In early August 2017, organ donation was promoted by The Times of India (TOI), and a multi-religion gathering was held. The report in TOI was accompanied by a photograph of representatives of different faiths. Considering that there were representatives from nearly a dozen religions featured in the photograph accompanying the write-up, I was disappointed that there was no religious leader or spokesperson from the Zoroastrian community. More so, when we are reputed for our charitable disposition.
Was no one invited? Or was the invitation declined?
Since all the spokespersons praised the spirit of organ donation to save lives and stated that no religion speaks against it, could it be that our religious heads chose not to participate because they believe it is against the Zoroastrian religion?
What do our vada dasturs have to say on this issue? Bearing in mind that the science of organ transplants was not even known when the religion was born, can there have been a religious edict on the subject at that time? It is important to offer a clarification on this issue.
On a lighter note, if we are taught to donate our organs to vultures, can we expand our generosity to humans also?
FARROKH MEHTA
farrokh_mehta@yahoo.com
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