A happy new year? Yawn!

In assessing the developments of the past year and forecasting projections for the next, a tweaking of author Charles Dickens’ opening lines to A Tale of Two Cities may be appropriate: It was not the best of times, it was not the worst of times. In short, it was average, or shall we say slightly above the norm because the absence of political, social or religious upheavals is sometimes to be welcomed.

The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees have not ignited any new controversies. There has been no BPP trusteeship election this past year, a welcome break from the annual hustle and bustle of campaigning, the mudslinging and occasional fisticuffs. But of course one misses the scrumptious and nutritional dinner boxes. [If an electoral code of conduct is ever drawn up it should specify what eatables are, and are not, permitted. Nothing spicy, oily or excessively fatty should be included; an apple and a banana are a must; cheese and chicken sandwiches should be given precedence over chutney ones (this is a personal preference). The calorie and fat content of the eats should be mentioned. The candidate offering the most nutritional meal should be viewed favorably at the time of casting the ballot.]

The so-called "renegade” priests’ case is still in arbitration, the talks continuing well into the New Year and possibly much after. All ambitious housing projects are on hold, ensuring the ambience of the old baugs will be preserved for at least another three to four years. And with the construction of housing at a standstill, the BPP trustees are now examining instead the possibilities of building aviaries to breed vultures at Doongerwadi. ("One endangered species trying to save another endangered species,” as observed retired, Poona based architect Ardeshir Patell.)

The North American Zoroastrians are marking the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) with their 16th Congress. Parsiana has sent two representatives to cover the historic event. A scheduled meeting of the Global Working Group, a tête-à-tête of the global Zoroastrian leadership, however has been reportedly jettisoned. The reason: some international centers were opposed to Zoroastrian scholar Ali Jafarey addressing the Congress and refused to attend.

Jafarey is not an office bearer of any local anjuman or FEZANA but because of his willingness to convert non-Parsis/Iranian Zoroastrians to the faith, he has been ostracized by the orthodox. Why his presence as a speaker should preclude Zoroastrian world leaders from convening is incomprehensible. But all in all it may not be a bad thing. A world body based on muzzling free speech, racial and sexual discrimination is not something any fair-minded, reasonable person would encourage.

The WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarathushtis) Page which suspended publication for almost three months is back but in so subdued a form it may as well have continued its sabbatical. The Parsee Voice publishes an issue once in a year or two. They have the resources but lack the will. The community needs forums for all points of view. It is the free and fair expression of dissent that results in coherence. With the Jam-e-Jamshed largely neutral and the remaining Parsi Press, The Bombay Samachar, Parsi Times and Parsiana leaning more to the liberal side, the traditionalists need to get their act together and publish a credible and responsible journal.

Which brings us to the question of the 10th World Zoroastrian Congress. After having flexed their muscle three years ago to hijack the global meet from Singapore, the BPP has done precious little to organize the event. The razzmatazz and hoopla of the inauguration and the closing may be there and the lavish dinners and entertainment. But the intellectual and factual content of the proceedings may not rise much above guest speakers at a FPZAI meet or a gathering of the traditionalists bused in to the Framjee Cowasjee Hall at Dhobi Talao. This is not to disparage those worthy, knowledgeable speakers but to note their presentations are largely their personal experiences and views, rather than objective, research based studies on the community.

But the allure of the Congress is the social give and take, the rubbing of shoulders with one’s counterparts from across the country and the world, the discussions between the sessions and during the meals, the sumptuous repasts plus the setting of the National Centre for the Performing Arts at the southern extremity of Marine Drive. All these peripheral benefits may make the Rs 12,000 (US $ 218) fee easier to swallow.

The 13th North American Zoroastrian Games were held in Toronto this June-July. The Zoroastrian Association of North Texas inaugurated its 5,000 square feet Center. Other Darbe Mehers in North America are being planned or are being renovated. A fire temple was erected in Sweden. The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe center as part the organization’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Hong Kong continues to shower its largesse on the international Zoroastrian community. Singapore is due to host the next World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) annual meet.

The Karachi Zarthoshti Banu Mandal entered its centenary year. In Iran women Zoroastrian priests continue to perform their ecclesiastical duties.

Will there be any reform in India? Maybe individual anjumans or trusts may relax their restrictions but to expect any change from the BPP would be wishful thinking. The divisions within the board are considerable. As it is the vulture breeding program at Doonger­wadi is facing stiff opposition from within the trust and outside.

The present board has seldom attempted to bring the community together. On the contrary their actions, especially in the first two years, were meant to create factions and pander to their electoral base. The New Year will once again see the chickens coming home to roost.