In the not too distant past, Parsis as a community were looked upon as a shining example of unity and integrity by our sister communities and were held in high esteem. Of late we have witnessed a downslide: We seem to be in the limelight for all the wrong reasons.
The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) is not referred to as the apex body for nothing; the downslide started there with the infighting and bickering which spilled out literally onto the streets! The community became a laughing stock.
And then came the bombshell from the immensely respected business house of Tata. Whereas the BPP blast was like a local earthquake mainly affecting the community beneficiaries, the Ratan Tata/Cyrus Mistry episode was a devastating tsunami that has impacted the entire nation and the business world. It has shaken the confidence of most investors in a business house which had over the years built a magnificent image for itself.
Perhaps time will tell what the real reasons for the rumblings in Bombay House are, but their effect may be long lasting. Could this entire episode involving fine gentlemen not have been handled with more finesse? Ultimately and unfortunately the two towering personalities involved will also unwittingly have their images dented. This makes me wonder if there has ever been a victor in any war!
PHIROZE AMROLIWALLA
phirozeamroliwalla@gmail.com