In the past Parsiana often carried small notices about individual Parsis in need of help — individual hardship cases, when a breadwinner may have tragically died leaving behind needy dependents.
But no longer! Why? Must be because of one or more of the following reasons: there are no longer any such cases; there are now too many cases, far too many for Parsiana to publish, and picking and choosing some only would be seen to be invidious and unfair; it is now Parsiana’s editorial policy to, for want of a better phrase, "ignore charity cases;" Zoroastrian charities and organizations now have the resources and the information (database, etc) to help such individuals directly.
Any other reason? SHAPUR MEHTA
Northwood, Middlesex, UK
The editors reply:
As we are not in a position to verify the bona fides of each applicant, we publish the appeal only if a known/reputed individual/organization is involved and writes to us.