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"Please visualize the Parsis coming to Hong Kong, Canton and Macao in the late 1700s and setting up businesses in the south of China. How did they even hear of these places more than 200 years ago with no TVs, phones, radios, etc? And yet (they) came?” Neville Shroff, president of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hongkong, Canton and Macao (ZCFHCM) that was hosting the gala awards dinner for the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC), urged the distinguished international gathering at the Regal Hongkong Hotel on December 17, 2016 to emulate the pioneering spirit of the forefathers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shroff gave an overview of WZCC for the benefit of the celebrated guests — the consul general of India in Hong Kong Puneet Agrawal and his wife Smita, the consul general of Iran in Hong Kong Dr Mehdi Fakheri, the chairman and managing director of Wharf Holdings and chairman of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) Stephen Ng, the deputy chairman of Jardine Matheson and Hong Kong Land Limited Y. K. Pang and his wife Jeny. The global body organizes its annual general meeting at new venues "to explore and capture the business environment in different regions of the world… Over the past few days this event has provided us with a knowledge working platform and networking opportunities for our global community; be it in business, in placements, youth development, or entrepreneurship… Our tiny Zoroastrian community (numbers) less than 100,000 in the whole world… That is (the population of) one major street in Hong Kong… Unfortunately, with a dwindling population, we have been unable to capitalize and maintain the momentum of our enormous success. That is why during our discussions we focused heavily on how we can encourage the entrepreneurial spirit among our youth,” said Shroff.
Referring to Hong Kong as "the freest economy in the world,” Shroff attributed its success to "a simple political system, simple tax regime, simple but effective legal system, low corruption…and a pro business oriented government.” He elaborated on the "One Belt, One Road” initiative that plans to build roads, railways and infrastructure projects to promote trade and economic cooperation across countries stretching from Asia into Europe and beyond. "Hong Kong can be a super connector and catalyst for any of you interested in such trade projects,” he added.
"In 1989 the walls came down” and Windows went up, reminded the WZCC global president Edul Daver, referring to the unification of east and west Germany and the rise of Microsoft Windows. Both these events "disrupted business norms” and many could not adjust with the retraining that was required. "WZCC is impatient to see Zarathushtis don’t get left behind,” said Daver hoping the community excels like its outstanding forefathers and does not lose its motivation to change the world.
Guest of honor Nadir Godrej, managing director of Godrej Industries, so impressed the audience with his verses on the global economic domain interwoven with the WZCC terrain (see "Our impact could be great,” pg 31) that he earned a standing ovation from the gathering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Referring to the establishment of the HKGCC, Stephen Ng recalled its formation in May 1861, nearly 20 years after Hong Kong was ceded to Britain. On the first nine-member general committee was Pestonjee Dhunjeebhoy. He was also happy to inform the gathering that the well-known Star Ferry of Hong Kong was launched in 1888 by the versatile entrepreneur Dorabjee Mithaiwala. Pallonjee Framjee and Rustomjee Dhunjeeshaw were part of the 14-member provisional committee that formed the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (HSBC). Playing a key role in the founding of the Hong Kong University was Sir Hormusjee Mody. The Ruttonjee Centre that started as a sanatorium and was later converted to a hospital owes its origins to Jehangir Ruttonjee. "All Zoroastrian founded institutions were built to last,” observed Stephen Ng who appreciated that "the early entrepreneurs reached out to the world.”
According to him the "One Belt, One Road” ambitious project "promises new frontiers of growth” irrespective of whether it is politically or economically motivated. While the road infrastructure would aid the capital goods industry, the belt would be an asset to small and medium enterprises. "Hong Kong’s success relies on trade flow and open markets” as was the practice in the time of "the first and second generation of Hong Kongers,” asserted the chairman who regretted that it has become "inward looking in recent years… with increasing voices of isolation and protectionism.”
