“Religion and customs”

I am horrified at the bigotry displayed by Burjor M. Daboo of Ahmedabad in his letter "Religion and customs” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, April 7, 2008). The tone of the letter implies that the Zoroastrian faith is supreme over all others. I am appalled to see such opinions expressed by a community member who I am sure would claim to be among the more enlightened in the country.

I could tear this example of religious bigotry to shreds on every count quoted but it will suffice to raise just a point or two. First, the example of a priest investigating why a procedure had failed and arriving at the conclusion that it was because a hair had fallen into the fire. I would think a hair would get incinerated instantly, leaving no evidence behind for the priest to arrive at such a conclusion! Second, Daboo states that Kirlian photography showed that only the Zoroastrian priest had a superior aura, to the exclusion of priests from all other religions. A more imprudent statement would be difficult to find. Not one example has been backed by sound proof thereof, or in which laboratory the test was conducted to arrive at the results quoted.

I am quite sure that over social discussions in their drawing rooms the likes of Daboo would be the first to decry some elements in the Muslim community for proclaiming that Islam is the ultimate religion. Is not Daboo equally guilty of the same bigoted heresy?

Let’s get it right, please. We are not God’s exclusive gift to the universe. And before people like Raj Thackeray and Narendra Modi note and take serious exception to such illogically egoistic and offensive proclamations, opinions such as these are best kept under wraps and not published.

Cmdr (Retd) TEHMASP MOGUL

Bangalore

tehmasp.mogul@gmail.com