"To make the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) a globally recognized brand, creating sustainable development for women, youth and seniors, while energizing Zarathushti entrepreneurial spirit” is the mission of the international body, stated president Capt Percy Master when addressing members at the 21st global annual general meeting (AGM) on the Zoom platform on January 15, 2023. Their goal for the next two years is "to maximize the nexus between economic, social and intellectual values, thereby fostering prosperity for all, improving the quality of life and safeguarding the planet.”
Under Master’s stewardship, the organization will endeavor "to make WZCC recognized for its inclusivity across generations and genders, and promoting sustainable development by following the path of Asha with industry and integrity.” As he further reiterated, "It is in our Zarathushti DNA to do philanthropy and to give back to society after being successful.”
Recommending the members to read the quarterly WZCC News, vice president Perses Sethna of UK described it as "a different and crisp 10-minute online read… The more we support it, the more we get from it.” He urged the chapter chairs to send regular updates from their region and lauded the efforts of the communications committee, editor Zarine Kharas and the team of contributors.
"There are 16 chapters but less than 1,000 WZCC members. This is a picture we want to improve,” noted global corporate secretary Behroze Daruwalla. She urged the chapters to update their membership records and referred to the "mammoth task” the central office has undertaken in introducing membership cards to monitor and ascertain the correct status. Revert to physical meetings where members can "meet, greet and influence other people to join,” she recommended. Currently there are 15 ongoing subcommittees with their respective coordinators working individually and independently, she stated.
When presenting a summary of the accounts received from different regions, global treasurer Ratan Mistry referred to the net increase in revenue primarily from the India region leading to a profit of USD 35,000 (Rs 28,89,605).
The awardees for the year 2022 were announced: Sir Ron Kalifa of UK was named the Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur of the Year; Rohinton Surty of Bahrain, the Outstanding Zarathushti Professional; Ervad Bahrom Firozgary of USA, the Outstanding Young Zarathushti Professional; and Dr Shernaz Cama of India, the Outstanding Zarathushti Social Entrepreneur.
When the awardees were given an opportunity to share their thoughts, Surti hoped he "could do more for the community and meet up” so that he could put a name to the face! Firouzgary who practices sports medicine and was busy with the marathon in Houston acknowledged, "I would not be where I am today if not for the Zarathushti community, the WZCC and the family.” Grateful for their "love and support,” he noted, "I am blessed.” He considered the Yatha Ahu Vairyo prayer his guiding force that inspired him to serve the needy and especially the underserved. Cama mentioned that her first job will be "to revive the Delhi chapter of the WZCC.” The diasporic community "really needs to be interconnected with everyone for everything, not only for education but especially for heritage and culture,” she stated.
The awards will be presented at the WZCC conclave in London from July 26 to 30. "This meet is going to be quite different from all other conclaves,” said UK chapter chair Shernaz Engineer. While attempting to showcase London, the sessions have been planned at different historic places where talks by well-known local speakers and breakout sessions have been planned. "Within each historical context there will be content,” assured Engineer.
Planned for the first day is a visit to the House of Commons with a cruise down the River Thames in the evening. On another day they are hoping to include a trip to the Lords Cricket Ground through the efforts of Kalifa. The conclave will officially end with the awards ceremony at the Zoroastrian Centre with members given an option to proceed on an optional tour to Royal Windsor and Oxford Spires the following day.
For accommodation, members will have a choice from the cheaper ones like comfort inns to the most expensive Westin Marriott with budget hotels in between. July being the peak season, Engineer said that not all hotels are willing to commit to a discount. Since commute within London is easy and safe, the registrants will be expected to make their own arrangements when traveling to different venues for the events planned. If, however, they find that most hotel reservations are done in one particular locality, the hosts may arrange for a coach.
The subsequent WZCC AGM and conclave will be held in Poona in the first week of January, the tentative dates being January 5 to 7, 2024, said Poona chapter chair Tehmasp Bharucha. Since the earlier AGM planned in Poona could only be a virtual meeting because of Covid restrictions, the Poona chapter has planned a physical three-day event; the AGM though will be a hybrid meeting.