Archive

Eleven recipients who were honored as "the best of the best from our community” in North America were felicitated at a special sit-down Awards lunch at the 18th North American Zoroastrian Congress (18NAZC) in Houston last December. 

"This is an opportunity for the larger North American Zarathushti community to recognize one of our own and we thank the various member associations of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) for completing the nomination forms and proposing such noteworthy candidates,” noted Noshir Langrana and Astad Clubwala, co-chairs of FEZANA’s Awards Committee. "The entire nomination process was digital. There were 44 nominations, all outstanding, judged by an independent panel of four judges per award. There are multiple awards in some categories,” stated the co-chairs.

"The highest honor bestowed by  FEZANA, the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary and enduring contributions to the Zoroastrian community and society at large” was conferred on Dr Dolly Dastoor and Rohinton and Roshan Rivetna. This prestigious award "celebrates visionaries who exemplify leadership, service and dedication to Zoroastrian values,” as noted the booklet introducing the winners at the gala Awards luncheon sponsored by Aban Rustomji and family. 

  Top: Dr Dolly Dastoor;1st row, from l: Kayomarz Sidhwa, Rohinton and Roshan Rivetna, 

Lifetime Achievement Award

"Maybe this award has a message to step down from centerstage and let others take over?” quipped 85-year-old Dastoor. She was commended for her "extraordinary contributions to the global Zoroastrian community, interfaith leadership and advancements in clinical psychology and dementia research.” Past president of the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec and FEZANA, she is currently chair of FEZANA’s Academic Scholarship Committee and has been chief editor of the FEZANA Journal for the last 20 years. As clinical administrative manager of the Dementia Program at the Douglas Institute she developed the innovative Hierarchic Dementia Scale. She also founded the Alzheimer Society of Montreal introducing innovations in patient care and caregiver support. She has been chair of Zonta’s Status of Women Committee and a trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions (POWR). 

While FEZANA’s immediate past president Arzan Wadia gave her credit for being "a mentor and guide to many, including myself,” Dastoor, who viewed her "growth as being enmeshed with that of FEZANA,” was grateful for being given an opportunity to serve the community which she considered "tremendously enriching… from organizing a NAZC to compiling the FEZANA Directory, to nurturing FEZANA and its scholarship program. To make FEZANA relevant and to give a face to FEZANA,” she visited Zoroastrian associations throughout the world. When confronted with "the harsh realities of gender discrimination and gender violence” during her association with the Status of Women Committee, she was determined to empower girls and women.

Acknowledging the support of her children, grandchildren and also some friends who she would call even at 2 a.m., Dastoor named Houston pillar Aban Rustomji as her "go-to person,” while also acknowledging the influence of Khorshed Jungalwala, Sarosh Collector and Purvez Rustomji. She urged the younger generation "to find your passion and pursue it; volunteer your time and talent; never let go an opportunity for volunteering for the community; FEZANA has been built on volunteers.” 

This may well be "the golden handshake award but we are not done yet,” asserted 90-year-old Rohinton in his acceptance speech, declaring that declining demography, welfare of mobeds and generation of bequests are three areas that yet require his and the community’s attention.

"Rohinton has dedicated his life to strengthening the Zarathushti community in North America and building infrastructure to perpetuate the Zoroastrian faith. A visionary leader,” he has been given credit for founding the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago, spearheading the construction of the Arbab Rustom Guiv Dar-e-Mehr there, being the founder president of both FEZANA and the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce and for helping to bring the global community on a common table as the Global Working Group that was subsequently formalized as the Global Council of Zoroastrians Trust. He has also been founder vice president of POWR, advocating for recognition of Zoroastrianism on the world stage.

To Rohinton, his "biggest pillar of strength” has been his wife Roshan. The awards booklet described her as "a steadfast partner in his visionary endeavors, sharing his commitment to preserving the faith and culture.” Besides her "transformative stewardship of FEZANA Journal,” she has authored books and conducted demographic studies. The Rivetnas’ "complementary strengths and unwavering dedication have laid the groundwork for a vibrant and unified Zoroastrian future.”

In his acceptance speech "for the great honor bestowed on us,” Rohinton revealed that when FEZANA president Kayomarz Sidhwa called him to announce the award, Rohinton insisted, "Ours is a partnership in everything we have done, hence it’s only fair Roshan is with me.” He referred to the rewarding moments of "watching the mosaic unfold when organizations serve institutional needs of this community.” He was keen that this award be considered "a recognition of the dedication of all those who came together against all odds to conceive FEZANA” for which reason he would place it in the FEZANA office.

To Roshan, "the most heartwarming” feature of the 18NAZC was the over 40% attendance of those aged under 40 years. She referred to a previous Congress in Houston when a young man handed over a cheque for $ 1,001 (Rs 85,616) with an accompanying note saying this was in appreciation of the FEZANA scholarship earlier granted to him that helped him to focus on his studies. He had then promised himself that he would pay back the amount to help another deserving student. That young man was Sidhwa, she ultimately revealed!

