Dear Readers,
“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded” – these words by famous American literary genius and philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson, resonate with us all. There’s precious few acts which can parallel the immaculate sense of joy we feel when we give, especially when we give to those who can do with our support. But giving is more than just about us being compassionate or relishing in the ‘feel good’ of the act – it reveals your innate intelligence to have recognized an opportunity to reinforce our birthright to our humanity, and thereby catalyze our own spiritual evolution.

Parsi Times is always up to partner and participate in events which help our community identify such fabulous opportunities. We are proud to partner with XYZ’s noble venture ‘Stepping Forward’ which will, on 2nd October, 2016, have XYZ’s spirited young brigade personally collect shoes from over 21 locations across Bombay and hand these over to various NGOs for the distribution of the collected footwear to those deprived. Kudos to XYZ Founder Hoshaang Gotla and his team for making the effort! You too can support XYZ as a shoe or cash donor, volunteer, or simply by spreading the message. (Details on Pg. 1)

So, there’s the joy of giving… and then, there’s the joy of giving back! Yes, I’m talking about the recent surgical strikes conducted by the valiant Indian Army, in collective response to the Uri attacks on our troops, as the much-awaited response to terrorism and terrorist camps, across the LOC. Most of India feels redeemed and is pleased with this decision taken under the Modi Government – India has finally decided to ‘give back’ to terrorists and terrorism, that has wreaked havoc in our country for nearly two decades now. And there will be some of us who do not root for violence or war. And that’s ok too.

The real take-away from this is that, when it comes down to war or protecting our national integrity, even our constantly-combatting politicians, who never see eye-to eye, came together in unity to support the decision. And that got me thinking, as a Parsi. Isn’t the threat of extinction worse than, or at least, as grave as, the threat of war? If lakhs of Indian politicians (let me emphasize that – ‘Indian politicians’) could put aside their contradicting agendas and speak in one voice for the sanctity of our nation, can we not, as a community comprising around just fifty-seven thousand, put aside our differences and work together towards ensuring our very survival?

Friends, our precious community is also waging a war against eminent extinction, and it’s a war we won’t live to regret. Let’s get together to remedy this issue, and let’s understand clearly, that there is no remedying this issue without getting together. And in the essence of this Editorial on ‘giving’, if nothing else this weekend, please do ‘give’ this a thought!
– Anahita