WZCC Holds Virtual AGM 2021

In keeping with safety precautions against the ongoing Covid pandemic, this year too, the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) held its Annual General Meeting 2021, virtually (online), in January, 2022. This AGM marked the completion of tenures of many Directors and the arrival of new replacements, on the International Board.

The meeting commenced with benediction by Er. Porus Sinor (Pune’s Kadmi / Shahenshai Dar-e-Meher) followed by Tehmasp Bharucha (Chapter Chair, Pune) introducing keynote speaker, Cawas Pundole – representing his family’s fourth generation of leadership in the 113-years-old horology business – C T Pundole & Sons’, which has evolved from watches into eyecare and premium goods. Pundole spoke of the advantages of running a family business and coping through the pandemic, stating sadness at the closure of many Parsi establishments due to lack of progeny or interest, to take forward the family business. He encouraged youth to embrace entrepreneurship and emphasized on hard work and commitment.

Outgoing Global President, Edul Daver, welcomed members, extolling various WZCC’s Ventures like Zoroastrian Entrepreneurship Development Foundation (ZEDF) which funds Zoroastrians to promote business; and Zoroastrian Faculty Network (ZFN), which funds academic opportunities. Outgoing Global Vice President, Yazdi Tantra spoke on technical aspects and news-sharing on professional achievement stories. Outgoing Global Corporate Secretary, Adi Siganporia, presented WZCC’s Annual Report, sharing how WZCC greatly benefits its members and the community, via webinars and other enriching online engagements. Outgoing Global Hon. Treasurer, Katayun Kapadia presented the Global WZCC Accounts. Other outgoing Directors included Rustom Engineer (USA); Jimmy Medhora (Australia); Meherban Ardesarian (Iran) and Minoo Shroff, Immediate Past Global President.

The Chairperson of Women Entrepreneur Wing and President (India), Behroze Daruwalla provided a detailed account of WZCC’s global activities; Youth Director, Jehan Kotwal mentioned the wing’s focus on employment and training sessions; Meher Bhesania, Regional Director (Middle East) commended WZCC as the success story of the century, sharing details of the Dubai Expo; and screened a film produced by the Dubai Chapter on WZCC’s achievement; Dilnavaz Shroff, Director – Canada, expressed delight that WZCC had helped fructify the professional dreams of Zoroastrian ‘Global Youngpreneurs’ into reality; Phili Kharas, Special Advisor, Business Advisory Committee International Board reported about WZCC’s interest-free funding for deserving Zarathushti entrepreneurs and professionals. Air Chief Marshall (Retd) Fali Major lamented the lack of Parsi interest in joining the Defense sector which provides many opportunities to entrepreneurs.

Next, names of outgoing directors were announced, alongside Incoming Directors comprising Ratan Mistry, Behram Pastakia and Pervin Taleyarkhan (USA); Behroze Daruwalla, Viraf Deboo and Xerxes Dastur (India); Zarine Kharas (Australia); and Bahram Partovi (Iran).

Edul Daver announced winners of the Outstanding Zarathushti Awards – 2021, as: ‘Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur’ – Piruz Khambattta (India); ‘Outstanding Zarathushti Professional’ – Farrokh Mistree (USA); ‘Outstanding Young Zarathushti Entrepreneur/Professional’ – Urvaksha Tavadia (India); and ‘Outstanding Zarathushti Social Entrepreneur’ – Armene Mody (India). The meeting ended on a musical note with musical performance by Pune Chapter members.

Subsequently, in the Post AGM International Board meeting, new Office Bearers were elected to the WZCC International Board, comprising: Capt. Percy Master (India) – Global President; Perses Sethna -Global VP/Regional Director -UK; Behroze Daruwalla -Global Corp. Secretary/ President – India; Ratan Mistry (USA) -Global Hon. Treasurer; Behram Pastakia (USA) –Reg. Director; Viraf Deboo (India) -Director; Meher Bhesania (Middle East)-Regional Director; Bahram Partovi (Iran) –Reg. Director; Zarine Kharas (Aus) –Reg. Director; Dilnavaz Shroff (Canada) -Director; Xerxes Dastur (India) -Director; Zubin Sethna (UK)-Director; Pervin Taleyarkhan (USA)-Director; Jehan Kotwal (India) -Youth Director; Afsaan Kermani (USA) -Director; Edul Daver (USA) – Immediate Past President; and Aspi Antia (India)- CEO, WZCC.