Who is a Parsi? For long we have abhorred the Bollywood stereotype of the bumbling, large-hearted ‘Bawa’ with the ridiculously accented Hindi. We are so much more than the general perception of the OCD Parsis in love with their vehicles. Though, bear in mind, the ‘Parsi-owned’ tag is enough to ensure a better sticker price for resale of any item! Over the centuries, we have emerged as a community that has lived peaceably with our neighbours, embodying India’s claim to ‘Unity in Diversity’. We have been entrepreneurs, philanthropists, art connoisseurs, theatre aficionados, the landed gentry living in our gated community ‘baugs’… but we are greater than the sum of our parts. So, we turned to our own, Parsis from different walks of life, and asked them: What ‘Being Parsi’ means in today’s world. Their responses were as thoughtful, spirited and distinctive as our community itself!
Kevan K. Khambata (Human Resources, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited): Being Parsi is all about embracing a rich cultural and religious heritage while navigating the complexities of today’s modern life. We are known for our adaptability and integration with societies. We continue to balance modern values and adopt local practices, without let going of our glorious traditions. Being Parsi means following the path of trust and righteousness and earning society’s respect and coming out on top across all fields – we are second to none! It calls for teaching our children our culture and Parsipanu to preserve our heritage and protect our identity in this rapidly changing world.
Sanaya Chikhliwala (Digital Marketing Professional): For me, being Parsi today means becoming the face of our community to the outside world. With our minuscule numbers, most get to meet only a handful of Parsis in their lives. It’s important that we showcase our values of integrity, warmth and joyfulness that have shaped our community’s identity for generations. Through everyday interactions in our social or work life or larger issues, we should represent our uniqueness to ensure that the essence of being Parsi remains visible, respected and alive for posterity.
Jehan Mulla (Student, St Mary’s School): Being Parsi means calling yourself a bawa – and that’s something really special – like being part of a secret club you’re born into! Wearing the sudra-kusti makes me feel protected and reminds me that I belong to something strong and meaningful. We love to enjoy life, laugh and have fun. Our rituals are really cool and we also get pocket money during those! There are also fun Parsi groups like XYZ, where we play games, go on camps, and meet other bawas. Parsis are loved by everyone, which makes me proud. So yeah, being Parsi is fun, proud and powerful!
Dinaz Treger-Patel (Psychotherapist & Entrepreneur): In today’s world, being Parsi means living by Zoroastrian values of ‘Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds.’ These principles nurture love and kindness. I’m inspired by Late Sir Ratan Tata’s exemplary philanthropy – his legacy of giving back resonates deeply, motivating me to embody these values in daily life. As a Parsi, I want to simply be a good ‘human’ – connecting, contributing and fostering positivity universally.
Adil K Mistry (Chairperson Childhood Cancer & Epilepsy, Lions Intl): Being Parsi was never about comfort, it was always about conscience. Our ancestors didn’t just speak of Good Thoughts and Words, they lived through Good Deeds. They built hospitals, schools and hope – not for praise, but for purpose. In today’s self-obsessed world, we must return to what made us timeless: action. Not legacy in stone, but service in motion. Let our faith shine not in what we say, but in what we do. DO MORE GOOD!
Perin Mehta (Retired Senior & Housewife): In our times the Parsi identity was inextricably linked with our great iconic trailblazers – Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeeboy, Sir Dinshaw Petit, JRD Tata, Homi Bhaba, Jehangir Nicholson… Today’s Parsis need to live up to the legacy of these idols who embodied the Parsi way of working with honesty, being adaptive to the ever-changing global landscape and always having empathy to give back to the community and society at large. Being Parsi should not be about entitlement, but about each one of us being a flagbearer, proudly carrying our Parsi badge and living up to responsibilities bequeathed to us.
Shhnayra Ghista (Student, J B Petit High School): Being Parsi today is like being a rare spice, full of flavour, slightly eccentric and found mostly in SOBO (South Bombay). We are a small community but we’re big in spirit, heart and appetite – and easy going: ‘Khavanu, Pivanu ne Majhani Life!’ We hold onto our values – truth, charity and hospitality while knowing 21 different ways to cook eedu! Today’s Gen Z Parsis sometimes might not pray daily but we never forget but Dhansak on Sundays! Our new mantra is: ‘Good thoughts, Good words, Good Deeds’… and Good Food!’
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