4th Youth Congress

Though I was hopeful of having the Bombay Parsi Punchayet’s donation being returned to them by the Poona organizers, somehow finding itself into our coffers, it was a mere jest on my part when I said "Hope it comes our way” — or words to that effect ("World body stymied,” Parsiana, January 2005). The real reason for my invited presence at Ahmedabad was to announce the fact that The Fourth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress was definitely on and to let as many delegates of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India know about it as early as possible.

May I also request you to correct any apprehension regarding the fire alarms being turned off during the jashan ceremony. Out of the context it may sound as if we were endangering the youth or even that the authorities were going to be slack! Nothing could be further from the truth! I have since gone and spoken to the people in charge to warn them of any inadvertent adverse publicity thanks to such statements in the Press. In trying to show just how gracious the Australians are about other people’s religious sensibilities, and just how very helpful they are to our own cause, I had mentioned this to you. I have ascertained that the children’s safety will not be compromised in the slightest. In fact Ian Parker, the gentleman we liaise with most, has actually said, "The minute you or we perceive the slightest danger to the kids, we’ll step in.” At all times a CFA volunteer will be on hand and I am always more than anxious for our beloved youth’s welfare at all times.

SHIRIN J. MISTRY

Victoria, Australia