Zoroastrian RETURN TO ROOTS - WordPress.com...2015/03/22 · 6 Vada Dasturji Dr Firoze Kotwal’s...
40
1 Zoroastrian RETURN TO ROOTS ~ 2015 Report ~
Transcript of Zoroastrian RETURN TO ROOTS - WordPress.com...2015/03/22 · 6 Vada Dasturji Dr Firoze Kotwal’s...
1
2015
Zoroastrian RETURN TO ROOTS
~ 2015 Report ~
2
Zoroastrian RETURN TO ROOTS
Welcome
Acknowledgement
About
Vision
TheFellows
Return:2015TripSummary
Revive:OngoingSuccess
Donors
3
Welcome
FromMarch10‐22nd2015,fourteenZoroastrianyouthfromaroundtheworldmade a journey to return, reconnect, and revive their Zoroastrianroots. This was the second trip run by the Return to Roots program.Started in2012byasmallgroupofpassionatevolunteers,andsupportedbyParzor,theinauguraljourneywasheldinDecember2013‐January2014tocoincidewiththeWorldZoroastrianCongressinBombay,India.
The success of the trips are apparent not only in the transformationalexperiences of the participants but the overwhelming support of thecommunity. This reportwill provide the details of that success and theplans for theprogram’s growth.We hope that after reading these pagesyouwillfeelasinspiredandmotivatedtoactaswehave.
Sincerely,
TheZoroastrianReturntoRootsTeamAugust2015
4
Acknowledgements
ConstructingaprogramlikeReturntoRootsrequiresasenseofmissionandcommitment,optimism, andmany hours of hardwork. Allwe can offer to thosemany volunteers andbelievers that have built this program is our grateful thanks and the hope that rewardcomesmostmeaningfullyinitssuccess.
Wetaketheopportunity,inpresentingthesecondreportoftheReturntoRootsprogram,tothankourmanydonors;theZoroastrianAssociationsaroundtheworldandtheindividualswhohavecontributedwithgenerosity,fortheirtime,theirresourcesandtheirgoodwilltogothatextramiletoassist.
Amongthosethatactuallymadethingshappen,creditmustgo first tothe teamthatbuilttheRootsprogram:Dinsha,Rosheen,KaiyanandShireen.Withoutthem,nothingwouldhavebeenpossible.
Next, and in no particular order,wewould like to thank the travel agencies that assistedwithlogistics.FromTBI,inparticular,HutokshiMarker,KurushCharna,HomaMistry.FromBBTravelExperts;BomiPatel.
ArzanSamWadiawhorunstheRootswebsiteforusandcontinuestobeavaluableresourceaswedeveloptheprograminNorthAmericahasalsoprovidedhistimeandenergyinfund‐raisingandbeingourchampionofsocialmediaoutreachandwasanintegralpartofRoots2.
RukshanaNanji,anoutstandingscholar,whogavefreelyofhertime,wisdomandlearning,toenhancetheexperienceofRoots.
Dhun and Benaifer and Ervad Cawas Bagli, Divya Cowasjee and Shilpi Gulati forwelcoming us to Delhi and hosting us at the Parsi Dharamshala. We are particularlyindebted to Divya and Shilpi for the opportunity to speak to them as directors of theacclaimeddocumentary‘Qis‐sa‐e‐Parsi’.
VillieandAnjanaAryaforabeautifulNavroztableandDebapriyaDasforthedisplayofParzorcraftsattheSethnafarms.OurthanksforadeliciousdinnerhostedbytheSethnafamily.
AnahitaDhondyforadeliciousmealandinspiringtalkatSodabottleopenerwallarestaurant.
NilouferShroff,KiranMehtaandArunAroraforhostingandtouringusaroundtheShroffCharitableEyeCentre.
HomiKhusrokhan,DonnDoongajiandFarokhSubedar, foropening thedoorsofBombay
5
housetous,andtoDonnforexplainingwithallhisyearofcommitment,theTataphilosophyandethicsofdoingbusiness,andhowtheyareembeddedinZoroastrianvalues.
HomiKhusrokhan,amentortotheprogram,isoneofourmostvaluedsupporters,alwaysavailabletoreachoutwithinhisvastandhighpoweredZoroastriannetworktobringthebestandthebrightesttoworkwithRoots.
Shernaz Acharia and Keti Mehta for the tour of the Ratan Tata Institute (RTI) and thedemonstrationof the finest of Parsi culture; food and embroidery.Wewould also like tothank Freyan Bhatena of the Parsi Times and Yazdi Tantra of Zoroastrians.net for theirinformativeandrelevanttalks.
HomaandAbanPetit forwelcomingustothetouroftheParsiGeneralHospital, and theimpressive humanitarian work being done for the community within its green andgraciouspremises.
ErvadDr. RamiyarKaranjia formaking the visit to theDadarAthornan Institute such aninstructiveone,andtotheyoungpriestswhoinspiredarecognitionofhowvitalaroletheyplayaskeepersandguardiansoftheflame,intheAtashBehrams,AgiariesandDar‐e‐mehrsoftheZoroastrianfaithallovertheworld.
ZarirCamaforhisenthusiasmandsupporttoRootsandforhisadvocacyofittosignificantdonors.
DadiMistry, helped with his usual graciousness to navigate the officialdom in Delhi, nomeanfeat,andassistancethatRootswillalwaysneed.
