On 20^th February, 2022, the WZCC International Board held a special virtual Awards Night to honour the Award Winners of 2020 and 2021 via ZOOM. Announcing the winners, WZCC extolled their accomplishments and invited them to share a few words. It was decided to send the physical trophies to the Directors/Chapter Chairs closest to the location of the winners, to facilitate their physical presence in handing over the same.

WZCC Global President, Capt. Percy Master, commenced the function with a welcome address, followed by Zerick Dastur (Secretary, WZCC India Region) introducing the keynote speaker, distinguished Justice (Retd) B. N. Srikrishna of the Supreme Court of India, legendary Jurist and legal scholar, known for his many landmark judgements. Appointed as one-man Commission to inquire into the riots and incidents in Mumbai (December 1992 to January 1993), post-retirement, Justice Srikrishna has headed several high-profile commissions including the Sixth Pay Commission, Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC), and Committee to draft a data protection framework in India.

Speaking on ‘Law & Business – The Zoroastrian Connection’, Justice Srikrishna commended WZCC as a unique entity dedicated to the prosperity and wellbeing of the Community, and for their work in encouraging the youth. He elaborated on the basic Zoroastrian tenets – ‘Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds’ and praised Parsi luminaries, saying they all shared integrity of character as the solid common trait. He concluded by congratulating all the winners.  

‘Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur (2020)’ was awarded to Dr Rustom Kanga, Founder and CEO of Iomniscient Pvt. Ltd. (estb. 2001), in Sydney, Australia, which specializes in building solutions involving Artificial Intelligence Computer Vision Systems for industry across 60 countries; as well as a system to find lost children which is offered free, globally. Dr. Rustom has also helped the local Zoroastrian community by providing jobs and performing Navjotes, Weddings and Funeral prayers.

 

‘Outstanding Zarathushti Professional (2020)’ was awarded to Dr. Zarthustra Amrolia, Co-Chief Executive Officer of XTX Markets, an Investment Banking Company using AI cutting edge technology, rated #1 in European equity market. He also regularly contributes towards the UK Zoroastrian Community and global Zoroastrian and non-Zoroastrian causes.

‘Outstanding Young Zarathushti Entrepreneur/Professional (2020) awarded to Rahul Bansal, CEO with an equity stake of Tribal Vision – a global outsourced Digital Marketing Service firm, based in Boston, USA. A volunteer for charity since the young age of 13, he also organized a multi-cultural show Rangeela which has netted $1.5 Million over the last 18 years.

‘Outstanding Zarathushti Social Entrepreneur’ awarded to Dr. Yasmin Ghadiali, who founded a dental practice in Brooklyn, USA for 40+ years, serving many poor patients at a discount and even gratis. She has empowered Zarathushti women with financial support. She fund-raised $ 812,000 for the Parsee General Hospital and has been instrumental in supporting various causes for ZAGNY.

 ‘Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur (2021) awarded to Piruz Khambatta, third generation owner, Chairman and MD of the iconic Indian beverage – Rasna. His ingenious qualities of hands-on management and innovative marketing has propelled Rasna into a legendary Indian success story, controlling 85% of the concentrate market with 12 manufacturing plants in India and two abroad and exporting to 53 countries. He is also ambassador for ‘Make in India initiatives’ and trustee of Areez Khambatta Benevolent Trust focusing on education and health.

‘Outstanding Zarathushti Professional (2021) awarded to Dr. Farrokh Mistree – IIT – Kharagpur alumnus with a doctorate from U-Cali, Berkeley, he is and currently LA Comp Chair & Professor, Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma University, where he also where he co-directs the Systems Realization Laboratory. An author involved in Social causes and very active in Community Service, he has received many national and global awards.

‘Outstanding Young Zarathushti Entrepreneur/Professional (2021)’ awarded to Urvakhsha Tavadia, who founded Ruzen Inc in 2017, designing a ‘Do It Yourself’ modular solderless system for battery packs, now present across 110 countries and 6 continents, with clients likee Airbus, NASA and ISRO. He’s now diversifying into dental and surgical equipment, online seafood and meat delivery, and hydroponics and mushroom cultivation.

‘Outstanding Zarathushti Social Entrepreneur’ (2021) awarded to Dr. Armene Modi, who started out as a teacher in Japan but felt compelled to return to India to make a difference in the lives of India’s rural women. She set up Ashta No Kai (meaning ‘For a Better Tomorrow’ in Japanese) in 1998 offering innovative strategies for girls like Life-Skills Education, literacy, financial independence and personal empowerment, transforming thousands of lives across 10 villages in Pune. She is the recipient of numerous recognitions and awards

The evening ended with a musical recital by the members of WZCC Pune Chapter.