I read Ava Khullar’s letter "The parents” pertaining to Berjis Desai’s column on Dinshaw and Bachi Tamboly (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, January 7-20, 2020).
Desai writes eloquently and succinctly in simple language. He balances fact and fiction with compassion and without malice. I am sure he is a must (no pun intended) read for many. Like Khullar, I too thoroughly enjoyed the piece, particularly as I was born into an athornan, agriculturist family in Gujarat. In fact, the Tata Agricultural and Rural Training Center for the Blind was established on our ancestral wadi (farm) on the shores of Phansa.
Knowing what I do and having heard of the couple, there must be many more accomplishments in their gireban. One which really stands out is the establishment of the Worli Prayer Hall. They have brought true succor to the deceased and their families. No one, without exception, should be denied the right and privilege of having their last rites performed in the manner of their choosing. Imagine our Creator standing at the gates of Garothman Behest (gates of heaven) denying entry to those who traveled through earth or fire or any mode of disposal other than dakhmenashini! May all those departed souls who chose this form of transition shower their choicest blessings on the couple as well as all their genuine supporters, benefactors and beneficiaries, not forgetting the clergy and associates.
As for those who vehemently and constantly oppose, obstruct and hinder any and every thing concerned with progress, whether out of ignorance and apathy, or their vindictive religious fanaticism, I quote from memory our elders’ axiom: "Ai loko Khodai na ghér na ghunégar thaich/thasé (These people are/will be sinners in the house of God).”
Another classic example is the sad and unfortunate collapse of the scheme by selfless planners and generous forward thinking philanthropists to revamp and upgrade The B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital. What a tragic loss of a golden opportunity for the ailing and the needy of our dwindling community, due to the fanchar (destructive interference) by a handful of obstructionists. May the Creator have mercy upon their souls while they cross the Chinvat Pul (the bridge to heaven).
ROHINTON DASTOOR
Vancouver, Canada
Email withheld on request