World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum

Empowering Tomorrow: A Transformative Journey at the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum 2.0

Empowering Tomorrow: A Transformative Journey at the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum 2.0

As a 25-year-old navigating the vibrant streets of Mumbai—a city pulsating with diversity and ambition—my professional life as a luxury business development manager felt worlds apart from the serene sanctuaries of our ancient Zoroastrian faith. Yet, beneath the surface of my bustling daily life, I harboured a deep-rooted desire to connect more profoundly with my community, explore my heritage, and cultivate leadership skills steeped in the wisdom of our ancestors.

Article By Anaheez Patel, WZYLF Fellow

This article was originally published in the Jame-Jamshed and is posted here with permission of the author.

Deciding to attend the World Zoroastrian Youth Leadership Forum (WZYLF) 2.0 in April 2024 was, in many ways, a leap of faith into the realms of self-discovery, camaraderie, and collective empowerment. What awaited me was a transformative journey that transcended geographical boundaries and temporal constraints to unite Zoroastrian youth from India, the UK, Dubai, Iran, Canada, and the United States in a shared quest for leadership, community, and heritage.

On May 24th, 2024, a group of 29 convened at the pristine ASHA Centre in the Royal Forest of Dean, Britain—a place that holds special significance for many reasons. The ASHA Centre, founded by human rights campaigner and author Zerbanoo Gifford, is a sanctuary that fosters personal growth, collaboration, and inspiration among its visitors. The Centre’s serene Georgian home and lush, organically cultivated gardens provided an idyllic environment for our gathering.

The core leadership of the forum included Sanaya Master, the Founder of WZYLF, and Zerbanoo Gifford, who served as a guide and mentor. Their vision and dedication were instrumental in bringing this forum to life. Additional key figures such as Adrian Locher, Alexander Gifford, Arzan Wadia, Tanya Hoshi, and other esteemed contributors played crucial roles in facilitating and enriching our experience.

The first three days were dedicated to self-discovery and fostering authentic connections. This initial phase was crucial for creating a safe and trusting environment, allowing us to express ourselves with vulnerability and presence—an invaluable experience in today’s fast-paced world. Activities such as understanding the four classical temperaments in psychology and exploring the narrative of the hero’s journey, facilitated by Adrian Locher and Alexander Gifford, offered new perspectives on leadership and personal development. 

The session on temperaments was particularly enlightening for me, as it highlighted the unique strengths and challenges each temperament brings. This understanding will enhance my ability to manage diverse teams, build relationships, and drive business success in the future.

One of the forum’s highlights was our visit to the Zoroastrian scholar and multi-linguist Dr. Shahin Bekhradnia at her cozy cottage in The Cotswolds. A significant insight I gained from our conversation was learning the precise origin and true Persian meaning of my name, a mystery that had eluded me until now. The day spent exploring the Cotswolds felt like time-travelling through a picturesque English novel, with every cobblestone and thatched roof echoing centuries of quaint heritage.

Another unforgettable experience was strolling through Oxford’s timeless quadrangles, ancient halls, and storied spires. We were privileged to have a guided tour of Somerville College, an institution where women first shattered scholarly barriers in 1879. In their dining hall, under grand chandeliers and majestic ceilings, history tasted as rich as the architecture was inspiring.

Esteemed guest speakers such as Dr. Jenny Rose, Mr. Zar Amrolia, and Dr. Meher Engineer shared their expertise and knowledge with us over the nine days.

In the final three days, we split into smaller groups to craft action-oriented blueprints for the way ahead. Our three key aims, among others, are: 1) to cultivate a globally cohesive Zoroastrian youth community, 2) uplift our mobeds, and 3) support the ASHA Centre, which, post-Brexit, has lost vital sources of funding that now threaten its future. At the core of each project is the opportunity to stay connected to our Zoroastrian identity amidst multicultural diaspora obstacles.

