As You Sow, So Shall You Reap,

As You Vote, So Shall You Weep!

   Dear Readers,

Election Day is finally here. On Sunday, 29th May, 2022, you will finally be able to choose a whole new Board of Trustees, that will take charge of the affairs of the apex institution of our community – the Bombay Parsi Punchayet.

The challenge the community faces on Election Day is two-pronged – first, ensuring that there is a substantial voter turn-out, that you will take the effort to step out and vote; And second, that your votes will be based on informed decision-making, where your candidate choice is reflective of some due diligence done, as opposed to just familiarity.

There is no greater risk to democracy than indifference. Especially, in a tiny community as ours, voting is not just about practicing our right and our privilege, it is about being responsible, individually to ourselves, and collectively to our community.

The only thing more disastrous than voting for the wrong candidate is not voting at all. Many non-voters share the misplaced belief that abstaining to vote is a form of protest against the system and the institution. Nothing could be further from the truth. As non-voters, you aren’t protesting anything, you’re just putting your welfare in the hands of those who probably don’t want you to vote!

Some community members are confused about the reality – based on lies and twisted truths being circulated on WhatsApp and via ill-intended, illegitimate publications, which constantly resort to smear-campaigns. These are attempts being made to fool you. Stop relying on words – verify the truth behind those words to see potential in the deliverance of promises made by campaigning candidates.

And, don’t let the lazy Sunday overtake your sense of duty as a responsible community member. Take the effort, no matter what, to step out and cast your vote, and register your voice as one that counts. When you don’t vote, you get the government you deserve. Vote because your voice matters, and because the one sure way to silence your voice is to not vote at all.

We have a band of a few good men who have come together as a team, with the vision and promise of restoring the credibility of the BPP and the faith of the people. The community would greatly benefit with their presence on the Board. It’s up to you, dear community members. Remember – as you sow, so shall you reap… or in this case – as you vote, so shall you weep!

In the words of the great Abraham Lincoln, “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the right people and burn their behinds, then they will have to sit on their blisters.”

Have a good weekend. And no matter what, CAST YOUR VOTE!

– Anahita