  

  Sanaya Master; Roxana Trabulsi, Ervad Nekzad Illava

Outstanding Zarathushti Award

Two committed Zarathushtis, Aban Rustomji and Kersi Shroff, were conferred the Rohinton Rivetna Outstanding Zarathushti Award for their "well-recognized contributions to further the cause of Zarathushtis in North America and internationally through outstanding leadership and service.”

Known for her passion for education and libraries, "for over six decades Rustomji has championed intellectual growth, cultural preservation and community engagement,” noted the awards booklet. She was affiliated with the Loyola University, Karachi American School and Spring Woods High School in Houston. In 1998 with her husband Purvez’s support she founded the Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) Library as a resource for Zoroastrian literature and culture that has grown to house over 1,500 books and collections like the Dastur Dhalla Memorabilia Trust and Dr Kaikhosrov Irani artifacts. She subsequently established the  FEZANA Information Research Education System (FIRES) in 2010 as a vital hub for Zoroastrian scholarship, preserving manuscripts, archiving immigrant stories and supporting researchers.

Considering herself privileged to receive an award bearing Rohinton’s name, Aban stated, "Rohinton has been an inspiration.” Valuing the "support and collaboration of so many around us, the community elders and those who share in this important work,” she believes, "No journey is travelled alone.”

A founder member and past president of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington Incorporated (ZAMWI), Shroff is currently co-chair of FEZANA’s Research and Preservation Committee, vice president of the World Zoroastrian Organisation, London and a director of the Society of Scholars of Zoroastrianism. "A distinguished lecturer and scholar…(he) has made significant contributions to interfaith initiatives…promoting mutual understanding among diverse faiths. An attorney specializing in international and comparative laws, during his tenure in the US Government’s senior executive service he headed the Western Law Division overseeing a team of international attorneys and advising Congress and federal agencies on global legal issues.”

"I am a short guy standing on top of giants,” remarked Shroff announcing that "this award truly belongs to ZAMWI.” He requested those from ZAMWI present at the 18NAZC to rise (there were around eight in the audience) and be recognized for this honor. While ZAMWI "has gone through ups and downs,” with their inherent value system "Zoroastrians have managed to live amicably,” he added.

Humanitarian Service Award

"Having identified a local community issue (not limited to Zarathushtis) and provided effective initiative to inspire and pioneer meaningful change,” Sheroo and Vispi Kanga were conferred the Jamshed Pavri Humanitarian Service Award. 

The couple was lauded for their hands-on approach to volunteering which they regard as "a fulfilling experience that adds zest to life and enhances psychological well-being. They view selflessness, sacrifice and service as the foundation of their work, believing one should volunteer for the cause without any expectations.” Active members of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) for the last 45 years, they have served multiple terms on its board of directors and played a pivotal role in fundraising for the new Dar-e-Mehr building in Pomona. Having mastered the art of making malido, for over 20 years Sheroo has been donating this item at muktad prayers and religious ceremonies.

For 12 years Sheroo captained a team in the Revlon Run/Walk, raising funds for cancer research. Likewise Vispi, after retiring from Unilever as principal scientist, volunteered with St Jude Children’s Research Hospital where the couple now dedicate their time to help children recover from cancer.

Performing Arts and Literature 

For having "enriched society through their commitment to visual, literary, media, architectural, performing arts, painting or literature… as a creator or performer, facilitating or promoting the artistic efforts of others or broadening community engagement in the field of art/design/literature/culture,” Vehishta Kaikobad and Nawaz Merchant were conferred the Dinshaw Framroze Joshi Excellence in Performing Arts, Painting or Literature Award.

Serving as a senior docent at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston for over 20 years, Kaikobad played "a key role in the establishment of the Zoroastrian Gallery (see "Showcasing spirituality,” Parsiana, February 21-March 6, 2025) the first of its kind in the Museum’s 100-year history. As a teaching artist at the Glassell Junior School she conducts innovative workshops and outreach programs involving children of migrant diaspora, interfaith communities and people with special needs. A dedicated Sunday School educator since the 1980s she has held workshops nationally and internationally, contributing to the curriculum of FEZANA’s Religious Education Committee.” To engage children accompanying parents at the North American and World Zoroastrian Congresses she spearheaded parallel Congress tracks for kids, tweens and teens. Her passion for the performing arts has made her choreograph productions like Along the Silk Road and Visions of Paradise based on historical research.

Expressing her gratitude to Aban Rustomji "for always being my mentor,” to ZAH and to the Sunday School, Kaikobad urged the gathering "to embrace the world globally while maintaining the Zoroastrian identity.”

