With a plethora of youth bodies in the community, proposals to initiate two global bodies were explored at the second edition of the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF) from May 24 to June 2, 2024. The proposed World Alliance of Young Zoroastrians (WAYZ) is meant to connect the global youth while addressing the emerging challenges. Yet another umbrella body, the Global Youth Mobed Community, to bring priests together, was recommended as the second project. The venue of the 10-day Forum being The Asha Centre in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire in the UK, for their third project the 29 participants, aged 20 to 47 years, were motivated to raise donations for this sanctuary known to foster inspiration, interfaith dialog and sustainable living.
Young Zoroastrian leaders at The Asha Centre in Gloucestershire
"The fact that we continue to have regular meetings to work on our projects is a testament to the lasting impact of WZYLF,” commented Sanaya Master of Vancouver, the lead organizer of the Forum. "Many participants have described the experience as life-changing which fills me with immense joy and a sense of purpose,” she added, reassured that this time WZYLF did not need to invite participants but was "inundated with applications.” The selection committee decided on a diverse representation of male and female participants, Parsis and Iranians from India, Iran, Canada, the USA, Dubai, France and the UK.
"The first three days of the Forum were spent on exploring the sacred space of The Asha Centre, learning about one another and one’s core self, and sparking connections…The second three days were centered around identifying challenges, concerns and shortcomings that we as the youth identified in our local and global Zoroastrian communities, followed by brainstorming of potential solutions and initiatives based on our communities’ histories. The last three days, we worked within smaller groups to establish a refined and an action-based blueprint based on our past experiences, skills and strengths,” noted a summary of the proceedings by Shirin Mazdeyasna. Introducing herself as an "Iranian Zoroastrian woman, an immigrant, a practicing artist, and a creative arts therapist with a focus on trauma therapy,” she wrote, "I look forward to bringing in my set of skills and strengths for a more connected ‘Zomorrow.’”
Prime projects
On the 10th and last day of the Forum the participants presented the three projects to nearly 30 invitees from the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) and the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe.
Tasked with spearheading the WAYZ initiative, Parshan Khosravi who was the chair of the 7th World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in California commented to Parsiana, "WAYZ aims to serve as the youth voice of the Global Working Group as also a one-stop-shop for all Zarathushti youth leaders across the diaspora who would like to get involved.”
Convinced that "this is the right time and moment for us to launch this effort,” Khosravi wrote, "For years now, young Zoroastrians across the diaspora have been voicing the need. Currently, the only structured way for Zoroastrian youth to meet and work together is the World Youth Congresses, which take place once every four years… (and) in which very few young Zoroastrians can consistently participate because of the costs involved. In addition, there is rarely any follow-up action on the discussions since the Congress organizing bodies serve as ad hoc committees and following the conclusion of the Congress, there is rarely any appetite or capacity for additional organizing work by these bodies.
"Our Zoroastrian youth increasingly need a space that can keep them as a part of their faith community, particularly in areas of the world where there is very little presence by the Zoroastrian community. Whether you are a youth leader at ZYNG (the Bombay based Zoroastrian Youth for the Next Generation) looking to expand your network and build on best practices for youth programing, or a young Zarathushti in a corner of the world looking to connect with your faith, WAYZ will be the bridge to connect you.”
While finding ways to help build and support youth programs, WAYZ does not plan to reinvent the wheel in areas that already have youth bodies. "There is still a lot to be figured out before WAYZ becomes a reality, but one thing is certain: the need for this body has never been felt more,” asserted Khosravi. "Before finalizing the formal structure and functions of WAYZ as a body, coordinating meetings will be held among youth leaders across the diaspora and the outcome presented to the Global Working Group ahead of the body’s next meeting in January.”
To kickstart the Global Youth Mobed Community whose primary purpose will be education through sharing of information and experiences, "we launched an Instagram account (@globalyouthmobeds) that everyone is welcome to join and support,” wrote participant Pashmin Dee from Bombay. To create a private database, all young mobeds, mobedyars and those in training have been urged to fill a Google form where besides their name, contact details, the name of the Zoroastrian association with which they are connected, information is sought on their level of priestly training, how frequently they participate in ceremonies, and their knowledge of Zoroastrian history, culture and philosophy.
"In a shared hope that Asha Centre will continue to be the home base for the next generation of Zoroastrian leaders… the group presented the online donation portal and announced that it had already raised over £ 8,000 so far,” reported participant Dina Katgara on religionnews.com. As she further wrote, "Britain’s departure from the European Union in 2020 stripped the Centre of its funding. The Asha Centre used to be the main provider in England for the European Union’s educational Erasmus+ (European community Action Scheme for Mobility of University Students) program.” A standing ovation was given to human rights campaigner Zerbanoo Gifford for her creation of The Asha Centre.
