Trade and the titans

"The purpose of this lengthy story/Is to look for future growth/ And not to bask in ancient glory./ There’s not much harm if we do both./ I urge all the youngsters here/ To start a business without fear./ With passion and a worthy cause,/ Much courage, but a cautious pause/ For a reasoned evaluation./ If in your dealings you are fair,/ Your customers are shown great care/ Your business truly serves the nation./ And if you stay true to your creed/ You too are destined to succeed…” Managing director of Godrej Industries Limited, Nadir Godrej’s poetic rendition on "Rekindling the Spirit of Entrepreneurship” earned him a standing ovation from the delegates assembled in the Jumeirah Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai on the morning of December 29, 2009, the second day of the Ninth World Zoroastrian Congress (9WZC), where the morning sessions were devoted to economic resurgence.

The Trade Show was launched by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president, Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and chairman and CEO (chief executive officer) of Emirates. Noted Congress chair Meher Bhesania, "Emirates is the national carrier” and referred to some community members "who prefer to travel only by Emirates.”

Also present on the occasion was Talmiz Ahmad, Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who mentioned, "In India, the dawn of industry commenced with the Parsi community,” and prophesied that within the next 10 years India could overtake Japan to become the third largest economy after USA and China. "Asian resurgence depends on energy cooperation in Asia,” pointed out Ahmad, adding that "India depends on the Gulf for two-thirds of its oil requirements” although India is one of only 12 countries in the world to have become a trillion dollar economy. Being "non-intrusive, non-hegemonic, non-prescriptive” India has its strengths, said Ahmad, "but its infrastructure leaves much to be desired… transportation, linkages, connectivity are inadequate.”

Among the other non-Parsis who addressed the community that morning were Bharat Shah, a senior social worker among the Indian community in UAE who lauded the Congress organizers for their accomplishments knowing the "ego problems, hassles and difficulties” that can impede smooth functioning. Anita Mehra, marketing manager at Dubai Airport, mentioned that she was able to identify with the Zoroastrian community due to her Iranian roots, with her "playground in Shiraz being Persepolis.” Happy that the Congress was being held in Dubai where "the government is incredibly open and tolerant,” she regretted that "the Iranian brethren were facing difficulties.”

From left (alongside): Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Pallon Mistry, Meher Bhesania, Talmiz Ahmad, Ms Ahmad and Lord Karan Bilimoria; (above) Firdosh Bhesania, Homai Daruwalla and Umeed Kothavala

Success strategy

"Empires are built on trust,” stressed Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea, UK, in the course of his discourse on "Contribution of Zoroastrians to World Economies.” Having addressed the gathering on the first day, in his second speech he dwelt on the contributions of Zoroastrians in the fields of law, medicine, sports, music before elaborating on the ethos of Parsi business houses that are governed by "trustworthiness, diligence, never cutting corners or compromising…” Whilst confident that India has a great future ahead Bilimoria reminded the largely Indian origin audience "how much luckier you are to be born Parsis. Zoroastrian Parsis are the most special community in the whole world.” Achievement results in inspiration that causes aspiration that leads to achievement, Bilimoria referred to the self-perpetuating circle. Managers do things right while leaders do the right thing, he compared the two, before stressing on the commitment of those in the armed forces for whom the honor, safety and welfare of their country comes first, that of their troops comes second, and their own safety comes last.

"You snooze, you lose… set yourself apart from others in the field… add value to your product… efficient utilization of debt and equity… internal resource utilization…belief in yourself… confidence… intelligent risk taking… enthusiasm, passion and desire to succeed…” were some of the factors referred to by Neville Shroff, managing director and CEO of Hong Kong based Shroff and Company, in his speech on "The Success formula in difficult times.” Advocating the need for "astuteness and a lot of common sense… strategic formulations and good delegation… effective communication and contingency planning,” Shroff mentioned that thousands of peo­ple fail because "they do things incompletely. They always stop before the last step.”

In favor of adopting a "strategy of simplicity,” Shroff enquired, "Why is Hong Kong so successful?” and then proceeded to refer to the country’s simple tax, accounting and legal structure with little government interference. His interpretation of KISS was "Keep It Simple and Smart.” Recommending constant reviews of financial statements and early problem spotting, Shroff declared, "Costing is an important strategic tool.” He alluded to the success stories and mistakes of major business groups to stress that "today’s challenges are tomorrow’s opportunities.” While "there is need to conform to basic practices,” he urged, "Take the company today where it wants to be tomorrow.”

