Unrest over Udvada

I am indeed saddened at what is happening in our community. We have reached a stage where we do not spare even our high priests. Dastur Khurshed Dastoor of Udvada is at the receiving end from some who are casting aspersions on his intentions. This is despicable. Dastoor needs to be supported and his hands strengthened because he has a clear vision for the future. He is young and capable of taking the community forward amidst orthodox opposition.

As the vada dastur of the Iranshah at Udvada as also the chairperson of the FDU (Foundation for Development of Udvada), he would in no way jeopardize the sanctity and purity of our dharmasthan. Projecting him wrongly shows that the Parsipanu we so often harp on is slipping away. It’s time we listened to reason and to our conscience instead of targeting Dastoor as a dishonest opportunist who may dilute our community.

Udvada needed to be changed for the better so that Parsi pilgrims from all over the world could visit the Iranshah and show their respect and devotion to Ahura Mazda. If government help is forthcoming for this improvement, must there be an ulterior motive and hidden agenda? Are we so suspicious and immature that we should fear that this joint project in Udvada would provide access into our holy temple for non-Parsis? Really, it’s time we grew up!

Despite all the wrong propaganda and e-mails, about 3,000 Parsis gathered in Udvada to celebrate the 265th anniversary of the Iranshah. The Zoroastrian Information Centre was not inaugurated as per the directive of the Election Commission, since Gujarat is scheduled to go to polls in December. Fair enough, but those who came had a very happy spiritual experience. Even Dr Mehroo Bengalee, a founder member of the World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis, thought it fit to attend. We are such a small community but we have such big egos!

RODA D. HAKIM

Baroda