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For Irani, the recognition came as a genuine surprise. “The reaction was a great surprise, but I felt happy that what a little bit I’m trying to do in my own capacity was recognised,” he said. Characteristically modest, he was quick to put the award in perspective. “It’s not really about getting the award, to be honest with you. The most important thing is that whatever little you’re trying to do for the community has been recognised. The award is secondary, really.”

Irani arrived in Australia in 1979, transferred here by the multinational pharmaceutical company he worked for at the time. He admits he was initially uncertain about the move, worried about how his wife Maggie and two young daughters, Hilla and Homaxi, would settle into a country that was vastly different from the Bombay they had left behind. His concerns proved unfounded. “To my great surprise, all three of them just loved the place. It was I who carried on for four, five, six months.”

Article by Torrsha Sen | Indian Link Australia

After a long career in the corporate world, including a stint in Dubai, and a period running a small water purification business, Irani retired around 2006. It was at that point that he made a decision that would define the next chapter of his life. “I made up my mind very, very strongly, what I want to do is try and give something back to the community. They’ve been nice to me. I’ve been very fortunate. So, come on, time to give back something.”

That commitment took many forms. For nearly nineteen years, Irani has been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, delivering food to elderly residents across Sydney. “The very satisfaction that you’re ringing the bell and an old man or woman, hardly able to walk, comes to the door, you give them the meal because they can’t prepare it themselves. And more importantly, not just giving the meal, but associating a little bit with them. They are so lonely,” he said.

Justice of Peace: Noshir Irani (Source: Supplied)

Twelve years ago, he became a Justice of the Peace, offering his services free of charge across multiple locations in Sydney every week. He has also served on the board of Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre (KNC), a not-for-profit dedicated to health and welfare support for the elderly, and was president of the Indo-Australian Cultural Society, which worked to foster exchange between Indian and Australian communities.

Irani’s contributions to the Zoroastrian community in Australia span decades. He served multiple terms as president of the Australian Zoroastrian Association, helping grow a community of just 40 or 50 families in 1979 to over 500 today, and led a landmark legal battle that secured the community’s right to use their own prayer hall in the Baulkham Hills area.

Now in his eighties, Noshir Irani plays golf twice a week and shows no signs of slowing down. His message to younger generations is simple: look up from your screens and look after the vulnerable. “The old and the vulnerable people of society, they need a lot of support. Whatever little you can do in your capacity, please do it.”

Sydney’s Noshir Irani awarded Medal of the Order of Australia 2026 for service to the community

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With Our BaHumata Super-Stars 

This 67th Thought Provoking Inspirational Webinar 

Will Be Conducted By

 Our Very Own Zarathushti Neuro Scientist 

Dr. Karishma Koka, PhD (Cambridge University, United Kingdom)

Founder, Host And Moderator of Ba Humata

Please Reserve Your Time For A Milestone Experience Of Your Life.

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Born on 30th October 1811, Motlibai was the only daughter of Jehangirji Nusserwanji Wadia and Bai Maneckbai. Her grandfather, Nusserwanji Maneckji Wadia, had established an extensive business network in France and served as the French Government’s agent in Bombay. This flourishing enterprise was later inherited and managed by her father, Jehangirji.

At the age of twelve, she married her cousin, Maneckji Nowrojee Wadia, who was then sixteen years old and already associated with the family business. Tragically, Maneckji died at a young age, leaving Motlibai widowed at only twenty-six. She was left to raise her two sons, Nowrojee and Nusserwanji, while carrying forward the dignity and traditions of the Wadia family.

Despite personal sorrow, Bai Motlibai emerged as a woman of extraordinary strength and generosity. She contributed large sums of money towards charitable causes and dedicated herself to the upliftment and welfare of society. Her philanthropy touched countless lives, making her one of the pioneering women benefactors of nineteenth-century Bombay. Though history has often overlooked her contributions, Bai Motlibai Wadia remains an inspiring example of courage, compassion, and selfless service.

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What does Zoroastrian identity sound like?

On 29 May, audiences at Kings Place in London embarked on a remarkable musical journey through heritage, memory, faith and belonging with Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni: A Musical Journey into Zoroastrian Identity.

The concert marked the culmination of Jonathan Galton‘s tenure as Shapoorji Pallonji Artist-in-Residence 2025–26, exploring how music shapes, preserves and expresses Zoroastrian identity across generations and communities.

