Mumbai, December 10: The message was clear. The Parsis are here to stay and pave way for their next generation through their innovative Parsi Resource Group (PGR) programme. At least, that was the idea which over 1,500 Parsis wanted to get across to the public who feels they are a dwindling lot.
Brainchild of architect Jimmy Mistry, PRG has been designed for empowering the Parsi youth and to uplift their traditional fire temples and improve the lives of Parsi priests, which according to Mistry, are in a pathetic state of affairs. And Mistry has fallen back on motorcycles as a common thread to link all of them—young and old—together.
Mistry said that there was nothing else that could be more common for the young and the old to come together for a cause and a ride towards community passion and unity.
The first of its kind, the youth movement on wheels kick started from Dadar Parsi Colony at 9 am on Sunday with more than 400 bikes and 1,000 bikers and reached Rostam Baug at 1 pm where Harleys, Triumphs, Hondas, Nortons and Kawasakis ensured a field day for shutterbugs. The last to come in was a 1926 American-make Henderson which took away the limelight from all other bikes present there. Also present was a British-made BSA motorcycle with a German Steib sidecar. Proud owner of both the classic bikes, Neville E Choksi, a collector of bikes, says there are only a handful of those in the world now.
Leader of the youth movement, Mahtab, stated that as of now the movement which started 6 months back is focused on youth, fire temples and priests.
“We want to show that we are not dwindling and this is not a dying community. We have a large youth force and we are now providing a platform for jobs and placements through networking,’’ said Mahtab adding that as of now 1,500 Parsis have already joined the movement. “We are also working towards the betterment of 600 priests by educating their children and providing them with pension,’’ she added.
“I want to change things and want the youth to be more responsible towards their community,’’ said Mistry beaming on his 2300 cc Triumph motorcycle.
From Rostam Baug, the rally would move to Cushrow Baugh, Napean Sea road, Tardeo and Byculla.