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"WZO (The World Zoroastrian Organisation) is very dear to me,” said Rumi Sethna, the newly elected chairman of the UK based body. After almost two decades of active involvement on the committee from 1986 until his retirement as chairman in 2004, he will be steering the ship once again. At their meeting on February 7, 2021, committee member Prof Zenobia Nadirshaw was elected president. Due to the pandemic, "It is now even more important to work in a collaborative and constructive manner with due diligence, respect and kindness,” stated Nadirshaw.
The top two posts had fallen vacant following the demise of stalwarts, president Shahpur Captain and chairman Sammy Bhiwandiwalla, in December 2020. "Both these gentlemen gave their heart and soul to our Organisation. I would like to take this opportunity in thanking them for the work and effort they gave to build this Organisation,” stated Sethna who had taken a backseat since September 2004 after serving as a secretary, treasurer, president and for the final four years as chairman.
 "During my time as a president under Shahpur and later as a chairman I travelled to Pakistan, India, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to promote WZO and the work we were doing. When we started work in Gujarat my wife Hilda and I went to the villages taking videos of the work that was being done and the poverty that our brethren were living in. When these videos were shown abroad the money started flowing in from overseas and today the WZO Trust in India is self-funding and carrying out all the activities to alleviate the poverty among our people. My trips to New Zealand, Australia and the USA were to ask the anjumans to unite and join us in order that we speak with one voice in the United Nations and other bodies,” reminisced Sethna after assuming office.

 

 

 

 

Known for hosting many gala dinner dances in aid of the charitable activities of WZO, Rumi and Hilda have been credited with raising £ 200,000 (Rs 2,05,17,000) for the farmers of Gujarat and over £15,000 (Rs 15,38,775) for the extension of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe premises in London in the early 1980s.
Addressing the committee members possessing varied skill sets, Rumi noted, "I am certainly going to make full use of all your abilities and would like to nominate duties to each person on the committee. There is no point in warming a seat and not committing yourself. There are many areas to be covered such as rentals, social events, seminars, promoting WZO internationally and negotiating with international bodies…
 "Between 2001 and 2003 Farhang Mehr, Prof Kaikhosrov Irani, Adi Davar, Rustam Dubash and I tried to get local anjumans to become members of the WZO but some of the groups rejected the idea – for whatever reason. WZO is not only for charitable purpose. It was originally formed for political reasons. It helped people in Iran to be repatriated to the West during the revolution in Iran. We then became a charitable organization…”  In addition to the relief activities initiated for the farmers in India, they had a Medical Benevolent Fund promoted by Noshirwan Cowasjee and a holiday fund for the poor that was set in motion by Shirinbanoo Kutar.
Hoping to gain global acceptance and "maybe get recognized by the United Nations,” Rumi added, "I would dearly like all associations to join us so that we can speak with one voice and help our community wherever they are in the world.”
When Parsiana sought further inputs from Rumi, he was reticent to speak of his accomplishments. Hilda though obliged, giving her husband credit for knowing "how to delegate and motivate groups into giving their best to whatever projects he takes on and that is what has made him a successful businessman while still remaining a fun loving friend to many people. Rumi in his business as an accountant has been known to be a taskmaster who can expect and demand a high and speedy standard of response from colleagues and staff but will always be available for those who need support and guidance.” Conversant about regulations in various businesses, his experience extended to building and running nursing homes, foundries and other building projects.
"To continue the legacy left by Shahpurji and Sammy,” Nadirshaw felt that progress could be attained with appropriate work undertaken with "honest and sensible decisions, guided by good thoughts, words and deeds.”
Honored as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for 44 years of work in the English National Health Service for people with learning / intellectual disabilities, and for people with mental health problems, the consultant clinical psychologist continues to be active in the social services sector as also voluntary and statutory corporations with financial and management responsibilities.
 In response to queries posed by Parsiana, Nadirshaw stated that she wished to see a "global community of Zoroastrians based on equality, diversity and inclusive principles… wherein WZO works with all members of society with an open, honest attitude.” After assuming office as president there are three key priorities that she would like to focus on: First, to ensure clarity on the WZO’s aims and objectives. The second area is to act in accordance with the Charity Governance Code relating to integrity, adoption of values and the creation of a culture that would help WZO to fulfill its vision and mission whilst offering learning opportunities for the younger Zoroastrians as the future workforce/ committee members. Finally she would like to introduce new ways of thinking so that their dynamic committee can work as an efficient and effective team.
"WZO needs your wholehearted support: attitudinal, physical and also your financial commitment to continue the work of our various charitable activities. Our charitable activities will be posted on the WZO website on a regular basis. Kindly donate generously through our website at https://www.w-z-o.org/donate/” noted the email from honorary secretary Benafsha Engineer-Mulla.