Let majority have say

Dhun Baria has shown the way! The gutsy senior citizen has done what the heavy-weights of the Disposal of the Dead with Dignity — Action Group (DDD-AG) tried to do in 2001. As one associated with the movement, I had been advocating even then to take the community into confidence, and create support within the community rather than take recourse to law. In my view, on issues even remotely connected with religion, it is the majority in the community which must have a say.

The Parsi community today has too many religious leaders with differing viewpoints at different times and on different issues, sometimes for personal or vested interest. There is no single authority who could give scholarly or learned explanations on doctrinal theology.

Our religion itself advocates free will and as a corollary the choice of method of disposal should be with the deceased and his or her family. The Bombay Parsi by and large preferred the dakhmenashini system while its efficacy was unquestioned. Without sweeping facts under the carpet, it has to be accepted that over the last few years, the system is failing miserably. The very fact that aviary experts were invited proves that vultures (a dying species across Asia) essential for the system to function, no longer exist and therefore the need for an aviary. However even Jemima Parry-Jones later admitted that it was neither feasible nor possible at the Doongerwadi. What a collossal waste of a few crores of community funds had we pursued this! Initially the high priests and scholars themselves were at variance on allowing the breeding and subsequent creation of extra naso on the consecrated grounds. Even solar panels were for some a method of cremation and therefore not acceptable. This itself proves that there was no consistency in their arguments. Besides, to allow prayers for the dear departed of those cremated or buried outside Bombay, does not make sense to an enlightened community.

It is important to stress here that those advocating an alternate system have never even remotely suggested that this should be at the cost of dakhme­nashini. On the contrary, by allowing at least prayers at the Doongerwadi for those who choose an alternate me­thod, the traditionalists can help to sustain the dakh­mas for those who wish to continue with the prevailing system by reducing the pressure on it. This would not only contribute in improving the efficacy of the dakhmas, but also ensure that no harm comes to our precious Doonger­wadi lands as they would continue to be used for the purpose for which it is meant viz. to perform the last rites of the dear departed.

From the year 2001, I have been advocating an adult referendum on this issue. It appears the time is now, as the present trustees had indicated their desire to step down and pave the way for elections. Instead of going ahead with a scheme to elect over 2,000 members of the Anjuman Committee — the logistics of which are mind-boggling, resulting in at least 4,000 candidates in the fray — the trustees should show statesmanship in approaching the court once again to accept adult franchise which would allow direct community participation in electing a new board of trustees. Elections could be held thereafter by secret ballot. Candidates can then make this an election issue, and if such candidates who propagate the alternate system, do get elected, it would indicate the will of the community. Let good sense prevail for the benefit of the future of the community.

PHIROZE AMROLIWALLA