For nearly a decade now, XYZ (Xtremely Young Zoroastrians) Foundation, the community’s leading non-profit organisation, which aims at the all-round, social and cultural development of the community’s tots and teens, has been successfully delivering on its goal through innumerable activities which include various camps, seminars, contests, drives, et al – all through the year. Parsi Times is proud to be associated with XYZ as Media Partner on various occasions, and even more delighted to see the difference that XYZ has been making within the new gen of our community – infusing them with a sense of as much pride as responsibility into becoming both – model community members and citizens. PT catches up with the charismatic Hoshaang Gotla, Founder of XYZ Foundation, which is currently in its 9^th year and working towards a fund raiser as their finale event of 2023.

Parsi Times: Tell us more about XYZ’s renewed mission as you prepare to enter your tenth year.

Hoshaang Gotla: XYZ is an organisation dedicated to fostering unity and camaraderie among young Parsis. Our primary goal has always been to mould these children into better individuals and instil values through fellowship and service activities.

Parsi Times: For the information of our readers, could you give us an overview of the XYZ family and its various age groups?

Hoshaang Gotla: Certainly! Currently, the XYZ family comprises of 750 spirited members. We have 400 children, aged 7 to 15 years; and two other exclusive groups – ‘XYZ Juniors’ for kids under 7 years, which has 200 members; and ‘XYZ Seniors’ – comprising our youth between 15 and 25 years of age which has 150 members. We believe in catering to all age groups to ensure inclusivity and that everyone benefits from our activities.

Parsi Times: Could you share some insight into the activities and events that XYZ is so famous for?

Hoshaang Gotla: We aim to develop leadership skills like goal setting, decision making, teamwork, people skills, money management, and ethics. We achieve this through various activities including indoor and outdoor sports, athletic meets, literary and fine arts events, cooking competitions, talent contests, summer camps, leadership camps, and more. We curate these in accordance with all the age groups, thus ensuring to provide maximum opportunities and advantages to all.

Parsi Times: Over the past few years, XYZ has actively been increasing its commitment to social service – could you shed some light on this?

Hoshaang Gotla: Service to the society is deeply ingrained in XYZ, echoing the values of our Zoroastrian scriptures. We focus on cultivating an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ within all our members. We frequently organise social service events, aiding NGOs, orphanages, old age homes, street children, differently-abled individuals, and even pets. We’re proud to of our tagline – which says ‘XYZ is MAD (Making A Difference)!’

Parsi Times: So, what’s the next big plan for XYZ?

Hoshaang Gotla: We are excited to announce our upcoming event, the ‘XYZ Xtravaganza’, which is an inter-group dance competition, which will take place on 16^th December, 2023. The main aim of this fundraiser is to raise finance for our Agiary priests as well as caretakers, and also for Agiary maintenance. The event will be held at the K C College Auditorium, Churchgate, with the theme, ‘Around the World’, where our XYZ groups will present cultural dance extravaganza from different countries.

Parsi Times: How can individuals and organisation make a difference and support XYZ?

Hoshaang Gotla: We will raise funds through event sponsorship, souvenir advertisements, donor passes, lucky-dip coupon sales, and prizes. We would be incredibly grateful if people could spread the word to their family and friends to help us raise funds and support this noble cause. Every member of the community can contribute by raising funds for the cause and supporting XYZ in this initiative. Please note that all donors contributing through XYZ Foundation can avail of a 50% exemption u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act.

XYZ’s Bank Details:

Savings Account: XYZ FOUNDATION

Bank Name: KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (Churchgate Branch)

Account No: 6911934878

IFSC Code: KKBK0000647

Kindly Note: XYZ Memberships are open to community members between 2 and 25 years of age. Those who wish to participate in the ‘XYZ Xtravaganza’ could email their queries at: info@xyzfoundation.net or call Hoshaang Gotla: +91 9820683398

Kudos to XYZ and its excellent mission and all the best for yet another gala ‘XYZ Xtravaganza’ in December, and for all its future exceptional and youth-empowering endeavours!