Active in Auckland

"We trust all delegates have been able to truly embrace our treasured culture here in New Zealand (NZ), have been able to enhance their knowledge and understanding about our unique Zoroastrian traditions, resulting in us evolving to create a united future. In essence, (realize) the Congress motto: ‘Embrace, Enhance, Evolve,’” noted a write-up by Sanaya Master, co-marketing leader, on behalf of the 11-member organizing team chaired by Tinaz Karbhari that had worked for four years to ensure the success of the Sixth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress (6WZYC). Held at Kings College, Auckland from December 28, 2015 to January 2, 2016 the meet attracted over 250 delegates in the 15-35 age group from all corners of the world including UK, USA, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand,
The organizing team from the Zoroastrian Youth of New Zealand (ZYNZ), working under the guidance of the hosts, the Zarathushtrian Association of New Zealand (ZANZ), planned "a fruitful event that was full of benchmarks,” stated Master. The first Zoroastrian congress to be held in New Zealand, it was promoted as "the first ecologically conscious WZYC.” The organizers had sought community support on their website in their efforts to "build a greener future (to) help offset the carbon footprint of their delegates. For every NZ $ 10 (Rs 450) donation, the ZYNZ will plant a native NZ tree at CUE Haven, a nature reserve (spread over 58.5 acres) by the Kaipara Coast.”

(4^th row) Jimmy Madon; Zerbanoo Gifford; Jazeel Mistry; Jimmy Antia; Ayesha Billimoria

The 6WZYC introduced the 12 Legacy Series to honor the contribution of select Zoroastrian individuals, families and organizations "who have made a remarkable difference in our community as well as humanity.” These included: The Asha Centre whose founder Zerbanoo Gifford was present to inspire the youth and launch her biography, An Uncensored Life, Serum Institute of India and Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, Nadir and Dr Rati Godrej, the Jokhi family, the Zartoshty brothers, Shapoorji Pallonji Company Pvt Ltd, the Dabestani family, Khorshed Jungalwala, Purvez Rustomji, Dinshawji Avari, Farangis Shahrokh and Dr Farhang Mehr.
Whilst a jashan, the customary way of starting a Zoroastrian event, was performed, the delegates were additionally accorded a traditional welcome by the local Maori Iwi tribe with a spectacular Powhiri by the Kapa Haka group, in which the female delegates were invited to participate in the Poi dance whilst the men were taught how to do the pukana (dilating of the eyes) and the whetero (protruding of the tongue) as they performed the New Zealand Haka dance made famous by their All Blacks rugby team.
Welcomed by the aachhoo-michhoo performed by Navaz Karbhari and Delzin Balsara were special guests: Member of Parliament and the National Party Michael Fisher from Fisher and Paykel, Member of the Labour Party Alfred Ngaro, editor and general manager of Indian Newslink Su’a William Sio, guest speakers Venkat Raman, Gifford, software engineer Jimmy Madon, and international security and development analyst Jimmy Antia. The official welcome was given by Tinaz Karbhari and president of ZANZ Dilshad Shroff. The book on Gifford authored by seasoned journalist Farida Master was launched by social entrepreneur and director of the Nirvana Health Group, Ranjana Patel. All delegates received a free copy of the biography in their arrival kit.
The second day started with the Green Initiative presentation to highlight the efforts made prior to and during the event. Arriving in a cloak and stick horse, Madon took to the stage to have an unconventional discussion on how to practically implement Zoroastrian teachings in daily life, explaining the difference between religion and culture, race and ethnicity. Antia stressed on the connection between ecology, the mind, and how they are rooted in Zoroastrianism. "After a sumptuous lunch, fit for a king, laid out by the management of King’s College… Gifford captivated the young audience with uncensored stories that had everyone listening with rapt attention. She encouraged the youth to make their world a kinder and more beautiful place as prophet Zarathushtra always hoped they would,” mentioned Sanaya Master.

