– From The Jokhi Family –

We, the family of our dear mother, Mrs. Piroja Homi Jokhi, wish to thank each and every person for their overwhelming love and heartfelt condolences in the last 10 days, since her demise. Our mother lived a long and full life, marked by a lifetime of sacrifice and giving. Our family and many individuals have been enriched by their association with her in multiple roles she played in the 98 years gone by.

In the last few decades of her life, she expressed herself through a body of articles and writings on many issues – mainly on life, religion and disposal of bodies after death. Her views have received wide support in the community and some criticism too. She had given precise and clear instructions to us on how to deal with her body when she is no more. We, as family members, respected these views and donated her body to medical teaching institutions for the purpose of research and medical education. Our action satisfies all environmental norms. Even by the tenets of our religion, the disposal of a dead body is a matter of getting rid of Nasu – the demon of corpse matter in a hygienic manner in a true spirit of charity and giving.

This decision was not just a testament to her generosity but also a reflection of the Zoroastrian tenet of service after death – an act of kindness that exemplifies the core values of our faith. Our mother and we as family were aware of the fact that those who made these free choices were often denied prayers for the salvation of the individuals and solace of the family. However, the acceptance and establishment of the Prayer Hall for the community at Worli Crematorium was welcomed by her in her lifetime. Even so, she campaigned for having a place in the beautiful Doongerwadi for prayers for all Parsi souls. Prayers for Parsis, as such, has been the custom prevalent in places where the facility of Dokhma was not available. Hence, what she asked for in her lifetime was a similar facility for those who chose not to avail of the failing Dokhma facilities.

On August 16, when our mother passed away, we donated her body for medical research. Since we knew that the Paidust ceremony was ruled out, we wanted all prayers to be conducted at home or in an Agiary, except the Uthamna, where we expected a large number of persons to attend, so we wanted to utilize the Worli Prayer Hall. Our family was not interested in creating a confrontation or controversy in this matter. However, unreasonable conditions and demands were made by certain priests who have created a vested interest to ensure that they do not allow Parsis to get prayers of their choice and by priests of their choice. While such behavior in itself is unpardonable we were told by some priests that they were being pressured to not render prayers for our mother which made matters even worse. While the fate of the soul depends on the deeds of a person and mere presence or absence of prayers, especially by unethical priests, will not make any difference to us and our dear mother. My elder cousin, in the immediate period of my mother’s death, came and sat by her bedside and recited all the prayers that are done during the Paidust. Her devotion and prayers, rendered with feelings of true love for her aunt, will probably carry the greatest value.

The recent events surrounding the funeral rites for Mrs. Piroja Homi Jokhi have raised serious concerns about the actions of certain religious leaders within our community. Mrs. Jokhi, in a visionary act, chose to donate her body to science, ensuring that her mortal remains would contribute to the education and development of future doctors. This decision was not just a testament to her generosity, but also a reflection of the Zoroastrian tenet of service after death – an act of kindness that exemplifies the core values of our faith.

It is with great disappointment that we address the actions of a particular priest at the Worli crematorium, who initially agreed to conduct the Uthamnu prayer but then refused to perform the remaining funeral prayers unless all ceremonies were conducted exclusively at his location. Such an ultimatum is not only unkind but contradicts the essence of our religious teachings. His behavior placed undue stress on Mrs. Jokhi’s grieving family, at a time when they most needed compassion and support. Even more alarming was this priest’s decision to send out a note threatening other priests, warning them against performing the necessary prayers at different locations. This act of coercion is not only unethical but also an affront to the values of respect, kindness, and cooperation that Zoroastrianism upholds.

Mrs. Jokhi’s actions were in perfect harmony with the highest ideals of our faith. By donating her body to science, she ensured that even in death, she continued to serve humanity – a profound act of charity and foresight that deserves our admiration and respect. Instead of honoring her wishes and supporting her family, this priest chose to impose his rigid interpretation of tradition, causing unnecessary pain and division.

We must remember that Zoroastrianism’s essence is not confined to strict rituals or specific locations. The true spirit of our faith lies in promoting good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Mrs. Jokhi’s decision was a manifestation of these principles, and it is our duty as a community to respect and uphold such acts of kindness and foresight.

It is imperative that we, as Zoroastrians, stand against actions that undermine the core values of our faith. Priests are meant to guide and support us, especially in times of grief – not dictate terms or create divisions within the community. We call upon our community to reflect on these events and ensure that the actions of a few do not tarnish our faith’s reputation and values.

In conclusion, let us honor Mrs. Piroja Homi Jokhi’s memory by recognizing her final act of service as a true reflection of Zoroastrian principles. We must also ensure that no other family is subjected to the undue pressure and threats that her family had to endure. May we all strive to uphold the true spirit of Zoroastrianism in our actions, both in life and in death.

We are grateful to the priests who have ensured that prayers for her soul have been recited and to all our friends and well-wishers who have helped to do so. We rest our case and we will not like to further respond to any others and leave it to the community to decide the future course of action.