“Fads or figures?”

Eighty-six percent of the community in Madras were of the opinion that children of Parsi mothers and non-Parsi fathers should be initiated and permitted into the fire-temple. The simple four-question poll, required "no historical background and deep knowledge of religion...only sound and rational thinking in the present-day context,” specified Nariman Mogrelia, president of the Madras Parsi Zarthosti Anjuman (MPZA) in response to clarifications sought by Parsiana (see "Fads or figures?” Events and Personalities, Parsi-ana, May 2004). "This was not out of a sense of fair play alone towards Parsi ladies married outside the community but also not to lose any Parsis by shutting out those marrying outside the community and their progeny. This is in no way to encourage Parsi girls to marry outside the community,” conveyed the confidential circular accompanying the questionnaire.

The four questions asked were: Do you think children of Parsi mothers and non-Parsi fathers should be allowed to perform their navjote? If yes, should they be allowed entry into the Dar-e-Meher? What are the checks and safeguards that you think are necessary to be observed? What is your free and frank opinion?

Some of the members did not reply to the questionnaire the second time on the rationale that they had already conveyed their positive response the previous time the Anjuman had conducted a poll in 1998. If those earlier favorable replies were to be added, the count of the liberals would rise to 90 percent, explained the president.

The referendum also revealed that those who were against the proposition "were not only in a small minority but they were (being) very aggressive and (making a) bigger noise,” opined Mogre­lia, "However, when I evaluated their views in a most fair and detached manner it revealed that their arguments are very similar, reflecting traditional thinking, nothing new and rational which the larger section of modern day members of the community would be willing to accept,” conveyed Mogrelia, adding, "It seems for them the world (has) not moved an inch since the last few decades. No consideration for the ever changing social structure in the changing world; while their own peers in the past accepted and adopted desirable changes in the religious practices, customs and conventions. The present day religion consists of these changes that incidentally (the) present day clergy is preaching and the community at large is practising. On the other hand a lot more members who are in favor of this proposition are very moderate in their language and more rational in their presentation, keeping pace with the present-day situation prevailing within the community in this ever-changing world.”

Unperturbed by the criticisms levelled against them by traditionalists like Dastur Nadirshah Unvalla and The Parsee Voice, Mogrelia clarifies, "There is an in-built provision in the trust deed that any controversial issue such as this should be taken up and resolved by the Anjuman on a majority basis.”