The old taxi-driver who was a fisherman in his youth

I was talking to an old taxi-dirver - he told me, for the first 20 years

of his life he was a fisherman and used to live in a village, and

used to get all his food from the sea and from his vegetable 

patch - and he was very happy. He put his net in the sea

and in 3 hours caught enough fish to sell and eat for 1 week!

He said he had no needs, no wants, no worries. A lot of 

people in Asia were living this way for thousands of years.

Until the modern times caught up with him, and the way

of life was lost for ever for him. His old village is gone and 

he has regretted it ever since. He misses the simple life.

Is this what is known as modern progress, the way 

that is taught to us as something every country should 

be doing? Can we question it? Yes, we can.

 

One day, we hope that that simple life will be back for all

of us. The modern cities and technological advances that

the world is so proud of today, do not give human

beings that peace and happiness our  ancestors had for

thousands of years, for we have come far from mother nature.

We have come far from the land, from the seas. We no longer

have the feeling that mother nature, in her endless bounty,

will feed us and look after us. Today we are at loggerheads

with nature and all it's powers - we treat nature as the enemy.

Our cities are a testament to that, because we have cut

ourselves out from the natural way of life.

Like the story about the famous violin player playing in a 

subway and no one paying attention to him, today, 

we miss out all of God's Creations - we dont have the time

to stop and stare. How many of us have looked at the starry sky

recently? We used to do this as children.

There was an English poem like this we learnt in school. 

If anyone remembers it, let us know.

Regards,

Porus.

[ilmeKhshnoom] To, The Editor - Bombay Samachar PTA 08/11/2009

From: Dara Acidwalla
Subject: To, The Editor - Bombay Samachar PTA 08/11/2009
To: "Dara Acidwalla"
Date: Sunday, 8 November, 2009, 20:39

Parsi Tari Arsi (PTA), The Bombay Samachar PTA Edition Dated 08/11/2009

http://bombaysamach ar.com/new/ ptadetails. asp?newsid= 24852

To, The Editor,

In your "Parsi Tari Arsi" column which appeared in the Bombay Samachar
of 1st November 2009, your correspondent Smita Godrej Crishna has
erroneously mentioned inter alia: "The two Trustees belonging to WAPIZ
by issuing a ban against the two priests Ervad Madon and Ervad Mirza,
preventing them from praying at Doongerwadi and two Agiaries – have
taken on the seemingly self-appointed role of religious authority ..It
is deeply distressing that only one Trustee Mr. Noshir Dadrawala has
had the courage to raise his voice in opposition, apparently with no
support from the other Trustees."

These pronouncements are totally misleading and completely distorted.
We all know that Mr. Noshir Dadrawala is a deeply religious person and
as a matter of fact at the Board Meeting of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet
held on 4th August 2009 all the Trustees, without exception (including
Mr. Dadrawala):

RESOLVED THAT Mr. Khushroo Madon and Mr. Faramroze Mirza shall not be
permitted to perform any religious ceremonies/rituals in any B.P.P.
properties or B.P.P. run institutions, at Doongerwadi, Godavara Agiary
or Jokhi Agiary at Godrej Baug.

RESOLVED FURTHER THAT B.P.P. Trustees or their employees/staff, at
such places of worship, shall take such steps as may be necessary to
give effect to this Resolution.

At the said meeting, Trustee Mr. Dadrawala had handed over a letter
dated 3rd August 2009 from Mr. Homi R. Khusrokhan on the same issue.
After detailed deliberation all the Trustees unanimously passed the
aforesaid Resolution.

What is more Vada Dasturji Dr. Kaikhushroo M. JamaspAsa, High Priest
of the Anjuman Atashbehram, Vada Dasturji Dr. Firoze M. Kotwal, Vada
Dasturji Meherji K. Meherjirana of Navsari, Vada Dasturji Dr. Peshotan
H. Mirza of Udwada and Vada Dasturji Cyrus N. Dastur of Surat by their
letter dated 27.8.2009 had welcomed the Trustees' decision to boycott
the service of these two renegade mobeds who have also advertised in
the Parsi Press offering their services for irreligious acts such as
praying for the dead who have been cremated and for carrying out
conversion ceremonies of non-Parsis.

With warmest regards,

Godrej N. Dotivala

Public Relations Officer

Bombay Parsi Punchayet

We are counting on you for this challenge!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: The Akshaya Patra Foundation <infodesk@akshayapatra.org>
Date: Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Subject: We are counting on you for this challenge!


At Akshaya Patra, we welcome challenges. Not only do they teach us to
welcome the unknown, but they also show us a way to excel beyond what
we have imagined. And what is wonderful about every challenge we have
faced is the way our donors and supporters come together, to rise up
to the task at hand. A big thank you to you!



Today, as we enroll as a charity on the GlobalGiving website, we face
yet another test. To be considered as an eligible charity on this
site, we must raise $4000 from 50 donors, in a month's time. This is a
first for us. Difficult it may be, but with supporters such as you, we
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We urge you to come forward and lend us a helping hand in this endeavor.



Please visit the GlobalGiving website and donate generously for free,
unlimited food for education. Your contribution will play a
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Additionally, if your efforts ensure that we are classified as a top
fundraising project, we will stand to receive a bonus from
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receive a wholesome midday meal everyday.



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urge them to do theirs!



Please hrurry, for our time ends on September 18, 2009, (11:59 pm
EDT). We need your support today!



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The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road,
Bangalore, Karnataka 560010, INDIA

Parsi couple overseas looking for Colony flat in South/Central Mumbai

Parsi couple overseas looking for Colony flat in South/Central Mumbai.

A Parsi couple, friends of mine, who have asked not to be named at this point, 

are looking for a Colony flat in South / Central Mumbai. They are currently 

overseas and are seeking to come back in 2010 to be in Mumbai and 

start a family of their own.

If there are any Parsis who have migrated overseas and have locked up their

colony flats, and are thinking of selling them, please contact me (Sam

at sam.billimoria@gmail.com ) and I will forward your details

confidentially on to this couple. Confidentiality is assured.

 

This will be a good deed for the sake of our religion and community.

 

 

Happy Khordad Sal Mubarak ... Birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Mon, Aug 24, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Subject: Happy Khordad Sal Mubarak ... Birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

Baname Khuda!

 

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

 

 

it is a pleasure to send this email today on this lovely Khordad Sal day when hundreds of years ago our revered Prophet Zarathushtra Spitaman was born.

 

Khordad Sal - what a day in the Zarathushti calendar!!!

 

It is none other than the Birthday of our beloved Vakshure Vakshuran Paigambar Asho ZARATHUSHTRA Saheb. Yet Zarathushtra Saheb was not an ordinary man, He is himself regarded as equal to an Ahmeshashpand, with all their Splendour and Majesty and Power.

