Parting ways

"With immediate effect ZYNG (Zoroastrian Youth for the Next Generation) is no longer the youth wing of Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP). We sincerely wish ZYNG and the youth associated with it the very best. As and when requested, we will be happy to extend our support,” wrote BPP trustee Noshir Dadrawala.
At the board of trustees meeting on November 29, 2016 he had tabled a motion disassociating the BPP from its youth wing, which was passed by majority vote of 3:2 with chairman Yazdi Desai, Kersi Randeria and Dadrawala for it and Viraf Mehta and Armaity Tirandaz dissenting.

"There was nothing political about" ZYNG which put up many entertainment events

Stating that "ZYNG is now seven years and there is no tangible benefit that either BPP or ZYNG has derived in all these years,” Dadrawala added, "historically ZYNG was created as a platform or launching pad for the children of some of the BPP trustees. In my opinion, ZYNG has only been looking at BPP as a ‘cash cow’ to milk or a convenient tagline. The relationship has been totally one-sided and not beneficially reciprocal. Some of the representatives of ZYNG met the board last week and their attitude was totally non-cooperative and disrespectful. It was therefore thought prudent to part ways with our blessings and good wishes.”
Assuring commitment to support ZYNG’s gahanbar on December 9 Dadrawala maintained, "We are men of honor and of our word, not cheap politicians.” The event was held as scheduled, with great éclat.
Parsi Times of December 3, 2016 noted that ZYNG "has allegedly not lived up to what was expected in terms of creating young new entrepreneurs, or emerging new leaders or dedicated volunteers for community or baug related services or sports or generally promote excellence.”
Mehta, who has been an active member of ZYNG since its inception, told Daily News and Analysis (DNA) of December 8 that the decision was taken due to politics and ego. "The (ZYNG) committee had met (BPP trustees) and they had not been disrespectful. In fact the (BPP) chairman even spoke of having a way in which things will go forward.” This however, was denied by Desai who felt "We should have cut off ZYNG during my last term itself,” reported DNA. "BPP spent over one crore on ZYNG. Provided them a separate office. It has basically only funded Viraf’s Parsi political ambitions... ZYNG were ashamed of associating with BPP as even their printed stationery had no mention of BPP. There was no accountability, there was no benefit to BPP’s objectives. The disassociation was inevitable.”
The Hindu of December 6, 2016 reported that that there have been several disagreements between Viraf and other BPP trustees who are embroiled in legal battles with his father, former BPP chairman Dinshaw Mehta. "It is very sad that the trustees are punishing ZYNG because of the fallout between us… ZYNG was created in 2009 to help Parsi girls and boys to meet each other. The idea was to encourage the youth to be more aware of community affairs… There was nothing political about it. The majority trustees thought I used the ZYNG platform during the election which is totally wrong,” Viraf told the newspaper.
Dilkhush Ravtewala, a founder member of ZYNG told The Hindu: "At least 50% of Parsis live outside the baugs or colonies. We wanted to have a social platform where all the youngsters could come together and mingle. Over the years, ZYNG became a brand in the community and the youth identified with it. We even have our own merchandize.” She found it hurtful that the BPP suddenly says ZYNG does not belong with them.