It was in 1923 that the eminent philanthropist, the late Seth Mervanji Cama laid the foundation of the Mancherji Framji Cama Athornan Institute.  His vision was to sow the seeds of religious knowledge and fervour in the minds and hearts of young priests so that they may become torchbearers to the community.  It is to the credit of this Institute that several learned Dasturs and scholars have passed through its portals and later guided the community.

Today, a small group of dedicated and dynamic persons belonging to the Ex-Students Association have offered their services to rejuvenate this Institute.  The Refresher Course, which has been organized by them with great success for the last five years, is a clear testimony of their deep fervour. …Read the rest of this entry »»»

Technology and private sector bringing solutions in financing to impoverished communities

NEW YORK, Feb 15, 2008 – In 2001, the World Bank reported more than 2 billion people lived on less than $2 per day. Why does extreme poverty of this nature still exist given over decades of immense international charitable work? The Zoroastrian delegation intends to address the crux of this question at this year’s CSW on Friday, Feb. 29, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. They will show that the key to this answer is the manner in which development work in impoverished communities has been taking place. The prevalent top-down approach of charity usually empowers the “givers,” in most cases government bodies, as opposed to the individuals in need. The panel will present an example for an alternative approach, namely micro-financing, where the power imbalance is corrected and the true work of development, that is empowering individuals to re-build their own lives and communities, can begin.

…Read the rest of this entry »»»

Dear FEZANA family,
 
Spring and Naurooz 2008 seem a LONG way away, when SNOW has just started staying on the ground, but it will come and flowers will bloom again.
 
FEZANA Journal offers associations and individuals, the opportunity to greet and wish your fellow Zarathushtis all the very best for 1378 AY, (3746 ZRE) and support the Journal as well for as little as $25.    
 
We will be happy to accept your greetings in a Business Card format (Please see page 37 of the FALL issue).

If any association wishes to send more greetings, we will very happily accept that as well, (a quarter  page will be  $50 and a full page, $100).
 
Your response and support will be much appreciated  by December 20th  2007.   
 
Dolly Dastoor
dollydastoor@sympatico.ca
On behalf of the Editorial Board
FEZANA JOURNAL

For the first time Stanford University  is offering a course on Zoroastrianism. This course will be a unique way for a student to learn about Zoroastrianism, its long history, profound influence on world religions and philosophy.

Please encourage students you might know to enroll in this course for the winter 2008 quarter.

This course satisfies the Humanities requirements that all students have to take. Registration for courses begins on November 19th and we would like to make sure that we get a strong interest from the student body. Success in enrollment will keep the course offered for the following years.

The course is listed in the course catalogue as

RELIGST20 - Introduction to the Zoroastrian Religion - Professor Jennifer Rose

Winter: Tue 1:15-4:05pm - DB-Hum - 3 units - Room: Bldg 20 21G

The Zoroastrian Sports Committee (ZSC) is proud to announce that the 11th annual Zarathushti Games will be held in the beautiful city of San Diego, California, USA from July 2nd thru July 6th, 2008.

All Zarathushti athletes throughout the globe are encouraged to participate in these games. Participation in these games have increased significantly since its inception and the ZSC anticipates the 2008 games to be the most successful games ever.  Prove your muscle in volleyball, track, basketball, table tennis in Sunny Southern California.

All Zarathushti Associations of the world are requested to spread the word to their members. More information and specifics will be forwarded in the near future.

Visit our website:  http://www.zathletics.com/ for more up-to-date information about registration, qualifications, events and venue.

All interested persons are invited to this informative and educational program to be hosted by Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago: 

• Saturday November 17:  “Zoroastrianism 101: Practicing Zoroastrian Customs and Traditions in North America”
• Sunday, November 18:  The Second Conference of the Society of Scholars of Zoroastrianism (SSZ).
• Monday, November 19: Half-day RoundTable Discussion.

“Zoroastrianism 101: Practicing Zoroastrian Customs and traditions in North America” and SSZ Conference 2007

Sponsored by Society for Scholars of Zoroastrianism (SSZ), Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago (ZAC) and Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of NA (FEZANA)

Chicago, November 16-19, 2007
at the
Arbab Rustom Guiv Darbe Mehr
8615 Meadowbrook drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527

PROGRAM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16:

• 7:00 pm  Welcome dinner for speakers and guests.

…Read the rest of this entry »»»