 

Let us travel hundreds of years ago to ancient Iran in the times of King Kai Lohrashp. Everywhere there was rampant evil. And the evil in those days was of monstrous proportions. The evil men would spoil the Yasna ceremonies, pollute the earth with their evil chants and would create havoc in Nature by literarily moving mountains and rivers and other creations of Ahura Mazda to further their nefarious activities. One righteous warrior after other valiantly attempted to stem this evil tide, but the dark forces got stronger and stronger.

 

There were plans in Nature to user a Soul, a Paigambar, who would check these demons and give mankind a Law to fight them. The Divine Plan was also to strengthen and re-establish the Mazdayasni religion that was prevalent at that time.

 

Asho Zarathushtra was born on Khordad Sal day to carry out this mission. It is said that the whole of Nature was joyous at this Phenomenon. The trees and the rivers and the mighty planets in the skies all rejoiced at the birth of this Saviour of mankind.

 

Asho Zarathushtra Saheb brought the demonic and evil forces under control and give the Mazdayasnis the Vi-devo-dat (the Laws to bring the demons under control), also called the Vendidad, which is applicable in all ages and at all times, even today.

 

Paigambar Zarathushtra not only gave us the Gathas, but also other Scriptures and prayers like the Yashts. He taught us not only to live by the Holy triad of Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds, but also to have faith in all our Scriptures, our ceremonies and our tariquats and rituals.

 

On this day of Khordad Sal, let us walk in the Path shown by our Paigambar Saheb and be good Zarathushtis.

 

I share a snippet of a song in honour of Zarathushtra Saheb, entitled "Koi puche mane kya che tara Zarathosht Paigambar".  It is in MP3 (which can be copied into your cellphones or i-Pods) and play and remember Him daily.

 

Once again, HAPPY KHORDAD SAL MUBARAK to all of you.

 

With best wishes,

Tehemton B. Adenwalla

 

 

 

Appeal for Food Donations for Indian School children

Appeal for Food Donations for Indian School children.

FEED 6 schoolchildren a midday meal for a full year
for only Rs. 3600 donation, or 28$ if living abroad!

The best value for your donation money.

Indian Rupees
http://www.akshayapatra.org/donate.htm...l

American Dollars
http://www.foodforeducation.org/index.php?content=9

 

Food donation is the Best donation as per the sacred scriptures of India.

 

 

Globe as a cow-centric village - Organiser

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Tue, Aug 11, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Traditional Zs] Globe as a cow-centric village - Organiser
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

Baname Khuda!

 

Dear Kaizad,

 

thanks for sharing a very knowledge-filled posting on the cow, in whose family falls our much revered Varasjaji, without which our Zoroastrian religious ceremonies cannot just be performed.

 

What noble creatures are the cow and Varasyaji.

 

I liked the article very much, it gives insights into the importance of cow in Nature and in spiritual progress thought the articles uses the lens of Hinduisnm to reveal this.

 

The article also mentions about Parsis involved in this Yatra exercise: Did you also get the support of other saints for the Yatra?

Yes. Many Jain, Buddhist and Sikh saints have joined hands with us. All the sects, communities and sections of the society including some Muslim, Christian and Parsi leaders are in the Yatra Samiti.

 

There is much wisdom in "There should also be decentralisation of industries. Instead of having one factory at a cost of Rs 90 crore, there should be 90 units of rupees one crore each. This is possible. "

 

And also in the astute observation that "The place, which does not have cow, farmer, forest and pure air, is nothing but zahar (poison)".

 

I am reproducing the complete article for our readers and also sharing it with other friends who may be very much interested in this article.

 

Thanks once again for sharing this well-picked and insightful article.

 

Best wishes

Tehemton B. Adenwalla

(please see below)

 

 

Globe as a cow-centric village - Shree Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji

The objective of the Yatra is to unite people working for cow protection. Presently, there is a complete lack of concerted effort. The Yatra is a medium to bring all of them on one platform. Those who are inactive have to be inspired and prepared to join the movement. It is an initiative to put Indian villages on the path of sustainable development by focussing on cow-based way-of-life.

The place, which does not have cow, farmer, forest and pure air, is nothing but zahar. The cow and villages share a very important relationship and we have to strengthen it.

The day the rural people realise the prosperity in cow-rearing they will not even think of migration. There should also be decentralisation of industries. Instead of having one factory at a cost of Rs 90 crore, there should be 90 units of rupees one crore each. This is possible.

Head of Shree Ramchandrapura Math in Karnataka, Shree Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji is a well-known personality in the country who has successfully preserved the existing 33 breeds of Indian cow. Apart from preserving and promoting them he has also scientifically proved how cow can truly bring prosperity in the life of her herder. He is also a guiding force behind the Vishwa Mangal Gou Gram Yatra beginning from Kurukshetra on September 30. Organiser correspondent Pramod Kumar spoke to him in New Delhi to discuss the preparations of the Yatra and also his views on cow and the development of villages. Excerpts:

What are the objectives of this Yatra?
There are many objectives. First, ignorance existed about cow has to be eliminated from the mind of the people. Whatever atrocities are being perpetrated on cow is due to this ignorance. People have forgotten her usefulness. There is no need to educate the people about the importance of gold. Since they do not know the importance of cow, she is being slaughtered. All it is due to ignorance. If we are able to eradicate it, there will be no need to launch any agitation for cow protection. Second objective is to unite people working for cow protection. Presently, there is a complete lack of united effort. The Yatra is a medium to bring all of them on one platform. Those who are inactive have to be inspired and prepared to join the movement. It is an initiative to put Indian villages on the path of sustainable development by focussing on cow-based way-of-life.

What is to be done for the villages?
Village and cow cannot be segregated. There is no village without cow and there is no cow without village. Bharat is the soul of the world, village is the soul of Bharat, farmer is the soul of village and cow is the soul of farmer. Now this chain has broken. With the breakdown of one relation between the farmer and cow all the relations have broken. It also damaged the relation of Bharat with the rest of the world. This relation has to be restored. The relation of cow and villages is like the relation of body and soul. If there is no soul, the body is dead and if there is no cow, villages are like a dead body. The cow too cannot be protected without villages. Therefore, the uplift of villages and cow has to be done together. I normally say shahar (city) is not shahar, it is zahar (poison), as there is no cow rearing in the cities. There are slaughterhouses in cities instead of goshalas. The place, which does not have cow, farmer, forest and pure air, is nothing but zahar. The cow and villages share a very important relationship and we have to strengthen it.

There have been many agitations for cow protection even after Independence but there has been no positive result. How can this new agitation bring in positive results?
If there has been no positive result in the past, it does not mean that there will be no positive outcome in the future too. We believe in making efforts. We are approaching the countrymen with a pure heart and a pure objective. We know that the policymakers do nothing until they are pressurised for doing so. It has become their habit. Now we should not look at the policymakers but to the public. If the public once stands for a change the policymakers will have no option but to do what the public wants. The demand of cow and village protection needs to come from the whole country and not just from some saints alone. Normally there are three sections in the society. One of cow-lovers, second is of those who oppose and the third is of those who remain neutral. The first and second sections are very small. But the third section is very big. Until this third section is activated the disappointing atmosphere will remain. Therefore, we have to activate and inspire this third section. Nothing will happen even if we demonstrate outside the Parliament House. This demand should come from all sections of the society.