Reflecting on my experience at WZYLF 2.0, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude—for the friendships forged, the wisdom shared, and the opportunities discovered. Above all, I am grateful for being part of a community that cherishes its youth, nurtures its leaders, and empowers each of us to realize our fullest potential.

This journey has not only enriched my personal and professional life but also reinforced my commitment to contribute to the future of the Zoroastrian community. The bonds we created, the knowledge we gained, and the initiatives we started will continue to shape our paths as we strive to lead and inspire our communities. Through this platform, the future of the Zoroastrian community looks brighter and more unified than ever

At second-ever global convening, Zoroastrian youth seek a more connected future

At second-ever global convening, Zoroastrian youth seek a more connected future

Youth from the ancient faith campaigned to fund an interfaith center in England to promote the goals of inclusivity and interorganizational communication. 

World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum youth leader Fravash Chothia after the Jashan, or blessing, prayer ceremony, which was livestreamed to the broader Zoroastrian public on May 26, 2024, in Gloucestershire, England. (Photo by Dina Katgara)

June 11, 2024

Article By Dina Katgara | Religion News Service

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, England (RNS) — At the beginning of June, 29 youth leaders from the global Zoroastrian religious community wrapped up 10 days of convening at the Asha Centre, an interfaith retreat outside of Oxford, for the second World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum. 

“This is an opportunity for me to bring members of my community to this paradise,” said Sanaya Master, who founded WZYLF in 2018. “Every person that comes to Asha is affected quite deeply, and spiritually, it helps them sort of reconnect with their innate self.”

From May 24 to June 2, youth leaders from countries such as India, Canada, England, the United States, Iran and the United Arab Emirates collaborated to identify three main goals: empower youth mobeds, or priests; establish a new organization to streamline youth initiatives globally; and support the Asha Centre’s continuity as a hub for Zoroastrians.

The Asha Centre was founded in 1996 by Zoroastrian leader and human rights activist Zerbanoo Gifford. Its origins and history exposed interfaith youth groups to the teachings of Zoroastrianism, the first monotheistic religion — it originated in Persia about 4,000 years ago — and its maxim: “Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.” 

Piran Tarapore, far left, sits next to Zerbanoo Gifford in the sharing circle on May 27, 2024, at the Asha Centre in Gloucestershire, England. Behind the group is one of their initiatives to fundraise to save the Asha Centre. Each youth leader volunteered to share a talent for a raffle. (Photo by Dina Katgara)

“I can’t think of a better place on earth,” said lawyer Shazneen Munshi, who just completed her 14th visit to the center. However, it could also be her last. Britain’s departure from the European Union in 2020 stripped the center of its funding. The Asha Centre used to be the main provider in England for the European Union’s educational Erasmus plus program. Now, the youth are fundraising to solidify the center as a Zoroastrian home base to improve and connect the community globally.

Munshi, who works in parliamentary policy in London, teaches Zoroastrian religious education classes to children and at 36 is the youngest member on the board of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe. Like other young Zoroastrian leaders, she often struggles with feeling unheard or overlooked but is excited to see more young people stepping up.

“I don’t think there’s anything else in life that fills me with so much passion and joy,” Munshi said. “We’re quite a small community and I feel this kind of responsibility to do everything I can to make it better for everyone and keep our faith going.”

While some WZYLF participants such as Munshi are steeped in the community, others, like Piran Tarapore from Mumbai, India, are dipping their toes back into the religion after years away. On the third day of the forum, Tarapore, sitting in the group sharing circle, detailed his struggles growing up queer in India. After the session, each youth leader engulfed him in a heartfelt hug.

“Once I had that reassurance from my friends and family, I didn’t really care about the community,” Tarapore, 26, said. “When each one hugged me one by one, it made me feel like I’ve found my community within the community.”

After he came out in his early teen years, Tarapore felt ostracized by his baug, or a colony of apartments for Zoroastrians. When he started a communication business called Savoir, now Point Of, in 2021, Tarapore was pleasantly surprised to find that many of his main supporters were Zoroastrians. Only after separating his emotions about the Zoroastrians he grew up around from the religion itself did Tarapore decide to apply for the WZYLF. 

