The World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) hosted another edition of its landmark ‘Community Connect’ initiative at the Navroze Baug Recreation Hall in Mumbai, on 30^th August, 2026. The primary objective is to create a foundation that will facilitate community members, especially the youth to network and take advantage of the myriad benefits aligning with WZCC, including but not limited to, youth career integration, interest-free capital financing and dedicated support for women entrepreneurs.

Impressing upon the packed audience the importance of networking and leadership, the keynote speaker Dr. Adil Malia lauded the “fantastic work done by the WZCC,” striving to create awareness and drive organic participation from within the community.

Dr. Malia shared findings from a TISS survey of 300 non-Parsis, which associated the community with integrity, dependability, success, charity and cheerfulness, but also revealed growing perceptions of risk-aversion and a strong need for security. Contrasting this with the entrepreneurial courage of pioneers like Sir Jamshetjee Jeejeeboy, the Tatas, Godrejs and Wadias, he questioned where the new leaders were. WZCC seeks to address this through internships, mentoring, interest-free business funding, capability-building, hands-on guidance from community stalwarts and Tiger’s Den, its own take on ‘Shark Tank’.

Captain Percy Master, WZCC Global President averred, “We can no longer rest on past glories!” He shared details about the financial assistance provided by the WZCC to startups and professionals and the various initiatives that the WZCC has instituted to provide an impetus to our youth. He stressed, “There is no doubt that the future belongs to the youth…we need to have a one-to-one connect with the youth to motivate them.” Today we need to ask, “It’s not about what the community can do for you, but what you can do for the community.”

Legal professional Zerrick Dastur introduced the chamber’s flagship Internship and Mentorship Programme, designed to provide concrete coaching. The program has onboarded corporate entities across advertising, marketing, accountancy, law, technology, and engineering which work best towards aligning an applicant’s career goals with the right company. Dastur highlighted how internships offer vital practical exposure and culminate in full-time jobs, sharing his personal experience of interning at a law firm where he was subsequently hired and remained for a decade. In addition, WZCC also hosts monthly interactive leadership workshops at the Indian Merchant Chambers, drawing an audience of 40 to 50 youngsters.

Delavaeen Tarapore Mistry, Youth Director, India Region, detailed the evolution of the WZCC Women’s Entrepreneurial Wing. Established in 2012 to create dedicated female representation, the platform addresses the challenges of “Women who really want to excel in their careers and also have to care for family at home to take care of.” She explained how the platform serves those striving for financial independence through specialized training sessions, lectures and corporate networking.

Coffee = Contacts! Burges Vania, Secretary – Mumbai Chapter, shared the events that the Mumbai chapter hosts, including ‘Coffee with WZCC’, designed to help accountants, dentists and creative professionals network. “Sometimes one business connection can change the direction of your career or enterprise. Our community has produced some of India’s finest entrepreneurs; it is now our responsibility to build opportunities,” he said, encouraging those present to become members.

During the subsequent interactive audience Q&A session, participants explored how WZCC leverages its global network to create market opportunities and foster cross-startup synergies, addressing the critical challenge of market creation and helping early-stage ventures scale beyond production.

Captain Percy Master addressed the concerns of internal friction in the community, advising members, “If we continue focusing on ‘I am an orthodox person’ and ‘I am a liberal person’ we will never come to a conclusion. Do what is right for your community. We will only succeed if we are united. Solutions can only be achieved through open dialogue, reasoned argument, and mutual understanding.

With its expansive global network of 16 chapters across 8 regions, the WZCC is a powerful catalyst for professional growth and international connectivity. [To connect: CEO – Aspi Antia: +91 7045225939; Email: ceo@wzcc.org]