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