Parsis with the President

Meeting with Zoroastrians from Delhi and elsewhere, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani reminded the gathering that Iran is our common motherland. He expressed the hope of building good relations and friendly exchanges with India for mutual growth. The meeting took place at the invitation of the Iranian Ambassador to India, Golamreza Ansari on February 25, 2018 in Delhi during Rouhani’s three-day visit to the country. The President touched upon development of tourism, healthcare and cultural exchanges between Iran and India, stressing the need to boost cultural activities jointly.

"Iran is our madar-e-vatan,” Parzor director Dr Shernaz Cama stated as she gave a brief introduction of the Zoroastrians present, adding that several of the members present had visited Iran. Acting president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman Ava Khullar talked about her pleasant experiences when she visited Iran "and saw centuries-old monuments and modern cities coexisting peacefully together.” She appreciated the infrastructure "and especially the smooth-as-satin roads and highways in the country, the friendly warmth of the Iranian people and the delicious cuisine.”
Author Keki Daruwala spoke about Zoroastrians coming to India and by the "dint of their honesty and integrity prospering and achieving a place for themselves in Indian society.” He gave the example of Parsi Zoroastrians who distinguished themselves in the armed forces. When Cama introduced Cawas Panthaki, chief executive officer of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Rouhani recalled that on his last visit to India, 20 years ago, he had met Zoroastrian leaders in Bombay.
Ansari expressed the desire to have joint festivals, starting with a food festival. Others present at the meeting were Dr Noshir and Niloufer Shroff, Adil Nargolwala, Cyrus Engineer, Ashdeen Lilaowala, Homa Mistry, Farzan Mazda, Mahtab Irani, Dadi Pudumjee and Kavas Kapadia. Rouhani also visited Hyderabad but no meeting with the local Zoroastrians occurred.