TISS and ParZor are launching the second edition of their Landmark Online Certificate Programme on Zoroastrian Culture and Civilization. The flame of Zoroastrian wisdom now finds a new home in academia, powered by technology and united by a global community of learners. Razvin Namdarian reports…

In a groundbreaking move to academically document and explore one of the world’s oldest living religions, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and UNESCO-ParZor Foundation launched a first-of-its-kind, fully accredited online Certificate Programme in September 2024. The recently concluded first iteration of the Certificate Programme was enthusiastically attended by over 60 participants across various courses.

Admissions are now underway for the second edition of ‘The TISS-ParZor Programme in Culture & Civilization: A Zoroastrian Perspective’. The course offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary exploration of Zoroastrian heritage, delving not only into its theology and ancient texts but into its rich tapestry of material culture, literature, demography, performing arts, migration, and global influence.

A Much-Needed Academic Initiative

While respected universities such as SOAS (University of London), the University of Toronto, and the University of California offer academic studies in Zoroastrianism, these have largely focused on religious texts and ancient languages. In contrast, India – home to over 50% of the global Zoroastrian population – has lacked a formalized academic course exploring Parsi culture, history and identity in a holistic manner.

This program fills that void, offering students and scholars (Zoroastrian and non-Zoroastrian), a 360-degree perspective on the community’s heritage, from its Persian origins to its contemporary relevance in India and beyond. Shares Course Co-Developer, Dr. Shernaz Cama, “This course is the first to go beyond religion and languages, offering a complete view of Zoroastrian civilization – its customs, festivals, socio-cultural dynamics and role in shaping modern India.”

Two Decades of Research

The course builds on ParZor’s long-standing academic and cultural work, including the Jiyo Parsi program in partnership with TISS, which addressed community demographics and youth trends. The research, spanning from 2005 – 2012, culminated in the acclaimed four-volume study ‘Continuing At The Crossroads’, edited by former TISS directors, late Prof. Armaity Desai and Prof. Shalini Bharat. These findings fed directly into the creation of the course’s Demographics module, exploring population trends, fertility issues and the community’s early encounter with modern challenges like late marriages and declining birth rates.

Course Structure and Highlights

The program is entirely online, making it accessible to students across the globe. It follows a flexible 10-month structure and offers the flexibility to enrol for:

• Full Certificate (Complete 20 credits), or
• Modular Enrollment (Individual 2-credit courses)

Curriculum Overview

• Foundation Course (2 credits): on Zoroastrian Philosophy, History & Culture
• 9 Elective Modules (each worth 2 credits): including Zoroastrian Customs, Ecology, and Rituals; Parsi Literature in English; History, Archaeology and Heritage; Parsis in India: A Historical Perspective; Material Culture: Arts & Architecture; Languages of Zoroastrianism; Introduction to Avestan; Parsi Demographics; and Parsi Theatre & Performing Arts

Students can also pursue a Research Dissertation and Field Study under faculty guidance for an additional 2/4 credits.

A Global Classroom

Classes are held live in the evenings (IST) to accommodate time zones from the USA to Russia, with recorded sessions available. The last batch included students from Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, as well as from Iran, UK, Italy, USA, and Russia.

Faculty Highlights:

• Dr. Shernaz Cama – ParZor Founder & Cultural Historian
• Prof. Almut Hintze – Avestan Expert at SOAS, University of London
• Prof. Coomi Vevaina – Parsi Literature Specialist
• Dr. Kurush Dalal – Noted Archaeologist and Historian

More Than a Course… A Cultural Mission

This course isn’t just an academic program, it’s part of a larger movement to preserve, reinterpret and revitalize the Zoroastrian legacy for the 21^st century. It opens new career pathways in ‘Heritage and Museum Management’; ‘Academia and Research’; ‘Media, Publishing & Journalism’; and ‘Cultural Diplomacy and Arts’. As per the Course Announcement, TISS-ParZor: “This program examines a world heritage not merely through the lens of religion but through its vibrant presence in art, ecology, migration, and civilization. It is about learning, unlearning and reshaping the future.”

Programme Details At a Glance:

• Mode: Fully Online on Zoom platform
• Duration: 10 Months, with classes held twice a week
• Timing: Classes normally during 6 PM – 8 PM IST
• Certification: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and ParZor
• Eligibility: Open to all; no prior background in Zoroastrian studies required
• Structure: Full Certificate (20 credits) or Modular Courses (2 credits each)

Student Voices: Learning That Resonates

“I conducted ethnographic research on the Parsi Zoroastrian community for my dissertation, Return to the River: Parsi Zoroastrianism and Ecological Harmony in the Age of the Anthropocene. Guided by Dr. Shernaz Cama and Dr. Sarah Stewart, I joined the TISS-ParZor Certicate Programme’s Foundation Course, collaborating with UNESCO-ParZor to explore water’s heritage. A visit to Bharuch revealed ancient Tanka rainwater systems and rural Zoroastrian traditions, while tours of Dadar Parsi Colony and the Athornan Institute offered rare insights. This experience has enriched my research and will resonate far beyond my thesis.” – Gabrielle Carter, International participant from the University of Bologna, Italy

“Joining the TISS ParZor course has been a deeply rewarding journey.  Prof. Shernaz Cama’s captivating lectures, Prof. Almut Hintze’s guidance in Avestan studies, and Prof.  Coomi Vevaina’s dynamic approach to Parsi literature have brought the community’s heritage to life. This course has deepened my understanding of Zoroastrianism, enabling me to serve my community with greater knowledge and compassion.” – Ervad Firdaus Pavri, Priest & Journalist, Mumbai

“The TISS-ParZor Program has been enlightening and enriching. As a Parsi, I discovered so many facets of our culture and religion that were new to me. This course has sparked my curiosity and introduced me to writers with unique perspectives. I’ve enjoyed every aspect and look forward to what’s to come!” – Rishaya Palkhivala, Film Studies Student, Mumbai
Interested in Joining?

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Email: tiss.parzor@gmail.com
Call: +91 80079 99490 / +91 93216 48323
Website: www.unescoparzor.com/academicprogramme

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