"We anticipate that attendees from all over the world will bring their unique perspectives and formative influences based on their respective cultures. Our goal is to ensure that we bridge Zarathushtis from across the world, and also bridge age, gender and spiritual differences,” note the co-chairs of the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress program committee Aban Rustomji and Keki Dadachanji. Co-chair of the FEZANA (Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America) Information and Educational Research Systems, Rustomji is an active member of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston. Dadachanji is an educator at Rutgers University and an active member of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York. They have promised a program aligned to the Congress theme "Bridging the Global Zarathushti Existence” that will "resonate with Zarathushtis from all over the world.”
Specially geared to the youth will be events where they will get to know each other, find their voice, emerging leaders will answer questions from the audience and prove that "the destiny of the faith is secure in the hands of passionate and visionary young Zoroastrians.” A dedicated track for teens as also for those in the five to 12 age bracket will allow them to explore subjects relevant to their age.
Aban Rustomji (l) and
Keki Dadachanji:
bridge Zarathushtis
"We the Zoroastrian Women: Voices of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow” will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of ladies and seek ways to create a support system to enable women to reach their full potential.
To promote harmony across the followers of different faiths, prominent representatives from the Christian, Judaic, Hindu, Sikh and Zoroastrian religion will speak on the common truths that form the bedrock of all religions.
Faced with an unprecedented ecological crisis, a panel discussion titled "Custodians of Zamyad – the spirit of the earth” hopes to inspire Zoroastrians to make a renewed commitment to confront environmental issues. The Healthy Aging track aims to take the audience’s body, mind and spirit to an optimal level of wellness and derive inspiration from those who changed the definition of retirement to a productive life of purpose.
The Khorshed F. Jungalwala Memorial Lecture will bring two leading Zoroastrian scholars who will offer an overview of Zoroastrians in the past and a vision of Zoroastrianism in the future. "Reimagining Religious Education” will highlight innovative methodologies and frameworks to educate children, youth and adults on the Zoroastrian religion, culture, history and way of life. Unique Zoroastrian migration patterns, the cultural and spiritual treasures that Zoroastrians bring to their new homelands, how mobeds meet the challenges of modern society and adapt to new realities will be analyzed at this session. "One Zarathushtra, Many Zoroastrians: Iraqi Kurds Reclaim Their Heritage” will examine the unique aspirations of Kurdish Zoroastrians.
To foster mutual respect and acceptance of members of interfaith families, "Identity, Belonging and Community in Zoroastrianism” will bring four panelists who will share their personal experiences, aspirations, frustrations, joys and hopes.
"Blind Spot: Hidden Biases of Good People” will be a participatory session involving educational and entertaining hands-on exercises to create awareness on the need to align our values with our behavior. In "Conquering the Unquiet Mind – A Guide to Mental Well-being,” a panel discussion will address depression and anxiety with which Zoroastrians can relate.
"Linking Arms Across the World” will give an opportunity to the leaders from the Global Working Group to discuss the challenges, success and vision for the community.