| The speech of Dr. Ekhtiyari at inauguration of 9.th congress |
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| Esfandiar Ekhtiari | ||||||||
 Xshnaotra Ahura Mazda Blessings to the Glorified Fravahar of the Aryan Prophet, Ashu Zarathushtra Spentemen, and Blessings to the Eternal Sacred Souls of all Iranian Martyrs. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Respected fellow co-religionist and the participants in the 9th world Zoroastrian Congress, and the diligent and acknowledged moderators of this World Congress. First of all, on behalf of all Iranian Zoroastrians, from the Homeland of the Zoroastrians of the world, I am very grateful to convey their Sincere Blessings & Messages to all of you. Messages from all stretches of Iran, from the Caspian Sea to the everlasting shores of the Persian Gulf; from the highest peak of Damavand; from Persepolis, the symbol of Iran's glory; from the fire temples and sacred places of this holy land, and from all the Zoroastrians gifted with Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds. I am arriving from Ahura Blessed Iran, from the Birthplace of Zarathushtra, the First Prophet of the World, from a Country where the World owes undeniable Culture and Civilization. From a Country which is not only the Birthplace of the First World Prophet, but is Home to the First announcer of Human Rights, Cyrus the Great, who depicted the most virtuous characteristics of a Human Being, from the Country of Ferdowsi, the Blessed. I am carrying my message from the Homeland of Arash, the Great Archerer. From the Country of Farhad, Keikhosrow and Rostam. From the Country of Kamran, Behrooz and Parviz. From the Country of Dariush, Esfandiar and Fereydoon. From the Country of Deyhim, Jamshid, Jahanbakhsh and Mehrdad. From the Country whose Peoples affection is inextricably intertwined with it. From East of the land to its West, from North to the ever and everlasting Persian Gulf. From all its islands especially the southern triple islands, which are the inseparable parts of Ahura Blessed Iran, whose foremost and un-forgettable message is : "May I be sacrificed for loss of Iran" Due to my responsibility, I point to some important and key issues which can have effective influences on the culture, customs and maintenance of Unity of Zoroastrians. The Zoroastrian community, especially in historical countries like Iran and India, is currently facing the problem of ‘Migration'. Long Ago, the Zoroastrian population was concentrated in Iran and India but unfortunately, today, 'Migration' is taking its toll on the Zoroastrian population. We are witnessing the disproportionate immigration of our youth, who are our future-makers. The young who are enchanted with the luxuries of the west, and fly in pursuit of an ambitious life. They immigrate to countries with little familiarity and no pre-specified program. Thus we witness the total assimilation of a great proportion of them in the foreign community. Those young who are the main assets and hopes for the Zoroastrian communities. For minimizing the effects of this event, I endeavor to pinpoint the following: The common point among all of us is our being Zoroastrian and our Belief to Our Great Prophet, Zarathustra. My First proposal goes in line with: Effective and Influential Teachings which will familiarize and raise our children and adolescents with the Thoughts and Teachings of Zarathustra and the Gathas. Teachings which will stay with them forever. Teachings which are inherently in line with the Principles of Zoroastrianism, namely Truthfulness and Purity. This should be our first step towards good relationship We, Zoroastrians, are scattered throughout the Globe, which can be considered as a fortunate opportunity. But this dispersion turns into opportunities when we are affiliated and these affiliations are deemed more effectual when our Mobeds and Organizations, all around the world, are related which will ultimately lead to a universal network. It should not also be forgotten that more than a century ago the relationships between Iranians and Parsees, topped by Maneckji Limji Hataria, the time Sushiant, had undeniable influences on Zoroastrians, the influences which are still on the flow. Establishing relationship is, indeed, the inception of a system. The system which is probably available in other small and dispersed communities, but the one our community has less drawn upon. As we all know, the world Zoroastrian community needs to plan on this issue. A planning which should contain short and long term strategies. It is nearly half a century since the World Zoroastrian Congresses have been held. The Congresses whose most important results have been establishing relationships among the world Zoroastrians and familiarizing them with activities and problems of one another, yet this doesn't suffice. We should make longer strides in solving these problems and issues by active participation. We should start now. One of the most common points amongst the entire world Zoroastrians is the Motherland, Iran. The Ahura Blessed Iran, having an economical, religious and cultural groundwork will be the main loop of this connection and the generous Iranians as its main stakeholders. I invite all the participants, especially all the members of organizations of the world to establish their connection with the Iranian Zoroastrians Organizations and Anjumans. This very act can be started by a single mail and be furthered by visits. Slowly but surely these separate circles will be connected together and will commence the beginning of a universal network. In Iran, most of the Zoroastrian social events are being held. Events like Monthly Feasts, Ceremonies and athletic competitions. Contribution of your teams to these competitions can be deemed as a practical beginning. These will lead to the proximity of cultures and a better understanding of different countries and will have its long-term benefits in the social, religious and especially economical dimensions for our youths. We are a family. A family owning highly intelligent, creative and powerful members. So let's get familiar more with each other and aid each other in solving problems and issues. I end my speech with the sacred verse of Avesta and the anthem of "Hamazoor Bim(May we keep our unity). A wish which we all pursue. "Hamazoor Bim, Hamazoor Hama Ashu Bim" May it be so, indeed. Dr. Esfandiar Ekhtiari The Iranian Zoroastrians MP. Views: 931
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