Sanaya Master

Title: Igniting the Flame Within: Empowering Generation Z for a Zoroastrian Renaissance

We are thrilled to announce that Sanaya Master will be our Youth Keynote Speaker at the XVIII North American Zoroastrian Congress 2024. Sanaya is a distinguished leader in community development and cultural preservation with extensive global experience in healthcare, technology, and charitable sectors.

As the visionary founder of the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF), Sanaya has orchestrated transformative gatherings at the ASHA Centre in the UK in 2018 and 2024, bringing together young Zoroastrian leaders worldwide. Her dedication to community service and empowering the Zoroastrian youth resurgence epitomizes leadership, community service, and the harmonious integration of tradition with modern global perspectives.

As Co-Chair of the FEZANA Unity & Welfare Committee, Sanaya is committed to supporting our global Zoroastrian community’s disadvantaged and vulnerable members. She shares her dedication to community service with her husband, Kayras Irani. Together, they are raising their daughter, Spenta, exemplifying their commitment to family and cultural values.

Sanaya Master inspires and unites Zoroastrians worldwide, fostering a new generation of engaged, action-oriented leaders. Her work is a beacon of hope and motivation for our community, and we are excited to hear her share her insights and vision for the future.

 Participate in a momentous event that promises to ignite the flame within each of us and empower Generation Z for a Zoroastrian Renaissance.

Title

Zarathhuštra’s Gāthās and the Art of Living

Abstract

The Gāthās are believed to be the only work directly attributable to Zarathushtra, and thus the first source of information about his teachings. The purpose of this session is to present the essence of Zarathushtra’s teachings in a way that highlights their relevance to our times and our lives.

The session will open with the four young speakers sharing their experiences with the Gāthās. They will discuss how they encountered the Gāthās, and some of their unanswered questions and unmet needs. By being an integral part of the shaping of this session, they have influenced the emphasis of this session. They would like this session to be a simple presentation of the essence of the Gāthās, with examples of how they might be practiced in daily living.

In the second part of the session, the lead speaker, Dr. Keki Dadachanji, will attempt offering a presentation of the Gāthās that meets these expectations. All of us want to learn how we could make better choices when faced with difficult situations, and how we could maintain happiness and serenity in a world gone awry. We will seek answers to these questions in the foundational teachings of the Gāthās, and illustrate those with practical examples.

The third part of the session will give the audience an opportunity to ask questions.
Zoroastrianism will flourish if more people understood Zarathushtra’s teachings, reflect that knowledge in their daily living, and thereby become living examples of the Gāthās, positively influencing all people who get within their orbit. This is our ambition in offering this session.

Speaker

Dr. Keki Dadachanji holds a doctorate in Operations Research from Case Western Reserve University. After a distinguished career spanning 26 years as a senior manager at M&M/Mars, Dr. Dadachanji transitioned to education, bringing his wealth of experience to high school and university classrooms.

He is currently a respected faculty member at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University, where he teaches spirituality, philosophy, literature, and world cinema courses.

Dr. Dadachanji’s passion for world cinema has led him to use this medium to foster mutual understanding and respect among diverse cultures. His innovative approach to education and his commitment to cultural exchange earned him the Marlene M. Pomper Award for excellence in teaching.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Dadachanji is deeply involved in the Zoroastrian community. He leads the Gatha Study Group at ZAGNY, promoting a profound understanding of Zarathushtra’s teachings. His leadership was also evident as the Co-Chair of the Program Committee for the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress in 2022.

Dr. Dadachanji’s multifaceted career and dedication to education and cultural enrichment make him a valuable contributor to any academic or community-focused endeavor.

Speaker

Farzin Avari is an educator and community leader striving to foster the growth of kind, compassionate, and thoughtful young leaders. She served as ZYNA Co-Chair for the past 3 years. She now serves as Assistant Secretary of FEZANA.

As a woman of color teaching in the South, Farzin understands the importance of empowering youth leaders to create more inclusive and supportive spaces within their communities. She is focused on polishing young minds to be better youth leaders. She is currently determined to create a strong group of Zarathushti youth leaders in North America.

Speaker

Mahtab B. Dastur is a freshman at Rice University, studying Social Policy and Medicine. Immensely involved in her community, she has served as the ZAH Youth Group President, ZYNA Religion & Culture Co-Chair and is the Social Media Chair for this congress.

Mahtab is passionate about caring for the environment, empowering youth, and fostering open communications between all people. She has been invited to speak on these topics at several global platforms including at the 2022 World Zoroastrian Congress, the Parliament of World’s Religions and recently at the Girl Up USA Leadership Summit.

Mahtab serves on the board of several non-profit organizations, including the one she and her brother founded, Books2Smiles, which sends books across the world to children who do not have access to them; and Project C.A.R.V., where she is constantly advocating to decrease cases of Teen Dating Violence. Mahtab’s lifelong goal is to make a lasting difference in the world.

Speaker

Natasha N. Dungor was born and raised in Houston and is an 18-year-old student in 12th grade. After graduating high school, she plans to study medicine and business analytics to pursue a career in healthcare. Inspired by her parents’ immense involvement in the community, Natasha has been an active member of the Houston Zarathushti community from a young age.

Her many contributions to the community include serving as the NAZC2024 Youth and Young Adults Programs Co-Chair (the youngest co-chair) and her work on the FEZANA Ava Project. In March 2024, Natasha attended and presented at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City as a delegate of FEZANA and a representative of the worldwide Zoroastrian community.

Natasha is an accomplished dancer and dance instructor. She has performed at various events including four NBA Half-Time Shows, the Indian Film Festival of Houston, and the Rotary 2022 International Convention.

Having grown up in North America with a blended Parsi and Irani background and fluency in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, Natasha adds a valuable, bicultural perspective.

