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The Zoroastrian Association of Quebec (ZAQ) has been "a trail blazer for many of the institutions that have been functioning on this continent,” summed up Dr Dolly Dastoor, chair of ZAQ’s 50th anniversary organizing committee and four times president of the first and the oldest Zoroastrian association in North America.
 "In the past 50 years we have had 12 presidents, and (among Zoroastrian associations in North America) our association has the distinct honor of having the first woman president. We are an equal opportunity association,” observed Dastoor at the golden anniversary gala at Hotel Crowne Plaza on August 6, 2017. "This year we proudly celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA), the 50th anniversary of our Association, the 150th anniversary of Canada, the 375th anniversary of Montreal. What more could we want in one year?” she asked of the nearly 220 strong gathering that had come together for the celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately 88-year-old Ervad (Dr) Jehan Bagli who was meant to be the guest of honor at the 50th gala could not attend the function having fractured his hip in the preceding week. In her fulsome praise of Bagli, Dastoor mentioned, "What has endeared him the most to Zarathushtis of all persuasions is his spirit of openness and willingness to listen to all sides of the issues, his in-depth knowledge of the religion…addressing a given issue with reason, knowledge and loving kindness, a bridge builder between different and differing points of view.” She credited him for initiating Gavashni in 1974, the first periodical to disseminate the message of Zarathushtra across the North American continent that later morphed into the FEZANA Journal. Whilst he was the first editor of FEZANA Journal, she is the current editor.
In his message to the community, Bagli made a reference to the birth of the Association which "was not without the labor pains… This is a good time to pay tribute to all the dedicated men and women without whose efforts we would not be where we are today… This celebration is not only a festivity but a solemn occasion to meditate over the future.” Addressing the youth, he urged, "Think ahead with positive thoughts and look at the mountain you have still to climb and the work that remains to be done. Let not the work of your parents’ generation be in vain. Carry it forward.”
 Besides Bagli and Dastoor, others who have served as president of ZAQ since its formation are Edul Kanga, Adi Daruwalla (deceased), Nari Madon, Khushroo Mirza, Ervad Gev Karkaria, Ness Lakdawala, Faredoon Mistry, Dr Faranak Firoozi, Vida Fereydoonzad and current president Zareen Austin. Nine of the 12 were present for the 50th anniversary.
"It was wonderful to attend such an important moment in ZAQ’s history,” then ZAQ president Fereydoonzad conveyed to Parsiana, adding, "I am proud to be part of the future generation that will carry the community through the next 50 years. I am very grateful to Dolly and the entire organizing committee who brought this event to life and who have guided our community for so many years with so much passion and dedication.”
On the occasion Dastoor was presented with ZAQ’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In her acceptance speech she appreciated the recognition by the community of those who volunteer their time and urged the youth to offer their time and talent to the community in the years to come.
Two long-serving priests, Ervads Karkaria and Jal Panthaki were felicitated by a grateful community for having "nurtured the community in their religious quest and spiritual journey” for nearly 35 years. Besides performing weddings, initiations, after death rituals, they take time off from their professional lives to visit the sick in hospitals, take community members for medical appointments, help solve family issues, undertaking all these acts pro bono and giving whatever amount they are gifted to charities of their choice.
Among the early stalwarts present at the gala were John Palkhiwala who helped write the constitution and the bylaws, and one of the pioneers Lovji Bharucha.
FEZANA president Homi Gandhi congratulated the ZAQ team on behalf of the Zarathushtis of North America. He reminisced of his first visit to Montreal 50 years ago at the end of a 45-day Greyhound bus tour little knowing that he would return five decades later to join in the ZAQ festivities. He recognized ZAQ’s role as one of the founder member associations of FEZANA and the active part it has played in hosting FEZANA annual general meetings and congresses. When ZAQ hosted the North American Zoroastrian Congress in 1982, it compiled the Directory of Zoroastrians in Canada, it was pointed out.
Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis, congratulated ZAQ and appreciated that Zoroastrians were an integral part of the multicultural Canada that is leading the world in welcoming people from all backgrounds and beliefs who have chosen to make Canada their home. Quebec Superior Court Judge Karen Rogers who has a Zoroastrian spouse and was present for the function remarked that ZAQ "is an association that is dear to my heart.”
Also received on the occasion were messages of goodwill from political personages, the governor general of Canada David Johnstone who wrote, "Whether it is through a gift of time, talent or funds, your collective giving moments are examples for all of us to follow.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau considered the 50th milestone "an ideal occasion to reflect on the history of ZAQ and the important role it has played in your community.” The mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre appreciated ZAQ’s role in promoting "values of solidarity, generosity and sharing, values that are dear to all of us in Montreal… (and) for actively contributing to building a city known for the importance it gives to inclusion and respect.” Minister of Canadian Heritage Melanie Joly was elated that "This year, as we mark Canada 150, we have the opportunity to highlight the rich heritage and cultural diversity that make Canada such a great place to live.”
Among the overseas Zoroastrian associations that sent greetings were Malcolm Deboo, president of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe who observed that many of ZAQ’s founders "are still alive today and are able to recount their contribution in establishing and nurturing ZAQ which should be an inspiration to those running with the ZAQ baton today.” Mobed Mehraban Firouzgary, vice president of the Council of Iranian Mobeds, commended "the continued and dedicated services of the stalwarts of our community to this Association and eventually to FEZANA… to promote unity…and spread our rich ancient cultural values.” Maestro Zubin Mehta  conveyed his "great pleasure in embracing all my Zoroastrian soul mates in Quebec.”
The evening commenced with a benediction by Karkaria followed by a welcome song in Dari by Khanoom Irandokht and Esfandiar Mehrabani. Traditional Iranian music by Group Arsam and Bollywood bhangra performers regaled the audience whilst Pheroz Austin served as master of ceremonies.
Zareen Austin, the new president of ZAQ elected after the gala, was all praise for "the incredible organizing committee led by our dedicated Dolly.” When invited to share her views with Parsiana, Zareen stated, "ZAQ would like to thank everyone who made this event a great success, especially those who donated their time and monetary contributions from near and far. Though we don’t yet have a Dar-e-Mehr, our Zarathushti presence is being felt on North American soil for over 50 years…”