Moving with the times

Parsis seem to be stuck in the days when our forefathers landed in Sanjan, which is why we have not been able to ring in changes necessary for our survival. Many can’t think of any system of disposal of the dead other than dakhmenashini though reason tells us that it is no longer functioning effectively. We still discriminate against the children of women married outside the faith though the children of Parsi out-married men are accepted. Parsis in the diaspora are doing away with such customs which are holding us back.
Instead of moving with the times, the clergy maintains "Jem chhè, tèm chaalvaa déo (let things continue as they are).” Resignation has set in among Parsis who feel rudderless with no one with common sense and vision to lead the community. Perhaps that is why the khaata, peeta, hasta (eating, drinking, laughing) Parsis have lost their resilience and are unable to bounce back. RODA D. HAKIM
Baroda
vadhakim@yahoo.com