Cover Story
Anchor and activator
Greater interaction and openness to new ideas would help the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce stay relevant, believes the new global president Capt Percy Master
Within 10 years of being invited as the chief guest to address the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) gathering, Capt Percy Master became so intrinsically involved with the organization that he was elected its global president in 2022. In the intervening years he has also served as president of the India region. Seated in his well-appointed office on the premises of the 
Master Group of Companies where he serves as chairman, he gave Parsiana a ringside view of the direction he has planned for WZCC during his three-year tenure as president. He also alluded to the expansion planned for the Master Group of Companies that specializes in survey, inspection, testing, shipping, logistics and power, and his focus on charities with which he has come to be associated.
"We are on a very progressive path. I am very hopeful that our strategic plan (for WZCC) will lay the groundwork for future presidents to take the community forward in years to come,” said Master. "When Zoroastrian organizations the world over are giving encouragement to the youth, my only regret is that the youth in India are not showing an interest in the welfare of the community. They are happy to remain in their comfort zone. The drive to rise and do something extraordinary is lacking,” he observed. However, there are some exceptions he has witnessed who are showing remarkable focus at the programs organized by WZCC’s Zoroastrian Faculty Network. These sessions are geared to offer guidance and mentorship to youth from India who would like to pursue higher studies abroad. "We want to encourage the youth to be outstanding entrepreneurs and professionals and slowly give them the power to take leadership roles at WZCC in the future,” noted the president. He referred to the slogan he has coined: "Power of youth driving future generations.”
The new global team has introduced a strategic term plan for the next three years that, in addition to youth, will encompass the spheres of social media, interaction via newsletters, intellectual, economic and social progress of the community. They have appointed 10-12 new committees of three-four members each. The earlier board was trying to do a lot of things and was not being able to achieve its target "because everything was done by everybody.” He therefore decided to define the responsibilities of each committee.
The quarterly WZCC newsletter "is doing an excellent job” in Master’s view, keeping the fraternity updated on activities conducted by their 16 chapters. "Everyone knows what everyone else is doing.” Besides providing information on the community and its successful business/professional leaders, the newsletter carries valuable information on topics like taxation and related laws. And since it is only an online edition, "we are respectful of the environment.” The newly introduced WZCC Spotlight that is "in its infancy stage seeks to publicize interviews with successful businessmen and professionals whose journey to the higher echelons would be an inspiration to the youngsters.
"Business is not just a cakewalk. There are always ups and downs when you start a business. If it is not successful within a year, you must have an exit approach,” he advised. Appreciative of those who take "a calculated risk,” Master cautioned, "if the money is draining out then you must think of getting out. Of course you can go bankrupt and put up your hands but our religion teaches us to be honest.”
Master Group of Companies where he serves as chairman, he gave Parsiana a ringside view of the direction he has planned for WZCC during his three-year tenure as president. He also alluded to the expansion planned for the Master Group of Companies that specializes in survey, inspection, testing, shipping, logistics and power, and his focus on charities with which he has come to be associated."We are on a very progressive path. I am very hopeful that our strategic plan (for WZCC) will lay the groundwork for future presidents to take the community forward in years to come,” said Master. "When Zoroastrian organizations the world over are giving encouragement to the youth, my only regret is that the youth in India are not showing an interest in the welfare of the community. They are happy to remain in their comfort zone. The drive to rise and do something extraordinary is lacking,” he observed. However, there are some exceptions he has witnessed who are showing remarkable focus at the programs organized by WZCC’s Zoroastrian Faculty Network. These sessions are geared to offer guidance and mentorship to youth from India who would like to pursue higher studies abroad. "We want to encourage the youth to be outstanding entrepreneurs and professionals and slowly give them the power to take leadership roles at WZCC in the future,” noted the president. He referred to the slogan he has coined: "Power of youth driving future generations.”
The new global team has introduced a strategic term plan for the next three years that, in addition to youth, will encompass the spheres of social media, interaction via newsletters, intellectual, economic and social progress of the community. They have appointed 10-12 new committees of three-four members each. The earlier board was trying to do a lot of things and was not being able to achieve its target "because everything was done by everybody.” He therefore decided to define the responsibilities of each committee.
The quarterly WZCC newsletter "is doing an excellent job” in Master’s view, keeping the fraternity updated on activities conducted by their 16 chapters. "Everyone knows what everyone else is doing.” Besides providing information on the community and its successful business/professional leaders, the newsletter carries valuable information on topics like taxation and related laws. And since it is only an online edition, "we are respectful of the environment.” The newly introduced WZCC Spotlight that is "in its infancy stage seeks to publicize interviews with successful businessmen and professionals whose journey to the higher echelons would be an inspiration to the youngsters.
