“The rape of the…”

"The rape of the Federation” (Parsiana, September 21, 2005) is what our editor feels, but an honest title would be "Rape of the community.” The Federation meeting was ably covered but most times the report was one sided, no guesses for which side! You have attributed the "goondagiri,” "dadagiri” and "hooliganism” to recent times, unheard of earlier. Have you thought why? The answer is clear. Whether one is an orthodox or radical or modern, when it comes to religion one needs to tread gently as it’s a delicate issue which touches the core of one’s heart.

We see a big divide suddenly, the reason as very clearly stated by none other than the gusty joint honorary secretary of the Federation Keki Gandhi (who is resurrected as ‘Gandhis are used to assassination’): "Our opponents have only one agenda that the World Body should not be formed.” Seconding him is our Arnavaz Mama who mentions the "single point agenda to stall the creation of such a body and of India’s participation in it has resulted in the enormous disharmony unleashed by the orthodox group.” Did they expect we Parsis will hand over our beliefs on a platter to join a group which is not abiding by the Parsi religion we Indian Parsis have been instilled with? The Federation is not being thrashed for any corruption, fraud, mismanagement of funds and property. All we want is our religion to be left alone. Time will take care of it, as it has always done.

The World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis is playing a very constructive role of a watchdog protecting the religion which is being eroded by factions who wish to change the very structure we have so far happily lived in! This is the very reason why suddenly endorsements to represent small anjumans has seen the light of day. Had these voices not been heard then the Federation would have joined the World Body for who was there to stop them? Folks like me who were considered progressive are now suddenly being pushed to such lengths that we have to make a choice.

We too are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, but if in its present format the World Body is formed, then there won’t be any light at the end, it will only be an endless tunnel!

Let this issue now take a total break, and let the Federation progress with the umpteen items on its agenda that need to be discussed and solved for the community to progress and prosper.

RODA D. HAKIM

Baroda