But the tragedy is that farmers themselves sell the cows to butchers. Comment.
You have reached at the roots of the problem. This is a fact that cow is slaughtered at the slaughterhouses but the process of her slaughter begins from the house of farmers. If the farmers do not sell them, there will be no problem. There are two ways to persuade the farmers. One is through developing respect in their hearts and second is promoting economic aspect. People think in terms of money. They compare what is beneficial—rearing cow or selling her. The farmers need to be educated—if one sells the cow he will earn a few hundred rupees and if he rears her he will earn lakhs of rupees. This problem will remain the same until we do not establish this scientifically. Enactment of a central legislation will also not solve the problem. It will continue illegally. Only the fact that rearing is more beneficial than selling the cow will put a complete ban on it. Therefore, there is a need to create a nationwide network of industries based on cow urine, dung and other products. It has to be developed as a profitable business. In the beginning goubhakta industrialists have to be engaged in this task.

What is being done to strengthen this economic aspect?
Many efforts are being made in the form of manufacturing medicines and panchgavya products. Some farmers are conducting very good experiments on cow-based farming. I agree that there is still lack of a united effort and I hope the united effort will be strengthened during the Yatra.

People from villages are fast migrating to urban areas. Then who will protect cow in villages?
Only the cow can stop this migration to urban areas. The day they realise the prosperity in cow-rearing they will not even think of migration. There should also be decentralisation of industries. Instead of having one factory at a cost of Rs 90 crore there should be 90 units at a cost of rupees one crore each. This is possible.

You are also engaged in many cow preservation activities. What are these activities?
We are not alone doing it. Many people are doing outstanding work on this front. We have the only goshala in the country, which successfully preserved the existing 33 breeds of Indian cows. There are some breeds, which have only 10 to 20 cows today. It is like Bharat darshan. All cow breeds from Kanyakumari to Kashmir are available there.

What is your thinking of rural development?
I dream of a completely natural village where there is no artificialness, only simple lifestyle.

The government is engaged in rural development work. How do you look at it?
That is not rural development. They are basically destroying the rural culture by converting villages into cities.

The chemical fertilizers have made the soil infertile. How could this land be revived?
Only cow can cure it. This poison of chemical fertilizers dominates over the cow. The day it is reversed, the picture will change. Before it we shall have to develop love and affection for the cow in the heart of the farmers. This is one of the objectives of the Yatra.

Did you also get the support of other saints for the Yatra?
Yes. Many Jain, Buddhist and Sikh saints have joined hands with us. All the sects, communities and sections of the society including some Muslim, Christian and Parsi leaders are in the Yatra Samiti. Many leading saints and their organisations like Baba Ramdev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Guruji, Mata Amritanandamayi, Dr Pranav Pandya and others are actively contributing in this task. Some scientists from outside the country have also joined hands. The foreign scientists know the importance of cow more than us. They have conducted unique experiments on cow urine, milk and panchgavya.

The overall atmosphere in the country with regard to cow protection is very disappointing. How will it change?
People are disappointed because they are sitting inactive. The day they become active the picture will change. They expect that the change will surface without doing anything. They will have to come out and fight against the evils. If 50 crore of the 110 crore people come out, which government will dare to ignore them?

Did you contact the political parties also for any kind of support?
Politics will benefit none. The time has come when we shall have to make efforts keeping the politics away. People should be united irrespective of their political considerations. We must keep in mind that if cow is protected nobody will die prematurely and if cow dies nobody will be safe. It is not the agitation for cow protection. It is the agitation for self-protection. If you want your coming generations to be safe, you will have to support it. It is a movement for atmaraksha, rashtra raksha and sanskriti raksha. Come and join us in this historic journey towards universal prosperity and happiness. Let the globe truly become a cow-centred village.

Do you have any action plan to implement after the Yatra?
Yes, this is just the beginning. We have to do a lot of constructive work in the future. Though cow is undoubtedly divine, financial gains seem to be the measurement of success in today's materialistic world. Accepting this reality, we have to develop cow-based industries and make cow-rearing profitable. We have to educate the common man on the profit of cow-rearing. We need to convince them of social justice and the need to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. We have to take up urgently the cause of safeguarding and nurturing the existing 33 Indian breeds. In 1947 the country had about 60 breeds of cows but today we have only 33. We have to spread the message of the movement and convince the government about its importance in achieving the welfare of the nation. Nurturing the cow can begin primarily from farmer's home. Therefore, we have to educate farmer about the benefits of cow-centred life and agriculture. The immediate goal would be to make cow-rearing profitable by promoting the cow-based industrial products. We have to undertake serious researches on new possibilities of cow-based products. By and large, we have to work for creating safe heavens for cows in districts and talukas.

 

Own 'Facebook' to spur Parsis to marry their own

Forwarded Message

 

From: Zoroastrian Parsees
Date: Tue, Aug 11, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Subject: Own 'Facebook' to spur Parsis to marry their own
To:


Own 'Facebook' to spur Parsis to marry their own


Mumbai: Worried about outside-the-community marriages, the Bombay
Parsi Punchayet (BPP) has come upon a proactive solution. It plans to
launch its own youth club and a social networking website to promote
interaction among the community's youth. The initiative, says the
Punchayet, will encourage youngsters to marry within the community.

BPP chairperson Dinshaw Mehta said the Punchayet will launch the
Zoroastrian Youth Association or ZYA (the name is yet to be finalised)
"with a big bash" in November, targeting 4,000-5,000 youngsters in
nearly 5,000 flats across 12 Parsi colonies in Mumbai.

Though primarily meant for the 15-30 age group, the association will
have members till the age of 40.

"We want our youth to marry within the community. By forming such a
group, they can meet often and hold events. This will encourage
interaction," said Mehta.

The portal, including a social networking platform, will bring Parsi
youngsters together and create a sense of belonging, he said.

"The website will be ready by October, and we have kept aside a budget
of Rs17.5 lakh for the association," he said.

The association will have an office at Gamadia Colony in Tardeo and a
hall to host events in the Khareghat colony, Grant Road, Mehta said.

Membership will be free and a core group of 10-15 young minds will do
the planning, Mehta said. Another group of 50 people will be formed to
organise events while staff will be hired for the administrative work,
he added.

In response to Manoj Nair's ariticle: Letter to Ervad Framroze S Mirza

TO:

 

TIMES GROUP Vice chairman Samir Jain at samir.jain@timesgroup.com 

 

CC: Mumbai Mirror editor Ms Meenal Baghel at meenal.baghel@timesgroup.com

CC: Manoj Nair at manoj.nair@timesgroup.com

CC: Parsi Panchayat

CC: Parsi Voice

CC: Traditional Zoroastrianism BLOG

 

BCC: Thousands of Zoroastrians worldwide

 

Subject: In response to Manoj Nair's ariticle: Letter to Ervad Framroze S Mirza

 

Mr. Samir Jain and Ms. Meena Baghel,

 

Please read and publish the letter below written by our fellow Traditional Zarathustri

Hushtasp R. Bhumgara. This is in response to the article you have published a

few days ago giving front-page publicity to the people who have been asked by

the Traditional trustees of the BPP to stop their anti-scriptural activities.