"Business is not just a cakewalk. There are always ups and downs when you start a business. If it is not successful within a year, you must have an exit approach,” he advised. Appreciative of those who take "a calculated risk,” Master cautioned, "if the money is draining out then you must think of getting out. Of course you can go bankrupt and put up your hands but our religion teaches us to be honest.”
Top and above: Capt Percy Master holds aloft the torch at the WZCC conclave in 2020;
inset: lighting a lamp with Dastur Keki Ravji Meherjirana (l) and Edul Daver
Top: WZCC contingent at the Master Power plant in Sargur district of Mysore in 2017; 2nd row: (center): Percy Master
He referred to the Entrepreneurship Scheme which after the interim lull has seen nearly a dozen prospective entrepreneurs come forward to avail of the Rs 25 lakh interest free loan offered as a joint venture between WZCC and the WZOTF (World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust Fund). The recent response has been "very good and we have exhausted almost all our funds and may need to start raising more funds,” stated Master. He was particularly impressed that "all the young entrepreneurs are paying back the loan amounts before the due date although they were permitted an extension of three to six months during the Covid induced moratorium. A similar program in North America has seen three applicants seeking funds for their business ventures.” He is sanguine that "those who are successful will give back to the community. Philanthropy is in the DNA of our community...
"To broaden the horizons of a cocooned community,” Master was keen that WZCC permit non Parsis as associate members. These associate members would have no voting rights or rights to funds but only be permitted to attend lectures and seminars. "If the networking is only among Parsis, the focus is limited. With increased interaction we can get better ideas, learn which education courses and which businesses are more productive. This was my only objective. People did not understand what I was trying to do… I am not going to thrust my views so I decided step back although I am certain in years to come we will have to open up,” explained Master, disappointed with the negative feedback he received from community members in Bombay when he broached the subject of WZCC introducing associate membership.
While the overseas constitution has a clause that refers to interaction with other communities, this clause is missing in the constitution of WZCC India. Ironically, at meetings of WZCC India, eminent speakers from other communities are frequently invited. "There is absolutely no infringement on the rights of Zarathushti members,” he reassured those feeling threatened. Most members of other faiths "have great respect for this community,” and would be happy to participate in activities of WZCC if given a chance. "We cannot be an isolated wing. If we function only among ourselves our progress will be limited. In the 21st century the world is becoming one. If we don’t keep pace with modern technology and modern communication we will lose our distinctive position,” he warned.
"The community in India is definitely dwindling. There is no rocket science in that,” stated Master, adding that with the shift of the community to North America/Australia/New Zealand/ Europe "they are taking our religion to the next platform as the successful community members on high, lucrative posts are open to new ideas. If we want to survive, we have to progress,” he reiterated.
Master (2nd from r) at the WZCC India region meet in Bombay in 2022
Prayers and profits
Over the last three decades his Master Group of Companies has continued to expand its operations. Their workforce of nearly 1,400 employees is distributed over their 51 branches in India and two overseas. The Group now includes Master Marine Services Private Limited, Master Logitech Private Limited, EXM Project Movers Private Limited, Prudential Global Logistics Private Limited, Meher Container Terminals Private Limited, Master Power, Master Industries Private Limited. He yet remembers the struggle in the first year when he was trying to establish himself as a surveyor.
This year the Master Group opened branches in the UK and Dubai. In India, they are expanding into warehousing and logistics at the Nhava Sheva Port. As they have a large plot of land there they are building a state of the art warehouse. At these custom bonded houses imported goods can be stored.
"My companies follow the principle of good thoughts, words and deeds that is embedded in our logo. I attribute the success of my Group in trying to follow the tenets of our religion. Please don’t deviate from the tenets of our religion,” is his constant plea. When his office was at Horniman Circle, he would visit an agiary every day. After shifting to their new premises at Marathon Innova at Lower Parel, instead of agiaries he visits atash behrams on weekends. Every January he likes to start his year with a visit to the eight atash behrams "to give me the necessary confidence to face the year ahead.”
