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The ASHA Centre
Creating the future
Zerbanoo established the ASHA Centre, in the beautiful Royal Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, to build a lasting and worthwhile celebration of the Millennium.
A stunning home and gardens which are enjoyed by everyone, ASHA is a centre of excellence where pioneering ideas are put into action and where service is not just a motto but a reality.
The ASHA Centre is now recognised internationally as a hub of activity for young people who come from Britain and all over the world to experience each other’s cultures, faiths and shared humanity.
Young people from war-
They all value the space they are given to explore their own identities and the chance to examine social justice and the importance of principled and inspirational leadership.
They are encouraged to experience the joys of working on the land, sustainable living and the use of the creative arts.
The ethos at ASHA is that everyone has special gifts that need to be nurtured and that everyone can enrich their world. ASHA is a place where hope becomes Action.
It is said that the ASHA Centre is the only stately home in Britain that doesn't charge entrance fees to walk around or study wildlife in its magnificent gardens. It is a magical place, where everyone feels at home and leaves transformed.
Many thanks to the Erach and Roshan Sadri Foundation, and everyone worldwide who has contributed to the Z Factor with such enthusiasm and generosity of spirit.
Interfaith action
Interfaith is part of ASHA’s holistic approach to healing communities who are torn apart because of their unhappy histories.
At ASHA, people are challenged to be open to life and understand others’ faiths and spiritual beliefs.
The Centre is recognised as a sacred place. It has been chosen by Interfaith ministers as a base for their training and spiritual retreats.
Young British Zoroastrians enjoying tea-
Far left: Rev Juliet Stephenson and Swamini Kaliji discussing their faiths at the ASHA Centre.
Young people from around the world celebrating Navroze, the Persian New Year, which falls on the spring equinox.
Sustainable living
ASHA’s gardens are cultivated by the age old biodynamic tradition, now coming back
into fashion. All vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers and the Old English Rose Garden
have been dug, planted, hoed, weeded and harvested according to the lunar calendar.
The ancient Zoroastrians also grew their crops in this way, to respect the earth.
As a super-
The stream fed by St Anthony’s Well runs through the garden.
Young volunteers from around Europe learning biodynamics, the diversity of wildlife and the importance of global ecology.
The beautifully appointed
cottages next to the main house provide accommodation for
visitors to the Centre.
ASHA’s got talent!
Theatre for peace
The Tongues of Fire Youth Theatre is affiliated to the ASHA Centre. Drama, voice
training and presentation all underpin the work of teaching young people self-
The young people create plays which they perform in Gloucester and London before then staging the production in their home countries. Young Arab and Jewish Israelis have produced plays together which they have taken to their warring homeland in an effort to bring together their divided communities. The Israeli media have called this one of the most significant contributions to the peace process.
Young South Africans performed the play they had created at ASHA on the history of their nation for Nelson Mandela at his home.
Zanandule, a play written by Zerbanoo’s son, Alex, and presented in London and South Africa by young people from the townships.
A Jewish girl putting make-