 

Please note that the BPP has the democratic majority support of our community.

If you consider your newspaper to be democratic and representing the voice of

the people, you must ask your journalists to support the feelings of the majority

behind the BPP, and not that of the anti-religious minority.

 

Please note that it is the foreign inter-married liberals, the outsiders who are
supporting the inter-marriage movements among the Parsees in India

from their overseas bases.  By supporting such overseas trouble-makers,

you would not be serving the cause of our motherland India to whom we

Indian Parsees have always been faithful and proud of.

 

Regards,

 

Porus.

 

 

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Hushtasp Bhumgara

Date: Sun, Aug 9, 2009 at 9:00 PM

Subject: Email Letter to Ervad Framroze S Mirza

 

To: fsmirza@rediffmail.com

Subject: Email Letter to Ervad Framroze S Mirza

Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 08:56:35 -0400

 

Please open and read the the attachment first Dated 07/08/09. Thank-you.

 

Ervad Framroze Sorobji Mirza

 

fsmirza@rediffmail.com

 

Dear Sir

 

I am a Parsi Zoroastrian living in Canada. I have read your letter Dated 25th August 2008 which you have sent to Vada Dasturji (Dr) Kaikhusroo Minocher Jamasp Asa in which you claim not to have done any conversions of Non Zoroastrians.

 

This contention of yours is false and you have lost any credibility you may have had, as your picture appears along side the letter doing a Navjote of a Non-Zoroastrian with your co-priest  in Tajikistan in 2006.

 

In your own letter you admit to performing the Aashirwad for a couple even if only one person is Irani/Parsi Zoroastrian. This is astonishing, are you not informed or aware that the prayers and scriptures call for both people getting married to be professing the Zoroastrian faith? And that in the Ashirwad one has to swear allegiance to the worship of Ahura Mazda and the seven Amashsaspands and surely you know that a non-Zoroastrian Spouse cannot uphold this religious view? What scriptural evidence can you provide towards supporting your actions or your point of view?

 

I am a mere student of our religion however I do care to read and inform myself.

 

For your enlightenment I am including a link below please care to read and inform yourself.

 

http://www.avesta.org/ritual/rcc.htm#chap2

 

It is from the book THE RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES AND CUSTOMS OF THE PARSEES.

 

By JIVANJI JAMSHEDJI MODI, B.A., PH.D., C.I.E.,

 

It is indeed a shame that there are Parsi/Irani Zoroastrian Renegade Priests from within the community that contribute to the breakdown of the Zoroastrian Religion.

 

Now considerable data is emerging in North America where Navjotes of mixed marriage progeny have been encouraged and performed over the last 30 years, and the data points to the fact that very few of these mixed marriage children if at all practice or continue to follow the Zoroastrian religion. Even fewer marry within the community. So the total experiment is a failure.

 

There are also listings that show that there are 2.6 million Zoroastrians in the World.

 

To be a Parsi or Irani Zarthushti you have to be born of both parents being Parsi that is a biological fact.

 

So by any stretch of the imagination the numbers within the Parsi/Irani Zoroastrian community can only increase if Parsi/Irani Zoroastrians choose to create more progeny.

 

Regards

 

Hushtasp R. Bhumgara

 

CC Parsi/Irani Zoroastrians

 

 

 

Re: Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over ‘hurtful’ remark

"I must be one of the few people who has gone into the agiary pretending to be a Parsi," Rampal had said.   Hereat this culprit is actually saying he went in to an agiyari, pretending to be a Parsi! Why is he now changing his story? - that he was only playing in the fire temple compound and was mistaken as a Parsi by the caretaker who caught hold of him and then let him go!   Is he getting out of the kitchen because he has suddenly found it too sizzling hot for his looks?  From show off to suddenly shying away from the famous Parsi ire, huh?   And what may I ask is so innocent about bragging in a public press report that he had actually broken our laws with impunity?  If he was deeply upset by our reactions he should have been more so at his own actions!   Book him and throw away the key!  This sort of utter nonsense and disgusting desecration, has to be stopped once and for all! ShirinMAI!     --- On Sat, 8/8/09, Deen Parast <deenparast@gmail.com> wrote: From: Deen Parast <deenparast@gmail.com> Subject: Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over 'hurtful' remark To: samir.jain@timesgroup.com Cc: meenal.baghel@timesgroup.com, manoj.nair@timesgroup.com, "parsi panchayat" <ppbombay@vsnl.net>, theparseevoice@gmail.com, deenparast.tradzoro@blogger.com Received: Saturday, 8 August, 2009, 5:07 PM Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over 'hurtful' remark By arzan sam wadia ⋅ August 8, 2009 ⋅  Email This Page ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment Arjun Rampal should apologise to the Parsis. This is the demand from sections of the Parsi community who are scandalised with the actor for stating in a recent interview to a men's magazine that he had visited a Parsi fire-temple or agiary. "I must be one of the few people who has gone into the agiary pretending to be a Parsi," Rampal had said. The Zoroastrian religion does not allow non-Parsis to enter the holy premises. "Everybody in Mumbai knows that non-Parsis are not allowed to enter the fire temple," said Firoza Mistree, a researcher of Zoroastrian studies. Mistree says that the actor should apologise and identify the temple so that it can be purified. In a letter to Rampal, Mistree states, "I am surprised that your wife, Mehr Jessia (a former Miss India), whom our community respects, has allowed you to publicly brag about your wrongdoing…Nobody is going to appreciate it." Khojeste Mistree, co-trustee of the Parsi Panchayat and religious scholar, said, "What Rampal has done is unethical. He could have been more sensitive." Rampal said he was deeply upset that an innocent remark by him had hurt the Parsis. "Let me bring it into context. It was when I was around eight years old and playing with my friends that I wandered into the compound (garden) of a fire temple. The caretaker mistook me for a Parsi and caught hold of me, and then let me go. I would never disrespect any community. I have always thought of the Parsis as respectable and enterprising people and would not change my opinion on this. If the actions of an eight-year-old boy have hurt the sentiments of anyone, I deeply apologise for it." Chairman of the Parsi Punchayet Dinshaw Mehta said, "Even if he says it happened when he was eight years old, why is he boasting about it now? We want an apology."

---

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Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over ‘hurtful’ remark

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sam Billimoria
Date: Sat, Aug 8, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Subject: Fwd: Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over 'hurtful' remark
To: MainstreamZoroastrians@yahoogroups.com

Friends ,

 

I am forwarding this , also bcc'd to several  people .

 

You could then compare the inconsistency in  Rampals' statements and his quote to GQ.

 

 A) GQ quotes him as saying he pretended to be a parsi and he visited an Agiyari . Was it an Agiyari, an Atesh Behram , maybe

 

  even  Iran Shah.   How can we trust him?

