A minority decision

Appointing a Zoroastrian representative to the NCM is usually a non-event. Most Parsis are barely aware of the body’s existence and have little concept of what it does or who the Zoroastrian representative is. Thus the proposed appointment of Tamboly, managing trustee of the WZO Trust Funds and the Worli Prayer Hall should have been routine. An able administrator with firm grounding in and sound knowledge of the community in India and abroad, his addition to the NCM should have been welcomed by all. However, Tamboly is considered a liberal. But so too were some of his predecessors at the Commission, such as the former Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) president Dadi Mistry; writer, special assistant to the prime minister on international affairs and a member of the cabinet secretariat Keki Daruwalla was a moderate.
In a letter to the minister of minority affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, with a copy marked to the Parsi Press and others on this May 5, Desai wrote: "I refer to my letter of January 16, 2017, wherein as chairman of the BPP, I had recommended the name of Dinshaw Tamboly for appointment as the Parsi member on the NCM.
"After careful thought and due consideration, I hereby wish to withdraw my recommendation… for the following reasons —
"My recommendation was given in haste, at the instance of Shernaz Cama, director of Parzor (Delhi), ostensibly to thwart the appointment of a politically connected Delhi based Parsi businessman, and consequently my recommendation was given without the authority of the BPP board at a duly convened board meeting. I have made this fact public at the recent meeting of the FPZAI which was held in Bombay over the last weekend (April 29 and 30).
"A sizable section of the Parsi community is very unhappy and upset at my recommendation... This is because Tamboly has very radical religious convictions and it is most likely that he will misuse this important position to further his reformist agenda, thereby destroying the delicate ethno-religious fabric of the Parsi Zoroastrian community. Even at the recently concluded meeting in Bombay of the FPZAI, almost all the representatives of the anjumans throughout India, expressed disappointment and dismay at my recommendation...
"To the best of my knowledge and belief, except for Dastur Khurshed Dastoor of Udvada, none of the other four present high priests of India have endorsed Tamboly because of his anti-orthodox and anti-religious convictions and actions. (Dastur Kaikhushroo Dastoor Meherjirana also supported Tamboly — editors)
"Please treat this letter as the final withdrawal of my recommendation of Tamboly, in my capacity as chairman of the BPP, which is the apex body of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in India for over 350 years.
"I trust your Government will not create a rift and unnecessary controversy in our peace loving Parsi community by appointing Tamboly as the Parsi member on the NCM.
"I truly regret the inconvenience caused to you, sir, and the anguish and pain caused to my Parsi community by my hasty and thoughtless recommendation.”
Shortly thereafter Desai sent out another email to the media and others stating, "Tamboly was requested to give a two-line press statement that as a member of the NCM, he would stick to socioeconomic affairs and not meddle in religious issues, to allay the fears of the orthodox. He refused to give any such statement, leaving me with no choice.”
The next day Daruwalla wrote to Desai: "First recommending and then withdrawing the recommendation turns the community and the BPP into a joke.
"The NCM is for all minorities and the Parsi member should have the ability and knowhow to deal with the problems of all communities, problems which are much graver than some incident or defalcation in some Bagh (baug) or the other, or a dispute at the Doongerwadi. I can’t think of anyone better than Tamboly to represent the community at the NCM.
"The contribution of Parsi members, apart from the redoubtable Lt Gen Adi Sethna (Retd) and a few others, to the NCM has been a bit of a joke. Members come once a week from Bombay, attend a meeting, go back and their PA (personal assistant) sign their letters and manage affairs. Whether Tamboly lives part-time in Delhi or not, he is the kind who will have a firm grip over the matters that concern the NCM and the community.
"Religious matters are never, never, never discussed in the NCM. So whether you are a member of WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis), or a ‘reformist’ holding views in consonance with the modern world and global progressive thought, does not matter.
"I hope you would see reason and withdraw (finally) your earlier withdrawal letter.”
Mistry had earlier endorsed Tamboly on February 13, noting they had "worked together for the welfare of the community for the last many decades and I feel that he is the most competent member of the community to serve as my successor (on) the NCM. His zeal and dedication to the cause of the poor and downtrodden is phenomenal and is loved and respected by the community in India and the world over. Through his work over the several years in the capacity of the head of various national and international organizations he has very good knowledge of the needs of the community. He is a level-headed, humble and dynamic trustee of the community and I am sure he will be a great asset to the NCM and MOMA (ministry of minority affairs).”

