup formula?

3 x (expected capital) + 3 x (expected effort) + 3 x (expected time) -------------------------------= ¼ x (expected result) Pessimism Entrepreneurs are genetically optimistic. yy Plan for it yy Take your most absurdly conservative projections and apply a factor of three on the downside yy Dream of success, plan for struggle Objectives yy Ok, you have the genes yy You have the idea yy You’ve got realistic expectations What are your objectives? yy Lifestyle business? yy World domination?

Do some waterfall projections.

The Waterfall Make a five-year plan with top-line revenue goals. yy Then walk back and figure out the drivers yy How many customers added per month? yy How many employees? yy Rent? Other expenses? yy Do the ratios!

- Revenue/Employee - Profit Margin - Market share (…)

Synergyz

Synergyz_Entreprenuership_Page 22-23.indd 22

12/1/09 3:32:51 PM

The Intangible Assets Many startups are high-tech in nature. yy Primary assets are knowledge-based.

Learn the intellectual property landscape.

Up-front patent searches may seem expensive, but so to is ignorance!

(Ask me, I know). yy Consider protecting yourself.

- File patent applications?

- Worth your time and expense? yy Today, patents are more important than ever: RIM, eBay, Blockbuster, … yy Build a defensible position.

Is your growth realistic? yy The idea is to demonstrate what you have to do each month. yy Is it realistic?

Are you growing faster than any company in history? yy Is your revenue/employee higher than Google? yy Maybe you should be more realistic? yy How does that affect your plans?

The Customer It’s amazing how many people start a business without talking to a customer.

It’s not hard. They usually want to help and validate (or invalidate). This can save you a lot of time.

Not just “will they buy?”, but yy How they buy? yy What are the nuances? yy Other opportunities?

Spouse & Family If you are young and single yy it will never be easier… just do it. yy If you are not then have a supportive spouse. yy They will sacrifice for you – sacrifice for them. yy Involve them… but not too much.

The Buck yy If all goes well, you’ll make a lot of them. But it stops with you. yy Don’t expect it to be easy. It can be tough when you’re all alone. The world is unfriendly towards entrepreneurs. You must be prepared for times that will test you and learn the difference between setback and dead-end. yy Trust yourself. yy Act! Adapt!

JUMP The Team Don’t do anything – don’t quit your job, don’t form a company, don’t think about Ferraris…Until you know your respective roles. yy Equal partnership? yy Responsibilities? yy Boundaries? yy Are you going solo?

Responsibilities and boundaries had better be crystal clear.

The Help Meet with a variety of lawyers, accountants, and bankers. yy They’re worth the money (usually). yy They’ll save you time and headaches. yy Assemble a supportive cast. yy Favor those who offer flexibility to entrepreneurs - Deferred payments - Support Groups - CED, etc. – network, network, network The Corporation Type of entity depends on your needs: Consultant: sole proprietorship yy Liability protection: LLC yy Tax-friendly: S-Corp yy Need investors: C-Corp (Delaware) yy Ask your lawyer.

The Money Rare is the business that grows from $0. yy How will you fund early operations? yy Family? Friends? Credit Cards? yy Angel funding: popular source for entrepreneurs. yy Venture capital: professional money, but need certain criteria yy Debt: Avoid like the plague, early on.

The Competition Know your competition inside and out. yy Strengths? yy Weaknesses? yy Begin to formulate a plan to crush them. yy Be paranoid. yy Fly under the radar as long as possible.

Do yy Get cheap, short-term office space yy Use a real attorney and accountant yy Be extraordinarily cheap yy Did I mention be cheap? yy Focus on what matters: - Prove your product attracts customers - Build a defensible position - Create value - Act with imperfect information - Adapt Don’t yy Assume that if you build it, they will come. yy Forget that the best technology rarely wins. yy Equate funding with success. yy Focus on perfection. yy Fail to act.

In Closing Entrepreneurship: One of the hardest yet most rewarding personal journeys you can take. yy You can legitimately claim “I made this.” yy You control your destiny. yy You answer to yourself. yy Be prepared for challenges you can’t imagine yy Stay true to yourself, trust your instinct yy Be scrupulously honest and ethical, and never lose your head

By Professor Fareedon Kapadia Atassh Consultants

Synergyz Synergyz_Entreprenuership_Page 22-23.indd 23

23 12/1/09 3:32:52 PM

The year 2009, will be a defining year for Zoroastrians living in this City of gold as the Congress takes place from 28th to 31st December 2009 under the signature theme – “Unity through the Sands of Time”

Dubai gets ready to host the IX World Zoroastrian Congress 24

Synergyz

Synergyz_Dubai Gets Ready_Page 24-25.indd 24

12/1/09 3:35:22 PM

I

t is said from tiny acorns grow mighty oaks. So too from the seeds sown in 1960, the World Zoroastrian Congress has evolved over the years to become a physical and spiritual meeting ground for Zoroastrians from around the world.

The first World Congress was held in Tehran in 1960, a truly historic event.

The Tehran Zoroastrian Anjuman was planning to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the foundation of the Achaemenian empire of Cyrus the great and sent out invitations to Zoroastrians all over the world to participate in the celebrations. 34 delegates from Iran, India, Pakistan and Europe attended the conference. The Congress resolved with establishment of a Polytechnic Institute, a hostel and awarding of scholarship to Zoroastrians for advanced studies in subjects ranging from science to economics and the law.

Building on the success, the second Zoroastrian Congress was held in India in 1964. The theme was ‘Contact and Cooperation’ between Zoroastrians of India and abroad to promote solidarity, progress of the community the world over. Distinguished speakers presented papers on a variety of subjects.

Unfortunately the momentum was lost and there was a gap of a decade. During a meeting of the Executive Council of Federations of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans in 1975 it was suggested that the time was long overdue for the 3rd World Zoroastrian Congress.

or socializers, but architects of the community’s future. Each and every delegate should choose to take upon himself or herself the responsibility of assuming the role of an unofficial trustee of the community; feel like a trustee but be a servant of the community.

In 1996, the Congress went back to where it all began – in Tehran. On the agenda were topics of preservation of the religious and cultural heritage and it was stressed that the World Congress

The Who’s who from the corporate world, leaders from the community organizations and members of the community from distant land will all participate in the Congress

The third World Zoroastrian Congress was held in 1978. Bombay played the host to the Congress. The theme was – ‘Zoroastrian Community in the Changing world’ woven on Unity, Understanding and Strength.

In 1985, Bombay was again the venue of 4th World Zoroastrian Congress. The theme was ‘Awakening Consciousness’.

The fifth World Zoroastrian Congress was held 5 years later in January 1990, and Bombay was once again the venue.

The theme was ‘To 2000 and beyond’.

The conference looked to the past and present as a means of building a glorious future. The Congress emphasized that delegates were not spectators

should continue to be held every four years in one of the countries where a large number of Zoroastrians live and in a favorable light. In acknowledgement of that fact and as significant number of Zoroastrians have settled in the western world over the past 25 years the Congress for the first time was held in United States.

In the year 2000, the seventh, World Zoroastrian Congress was held in Houston, as USA is home to an estimated

25,000 Zoroastrians living in North America. The Congress was attended by over 2000 Zarathushtis. It was a total Zarathushti experience. From sports to spirituality to socializing the Houston Congress had something for every one.

In 2005, the eight, World Zoroastrian Congress was held in London. People came together in the spirit of Hamazori.

Apart from the first weekend which took place mainly at the Wembley Conference Center, all the sessions took place at Zarathoshty Brothers hall which is serving as the cultural and religious center for the community in United Kingdom.

At the closing session of eight, World Zoroastrian Congress the Symbolic Torch was passed over to Dubai for hosting the next World Zoroastrian Congress.

The year 2009 will be a defining year for Zoroastrians living in this City of gold for the last 47 years.

The Congress will take place from 28th to 31st December 2009. The Congress will be held under the signature theme – ‘Unity through the Sands of Time’.

The Who’s who from the corporate world, leaders from the community organizations and members of the community from distant land will all participate in the Congress.

The four days Congress will focus on different themes ranging from community issues, religion, cultural topics, business and technology, arts and entertainment. Lots of speakers, interesting sessions, exhibitions, cultural shows, Persian dance show, Award Ceremony, Desert Safari, New Year’s Eve extravaganza are packed in the program.

