A comprehensive coverage of the felicitation function for Ervad (Dr) Jehan Bagli (pictured) shows him as a highly interesting, informative and impressive "scholar priest” ("Befitting Bagli,” Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, June 7, 2017). The place of religion in his life, the extent of adherence to it rationally, are all very hearteningly visible in a well-balanced personality.
The duo of Jehan and son Dr Darius, a practicing pediatric urologist, a professor of physiology and surgery, a senior research scientist as well as an accomplished concert pianist, form exemplary icons. They have proved how along with religion, a good, healthy relationship with fellow men of other communities and cultures can become more conducive to image building than the unwelcome nature of strict and stern orthodoxy.
The editorial in the same issue "A priest for the post,” carries an extract from a letter by the reputed Keki Daruwala, writer and former member of the Union Cabinet secretary who was the Zoroastrian representative on the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) around four years ago. Suffice it to say that what Daruwala notes in his letter on the contribution of Parsi members (with exceptions) to the NCM as frankly "a bit of a joke” is an eye-opener.
When all is said and done, it is to be seen what Dastur Khurshed Dastoor does on the NCM. Not to be undone however, Dinshaw Tamboly whose name was first proposed for the post wrote a very sporting letter of welcome and acceptance in a true spirit of gentlemanliness.
RASHID KHOSRAVI