“No rites for the ‘wrong’”

I shared my letter "No rites for the ‘wrong’” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, November 21-December 6, 2020), about funerary prayers being denied to my father, with my old friend and schoolmate Mohammed Khan, the prominent Indian advertising genius, and founder of Enterprise Nexus, who sent his feedback. When I sought his permission to share it he responded, "By all means, please do, if you think it serves a purpose.” Khan enjoys a large circle of Parsi friends and has always had a special regard for our community. I am sharing the letter as I believe readers will appreciate knowing how others see us:
"Yezdyar, I think your final sentence sums it all up: ‘When will this ever end?’
"I think the absurdity of it is pretty obvious, but I also know that this line of thinking is anathema to many, including some very dear friends who are ‘normal’ people!
"The Parsis are a small community, highly educated, sophisticated, and liberal in thinking. Above all, they’re a happy bunch universally liked and admired. It’s astonishing that they can’t sit across the table and hammer out a solution that works for all.
"I didn’t know about your family’s predicament following your father’s demise, but now that I do, I can understand how personal and painful this must be for you.” YEZDYAR S. KAOOSJI
California, USA
yezdyk@gmail.com