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I AM I AM PROUDPROUD TO BE A TO BE A PARSIPARSI

• Parsi is synonymous with ancient Persia.Parsi is synonymous with ancient Persia.• Parsis have added sweetness to the Indian Parsis have added sweetness to the Indian

society.society.• Parsis true to the words spoken ages ago Parsis true to the words spoken ages ago

“Mix in the society like sugar in milk.”“Mix in the society like sugar in milk.”• Parsis innumerous qualities have Parsis innumerous qualities have

enhanced the Indian society.enhanced the Indian society.• The spirit of adventure took them to four The spirit of adventure took them to four

corners of the world.corners of the world.• Parsis ruled the bank, educational Parsis ruled the bank, educational

institutions, health care, hospitals & institutions, health care, hospitals & housing colonies.housing colonies.

• Parsi ladies thought of animal hospitals, Parsi ladies thought of animal hospitals, Convalescent homes.Convalescent homes. PARSI PARSI THYTHY NAME NAME IS IS CHARITY CHARITY

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THE PARSIS AN ARYAN THE PARSIS AN ARYAN RACERACE

Parsis came to India thousands of Parsis came to India thousands of years ago.years ago.

Men are handsome, tall & have Men are handsome, tall & have Aryan Nose.Aryan Nose.

Ladies are with beautifully chiseled Ladies are with beautifully chiseled features.features.

THE BREED THE BREED STILL STILL EXISTSEXISTS

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KISSAH - I - SANJANKISSAH - I - SANJANWritten in Persian in 1600 By

Priest Behman Kaikobad Sanjan in Navsari

ZOROASTRIAN WERE FORCED BY RELIGIOUS PERSECUTIONZOROASTRIAN WERE FORCED BY RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION OF MUSLIMS TO LEAVE THEIR HOMELAND & FLEE.OF MUSLIMS TO LEAVE THEIR HOMELAND & FLEE. INDIAN PARSIS FIRST SOUGHT REFUGE IN REMOTE REGION OF KHURASAN.INDIAN PARSIS FIRST SOUGHT REFUGE IN REMOTE REGION OF KHURASAN. THEY SHIFTED TO HORMUZ FOR 15 YEARS ON THE PERSIAN GULF.THEY SHIFTED TO HORMUZ FOR 15 YEARS ON THE PERSIAN GULF. THEN MOVED BY SEA IN SEVEN SHIPS TO INDIA.THEN MOVED BY SEA IN SEVEN SHIPS TO INDIA. THEY LANDED AT DIU (GUJARAT).THEY LANDED AT DIU (GUJARAT). REFUGE GIVEN BY HINDU RAJA – JADI RANA IN SANJAN.REFUGE GIVEN BY HINDU RAJA – JADI RANA IN SANJAN.

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PARSI SECTSPARSI SECTS

In 1730 on a Controversy of In 1730 on a Controversy of New Year’s FestivalNew Year’s Festival Indian Parsees separated themselves into:Indian Parsees separated themselves into: SHEHEN SHAHISSHEHEN SHAHIS – 93% of Parsis (New Year - Sept) – 93% of Parsis (New Year - Sept) KADMISKADMIS – 7% of Parsees (New Year - Aug) – 7% of Parsees (New Year - Aug) FASLISFASLIS – 21 Mar New Year. – 21 Mar New Year.

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CONDITIONS BY CONDITIONS BY KING JADI RANAKING JADI RANA

• Priest to explain their religion to the king.Priest to explain their religion to the king.• To give-up native Persian language & take on Indian To give-up native Persian language & take on Indian

language.language.• Women to exchange Persian garb with Indian dress.Women to exchange Persian garb with Indian dress.• The men should lay down their weapons.The men should lay down their weapons.• Parsees to hold their wedding processions only in the Parsees to hold their wedding processions only in the

dark.dark.

Priest Priest NERYO SANGHNERYO SANGH accepted all conditions accepted all conditions by putting by putting SUGAR IN MILK POTSUGAR IN MILK POT..