"A pragmatist”
Set up under the National Commission for Minorities Act 1992 to initially look into complaints from Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis), the all-India body’s impact on the community is largely over property matters, encroachments, government land acquisition, etc. Complaints are normally raised by anjumans and punchayets, rather than individuals.
When contacted by Parsiana for his comments, Tamboly characteristically replied, "I am not interested in commenting on an issue that is nothing but ‘political’ in nature.” In an interview with the mid-day of May 9, Tamboly alleged Desai had written his withdrawal letter to Naqvi "in his personal capacity, not on behalf of the board.” Tamboly said he was nominated by former BPP president Dinshaw Mehta in 2014 when Daruwalla was to step down. At Mistry’s request, Tamboly however put off his appointment till the next term. When Mistry’s term came to an end, BPP trustee and Tamboly ally Kersi Randeria suggested Tamboly’s name for the post, the daily stated.
When asked by mid-day if he was "reformist,” Tamboly replied, "No, I am a pragmatist” adding, "I will happily work for the government if they want me to, but if not, I have many other positive and productive things to do.”
Justifying his volte face, Desai told the daily, "people like Tamboly and Daruwalla think it’s shameful to talk about race in the present day but they don’t understand that most Parsis are orthodox. They don’t want to dilute their bloodline by marrying outside the community. Religion is the system of belief, even if it may not be consonant with the times.”
Caught in the middle of the controversy was Cama who told the daily, "I have no idea what they (BPP) are talking about. I’m not saying this person is fictional; there were a lot of names floating around... However there were some names which were of people who are not knowledgeable about the community and haven’t worked for it either.” She considered Tamboly a "man with the vision to do a good job at the NCM; that’s what I suggested to the BPP... I don’t know why they (BPP) think that they are the be all and end all of things.”

Trustees speak
Parsiana sent out an email on May 10 to the remaining six BPP trustees asking if they were in favor of nominating Tamboly or not. Noshir Dadrawala replied via email from Iran on May 10: "I think Tamboly was an ideal candidate given his vast experience and knowledge about the socioeconomic issues facing the community. His personal views on matters of religion are liberal and he has never tried to hide them… When I was orally asked (not formally in the BPP board room) whether I would be in favor of suggesting his name, I agreed. It is unfortunate that after suggesting his name it has now been withdrawn under pressure from a few…
"What we need at the NCM is someone who can push the Parsi Zoroastrian community’s crying need for socioeconomic and educational development, be it for reservation of seats in medical and engineering colleges or how Parsis can avail of national economic programs, especially aimed at our youth.
"Broadly speaking the role of the Commission is to evaluate the progress of the development of minorities under the Union and States and monitor the working of the safeguards for minorities provided in the Constitution and in laws enacted by Parliament and the State legislatures.”
Muncherji Cama, whose status as a BPP trustee is under dispute, in a telephonic conversation with Parsiana on May 12 stated he favored Tamboly’s appointment terming him "well balanced” and "a good person.” In 2014 he had also supported Tamboly’s candidature for the post. At that time Desai and then co-trustees Jimmy Mistry and Khojeste Mistree opposed Tamboly’s nomination, Cama said.
On May 12, via WhatsApp Kersi Randeria quoted Dadrawala’s views on the role of the NCM, adding, "I think it sums up beautifully the issues being debated.” Parsiana responded, "Noshir clearly stated he supported Dinshaw’s appointment. What do you have to say?” Randeria replied, "But of course.” We asked "In favor?” Randeria confirmed, "But of course.”
Zarir Bhathena was more forthcoming, stating on WhatsApp on May 13 that he was "wholly supporting Tamboly. I do not believe that this post has anything to do with religion.”
Armaity Tirandaz, in her email response on May 12, noted, "It is unfortunate that such a controversy has erupted on the appointment for the NCM post. It was only at the Federation meeting that it was brought to my knowledge that the chairman of the BPP board of trustees had already made a recommendation on behalf of the board for Tamboly.
