“A time to act”

In your editorial "A time to act" (Parsiana, October 7, 2012) reinforcing advocate general of Maharashtra Darius Khambata’s remarks ("Independent and impartial advice," Parsiana, October 7, 2012) "blaming worthy members of our community who could dispel" erroneous notions "but chose not to do so," you have articulated and highlighted the fundamental doctrine of our religion spelled out in Yasna 46.6: "That person is deceitful who is extremely good to the deceitful person and whoever is a friend to the truthful person is truthful him/herself. O Ahura! Thou didst establish (this) as the principal principle of the religion."

Thus, Zoroastrianism obligates us not only to do no wrong but also to oppose those who do. I also strongly endorse his suggestion that "if Parsis (really!) want to save Zoroastrianism let them put their hands in their pockets and build a new agiary" where all Zoroastrians can enter. I wonder how much better it would have been if someone had built a dar-e-meher like we have in North America where non-Parsi spouses and others could freely worship Ahura Mazda. I ardently wish the Tatas, Petits, Wadias, Godrejs, Pallonji Mistry and all other wealthy Parsi families could take up such a project in earnest to ensure our survival. It could avert internal dissensions amongst us as there will be no encroachment on the existing places of worship.

Zoroastrianism teaches us to do all the good we can, besides confronting all the bad things we can, and such a project provides a splendid and lasting opportunity to do so. Let not the religion be held hostage to property or parochialism and prejudice. Ervad KERSEY ANTIA

Chicago, USA

kerseyantia@yahoo.com