From left (top row): Rohinton Rivetna, Dinshaw Tamboly, Pallon Mistry, Dr Farokh Udwadia and Sooni Tarapore­vala receiving award (Photos courtesy Congress organizers); (second row) Khoda-yar Attaie, Meher Bhesania, Rivetna, Phil Madon, Kersi Limathwalla; Firdosh Mehta, Dolly Dastoor, FEZANA team member, Homi Gandhi and Dr Behram Pastakia; (third row) Zarine Commissariat, Limathwalla, Attaie, Rusi Gandhi, Madon, Eric Engineer, Rustom Engineer and Yazdi Tantra

"Meet the Titans,” was meant to be a session where leading business luminaries answer queries raised by the youth. But paucity of time compelled Bilimoria to but briefly respond on the subject of corporate social responsibility to impress every organization, however small, to practice its philosophy. On whether Hong Kong is viable for education/entertainment openings, Shroff responded by reiterating that it is "a big bustling city for entrepreneurs… with no restrictions on anyone except those from Iran. It is the freest economy in the world.” Welcoming newcomers, Shroff said, "The Parsi community would be willing to help.”

To answer a query regarding continuing brain drain despite India progressing, Madison World chairman and managing director Sam Balsara declared, "Things are reversing,” with The Economic Times replete with news about people returning to India. For the advertising agency, "we receive resumes from UK/USA.” Looking at graduates from the Indian Institute of Management, he observed how they command fantastic starting salaries. To a youth seeking directives on whether one should diversify or stick to one’s core competence, Godrej advised, "Find a niche and stick to your core competency. Asian markets are not as well developed as the American markets.”

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum with Meher Bhesania at the launch of the trade show

Elderly and lonely

Concurrent sessions, post-lunch, permitted the delegates to listen to the speakers of their choice. Thus while eminent physician Dr Farokh Udwadia spoke on "The care and the problems of the elderly,” there was a simultaneous session on Zoroastrian Women’s International Networking (ZWIN) conducted by Dr Zareen Karani Araoz, president, Managing Cross Culture and Dolly Dastoor, editor of FEZANA Journal. Recommending "more women to be part of this vision and community movement” they stressed that this "virtual organization” has no hassles of office bearers or membership fees but through their network support different causes. Their most promising project is The ZWIN Zoroastrian International Student Network with hospitality representatives in 30 cities to assist migrant students.

"We have a large, aging community and unless the birthrate rises sufficiently over a period of time this problem will be compounded,” summed up Udwadia in his discourse on "The care and the problems of the elderly.” His decades of interaction with the elderly in the community made the senior doctor comment, "I’m sure there is a longevity gene” preponderant in the Parsi community. While the single most important cause of morbidity is heart disease, the other killers could be hypertension, paralytic stroke, cancer. When dwelling on the neurological problems Udwadia confessed, "What worries me extremely are the subtle mental changes, sometimes slow and sometimes rapid, that dull and stupefy the mind.” There is no knowing who will be susceptible to Alzheimer’s for "the brightest might get it and the stupidest might escape it.” For the elderly, "more than physical difficulty, the greatest worry is loneliness” with its crippling effects that cut off an individual from his environment and provoke depression. Subsequent ill health could breed even more problems, particularly among the poor. "Where otherwise could old patients go except to the (B. D. Petit) Parsee General Hospital?” enquired Udwadia whose query was met with a round of applause. And how do you discharge such patients knowing they have nowhere to go? continued the physician beseeching Zoroastrian organizations to introduce some care for the elderly and patients such as these.

As a preventive measure Udwadia recommended, "Keep mentally active” by indulging in a hobby, learning a new language, memorizing four lines of a poem each day… Besides exercising the mind, physical exercise is also necessary, "not gymming and all that rubbish… Make walking a religion every single day. The steady tread of feet on Mother Earth has a calming effect on the mind… Cultivate a taste for music… For God’s sake eat less. As you grow older, you require very little food…”

Clockwise from top left: Nadir Godrej, Neville Shroff, Bomi Patel, Zareen Karani Araoz, Sorab Mistry, Dr Shernaz Cama, Rastin Mehri, Kersi Limathwalla, Anita Mehra, Bharat Shah, Dolly Dastoor, Dr Dhun Noria

Influential figures

The next time slot offered a choice between chief of laboratory medicine, Scarborough Hospital Dr Dhun Noria’s talk on "Women Power: The enterprising role played by Zoroastrian women” and Marzban Giara’s speech on "Famous Statues.” Under consideration at a third venue was the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) AGM (annual general meeting) program when president Kersi Limathwalla and other international directors spoke.