Gujarati is native language.Gujarati is native language. Sari is traditional garment for women.Sari is traditional garment for women. Loyalty of Parsees is still observed today.Loyalty of Parsees is still observed today. Parsees strictly preserved their own religion.Parsees strictly preserved their own religion.

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RELIGIOUS LITERATURE RELIGIOUS LITERATURE (HOLY AVESTA)(HOLY AVESTA)

Every Parsi bowing to Holy Fire promises himself:Every Parsi bowing to Holy Fire promises himself: To think To think - GOOD THOUGHTS.- GOOD THOUGHTS. To do To do - GOOD DEEDS.- GOOD DEEDS. To Speak - GOOD WORDS.To Speak - GOOD WORDS.

““AVESTAAVESTA” is the Parsis ” is the Parsis HOLY BOOKHOLY BOOK..Originally contained 21 books but today it contains only:Originally contained 21 books but today it contains only:(a) “(a) “YASANAYASANA” ” (Book of sacrifice – 17 Gathas are part of (Book of sacrifice – 17 Gathas are part of

it).it).(b) “(b) “YASTSYASTS” ” (Hymn like praises).(Hymn like praises).(c) “(c) “VENDIDADVENDIDAD” ” (Law & Code of Purification).(Law & Code of Purification).(d) “(d) “VISPERADVISPERAD” ” (Collection of prayers & Liturgical texts)(Collection of prayers & Liturgical texts)

ZOROASTRIANISM IS WORLD’S OLDEST ZOROASTRIANISM IS WORLD’S OLDEST REVEALED RELIGIONREVEALED RELIGION

VALUE SYSTEM OF PARSIS INBIBED IN CHILDHOOD.VALUE SYSTEM OF PARSIS INBIBED IN CHILDHOOD. PARSI CHILDREN GROW INTO A POSITIVE PEOPLE.PARSI CHILDREN GROW INTO A POSITIVE PEOPLE.

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BEST KNOWN FOR OUR BEST KNOWN FOR OUR CUISINECUISINE

Parsis have special dishes for special days:Parsis have special dishes for special days: Curry Chaval for Curry Chaval for Kali Chawdas.Kali Chawdas. Dhandar for Dhandar for Hormuz Roj.Hormuz Roj. Khichri for Khichri for Sarosh Roj.Sarosh Roj. Pulav Dal for Pulav Dal for Patiti.Patiti. Famous Dhansak for Famous Dhansak for Sundays.Sundays. Parsi Pora & Akoori for Parsi Pora & Akoori for Sunday breakfast. Sunday breakfast. Sev Rava for Sev Rava for Happy occasions.Happy occasions.

PARSIS LIVE TOGETHER AND EAT TOGETHERPARSIS LIVE TOGETHER AND EAT TOGETHER

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GAMBHARGAMBHARTHE WAY TO A PARSIS HEART IS THROUGH HIS STOMACHTHE WAY TO A PARSIS HEART IS THROUGH HIS STOMACH Philanthropists host community feast on various Philanthropists host community feast on various

occasions.occasions. A Gala annual ritual to which entire community is A Gala annual ritual to which entire community is

invited.invited. Some hold Gambhar in memory of their departed dear Some hold Gambhar in memory of their departed dear

ones.ones. Parsis enjoy getting so many people together on a Parsis enjoy getting so many people together on a

common platform & give them a good feast.common platform & give them a good feast. Parsis socialize & enjoy themselves.Parsis socialize & enjoy themselves.

EVERYBODY & ANYBODY IS WELCOMEEVERYBODY & ANYBODY IS WELCOME

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PROFESSIONALLYPROFESSIONALLY• Parsis leave an honest impression of dedicated & sincere Parsis leave an honest impression of dedicated & sincere

in their chosen profession.in their chosen profession.

• They work mirthfully & give their best.They work mirthfully & give their best.