The Congress will offer new business opportunities and create new markets for traders and a wonderful opportunity for all to network with each other. The event will feature a lovely exhibition offering products and services by leading companies and exquisite items by Parzor.

The World Zoroastrian Congress is a mega event for the community. It is only our inspiration, unfailing advocacy and faith will make the Congress a successful event and help the community to leave their foot prints on the sand of time and find our way to the hearts of mankind. _________________________________

Synergyz Synergyz_Dubai Gets Ready_Page 24-25.indd 25

25 12/1/09 3:35:23 PM

Synergyz_DDF Ad_Page 26.indd 26

12/1/09 3:36:03 PM

Highest French Distinction

Mr Jerome Bonnafont, the ambassador of France in India, awarding Mr Nadir Godrej with the Knight rank of “The National Order of the Legion of Honour”.

”The National Order of the Legion of Honour” conferred on Mr. Nadir Godrej

T

he National Order of the Legion of Honour, the highest distinction by the French Government to a French citizen as well as a foreigner, was awarded to Mr Nadir Godrej, Managing Director, Godrej Industries Ltd. Mr Jerome BONNAFRONT, the ambassador of France in India, decorated Mr Nadir Godrej with the knight rank of the order at a well-attended evening on November 26, 2008 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai. Mr Nadir Godrej, a well-known businessman is also popular

for his love for the French culture and the language. His affinity towards the language resulted in a book of poems written both in English and French titled “Life and other poems”.

On being conferred the award, Mr.Nadir Godrej mentioned, “I have great admiration for France and its culture.

The news of the award of the Legion of Honour was a pleasant surprise and I express my heartfelt thanks to the French government for bestowing me their highest national distinction”. _________________________________

ABOUT “THE NATIONAL ORDER OF THE LEGION OF HONOUR” The “Legion d’’Honneur” (Legion of Honour) is the highest distinction that can be conferred by the French Republic on a French citizen as well as on a foreigner. The order of the Legion of Honour was instituted in 1802 by Napolean Bonaparte.

SOME FAMOUS PERSONALITIES WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED THIS HONOUR Steven Spielberg and Gerard Depardieu. In India, renowned film director Satyajit Ray and his sitar maestro Ravi Shankar are some of the famous Indian personalities who have been bestowed this honour.

SYNERGYZ Synergyz_Nadir Godrej_Page 27.indd 27

27 12/1/09 3:36:59 PM

WZCC’s Glittering Felicitation for

Minoo Shroff

Minoo Shroff is an icon of inspiration for the younger generation. His grace, erudition, good heartedness, geniality and passion for public service are amply admired by all

T

he World Zarathushti Chamber of CommerceIndia (WZCCI) hosted a grand felicitation for him at the Cusrow Baug Pavilion, presided over by Pallonji Mistry, with illustrious speakers like Nadir Modi, JJ Irani, Adi Engineer, Kersi Limathwalla and messages from Lord Karan Billimoria and WZCC President Bomy Boyce.

The packed-to-capacity crowd comprised several worthies like BPP Chairman Dinshaw Mehta and his co-trustees – Late

HE USHERED IN ADULT FRANCHISE DURING HIS TERM AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BPP. HE HAS SEVERAL OTHER MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS TO HIS CREDIT, AND WE WISH HIM ALL THE BEST 28

Rustom Tirandaz, Arnavaz Mistry and Jimmy Mistry; former Trustees Dadi Engineer, Dinshaw Tamboly and Maneck Engineer, High Priest Dasturji Dr. Jamasp Asa, Dr. Mehroo Bengalee, Katy F. Mehta, Dadi Mistry, Behram Dastoor, Phili Kharas (WZCC Mumbai Chapter Chair) and many more.

At the very outset, the new Chairman, Dinshaw Mehta, was welcomed by WZCC’s International Vice-President, Kersi Limathwalla, who offered him a floral greeting and the wish: “God has given you a great opportunity to lead the community and may you do so in a manner such that the community remembers you for a long time.”

Of Minoo Shroff, Mr. Limathwalla exulted, “It is a special privilege for me to stand here this evening, as I was also part of the felicitation function when Minoo Shroff was appointed Chairman of the BPP. We have assembled to say thank you to

Synergyz

Synergyz_Felicitation to Minoo Shroff_Page 28-29-30.indd 28

12/1/09 3:42:42 PM

Minoo Shroff, former BPP President, flanked by Pallonji Mistry (right) and Dr. J.J. Irani (left) at the WZCCI felicitation

someone who has devotedly worked for the community for more than 20 years.

We shall remember him for his approach to bring consensus into the board room, his tireless effort to converge divergent views, and the diligence with which he applied himself. In my association with him for nearly 30 years, I have yet to come across a person as diligent as him in welfare work.”

Dinshaw Mehta said of his predecessor, “He ushered in Adult Franchise during his term as Chairman of the BPP. He has several other major achievements to his credit, and we wish him all the best.”

Eminent lawyer Nadir Modi quoted the Raymond slogan to assert, “Minoo is the complete man – in every sense. One has always thought of him as a quintessential Zoroastrian. He personifies the best qualities of our community, silently doing what he thinks is right to do. Just to know him is a liberal education in itself.

He was the captain of the ship when it was sailing through smooth and rough waters. Praise is redundant for him.”

Adi Engineer, former Managing Director of Tata Power, also spoke eloquently when he commended Mr. Shroff’s contribution to the community: “Parsis, in order to pay tribute to Minoo, should not praise him, but follow his precedent and work with unity of purpose. Minoo has been a catalyst, that important ingredient that completes a chemical equation.

And he follows the Zoroastrian tenet of giving open-heartedly.” Mr.Engineer also commended Villoo Shroff, insisting: “Behind every successful man is a supportive and loving wife!”

The stage was then set for Chief Guest Pallonji Mistry to take over. He said, “I generally don’t make speeches – this is an exception. Minoo’s deep and abiding interest in the community’s affairs and his global perspective make him much

“There are few men like Minoo who do not crave for recognition or applause, stand tall for their convictions and lend support to those who need it.

With his stellar business acumen, and a very wide perspective of current affairs he provides a platform to the business oriented to feast upon.

It was his vision, which created the Venture Capital Program and which he liberally but prudently deployed assisting many to sow their seeds of entrepreneurship.

Minoo is an economist with stellar business credentials and a lifetime of achievements through his superlative community service.”

Bomy Boyce Past Global President, WZCC

Synergyz Synergyz_Felicitation to Minoo Shroff_Page 28-29-30.indd 29

29 12/1/09 3:42:47 PM

Kersi Limathwalla at the dias, recounting Minoo Shroff ’s long and illustrious stint in public service.

Seated : Zarine Commissariat, Dinshaw Mehta, Dr.J.J.Irani, Minoo Shroff and Pallonji Mistry

admired and liked across the community.”

Dr. J.J. Irani, Director, Tata Sons, commended Mr. Shroff with the words, “Minoo is a great symbol of

spontaneous upsurge of emotion and goodwill he has managed to generate through years of dedicated community service, was his usual unassuming self.

“MINOO IS THE COMPLETE MAN – IN EVERY SENSE. ONE HAS ALWAYS THOUGHT OF HIM AS A QUINTESSENTIAL ZOROASTRIAN. HE PERSONIFIES THE BEST QUALITIES OF OUR COMMUNITY, SILENTLY DOING WHAT HE THINKS IS RIGHT TO DO. JUST TO KNOW HIM IS A LIBERAL EDUCATION IN ITSELF...” the values Parsis pride themselves for.

He has rekindled within me the urge to do something for the community.

Despite provocation, he has never lost his equanimity. He is one of the rare professionals in public life without a personal agenda. He is an example of what a person in public life should be.”

Minoo Shroff, overwhelmed by the

30

“At such an occasion, hyperbole and exaggeration are to be expected,” he began disarmingly, going on to concede, “My 22-year long odyssey at the BPP has been exacting and arduous. An intrusive and very critical press made life difficult for those of us who were managing the BPP. The Trust has a very wide spectrum of activities and we need to forget past acrimony and move ahead by finding

sensible compromises. I remember my chat with Queen Elizabeth a couple of years ago, when she spoke to me for almost fifteen minutes asking me, Why are you Parsis so pre-eminent? Then she answered the query herself by saying, I think it is because you are so confident of yourselves! We need to rediscover our strengths. I wish the new Board all the best and thank the entire BPP staff and my former colleagues who, even if they never agreed with me, never doubted my bonafides.”

