Superb Jamshedi Navroz Issue!

Dear Editor,

Congratulations to Team PT for yet again coming out with a block-buster Navroz issue! The articles by Er. Zarrir, Noshir Dadrawala, Cyrus Broacha, Adv. Aazmeen Kasad and Shireen Merchant and so many other excellent writers rendered your special issue excellent reading and also very beneficial. Your editorial in particular was superb and it touched a chord with all for certain.

Parsi Times is well and truly the favorite news-weekly of the community. Even my cousins in Australia and the US wait for the digital copy every Saturday. Your news coverage and content is broad based and it has a feel of inclusivity, entertainment and neutrality, which also makes the paper very appealing to younger people.

Great going, Team PT!

– Mehernaz Patel (Home-maker, Mumbai)

 

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Encourage Young Parsis To Keep The Flame Alive

Our Agyari or fire temple is a crucial symbol of Parsi identity, faith, and cultural heritage. It is a sacred space where we connect with our ancestors, our history, and our traditions. However, the Parsi community faces a challenge today – the younger generation shows little interest in visiting the Agyari.

Currently, the majority of visitors to the fire temples are the older generation, and their children and grandchildren only join them on special occasions. This trend is concerning as the younger generation is not just missing out on the opportunity to connect with their heritage, but they are also at risk of losing their identity and values.

The reasons for the lack of interest among the younger generation could be due to their fast-paced modern lifestyle and the lack of awareness about the importance of the Agyari. However, it is crucial to remind them that visiting our Agyari is not just a religious duty but also an opportunity to strengthen bonds with their community.

Parents and elders have an essential role to play in encouraging the younger generation to visit our Agyari regularly. They can create awareness by educating their children about the significance of our Agyari and encourage them to make it a habit to visit the fire temple, even if it is just for a few minutes a week.

Our Agyari is more than a place of worship, it’s a community center where Parsis come together, share their joys and sorrows, and strengthen bonds and take pride in our religion, values and culture. The younger gen should take an active interest in visiting our places of worship as this will fortify their Parsi identity and heritage for future generations. Let’s revive the flame and keep it burning brightly!

  Farhan Ichhaporia (Mumbai, College Student)