“Disawalla’s dismissal”

I was shocked and horrified to read what the Bangalore Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman (BPZA) has done to Dr M. D. Disawalla ("Disawalla’s dismissal,” Parsiana, November 2001).

I have known Disawalla for now over 50 years; a better, cleaner Zoroastrian would be hard to find. Does the BPZA realize that by evicting a man of sterling character and eminence on a charge that he does not subscribe to an archaic and obsolete method of disposal of the dead they only wrong themselves; and by publicizing their action they will draw the ridicule of not only the enlightened members of this community but of people at large?

Strange that while some men in Bangalore are destroying Zoroastrianism by dividing the community on issues of petty dogma and rituals, in the West the Zoroastrian religion is being revived and rejuvenated by a study of its lofty ideals and principles. Respected scholars from reputed universities are writing papers on subjects like "The history of ethics and its Zoroastrian origins.” They are glorifying this ancient religion by unfolding its beauties in its pristine state while we squabble about the disposal of the dead as if that is the acme of our ancient faith.

Disawalla would be well advised to refrain from rejoining the BPZA even if he is reinstated.

Dr H. S. ADENWALLA

Trichur

This has reference to "Disawalla’s dismissal” (Parsiana, November 2001) regar­ding Dr M. D. Disawalla’s membership being terminated by the Bangalore Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman (BPZA).

I am a resident of Bangalore and have known Disawalla for more than 25 years. I felt ashamed as a Zoroastrian of Bangalore for the treatment meted out to him.

Disawalla is well respected and loved by all the members of BPZA for his ever willingness to assist any Zoroastrian of Bangalore for any medical need without any monetary professional consideration.

He has never influenced any member against dakhmenashini although he is an uncompromising believer in the disposal of the dead by either burial or cremation in the light of his long experience as a doctor. He is also a fearless critic of shortcomings in the working of the BPZA and perhaps this might be the opportune reason utilized by the trustees to dismiss him as a member of the BPZA.

The Bangalore Zoroastrian community will be poorer without his presence in the BPZA and I feel that every effort must be made to restore his membership unconditionally.

DARA DARANSHAW ARIA

Bangalore