A community link

I see Parsiana as the voice of our people, a link among those of one community with different ideas and different beliefs. Over the years you have ‘very gently’ made people aware that times have changed and it is imperative we do something about it.

Why is it that our children are so lethargic about going to the fire temple? Why do we say prayers in different languages and go to different places of worship? The fault lies with us all. Priests of other religions take an individual interest and help people in times of need. If one of our priests is approached, he will recommend certain prayers which I dare say may help, but he will not give individual solace. Do our priests ever visit the sick, give advice, help to solve problems?

Why can’t we and our children listen to talks where things are explained and answered in simple language unlike the pompous lectures I have attended so far? Why can’t our prayers be translated into beautiful poetry whereby one feels one is communicating with God on a personal basis? I remember that my grandmother would, after saying her normal prayers, recite verses in Gujarati which sounded so sweet and comforting to me. Unfortunately, like all youngsters, I was too impatient and am the loser.

I do not blame only the priests for our present predicament. I ask the others — have we looked after our priests? They too require a certain standard of living. If they are not able to look after their families, how will they look after us? We do not pay for the upkeep of our fire temples or look into the welfare of our priests. These days the only time we pay them is at weddings, navjotes, funerals and for certain prayers — that too grudgingly. Many say: "Éloko to apooné cheeréch (They are overcharging us).”

After this long monolog, I ask myself: "Since you are aware of all these problems, what have you done?” Sadly, the answer is: "Nothing.”

MEHROO S. KHAREGAT