Dear Readers,

An obvious similarity faced today, by our nation and our community, is the need for solidarity. As the nation starts to gear up for the oncoming elections and our Community unites to protect the structural and spiritual sanctity of our Atash Behrams, now, more than ever, we need to pull our socks up, as Indian citizens and as responsible members of our community.

As citizens, we need to make honest, assessed and responsible decisions as voters. And as Parsi/Irani Zarthostis, we need to express solidarity with our fellow Zarthostis who are doing a fabulous job, both – in the court, defending our holy structures; and outside the court, showing unity and providing the all-important sense of solidarity in numbers.

Solidarity does not call for all of us to have the exact same beliefs and opinions – solidarity is about coming together with one intention for the same cause – immaterial of our individual differences. Getting together for a common purpose enhances our community’s interconnectedness and strengthens our common cause.

In the words of Pope John Paul II, “Solidarity is not a feeling of (sharing) vague compassion or shallow distress… it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good… of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.”

As a community, we are responsible for the safe-keeping of everything that genuinely symbolises being a proud Zarthosti – be it religion, religious structures, culture, tradition, et al. Only our unity and solidarity will ensure that.

Have a good weekend!

– Anahita