“A lot of energy exists here”

"My generation was in awe of foreigners. We did not aspire to be bosses. This generation thinks it can do anything, go anywhere. Whether it does, will depend on whether the government is allowed to govern, at least in parliament,” observed Lord Meghnad Desai, Indian-born economist and Labour politician in UK who was chief guest at the evening session of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) to felicitate the 2015 award winners (see "The winners’ way,” pg 34).
There were around 160 people in attendance at the evening function when the WZCC members were joined by representatives of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Zoroastrian residents of Goa who had come together on the open air lawns, Zaiyo-Zuiyo of The International Centre in Goa on December 19, 2015, observed as Goa’s Liberation Day.

Lord Meghnad Desai; (from left) Behroze Daruwalla, Aspi Antia and Minoo Shroff

Convinced that "a lot of energy exists here” in India, Desai recommended, "Don’t run away from challenge but debate it… Progress will occur by dialog and debate, whether contentious or friendly.” Referring to India as "the fastest growing economy in the world today,” Desai added, "Fifty years ago we could never have imagined that.” He compared the scenario in India with the pessimism in UK and Europe arising from "the huge stream of refugees” making long-time residents of Europe doubt whether "their children will be able to have the same high standard of living” as enjoyed by them.
Differentiating the political processes in India and the West, Desai commented, "Typically in India no leader takes responsibility for defeat or shares the credit for success… Respect for voters is lacking in Indian politics.” As a Member of the House of Lords, Desai could vouch that elected representatives who enter and exit the Parliament do so quietly after invariably bowing to the Speaker or the throne. He has "never ever seen anyone shouting or outsmarting the Speaker” in the British Parliament unlike the scenario in India which he felt was analogous to agitated interactions by "10-15 marauding tribes… dysfunctional…no decorum…”
Without mincing words he added that the new breed of politicians in India are "crude, aggressive, rude, lack sophistication/education, use clumsy language” and recalled the "syncretic, pluralist culture” that Indians had once enjoyed. "The sense of social equality where people respect each other” is also lacking in India, stated Desai, explaining how the weekly help who comes to clean his residence in the UK is first offered a cup of tea by him for he believes, "When she comes to my house she is my equal, not a subordinate.”

(2^nd row) Sandip Bhandare, R. S. Kamat, Collin Curry

WZCC members in Goa

Outgoing WZCC global president Minoo Shroff, whose invite Desai honored reminded the gathering, "We (Parsis) are a very disciplined lot.” The function having commenced at 7 p.m. as scheduled, he observed, "Very rarely do you find an Indian audience sitting down on time.” According to him, the meeting in Goa not only accorded "intellectual invigoration, but more than that an opportunity to get together in a genial atmosphere.” He considered WZCC "a very versatile institution” and was sanguine that "dynamic leadership with determination and fervor will take us further. A new team with a new vision will scale new heights and bring more young Parsis into the entrepreneurial field.” Always keen to see Parsis become entrepreneurs, Shroff advised that since jobs cannot assure security, it is better "to be self reliant.”
In appreciation of Shroff’s "guidance, advice and immense value provided by him as president of WZCC” for two terms he was presented a memento by the grateful team. Recounting some important milestones in Shroff’s "distinguished career and the admirable service he has rendered to organizations and institutions with which he has been associated,” WZCC India director Pheroze Kharas lauded his dedication: "Even before he became president, he has helped members prepare a viable business plan, counseled and mentored them… Not only has WZCC been the beneficiary of his active mind, with a wealth of experience gained over a 45-year long and distinguished career but also his generosity in donating his money for an event whenever he felt it needed some improvement to align it with his high standards…His reputation in the corporate world has helped enhance the image of WZCC. That apart, he helped us build a corpus through donations from community members. He has helped us develop contacts with institutions such as the Indian Merchants’ Chamber…”
Promising to take WZCC "to its next rung” was the new global president Edul Daver of New Jersey who had served as secretary of the Chamber in its nascent years from 2000 to 2006. Giving credit to Rohinton Rivetna’s foresight in launching WZCC, he observed that WZCC is on "firm ground in India” and gave credit to the previous team for nurturing it during its adolescence. The new team’s action plan (see "Challenges for the Chamber,” Parsiana, January 7, 2016) was unfolded and through a short video, WZCC: Kindling the fire within some of the directors shared insights and explained the functioning of the global body. "We are shooting for the moon and we need your help,” stated Daver whilst clarifying, "Ideas are plentiful but are of no value without implementation.” Enthused to see "pockets of entrepreneurship,” he asked rhetorically, "Who is talking to teenagers at the dining table about creating businesses?”
WZCC’s ties with GCCI, the apex body for trade, commerce and industry in Goa with a membership of 500 plus, were cemented in 2014 with the signing of the memorandum of understanding under Shroff’s presidentship, reminded retiring corporate secretary Behroze Daruwalla who appreciated that "the secular outlook of the Chamber has given Goa a long and unbroken tradition of harmony and commerce.” Convinced that Goa is much more than just a tourist resort, she added, "Goa has a soul which goes deep into the unique history, rich culture and can boast of some of the prettiest natural scenery that India can offer.”
Ever since "the relationship began in April 2014 (for) extending cooperation and sharing information… the bond between our two chambers has grown,” remarked Sandip Bhandare, vice president of GCCI. Commending the Parsi community’s "tradition of excellence,” he listed some of the eminent Parsi individuals and families in different disciplines, and further appreciated, "Those who generated wealth have put back wealth” by creating legacies and institutions. Referring to Goans "enjoying the greatest comfort level with Parsis,” Bhandare added, "Over centuries, the Parsi and Goan communities have enjoyed a great relationship…It is a privilege for Goans to reconnect with Parsis.” With tourism contributing 14%, agriculture, 15% and manufacturing, 35% to Goa’s gross domestic product, he reinforced the "investment opportunities in Goa.”
"Good leaders must lead from the front… Thinking on one’s feet will save the day. There is no time to vacillate… Nimbleness is lacking in most organizations… Knowledge is not sacrosanct…The mission, strategy and contingency plans must be shared at the lower levels … Do we live by the same principles we expect from our subordinates?” enquired Brig Behram Panthaki (retd) in his keynote address on "What Makes a Good Leader.” An ideal leader should be humble, honest, humane and with a good sense of humor, stressed Panthaki and recalled Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s advice that a leader should be tough and kind, but know when to be which. A good leader should not procrastinate lest analysis lead to paralysis. Additionally, a good leader would never be a yes man but would have the moral courage to distinguish right from wrong and express his views irrespective of what the superiors want or subordinates expect. Delegate but do not abdicate… foster ownership, not just accountability in subordinates. "There is nothing like a good or bad organization, there are only good, bad or indifferent leaders,” he summed up.
Whilst cocktails and dinner that night as also the following one were enjoyed by all, the live, lilting yesteryear Western music persuaded several senior couples to rock the stage on both the days. The following day was devoted to sightseeing when two busloads of WZCC members soaked in the sights, sounds and taste of old Goa, the highlights of the nine-hour excursion being the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Sé Cathedral, Loutolim and lunch at the Spice Plantation. After the day’s exhaustion, the audience was happy to relax and be entertained by the colorfully attired folk dancers and singers of Goa.
Whilst thanking the sponsors, advertisers, chapter chairs and the WZCC fraternity, the new corporate secretary Adi Siganporia also highlighted the commendable support and cooperation of GCCI director general R. S. Kamat, and Collin Curry, trustee of The International Centre who have been "of great, great help.”