Keen to restore entrepreneurial spirit among the Parsi community, the World Zarathusthi Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) has roped in Jumbo King MD Dheeraj Gupta to address the association's annual general meeting on Sunday. They believe that Gupta's experience, as a successful entrepreneur, will inspire young role models in a community, where entrepreneurship is 'dwindling'.
Minoo Shroff, WZCC president, said, "The Parsi community is small and highly educated, and, therefore, there are fewer youngsters who opt for their own businesses, which was once the forte of the community."
According to Shroff, red-tapism has made corporate jobs look more attractive. He said, "We hope that the people will be inspired by Gupta's achievement and would follow him."
However, Gupta told MiD DAY that the audience's reactions to his address has ranged from amusement to amazement. "People usually underestimate the business of vada pavs, but with facts and figures, it can be proved that any product in a business can be successful with the right execution," he said.
The issue may well be one that might be pursued in the upcoming Parsi panchayat elections that will open to the general electorate for the first time.
However, Shroff ruled out any such possibility and said, "The elections and the effort to inspire entrepreneurs are two different things, but the panchayat has always supported us in our endeavors for the community."
