Early bird extension

The early bird deadline for registering for the Ninth World Zoroastrian Congress (9WZC) scheduled in Dubai, December 28-31, 2009 has been extended by a month and now expires January 31, 2009. Registration charges for the four-day meet, inclusive of cultural events and the desert safari, all meals, tea/coffee, etc currently pegged at Aed 1,750 (approximately US $ 480) per person born on or before December 31, 1997, were originally said to be applicable only up to December 31, 2008. Children between the age of three and 12 currently pay Aed 875 (approximately US $ 240). The rate from February 1, 2009 has not yet been spelt out.

The 9WZC website (www. wzcongress2009.org) notes that on the spot registration on the first day of the Congress will cost Aed 2,500 (approximately US $ 685) if space is available.

One may register online by going to the website. Though Rumi Sarkari is available on wzcongress2009@ gmail.com for assistance/guidance in the search for accommodation, it has been reiterated that accommodation and visa have to be arranged directly by those wishing to attend the Congress (for details of the visa procedure see "9WZCongress registration,” Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsia­na, October 21, 2008).

To be held at Dubai’s Holiday Crowne Plaza Hotel, the Congress is built around the motto "Unity through the sands of time.” Its five zones are expected to focus on Zoroastrian culture and heritage as well as provide space for exhibition of products and services, arts, crafts and more as well as space to party, function and meet. Its program includes business sessions, trade show, and events relating to science, technology, medicine, advertising, arts, culture, heritage, archeology, education and more as per its original announcement (see "A prelude to 9WZ Congress,” Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, August 7, 2008). Cultural performances by professionals are scheduled every evening, as per an e-mail from Zersis Birdie on behalf of Toxy Cowasjee, the WZC representative in Pakistan.

A congress highlight that has become a staple since the Seventh Congress in Houston is the recognition of Zoroastrian achievements on a worldwide basis. The five categories this year will include the Outstanding Zarathushti Award, as well as recognize excellence in the performing arts/painting/literature; salute outstanding community service; appreciate innovative technology/engineering. Excellence in medicine will rate a separate award. Academic qualifications as well as regional and international recognition contribute to the evaluation criteria, as noted on the website.

The Awards program is being coordinated by outstanding community members from various parts of the world who will function as awards directors: Phil Madon of Australia, Deena Motiwalla from Dubai, India’s entrepreneur and art historian Pheroza Godrej, Iran’s Mobed Firouzgary, Dolly Dastoor, former president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) and currently editor of the FEZANA Journal and UK’s Noshir Avari who recently retired as trustee of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe.

Nominations via e-mail to wzcawards@gmail.com are invited in the required format, to reach latest by March 31, 2009 in English or Farsi. The nominations shall be judged by academically qualified and distinguished persons from within the Zoroastrian community worldwide, two in each category, states the website.