As the tricolour is hoisted to mark the 60th anniversary of India’s independence, it is well worth acknowledging the contributions of the Indian diaspora across the world in keeping the tiranga aflutter in far-off lands. Take Hong Kong, for instance. Strikingly, Indians and persons of Indian origin do not account for a large critical mass… Continue reading Parsis Remembered in Hong Kong On Independance Day
Category: India
Of Parsi and modern Hindi theatre
PATNA: When it comes to setting standards in theatre, every Bihari Hindi theatre artist or director invokes the lessons learnt at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi. Ironically, contemporary practitioners of Bihari theatre have reservations about NSD performing plays based on Parsi theatre tradition. Why and how has it happened? “To say the… Continue reading Of Parsi and modern Hindi theatre
Bound by a handbook
In Deepa Mehta’s 1947: Earth, actress Kittu Gidwani, in the role of a Parsee, says how Parsees in India are like dissolved sugar in milk, not conspicuous, but noticeable because of their “sweetening” presence. And like dissolved sugar, they cling together. Sixty years later, in Calcutta, there are only an estimated 650-odd Parsees. The community… Continue reading Bound by a handbook
Pakistan Will Break Up: Ardeshir Cowasjee
Pakistan Will Break Up, Get Out When You Can: Columnist Cowasjee Saturday 21st of July 2007 Pakistan ‘is going to break up in the years to come and everyone who can, should pack up their bags and leave’, celebrated columnist and writer Ardeshir Cowasjee has advised. ‘Pack up and leave if you can. There’s no… Continue reading Pakistan Will Break Up: Ardeshir Cowasjee
Save the Tehmulji Nursing Home
In the recent weeks, there has been news about the selling off of a very important Parsi heritage building. The Temulji Lying In hospice has for generations been the first point of entry into the world for many a Parsi. Most of our parents and grandparents in the 60+ age group were born there. However… Continue reading Save the Tehmulji Nursing Home
Numbers down, but not their spirit
Numbers down, but not their spirit Family planning, migration, restrictions on conversion are reasons behind decline in Parsi population. Kolkata, June 21: Some thirty years ago, they were 4,000. Now, the count has dropped to a measly 750. However, that does not discourage the spirited Parsi community in Kolkata. The close-knit Zoroastrian community comprises people… Continue reading Numbers down, but not their spirit
WAPIZ celebrates Second Anniversary
When 2,500 Parsis gathered at the Mahalaxmi racecourse on Saturday evening, the main topic of discussion was the birth and death rates of the Message To Get My Ex Girl Back community, whose population has been on the decline. The community, which gathered to celebrate the second anniversary of the World Association of the Parsi… Continue reading WAPIZ celebrates Second Anniversary
Concern Over Delhi’s Dwindling Parsi Population
Delhi Minorities Panel plans to meet Parsi families New Delhi, May. 17 (PTI): Concerned over the declining population of Parsi community in the Capital, Delhi Minorities Commission is planning to meet the Parsi families here to assess their alround growth. “We would soon meet each Parsi family in the city and try to resolve the… Continue reading Concern Over Delhi’s Dwindling Parsi Population
Lose the vultures, and lose the soul
By Bachi Karkaria As an Indian Parsi Zoroastrian, I’m proud to belong to a tiny minority widely admired for its material success and its philanthropy. But I feel a closing sense of siege. The vicissitudes of modern life are threatening our group’s ethnic identity and ancient ways. The vulture, our main accomplice in death for… Continue reading Lose the vultures, and lose the soul
