FOZYA’s 20th year

Over the last century, many Zoroastrian youth bodies were formed in different cities and small towns of India. Due to distances and different cultural backgrounds between metro and smaller towns, many of these bodies found it difficult to interact with each other. The Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Associations (FOZYA) was conceived by Porus Karanjawalla at the first All India Youth Seminar held at New Delhi in 1987. In 1991, under the able guidance of Keki Gandhi and Jehangir Bisney, FOZYA was formed at The Nagpur Youth Seminar with Bisney as its founder president.

From humble beginnings our team of dedicated volunteers has helped to make FOZYA what it is today. Over these 20 years FOZYA has organised intercity youth meets between youth bodies across India at convenient locations. FOZYA is committed to interaction and assimilation of all Zoroastrian youth bodies in India, and the advancement of the Zoroastrian faith and knowledge amongst the youth.

We have built up a reputation which is recognised and respected by panchayats and anjumans across India. None of this would have been possible without the trust and confidence of our members, donors, supporters, delegates and friends. With the grace of Ahura Mazda, we will continue to move forward with our youth activities and keep our youth within our community.

Though we have had our ups and downs, we recovered and showed our potential at the Poona youth meet in May 2010 and subsequently in Baroda. We sincerely request all Parsi/Irani Zar­thoshtis to urge their wards to take part in youth activities. Membership to FOZYA is open only to Parsi/Irani associations in India. Those cities which do not have enough numbers to form a youth association can become members as a youth body/organization of their respective anjumans. Those desirous of membership may contact teamfozya @gmail.com for further details.

In 2011 FOZYA will celebrate its 20th year at a very special event to be held in Bombay for which we expect a colossal turnout. If you’ve liked what you’ve seen at the Poona and Baroda meets and would like to send in your views, suggestions or contributions you may do so to the undersigned at 879, Khansaheb Dadabhoy Bootee Street, Camp, Poona 411001; tel: 09822000433.

MABRIN NOSHIR NANAVATTI

President, FOZYA

Poona

committee@aza.org.au