• They are in all chosen profession:They are in all chosen profession: BusinessmenBusinessmen DoctorsDoctors BureaucratsBureaucrats TeachersTeachers BankersBankers Corporate HonchosCorporate Honchos LawyersLawyers Chartered AccountantChartered Accountant

• Parsis are the best Social Worker.Parsis are the best Social Worker.• They are humane & loving in their approach.They are humane & loving in their approach.

THEY ARE GENEROUS IN GIVINGTHEY ARE GENEROUS IN GIVING

JournalistsJournalists MusiciansMusicians ScholarsScholars WritersWriters SportsmanSportsmanMerchant PrincesMerchant Princes Office StaffOffice Staff

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ZORASTRIAN IN BRITISH ZORASTRIAN IN BRITISH PARLIAMENTPARLIAMENT

• Dr. Dadabhai NaorojiDr. Dadabhai Naoroji - House of - House of Commons (1892-1895) Liberal Party Commons (1892-1895) Liberal Party candidate of INC.candidate of INC.

• Sir M BhownaggreeSir M Bhownaggree - House of - House of Commons (1895-1906) Conservative Commons (1895-1906) Conservative Party.Party.

• Shapurji D SaklatvalaShapurji D Saklatvala - House of - House of Commons (1922-1923) Labour Commons (1922-1923) Labour Party.Party.

• Loard Karan F BilimoriaLoard Karan F Bilimoria - House - House of Lords (2006).of Lords (2006).

PARSIS LEAD IN THE PROCESS OF INDEPENDENCE

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PARSIS & THE RAJPARSIS & THE RAJ• SIR JAMSHEDJEE JEEJEEBHOY (1783-1859)SIR JAMSHEDJEE JEEJEEBHOY (1783-1859)

First Baronet – The most esteemed parsi of 19 First Baronet – The most esteemed parsi of 19 century.century.

• DADABHAI NAOROJI (1825-1917)DADABHAI NAOROJI (1825-1917)First Asian to become member of the British First Asian to become member of the British

Parliament credited with coining the word “SWARAJ” or Parliament credited with coining the word “SWARAJ” or home rule.home rule.

• SIR PHEROZESHAH MEHTA (UNCROWNED KING SIR PHEROZESHAH MEHTA (UNCROWNED KING OF BOMBAY)OF BOMBAY)

Incorrigible advocate of militant nationalism Incorrigible advocate of militant nationalism & a true patriot.& a true patriot.

• MADAM BHIKHAIJI RUSTOMJI CAMA (1861-1936)MADAM BHIKHAIJI RUSTOMJI CAMA (1861-1936)First to unfurl the future Indian flag in public First to unfurl the future Indian flag in public

at second international socialist congress at Stuttgart at second international socialist congress at Stuttgart Germany in 1907.Germany in 1907.

• FIRST INDIAN TEAM to go to England to play cricket FIRST INDIAN TEAM to go to England to play cricket was exclusively made-up of Parsis.was exclusively made-up of Parsis.

• FIELD MARSHAL SAM MANEKSHAW, MC (1914)FIELD MARSHAL SAM MANEKSHAW, MC (1914)Military Cross (MC) for conspicuous in face of Military Cross (MC) for conspicuous in face of

enemy in the jungles of Burma during II World War in enemy in the jungles of Burma during II World War in 1942.1942.

PARSIS HAD IMPECCABLE INTEGRITY & HONESTYPARSIS HAD IMPECCABLE INTEGRITY & HONESTY

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PARSIS IN THE ARMED PARSIS IN THE ARMED FORCESFORCES

• Contribution is far out of proportion to their strength.Contribution is far out of proportion to their strength.• In earlier era only Medical officers where in British Indian In earlier era only Medical officers where in British Indian

Army.Army.• Captain Cursetji (Later Maj Gen) won distinguished service Captain Cursetji (Later Maj Gen) won distinguished service

order in 1915.order in 1915.• Captain K.S Master won the Military Cross in WW-I, later Captain K.S Master won the Military Cross in WW-I, later

became Lieutenant General & the first Director General of became Lieutenant General & the first Director General of Armed Forces Medical College.Armed Forces Medical College.

