The winning streak

While much of the XIV North American Zoroastrian Congress was about the Zoroas­trian community in North America coming of age — it’s been 40 years since the first association, the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec, was founded; also, the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) celebrated its 20th birthday — it was perhaps the first occasion when a major award was posthumously presented. The standing ovation that greeted the late Khorshed Jungalwala’s husband Firoze, daughter Ferzin Patel and son Jehangir as they came to receive the award attested to the community’s love and admiration for all that the lady had stood for and accomplished in their midst.

Starting with the foundation of the Zoroastrian Association of the Greater Boston Area (ZAGBA) in 1983 over which she presided for two terms, Jungalwala was the longstanding chair of the FEZANA Publications Committee overseeing the FEZANA Journal and other publications. Despite the inroads of a virulent cancer, she discharged her duties with unrelenting dedication. She was the chairperson of the FEZANA World Body Working Group — a labor that proved in vain when the world body was stymied by traditionalists in India. But her love for her fellow man had impelled her into projects that overarched the community. She was a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, a Justice of the Peace and a contributor to the Pluralism Project of Harvard University and its Divinity Bulletin, using her personal connections to organize seminars there on the Zoroastrian religion. She was also an avid supporter of the arts and classical music, holding positions on various cultural organizations, FEZANA Awards Committee chair Framroze Patel read the citation attesting to her multifarious interests and activities. "Khorshed’s vision, enthusiasm and steadfast commitment to the community were reflected in her constant practice of open dialog and respect for diversity and religious differences. Her sense of integrity, her charm, compassion and life long commitment to the Zarathushti community will always be remembered,” noted Patel.

Accepting the Rohinton Rivetna Outstanding Zarathushti Award — named after the founding president of FEZANA — which recognizes a Zarathushti who has made a well recognized contribution to further the cause of Zara­thushtis in North America and internationally through distinctive leadership and service, on behalf of his "dear wife Khor­shed,” Firoze Jun­galwala recounted how she had been looking forward to making the trip to Toronto, how she kept asking if he had made the travel bookings. "I had told her that if she is well enough to travel, we would all go to Toronto together.” It was not to be. Khorshed succumbed to the disease a month before the scheduled awards ceremony. "In keeping with my commitment to her, we have all come to accept the award,” noted Firoze, emotionally overcome by the poignancy of the occasion.

Professional excellence

Professor of business administration Dr Beheruz Sethna, who presides over the 10,000 students and 500 faculty members of the University of West Georgia received the Excellence in Business or Profession Award. Rated the highest ranked academic of Indian origin in NA, he is the first known person from India to become president of a US university, notes the citation. He has also been interim executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer for the entire university system of Georgia, adds the citation. With a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, and a Masters in Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, he additionally has a Master of Philosophy and a Doctorate in Business Marketing from Columbia University. Sethna has authored more than 60 articles in national and international journals, been interviewed on television and radio and the Press, has conducted executive development programs for international companies and is a much sought after public speaker. Withal, he has continued to teach a formal university course and functions as a research advisor for students competing at various events, as notes the citation. Sethna’s commitment has earned him the National Award for Outstanding Leadership in Higher Education. He has also been presented with a Resolution of Commendation by the State of Georgia, read Patel.

Invoking the blessings of Ahura Mazda and of his deceased parents, Sethna paused to reflect on the influence of parents on young lives. In an autobiographical vein he recalled how ardently his parents, a couple of modest means, had dreamt of sending their son to the IIT — a desire their son did not share. When he was called for an interview on the strength of his entrance exam performance, he said he made an excuse and turned down the offer of admission, telling his dad, "I didn’t get electrical engineering in Bombay so I turned it down.” But his father refused to buy the glib story, ensuring that his son not only took the entrance exam a second time but accompanied him for the interview. There was no getting out of it. Sethna said he spent "five awful years at IIT.” Reflecting on the fickleness of youth, Sethna noted, "Today I marvel at (my) ridiculous decision. In America it is believed that young people have the right to make their own mistakes. Today I know that my dad pulled me back from a cliff. Today, I don’t believe that the wisdom of an 18-year-old trumps the wisdom of two 45-year-olds. I thank them for their pressure and for making me do what I didn’t want to do.”

Commenting on the increasing polarization in the world today, Sethna noted, "48 years ago a holocaust survivor from Romania had been asked what the environment had been in his country then. Sethna quoted his response: "Hitler was very smart. He capitalized on existing hatreds,” then observed, "All of us have biases, hatreds. It is happening in the world today. Cleverer people find these elements of hatred and use them to their own advantage. Zoroastrians have a special message in this terrible world, a more meaningful message. Let us share that message.”

