Newly appointed trustee of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad (PZASH) Ervad Kerfegar Antia believes that the community is "financially strong but spiritually weak (and) is bound towards extinction.” There is a rapid demographic decline, with youngsters marrying outside the fold. "The colonies have turned into old age homes with hardly any children playing… Those who marry within the community do so at a very late age and thus remain childless.”
"The Hyderabad-Secunderabad Parsi community is a big family (with) almost everyone knowing each other, participating in their happiness and sorrow.” The local Parsis are on "a strong financial footing, enjoying the comforts of life. The younger generation mostly working in multinational corporations are prosperous. They should think of giving something to the community.” He stated that "prosperity has intoxicated the youth to the extent that God and prayers seem utterly irrelevant to them…Knowledge about religion is zero.” Antia holds the parents of this generation responsible "for the present mess… With no love, no pride, no passion for their great religion, the decline in footfall in fire temples is not surprising.”
From l: Farhad, Parinaz and Sanaea Chichgar, Khushro, Kerfegar and Farida Antia, Hoshedar Chichgar
PZASH president Goolbanoo Chenoy announced Antia’s trusteeship on October 21, 2023. The vacancy was caused by the death of trustee Omim Debara (see "Debara’s dedication,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, September 21-October 6, 2023). "The appointment is for a period of nine years, subject to the approval of the Anjuman at its next general meeting,” stated Chenoy.
Member of the PZASH managing committee since 2001, Antia stated that "During my tenure (as committee member) I ensured that the tenets of our religion are strictly implemented.” He said he ensured that housing subsidy was given to needy Zoroastrians and medical/educational grants too. The Anjuman also provides donations/medical aid to some outstation institutions.
The new trustee proposes to start religion classes for children in Secunderabad. "At Hyderabad, my wife Farida has made a beginning, the response for which is good with 12 children attending. More interactive programs amongst youth in coordination with the Zoroastrian Club are envisaged.” Another priority will be "to ensure that our two dakhmas are well maintained.”
Born and brought up in Hyderabad, Kerfegar was posted to various branches of the Bank of India in the UK, Visakhapatnam, Patiala, Jaipur and Bombay. After voluntarily retiring from the Bank in 2001 as assistant general manager, along with some colleagues he started the People’s Co-operative Credit Society Limited with a view to assist senior citizens earn reasonable interest on their deposits as against the rates offered by the banks. "Today, a sizable number of Zoroastrians are amongst the 2,500 members of our Society earning good interest which is paid regularly to them every month.” Presently he is vice chairman and managing director.
Antia also serves as trustee in two Parsi colonies, Shapoor Bagh and Sohrab Manzil. The latter houses only two families. "We are planning to dispose of this building hence we are keeping it vacant for the present,” he stated.
"Farida, daughter Sanaea Chichgar, son Ervad Khushro and their children are staunch Zoroastrians well-versed in our daily prayers,” he notes. "My son who is a US citizen performs regular jashans.” For the past 50 years Kerfegar assists at the Bai Maneckbai Chenoy Agiary, Hyderabad when required.