World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce – Middle East
Minutes of the Meeting held on 1st August 2008 at Avari Hotel, Dubai
On Friday 1st August 2008, another meaningful event organized by the WZCCME Group took place at the Avari Hotel, Dubai.
Whilst the agenda of the meeting was very interesting; the amazing film on “Keepers of the Flame” was a bonus to all those who had gathered.
The meeting went to a full audience as usual and the hall brimmed with members and guests.
Meher Bhesania in her welcome speech applauded the efforts of WZCC President, Directors and Chapter Chairs for furthering the vision and mission of WZCC and adding 3 new chapters making a total of 21 Chapters. She praised the vision of Zoroastrian companies located at overseas destinations who are setting up their offices in Dubai. Avesthagen was the latest, a leading company in biogenetic industry and getting closer to decoding the Parsee Zoroastrian longevity gene. On an upbeat note she announced that this year’s Global AGM of WZCC would take place in Houston on 28th December 2008. The function would be held at the World Zarathushti Heritage and Cultural Center 8787 West Airport Blvd, Houston, TX77479 from 10.am to 5 p.m. She invited members to be a part of the occasion and said if anyone was interested they should contact Arnavaz or Hoshang Sethna – telephone/fax +1-281-499-1832 or Email at
Thereafter the new members of WZCC were invited to introduce themselves and share brief details about themselves to members and guests.
To update the community members on the progress of the World Zoroastrian Congress 2009 (which is just 18 months away); Meher said that the timing of the Congress couldn’t be better; it coincides with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays so everyone should do their best to participate. She then praised the two young and charismatic leaders – Homi Gandhi and Farzan Dalal who had enlisted themselves for the Youth Leadership Enhancement Program (YLEP) and announced that more young members from Dubai should join them.She finally requested the community members to promote the Congress to their friends and relatives in every corner of the world.
Freesia Mehta, Marketing Director of the Congress, briefed the attendees on the progress of the Congress. She said the theme of the first day would be ‘Proud to be a Zoroastrian’. Each day would have a different theme. The event would have a grand opening show. Our community priests and Leaders would give their blessings to the Congress and Lord Karan Billimoria will address the audience as a key note speaker.
The afternoon would be dedicated to the Youth Leadership Program and other programs. The second day would be dedicated to the Trade show. Mr.Nadir Godrej will be the Chief Guest. There would be UAE Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors, Consul Generals, VIP guests and regional businessmen attending the show. There would be other high profile speakers and WZCC will play an active role.
She then shared details on the various sponsorship packages. The objective of raising sponsorship package was to keep the Congress fee low. She advised the early bird registration fee would include a welcome kit, morning teas, lunches, afternoon tea, dinners for all for days and free attendance to all events at the Congress. The package would be attractive considering the spiraling costs. However, this fee would not include the Hotel stay and travel cost. The Committee is still in making efforts to raise more sponsorship from Companies and if any Company is interested the team should be contacted at the earliest.
Thereafter, Cyrus Magol made a brief presentation on the role he would play in the Youth Leadership Enhancement Program as an External Consultant and the support he would provide to the youth and regional leaders as and when required.
Homi Gandhi and Farzan Dalal, the future responsible leaders, shared their thoughts on the project which they would be doing under the Youth Leadership Enhancement Program. In a nutshell the program would be to offer guidance to youth or any Zoroastrians wanting to move from another country to Dubai making it easier for the prospective immigrant to make a right decision after weighing the pros and cons. They would receive help on this program from regional experts in various fields.
Nowshir Engineer, the Regional Director for YLEP provided his expert comments saying that the project would provide the “Right Advice” to fellow Zoroastrians on their prospects of moving tothis region. Youth would be given proper direction on the kind of career path they could choose and follow, based on their inherent interests and strengths. It would include advice on information on Dubai, the costs of Dubai, residence accommodation, business set up services, the scenario of the prospective industry that the individual would want to join, the opportunity to network with established professionals in their fields, and for our youth – the possibility of facilitating placement opportunities. Initially the Dubai YLEP team will liaise on queries into Dubai – but their dream is to setup such “Right Advice” offices across the globe and provide information on any region in the world. Help would be sought from experts in various fields as an when required.
The future of our community rests with these Future Responsible Leaders, so giving them motivation, facilities, guidance and assistance is the need of the hour.
Mazarine Patel made an interesting presentation on her business of Beauty Salon & Spa called ‘Mazarine’s’. She outlined the various services offered by her salon. It was not an easy decision for her to move from a high profile job to Business said Mazarine. But with hard work and right decision the business is already a successful venture.
Meher then asked the members if they had any queries regarding the arrangements for the Congress and took questions from the participants. She said that the Congress is a mega event and planning is done in consultation with various leaders around the world and a large team regionally and overseas is in place working silently to bring this Congress to fruition.
Before the screening of the documentary the “keepers of the Flame” the members observed a minute’s silence in memory of late Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw; a true Hero of the Zoroastrian community and Motherland India!
The evening wound up with the film on “Keepers of the Flame” a story on the illustrious Tata Family narrated by Kabir Bedi. Several members present in the room just couldn’t help but be proud of their Zoroastrian lineage.
The members then spent the rest of the evening sharing their thoughts, networking with each other and enjoying the delicious cuisine of Avari Hotel.
The evening ended with thanks and goodbyes until the next meet.