This white paper documents the learnings from our session: “Aging Across the Zarathushti World” at the 2022 World Zoroastrian Congress held in New York. For this session, the authors solicited Zoroastrian (Zarathushti) Associations in different countries about the condition of Z seniors and learnt about their needs as well as models that help improve Z senior’s quality of life. We found that many Z diasporas are well supported. Many of the survey respondents described aging Z immigrants cared for by their children and with some governmental social support or community services from Zarathushti and secular groups. However, our analysis surfaced a growing need among Z seniors in India.
As with most communities, Zarathushtis want to support their own family members. But what about those who we are not directly related to. Do we have an obligation to them? Do we agree that our global Zarathushti community is one? The authors believe we should support our aging co-religionists and offer suggestions based on the research for this session and subsequent visits to India.
Zoroastrian Studies Seminar Series Winter-Spring 2023
University of Toronto
The Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies in collaboration with the Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation
& the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America present
Zoroastrian Studies Seminar Series
Winter-Spring 2023
“Conception and representation of the Zoroastrian Rituals” Professor Alberto Cantera
Freie Universität BerlinFriday, February 17, 1:00 PM Eastern Time
“On the Transmission of the Zoroastrian Texts” Professor Almut Hintze
University of LondonFriday, April 14, 1:00 PM Eastern Time
“Zoroastrian Norms in Sasanian Law” Professor Maria Macuch
Freie Universität BerlinFriday, May 12, 1:00 PM Eastern Time
“Happiness in the Zoroastrian Traditions of Iran and India” Professor Jamsheed K. Choksy
Indiana University
Parsi Times is delighted to announce that Noshir H. Dadrawala – one of the community’s most dynamic personalities, Zoroastrian Scholar, a globally renowned consultant on Charity Laws, a prolific writer, and our very own, much sought-after PT columnist – has been invited as a member of the Governing Council of the Bombay Stock Exchange’s (BSE) ‘Social Stock Exchange’.
BSE’s ‘Social Stock Exchange’ (SSE) is the first of its kind in India and will soon have nationwide trading terminals permitted to register Social Enterprises and / or list the securities issued by Social Enterprises. The SSE will list only securities that raise money for ‘non-profit’ or ‘for-profit’ ‘social enterprises.’
Speaking to Parsi Times on the occasion of this prestigious appointment, as member of the Governing Council of the BSE’s ‘Social Stock Exchange’, Noshir Dadrawala said, “It is both, an honour and privilege to have been invited to serve on this Committee along with other eminent professionals. The Social Stock Exchange is not a new idea from a global perspective. However, it is India’s first SSE and designed very differently. I personally see a lot of opportunity for genuine charitable organisations, both, in terms of enhancing their credibility as also to fund-raise. To be listed on the SSE will require organisations to meet very high and stringent standards of Capacity, Compliance and Capability. It’s a great journey to look forward to in 2023!”
A Social Enterprise means either a ‘Not-for-Profit Organization’ or a ‘For Profit Social Enterprise’ that meets the eligibility criteria specified by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). ‘Not-for-profit Social Enterprise’ includes charitable trusts, charitable societies, companies licensed under section 8 of the Indian Companies Act 2013 and any other entity as may be specified by the Board.
A ‘for-profit’ or ‘not-for-profit’ entity must first be identified as a ‘Social Enterprise’ by establishing primacy of its social intent. Corporate foundations, political or religious organizations or activities, professional or trade associations, infrastructure and housing companies, except affordable housing, will not be eligible to be identified as a Social Enterprise.
Getting listed on the SSE would entail going through a vigorous due-diligence processes. Once listed, it would be an important recognition and enhance credibility of the social enterprise. Social enterprises listed on the SSE will also be subject to regular audits to measure social impact and reports shall be disclosed to stakeholders just like for-profit, listed companies, on regular stock exchanges.
ZTFE is delighted to share the wonderful news that, SOAS Professor Almut Hintze, Zartoshty Brothers Professor of Zoroastrianism has recently received just under £1 million grant from the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) for a project on Zoroastrianism. Please go to:
Professor Hintze informed the ZTFE; “This would not have been possible without the amazing work of Dr Yousef Moradi, who excavated the bullae.”
Earlier this year, ZTFE Faridoon & Mehraban Zartoshty Brothers Fund for Zoroastrian Studies’ awarded a grant to Dr Yousef Moradi towards his post doctorial research at SOAS.
Also mentioned in the same SOAS Staff Bulletin, Tuesday 20th December 2022:
Steve Tsang and Burzine Waghmar were invited by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Indo-Pacific to deliver briefings at the House of Commons on 14 Dec as covered by Asian Lite and Dev Discourse.
Burzine Waghmar, inaugural Visiting India Fellow, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), London, comments on the Legacy Lessons for the Indo-Pacific & Quad. He urged the UK to become a partner with the Indo-Pacific alliance and play a role both in the diplomacy and the maritime security of the region. Mr Waghmar is also the South Asia and Arts & Humanities Librarian; and academic affiliate at the Centre for Iranian Studies, Centre for the Study of Pakistan and SOAS South Asia Institute, School of Oriental and African Studies, London (SOAS).
