Readers' Forum
“FPZAI Delhi meet off”
Though you have not named me in "FPZAI Delhi meet off” (Events and Personalities,” Parsiana, July 7, 2012), choosing to refer to the post of vice president North Zone of FPZAI (Federation of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India), it is clear that the reference is to me. You write, "Delhi had been denied the north zone vice presidency — which it held since the inception of the all India body over 40 years ago — thanks to the numerical strength of WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis) and its affiliated anjumans. The connivance of the other BPP (Bombay Parsi Punchayet) trustees allowed WAPIZ to dominate the proceedings and elect vice-presidents of their choosing.”
I would like to clarify that I am neither a member of WAPIZ nor a candidate promoted by them. As correctly pointed out by you, the vice presidency of north zone of FPZAI was represented by Zarathushtis from Delhi for about 40 years which was fairly long enough, and so I was encouraged by my Parsi Anjuman Ratlam and its neighboring anjumans to represent them on this forum. I put up my name for this without any connection or recommendation from WAPIZ. Your use of the word "connivance” by BPP trustees is also highly objectionable.
I am unable to understand what you mean by stating that "Delhi has been denied the North Zone vice presidency.” In a democratic set-up, and as per the bye-laws of FPZAI, any candidate from the North zone is welcome to contest for this post. During the 2009-10 election the Delhi candidate withdrew his name on the day of the polling and in the 2012 elections FPZAI did not receive any nominations for the same other than mine, giving me an opportunity to serve the community unanimously for a second term. Hence, nobody has been denied contesting an election from Delhi.
My only intention in representing one of the most scarcely populated zones is that our minuscule community remains united, secure, unfazed and is able to retain the goodwill that our forefathers have transferred to us. Parsis residing in smaller towns of the North Zone face several challenges due to migration, socio-political insecurity, identity crisis. I understand this and wish to help the scattered brethren of our community in this region to the best of my ability.
I feel that the role of Parsiana should be to motivate, guide and encourage bodies like FPZAI to keep the community united and address the concerns of Parsis staying in upcountry areas.
TEHMTON ANKLESARIA
Vice president, North Zone, FPZAI
ts_anklesaria@yahoo.co.in
I would like to clarify that I am neither a member of WAPIZ nor a candidate promoted by them. As correctly pointed out by you, the vice presidency of north zone of FPZAI was represented by Zarathushtis from Delhi for about 40 years which was fairly long enough, and so I was encouraged by my Parsi Anjuman Ratlam and its neighboring anjumans to represent them on this forum. I put up my name for this without any connection or recommendation from WAPIZ. Your use of the word "connivance” by BPP trustees is also highly objectionable.
I am unable to understand what you mean by stating that "Delhi has been denied the North Zone vice presidency.” In a democratic set-up, and as per the bye-laws of FPZAI, any candidate from the North zone is welcome to contest for this post. During the 2009-10 election the Delhi candidate withdrew his name on the day of the polling and in the 2012 elections FPZAI did not receive any nominations for the same other than mine, giving me an opportunity to serve the community unanimously for a second term. Hence, nobody has been denied contesting an election from Delhi.
My only intention in representing one of the most scarcely populated zones is that our minuscule community remains united, secure, unfazed and is able to retain the goodwill that our forefathers have transferred to us. Parsis residing in smaller towns of the North Zone face several challenges due to migration, socio-political insecurity, identity crisis. I understand this and wish to help the scattered brethren of our community in this region to the best of my ability.
I feel that the role of Parsiana should be to motivate, guide and encourage bodies like FPZAI to keep the community united and address the concerns of Parsis staying in upcountry areas.
TEHMTON ANKLESARIA
Vice president, North Zone, FPZAI
ts_anklesaria@yahoo.co.in
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