“A hornet’s nest”

I refer to the article "A hornet’s nest” (Parsiana, March 7, 2012) and subsequent letters from readers about the Ahmedabad Parsi Gymkhana. Having grown up in Ahmedabad and used the facility in my teens, I can vouch for the fact that it was a great place for young people to meet. We had the use of the badminton hall and table tennis table. During Pateti and Jamshedi Navroz there were 10 days of activities, including sports and housie. The billiards table and card players were always there. For the young it was the only place where one could come and mingle with the community even if they did not know anyone. Many friendships were formed and lasting relationships forged.
I am on the commission for youth in the city of Elmhurst. The biggest concern that the commission has is how to keep teenagers occupied so that they do not get into trouble. Lots of cities have teen centers where the young can spend time after school and during vacations.
If the numbers in our community have to increase we need to consider having more places like the Gymkhana where teens can meet and share common interests, build friendships, celebrate occasions, observe customs and traditions. I am sure there are Parsi gymkhanas and exclusive clubs in Bombay as well. Why not consider opening them up to the community one day each week without any dues so that the youth can come and improve their sporting skills or just have a safe venue to meet? We might be surprised at the results such a move would bring!

HOSI P. MEHTA
Past president
Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago
Elmhurst, Illinois, USA
hosimehta@aol.com