Readers' Forum
“Idol worship”
To the question: what are we teaching the present young generation about our religion, besides "gobbledegook in prayers” as Farrokh Vajifdar has opined regarding the letter "Idol worship” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, October 7, 2013), I would like to add my observation. Today when every right thinking person is working towards peace, harmony and equality for all, regardless of the color of one’s skin, religion or gender, Parsis seem to be working in the opposite direction. We are Parsis first and then Indians!
If you live in a Parsi colony or baug you are told that you are a cut above the others and hence should keep the non-Parsis out. Otherwise how can we pay Rs 100 by way of rent in perpetuity? Sure, non-Parsis can work in your homes as ayahs, boys and naukar-chaakar (domestic helpers). God forbid if you decide to marry a non-Parsi (especially if you are a girl child). Thou shalt not inter-marry because how can you defile yourself? Remain single rather than breed little half-castes! Tch! Tch! And at the playgrounds, make sure you stick to your own kind. And, Baba, don’t ask stupid questions like "Why can’t they enter our agiaries?” Don’t you know "our fire is so sacred, our prayers are so powerful that they are only meant for Parsi ears?” The ‘others’ will be smitten by the wrath of Ahura Mazda if they dare eavesdrop or look in on our ceremonies!
Darling, you cannot get admission into a medical college? Sorry, no reservations? Have you tried praying the novena, going to Mount Mary or Sai Baba of Shirdi, and if nothing works try Tirupathi. No, no it’s not against the tenets of our faith. And, last but not the least we are soooo loved by the rest of the world, well at least Indians, thanks to J. R. D., the Tatas and Wadias...we can always bask in their glory.
If you live in a Parsi colony or baug you are told that you are a cut above the others and hence should keep the non-Parsis out. Otherwise how can we pay Rs 100 by way of rent in perpetuity? Sure, non-Parsis can work in your homes as ayahs, boys and naukar-chaakar (domestic helpers). God forbid if you decide to marry a non-Parsi (especially if you are a girl child). Thou shalt not inter-marry because how can you defile yourself? Remain single rather than breed little half-castes! Tch! Tch! And at the playgrounds, make sure you stick to your own kind. And, Baba, don’t ask stupid questions like "Why can’t they enter our agiaries?” Don’t you know "our fire is so sacred, our prayers are so powerful that they are only meant for Parsi ears?” The ‘others’ will be smitten by the wrath of Ahura Mazda if they dare eavesdrop or look in on our ceremonies!
Darling, you cannot get admission into a medical college? Sorry, no reservations? Have you tried praying the novena, going to Mount Mary or Sai Baba of Shirdi, and if nothing works try Tirupathi. No, no it’s not against the tenets of our faith. And, last but not the least we are soooo loved by the rest of the world, well at least Indians, thanks to J. R. D., the Tatas and Wadias...we can always bask in their glory.
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