The Parsi high priests have either shied away from holding secular office or not been selected for the posts. Thus the appointment of Udvada Dastur Khurshed Dastoor to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is a new development. Whether it’s a one-off affair or other high priests will follow suit is too early to say. The high priests themselves are an endangered species with only five remaining, though traditionally each of the eight atash behrams was supposed to be headed by a dastur.
Of the five high priests, Dasturs (Dr) Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa and Kaikhushroo Dastoor Meherjirana’s mobility is restricted......