Zoroastrians in Thana

"We hope that by bringing this Directory into your homes, we shall have encouraged each person whether young or old, to work, collaborate and celebrate in a spirit that reflects truly the Zoroastrian ethos of joy and fraternity,” writes Thana Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman (TPZA) president Zarsis Udhnawala in his message to the community in the updated Directory of Parsi/Irani Zoroastrian Residents of Thane and TPZA Members and Their Families 2011-2012.

In addition to a listing of around 320 residents of Thana along with their addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail IDs the Directory, compiled and published by the TPZA, carries important telephone numbers for services, a list of dharamshalas and sanatoria in India, the addresses of charity funds for education (the TPZA itself provides assistance for education, medical expenses, poverty and family relief), contact details of blood donors, a list of small businesses run by members and demographic charts. Though the percentage figures representing the distribution of men and women according to age is provided, no actual numbers are mentioned. Also provided are the names and contact numbers of the trustees of TPZA, of the Thana Agiary Fund and Thana Zoroastrian Charity Fund, formerly known as Shree Thana Jarthosti Anjuman.

The age wise distribution shows the largest percentage of males, 15 each in the 31-40 years age bracket as also 41-50 years. Those over 60 account for 28 percent, of which three percent are over 80. For women the largest percentage, 16 percent each, is in the age group 31- 40 and 61-70. The total population over 60 amounts to 29 with four percent being over 80.

In the marriageable age group of 19-30, there are 13 percent males and 12 percent females. A study by demographer Ashish Bose conducted at Parzor’s request also shows fewer women as compared to men in the marriageable age group.