Prof Irani is back and he has agreed to give a talk at the April Religion Classes on April 6, 2008. The title of the talk will be “Social Message of the Zoroastrian Manthric Prayers.”
Certain Zoroastrian prayers such as the ‘Ashem Vohu’ and the ‘Yatha Ahu Vairyo’ are considered to be manthric.

The traditional view is that these prayers have a special power beyond the meaning of the words in the prayers and even their sound alone has power. Prof. Irani has studied these prayers and will describe the social message that runs through these prayers shedding a new light on these very familiar prayers.

What is the “Youth Leadership Enhancement Program”?
The “Youth Leadership Enhancement Program” is a new initiative which aims at encouraging community leadership among 23 to 35 years old. The program is being launched to gear up for presentation at the 9th World Zoroastrian Congress to be held in Dubai in 2009.

The objective of launching this program is to build a network of enthusiastic young individuals and create a sustainable pool of next generation leaders that will benefit the community in the long run.

The youth will be mentored by eminent industrialists/entrepreneurs and receive valuable inputs/advice from them. They will be encouraged to support several community causes. What’s important is that the youth will have an opportunity to explore and experience the qualities of leadership, collaboration, entrepreneurship, creativity and community rooted ness.

The application process:

• Youth with commitment to Zoroastrian ideals and ethics, good communication, leadership & team building skills and proven excellence in his/her field of activity will be eligible to apply.
• Acceptable age group is 23 to 35 years.
• Applications will be accompanied by an essay, not exceeding 600 words, on the following topic:
• “A Worldwide Youth Leadership Enhancement Program”

Deadline
Entries must be submitted electronically to WZCYLEP@gmail.com, by 31.3.08 (date extended).

Please see the Program guidelines and Application Form for additional information.

Dear Everyone,  
 
On behalf of the Organizing Team of WZC 2009, it gives me great pleasure in informing you all, that a special registration rate of US$ 300/- will be offered to Youth attending the 4th WZYC in Australia, for registering themselves for the 9th World Zoroastrian Congress taking place in Dubai from 28th December to 31st December 2009. 
 
The offer is valid for a limited period (27th December 2009 to 3rd Jan 2009) and will be applicable to age group 18 to 35 years. The registration fee will cover free entry/access to all sessions, coffees/teas, lunches, dinners and cultural programs.
 
The good news is - the first 11 registrants will pay a sum of US$ 200/- only. The balance amount of US$100/- will be contributed by the organizers of the 9th  World Zoroastrian Congress, 2009 as a gesture of goodwill.
 
Youth may contact Percy and Zarine Tantra, the World Zoroastrian Congress Representatives, from Dubai at the University of Ballarat, Vic. Australia to complete the registration formalities and pay by cash.
 
We request you to kindly cascade this information to all friends and families in your region so that this excellent offer can be availed by the youth who are attending the 4th WYZC in Australia.
 
Kind Regards,
Meher Bhesania
Congress Chair, WZC – 2009, Dubai

Dear Friends,

Once again our ZAGNY member is in the news. Dr. Noshir Langrana has been selected to receive the 2008 H.R. Lissner Medal.  This award recognizes outstanding achievement in bioengineering. Noshir has been selected due to his significant contribution to the growth of bioengineering and to the mission of ASME Bioengineering Division; and for his internationally recognized work on spinal biomechanics, especially in the area of design and development of the artificial disc.  The award consists of an honorarium, bronze medal and a certificate.  A formal presentation of the award is scheduled to take place at the 2008 Summer Bioengineering Conference, in Marko Island, Florida, June 25-29, 2008.

Congratulations to Noshir for this wonderful recognition. May you continue to achieve higher awards in recognition of your contribution.

Homi D. Gandhi
President, ZAGNY

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

Khorshed Panthaki a long time resident of New York died in Manhattan. Her funeral will be on Wednesday, Nov 28 at Hess-Miller Funeral Home, 64-19 Metropolitan Ave, Middle Village, Queens at 11.00 AM.

Phone Number of the Funeral Home is 1-718-821-6660.

Lovji Cama ldcama@verizon.net