From: TZML Admins
Date: Oct 28, 2007 10:27 PM
Subject: Udvada photos - Udvada is primarily a religious place, not a
tourist/information centre for non-Parsis.
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>
HUMATA HUKTA HAVARASHTA
28 October 2007
Dear Zarathushti humdins,
cc:
Vada Dasturjis,
Ervad Sahebs,
The Parsee Voice,
Zoroastrian Studies,
Parsi Pukar,
Dini-Awaz,
Prominent Zoroastrians,
TZML
TMYZ officials
It has come to our notice that many a Zarathoshti, both young and
old, male and female, are not happy with the proposal of converting
Udvada into a tourist town.
On top of it, all the Vada Dasturjis, except Dasturji Khurshed
Dastoor, have advised us that it is not a good idea since the pavitra
atmosphere of Udvada would be vitiated.
To those who are new, let us give some background.
The Federation For Development of Udvada (FDU), which has been
registered in Mumbai, and which is supported by Dasturji Khurshed,
wanted to convert Udvada into a tourist centre so that predominantly
non-Parsis may come to Udvada and know about the Parsee history, etc.
The idea of non-Parsis knowing a bit of general history about us
Parsis is good, but choosing Udvada as the spot for doing so is
incorrect, since Udvada is primarily a religious centre of Parsis,
where a lot of kriyakaam is done, and the necessary atmosphere of the
gaam will be polluted by uninformed non-Parsis coming in large
numbers.
The mobeds of Udvada Samast Anjuman and Dasturji Khurshed's late
father Vada Dasturji Kekobad Dastur Firoze Saheb have all been
appealing to the Parsee community since the last so many years to keep
the atmosphere of Udvada pure and undefiled, still we sometimes find
ladies in periods coming to Udvada. Just imagine - if an average Parsi
needs so much cajoling to keep the atmosphere unspoilt, what would
happen when the bus-loads of largely non-Zoroastrian tourist descend
at Udvada.
In today's day and age, tourism is accompanied by seedy events like
entertainment, womanising, drinking, large-scale playing of
music/radios, dancing etc, all of which is very likely to enter Udvada
first in the tourist hotels and then in main scale Udvada. Both the
Parsi and non-Parsi, but especially the Parsi residents of Udvada will
have to guard themselves against these immoral dangers.
Well meaning Parsis have suggested that if non-Parsis need to know
about us and our religion, they may visit in moderate numbers to
Sanjan, Mumbai, and other places. There are many Information centres
in Mumbai which can answer their questions, and there are also many
Internet websites these days which can satisfy the curiosity of
non-Parsis.
if Udvada is to be developed, then let its development be on a
small-scale and of cottage industries in its vicinity. Let each and
every Parsi who can afford it, buy the houses in Udvada, and pay a
visit there at least once a year. This will also prevent our Parsi
houses from falling into non-Parsi hands.
Other religions too have similar limitations on believers of other
faiths entering their sacred places and cities of worship. Non-Muslims
cannot enter the city of Mecca. Though we are not so strict in Udvada,
we too wish to impose some sort of control on our holiest centre.
Non-Parsis seldom complain, they understand the reason of keeping
Udvada pure, it is only the mis-guided Parsis themselves who cause a
lot of problems for our community.
We are fortunate that the inauguration of Zoroastrian Information
Centre has been cancelled on 28th October 2007, just like it was
cancelled last year. However, we still have to be vigilant that such
efforts are met with the same resistance if the idea is mooted once
again in the future.
Many a Parsi has said that "Iranshah has spoken", so let us all heed
Him and request our well-meaning FDU co-religionists to leave Udvada
alone.
Please see below for the comments of many Zarathushtis, who are
sincere adherents of our faith, and practise it with full devotion.
Fellow Zarathushtis, please be vigilant and do not be taken in by the
FDU's arguments, however well-meaning they are. Try and convince FDU
officials that we need to "Leave pavitra Udvada gaam alone,
undisturbed and un-polluted" so that Iranshah can continue to bless
the Zoroastrian community from there.
With best wishes,
Sincerely
TZML Admins
Email: tzmladmn@gmail.com
(see below)
1. MUMBAI SAMACHAR, dated 25-10-2007
dated 25-10-2007 with title "Zoroastrian Information Centre nu
udhgatan pachal thelata Parsi samudayma naraji"
(Please see enclosed attachment)
2. Letter from the Associate Editor of The Parsee Voice
"Good news! Paak Iranshah has spoken again. I have been reliably
informed that the function scheduled to be held in Udvada for
inauguration of the cultural centre by the Foundation for Development
of Udvada has once again been called off.
