Whither, Parsiana?

For years, perhaps decades, I have subscribed to and read Parsia­na. Often cover to cover. But of late I find myself skipping over pages which run on meetings of the Federation of Parsi Zoroast­rian Anjumans of India, or equivalent. Or, letters like the one written by Filly K. Maravala, Essex, UK (Readers’ Forum, Parsia­na, March 2004).

Does anyone — I mean anyone — truly believe that the Vada Dasturs or Khojeste Mistree et al, lovely as they are, are going to make even a thumb-nail of a difference to what is happening, going to happen, will happen, to the Parsis of India (unless, of course, these venerables are going to be reborn in a year or two and genetically multiply their ilk, using cloning technology!)?

Our heritage, (religion + culture + upbringing) has made us good people, by and large. And good people will seek out other good people as life-mates or companions, irrespective of the religion into which such people are born, even irrespective of the geographies, as the world of humans becomes more and more seamless.

As parents our duty is to see that good is enhanced in our progeny and evil or bad kept away. We have so much to offer others, so much to learn from them. Why not get on with this rather than waste endless hours, money, paper, editorial sweat, etc, on issues which are not even relevant any more. Stick to the demographic facts. And please let us hear more about the achieve­ments of Parsis, their writings, deeds, charities and businesses.

Let me give the view of Gerald Edelman (Nobel prize laureate) known for his theory on human consciousness: The "sci­ences of recognition” studies how biological processes recognize other biological processes. It is an enterprise that spurs amaze­ment, because if it succeeds, it will show that out of accident and diversity something as miraculous as human consciousness can be born. This vision can also spur discomfort because it implies that there is no supervising soul or self. Nobody is standing behind the curtain.

All religions are good stories. They had their time and place. They were useful, to a point, and as history they are part of a global civilization. But it is time to move on to a new level of human behavior that endorses our similarities in the area of goodness and well-being.

The Parsis are remarkable, talented and open-minded. Or, am I wrong?

NAWSHIR D. KHURODY