“Insulting the community”

I refer to Behram Daboo’s letter "Insulting the community” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, January 7, 2011). I have not read Behramsha Pithawalla’s book; evidently the four types of birds of prey mentioned therein have not read it either or they would have got into action and gobbled up the dead bodies in the dakhmas in no time.

Since Daboo has mentioned the Vendidad I would urge him to read the pertinent chapter which clearly states that dakhmenashini should not be used in the absence of scavenging birds and animals. I shall be happy to send him these extracts.

If Daboo looks at the stark reality of the situation in the dakhmas today (instead of reading books written ages ago for situations that prevailed at that time), I am sure he will change his mind. The actual scenario is such as to deprive anyone of sleep. There is a CD available which can be sent to him if he wants to be enlightened about the grim reality. I, for one, could not watch it in full.

By refusing to perform after death ceremonies for those opting for alternate methods of disposal the priests are simply resorting to what may be termed as "blackmail” on innocent behdins.

Daboo further states that "one should own up that the system at present is not in good condition and steps should be taken to make it effective.” What steps? Can he suggest some concrete and practicable steps? Those in charge have not been able to find any.

Daboo mentions that he asked a priest about how and why death ceremonies are openly performed for those opting for burial in Madras, Nagpur and Delhi but denied in other places. He has not received any reply as yet. I request him to share the answer with the whole community, if and when he gets one!

KERSEE KABRAJI

Poona

kerseekabraji@gmail.com