"Hong Kong has had links with Parsis in the past, present and will continue to have in the future,” declared a confident Pang referring to the association between William Jardine and Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy that commenced in 1805. He related how Jamsetjee and Jardine were aboard Brunswick carrying cartons of cotton, how both were taken prisoners, both lost their personal cargo on ship but their friendship blossomed into business. Although Shroff had euphemistically stated that the early Parsi trade was in "medicinal herbs,” an unapologetic Pang disclosed the business of Jardine Matheson and Company was in "opium which was legal in those days.” Today the sixth generation from the Jardine family is looking after the business house with Jejeebhoy’s portrait continuing to hang in their office. Among Jardine’s agents were Framjee Cowasjee in Bombay and Heerjeebhoy Rustomji in Hong Kong.
"Even today we work and trade with Parsis and continue to have businesses in India,” stated Pang, commending the Parsi community in Hong Kong that "punches far above its weight” with very eminent businessmen excelling in industry and philanthropy. He alluded to the Mody Road in Kowloon and the Ruttonjee Centre which is the favorite when one needs hospitalization.
Describing Parsis as "brilliant individuals,” Agrawal named the stalwarts and lauded their "significant contributions to the India-Hong Kong ties nurtured over centuries.” He referred to "improving connectivity” between the two countries with Air India introducing direct flights between Hong Kong and Bombay, and the Hong Kong government opening trade offices in Bombay.
The well educated Zoroastrians in Iran are "always regarded as a very qualified minority,” commented Fakheri. He further revealed that whilst Jews are associated as "money makers” and Armenians as "good technicians,” Zoroastrians in Iran are seen as "honest and peaceful people.” Being the vice president of the Iran Chamber of Commerce he welcomed initiatives to open trade relations with members of the global Zoroastrian community. The Iranian government considers the private sector as "quite important,” he noted. He further revealed that the Iranian community in Hong Kong numbers around 300, "more or less the same as Zoroastrians. Whenever we are questioned ‘Why so few?’ we add 200 of the Zoroastrian community and say ‘500!’”

Acknowledging the awardees
"The vision, objectives, expertise and hard work of the founding members have resulted in creating the WZCC as a force to be reckoned with especially during the times and environment we live in,” stated Behroze Daruwalla, global chairperson of WZCC-WE (Women Entrepreneurs) wing and the master of ceremonies for the evening.
"We have gathered here today to celebrate the success of our community members,” reminded Daruwalla adding that, at the inception of WZCC in Houston, it was decided to institute global awards "to recognize and acknowledge the excellent work done…by Zarathushtis who make us proud to be alive in this day and age!” She outlined the selection procedure where the international board of directors appoints judges from across five continents and sends them details on the nominees. The judges, who do not know the names of others on the panel, indicate their preferences to the WZCC head office in Bombay where the points are compiled and the name of the winner is then communicated to the international board via the global president.
To be eligible for the award, besides proven success in profession and/or business, the candidate has to indicate the global presence of his/her work; involvement with WZCC; and various trade and commerce organizations. The accomplishments of the awardees were read out by Daruwalla.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delna Bhesania, chief executive officer and co-founder of Bardel Entertainment Inc was declared the Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year. Along with husband Barry Ward she has been successful in making 30-year-old Bardel one of the most trusted names in the animation industry. Starting as a family business with hand-crafted animation, Bardel has evolved into three state-of-the-art studios with two locations in Vancouver and one in Kelowna in Canada and a staff of 550 members. "It has become a custom for Bhesania to have Zoroastrian blessings for their studios… Bardel is the only full-service animation studio concurrently providing animation services for a diverse slate of US blue-chip partners: Nickelodeon, Dream Works, Disney, Warner Bros and Cartoon Network-Adult Swim,” the audience was informed. "In the early ’90s the company broke into feature films by working on well-known titles such as Space Jam, Anastasia, Prince of Egypt… Bardel also turned the best selling novel The Prophet into a feature film, setting a new industry standard in hand drawn 2D and 3D animation…Experimenting with computer painting techniques, Bardel delivered its first  proprietary television special, "The Christmas Orange,” for which the company received its first Leo Award accolade and Gemini nomination.”