Farrokh Rustomjee, Honorary Secretary of the WZCC’s India Chamber, proposed the vote of thanks and Zarine Commissariat, WZCC’s International Corporate Secretary was the hostess-with-the-mostess, orchestrating a perfect evening for much admired and revered former BPP Chairman, Minoo Shroff! _______________________________

By Shernaaz Engineer

Synergyz

Synergyz_Felicitation to Minoo Shroff_Page 28-29-30.indd 30

12/1/09 3:42:49 PM

With Best Compliments from

North Texas Chapter, WZCC, USA

In life, winners carve out their own success by themselves.

Guided by sheer hard work and determination, they remain true to the ethics and values and rise to heights of achievement.

WZCC understands the power of their inner drive that gets them ahead!

WZCC VALUES YOUR SUCCESS Synergyz_Texas Ad_Page 31.indd 1

12/1/09 4:49:12 PM

A

fter serving Khaleej Times, a leading English daily newspaper in UAE, Burjor Patel retired as Advertising Director from this organization and returned back to India this year. His remarkable contribution to this organization is reflected in the ad revenue which grew 6 times more from the time he joined. Despite his hectic time schedule he always remained an active member of WZCC and helped in laying down the foundation of SynergyZ. His smiling face and large heartedness always left people speechless.

Here is an extract of the speech given by Burjor Patel in one of his send off parties:

…They say every parsi has an angrezi name – Baji from Benjamin, Deena from Diana, Dara from Derryk, Hilla from Hillary, Manek from Mackenzie and so on…..

We parsis where are we from? The story of parsis landing in India is legendary. They say we arrived from Iran with nothing but our souls and our most sacred atash and asked asylum.

32

Where did we land? Gujarat …GU-JARAT and while language was a barrier, symbolism was not. The King kept us on the shores of beautiful Sanjaan for two days and nights, contemplating what to do…Banish us? Welcome us?

On the morning of third day he sent with his special emissary a message – the message was simple and brilliantly conveyed – It was but a bowl of milk. At first our forefathers were confused but within a moment the significance of the message dawned… they sent the milk back but with a little sugar in it. .

Significance of our message was that as sugar melts in the milk and makes it sweet, we will mingle with you and add sweetness to the place.

Before sunset on day three, the king came himself to welcome us in his land

Synergyz

Synergyz_Good Bye to Burjour_Page 32-33.indd 32

12/1/09 3:51:13 PM

Only a life lived for others is

a life lived worthwhile Burjor and Ruby Patel, the well known and loved couple in the Theatre world leave for Mumbai after spending 20 memorable years with Khaleej Times in Dubai. WZCC ME Group bids fond farewell to them. and his home. From that day we made Gujarat our home, our language and Bharat (India) our country.

We adopted many customs and passed on a few too.

So we love the ‘sreekhand’ made by gujaratis as much as they love our ‘sev’, we love ‘dudhi nu shakh’ as much as they like our ‘dhan shak’ and to show our oneness we even took on their names Bhagat, Patel, Mehta as common names.

Before we landed on the shores of beautiful Sanjan our ships halted at another port –Scotland. Now there too

Some of us got off there… and that explains the names and also our love for that pure golden Scotchtall.

Despite his hectic time schedule Burjor always remained an active member of WZCC and helped in laying down the foundation of SynergyZ. His smiling face and large heartedness always left people speechless

Tamaru Gujarat, became apru Gujarat.

Tamaru and amaru bhega maline apru Gujarat.

So what about those English names?

Well let me tell you a secret –

the king sent a message…only instead of a bowl of pure milk it was a goblet of pure golden… you guessed it…Scotch Whisky!

Good Luck to all! _________________________________

Synergyz Synergyz_Good Bye to Burjour_Page 32-33.indd 33

33 12/1/09 3:51:13 PM

Meet the Congress Chair

Meher Bhesania

Despite many commitments and time constraints, Meher accepted the responsibility of organizing the World Zoroastrian Congress in Dubai. She has delivered the mandate with great unity and pride!

M

eher Bhesania began her tryst with accomplishment right from her early years. Originally from Ahmedabad, she completed her schooling at the Convent High School and graduated with a Bachelors degree from St. Xavier’s College.

Being academically bright, she stood first in college in her Second Year of Graduation. Not only was she a good student, she also excelled at sports and won several trophies for the Xavier’s College. She was the captain of the college volley ball team and represented the Gujarat University as a State player.

Meher’s professional career started in 1970, when she joined the State Bank of India. She completed several banking exams internally and externally. In 1979 she joined the European Asian Bank (today better known as the Deutsche Bank). Being religious by nature, she ensured that the doors of the bank were opened only after a ‘Jashan’ ceremony was performed in the presence of the Zoroastrian staff! Meher is a hard working person. She’s a source of inspiration to all those who work and interact with her. In 1981 she moved to Dubai with her family.

What is the secret of her success? Well, she is a dynamic and result-oriented person. A professional banker, having spent 35 years in the banking industry, in top senior management positions, she has worked with internationally renowned banks

34

in India and Dubai and contributed her mite in many areas, both at micro and macro level, within the banking field. Her expertise lies in bank mergers, setting up new branch operations/call centers and handling operating policies and procedures of the Bank.

She has earned respect as an experienced banker and has been applauded for her integrity and acumen on subjects related to banking. She has certified several bankers through structured programs and won several accolades from leading banks in Dubai.

Along with her professional progression, Meher offers her services to community affairs in parallel. She is the founder Chairperson and Director of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZZC – Middle East Group). With her involvement, the Chapter has made tremendous progress and has become a proactive arm of the WZCC. Her firm belief in rekindling the spirit

Synergyz

Synergyz_Meet the Congress_Page 34-35.indd 34

12/1/09 3:54:44 PM

of entrepreneurship led her to invite a trade delegation from India to Dubai in 2005. Twenty-two Zarathushti business persons and professionals traveled from India with cooperation of Mumbai and Delhi Chapters for the first time in the recent history of our community to explore business opportunities in Dubai, many of whom returned with orders, underscoring the success of the trip. Meher has been instrumental in motivating Youth in taking up leadership roles in promoting WZCC and has helped several Zarathushtis in their quest for employment in the United Arab Emirates. She also produces the noteworthy journal, ‘SynergyZ’, the pride of WZCC for businessmen and professionals, which is circulated to different Chapters around the world.

The journal began in 2005 and it is packed with life style interviews of world renowned Zarathushtis, articles and success stories on entrepreneurs & professionals, interesting news items and stories on youth.

Dubai is now home to the Bhesanias.

Meher’s husband, Kersy, is a businessman.

They have a company, which specializes in air-conditioning and electro mechanical services. After serving the banking industry for over 35 years Meher will now join the family business.

Meher’s son, Firdosh, has acquired a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Architecture from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, USA. Firdosh is the Principle Group Program Manager at Microsoft. He is also a Director on USB: Board of Directors (Microsoft) and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bluetooth.