“After this experience, I’m looking at the community through a different lens,” Tarapore said. “I like seeing the youths’ drive and motivation to make change.”

There are many internal debates within the Zoroastrian religion, including about intermarriage, women as mobeds and same-sex marriage. The youth group did not debate these issues specifically but rather championed freedom of personal opinion through the Zoroastrian idea of Vohu Manah, or “the good mind” in Avestan, the scriptural language of the faith. Munshi said everyone has a choice between good and bad and the freedom to think critically. 

“As long as you use your mind and decide what is right or wrong for you, that’s fine,” Munshi said. “And everyone should respect that.”

On the forum’s final day, the youth group stood at the front of the Peace Pavilion to present its conclusions to established Zoroastrian leaders from the World Zoroastrian Organization, the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America and other organizations.

Kimiya Shahzadi, 29, is training to be a mobedyar, or priest assistant, under the Iranian Mobed Council and wants to unite young mobeds globally through education initiatives and open lines of communication. 

Kimiya Shahzadi in Gloucestershire, England. (Photo by Dina Katgara)

Shahzadi, along with three young Zoroastrian mobeds, led the room of the ancient religion’s established leaders in an opening prayer. The hum of the ancient Avestan prayers mellowed some pre-presentation tensions.

The group went into detail about plans for a new connected youth group and plans of action to achieve their goals. Shahzadi said that these innovative ideas for inserting youth voices into leadership and championing inclusive mobedyars would not have been possible without the Asha Centre. 

“I don’t want to lose this place,” Shahzadi said. “I want everyone to see it. I want to have kids to see it and my grandkids see it.”

The group presented the online donation portal and announced that it had already personally raised over 8,000 pounds (more than $10,000) so far. 

After fielding questions, the group led a standing ovation for Gifford and her creation of the Asha Centre in a shared hope that it will continue to be the home base for the next generation of Zoroastrian leaders to advance the community into the future.

Apply Now: 2nd WZYLF 2024

World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum 2.0 Returns in 2024 

The ASHA Centre is proud to host the highly anticipated second World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF 2.0) from 24 May to 2 June 2024. This dynamic event, designed exclusively for 25 young Zoroastrian youth leaders, aims to provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and visionary thinking. 

 What is the purpose of WZYLF 2.0? 

The primary purpose of the WZYLF is to nourish and support the next generation of Zoroastrian leaders, fostering their growth and providing a space for them to create meaningful partnerships with like-minded individuals. By harnessing the power of collective intelligence, the forum seeks to facilitate collective action that will propel the Zoroastrian community forward.

 Who is this for?

WZYLF 2.0 is specifically tailored for active and aspiring youth leaders within the Zoroastrian community. It is aimed at individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to community engagement and possess the potential to contribute to the positive future of Zoroastrianism. The event is by invitation only, and interested individuals will need to complete an application form that will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of established youth leaders. 

 What are the key objectives of WZYLF 2.0:

  • Establish a mentorship program, connecting experienced mentors with young leaders to guide and support their development.
  • Share knowledge, wisdom, and resources among participants, fostering collaborative learning and growth.
  • Ground participants in the rich culture, history, and philosophy of Zoroastrianism, while exploring its relevance in a global civilization.
  • Co-create a shared vision for the future of Zoroastrianism, identifying possibilities and charting a course for collective progress. 

What are some of the desired outcomes? 

The desired outcomes of the WZYLF 2.0 include enhanced leadership skills, strengthened connections and partnerships among young Zoroastrian leaders, a deeper appreciation for Zoroastrian culture and philosophy, and the co-creation of a shared vision for the positive future of Zoroastrianism.

 How much does it cost to attend?