Having been a board member at DigiBC – The Digital Media Association of British Columbia, she currently sits on the board of Drawn Together Vancouver to provide support and build resources in promoting more women in key creative roles within the animation industry in Vancouver. Expressing her "heartfelt honor to receive this award,” Bhesania gave credit to her "parents who have been avid followers of the Zoroastrian faith” and acknowledged the support of her husband Barry and two daughters who have been navjoted.
The Outstanding Zarathushti Professional of the Year Award was shared by Dr Arnavaz Havewala of Bombay who could not attend the function and Arzan Wadia of New York. A dental surgeon and consulting oral pathologist who has been professor at various dental colleges, Havewala has been associated with several dental institutions and scientific committees. She has co-authored and written articles for national and international dental journals and presented papers at conferences, read the citation. Having organized free dental clinics and actively volunteered in her field, she has won several laurels, including the one last year for "valuable contribution to dentistry” by the Indian Dental Association.
An architect and urban designer, Wadia set up the firm Wadia Kumana Arch Tech with his wife Shirrin15 years ago and today the enterprise runs two parallel business verticals, one dealing with architecture, design and consulting, and the other with technology consultancy. When he was working for the architectural firm of Beyer Blinder Belle he was selected to set up the urban design master plan of Ground Zero in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Having designed and maintained over 40 websites for design and commercial clients he undertakes pro bono work for the community by managing the websites for the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America of which he is the vice president, the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York, Zoroastrian Return to Roots, North American Mobeds Council, Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington, and keeping the community updated with latest news on his website www.parsikhabar.net with over 6,000 daily email subscribers.
Realizing that the "work of an architect outlives the architect,” Wadia referred to deriving "the sense of social and ethical responsibility in all work I do and sustainability factor from the Zarathushti faith.” Appreciating the support and criticism of his family members, he attributed his "foray into information technology as an outcome of years of tinkering with my motorcycle.”
Bombay based software engineer Hanoz Tarapore was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Zarathushti Professional Award. After completing his MBA he started his professional life working for Larsen and Toubro where he won six awards as a software engineer, then moved to GlaxoSmithKline where he won two awards for purchase, and at present is working for Johnson and Johnson where he has won six awards as supply chain planner of the Asia Pacific region and has helped generate $ 220 million in revenue. He now donates regularly to various Zarathushti charities, especially the ones that had granted him scholarships, provides academic and career counseling to the community youngsters and volunteers for different activities conducted by the Zoroastrian Youth for the Next Generation. In his absence his award was received by Sam Balsara, chairman and managing director of Madison World.
Post dinner, the gathering was treated to a magic and mentalist show by the father-daughter duo Mhelly and Zenia Bhumgara of Bombay who ensured that the audience in all corners of the banquet hall were intrigued by their sleight of hand.
On behalf of WZCC a memento was presented to Neville and also his wife Farida Shroff in recognition of their "extraordinary support and cooperation” to make the function successful. The other trustees of the ZCFHCM who were honored were: Viraf Parekh, Dilnavaz Daver, Homiar Poonawala and Rustom Jokhi. This association is the oldest Zoroastrian trust fund in the world outside India, revealed Daruwalla, adding that it had its beginnings in 1822, 20 years before China ceded Hong Kong to Britain at the end of the first Opium War. "Zarathushtis here enriched their environment and kept their genes of philanthropy intact! Community members around the world have benefitted thanks to ZCFHCM.” "For all that she continues to do for the Zoroastrian community,” Meher Bhesania, chairperson of the IX World Zoroastrian Congress in Dubai, was felicitated by the Hongkong anjuman. 
The following day two bus loads of WZCC members and supporters who had availed of the package offered by Spenta Travel and Tours were taken for a day’s sightseeing, starting at Lantau Island and ending with the Bauhinia dinner cruise along the Victoria Harbor.