Bringing together newly commissioned works and cherished musical traditions, the evening featured performances by Frazan Kotwal, Fra Rustumji, Firoze Madon, Amir Massoumian and the Ava Choir, alongside original compositions by Kahan Taraporevala and Raiomond Mirza. Hosted by Nina Wadia OBE, the programme celebrated the richness and diversity of Zoroastrian cultural expression through sound.

A memorable evening of music, reflection and connection.

This concert explores the role of music in shaping and expressing Zoroastrian identity. Bringing together newly commissioned works and musical traditions associated with Zoroastrian communities, the programme reflects on heritage, memory, faith and cultural belonging. Hosted by Nina Wadia OBE, the concert features performances by Frazan Kotwal, Fra Rustumji, Firoze Madon, Amir Massoumian and the Ava Choir, alongside original compositions by Kahan Taraporevala and Raiomond Mirza. Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni—”Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds”—is the central ethical principle of Zoroastrianism and the inspiration for this musical journey. 29 May 2026, Kings Place.

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My Journey in Advancing Recognition of the Timeless Zoroastrian Legacy

My fascination with Iran began more than fifty years ago during the 1970s, when I served as a ship captain with Arya National Shipping Lines. During that period, I visited Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rustam four times and Pasargadae, including the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, on three occasions. There was something extraordinary about these ancient monuments. Even in their ruined state, they reflected a sense of majesty, nobility, and spiritual grandeur that resonated deeply within me. Through them, I sensed the enduring legacy of Zoroastrianism and the remarkable civilization that nurtured it.

Two decades later, while attending a luncheon organized by the Indian community in Cerritos, California, I had the opportunity to meet Congressman Ed Royce. He expressed great admiration and goodwill toward the Indian community. One meeting led to another, and eventually I arranged an appointment with him accompanied by the late Vada Dasturji K. N. Dastur. A distinguished lawyer and respected scholar, Dasturji’s eloquence and intellectual brilliance made a lasting impression.

During that meeting, Congressman Royce graciously accepted my donation of the educational video The Dawn of Consciousness, which presented the fundamental teachings of Zoroastrianism. The video was subsequently accepted into the collections of the Library of Congress, marking an important milestone in promoting awareness of Zoroastrian heritage in the United States.

Fast forward to 2021. I approached the office of Congressman Lou Correa, whose district includes our Atash Kadeh in Orange County, seeking recognition of the “Timeless Zoroastrian Legacy.” What appeared to be a simple request evolved into nearly three months of continuous dialogue with legal, communications, and policy analysts in both California and Washington, D.C.

Initially, there was considerable skepticism. Some officials had never heard of Zoroastrianism and mistakenly assumed that I was advancing exaggerated historical claims. The turning point came when I presented extensive biblical evidence documenting the role of Persian kings in Jewish history. I was able to identify and explain the seventy-two references in the Bible relating to Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes, and Artaxerxes. The historical record proved overwhelming and persuasive.

As a result, Congressman Correa’s office approved the recognition, which was issued on Khordad Saal in 2021, exactly as I had hoped. That recognition became the foundation upon which many subsequent achievements were built.

I also recall that some members of our own community initially viewed the recognition with skepticism, even dismissing it as a “hoax.” However, persistence, documentation, and historical evidence ultimately prevailed.

Since that first recognition, I have been honored to obtain several additional recognitions from Congressman Lou Correa, including:

• Zoroastrian Legacy to Business and Commerce (published September 25, 2025)
  • March 21 recognized as National Zoroastrian Day in America
  • The Month of March recognized as Zoroastrian Heritage Month

In addition, I have secured numerous recognitions commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC), as well as recognitions for Nowruz and Mehregan from U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, California State Senators, and California Assembly Members.

Regarding the current recognition, the process encountered virtually no barriers. Over the years, I have provided congressional offices and government officials with substantial historical, scholarly, textual, archaeological, curatorial, and contemporary evidence demonstrating the enduring contributions of Zoroastrian civilization to humanity. The analysts and communications teams with whom I have worked are now familiar with the historical record and the significance of Zoroastrian heritage.

Today, similar recognitions are being issued by numerous public officials. What began as a single effort in 2021 has grown into a broader movement of awareness and appreciation. The momentum continues to build, ensuring that the timeless values of Zoroastrianism—truth, righteousness, justice, and service to humanity—receive the recognition they deserve in the United States and the world

Sam Billimoria

sam.billimoria@gmail.com

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