 

  B) His latest statement says that he innocently fetched a ball from an Agiyari compound as an eight year old  and a priest

 

   hugged him thinking he is a Parsi. Can you believe this.?

 

If Arjun is not forthcoming it should be Mithoo Jesia's obligation to identify the defiled institution ,so that corrective measures 

 

can be taken . I suggest that an open request be made to Mithoo Jesia  showing the inconsistency of Arjun's statements.      

 

 

Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over 'hurtful' remark

By arzan sam wadia ⋅ August 8, 2009 ⋅  Email This Page ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Arjun Rampal should apologise to the Parsis. This is the demand from sections of the Parsi community who are scandalised with the actor for stating in a recent interview to a men's magazine that he had visited a Parsi fire-temple or agiary. "I must be one of the few people who has gone into the agiary pretending to be a Parsi," Rampal had said.

The Zoroastrian religion does not allow non-Parsis to enter the holy premises. "Everybody in Mumbai knows that non-Parsis are not allowed to enter the fire temple," said Firoza Mistree, a researcher of Zoroastrian studies. Mistree says that the actor should apologise and identify the temple so that it can be purified.

In a letter to Rampal, Mistree states, "I am surprised that your wife, Mehr Jessia (a former Miss India), whom our community respects, has allowed you to publicly brag about your wrongdoing…Nobody is going to appreciate it."

Khojeste Mistree, co-trustee of the Parsi Panchayat and religious scholar, said, "What Rampal has done is unethical. He could have been more sensitive."

Rampal said he was deeply upset that an innocent remark by him had hurt the Parsis. "Let me bring it into context. It was when I was around eight years old and playing with my friends that I wandered into the compound (garden) of a fire temple. The caretaker mistook me for a Parsi and caught hold of me, and then let me go. I would never disrespect any community. I have always thought of the Parsis as respectable and enterprising people and would not change my opinion on this. If the actions of an eight-year-old boy have hurt the sentiments of anyone, I deeply apologise for it."

Chairman of the Parsi Punchayet Dinshaw Mehta said, "Even if he says it happened when he was eight years old, why is he boasting about it now? We want an apology."

--
Regards,

Sam M.Billimoria

Re: Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over ‘hurtful’ remark

Arjun Rampal has already apologized in yesterday's Mid-day and today's Times of India for the irresponsible act and statement made in the Press.

I think we should let it pass now.

 

Burjor.

----- Original Message -----

From: Deen Parast

To: samir.jain@timesgroup.com

Cc: meenal.baghel@timesgroup.com ; manoj.nair@timesgroup.com ; parsi panchayat ; theparseevoice@gmail.com ; deenparast.tradzoro@blogger.com

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 12:37 PM

Subject: Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over 'hurtful' remark

Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over 'hurtful' remark

By arzan sam wadia ⋅ August 8, 2009 ⋅  Email This Page ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Arjun Rampal should apologise to the Parsis. This is the demand from sections of the Parsi community who are scandalised with the actor for stating in a recent interview to a men's magazine that he had visited a Parsi fire-temple or agiary. "I must be one of the few people who has gone into the agiary pretending to be a Parsi," Rampal had said.

The Zoroastrian religion does not allow non-Parsis to enter the holy premises. "Everybody in Mumbai knows that non-Parsis are not allowed to enter the fire temple," said Firoza Mistree, a researcher of Zoroastrian studies. Mistree says that the actor should apologise and identify the temple so that it can be purified.

In a letter to Rampal, Mistree states, "I am surprised that your wife, Mehr Jessia (a former Miss India), whom our community respects, has allowed you to publicly brag about your wrongdoing…Nobody is going to appreciate it."

Khojeste Mistree, co-trustee of the Parsi Panchayat and religious scholar, said, "What Rampal has done is unethical. He could have been more sensitive."

Rampal said he was deeply upset that an innocent remark by him had hurt the Parsis. "Let me bring it into context. It was when I was around eight years old and playing with my friends that I wandered into the compound (garden) of a fire temple. The caretaker mistook me for a Parsi and caught hold of me, and then let me go. I would never disrespect any community. I have always thought of the Parsis as respectable and enterprising people and would not change my opinion on this. If the actions of an eight-year-old boy have hurt the sentiments of anyone, I deeply apologise for it."

Chairman of the Parsi Punchayet Dinshaw Mehta said, "Even if he says it happened when he was eight years old, why is he boasting about it now? We want an apology."

Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over ‘hurtful’ remark

Parsis seek apology from Arjun Rampal over 'hurtful' remark

By arzan sam wadia ⋅ August 8, 2009 ⋅  Email This Page ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Arjun Rampal should apologise to the Parsis. This is the demand from sections of the Parsi community who are scandalised with the actor for stating in a recent interview to a men's magazine that he had visited a Parsi fire-temple or agiary. "I must be one of the few people who has gone into the agiary pretending to be a Parsi," Rampal had said.

The Zoroastrian religion does not allow non-Parsis to enter the holy premises. "Everybody in Mumbai knows that non-Parsis are not allowed to enter the fire temple," said Firoza Mistree, a researcher of Zoroastrian studies. Mistree says that the actor should apologise and identify the temple so that it can be purified.

In a letter to Rampal, Mistree states, "I am surprised that your wife, Mehr Jessia (a former Miss India), whom our community respects, has allowed you to publicly brag about your wrongdoing…Nobody is going to appreciate it."

Khojeste Mistree, co-trustee of the Parsi Panchayat and religious scholar, said, "What Rampal has done is unethical. He could have been more sensitive."

Rampal said he was deeply upset that an innocent remark by him had hurt the Parsis. "Let me bring it into context. It was when I was around eight years old and playing with my friends that I wandered into the compound (garden) of a fire temple. The caretaker mistook me for a Parsi and caught hold of me, and then let me go. I would never disrespect any community. I have always thought of the Parsis as respectable and enterprising people and would not change my opinion on this. If the actions of an eight-year-old boy have hurt the sentiments of anyone, I deeply apologise for it."

Chairman of the Parsi Punchayet Dinshaw Mehta said, "Even if he says it happened when he was eight years old, why is he boasting about it now? We want an apology."

Zarathushtris hurt by Arjun Rampal's desecration of a Parsi Fire Temple

TO:

TIMES GROUP Vice chairman Samir Jain at samir.jain@timesgroup.com  

CC: Mumbai Mirror editor Ms Meenal Baghel at meenal.baghel@timesgroup.com 

CC: Manoj Nair at manoj.nair@timesgroup.com

CC: Parsi Panchayat

CC: Parsi Voice

CC: Traditional Zoroastrianism BLOG

BCC: Thousands of Zoroastrians worldwide

Subject: Arjun Rampal's desecration of an Agiari

Mr. Samir Jain and Ms. Meena Baghel,

Please see this link

http://wadias.in/site/arzan/blog/arjun-rampal-and-the-desecration-of-an-agiyari/

 

Arjun Rampal's admission has hurt the religious feelings of thousands of Zarathushtris worldwide.

