CHICAGO: The Zoroastrian Association of Chicago (ZAC) held its meeting on April 9 in Burr Ridge, a westside suburb of Chicago, covering an important topic of Education and Public Health Forum under the leadership of Porus Dadabhoy.

Around 75 people attended this highly educative Forum that sought to empower Indian American youth (12-30 years) and their parents.

In the morning session, five speakers presented their topics with Dr. Manu Vora as the Moderator:

1. Substance Abuse Challenges in Youth – Dr. Theodote K. Pontikes, M.D., Assistant. Prof., Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL

2. Risks to Young Adults Involving Sex – Dr. David Hines, M.D., FACP, Metro Infectious Disease Consultants, Chicago, IL

3. How to educate your child to be a Winner – Dr. Ratnam Chitturi, Founder, North South Foundation, Burr Ridge, IL

4. How to Get Admitted at Elite Schools (Ivy League) – Dr. Manu K. Vora, MBA, Chairman and

President, Business Excellence, Inc., Naperville, IL, and Adjunct Faculty, School of Professional

Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

5. Excelling at an University – Prof. Dinshaw Balsara, Ph.D., Dept. of Applied Math, Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN

In the afternoon session, five speakers presented their topics with Dr. Murali Rao as the Moderator:

1. Mental Health Awareness – Dr. Viji Susarla, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Self-Improvement Through Awareness (SITA), Naperville, IL

2. Best Practices in Prevention of Teasing, Hazing, and Bullying – Mr. Hosi Mehta, President, Mehta Motors and My Car Wash businesses, Past president of ZAC, Elmhurst, IL

3. Best Practices in Diet and Exercise – Dr. Zubin Tantra, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, Owner, Lake County Physical Therapy LLC, Grayslake and Round Lake Beach, IL

4. Family Qualities & Mental Health of Zoroastrian Young Adults – Ms. Farin Bakhtiari, M.A. Ph.D. Student (via Skype), University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.

5. CDC and UHF Reports – Dr. Murali Rao, MD, FAPM, Prof. and Chair, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL.

The Forum was very well received by an enthusiastic audience that asked many questions after each presentation. Everyone present was appreciative of the excellent selection of and presentations by professionals highly qualified in their field. Sincere thanks to all speakers and attendees for their time and participation in this unique and educational event.

All enjoyed a delicious ‘Parsi style’ vegetarian lunch organized by Parsi Chef, Mrs. Aban Daboo. Thanks were offered to all the Forum Volunteers including Jehangir Darukhanavala, Mrs. Mani Rao, Rohinton Rivetna, Mrs. Roshan Rivetna, and Mrs. Dinaz Weber.

Vispi Cooper provided IT support and Arvind Guna Patel managed registration.

Arvind Patel

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