Your detailed survey "More Parsis marry out, than in” ("The Telling Figures for 2020,” Parsiana, February 21-March 6, 2021) shows a rising trend of interfaith marriages, from 2016 to 2019, with an exceptional rise in 2020.
The debate on finding a solution is as old as the hills and demands a concerted effort. Despite this, Zoroastrians (particularly from Calcutta and Bombay) intermarry freely. The Gathas are replete with references to our hoary religion "being for all mankind,” that Zarathushtra was sent as a messiah for all "beyond the frontiers of Iran.” Persian (Zoroastrian) princes married non-Persian princesses, centuries back.
Our Aivisuthrem gah extols the virtues of "our priests who go abroad to preach our religion,” as do the Marhoomoni Yaad Ni Matey Stoom No Kardo, Ardibehesht Yasht, Fravardin Yasht, Har Roj Ni Farajyaaty Bhanvani Nirang No Saar and Jamyad Roz Ni Setayash No Saar.
Who is right? Our scriptures, or the traditionalists? Certainly, our scriptures.
After the depressions in conquered Iran, and the oppressions in Surat, Bharuch and under Mohammed Begdo (in Gujarat), the Parsis became a closed shop.
It is a matter of great shame that the last rites of Bahadur Hansotia of Cusrow Baug were denied only because he was out-married. He had not renounced his religion. Wasn’t that very high-handed of the panthaky? Had Hansotia been a bigwig, perhaps the story would have been different!
Sanity in matters of religion, and proper reliance on our scriptures, are urgently required.
B. T. DASTUR