FEZANA Bestows the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 18th NAZC 2024.
The FEZANA Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary and enduring contributions to the Zoroastrian community and society at large. This prestigious award celebrates visionaries who exemplify leadership, service, and dedication to Zoroastrian values.
Over the past 37 years 5 Zarathushtis have been awarded this honor.
At the 18th NAZC 2024 in Houston, Dolly Dastoor & Rohinton Rivetna joined this rare and august list.
Dr. Dolly Dastoor is the recipient of the FEZANA Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary contributions to the global Zoroastrian community, interfaith leadership, and advancements in clinical psychology and dementia research.
Rohinton M. Rivetna has dedicated his life to strengthening the Zarathushti community in North America and building infrastructure to perpetuate the Zoroastrian faith. A visionary leader, he has been instrumental in shaping institutions and initiatives that ensure the religion’s vitality for future generations. He accepted the Award along with his wife and partner in all his endeavors Roshan Rivetna.
Continue reading below for a detailed biography of both these luminaries
FEZANA Award Winners in Various Categories Felicitated at the 18th NAZC
The FEZANA Awards in various categories are selected by nomination of individuals who are then judged by a jury panel.
The winners of the various categories are as follows
Rohinton Rivetna Outstanding Zarathushti Award
Awarded to
Aban Rustomji
an active member of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston.
Rohinton Rivetna Outstanding Zarathushti Award
Awarded to
Kersi Bhikhaji Shroff
an active member of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington.
Jamshed Pavri Humanitarian Service Award
Awarded to
Sheroo & Vispi Kanga
Active members of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York
Dinshaw Framroze Joshi Excellence in Performing Arts, Painting or Literature Award
Awarded to
Vehishta Kaikobad
Active member of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston.
Dinshaw Framroze Joshi Excellence in Performing Arts, Painting or Literature Award
Awarded to
Nawaz Merchant
Active member of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York.
Mehraban Zarthoshty Outstanding Young Zarathushti Award
Awarded to
Sanaya Master
Active member of the Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia.
2024 Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize
Awarded to
Roxana Trabulsi
for her compelling novel Of Mud and Honey
This year’s submissions were particularly strong, and the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize Board is pleased to present Nev March with an honorable mention for The Spanish Diplomat’s Secret.
North American Mobeds Council Young Mobed Community Services Award
Awarded to
Ervad Nekzad Illava
Active member of the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation.
Ervad Nekzad Illava could not be present to receive the award. He sent in a video message and the Award was received on his behalf by Ervad Kyan Lali.
About the Awardees
Dr. Dolly Dastoor
Dolly Dastoor is the recipient of the FEZANA Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary contributions to the global Zoroastrian community, interfaith leadership, and advancements in clinical psychology and dementia research. Since immigrating to Canada in 1973, Dr. Dastoor has uplifted her community and achieved groundbreaking professional success.
Dr. Dastoor has made significant contributions to the Zoroastrian community. As President of the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec (1978-85), she strengthened community ties and championed cultural initiatives. She co-chaired the 7th World Zoroastrian Congress in Houston in 2000, uniting Zoroastrians globally. As Chair of FEZANA’s Academic Scholarship Committee and Chief Editor of the FEZANA Journal since 2005, she has documented and celebrated Zoroastrian achievements worldwide. Her interfaith leadership includes being one of only two Zoroastrians elected as a Trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Her philanthropy includes funding youth scholarships and initiatives to preserve Zoroastrian heritage.
Professionally, Dr. Dastoor has excelled as a Clinical Psychologist at Douglas Hospital, earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Concordia University, Montreal. As Clinical-Administrative Manager of the Dementia Program at the Douglas Institute, she led a team of over 50 professionals and developed the innovative Hierarchic Dementia Scale, now widely used in dementia assessment. She has published extensively, lectured globally on Alzheimer’s disease, and founded the Alzheimer Society of Montreal, introducing innovations in patient care and caregiver support.
Dr. Dastoor’s advocacy for women as International Chair of Zonta’s Status of Women Committee and her role at the UN Commission on the Status of Women further reflect her dedication to empowerment. Her achievements, including the Outstanding Zarathushti Award (1994) and recognition as one of the “25 Distinguished Zoroastrians Who Made a Difference” (2012), continue to inspire generations to strive for excellence and remain rooted in their heritage.
