Protecting priests

There appears to be a move to obtain an exemption from wearing crash helmets for Parsi priests, on the ostensible plea that the Sikhs have been granted an exemption.

The Sikhs have their religious reason/s for not wearing anything, above their turban.

When the Americans invented the bulletproof helmets in the World War II, the British granted exemption to the Sikhs (exceedingly valiant and gallant soldiers) as they did not wish to alienate them at the time when the British needed cannon fodder from all their colonies, dominions and dependencies.

Every Parsi is precious to us — and not just the priests — and there is no religious justification for such a move. I would go to the extent of suggesting to the Athornan Mandal that if such a representation were to be made to the Government of Maharashtra, it would be hazardous and detrimental.

BEHRAM T. DASTUR