Academic Programme on Parsi Zoroastrian Culture and Heritage Studies

A brief overview for Applicants

New Beginnings

• TISS & ParZor launched a ‘first-of-its-kind course on Culture and Heritage Studies’ focused on the culture, heritage and contributions of a micro-minority community.

Who is it for?

• Young Researchers & Professionals: Explore new fields.

• Humanities & Heritage Enthusiasts: Enrich diverse studies.

• Curious Minds: Dive into Environment, Migration, and Diaspora.

• Change Makers: Address global issues.

Why Join?

  • Explore New Fields: Dive into Diaspora, Cultural and Migration Studies, Literature, Theatre, and Performing Arts.

  • Preserve Heritage: Learn methodologies of preserving rich heritage and culture

  • Access Rare Texts: Access exclusive manuscripts.

  • Experience Crafts: Understand unique crafts and techniques

  • Engage Actively: Participate in workshops, training, and lectures.

Director´s Message

Dr. Shernaz Cama
Director, Parzor Foundation

Parzor founded under the aegis of UNESCO is today an international repository of information on the vulnerable culture & heritage of the Parsi Zoroastrians. To share this knowledge with the next generation and keep alive academic research into Bronze Age traditions still relevant in a post-modern world is the aim of our collaboration with TISS, India’s leading university in the Social Sciences. An intercultural society that has Persian, Chinese, Indian, and European influences and the Parsi paradigm of fitting into India’s welcoming assimilation, has much to teach diaspora and migration patterns in the world today. 

We welcome you on an exciting journey that will take you across time and geographical distances to help you grow, learn and lead in the world of tomorrow.

Prof. Shankar Das
Pro Vice-Chancellor,
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

It gives me great pleasure to announce the establishment of the TISS-Parzor Centre for Cultural & Heritage Studies. The Indian education sector is constantly evolving into a global hub, embracing new perspectives and challenges. Culture and heritage are fundamental to the ancient civilization of India. Both South Asia and the Persian Gulf share strong commercial, energy, cultural, and people-to-people links. Therefore, a multicultural interpretation of this relationship is what will make the TISS-Parzor Academic Programme, the first-ever Academic Programme on Parsi Cultural and Heritage Studies, an exciting journey. I wish all those involved great success.

Expert´s Speak

Prof. Almut Hintze
Zartoshty Brothers Professor of Zoroastrianism, co-chair, Department of Religions and Philosophies, SOAS University of London

The academic programme on Parsi Zoroastrian Culture & Heritage of PARZOR and TISS is the first sustained and comprehensive degree programme in India on the Parsi cultural and religious heritage. Taking a truly interdisciplinary approach, the programme will not only contribute to the study, teaching and learning of Parsi Zoroastrian traditions but also raise awareness to the importance of Zoroastrian heritage and contribute to its appreciation and preservation. The SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies is looking forward to a fruitful collaboration.

Faculty

What’s in It for You?

  • Unveil Heritage: Pitch ideas on heritage preservation.

  • Global Experts: Mentorship from global leading academicians and cultural experts.

  • Earn Credits: Benefit future studies.

  • Modern Solutions: Apply past wisdom to contemporary issues, planning, policy-making

  • Build Career Pathways: Training in various fields including heritage management, tourism, Publishing, theatre and media.

Modular Option

  • Flexibility: Register for individual courses. No age bar.

  • Rolling Enrolment: Enrol before each course starts

Online Teaching with TISSOL

  • Platform: TISS Online Platform (TISSOL)

  • Access: Provided login ID

  • Training: Guidance for platform use

  • Submissions: Upload work to TISSOL

  • Communication: Managed by Course Coordinator

Course Evaluation

  • Independent Criteria: Set by course convener

  • Attendance: Regularly required

  • Assessments: Periodical assessments

Curriculum and Further Details

There is one Foundation Course and ten Elective Courses offered as part of the Certificate Programme, each worth 2-credits. In order to complete the Certificate requirements of 20-credits, a student would need to complete the Foundation Course, any seven Electives and a Research Project / Dissertation.

