Clarity on conversion

Prior to the diaspora from Persia, conversion was permitted by the Zoroastrian religion. The opposition seems to be from those interested in safeguarding the interests of Parsi Zoroastrians.

There are several Parsis, in the West as well as in India, who believe that extinction is inevitable and that conversion is the only salvation for the religion. These individuals are unthinking defeatists. If a grand, old oak tree is starting to wither are you more likely to save it by invigorating the old dying roots or by growing new roots and cutting off the old roots? In life it is easy to admit defeat but hard to put up a sterling resistance to decline and defeat. The right thing to do is to seek to achieve a resurgence through committed and patient perseverance and endeavor.

The Zoroastrian religion without a vibrant Parsi community will never shine brightly — it will be like a weak watery sun struggling to permeate the clouds. The principal flag bearers for the religion have been Parsis. Most Zoroastrians who have achieved international recognition and distinction have been connected with the community — Zubin Mehta, Nani Palkhivala, Soli Sorabjee, J. R. D. Tata, Ratan Tata, Rusi Mody, Polly Umrigar, Nari Contractor, Farokh Engineer and others. The culture of the community not only complements the tenets and values of the Zoroastrian religion but the two combine synergistically.

However those seeking to preserve the community are pursuing the right objective but by the wrong means. Excluding the partners and children of those who marry outside the community is utter folly. The policy only serves to accelerate decline towards extinction by alienating those who might otherwise contribute to and be an asset to the community. Interfaith marriage is a universal phenomenon and part and parcel of modern day reality. To achieve higher marriage rates within the community there needs to be an organized, concerted effort at developing social bonding between Parsis beginning at the toddler stage. The policy should be to foster marriage, without coercion, within the community, whilst refraining from condemning or excluding those who marry outside.

More thought and less emotional argument will be beneficial to all concerned.

FURROKH PANTHAKI

London, UK