The below is a Report of FPZAI meeting of Sept. 2009 sent via email by Mr. Marzban Giara.
A meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India was held after a lapse of three years at the Banaji Atash Behram Hall, Mumbai on 5th and 6th September 2009. 49 out of 69 anjumans of India participated. Those represented included Agra, Ajmer, Allahabad, Ankleshwar, Badnera-Amravati, Bardoli, Belgaum, Bharuch, Bhopal, Billimora, Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Borivali, Chikhli, Dahanu, Daman, Davier, Delhi, Deolali, Dumas, Elav, Gandevi, Hyderabad, Indore, Irani Zoroastrian Anjuman, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Khergam, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madras, Mahuva, Mandvi, Mhow, Nagpur, Nargol, Neemuch, Panchgani, Pardi, Poona, Rajkot, Ratlam, Saronda, Satara, Solapur, Thana, Valsad, Vesu, Vizag, Vyara and Zai Bordi.
Mr. Dinshaw Mehta, President of Bombay Parsi Punchayet who is also the President of FPZAI presided. He urged all to work harmoniously. “A house divided cannot stand.” Besides him five other BPP trustees Khojeste Mistree, Mrs. Arnavaz Mistry, Mr. Jimmy Mistry, Mrs. Armaity Tirandaz and Yazdi desai were present.
Election of office bearers: Five Vice-Presidents were elected, one for each zone Tehemton Anklesaria of Ratlam, V.P. North Zone; Numazar Mehta of Kolkata, V.P. East Zone; Pourushasp Mehta, of Poona,V.P. West Zone ‘A’, Areez Khambatta of Ahmedabad, V.P. West Zone ‘B’; Kerfegar Antia, of Hyderabad, V.P. South Zone.
Election of Zonal representatives 5 from North Zone –Allahabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Jhansi and Mhow. 2 reps from West Zone A Maharashtra – Dahanu and Irani Zoroastrian Anjuman, 2 reps from West Zone B Gujarat – Bardoli and Nargol, 1 from East Zone- Kolkata, 1 from South Zone Hyderabad.
Five BPP Trustees on the Executive Council of FPZAI are Dinshaw Mehta, Khojeste Mistree, Jimmy Mistry, Armaity Tirandaz and Yazdi Desai. Co-opted members are Dadi Mistry, Keki Gandhi, Navroz Davar, Mani Clubwala and Noshir Paghdiwalla. Khojeste Mistree and Pervez Mehta are Jt. Hon. Secretaries. Yazdi Desai and Merwan Irani are Jt. Hon. Treasurers. Arnavaz Mistry is the Executive Secretary.
Poverty Amelioration Scheme
This is the brainchild of Mr. Areez Khambatta who as contributed a substantial sum along with the BPP. FPZAI will give monthly financial aid to poor and needy humdins throughout India. Local anjumans will verify the genuineness of the applicants. Funds made available from sale of properties of defunct anjumans will be utilised for needs of PAS applicants. Commodore Maediomah Bhada suggested making people self reliant rather than giving doles. “Teach people how to fish rather than giving them a fish.”
Agiary adoption scheme was suggested by Jimmy Mistry. Wealthy Parsis as also rich anjumans can adopt an agiary. Agiaries should be the epicentre of community activities.Mr. Areez Khambatta offered to adopt two agiaries. Adopt an Agiary committee was constituted with three members Areez Khambatta, Jimmy Mistry and Khojeste Mistree.
Matrimonial meets Mr. Areez Khambatta suggested that matrimonial ,meets should be organized once every quarter. Mr. Dinshaw Mehta mentioned that the BPP is refurbishing Khareghat Hall where marriage meets will be organised. Youth wing of the BPP is setting up a marriage bureau online where Parsi youths can register.
BPP is promoting ZYNG Zoroastrian Youth for Next generation. It will have its website and promote networking. It will be launched in a few months. BPP’s Holiday Program for Youth HPY has completed 23 years. Among its varied activities the participants this year collected 224 bottles of blood for the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital in a single day.
Fertility Project started by BPP Over 500 Parsi couples in the past 3 years have undergone fertility treatment. 236 couples have produced children. BPP gives financial assistance of Rs.3,000 per month for 3rd child till the child attains the age of 18 years to 138 Parsi families. BPP also gives Rs.1,000 per month for 2nd child which is envisaged to be increased to Rs.3,000 per month from January 2010. This assistance is extended to Parsi families from all over India.
Mr. Khojeste Mistree: “BPP envisages an agiary, a senior citizens’ centre, a medical clinic facility and a crèche in every newly built colony/baug.” “Parsi media are biased and use adjectives to villify our High Priests.” “BPP has started counselling for Parsi boys at the hostel at Gamadia Colony. As most boys are from rural areas vocational guidance is necessary for them.