Despite her many commitments and time constraints, Meher accepted the responsibility of hosting the 9th World Zoroastrian Congress in Dubai. She has delivered the mandate with great unity and pride. She aptly sums it: “Not all of us leave behind a lasting imprint, but what we can is a legacy for our people and World Zoroastrian Congress is once such wonderful legacy that I am proud of being associated with as the Chairperson and to have worked with an inspiring Team when the Congress enters its Golden Jubilee Year”. I am grateful to all those leaders who believed in Dubai for hosting the Congress. _________________________________

WZC Organising Team Congress Chair  Meher Bhesania

Treasurer

 Barjor S. Bajan

General Counsel

 Kersy Bhesania  Noshir Motiwalla  Russi Patel ----------------------------------------------International Relations (Global)  Kersy Bhesania  Meher Bhesania International Relations (Region wise)  Phil Madon, Australia  Pervez Mistry, Australia  Sarosh Khariwala, Australia  Fariborz Jamshidi, Australia  Neville Shroff, Hongkong  Dinshaw Mehta, India  Minoo Shroff, India  Dadi Mistry, India  Mobed Mehraban Khodamorad Firouzgary, Iran  Dr. Esphandiar Ekhtiyari, Iran  Dr. Rustom Khosraviani, Iran  Khodayar Attaei, Iran  Toxy Cowasjee, Pakistan  Russi Ghadiali, Singapore  Paurush Jilla, UK  Dorab Mistry, UK  Bomi Patel, North America  Firdosh Mehta, North America  Rohinton Rivetna, North America Director, Marketing  Hoshi Siganporia Director, Congress Events  Nowshir Engineer Director, Congress Operations  Porus Guzder Director, Congress Registrations  Rumi Sarkari -----------------------------------------------

WZC, Awards Program Regional Directors  Deena Motiwalla, Dubai, UAE  Dolly Dastoor, North America  Mobed Mehraban Firouzgary, Iran  Noshir Avari, UK  Phil Madon, Australia  Pheroza Godrej, India ----------------------------------------------Youth Leadership Enhancement Program Regional Directors:  Phil Madon, Australia  Adi Engineer, India  Homai Mehta, India  Khodayar Attaie, Iran  Behram Pastakia, North America  Firdosh Mehta, North America  Meher Amalsad, North America  Niloufer Bhesania, North America  Toxy Cowasjee, Pakistan  Nowshir Engineer, UAE  Paurushasp Jilla, UK Program Consultants:  Sohrab Mistry, Canada  Cyrus Magol, UAE ----------------------------------------------Operation Eyesight Program Directors  Dr.Behram Pastakia, USA  Shahnaz Tarapore, Dubai, UAE ----------------------------------------------Director, Welcome Program  Shirrin Sarkaree Congress Anthem Visuals  Hanoz Navdar Directors, Food & Hospitality  Katy Madan  Maharuk Dadachanji  Dara Rajwadewala Directors, Advertising Support  Kaizeen Bolar, UAE  Tabrez Bolar, UAE Exhibition  Bobby Khambatta, UAE  Keki Tavadia, UAE Website Creation and Management  Yazdi Tantra, On-Lyne Computer Systems, India Official Hotel - Crown Plaza, Dubai Official Carrier - Jet Airways, India Official Travel Agency - Trail Blazer Tours Pvt. Ltd., India Local Travel and Tour Agencies  Concord Travels, Dubai  1001 Events, Dubai Congress Publicity  Burjor Patel, Khaleej Times  Dolly Dastoor, Fezana  Jehangir Patel, Parsiana  Meher Bhesania, SynergyZ  Mithi Davar, Manashni  Toxy Cowasjee, Hamazor

Synergyz Synergyz_Meet the Congress_Page 34-35.indd 35

35 12/1/09 3:54:45 PM

India’s Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major and Renowned Adman Sam Balsara address 6th AGM of WZCCME in Dubai

Highlights from

WZCC ME

T

he WZCC ME Group held its AGM in Dubai on February 27, 2009. The highlights of the program were addresses by India’s Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major and renowned advertising personality Sam Balsara, both of whom sought to identify the traits that distinguished Zoroastrians and offered suggestions on how to build on our strengths.

In her welcome speech, Meher Bhesania, traced the growth of the WZCCME over the last six years. She said Zoroastrians lacked the process of assembling on one platform and this vacuum was filled by the WZCC which now has 22 chapters worldwide.

Referring to the forthcoming Zoroastrian Congress to be held in Dubai in December 2009, she said 30 members were working worldwide to ensure its success.

Introducing Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major, she said he was commissioned in 1967 as a helicopter pilot and has served the country for 39 years, and earned some of the country’s highest valour awards.

In his address, Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major paid a tribute to Zoroastrians and said their unique traits could have something to do with their culture and upbringing. He proudly declared that all wings of the Indian defence forces had Parsis as Chiefs of Staff. He also recalled visiting cemeteries in Belgium and English during World War II and discovering the names of 57 Parsi air force pilots.

Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major had high words of praise for the Indian Air Force, the fourth largest in the world and one of the oldest air forces globally.

“From 1932 to date, Indian Air Force has emerged as a force to

36

reckon with. It is not insular anymore and has got transcontinental and strategic reach. The world today is looking at Indian Air Force with a lot of respect.

We can conduct operations thousands of miles away. We have conducted joint exercises with the US Air Force and the UAE Air Force. Similarly, we have had operations with air forces of South Africa, England, France, Singapore and Malaysia,” he said.

Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major wished success to the Zoroastrian Congress and urged the community to show stronger spirit of unity and solidarity.

Sam Balsara, Managing Director of Madisonindia, whose company has 10 divisions with a turnover of over Rs. 20 billion and who has been dubbed as one of the most influential advertising personalities by Economic Times, said he was getting increasingly involved in the affairs of the community since attending a meeting of 300 American Parsis in Houston.

“What distinguishes Parsis, according to me, is the entrepreneurial spirit, a certain passion and restlessness,” said Balsara.

“Entrepreneurship can be more complex than flying a military plane. Unfortunately, most young Parsis don’t seem to have it.”

Synergyz

Synergyz_News from Dubai Chapter_Page 36-37.indd 36

12/1/09 3:59:54 PM

Balsara felt something needs to be done to make the new generation of Parsis more active and productive.

“The Parsi community needs a job in branding. My view is that if one can brand soap, one can brand a community.

We have strong brand values and brand equity: trust, honesty, integrity and principles.”

Balsara lamented the general obsession with numbers, when dealing with Parsis issues. “We should be concerned about quality, not quantity. We take solace in the past, but we should worry about the future. It is time to roll up our sleeves and plunge headlong into action.”

The Major’s, the Sinha’s and the Bhesania’s at the AGM

Balsara lamented the ‘Que Sera Sera’ attitude of most Parsis, and said this could have disastrous consequences.

So, what needs to be done? He called for channelising the energies of young Parsis in the right direction, and urged the leveraging of the Parsi values of trust and honesty towards achieving concrete results.

“Luck can run out,” warned Balsara. “Future generations should benefit from the brand equity of Parsis. The Que Sera Sera attitude must go.”

Kersy Bhesania and Fali Major

Manish Sinha, Consul, Indian Consulate in Dubai, praised the Parsi community and urged the new generation to work harder. “If your community could produce

Nowshir receiving the WZCC Young Entrepreneurship Award for the year 2008

“Future generations should benefit from the brand equity of Parsis. The Que Sera Sera attitude must go.”

Sam Balsara receiving a memento from

such greats as Homi Bhabha and Sam Maneckshaw and others, there is no need to worry.”

Referring to India, Sinha said: “The Indian economy is on track to emerge as the centre of the world. We can show the world new models of economic gains.

We stand at the beginning of the end of poverty.”

During the function, the WZCC Middle East Award in the Outstanding Young Zarathushti Professional/Entrepreneur for 2008 was presented to Nishir Engineer, Founder, EMDI Institute of Media & Communication.

A short film on “4 Days Journey of the Congress, Dec 28-31, 2009” was screened.

A piano performance by Ardvan

WZCC ME Group.

Taraporewala enthralled the audience.

Attendees engaged in networking during the gala dinner. The program ended with a lucky draw for two airline tickets to any destination in India or Pakistan, courtesy Emirates airline. _________________________________

Synergyz Synergyz_News from Dubai Chapter_Page 36-37.indd 37

37 12/1/09 4:00:03 PM

A true navigator at heart and a Zoroastrian with big dreams to watch out for in the future

C

aptain Zarir Irani, has seen himself transform from a jolly globe trotting sailor into a successful and hard negotiating business man seeking a win-win approach in all his dealings. This life changing transformation took 5 years in the UAE with ample risks and challenges along the way.

Today, he is the Managing Director of “Constellation Marine Services” which has two offices – one in Dubai and the other in Fujairah and a host of International clients most appearing on his website www.constellationms.com Prior to this, Zarir was sailing on board merchant ships and had successfully attained the accolade of being Captain at an early age of 30 having worked with globally reputed firms such as P & O, London and Anglo Eastern. His last tour of duty was with his wife and son as a Captain of a Merchant ship until 2004 when he hung up his 4 striped white uniform and sea boots after being head hunted by a Marine Consultancy firm who offered him a job as Operations Manager here in Sharjah.