Rohinton M. Rivetna
Rohinton Rivetna has dedicated his life to strengthening the Zarathushti community in North America and building infrastructure to perpetuate the Zoroastrian faith. A visionary leader, he has been instrumental in shaping institutions and initiatives that ensure the religion’s vitality for future generations.
In 1976, Rohinton founded the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago (ZAMC) and spearheaded the construction of the Arbab Rustom Guiv Dar-e-Mehr, where he served as architect and general contractor. As the founding president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) in 1987, he drafted its Constitution, uniting North American Zoroastrians under one umbrella. His global contributions include founding the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) in 2000, the Zoroastrian Entrepreneurship Development Foundation (ZEDF) in 2020, and the Coming Together Roundtable, formalized in 2022 as the Global Council of Zoroastrians Trust. Rohinton also played a pivotal role in interfaith dialogue, serving as a Founding Vice President of the Parliament of the World’s Religions and tirelessly advocating for the recognition of Zoroastrianism on the world stage.
Per Rohinton, none of this would have been possible for him to achieve without the support of the biggest pillar of strength in his life, his wife Roshan. Roshan Rivetna has been a steadfast partner in Rohinton’s visionary endeavors, sharing his commitment to preserving the faith and culture. Her transformative stewardship of FEZANA Journal elevated it from a fledgling newsletter into a world-class publication that continues to inspire and inform the community. In addition to her editorial leadership, Roshan has contributed to promoting the faith through key publications and demographic studies, raising awareness of challenges facing the global Zoroastrian community.
Together, Rohinton and Roshan have worked tirelessly to create a lasting legacy for Zoroastrians worldwide. Their complementary strengths and unwavering dedication have laid the groundwork for a vibrant and unified Zoroastrian future.
Aban Rustomji
Aban Rustomji’s passion for education and libraries has shaped her significant contributions to the Zarathushti community in Houston and the global Zoroastrian diaspora. For over six decades, she has championed intellectual growth, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
Raised in Parsi Colony in Quetta, Pakistan, Aban was inspired by her parents’ commitment to community service. Her father, Tehmton Hodiwala, was a master engineer in Quetta, and her mother, Nergish Lafa Hodiwala, was the daughter of Khan Bahadur Rustom Lafa, a philanthropist devoted to helping the needy. Aban carried forward this legacy after immigrating to Houston in 1979 with her husband Purvez and their two children.
Aban’s career as a librarian and educator spanned prestigious institutions, including Loyola University, Karachi American School, and Spring Woods High School in Houston. In 1998, with her husband’s support, she founded the ZAH Library at the Zoroastrian Association of Houston. The library now houses over 1,500 books and notable collections like the Dastur Dhalla Memorabilia Trust and Dr. K.D. Irani artifacts. Aban envisioned the library as a resource with global reach, preserving and sharing Zoroastrian literature and culture.
Her influence extended further with the establishment of the FEZANA Information Research Education System (FIRES) in 2010. Based in Houston, FIRES is a vital hub for Zoroastrian scholarship, preserving manuscripts, archiving immigrant stories, and supporting researchers. Initiatives like the Oral History Archives and the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize showcase Aban’s dedication to promoting Zoroastrian heritage.
Aban has also been instrumental in organizing international Zoroastrian congresses, mentoring younger generations, and strengthening community ties. She was the co-chair of the Program Committee for the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress held in New York in 2022. As Program Chair for the 2024 Congress in Houston, her creative leadership continues to connect future generations to their heritage through education and culture.
Kersi Bhikhaji Shroff
Kersi Bhikhaji Shroff, born in Karachi, Pakistan, is a founding member of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington (ZAMWI, 1979) and has served the organization in various roles, including President. He is currently Co-Chair of FEZANA’s Research & Preservation Committee, Vice-President of the World Zoroastrian Organization (WZO), London, and a Director of the Society of Scholars of Zoroastrianism (SSZ).
Kersi has made significant contributions to interfaith initiatives, serving on the Faith Community Advisory Group of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the Religious Land Use Working Group. He has also collaborated extensively with the Washington region’s Interfaith Council, promoting mutual understanding among diverse faiths.