InGujarat,wereitnotforthehelpofYazdiKaranjia,CyrusandJamsheedDotiwalla,MahrukhChichgarandtheirdelightfulfamilies,wewouldhavenothavelaughedasmuchorlearnedwhatwe did. Thanks to Sharmeen Tamboly for her incredible work at theWZO SeniorCitizensHome.
InPune,thankstothegracioushospitalityofCyrusPoonawalla,wewerehonouredtohaveaccess to theSerum Institute and thePoonawalla StudFarm,whichwas shown tousbyRammeshPatiilandhisteam.We also had the good fortune to visit theTataArchives, andwere ably guidedby FrenyShroff.InNavsari,haditnotbeenforVadaDasturjiDrFirozeKotwal,Berjis,Bezad,BharatiGandhi,DaraDeboo,KatyAntia,NavazBamjiandNilufer,ourexperienceoftheplace,howtomakeKustis,andMeherjiranalibrarywouldhavebeenfarlessinformativeandenjoyable.
6
VadaDasturjiDrFirozeKotwal’simpromptulecturetousinNavsari,hishome,wasarareprivilegeforwhichweareverygrateful.InBharuchdoorsweregenerouslyopenedbyPilooandSaroshGinwallaandMrandMrsRohintonJambusarwalla.In Dahanu, Farzan Mazda (a RtR 2 Fellow), Dr Behramshah and Roxanne Mazda fororganizingabeautifulday full of hilltopandbeachviews andgiving theFellows a feel oftheruralandagriculturalrootsoftheirIranianheritage.
Jimmy and Delna Mistry and their family welcomed us into their home in Bombay andvacationcampinLonavalaandtreatedustothefinestofParsihospitalityandinspiredtheFellowstodreambig.
KatayunKapadia,thePresidentofFEZANAprovidedusthetime,spaceandsupporttoen‐sureRootswaswellunderstoodandembeddedwithintheFEZANAnetworks,andcontinuestobeoneofourmosthelpfulsupportersaswebuildRootsinNorthAmericainpartnershipwith FEZANA. To Nilufer Shroff, who has so capably and helpfully assisted in the roleFEZANA plays to assist the Roots programme in all its financial management in NorthAmerica,ourgratefulthanks. AlsoassistingfromNorthAmericawereZAGNY,ZAPANJandZSO,andwelookforwardtoacontinuedassociationwiththem.Toallofthemourcombinedthanks.
ToBapsyDasturandSarahStewartwecontinuetolookforenthusiasmandendorsementofwhatwesetouttoachieve,inbothentrepreneurshipandscholarship.
Toour friends, KhojesteMistree and FirozaPunthakeyMistree in gratitude for themanyhoursoftalkandhospitality,educationandteachingthatassistedinbuildingthearchitec‐tureof theprogramand itsachievement.AndtoKhojeste inparticular, fortheknowledgeimpartedtousonthehistoryofParsiBombay,andthereligionandritualsofZoroastrianism.
ToMonazPatelforherassistance.ToRukhsanaLawyerourimmensegratitudeforallthehoursshehascheerfullyputintosupportbothRoots1and2frominceptiontothepresent.Wehope that all thosewhohaveaccompanieduson the journeyofwhatoneparticipantcalled, “transformational change”,will staywithusandcontinue tobuildwhatwebelieveisoneofthemostsignificantandfarreachingmovementsthegenerationofthefuturehavelaunchedonbehalfoftheZoroastrianCommunity:aReturntoRoots,andbeyond.
ShernazCamaAbanMarkerKabrajiDelhiBangkokAugust2015
7
About Return toRoots isayouth‐initiatedprogramdesigned to strengthencommunity identityamongstZoroastrianyouththeworldover.TheideaofaZoroastrianReturntoRootsPro‐gramwasbornoutoftheincreasingdisconnectbetweenthoseZoroastriansinthediasporawiththeirancestralcommunitiesinIranandIndia.Itisauniquemeansoffosteringcom‐munitylinksandidentitybytakingsmallgroupsofyouthontripstoexploretheirreligious,socialandculturalheritage.
Vision
Return Zoroastrians to their roots.
‐ Runaten‐daytriptoIndia,visitingcentresofZoroastrianreligionandcultureinMumbaiandGujarat,andsmallercommunitiesinDelhiandPuneandothercities.‐ Visitacombinationofhistory,culture,religionandcommunitysights.‐ MeetwithZoroastrianacademics,researchersandlocalguides.‐ DiscoverwaysinwhichonecanbepartofthelargerZoroastriancommunity.
Reconnect Zoroastrians to their identity.
‐ BringtogetheryoungZoroastriansfromacrosstheworldtorecognizetheirsharedcommonalitiesandtraditions.‐ Participateineducationalandcommunity‐serviceorientedactivities,whichreinforceandreinvigoratetheircommunitylinks&identity.‐ Discoverone’sownpersonalconnectiontoZoroastrianvalues&traditions.
Revive the Zoroastrian community.
‐ HelprealizeopportunitiesfortheZoroastrianDiasporainIndia.‐ EncourageZoroastrianstotakeactiverolesincommunitydevelopmentthroughZoroastrianEntrepreneurship.‐ SupportandencouragelocalZoroastrianEnterprises.‐ TakeadvantageofandcontributetoZoroastrianAcademia,Music,Art,OralTraditionsandBusiness.
8
The Fellows
9
James Darius Ball “ RTR is necessary to provide direct
experiences of what it means to be Zo- roastrian for the diaspora community.”
“We all have shared values and beliefs, these fundamental commonalities are
manifested in a variety of forms.”
“[RTR] gave me a feeling of belonging and acceptance in our global Zoroastrian
community.”
JamesDarius was born and raised in NewJersey withhisparents and two sisters.Hisdiverse extended family and wanderlusttook him all over the world during hisupbringing. Itwasn’t until his late twentieshowever thathe finallyarrived in Indiaandstarted to re‐ connect to his Zoroastrianroots. James Darius sees his career as anextension of his Zoroastrian beliefs. UpongraduatingwithaMastersin EnvironmentalManagement fromYaleJamesDariushopesto work with thought leaders in the greenhousing industry to usher inthe next waveof innovation to the design andconstructionofourbuiltenvironment.
10
Ruxshin Cyrus Dinshaw
“…the tour reminded me that I'm proud to be a Zoroastrian, and as an added bonus, I made some
incredible friends along the way.”
IwasbornandraisedinKarachi,Pakistanasanonlychild (and bookworm), and completed most of myschooling at the Convent of Jesus and Mary. I'm currently in the middle of pursuing a bachelor'sdegree in international development through theUniversityofLondon'sexternalprogrammes,andamlooking for‐ ward to a career in environmentalmanagement. I'malsoakeenamateurpianist.
“I've gained an interesting view of how the diaspora
have adapted to their varying circumstanc-
es, while making some great friends in
the process.”
Zubin Gheesta
11
“The most important thing I learnt from this trip is that I am a Zoroastrian first and not a Parsi
as I always used to believe.”
Hi,IamZubinGheesta,bornandbroughtupinBombay.Myjobincludestransform‐ingpeopleintobetterandhealthybodiesas a fitness consultant. I was always in‐clinedtodosomethinginsports.Soevenafter my graduation in commerce I pursued fitness as my career. I am anAmerican College of Sports Medicinecertifiedhealthfitnessspecialist.
“I have always been a religious and community oriented guy but this trip has made my roots stronger which in turn makes my feeling of belonging to the com-
munity much more.”
Pardis Gheibi
12
Myname is Pardis Gheibi. Iwas born inIranandmoved toCaliforniawhen Iwaseleven years old. I currently live in California, and am a student at UCBerkeley. I hope to attend law school inthe future. In my free time, I enjoydancing and spending time with myfamily.
“...one of the great benefits of the Return to Roots trip, was being able to familiar- ize myself with the numerous religious as well as cultural similarities and differ- ences between the Parsi community and the Iranian Zoroastrian community so that I can work closely with these communities here in Northern California and
unite the two, because even though our cultures and traditions might differ, we all share the same religious roots.”
“...now that I have had the experience, I choose to put on my Sedre-koshti because I find it to be a much richer, both religious and spiritual
experience.”
13
Farah Minwalla “I don't feel as lonely within my faith and religious community as I have for most of my life. By being a part of the RTR program I have finally found a wonderful group of young adults who I hope to
stay in touch with as life-long friends.”
“Youth are more in- spired to come back to the community to in-
fluence inter-communi- ty dialogue and change if they feel connected to their lineage and
faith. This trip achieves simply that.”
Farahwasborn inOlney,MD,where she liveduntiltheageofsix,beforemovingtoLasVegas,NV.ShereceivedherBachelorofArtsdegreeinEnglishLiteraturefromMarymountManhattanCollege. Currently, Farah works for PetersonManagement, LLC, which is the family officeforthePeterG.PetersonFoundationlocatedinNewYorkCity. Inherspare time,Farahworksfreelanceformusicfestivalswhilevolunteeringinhercommunity.
“I have for the first time in my life started to feel more like a Zoroastrian and a member of this community. For that I am incredibly grateful to the creators of this program for giving people like me a way
'into' the community.”
Kayras Darayush Irani
14
“Zoroastrians have always been known to be respect- ed, loyal, and trustworthy people. Observing the com- munity in India live to those standards was truly refresh- ing and reassuring. Its not a rumor, it is definitely true.”
IwasborninAbuDhabi,UAEandmovedtoOntario,Canadaattheageofsixwithmyparentsandyoungerbrother,whereweresidedforfiveyearsbeforemovingacrossthecountrytoRichmond,BritishColumbia.IamaParamedicwiththeBritishColumbiaAmbulanceServiceandhavebeenaParamedicforsevenyears.IenjoyvolunteeringfortheZoroastrianSocietyofBritishColumbiaandhavebeenactivelydoingsosince2009.
“I just hope that more of the community can learn to be charitable to both Zo- roastrians and non-Zoroastrians, and
not just rely on the wealthy Zoroastrian professionals like the TATA's and Cyrus
Poonawalla to be the only ones to give to the needy.”
“I would like to help others discover their community
and identity, especially through an amazing pro-
gram like Return to Roots.”
Khushchehr Italia
15
Khushchehr “Khush” Italia was born in Mumbai, India, but grew up in Los Angeles, Californiasince theageof5.Fromtheageof7 to24,sheplayedcompetitive tennisonthenational, international, collegiate, and professional circuits through the years. Khushgraduated withHonorswithaBachelorsinBusinessAdministration,whileonafullathleticscholarship, from the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Finance and InternationalBusiness. After her successful collegiate career, shedecided to turnproandplayedon theWTA Tour for two years, finally retiring due to a career ending shoulder injury. KhushcurrentlyresidesinLosAngeles,California,whereshehasbeenworkingasanAnalystinthefieldofBusinessandOperations.
“I wish all Young Zoroas- trians can experience this, maybe then we would try
harder to preserve and maintain our community for generations to come.”
