The Editorial Viewpoint "Free and fully fed” (Parsiana, February 7-20, 2024) is thinly poised on a razor’s edge between sedition and sarcasm.
The balancing act by Farrokh Jijina in the cover story, "Tempest over temple,” more than justifies the decision to put an image of the contentious issue of the construction and consecration of the Ram Mandir on the cover of Parsiana.
While opinions may differ on whether it was necessary to celebrate the event in the manner indicated in various accounts and with the presence of a colorfully berobed Dastur Khurshed Dastoor, the final remarks on the similarities of the name Ram in the Indic and Zoroastrian traditions and their different interpretations, make for a fascinating discourse on how closely connected yet divided these views can be.
It is the freedom of belief and choice that the subsequent extract, "A livable constitution,” from the late jurist Fali Nariman’s book You Must Know Your Constitution, celebrates in this excellent issue of Parsiana, for which many thanks. GEETA DOCTOR
Madras
geeta.doctor@gmail.com
Congratulations on your editorial "Free and fully fed.” It exploits the abiding trait of all modern day Parsis — fun and humor. This is also exhibited in Berjis Desai’s rollicking article "Testamentary troubles” in the same issue. I am delighted! It reminds me of dear old Dr Jehangir Wadia’s nataks, naughty adaptations of William Shakespeare’s plays!
FALI S. NARIMAN
Delhi
falinariman@gmail.com
The editors note:
The reputed jurist penned this letter on February 11, 2024, 10 days before his unexpected demise. Parsiana will miss his periodic witty and insightful comments on the magazine’s contents. In his passing Parsiana and its readers have lost a long-time friend, well-wisher and supporter. He will be greatly missed by our readers and us.
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The editorial "Free and fully fed” is a wonderful satire on the India of today with offence to none and prejudice to all. Your orthodox columnists made me roll over in gleeful laughter. Shabashis (kudos) to Alamai, Aflatoon and Letap, your loony protagonists. Parsi power indeed! HOMI IRANI
hjirani@gmail.com