"The subject was not discussed in any of our BPP meetings, so I was as surprised as the next person. Tamboly in his own right is doing commendable work, but our views on religious issues differ greatly. In fact post the Federation meeting I spoke to Tamboly, expressing the same and my surprise of the unilateral decision of Desai without consulting the BPP board.
"In my understanding the BPP chairman has written a letter apparently three months ago on a BPP letterhead and therefore by the same virtue has now withdrawn his recommendation on behalf of the entire BPP board.” As regards the withdrawal, Tirandaz said she was "unaware as was BPP trustee Viraf (Mehta).”
Viraf Mehta sent a lengthy email to Parsiana on May 15 which he wanted carried in its entirety or not at all. Due to the late hour, this was not possible. He reiterated that his and Tamboly’s religious views are different.

Voice of the anjumans
On May 11, Parsiana wrote to the member anjumans of the FPZAI seeking their opinion on Tamboly’s nomination.
Among those supporting Tamboly were: Shree Parsi Panchayat, Vadodara whose president Baman Cama endorsed Tamboly. According to Baman Cama, Tamboly "has proved beyond any iota of doubt that he is a true Zoroastrian Parsi in letter and spirit by his dedicated work for the community over the last few decades… What are we talking about orthodoxy? Do we follow the same customs and culture that our grandparents and great-grandparents followed?”
Jamshed Dotivala, president of the Surat Parsi Panchayat, indicated that his "board members had given a positive response for nomination of Tamboly as a Parsi representative on the NCM. We, as a board, would like to keep our stand on this.”
On behalf of the Poona Parsi Panchayat trustees, Polly Patel noted, all the trustees"feel Dinshaw Tamboly is a fit person for nomination to the NMC.”
Pervez Irani of the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman (IZA) stated, "We have no objection to Tamboly being a member of the NMC.”
Khurshed Pastakia, secretary of the Borivali and Suburban Zoroastrian Association (BASZA) noted on May 13, "We have no quarrel with Tamboly taking on the role of representing the community in the NMC as we believe that role to be social and not religious in nature. His personal religious views should not have a bearing in the discharge of his duties at the NMC. We would be happiest if whoever is appointed by the Government takes the other into confidence and exchanges advice informally on important community matters.”
Among those opposing or not supporting Tamboly were Maki Kapadia, president of the Belgaum Parsi Zarthosti Anjuman who was "definitely against nominating Tamboly to the Minorities Commission.” The Belgaum representative at the FPZAI meet, Cmde Medioma Bhada (Retd) had termed Tamboly’s nomination a part of a "Machiavellian” plot.
Desai’s wife Anahita, representing Badnera Amravati stated "they are traditional (but not fanatics) and would be comfortable with someone who would represent their sentiments rather than someone who is known to be reformist.” Anahita also stated as Tamboly had helped numerous anjumans, Parsiana was "putting them in an awkward spot by asking them individually whether they support Tamboly.”
Muncher Mubarakai of Dahanu who is FPZAI vice president West Zone A noted, "I firmly believe that the post of Parsi member on the National Minorities Commission would be in a position to influence the Government on various issues. I would therefore be happy to have an orthodox representing us on the Commission. Tamboly is not an orthodox and I feel that it would be better to have a non-controversial person at this post.”
Yezdi Panthaki of the Saronda anjuman noted that the anjuman presents an "orthodox mindset… even at a recent community lunch to invite local bigwigs (from sister communities) they had an opposition from anjuman members.”
Navroze Daver, vice president of the Nagpur anjuman said that in light of Desai withdrawing the nomination "it is decided by us not to comment on the subject.” Panchgani too opted to refrain from commenting.
Zarsis Udhnawala, president of the Thana Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman, one of whose members at the FPZAI meet pressured Yazdi to reveal who the BPP had recommended for the NCM, replied "It is not possible for me to call a managing committee meeting, discuss the matter, get a consensus and reply in just a day’s time. However we shall take up this matter at our next managing committee meeting and inform the Federation who will in turn take a well informed decision and convey to you the decision taken by the majority of anjumans.”

Solidarity for Tamboly
Prior to the controversy, many anjumans in India, overseas associations and individuals had expressed their support for Tamboly.