Russi and Moti Balsara flanked by Hutoxy Contractor (left) and Dhun Noria

Service to humanity

The Humanitarian Service Award, named after the late Jamshed Pavri of Vancouver for whom social service had been the breath of life, was presented to former president of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO) Dr Russi Balsara. With a doctorate in dental surgery from the University of Toronto, Balsara was chief of the dental clinic of the North Toronto District Office of Veterans Affairs, is affiliated with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons and has a vast teaching experience, notes the citation. But beyond that, his humanitarian work for the elderly and the distressed in India and Canada, his personal involvement not only in getting Iranian Zoroastrian refugees admitted into Canada but ensuring suitable housing and concern to enable them to settle into their new lives, is recorded in the citation. As chair of the house and garden subcommittee of the ZSO he has worked diligently on the Darbe Mehr’s maintenance and for Zara­thushtis facing a death in the family or medical emergencies, he has been a tower of support. The services of Russi and his wife Moti, a former nursing professional, spanning over two decades, were recognized by ZSO with an award in 2002. He also helps organize the Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto, now considered Canada’s largest music festival in support of young artists, and has received the Mel Osborne Fellowship Award and the 35 year Legion of Honor for his service and dedication to the Kiwanis organization both locally and worldwide, Patel read the citation. In 2003 Russi and Moti had received the Government of Ontario Senior Achievement Award.

"Two women in my life guided me,” Balsara recalled as he responded to the award. "My mother Khorshed instilled in me a strong sense of duty towards those in need and to further Zoroastrian principles and traditions. My wife Moti has endured my idiosyncrasies for 48 years. I share this award with her for her patience and her support.” Moti, also a former president of the ZSO, is now physically challenged by the stroke she has sustained, attending the function on a wheel chair. Stressing the need to give back to the community through volunteerism, Balsara noted, "By volunteering you gain more: you gain friends, you touch life in ways you cannot imagine. My message to parents is, encourage your children from an early age to volunteer time usefully. The effort will remain with them throughout life and stand them in good stead.”

Performing arts

The Dinshaw Joshi Memorial Award for Excellence in the performing arts, painting or literature was presented to Dinyar Vania, a tenor soloist who has performed at Carnegie Hall in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Named after the man who institutionalized the awards with professional thoroughness and decorum, Vania was singled out by the judges for having won first place in the Giulio-Gari International Vocal Competition. He was a semi finalist in Placido Domin­go’s Opera­lia in Spain. Since his debut with the New York City Opera as Rodolfo in La Bohème, he has been singing with the Syracuse Opera, the Naples Philharmonic and the Sacramento Opera, reads the citation.

It was a career as a musician that Vania had originally intended, participating in school bands and youth orchestras. His teachers however suggested that he take voice lessons and he secured a full scholarship from Ithaca College and completed his voice training at the Mannes College of Music. Considered one of opera’s exciting new stars by the Canadian Press, Vania has nonetheless found time to participate in community events and has sung at previous NA congresses, notes the citation.

Acknowledging the community’s encouragement as much as the award, Vania related how Homi Gandhi, president of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York, "shows up magically wherever I sing!” Referring to the impact of Zoroastrianism on his career, Vania noted, "Singing is pure, honest, straight from the heart — my own state of Asha, righteousness.” Then, in deference to the audience’s insistent demand for a song, Vania gave a brief but memorable rendition of O Solo Mio.

Outstanding youth

With a bachelors and masters degree in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Dinsha Mistree has been researching issues on electronic governance and has served as a research assistant for the labor standards in a globalization project sponsored by Nike Inc, Patel read the citation accompanying the Outstanding Young Zarathushti Award. With plans to focus on international development and political economy in the course of his PhD studies, Mistree, 23, has co-edited a 500 page publication Mapping Sustainability: Knowledge e-Networking and the Value Chain, leading Patel to comment, "It should be noted that scholars normally publish their first books after becoming assistant professors. Dinsha has not only already published this book and several other articles but is working on his second book on globalization, technology and governance which is due to be published in 2008 by the Congressional Quarterly Press.” On the community front Dinsha has organized and run the Zoroastrian Students of Boston, been a regular participant in community and Sunday School events in Atlanta, participated in adult and youth congre­sses, notes the citation. An Eagle Scout, varsity soccer state finalist and president of the local Amnesty International chapter, Dinsha has also volunteered with several organizations in India, focusing on inner-city and rural poverty and rural HIV/AIDS education. He received the award at the hands of his father Prof Farrokh Mistree of Atlanta, a long standing Zarathushti activist who has functioned as FEZANA’s webmaster among a host of other appointments, who was specially called on stage to honor his son.

