Readers' Forum
Memorable moment
I have had the opportunity to attend Sarva Dharma Parishads where I have been able to enlighten religious leaders among the Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Buddhists, Swaminarayans and Christians about the Zoroastrian religion and its precepts.
One night I was surprised to receive a call from the learned Yogimaharaj Swami Adhmatya Nandiji of Shiva Ashram inviting me to attend a Shanti Sabha during the riots in Ahmedabad. He requested me to represent the Zoroastrian religion at the peace meet at 5 a.m. I said no one can expect a congregation to assemble that early in the day. Swamiji assured me that 700 members of the public would be participating in the meeting. Some of them had been attending yoga camps regularly at the Ashram. He said he would arrange transport for me in the early hours.
When I reached the venue it was still dark and I could only see candles lit in the vast grounds. At 7 a.m. I was surprised to see a crowd of both young and elderly persons seated in rows holding candles. There was utter silence and a spiritual atmosphere. A raised stage had been erected for the speakers. The function started with prayers from all religions and I recited the Avesta prayers.
The Gujarat minister for Home Affairs had also been invited. Swamiji told those present that in this Shanti Sabha I would have the privilege of lighting the lamp to declare the function open because during riots the Parsi community had always stood up for peace.
Swamiji assured the minister, "If the police department was under a Parsi police commissioner and Parsi command, the riots could have been easily controlled. Parsis are always amicable and friendly with all in society. They proved themselves faithful to the promise given long back to mix with all communities like ‘sugar in milk’ and respect all religions.”
Swamiji also predicted that the "ideal Parsi community, though minuscule will not become extinct but will flourish with religious fervor.” It was a memorable moment in my life, as I received far more respect than I had expected.
While others hold our community in high regard, it is shocking that we are unable to maintain peace among us and have continuous conflicts despite being like a large joint family. Is this because we have too much intelligence and ego? Is it because of lack of genuine leadership? Is it because we are careless regarding righteous behavior?
It is high time we mend this mentality. Can we not prove that we are an ideal community? May the Almighty give good sense to enlighten our people so that our religion can survive in a peaceful manner.
One night I was surprised to receive a call from the learned Yogimaharaj Swami Adhmatya Nandiji of Shiva Ashram inviting me to attend a Shanti Sabha during the riots in Ahmedabad. He requested me to represent the Zoroastrian religion at the peace meet at 5 a.m. I said no one can expect a congregation to assemble that early in the day. Swamiji assured me that 700 members of the public would be participating in the meeting. Some of them had been attending yoga camps regularly at the Ashram. He said he would arrange transport for me in the early hours.
When I reached the venue it was still dark and I could only see candles lit in the vast grounds. At 7 a.m. I was surprised to see a crowd of both young and elderly persons seated in rows holding candles. There was utter silence and a spiritual atmosphere. A raised stage had been erected for the speakers. The function started with prayers from all religions and I recited the Avesta prayers.
The Gujarat minister for Home Affairs had also been invited. Swamiji told those present that in this Shanti Sabha I would have the privilege of lighting the lamp to declare the function open because during riots the Parsi community had always stood up for peace.
Swamiji assured the minister, "If the police department was under a Parsi police commissioner and Parsi command, the riots could have been easily controlled. Parsis are always amicable and friendly with all in society. They proved themselves faithful to the promise given long back to mix with all communities like ‘sugar in milk’ and respect all religions.”
Swamiji also predicted that the "ideal Parsi community, though minuscule will not become extinct but will flourish with religious fervor.” It was a memorable moment in my life, as I received far more respect than I had expected.
While others hold our community in high regard, it is shocking that we are unable to maintain peace among us and have continuous conflicts despite being like a large joint family. Is this because we have too much intelligence and ego? Is it because of lack of genuine leadership? Is it because we are careless regarding righteous behavior?
It is high time we mend this mentality. Can we not prove that we are an ideal community? May the Almighty give good sense to enlighten our people so that our religion can survive in a peaceful manner.
NOSHIR DABOO
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad
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From the archive