Describing himself as "an extremely religious person,” 77-year-old Master stated that "in the last 50 years I have not missed a single day of prayer” even if he returns from a flight in the middle of the night or on the day of surgery! To him praying for about 40-45 minutes every morning denotes "my pride in my religion, gives me peace of mind, directs me to the right path and protects me from unforeseen forces…
Convinced that "the strength of the religion lies in the maintenance of its fire temples,” once he became successful in business, Master felt it was payback time and financed the renovation of fire temples like Dadysett Agiary and Thoothi Agiary in Bombay, Adenwalla Agiary in Lonavala, the Iranshah in Udvada, and contributed towards the kathi of many others. The charities increased manifold following a tragic incident in the family when their young daughter-in-law Pinaz lost her life in a road accident. After renovating the Hodiwalla Bungli at Doongerwadi the family decided to launch the Master Foundation and the Pinaz Xerxes Master Trust where they put a "certain amount of profits in these trusts.” Besides aiding community members who need help to meet the costs of medicine, education and relief of poverty they assist other non Zoroastrians too. When he joined the Lions movement nearly 10 years ago he became "more philanthropy oriented.” Wife Erin is active with the Rotary movement.
Currently the Masters are focusing on The Living Tree at New Bombay, a home for senior citizens of the community. Initially planning to start this project in Udvada, legal and other hurdles compelled them to look at other alternatives. When The New Bombay Zoroastrian Association Charitable Trust approached the Masters through Dastur Khurshed Dastoor to finance an old age home above the hall in the Doongaji Daremeher compound, they found ready supporters. Elaborating on this facility that is already functional, Master mentioned that there are eight self-contained double rooms and three single rooms on the two floors with attached bath and toilet and balcony, a common dining and recreation area, a library and a garden. Able bodied members of the community who wish to avail of the facility have to pay a subsidized monthly charge of Rs 19,000 per person that includes boarding and lodging with vegetarian and non-vegetarian food by a Parsi caterer.
If this venture is successful, "we can have a series of them,” said Percy. While the present one is only for those who are mobile, in the future they would like to start one for those who are bedridden. Just as this opportunity came knocking at their doorstep, Percy is hopeful that if there is a similar land allocation on another property, they could fund the construction.
Elaborating on the concept of The Living Tree that symbolizes the growth of life, Master noted that a plant needs nurturing till it grows into a tree. Thereafter it is the tree that supports other ecological systems until it becomes too old and is once again dependent on others for its survival. "‘Our children are not looking after us,’ is a sad story we are hearing too often,” narrates Percy who was motivated to create the old age home. Since there is the Doongaji Daremeher in the compound, The Living Tree is exclusively for Parsis. Besides receiving enquiries from community members in Bombay they have also been approached by a couple of seniors from Germany and London who want to come and stay here during the winter months.
Born in Porbunder, Percy mentioned that his grandfather Faramroze Sorabji Master was the divan of the town and a scholar in the Avesta language. The grandfather had 13 children who lived in a joint family. When family members wanted to go their own separate ways, the family relocated to Rajkot where Percy studied up to grade four. His father Meher who was a dyeing and bleaching expert in a German firm had opened a chemist shop there but when his gout problem intensified he had to be taken to Bombay for treatment. Meher with wife Mani and three children Makku, Roshan and Percy took up residence in a two-room apartment at Khareghat Colony.
Over the last three decades his Master Group of Companies has continued to expand its operations. Their workforce of nearly 1,400 employees is distributed over their 51 branches in India and two overseas. The Group now includes Master Marine Services Private Limited, Master Logitech Private Limited, EXM Project Movers Private Limited, Prudential Global Logistics Private Limited, Meher Container Terminals Private Limited, Master Power, Master Industries Private Limited. He yet remembers the struggle in the first year when he was trying to establish himself as a surveyor.
This year the Master Group opened branches in the UK and Dubai. In India, they are expanding into warehousing and logistics at the Nhava Sheva Port. As they have a large plot of land there they are building a state of the art warehouse. At these custom bonded houses imported goods can be stored.
"My companies follow the principle of good thoughts, words and deeds that is embedded in our logo. I attribute the success of my Group in trying to follow the tenets of our religion. Please don’t deviate from the tenets of our religion,” is his constant plea. When his office was at Horniman Circle, he would visit an agiary every day. After shifting to their new premises at Marathon Innova at Lower Parel, instead of agiaries he visits atash behrams on weekends. Every January he likes to start his year with a visit to the eight atash behrams "to give me the necessary confidence to face the year ahead.”
