Iranshah Udvada Utsav – 2017

The IUU 2017 is privileged and proud to be at the receiving end of innumerable congratulatory and heart-warming messages pouring in from community members and Zoroastrian associations from India and the world over! IUU is humbled with the overwhelming support and patronship, which will be covered in detail in our next issue which promises comprehensive coverage of the IUU 2017 for all our readers. Here are a few treasured excerpts from messages sent by India’s leaders and Community Visionaries.

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“The members of the Parsi Community have been torch bearers not only in the field of business and enterprise but also in a number of diverse fields such as nuclear energy, industry, defence services, academia, health care and the legal profession. The community has made an enormous contribution towards nation building and has enriched our national life with its vibrant culture, leadership, enterprise and dedication to society. I extend my greetings and felicitations to the organizers and participants and the members of the Zoroastrian community. I wish the Iran shah Udvada Utsav 2017 every success.” Shri Ram Nath Kovind, President, India

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“Udvada holds special position in the heart of all Zoroastrians, symbolizing the spiritual fire that keeps the community together. It is appreciable that this sacred place is chosen by the community across the globe to come together and have one of the largest cultural festivals of this kind. Let this festival be an occasion for the young members to revisit their roots and appreciate their traditions. Best wishes for a joyous and unforgettable festival for all the participants. Best wishes for the Souvenir being released on this occasion.” Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

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“I am happy to note that FDU and Udvada Samast Anjuman is organizing the second edition of ‘lranshab Udvada Utsav’. Started in 2015 with the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Udvada Utsav showcases the glorious history of Parsis over 1300 years. Although Parsi community represents a minuscule portion of our total population, the contribution made by them in the overall economic development of the country has always remained on the forefront. I convey my greetings and best wishes to organizers and the Participants of the Iranshah Udvada Utsav.” Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President Of India

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“It is the good fortune of the State of Gujarat that it has the opportunity to harbour the Holiest of the Holy Place for all the Zoroastrians across the world at Udvada. The community whose Prophet preached the secret of pious and moral life in truly simple definition, i.e. to welcome the Three virtues like good thoughts, good words and good deeds. I, hereby, extend my heartiest best wishes to the Organizers and the Iranshah Udvada Utsav for the success of the event with spiritual experience of enlightenment.” Vijay Rupani, Chief Minister, Gujarat

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“I am very happy that the Zoroastrian community has once again geared up to celebrate lranshah Udvada Utsav on 23rd, 24th and 25th December, 2017. I have the good fortune of knowing much about the wonderful community. I have been taking an active interest in various government projects undertaken in and around Udvada, keeping in mind the development of Udvada in general as well as ensuring that the sanctity of lranshah is never compromised or affected. I am sure that IUU 2017 will be a wonderful and very successful occasion when Zoroastrians from many parts of the world will intermingle, where old friendships will be renewed and new ones forged. I send my very best wishes to the Zoroastrian community.” Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister of Textiles and Information & Broadcasting, Government of India

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“Persons from various walks of life including prominent industrialists and professionals in the field of education, art and Culture from the Parsi community have done commendable service to the public at large and played a significant role in the nation building. It is a moment of pleasure to convey my congratulations from the depth of my heart to all the organisers and I wish a grand success to the Utsav.” Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister Of Minority Affairs, Government of India

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“Shreeji Paak Iranshah is the link between the past and present times of the Parsee community. It is the witness to the religious pride of our illustrious forefathers and proof of inspiration for younger generation. It is my hope that the IUU brings together Zoroastrians from across the globe, to share their ideas and thoughts so that the community bonds well and familiarity develops amongst us. The youth should be able to connect with both – Udvada and ‘Iranshah’- and Zoroastrians should often visit Udvada and Iranshah where they feel the manifestation of connecting themselves with ‘Ahura Mazda’. Let the light of Righteousness, Prosperity, Fame and Happiness be in our community eternally! I remain in His Service.” – Vada Dasturji Khurshed K Dastoor, High Priest – ‘Iranshah’, Member – Zoroastrian (Parsi), National Commission for Minorities, Government of India

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“That the first edition of IUU was held December 25-27, 2015 was a runaway success, is a view held by most community members who attended and participated in the grand event, when amity and camaraderie was clearly and palpably on display, a happy occasion where the underlying spirit was one of unity, harmony and goodwill towards all. Considering the interest generated within the community both from home and overseas, the second edition of IUU scheduled to be held December 23-25, 2017 promises to follow in the footsteps of its forerunner, creating yet another memorable occasion for those attending the festivities. Atha Zamyad, Yatha Afrinami!” Dinshaw Tamboly, Chair – WZOT, FDU

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