For a common cause

Zarathushtis are "a community without borders,” the diaspora of which stretches far and wide. Barring meeting family and friends periodically there is very little opportunity to meet face to face, exchange ideas, discuss mutual problems and arrive at solutions with other Zarathushtis worldwide. Technological innovations have given us many forms of communications but none can replace the warmth of a human face and the synergy generated by the presence of our co-religionists.

An event that happens every four-five years provides them with an opportunity to meet at a World Zoroastrian Congress (WZC). Hosting WZCs was the monopoly of India and Iran until 2000, when they were opened up to the diaspora with the 7WZC being held in Houston, Texas, hosted by FEZANA (Federation of the Zoroastrian Associations of North America) and the Zoroastrian Association of Houston. This was followed by ZTFE (Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe) in London (2005) and Dubai (2009). Singapore was willing, ready and able to host the 10WZC in 2013, but the trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), in their wisdom, felt that they should be organizing the Congress as they are the apex body of all Zarathushtis.
When a WZC is allocated to a country it is based on the expectation and trust that the organizers will be able to conduct it competently. FEZANA/Houston, ZTFE and Dubai all delivered beyond expectations. If the BPP is not able to deliver because of internal dissensions, then the trust and confidence reposed by the world community in that institution will be broken, and the BPP will no longer be looked upon as an apex body.
We have had nine WZCs so far, and each one has fulfilled the vision and mission it set for itself. Each Congress has tried to build on the strength and accomplishments of the past. Each Congress has tried to leave a legacy. What legacy will the 10WZC of Bombay leave? Perhaps its legacy will be the world community uniting to see this Congress takes place despite the four dissenting trustees of the BPP.
The WZCs are looked forward to with much anticipation by people around the world who arrange for leave of absence from work, make travel plans, apply for visas which is a major nerve wracking undertaking, register, make hotel reservations and submit abstracts if they wish to present their concerns or new research findings. There is a heightened sense of belonging, a sense of pride to see the community showcased, to acknowledge the achievements and talents of the young and the old. There is magic in the air when 2,000 Zarathushtis gather together for a common purpose. (The present enrolment is around 1,000 for the 10WZC – editors)
Then what right do four people (albeit elected) have to deprive the world community of this wonderful experience? What right do these four people have to negate the work of scores of others who have planned and worked for several years to bring the Congress to the level it is now? What right do these four people have to disregard the financial consequences to the BPP as an institution and to individuals as participants? What right do these four people have to hold the world community hostage for their personal issues?
At a time when the Indian Government wants to preserve this illustrious community by implementing the Jiyo Parsi scheme, the community’s members are tarnishing the good reputation built by our forefathers and the present day industrialists, scientists, researchers and other professionals.
The future and reputation of the BPP’s role in the global community depends upon the outcome of the 10WZC.
Perhaps, by the time this article goes to press, some solution will have been arrived at so that the efforts of so many may not go to waste.