Speaker

Afshan Irani has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He joined a technology rotational program at Merck soon after graduating, and currently works as a Product Manager for the Scientific Data Analytics team in Boston, MA.

Afshan got involved in the Zoroastrian community at an early age – growing up he participated in religious classes and served as a camp mentor in the ZANT community. Afshan earned The Good Life badge through Scouts of America demonstrating religious knowledge and strong ties to the community, having built a playground at the ZANT Center as a part of his Eagle Scout project.

Service has always been at the core of his religious practice, and Afshan is passionate about inspiring learning in all students. He is a member of the ZAGBA community, and has had the privilege of learning and asking questions about Zoroastrianism and the Zoroastrian community at multiple congresses.

Title

Preserving the Flame: The role of Museums and cultural organizations in safeguarding and promoting the Zoroastrian legacy

Abstract

With a rich history spanning millennia, Zoroastrianism has deeply influenced and contributed to world culture through art, artefacts, architecture, literature and more. This panel discussion will increase understanding and appreciation of the many ways that museums and cultural institutions serve to preserve and care for historical heritage and legacy by safeguarding invaluable objects and the stories they tell for future generations in perpetuity.

Bradley Bailey PhD, Curator of Asian Art, Museum of Fines Arts (MFAH), will discuss and highlight a current exhibition at MFAH that focuses on and celebrates the Zoroastrian community with an expertly curated display of artefacts used in worship, ritual objects, clothing and textiles, photographs and more. Amy Poster PhD, Consulting Curator of Asian Art MFAH will highlight the contributions of legendary Parsi art collectors, gallerists and artists, who have shaped the field and without whom “Indian art” would not be what it is today. Amy will be joined by Banoo Parpia, moderator of the panel, to share and comment on Parsi textiles from the collection of the MFAH and from the recently exhibited Jeevak & Banoo Parpia collection.

Providing the perspective from the vantage point of the Asia Society, Jennifer Kapral PhD, Sr. Director of Education & Outreach, will discuss the mission of this preeminent cultural organization to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture and education for the benefit of all.

With these diverse narratives and multiple channels for increased engagement, this session will help bridge understanding and appreciation of the Zoroastrian community’s many facets and promote ongoing pride in our rich cultural heritage.

Speaker

The patriarch of Banoo Irani/Parpia’s family in Bombay was Banoo’s grandfather Khan Bahadur Ardeshir Irani, a pioneer of the Indian film industry and producer and director of India’s first film talkie “Alam Ara” in 1931 that was based on a Parsi play.

Banoo and her husband Jeevak Parpia, Professor of Physics at Cornell University, both received their PhD’s at Cornell. Banoo recently retired as Director of Development for Asia at Cornell and prior to that was on the research faculty as Senior Research Asociate in the Division of Nutritional Science where she served as chief coordinator of the pioneering China study. The Parpias have a joint interest in Indian textiles and Indian art that evolved in the late 1980s. They have had numerous exhibitions of selections from their comprehensive collection of Indian textiles including a show entitled “Traded Treasure” on Indian trade textiles in 2019 at the Herbert F Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell and most recently “Woven Wonders” in 2023 at the MFAH.

Speaker

Since 2017 Bradley Bailey has served as the inaugural Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Curator of Asian Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where he oversees galleries dedicated to the arts of Japan, Korea, China, and South and Southeast Asia.

A specialist in the art of Japan, he has curated several major traveling exhibitions, including “None Whatsoever: Zen Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection,” and most recently “Meiji Modern: 50 Years of New Japan,” which was accompanied by a catalogue published by Yale University Press. Bailey holds a BA and PhD in the History of Art from Yale University, as well as an MBA from the Yale School of Management. Dr. Bailey is proud to be the organizer of the first-ever installation dedicated to Zoroastrianism in the 100-year history of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where it is currently on view.

Speaker

Amy G. Poster has been Consulting Curator, Asian Art, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston since March 2016. She had a distinguished career at the Brooklyn Museum as Chair of the Department of Asian Art from which she retired as Curator Emerita in 2006.

After her retirement from the Brooklyn Museum, she consulted for several museums, including the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, the Indianapolis Museum of Art where she was a Mellon Curator, and the Japan Society Gallery in New York where she served as Interim Director.

At The MFAH she has been helping in the acquisition of objects and the presentation of the collection. In 2023, she curated Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles in the Parpia Collection, and has overseen the 2023 reinstallation of the Nidhika and Preshant Mehta Gallery of Indian Art. Over her career Amy has organized numerous exhibitions of Indian arts, and published widely, both scholarly articles and museum catalogs.

She served as a Trustee of the Rubin Museum of Art in New York and continues to serve museum advisory committees, including the Visiting Committee of Islamic Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Japan Society Gallery.

Speaker

Jennifer Kapral has served Asia Society Texas for five years as the Senior Director of Education, co-leading an 11-million-dollar capital campaign to create and build Explore Asia, an interactive educational exhibit, and Asia in the Classroom and the Community, a digital hub for teaching and learning about Asia and the Asian American experience.

Prior to her role at Asia Society, she served for 15 years as a professional educator, school leader, and project manager. She has held leadership roles with Teach for America, Raise Your Hand Texas, and the Houston Independent School District. More recently, she served as Dean of Instruction at the Houston Academy for International Studies, where she built and managed a nationally recognized study abroad program. Highlights from her travels include leading a student service-learning trip to Pune, India and receiving a Fulbright-Hays award to study curriculum development in Egypt. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s in Education from The University of St. Thomas.

Title

“Who Are We?” -Zoroastrians in the Western World

Abstract

In the wake of Zoroastrianism’s dispersion across the Western hemisphere in recent decades, the question of “Who is a Zoroastrian?” emerges. This session embarks on a nuanced exploration, unraveling the complexities surrounding identity, belonging, and the evolving landscape of our faith.

Key themes emerge as the discussion unfolds, inviting thought on issues that resonate deeply within the community. Questions surrounding interfaith relationships invoke debate, as individuals grapple with the tensions between cultural preservation and assimilation. Likewise, reflections on Zoroastrian male bloodlines prompt introspection on notions of lineage, inheritance, and inclusivity within the faith’s fabric.

The conversation extends its embrace to encompass the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the imperative need to honor the dignity and diversity of all individuals. Amidst these discussions, the divergent experiences of Zoroastrians growing up in North America versus other global locales offer rich insights into the dynamics of cultural adaptation, community cohesion, and the transmission of tradition across generations.

Ultimately, this dialogue aspires towards a synthesis of perspectives, seeking common ground amidst diversity. By fostering understanding, empathy, and dialogue, participants forge a path forward that honors the richness of Zoroastrian heritage while embracing the evolving contours of contemporary life. In this quest for consensus, the journey itself becomes a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and enduring relevance of Zoroastrianism in an ever-changing world.

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Moderator

Kimiya Shahzadi is a Co-Chair of Zoroastrian Youth of North America (ZYNA), a committee of FEZANA, the Chief Social Media Officer at the North American Mobed Council (NAMC), and is the Social Committee Co-Chair of the Zoroastrian Association of Michigan (ZAOM).

Born into a priestly family she is currently training under the Zoroastrian Mobed Council of Iran to become a mobedyar and aspires to become a mobed. Kimiya is a dual citizen of Australia and the United States, can speak, read, and write Persian, and has a black belt in Shotokan Karate.

She owns a real estate business and with her master’s in clinical behavioral psychology specializing in relationships and publications has founded Love Story LLC, a modern Zoroastrian matchmaking service matching 20+ couples already. She is currently building a Love Story dating app with a mission to increase quality love in the world in a big way.

Speaker

Zane Commissariat is a distinguished high school senior from Southern California with a deep-rooted passion for service and leadership. Zane completed his Eagle Scout Project at the Zoroastrian Association of California ZAC Center and achieved the Good Life Zoroastrian Emblem with the Scouts of America.

His dedication to the Zoroastrian community earned him the 2024 Zoroastrian Youth of the Year award. Zane also contributes as a lead Youth Mentor, guiding the Teen & Tween Sessions at the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress in New York in 2022 and the 18th North American Zoroastrian Congress in 2024. Additionally, he is involved with the Zoroastrian Sports Committee of FEZANA.

Zane conducts research alongside faculty at the University of Southern California (USC), aiming toward a career in public health. He relishes giving back to the community including volunteering at free clinics and homeless shelters in Los Angeles, working with USC’s Interdisciplinary Outreach Team. Furthermore, as the co-founder of the Education Equity Project, a student-led organization, Zane collaborates with nonprofits to support educational initiatives for underserved children.

Speaker

Natalie Kanga was born in Toronto to a Parsi father and a Canadian mother. She grew up in San Jose, California, where she was positively influenced by the love and support of the Zoroastrian community. Natalie is passionate about bringing the Persian and Indian Zoroastrian communities together in the San Francisco Bay Area.

She has served as a counselor at the Z camp for teens, she helped create a mini-documentary interviewing Persian and Parsi Zoroastrians from across the community, and she acted as the producer for a professional photography project showcasing present-day Zoroastrians in old-style portraits. Most recently,

Natalie had the pleasure of speaking at the 8th World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in London. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Psychology, focusing specifically on utilizing the interactions between physical and mental health to develop effective therapeutic interventions.

Speaker

Born and brought up in Mumbai, India, now residing in Toronto, Canada, Sharmin Mistry is a youth leader. She was the youngest representative on the FEZANA board as the Assistant Secretary from 2022 to 2024.

She was also the youngest FEZANA representative at the United Nation’s 67th Commission of the Status of Women Conference, New York in March 2023 and initiated the Attitude of Gratitude donation drive program as the Service and Advocacy Co-Chair at ZYNA.

She has participated in various Zoroastrian events and programs such as the World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in London, the Zoroastrian Return to Roots program 2023-24, and most recently, the 2nd World Zoroastrian Youth Leadership Forum held at the ASHA Centre in the UK. She is currently initiating and conducting a pilot for the first-ever Zoroastrian Exchange program for Parsi and Iranian Zoroastrians between the ages of 13-19 years in North America and is looking forward to getting more Zoroastrians involved in the community and keeping them connected through more events.

Speaker

Ashton Zadeh is a San Francisco Bay Area native who was born to Iranian parents but has also lived in Hawaii, Canada, and Japan. After graduating from San Jose State University in 2017, he noticed that many Iranian, Parsi, and Kurdish Americans knew very little about the Zoroastrian religion and Greater Iran’s history.

Remembering his struggles growing up in a post 9/11 America, he wanted to give the next generation, and indirectly his own, the resources he didn’t have growing up. Ashton has written, illustrated, and published 5 children’s books, 3 of which talk about ancient Iran and Zoroastrianism in a modern art style. For every book sold, a tree is planted, and as of 2024 over 2000 trees have been planted across the US and Portugal. Ashton has also launched several fundraisers to send his non-Persian books and art supplies to children’s hospitals in Northern California.

Ashton is a Digital Marketing Specialist, where he utilizes storytelling, graphic design, and analysis skills to create and manage marketing campaigns.

Title

The Great Zoroastrian Debate

Abstract

Should Zoroastrians who marry outside the faith be accepted in the community?

Is Zoroastrianism practiced properly in North America?

Is religion no longer relevant to youth today?

Seize the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking exploration of pressing questions facing our community today. Should Zoroastrians who marry outside the faith be embraced within our community’s embrace? Does the practice of Zoroastrianism in North America reflect our traditions appropriately? And perhaps most poignantly, is religion losing its relevance among today’s youth?

