On April 8th, 2025, the DHABKAR-SURAT edition of a local Gujarat newspaper reported a deeply troubling statement made by the Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, during a convocation speech at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University in Surat.
In his address at the 56th graduation ceremony of the university, the Governor controversially remarked that foreign invaders — including Parsis and Jews — came to India “to loot the country,” citing the lack of unity among Indians at the time.
The DHABKAR-SURAT edition of April 8, 2025, (Page 2) carried the headline:
“Foreign invaders including Parsis came to loot the country: Governor Acharya Devvrat”
Translation from the original Gujarati article:
“There was no unity among us, therefore foreign invaders including Parsis, Jews came to loot the country. Nation-building is done by the bravery of brave men, the chastity of brave mothers, and sanctified children,” the Governor stated.
He further added:
“Huns, Mongols, Jews, Parsis, Mughals, and the British had not come here for sightseeing — they came as robbers to plunder India’s immense wealth.”
These remarks, delivered at an official academic event, deeply hurt and offended the Parsi community — a community historically recognized for its peaceful settlement in India and immense contributions to its industry, culture, and philanthropy.
Immediate Backlash from the Parsi Community
Members of the Parsi community expressed their anger and disappointment at this gross distortion of history. Many sent formal emails of protest to:
Gujarat Governor’s Office: rajbhavangujarat@gujarat.gov.in
Press Secretary, Gujarat Government: secpress-gh@gujarat.gov.in
With CC to:
Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat: cmog@gujarat.gov.in
Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India: pmo@pmindia.gov.in
Community leaders, including Viraf Mehta, Chairman of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, and Kersi Deboo, Vice-Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, were quick to demand clarification and an apology.
“Each one of us, individually and collectively as a community, is gravely hurt and saddened by the complete distortion of historical events,” said a community member, equating the remark to hate speech.
Apology from the Governor’s Office
On April 12th, 2025, after sustained community outcry, the Governor’s Office issued a public statement clarifying that the remarks were a “slip of the tongue.”
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat Says ‘Plunder’ Comment On Parsis Was Slip Of Tongue
Read Report Here
Kersi Deboo confirmed that the Governor had expressed regret over the remarks, clarifying that the reference to Parsis was unintentional and misplaced.
According to local media reports, the Governor reiterated his “deep faith and respect” for the Parsi community, praising its peaceful nature, unique identity, and invaluable contributions to India’s progress.
However, many within the community remain unconvinced.
“It did not look like a slip of tongue,” said Viraf Mehta of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet.
“Why are people making such loose statements about a community that has given so much to the country? It is a very irresponsible statement.”
A Teachable Moment
While the apology has been noted, this episode has sparked an important conversation about the responsibility of public officials to be accurate, sensitive, and informed — especially when speaking about minority communities with proud and peaceful legacies.
The Parsi community, small in number but vast in its contributions to India’s development, stands united in asserting its rightful place in the nation’s history — as builders, not plunderers.
Desh Gujarat Newspaper reports
Gujarat Governor’s ‘came to plunder country’ remark causes stir in Parsi community
Surat: The remarks made by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat during the 56th annual convocation ceremony of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University regarding the foreign powers who came to loot the nation have sparked outrage among Parsis across Gujarat, including in Surat. Members of the community are expressing deep sorrow and concern and have sent emails to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Governor Acharya Devvrat in response to his reportedly unintentional remark.
Trustees of the Nanpura Parsi Anjuman Trust and Samast Anjuman—Rushad Daravas Master, Parvez alias Palli Bastawala, Noshirbhai Pardiwala—and many others from the community have written to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, expressing shock and regret over the Governor’s allegedly inappropriate comments.
While addressing students, the Governor said, “The infighting between kings in our country was recognized by foreigners, who took advantage of it and looted the nation’s wealth. Mongols, Jews, Parsis, Mughals, and the English did not come to visit the country but to plunder its wealth. They succeeded due to our lack of unity.”
Now, the mention of Parsis in this statement, likely made by mistake, has caused a stir. Community leaders and citizens have stated that equating the Parsi community with others as having “come to plunder the country” is deeply hurtful. Whether made in error or due to misunderstanding, the remark has hurt this micro-minority, yet proud, community.
The Parsi community now urges the Governor to reflect on the history and legacy of the Parsis and consider issuing a clarification or a statement of regret.
Parvez alias Palli Bastawala, a leader of the Parsi community in Surat, said that even today, the community expresses its gratitude to Jadi Rana, who gave shelter to the Parsis 1,380 years ago, by gathering on a specific day in Sanjan. This day, observed in the month of May, serves as a day of remembrance and thanksgiving to Jadi Rana.
Referring to the recent controversy, Bastawala said that the Governor’s remarks suggesting that Parsis “came to plunder the country,” whether made in error or through misunderstanding, have deeply hurt a small but proud community that has always considered India not just a place of refuge, but their beloved motherland.
He added that the ancestors of the Parsis came to India seeking refuge from persecution and, in return, pledged loyalty and service to this land—a promise the community has honored for generations. Over the centuries, Parsis have made significant contributions to India’s progress in science, industry, education, philanthropy, defense, and governance. DeshGujarat