Report on the events in California, USA 2003
UNESCO proclamation of the year 2003 as the “ 3000 YEARS OF ZOROASTRIAN CULTURE”
May we be those that re-new this existence (Gathas of Zaratustra 30-9)
Report on the events in California, USA
Many places in the world celebrated this great event through the year 2003. This date coincide with the 3rd millennium of the birth of the first universal thinker in history Zarathustra.
“ European Centre For Zoroastrian Studies” that had already joined this elebration in organizing a conference-event in Brussels ( Belgium) under the theme, Zarathoustra; Le Perceur du Super Intellect, ou les Idées qui changèrent le monde, was represented by its director Dr. Khosro Khazai ( Pardis) to the great events that took place as from 19th to 21st December 2003, in Los Angeles ( USA).
The event started at 3:00 PM as a reception party on Friday December 19th 2003 with many guests around the world gathering at the California Zoroastrian Center. Assortment of all kind of food, fruits, Cheese and wine, tea and coffee was served based on ancient Persian traditions.
This program was end at 9:00 PM.
The event continued next day on December 20th 2003, at 9:00 AM as a Conference at the Anaheim Convention Center. The speakers were
1. Justice of the Peace, Honorable Magistrate Shahin Bekhradnia of World Zoroastrian Organization - Oxford, England
2. Dr. Dolly P. Dastoor, Chair of the Educational Committee, McGill Center, Past President of Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America and Previous Chair of the International Committee on Status of Women - Quebec, Canada
3. Professor Emeritus Stanley Insler of Yale University, Holder of the Salisbury Chair for Sanskrit & Comparative Philology - Connecticut, USA
4. Dr. Ali A. Jafarey, Director of Religious Affairs, the Zarathushtrian Assembly - Anaheim, USA
5. Dr. Khosro Khazai ( Pardis), Director of European Center for Zoroastrian Studies in Brussels, Belgium
6. Professor Emeritus Farhang Mehr of Boston University, Professor on International Relations, Past President of Shiraz (Pahlavi) University, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Finance Minister, Previous Representative of Iran on OPEC's Board of Governors and Founding Member of the Ancient Iranian Culture Society - Boston, USA
7. Honorable District Attorney of Orange County and Past Presiding Judge by the Chief Justice of California, Appellate Department of the Superior Court and the Judge of the Municipal Court and Superior Court by Governors of California for Complex Criminal Cases, Tony Rackauckas - Santa Ana, USA
The language of the conference was in English and Persian. In between each speech, there was classical music with traditional dances with folkloric themes. Messages from various organizations and individuals around the world were also read. On this day, the organizers also recognized and appreciated those who have selflessly dedicated themselves to spreading the humane and Universal
messages of Zarathsuhtra to “Refresh This World” with their Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds . The conference ended at 5:00 PM.
The night gala,
The night gala started at 8:00 PM at “Proud Bird”, Los Angeles Airport. This was a grand gala attended by scholars, celebrities, authorities, and artists. Multiple singers performed and various shows were conducted and a sumptuous dinner was served.
The event continued next day on December 21st 2003, at 10:00 AM as the “Day of Heritage” at the California Zoroastrian Center. On this day, the Center presented various cultural programs depicting rich aspects of Persian and Zoroastrian heritage dating back to millenniums with variety of folk dances, customs, traditional ceremonies, historical events and shows.
Various declarations sent by dignitaries including his Excellency the President of Tajikistan and his cabinet, Dr. Koichiro Matsura, director general of UNESCO and his organization, governor elect Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and his staff, Honorable Mr. Tony Rackauckas, the District Attorney of Orange County and his staff were read.
Except for the night gala, the whole event was-free of charge and open to everyone.