It took 1 year to settle down in the UAE and in 2005 he joined SPJCM Dubai campus for a full time MBA program, specializing in marketing. He recollects that there was no particular aim but to have a good feeling of having evenings

38

Zarir Irani

constructively spent. This great feeling of constructively spent evenings diminished within the first month of MBA classes at SPJCM, a vision and a goal started emerging, with frequent to-fro of ideas between faculties and fellow participants.

A serious transformation was in process during this phase.

The following 2 years thereafter were “transformational”, a strong “can do” attitude was reinforced; Market research was done as part of the MBA Marketing

Today, CONSTELLATION MARINE SERVICES LLC is amongst the serious players and has investigated the single largest Marine Claim in the history of UAE program, people started giving stronger support for an enterprise start up.

Last 6 months of the program in 2007 were dedicated to developing the business plan and executing it to initiate “CONSTELLATION MARINE SERVICES LLC.” in Mid 2007.

As the hectic and uncertain times progressed during the initial stages of business post May 2007 the MBA Dissertation subject was worked upon by Zarir and it so obviously transpired to be “the marketing strategy for Constellation” his newly formed enterprise. This was a formal dissertation report which has earned Zarir the “Award Professional Excellence 2009”. This was the single most strategic piece of document which is still relevant and has evolved as Constellation’s success story proudly in its 3rd year.

Today his company has a staff of 11 marine professional on pay rolls (including 3 Captains and 1 Engineer).

They have arrived amongst the serious players; have investigated the single largest Marine claim in the history of UAE territorial waters both in terms of profile and figures. This was the large collision between a tanker and a container ship 5 miles off Jebel Ali; they represented the UAE government through the DP world as their sole marine investigators in this case. This had become the front page caption of gulf news on 11th February 2009.

One often asks Zarir “what’s the goal” where is all this leading to: Its about setting newer goals once the older ones are achieved. Being an active member of a local and yacht Sailing Club he has a passion for traditional sail boating. _________________________________

Synergyz

Synergyz_Zarir Irani_Page 38.indd 38

12/1/09 4:01:26 PM

News from

North Texas Jal Shroff, proud recipient of the WZCC “Outstanding Zarathushti Professional” Award — 2008

O

n April 1 2009, the North Texas chapter of the World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) was honored and delighted to host Mr. Jal Soli Shroff for an award ceremony and dinner. Every year the WZCC recognizes outstanding Zarathushtis for their achievements in various business categories. The award for the Outstanding Zarathushti Professional was given to Mr. Jal Soli Shroff of Hong Kong by Mr. Firdosh Mehta who is also the President of the North Texas chapter of WZCC. This ceremony offered the Dallas community the opportunity to meet Mr.Shroff and spend the evening with him.

of China. His father set up the family business, S. Framjee & Co dealing with textiles and hardware, where he attended the University of London obtaining a degree in business. But he confided that his achievements on the sporting field outweighed academics! A keen cricket player, he had the distinction of captaining the Hong Kong Colony team against the Cricket Club of India which was led by the Parsi captain, Polly Umrigar.

Firdosh Mehta introduced Mr.Jal Shroff, gave a background of the WZCC activities and awarded the elegant plaque to him after recognizing many his achievements.

Mr.Shroff said he was pleased yet humbled to be selected as the recipient of this award and his emotions were mixed, he had been surprised to hear he was the recipient, but he also felt humility and gratitude and thanked his friend Rusi Ghadaili of Singapore for nominating him.

Active in many volunteer activities in Hong Kong, Mr.Shroff has been the Chair of the Zoroastrian Charity Trust funds of Hong Kong, Canton and Macau for more than fifteen years, and also Chaired the English Schools Foundation for 11 years. But his life took an interesting turn when an American from Dallas walked into his office in 1984 and expressed an interest to set up a business in Hong Kong. Mr.Shroff credits his wife Pervin for encouraging him to take this man seriously and with a small initial investment, the company called FOSSIL was launched in Dallas with two employees. Making good quality, affordable fashion watches, the company served a niche market and was an immediate success.

The audience was interested to hear of Mr.Shroff ’s early life. Although he was born in Shanghai, he grew up in Hong Kong where his family was forced to settle after the communist take-over

In 1987, Mr.Shroff and his wife established Fossil East in Hong Kong and in 1993 Fossil Dallas with its revenues of US $100 Million bought out Fossil East and consolidated the two companies

Jal Shroff receiving the award from Firdosh Mehta, President of the North Texas chapter of WZCC

into Fossil Inc which went public on the NASDAQ Exchange. Today Mr.Shroff serves as a Director for Fossil Inc with strong ties to his business partners in Dallas. The company has also diversified into producing many accessory items like handbags, belts, jewelry, sunglasses and men’s shoes. Its products are sold in over 330 company-owned stores and also through independent retailers in over 100 countries around the world. In addition, it has also acquired or licensed many other brand names like Adidas, Burberry, Armani, Diesel, DKNY, D&G, Relic and Zodiac. Respecting the diversity of its 6,000 employees, the company’s success is based on its policies of integrity, honesty and hard work.

Home and family life play an important part in Mr.Shroff ’s life. With his wife, children and grand children, and his many volunteer activities he has little time to play cricket these days. But with his fellow trustees of the HK Charitable Trust, he is a wise caretaker of community funds and a worthy recipient of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce’s award as the Outstanding Zarathushti Professional for 2008.

— By Anahita Sidhwa _________________________________

SYNERGYZ Synergyz_News from Houston Chapter_Page 39.indd 39

39 12/1/09 4:02:09 PM

Rudyard Kipling would turn in his grave were he in Sydney during the second International Ayurveda and Yoga Conference where East meets West

…..” East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet”

O

ver thirty acclaimed speakers, teachers, authors and researchers, and world leaders in alternate medicine and lifestyle from India, Europe, USA, Asia and around Australia presented an intensive six day program of lectures, workshops and free yoga classes at the conference which was organized by Ayurveda Yoga Australia (AYA) at the stunning state of the art, Sydney Recital Hall, Sydney, from 3rd April to 8th April 2009.

Ayurveda Yoga Australia (AYA) was officially formed in 2005 in Sydney. It is a neutral body, which promotes all aspects of authentic Ayurveda and Yoga. The inaugural Ayurveda & Yoga Conference was held in Sydney in 2006. The conference was a landmark event for Australia and included dynamic international speakers and Gurus.

This year’s conference was an enlightening experience. The expertise and wisdom of the speakers provided insights into how one can maintain health at the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of human existence. It was beneficial to the Health professionals who benefit on a professional level enhancing their knowledge and skills, and others - from the high flying executive to the office worker, to mums and their children. The conference highlighted the fact that to be in control of your lives, you can create a day by design, following simple day to day routines through diet, exercise, meditation, use of kitchen herbs, oils, breathing techniques, self massage, and treatments, in order to lead healthy happy lives.

The driving force behind the conference and the founding director of AYA was our very own Farida Irani. Farida is a

40

qualified Ayurveda Practitioner, a clinical Aromatherapist and Teacher, Senior Bowen Therapy Instructor, a Remedial Therapist and a Reflexologist. She has done her postgraduate studies in Ayurveda with world renowned Ayurveda Physician Prof Dr. P H Kulkarni. In October 2006 she was awarded her Ayurveda Parangat (Doctor of Ayurveda) by the International Ayurveda Open University at the 8th International Conference in Senigallia, Anconia, Italy.

Farida has pioneered Ayurveda Aromatherapy in Australia. Through her research and studies she has combined the ancient sciences of Ayurveda with the science of Aromatherapy and has been successful in reviving the use of essential oils in Ayurveda. She is an International speaker/lecturer and gets invited to several International Conferences in the Natural Therapies and Alternative Health fields. She has developed her own rare and unique Ayurveda Aromatherapy range including blends for skin/body care and therapeutic use under the name of Subtle Energies which is the Irani family business. They supply signature blends to the Spa industry worldwide. She teaches Ayurveda Aroma therapy to practitioners around the world. Bowen therapy has

Synergyz

Synergyz_Farida Irani_Page 40-41.indd 40

12/1/09 4:02:58 PM

been taken by her to India, Taiwan and Japan.

