This is a revised version of our announcement sent on August 30, 2022.
The Zoom links for our Online Lecture scheduled on Sept. 25 and the Discussion Group presentation on Oct. 23, 2022, have been revised. For your convenience, we have added the zoom links in the body of the message below. Also, the registrar’s email address given below has been corrected.
NAMC institute of Zoroastrian Studies
We are excited to announce our upcoming lectures and courses:
Course – An Introduction to Zoroastrianism – September 10 to October 8, 2022 – Saturdays @ 2:00 pm EDT
Online Lecture – Gahambars in Zoroastrianism – by Mobedyar Jamshid Pouresfandiary – September 11, 2022, 2:00 pm EDT
Am happy to inform you all that ‘Empowering Mobeds’ a joint initiative of ‘Athornan Mandal – WZO Trust Funds began undertaking various activities in 2017 as an informal collection of like minded individuals interested in developing an educated, intelligent, knowledgeable and articulate class of Mobeds.
Over the last six years various modest projects were undertaken, all of which were successfully implemented (details highlighted in the attachment). In 2021 we decided it was time for us to get registered as a Public Charitable Trust, and upon our request Burjorji Antia and his colleague Agnel undertook the process of finalising the Trust Deed and registering the Empowering Mobeds Trust. The Trust was registered on March 23, 2022.
On April 23, 2022 we had the first inaugural function of the Trust attended by Mobeds and invitees.
Am pleased to share the inaugural welcome address, which will provide an insight into our earlier activities and how we intend to undertake to create a strong, knowledgeable and articulate class of Mobeds.
The Empowering Mobeds Trust will need to be supported during its fledgling years, for which WZO Trust Funds have undertaken to raise funds and extend support.
During the first year, it is estimated that WZO Trust Funds will need to spend Rs.600,000 per month to undertake various activities and undertake Mobed enhancement programmes.
It is requested that Members of the community may kindly consider extending support to WZO Trust Funds for this very essential exercise that will facilitate the creation of a breed of committed and dedicated Mobeds who will sustain our faith and provide leadership to the community in the decades to come.
We are pleased to announce that the Dadar Athornan Institute has re-started operations, at almost full strength, after the challenging pandemic, when activities were restricted online.
Established in 1919 by the Athornan Mandal, Mumbai, the Dadar Athornan Institute trains children from Athornan families, in ritual expertise and religious knowledge in a conducive environment. The Dadar Athornan Institute celebrated its centenary three years ago, during which time it has trained hundreds of full-fledged priests, most of whom are In service to the community. As the success and survival of any religion or community is closely connected to its priests, training and Introducing new priests into the mainstream of the community is crucial.
Currently, 25 students are being trained at the Institute for priesthood along with academic education up to SSC Board level at the DPYA High School. Boarding, lodging, education and other facilities are provided free. The expense incurred on each child is around Rs.2,00,000/- per annum.
To sustain the Institution and ensure its continuity, we seek generous financial support from well-wishers and earnestly appeal to all to support the Institute, via schemes related to providing meals, student sponsorships or regular donations.
For further information, contact: +91-22-24138086 / +91-22-070784,
or write to: The Joint Honorary Secretaries,
Athornan Manda!, 240, Navsarl Bldg., 2nd Ar.,
Dr. Dadabhai Navroji Road, Fort, Mumbai – 400001
We take this opportunity to wish the entire global community a very happy JAMSHEDI NAVROZ!
-Trustees of the Dadar Athornan Institute
New FCRA Bank Account Number for NEFT from overseas donor as of July 2021
Account Name: Athornan Mandal
Account Number: 40227229015
SWIFT CODE: SBININBB104
IFSC Code: SBIN0000691
PURPOSE CODE: P1303
BRANCH CODE: 00691
ADDRESS: FCRA Cell, 4th Floor, State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch, 11 Sansad Marg,
New Delhi – 110001
Telephone Number: 011-23374390/4392/4143
Email: fcra.00691@sbi.co.in
The NEFT/RTGS Number for our donors in India remains unchanged as below:
Account Name : Athornan Mandal
Savings A/c No : 007200100000785
Bank Name : The Zoroastrian co-operative Bank Ltd, Dadar
IFSC Code : ZCBL0000007
Bank Address : Parsi Colony, Dadar (East), Mumbai 400 014.
Pan No : AAATA0230A
We appeal our generous donors who help us directly through wire transfer to please send their name, phone
number and Pan card number (if the donation exceeds Rs.10,000/-) to info@dadarathornaninstitute.org and
inform us about it at +912224138086. Our postal address is 651-52, Firdausi Road, Parsi Colony, Dadar (E),
Mumbai 400014. India.
Omicron has brought with it it renewed challenges, come hear Dasturji Khurshed K. Dastoor uplift us with a message of hope, renowned Dr. Armaity Contractor speak of coping with Omicron and Dr Kersi Chavda one of our leading Mental Health practitioners, give tips on handling COVID stress and anxiety.
Could non-Zoroastrians’ names be recited in Zoroastrian prayers and rituals? Are there scriptural restrictions? Are Zoroastrians prohibited from offering prayers for their dearly departed non-Zoroastrian spouse or loved ones? Do meaning of prayers make it inappropriate? – Let us discuss.
Presenter: Ervad Poras Balsara
Ervad Poras T. Balsara is a Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He has been actively serving the Zoroastrian community in the Dallas/Fort Worth area as a volunteer Mobed and in several other capacities.
This event is facilitated by the NAMC Institute of Zoroastrian Studies to promote knowledge through free but respectful discussion and debate. The views and opinions expressed during this discussions are those of the presenter and participants and do not reflect the official policy or position of the NAMC.
Punjiaji Agiari managed by Nargol Parsi Zarathosti Anjuman needs a Mobed Saheb on permanent basis.
His duties will include Boi at the Adaran saheb in all five Gehs, Boi at two Dadgahs sahebs in Havan and Aivisruthrem Gehs, looking after the general upkeep and cleanliness of the Agiari with the help of Agiari staff, perform all Kriyakam, perform Geh-Sarnu in case of a Dokhmenashini at our Dokhma, perform Uthamana whenever required, perform Jashans and other Kriyakaam if required in residences of worshippers and generally attend to all worshippers’ needs.
Persons desiring to occupy the position may please contact the following:
1.Hoshang Havewala: 9820041374
2.Khushroo Daboo: 98204 52434
3.Rohinton Dadachanji: 89760 00982
The successful candidate will enjoy the following salary and perks:
1.Salary: Rs. 40,000 per month (negotiable upwards commensurate with ability) with the provision for increment every year
2.Spacious modern living quarters consisting of a hall, a bedroom and a kitchen with attached toilet and bath with 24 hours water supply
3.All income from Sukhad and Batti
4.All charges for Kriyakam (assistant mobed in kriya kaam to be paid from the charges received)