WZCC India Region held its 21^st Annual General Meeting, on 7^th September, 2024, at a glittering function in a South Mumbai hotel. Packed with senior officials and WZCC members, their guests and other dignitaries, the AGM was conducted by Zerick Dastur – Hon. Secretary, India Region. Streamed online as well for greater inclusivity from Indian and global Chapters, the meeting proceeded with Behroze Daruwalla, President, India Region welcoming guests, presenting the India Region Report.

Lauding WZCC’s 21-year successful journey and its growing impact and success on the Zoroastrian community in India and across the world, she spoke of WZCC’s untiring efforts in promoting young entrepreneurs, and professionals, future expansion plans in Hyderabad, Delhi and Ahmedabad as also promoting the cause of women and the next gen. She shared that as her term as President of India region had concluded, she would be succeeded by Zerick Dastur, who went on to present reports of WZCC’s Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore chapters. Pune’s Behnaaz Nanavati was introduced as the new Youth Director.

He praised the contributions of the Central Administrative Office with special thanks to CEO – Aspi Antia, commending the contributions of WZCC Stalwarts – Phili Kharas and Adi Siganporia. Chapter reports were presented by Chapter heads – Xerxes Dastur (Mumbai); Tehmasp Bharucha (Pune), Cyrus Bharucha (Bangalore), Benaaz Nanavati (Youth Wing), Business Advisory Committee (Phili Kharas) and Zoroastrian Education Network (Farrokh Mistree and Karishma Koka).

In his speech, Capt. Percy Master, Global President, WZCC, commended Behroze Daruwalla on her efficiency as the first lady President of India Region. He shared WZCC’s progress on various fronts lauding the chapters and the staff for their dedication. He spoke of WZCC’s Strategic Plan based on Harvard Business School’s basic principles which would take WZCC to greater heights. This was followed by the felicitation of tech-guru and Chairman of Zoroastrian Bank, Yazdi Tantra, who was honoured with a plaque for receiving the ‘Best Chairman of the Year’ award in the Bharat Cooperative Banking Summit 2024, and for his contributions to WZCC by facilitating greater reach and helping the Chamber gain national and global recognition.

Next, a thought-provoking talk emphasizing the importance of ‘values’ as opposed to ‘valuation’ was given by Chief Guest Gopal Gopalakrishnan, former Chairman – Unilever Arabia, MD – Brooke Bond Lipton, Vice-Chairman – Hindustan Lever and Director – Tata Sons; Independent Director on over 25 company boards, and author of over 20 books. He spoke passionately about the greatness of Jamsetji Tata and lamented the lack of entrepreneurial spirit today, urging the youth to gain from the wisdom of the rich experiences of community seniors.

Adi Siganporia proposed the vote of thanks. The evening with dinner amidst much networking and camaraderie.