 

Your journalist Manoj was quick to give publicity to a priest who is 

performing religious ceremonies for the inter-married against the

prescriptions of the religion and the wishes of the BPP, elected

democratically by the majority of thousands of Zarathuhstris in Mumbai.

 

We now ask you and your journalist to stand up for the religious feelings of

the thousands of Zarathustris who have been offended by the admisssion

of Arjun Rampal in GQ that he has broken the religious rules of the Zoroastrians

in India, and he is boasting about it. Please see below for gauging how this

act of Arjun has wounded our religious feelings.

 

Regards,

 

Porus.

 

 

http://wadias.in/site/arzan/blog/arjun-rampal-and-the-desecration-of-an-agiyari/

Arjun Rampal and the desecration of a Parsi Fire Temple

By arZan ⋅ August 6, 2009 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅

The image you see below is from a recent issue of GQ Magazine published in India. Arjun Rampal actor/model answers some candid questions and one of his answers is a boastful "I am one of the few people who have gone into the Agyari pretending to be a Parsi".

This is really pathetic and obnoxious of Arjun Rampal. A little background. Arjun Rampal is married to Meher Jesia, ex Miss India.

Current rules state that only Parsis are allowed entry into their holy places, the Agiyaris and the Atashbehrams. And Arjun is not a Parsi. What right does he then have to break the rules of a community, just to satiate his own personal curiosity and boast about it.

Rules in religion are not always agreed upon. But as long as they exist one needs to respect them. I wonder if Arjun Rampal would dare to go to the Kaaba at Mecca, which is out of bounds to non-Muslims. No offence to Muslims, but I wish he would try that stunt and see the consequences.

Parsi fire temples are not guarded securitized places. Over the centuries there has been a certain respect/trust within the society, which respects the wishes of the Parsi community and not venture into their fire temples.

I am not a legal maven, but I wonder if a criminal case of trespass can be filed against this Arjun Rampal. He has knowingly desecrated a consecrated place, an agiary.

It also makes me wonder what sort of a person Arjun is, what moral standards he must have to take credit in publicly admitting such an act.

Cross-Posted on Parsi Khabar.

Arjunn Rampall's disgraceful confession!

Today's Mid-Day newspaper ( 5th August 2009 , page 14), contains excerpts
from Arjunn Rampall's interview in GQ magazine.

In his interview, Arjunn proudly proclaims: "I must be one of the few people
who have gone into the Agiary pretending to be Parsi"!
I wonder what his wife Mehr has to say to this.

I also wonder if he would try to pull a similar stunt by going to Mecca "pretending" to be a Muslim. Forget Mecca / Muslims, would Arjunn bring meat to a strict Jain house and offend their religious sentiments? Would he eat pork in the house of a Jew or a Muslim? Why does this man, who is married to a Parsi, have no respect for Parsi-Iranis?

THIS IS DISGRACEFUL INDEED. WHO DOES ARJUNN THINK
HE IS TO INSULT THE ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION IN THIS WAY?

From a concerned Zoroastrian.

TPV Defiance - Article in Mumbai Mirror

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: YASMINE KERSI
Date: Fri, Aug 7, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Subject: FW: TPV Defiance-Article in Mumbai Mirror

Hello all my Parsi friends,
 
We need to show our solidarity and it would be in the interest of our religion
and community if we could all send in our protest to the following:
 

vice chairman Samir Jain at samir.jain@timesgroup.com  and cc the same mail to the mumbai mirror editor Ms Meenal Baghel at meenal.baghel@timesgroup.com and Manoj Nair atmanoj.nair@timesgroup.com

 

Ushta Te,

 

Yasmine Sanjana

 

 

 

Manoj Nair's Article hurts religious sentiments of Zoroastrians worldwide

From: burjor bharucha
Date: Fri, Aug 7, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Subject: Re: Manoj Nair's Article hurts religious sentiments of Zoroastrians worldwide

To: samir.jain@timesgroup.com
Cc: meenal.baghel@timesgroup.com, manoj.nair@timesgroup.com, 

parsi panchayat <ppbombay@vsnl.net>, 

theparseevoice@gmail.com,
Traditional Zoroastrianism BLOG

Mr. Samir Jain / Ms. Meenal Baghel.

 

This is not the first instance when Manoj Nair has hurt the feelings 

and sentiments of the peace loving Zoroastrian Community. 

Hope somehow he could be made to realize the serious repercussions 

that are caused within the community due to his irresponsible writings. 

He seems to be deriving sadistic pleasure in continuing with his 

deplorable writings knowing fully well that besides a few protest 

letters and phone calls no physical or monetary harm could befall 

him due to the pathetically small numbers that Parsis are in.

 

Would Mr. Nair ever dare to write any controversial articles 

relating to the MNS, or Shiv Sena or the major Minority? 

I don't think he ever will.

 

Times has a long standing reputation not only nationally but 

inter-nationally and it is subscribed by almost 100% of our small 

community. We do hope you realize the damage that is being 

caused by such thoughtless writings the world over.

 

Would appreciate a line in response confirming your 

 understanding of the problem and also assuring us 

that such harmful and irresponsible journalism

will not be allowed to be published in future.

 

Thanks and regards,

 

Burjor Bharucha.

 

 

Manoj Nair's Article hurts religious sentiments of Zoroastrians worldwide

TO: TIMES GROUP Vice chairman Samir Jain at samir.jain@timesgroup.com CC: Mumbai Mirror editor Ms Meenal Baghel at meenal.baghel@timesgroup.com CC: Manoj Nair at manoj.nair@timesgroup.com CC: Parsi Panchayat CC: Parsi Voice CC: Traditional Zoroastrianism BLOG BCC: Thousands of Zoroastrians worldwide Subject: Manoj Nair's Article hurts religious sentiments of Zoroastrians worldwide Mr. Samir Jain and Ms. Meena Baghel, We fully agree with the words written by the Parsee Voice: > Today's Mumbai Mirror carries on its front page an article by Manoj > Nair about the defiant stand taken by Khushru Madon saying that he > will not stop conducting rituals for mixed-marriages Parsis. Putting a > sensitive community matter on the front page of a public newspaper to > sensationalise issues is definitely not ethical journalism. We protest against this article in the Mumbai Mirror that is hurting the religious sentiments of the Zoroastrian Parsi majority in India. Manoj Nair's jouralism is hurting the religious feelings of the Parsi community and should not be permitted by Mumbai Mirror and the Times Group. We fully support the DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED BPP Trustees in their stand against the few priests who are going against the Holy Scriptures of our religion. The Trustees were elected by the majority of the community which is traditional. Mr. Manoj Nair and the Mumbai Mirror shoud respect the feelings of the majority, this is what happens in a democracy. This is also being posted to the Traditional Zoroastrianism BLOG which is read by thousands of Zoroastrians worldwide. Regards, Porus. > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: The Parsee Voice <theparseevoice@gmail.com> > Date: 2009/8/4 > Subject: TPV Defiance-Article in Mumbai Mirror > To: The Parsee Voice <the-parsee-voice@googlegroups.com> > > > > Today's Mumbai Mirror carries on its front page an article by Manoj > Nair about the defiant stand taken by Khushru Madon saying that he > will not stop conducting rituals for mixed-marriages Parsis. Putting a > sensitive community matter on the front page of a public newspaper to > sensationalise issues is definitely not ethical journalism. There is > nothing newsworthy in this for others as it is an internal matter of > the Parsi community. > > Mr Nair seems to be happily playing into the hands of the deformist > lobby led by ARZ, who are hell bent on foisting their concocted brand > of Zoroastrianism on the community in spite of opposition from a > majority of the community. > > Community members are requested to send in their protests to Mumbai > Mirror requesting that this kind of jouralism is hurting the religious > feelings of the Parsi community and should not be permitted. > > Community members are also requested to show solidarity with the BPP > in its attempt to ban these two renegade preists, Khushru Madon and > Framroze Mirza, from performing religious ceremonies at Doongerwadi. > Doongerwadi is held in trust by the BPP on behalf of the community. > The current BPP trustees have been elected by the community and > represent the majority community's will. Hence they have the authority > to decide who functions at Doongerwadi and who does not. The BPP is on > the right path here and deserves community support on this issue. > > Regards > The Parsee Voice Team