Farida has received tremendous support from her children Nekzad and Khursheed and husband Sheriar.

Nekzad was the Event Manager of the 2006 AYA Conference. The 2009 Conference was orchestrated by him and carried out by his sister Khursheed.

Nekzad’s background is in Events Management being involved in the Subtle Energies business as the Business Development and Marketing Manager concentrating mainly on the Spa Industry.

Khursheed is a degree holder in Acupuncture, and is also a qualified Clinical Aromatherapist and Bowen practitioner. She is also a professional dancer in Sydney, dancing in Bollywood and Samba shows and more currently instructing for a Salsa school in Sydney. She supports Farida, her Mother in her voluntary works in India as well as in Australia. Besides running a busy clinic,

The hotel Blue (a Taj group hotel) in Sydney through Mohan and Seema Mohan Chandran were their Platinum accommodation sponsors.VFS Global whose CEO is Zubin Karkaria were their Bronze sponsors. As usual the Zoroastrian community members were there to assist and I thoroughly enjoyed doing the floral decorations at the stunning venue.

Farida has also established Bowen Technique (founded by Oswald & Elaine Rentsch, Australia), in India and has trained a dedicated team of qualified Bowen practitioners in India and Australia. She regularly travels to India training new practitioners and doing voluntary work for the socially disadvantaged groups. She has incorporated it into some of the Non Government Organisations (NGOs) in Mumbai such as the Manav Foundation for the mentally challenged managed by Benaifer Jessia, a qualified psychologist, and the Happy Home and School for the Blind in Worli, where practitioners trained by her treat patients and blind

men and animals Urvazisht- the atash in the plants Vazisht-the atash in the clouds and lightning Spenisht- the atash that burns in this universe

Similarly details of Agni are found in the Atharvaveda (out of which Ayurveda originates) Ashmaagni- atash in stone, sky Jathar agni- atash in the body of man and animals Aushadiagni-atash in plants Vaidhutagni-atash of lightning According to Zoroastrian philosophy, the invisible spiritual force (heat energy) of Atash, works with the visible atash (flame) in this world. Atharvaveda states that

Through her research and studies she has combined the ancient sciences of Ayurveda with the science of Aromatherapy and has been successful in reviving the use of essential oils in Ayurveda Farida and Khursheed have been treating on a voluntary basis, cancer patients as well as stroke patients and children at their Subtle Energies Clinic in Sydney for years.

Farida Irani has a vision and she has been passionate about bringing it to fruition – the vision is to incorporate the great ancient sciences of Ayurveda and Yoga, through research and through establishing qualified therapists into the main stream system of education and health and to bring about awareness in the community. . . In order to do this, the support of the Indian community is required especially the Indian Government in funding such research and events such as this conference, just as the Chinese Government has invested in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for so many years.

boys. Meher Banaji, Principal of the Blind School believes that this has been most beneficial to her students, especially assisting in attention deficit disorder, periphery vision, epilepsy, muscular skeletal problems, depression, speech and hearing problems and Multiple Sclerosis.

According to Farida, there are similarities between the ancient Ayurveda and Yoga philosophies and our own Zoroastrian philosophy which she explains as follows, in her book, “The Magic of Ayurveda Aromatherapy” published by her in 2001.

Agni (fire energy) is given a lot of importance in the Zoroastrian philosophy and is called Atash. There are five kinds of Atash in Avesta literature: Berejisavangh- the atash that burns before Dadar Ahura Mazda (Creator) Vohufriyan- the atash in the body of

Farida Irani

the Agni burns in Heaven and is seen as burning in this Universe.

Even the other elements are revered in Ayurveda just as they are in the Zoroastrian philosophy: Air, Ether, Water and Earth. The omnipresent cosmic sound of “Om” or “Amen” is equivalent of “Ahun” in Avesta.

In conclusion I would like to say that Farida and family hoped to achieve what they had set out to accomplish and that is to incorporate these great ancient sciences into the main stream system of education and health and to bring about more awareness in the community. The seeds they have sown will, hopefully bear fruit at the next conference in 2011.

— By Mithi Daver, Australia

Synergyz Synergyz_Farida Irani_Page 40-41.indd 41

41 12/1/09 4:03:02 PM

Houston Hosts WZCC Global AGM And “Coming Together” Roundtable For four days in December, the Zoroastrian Association of Houston rolled out the red carpet for delegates to the 2008 WZCC Global AGM (on December 28th) and the IVth Coming Together RoundTable (on December 31st), with meetings and presentations, dialogue and deliberations, showcasing of our brightest and best, honors and awards, sight-seeing and more, culminating with the glittering New Year’s Eve Gala, and for some, a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico.

T

his WZCC Global AGM 2008 was of special significance. Now, after eight years (almost to the very day!) WZCC was coming back to the city where it all began. It was in Houston, on December 29th, 2000, during the VIIth World Zoroastrian Congress, that the vision of the incorporators – Sarosh Collector, Homi Davier, Rohinton Rivetna and Kobad Zarolia – to form a Chamber of Commerce to promote business and enterprise among Zarathushtis world wide, was finally realized, and the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) was officially launched. Today WZCC has 21 chapters world wide – 9 in USA, 6 in India and one each in Melbourne, Toronto, Iran, Dubai, Pakistan and London.

The AGM was held at the Zarathushti Heritage and Cultural Center (ZHCC) in Houston, TX, with about 145 in attendance. Some, like Honorary Members Minoo Shroff and Alayar Dabestani came, as always, to lend their guidance and inspiration. Many, like the Directors and Chapter Chairs, came to dialogue and deliberate, and set direction for the path ahead. President Bomy Boyce, Technical Director Yazdi Tantra and Corporate Secretary Zarine Commissariat who could not make it in person, were very much there much of the time, through the wonders of the simultaneous webcast. Some, like Dr. Esfandiar Ekhtiyari, Zoroastrian M.P. in the Iranian Majlis and Khodayar Attaie, Iran Region Director, came to voice the concerns and aspirations of our Zarathushti brethren, especially the youth, in Iran.

Many came to share their experiences, to celebrate their successes, and avail of the opportunity to network and grow. Above all, most came to just enjoy being with fellow Zarathushtis who shared the same vision for the Community’s growth and prosperity.

Beautiful Benedictions by Mobed Mehraban Firouzgary of Iran and Er. Peshotan Unwalla of Houston, along with six young second-generation mobeds from Houston set the tone for the day.

“The AGM is a time for annual stocktaking and reporting,” said Vice President Kersi Limathwalla, in his opening address, “While we will take a look at our activities

42

Synergyz

Synergyz_WZCC AGM_Page 42-43-44-45.indd 42

12/1/09 4:07:42 PM

Benediction Ceremony being performed by Mobed Mehraban Firouzgary at the WZCC AGM

WZCC Honorary Members, Directors and Ex-Directors at the WZCC AGM in Houston

Kersi Limathwala and Minoo Shroff

through the year, the bottom line by which we will be measured is the number of members that we have helped to get started in business, and the number of existing businesses that we have helped to grow.”

Since all the reports, from the Officers, Chapter Chairs and Special Activities, were compiled into The WZCC 2008 Global AGM Report and presented to all attendees, the morning was spent, instead, in an Interactive Open Forum giving an opportunity for all to participate and share their experiences, showcase their products or offer their ideas to realize the mission of WZCC, which is to energize the Zarathushti entrepreneurial spirit and make WZCC the economic engine for the prosperity of the worldwide Zarathushti Community.

Hoshang Karani, relating how the WZCC network helped in his transition from a professional to the owner/CEO of a large company, said it well: “WZCC is like a bank – the more you put in, the more you get back.” Referring to the collective benefit of WZCC to the community, he added “As the tide comes in, all boats rise.”

Some of the ideas floated included: economic assistance to Iranian youth (following an impassioned plea by Dr. Ekhtiyari; funding of new enterprises; a Business Roundtable partnership between Business and Community (proposed by Rustom Kevala); assistance with Business plans; marketing WZCC

WZCC Directors and Members coming together as a group after the Pre AGM Meeting

The organizers of the WZCC AGM in Houston

Bomy Boyce

better, an internship program with Zarathushti businesses and more.

and New Year’s Eve extravaganza, at the magnificent Crowne Plaza hotel in Dubai.

