PROGRAM OVERVIEW

All Congress sessions have been created to deliver IMPACT. Delegates will have the opportunity to choose amongst a variety of topics.

IMPACT will have you walking away with a sense of pride and admiration for Zoroastrianism and those who embrace the religion. 

On the first day the ‘MAIN TENT’ event will showcase prominent Zoroastrians, their contributions and their thoughts on our community. This memorable session will allow delegates a chance to interact with very high profile speakers, an incredible opportunity that should not be missed!

IMPACT will be conducting an 'Operation Eyesight Initiative'. Please bring your kindly used eyeglasses to be donated to those that are visually impaired in developing countries. For more information, please contact Diana Vania: diana_kv@hotmail.com

Vendors:  If you would like to exhibit at IMPACT please complete and submit the following application. (click here to download the 'vendor table application')

Wall of Flames: The North American Zoroastrian Congress Committee would love to recognize the  bright sparks in our Community!  If you have made an IMPACT on others,  e.g. created Patents, received Civic Recognition, Volunteer Awards, recognition as part of a Professional, Business, or Cultural Organization, etc., etc., please complete and submit the attached ‘Wall of Flame Submission Form’. (Click here to download the application form)

Program Outline: (updated as of March 19, 2007)

Register BEFORE March 31, 2007 to SAVE

IMPACT 2007 will feature innovative speakers and thought-provoking topics encompassing the impact Zoroastrianism has had on the world and the world in turn has had on Zoroastrianism. We will also showcase leadership within our community, and help you make connections with people, knowledge and ideas. By highlighting the success of Zoroastrian leaders in different spheres we will provide networking opportunities and inspiration for the next generation. Content and activities will focus on religion, culture, commerce and the arts, all from a Zoroastrian perspective.

NOTE: The WZCC will host an interactive day on Friday, June 29, 2007.

Below is a list of program topics and speakers.

Keynote speaker: Mr. Minoo Shroff
Chairman of Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Chairman of Indo Iranian Friendship Society,
President, World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce India

Meet the Titans: Enjoy the rare opportunity to hear views from the true Titans of our Zoroastrian community and ask them questions.(Interactive multimedia session)

      Moderator   – Mr. Minoo Shroff

      Presenters   – Mr. Ratan Tata

                        – Lord Karan Billimoria

                        – Mr. Nadir Godrej 

                        – Mr. Baram Avari 

                        – Mr. Fali Nariman

FEZANA Awards & Recognition Event: Successful Zoroastrians who have made a real contribution are recognized by FEZANA 

Show me the Money! : Aspects of Numismatics and social management in Ancient Persia.

      Presenters   – Dr. Keall -- former Curator of the Royal Ontario Museum

                          – Dr. Jehan Bagli – Chairperson, North American Mobed Council 

True Confessions: A ‘singles’ session unlike any other! A roundtable interactive discussion on the realities of being a single Zoroastrian in North America (Space limited to ‘singles’ 25+).

      Presenters   – Ms. Phee Vania – Chairperson, North American Zoroastrian Congress (NAZC)

                          – Ms. Mantreh Atashband – Chairperson, Communications Committee NAZC 

Well being in the Golden Years: Examining allopathic and naturopathic approaches on holistic health care issues for seniors and their caregivers.

      Presenters     – Dr. Rustom Sethna -- Psychiatrist - Markham-Stouffville Hospital

– Dr. Rob Ayoup, N.D. – Naturopath  

– Dr. Sabrena Noria -- Surgeon – University Health Network,Toronto General Hospital

The Vision of Zarathushtra: Examining the evolution of Zarathustra’s vision from its inception to present day. (The inaugural lecture of the Khorshed Jungalwalla lecture series, sponsored by FEZANA.)

      Presenter   – Dr. Kaikhosrow Irani – Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, City University of NY 

World Religions and Zoroastrianism: Interfaith Influences and Interactions with Zoroastrianism

     Presenters  – Dr. Gail Gibson on interactions with Christianity – Royal Ontario Museum

           – Mr. Daraius M Bharucha on interactions with Judaism – Lecturer & Chair, ZSO Religious Education. Committee

          – Dr. Jamshed Choksy on interactions with Islam – Prof of History and Religion, Indiana Univ.  

Women’s Voices: Learn more about some of the women who have shaped our community and have been an inspiration to others.

      Presenters – Ms. Zia Mahmoudzadeh – Masters in Physiotherapy, St. Michael’s Hospital

                        – Ms. Fiona Engineer –  BA Economics and Marketing

                        – Ms. Zenobia Homavazir – Master in Social Work 

In the Eye of the Lens: Media Portrayals and Perceptions of Zoroastrians

      Presenter   – Ms. Aparita Bhandari -- Freelance Journalist                                                  

                        – Ms. Parisa Khosravi - Vice President of CNN (Click here for Parisa's profile)                                              

Zoroastrian Social Justice and the Social Contract: How ideas from Zoroastrianism have shaped the concept of social justice and the social contract in the world.