• Three Parsis became Chief of their own services:Three Parsis became Chief of their own services:– Air Marshal Aspy Engineer of the then Royal Indian Air Force (1964)Air Marshal Aspy Engineer of the then Royal Indian Air Force (1964)– Admiral Jal Cursetji PVSM, AVSM of the Navy (1937-1979)Admiral Jal Cursetji PVSM, AVSM of the Navy (1937-1979)– Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw MC of the Army (1932-1972)Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw MC of the Army (1932-1972)

• Three Parsis commissioned as King’s, commissioned Indian Three Parsis commissioned as King’s, commissioned Indian officers pre WW-II, Nusli Billimoria, Rusi Billimoria & Wadia.officers pre WW-II, Nusli Billimoria, Rusi Billimoria & Wadia.

• Highest Galentry awards after indipendence:Highest Galentry awards after indipendence:• Lt. Col Adi B. Tarapori – Param Veer Chakra (1965) Lt. Col Adi B. Tarapori – Param Veer Chakra (1965) • 2/Lt (Now Col) Cyrus Pithawalla – Ashok Chakra (1981)2/Lt (Now Col) Cyrus Pithawalla – Ashok Chakra (1981)

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BAWAJIS OF BOMBAYBAWAJIS OF BOMBAY• None in Mumbai can do without them.None in Mumbai can do without them.• Parsi humor is unique.Parsi humor is unique.• They are funny in films.They are funny in films.• They laugh at themselves.They laugh at themselves.• They laugh at all times.They laugh at all times.• There laugh’s are loud which fill the air There laugh’s are loud which fill the air

& spread over.& spread over.

IT HAS PROBABLY MORE IT HAS PROBABLY MORE INFLUENCE ON MANKINDINFLUENCE ON MANKIND

DIRECTLY & INDIRECTLYDIRECTLY & INDIRECTLYTHEN ANY OTHER SINGLE FAITHTHEN ANY OTHER SINGLE FAITH

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TATA’S CENTURY OF TATA’S CENTURY OF EXCELLENCEEXCELLENCE

• 1903 – India’s First Luxury hotel.1903 – India’s First Luxury hotel.• 1907 – India’s First Integrated steel plant.1907 – India’s First Integrated steel plant.• 1932 – India’s First Commercial air 1932 – India’s First Commercial air

service.service.• 1941 – India’s First Cancer Hospital.1941 – India’s First Cancer Hospital.• 1948 – India’s First International 1948 – India’s First International

Commercial flight.Commercial flight.• 1968 – India’s First Software service 1968 – India’s First Software service

company.company.• 1998 – India’s First Indigenous car.1998 – India’s First Indigenous car.

A CENTURY OF TRUSTA CENTURY OF TRUST

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JHABLAS, GARA & JHABLAS, GARA & KORSKORS

The present day Parsis are privy to 100 year old Chinese design The present day Parsis are privy to 100 year old Chinese design tradition.tradition.

The European tradition & Persian Zoroastrian tradition.The European tradition & Persian Zoroastrian tradition. The trade flourished through silk route during Sacnian dynasty The trade flourished through silk route during Sacnian dynasty

(226-661 AD) & Tang dynasty (618-907 AD)(226-661 AD) & Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) An aesthetic, enchanting fully embroidered Gara Sari.An aesthetic, enchanting fully embroidered Gara Sari. Made in China & worn by Parsis in India.Made in China & worn by Parsis in India. Various motives that cover Gara Designs:Various motives that cover Gara Designs:

Floral to creatures, real & mythological phoenix, unicorn, bird Floral to creatures, real & mythological phoenix, unicorn, bird of Paradise, aquatic life, butterflies & even bats of Paradise, aquatic life, butterflies & even bats