Next AGM and Congress The next WZCC AGM will be held in Dubai on December 29, 2009, during the World Zoroastrian Congress, December 28 – 31, 2009. Congress Chair and Director (Middle East Region) Meher Bhesania, showed a promotional film on the Congress and the host city of Dubai, and urged all to register (at www. wzcongress.org). The fee of $480 covers all meals, world-class programs, activities and entertainment, the desert safari,

Youth Forum After a scrumptious lunch in the beautiful atrium of the ZAH Center, the audience was treated to what was undoubtedly a highlight of the entire program, as five brilliant young Zarathushtis spoke with passion about their chosen fields of expertise.

Sonia Behrana Rash, who has established her own The Behrana Law Firm in 2007 explained the “Benefits and Pitfalls of

Synergyz Synergyz_WZCC AGM_Page 42-43-44-45.indd 43

43 12/1/09 4:07:46 PM

Various Business Entities”. Eric Engineer, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a Senior Associate at Sevin Rosen Funds, a Venture Capital Firm, gave a most informative presentation on “Venture Capital 101.” Amy Godiwalla a District Manager for Healthpoint, a pharmaceutical company, gave a very insightful and effective presentation on “How to Successfully Lead and Influence People.” Cyrus Mistry an Enterprise Product Manager at Google in Silicon Valley, gave a most enlightening presentation on “Entrepreneurship Within and Organization,” Lara Balsara, Business Diversification Executive at Madison World, in Mumbai, gave an insightful presentation on what it means to be an entrepreneur: “Thinking Small Beating Big – a David and Goliath Story of an Advertising Agency in India”.

It was most inspiring and heart-warming to hear the stories, accomplishments, hopes and aspirations of these bright young, home-grown Zoroastrians, all of whom have shown remarkable enterprise in their chosen professions and businesses.

Nowshir Engineer

Jal Shroff

Dr. Villoo Morawala-Patell

Sam Balsara

Kersi Limathwala and Sam Blasara

44

AWARDS AND HONORS With customary flair, ZAH had orchestrated a grand Awards Nite at the ZHCC, on December 30. Master of Ceremonies Homi Davier gave a warm Texan welcome to the 225-plus guests, and set the entertaining tone for the evening to follow.

Fossil (East) Ltd., and a Director of Fossil Inc., (NASDAQ: FOSL) a public company headquartered in Dallas, TX, with net sales exceeding US $1.4 billion and net income of $123 M. Today Fossil has global licenses to make watches and jewelry for some of the world’s leading fashion labels.

Transition of the President. An inspiring Message was read from WZCC President Bomy Boyce, who had announced to the Board, just that morning, that, in the best interest of the organization at heart, he would be stepping down due to health reasons.

His leadership and self-less service to furthering the vision of WZCC was acknowledged with deep gratitude; and Vice President Kersi Limathwalla was announced as President for the remaining term, through 2009.

Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur. Dr. Villoo MorawalaPatell of India, is founder and chairperson of Avesthagen, globally recognized as a leading systems biology company, focused on convergence of food, pharma and population genetics. Villoo has a side interest in studying the Zoroastrian gene to find the secrets of Zoroastrian longevity. This Avesthagenome Project will compile a genetic, genealogical and medical database of the Zoroastrian community. She was named Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (2006) by FICCI, India.

Speakers. WZCC (India) President Minoo Shroff gave an insightful presentation on doing business in the present-day world economic situation.

The Keynote Speaker for the evening, entrepreneur Xerxes Wania, CEO of Sidense Corp. and several other highly successful technology startups in Toronto, spoke on how to recognize an ‘Entrepreneur’ from a ‘Businessperson’.

The WZCC Honorary Membership was conferred upon Sam Balsara, Chairman and Managing Director of India’s largest diversified Communication Group, Madison World. Started by Mr. Balsara 20 years ago, Madison World today is a Rs. 20 billion ($400M) company, with 20 units, employing over 600 communication experts, with offices in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Among other honors, Mr. Balsara has been named

by The Economic Times as “India’s Most Influential Media Person.”

Three outstanding Zarathushtis, with exceptional achievements, as judged by a panel of international judges, were recognized. The annual recognitions program is administered by WZCCAustralia (Fili Madon, pars09@yahoo. com).

Outstanding Zarathushti Professional. Jal Shroff of Hong Kong was instrumental in launching the “Fossil” brand of fashion watches in USA. In 1993, Jal became Managing Director of

Outstanding Young Zarathushti Entrepreneur. For Nowshir Rusi Engineer of Dubai, it all began when he met up with two friends while studying for his MBA in India, who suggested they start an Institute for Marketing. That is when the seeds for EMDI, the Institute for Media and Communication were planted. With no capital, just hard work and persistence, in 2003, they opened offices in six Indian cities, and in Dubai. From humble beginnings, they now have 500 students going through their training centers every year.

WZCC DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS Over three Board Meetings and several informal get-togethers, the Directors, Honorary Members, Chapter Chairs and others interested in promoting WZCC as the economic engine for Zarathushtis worldwide, attempted to take stock of where that organization had been over the past year, and chart course for the future.

A major focus was on the youth. WZCCIndia has conducted some successful programs for youth last year. Rusi Gandhi and Zarine Araoz will coordinate an Internship/Summer Placement program with Zarathushti businesses. In response to grave concerns expressed by Iranian M.P. Dr. Ekhtiyari and others regarding the youth of Iran, Khodayar Attaie and Alayar Dabestani will coordinate among groups

Synergyz

Synergyz_WZCC AGM_Page 42-43-44-45.indd 44

12/1/09 4:07:48 PM

Dr. Esfandiar Ekhtiyari, Zoroastrian Member of the Parliament, in the Iranian Majlis and Khodayar Attaie, WZCC Vice President, from Iran Region, came to voice the concerns and aspirations of our Zarathushti brethren, especially the youth, in Iran in Iran regarding their economic, financial and political concerns.

Among other major initiatives discussed were: setting up a Business Advisory Council headed by Minoo Shroff with possibly a paid Administrative Assistant, to create an enabling environment and give technical and management advice to entrepreneurs, and Business Cells (along the lines of the Business Advisory Board initially set up in Chicago) in each Chapter; a Directors’ Alumni, to be coordinated by Homi Davier; streamlining the Honorary Member and Recognitions processes; an Asset Management entity for funding entrepreneurs to be coordinated by Kershaw Khumbatta; improving Communications, using the excellent website at www.wzcc.net provided by Yazdi Tantra of On-Lyne Systems, Mumbai, and the e-group zchamber@yahoogroups.com managed

by Director and Boston Chapter Chair Dr. Zareen Karani Araoz; improving Marketing of WZCC, with possible help from marketing genius Sam Balsara; and funding for WZCC’s flagship magazine SynergyZ, which is produced by the Dubai chapter.

The Board unanimously recorded deep appreciation for the services provided

by Bomy Boyce and his commitment to

the cause of the Chamber, in the face of his recent adverse health conditions, and committed to pursue with vigor, certain initiatives taken during his term.

IVth COMING TOGETHER ROUNDTABLE [A report of the Roundtable is given elsewhere].

ENTERTAINMENT AND SIGHTSEEING The entertainment was unforgettable and all the varied meals were delicious – from the bhakhra and dar-ni-pori breakfasts to the Filet of Beef carving station for the lavish New Year’s Eve Gala, when over 225 guests brought in the New Year 2009 with DJ Farrokh Firozgary.

The Awards Nite entertainment was unforgettable, notably the side-splitting “Bawas on Broadway” skit and show orchestrated by Kamalrukh Gandhi along with all the talented actors, dancers singers musicians and backstage assistants of ZAH. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the full spectrum of entertainment, from the popular Parsi songs by Peshotan Unwalla and Kaemerz Dotiwalla, to the beautiful operatic renditions by tenor Naushad Mehta and talented singer Lyla Daroga.

ZAH had also interspersed the four days with sightseeing trips: to see the Body Works exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural History; and to San Antonio to visit the historical Alamo and experience a boat ride along the famed Riverwalk.

Twenty-two Houstonions and guests also topped off the program with a 4-day cruise to Cozumel. Mexico, onboard the Carnival cruise ship Ecstasy.