Describing himself as "an extremely religious person,” 77-year-old Master stated that "in the last 50 years I have not missed a single day of prayer” even if he returns from a flight in the middle of the night or on the day of surgery! To him praying for about 40-45 minutes every morning denotes "my pride in my religion, gives me peace of mind, directs me to the right path and protects me from unforeseen forces…
Convinced that "the strength of the religion lies in the maintenance of its fire temples,” once he became successful in business, Master felt it was payback time and financed the renovation of fire temples like Dadysett Agiary and Thoothi Agiary in Bombay, Adenwalla Agiary in Lonavala, the Iranshah in Udvada, and contributed towards the kathi of many others. The charities increased manifold following a tragic incident in the family when their young daughter-in-law Pinaz lost her life in a road accident. After renovating the Hodiwalla Bungli at Doongerwadi the family decided to launch the Master Foundation and the Pinaz Xerxes Master Trust where they put a "certain amount of profits in these trusts.” Besides aiding community members who need help to meet the costs of medicine, education and relief of poverty they assist other non Zoroastrians too. When he joined the Lions movement nearly 10 years ago he became "more philanthropy oriented.” Wife Erin is active with the Rotary movement.
Currently the Masters are focusing on The Living Tree at New Bombay, a home for senior citizens of the community. Initially planning to start this project in Udvada, legal and other hurdles compelled them to look at other alternatives. When The New Bombay Zoroastrian Association Charitable Trust approached the Masters through Dastur Khurshed Dastoor to finance an old age home above the hall in the Doongaji Daremeher compound, they found ready supporters. Elaborating on this facility that is already functional, Master mentioned that there are eight self-contained double rooms and three single rooms on the two floors with attached bath and toilet and balcony, a common dining and recreation area, a library and a garden. Able bodied members of the community who wish to avail of the facility have to pay a subsidized monthly charge of Rs 19,000 per person that includes boarding and lodging with vegetarian and non-vegetarian food by a Parsi caterer.
If this venture is successful, "we can have a series of them,” said Percy. While the present one is only for those who are mobile, in the future they would like to start one for those who are bedridden. Just as this opportunity came knocking at their doorstep, Percy is hopeful that if there is a similar land allocation on another property, they could fund the construction.
Elaborating on the concept of The Living Tree that symbolizes the growth of life, Master noted that a plant needs nurturing till it grows into a tree. Thereafter it is the tree that supports other ecological systems until it becomes too old and is once again dependent on others for its survival. "‘Our children are not looking after us,’ is a sad story we are hearing too often,” narrates Percy who was motivated to create the old age home. Since there is the Doongaji Daremeher in the compound, The Living Tree is exclusively for Parsis. Besides receiving enquiries from community members in Bombay they have also been approached by a couple of seniors from Germany and London who want to come and stay here during the winter months.
Born in Porbunder, Percy mentioned that his grandfather Faramroze Sorabji Master was the divan of the town and a scholar in the Avesta language. The grandfather had 13 children who lived in a joint family. When family members wanted to go their own separate ways, the family relocated to Rajkot where Percy studied up to grade four. His father Meher who was a dyeing and bleaching expert in a German firm had opened a chemist shop there but when his gout problem intensified he had to be taken to Bombay for treatment. Meher with wife Mani and three children Makku, Roshan and Percy took up residence in a two-room apartment at Khareghat Colony.
Master family (from l): Xerxes, Percy, Zelina, Erin, Derezar, Kainaz, Zeenia with Sage
Percy completed his formative education from St Joseph’s High School and his First Year Science from Siddharth College. Expected to make "a concerted effort to take on family responsibilities,” he passed a competitive examination that selected applicants worthy of joining "Training Ship Dufferin that was recognized and respected the world over. Of the 5,000 applicants only 80 would be chosen each year.” On completing the course he joined Scindia Steam Navigation Company and continued to sail with them for the next 20 years. He recalled the time when his son Xerxes, then five years old, "did not even recognize me when I returned home after months at sea!” That is when the captain "boldly decided” to give up sailing and come ashore. By then he could afford his own premises, and had surrendered the Khareghat Colony flat to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet.
For Percy, an appeal for assistance from any Parsi organization is always decided favorably with "whatever we can afford.” Currently a trustee of the Mrs Nergesh Khurshedji Dady Public Charitable Trust and Dhunbai Discretionery Trust, the Sodawaterwala Agiary Trust, as also the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution, Percy is now able to devote more time to charitable work since Xerxes as the managing director of the Master Group looks after most of the business operations. Daughter Zeenia, who too is a director in their company, is currently pursuing her MBA in London.
Faith in his prayers intensified during the 20 years of his seafaring journey when he encountered many "adventures, mishaps, critical moments, firestorms. When I was around 26 years old I had a very bad experience when a lifeboat crashed into my abdomen.” On the advice of his uncle he started praying the Ardibehest Yasht every day.
"If we follow the principles of Zoroastrianism and lead a righteous life I am sure we can make our presence felt,” Percy is convinced. "The community at large needs to be woken up. We are a small but intelligent community. We should have the entrepreneurial and professional drive that our forefathers had…”
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