WZCC India Region’s 20^th AGM, held in Mumbai on 30^th September, 2023, saw a packed audience comprising members, senior officials, guests and other dignitaries. Conducted ably by Zerick Dastur, Hon. Secretary, India Region, the AGM was also streamed online, thus garnering greater inclusiveness from other global chapters. Behroze Daruwalla – President, India Region, welcomed the guests and presented the India Region Report, sharing how over the past few years, WZCC India had become super active in providing commercial and professional expertise, alongside social, educational and financial assistance.

With a primary focus on promoting entrepreneurs and professionals, via knowledge and information, WZCC has 3 operational India Region chapters (Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore), and is looking to set up base also in Hyderabad, Delhi and Ahmedabad. WZCC’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC), provides mentoring, as also interest-free funds to young startups or those who wish to scale up existing businesses. The ‘WE’ Wing, ladies wing constantly works towards empowering young lady members. Ever striving to improve and evolve, WZCC has incorporated two new committees – WZCC Legal Committee and WZCC Compliance Committee.

A detailed Financial Report was presented by Adi Siganporia, followed by a report by Zerick Dastur, who also emphasized the contribution of WZCC Stalwarts – Phili Kharas and Adi Siganporia, for their support and rich experience. Chapter activities were then presented by Tehmasp Bharucha (Pune), Jamshed Mistry and Percis Dubash (Mumbai) and Cyrus Bharucha and Sanaya Patell (Bangalore). Rashna Jehani presented the Youth Wing report and Percis Dubash gave the ‘WE’ Wing report. Phili Kharas presented the Business Advisory Committee report informing how WZCC members benefitted from interest-free funding provided by WZCC. Next, Farrokh Rustomji shared a report on ZFN (Zoroastrian Faculty Network) – a WZCC project, which assists Zoroastrian students from India for studies abroad.

In his speech, Capt Percy Master, Global President, WZCC thanked and commended the dedicated chapter heads and senior officials and staff for their efforts. He praised the speakers of the WZCC Conclave recently held in London and his experiences. He commended WZCC’s progress and shared his plan to making WZCC a member of International Chamber of Commerce, comprising over 200 Chambers of Commerce worldwide, which would prove very beneficial. Viraf Deboo spoke about the upcoming WZCC Global AGM to be held in Pune next January and Adi Siganporia gave the vote of thanks.

Chief Guest – Berjis Desai, eminent advocate, writer and columnist spoke on ‘The Parsi Advantage in Business – How to Maximise’. The evening concluded with networking and dinner.