In keeping with the economic challenges faced by senior (60 years and above) Mobeds (Priests) and widows of Mobeds, the Global Working Group (GWG) – which comprises elected Parsi Irani Zoroastrian Federations, Associations in countries that do not have Federations and some prominent Zoroastrians – has been deliberating means to alleviate their hardships by providing effective support.

The GWG has collected Pan-India details, after advertising in the community media, and has been holding discussions with the Mobed fraternity; distributing posters in fire temples across India, and are considering the case of 109 Mobeds and 30 Widows of Mobeds, aged 60 years and above, and whose annual income is less than Rs.6,00,000 (for Mobeds) and Rs.3,00,000 (for Mobed widows).   

Chairman of GWG, Mr. Neville Shroff, who is also the President of Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong Canton & Macao (ZCF), has spearheaded this initiative, and using his good offices, successfully convinced a Hong Kong based corporate philanthropic institution, who have donated just over Rs.1,00,00,000 (Rupees one crore) for the project. This amount has been remitted to WZO Trust Funds at Mumbai who will disburse to beneficiaries on a quarterly basis beginning with the quarter Jan / March 2019.

While the amount approved by the Hong Kong based corporate philanthropic institution has been sanctioned for one year, given proper feedback and reporting, it is expected that the same will be renewed yearly, over the next few years. GWG places on record the untiring efforts of Chairman Mr. Neville Shroff, because of whom this very important project for the community has become possible.

While undertaking this exercise, many Mobeds not meeting the age criteria (60 years and above) but well within the income criteria of earning less than Rs.600,000 per annum, have requested that they too should be considered for support. Understanding and appreciating this predicament, GWG will be considering means to extend support.