Dear Readers,
There was a time when the Parsi voice echoed in the highest corridors of power. Visionaries like Dadabhai Naoroji, the Grand Old Man of India, the astute Pherozeshah Mehta, the fearless B. K. Boman-Behram, and the charismatic Piloo Mody were architects of India’s political and economic framework. They shaped policies, led movements, and stood as unwavering champions of justice.
Today, that voice has faded into near silence. Our community, once synonymous with leadership and governance, is now glaringly absent from public life. This decline is not just unfortunate, it’s dangerous. It is time to reclaim our rightful place at the decision-making table.
The urgency is clear. With dwindling numbers and an ageing demographic, can our community afford political invisibility? Decisions affecting our cultural and economic future are being made without us at the table. Who is championing our causes in the legislature? Who is advocating for policies that secure our heritage, our institutions, and our future? The stark reality is – very few, if any. That bodes disaster for the future.
While Parsis have excelled in business, law, and philanthropy, our reluctance to engage in politics has created a void. It is time to reclaim our space. The new generation of Parsis must recognize that leadership is not limited to boardrooms. We need lawmakers, bureaucrats and civil servants who understand our community’s challenges and aspirations. Without representation, we risk becoming politically irrelevant.
Addressing this crisis demands bold and decisive action. We need to foster a new generation of leaders through targeted mentorship programs that identify and cultivate young Parsis for roles in governance. Policy reforms, including political reservations for micro-minorities, must be actively advocated. Cultural revitalization – making politics and governance an aspirational career path for Parsi youth, is critical as it can shape our collective destiny.
History remembers those who dare to lead, not those who watch from the sidelines. A community that once shaped nations cannot afford to fade into irrelevance. The time for action is upon us. Our young adults need to step forward and claim our place in governance today. The future will be written – with or without us. If we fail to speak now, we risk being unheard forever.
Have a good weekend!
– Anahita
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