Every year, on Independence Day, a delightful tradition continues in most Parsi colonies, baugs and buildings – the hoisting of our glorious Indian flag… with the younger lot enthusiastically singing the national anthem with more volume than tune, and elderly uncles standing in ‘attention’ mode, in proudly preserved and pressed kurta-pyjamas from the pre-liberalisation era. The flag is unfurled with great pride and great punctuality, often, by that one retired Colonel or Trustee uncle – a moment of quiet unity and loud joy. In that tricolour fluttering against the morning sky, we find a deeply rooted expression of Parsipanu, proudly wrapped in the colours of the Tiranga, woven seamlessly with patriotism.

Parsis have always been proud citizens of India. We arrived here centuries ago, seeking refuge and promising to be as sweet and harmless as sugar in milk. Centuries later, we still live by that pledge… adding value and always wearing our Indian identity with honour. Our community is rooted in traditions, yet grounded in gratitude. We’ve proven our loyalty as much through grand gestures of philanthropy, as quietly through industry, service and contribution.

Take a walk through any Baug on 15^th August and you’ll see flags on balconies, ribbons in the colours of the flag decorating stair railings, and little tots waving plastic Tirangas with wild enthusiasm before promptly turning them into swords and wands. Baug committees plan flag hoisting ceremonies with clockwork precision. The flagpole is scrubbed till it shines. An uncle with a baritone voice is always appointed to lead the anthem. Aunty Mehera brings out her famous chicken puffs, cheese-chutney sandwiches with choi. Everyone arrives dressed for the occasion with heartfelt intent to honour the country that has sheltered, supported and celebrated us.

The Freedom Fighters In Our Blood

Patriotism runs deeper than rituals. Our history is woven with names that stand tall in India’s journey to freedom. Bhikaiji Cama fearlessly unfurled the Indian flag in Germany in 1907, declaring the call for Independence when it was still whispered back home. Dadabhai Naoroji made history as the first Indian MP in British Parliament and thundered about the ‘drain of wealth’ from India. Pherozeshah Mehta and Khurshed Framji Nariman battled colonial policies with intellect and cogency in Bombay’s civic and political spheres.

Seth Sorabji Bengalee, a powerful educationist and social reformer, stood for Indian rights through constitutional reforms. Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney supported liberal nationalistic causes with both voice and wallet. Sir Dinshaw Wacha, a founding member of the Indian National Congress, brought business acumen and negotiation skills to political reforms. Ardeshir Godrej, though less known for activism, supported Swadeshi manufacturing – making locks and safes in India while the British imported their own.

Feroze Gandhi, always remembered as Indira Gandhi’s husband, was also a staunch nationalist jailed for participating in civil disobedience movements and went on to become a fearless parliamentarian in independent India. These weren’t fringe contributors – they were front-liners in thought, reform, resistance and nation-building.

And the legacy didn’t stop at independence. Parsi valour carried forward into the service of free India. Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, one of India’s greatest military legends, led the country to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and became the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the five-star rank of Field Marshal. Admiral Jal Cursetji, the 10th Chief of Naval Staff, served India through World War II and several key military operations, playing a vital role in strengthening our maritime defence. PVC Lt. Col. Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore, the braveheart of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, was posthumously awarded India’s highest wartime gallantry honour, the Param Vir Chakra, for his unmatched courage in the battlefield.

Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, the first helicopter pilot to rise to the rank of Chief of Air Staff, led from the skies with valour during the Kargil War and earned multiple honours including the Shaurya Chakra and the PVSM. Lt. Gen. Faridoon Noshire Bilimoria, fondly remembered as ‘General Billy’, played a pivotal role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and later in Operation Bluestar, earning accolades for his leadership and diplomacy. Air Marshal Aspy Merwan Engineer, former Chief of the Air Staff and a WWII veteran, went on to serve as India’s ambassador to Iran, exemplifying military and diplomatic finesse.

General Noshir Karani, who led the Armed Forces Medical Directorate, served India’s defence infrastructure with distinction, contributing to both military welfare and public health. Lt. Gen. Adi Meherji Sethna, a decorated army officer and strategist of the Bangladesh campaign, served as Vice Chief of the Indian Army and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan and PVSM. Air Marshal Minoo Merwan Engineer, one of the most decorated officers in the Indian Air Force, served in both the Burma campaign during WWII and in the 1971 war, earning the Padma Bhushan and Mahavir Chakra for his exemplary service.

These were men of courage and calibre, who carried the sacred flame of Parsipanu into the heart of India’s armed and civic institutions. They protected the nation and redefined its strength. Their legacy remains a shining testament to the community’s deep and unwavering patriotism. In a country of over a billion people, we may be just a few thousand, but our community has never been on the fringes. We have helped build India’s infrastructure, industries, art and armed forces. We have given her philanthropists, lawyers, scientists and cricketers. We belong – fully and proudly. Because true patriotism doesn’t need fanfare – just faith, gratitude and a plate of well-made salli-boti!

Jai Hind and Navroz Mubarak!