Adrian Locher (far r) familiarizing participants with the sacred space
Expanding horizons
Facilitated by erstwhile president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America Arzan Wadia and its chief social media officer Tanya Hoshi, The Asha Centre director Adrian Locher and English theater director Alexander Gifford, among others, the 10-day program included a jashan led by Ervad Jimmy Madon as also fun games and team-building exercises to help the participants bond. The Hero’s Journey workshop conducted by Alexander saw participants enacting parts of Hamlet, gaining insights into different emotions and their impact. Choir sessions led by Maris Meos, a volunteer at Asha, saw some days end on a musical note.
Among those who addressed the youth leaders were Zerbanoo who spoke of her work in British politics and humanitarian activities, as also ZASHA (Zoroastrian Alliance of Sisters Here and Abroad), a platform representing the innate strength and spirit of Zoroastrian women. Zoroastrian scholar Dr Shahin Bekhradnia emphasized that Zoroastrianism is not just a religion but a philosophy advocating ethical conduct and environmental stewardship. Dr Jenny Rose’s session on Zoroastrian history, culture and religion referred to the survival of traditions in the face of persecution and discrimination. Dr Meher Engineer spoke on resilience and resourcefulness from a quantum perspective and explored how concepts like aura, energy and mindfulness can influence lives. Zar Amrolia, chief executive officer of XTX Markets, a leading algorithmic trading company in the world, summarized his entrepreneurial journey and alluded to business skills that contribute to success.
Visits were organized to familiarize the group with Parsi achievers of yore. At the Somerville College at Oxford they learnt about Cornelia Sorabji, the first female graduate from Bombay University and the first woman to study law at Oxford. At the WZO House at Feltham, UK, the group witnessed a boi ceremony. They also took pride in seeing the Freddie Mercury memorial.
Jashan attended by young participants
Favorable feedback
As the lead organizer for both the editions of WZYLF, the first one while she was residing at The Asha Centre and the second one from Vancouver, Master remarked, "Organizing the event remotely, crafting a program that resonated with our diverse participants, managing logistics from a distance, pushed me to expand my organizational skills and adaptability!... This journey has taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of creating spaces for young Zoroastrian leaders to connect, learn and grow together. It’s shown me the hunger within our community for opportunities to engage with our heritage in meaningful ways. Most importantly, it’s reinforced my belief in the power of bringing people together, even across vast distances, to foster unity, leadership and positive change.”
She was enthused by the "overwhelmingly positive and deeply touching” feedback they received: "As I reflect on these experiences, I’m filled with gratitude and hope for our Zoroastrian youth. The passion and dedication I’ve seen gives me confidence that the future of our community is in good hands.”
Commented Dee, "Participating in the WZYLF fulfilled my desire to connect my academic and professional background with the rich cultural heritage of Zoroastrianism. The Forum fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing and visionary thinking within the Zoroastrian community. As a Zoroastrian with a Master’s in Environmental Science, I was able to align our faith’s core values of ethical conduct, environmental stewardship and community well-being with my firm belief in the concept of ‘Triple Bottom Line (TBL)’ which encompasses economic, social and environmental consideration for our planet. The bonds formed and the insights gained will guide my commitment to our community’s betterment, demonstrating the power of unity and the importance of adapting traditions to contemporary challenges. This experience has left a lasting impression on me, reaffirming the necessity of forums like WZYLF to nurture the next generation of Zoroastrian leaders and leave a sustainable legacy for future generations.”
Acknowledged Khashayar Khezri, a PhD student in geoscience and geoengineering at Mines Paris-PSL university, "In Iran, I was very active in the Zoroastrian community (coordinated a science exhibition for Zoroastrian inventors; participated, organized, mentored and judged at the annual Manthra congress for 12 years; served as referee for badminton tournaments for seven years). However, after moving to France for my studies in November 2023, I became somewhat isolated from my community. WZYLF presented the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the international Zoroastrian community and become active once again.
"This program broadened my perspective on the future of the Zoroastrian community and highlighted the critical role of youth involvement in its improvement. I discovered a strong interest among young Zoroastrians in deepening their religious knowledge and understanding of our history.
"During the program’s workshops, I witnessed our collective potential to identify problems, propose solutions and develop detailed plans. These sessions were enlightening and empowering, showcasing our capability to contribute meaningfully to our community.
"Ultimately, I came to a personal realization: whenever I engage in activities for my community, I feel a stronger connection to my Zoroastrian identity. The WZYLF experience was not just about learning and networking; it was about rediscovering a part of myself and reaffirming my commitment to my heritage.”
With inputs from Sanaya Master, Parshan Khosravi, Pashmin Dee, Shirin Mazdeyasna, Dina Katgara, Khashayar Khezri and Arzan Wadia