Interested in publishing a book to recognize women of influence, Noria, a medical professional cum teacher cum researcher cum businesswoman, sought feedback from the audience on "Which women do you respect and admire? Who has been influential in your life?” What are the factors responsible for accomplishment of Zoroastrian women? enquired Noria. "Is it urbanization or education or generational transfer?” From the book Daughters of Mashyani she selected certain matriarchs and trailblazers of yore like Jerbai Wadia, Manijeh Shahrokh, Gool Minwalla with Dosebai Jessawalla, Perin Mistri, Cornelia Sorabji whose accomplishments she highlighted. From the present generation she referred to Mohur Sidhwa (daughter of author Bapsi Sidh­wa) who as the "legislature candidate for Arizona State is the only South Asian wo­man and the first Parsi to vie for the post.” The Zoroastrian values that Noria has imbibed from her mother she sought to inculcate in her daughter Sabrena as reflected in her ambition "to make money in America and later work for free in … Africa.”

Statues are the hallmark of a civilized society, noted Bombay author and community historian Giara who vide a slide show introduced the audience to Parsi statues that adorn cities and towns all over India, according to a report in the Congress Xpress of December 31, 2009.

Parizad Kolah-Marshall: lending elegance

Service through industry

Whilst Rastin Mehri of North America delivered the Khorshed Jungalwala Lecture, Dr Shernaz Cama of Delhi elaborated on the Parzor Project and its efforts to preserve Parsi heritage and the transmission of tradition to the younger generation.

Alluding to religious texts, Mehri, who has done his postgraduation in religious studies from British Columbia, referred to the concepts of morality and ethics in business. Capitalism can assure "better life for mankind” but associated with it is "dubious morality,” he noted. The Andarz texts provide guidelines on "how to treat others in society... with a spirit of service through industry... harmony... humility...honesty...in accord with natural laws.” On account of charity accept hardship for yourself; do not abandon good principles; regard worldly objects as spiritual… were some of the lessons imparted. The word radih can be interpreted as generosity, and rastih as righteousness, explained Mehri. "Do not consider wealth as right if it does not give service to spirit and body. Do not consider profit as right if it results in sadness,” Mehri summed up the message from the Zoroastrian texts.

Boman Irani: "baton of reputation”

Access to America

There are 33,000 Zoroastrians in North America, as per a survey conducted three-four years ago by the Census and Survey Committee of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA). Under the FEZANA banner are 26 associations and 17 small groups (where the population of Zoroastrians is less than 15) working on different projects steered by nine standing committees and 12 ad hoc committees, reported president Bomi Patel. Whilst Patel spoke on certain features, some of the committee heads present elaborated on areas under their control. Their quarterly publication FEZANA Journal, edited by Dastoor, has an international subscription base of 1,400 with each issue devoted to earmarked topics like human rights, Navroz, youth, World Parliament of Religions. Their Funds and Finance Committee reported that "their donation income is down by nearly 85 percent.” FEZANA Information Research and Educational Systems (FIRES) has introduced an online library of Zoroastrian books in North America with 700+ titles. Their Academic Education Scholarship Committee offers nine scholarships totaling $ 29,000 to Zoroastrians who have been resident in USA or Canada for the preceding 12 months. The Stanford University has introduced an undergraduate program in Zoroastrian studies and those interested could contact FEZANA. In the next three years the community will be able to participate in the North American Zoroastrian Congress in Houston in December 2010, the Youth Congress in 2011 and the 16th North American Zoroastrian Congress in New York in 2012.

Marzban Giara’s slide show on famous statues

Accent on awards

The second day was earmarked for awards. In the pre-lunch session recognition was conferred by the WZCC which, with its 22 chapters, is "dedicated to revival of entrepreneurship,” as declared Limathwalla. He stated that the organization had "made a lot of value additions to my life.” Vice president Khodayar Attaie was given credit for setting up a chapter in Iran in the face of many challenges and for offering to host the next WZCC AGM in spring 2011. The WZCC publication, SynergyZ is the contribution of Bhesania, "a remarkable lady with exceptional organizing skills.” The awardees were selected by an impartial jury constituted by Phil Madon of Australia, announced master of ceremonies Zarine Commissariat.

As per their practice of according honorary membership each year to people of stature, this year the privilege was granted to Nusli Wadia, chairman of Britannia Industries Limited, who being absent in Dubai was to be presented the honor in Bombay.

