Press and policy
The Parsi Press claims it is balanced and gives coverage to both the orthodox and the reformists in the readers’ views section, which it considers its strength.
I question the wisdom of this policy. At a time when the numerical strength of the community is fast dwindling, what should be our first priority? Should it be to divide ourselves into factions or to unite and tackle the problem of our survival/revival? In my opinion, though unintentionally, the Press is encouraging divisiveness.
Perhaps the Press should organize a series of discussions and debates on this issue inviting leading business persons, vada dasturs, religious scholars, prominent legal persons and other community members. Any problem, however large, can be solved by discussions. Will the Press provide this platform? If it does not fall within its present policy, should not the policy be changed?
I see our community and our religion slowly becoming extinct in India, purely by default, as no one is interested in organizing such discussions.
KERSEE KABRAJI
Poona
kerseekabraji@gmail.com
The editors reply:
The primary duty of the Press is to report on events. There are numerous other organizations that can and do host talks.
But the press has a v. imp. duty too. We all know that the PEN is mightier than the sword. It is in your able hands to give articles/poems which bind the community. Articles about our great men who did much for us, on how we can get together n increase our population; on encouraging kids to take up professional edu. the most imp. role is to INSTIL RESPECT LOVE N FAITH FOR OUR RELIGION. That should be the target of every thinking Parsi, how I leave it to you erudite humans. It is upon the responsible shoulders of the press to see that PARSEES live thru ages... for millions of years. USHTA TE. Armin Dutia Motashaw