On the eve of October 29, 2020, the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) India Region held its 17^th Annual General Meeting virtually, via Zoom, in keeping with the necessary measures called for by the ongoing pandemic, for the well-being of its members. The AGM was ably compered by the dynamic Behroze Daruwalla, Hon. Secretary – India Region and Chairperson, Global WE Wing.

Capt. Percy Master, President, WZCC-India Region, extended a warm welcome to the members and to WZCC Global President – Edul Daver.  Speaking about the true essence of entrepreneurship, Capt. Percy Master said, “A true entrepreneur is a doer and not a giver, he must be able to say confidently ‘I Create, I take Risk, I live my Passion and I am an Entrepreneur’.”  He shared how success stories are results of courageous decisions. He admired how, through the Pandemic, WZCC chapters worldwide have been holding virtual meetings and webinars on various interesting topics, providing great learning opportunities and experiences for all community members.

He spoke about WZCCI/WZOTF Financial Initiative for Start-up funding upto Rs.25 lakhs to help Zarathushtis to progress in their businesses. Sharing about WZCC’s new initiative – ‘WZCC Corner’ – which would be published in the Parsi Press, he explained that this would be a list of seniors and the youth to be interviewed by publications with the aim of encouraging the youth to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals.

After Behroze Daruwalla completed the statutory formalities, Annual Reports from various Chapters were shared.  Tehemton Dalal – Chairman, Mumbai Chapter; Tehmasp Bharucha – Chairman, Pune Chapter and Air Chief Marshal, Fali Major (Retd), Chairman – Bangalore Chapter, gave detailed accounts of various events and webinars organized during the year.  Villie Daruwalla, Vice Chair of WE Wing, Mumbai Chapter, provided a detailed account of the activities of WE Wing and Rashna Sanjana, Youth Director – India Region, gave an account of activities of Youth Wing, Mumbai Chapter.

The AGM ended with closing comments by Viraf Deboo, who enumerated the excellent contribution of WZCC Chapters in India, their Women and Youth Wings, working towards the objectives of WZCC. Shernaz Siganporia, Secretary – Bangalore Chapter, introduced Vivek Savkur (from Vancouver, Canada), the Key Note Speaker for the evening, a top advisor for Canadian Government Agencies doing business with Indian Companies, and Founder Director / Past President and Current CEO of British Columbia-India Business Network. He was profiled by Jamshed Mistry. Speaking on ‘Prospects of Business between Canada and India. Vivek Savkur, having spent a greater part of his life in Mumbai and close to the Parsi community, lauded the same saying it was the best community he had come across. He spoke on the possibilities and the potential trade between India and British Columbia, which could be achieved through joint efforts of WZCC and BC – India Business Network. He concluded by stating that whoever is interested in Business Opportunities should contact him or Mr. Jamshed Mistry.

Also invited was Manish Grover, Head of Chancery-Consulate General of India to Canada-Vancouver, who spoke about the opportunities of Trade and Commerce between Canada and India. He mentioned that Canadian investors were looking to invest in Indian sectors including infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, real estate and start-ups.

Concluding the meeting on an entertaining note, the extremely talented and much accomplished, senior citizen Coomi Sam Kasad displayed her great skills on the harmonica. She has also played in the orchestra of 3800 musicians in Germany (2007) and is the recipient of India’s World Record Certificate. She regaled members with English, Hindi and Italian songs. Youth Director, India Region, Rashna Sanjana gave the Vote of Thanks. WZCC is the community’s leading non-profit Volunteer Organization, whose mission is to energize the Zarathushti entrepreneurial / professional spirit and provide opportunities for all Zarthushtis to start and grow their business.