Twenty-six youth from Iran, India, Pakistan and the United Kingdom have been selected to participate in the Zarathushti Youth Across Borders (ZYAB) program at the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress in New York City. "These exemplary youth will shape the actions of the Zoroastrian community in the 21st century…ZYAB awardees support and exemplify the Congress theme of ‘Bridging the Global Zarathushti Existence’ by strengthening connections, concepts and ideas, and building bridges for the next generation while respecting our identities and diversity,” noted a Congress program bulletin.
Of the 26 awardees, three are from Pakistan, two from Iran, one from the UK, and the rest from India. Among the 20 Indian youth selected, two are from Poona, two from Delhi, two from Navsari, one from Vadodara, one from Madras and the remaining 12 from Bombay. Unfortunately, 16 of the 26 "have been unable to procure visas due to extreme backlog at US embassies and consulates around the world,” regretted the organizers.
The awardees in the 18 to 25 age bracket had been selected after rigorous rounds of interviews at the local, regional and global level. The eligibility criteria required them to be students of an accredited university, involved in their local Zarathushti community activities, desirous of attending the Congress but without the required financial resources (see "Congress calling,” Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, October 7-20, 2021). While the travel costs, hotel and registration fees for these participants, estimated at USD 3,000 (Rs 2,21,718) were to be borne by the Congress organizers, they were expected to make their own visa arrangements as also travel and medical insurance. Institutional donors and sponsors supporting the ZYAB were the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, The WZO (World Zoroastrian Organisation) Trust Funds, India, Karachi Zarthosti Banu Mandal and the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec.
Even those under 18 years of age will be constructively engaged during the days of the Congress. Among the activities planned for the teens and tweens are Model UN, constructing architectural models and making the Shahnameh come to life. Additionally they will be permitted to attend "carefully selected adult sessions each day.” Those younger will get an opportunity to unravel history’s mysteries with the Cyrus Cylinder and handcrafted clay cuneiform tablets while discovering heroes, myths and legends, exploring the Silk Road with hands-on activities and projects related to Persia, China, Rome and India. "The children will also develop awareness of preservation and continuity of Zoroastrian customs and traditions in the modern world with interactive demonstrations, handmade treasures and take-home keepsakes. Games, music, drama and handmade puppets will make the events even more interesting. A team of three caregivers, four mentors, nine volunteers and three guest presenters would be responsible for the Kids Congress under director Vehishta Kaikobad.