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With the "formal part” of the first ever online annual general meeting (AGM) over, "let us now have some fun,” announced Shernaz Engineer, chair of the UK Chapter of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC). The Chapter, hosts of the January 23, 2021 meeting, had commissioned budding filmmaker Ryan Kalifa to prepare a 10-minute documentary on young UK-based entrepreneurs. Two established business people and two with startup ventures were interviewed on their journeys: Jeroo Doodhmal who manufactures children’s shoes from eco-friendly material, Navaz Sethna who runs a student study center, Dr Zen Cassinath, founder and owner of Advanced Metal Castings Limited and Malcolm Kapadia who founded a company that provides information technology (IT) services to the education sector.
The video was interspersed with footage of an erstwhile bustling London, and images of deserted streets during the pandemic. "It is very evocative to see (the city) as a silent, empty place,” Engineer observed. This is the second part of Parsiana’s coverage of the AGM (see "Come up with new ideas,” Parsiana, February 7-20, 2021).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Founder of Pip and Henry, Doodhmal believes that children are catalysts for change. "That is certainly true for me,” she narrated. When her child was born, she said she was amazed at the speed with which the little one outgrew clothing and shoes. Research showed her that "over 60 million children’s shoes end up in landfills every year in UK,” releasing chemicals into the environment over many years. This was the impetus for her start-up venture. Covid-related delays in production at Doodhmal’s India manufacturing facility slowed down her work, but "now we are on the cusp of launching in the UK.” Her products are made from eco-friendly material like hemp and recycled rubber.” We will incentivize the return of outgrown footwear,” said the entrepreneur. She plans to use story books narrating the adventures of the eponymous Pip and her dinosaur friend to empower children to be more conscious of the environment. She acknowledged the support extended by various UK based organizations including WZCC with ideation, marketing support and mentorship.
Sethna runs Kumon, a mathematics and English study center for children of all ages. "I have 220 students,” she stated. Her center is one of 600 Kumon franchises in the UK. Their program allows students to focus on speed and technique and then reach levels above their peers at school, stated the businesswoman. On the Kumon UK advisory committee which represents 650 instructors nationwide, Sethna said her center has been awarded "Elite” status for the past six years. She was able to start online classes within one month of the pandemic related closure. Identifying teachers who are comfortable with online teaching was a challenge but she now has five different classes running every week, Sethna stated. "We lost a few students initially but not one of our students has undergone even a day’s disruption in their Kumon studies,” she added. In light of school closures, Sethna believes the pandemic has highlighted the need for continuity of education for children. She has "not really availed of government support in the UK… though that may change in the future.” What typifies her as a Zoroastrian entrepreneur? "When there is a decision to be made, I ask myself what is best for the student,” she noted.
"For me it is basically trying to get heard,” narrated Cassinath, who owns and manages a metal casting business. His products aim at reducing energy consumption and lowering operating costs for manufacturing businesses. The challenge is convincing industrialists that they need this technology. He advised young entrepreneurs to check out local universities that provide grants. The best thing about being a Zoroastrian entrepreneur is being able to make a name for the Parsi community in a country outside of India, he averred.
Kapadia, founder of CITL (ClickOn IT London), a company that provides information technology services to the education sector, serves over 200 customers. "We are one of the largest companies in greater London area that provides IT services to this sector,” Kapadia stated. "Retaining the right level of staffing was one of the greatest challenges during the year,” he noted, appreciating the assistance of the UK Chapter in providing mentoring services.
A 90-page annual report covering the regional directors’ and chapters’ activities was circulated to the members of WZCC in advance of the AGM. This included membership details and listing of their membership numbers and activities.
Their annual report noted that in October 2019, the Zoroastrian Faculty Network (ZFN) advertised in the Parsi Press in India to select a student for a masters’ program in engineering leading to a doctorate degree with the Systems Realization Laboratory at the University of Oklahoma. "Only two applications were received and we had shortlisted one student but ultimately unfortunately he declined the offer,” stated the report of Farrokh Rustomji, core team member from India. The Network conducted four student seminars between September and December 2020, all moderated by core team member Prof Farrokh Mistree.
Announcing that the next AGM would be held in January 2022 in Poona, their Chapter chair Tehmasp Bharucha called the city the "second major IT hub of India and the top automobile and manufacturing hub of India.”
Winding up the meeting, Engineer thanked the global president Edul Daver, vice president Yazdi Tantra, chief executive officer Aspi Antia,  and the UK committee, while honorary WZCC member Lord Karan Bilimoria thanked Daver and Engineer. "WZCC is looking forward to welcoming everyone in October,” Bilimoria reiterated. Should all travel restrictions be lifted, the annual conclave (business sessions) for the Chamber will be held in the UK in October 2021.