To support the participation of young leaders, there will be a nominal cost associated with attending the 9-day forum. To demonstrate our commitment to fostering youth leaders within our community, the WZYLF organizing committee is dedicated to offsetting 40% of the cost through fundraising efforts. The subsidized rate to attend the Forum is £650 ( approx US$ 830)  inclusive of 9 days of accommodation, meals and a trip to Oxford !

 The ASHA Centre and the organizers of the WZYLF are committed to providing a transformative experience for young Zoroastrian leaders, empowering them to become influential catalysts for change within their communities and beyond.

 Apply Now!

If you are interested in attending WZYLF 2.0 please fill out the application from here

APPLY NOW

More Informaton

To read an in-depth retrospective feature on the WZYLF experience, click here: https://parsikhabar.net/wzylf/a-stream-runs-through-it/17657/

To see FAQs page, click here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/121Jr4ScqvnlMlSRngdvH0dimopn0MQxRBQzMzZRUUb0/edit

For more information about the ASHA Centre, click here- https://ashacentre.org/ and

view this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6igUyVeftmE

For more information and updates on the WZYLF 2.0, please contact us at contact@wzylf.com

World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum 2.0: Empowering Future Leaders

World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum 2.0: Empowering Future Leaders

We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated launch of the second edition of the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF 2.0). Set to take place from May 24th to June 2nd, 2024, this exclusive event will bring together 25 dynamic young Zoroastrian leaders at the renowned ASHA Centre in the heart of the picturesque Gloucestershire, England.

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Gloucestershire, the ASHA Centre stands as a sanctuary for personal growth and innovative thinking. What sets ASHA apart is its unique approach to education, emphasizing a holistic model that engages the head, heart, and hands in creative problem-solving. This distinctive methodology fosters a deeper understanding of complex issues and encourages participants to explore solutions through various perspectives.

Building on the success of our inaugural forum, WZYLF 2.0 aims to continue nurturing the leadership potential of young Zoroastrians who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and a passion for shaping the future of Zoroastrianism. This carefully curated event is an invitation-only platform that offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and envision innovative projects in a supportive environment.

The impact of previous WZYLF participants on the global Zoroastrian community has been nothing short of extraordinary. These young leaders, after their participation in the forum, have embarked on remarkable endeavors, holding leadership positions in prestigious organizations, initiating impactful projects, hosting global conferences, and actively participating in crucial global events. Their remarkable journey post-forum is a testament to the transformative power of this gathering and the potential it ignites within its participants.

At WZYLF 2.0, participants can anticipate an immersive and dynamic experience comprising engaging workshops, mentorship opportunities, and interesting field trips to historically significant sites such as Oxford University, Ruskin Mill, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Embracing ASHA’s distinctive holistic approach to learning, the program aims to nurture leadership qualities, ignite innovative thinking, and cultivate a shared vision for a more promising future within the Zoroastrian community.If you are interested in this transformative opportunity or wish to learn more about the event, application process and cost of attending, please visit https://wzylf.com or contact us at contact@wzylf.com.

WZYLF 2.0 is not just a forum; it’s a stepping stone for young Zoroastrian leaders to envision, collaborate, and lead the way towards a vibrant future for our community. Join us in this exciting journey of leadership, collaboration, and positive change.

A Stream Runs Through It

A Stream Runs Through It

How 10 days at the ASHA Centre Transformed, Inspired and Enriched the First-Ever World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum

In the heart of pastoral Gloucestershire, England, the transformational ASHA Centre played host and facilitator for the first World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum. Uniting 20 Zoroastrian youth leaders from a myriad of views, backgrounds and geographies – the Forum aimed to form a vision, mission and action plan for tackling some of the most contentious issues facing the vibrant but diminishing worldwide Zoroastrian community.

Article by Jim Engineer

March 16 – 25, 2018 (Gloucestershire, England) —The first gathering of our group felt wonderful outside London’s Victoria Coach Station, where we met to embark on our three-hour journey to the ASHA Centre. It was at the ASHA Centre where we would spend the next 10 days deep into introspection, bonding, consensus building with no shortage of laughs and hugs to make each moment an instant memory.

