Behshid Barkhordar, the Zoroastrian representative in the Islamic Parliament, provided a summary report of the conference held on the 6th and 7th of Dey 1403 (December 26–27, 2024). Hosted by the Yazd Zoroastrian Association and coordinated by Barkhordar, the conference focused on key discussions and resolutions, aimed at informing the Zoroastrian community.
In the present era, fostering unity among Zoroastrians is crucial for preventing division and discord. This unity can only be achieved through collective wisdom, with a focus on open-mindedness and ethical values. To promote this goal, the 39th conference emphasized the importance of satisfaction, hope, and solidarity within the Zoroastrian community. Held at Bozorgchemi Hall, the gathering brought together associations and institutions from across the nation, addressing objectives, visions, challenges, solutions, and the development of project-based strategies.
The event began with a Gathas recitation by Mobedyar Fariba Mali, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Rashidi, chairperson of the Yazd Zoroastrian Association.
Dr. Behshid Barkhordar extended her gratitude to the attendees for recognizing the importance of unity and responsibility. She highlighted the necessity of empowering parliamentary representation and association leadership through the training of young individuals for future roles within the community. She also shared her own commitment to professional development by completing relevant training programs before assuming her responsibilities.
Additionally, Barkhordar urged the community to collaborate in uploading confidential and relevant information to a new statistical and news website that will be launched soon. She emphasized that overcoming challenges requires structured plans and a well-maintained database to enable effective organization and management.
Dr. Behshid Barkhordar highlighted the importance of creating comprehensive, project-based plans, describing them as a critical step in securing infrastructure funding. She explained that such initiatives could increase the current allocation of 30 billion tomans to a range of 100 to 500 billion tomans. This substantial financial growth would alleviate the financial pressures on associations and institutions, allowing them to redirect funds and charitable contributions toward education, cultural initiatives, and other community-building activities.
She noted that in 1403, 30 billion tomans had been secured for infrastructure development and distributed as follows: 10 billion for Yazd, 7 billion for Tehran, 5 billion for Kerman, 3 billion for Shiraz, 2 billion for Isfahan, and 3 billion for Karaj. These funds are currently being utilized for projects such as road paving, school renovations, and other essential services to strengthen infrastructure in these regions. Dr. Barkhordar expressed hope that, through the collaborative efforts of associations and organizations, project-based planning could significantly increase funding in the years ahead, addressing a financial gap that the community has historically faced.
Dr. Barkhordar also shared that, in 1403, she successfully facilitated access to bank loan quotas designated for Members of Parliament, benefiting Zoroastrian applicants in Tehran, Yazd, and Kerman. She expressed her aspiration to expand these efforts in the future, with the support of Ahura Mazda, to provide greater services to the Zoroastrian community.
During her visit to Yazd, Dr. Barkhordar engaged with community members and toured key sites, including Dinyari and Markar schools, Yasna Kindergarten, Dr. Mobed Pouladi’s museum, Mazraeh-ye Kalantar village (as part of its bid for global recognition), and Cham village (to explore its tourism potential). She also met with key officials, including the Director of Cultural Heritage, the Director of Budget and Planning, and Yazd Governor Dr. Babaei, to discuss future goals and initiatives.
The two-day conference concluded with several important decisions, which were unanimously approved by attendees and will be announced in detail soon.
Associations and organizations must prepare comprehensive, project-based proposals by year-end to secure funding, particularly for infrastructure development.
Each association will nominate at least two capable young individuals for training in project planning to ensure leadership continuity.
A seven-month period has been set for formally thanking Dr. Ekhtiari for his 16 years of service as a parliamentary representative. He is also expected to acknowledge the conclusion of his tenure within this timeframe.
From 10 Bahman 1403, only association leaders, the current parliamentary representative, or their designees may deliver speeches at community events. Dr. Ekhtiari may attend as a community member, in contrast to the late Dr. Mobed Niknam, who was not given a similar acknowledgment period.
The religious working group will now operate under the Association of Mobeds, effective immediately, as approved by all attendees.
All associations, institutions, and organizations are tasked with contributing to the successful and grand celebration of Jashn-e Sadeh. They are required to promptly inform Dr. Barkhordar, the parliamentary representative, of the date and location to facilitate coordination with the National Security Council. Initial correspondence with the council has already been made.
Associations and organizations are encouraged to identify and activate untapped opportunities by developing comprehensive regional plans. These could include projects such as rural tourism, environmental conservation, educational initiatives, and pilgrimage programs, focusing on revenue generation, job creation, development, and youth engagement.
The next gathering will be hosted by either the Zoroastrian Association of Shiraz or the Zoroastrian Association of Kerman. The event will be arranged upon invitation by the parliamentary representative and with the approval of the associations’ boards of directors.