A similar ill-conceived attempt was made in November 2006 but had to
be aborted. Those involved had better take heed of this writing on the
wall."
H M Mistry
3. Well-known community writer Mrs. Pervin J. Mistry
Iranshah is definitely protecting Himself is mysterious ways! If the
news is correct than it would be wiser for the FDU to lay off this
project! Iranshah is a spiritual power house! It is obvious that He
does not want to have tourists, non-Zarathushtis visiting Him or going
anywhere close to Him! God speaks in mysterious ways and this is one
such proof.
Iranshah is His Son, His Regent and I hope that from now on the FDU
will recognize the silent workings of Iranshah to protect Himself. If,
supposing IF some of the trustees of the FDU had really only the good
at heart re Iranshah, concerned about His protection, preservation and
His Glory then Iranshah would have blessed this project and come
anything, the inauguration would have materialized.
Hope the wise trustees will look at this as a sure sign of what
Iranshah wants! Our consecrated places are indeed dynamos of spiritual
energies and specially Iranshah, the only One to have all 16 fires,
the fire of lightening too, consecrated. May Iranshah survive forever!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Pervin J Mistry
4. Mr Hormuzdiar Rana and Mrs Shirin H. Rana, senior members of our
community and very devout Zarathushtis
Once again our faith has not gone in vain........Indeed this is very
happy news.........Let us pray with more fervour and observe even more
accurately all the Tarikats and requirements for purity while visiting
our Iranshah, and thus strengthen Iranshahs power even more.
Thank you Hanoz for giving us this good news.
Regards
SHR-HPR
5. Ervad K N Dastoor, the Editor of Parsi Pukar
The Udwada Tamasha of 28.10.2007 has changed its dress.
Boycott it! Playing with Fire is Risky!
The much boasted function to be held at Udwada for the inauguration of
an alleged "Zoroastrian Information Center" there, has been cancelled,
as violating the election Code of Conduct.
The disappointed organizers headed by Mr.Khoorshade Dastoor are trying
to lure the Parsis by a free and "sumptuous" meal at Udwada.
All Parsis know that Paak Iranshah is a Living Divine Entity. Many
Parsis of India and abroad have personal experience of the Holy
Padshah's miracle.
We request the Parsis to boycott the ill-founded and lie-based
function. It is risky to play with Fire.
K.N.Dastoor
Editor,
Parsi Pukar.
6. Mrs. Mehroo Bengalee, Minister of the Minorities Commission's
meeting with Chief Minister Shri Narendra Mody
These were the points suggested to uplift Udvada gaam. Note that these
points do not talk about tourism, but are framed so that Udvada's
atmosphere is not ruined.
a) Prevent soil-erosion on the beach and contamination of fresh-water
wells. b) Improving sewage facilities in the town, c) Protection of
old houses from being demolished and prohibiting builders from
building high rises around the Iranshah. d) Tightening security in and
around Udvada gaam, e) Prohibiting cutting of trees, etc. etc etc.
Chief Minister Mody agreed to the 10-point programme and the Collector
of Valsad (under which Udvada falls) was informed accordingly.
7. Mr. Hoshang who writes to a FDU supporter
Dear Supporter of FDU,
I have gone through the attachment now & as I told you in my previous
E-Mail this is a project of FDU. If you all are not aware, FDU is a
body which is desperate to make our beloved Udwada a TOURIST TOWN.
This is infact totally detremental to our sacred Iranshah & I dont
think it should be promoted or supported at all. I am saying this
because I am fully aware of the wrong doings of this FDU which in the
name of development , is bent upon destroying the holy abode of our
beloved Iranshah. If you all our not aware this so called TAMASHA was
supposed to take place on the 24th of November , last year when
Mr.Narendra Modi was invited to inaugrate the Library.
It is only after all our 6 Wada dasturji's EXCLUDING THIS KHURSHED
DASTUR who is incidentally the Chairman of this FDU, had opposed the
move of this FDU that Mr. Narendra Modi cancelled his trip at the last
moment & the programme was called off. All traditional minded
Zarthostis should instead plan a trip to Udwada on the 24th of
November which is the Salgreh of our holy Iranshah instead of taking
part in this Tamasha. I am sorry if I have hurt anybody's feelings but
sadly not many people are aware of the truth behind this FDU.
Ushta Te,
Hoshang.
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