Honoring hospitality

Sanjan Day is a day to prepare and evaluate the balance sheet of our community from the time we came to the shores of India about 1,300 years ago to assess our strengths and deficits, remarked the main speaker Burjor Antia, trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), according to a report of the day’s function forwarded by Rohintan Daviervala, president of the Sanjan Memorial Column Local Committee (SMCLC). Our forefathers’ adherence to our religious tenets and their exemplary hard work and honesty made them heroes. The welfare of the community was uppermost in their minds and they adopted a positive, progressive and dynamic approach to solve problems rather than one which could cause fragmentation and disruption, he added. Advocating a policy of live and let live, he urged the community to adopt three ‘D’s — devotion to one’s religion; dedication to one’s work and duty towards one’s family; and discipline to tread the right course.

Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza who led his priests of Udvada in a jashan at the Sanjan Day celebrations on November 19, 2005 later reiterated the need to be friends of all Indians. There is nothing like conversion and intermarriage in our religion, he said, adding that while the community in India prospered because of their strict adherence to the religion and establishment of fire temples, the Iranians faced a downfall because the influential, elite and royal families intermarried.

Top: Rohintan and Bapsy Daviervala (ext left) with principal and students of Girton High School and guests. Above (from left): Mirza, Antia and Tirandaz

The BPP should not give assistance only to the third child born of Zoroastrian parents but start with the first child, recommended former trustee Rustom Tirandaz whilst reiterating the need to increase community numbers. Conflicts within the community are driving the youth to seek the truth by making a study of the religion, he observed.

The observation of the Sanjan Day each year gives an occasion to recognize Jadi Rana’s hospitality and Dastur Neryosang Dha­val’s foresight, said Daviervala. Working with him on the SMCLC are secretary Nariman Balsara, treasurer Gustasp Jussa­wala and members Dosa­bhai Oliaji and Dara Varvadewala. He was also appreciative of the efforts by the students and principal Hutoxi Aibara of Girton High School for presenting a garba, Ghoom Re Ghanti Ghoom Ghoom and a fashion show depicting the Parsi attire in all its hues and varieties. On behalf of the SMCLC he also expressed gratitude to the Western Railway, the Press, Dotivala Confectioners, Parsi Dairy Farm, Awan Soft Drinks, Wibs Bread, Bomi Adajania and Cyrus Irani the for delicious snacks, and caterer Nariman Dalal for an enjoyable lunch and bringing donations in cash and kind. Dr Meher Master-Moos of the Zoroastrian College invited the gathering to her institution for a cup of tea.