The World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce – Houston Chapter conducted a very successful webinar on April 10 on the “Impact of COVID-19 on your Health and Taxes”. The session was attended by over 75 people and the attendees greatly appreciated the very timely discussion on the impacts of this pandemic to our daily lives. Mitra Khumbatta, CPA and Kershaw Khumbatta, CPA started the session by presenting highlights about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act and how they impact individuals and businesses. Details were provided about stimulus checks for individuals and how the amounts could vary based on income, and benefits available from the Texas Workforce Commission for unemployed or furloughed individuals. Next, the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance Program provided by the US Small Business Administration were discussed. The participants found these highlights to be very beneficial as there are many aspects to the stimulus package that apply in varying ways.   The second part of the webinar was presented by Dr. Sorab Italia and he provided facts about COVID-19 and addressed the many fallacies that are being circulated on social media. He discussed the common symptoms of the virus (with fever being a very common symptom), where to get tested for the virus, the timings of test results depending on where you get tested, the different strains of the virus that have occurred in the past, how patients with the virus are presently being treated, the protective masks and gloves that could be worn, the typical age and personal health of the persons that are severely affected by the virus, the anticipated timing of the virus peaking in the Houston area, and the benefits of getting the flu vaccine even though that will not help with this virus. He also stated a vaccine will be the eventual answer to battle this virus, but it will probably not be available for another year. In addition, Dr. Italia also dispelled rumors about the many home remedies that can supposedly fight the virus.   An extensive Q&A session was conducted after the speaker presentations and the meeting participants asked dozens of questions about COVID-19’s health and tax implications. It was evident by the significant number of questions and deep interaction that this webinar was extremely well received by our community.

Plant Visit WZCC North American Regional Meeting on April 27, 2017, started with a tour of Coating Industries, Inc. and J.R. Manufacturing, L.P. owned by our local fellow Zarathushtis and WZCC members, Mrs. Aban Rustomji and her son Mr. Arish Rustomji. Over 50 participants from across USA and Canada were present.

Plant Visit WZCC North American Regional Meeting on April 27, 2017, started with a tour of Coating Industries, Inc. and J.R. Manufacturing, L.P. owned by our local fellow Zarathushtis and WZCC members, Mrs. Aban Rustomji and her son Mr. Arish Rustomji. Over 50 participants from across USA and Canada were present.

On October 24, 2019, a joint event with North American Mobed Council (NAMC) was organized at the newly opened Shahi Darbar Restaurant. Ervad Dr. Parvez Bajan spoke on Philanthropy – The Best Virtue According to Zoroastrianism. Ervad Bajan is a sixth-generation priest and serves as head priest of the Seth B. M. Mevawala Fire Temple, Mumbai, which has been managed by his family since the enthronement of the fire in 1851. Ervad Bajan at the age of 65, earned a doctorate in a rare subject, Avesta-Pahlavi, the language of the Zoroastrian scriptures. With the courtesy of NAMC, Ervad Bajan was on a lecture tour starting in Chicago, then Houston and ending with 3 talks in Southern California. Ervad Bajan addressed an audience numbering 40+ including businessmen and professionals, about the virtues of philanthropy. He gave some examples from Zarathushti prayers that emphasize the importance of charity in our daily lives. Quote: “……May charity overcome greediness….. etc.” He also pointed out what our basic prayer clearly spells out that “He who gives assistance to the poor acknowledges the kingdom of God.” Ervad Bajan went on to deliver two more lectures at the Bhandara Atash Kadeh in Houston over the weekend. WZCC- Houston Chapter thanks NAMC for making this event possible.