Prepare to witness a dynamic and interactive live debate like never before. A diverse group of young Zoroastrians will take the stage, each offering their unique perspectives and life experiences on these weighty matters. For the first time on stage, statements challenging the status quo will be presented, igniting discourse and inviting scrutiny from all angles.

As audience members, you’ll play an integral role in shaping the conversation. Through real-time anonymous voting, your opinions will be tallied and projected live on-screen, offering insight into the diversity of perspectives within our community. This innovative format ensures that every voice is heard, fostering a culture of openness, understanding, and empathy.

Dubbed “The Great Zoroastrian Debate,” this event promises not only intellectual stimulation but also a deeper sense of connection and solidarity within our community. By engaging in candid discussions and confronting challenging questions head-on, we cultivate a greater sense of compassion and mutual respect.

Join us as we embark on this journey of exploration and dialogue, where open minds and open hearts converge to illuminate the path forward. Together, let us harness the power of discourse to enrich our understanding, strengthen our bonds, and pave the way for a brighter future for Zoroastrianism in North America and beyond.

Moderator

Tanya Hoshi is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker with over a decade of experience producing films, web series, digital content, and advertisements. Tanya’s commercial productions have been viewed globally by millions, broadcast on NBC, and won a Telly Award. In 2023, Tanya produced her first feature film We Will Be Brave via Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch Program, which won the Audience Choice Feature Film Award at the Reel Asian International Film Festival. Tanya made her directorial debut with the web series Blackout which won Best Horror Series at WebFest Berlin. She is currently a co-producer on BAPSI, a documentary about the greatest living Pakistani writer and a fellow Zoroastrian, Bapsi Sidhwa.

In addition to her professional career, Tanya enjoys volunteering her time as a youth leader in the global Zoroastrian community. Tanya was appointed as the first Chief Social Media Officer of FEZANA in 2020 and is currently the Chair of the newly formed Communications Committee. Over the past four years, Tanya has grown FEZANA’s social media online while mentoring several of the youth. She has been invited as a speaker at the 2019 Youth Congress in LA, the 2022 World Zoroastrian Congress in NYC, and the 2023 Youth Congress in London. She is on the board of the Zoroastrian Return to Roots Trip and alumnus of the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum. Tanya’s commitment to her community and achievements in her career led her to be awarded the Outstanding Youth Award at the 2022 World Zoroastrian Congress in New York City.

Speaker

Ervad Burzin Balsara is a mobed originally from Dallas, TX, now residing in Washington, D.C. He recently earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering and is currently a guidance, navigation, and controls engineer at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where he works on both air and missile defense systems and space exploration.

Outside of his professional life, Burzin enjoys camping, biking, and exploring the city’s vibrant museums. As an active Zoroastrian, he has been deeply involved with his home association, ZANT, and has volunteered by serving the community alongside his father through various Jashans and ceremonies over the years.

Speaker

Afriti Chinoy is currently a fourth-year dental student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Afriti is a native of Troy, Michigan and attended Case Western Reserve University for undergraduate education. During her time at Case Western, Afriti was awarded The John Schoff Millis Award for her strong academic record, The Dr.Rula Quawas Award in Women and Gender Studies, and the Civic Engagement Scholar Award for her volunteering efforts within the Cleveland community.

At the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Afriti has strived to succeed in both leadership and research. She serves as Treasurer for the Class of 2025, and her research work has resulted in four publications and five poster presentations under the mentorship of Michigan Medicine and UofM School of Dentistry. She received first place at the 2021 UofM School of Dentistry Research Day in Basic Science and Translational Research.
Afriti has been an active and involved member of the Zoroastrian Association of Michigan since 2004. She presented at the Scholars of Zoroastrianism 2017 Annual Conference. Afriti was recognized by FEZANA in 2018 in the “Emerging Leaders of North America” issue and has been awarded the Pavri Tata Endowed Scholarship 2018 and Soonu and Jal Birdy Endowed Scholarship 2021.

After graduation, Afriti hopes to pursue a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and continue her passion for academics, leadership, and research. When Afriti is not practicing dentistry, she is out running, traveling, golfing, or enjoying the Michigan Football season with family and friends. Go Blue!

Speaker

Ervad Poruz Khambatta was born and raised in the New York Metropolitan Area. As a child, he attended innumerable classes and events at ZAGNY. He is very grateful for all the amazing memories and wonderful friends he has made there. As he has gotten older, he has been fortunate enough to be able to give back to his community through both religious and non-religious events. Poruz has also represented Zoroastrianism at several interfaith gatherings, in the United States and abroad. He is a big believer in the power of dialogue to help us bridge divides and better understand where others are coming from. Poruz holds a B.A. from UC Berkeley, a Ph.D. from Stanford University, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship from UCLA.

Speaker

Zubin Mistry is a Senior Project Manager at Texas Children’s Hospital. With a background in Health Administration, Public Health and Project Management, Zubin has over 10 years of IT Management Consulting, including 8 years consulting for the US Government and military.

In the early 2000’s, Zubin was a Trustee-At-Large for the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington Inc. (ZAMWI). After moving to Houston in 2021, he is an active member of Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) and is now on ZAH’s Executive committee.

However, Zubin’s true passion is chocolate. In 2021, he donned the moniker of the “The Chocolate Bawa” and created the Moderately Cool Baking Company (MCBC) with his lovely wife Mitra. In his passion project, The Chocolate Bawa strives to creatively combine art, humor, and attitude in every chocolate he makes. The Chocolate Bawa takes inspiration from his wife, his past, his community, and his culture to bring a unique experience to every bite.

Speaker

Dr. Kaizeen Mody was born and raised in Los Angeles as an active member of the Zoroastrian Association of California. She helped organize/host the FIRST EVER pre-Congress youth weekend hosted at NAZC 2014 in Los Angeles, additionally serving as a committee member, speaker, and moderator at the main Congress.

