The World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) marked a distinguished milestone completing 25 years of dedicated service to the community in December 2025. To commemorate this Silver Jubilee, WZCC hosted a four-day extravaganza from 7^th – 11^th January, 2026, commencing auspiciously with a Jashan at the Saher Agiary. The day was graced by Chief Guest Rohinton Rivetna of Chicago, founder member, WZCC, and Guest of Honour, the eminent Nadir Godrej, who originally launched the organisation on 28^th December, 2000, during the World Zoroastrian Congress, in Houston.

This gracious beginning comprising the lighting of the divo and the benediction by Vada Dasturji (Meherji Rana) Keki Cavasji Ravji set the tone for the 3-day Global Convention held in Mumbai from 8^th to 10^th January, at the Taj President. Sharing a warm welcome for the Chief Guest Justice (Ret’d.) Shahrukh J Kathawalla, in his opening address, Zerick Dastur, India Region President, WZCC, reflected on the birth of WZCC 25 years ago as a modest idea which evolved into a principled institution. He highlighted growth in membership, stronger entrepreneur support programmes, and its impactful initiatives.

Chief Guest Justice Kathawalla’s inspiring speech resonated deeply with the audience, warmly commending WZCC for its stellar contributions and enduring service to the community. He urged stronger, more active participation from community members, emphasising that collective engagement is vital to sustaining and strengthening WZCC’s mission and the community it serves. The day ended with cocktails, dinner and an entertainment program.

Burjis Nadir Godrej presided as Chief Guest on 9^th January, with the day’s highlight featuring a visit by Indian billionaire, founder of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, the Serum Institute of India (SII) – Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla. In the realm of entrepreneurship, few achievements inspire as profoundly. He reflected on philanthropy and enterprise, delivering rare insight, leaving a lasting impression on all present. “I came from a horse breeding background and there was no place for gambling or breeding in a socialist country like India, so I took a risk and entered into making of vaccines. My wife was a pillar of strength for me. Initially the object was to make a successful livelihood. But after a few years, my priority changed from making money, to protecting the children of the world and also other human beings by giving low-cost vaccines,” said Dr. Poonawalla, who should have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for having saved the lives of 30 million children with their vaccines.

Captain Percy Master, Global President of the WZCC, spoke of specific thrust areas that have been identified to drive WZCC to greater heights based on economic and social values, including women’s empowerment, youth to the fore, chapter development, empowering entrepreneurs and professionals, community and outreach programmes which will foster better relations with the Iranian Zoroastrian Youth Network (IZYN) and networking. Introducing the Iranian delegates, Farrokh Mistree shared how they outlined initiatives including the Shidokht Project on sustainable energy, the Raynag HR and recruitment platform, and legacy projects such as cultural tourism, exchange, English and scholarship programmes.

WZCC enjoys a strong global presence with active chapters in India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Iran and Australia. In India, it operates from Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru. In the US, WZCC partnered with FEZANA to establish the Zoroastrian Entrepreneurship Development Foundation, offering interest-free funding to community entrepreneurs.

Community stalwart, Piruz Khambatta, Chairman – Rasna Pvt. Ltd. & Founder Trustee – Areez Khambatta Benevolent Trust & Rasna Foundation, graced 10^th January as the Chief Guest. Programs included sessions on Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship; presentation of the book, ‘Modi’s Mission’ by Berjis Desai and panel discussions. The occasion also witnessed the formal launch of WZCC’s Gujarat chapter. Ava Piruz Khambatta was felicitated and entrusted with the leadership of the chapter’s Youth Wing – where she will guide, energise and inspire the next generation of members.

The crowning moment was the gala night with a glittering awards ceremony honouring distinguished Zarathustis from across the world whose achievements have brought pride and distinction to the community. This year’s award for ‘Entrepreneur Of The Year’ was awarded jointly to Rohan Doctor And Hormazd Sholapurwalla; ‘Professional Of The Year’ awarded to Firdaus Kharas; ‘Young Entrepreneur Of The Year’ awarded to Nikita Surty; ‘Young Professional Of The Year’ awarded to Arashasp Shroff; and ‘Social Entrepreneur Of The Year’ awarded to Vahista Daboo.

The three-day convention featured a rich line-up of engaging presentations and sessions. A lively ‘World Café’ served as an effective ice-breaker, sparking stimulating conversations and enabling participants to connect in the true spirit of networking. The ‘Tiger’s Den’ session showcased young entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas before an eminent panel, which offered constructive feedback and mentorship. Thought-provoking panels and talks explored diverse themes, including artificial intelligence, business transformation, leadership in the 21st century, entrepreneurship lessons, cyber protection, the future pathway for the Zoroastrian community, the evolving role of Zoroastrian women, plastic relevance, Zoroastrian archaeology, and traditional Parsi cuisine. A message of encouragement from Lord Karan Billimoria, warmly commending WZCC’s sustained initiatives over the years, along with the awards ceremony, lent distinctive prestige and added a refined lustre to the proceedings.

WZCC’s Global Convention Program came to a close on 11^th January with a post AGM Meeting, a visit to the Alpaiwalla Museum and a lunch at Ripon Club. As WZCC marks its Silver Jubilee, the organisation deserves heartfelt congratulations for 25 years of dedicated service and vision for being a powerful catalyst in transforming legacy into meaningful action, connecting the community’s youth with mentorship, global networks and tangible opportunities to build, lead and give back.