8 WZYC: Spotlight on Co-Chair Xerxes Panthakee


With the 8th World Zoroastrian Youth Congress (8WZYC) to be hosted by the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) in the United Kingdom (UK) in Summer 2023, a dedicated team of youth volunteers have commenced groundwork to start planning and organising this momentous event. Media Partner – PARSI TIMES shares insights and visions of our 8WZYC organising team, as part of the ongoing series of articles – in keeping with which we are proud to introduce Co-Chair, Xerxes Panthakee, a priest and a qualified Chemical Engineer, who currently works as a Technical Business Analyst…


I’m Xerxes Panthakee, one of the Co-Vice Chairs for the upcoming 8WZYC in 2023. Being part of the Zoroastrian community in London has had a very strong influence in my day-to-day life. I have been a part of this wonderfully special community for as long as I can remember and have had the opportunity to become a Priest. I’m also a keen swimmer and I play in a Water Polo team.

It was an honour and privilege to become a Priest at a young age, it was especially enlightening and gave me true purpose and clarity. During my Navar preparations and ceremony, I learnt that each prayer has a special purpose – to help us and our loved ones walk the path of prosperity and happiness. The prayers help me achieve a state of Mushin and energy that I cannot get from anything else.

Recently, I decided to take a more active role in helping to grow, shape and network with our Youth Community by being a part of the Young Zoroastrian Committee. Being on the Committee helps me bring the next generation of Zoroastrians together through activities like sports, socials and other events.

When I heard that the next Youth Congress was heading to London for 2023, I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to help organise one of the biggest events in any Young Zoroastrian’s calendar! For me, this is my first experience of a congress, having never attended one before! As one of the Co-Vice Chairs, my main duties are to support the Co-Chairs for the overall congress as well as liaising with sub-committees to ensure they are motivated and moving along the path to 2023.

We all want to ensure the attendee’s experience is rememberable whether it’s their third time attending a congress or their first. These events are so important in bridging the gap between our global youth and facilitate creating a collaborative community. I want to help create a legacy and provide a social experience, as I have done on the YZ committee, for Zoroastrians around the world in London!

To keep up to date with the latest information make sure to follow our Instagram page @8wzyc_2023 or visit our website www.8wzyc.com

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