Vibrant WZCC: AGM paves the Way Ahead
It was a bright and brisk Sunday morning in Mumbai when business was mixed with pleasure, old connections were revived, and new directions discovered.
The AGM of the WZCC’s India Chamber and Mumbai Chapter, jointly held, at the West End Hotel, brought together members from Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi to brainstorm, over a sumptuous brunch, with a common agenda: to re-ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship amongst Zarathushtis.
Minoo Shroff, President, WZCC, India, struck the right chord with his catchphrase, “Vibrant WZCC”, an evocative slogan for the year ahead. Mr. Shroff recounted highlights of the hugely successful WZCC trade delegation to Karachi earlier last month. Made possible by the dynamism of WZCC Honorary Member and noted Karachi-based businessman, Byram Avari, the Indian trade delegation was received with much enthusiasm by the local administration, including the Governor, as well as Press and television channels. An MOU with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce was also signed by the Indian trade delegation, a first in the history of the WZCC.
Mr. Shroff added, “While the WZCC’s journey thus far hasn’t been easy, it has been gratifying. There’s a general apathy to break into business because jobs are easier. A good business plan could definitely attract funding, and we have to encourage young Parsis to take the risk and launch themselves into business.”
India now has three new Directors on the WZCC’s International Board comprising Kersi Limathwalla (Vice President), Yazdi Tantra (Technical Director) and Zarine Commissariat (Corporate Secretary).
Addressing the gathering, Kersi Limathwalla stressed: “The WZCC is a true welfare organization, although we need to prepare a roadmap and define our goals.”
For the Indian Chamber, the annual accounts were presented by Honorary Treasurer, Kersi Commissariat, while Vispi Mistry, Secretary, presented the accounts for the Mumbai Chapter.
Edil Katrak, President, Mumbai Chapter, commended the success of the Young Entrepreneurs Programme (YEP) and announced the Own Your Business Programme, scheduled between November 19 – 25, at the premier Entrepreneur Development Institute of India, Ahmedabad.
A Business Cell has also been instituted to help networking and professional affiliations within the community.
Adi Engineer, Chapter Chair, Pune, outlined plans for the next WZCC World AGM to be held in Pune (January 12/13) next year. He reiterated, “The WZCC is an excellent engine for accelerating growth within the community. However, social change takes time and we need to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship early so that youngsters grow up fired with the idea of starting their own businesses.”
Oorvaksh Medora, Chapter Chair for Ahmedabad explained how four mentoring cells have been formed offering members legal, financial, management and technical advice.
Dadi Mistry, WZCC’s Founder-Director, suggested that a moment’s silence be observed as a tribute to the late General Adi Sethna who, with him, was responsible for bringing the WZCC to India.
The morning concluded with a screening of the internationally acclaimed motivational film, ‘The Secret’, organized by Farokh Rustomji, Secretary of the WZCC’s India Chamber, a fitting and enlightening highlight that encapsulated the secrets of success for every area of human endeavour.