“Carbon footprints”

I congratulate you for your very bold and thought-provoking editorial viewpoint "Carbon footprints” (Parsiana, November 7, 2007) which I wholeheartedly support. I personally hold similar views but I was afraid to express them in public for fear of being called an atheist or irreligious. Today I am emboldened to do so publicly after minutely going through your editorial.

I have, on my own, reduced the size of my offerings of sandalwood and lighting of divas at home and in fire temples not on account of rising prices but because of the rising awareness and awakening the world over about global warming and the importance of a green environment. Even when I am in Udvada I follow the same practice of reduced offerings and increased charity at the three fire temples there.

From your editorial I gather that a suggestion by a trustee brought down upon him the uncharitable accusation of "blasphemy.” This is a word used by confused persons who are unable to express their views cogently and with sound reasoning. Often, someone who is innocent is labeled as blasphemous. Spending of astronomical sums of money exceeding Rs 1.5 crore may not be deemed by them as uncalled for, but this handsome amount or part thereof could be used for the betterment of humanity and global good or at least for the good of the community.

The question of global warming is not local but global. It is threatening every nation the world over, many of whom are struggling hard to find a solution. Protecting the environment and conserving nature are universal concerns. They form the fundamental principles of Zoroastrianism which we are duty bound to observe strictly, rather than following rituals and beliefs which have little relevance in modern times when science prevails over religious principles which, by themselves, do not constitute religion. It is our religious duty to protect our priests who are exposed to serious health hazards while reciting prayers amidst the billowing of smoke emanating from burning wood and cheap sandalwood. Divas too are not free from heat and associated hazards.

It is the duty of every citizen of the world, more so the pious duty, to protect the environment, to create a green atmosphere and stop further global warming. If Parsis understand this philosophy and practice it, they will be following the path shown by Zarathushtra millennia earlier.

R. J. DAMANWALA

Your editorial "Carbon footprints” (Parsiana, November 7, 2007) could not be more timely. The Parsi population is being smoked out by an orthodoxy that under the cover of saintliness wishes to wield power at any cost, taking advantage of the simple fact that most people cannot think for themselves. These people — be they priests, trustees or office-bearers — need to be fired from their positions before we will be enabled to dim the fires in our places of worship.

In "Readers’ Forum” of the same issue we have one worthy describing our dakhmas as being "nature-friendly” and "time-tested!” Is he for real? Why does he not also call them "hygienic?” Such people expose the community to ridicule. They need to be fired first.

NAWSHIR D. KHURODY

Your editorial "Carbon footprints” (Parsiana, November 7, 2007) was very thought provoking. I hope to read more such pieces in your magazine rather than keep reading on about the same old issues which are never-ending and are now really boring — dakhmenashini and conversion.

ARZOO IRANI