ZAGNY welcomed Dasturji Khurshed Dastur, the Vada Dasturji of the Iranshah Atash Behram, Udvada; on Saturday May 15th, 2010 at the Darbe Mehr. He was accompanied by three priests from ZAGNY, one among them  being Pervez Patel, who has been a priest at ZAGNY for the last 40 years.

After the beautiful prayer recitation; Dasturji addressed the gathering of over 100 people in a question answer session moderated by Homi Gandhi.

The Dasturji briefed the gathering about the new Zoroastrian Information Center set up at Udvada. This center has a permanent exhibit that imparts information about the religion, culture and way of life of the Parsis in India. He urged one and all to visit the Center, the next time they are in Udvada at the Iranshah.

He also spoke about his visit to address a Jewish congregation the day before at their synagogue. Here he was given an opportunity to address the large crowd and brief them about the religion and the ceremonies; and discuss the many similarities our religions share.

He also gave a brief history of the Iranshah from the time the Parsis landed on the shores of Sanjan 13 centuries ago.

And lastly he urged the gathering; and infact the various associations in North America, including FEZANA to write letters of support for the creation of Udvada as a heritage village. This is something that he is championing and taking up with the Government of Gujarat and further with the Government of India.

This heritage status (not to be confused with the UNESCO World Heritage Site) would stop the haphazard development of property in Udvada village. With multi storey structures planned all around the Iranshah and a complete absence of sewage and sanitation system; soil and water pollution are the biggest hazards to the surrounding areas of Iranshah. He requested everyone to send letters of support via their local Zoroastrian organisations to him at Udvada.

At the conclusion of the event he was presented a shawl by Pervez Patel. The gathering then broke for lunch catered by ZAGNY and everyone got an opportunity to meet with the Dasturji on a personal one-to-one basis.

An invitation from Patrick Sciarratta …. one of FEZANA’s networking contacts from our participation at UN headquarters at the DPI/NGO  annual meeting in September 2003….

All expenses for travel, lodging and arrangements for visas shall be the responsibility of those who wish to attend.
Start preparing for the 5th Annual Youth Assembly at the UN!
 
The Youth Assembly at the United Nations is coming up in a a few short months, so make sure that you have everything arranged for your trip in order to join us.
 
Remember- the main conference starts on International Youth Day, August 12th and ends on August 14th.
Please browse the following opportunities and deadlines:

1. Make sure you visit “APPLY TODAY!” on our website to register as soon as possible as space is limited and is filling up quickly so don’t wait for the last minute! Your acceptance letter will help you with your visa arrangements and participating in discussion boards to network with other participants.

2. Good news for those not from New York:
Because of the growing interest in our affordable Accomodation Packages, we were able to prolong the application deadline  July 9! Be sure to browse these options on our website.

3.  If you intend to work on real projects and concrete ideas regarding ways to put them in action in your own country, make sure you check apply for the Leadership Seminar. This is a definitive, life changing experience you don’t want to miss! Deadline of application: July 9!
Click here for the Leadership Retreat website.
 
Culture at the YA

Youth Performance Groups (dance, choir, theatre, etc) : Promote peace through YOUR cultural offerings!

  1. If you are a performance group of 10 or more members, write to ucpeace@faf.org to apply for the possibilty to perform at the Dag Hammarskjöld Theatre Auditorium during the Youth Assembly.

  2. Make sure you book a place at Culture Night and inform us if you would like to make a 5-10 minute presentation. Delegates are encouraged to come in traditional dress to Culture Night as a display of diversity. Please write again to ucpeace@faf.org if you are planning to make a presentation so that we can schedule you in the program!
 
  3. The organizers of the International Youth Day officially invite the delegates of the Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations to join their celebration on August 12, right outside the UN. Additionally, if you would like to perform at their International Stage, please make sure you register to the Assembly and write to YaApplications@faf.org in regards to what your presentation would be about. We will send your request to the organizers and get back to you.
 
Please find all additional information here, on our website!
 
We are so looking forward to meeting all of you in August!
Best Wishes,

Friendship Ambassadors Foundation
Youth Assembly Staff