After receiving her BS from UCLA and a Masters in Global Medicine from Keck School of Medicine at USC, she achieved her medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at White Memorial Medical Center in East Los Angeles, working through unprecedented times at the peak of the COVID pandemic. In pursuit of further training in the areas of medicine she is most passionate about, she completed a specialty fellowship in Women’s Health and Obstetrics at AdventHealth Orlando.

Kaizeen joined the Houston Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program as teaching faculty and serves underserved communities as a family medicine and obstetrics physician at Vecino Health Centers, providing quality care to those most in need. This has allowed her to become an active member and participant of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston (and NAZC 2024) and its warm and welcoming community as well. She is also a collaborator on genetic population studies on US Parsi Zoroastrians.

Kaizeen hopes to continue serving others both locally and globally as a physician and member of the Zoroastrian community and looks forward to working with others to ensure it continues to grow and flourish.

Speaker

Daisy Pithawalla was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She recently graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Business Psychology and plans on attending Dental School in the Fall of 2025. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, baking, playing soccer, exploring the outdoors, and giving back to her local Zoroastrian community.

She has been part of her Zoroastrian community since she was little, partaking in social and religious events. Since 2021, she has served on the executive committee at the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC) as the Youth Coordinate and has been part of the initiative to bring a resurgence of youth to the community. She has organized youth events such as top golf, themed youth parties, sporting activities, and beach bonfires. Additionally, alongside the youth of CZC, she has kick-started a youth Instagram page aimed towards bringing the youth from all of Southern California together with the main goal of having a one-stop shop to find any relevant information on how to get involved and connect with the SoCal Zoroastrian youth.

Daisy hopes to see the community she has grown in only get bigger and better and is excited to drive change and uplift the community by impacting a larger youth Zarathushti demographic in the years to come.

Title

Many Flames Build a Fire: Voices on Faith and Spirituality

Abstract

Embark on a profound exploration with us as we delve into the tapestry of past Zoroastrian practices, tracing the footsteps of our ancestors and predecessors. Across generations, our parents and grandparents imparted sacred rituals and traditions, steeped in reverence of wisdom from centuries past. Yet, as we stand on the threshold of the 21st century, the winds of change sweep across continents, reshaping the landscape of Zoroastrian practice, particularly in the vibrant melting pot of North America.

In this dynamic exchange, our panel ventures into the heart of this evolution, probing the intricate duality between tradition and innovation. With each passing year, the community grapples with the challenge of preserving ancestral heritage while embracing the imperatives of modernity and cultural adaptation. What once defined the contours of Zoroastrian practice may no longer suffice in the complex mosaic of contemporary life.

As we navigate this juncture of transition, profound questions emerge, beckoning us to explore the contours of our faith anew. What novel practices and adaptations will emerge as we endeavor to root ourselves in ancient wisdom while responding to the demands of our ever-changing world? Our panelists, drawing from diverse backgrounds and experiences, embark on a quest to unravel the intricacies of Zoroastrian practice in the 21st century.

With keen insight and introspection, we examine the who, what, when, where, and how of our faith, probing the depths of tradition and innovation. Each voice contributes to a rich tapestry of dialog, weaving together threads of continuity and change. Together, let us contemplate the essence of modern Zoroastrian practice, charting a course that honors the legacy of our ancestors while embracing the promise of tomorrow.

Moderator

Brigadier Ervad Behram Panthaki is a soldier and a priest – both remembered only in times of crisis! During his army career, spanning over 30 years, he was deployed on the China and Pakistan borders, fought insurgency in the eastern states of India and Punjab, and had four deployments in Jammu & Kashmir along the Line of Control, including one at the Division Headquarters in Ladakh that controls operations on the Siachen Glacier.
Among several of his appointments, the one he covets most is ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Chief of the Army Staff, the master planner, and executor of the 1971 war with Pakistan that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. In 1994, he opted for early retirement to join his family in the US.

On arrival, he was presented with an opportunity to serve the Zoroastrian community of the tri-state Washington area. He also worked towards making the Zoroastrian faith better understood by speaking at universities, churches, and schools. Until recently, Brigadier Panthaki was the Director of Human Resources at The Kingsbury Center, a non-profit organization that provides special education to differently abled individuals.

With his wife Zenobia, he has co-authored a coffee-table book titled ‘Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, The Man and His Times’. The book is dedicated to men in uniform who laid down their lives defending India and to their widows whose sacrifice is in equal measure. Each year they donate the entire royalty to the War Wounded Foundation and War Widows Association of India.

Speaker

Rayomand Katrak grew up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas where he has been involved with the Zoroastrian Association of Houston from a young age. He became a fully ordained Ervard in 2007 and has participated in numerous muktads, jashans, navjotes, and wedding ceremonies for his community. He served as the Youth Group President as a senior in high school and was vital in increasing youth involvement at the ZAH. He has participated in the 5th World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in Vancouver, Canada. He has also participated in and served as the co-chair of the annual Z-Camp held at the ZAH. He is currently the Youth Programs Co-Chair for the 18th North American Zoroastrian Congress. Rayomand attended Baylor University for his undergraduate studies and went to medical school at Texas A&M. He is currently a third-year family medicine resident at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program. He has previously served on the admissions committee and is currently one of the Chief Residents. Outside of his professional life, Rayomand enjoys traveling to new countries and exploring new restaurants with his wife, Natalya, who he met at the ZAH!

Speaker

Born in New York and raised in Vancouver, Rozmin Irani earned her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia. Previously specializing in neurosciences at Vancouver Coastal Health, Rozmin currently serves on the provincial Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant Program. As an occupational therapist, she shares her knowledge and skills to enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote holistic health, and prevent or live better with injury, illness, or disability. Rozmin is also an instructor at Langara College where she teaches about the importance of physical activity, health, and wellness. Committed to creating a positive ripple effect in her community, Rozmin has dedicated over eight years to volunteering with numerous non-profit organizations that foster improvement in the quality of life for others.

