I was distressed to read the editorial "Braving the barricades” (Parsiana, January 21-February 6, 2022). It is appalling to see the obstructionist attitude adopted by some members of the community every time a worthy cause is sought to be taken up. And what can be a worthier cause than ameliorating the financial distress among indigent members of an aging community? The financial situation for many has only worsened during the pandemic due to death in their families or job losses or disruption in businesses. One would think that in such a dire situation, funds coming from overseas associations or individuals or through government schemes would be most welcome. Instead, there is an objection filed with the Charity Commissioner on frivolous grounds and smear campaigns on social media.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion on religious issues, but to use that as an excuse for preventing funds from coming in for charitable objectives is simply not acceptable. So what if some of the donations or government support schemes are used for improving the lot of out-married Parsis and their non-Parsi spouses and children? So long as the donor is aware of and approves of the end use of the funds, nobody else should have any right to object.
It is time all right-thinking members of the community speak up to stop a minority among us from irresponsibly placing hurdles in the path of those who give selflessly of their time to these laudable efforts. Otherwise, it will only serve to discourage public spirited individuals from taking up any worthwhile causes.
POURUCHISTI MEHERHOMJI
pourushah@gmail.com
Your editorial "Braving the barricades” (Parsiana, January 21-February 6, 2022) was bold and impressive. That’s what a free press should do, without fear or bias.
MAHABANOO MODY-KOTWAL
mahabanookotwal@yahoo.com
Thank you for the comments in your editorial ("Braving the barricades,” Parsiana, January 21-February 6, 2022), regarding my application to the Charity Commissioner to protect the various Parsi trust properties from liquidation by Burjor Antia.
All this has been put forward in my affidavit filed before the Assistant Charity Commissioner.
I would have been very happy if you had stated both sides of the matter. As a senior journalist, we expect you not to indulge in one-sided journalism in favor of your patron and I am sure that you will endeavor to maintain the same high standards of journalism and ethics as upheld by Russi Karanjia of Blitz and Dosu Karaka of Current Weekly, for which they were respected all over India.
KHUSHRU ZAIWALA
cursetjee72@hotmail.com
The editors reply:
The editorial dealt with the formation of the Global Council of Zoroastrians Trust and not Burjor Antia. We mentioned that you had maligned Antia but the details were not germane to the story.