FEZANA, the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, and the Zoroastrian Association of Houston launched the 18th North American Zoroastrian Congress, themed: ‘Generation Z: Propelling Zarathushti Resurgence’, spread across four days starting 29^th December, 2024, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Houston. Attended by over 750 participants and over 60 speakers from across the world spoke in programs centered around Zoroastrian religion, culture and heritage, spotlighting talents and perspectives of North American Zoroastrians.

Keynote addresses were delivered by iconic Bollywood superstar, Boman Irani titled ‘Bridging Cultures and Inspiring Resurgence’ and next-gen leader, Sanaya Master, titled ‘Igniting the Flame Within: Empowering Generation Z for a Zoroastrian Renaissance’. Other eminent speakers included Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, High Priest of Udvada’s Iranshah Arashbehram; Er. Tehemton Mirza, President, North American Mobed’s Council; and Parisa Khosravi, former CNN SVP of International News Gathering and inspirational Ted Talks presenter.

One of the main highlights of the Congress was the much-awaited FEZANA Awards, which recognize people who have made significant contributions to the Zoroastrian community and society. The FEZANA Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by FEZANA, which recognizes people who have shown exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to Zoroastrian values, was awarded to two exceptional visionaries – Dr. Dolly Dastoor and Rohinton Rivetna, for their extraordinary and enduring contributions to the Zoroastrian community and society at large. Over the past 37 years, only five Zarathushtis have been awarded this honor.

Dr. Dolly Dastoor was honoured for her outstanding contributions to the global Zoroastrian community, interfaith leadership, and advancements in clinical psychology and dementia research. Rohinton Rivetna has dedicated his life to strengthening the Zarathushti community in North America and building infrastructure to perpetuate the Zoroastrian faith. He has shaped institutions and initiatives that ensure the religion’s vitality for future generations. He accepted the award along with his wife and partner in all endeavors, Roshan Rivetna.

The FEZANA Awards in various categories are selected by nomination of individuals who are then judged by a jury panel. Winners across other categories included the Rohinton Rivetna Outstanding Zarathushti Award given to two winners – Aban Rustomji (Zoroastrian Association of Houston), known for her passion and dedication to education, for over six decades, and having championed intellectual growth, cultural preservation, and community engagement: and Kersi Bhikhaji Shroff (Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington), an accomplished legal professional, lecturer and scholar, whose lifelong dedication to scholarship, interfaith dialogue, and the Zoroastrian community underscores his commitment to preserving and promoting Zoroastrian heritage.

The Jamshed Pavri Humanitarian Service Award was bestowed upon Sheroo and Vispi Kanga (ZAGNY), who embody a hands-on approach to volunteering, viewing selflessness, sacrifice, and service as the foundation of their work. The Dinshaw Framroze Joshi Excellence in Performing Arts, Painting or Literature Award was bestowed upon two stalwarts – Vehishta Kaikobad (Zoroastrian Association of Houston), an accomplished educator and artist commanding 3 decades of experience; and award-winning author Nawaz Merchant (ZAGNY), pen name – Nev March, whose work blends historical fiction with gripping crime mysteries.

Sanaya Master (Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia), a seasoned Communications and Engagement Consultant with global experience across healthcare, technology, and charitable sectors, as also the founder of the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum, was felicitated with the Mehraban Zarthoshty Outstanding Young Zarathushti Award. The 2024 Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize was awarded to author Roxana Trabulsi, for her compelling novel, ‘Of Mud and Honey’. The Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize Board also presented Nev March an honorable mention for ‘The Spanish Diplomat’s Secret’.

Er. Nekzad Illava (Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation) was awarded the North American Mobeds Council Young Mobed Community Services Award for actively serving as a priest at the OZCF in Ontario, Canada, since 2017, for nurturing the Zoroastrian faith and community through his dedication to education, community service, and religious leadership. His award was received by Er. Kyan Lali on his behalf as he was unable to make it.

Kudos to all the amazing winners who add to the pride and glory of the worldwide Zarthosti community!