Enlightened unity

The Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (FPZAI) is reportedly considering only those associations whose membership consists of Parsi and Irani Zoroastrians to be eligible for membership of the contemplated global alliance.

If there be a genuinely profound desire to bring about/establish a global union of Zoroastrians, wherever located, is it not considered charitable to accept precepts and/or viewpoints expressed and reject — after due deliberation — others?

Many Zoroastrians would dearly love to see our relatively small and widely dispersed community functioning as a unified conglomerate, at least tolerating some of the wide differences among us in a spirit of live and let live. Does it not seem imperative to bridge the chasm that could be due to some divergence of thought form between the western-minded and western-trained? May we call on all members of our Zoroastrian community — wherever they be — especially, those of goodwill to join in working to rescind the opportunistic decision(s) initiated by an apparently rebel group of members promoting a boycott on the formation of a world body of Zoroastrians?

Scholarship and research, the open and free exchange of ideas are the foundation of civilization. Without them there can be no true advancement of human knowledge affecting belief in the Zoroastrian religion and mores. Whatever the opinion(s) and considered view(s) of the Zoroastrian following in Bombay, USA, Canada, Britain, etc it is only by pragmatic reasoning together that truth can be discovered, facts verified and balanced opinions exchanged. Can boycott — wherever engendered — be justified by a false analogy with the illegitimate and irrational/undemocratic thought form based on an ethos of discrimination? Do not those who do so impress as trying to use past tragedies to advance present prejudices?

Sixty years ago, there was triumph over a foe (Hitler) that started a campaign of hate and extermination of boycotting people because of their race, religion and political opinions. We have learned too much, and at too great a cost, to let such a process repeat itself.

An aggressive, ambitious, strong person — and one with a loud voice to boot — does not raise the comfort levels or conform to certain unspoken values of acceptable human behavior. All powerful perceptions are necessary for each of us to feel secure, included, valued and respected. The real winner of a rational program is our perception of one another and the pride it can engender among us Zoroastrians. The carrot works better, but, only if you understand what motivates young people. Connect with your people.

FURHOK K. TANGREE

La Roche-sur-Foron

France