United we will thrive

It is sad that a minuscule community like ours, especially in Bombay, has been indulging in arguments and blame games and justifying such actions. Senseless provocation by individuals and organizations have not helped the community grow economically or provided any further dimensions to the role of religion as taught by our prophet Zarathushtra. If at all it has totally misguided and confused the community members.

The amount of time, effort and money spent in litigation and media coverage by these groups should be used for the betterment of the community especially in areas where there is abject poverty, where our youth live without direction or motivation, where families find it difficult to get a decent meal a day, where proper housing and amenities are missing.

The recent elections to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and the amounts spent by candidates to get elected is another example of wasteful expenditure especially when there are more important issues like protection of our properties and upkeep of our aramgahs all over the country.

The Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India was formed by the elders of the community in the 1970s to help and protect the community, especially in smaller towns. But the unfortunate incident at Ahmedabad a few years ago broke the cohesiveness and working together of all the anjumans, big and small. I sincerely hope that the new team will look at progressive reforms to keep the community together. I personally feel very disheartened since I am currently the only living founder member who was present at the time of formation of the Federation.

Where is our society headed? If there is a thriving, well cared for community then our religion has better chances of survival. What are we doing to guide our youth to enter various fields and professions which have brought honor and praise to our community in the past? Are we helping our seniors to lead a comfortable and decent life? Are we ensuring that our generations to come will be able to withstand the test and trials of time and economic changes?

Let us resolve to renounce our infighting and concentrate on the higher ideals of building a strong and vibrant community which can support future generations of Zoroastrians. Let us ensure that our youngsters excel in all fields, medical, legal, IT, entrepreneurship, the armed forces, diplomatic corps, IAS (Indian Administrative Service), etc. How many have enrolled in the last three professions in the last two decades? At one time there was zeal and enthusiasm to join the armed forces and the IAS. Parsis were at the helm of the forces and in ministries, but this is not the case today nor will it be in the foreseeable future unless we take strong action.

Our forefathers left us a legacy where a Zoroastrian in any part of India is looked upon with respect. We should work to preserve that image with peace and harmony. Let the sparring factions and organizations stop their verbal warfare and written accusations and spend their energy and money in this rewarding task for which they will be better remembered.

DADI E. MISTRY

New Delhi

mistry@del2.vsnl.net.in