“I gained not just knowledge, but greater self-confidence
in myself, in my community, and in the idea that one person can truly impact the world.”
“I have come back with a newly founded love for my community and who I am. I have shared my experience and my love with all my friends, Zoroastrians and
Non-Zoroastrians. I feel so proud to be a Zoroastrian.”
Arash Jahanian
16
“The increased understand- ing of the Parsi experience will hopefully help me and the other Return to Roots Fellows serve as unifying
bridges for our own Zoroas- trian communities as well as the larger community.”
ArashJahanianisacivilrightsattorneyinDenver,Colorado. Originally fromKansas City, Kansas, heis a graduate of the University of North Carolinaand Georgetown Law, and he taught in Chicago’sunderprivileged schools with Teach For America.Hislovingfamilyincludehisparents,DaryoushandMahin,andbrotherKeyarash.
“Part of the uniqueness of the Return to Roots journey was that it was at once an in- dividual and a shared experience. We each explored our religion and ourselves through our individual lenses, yet the group experi- ence fed into and informed each journey.”
Natalia Karanjia
17
“This trip was fabulous, there are some moments which I would never ever forget, like the orphanage where we
met the children and we spent quality time with them by dancing singing
with them.”
“This RTR program is the best platform where we all Parsis
stand together and can explore our religion and our identity.”
I was born and brought up in Karachi,Pakistan. Iam21yearsoldandcurrentlydoing my Bachelors in Commerce. I wasalways shy from my childhood but as IgrewolderIgainedconfidenceandlearnthow to make your own place in thisworld.MyNavjoteceremonywasdoneatthe age of nine. I am a very fun‐lovingperson who loves partying, socializing,talking to people try my best to makeotherslaughandIamacrazyanimallover,other than that my hobbies are acting,dancing, singing, swimming, cycling. Mydream is toopenadance institute inmycountry which will be free so thateverybody can get a chance to excel intheirtalenteveniftheycan’taffordit.
Farzan Mazda
18
Born and brought up in Dahanu (which lieswithin the geography of 18th‐19th centuryParsisettlementsinIndia),Ihavebeenactive‐lyinvolvedwiththeUNESCOPARZORmissionin documenting Zoroastrian heritage of theregion since the age of 15. Currently a Professor with the Symbiosis College ofArts & Commerce, Pune, I teach undergradstudents Entrepreneurial skills. I’m alsopursuingaPhDfrom Symbiosis InternationalUniversity inTourismManagement.
“Its given me the privilege of viewing our living heritage before it withers away for
good.”
“...its necessary to
make our youth value their lineage.”
Note: Farzan was one of theFellows from India who alsoacted as a host for the RtR 2 inDahanu wherehe led the tourofZoroastrian Irani farmingheritage.
Anushae Parakh
19
I was born and grew up in Karachi, Pakistan. IstudiedattheKarachiGrammarSchooltillIwas18and then spent four years in theUK formy highereducation. I obtained my bachelors degree fromDurhamUniversity in Sociology. I then went on topursue my masters from the London School ofEconomics in Environment and Development. Irecently startedworkingfortheInternationalUnionforConservation ofNature(IUCN)andambasedinBangkok, Thailand. I am a program assistant for aregional coastal development program calledMangroves for the Future (MFF) and focus on theeffectiveintegrationofgen‐derintotheprocess.
“I'd like to make a difference by staying involved with the RTR alumni and stay
committed to propagate the trip and capitalize on funding opportunities.”
“I did not have a very strong connection to our community. After this trip I have learnt to
cherish my community because we have such a vibrant culture
which should be preserved.”
Perzen Patel
20
“...[RTR] en- lightened me
on the issues we are facing as a community and inspired me to do
my bit.”
Bawibybirthandafood‐loverbylife,PerzenPatelisMumbai’sBawiBride.Whileshedidn’tknowhow to cook evena simpleParsiDhandaruntil she gotmarried,Perzen isnowonamissiontospreadhappiness throughDhansak.Whenshe isnotwritingabout foodandtravel,Perzenrunsafull‐fledgedParsicateringservice,organisesfoodexperiencesandalsooffers Parsi cooking classes. Perzen cooked a delicious Navroze lunch for her fellowparticipantsinMumbai.
“[RTR has] shown me the struggles my ancestors re- ally went to set up in India increased my sense of pride
of being a Parsi.”
Veera Rustomji
21
Growing up in Karachi has had a paramountinfluence on the person that I am today. It isextremely difficult to reconcile with a city thatincreasingly becomes hostile to differences andfreedom of expression. However as a Fine Artstudent, I havegrown to see and appreciate somany different aspects of my home because ithas immense talent and so many open hearts.Being a minoritywomaninKarachimayseemtobe a dead end for a successful career but thesocial responsibility of an artist and a writer isimmensely important and moreover, as aprivileged educated member citizen I think itshouldbeanaturalinclinationtogivebacktothecountry that desperately needs her culturalambassadors.
“The RTR program is a very real- istic approach to religion.... it en- courages dialogue and creates an avenue for your opinion to matter and to be valued as a young Zoro-
astrian.”
“When I came back home, everyone's immediate question for me was did you get a boyfriend???? Apparently nothing would top that but in an attempt to do so.... I gained some amazing friends and memories which make me smile
and laugh every time I think of them.”
