“Golden glow – II”

With reference to Kainaz Dotivala Shroff’s response to my letter ("Golden glow — II,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, March 21, 2012) as far as I can reason, during menstruation a woman is fragile and may contract infection. Besides, she needs rest. Even today, I receive calls from girls working at my office to say they won’t be attending due to dysmenorrhea or menorrhagia. Unfortunately, with constant competition women have to prove their mettle and cannot afford to rest.

As regards chasni, I read an article explaining vibrations on consecrated things, statues, etc. It is said that the flavor of the fruit actually changes. Perhaps we should try this out.

I had written to Parsi schools to hold religious classes during moral science periods for Parsi students, as is done for Catholics in schools run by them. I had also requested a five-day vacation on the Gatha days during the muktads, adjusting them with other holidays, with a special request not to have examinations during or soon after New Year or Jamshedi Navroz. This may be difficult; but it can be implemented if the importance is understood.

As regards Mecca or certain Hindu temples, it was in reference to the function at Delhi and the recent new wave of permitting those of other faiths to attend our religious ceremonies.

I am neither orthodox nor a neo-Zoroastrian. I am an ordinary person who loves the religion and is proud to be a Parsi. I feel very sorry at the state of affairs in the community today, with inter-faith marriages, fights over rights, conveniently forgetting the divine duties, not marrying or late marriages, etc. We have forgotten the great sacrifices made and the hardships faced by our forefathers to save our great religion.

I request all youngsters to marry within the community and try to have three children so that our race is called a growing one and not a dying race.

ARMIN DUTIA MOTASHAW

Ahmedabad

armindutiamotashaw@gmail.com