“The looming battle”

"The looming battle” (Editorial Viewpoint, Parsiana, February 7, 2009) as usual was factual, giving a canvas of future happenings.

Yes, like our politicians our akabars have no retirement age. They either pass away into oblivion, or pass away. The late Rustom Tirandaz had his brief day in the sun and we will have to wait and watch what happens and who steps into his shoes.

While Noshir Dadrawala, the Lone Ranger or Napoleon Solo on the Bombay Parsi Punchayet’s (BPP) board is in the opposition, it is debatable whether the two Mistrys are really independent. An impression has been created that all six present trustees are orthodox, which is touted as the clear mandate.

The Alert Zoroastrians Association (AZA) and the Association for Revival of Zoroastrianism (ARZ) should come out in the open, instead of fighting a proxy war. Their election plank should be "Dharam sankat maa chhè (the religion is endangered)” and "Kaum sankat maa chhè (the community is endangered).” They should dwell on the dwindling numbers, quote statistics and also harp on fears that Parsi properties are being taken away by various state governments as there are massive encroachments on them.

Also, one cannot rule out the possibility that after the 100-day performance of the present lot, the bawas may become indifferent and not turn out in large numbers.

The item "Sanjan Day celebrations” (Events and Personalities, Parsiana, February 7, 2009) gives the impression that it was more of a conclave or campaign meeting of the World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis (WAPIZ) preparing for the next elections. Only Vada Dastur Khurshed Dastoor stood out and sent out a loud and clear message that no interference from any quarter would be brooked or tolerated.

In her speech chief guest Dr Mehroo Bengalee exhorted Parsis to join Parsi institutions for training and get jobs immediately. This is ghetto mentality. It will provide no exposure for young Parsis to the outside world, different working environments and the fierce competition that exists in the employment market. Her concern about defunct anjumans all over India of which 12 to 15 have had their lands taken over by the government, begs the answer: Why did the Parsis allow this? Where were the akabars, rathesthars, aagayvans? What were they doing, or more appropriately why did they do nothing? The facts are staring us in the face: Parsis are dwindling, and cannot hold on to their properties. We must forget about getting back even a part of these and try to hang on to whatever we have.

Bengalee lamented that there is not a single Parsi representative in Parliament. The Parsis can’t win elections as they have never bothered to proliferate. They still remain in their ostrich like, orthodox mode, and are swept aside. Of course her wish will come true if Congress wins the next election and a Parsi (not a Zoroastrian) named Rahul Gandhi becomes prime minister. For, according to bawa tradition, and absurd practice, children fathered by a Parsi are Parsis. Feroze Gandhi was a Parsi and although his wife Indira was a Hindu, his two sons were Parsis. And so his grandchildren too are Parsis.

Rustom Tirandaz exhibited his orthodox credentials by informing those gathered that because of their non-conversion ethos the Parsis are emerging as a bridge between communities and a catalyst of progress. He forgot that Parsis, particularly females, are converting to other religions because they are treated like pariahs and though sired by Parsis are treated as non-Parsis. Parsis are not emerging like a bridge — they are used as a bridge to walk over. The late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was treated shabbily not only during his lifetime by subjecting him to a cooked up court-martial and withholding his legitimate dues for more than a decade, but even in his death.

Dinshaw Mehta harped on the housing issue. Giving out of turn allotments to engaged couples is great. The new scheme to induce and encourage youngsters to marry is eagerly awaited. Will we then have one lakh Parsis in Bombay? After how many decades will the Parsi population be at least half that of Muslims or Hindus? How much deposit and pugree will these youngsters have to pay? What is the guarantee that the children of these allottees will marry only within the fold?

Last but not the least, out of nearly one lakh Parsis all over India, and approximately 35,000-40,000 Parsis in Bombay, only 1,300 were present at the Sanjan Day celebrations!

BEHRAM AGA

behram_r_aga@yahoo.co.in