In Unity Lies Our Strength, Our Survival, Our Story

Dear Readers,

Most times, the real danger a community faces, is not from external threats, but from internal strife. Today, our minuscule yet mighty community finds itself at a crossroads, where our greatest threat may well be ourselves.

At possibly under 50,000 in number in India, we are one of the world’s tiniest ethnic communities, and yet, perhaps the most litigious. Courtrooms have witnessed more Parsi versus Parsi cases than one would believe possible, for such a tiny population! We drag each other to courts over everything, from housing disputes to religious trusts, personal feuds, property issues, frauds and embezzlements, et al – our legal battles are copious, and often, bitter.

Makes you pause and wonder – what are we really fighting for? Our ancestors didn’t brave the unknown, leaving behind their homeland and risking everything, just to have us tear each other apart! They came to preserve a sacred faith and a proud way of life, one that’s grounded in unity, integrity and resilience. These values made us trailblazers in industry, education, science and philanthropy. They built schools, hospitals, trusts and fire temples. They built community. And what are we doing with that legacy?

When infighting takes precedence over unity, we chip away at everything that once made us exemplary. With our dwindling numbers and rising challenges – demographic, cultural or spiritual, we need to, now more than ever, weave ourselves closer, not unravel apart.

And unity doesn’t mean mirroring each other’s beliefs and opinions – it means embracing our differences, with respect. It means prioritizing the collective welfare of the community. It means changing the outlook from: “What’s in it for me?” to: “How can I make a difference?” Whether you’re a scholar or a student, trustee or tenant, priest or professional, unity is a responsibility we share equally. The onus lies on us to shift focus from battles to bridges. Because in unity lies our strength, our survival and our story – one that deserves to be written with pride, not regret.

Have a good weekend!

– Anahita

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