“An acrimonious...”

The objective appraisal in "An acrimonious election” (Parsiana, September 2003), must have made many of us ponder over the disgusting attributes in the psyche of some individuals every time an election is announced for a trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP).

Instead of exhibiting dignity in dissent, which is expected from the members of our elite community, we have proved time and again how professional we are in expressing all the negative aspects of a candidate disliked by us.

There can be no two opinions about Dinshaw Tamboly’s eligibility and subsequent reelection for a second term as trustee of the BPP in light of his consistent reputation and services rendered by him to the BPP, community and several social organizations, particularly the World Zoroastrian Organisation. But, must we deviate from our sensible ways to project the other two aspiring candidates as nothing less than villains? Noshir Dadrawala withdrew his candidature before the election. I would like to congratulate Yazdi Desai for holding his ground and for the sagacity and boldness he exhibited in contesting the election in spite of being aware of the fact that the dice were overwhelmingly cast against him. It is to his credit that he managed to garner an astonishing 146 votes. Congratulations Desai, we need young candidates like you who show boldness in expressing their views.

It appears quite possible that amongst the next generation, or even earlier, we may have a candidate who will publish the following bold but practical assurances in his manifesto viz:

•The system of dakhmenashini — as it exists today be abolished as it is an impractical and unhygienic way of disposing a dead body.

•An electric crematorium be provided at the Doongerwadi for quick, complete and hygienic disposal of the dead. This has become a crying need in view of the public awareness for unpolluted environment and also if we are keen to preserve and protect the beautiful, precious and priceless community property from the capricious intent of the land sharks. This caution applies to all the doonger­wadis.

•Our Zoroastrian population is diminishing at an alarming rate as evident by census figures every 10 years. Can we not counter this at least to some extent by selective acceptance of converts to Zoroastrianism who have shown genuine interest and knowledge of our religion and have proved their bonafide? After all conversion to the Zoroastrian faith is enjoined, as stated in the Gathas — Ys 28.5, 31.3, 47.6 etc, Fravardin Yasht — paragraphs 93 and 94; Vendidad — 19th pargarad, etc. Learned scholars of our religion have referred to the prevalence of conversion in early years even by our own Prophet Zarathushtra. Another practical way is to permit any child into our Zoroastrian fold if one of the parents is a Zoroastrian and the other spouse has no objection to this. In my earlier letter ("99.9 percent common genes,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, March 2003), I had stated that 99.9 percent of the genes are common to all members of the same species and there is no molecular support for race discrimination. It is therefore meaningless to assume that our Parsi community has any special tokham which could be considered as higher or better than that of members of other communities.

•There are more than 150 Zoroastrian associations in India and abroad. While local anjumans may take interest in the welfare of their own members and address local problems, there are many issues that are common and pertain to our community and religion which need to be resolved jointly on a global pattern. It is thus imperative that we form a world Zoroastrian body which is representative in areas of industry, economics, politics, education, health, religion, etc. The task to form such an association appears herculean, but not impossible, due to our inherent propensity to view every change with caution, if not suspicion.

Let us hope that our coming generations will face these problems adroitly and bring in the much needed changes befitting the existing conditions.

Dr M. D. DISAWALLA

Bangalore