This timely and purposeful Zoroastrian ‘coming together’ of next generation leaders would not have been possible without the devotion, dedication and leadership of Sanaya Master. Sanaya, who helped organize the Sixth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress alongside fellow New Zealander Tinaz Karbhari (also a WZYLF participant), took on an internship at the ASHA Centre in 2017. Important related aside: Sanaya’s mother, Farida Master, is the noted author of an acclaimed biography on ASHA Centre founder Zerbanoo Gifford, An Uncensored Life. It ultimately would be Sanaya’s energy and leadership that turned ideas on paper into transformative life experiences for all of us.

Located in the heart of lush, rolling, pastoral English countryside dotted by sheep and heavy dairy cows, the ASHA Centre is a restored Georgian home located next to the historic Gunn’s Mill, currently under preservation as a United Kingdom historical site.

On one side of the property is an expansive farm catering to the grazing needs of its many wooly sheep, and on the other side, nothing but spectacular trees surround the ASHA Centre, which sits neatly in an enclave within the heart of the magical Forest of Dean. This ancient woodland is believed to be the inspiration behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s mysterious woods of Middle Earth.

The Centre is comprised of two large dining halls, a library, cottages to house large visiting groups, and a kitchen fueled by the passion and dedication of staff and volunteers from around the world. Their energy, generosity, wholesomeness and joy exuded through the colorful medley of meals they cooked.

What defines the Centre are endless rows of stunning rose bushes, tulips, a rich green grass expanse and stunning foliage. The Centre nurtures large biodynamic vegetable patches and greenhouses. Adjacent to the forest are pathways that lead to a labyrinth and an Eco Lodge for meditation and relaxation. But most intoxicating is the stream that runs through the property from the top of the Forest of Dean and the famous landmark, St. Anthony’s Well (pictured below).

 

Leadership, Courage Defined the Past

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The harmonious sound of the stream, the purity of the water, and the relentless zeal of the stream to never stop running for thousands of years is a reflection of the spirit and courage of Zerbanoo Gifford. Zerbanoo has been a progressive, forward-thinking champion of social justice, women’s rights, racial equality, interfaith tolerance and environmental sustainability for decades. Faced with death threats when she ran for elected office in early 1980s London. She went on to serve as a Councillor for Harrow and chaired the Race Relations Forum set up by the Home Secretary leading to a storied career championing human rights causes. Her example of courage and depth of historical context provided rare color to our efforts, as we sat in awe of Zerbanoo’s trailblazing example. Our goal was to celebrate our interconnectedness as a group, to trust each other, to respect each other’s views, and to form a vision for future Zoroastrian generations living in harmony and thriving as a united community.

Zerbanoo at the outset spotlighted the contributions of legendary Iranian and Parsi Zoroastrians who went beyond the Zoroastrian community to lead the world. She described her admiration for her heroes: from the iconic Dadabhai Noaroji, Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and Jamsetjee Tata, to well-known modern-day Zoroastrians including Ratan Tata, Zubin Mehta, Freddie Mercury, and authors Bapsi Sidhwa and Rohinton Mistry. Zerbanoo’s example is tied to going beyond one’s traditional comfort zone, to affect change in the world, and to pursue our dreams and endeavors without fear or favor.

Every big endeavor, from grassroots movements to a sea change in thinking, is ultimately challenged by naysayers and doubters; by a small few who aim to polarize and marginalize a more silent majority, instead of uniting and coming together in spite of our differences.

It is through this thread of common decency and mutual respect for one another that we were able to maintain a focus on our shared obligations: to form the fabric for an interconnected working group inspired to turn ideas into action and fostering dialogue focused on our commonality and shared beliefs.

