On 30^th May, 2026, over hundred community members across continents logged in to the Zoom meet organised by the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) – a special conversation between India’s eminent legal virtuoso and author – Berjis Desai, who also represents our community at the National Commission for Minorities and is a prominent voice in public life, and Zerick Dastur, noted legal professional, community leader and President of the WZCC (India).

Berjis Desai, through his professional life has worn many hats – a columnist for the Mumbai Samachar, an eminent senior solicitor and author – he has executed all these roles with aplomb. In his latest capacity as the community’s representative to the National Minorities Commission, he shared his views on the cultural, economic and demographic challenges we face and the importance of striking a balance between our ancient cultural heritage and contemporary realities.

The Existential Crisis and Hidden Poverty

Addressing the community’s core existential crisis regarding the dwindling population, Desai warned the demographic decline is coupled with an aging population, noting that nearly 60% of the community is now over the age of 55 or 60. “We are almost staring at extinction. Unless we adopt a formula of intelligent conservatism that protects our institutions while remaining open to contemporary realities, the demographic decline will become impossible to reverse.”

He also brought to light the concern of “gentile poverty,” so many of our community, especially the aged, are suffering. Being asset-rich but cash-poor, they live in valuable, large houses but suffer from a lack of liquidity and income, remaining too proud to seek charitable assistance.

Reviving Youth Entrepreneurship

Zerick Dastur posed a very pertinent question, “How do you think that our youth can participate and contribute to the development of our community? Noting that the way forward needs to be driven by our youth, Desai recommended that the younger generation must be brought into the fold on their own terms. “Our youth are the vital warriors in the battle for our community’s future… We have become a community of bank clerks. Nothing wrong in being a bank clerk, but at the same time, the entrepreneurial spirit is lost,” he lamented.

He lauded initiatives like those undertaken by the World Zarathusthi Chamber of Commerce (WZCC). As Zerick Dastur elaborated, these programs foster a “circle of interdependence” through interest-free start-up finance, education aid, and on-ground internship opportunities. By creating successful Parsi entrepreneurs, the community sparks a chain reaction where individuals who benefit go on to help the next generation.

Unlocking Assets, Fighting Encroachment

One of the most thought-provoking discussions of the session centred on the future of community assets and the challenges faced by Parsi trusts in utilising them for the greater good. Zerick Dastur observed that financial assistance within the community is often sought for education and charitable support, adding that the ideal scenario would be one where educational aid significantly outweighs welfare assistance. He invited Berjis Desai to share his broader perspective on the issue.

In response, Desai spoke candidly about what he described as a “pernicious trend” where a small but vocal minority repeatedly resorts to legal action to obstruct the legitimate sale or monetisation of surplus trust properties. He noted that institutions such as the Bombay Parsi Panchayat could generate substantial resources for community welfare if freed from prolonged litigation and social media-driven opposition.

Another key concern raised was the growing threat of encroachment on Parsi-owned properties across India. Desai revealed that safeguarding community assets would be a major priority during his tenure. He announced plans to create a comprehensive database of Parsi properties nationwide, in collaboration with sociologists, demographers and institutions such as TISS.

Prior to the vote of thanks by FEZANA President Er. Kayomarz Y. (Kayo) Sidhwa, Berjis Desai answere queries from attendees, which was moderated by Arzan Sam Wadia, Past President of FEZANA and International Director of WZCC. Questions from attendees ranged from geopolitics and religious pilgrimages to the Uniform Civil Code and Desai’s literary pursuits. Responding to concerns about visa and OCI difficulties faced by Parsis of Pakistani origin seeking to visit sacred sites such as the Iranshah Atash Behram in Udvada, Desai confirmed that the NCM had recently received representations on the matter and assured that documented cases would be pursued with the relevant ministries, while acknowledging broader national policy considerations.

Addressing concerns that the proposed UCC could erode the Parsi community’s distinct legal and cultural identity, Desai dismissed such fears as a misconception. He pointed out that the UCC could potentially empower Parsis with legal adoption rights while preserving the community’s existing marriage and succession laws.

Responding to a suggestion for government-subsidised pilgrimages to Iran, similar to Hajj support, Desai said the government could help resolve visa and diplomatic challenges but noted that the community possessed sufficient internal resources and trusts to support such initiatives financially.

Attendees were delighted to learn that despite Berjis Desai’s expanding public responsibilities, he was currently working on a historical fiction novel chronicling the final 23 years of the Sasanian Empire, a nearly 60% complete. The announcement offered a glimpse into the scholar and storyteller behind the public figure, leaving the audience with much to look forward to from both – his leadership and his pen!