"India has such a vast window from architecture to history and cultural diversity to the holistic heritage…. these art forms make us spellbound… There is a need to make people aware of the policies and programs laid down by the National Commission of Minorities (NCM) ,” stated Parzor director Dr Shernaz Cama presiding over the session on Role of Minorities in Development of
India at the annual day-long conference of the NCM held on March 28, 2023 at the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Other Zoroastrians participating at the meet held after six years were NCM vice chairman Kersi Deboo and Cyrus Madan, Zoroastrian representative on the West Bengal State Minorities Commission. Panel member for Telangana Jehangir Bisney told Parsiana on April 3 that he received the invitation only two days before the event and was therefore unable to make arrangements.
Deboo noted the "immense contributions” of Parsi stalwarts of yore — Dadabhai Naoroji, Dr Homi Bhabha, Madame Bhikaiji Cama, Jamsetji Tata. "It is a misconception that the Tatas contributed to industry alone. The fact is they contributed in all initiatives from education (to the) health sector.”
Madan told Parsiana on April 3 that the organizers had chalked out a minute- to-minute itinerary. This being his first meeting after becoming a member of the State Commission, he commented that it was "very well organized” and that he was proud to see Deboo as vice chairman. He stated he found the session on the role of administration interesting as there were many learnings. "The members of the West Bengal Minorities Commission had something to cheer about when their member Gurbux Singh, former Olympic gold medalist was felicitated by NCM chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura.
Above, from l: Dr Shernaz Cama, Kersi Deboo, Cyrus Madan
Minister of state for minority affairs John Barla reiterated that the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the NCM have a crucial role in fulfilling the government’s vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas (Everyone’s support, everyone’s development, everyone’s effort). "Having minority commissions across all the states is essential and those who did not constitute till date must do it soon,” he reiterated. Lalpura stressed that "India is tolerant towards all the communities. The country has witnessed approximately five percent decrease in majority population and five percent increase in minority population. It shows the level of protection India has provided to the minority communities.”
Farrokh Jijina