“To break a tradition”

In his article "To break a tradition…” (Parsiana, March 21, 2008) Eruch B. Desai has dealt with the controversy over conversion. He has suggested (unobtrusively of course) that the meeting in Bombay at which Ervad Kersey Antia spoke of acceptance was well attended only due to the organizing ability of the reformists.

It is further argued that Antia’s theory supported by religious texts was refuted by scholars and priests, also by reference to the same text. Fine, so it is Antia’s word against that of some scholars and priests. But actions speak louder than words, and therein lies the rub. One Dastur Kaikhushroo Jamaspji JamaspAsa converted a French lady by performing her navjote, and also her marriage according to Parsi practices.

In Rangoon the navjote of the daughter of a Christian father and Parsi mother was performed by Parsi priests. So how can the very same priests who converted Christians to Zoroastrianism claim that conversion by whatever name is forbidden? Even from a legal point of view, Petit vs Jeejeebhoy clearly spells out that not only is conversion allowed but is enjoined (obligatory) by the religion.

Next is the poser as to what the achievement of Antia’s proposal will be. Will it lead to an increase in the number of Zoroastrians? The number of Zoroastrians is on the rise all over the world, except in India and especially in Bombay. Conversion will certainly increase the number of Zoroastrians but not necessarily that of Parsis. Another question is whether non-Zoroastrian spouses and the children of non-Parsi fathers and Parsi mothers enjoy the same privileges and rights as Parsi Zoroastrians. The answer is a distinct no. It has been spelt out in previous judgments by courts that properties are to be governed by trust deeds, and only children fathered by Parsis are deemed to be Parsis.

Desai has also argued that interfaith marriages are few and far between, and non-Parsi fathers would not want to convert or to permit their sons, daughters and grandchildren to embrace Zoroastrianism. If the number is just a trickle, what is the fuss about? In particular, why the need to deny Parsi women married to non-Parsis the right to follow the religion of their birth? Why are they being treated like pariahs and untouchables? The children of Parsi parents or Parsi fathers are treated as Parsis so why are women born to Parsi parents and married to non-Parsis and their children discriminated against when they are Parsis for all practical purposes?

Then the article talks about time-tested customs and traditions. The reality is that traditions and customs have changed with the times. Let’s look at a few. My grandparents always used to keep their heads covered, even when they were asleep. Reason? Shaitan maathaa per tapli marsé (The devil will smack us on the head). Now Parsis have retired Shaitan and taken over the task! In the good old days a Parsi used to perform the kusti prayers after each visit to the toilet. Nobody does that any longer. Muktad prayers were conducted for 18 days, and over a period of several years. Now the prayers last just 10 days, and are not performed for years on end. In the good old days a Parsi would attend a navjote, lagan, and particularly a paidust wearing a dagli/dagla and pheta/pugree. Today this is a rare sight. Once we had vultures to see us off to Chinvat Pul, now we have solar reflectors to dehydrate us and delay us reaching there.

It is a myth that conversion will open the floodgates and Parsis will become an insignificant minority, endangering our valuable properties. Also, the days are over and gone when Parsis were considered paragons of virtue. Today even Parsis don’t trust other Parsis.

Desai then states that the new system of election through adult franchise will usher in trustees of inferior quality. Expecting us to believe in the superior quality of the past trustees needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. Desai is missing the woods for the trees. Until now a Parsi had no voice and mandals/bundals used to call the shots. With the new scheme every Parsi will have a say, something he did not have for centuries. He may vote or may not vote, or make a choice which is not palatable to others. But it is high time we had some democracy in the community. Let the voice of the ordinary Parsi be heard.

BEHRAM AGA

behram_r_aga@yahoo.co.in