Her focus has been on research and universal accessibility for individuals with spinal cord injuries, coaching young adults with developmental disabilities, mental health advocacy, and cultural diversity and inclusion advising. She supports her local Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia and is passionate about youth empowerment, presenting at the London Youth Congress. She has also served on various committees with the Zoroastrian Youth of North America including being a previous Co-Chair for Outreach and Communications. In her spare time, Rozmin enjoys photography, cooking, dancing and traveling.

Speaker

Originally from Philadelphia, Burges Unwalla resides in Boston and works in private equity searching for businesses to acquire and operate. He studied chemical engineering at Penn State and recently graduated with his MBA from the University of Virginia. In 2004, he was fortunate enough to undergo his Navar ceremony in Udvada and those experiences helped inform his views on religion to this day. Outside of work, you can find Burges in the kitchen making some of his favorite Parsi dishes (dhansak being at the top of the list), cheering on Philly sports teams, or trying to perfect his golf swing.

Title

Embrace the Future: Initiating Athravans and Consecrating Atash Kadehs in North America

Abstract

Mobeds play a leading role in the evolution of Zoroastrian existence on the North American continent. In addition to their Mobed training, their professionalism in their respective academic, scientific, and business fields has equipped them to lead their congregations in Zoroastrian religious and spiritual matters. They have positioned themselves to serve, guide, educate and lead the community to preserve and promote Zoroastrianism.

Meet the North American Mobeds as they unveil their new and bold initiative to ordain Athravans in North America. Engage with them to comprehend their vision of training and initiating the future generation of Zoroastrian clergy to serve the changing needs of the Zoroastrian population on this continent. Don’t be surprised if this new initiative inspires you to serve your community as an Athravan.

Learn from their knowledge and wisdom about how Zoroastrians can take a giant leap in establishing a consecrated Atash Adaran (an elevated grade of Holy Fire) in North America.

Take this unique opportunity to enquire, learn, and engage with our religious and spiritual guides, our respected Mobeds.

Speaker

Following rigorous religious training at the M.F. Cama Athornan Institute under Dasturji Dr. Firoze M Kotwal, Tehemton Mirza was ordained Navar, Maratab and Saamel at Iranshah Ateshbehram in Udvada. His professional career took him from Mumbai to Iran to Indonesia, and he finally settled in London, Ontario, Canada.

A CPA by profession, he has enjoyed being a recreational pilot and a marathoner in his spare time. As a Mobed, Tehemton volunteers religious and spiritual services to Zoroastrians in Southwestern Ontario and Michigan. Tehemton has taught courses, published articles, and spoken on Zoroastrian topics at Zoroastrian Associations and Congresses throughout North America. Tehemton currently serves as the President of the North American Mobeds Council and heads the NAMC Institute of Zoroastrian Studies.

Speaker

Khushrav Nariman is a seasoned Executive and Consultant in the Oil & Gas and Chemical industries, with a wealth of experience in diverse strategic and operational roles. Currently, he serves on the Board of Aecus Inc., a company dedicated to acquiring and managing refining and logistics assets. Additionally, he consults with clients on strategic and growth initiatives. Khushrav’s career includes 24 years with McKinsey & Company, Inc., and 8 years with ExxonMobil.

At McKinsey, he was a leading Partner in the Houston office, advising senior clients in the Oil and Petrochemical sectors. He also established and led McKinsey’s Global Downstream Strategy and Operations service line, specializing in strategy, operations, digital/advanced analytics, and market dynamics. His extensive experience in operations improvement and transformation was a significant asset to his clients. During his tenure at ExxonMobil, Khushrav worked at the Paulsboro refinery and at the company’s headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, where he held various strategic and operational roles.

Khushrav holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware and a Diploma in Business Management from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He has also served as the Chairman and is currently on the Board of the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston. Additionally, he is the current Chairman of the Bhandara Atash Kadeh Management Committee.

Speaker

Brigadier Ervad Behram Panthaki is a soldier and a priest – both remembered only in times of crisis! During his army career, spanning over 30 years, he was deployed on the China and Pakistan borders, fought insurgency in the eastern states of India and Punjab.

He had four deployments in Jammu & Kashmir along the Line of Control, including one at the Division Headquarters in Ladakh that controls operations on the Siachen Glacier.

Among several of his appointments, the one he covets most is ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Chief of the Army Staff, the master planner, and executor of the 1971 war with Pakistan that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. In 1994, he opted for early retirement to join his family in the US.

On arrival, he was presented with an opportunity to serve the Zoroastrian community of the tri-state Washington area. He also worked towards making the Zoroastrian faith better understood by speaking at universities, churches, and schools. Until recently, Brigadier Panthaki was the Director of Human Resources at The Kingsbury Center, a non-profit organization that provides special education to differently abled individuals.

With his wife Zenobia, he has co-authored a coffee-table book titled ‘Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, The Man and His Times’. The book is dedicated to men in uniform who laid down their lives defending India and to their widows whose sacrifice is in equal measure. Each year they donate the entire royalty to the War Wounded Foundation and War Widows Association of India.

Speaker

Porus Cyrus Pavri completed his Navar at the Bai Motlibai Wadia Agiary in Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, Bombay in 2016. He returned in 2019 to complete his Martab. Since then, he has actively served the Zoroastrian community through the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) and become an active member of the North American Mobeds Council (NAMC).

Shortly after becoming a Martab, Porus began volunteering to teach Kasti prayers to children. Born with hemophilia, a genetic bleeding disorder, Porus has faced numerous challenges from a young age. He is deeply involved with the New York City Hemophilia Chapter, advocating and raising funds for the cause. Along with his sister, he initiated a local walk, Allendale Supports Hemophilia, gaining support from his local community, raising over $70,000 in total. He has also traveled to Washington, D.C., to share his story and advocate for policy changes benefiting those with bleeding disorders.

Despite these obstacles, Porus has excelled academically, earning a place on the Rutgers University Dean’s List. He is currently an incoming sophomore and an Exercise Science major, aspiring to become a physical therapist. His dedication to health and fitness, personal experience with hemophilia, and commitment to community service fuel his passion for the field. Porus has also earned the highest award of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America and the Good Life Award through ZAGNY.

Title

Sustainable Philanthropy

Abstract

Philanthropy is the practice of giving money, time, and other resources for the betterment of society and for the greater good of our communities. Sustainable philanthropy, also known as impactful philanthropy, is a set of principles and strategies designed to create sustainable and scalable solutions to challenges facing our community.
Traditional philanthropy can only create results that allocated capital can support. Sustainable Philanthropy focuses on creating more complete and enduring outcomes. Rather than focusing on a short-term solution of an issue, it focuses on the long-term success of a cause. Sustainable philanthropy is not just about giving to a cause. It’s about making a difference that is lasting.
In this panel session on sustainable philanthropy, we will explore its key elements and benefits, its difference from traditional forms of giving, its impact and how Sustainable Philanthropy can be practiced providing much needed assistance to Zoroastrians in North America and for the greater good of our community at large.

Speaker

Behram Irani, CEO of The Information Store, has spent his entire career in the energy industry. Mr. Irani’s experience has placed him on boards of various companies, banks and nonprofit organizations. He has served as a distinguished lecturer for the Society of Petroleum Engineers, as a geoscience lecturer at University of Texas at Dallas and as lecturer in continuing education at Southern Methodist University. He has BS and MS degrees in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Oklahoma and is a recipient of OU Regent’s alumni award. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Program for Management Development and is a registered professional engineer in Texas.

Besides the energy industry, Behram has been actively engaged in the nonprofit world for over 40 years. Serving on boards of nonprofit organizations, he recognized the importance of fundraising and consequently educated himself in the art and science of charitable giving and fundraising. Mr. Irani is committed to working with nonprofit organizations and spends a considerable amount of time guiding, training and assisting nonprofit organizations with their fundraising activities. Behram believes that “The lifeblood of nonprofit organizations is the availability of sufficient funds to be able to carry out their stated missions, which in turn is based on their capacity to raise the required funds in a timely manner”.

Speaker

As a part of the first group of American born Zoroastrians, Cyrus Irani has experienced the North American Zoroastrian journey, through both highs and lows, with the slow but growing recognition that American Zoroastrians have created their own unique diaspora, unbound by Persian and Indian dogma and norms.

Fortunately, with an abundance of Zoroastrian role models who thrived, without scarcity or fear, Cyrus saw the awesome capabilities of what true Gathas-based Zoroastrianism accomplishes by putting into practice Asho Zarathustra’s principles, not bounded by discrimination, prejudice, or notions of superiority.

Professionally, Cyrus’ career in technology evolved with the rapid progress of innovation, contributing to how technological advancements have changed our lives. His education and business track record as a CEO/President is based on a foundation of executive roles in not only R&D Management, but also Product Management, Business Development, Professional Services, Marketing, Customer Support, and Sales, including taking a company public on the NASDAQ. His diversified history ranges from Fortune 500 companies (Xerox, AT&T Teradata) to startups/SMBs (Retix, Vertel, Strix, EchoMobile, and MetroGuild) across multiple business domains, constantly reinventing himself (progressive mentality) to best achieve results within organizations and resources at hand.

Cyrus is currently on the Zarathustrian Assembly Board of Trustees, alongside his father, Darius Irani, and other esteemed board members. The Darius Irani family aggressively pursues Zoroastrianism in North American exclusively based on the principles in Zarathustra’s own words as stated in the Gathas.

Speaker

Dr. Leilah Vevaina is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She was born in Bombay and grew up in the United States. After receiving her PhD in Social Anthropology Leilah embarked on a multi-year research project that culminated in her book Trust Matters: Parsi Endowments in Mumbai and the Horoscope of a City (Duke University Press). It focuses on religious endowments and the trust as a mechanism of property management in the city. Her research lies in the intersection of urban property and religious life within the legal regimes of contemporary India. She has conducted fieldwork in Mumbai, India and Hong Kong, with specific focus on the Zoroastrian community.

In addition to her focus on Zoroastrian global philanthropic networks, Leilah is currently researching Zoroastrian death rituals and their legal and funerary infrastructures for a new book on necro finance, death and diaspora. Her forthcoming project seeks to research the connection between gambling and charity in history and contemporary of Hong Kong.
Leilah is the founding Director of the South Asia from Asia Initiative at Chinese University which aims to bring together research and teaching on South Asia in Hong Kong in collaboration with other departments and university partners.

Title

Valor and Virtue: Zoroastrian Leadership in Military and Civil Service

Abstract

In examining the role of Zoroastrians in military and civil service, we delve into a fascinating intersection of faith and duty. Rooted in the ancient teachings of Zarathustra, Zoroastrianism advocates values of righteousness, truth, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. But how does this rich religious theory harmonize with the demands of military and civil service, and what unique leadership potential does it offer? Who is the next Field Marshal Manekshaw or Secretary of State from our community and how does Gen Z use military and civil service to help propel Zarathushti resurgence?

Zoroastrianism, with its emphasis on ethical conduct and the pursuit of justice, provides a profound framework for military and civil service. The commitment to righteousness and the defense of the innocent aligns closely with the responsibilities of soldiers and civil servants. In the face of adversity, Zoroastrian teachings offer resilience and the moral fortitude to uphold principles even in the most challenging circumstances.
Moreover, military and civil service instills individuals with a unique set of skills and experiences that can enhance their leadership potential within the Zoroastrian community and beyond. The discipline, strategic thinking, and sense of duty cultivated in the military and civil services are invaluable assets in positions of leadership, whether within service institutions or in the broader society.

