WZO’s stand

A malicious campaign alleges that the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) has navjotes performed of non-Zoroastrians. There is absolutely no truth at all to these false allegations.

Much is being made of pictures showing navjote ceremonies of some non-Zoroastrians being performed that were published in our news magazine Hama­zor as a news item. The pictures recei­ved were published only by way of information. It certainly does not mean that WZO has had any role to play in any of such navjotes. Hamazor will continue to disseminate information on Zoroastrian matters and practices globally.

It is also a matter of profound regret that attempts are being made in India, by those opposed to WZO and the proposed world body, to indulge in mischievous propaganda against WZO and Dinshaw Tamboly who is actively involved in its welfare work. There is absolutely no truth in such propaganda. WZO has always respected the sentiments and practices prevailing in different regions of the world, consequently the membership in India is restricted only to Parsi/Irani Zoroastrians.

WZO has successfully completed 25 years in the service of the community globally. Whilst WZO takes great pride in what it has achieved over the years, it remains aware of the fact that any single organization can only do so much. The needs of any community are infinite, whereas availability of resources is finite. WZO recognizes that whilst it has performed satisfactorily, there is much more that still needs to be done to alleviate the poverty in which many Zoroastrian families still live, in villages, towns and cities.

Notwithstanding anything that critics or those opposed to its activities may have to say by way of wild sweeping unsustainable criticism, WZO remains undeterred and will continue to focus on and address the many spheres in which the community needs to be strengthened through its welfare activities.

Rather than WZO’s opponents indulging in false propaganda, WZO would welcome receiving from them specific examples of any activity undertaken by WZO that has been anti-religious or detrimental to any cause of our community. The attacks are made by those who are envious of the successes achieved by WZO in its public welfare activities resulting out of continuous confidence expressed in WZO by many donors worldwide. It is a known fact that WZO has no funds of its own. All our activities are supported through donations raised.

SAMMY H. BHIWANDIWALLA

Chairman, World Zoroastrian Organisation