The statistical data on the decline in community numbers is scary, and there seems little possibility of reversing the trend. Offering financial assistance or providing infertility treatment will make little impact, for often when both parents are working the income is enough to raise a family. A major problem faced by working mothers is the safety and custody of children during their absence. Many have no option but to leave children in the care of unreliable servants or caretakers.
The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) spends over Rs 52 lakhs a year on incentives for having two and three children. If the money were to be used to establish day care centers and recreation clubs in the colonies, it would provide facilities for the safety of infants, toddlers and young children and relief to young parents. Most parents would willingly pay for the service and those who cannot afford to do so could receive compensation from charitable trusts. Social workers, preferably from the colony, could be appointed to run these facilities. Women not qualified for office jobs, and living on doles, would get an opportunity to earn and live with dignity. These centers should provide for all the needs of the children, attending to their personal hygiene and providing healthy snacks and meals. The children will learn to enjoy meal times, and will be less fussy about food. The parents, being relieved of the burden and anxiety, might be motivated to raise more children!
Parents who feel that they are bringing up a single child to give him or her a better life fail to realize that they are depriving the child of the joy of childhood, the company of siblings, which cannot be compensated with costly gizmos, toys or luxuries. For all round development, it is most essential that a child be brought up with siblings, becoming responsible and considerate of others’ needs. Children lovingly bond with one another creating a very strong lifelong relationship that becomes a pillar of support throughout their lives.
As women manage to balance both home and profession, husbands share in the household responsibilities. The older children take care of the younger siblings, and the younger ones follow and learn from their peers. Another advantage of having more children is security for our old age. If one child fails to deliver for any reason, there are others who stand by us in our needs.
The high cost of education may be responsible for restricting the size of the family. Even more than the school fees, parents shell out a big chunk on private tuitions. The goal of education is not only to develop intelligence, but to build character, make the child confident, develop the power to think intensively and judge critically. Children relying on private coaching remain inattentive in class and ultimately lose interest in learning. Teachers should create interest in learning so that studies become a rewarding experience and not a burden for the child. After school hours, when children should be on the playground, they are off to tuition classes carrying heavy bags. After tuitions the family is glued to the television. Is this the quality of life we plan for our children?
There are a number of Parsi educational institutions offering sound and value based education at affordable fees. Along with academics, children are encouraged to take part in various extracurricular activities for all round development.
These institutions have funds for providing not only school tuition fees, but also books, uniforms and stationery. Nearly all Parsi schools offer incentives to Parsi students inviting them to join. Loans and scholarships also are available for higher education for deserving students.
This great community of ours does not deserve to be relegated to history. The younger generation has to play its part to stall further decline in numbers. When we migrated from Iran, our numbers were not significant; we were destitute refugees, doubtful about our future. It was sheer strength of character and a firm belief in our faith that gave us a foothold in a foreign land. We survived, thrived, and multiplied in numbers. Our values made our presence felt as a most outstanding community, loved, honored and respected by all. Survival has no meaning if values are not retained. We cannot sit back basking in the glory of our ancestors. We need to bounce back, restore our prestige and remain an outstanding community, a role model for others!
PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
pirojihomijokhi@gmail.com