Circular Living and a Forming a Vision for a Sustainable Future

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Each day would bring an introduction to our surroundings at the ASHA Centre. The Centre itself is a model for sustainable living and consistent with the Centre’s circular design at almost every turn. The cottages where we stayed were laid out around the Centre, adjacent to the Energy Room. Two large greenhouses and the garden shed sit atop two large and hearty vegetable gardens surrounded pathways that lead to a bonfire pit, Eco-Lodge for meditation, a Labyrinth for meditation and soul searching, and eventually the stream.

It would be the stream’s beauty that simply intoxicated the landscape. The water’s flow, form, relentlessness and continuity made it particularly poignant when we celebrated water on Ava Roj and Ava Maino, gathering by the stream and led in prayer by our young Mobeds: Erv. Karl Desai (Australia), Erv. Jehaan Kotwal (India), Erv. Jimmy Madon (UK/India), and Erv. Sheherezad Pavri (India). The next generation of Zoroastrian priests, the role they play in our community, the enormous responsibility they have, and the obvious pressure of the community’s many complexities, was simply profound and we as a group stood in awe of them.

The daily introspection we gained, individually and as a group, was stimulated by our surroundings. We never watched TV, were rarely in front of our computers or on the phone; we were not stressed or distracted and always open to new ideas, techniques, and methods for achieving consensus and unity as we began to form our vision for the future.

The ASHA Centre achieves and imparts purpose through a myriad of techniques: the written and spoken word, meditation, visualisation and the arts, all aimed at building trust between one another and most importantly building consensus on the issues challenging the global Zoroastrian community.

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Discussions during the day were hosted and facilitated superbly by the Centre’s co-directors Mark Gifford (left) and Adrian Locher. Mark is one of two sons born to Zerbanoo and her husband Richard. The couple’s youngest son, Alexander, serves as the Artistic Director at the Gloucester Theatre Company. Adrian, a leading visual artist and Executive Producer at the Gloucester Theatre Company, would be invaluable alongside Mark for boundless leadership, generosity, thoughtfulness, creativity, sensitivity, and a depth of understanding that enabled us as a group to not just work together, but to cultivate, map and prioritize the maze of issues challenging our future.

It all started with a vision. As we began to envision our ideal Zoroastrian future, perhaps 50 to 100 years from now, we used meditation to produce visuals that ultimately would form a valuable experience. Specifically, we were given poster sized sheets, scissors, tape, glue and boxes full of old magazines and began collaging pictures, words and other visuals to best represent our vision for an ideal Zoroastrian future. Omnipresent through the collages were themes of sustainability, care for the environment, strengthened relationships and an abundance of food, love and nature.

The lens through which we viewed the Forum was worldwide in scope, yet our experiences were tied to our home continents and regional involvements. Each one of us brought a unique perspective, view and level of leadership that qualified our involvement and enabled us to speak ardently on behalf of our experiences, and eventually on behalf of one another as a group.

Tackling the Issues

With our vision in place we set our sights on identifying and mapping the most critical issues to us individually, and then collectively within small groups as a means to achieve consensus. We consolidated redundancies and issues that overlapped within an even larger group setting. This process allowed us to create a visualization of issues of highest concern to us.

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Before we tackled the issues, however, we participated in the LSD exercise: Listening, Summarizing and Deepening our levels of conversation. Living in a world of sound bites, elevator pitches and quick conversations required us to slow down and focus on our interpersonal communication skills.

Mark and Adrian also helped us channel and sort through three primary forms of energy humans typically exude: Sloth, Tiger and the ideal, Swan. Each of us can embody these energies at any given time, and the exercises and discussions we pursued on these energies helped us communicate and comport ourselves in a manner that supported the consensus building around the issues mapping initiative (left).

Our issues were vast, interconnected, interdependent, and complex. The most daunting category: Dwindling Numbers. We explored ways to tackle such pressing issues with common sense ideas, structural policy recommendations, and ideas and action items to help move the needle.

