“The prayer hall trust”

In the item "The prayer hall trust” (Events and Personalities, Parsiana, February 7, 2014) as well as in a write-up in Parsi Times around the same time I was surprised to read about the creation of a Prayer Hall Trust (PHT) to construct prayer halls attached to a crematorium at Worli for those Parsis who opt for cremation.
In my opinion this was well meant but uncalled for. Some years back there was a suggestion from some members of the community that the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees should allow one of the bunglis at Doongerwadi for prayers for those co-religionists who chose to be cremated. The dead body would be brought in for sachkar then taken by the relatives for cremation. The family and friends could come back after that to the same bungli for further prayers including uthamna. There was never any question of having a crematorium at Doongerwadi; it was not just feasible.
Some time back there were reports in the Press about efforts being made to breed vultures at Doongerwadi for future use. I had stated in my article (Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly, August 2, 2009) that "these individuals in my opinion need psychiatric counseling.”
The introduction of solar panels at the dakhmas has largely got rid of the unpleasant smell or ‘stink’ except during certain months.
Again, in some issues of Parsiana I read about a survey conducted revealing that "79% favored prayers be recited for those opting for cremation with 80% supporting the provision of a bungli for those choosing cremation.”
I wish the enlightened chairman of the PHT had gone to the BPP trustees to once again appeal for allowing the use of a bungli as stated above. In fact one philanthropic humdin had showed us willingness to bear the entire cost of a new bungli for the purpose on this vast land which was given by the British for disposal of the dead. This would have also lessened the fears of some Parsis that a day might come when the government might take over part of the land for other public purposes. Dr ASPI F. GOLWALLA

The editors reply:
When Dr Soli Arceivala ("Why I opt for cremation,” Parsiana, March 7, 2014) and others met the BPP trustees, the majority of the trustees were adamant about not providing bunglis for those opting for cremation/burial.