Contest for Youth
Essay, Short Story & Drawing
This annual contest is organized in an effort to harness the energy, creativity and initiative of the world's youth in thinking, learning, developing, and promoting, Zarathushtra's message as sung in the Gathas with an understanding of its modern usage in daily interactions and world issues. It also aims to inspire society to learn from the young minds and to think about each of us can make a difference in our community and the world.
2022 Essay Contest for Ages 14-18
“ According to the Gathas, can one be a Zoroastrian without a belief in God?”
2021 Drawing Contest-3 for Ages 8-20
“Submit a drawing best visualizing the featured story, considering the rubric and guidelines.”
2021 Drawing Contest-2 for Ages 8-20
“Submit a drawing best visualizing the featured story, considering the rubric and guidelines.”
2021 Essay Contest for Ages 11-14
“ What do you consider the most important element in a happy family? Why? How does it relate to the teachings of Zarathushtra in the Gathas?”
2021 Short Story Contest for Ages 13-18
“Spenta Mainyu, progressive mentality is promoting spiritual and/or material improvement at a personal, family, community, or global level”
2020 Essay Contest for Ages 11-14
“ In your opinion what are the qualities of a good leader? Compare it to what the Gathas teach us about being a good leader? ”
2020 Short Story Contest for Ages 13-18
“ Write a story in which a Zoroastrian relies upon the teachings of the faith to help them resolve a challenging situation or achieve a goal. ”
2019 Essay Contest for Ages 11-14
“Is it ever Okay to lie?”
If it is, when and in what situations? How does it relate to Zarathushtr's teachings (in the Gathas)?
Introducing
“A Clawed and Feathered Spell”
By: Catherine Linka
Good thoughts. Good words. Good deeds.
Paridun knows what the Wise Lord expects of him, but on the night of the feast of Mehregân, Paridun’s bad choices hurt and anger everyone in his village. This is Paridun’s story in search of Asha and fulfilling his duty to his community.
Available for purchase on: www.amazon.com
For readers 8 years and older
On the eve of the feast of Mehregân, a vision appeared to the high priest: a cloud of yellow dust boiled at the mouth of their desert valley and as the cloud neared the village, a charging army was visible within. The soldiers carried spears and swords, and rode not on horses, but on the backs of wolves.
Before the army reached the village’s mud walls, a boy ran out to block its way. A moment later, he was engulfed, and disappeared into the thundering cloud. The soldiers were cloaked from view, but howls and shrieks told of a great battle.
Then the cloud lifted, leaving nothing but the boy lying on the sand, a pair of torn and tattered wings nearly ripped from his bloodied shoulders.
The high priest sighed when the vision cleared; he was troubled for he recognized the boy. He was far too young, twelve years at most, to carry the weight of a hundred lives on his back, and the priest could not change his destiny, but perhaps he could make him ready.