Central to our thinking was coming together on key themes: mutual respect for geographical boundaries, ideologies and practices – in essence, Zoroastrians all over the world worship and practice the religion and espouse both orthodox and reformist views through a prism of ethnicity, geography and adaptation into new societies.

Preserving the religion’s philosophical teachings; Iranian and Parsi Zoroastrian cultural traditions and practices; disenfranchisement and a lack of participation; preserving and sustaining our historic fire temples and other places of worship; building new Dare Mehrs, consecrated fires and places of worship from North America to New Zealand; environmental preservation and sustainability; the governance of world, regional and local Zoroastrian organizations; gender equality in community leadership and within the priesthood; and most critical to our time, the inclusion of non-Zoroastrian spouses and their children.

Perhaps no other issue or theme was more touching, omnipresent, and critical to discussions on dwindling numbers from increasing disenfranchisement. The topic of inclusion brought about a sense of empathy for Zoroastrians and their non-Zoroastrian spouses and children, who are questioned on their identity while attempting to simply worship peacefully.

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Their lives in some geographies are impacted and shaped by stringent beliefs and ideologies; and as populations of Zoroastrians continue to migrate and build new infrastructure in North America, Europe, South-Central Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the concept of respecting geographic boundaries became critical to finding common ground.

Ultimately no one country or geography has a monopoly on views, or the ability to dictate who can be a Zoroastrian and who cannot.

The beliefs, customs and traditions in India will be different from those in the Western diaspora, and change if it is meant to take place, must take place organically and from within rather than through external forces and bodies.

From a next generation perspective, we can only move forward by respecting one another and accepting that some views and interpretations will never be resolved. Through mutual respect we are able to find commonality, build bridges, and work to achieve a more perfect harmony and unity as a global religious community.

Mission, Vision, Lift Off!

Our final few days were focused on forming our go-forward Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles & Resolutions or key learnings/takeaways from this truly transformative event in our lives. Beyond finding our own interconnectedness as a group, we developed a kinship that we expect will reverberate among Zoroastrians worldwide. Our experiences at the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum will shape our involvements and decision making over many decades to come. In just 10 days, a number of us were able to rekindle our internal flame to burn brighter than ever, and to embrace with optimism a future that is worthy of our beautiful and ancient religion.

In keeping with all our exercises, we achieved group consensus in drafting and finalizing our formal Mission and Vision statements, and in the way we came together to express our vision for the future.

Our WZYLF Vision:

A harmonious Zarathushti community flourishing through righteousness.

Our WZYLF Mission:

To connect today’s Zoroastrian youth leaders, fostering dialogue, and empowering diverse voices into action.

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Sanaya Master, New Zealand

On our final formal day of work and bonding, we had the unique opportunity to present our Guiding Principles & Resolutions, comprised of our vision, mission and our model for sustainability, harmony and growth as a more united community.

We aimed to resolve the host of issues with future-focused common sense ideas, and in some instances, structural policy recommendations to help organizations locally and globally to usher in a new generation of Zarathushti leadership and work toward a more inclusive future driven by responsible governance.

To start, we adhered to a circular model featuring the cog of our wheel as our state of Frashokereti, the Zoroastrian doctrine of a final renovation of the universe, when evil will be destroyed, and everything else will be in perfect unity with Ahura Mazda.

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Erv. Karl Desai, Australia

Surrounded by the cog of our wheel are the Vision and Mission statements, and seven interconnected wheels we attributed to the seven Amesha Spentas:

  • Asha Vahishta (Truth & Justice) to live the values of Zoroastrianism;
  • Vohu Manah (Good Mind) to improve tolerance and open-mindedness;
  • Haurvatat (Wholeness) to encourage greater engagement and participation;
  • Ameretat (Immortality) to have a healthy and thriving Zoroastrian population;
  • Spenta Armaiti: (Devotion) to achieve greater gender equality in our institutions;
  • Kshathra Vairya (Righteous Power) to improve the way we collaborate globally;
  • Spenta Mainyu (Spirituality) to cultivate knowledgeable Zoroastrians connected with their religion.
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(Design by Tinaz Karbhari)