Exceptional student

The Outstanding Young Zarathushti Student Award was presented to Anahita Dua, currently enrolled in the University of Aberdeen Medical School. Her aim is to specialize in renal transplantation surgery and to devote her professional working life to the needs of refugee camps and on specialized medical missions. Her passion for international medical work has already led her to volunteer with the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and the Mother Teresa Orphanage, among several agencies. At the Zoroastrian Association of Chicago (ZAC) she has served as board member and youth camp counselor. The Recipient of the Discover Card Academic Scholarship and the FEZANA Academic Scholarship 2004-05, Anahita has been crowned Miss Teen Wisconsin (a part of the Miss America pageant), Miss India-USA Wisconsin 2001 and Miss Congeniality. Speaking several languages, playing the piano and trained in semi-classical Hindustani vocal music, her passion for football earned her the distinction of being the only girl on a boys’ high school football team where she scored a touchdown in her senior year, the only girl in the US to do so that year — an achievement earning her extensive local and national media coverage, as notes the citation. On a more scholastic note the citation records that she has held several medical research assistant positions, published articles and served as student editor for the Oxford Medical Biochemistry Book.

Anahita’s mother, Dr Arnavaz Dua, accepting the award in her absence, read out her brief acknowledgement, thanking ZAC, FEZANA and the World Zoroastrian Organisation for helping her go beyond the boundaries of religion and community. "Without serving the global community, we are not entirely worthy,” her message noted, adding, there is "no time like the present (to serve), no question that we will benefit on the day of judgment.” It may be recalled that Anahita and her sister Ayesha opted for their navjote as adults, with the blessings of their father Dr Kulwinder Singh Dua (see "Appreciate their roots,” Parsiana, February 7, 2006).

International icon

The Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor sparingly conferred by the NA Zoroastrian community – this was only the fourth such occasion – was bestowed on international diplomat Jamsheed Marker, in absentia. Singling out Zarathushtis whose contributions in any field of human activity has earned them sustained national and international recognition beyond the community, the selection for the award involves the executive board of FEZANA as well as the Awards Committee.

A career in the Royal Indian Navy during World War II, a knowledge of business gleaned with his family concern in Quetta, a well-known cricket commentator, Marker took his first tentative step in international diplomacy when the government of Pakistan appointed him High Commissioner to Ghana with concurrent accreditation to Guinea and Mali. It was the beginning of a career that took him through 11 postings which included the USSR and Canada, both Germanys, then divided by the Iron Curtain, France and Japan. As Ambassador to the US he has been "credited with immeasurably strengthening relations between Pakistan and the US,” notes the citation read by FEZANA president Rustom Kevala. "Later, he was appointed Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. A two-year stint on the Security Council and one year as chairman of the Group of 77 (a group of developing countries) provided him valuable experience in multilateral negotiations,” it adds.

Soon after he retired from the service of Pakistan, Marker was appointed by UN secretary general Kofi Annan to serve as his personal representative in solving the imbroglio in East Timor. His handling of the assignment, resulting in the independence of East Timor in February 2000, won him plaudits from around the world. In accomplishing what he did, he "raised the awareness of the entire diplomatic community to the ubiquitous presence of Zarathushtis in business and philanthropic activities throughout the world,” records the citation. Despite the pressures of the job, Marker also maintained a close relationship with the Zarathushti community wherever he happened to be.

Serving with Jamsheed on his successive postings, his wife Arnaz continued with humanitarian work that was close to the heart of the family — fund-raising for the education of girls, the treatment, rehabilitation and welfare of handicapped children. She is a leading fundraiser for Al Umied, currently the only residential facility for handicapped children in Pakistan, is president of the All Pakistan Women’s Association of North America and is a designated speaker at UNICEF, US committee.

Kevala also referred to Jamsheed Marker’s grand-uncle, the legendary Peshotan Marker whose concern for the Zarathushtis of Iran in their time of denial and despair had led him to start a boys’ orphanage in Yazd during the Qajar regime and later a school for girls. The institutions continue to function as high schools. In the late 1940s his work was recognized by the Iranian government, earning him the insignias of the Neshan-e-Elmi, Neshan-e-Sepas and Nishan-e-Humayun.

Marker’s glamorous niece Nilufer Mama, receiving the award, referred to Jamsheed’s "incredible passion, incredible drive and incredible mind,” then read his message of gratitude. Regretting his absence, Marker noted, "Our community has a profusion of talents and achievements” and joined in the collective celebration. Vaunting the community’s honesty, charity and devotion to fellow beings, his brief message concluded with an invocation of Ahura Mazda’s blessings.

This time the FEZANA awards committee functioned with co-chairs Framroze Patel and Shehernaz Joshi Vahramni, daughter of the late Dinshaw Joshi whose legacy to FEZANA is a sturdy, non-partisan framework for the nomination and assessment of awardees. The awards were preceded by FEZANA’s five presidents to date cutting its 20th anniversary cake. Briefly emceeing the anniversary celebration, former president Firdosh Mehta had a foolproof way of preventing the ubiquitous cell phone ring from disturbing the proceedings:"FEZANA needs your money. A donation of $ 10 every time your phone rings, will do fine.” He also had a special word (tongue in cheek) for Roshan Rivetna who functioned as editor-in-chief of the FEZANA Journal for 15 years: "Behind every successful woman stand a devoted husband and a surprised mother-in-law…”