Recently, the 46th term elections of the Zoroastrian Association of Tehran took place. During the campaign, several candidates highlighted their past collaboration with Amordad in their r\u00e9sum\u00e9s.<\/p>\n
It is encouraging to see that, even 26 years after the launch of this independent publication, working with it is no longer viewed as a blemish on one\u2019s record. In the early years, I could hardly have imagined such a day.<\/p>\n
Amordad weekly began during the late 38th term of the Tehran Zoroastrian Association, and its initial coverage of the 39th term elections added vibrancy and momentum to the fledgling publication.<\/p>\n
In the 39th term elections, 57 candidates registered to serve the community. For the 46th term, the number rose slightly to 58 \u2014 an impressive outcome given the migration and notable decline of the Zoroastrian population in the country over the past 26 years.<\/p>\n
In both elections, independent candidates were unable to secure seats, with public support favoring only those listed within established groups or slates.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, as in the 39th term, the elections for board members and auditors were held simultaneously in the 46th term. The top vote-getter among auditors 26 years ago is now a board member and also appears among the elected candidates for the 46th term\u2019s board.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s elections brought a diverse mix of age groups and experience levels into the association. Notably, the top vote-getter in the 2025 auditors\u2019 elections had previously served during the 37th term of the Zoroastrian Association of Tehran. Even as a very young member back then, they joined the board, and today are likely the longest-serving member still attending Monday meetings on Mirza Kuchak Khan Street.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, much of the discussion inevitably returns to the 37th term. It may be hard to believe, but for many, everything truly began there. In my view, the 37th term remains one of the most remarkable periods in the association\u2019s history, offering valuable insights for those studying the Zoroastrian community.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s board features a youthful yet cohesive and effective team, coming into office at a particularly delicate and tense moment in the community. Amid noticeable disagreements between the leaders of the 35th and 36th terms, a new alignment emerged. With many long-serving members absent, fresh and energetic individuals \u2014 many without prior board experience \u2014 assumed leadership and quickly took the community\u2019s pulse.<\/p>\n
During last year\u2019s Mehregan celebration, the association honored the leader of this term, who reflected on the 37th term as one of the most successful eras in the history of Tehran Zoroastrian Association.<\/p>\n
In the 37th term elections, the top candidate of the Zoroastrian Association of Tehran was disqualified by the Ministry of Interior. Yet the youngest board member achieved remarkable support, even securing the role of treasurer \u2014 a rare accomplishment for someone so young.<\/p>\n
This treasurer later went on to establish Amordad weekly toward the end of the 38th term, becoming its publisher and first editor-in-chief. The publication would go on to become the most prominent independent Zoroastrian newspaper in post-revolutionary Iran.<\/p>\n
The early months and years were challenging. I recall colleagues speaking of the difficulties, the resistance from some officials, and the skepticism of certain community members. Yet the treasurer had a signature phrase: \u201cWe\u2019ll figure it out; it\u2019s okay, it will work.\u201d At the time, it was hard to believe that these obstacles could be overcome and that Amordad could rise above the criticism it faced.<\/p>\n
He also often reminded the team, \u201cEvery long journey begins with a single small step.\u201d This simple mantra kept the staff motivated. When discouragement returned, he would reframe it in new ways, reigniting their energy \u2014 a cycle that repeated countless times.<\/p>\n
In short, the young treasurer possessed a unique talent for inspiring others. He could spend hours elaborating on this golden principle, keeping the Amordad team energized and determined. Without his dedication, love of reading, and belief in this philosophy, it is doubtful that Amordad would have endured and thrived.<\/p>\n
The former treasurer of the association managed to gather a group of young Zoroastrians, who, driven by their passion, carried on the publication of Amordad. They faced hostility and criticism but persevered, ensuring that the newspaper endured.<\/p>\n
The earliest issues were full of typographical errors, which often tested our patience. Mistakes even appeared in the front-page headlines. It became a personal milestone for us to finally see an issue released without a single typographical error.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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