Prof Steve Tsang, the current Director of the SOAS China Institute at the SOAS University of London, spoke about the need for the UK to have a clear and well-defined Indo-Pacific Strategy in light of the resurgence of China and its implications for the Indo-Pacific region as a whole. Prof Tsang also spoke about the Chinese perception of the western alliance and diplomacy in the region and the need to continue to engage with China, but on the terms of global world order.
Prof Tsang is also a political scientist and historian whose expertise includes politics and governance in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, the foreign and security policies of China and Taiwan, and peace and security in East Asia
Jehangir Randeria just won the Mumbai Shree (Mr Bombay) title in 40+ and 50+ categories and to top of it even his son Kaiwan won the Juniors Mr Bombay title. They will now compete in the State and Nationals titles. First time in history of Mumbai Bodybuilding a Father and Son won GOLD in the same competition.
Shared on LinkedIn by Sanjay Mudnaney, the post details the story of a 92-year-old Parsi gentleman named Mr. Keki. Mudnaney wrote about how he met Mr. Keki at a Starbucks and chatted with him about life and its struggles.
In recent times, all of us have a huge baggage of worries that we have to carry on our shoulders. Be it the stress of paying back your education loan or simply worrying about your ageing parents, the tension seems never ending. And since society has become extremely fast-paced, people have stopped interacting with each other to share their problems.
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That’s when the wisdom imparted by elderly people comes in handy. We know that they may not be that much up to date with technology, but they surely have enough life experience to tell you a lot of human emotions. And to prove that fact, let us present to you the story of this amazing 92-year-old.
Shared on LinkedIn by Sanjay Mudnaney, the post details the story of a 92-year-old Parsi gentleman named Mr. Keki. Mudnaney wrote about how he met Mr. Keki at a Starbucks and chatted with him about life and its struggles. After a brief conversation, Mudnaney was taken aback by a simple solution given by Keki to a huge tension almost all of this generation suffers from.
“I met a 92 year young gentleman at Starbucks. He takes a auto rickshaw to get to Starbucks and back to his home, he is frail , walks with a stick , but he always comes by himself , and orders his cup of coffee. Mr Keki a Parsi gentleman, shared pearls of wisdom from his 92 years of life , his enthusiasm for life is infectious . The first and most important principle he has lived by is – be honest , do honest work. ‘I never chased money,’ he says,” read a part of the story.
Now we know what you are thinking. In this money-minded world, it is tough not to chase dollars because everything depends on it. But wait and read till the end for Mr. Keki’s priceless advice.
The post has garnered over 23k likes and tons of reactions. People couldn’t stop exclaiming at the simple solution to a lot of problems one faces in their lives.
ZAC Celebrated the 6th Salgreh of their Atashkadeh with Blessings and Messages from 3 Vada Dasturs
The 6th Salgreh of the Zoroastrian Association of California‘s Atash Kadeh was celebrated with great religious fervor and Parsi gusto on the 12th of November. The celebration started a week ago by deep cleaning the premises. On the day of Salgreh, Chowk was done by Vira & Barjor Santoke, a Hama Anjuman maachi was offered to Atashpadshah in all five gehs. Also, two Hama Anjuman Jashans were performed, one in the morning and one in the evening to facilitate the whole community by Ervads Zerkxis and Zarir Bhandara which was attended by about 75 Zoroastrians. After the Jashans, ZAC president Mrs. Rooky Fitter (in the morning) and Daisy Pithawalla, the Youth Coordinator of ZAC (in the evening) read the following message from the high priest of Iranshah Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor:
“Dear Humdinds, Greetings from the land of Iranshah!
I would like to express my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to my dear friend and a sincere Mobed, Er. Zarir Bhandara on this auspicious occasion, the 6th Salgareh of the Darbe Meher in California.
In many of my talks, I have expressed the need and importance of a religiously pious and scripturally knowledgeable Mobed who is willing to share his learning and insight with the community. This is the one way, our religious traditions will be protected and our religion; preserved.
This is what Zarir has believed in and has made every effort in the direction
of Preservation. He continues to take the trouble to play a contributory role in organising and being a part of as many religious gatherings as he possibly can, in his part of the world.
What strikes me as very impressive is that he has not only encouraged and motivated his son Zerkxis but has mentored him to follow his passion.
I am grateful to you Zarir, though so far away from your roots, you have in the past 50 years helped lay a strong foundation of religious wealth for the Zoroastrians in the U.S. Your sincere efforts towards maintaining the glory and sanctity of the sacred Atash Dadgah have not gone unnoticed nor have they gone in vain.
The community has derived its strength to survive and persevere with the blessings of the burning Holy Fire.
I pray that Dadar Ahuramazda and Iranshah Let your efforts bear fruit within our Community and May you receive their blessings in abundance.