Kersi Shroff
22
Kersi Shroff is an MBA student at Columbia University in New York. Kersi grew up in New Delhi, India where he was extensively involved with the community both through religious classes at the Delhi Parsi Anjuman and by volunteering for the UNESCO Parzor project for several years. He moved to the US to attend college at Yale University where he graduated with a degree in Economics & Computer Science. Prior to starting at Columbia, he worked as an economic and financial consultant at Cor- nerstone Research in New York. After graduating from Columbia, he plans to work as a management consultant. In his free time he enjoys running, golf and traveling to interest- ing cities!
“I got to see a more diverse
set of the com- munity than I had been exposed to.”
“This program does literally what it promis- es. Makes sure members feel a stronger and deep-
er connection to their cultural heritage, making
it more likely that they will value and keep up
long-lasting traditions.”
23
Management Team
24
Dinsha Mistree, Co-founder &Representative US, Canada DinshawasborninHouston,TexasandgrewupinAtlanta,Georgia.HepreviouslystudiedatMIT,isfinishinghisPhDatPrinceton,andwillbestarting a postdoc at Stanford in September 2015. He is married toFareeza Doctor, a Pakistani alum from the first RTR trip. Apart frommeetinghiswifethroughRTR,hisfavoriteRTRmomentshavecomefrommeeting the other amazing tour participants and from working withtherestoftheRTRorganizers.
Rosheen Kabraji, Co-founder & Representative UK, Europe, Pakistan, Iran RosheenKabrajiwasborninKarachi,Pakistan.SheiscurrentlypursuingherPhDinContemporaryIndianPoliticsatKing’sCollegeLondon.HerfavouriteRtRmomentssofarwerespendingquietmomentsintheNavsariAtashBehram,photographingthefellowsontheirheritagetourofBombay,meetingyoungdynamicParsiartistsandentrepreneurs,andlaughingtillshecriedthankstosomecharmingandmischievousZoroastrianbawasandbawis!ShehasaBScfromUniversityCollegeLondonandanMPhilfromtheUniversityofCambridge.
Kaiyan Mistree, Co-founder & Representative Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong KaiyanwasborninHouston,TexasandthereaftermigratedtoMumbai,India, where he studied through high school. After spending a yearinterningforDawnNewspaperinKarachi,Pakistan,KaiyanenrolledatThe Ohio State University, where he graduated B.S. in Architecture.KaiyanreturnedtoMumbai,whereheworkedforanumberofyearsatArchitect Hafeez Contractor. He currently works as an Architecture &DesignManagerforatopIndianrealestatecompany.Inhissparetime,Kaiyanhassetupanarchitecturaldesignstudioandisanavidsailor.
Shireen Havewala, Co-founder & Representative India, UAE, Singapore ShireenwasborninMumbai,India,makinghertheonly“local”ontheproject.ShireencompletedherundergraduateinpoliticalscienceatSt.Xavier’sCollegeinMumbaibeforemigratingwestwheresheacquiredanMAinInternationalStudiesatDiplomacyattheSchoolofOrientalandAfricanStudiesinLondon.FollowingastintwheresheworkedinWashingtonD.C.,ShireenreturnedtoMumbaitoworkatGatewayHouse.SheiscurrentlyaseniorofficerandprojectmanagerwiththeRoyalBankofScotlandFoundation,India.
25
Arzan Sam Wadia ArzanisalicensedarchitectandpracticesasanarchitectandurbandesignerinNewYorkCity,wherehecurrentlyliveswithhiswifeShirr‐in.AlongwithhisarchitecturalpracticeArzanalsorunsatechnologyconsultingbusinessprovidingcompletesolutionstotheCADandBIMindustry.Arzan is involvedwith theReturnToRootsprogramsinceitsinceptionandservesasitsNorthAmericaLiaisonandalsohelpsmaintainitsonlinewebpresence.ArzanisaboardmemberoftheZoroastrianAssociationofGreaterNewYork(ZAGNY).ArzannowchairstheInformationTechnologyCommitteeof theFederationofZoroastrianAssociationsofNorthAmerica(FEZANA).ArzanalsorunsParsiKhabar(www.parsikhabar.net)anonlineportalaboutParsis.
Dr. Shernaz Cama, Co-Chairperson Return to Roots Shernazistheco‐ChairpersonofReturntoRoots.SheisanAssociateProfessor at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. Shernaz hasedited and authored several books and has assisted internationalsenior scholars in their research projects on Zoroastrianism. Ashonorary Director of UNESCO Parzor she guides researches inZoroastrian cultureanddemography.ShernazhasbeenawardedtheMazda Education Foundation Award and Mancherji Edalji JoshiMemorial Award for Out‐ standing Contribution to the Zoroastriancommunity. She is currently workingas theCo‐Curatorof theSOASEverlastingFlameexhibitionforIndia 2016 and Coordinator for theNational Everlasting Flame Parsi Program, as well as NationalCoordinatoroftheGovernmentofIndia’sJiyoParsiprogram
Aban Marker Kabraji, Co-Chairperson Return to Roots Aban is the co‐Chairperson of Return to Roots. She is from Quetta,PakistanandBangkok,Thailand.SheistheRegionalDirectorforAsiaattheInternationalUnionfortheConservationofNature.Ms.Kabrajihasbeen honouredwith several distinguished awards. She receivedtheOrder of the Golden Ark by the GrandMaster of the Order, HisRoyal Highness Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, and is also aYaleUniversityMcCluskeyFellow.Shehasauthoredandco‐authoreda number of publications on conservation strategies, theenvironment andsecurityandconflictprevention.Sheismarried,hasthreechildrenandlovesdogs.
