The TISS PARZOR Online Program: Get Curious. Get Cultural
We’re back once again—and this year, we’re turning up the excitement!
It’s the perfect time to enrol in the TISS PARZOR Online Certificate Program on Culture & Civilisation: A Zoroastrian Perspective, developed in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). This unique programme offers an inspiring deep dive into the extraordinary history, vibrant cultural traditions, and enduring resilience of the Parsi Zoroastrian community.
A Program that Transforms Learners
The first iteration of this programme was a tremendous success. Many participants began with little or no knowledge of the terms Parsi or Zoroastrian. Yet by the end, they walked away enriched—with confidence, curiosity, and a deep sense of understanding this unique heritage. They formed friendships, exchanged ideas, asked fearless questions, and experienced that constant moment of discovery:
“Oh, really? I didn’t know this!”
A true feather in our cap:
Graduates of the TISS PARZOR Program have gone on to secure positions in heritage management, digital publications, design, and several other specialised fields.
This program is your gateway to understanding and celebrating the richness of Zoroastrian culture.
What’s Coming in 2026
The 20-credit Certificate Program brings together an exciting range of courses taught by some of the finest experts:
- Foundation Course: Philosophy, History & Culture – Prof. Shernaz Cama, Prof. Almut Hintze & Guest Speakers
- Zoroastrian Customs, Ecology & Rituals – Dr Kerman Daruwalla, Dr Sarah Stewart & Guest Speakers
- Parsi Literature in English – Prof. Coomi Vevaina & Guest Speakers
- History, Archaeology & Heritage – Dr Kurush Dalal
- Parsis in India: A Historical Perspective – Dr Meher Mistry & Guest Speakers
- Material Culture: Arts & Architecture – Prof. Kavas Kapadia & Guest Speakers
- Languages of Zoroastrianism – Dr Kerman Daruwalla & Guest Speakers
- Introduction to Avestan – Prof. Almut Hintze
- Parsi Demographics – Prof. Siva Raju & Guest Speakers
- Parsi Theatre & Performing Arts – Dr Abhimanyu Acharya
And here’s the best part —
If you don’t want to commit to the full programme, no problem at all! You can simply pick and choose the module(s) you like. Total flexibility, tailored to your interests.
Every module lasts just 5 weeks—short, engaging, full of questions, conversations, interactions, aha-moments, and plenty of “thinking-cap” moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult? Not at all.
Do you need prior knowledge? Absolutely not!
Is it open to senior citizens? Yes—age is just a number!
And the best part? The entire programme is conducted online via Zoom.
Scholarships are also available.
You’ll also explore how a Bronze Age community migrated, adapted, and flourished across continents and centuries—knowledge that is invaluable for students and professionals in cultural studies, diaspora studies, heritage management, tourism, media, research, teaching, and publishing.
Whether you wish to reconnect with your roots, pursue a fresh academic interest, or indulge your curiosity, this programme truly has something for everyone.
So sit back, enjoy the journey, and let us guide you through this remarkable cultural landscape.
Course Begins January 2026
For more information, please contact:
Freny Daruwalla – +918007999490
Kerman Daruwalla – +919321648323
Email: tiss.parzor@gmail.com
Join us—and be a part of this exciting journey!
This article has appeared in Jam-e-Jamshed