STORY OF PARSI HERITAGESTORY OF PARSI HERITAGE

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THE PHILANTHROPIST PARSIS OF HONG THE PHILANTHROPIST PARSIS OF HONG KONGKONG

• Parsis arrived in late 1700 to this river delta.Parsis arrived in late 1700 to this river delta.• A generous lot of 200 souls at present.A generous lot of 200 souls at present.• Pioneers of the island economic success:Pioneers of the island economic success:

Sir Hormusjjee Nowrojee ModySir Hormusjjee Nowrojee Mody Cawasjee KotwalCawasjee Kotwal Dhunjibhoy BisneyDhunjibhoy Bisney

• Even today HK $ 1 million a year flows into 30 local charities in Hong Even today HK $ 1 million a year flows into 30 local charities in Hong Kong & millions go to charities abroad in India.Kong & millions go to charities abroad in India.

• Late Sir Hormusjee Nowrojee Mody contributed HK $ 300,000 to Late Sir Hormusjee Nowrojee Mody contributed HK $ 300,000 to establish the university of Hong Kong.establish the university of Hong Kong.

• Jahangir Rusttonjee contributed HK $ 2 million to fight tuberculosis & Jahangir Rusttonjee contributed HK $ 2 million to fight tuberculosis & established 614 bed Ruttonjee Hospital in Hong Kong.established 614 bed Ruttonjee Hospital in Hong Kong.

• Keki Jokhi & his brother late Shapurji built AVAN BAUG in Navsari.Keki Jokhi & his brother late Shapurji built AVAN BAUG in Navsari.• Dorabjee came to Hong Kong as a cook & owned at the end three hotels Dorabjee came to Hong Kong as a cook & owned at the end three hotels

in Hong Kong. He also introduced colony’s first steam boat ferry service in Hong Kong. He also introduced colony’s first steam boat ferry service way back in 1898.way back in 1898.

• Sir Jamsetji jejeebhoy served on board of Hong Kong & Shanghai Sir Jamsetji jejeebhoy served on board of Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking corporation.Banking corporation.

GIVING BACK TO COUNTRY THAT NURTURED USPratapPratap

CALL FOR THE PARSI CALL FOR THE PARSI COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

• The Dwindling numbers.The Dwindling numbers.• Increasing number of Elderly (65+).Increasing number of Elderly (65+).• The main causes are:The main causes are:

Late marriages.Late marriages. Few marriages.Few marriages. Fewer children.Fewer children. Exogamy if married outside Exogamy if married outside

the religion.the religion.

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DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF PARSIS (AS PER CENSUS 2001)PARSIS (AS PER CENSUS 2001)

• All India picture is indeed dismal.All India picture is indeed dismal.• Total population only 69,601.Total population only 69,601.• Overall Parsi constitute 0.007% of Indian Overall Parsi constitute 0.007% of Indian

population.population.• All India growth rate 21.34%.All India growth rate 21.34%.• Parsis recorded negative decline of 8.88%.Parsis recorded negative decline of 8.88%.• Religious minority community are:Religious minority community are:

MuslimsMuslims ChristiansChristians SikhsSikhs BuddhistsBuddhists Parsis (without any population Parsis (without any population

weightage)weightage)• Sex ratio: For 1050 females there are 1000 Sex ratio: For 1050 females there are 1000

males.males.• 30.9% population in 65+ category, a 30.9% population in 65+ category, a

disturbing feature (Indian 8%).disturbing feature (Indian 8%).

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PARSIS & NATIONAL POPULATION

5

31

15

4.7

05

101520253035

Populationover 60 yrs

Populationunder 6 yrs

IndiaParsis

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PARSIS & NATIONAL POPULATION

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

Birth Rate Death Rate

IndiaParsis

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WEBSITES OF PARSISWEBSITES OF PARSIS• www.theparsidirectory.com• www.theparsimatch.com• www.theparsichronical.com• www.w-z-o.org• www.parsiresourcegroup.org• www.wzcc.net• www.oppournities.wcc.net• www.zoroastrianism.com

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