Amongst the other anjumans in India who sent letters in the early months of the year to the government supporting Tamboly’s nomination are Dastur Kaikhushroo Dastoor Meherjirana, high priest of the Navsari atash behram and president of the Navsari Samast Parsi Zoroastrian General Fund, Yazdi Kasad, honorary secretary and Dara Deboo, trustee and honorary secretary of the Navsari Malesar Behdin Anjuman.
Aside from extolling Tamboly as the "most experienced amongst the entire Parsi community,” Meherjirana went on to note, "We are particularly proud that Dinshaw is a scion of the Tamboly family that has their roots in Navsari. Dinshaw has rendered yeoman service to the community not only at Navsari but also in the villages of South Gujarat. Most of the smaller anjumans of South Gujarat have also been supported from funds raised by him.
DPA president Yezad Kapadia wrote, "We need an experienced and active member like him to work for community welfare and benefit with the government at the highest levels. We strongly urge you to consider him as the best fitted leader of the Parsis who can keep the community together and represent all members at such an important position.”
Aspi Debara, honorary secretary of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad while "strongly” recommending Tamboly noted he "has tirelessly worked for the community for the past several decades (and) has dedicated his life for the economic and social upliftment of the less fortunate members of our community.”
Homi Gandhi, president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America stated Tamboly "has served as a trusted partner with us in the North American Zoroastrian community in our efforts to support fellow Zoroastrians in need in India.” Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe president Malcolm Deboo wrote on February 7 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Tamboly "is immensely respected within the community and will speak for the entire community including those of us in the diaspora. His impressive bio data testifies to his dynamic personality.”
Letters from readers to Parsiana (see Readers’ Forum, pg 6) expressed dismay at Desai’s about-face. On the Parsiana Facebook page, of the 112 reactions, comments and shares received, only one, Curush Bilimoria, supported Yazdi Desai for doing "the right thing… I don’t understand how can Khurshed Dastoor endorse Tamboly’s candidature.”
Behram Aga castigated Yazdi Desai stating, "More Parsi leaders like you are needed to take the community to its grave” while Farzana Cooper stated, "An undesirable precedent is being set (by) a couple of dozen bigot psychos who have time at their disposal to express vociferously and hold the community to ransom.” Dr Ardeshir Damania of California stated, "There is no other person in the entire Parsi community who is even half as qualified or deserving for the nomination for a seat on the NCM than hamdin Tamboly.”
Nailing the lie
Desai’s assertion that the majority of the Parsis were not in favor of Tamboly is not borne out by the facts. The 2011 census figure show 57,264 Parsis in India with Bombay alone having a population of around 40,000. Five of the seven BPP trustees were initially in favor of Tamboly, though all were not consulted. Desai then changed his position. Among the other large pockets of Zoroastrians who supported Tamboly were the IZA, BASZA, the anjumans of Navsari, Surat, Vadodara, Poona, Delhi, Hyderabad and Secunderabad representing nearly 90% of the Parsis in India. Of the remaining 10%, Madras, Calcutta, Jasmhedpur will surely endorse a liberal candidate. That means Desai’s revocation of Tamboly’s nomination reflects the thinking of less than 10% of the Parsi population in India. Many of the anjumans vocally opposing Tamboly at the FPZAI meet in Bombay last month such as Nargol, Bardoli and Belgaum have few Parsis residing in their areas. In reply to Parsiana’s email Bardoli refrained from taking sides as did Ahmedabad, which had initially proposed the name of their president Brig Jahangir Anklesaria (Retd) for the post.
As blogger Jehangir Bisney noted on Facebook, "Take a referendum or count even now. Tamboly will win hands down. Jealousy and vindictive politics is getting the better of community interest.”
Whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the center will even constitute a new board is questionable. Hindustan Times (HT) of May 9 quotes Mistry as stating, "There have been no appointments of members from any other communities, including Muslims and Christians. It’s been more than six months now.” When Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat the state had no minorities commission. Writing in the HT of May 8, columnist Manoj Nair noted, "Janet D’Souza, who was the vice chairman of the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, said that the body was dissolved in January 2015 after the new government was elected. ‘The members of the national commission completed their term, but we were not even allowed to finish our five-year term. They have reconstituted the body (state commission) but have not nominated its members (last body had 10 nominees). There is only a chairman,’ said D’Souza.”