26
The Return
27
Trip Summary
Day 1: New Delhi ParsiDharamsala,Aramghar,SethnaFarms
Day 2: New Delhi RashtrapatiBhavan,Sodabottleopenerwalla,ShroffCharitableEyeCentre
Day 3: Mumbai Brittannia,DadarMadressa,MistryResidence
Day 4: Pune TataArchives,SerumInstitute,StudFarms
Day 5: Mumbai Doongerwadi,RTI
Day 6: Mumbai ParsiHeritageBusTour,JimmyBoy
Day 7: Gujarat Ahura,Nargol,ParsiDakhma,SanjanStumbh
Day 8: Navsari MeherjiranaLibrary,JRDTata’sHouse,KustiWeaving,DebooHouse,JJMuseum,WZOSeniorCitizenHome
Day 9: Bharuch OldParsiHomes,SuratOrphanage,DotiwallaBakery
Day 10: Dahanu Hilltop Hike, Beach
Day 11: Mumbai ParsiGeneralHospital,NavrozeTable,BombayHouse
28
Day 1: Delhi
Qissa-e-Parsi:
ReturntoRoots2015officiallykickedoffon10March2015atthe Delhi Dharamshala. As an introduction to the Parsicommunity in India we started by watching a screening ofQissa‐e‐Parsi,abeautifulandinsightfuldocumentarycreatedbyDivyaCowasji and Shilpi Gulati. For some thiswas already aneducational experience of the unique characteristics, fromfood to humor,thattheParsi’sareknownfor.Afterthefilmwehadthespecialtreatofspeakingwiththefilm’sdirectors.Youngand passionate, Divya and Shilpi, shared the challenges andrewardsofworkingonsuchanimportantculturalproject.Aswewereallstartingourownreturntoourrootsitwaspowerfultohear about the journey these filmmakers went through todiscover and narrate the story of our shared ancestry. After alively discussion of the filmandadeliciousmealwemovedtotheAgiaryforaBoiceremony.
Agiary:
Fordiasporayouth, theopportunitytovisitanAgiary isarareandspecialoccasion.Forsome,thiswastherefirsttimeinafiretemple.TheRTRhostsweregraciousinshowingthosethatwereless familiar the traditionsandcustoms.Weeach litourDivosandthedasturjiconductedthesacredBoiceremony.Eachofustooktimetohavebothapersonalexperienceofthissacredspaceand look around to take in the group experience aswell. Thisbalanceofinner,personalreflectionandoutward,socialsharingwouldaccompanyusthroughoutthetrip.
Aramghar:
WhilewewerestillsoakingintheexperienceoftheAgiarywenext tookawalk through the localParsiCemetery. It is averycalmandpeacefulplace,fulloftreesandflowersandprovidedanicerespitefortheafternoon.
29
Sethna Farms:
Intheeveningwetookthebusto theSethnaFarmsoutsideofDelhi, home of Adi Sethna, an ex‐General of the Indian Army,RepresentativetotheMinorityCommission,andPresidentoftheDelhi Dharamsala among other accolades. It is a stunningpropertyandgave us time to settle into the fact we were alltogether in India, starting this journey together. Some of theSethna family and their children joined the celebration andafteraNavrozeTablewedivedintodinner.
Day2: Delhi
Bus Tour:
Byday2ourgrouphadalreadysetupourroutinethatwewouldenjoyfortherestofthetrip,musiconthebus,jumpingphotos,andlotsoflaughter.InthemorningwetookatourofDelhisitesincludingIndiaGateandGandhi’shouse.
Sodabottleopenerwalla:
Sodabottleopenerwalla setaveryhighstandard for therestofthe meals on the trip. The unique drinks and new twists ontraditional Irani Café dishes were complimented by therestaurants hilarious decorations. A special treatwasmeetingtheChefManager,AnahitaDhondy,ayoungParsientrepreneur.
Shroff Charitable Eye Centre:
The Shroff family has a legacy of four generations of India’sleading optometrists. Their practice has the unique model ofpro‐ viding private paid services to finance free publicservices. We were given a private tour of their charitablehospital including a screening of their 100 year anniversaryvideo,andapersonaldiscussionwiththeCentre’sCEO.
30
Day 3: Mumbai
Britannia If there is one IraniCafé to experience it isBritannia,not justforthefood,butforthehost.Amanwitheightnames,andstillloyallydevotedtotheBritishthrone,weallenjoyedreadinghispersonalcorrespondencewiththeQueenandphotosoftheroyalfamily.
Jimmy Mistry Residence:
OurtimeinDadarParsiColonyspannedthetwoextremesofthecommunity.WestartedwithatouroftheMistryResidence,homeofJimmyMistryofDellaGroup.TheopulentmansionrecallsthearchitecturaltraditionofPersepolisfromtheornateentrancetoreliefsonthewalls.
Dadar Madrassah:
TobringusbackdownfromtheheightsoftheMistryResidencewe went next to the Priest School. Ramiyar Karanjia, thePrincipaloftheMadrassa,gaveusaneloquentintroductionintoZoroastrian faith and the life of the Zoroastrian Priesthood.Beforehecouldevenfinishhisremarks,ourhandswereintheair with questions. We were all hungry for this first handknowledge ofour faith and squeezed in asmany questions inthe limited timewe had. Many of us bought religious booksand aftermeetingsomeoftheyoungpriests,reluctantlyleft.