Mr. Manoj Nair's Expose in the Mumbai Mirror of the religious sins of two renegade Parsi priests

On Tue, Aug 4, 2009 at 10:06 PM, Mehlli Bhagalia wrote:

 Dear Mr. Nair,

 Was this written by you to bring lime light on your self ? I doubt it. It was perhaps done from journalistic zeal.
 If done for the lime light  and you are a Hindu, you are surely aware of the Natural, inexorable and religious Law of Karma.

  If you are also a religious Hindu, then it is suggested that you perform several pujjas, to give you and your family the strength to bear the punishment that will surely be visited on you and your family, for the insult on a sister religion of India and it's religious practices, customs and traditions, for no cause or reason atall.

 If a foreign journalist ,uninformed and uneducated in Indian religions and traditions had written unwittingly and with out verifying the full facts and antecedents of the case, the religious laws and duties of a Parsi priest, perhaps the Karmic blow would be light on such a person.

 You Mr. Nair as a brother Indian, know full well the long  history of the Parsis in India, know full well their religiosity And know full well how the Religious Roots of both our two ancient  religions-Hindu and Parsi Zoroastrian, come from one Indo Aryan source perhaps over 90,000 years ago.

 How could you then insult a sister community and cause such pain to your brothers and sisters in the Parsi community? Do you think that you got the information about this matter from a saintly Parsi ? There are cowards, charlatans and irreligious persons in all religious communities. We have our share. Would it not have been prudent if you had verified this matter with the Parsi Panchayat, before "rushing to judgment" and printing this matter as "news" ?

 For your information only and so that you understand that this writer, although a Parsi Zoroastrian has learned the Hindu religion, Hindu arts and science of Yogh and Ayurvaid from saintly Hindu Yogis in India from the age of 15 years and still remember his Teachers. He is now 76 years.

  Your name indicates that you are from South India and you may be pleased to know that this writer learned several techniques of the Kerela Ayurvaid and Yogh and was introduced to the Kalaripaith Master in that state. He was presented  with the short Kalari stick for unarmed Indian combat at the Kalari center in view of his many years knowledge and practice of the Oriental Martial Arts of Combat.

 This writer and many knowledgeable Parsis have the very highest respect for the Hindu religion and practices.

 Would you please do our community a favor, by visiting the Parsi Panchayat office with a copy of this letter and request them to ive you the full information on this matter. Would you then as a matter of Journalistic fairness, print the Parsi community's  response in this matter.

 This would go a long way in bringing peace between us and lessen any Karmic effects of this matter.

 With best wishes.

 Sincerely

 Mehlli Bhagalia
 
 

Defiance-Article in Mumbai Mirror

From: The Parsee Voice
Date: 2009/8/4
Subject: TPV Defiance-Article in Mumbai Mirror

Today's Mumbai Mirror carries on its front page an article by Manoj
Nair about the defiant stand taken by Khushru Madon saying that he
will not stop conducting rituals for mixed-marriages Parsis. Putting a
sensitive community matter on the front page of a public newspaper to
sensationalise issues is definitely not ethical journalism. There is
nothing newsworthy in this for others as it is an internal matter of
the Parsi community.

Mr Nair seems to be happily playing into the hands of the deformist
lobby led by ARZ, who are hell bent on foisting their concocted brand
of Zoroastrianism on the community in spite of opposition from a
majority of the community.

Community members are requested to send in their protests to Mumbai
Mirror requesting that this kind of jouralism is hurting the religious
feelings of the Parsi community and should not be permitted.

Community members are also requested to show solidarity with the BPP
in its attempt to ban these two renegade preists, Khushru Madon and
Framroze Mirza, from performing religious ceremonies at Doongerwadi.
Doongerwadi is held in trust by the BPP on behalf of the community.
The current BPP trustees have been elected by the community and
represent the majority community's will. Hence they have the authority
to decide who functions at Doongerwadi and who does not. The BPP is on
the right path here and deserves community support on this issue.

Regards
The Parsee Voice Team

Renegade Priests

The Chairman
The Bombay Parsi Punchayat
August 4, 2009

Dear Dinshawji,

I write to you in my personal capacity as a donor voter, having a
vested interest in the upkeep and running of the Doongerwadi land as
per the time-tested customs and traditions. This is to extend my
whole-hearted support to you and your other colleagues on the BPP
board for preventing two renegade Mobeds from carrying out irreligious
activities inside the sanctified premises of the Towers of Silence and
other such places managed by the punchayat. It is my belief that a
vast section of our community welcomes this decision.

Nevertheless, I would like to caution the trustees not to succumb to
the pressure tactics and blackmailing by a handful of religious
rebels__however powerful they may be. Let me remind you that the
trustees have the mandate of the community and under no circumstances
should you climb down or even negotiate/discuss this matter with these
group of renegades. If they threaten to go to court, let them do so.
The community is behind you. After all this is the same cabal of
reformists responsible for illegally taking pictures inside the
Dakhmas and distributing them worldwide.

The trustees need to stand firm on this issue. Your foremost task as
trustees is to preserve and protect the Doongerwadi lands as mandated
by the religion and its High Priests. Please do not let the community
down.

Best Regards

Nauzer Bharucha

Holy Men of all religions speak

Holy Men of all religions have held a press conference urging the
government of India
to rethink its stand on gays. Treatng this change like the apocalypse,
these learned men
looked completely distraught and earnest when they said legalizing
homosexuality
would destroy the institution of the family, Indian values and culture.
Some said homosexuals can be ``cured''.