      Presenters   – Dr. Niaz Kasravi -- Lecturer on Civil Rights, Amnesty International 

            – Dr. Mehraban Khodavandi -- Professor, Lakeland University  

Zoroastrian Philosophy and Culture: The impact of Zarathushtra’s teaching on Iranian culture and society and our responsibility as Zoroastrians in carrying forward these teachings.

      Presenters    – Dr. Farhang Mehr – Professor Emeritus, Boston University

                            – Mr. Homer Abramian – Philosopher and Scholar of Zoroastrianism (Farsi only) 

Crossroads of Entrepreneurship: (Entrepreneurs Carousel) Gain invaluable insights from successful entrepreneurs and network with others who have an entrepreneurial spirit

      Presenters    – Mr.Xerxes Wania

                            – Mr. Marzi Byramjee

                            – Mr.Kelly Jogina 

                            – Mr. Jehaangir Bulsara

                            – Ms. Aniheeta Cooper

Entrepreneurship- Impedes and Impact!

Presenters    – Mr. Jimmy Mistry

                     – Mr. Bomi Boyce

Our Youth - Unleashing the spark within: (This event features some of our young Zoroastrian who have made an impact through their voluntary and charitable endeavours not only on the community but on the world around them, using as impetus the teachings of our faith and their unique sense of identity)

      Presenters    – Mr. Nikan Khatibi

                            – Ms. Farah Minwalla

                            – Ms. Diana Katgara

                            – Ms. Armaity Homavazir 

                            – Ms. Diana Vania 

Zoroastrians in Iran as a Visible Minority (7CE- Present): An Examination of the progress and preservation of the Zoroastrian faith and community in Iran from the end of Sassanian dynasty to the present. 

Presenters          – Dr. Jamsheed Choksy -- Professor of History and Religion, Indiana University

                            – Mr. Fariborz Rahnamoon – Director/Editor, Iran Zamin 

Worldwide Mentoring:  (Youth/Adult) Official unveiling of a worldwide Zoroastrian Mentoring project currently being piloted

      Presenters    – Ms.Phee Vania – Chairperson, NAZC

                            – Ms.Zarine Chenoy – Co-Vice Chairperson. NAZC

Lights, Camera, Action! – Zoroastrians on stage: (Youth/Adult) Young Zoroastrians and their impact in arts and theatre.

      Presenters     – Ms. Nazneen Contractor – Television and Stage Actress

                            – Ms. Rahnuma Panthaky – Actress and Co-founder of two theatre companies

                            – Ms. Michelle Mama -- Filmographer and Television Host (Host- Fashion File: Host Hunt premiering on CBC)

Leveraging Your Zoroastrian identity: (Youth/Adult) How to use your Zoroastrian identity as a tool to get ahead in your career endeavors.

      Presenters    – Mr. Daraius M Bharucha – Lecturer/Chair, ZSO Religious Education Committee

                            – Ms. Nerina Rustomji – Professor, St. John’s University, NY 

At Home Abroad: Exploring the Zoroastrian diaspora in North America and the impact of diaspora communities and organizations on the traditional homelands. (Includes multimedia presentation by WZO)

      Presenters     – Dr. Jesse Palsetia – Professor, Guelph University

                            – Mr. Sam H. Bhiwandiwalla – Chairman, World Zoroastrian Organization 

Ahead of the Game: (Youth/Adult) Learn how to direct your educational path to meet your needs and goals and how to select the universities/colleges and scholarships which may be most suitable for you.

      Presenters    – Dr. Farrokh Mistree – Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology

                           – Ms. Nupur Khandelwal – York University, Toronto 

Art of Self Expression: (Youth) An interactive session to express your Zoroastrian identity through creative visual arts.

      Presenter      – Ms. Diana Katgara – Co-Chair, Youth Committee, NAZC

                            – Ms. Kermin Mehta – Co-Chair, Youth Committee, NAZC 

A Novel Idea: (Youth/Adult) The impact of being Zoroastrian in writing and literature.

      Presenters      – Ms. Farishta Dinshaw -- Author and Novelist

                             – Mr. Anosh Irani -- Author, Playwright and Novelist (Click here for his interview with CBC)

                           
NOT an Easy Target! (Youth-Women Only) (Self defense class)

      Presenter     – Ms. Shara Colabewala – Martial Arts Expert 

World Zoroastrian Symphony Orchestra: Distinguished as one the finest symphonic ensembles in our community. Come and enjoy the beautiful melodies of our talented performers during the gala dinner.

Closing Ceremony with Jashan: One of the largest congregation of Zoroastrian priests performing a Jashan in North America.

Your Congress Registration includes an extravagant Gala Banquet with exceptional entertainment.  We promise a Congress Gala Night full of entertainment, great culinary delights, and socializing to create memories you will cherish for many years. 

For the closing ceremonies, IMPACT will be holding a very elaborate Jashan ceremony that will assemble Mobed’s from across North America.

Visiting Mobed’s who are attending IMPACT and who wish
to participate in this incredible experience, please
e-mail Jehan Bagli at jbagli@rogers.com.   

Faravahar
Zeitgeist