Della Adventures:
That night we were treated to a night at Della Adventures inLonavala through the generous hospitality of Jimmy Mistry.Jimmy joined us for dinner and dancing and a late nightretellingofhisclimbtofameandfortuneandtheimportanceofperseveranceinanyendeavor.
31
Day 4: Pune
Tata Archives:
The archives are not open to the general public andwewerestarting to realize the extremely privileged treatment thatweweregettingaspartoftheReturntoRootsProgram.WelcomedbyFrenyShroff,theheadofthearchives,wegotapersonaltourof the collection including a replica of JRD’s office, and hisoriginalmedals.
Serum Institute:
Zoroastrian entrepreneurs and their businesses have had major impact and helped millionsof people. From the Tatas,to the Poonawallas they have all made incrediblecontributionstoIndiaandtheworld. For thePoonawallas theirimpact is summed up by the fact that 1 in 3 children in theworld has been vaccinated with one of their vaccines. Theirhospitality wasmore than gracious,with a tour of the factory,theirstudfarms,andadeliciousmeal,whichfilledtherestofapicturesquedayinPune.
Day 5: Mumbai
Doongerwadi:
BackinMumbai,thehomeoftheParsis,wewerejoinedforDay5byreligiousscholarKhojesteMistry. FirstKhojestegaveusalectureontheZoroastrianreligionwithspecialinsightsintothetraditionsofthefuneralceremony.WethenwalkedthroughtheDoongerwadigardensandbuildings.Itwashardtorealizethatwe were still in the heart of Mumbai and overwhelming tofeelthatthesesacredgroundsbelongtoourheritage.
Ratan Tata Institute:
Lunch was provided by the Ratan Tata Institute withpresentationsmadebyFreyanBhatenaof theParsiTimesandYazdiTantraofZoroastrians.net.FreyanhadrecentlycompletedasurveyofZoroastrianYouthinMumbaiwithgaveusinvaluableinsight into how our diaspora experience compares with theMumbaiupbringing. Lunchwas followedbya tourof the localParsi shops, including a demonstration (and short lesson) onsewing.
32
Thatafternoonweweregiven leisuretimetoexploreMumbai.Many of us chose to visit local Agiaries and Atash Behrams,othersdidsomelocalshoppingorrelaxedatthehotel.
Day 6: Mumbai
Heritage Bus Tour of Mumbai The Fellows assembled in the morning at Electric House inColaba,foranopen‐air,BESTdoubledeckerbus,ParsiHeritageTour; conductedbyRTRadvisor,KhojesteMistree.OnthedrivefromColaba toBhikaBehramWell,Mr.Mistree introduced theFellowstotheParsiroleinbuildingthecityofBombay.AtBhikaBehram well,Mr.Mistree informed the group of its illustrioushistoryandcontinued with a tour of the Parsi statues in theclose vicinity.From Bhika BehramWell, the bus continued toMetro Cinema, the Parsi Ambulance Brigade Division, SirCowasjee Jehangir Hall and Reading Library, and to thefamous Irani cafes of BastaniBakeryandKaiyaniRestaurant.Thetourconcludedwithamuchneededlunchbreakat JimmyBoy’srestaurant.
Day 7
Gujarat
Withjustoverhalfthetripcompletewewerestilltoexperiencesomeofthemostmemorabletimesyet.IntheearlymorningoftheseventhdaywepiledintothebusestoleaveforGujarat.Onthewaywe stoppedatAhura, a roadsideParsi restaurant andbytheearlyafternoonwewereatNargol.
Nargol:
For many of us standing on the beaches of Nargol was theclimax of the RTR experience.Most of us even took the smallferry boat across the river and back, just to pretend that wewerelikethe firstParsi’sarrivingat theseshores.Wetook thenecessary
33
jumping photo and learned the history of the Parsi’s arrivalfromRukshana. But most importantly we each considered onourown the significance of standing at the same placewhichmany years before us our ancestors had arrived to start newlives. We all lived in completely different places around theglobe,butthatbeach,anditssleepytown,holdsacommonlinkthatweallshare.
Dakhma:
VisitingtheoldestDakhmain India isspecialenough, todosowiththearchaeologistwhoexcavated it isaonce ina life timeexperience.RukshanasharedwithusherextensiveknowledgeandstoriesoftheParsiandtheirmigrationtoIndia.Wewalkedwithher across the fields to visit thewalkingMango tree andlearnedofhowtheParsi’sarelinkedtoalmosteverystoryinthisregionofGujarat.
WZO Sanjan Guest house:
AtraditionalParsimealwasservedforusatthetraditionalParsiaccommodationsofSanjan.Weate, rested,playedcarrom,andmadeplanstogivedonationstotheneedyParsisofGujarat.
Sanjan Stumbh:
The Sanjan Stumbh commemorates the landing of the ParsisinSanjan.WiththediversityofourgroupwewereabletoreadmostofthelanguagesthattheStumbh’sinscriptionsarewrittenin (only realizing after translating the Parsi and Gujarat thatEnglishwasontheotherside).
Udvada:
Our brief visit to Udvada started at the Zoroastrian museum.SomeofusvisitedtheIranshahwhileothersenjoyedthesunsetonthebeach.ThateveningwespendthenightinDaman.
34
Day 8 Navsari:
Meherjirana Library: Fromthebuildingitself,toitscollectionofbooks,andpreservationwork, theMeherjiranaLibrary isavitalsourceofZoroastrianHeritage.Weweregiventheextraprivilegeofbeingwelcomed by Dastur Kotwal who blessed us with hisenlightened perspectives on the past and future ofZoroastrianism.Aftertouringthelibrary,andgettingtoseefirsthandancientZoroastriantextswetookofffortheothersitesofthetown.