Mr. Yazdi Katpitia from Surat narrated about irregularities of Surat Parsi Panchayat and alleged that Parsi properties were neglected or sold off at less than their market value. A 20 page pamphlet in Gujarati about the alleged wrongdoings of the SPP was circulated at the meeting. The chairman responded that it would not be fair for the Federation to deliberate on this without hearing the SPP who were not present at this meeting.
Defunct Anjumans
Mr. Soli Katpitia detailed the steps taken by him to retrieve properties of defunct anjumans. He will coordinate with Vice Presidents of different zones. Bomi Hirjee suggested exploring the possibility of an Act, a central legislation similar to Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act by which any Parsi property would vest in FPZAI if there are no Parsis left in an area. Parsi legal eagles could draft such a legislation to protect the interest of minority community. Jimmy Mistry suggested a meeting should be held every month to review the progress on defunct anjumans and to document/videograph the records.
World Zoroastrian Congress at Dubai will be held from 28th to 31st December 2009 for which the approximate cost is Rs.60,000/- BPP will sponsor youths between the ages 18 to 35 to the extent of 50% of the cost.
Dr. Mehru Bengalee, Parsi member of National Minorities Commission said: “Five religious minorities are accepted by the Constitution of India – Parsis, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists. Of the 17 State Minorities Commissions Parsis are represented only in West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Mr Dinshaw Mehta has been appointed as our representative since August 2009 for Maharashtra. There are ample opportunities for distance education. 95% of the Parsi population in India is in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Parsis are also a linguistic minority. Parsis must seek representation at the local punchayet level and state level. Only if we have representation can we have bargaining power. A model Act has been prepared by National Minorities Commission that every State must have a minorities commission with members of all five minority communities. Prime Minister’s 15 point program allocates 7 crores rupees for minorities. Each minority community has a quota for allocation of funds. In the recruitment boards of Central Govt. corporations 15% jobs are reserved for minorities in government, defence, semi-govt. bodies. Please send schemes for repairs to fire temples, building community hall, libraries, education programs, fees for coaching classes. Under the priority sector lending scheme loans are available to minorities at 6% interest.
We have a right to ask for seats in colleges established by Parsis. Colleges established by Sindhis, Gujaratis and even Jesuits accept Parsi students as linguistic minorities. A certificate is issued by BPP certifying that the Parsi student is from a linguistic minority. Ministry of Human resources has issued a circular that colleges run by minority communities can admit Parsi students within the 50% quota reserved for the minority community.”
Marzban Giara suggested that information about job opportunities/scholarships, financial assistance available to minority communities needs to be widely publicised through notice boards at Parsi colonies/baugs/agiaries.
Mr. Eruch B. Desai, ex-President of BPP and FPZAI said: “FPZAI is a link between various anjumans. It is a meeting place where community problems are discussed. FPZAI suggested amendments to Indian Succession Act. The proposed Adoption Bill was dropped due to representation by FPZAI. We cannot and should not change the use of doongerwadi lands for purposes other than dokhmenashini. The rich and affluent in our community are averse to what happens in our community. The present BPP trustees should be supported by all for the progress and prosperity of the community. The trustees should work as a united team.”
Priests Many anjumans are finding it difficult to get priests. On the question of priests not willing to go to moffusil areas Khojeste Mistree said: “There are 375 priests in Mumbai. They interact, network with other priests and their family members. They are reluctant to move out of Mumbai as they feel isolated. Over the past 50 years our community has treated our priests as slaves. We need to give them respect and pay them decent remuneration. Priests are finding it difficult to find marriage partners.”
A voluntary group of Parsis has been silently helping to clean and repair our places of worship such as agiaries as also dokhmas. These are the unsung heroes of our community.
Mrs. Arnavaz Mistry appealed for cooperation and commitment. “We need harmony in our community” she said.
What type of Democracy is this.
Can any one provide details of Parsee Zoroastrian Population of
Deolali, Dumas, Elav, Gandevi, Indore, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Khergam, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mahuva, Mandvi, Mhow, Nagpur, Neemuch, Panchgani, Rajkot, Ratlam, Satara, Solapur, Thana, Vesu, Vizag, Vyara and Zai Bordi.
Anjuman representin 6 to 25 Parsees in their locality can not decide the fate of a city like Mumbai having more than 45000 Parsees.
Is this the concept of ‘representation’ we are supposed to accept?
What type of Democracy is this.
Can any one provide details of Parsee Zoroastrian Population of
Deolali, Dumas, Elav, Gandevi, Indore, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Khergam, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mahuva, Mandvi, Mhow, Nagpur, Neemuch, Panchgani, Rajkot, Ratlam, Satara, Solapur, Thana, Vesu, Vizag, Vyara and Zai Bordi.
