Deplorable doublespeak

A lovable community who believes in "feast unto death,” has a penchant for humor, a humane face, is upright and honest, and above all tolerant to all! This was the Parsi kom (community). But today it’s disappointing to see the once great community being reduced to ridicule and being called opportunists who have mastered the art of double standards!

What suits the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees is right; this is the premise they seem to work on. One is certainly not against the Rs 10 lakh being accepted for the Doongerwadi repairs donated by a non-Parsi MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly); it only proves that we are in the mainstream politics of Maharashtra. But it’s strange that this paltry charity found favor with our holier-than-thou trustees. Such doublespeak is deplorable because the amount could have been easily taken from the coffers of the BPP itself. It almost seems as if we have sold our souls to the highest bidder.

The focus currently is on the many court cases that have come to the forefront in the community. One is about the rights of a Parsi lady married to a non-Parsi to be allowed to take part in all the ceremonies and to visit the fire temple; another where children of non-Parsi fathers wish to have their navjotes performed; and lastly the case where priests with a conscience are dragged to court for praying for those who opt for alternate means of disposal, and not dakhmenashini.

What other option did the petitioners have but legal recourse? Unfortunately, we are saddled with dogmatic, self-proclaimed protectors of our faith, who in reality are unable to see beyond their noses! It’s time we did away with customs that drag us backwards instead of forward. Believe me, it’s time the honorable courts give rulings in the petitioners’ favor, as the pillars of our community will never otherwise accept change. Let us unite the kom instead, because sooner if not later these changes will have to come or else we will be wiped off from the face of India. The choice is ours.

RODA D. HAKIM

Baroda

vadhakim@yahoo.com