Both Jain monk Acharya Lokesh Muniji and yoga guru Ramdev have said
homosexuality is against nature and that the Delhi High Court's judgement
reading down Section 377, which penalizes sex even between consenting,
adult gays, is ``a challenge to the design of God''. Other `people of God'
were not lagging in their articulation. Father Dominic Emmanuel of the
Delhi Catholic Archdiocese said when he was asked why the court's verdict
on Section 377 was being opposed by Christian leaders here: "Here people
take and practise religion seriously. In the West, churches are empty."

Muslim clerics are equally vehement in their condemnation of the
`monstrosity'. Imam Ahmed Bukhari of the Jama Masjid and Maulana
Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahli, member of the All India Muslim Personal
Law Board, have said homosexuality is against all religions and
also against Indian culture. In Punjab, the Akal Takht said no
gurdwara, neither in India, nor abroad, would solemnize gay
weddings, meaning Sikhism has no place for homosexuals.

Regarding the Times of India blogs, I have noticed that many traditional
comments have not been approved on these blogs. I am a Traditional Zoroastrian.
I want to ask these blog writers just one question. Why are so many
religions and holy men saying the same thing? Why do they all agree
that homosexuality is wrong? Why have all saints asked man to marry
woman and live a moral righteous life? I ask these writers to honestly
ask themselves this question.

Zoroastrians protest against the Delhi High Court's ruling

From: TZML Admins
Date: Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Subject: Zoroastrians protest against the Delhi High Court's ruling
To: TZML

HUMATA HUKHTA HAVARASHTA!
9 July 2009

Dear Zarathushti humdins,
cc: Vada Dasturjis,
cc: Ervad Sahebs,
cc: The Parsee Voice,
cc: Zoroastrian Studies,
cc: Parsi Pukar,
cc: Dini-Awaz,
cc: Prominent Zoroastrians,
cc: TZML
cc: TMYZ officials

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

it was a sad day for India and Indian society and Indian moral values
when the Delhi High Court legalised homosexuality.

Homosexuality is a wrong against Nature and God's Laws and that is why
it is considered a "crime" in all major religions.

Some people argue that decriminalising homosexuality and prostitution
is so that police officers do not persecute these people, but trhat is
taking a very secular and material-based view of a serious crime.

Legally forbidding a moral crime gives moral strength to society, else
once these sins are legalised, society indulges in them wantonly with
a feeling that "It is legal so it must be right".

A secular constitution like ours in India obvoiusly has some disadvantages.

In western countries when homosexuality ceased to be legally wrong,
the gay groups became more and more bold and today they are canvassing
for gay priesthood and even the ultimate irony of all - gay
"marriages". How can a male be united with another male in holy
wedlock when the very institution of marriage is to unite a man and a
woman so that they go forth and multiply.

The sexual act is primarily for procreation and homosexuality is a
blatant disregard for that fact in nature. That is why they say "God
made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve".

The so-called gay or sam-sex "marriages" participants than get bolder
and ask for adopting children. Two men unite to look after a child, no
mummy for that poor child and when two women "marry", no daddy for the
poor child.

Our religion Zoroastrianism too condemns this unholy practise.In fact,
our religion was the first in the world to clearly say in the ancient
Avestan scripture Vendidad, that homosexuality is the worst sin
possible on this earth, for which there is no repentance possible. All
other sins can be absolved, but not this worst sin which goes against
the law of nature itself.
Yoga teacher Swami Ramdev minced no words. ''Do the people behind this
verdict consider homosexuality natural? Is it something they will
themselves do? If our parents had been gays, would we have been born?
Freedom doesn't mean licence. Our family system is the only ideal we
can show to the world. Sadly, this judgment will end up corrupting it.
I will be part of every protest against the judgment.''

A Times of India report a few days ago mentions how disgusted the
Muslim clergy were with this ruling.
" Amid government moves for a re-look at criminalising homosexuality,
several Muslim leaders have said any attempt to legally permit
unnatural sex is an attack on religious and moral values."

"Legalisation of homosexuality is an attack on Indian religious and
moral values," over a dozen prominent Muslim religious leaders said in
a statement.

The statement has been endorsed by Maulana Jalaluddin Omari, President
of the Jamaat-e Islami Hind, Maulana Muhammad Salim Qasimi, Rector of
Darul Uloom Waqf, Deoband, Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmad, Shahi Imam of
Jama Masjid Fatehpuri, among others."

"We are shocked to see reports in the media that the Union government
is considering the repeal of Section 377 of the IPC, which means
making homosexuality legal," the statement said on Tuesday.

"It said that homosexuality is a sin and a social evil which will only
lead to societal disintegration and break-up of the family. "

"Appealing to the government not to be influenced by the "decadent
trends of the Western culture" and not to give in to the demands of a
minuscule minority, the statement said the government should not test
the patience of the silent vast majority of the country which abhors
such behaviour."

The Sikh leaders too have spoken out against this:

"Even as Amrit and Jeeta — possibly the first gay couple in India to
marry after the Delhi High Court read down section 377 that penalizes
sex between homosexuals —spent a day in marital bliss, an
uncomfortable and angry Sikh clergy issued directions to all gurdwara
management committees of the world to not solemnize such unions ''as
it is against Gurmat and has no place in Sikhism.''

"The censure came after a meeting at the Akal Takht secretariat on
Wednesday of Sikh high priests, among them the jathedar of Akal Takht,
Giani Gurbachan Singh, jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Balwant
Singh Nandgarh, and Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Tarlochan
Singh.

"Gay marriages are not acceptable in Sikhism and have no place in
Gurmat," said Gurbachan Singh, adding that the five Sikh high priests
have issued strict directions to all gurdwaras across the globe to
abide by the diktat.

''The heads of other religions and faiths also have a similar opinion
on gay relations,'' he said, finding brotherhood in the group of
enraged Hindu, Christian and Muslim leaders who have condemned the
court's rethink on the anti-gay section of IPC."

Harnam Singh Khalsa, head of Damdami Taksal, too, echoed the
anti-homosexual chorus, protesting India's inclusion in the list of
150 countries, including South Africa, China, Nepal, Australia, Canada
and Argentina, where homosexuality is legal. ''Gay marriages,'' he
said, ''are not acceptable and we strongly oppose it. We may even
begin an agitation against such relations.''

"Going a step further, Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal has asked the
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the state
government to take legal steps that would prevent gay marriages in the
state ''which would only lead to moral degradation in society.''

We hope our dear Vada Dasturjis too come out with a statement against
homosexuality and thus prevent both our youngsters and adults alike to
be further brainswashed by these senseless and immoral liberal
propaganda in society today.

Fellow Zarathushtis, let us lead clean decent moral and religious
upright lives and put an end to all these sinful values not only from
our individual lives, but also from our families and our community.

Of course, the Delhi High Court judgement could be later overruled by
the Supreme Court, but even if it does not happen, deep down in our
hearts and minds let us recognise that homosexuality as a moral and
religious wrong. This way we can gain strength and moral courage to
stand up against these ill winds blowing in our societies.

If you wish to write to us, our email is tzmladmn@gmail.com

Sincerely,
TZML Admins.