Changing of the guard

The new team of FEZANA (Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America) executives, led by president Firdosh Mehta and comprising vice president Mahrukh Motafram, treasurer Rashid Mehin and assistant secretary Farrokh Mistree was voted in at the FEZANA AGM (annual general meeting) in Montreal on May 25 and 26 with former treasurer Rustom Kevala officiating as election officer. While the others’ term extends from 2002 to 2004, Motafram’s term ends in 2003, as notes the FEZANA Journal (Fall 2002). Arnavaz Sethna continues as secretary.

At the North American Mobed Council (NAMC) whose mission is to promote the understanding and practice of the Zarathushti religion in North America as well as to represent the interest of its members, the new management committee, led by its president Ervad (Dr) Jehan Bagli includes vice president Ervad Adi Unwalla, treasurer Ervad Gev Karkaria, secretary Ervad Nozer Kotwal and member at large Ervad Kawas Desai. They aim to advance an understanding of Zoroastrianism among the wider North American communities, though their focus would be on Zarathushtis, as notes the FEZANA Journal.

Mehin, Mehta, Sethna and Mistree. Right: Motafram

Announcing the completed verification of proxy votes at the July annual general meeting of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO), the ZSO newsletter (November 2002) lists the elected executive committee of which president Sam Vesuna, treasurer Khushro Tarapore and assistant treasurer Vispi Patel came in uncontested. Other members of the team are executive vice president Freddy Mirza, vice president Zarine Chenoy, secretary Dolly Vevaina, assistant secretary Zermina Patel and first and second executive officers Afreed Mistry and Cyrus Tampal respectively.

Dr Dhun Noria chairs the ZSO’s Building Capital Campaign Committee (BCCC) with the aim of raising $ 2.2 million in three years, as per the FEZANA Journal. The ZSO, by a 78 percent majority, has voted to build a new, larger community center at its present location. The plan includes the expansion of the Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr assembly hall from 2,400 sq ft to 5,040 sq ft, the prayer room from 930 sq ft to 1,950 sq ft and allows for the parking of 36 more cars than at present.

L to R: Dr Katy Mirza, Vesuna, Noria, Nilufer Mama, Vevaina and Navroze Chenoy of ZSO’s BCCC. Commit-tee members Tarapore, Patel and Mirza

The AGM witnessed 87 fraudulent proxies whose voting pattern, according to the ZSO newsletter was for rescinding the proposal for the new center, voting against an extended term for Noria as BCCC chair and sought to maintain the original office bearers. A further 11 proxies could not be determined. The fraudulent ones were to be handed over to the Toronto police for investigation, noted the newsletter.

Mistry chairs the ZSO organizing committee for the North American Youth Congress slated for July 24 to 27, 2003 in Toronto. Meant for youths between the age of 13 and 35 from any part of the world, Mistry notes in an e-mail, that ‘Nexus’ is the theme of the Congress. The youths are being encouraged to research its meaning and relevance before attending the Congress. Those desirous of speaking or conducting a workshop are invited to contact her on e-mail (afreedmistry@yahoo.com). A program/souvenir booklet has been planned and advertisements are solicited.