KUDOS Kudos to the Houston Chapter of WZCC and the Zoroastrian Association of Houston, for their magnificent orchestration of all the programs, notably WZCC Global Director Rustom Engineer and Chapter Chair Behroze Daruwalla for planning and execution of the four-day event with such professional flair, Homi Davier for the glossy Souvenir book, and all the hardworking folks at ZAH for the memorable entertainment, for the hi-tech web-casting and audio-visual facilities, for their warm Texan hospitality, and for arranging most comfortable accommodations for all out-of-town guests.

Above all, kudos to the five ‘stars’ at the Youth Forum, the award-winners and all the businesses and professionals that inspired us with their stories. It made us proud.

[A full report of all the proceedings is available at www.wzcc.net] _________________________________

As if all these events were not enough,

Synergyz Synergyz_WZCC AGM_Page 42-43-44-45.indd 45

45 12/1/09 4:07:48 PM

WZCC & the Power of Networking Yazdi Tantra – Technical Director, WZCC yazdi@on-lyne.com

Communication is the key to grow your network and hence your business or profession

H

uman beings were born to network! As the old adage goes, no man is an island unto himself, and one of the major objectives of the WZCC is to encourage networking within its members. Our community is spread across the world, scattered in the remotest corners. Imagine traveling to Azerbaijan and finding support for business and personal needs, by a local there! Or even within your country, meeting like-minded individuals, either as friends sharing common interests or as customers needing our products or services, is one of the big benefits of our technology-driven times.

Networking goes beyond just getting buyers and sellers to meet. It would also extend to referrals. You are my friend in the auto accessories business. I have nothing to do with your business but then, I may know others who could be interested in your business. If I know you well as a fellow member, I would have no hesitation to personally recommend you to others, having the confidence of your association with WZCC. To achieve either, doing business with one another, or offering referrals, WZCC offers a great platform by providing a seamless organization. A member of WZCC in any Chapter in any part of the world becomes part of the world community without borders.

The backbone of networking and referrals is built around a very robust system of communication. Communication is the key to grow your network and hence your business or profession.

46

WZCC.NET

So, how does it all work?

For starters, WZCC has a great website www.wzcc.net When a member joins, his data gets registered on the website. He is also provided with a unique ‘userid’ and password. When he then visits the website, looking for a business partner, he can easily find another member, based on his name or business/profession or city or even his zip code! He can see his profile, visit his website and even email him online! Each of them could be in totally different parts of the world or may be next to each other – it just doesn’t matter – when they are both members, the camaraderie is instantly felt and recognized, which paves the way for sharing ideas and, eventually, some day, a business deal or at least a referral.

Opportunities

The Opportunities Section on the website carries Classifieds from across the world.

The Opportunities offered are in various categories like: yy Education yy Manufacturing

Synergyz

Synergyz_Power of Networking_Page 46-47.indd 46

12/1/09 4:09:45 PM

to the Groups Section on our website and tick your choice!

How do I start a New Interest Group?

If you wish to start a New Interest Group, please get together a group of 5 persons with their email addresses and the proposed short name of the Group. You may send this information to yazdi@onlyne.com and your group is ready to go!

So, what are you waiting for – start networking and discover its power to grow your prospects, whatever your dream.

Zchamber

yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy

Finance Marketing of Products/Services Immigration Services Properties Insurance Seminars/Trade Fairs Investment Situations Vacant Law/Legal Situations Wanted Tours & Travels Trade & Business Opportunities

Any one, including non-members, can post Opportunities online free of charge. All are welcome to use this opportunity to connect with members/ non-members and offer opportunities to the community across the world.

Groups

What are Interest Groups?

Interest Groups are areas where members with common interests get together and discuss topics of mutual interest. The topics could be commercial, technical or financial, and within the scope of the objects of the Chamber.

Since our members are spread all over the world, this is being enabled through

our website. Groups are led by a Group Coordinator, who has the ultimate responsibility of managing content and the Group.

A group operates through email. When a member of a Group sends a message to a specified email address, the entire Group gets the mail. This makes it very easy to share views, opinions and thoughts amongst the Group Members.

The groups can also meet at periodic intervals at locations of their choice, which would make the interaction live.

What are the Interest Groups currently running on wzcc.net?

Currently, we have the following groups which are live and active: yy Computing yy Enterprisers yy GlobalTrade yy IndiaTradeInfo yy MumbaiInvestorGroup How do I Subscribe/Unsubscribe to an Interest Group?

Subscribing and Unsubscribing to a Group is very simple. You just need to go

zchamber@yahoogroups.com is a mailing list which reaches out to all members / non-members who have subscribed to it. It is very easy to subscribe – just send a blank email to zchamber-subscribe@yahoogroups. com and you will be automatically subscribed. A confirmation will follow on your email id. This medium is very useful to send mailers/information of common business/commercial interest to ALL those who are registered in the Group. In case you have any issues, please feel free to contact zareen@managingcultures. com who manages and co-ordinates this Global Group.

Linked-in

Going beyond the confines of the Chamber, we also have a WZCC Group in an international business forum called Linked-In. In this forum you will get to interact with WZCC members – within the Group as well as millions of businessmen and professionals across the world. You may share common interests, discuss and debate areas of mutual benefit or you may find a business partner or even an employer or employee.

The basic level of participation is free, with various add-ons, at a cost.

Joining Linked-In is very simple – just logon to www.linkedin.com and sign up free. Look for a Group called WZCC and submit a request to join the Group and the administrators would help you out. In case you need any help, please feel free to contact yazdi@on-lyne.com

Synergyz Synergyz_Power of Networking_Page 46-47.indd 47

47 12/1/09 4:09:46 PM

Dr. Patell asserts a willingness to help and foster a new generation of business achievers within the Zarathushti fold

WZCC hosts felicitation in

Mumbai

T

he WZCC (Mumbai Chapter) organised a Felicitation Meeting earlier this year at the Hotel Diplomat, which was both well-attended and well received. Kersi Limathwalla – newlyelected Global President – presided over the event and handed over the trophy for ‘Zarathushti Entrepreneur of the Year’ to Dr. Villoo Morawala-Patell – Chairperson & Managing Director, Avesthagen Ltd. Dr. Morawala-Patell receiving the trophy from Kersi Limathwala,

At the Awards ceremony held earlier at the last Global AGM in Houston, all the annual awards were presented. However, Dr. Morawala-Patell could not be present at the time, and a special felicitation was held for her in Mumbai.

Deeply touched, Dr. Morawala-Patell confessed that she has created success in her life through dint of her hard work, overcoming many challenges along the way. Entrepreneurship, she asserted, was greatly fuelled by imagination, hard work and focusing on one’s core competencies. She also added that one needed to be able to think on one’s feet and not get daunted by challenges in business, as she faced when the global meltdown affected her expansion plans and funding initiatives. Upbeat and enthusiastic about encouraging young entrepreneurs in the community, Dr.Patell

48

as Sam Balsara and Rustom Engineer applaud

asserted a willingness to help, in any way she could, to foster a new generation of business achievers within the Zarathushti fold.

Also present at the event were Rustom Engineer – Director on the International Board – and Sam Balsara – Chairman & Managing Director, Madison World – who was awarded the WZCC Honorary Membership at Houston.

Balsara strongly emphasised the brand equity that the Parsi community has today, by virtue of the reputation built assiduously by our ancestors, and urged the younger generation to leverage this to utmost advantage. He shared some of the secrets of his success, in creating

his media company, Madison World, and identified integrity and passion for excellence as key.

Earlier in the evening, Kersi Limathwalla outlined the plans and events scheduled by the WZCC through the year, all aimed at networking and encouraging both budding and established entrepreneurs to expand their businesses with a host of programmes geared toward offering suitable inputs. The year end will see the WZCC Global AGM in Dubai, which will once again offer rich scope to members to gain valuable insights and share mutually-rewarding interactions, aimed at fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship.

-- By Shernaaz Engineer

SYNERGYZ

Synergyz_News from Mumbai Chapter_Page 48.indd 48

12/1/09 4:10:46 PM

Synergyz_Ajmal Ad_Page IBC.indd 18

12/1/09 4:12:14 PM

Synergyz_Pallonji Mistry Ad_Page OFC.indd 18

12/1/09 4:14:49 PM