In the hurriedly conducted presentation ceremony Bom­bay based Homai Daruwalla, erstwhile chairman and managing director of the Central Bank of India, was named the Outstanding Zarathushti Professional for 2009; Poona based Umeed Kothavala of the computer firm Extentia Information Technology, the Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur for 2009; and Seattle based Firdosh Bhesania, "the most outstanding technical expert in Microsoft,” the Outstanding Young Entrepreneur/Professional.

As noted Daruwalla in her brief acceptance speech, "Courage is the ladder” on which other virtues can be cultivated. Motivation, diligence, striving for excellence and humility were the other virtues she considered important. She urged non-resident Indians to open NRO/NRE accounts with the Central Bank of India.

Wondering "what can we do together to ensure long-term success of this community?” Kothavala offered any upcoming entrepreneur his group’s strategic advice on set-up, resources, consultancy, investment, marketing, free of cost for the first year.

With several patents in his name, Bhesania hoped he could do the community proud by soon reaching the three-digit figure.

At the Gala Awards Night, five men and one lady were conferred recognition by the 9WZC for their contribution to different fields of endeavor. Flashed on the screens were the images of the contenders for each category with the winner’s name being announced by the eminent personalities conferring the award. Adding glamor and glitz to the event was compere Parizad Kolah-Marshall.

The Outstanding Zarathushti Award went to Rohinton Rivetna of Chicago who acknowledged: "It is an honor and privilege to serve. Rewards along the way have been plenty.”

For Community Service the award went to Dinshaw Tamboly of the World Zoroastrian Organisation who accepted the honor "on behalf of my team for all the projects undertaken” and thanked his major donors, The Incorporated Trustees of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton and Macau and the Ratan Tata Trust.

Minoo Homi Patel of UK was conferred the award in the field of engineering and technology. But not being present in Dubai, the award on his behalf was received by Paurushasp Jila of UK.

In the sphere of performing arts and literature, the recipient was the director of Little Zizou, Sooni Taraporevala whose acceptance speech started with an acknowledgement of her parents’ conviction that "there is nothing that a girl cannot achieve.” In contrast the "backward” treatment meted out by the community to Zoroastrian women married out of the community she considered "a matter of sadness.” On behalf of outmarried women she then made a plea: "True spirituality is about kindness. Bring all women into the fold. We cannot afford to lose any women or their children…Spread the fragrance of beautiful women around the world.”

A standing ovation greeted Dr Farokh Udwadia who was presented the award for medicine. "Humbled, privileged and honored” to receive the award he said he was accepting it "on behalf of some of you good colleagues sitting here today.”

For outstanding philanthropy, the award went to the Zartoshty brothers, 95-year-old Mehraban and his late brother Faridoon. The benefactor being unable to travel long distances, his award was received by Dorab Mistry of UK.

For all the efforts put in by Meher Bhesania, her colleagues, particularly Deena Motiwalla, deemed it fit to call her on stage to present her with a worthy memento.

Evening extravaganza

The attendance at the start of the second day was much leaner as some of the delegates not interested in community deliberations had availed of the organizers’ offer to take them on a shopping-sightseeing expedition in the morning when the official agenda started with a Youth Vision building exercise moderated by Sorab Mistry, executive vice president of a large marketing communications group.

But for the evening program the hall was full. The presence of cinestar Boman Irani raised the bar of entertainment on the second night. His lighthearted banter, humor targeting the Parsis and Iranis in equal measure, was well received by the audience as was his singing. Possibly no other message to the youth attending the Congress could have found such favor as when Irani urged them to ensure that the "baton of reputation” inherited by the community is "passed on from generation to generation.”

Comparing the journey made by the delegates to reach Dubai with the one made by our forefathers when they first landed on the shores of India, Irani remarked, "They sailed, we flew…The group that made the journey then had no reputation, we do…The reputation, tradition, trust they built in an alien land no other community enjoys in an alien land… Are we burdened by that comfort? We should be…

"The zone of comfort, the cushion of funds that allows us to take it easy” has become our enemy, "not allowing us to sweat; living with the knowledge that we don’t have to stretch.” Since the byproduct of comfort is success, Irani noted, "We are a super successful community” but he would rather that community members extend the boundaries of their capabilities to hold a candle unto others.

After dinner once again Hormuzd Khambata’s dance troupe was on the stage and the ballroom to entertain the audience. Between items it was Kolah-Marshall making the rounds of the tables to announce the names of the lucky winners who had won prizes that included gold or silver coins!

(The next report on the 9WZC will appear in the February 7, 2010 issue of Parsiana.)