Parsis split as priests ban inter-faith unions

MUMBAI: A resolution passed by the seven high priests of the Parsi community banning marriages outside the community has sparked a gamut of responses. Some Parsis contend that the order is an essential step to preserving their identity ok.
But others believe that the decision isn’t in keeping with the times. The resolution was adopted on March 7 after extensive consultations among the priests.“Such a resolution was required to stop the dilution of the community and to preserve the identity of the race in its purest form,’’ said Firoze M. Kotwal, one of the priests who signed the resolution. “This the only way to control the dwindling number of our community.’’
Of the estimated 75,000 Parsis worldwide, 50,000 live in Mumbai. The Parsis, who follow the Zoroastrian religion, fled Iran approximately 1,000 years ago to escape persecution and came to India to preserve their unique culture and identity,Mr Kotwal said. “People might disagree and say that they are free to decide whom they want to marry,’’ he said. “But even we are exercising our freedom to preserve our community’s identity.’’ The edict was an elaboration of a scriptural injunction, Mr Kotwal said. “All these principles are not elaborated in the scriptures, but we have known them as part of our tradition,’’ he said. The edict has found a backer in Karl Sahukar, a trustee of the Traditional Zarathushtrian Trust.
“This should have been done much earlier,’’ he said. “I think it is a positive step in the right direction.’’ Community journalist Noshir Dadrawala agreed with him. “Intercaste marriages should not be encouraged in the best interest of the community,’’ he said. “This is necessary for self-preservation.’’ But there are many who oppose such orthodoxy. “I respect the timehonoured traditions of our community,’’ said Sam Balsara, the chairperson and managing director of Madison Advertising. “But at some point in time we will have to relook at some of these very traditions in the interest of the sustained continuance of our community.’’
One 26-year-old working woman said that while she understood the priests’ perspective, she didn’t oppose inter-community marriages. “The life partner you choose depends on whether he or she is a good human being,’’ she said. “The decision is not based on your partner’s religion. In fact, a non-Parsi marrying a Parsi should be given the option of entering his or her life partner’s faith.’’