Revive the golden age

What has happened to the mindset of our community that can boast the prestigious heritage of our industrious forefathers, meritorious records of their progressive spirit, coordination with all, courage to face challenges, amicable nature, understanding and fervor for its racial heritage (tokhm)? Why can’t we today be serious about maintaining these qualities? We talk incessantly about increasing the quantity of our population but neglect the quality aspect. We shall be few but we shall remain illustrious.

Can we not distinguish the difference in the value of rare jewels which are small in quantity as versus heaps of sand on the seashore? Why can we not face reality?

Can we not seriously maintain the pledge given by our forefathers regarding amicable, sweet behavior with everyone, like sugar in milk, instead of a divisive attitude, creating unnecessary disputes and controversies? Why can we not preserve family relations among us to face challenges unitedly, avoiding the childish mentality to fight?

Can we not bring back our qualified youths from abroad after they complete their higher education? They choose to settle abroad so that their families can prosper. This is a major reason for the decreasing Zoroastrian population in India.

Can we not convince our misguided daughters that infatuation for alien non-Zoroastrians and marriage to them is racial suicide? This is also a reason for the decrease in our population. Can we not increase fervor in their minds for love of their community and pride for their religion?

We do not argue with or have doubts regarding the treatment prescribed by doctors or the advice given by lawyers. Why can’t we have firm faith in our religious scriptures and confirmed tenets that have been laid down by our wise, farsighted Magvans?

We are an intelligent, forward-looking community. Why can we not cultivate wisdom required for right decisions and not rely on intelligence that can misguide and create conflicts? Why can’t we realize unity is strength and discord is weakness which creates problems for us? Can we not light the flame of our fravashi (which is the presence of Mazda) within us and more powerful and helpful than visits to fire temples? Our conscience must be our guide.

If we sincerely keep vigil over our cultural heritage, the answer from our inner selves will be "Yes, we can!” Then, why wait? Let us unite and revive the golden age again! Let us stay together and pray together for our unity.

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad