“Emissary to Iran”

With reference to the letter "Emissary to Iran” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, October 21, 2012), I wish to thank Aspi Bulsara for information on the Zoroastrians in Iran and the help extended to them by the Parsis — something I was aware of, but sadly find most Parsis completely ignorant about.
I do not belong to the orthodox group and my criticism does not stem from a belief in outdated rituals. Discussion is always healthy and exchange of views enlightening. However, it pains me to find that Zoroastrian Iranis who have given speeches or written recently on the subject of rituals have never once mentioned the help given by the Parsis of India, even at risk to their lives. In fact, large-hearted Parsi Zoroastrians have, without any motives apart from aiding their co-religionists, been instrumental in ensuring the betterment of the community in Iran.
Social changes through the centuries bring about changes in religious rituals and rites, and as no social group is an island unto itself, it borrows ideas from others with whom it interacts. We are told that black is seen as the color of Islam and the use of black prayer caps by Parsi Zoroastrians is questioned in Iran. Then, should not the Jews who normally wear black hats and caps be informed of this promptly? Though I firmly believe that the doors of our agiaries should be open to all, because we go regularly to places of worship of other religious groups, I wonder what the reaction of Iran’s present Muslim population would be if the doors of agiaries there were shut to them?
MEHROO KHAREGAT
meherbai36@hotmail.com

The editors reply
Both Arbab Rustom Guiv and the Zarthoshti Brothers donated millions of rupees to Parsi causes in India and the West out of gratitude to the community especially to people like Maneckji Hataria and Pestonjee Marzban amongst others.