In the name of charity

As Parsi Zoroastrians we need to be very proud of our religion which is based on the tenets of humata, hukhta, huvarashta as well as on charity, donation to the needy and underprivileged. This is epitomized by gifting our bodies for the welfare of the birds as envisaged in dakhmenashini, a system based on science, cleanliness, hygiene and betterment of the environment.

Although our basic principles are ancient, they have been evolving for the benefit of society at large throughout the ages. Today we are at a crossroad where science has progressed to a stage where our eyes and other organs can be utilized by other living persons after our death. Should we not therefore take advantage of this and donate our eyes/organs after death for the wellbeing of the less fortunate? This, I feel, would be the greatest deed of charity as it is based on the fundamentals of good thoughts, good words and good deeds.

I implore our intellectuals, clergy and influential members of our community to organize eye/organ donations to help the society in which we live in the spirit of the old adage: "Parsi, thy name is charity!” DARAYAS J. BAPOOJI

ndgev@yahoo.co.in