Success Stories
Thanks to the grace and generosity of organizations like the YCZA, I have been fortunate enough to expand my horizons and continue my education in the United States. I had the good fortune of experiencing high school in this country which allowed me to prepare for college, get acclimated with the culture, and continue playing football. Currently, I am enjoying an all encompassing college education program in the US with access to numerous resources, networks, and leadership opportunities to set me up for the future. I am immensely grateful to have this experience and wish success to all those who venture on a similar path.
Shahvir Sarkary is in his final year studying Psychology and Design at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. Having studied human behaviour and digital arts such as graphic design, visual design and different forms of art direction, Shahvir plans to pursue a career in digital product design. He is forever thankful for the love and support he has received from the Zoroastrian community to pursue his passion. The YCZA Educational & Charitable Fund has helped him fund his education and take the next leap as he continues to learn about Design and Human-Computer Interaction. Shahvir's vision for the community "Being a Zoroastrian has always provided me with a sense of belonging no matter where I'm in the world as the community is one step away and is always ready to welcome me with open arms. I hope someday I can do the same and inspire my fellow Zoroastrians to pursue their creative passions and follow their dreams!".
During my college days YCZA was a unique institution, in that not only did it cater to the socio-cultural and religious requirements of Parsi-Irani Zoroastrian youth, but also provided crucial educational support through its Book Fund, where students could hire textbooks for their academic year at a very nominal cost. The efflux of time dims my memory as to what attracted me to YCZA – was it the very lively interactions and events at Modi Lodge or the beneficence of the Book Fund? What has been retained over the years are happy memories of camaraderie and friendly competition and knowledgeable interactions leading to mental and ethical development, which has stood me in good stead all these years. Organisations develop and grow due to the commitment and efforts of its Founders and key people. In that, we owe everlasting gratitude to Prof. Nadir Modi and the late Mrs. Homai Modi. It has been my privilege to continue the relationship for years after, especially with Homai, for all the good work she did. I also cannot forget the complete dedication of the late Ahmed Bharucha to his beloved Book Fund. Ahmed not only ran the Book Fund efficiently, but stayed au courant with all subjects and the latest text books, often providing invaluable guidance to students as to which questions to expect in their examinations. In the digital age that we live in, I feel that the need for an organisation like the YCZA is all the more pronounced in bringing the youth of our religion together on a common platform and improving their inter-personal skills.
I am not that much financially stable person. But as a zoroastrian person I can see dream to study abroad and becoming a successful person. Your trust helped me when I was in the need of funds. So for that thank you very much for having trust in me and believing on my honesty.