Cultural heritage

Heritage is the inheritance of distinctive traits, unique characteristics, ideal character, special highlights and blood lineage from illustrious predecessors. We survive because of this. Our offspring imbibe their distinctive cult and culture from their parents and grandparents. It all depends on how much cultural legacy is infused in children by their elders, by their ideal life and blood purity.

Every nation has its unique traits and standards. Every community has its different lifestyle. Every family has its different ancestral convictions. Character decides culture. It has a strong impact from blood quality originated from birth.

When we try to enhance the Zarthosh­ti­ spirit we must be vigilant and take care of our precious Parsi heritage as proclaimed by our learned spiritual leader Maghav Dastur Nariosang Dhaval, in the court of King Jadi Rana. The latter was very much impressed to learn the Iranian cultural heritage: "Soora, Veera, Theera, Gavrava, Bahulakshna Parsi­ka!” in Sanskrit. After considering our religious integrity, honest way of life, charitable nature and Zoroastrian tenets, the king gave us a place in India to consecrate our first atash behram in Sanjan. Our communal glory, among others, shines even today.

In our prayer of pledge, Jasme Avan­ghe, there are nine Zoroastrian commandments declared by Zarathushtra for a successful and happy life. Five Iranian cultural traits are stated in it: brotherhood, respect for other religions, ahimsa, dedication and a straightforward attitude.

These are qualities due to pure blood. Of course we respect the customs of other communities, but we adhere strictly to our own Iranian culture. Those who are negligent regarding blood relations suffer a great loss.

Well known Dr Phiroz Davar has published a booklet, Racial Suicide, throwing light on the immense damage to our good qualities, status, behavior and racial heritage due to the virus of mixed marriages which results in the clashing of cultures. No intelligent person would like to give away his identity after referring to the facts concerning racial suicide contained in this publication.

Our religion gives us freedom of choice, with the condition that we follow the religious way of life. If we are wise we must be vigilant to stop our Iranian traits (Parsipanu) being washed away by our youngsters who discount blood culture. Let us remain members of an ideal community by preserving our cultural heritage and religious treasures. Culture is not a commodity available in the market. Our goal must be to preserve the Parsi cultural heritage.

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad