Zoroastrian scholar, author, columnist and Programme Director, Legal & CSR Compliance at the Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy, Noshir Dadrawala, represented the Zoroastrian community at the Bombay Archdiocesan inter-religious Christmas celebrations, which were held on 17th December, 2023. The occasion was graced by His Eminence – Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, who inaugurated the Christmas Crib by placing the statue of Baby Jesus in the manger.

The celebrations comprised the rendition of melodious carols by the Choir of St. Michael’s Church (Mahim), the Story of Christmas presented by students of Gloria Convent High School. This was followed by a panel discussion on, ‘Christmas: God’s Message To Give Peace A Chance’, involving participants from different faiths including Fr. (Prof.) Peter Gonsalves SDB (Christianity), Swami Dayadhipananda (Hinduism), Dr. Zahir L. Kazi, (Islam), Brahma Kumari Anjali, Dr. Surinder Kaur (Sikhism), Dr Bhadant Rahul Bodhi Mahathero (Buddhism), Swami Devendra Brahmachari (Jainism) and Noshir Dadrawala (Zoroastrianism). The panellists shared their opinions on questions related to peace, highlighting inspirational teachings from their religions.

Noshir Dadrawala summed up peace as the absence of discord, conflict or violence in thought, word, and deed. He believed peace was about celebrating unity in the diversity of thoughts and beliefs and the ability to ‘agree to disagree without behaving in a disagreeable manner’ with an emphasis on the attainment of happiness by making others happy. He shared that to maintain peace, it was important that right knowledge and correct information be imparted, alongside promoting good values, especially among our youth; building openminded and compassionate communities; encouraging inter-faith dialogue for better understanding of different belief systems, and realizing that we all are one big human family and share one collective future.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias then gave a relevant message of peace, joy and harmony at Christmas and the lovely eve concluded with fellowship over high tea.