Endangered pallbearers

It has been alleged that at Bardoli (December 2003), I advocated/prompted the abrogation of the age-old institution of khandhias and nassessalars. Nothing is farther from the truth.

What I said was that the institution of khandhias and nassessalars was in danger because of the paucity of finding such men in the future. I also gave the rationale thereof. The sons of those who serve as khandhias and nassessalars today will not take up the job of pallbearers as they are getting educated.

BEHRAM T. DASTUR