“Another milestone”

"Another milestone” (Editorial Viewpoint, Parsiana, June 21, 2014) has focused on a very pertinent topic that needs to be addressed and debated — the proper use of the vast halls in our atash behrams and many agiaries. These are under-utilized except but for priests clad in sudreh and lengha with like-minded chasniwalas and a few others engaged in an occasional discussion on whether Narendra Modi will bring acchhé din (good times) back!
It is time these beautiful, airy, vast rooms with antique furniture and old glass diva lamps, large painted portraits of Zarathushtra and of those who built the atash behrams or agiaries, are used as centers for community activities – as a place for views to be shared, discussions held, and of some service by way of sharing recipes or any matter of interest whether religious or anything under the sun. Speakers could occasionally be asked to conduct discussions on interesting topics with a bearing on the improvement of the community. Why not give the premises for tuition classes that would benefit our children? Such an atmosphere would do wonders for a child’s progress. Arré haan haan (of course), the tutors would be pure Parsis!
Agiaries and atash behrams would then serve as a meeting place for folks residing in the area. Maybe this would be a catalyst for more intermingling and sharing of problems and finding solutions on a one-to-one basis.
But I foresee some roadblocks. This suggestion will be immediately vetoed by the trustees and orthodox elements who would not like such participation by the ordinary Parsi as it would hinder their total control over the properties. Arguments on the purity and sanctity of the fire temple being diluted would be vociferously and strongly mouthed. Also, children of Parsis married to non-Parsis would most certainly be banned from these activities, as only a pure Parsi can avail of all facilities!
Such rigidity would negate the plan, which is why I miss having a leader who would think of the community instead of debarring Zoroastrians on flimsy grounds of racial purity. Honestly, is there one single family who does not have a non-Parsi member? So why not relent and let change prevail? The present Taliban-style of working will cause us to vanish faster on account of the cussedness of the orthodox elements who refuse to accept change.
There is little by way of séva (service) or love for the community on the part of the priests or the trustees. They just want to hold on to power which allows them to dictate to us. They couldn’t care less if others participate in any community activity, religious or other as long as their diktats are followed. Thank God that despite all this we Parsis are doing what we want to, as there are far more "renegade” priests who don’t mind doing what is banned by the trustees. Maybe the balance will tilt someday and there will be greater acceptance of what is banned today. RODA D. HAKIM
Baroda
vadhakim@yahoo.com