Navsari Tour:
There is so much to see in Navsari, so we quickly toured thePriesthouse,localAgiaries,theZoroastrianstore,JJTata’shouse,andarestoredParsihome.
Jamshed Baug:
We lunched at the Jamshed Baug and then were given ademonstrationofParsicrafts.Onlyupclosecanyouappreciatethe delicate art of Kusti weaving and toran making and weevengottospinsomecottonourselves.
Senior Citizen home:
OurgrouphadagreedtomakedonationstotheresidentsattheSeniorCitizenhome.Asweenteredthelivingroomwheretheywere all sittingwe quickly separated and sat downwith eachofthemtoaskthemquestionsandshareourstories.YoucouldseetheirfaceslightuptohaveagroupofZoroastrianyouthvisitfromaroundtheworldandsharingtheirgenerosity.
Day 9
35
Bharuch:
WewerewelcomedintotheParsihomesofBharuchasifwewerefamily.Withbeautiful views, andRukshana’shistorical stories,weresoakeduptherichnessoftheexperience.UniquetosomeofthesehomeswastraditionalrainwaterstoragesystemsknowasTanka’sthattheParsisbroughtfromIran.
Surat:
In Suratwe toured (and tasted) theDotivalabakery.The sitesandsmellsofpastriesandchocolatestemptedusallandweweregenerouslygivenasamplingtotakewithus.ThatafternoonwevisitedtheOrphanages.Theyouthwereshyat firstbutby thetimewelefttheyweresinginganddancingwithusinthecourt‐yard.We had brought them ice cream and a donation for theinstitutionandweresadtoleavethem.
That nightwedinedwith theDotivala family. After dinnerweconvincedthehotelmanagementtoletushaveasmallfireinthebackyardsowecouldproperlycelebrateNavrozeintheIranianmanner,byjumpingoverthefire!
Day 10
Dahanu:
FromahilltopinDahanuwecouldseeallthewaytothecoastto theNargol Riverwhere the journey for the Parsis began.While sipping on fresh coconut it started to sink in that ourjourney had almost come to its end.We all gathered under alargebanyan tree for one of our final group photos. From thehilltopweheaded to thebeach for somewalks into thewater,cricket,andhorsebackriding.
Day 11
36
Mumbai:
Parsi general hospital:
TearswelledupinmanyofthepatientseyeswhenweshowedupwithNavroze snacks inhandat theParsiGeneralHospital.Elderlymenandwomenalmostjumpedoutofbedtoshakeourhandsandexchangewellwishes.
Navroze Lunch at the Mistree residence:
HostedbyKhojeste&FirozaMistree’sforlunchwestartedwitha explanation of the Navroze table by Khojeste and had a deliciousParismealpreparedbyRTRFellowPerzenPatel.
Bombay House:
OurfinalculturalvisitwastoTATAHeadquarters,BombayHouse.Wewatchedafilmonthecompany’shistoryandthentreatedtospeechesbysomeoftheirtopexecutives.Asyoungprofessionalstheirstoriesandadvicewereinvaluabletous.
Lunch at Bombay Gymkhana:
RTR2endedattheParsiGymkhanawithabittersweetgoodbye.Weeachsharedourstoriesandexperiencesofthetripoverourfinalmealtogetherandlookedforwardtostayingconnected.
37
Revive
38
UponreturningtoourcommunitiesaroundtheworldeachofusbroughtbacktothemourReturntoRootsexperience.Wearestillfindingwaystosharewhatwelearnedbutwehavealreadydonethefollowing:
FEZANA:Rosheen,Arash,Khush,Veera,PardisandPerzenallwrotearticlesabouttheRTR2tripwhicharetobepublishedintheFezanajournalSummer2015issue.
2015FEZANAAnnualGeneralMeeting:Dinsha,Arzan,Farah,SasanandFareezaattendedandpresentedattheFEZANAAGMheldinPhiladelphiainMay2015(pictureabove).ThiswasacombinedpresentationmadeupofRTR1&2Fellows.RTR,wherepossible,isalsoencouragingthroughZoroastriancommunityevents,AGMsetctoconnectandnetworkallRTRalumnis.
KZBMpresentation:Veera,Ruxshin,NataliaandAnushaegaveapresentationtotheKarachiParsicommunityabouttheirtripwhichwaswell‐receivedandfeaturedintheKZBM‘What’zOn’publication.Inaddition,VeerawroteanarticlefortheHAMAZORmagazine.
WiththegeneroussupportofourcommunitypublicationsandassociationswehopetokeepspreadingthewordaboutRtRandtheongoingworkourFellowsaredoingintheirhomecommunitiesglobally.
39
Donors
Adil&HusnaJilla
Amb.JamsheedMarker
AnahitaSidhwa
ArdeshirKiamanesh
BezanIrani
FederationofZoroastrianAssociationsofNorthAmerica(FEZANA)
Hommie&JamshedNusserwanjeeCharitableTrust
JimWadia
KayrasIrani+MiscellaneousDonors
KarachiZarthostiBanuMandal(KZBM)
PearlBall
VandadPourbahrami
ZoroastrianAssociationofGreaterNewYork(ZAGNY)
ZoroastrianAssociationofPennsylvania,NewJerseyandDelaware(ZAPANJ)
ZoroastrianSocietyofOntario(ZSO)