Envisioning the Path Forward

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By March 25th, day 10, our Forum concluded and we returned to our pockets of the world galvanized and emboldened. We are all enriched for getting to know one another and build the interpersonal relationships we did; and to be facilitated and mentored by leaders like Zerbanoo, Mark, and Adrian; by World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce Chairman Edul Davar; by the passion, hard work and dedication of Asha Centre volunteers; the financial support of Zoroastrian organizations and individuals around the world. And we leave with a faith and trust in each other to advance our resolutions and operate as a cohesive, well-informed, connected group.

Among so many incredible takeaways, one in particular stood out. I had never meditated or thought about my perfect vision for the future, until I came to the Asha Centre. If you get the chance, take about 6-8 minutes to close your eyes and focus on your inner light – to envision your life in 25-50 years and the perfect vision for your life, religion and community.

Who are the people around you? What’s the environment like? Will your family look the same or different? Are we more or less dependent on technology? Are we more or less dependent on sustainability? How has our infrastructure developed? How are our fire temples preserved? Are our customs, traditions and religious education being imparted to future generations?

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After our meditation we used visual arts to depict our vision for a Zoroastrian future. It was a perfect example of the Asha Centre’s focus on visual arts as valuable form of expression.

Through our ongoing leadership and involvements, professional and social networks, use of technology and above all, well-informed judgment, our inner flames have been kindled and we look forward to getting to work. We realize that we can only advance, by doing so together; by listening to one another, deepening our conversations, strengthening our interpersonal relationships, respecting our geographic boundaries, striving for inclusion, and living the good Zarathushti life.

Each of us today remains ambassadors and agents of change working hard on behalf of our causes, organizations, and the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum. We have since started development of our web site at www.wzylf.com, chronicled the Forum by video, formed active working groups, and use social collaboration tools and messaging services to communicate and execute on ongoing initiatives.

As a group we are thrilled to impart, infuse, engage and challenge the next generation of Zoroastrian leaders and community builders to go beyond their comfort zones and challenge themselves to envision a future that is thriving, connected, and unified.

Heading to the 11th World Zoroastrian Congress in Perth, Australia, June 1 – 4? Look for us, as we look forward to meeting you and to updating the global Zoroastrian community on our efforts.

In Memoriam
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During the writing of this article, just weeks following the Forum, Zerbanoo’s mother, Kitty Irani (nee Mazda), sadly passed away at the age of 93. Zerbanoo chronicled her mother’s storied life in this beautiful obituary: https://parsikhabar.net/individuals/kitty-irani-in-memoriam/17483/.

This article is dedicated to the memory, spirit and life contributions of Kitty Irani, and the legacy she continues through Zerbanoo, Kitty’s six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Participants of the First World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum included:

  • Diana Bharucha, Seattle USA
  • Karl Desai, Sydney Australia
  • Jim Engineer, Chicago USA
  • Tanya Hoshi, Toronto Canada
  • Kayras Irani, Vancouver Canada
  • Narges Kakalia, New Jersey USA
  • Tinaz Karbhari, Auckland New Zealand
  • Jehaan Kotwal, Mumbai, India
  • Shazneen Limjerwala, Mumbai, India
  • Jimmy Madon, Lemington Spa, UK
  • Sanaya Master, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Layla Mazdayasni, San Diego, USA
  • Shazneen Munshi, London, UK
  • Shireen Patel, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Sheherazad Pavri, Mumbai, India
  • Cyrus Rivetna, Chicago, USA
  • Arashasp Shroff, Toronto, Canada
  • Benafsha Shroff, Denver, USA
  • Cainaz Vakharia, Washington D.C., USA
  • Arzan Sam Wadia, New York, USA

Photo credits: Tinaz Karbhari, Jim Engineer, ASHA Centre