History, honor and hope

The unveiling of the 30-foot-tall Cyrus the Great statue at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta’s Nimrooz Park on October 28, 2023 was "an immensely momentous occasion for the Atlanta Persian… and the Atlanta Zoroastrian communities,” wrote Dr Abtin Shahriari, an oral surgeon practicing in Atlanta, USA. The Millennium Gate being dedicated to liberty, justice and peace, it is fitting that Cyrus II or Cyrus the Elder, the founder of the Achemenid empire (reign 559 to 530 BC) who symbolized these attributes, is remembered here.

"We felt deeply honored and moved to have been part of this monumental historic event. The profound significance of this event, enriched by its historical and present day context is truly immeasurable. Notably, the teachings of the Gathas, Zoroastrian sayings and the recognition of Cyrus as the ‘King of the World’ contributed significantly to the event... and resonated deeply with those of us present at the monument’s unveiling,” added Shahriari. He felt the experience united "individuals from diverse backgrounds and races, reflecting the values championed by Cyrus the Great.”

As noted a post on the website of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, "During the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta was home to a number of people including Martin Luther King Jr, and former Congressman John Lewis who fought tirelessly to ensure equality for all of America’s citizens. The statue of Cyrus the Great stands besides other revolutionary fighters from around the world who fought for a more equitable and just future for their communities.”

Giving credit to 26-year-old social entrepreneur and impact investor Rostam Zafari for playing "a pivotal role in funding the creation of the statue,” Shahriari stated, "His contribution is truly commendable and his legacy forged literally in stone. The opportunity to listen to his speech and engage in conversation with him were experiences of great honor.” Chief Investment Officer of Sage Hill Investors in Tennessee, Zafari has led over 150 investments in early-stage companies across the US, India, Africa and Europe, as well as 20 fund investments, according to his profile on Linkedin. He is also the founder and executive director of World Within, a nonprofit impact investing platform which through its three arms — World Within Ventures, World Within Corps and World Within Studios — is dedicated to finding and funding development projects in emerging markets and to share their stories to inspire others.

Rostam further acknowledges, "My biggest inspiration in life has been my grandfather (Parviz)… He served as a parliamentarian in Iran when the revolution occurred so he was forced to flee his home during the prime of his career… He’s taught me that wealth exists for one reason: to better serve the world…I’d love World Within to one day serve as a model for a better World Bank — unbureaucratic, fast-moving and inspiring.” Both Rostam and Parviz never tire of reading the Shah Nameh and drawing lessons from the legendary heroes featured there. Rostam’s Instagram account introduces him as "working towards a free, secular and democratic Iran.”

The statue of Cyrus the Great was erected under the joint auspices of World Within and the National Monuments Foundation. "The Foundation’s mission is to create beautiful self-sustaining destination landmarks of national and historical relevance… to promote legacies of history, honor and hope.”