The 45th term of Tehran Zoroastrian association has shared the report for the first half of the year 1403 (2024).
Nozar Nozari, the Secretary of the Zoroastrian Association of Tehran, presented the six-month report as follows:
During this period, unfortunately, the untimely passing of Shahrokh Salamaty, a member of the association, occurred. May his soul rest in peace. The first person to succeed him according to the association’s statutes was Farshad Ghaibi, who joined the Board of Directors to continue serving the Zoroastrians of Tehran during the 45th term.
Other events that occurred during this period are commemoration of Esfandiar Ekhtiari, the former MP, and introduction of the new representative, Behshid Barkhordar. Additionally, an office was allocated in the building, for the Zoroastrian MP, in order to be able to better serve our community. Furthermore, a plan to improve and develop the administrative space of the association’s secretariat was initiated to provide better services.
In 17 sessions, the Zoroastrian Association of Tehran passed 119 resolutions. The details of these sessions are shared at the end of each meeting, demonstrate punctuality of the meetings. This report will focus on other aspects of the resolutions.
In this period, there have been numerous reports and discussions regarding the resolutions in the Q&A sessions, which highlights the community’s interest in the processes and directions of the resolutions. The efforts of the Public Relations Committee of the Zoroastrian Association of Tehran have been extensive during this term.
This report describes the process of resolutions prior to approval and implementation. Many studies and topics do not lead to a final resolution and remain unresolved during the review stage, awaiting a proper decision, and in some cases, may never be approved. A significant amount of time is spent on these plans, and several of these plans are presented here. Decision-making is based on documentation and evidence, with complex decisions made with the help of experts and specialists.
One of the ongoing projects under review in the working groups is the participation in the construction or sale of the land of late Javanmardi in the Hekmat area. The planning process for selecting the right project, based on the current conditions of the land and the needs of the community, is being carried out to benefit the Zoroastrian community in Tehran.
The Real estate and construction committee is reviewing plans for the guest house and also reviewing other proposals for renovation and construction. Various participatory proposals aim to increase efficiency and create jobs for the Zoroastrian community.
The Adorian Building on Sheikh Bahayi Street is ready for use but needs funding for utility connections. To continue construction updated plans are required to meet long term community needs.
The Services Commission is planning school transportation and event services. They are also exploring outsourcing management of banquet halls, but no decision has been made yet.
The welfare group is developing plans for the elderly and those living alone in Tehran, in collaboration with Zoroastrian doctors and the Services Commission, but no final resolution has been reached.
A consultative committee has been established to review the Association’s constitution, and as yet no decisions have been made to present to the board of the general assembly.
The commissions are planning improvements for Zoroastrian residents in West Tehran, similar to those in marker Tehranpars in East Tehran.
Major real estate files are undergoing review by working groups and require expert analysis. Some cases are being resolved through mediation to avoid litigation, but no final decisions have been made.
An experimental discount for the Babak Kharasheh Sports Hall is under evaluation, with future decisions based on feedback.
Completed projects include the opening of the Babak Kharasheh Sports Hall, the late Ostad Hall at Qasr Firouzeh, and the Keykhosravi project, which is nearing completion.
The Ostad Hall at Qasr-e Firoozeh was completed with funds from the Ostad family. the previous hall was donated by the late Khodadad Sirousi. Since the building’s useful life has ended, we extend our appreciation to the efforts of Khodadad Sirousi and also express our gratitude to Ostad Family for renovating the hall of the community.
Statistics are crucial for budgeting and planning. A group requesting support for supplementary insurance had 300 registrants, but only 35% followed through, highlighting a need for sociological studies. The association thanks the group for their efforts.
Surveys showed discrepancies between initial feedback and post-implementation views, causing conflicting planning. This indicates social media content isn’t always a reliable basis for decision-making.
The Parvaresh Kindergarten was renovated for temporary accommodation, and dormitories for boys and girls were updated for the new school year. Special training courses and discounts for some members were also approved.
It was approved to print Zoroastrian educational books, “Let’s Learn More,” for students, and the first set of religious educational games will be distributed in Tehran’s religious classes this year.
The Zoroastrian Association of Tehran spent 1.5 billion IRR to improve sports fields and stands at the Marker Tehranpars complex, hosting participants from across the country. Several Zoroastrian ceremonies were held, showcasing the infrastructure’s readiness.
The Manthra competitions took place in Tehran, with association representatives ensuring the results contribute to future planning. Some requests from families may seem helpful short-term but could harm long-term prospects, requiring careful cultural consideration.
Some decisions and actions may not yield results within a single term, as the association’s term is three years, requiring ongoing follow-up. Hence, some actions may be carried out based on decisions made in previous terms, like court cases or unfinished projects. Making decisions is one thing but implementing them involves its own set of challenges.
New auditors, including Mr. Rostam Khorramadin, Mr. Behrooz Ganji, and Ms. Farank Zendehnoosh, have been appointed. Mr. Ganji has been actively involved in the Property and Building Committee. We appreciate the efforts of everyone in the association’s sessions.
Efforts to increase recreational programs for encouraging youth to stay are underway. Member participation has been significant, leading to a 50% increase in the operational budgets for various venues.
Pensions have been increased, with new requests for personal and group discounts and three additions to the pension list, reflecting the community’s challenging economic situation. Wedding ceremonies in the association’s venues have significantly decreased.
Two Q&A sessions addressed many concerns, though some questions were based on rumors or past issues, for which previous auditors are responsible. Execution of some tasks is beyond the association’s scope.
Thanks to all staff, volunteers, and executive committees for their support over the past six months. Best wishes to the new executive committee of Pardis Markar Yazd. The Zoroastrian Association of Tehran meets every Tuesday and welcomes feedback from members.
