The Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (FPZAI), the apex body representing Parsi Anjumans and Punchayets across the country, successfully convened its two-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 4^th and 5^th July, 2026, at the Banaji Atashbehram Hall, in Mumbai. Hosted by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, the AGM witnessed the participation of representatives from 32 Anjumans, who travelled from across India despite the Red Alert declared in Mumbai and Gujarat due to incessant rains, underscoring their commitment to addressing community matters of collective importance.

The participating Anjumans included Agra, Ahmedabad, Ankleshwar, Bardoli, Belgaum, Bharuch, Billimoria, Borivli & Suburbs, Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Bulsar, Chikli, Dahanu, Daman-Vapi, Davier, Gandevi, Iranian, Ilav, Indore, Mandvi-Mangrol, Mahuva, Nargol, Navsari, Pardi, Panchgani, Ratlam, Saronda, Solapur, Tavdi, Thana, Udvada, Vadodara and Vyara-Songadh. The gathering was further honoured by the presence of Mr. Berjis Desai, the newly appointed Member of the Minorities Commission.

Marking a significant milestone in the Federation’s history, the AGM was attended, for the first time, by two Vada Dasturjis, Dasturji Khurshed Dastur and Dasturji Tehemton Mirza. In recognition of their distinguished spiritual leadership and invaluable service to the Zoroastrian community, they were both felicitated by BPP Trustee Armaity Tirandaz and BPP Trustee as well as FPZAI Secretary, Anahita Desai.

The proceedings commenced with a Humbandagi led by the two Vada Dasturjis, followed by a two-minute silence in memory of members of the FPZAI fraternity who had passed away over the past three years.

Welcoming the delegates, FPZAI President Viraf Mehta addressed the gathering before the Minutes of the previous AGM, along with the audited accounts and budget, were formally adopted, subject to a few amendments to the Minutes.

FPZAI Honorary Secretary Anahita Desai then initiated deliberations on the Federation’s newly amended Rules and Regulations, which have received approval from the Charity Commissioner’s Office. The revised document had been circulated to all delegates well in advance, enabling them to study its provisions and submit suggestions, concerns and recommendations. The ensuing discussions were constructive and collaborative, with several valuable suggestions being accepted. Corresponding resolutions were passed to incorporate these changes, further strengthening the Federation’s governance framework and ensuring a more efficient, transparent and effective functioning of the FPZAI.

Among the most significant announcements made during the AGM was the successful updation of the FPZAI’s Public Trust Register (PTR) under the newly approved Scheme. This long-pending milestone is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly in enabling the Federation to effectively pursue legal proceedings that had remained stalled for years, including cases concerning the protection of valuable community properties from encroachment. President Viraf Mehta acknowledged the dedicated efforts of Legal Consultant Manek Kalyaniwalla, Mr. Sam Chothia, and Honorary Secretary Anahita Desai in achieving this important breakthrough.

The meeting then proceeded to the appointment of the new Executive Committee office-bearers based on the nominations received. In a spirit of unity and consensus, elections were rendered unnecessary as certain nominees graciously withdrew their candidature, paving the way for the unanimous election of candidates to their respective posts.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FPZAI’s New Office Bearers (3-year Term)

President: Viraf Mehta (BPP Chairperson is the ex-officio President of the FPZAI)

The 5 Anjuman Zones with their respective Vice Presidents:

North Zone: Porus Debara

South Zone: Cmdr. Medioma Bhada

West Zone A (Maharashtra): Pervez Irani

West Zone B (Gujarat, Daman & Diu): Sam Chothia

There was no nomination from East Zone (comprising Jamshedpur & Calcutta)

Hon. Secretaries: Anahita Desai & Dr. Adil Malia

Hon. Treasurers: Khurshed Pastakia & Xerxes Dastur

Executive Secretary: Pareecheher Daviervala

Co-options to the Executive Council and Zonal Representatives from the 5 Zones were also appointed as per the nominations received.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Following the statutory proceedings, delegates were addressed by Mr. Berjis Desai, Member of the Minorities Commission, who delivered an insightful presentation on the Commission’s role, mandate and the range of issues on which minority communities can seek its intervention. Among the key topics discussed was the issue of reservations in educational institutions. Mr. Desai emphasised the need for the community to engage with the Government to seek reservation benefits, particularly in educational institutions established through the generosity and vision of Parsi forefathers. He also shared his views on the proposed Uniform Civil Code and its possible implications for minority communities.

Addressing the AGM for the first time, Vada Dasturji Tehemton Mirza delivered a thought-provoking and passionate speech on the importance of preserving the unique identity, traditions and religious practices of the Zoroastrian community. Stressing the need for unity and vigilance, he urged the community to support those engaged in legal battles aimed at safeguarding its identity.

This was followed by a briefing from FPZAI Legal Consultant Manek Kalyaniwalla, who updated delegates on ongoing matters before the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court concerning petitions seeking changes to the legal definition of who qualifies as a Parsi.

A comprehensive report on the work of the Defunct Anjumans Committee (DAC) was presented by its CEO, Sam Chothia, who outlined the progress made in documenting and protecting properties belonging to defunct Anjumans across the country. Delegates were updated on the status of legal proceedings initiated by the FPZAI to safeguard valuable community assets from encroachment. Mr. Chothia’s dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the community were warmly acknowledged with a resounding round of applause.

The AGM also approved the constitution of a new Defunct Anjumans Committee, with Sam Chothia continuing as CEO, supported by all Bombay Parsi Punchayet Trustees, the Federation’s five Vice Presidents and five additional committee members. On the second day, delegates undertook a detailed review of the Committee’s operational guidelines, drafted by Manek Kalyaniwalla. After extensive discussion, several recommendations were accepted and the revised guidelines were formally approved.

The organisers of ZYNG 2.0 were also invited to present plans for the forthcoming World Zoroastrian Youth Congress, scheduled to be held in Mumbai in December 2027. Anjumans were encouraged to identify and sponsor young members from their respective communities to participate in the global gathering, aimed at fostering leadership, networking and stronger engagement among Zoroastrian youth.

One of the most valuable segments of the AGM was the sharing session by representatives of the participating Anjumans, who presented reports on their activities, achievements, financial position and the challenges confronting their institutions. The discussions highlighted several common concerns faced by smaller Anjumans, including an acute shortage of Mobeds in mofussil regions, difficulties in protecting community properties, and limited financial resources for maintaining Agiaries and other assets. At the same time, delegates also heard encouraging accounts from several well-managed Anjumans whose successful initiatives provided valuable insights and inspiration for others.

The 2-day AGM concluded on a positive and optimistic note, having fostered meaningful dialogue, consensus-building and renewed collaboration among community institutions across India. Held after a gap of three years, the meeting was widely appreciated for its meticulous organisation, productive deliberations and spirit of unity. Delegates also expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, with the catering by Bhesadia Caterers receiving special praise from attendees.