Foundation Course: Philosophy, History & Culture: Dr. Shernaz Cama and other guest faculty

 
. Course Curriculum
TRACK ELECTIVE COURSE

Language and Tradition

1. Oral Tradition, Ecology and Rituals
Dr. Sarah Stewart and other guest faculty

2. Avestan language
Prof. Almut Hintze

Parsi Literature

 3. Parsi Literature in English

Prof. Coomi Vevaina and other guest faculty

4. Persian and Parsi Gujarati Literature
Dr. Kerman Daruwalla and other guest faculty

Historical Perspectives

5. History, Archaeology and Heritage

Dr. Kurush Dalal and other guest faculty

6. Print History and Journalism
Dr. Firdaus Gandavia and other guest faculty

Contemporary Studies

7. Parsis and Modern India
Dr. Meher Mistry and guest faculty

8. Zoroastrian Demographics
Prof. Siva Raju, Prof. Shalini Bharat, Prof. Lata Narayan and guest faculty
 Art and Material Culture  9. Material Culture: Arts, Crafts and Architecture

Prof. Kavas Kapadia, Dr. Shernaz Cama and other guest faculty

10. Parsi Theatre and Performing Arts
Dr. Abhimanyu Acharya and other guest faculty

Quick Overview: 20-Credit Certificate Programme

  • Start Date: September 2024

  • Total Credits: 20 (approx. ten months)

  • Completion Options: 2-credit Research Paper or 4-credit Dissertation/Field Study

  • Course Structure: 30 hours per 2-credit course; 2-3 classes per week, over 6-8 weeks

Fee Details

  • **Total Fee: ₹60,000/- payable at admission

  • The fee breakup is given below:

Component Fee Breakup Amount (Rs.)
Fee Tuition fee 35 000
Examination fee 2 000
Charges Dissertation / Study Supervision 10 000
IT Charges 2 000
Library / Online material charges 1 000
Other (ID, Platform access, Certificate, etc.) 2 500
Fund Development fund 4 000
Alumni fund 500
Deposit Caution deposit 3 000
Total Programme fee 60 000

·       Scholarships: Partial fee waivers for deserving candidates.

·       How to Apply for scholarship? Send a 300-word motivation letter to tiss.parzor@gmail.com

·       Modular Option: ₹7,500 per course.

Important Information for International Applicants

Full Certificate Course:

·       High Income Economies: Total $1150 (Course $1080 + Application $70)

·       Upper Middle Income Economies: Total $1080 (Course $1010 + Application $70)

·       Lower Middle Income Economies: Total $1010 (Course $940 + Application $70)

·       BIMSTEC/Low Income Economies: Total $930 (Course $860 + Application $70)

Modular Option:

  • High Income Economies: $120 per course

  • Upper Middle Income Economies: $110 per course

  • Lower Middle Income Economies: $100 per course

  • BIMSTEC/Low Income Economies: $100 per course

Additional Fee: One-time Application/Admission fee of $70.

Note: International Applicants include those with a foreign passport or OCI card. NRI Applicants with an Indian passport can choose their status.

Admission Process

  • Apply Online: Use e-application portal at https://nirantar.tiss.edu/

  • Create Profile: Complete profile and upload documents

  • Need Help?: Contact Program Coordinator at tiss.parzor@gmail.com

  • Results: Posted on the Institute's website within two weeks after applications end

  • For more information on the Application Process please click here.

    What Will I Get?

    • Programme Certificate: Prestigious TISS–Parzor Certificate in Culture & Heritage Studies

    • Module Certification: Completion Certificate for each course/module

      Good luck with your application! We look forward to embarking on this journey with you!

For any queries, please write to tiss.parzor@gmail.com or send a WhatsApp message at: +91 8007999490 /+91 9321648323.