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"We stand in solidarity with your call for unity, truth, righteousness and the restoration of American democracy on the world stage,” noted the congratulatory letter dated January 20, 2021 sent by the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) to US President Joe Biden. Commending his and Vice President Kamala Devi Harris’s victory in "one of the most consequential and historic” elections, the letter wished them success as they embarked on their "historic journey to Build Back Better.” 
Signed by FEZANA president Arzan Wadia, the letter further appreciated that his campaign, acceptance speech and inaugural remarks continuously referred to "the power of light over darkness, the triumph of good over evil, responsible stewardship of the planet and our environment, and the imperative of truth and righteousness in our discourse and deeds. These are core tenets of Zoroastrianism, the once dominant religion of the Persian Empire.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The letter to Harris commended her for having "pushed boundaries, shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for our daughters to do the same… The founder of our religion, Zarathushtra, preached an incredibly progressive religion over 3,500 years ago in Persia. His legacy endures today as the world’s oldest continuously practiced religion, Zoroastrianism. Zarathushtra taught that we must protect the environment and live in harmony with it, even as we work towards human development; that the path to enduring truth, or Asha, is paved by creating happiness for others, by working hard for those in need, and by thinking good thoughts, speaking good words, and performing good deeds…
"The world Zoroastrian community will congregate in New York City from July 1 through 4, 2022 for the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress which is being hosted in the United States for the first time in two decades. We hope you will join us at the Congress to learn more about our community.”
An eye-catching Parsi gara accompanied the message to Harris. As explained Wadia, "FEZANA wanted to commemorate the election of the first ever woman to the office of the Vice President of the oldest democracy in the world. That she also happens to be of Indian origin was a cause of celebration among many Zarathushtis who hail from the Indian subcontinent. We felt that a gift of a gara would be appropriate as it would tie into the Indian and the Parsi Zarathushti element. We reached out to the brilliant textile designer Ashdeen Lilaowala who created this exquisite piece specially for (her).”
Lilaowala declared, "I chose this particular sari as it represents the finesse of Parsi embroidery in a contemporary application. The intricately embroidered border and pallav feature a harmonious congregation of beautiful birds, flowers and foliage, including the lotus or kamala, all considered auspicious symbols in Parsi tradition. I chose a classic midnight blue shade so it would fit right into Madam Vice President’s wardrobe.”
The letter to Biden was crafted by Jim Engineer, FEZANA’s chief communications officer, and to Harris by Narges Kakalia of ZAGNY, acknowledged Wadia on the FEZANA website.