Anjuman representin 6 to 25 Parsees in their locality can not decide the fate of a city like Mumbai having more than 45000 Parsees.
Is this the concept of ‘representation’ we are supposed to accept?
Dear Phiroz, Nagpur has about 40 parsi families, therefore you may do your own math about the number of members yourself!
Kudos to Arzan for another really informative and un-biased post on the FPZAI which is ‘almost always’ in the heart of controversy and debate… where the chances of parsis debating on whether they should have a body are much more than what they can achieve by its might.
that brings us to phiroz’ comment – first of all – if you feel under-represented – there is no stopping you from attending such meetings and airing your voice – as a member of the community – you can inform the FPZAI that you want to speak – and there is sufficient space to do the same. Secondly- attend first – do first – then mumble-grumble. and whatever ‘fortunately’ that has been discussed this time around is DEFINITELY for the good of the community… if you had felt otherwise – you could have discussed this with your representatives – which they can pick up in the next FPZAI – that is truly the democratic process. and the FPZAI is not “deciding the fate” but giving the community a platform where actions can be discussed – and the community as a whole can come on one platform and tell each other about what concerns and affects us as a whole…
the BPP is your representative – it already is over-represented by virtue of its might in this body – as a democratic process – the voice of these tiny communities away from the urban scene needs to be heard – and this is the only platform that exists – respect it.
Shehzad Irani, a quick note to clarify that the above report has been written by Mr. Marzban Giara. This was circulated via email. I have just posted this on Parsi Khabar.
Dear Phiroz, Nagpur has about 40 parsi families, therefore you may do your own math about the number of members yourself!
Kudos to Arzan for another really informative and un-biased post on the FPZAI which is ‘almost always’ in the heart of controversy and debate… where the chances of parsis debating on whether they should have a body are much more than what they can achieve by its might.
that brings us to phiroz’ comment – first of all – if you feel under-represented – there is no stopping you from attending such meetings and airing your voice – as a member of the community – you can inform the FPZAI that you want to speak – and there is sufficient space to do the same. Secondly- attend first – do first – then mumble-grumble. and whatever ‘fortunately’ that has been discussed this time around is DEFINITELY for the good of the community… if you had felt otherwise – you could have discussed this with your representatives – which they can pick up in the next FPZAI – that is truly the democratic process. and the FPZAI is not “deciding the fate” but giving the community a platform where actions can be discussed – and the community as a whole can come on one platform and tell each other about what concerns and affects us as a whole…
the BPP is your representative – it already is over-represented by virtue of its might in this body – as a democratic process – the voice of these tiny communities away from the urban scene needs to be heard – and this is the only platform that exists – respect it.
Shehzad Irani, a quick note to clarify that the above report has been written by Mr. Marzban Giara. This was circulated via email. I have just posted this on Parsi Khabar.
Shehzad,
The tone and tenor of your post suggests that you are perhaps from a place other than Mumbai.The problems of towns like Ajmer, Allahabad, Ankleshwar,Deolali, Dumas, Elav, Gandevi, Indore, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Khergam, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mahuva, Mandvi, Mhow, Neemuch, Panchgani, Rajkot, Ratlam, Satara, Solapur, Thana, Vesu, Vizag, Vyara and Zai Bordi are ofg different nature – how to save Parsee owned properties etc.wheras the issues of Mumbai are of pseudo Religious in nature like disposal of Dead etc.
BTW whera have I said in my post that voices from moffusil places should not be heard?
Next pertinent question is whether the ‘represenatives’ fro such Anjumans are really the residents of such places.
NAVROZ: Your figure for Nagpur noted but what about other hamlets mentioned in the report, like Elav. Gandevi, Khergam etc?
Shehzad,
The tone and tenor of your post suggests that you are perhaps from a place other than Mumbai.The problems of towns like Ajmer, Allahabad, Ankleshwar,Deolali, Dumas, Elav, Gandevi, Indore, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Khergam, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mahuva, Mandvi, Mhow, Neemuch, Panchgani, Rajkot, Ratlam, Satara, Solapur, Thana, Vesu, Vizag, Vyara and Zai Bordi are ofg different nature – how to save Parsee owned properties etc.wheras the issues of Mumbai are of pseudo Religious in nature like disposal of Dead etc.
BTW whera have I said in my post that voices from moffusil places should not be heard?
Next pertinent question is whether the ‘represenatives’ fro such Anjumans are really the residents of such places.
NAVROZ: Your figure for Nagpur noted but what about other hamlets mentioned in the report, like Elav. Gandevi, Khergam etc?