An accomplished legal professional, Kersi resides in Rockville, Maryland, and is an Attorney at Law specializing in International and Comparative Laws. He earned his law degree in Pakistan, qualified as a Barrister in London, and completed a Master’s in International & Comparative Laws (American Practice) at George Washington University. During his tenure in the U.S. Government’s Senior Executive Service (2000–2011), he headed the Western Law Division, overseeing a team of international attorneys and advising Congress and federal agencies on global legal issues. He has testified before the U.S. Congress, Federal Courts, and the United Nations.
Kersi is a distinguished lecturer and scholar, presenting on topics such as Zoroastrian sacred architecture, Zoroastrian themes in Central Asian archaeology, and Zoroastrian Influences on governance. His presentations have featured at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, universities, and Zoroastrian centers. He has also contributed extensively to the FEZANA Journal and HAMAZOR and co-authored a chapter in the forthcoming book The Zoroastrian World.
Kersi’s lifelong dedication to scholarship, interfaith dialogue, and the Zoroastrian community underscores his commitment to preserving and promoting Zoroastrian heritage.
Sheroo & Vispi Kanga
Sheroo and Vispi Kanga embody a hands-on approach to volunteering, guided by their life philosophy: “Volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries.” They view selflessness, sacrifice, and service as the foundation of their work, believing one should “volunteer for the cause without any expectations.” For them, volunteering is a fulfilling experience that adds zest to life and enhances psychological well-being.
Active members of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) since 1980, Sheroo and Vispi have served multiple terms on its Board of Directors. They played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts for the new Dar-e-Mehr building in Pomona, New York, contributing their time and energy to strengthen the community.
Their passion for helping others extends beyond the Zoroastrian community. Sheroo captained a team for 12 years in the Revlon Run/Walk for women’s cancers, raising funds for cancer research. After retiring from Unilever as a principal scientist, Vispi’s interest in science led him to volunteer with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where the couple now dedicates their time to helping children recover from cancer. They find this work deeply rewarding and believe that no child should die in the dawn of life.
Vispi enjoys exploring new places and writing evidence-based scientific articles, while Sheroo’s talents include cooking, sewing, gardening, and floral arranging for Navjotes, weddings, and fundraisers. She has mastered the art of making Malido, which she has donated for Muktad prayers and religious ceremonies for over 20 years.
For Sheroo and Vispi, Zoroastrian values—Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds—are a way of life. Their commitment to Good Deeds is evident in their volunteering and dedication to helping those in need, reflecting their belief that actions speak louder than prayers.
Vehishta Kaikobad
Vehishta Kaikobad is an accomplished educator and artist with over 30 years of experience spanning early childhood, middle school, and high school education. She holds diplomas in Montessori Education from St. Nicholas College, London, and Fine Arts from St. Joseph’s School and College, Karachi. Vehishta’s dedication to education and the arts has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2000 “Spirros Martell Teacher of the Year” award, the 2008 “Mary Benedict Docent of the Year” award from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), and the 2024 Y. Ping Sun Award for Educators from the Asia Society Texas Center.
Vehishta has been a pivotal figure at MFAH, serving as a Senior Docent for over 20 years and playing a key role in the establishment of the Zoroastrian Gallery, the first of its kind in the museum’s 100-year history. As a Teaching Artist at the Glassell Junior School, she conducts innovative workshops and Outreach Programs, reaching children of migrant diaspora, interfaith communities, and people with special needs.
A dedicated Sunday School educator since the 1980s, Vehishta has conducted workshops nationally and internationally, contributing to the curriculum of FEZANA’s religious education committee. She spearheaded the first “Kids Congress” for the North American Zoroastrian Congress (NAZC) in 2010 and expanded it to include “Teens and Tweens Congresses” at subsequent NAZC and World Zoroastrian Congress events.
Vehishta’s passion for the performing arts is evident in productions like Along the Silk Road (2010) and Visions of Paradise (2024), meticulously choreographed and based on historical research. Through literary education and artistic endeavors, Vehishta remains committed to promoting the Zarathushti community and advancing its global recognition.
Nawaz Merchant
Nawaz Merchant, writing as Nev March, is an award-winning author whose work blends historical fiction with gripping crime mysteries. After two decades in analytics, she taught herself to write fiction and joined a local writers’ group. Her debut novel, Murder in Old Bombay (2019), won the Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America Award, received an Audiofile Award, and was an Edgar and Anthony finalist. The novel, inspired by the unsolved tragedy of the Godrej ladies, explores Colonial India’s complexities, Parsi traditions, and societal exclusion. Translated into Russian and Japanese, it has sold over 50,000 copies. Her second novel, Peril at the Exposition, draws on her immigrant experiences, tackling historical events with an uplifting worldview.
A dedicated community volunteer, Nawaz has contributed articles to The FEZANA Journal and currently serves as Vice President of ZAGNY. She conducted the first Needs-Assessment of Zoroastrian Seniors in North America, highlighting the need for senior activities. This led to the creation of ZAGNY’s Z Goldies group alongside Yasmin Ghadialy. In 2022, she co-authored the white paper “Aging Around the Zarathushti World” with Dolly Dastoor.
Passionate about giving back, Nawaz established the Leon Burstein Award for Unpublished Writers as president of the New York chapter of Mystery Writers of America. She teaches at Rutgers University’s Osher Institute and engages with book clubs and schools, believing that reading fosters empathy essential for a better world.
Her achievements in literature were recognized in 2023 by the JK YOG Global Institute. Nawaz’s novels not only highlight historical events and societal issues but also inspire readers with their hopeful perspectives, making her a vital voice in both the literary and Zarathushti communities.
Sanaya Master
Sanaya Master is a seasoned Communications and Engagement Consultant with global experience across healthcare, technology, and charitable sectors. A passionate advocate for youth leadership and community welfare, she founded the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF), hosting transformative gatherings in 2018 and 2024 at the ASHA Centre, UK, to unite young Zoroastrian leaders and foster collaboration and leadership.
As Co-Chair of the FEZANA Unity & Welfare Committee, Sanaya supports vulnerable members of the global Zoroastrian community. She is also a frequent contributor and two-time guest editor of the FEZANA Journal, bringing fresh insights to this vital publication. Her expertise has earned her speaking engagements at notable events, such as the 7th World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in Los Angeles and the Jamshed K. Pavri Seminar in Vancouver.
Sanaya’s advocacy extends to global platforms. At the 68th UN Civil Society Conference in Salt Lake City, she compiled FEZANA’s Rapporteurs report, and at the 64th UN Commission on the Status of Women, she led an online panel advocating for gender equality and empowerment. Her dedication to youth development includes her role as a licensed Chakradance Kids Facilitator, where she integrates mindfulness practices with movement, meditation, and art to promote holistic growth.
Sanaya shares her commitment to community service with her husband, Kayras Irani, as they raise their daughter, Spenta, with Zoroastrian values. Through her initiatives and multifaceted roles, Sanaya demonstrates an unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and advancing community welfare.
Roxana Trabulsi
We are delighted to announce Roxana Trabulsi as the 2024 recipient of the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize for her compelling novel Of Mud and Honey. Trabulsi’s work weaves her characters’ personal struggles with larger environmental and social themes, offering a poignant story of kinship, hope, and transformation. Her vivid prose and richly developed narrative capture the resilience of marginalized voices, embodying the prize’s mission to foster empathy and cross-cultural understanding. Trabulsi’s achievement continues Sidhwa’s legacy, reminding us of literature’s profound ability to bridge diverse perspectives and celebrate our shared humanity.
This year’s submissions were particularly strong, and the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize Board is pleased to present Nev March with an honorable mention for The Spanish Diplomat’s Secret.
Ervad Nekzad Illava
Ervad Nekzad Illava, is a dedicated member of the Zoroastrian community. He became Navar in 2014 and Martab in 2017 at the Malcolm Baug Agyari in Mumbai, India. Since then, he has actively served as a Mobed at the OZCF in Ontario, Canada, providing spiritual guidance and support to his community.
To deepen his understanding of Zoroastrian prayers and scriptures, Nekzad is enrolled in Avesta language classes through the NAMC Institute of Zoroastrian Studies (NAMC IZS), studying under Ervad Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia. In addition to his religious commitments, he is in his final year as an undergraduate and is planning to further his education, considering both master’s and medical degree paths.
Nekzad is committed to ongoing service within his community. He plans to continue volunteering with the OZCF and offer his services as a Mobed to Zoroastrians across Ontario. He also aspires to contribute at a leadership level by serving on the Board of Directors for both OZCF and the NAMC in the future.
His dedication to education, community service, and religious leadership exemplifies his passion for nurturing the Zoroastrian faith and community.