Writing under the pen name of Nev March, Merchant is "an award winning author whose work blends historical fiction with gripping crime mysteries. After two decades in analytics she taught herself to write fiction, releasing her debut novel Murder in Old Bombay in 2019 that "explores colonial India’s complexities, Parsi traditions and societal expectations. Translated into Russian and Japanese, it has sold over 50,000 copies. Her second novel, Peril at the Exposition, draws on her immigrant experiences, tackling historical events with an uplifting worldview.” Besides serving "as president of the New York chapter of Mystery Writers of America, she teaches at Rutgers University’s Osher Institute and engages with book clubs and schools believing that reading fosters empathy essential for a better world.” As a community volunteer, she conducted the first needs assessment of Zoroastrian seniors in North America and in 2022 co-authored the white paper "Aging Around the Zarathushti World,” (see "Advancing with age,” Parsiana, May 7-20, 2023). 

Currently vice president of ZAGNY, in her acceptance speech Merchant stated that she "feels blessed to be born to this community” and thanked ZAGNY "for making it our second home.” She had a special announcement for ladies who she felt don’t speak up: "It is always dangerous to be a woman in any era… Be active and fierce in your own self-interest. Life is too short to be miserable. You are precious. You are the future. You will go on to do great things.”

Outstanding Young Zarathushti

"Deemed to be an outstanding rising star by peers and who has made substantial contributions to Zarathushti community affairs in the local community region where an individual has lived and abroad,” Sanaya Master was conferred the Mehraban Zartoshty Outstanding Young Zarathushti Award. She had met the other criteria too: aged between 18 and 35 years, achieving high grades in scholastics and participating in extracurricular activities.

Founder of the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum and co-chair of the FEZANA Unity and Welfare Committee, Master also contributes articles to the FEZANA Journal and was its guest editor on two occasions. A seasoned communications and engagement consultant with global experience across healthcare, technology and charitable sectors, she has earned speaking engagements at notable fora within the community and global platforms like the 64th UN Commission on the status of women. As a licensed Chakradance Kids (a modern day movement therapy) facilitator she integrates mindfulness practices with movement, meditation and art to promote holistic growth in children.

Having experienced the warmth of FEZANA when she moved to North America in 2019, Master felt "the association truly embodies youth empowerment.” Thanking Wadia "for being my guide and mentor” as also the founder of Asha Centre Zerbanoo Gifford for "believing in me before I believed in myself,” she proceeded to name as "great inspiration” her co-chairs Houtoxi Contractor and Hosi Mehta, community veterans like Dastoor, Aban Rustomji and Katayun Kapadia, and acknowledged the support of her parents, in-laws, husband Kayras Irani and daughter Spenta.

Literary Prize

To celebrate the literary achievements of Zoroastrian fiction writers, the biennial Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize that was instituted under the joint auspices of ZAH and FIRES was won by Roxana Trabulsi for her novel Of Mud and Honey. 

The Houston based literary force who had captured the ethos of Pakistan and India in her novels, Sidhwa was very keen to be present at the Congress but died just four days prior. As a child afflicted with polio, Sidhwa lived in a world of books. Animated sequences of her novel The Pakistani Bride are under development. 

As noted the introduction to the awardee, "Trabulsi’s work weaves her characters’ personal struggles with larger environmental and social themes, offering a poignant story of kinship, hope and transformation. Her vivid prose and richly developed narrative capture the resilience of marginalized voices, embodying the prize’s mission to foster empathy and cross-cultural understanding. (She) continues Sidhwa’s legacy, reminding us of literature’s profound ability to bridge diverse perspectives and celebrate our shared humanity.” 

In her acceptance speech Trabulsi noted that "Bapsi was an icon, a voice for South Asians who introduced Parsi characters to the world of western literature.” She further revealed that her book "goes to my childhood. I have recounted experiences of my mother. It is deeply personal to me, acknowledging my parents’ everyday struggles and courage, their legacy of kindness and strength, small gestures and shared silences.”

Considering "this year’s submissions particularly strong,” the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize Board additionally conferred on Nawaz Merchant an honorary mention for her novel The Spanish Diplomat’s Secret.

Young Mobed Award

For preserving "religious traditions, engaging with the youth, fostering spiritual growth and serving the spiritual and religious needs of the community,” Ervad Nekzad Illava was conferred the North American Mobeds Council (NAMC) Young Mobed Community Service Award. 

Serving as a mobed at the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation (OZCF), Illava completed his navar in 2014 and maratab three years later from Bombay’s Malcolm Baug Agiary. "To deepen his understanding of Zoroastrian prayers and scriptures he enrolled in Avesta language classes through the NAMC Institute of Zoroastrian Studies” although he is in his final year as an undergraduate and planning to pursue both master’s and medical studies. He would like to continue volunteering with OZCF and aspires to serve on the board of both OZCF and NAMC in future.

While the young priest was not present in person to receive the award, in his message flashed on the screen he mentioned that serving the religious needs of the community has "pushed me to become a better person endeavoring to succeed with collaboration and perseverance.”

Other sessions of the Congress will be covered in forthcoming issues of Parsiana.