May the Light of the Sacred Fire strengthen the Faith, bring Harmony, and Guide our community towards preserving our traditions and ethnicity eventually leading us towards enlightenment.”
ZAC Secretary Mrs. Vira Santoke (in the morning) and ZAC Treasurer Mr. Phiroze Gundevia (in the evening) read the following message from high priest Dasturji Dr. Firoze M. Kotwal:
“Dear Ervad Saheb Khushro Unwalla,
Many thanks for your message about felicitating Ervad Saheb Zarrir Bhandara on the auspicious day of the 6th Salgreh of your Atash Padshah Saheb. I am pleased that the Association of California has deemed it fit to felicitate a worthy priest who is involved in the service of the whole Parsi community. Kindly find attached my message for Zarrir to be read on the auspicious occasion.
With all the good wishes and blessings of Ahura Mazda,
Yours in His service,
Dasturji Firoze M. Kotwal
Felicitations on the 6th Anniversary (Salgreh) of the Atash Padshah installed by the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC)
On this auspicious day of the Salgreh of the Atash Padshah, Rūz Māhraspand, Māh Khordād 1392 AY, it is our sincere prayer that our Holy Fire may continue to shower his choicest blessings on the faithful devotees of California. It is our wish that the Holy Fire which is spiritually linked with the Divine Fire of Ahura Mazda, may continue to bestow its spiritual blessings on the Parsi Community until the time of the Resurrection. And may the Holy Fire also bestow his divine blessings on the Parsi Community and lead them always on the path of Truth and Righteousness.
It is very gratifying that the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC) is fortunate to have a good and sincere priest such as Ervad Saheb Zarrir Bhandara who has been helping the members of the community in all spheres of life to lead them onto the path of virtue.
It is my sincere hope that Ervad Saheb Zarrir Bhandara and his son Zerkxis will continue to serve the faithful and devout members of the Good Religion in matters of the religion and in their everyday life and serve as the true shepherds of their flock. May this father and son team live a long and healthy life and may the divine blessings of Ahura Mazda be bestowed upon them and the devout members of the Parsi Irani Zarthushti community of California.”
After which ZAC’s immediate past president Mobedyar Houtoxi Contractor read the following message from High priest Vada Dasturji Cyrus Noshirwan Dastur:
Dear Ervad Dr. Unwalla,
Here is my message to be read out on the auspicious occasion of ZAC Atash Padshah’s 6th salgreh:
I wish and pray to Dadar Ahura Mazda that the divine fire that was enthroned in California six years ago, may eternally keep burning and keep blessing the Zarthosty devotees with an abundance of happiness, success, progress, and prosperity. I also congratulate Ervad Zarrir F. Bhandara, my guru, on his 50 years of dedicated, selfless, and honorary service to our Zarthosti community in the US, North America, and globally. Zarrir you have been guiding our community with your expansive knowledge about our religion and I commend you for the same, may Ahura Mazda’s blessings be showered upon you forever.”
After which a note of thanks was delivered by Ervad Bhandara, thanking the ZAC executive committee and Ervad Zerksis for working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly and to Commissariat and family for preparing delicious Dhundar, Chawal, veg Patio, and Lagan nu custard and Yashmin Mehernosh Pithawalla for mouth-watering chutney sandwiches which were relished by everyone.
Dear Friends
With a very heavy heart have to inform that our dear Dadi Mistry, former President of The Delhi Parsi Anjuman, and husband of Nergish, Father of Armeen n Bella
Father in law of Navdeep n Margarita grandfather of
Shahryar married to Taara
Maneck married to Rachel
Meherab Daraius Bhavani n Chaitanya n great grandfather of Kersi Shahryar Shroff brother of Shahrukh n Katu,
passed away today morning at 9.45 am. May his soul RIP🙏🙏
Funeral today at 4.15 pm at our Parsi Aramgah.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family.
In grief
President, Vice President and Trustees
The Delhi Parsi Anjuman
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I would like to express my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to my dear friend and a sincere Mobed, Er. Zarir Bhandara on this auspicious occasion, the 6th Salgareh of the Darbe Meher in California.
Many thanks for your message about felicitating Ervad Saheb Zarrir Bhandara on the auspicious day of the 6th Salgreh of your Atash Padshah Saheb. I am pleased that the Association of California has deemed it fit to felicitate a worthy priest who is involved in the service of the whole Parsi community. Kindly find attached my message for Zarrir to be read on the auspicious occasion.
I wish and pray to Dadar Ahura Mazda that the divine fire that was enthroned in California six years ago, may eternally keep burning and keep blessing the Zarthosty devotees with an abundance of happiness, success, progress, and prosperity. I also congratulate Ervad Zarrir F. Bhandara, my guru, on his 50 years of dedicated, selfless, and honorary service to our Zarthosti community in the US, North America, and globally. Zarrir you have been guiding our community with your expansive knowledge about our religion and I commend you for the same, may Ahura Mazda’s blessings be showered upon you forever.”
