Pezhman Shoghi’s story, an ultimate testament to passion, persistence, and tenacity, is one that speaks volumes. Born in Iran, brought up in India, and finally settling down in Norway, she battled the adversities of life with unshakable resolve and poise.
Her life turned dramatically when, when only 10, her family had to leave before the Iranian revolution 1975 and could not return back because of the revolution 1979 and the religion Bahai. They became refugees in India. Knowing nothing about Hindi or English, it proved very difficult for Pezhman to deal with an unfamiliar culture and educational system. But through hard work and application, she learned Hindi, English, and Sanskrit, never attending any one class twice.
Life as a refugee also had financial hardships. Her family only earned 1000 rupees per month for five individuals. Despite these hardships, Pezhman did not give up. In 1984, she married a Punjabi man and had a brand new lease of life. However, it collapsed 15 years later, leaving her only one suitcase and two children to care for.
In 2001, she found herself back as a refugee, this time in Norway, unfamiliar both with the language and the culture. Resolute to give a brighter future to her children, she did various work, cleaning, care work, and cover work as an English language teacher, while studying nights so that she could master the language, Norwegian. Her efforts did not go waste, as first, she graduated in the language, Norwegian, and subsequently, studies in Pedagogy. Her dedication shattered records, as she became the first refugee from overseas to secure an appointment as a schoolteacher in one of the schools managed by the Norwegian government.
Fueled by an ever-existing passion for educational assessment, Pezhman pursued further studies in school management, later achieving a master’s level degree in Assessment and Evaluation from York, England. Her innovative approaches toward educational assessment gained her international recognition, as well as contributions toward projects such as the European Language Portfolio.
Beyond education, Pezhman also served as four consecutive terms as a Lay Judge, co-authored an adult immigrants’ textbook in English, and served as an Indian Government representative in Norway for five years, promoting Indian handloom and handicrafts. Her work also involved advocating by collaborating with UNICEF projects aimed at empowering girls’ rights in Bihar, India.
Despite her success, one of the hardest fights that Pezhman had to survive was in 2007—depression. She experienced suicidal tendencies and anxiety attacks but, by virtue of the unshakable support of doctors and children, overcame these desperate hours. Having decided to give more importance to well-being, she chose early retirement so that she could spend time on her passion—drama.
Today, Pezhman Shoghi is gaining prominence as an upcoming actor and an international personality, inspiring many individuals by virtue of an extraordinary story of persistence, study, and an unshakable quest.
Story covered by Fame Finders Media