Goodies at the New Year’s eve celebrations

Athletics coach, sports massage therapist, yoga instructor and model Ayesha Billimoria conducted another houseful session on mental health, fitness and well-being, answering several questions. Other young speakers on the remaining days covered topics that ranged from "How do today’s youth inculcate a sense of pride about being Zoroastrian” to "Symbolism in Zoroastrianism” and "What inspires today’s youth to see no personal boundaries to achieve their full potential.” Jazeel Mistry, the master of ceremonies, ensured there was never a dull moment for the participants. The second book launched at the Congress was a reprint of Gathas by Dr Irach J. S. Taraporewala, edited by Behramshaw Kalianwala.
"Six days of fun, frolic and intellectual stimulation” involved the delegates in "a plethora of activities ranging from ‘The City Blitz’ Amazing Race around the vibrant city of Auckland that had them make human pyramids; a laugh-a-minute Hypnotist Show that had everyone in splits and talking in moon language; the highly entertaining Zoro X-Factor where team Canada proved they reigned supreme on Traditional Night; and the fabulous ‘Glo’ (in the dark) New Year’s eve celebrations where 1,500 white balloons magically descended from the ceiling at the stroke of 12…” recounted Sanaya, adding, "The 6WZYC organizing committee would like to thank all donors (cash and fund-raising), legacy series donors, official partners, volunteers and official Congress sponsors.”
Their platinum sponsor was Cyrus Poonawalla; gold, Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton and Macao; silver, The World Zoroastrian Organisation; bronze, Jal N. Karbhari and Company (solicitors and notaries Hong Kong) with compliments of Navaz and Jal Karbhari of NZ, Faz Najmir (Raywhite Real Estate) of NZ, Rusy and Purviz Shroff of Hong Kong, and Shernaz and Cawas Pardiwalla and family of NZ.
The office bearers on the 6WZYC organizing team included Tinaz with co-vice chairs Nazneen Sukhia and Roxanne Medhora, treasurer Burzin Fatakia and secretary Xerxes Sukhia. The others in charge were: accommodation and transport Cyrus Daji, visa and registration Kainaz Jamasbnejad, speakers Delzin Balsara, entertainment Karmin Homavazir, and co-marketing leaders Ferzeen Dadabhoy and Sanaya.
In her closing address Tinaz Karbhari urged the delegates to carry the "experiences, knowledge and understanding you have collected and return to your homes not just thinking, but doing and actively making the changes that need to be made to achieve the impossible. We are the heart and soul of the future, so let’s continue reflecting just that.” She quoted Winston Churchill, "The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible.”
"As the last batch of youth said their goodbyes to board their flights back home,” for the organizing committee "there was a huge sense of relief and satisfaction,” wrote Sanaya. "Emotions were running high as everyone hugged each other with the feeling of ‘when-will-we-meet-again.’ Friendships were forged, romances bloomed and a sense of bonhomie prevailed.”
The 7th WZYC will be held in 2019 in the USA.

Comprehensive Congress
Parsiana invited two US delegates in attendance at NZ to share their impressions of the 6th WZYC.
Poruz Khambatta, a PhD student at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, was most impressed that "many attendees donated to offset the environmental costs involved in attending the Congress and to make this happen 10 young Zoroastrians planted 522 trees before the Congress began.

Poruz Khambatta (left) and Diana Vania Photos: Jasmine D. Driver

"One of the most touching things about the Congress was the fact that so many Zoroastrian families in Auckland were willing to open their homes and their hearts to us. Host families allowed international visitors to stay with them before and after the Congress and treated us with the same warmth and kindness they would display towards their own children…
"We were also quite fortunate to hear Gifford. She spoke very eloquently about all the challenges she faced as a non-white woman running for (political) office in Britain. In addition she inspired us to follow our dreams and work towards making them a reality.
"On the final night of the Congress, Zoroastrian youth from around the world took part in the X-factor competition. We learned Australian lingo, were serenaded with a tribute to Freddie Mercury and were blown away by the dance moves of Team Canada. It was a great way to celebrate the last night of a very memorable Congress.”
Looking forward to welcoming Zoroastrian youth to the USA for the 7th WZYC, Diana Vania who is active with the Return to Roots program initiated in the US to give Zoroastrian youngsters an exposure to life in India as experienced by their parents and grandparents, was happy that the 6WZYC included sessions on "Zoroastrian youth initiatives around the globe…with a mix of illuminating speeches and social activities giving delegates the opportunity to meet with other youth and learn more about our culture and religion… However, many delegates wished we had the opportunity to have a thought-provoking yet respectful debate on the current issues facing our community.
"The Congress was not all speeches and presentations. Delegates participated in a comprehensive fast-paced scavenger hunt throughout Auckland, allowing them to sightsee and experience the beauty of the City of Sails. Nearly every evening was filled with a fun event: a pool party, a captivating hypnotist show, and a traditional night where guests were encouraged to wear saris or daglis. We were among the first in the world to ring in the New Year with a glow-in-the-dark dance party.
"All delegates appreciate the commitment and time put into organizing such a successful and memorable event…Hopefully attendees will continue to take pride in being a Zoroastrian while remembering the values of our reputed religion. This is the generation that will maintain our religion and community, and we need to ensure that we can move forward in an inclusive and cohesive manner.”