As we explore the role of Zoroastrians in military and civil service, it becomes evident that their faith not only informs their actions but also enriches their contributions to leadership roles. By upholding the principles of righteousness and service, Zoroastrians exemplify the potential for synergy between religious theory and practical engagement. These qualities foster leaders who are not only guided by their convictions but also equipped to inspire and lead others towards a brighter future.

Moderator

Keshwar Buhariwalla is an active member of the Zoroastrian Association of North Texas (ZANT). She has served in various board positions at ZANT and was part of the team that built the Zoroastrian Center in North Texas.
Keshwar served as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for four years. Her military service taught her the meaning of “work ethic” and “mission accomplishment” – principles that have guided her throughout her life. Over the past 25 years, she has had the privilege to serve in various non-profit board positions that have been both fulfilling and impactful.

She is grateful to her parents Adi and Arnavaz Vakharia, who brough the family to the U.S. and allowed all of them to flourish in this new country. Keshwar and her husband Kali are the parents of three young men: Zaal, Cyrus, and Hormuz. Their family life is enriched by shared values and commitment to community service. Her journey, marked by military service, community involvement, and family, reflects a life dedicated to service.

Speaker

Rayomand Bam was born and raised in Flower Mound, Texas, a suburb of the Dallas – Fort Worth metroplex. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. While there, he held various leadership roles within the Cadet Wing from the squadron to the group level.

Rayomand was a leading member of the FalconNeuro project, an experiment to test a new type of sensor against ballistic missile threats. Based on the human eye, the technology is called neuromorphic cameras, and it focuses on changing levels of brightness between microsecond time intervals to activate individual pixels. The FalconNeuro was focused on drastically reducing the data required to transmit for space-based intelligence satellites, as their current capabilities require high data rates, high power, and massive cooling systems.

After graduation, he was selected to attend the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH. There he earned a Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering, focusing primarily on Nuclear Systems within the Air Force. His research primarily focused on the systems that the U.S. employs to defend the lower 48 from a potential ballistic missile attack, the limitations and advantages of those systems, and what would be required to defend against a peer level adversary. He is currently an Undergraduate Pilot Training student at Vance Air Force Base, OK.

Speaker

Huban A. Gowadia was born and raised in India. She studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Alabama. After obtaining a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, she joined the Federal Aviation Administration as a civil servant and has spent almost 25 years serving national security missions.

Currently, as the Principal Associate Director for Global Security at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Huban is responsible for programs that support international and domestic security, including overseeing LLNL responsibilities in intelligence analysis; energy and homeland security; and countering nuclear, chemical, biological, and explosive threats.

In her previous role as Acting Administrator at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), she led a workforce of more than 60,000 employees charged with protecting our critical transportation systems and the traveling public. Prior to that she served as the Presidentially appointed Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office at the Department of Homeland Security.

Speaker

Cainaz Vakharia recently retired from the United States Army after 30 years on active duty. She graduated from Tulane University and was commissioned in the Military Intelligence branch. She served in Germany, Turkey, South Korea and Oklahoma and then transitioned to a specialization in South Asia.

She learned Hindi and Urdu, attended the Indian Defence Services Staff College for 10 months, and then completed a masters in South Asian Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Her South Asia-related assignments include various positions at the Pentagon; U.S. Embassy Islamabad (security cooperation); U.S. Embassy Dhaka (Defense Attaché); U.S. Embassy New Delhi (Army Attaché); and the State Department (Senior Military Advisor for South Asia).

She has traveled extensively with the military, but Washington D.C. has served as a home base. She is married to Michael Heaton, a retired Army officer, and they have three amazing children: Kashmira, Aryana and Zubin. They are members of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington, Inc. (ZAMWI), and this has brought a strong sense of community to their family’s lives.

Cainaz truly believes that life is service and looks forward to this next chapter of seeking new ways to serve and propel our community.

Title

The Path to Modernity: Zoroastrians in Iran speak about their religious lives

Abstract

Dr. Stewart’s talk will draw on research carried out in Iran on the Zoroastrians living in the cities of Tehran, Kerman, Ahwaz and Yazd and the rural communities that still survive in some of the villages of the Yazdi plain. It will focus on the ways in which they have adapted to changes in religious life since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran including the practice of rituals and lay devotional life. She will then broaden the horizon to make comparisons with the Parsi community in India and the wider diaspora. A particular theme she will explore is the way in which people have managed the transition from traditional to modern customs and ceremonies surrounding death. She will look at the dismantling of the dakhmeh system in Iran, the preservation of the Towers of Silence in India, and Brookwood cemetery in Britain as an example in the wider diaspora. Where applicable, she will refer to the recent Gen Z and Beyond: A Survey for Every Generation Report to trace contemporary trends in religious beliefs and practices.

Speaker

Sarah Stewart is Reader Emeritus in Zoroastrianism at SOAS and former Shapoorji Pallonji Reader in Zoroastrianism and co-chair of the SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrianism. She is Hon Sec of the British Institute of Persian Studies (BIPS).

Her principal area of research is the Zoroastrian living tradition. Her publications include, in collaboration with Mandana Moavenat, Voices from Zoroastrian Iran, Volumes 1 and 2, which are based on fieldwork accompanied by an archive of recorded interviews.

Sarah was the lead curator of the exhibition The Everlasting Flame, Zoroastrianism in History and Imagination (Brunei Gallery, SOAS 2013 and the National Museum, Delhi, 2016) and has created a short introductory online course on Zoroastrianism: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/zoroastrianism-history-religion-belief.

Her most recent project, Gen Z and Beyond: A Survey for Every Generation was published in a report last year. It is the first of its kind that seeks to capture the demographics, religious practices and views of Zoroastrians in the world today.