The news of the closure of Parsiana ("Winding down,” Editorial Viewpoint, Parsiana, July 21-August 6, 2025) has been immensely difficult to come to terms with. The sense of loss is palpable, even when the closure had seemed imminent for the past few months. Having seen it weather and come through a tremendously challenging phase during Covid, I had managed to cling to the hope that my treasured magazine would somehow keep itself going.
But perhaps this isn’t the time to mourn its closure for all that exists must inevitably perish. As Lord Krishna tells Arjuna: "Death is as sure for that which is born, as birth is for that which is dead. Therefore grieve not for what is inevitable.” What would be fitting would be to celebrate its glorious, uncompromising existence for over six decades; an existence that left an indelible imprint through a firm set of values, an era marked by inviolable integrity and persistent thought leadership.
What made Parsiana something to cherish was the all-round classiness and aesthetic stewardship of its entire editorial and design team. To think that such a small community as ours could be chronicled fortnight after fortnight with such diligence and passion seems a daunting endeavor even as a thought experiment. However, Parsiana proved more than equal to the task, earning the love and respect of readers through several generations.
It would be remiss not to remember and acknowledge the contribution of its beloved guest columnist Berjis Desai who over the years gave us a whole new vocabulary with which to view the charming eccentricities within our fold. Farzana Cooper’s witty illustrations accompanying so many of those pieces were a delight unparalleled. Jurist Venkat Iyer’s features on the forgotten nuggets of the community’s past associations always made for a riveting read.
What also weighs on the mind is the treasure-trove of archival material, both physical and digital, and the urgent efforts required to preserve it for posterity. One truly hopes that responsible and resourceful community institutions step up and take purposeful ownership of this incalculable wealth of material which may serve as reference matter for a whole generation of scholars and historians who may someday want to study this particular ethnicity which is steadily becoming extinct. A way must also be found to preserve and maintain the online website in its current form.
In a community still blessed with much erudition and resourcefulness, the closure of this splendid fortnightly for lack of young talent who may not see much of a future in carrying this legacy forward is tragic, and yet understandable. While the mind has had to accept this sad turn of events, the heart hopes that a miracle can still be found before the final few weeks slip away.
In closing, I must say it’s been a privilege being a part of your subscriber list, dear Parsiana. The people who birthed you, nourished you with love, and made it their life’s mission to sustain you through the years despite all the personal challenges they must have faced, have made a singular contribution that can never be quantified. Together, they have enriched the collective memory of our minuscule community for all time to come. All we have by way of recognizing their stellar contribution are just two wholly inadequate words: Thank you!
VISTASP SAM HODIWALA
Thana
vistasphodiwala@gmail.com
Parsiana will be remembered for its legacy of truth, courage and connection. For decades it has been more than a publication; it has been a companion, a voice, a bridge connecting Zoroastrians across the world.
The news of its closure in October 2025 ("Winding down,” Editorial Viewpoint, Parsiana, July 21-August 6, 2025) leaves a deep ache in my heart. Its devoted team has given us fearless and thoughtful journalism, travelling near and far to share the stories that mattered most. Through their dedication they not only chronicled events but also nurtured a sense of belonging and pride within the community.
Parsiana has been a beacon of truth and connection, and its absence will be felt for years to come. My heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes go out to the entire Parsiana family for their remarkable service and enduring legacy.
SUNNU GOLWALLA
Karachi, Pakistan
sunnu.golwalla@gmail.com
I never thought this day would come during our lifetime. We will be lost without Parsiana.
We have to accept the existential crisis facing the community. Family sizes are shrinking, the percentage of never married is escalating, properties are disappearing or being encroached on, places of worship have fast decreasing numbers of devotees, old age dominates the demographic scene. With diminishing manpower, community organizations and institutions are facing a similar fate. Despite valiant efforts to keep the flame burning, especially amongst the Parsi settlements in the West and organizations like Parzor, the scenario is disheartening.
So all we can say is thank you for so valiantly keeping Parsiana going for over six decades and giving such a balanced and pragmatic view of the community. From the letters sent to Parsiana I especially appreciated the sentiments expressed by Firoza Punthakey Mistree and Khojeste Mistree ("With gratitude and sadness,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, July 7-20, 2025). It demonstrates how differences and clashes in views and positions regarding community issues are overshadowed by the respect the opposing parties show for each other. AVA KHULLAR
Delhi
avakhullar@gmail.com
It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to another one of my friends. At my age of 95 years I have said many farewells, and now I am to lose another friend, Parsiana.
The magazine was always welcome in our home, where it was awaited with great anticipation. Together we would sit and chat. Sometimes we’d agree and sometimes agree to disagree, but our times together were always stimulating. Now it’s time to wish another friend goodbye. Many thanks for our long and happy friendship and for the memories.
AMY D. BILIMORIA
phiroza.david@gmail.com
Behram and I have received the news of the "retirement” of Parsiana with a sense of deep loss. Over the years you have done a tremendous job, keeping the community informed, but also bringing a touch of realism on contentious issues. The news coverage, your sincere passion and your dedicated staff have wound their way into our hearts and souls.
Our heartfelt appreciation to you and the team for what you have done for the community. I think you will go down in the annals of our community’s history as pathfinders and pace-setters.
BEHRAM and ZENOBIA PANTHAKI
Washington DC, USA
zmasters1@gmail.com
I am upset and sad about the closing down of Parsiana after 61 years of keeping the Zoroastrian community informed, educated and entertained.
Not only have I been an avid reader of this super fortnightly magazine for almost 60 years in Bombay and Sydney but also an occasional contributor.
The news of Parsiana’s closure is like the passing away of my three heroes: cricketer Vijay Hazare, humorous author P. G. Wodehouse and singers Pankaj Mullick and K. L. Saigal.
KERSI MEHER-HOMJI
Sydney, Australia
kersi5@bigpond.com