I finally got the recognition for the 250th anniversary of Zoroastrian legacy to American Independence

My Journey in Advancing Recognition of the Timeless Zoroastrian Legacy

My fascination with Iran began more than fifty years ago during the 1970s, when I served as a ship captain with Arya National Shipping Lines. During that period, I visited Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rustam four times and Pasargadae, including the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, on three occasions. There was something extraordinary about these ancient monuments. Even in their ruined state, they reflected a sense of majesty, nobility, and spiritual grandeur that resonated deeply within me. Through them, I sensed the enduring legacy of Zoroastrianism and the remarkable civilization that nurtured it.

Two decades later, while attending a luncheon organized by the Indian community in Cerritos, California, I had the opportunity to meet Congressman Ed Royce. He expressed great admiration and goodwill toward the Indian community. One meeting led to another, and eventually I arranged an appointment with him accompanied by the late Vada Dasturji K. N. Dastur. A distinguished lawyer and respected scholar, Dasturji’s eloquence and intellectual brilliance made a lasting impression.

During that meeting, Congressman Royce graciously accepted my donation of the educational video The Dawn of Consciousness, which presented the fundamental teachings of Zoroastrianism. The video was subsequently accepted into the collections of the Library of Congress, marking an important milestone in promoting awareness of Zoroastrian heritage in the United States.

Fast forward to 2021. I approached the office of Congressman Lou Correa, whose district includes our Atash Kadeh in Orange County, seeking recognition of the “Timeless Zoroastrian Legacy.” What appeared to be a simple request evolved into nearly three months of continuous dialogue with legal, communications, and policy analysts in both California and Washington, D.C.

Initially, there was considerable skepticism. Some officials had never heard of Zoroastrianism and mistakenly assumed that I was advancing exaggerated historical claims. The turning point came when I presented extensive biblical evidence documenting the role of Persian kings in Jewish history. I was able to identify and explain the seventy-two references in the Bible relating to Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes, and Artaxerxes. The historical record proved overwhelming and persuasive.

As a result, Congressman Correa’s office approved the recognition, which was issued on Khordad Saal in 2021, exactly as I had hoped. That recognition became the foundation upon which many subsequent achievements were built.

I also recall that some members of our own community initially viewed the recognition with skepticism, even dismissing it as a “hoax.” However, persistence, documentation, and historical evidence ultimately prevailed.

Since that first recognition, I have been honored to obtain several additional recognitions from Congressman Lou Correa, including:

• Zoroastrian Legacy to Business and Commerce (published September 25, 2025)
  • March 21 recognized as National Zoroastrian Day in America
  • The Month of March recognized as Zoroastrian Heritage Month

In addition, I have secured numerous recognitions commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC), as well as recognitions for Nowruz and Mehregan from U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, California State Senators, and California Assembly Members.

Regarding the current recognition, the process encountered virtually no barriers. Over the years, I have provided congressional offices and government officials with substantial historical, scholarly, textual, archaeological, curatorial, and contemporary evidence demonstrating the enduring contributions of Zoroastrian civilization to humanity. The analysts and communications teams with whom I have worked are now familiar with the historical record and the significance of Zoroastrian heritage.

Today, similar recognitions are being issued by numerous public officials. What began as a single effort in 2021 has grown into a broader movement of awareness and appreciation. The momentum continues to build, ensuring that the timeless values of Zoroastrianism—truth, righteousness, justice, and service to humanity—receive the recognition they deserve in the United States and the world

Sam Billimoria

sam.billimoria@gmail.com

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