In defence of Nadir Modi

I feel that the attack on Nadir Modi was despicable. It has now become a mean fashion to run down those with whom you do not see eye-to-eye. Dogmatism, misplaced religious fervor (religious fanaticism) seem to be getting the better of our urbane and otherwise mild-mannered community.

Does it mean that the entire community should go by the wishes of a rabid coterie? Should 20 people dictate to 69,000 Parsis?

I have known Nadir since 1955, and his record of service is unimpeachable. Modi was absolutely right in holding the brief for Hilla Builders and the trustees of the Agiary, where the high-rise tower has come up.

With the development of the Agiary’s property the tenants in the dilapidated structure have been rehoused in modern flats. So what if there are non-Parsis in some of the flats? Do not 69,000 Parsis live in a sea of 103 crore non-Parsis? With more Parsis in the tower, the atash padshah is better protected than ever before. The trust gets more revenue which will be deployed for a good purpose.

BEHRAM T. DASTUR