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3. I AM PROUD TO BE A PARSI Parsi is synonymous with ancient Persia.Parsi is synonymous with ancient Persia. Parsis have added sweetness to the Indian society.Parsis have added sweetness to the Indian society. Parsis true to the words spoken ages ago Mix in the society like sugar in milk.Parsis true to the words spoken ages ago Mix in the society like sugar in milk. Parsis innumerous qualities have enhanced the Indian society.Parsis innumerous qualities have enhanced the Indian society. The spirit of adventure took them to four corners of the world.The spirit of adventure took them to four corners of the world. Parsis ruled the bank, educational institutions, health care, hospitals & housing colonies.Parsis ruled the bank, educational institutions, health care, hospitals & housing colonies. Parsi ladies thought of animal hospitals, Convalescent homes.Parsi ladies thought of animal hospitals, Convalescent homes. PARSI THY NAME IS CHARITY PARSI THY NAME IS CHARITY Pratap

4. THE PARSIS AN ARYAN RACE Parsis came to India thousands of years ago. Parsis came to India thousands of years ago. Men are handsome, tall & have Aryan Nose. Men are handsome, tall & have Aryan Nose. Ladies are with beautifully chiseled features. Ladies are with beautifully chiseled features. THE BREED STILL EXISTS Pratap

5. KISSAH - I - SANJAN Written in Persian in 1600 By Priest Behman Kaikobad Sanjan in Navsari ZOROASTRIAN 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. Pratap

6. PARSI SECTS In 1730 on a Controversy of New Years Festival Indian Parsees separated themselves into: SHEHEN SHAHIS – 93% of Parsis (New Year - Sept) SHEHEN SHAHIS – 93% of Parsis (New Year - Sept) KADMIS – 7% of Parsees (New Year - Aug) KADMIS – 7% of Parsees (New Year - Aug) FASLIS – 21 Mar New Year. FASLIS – 21 Mar New Year. Pratap

7. CONDITIONS BY KING 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 language.To give-up native Persian language & take on Indian 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 dark.Parsees to hold their wedding processions only in the dark. Priest NERYO SANGH accepted all conditions Priest NERYO SANGH accepted all conditions by putting SUGAR IN MILK POT. by putting SUGAR 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. Pratap

8. RELIGIOUS LITERATURE (HOLY AVESTA) Every Parsi bowing to Holy Fire promises himself: To think - GOOD THOUGHTS. To think - GOOD THOUGHTS. To do - GOOD DEEDS. To do - GOOD DEEDS. To Speak - GOOD WORDS. To Speak - GOOD WORDS. AVESTA is the Parsis HOLY BOOK.AVESTA is the Parsis HOLY BOOK. Originally contained 21 books but today it contains only: (a) YASANA (Book of sacrifice – 17 Gathas are part of it). (b) YASTS (Hymn like praises). (c) VENDIDAD (Law & Code of Purification). (d) VISPERAD (Collection of prayers & Liturgical texts) ZOROASTRIANISM IS WORLDS OLDEST REVEALED RELIGION ZOROASTRIANISM IS WORLDS OLDEST REVEALED 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. Pratap

9. BEST KNOWN FOR OUR CUISINE Parsis have special dishes for special days: Curry Chaval for Kali Chawdas. Curry Chaval for Kali Chawdas. Dhandar for Hormuz Roj. Dhandar for Hormuz Roj. Khichri for Sarosh Roj. Khichri for Sarosh Roj. Pulav Dal for Patiti. Pulav Dal for Patiti. Famous Dhansak for Sundays. Famous Dhansak for Sundays. Parsi Pora & Akoori for Sunday breakfast. Parsi Pora & Akoori for Sunday breakfast. Sev Rava for Happy occasions. Sev Rava for Happy occasions. PARSIS LIVE TOGETHER AND EAT TOGETHER Pratap

10. GAMBHAR THE WAY TO A PARSIS HEART IS THROUGH HIS STOMACH Philanthropists host community feast on various occasions. Philanthropists host community feast on various occasions. A Gala annual ritual to which entire community is invited. A Gala annual ritual to which entire community is invited. Some hold Gambhar in memory of their departed dear ones. Some hold Gambhar in memory of their departed dear ones. Parsis enjoy getting so many people together on a common platform & give them a good feast. Parsis enjoy getting so many people together on a common platform & give them a good feast. Parsis socialize & enjoy themselves. Parsis socialize & enjoy themselves. EVERYBODY & ANYBODY IS WELCOME Pratap

11. PROFESSIONALLY Parsis leave an honest impression of dedicated & sincere in their chosen profession.Parsis leave an honest impression of dedicated & sincere 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: Businessmen Businessmen Doctors Doctors Bureaucrats Bureaucrats Teachers Teachers Bankers Bankers Corporate Honchos Corporate Honchos Lawyers Lawyers Chartered Accountant Chartered 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 GIVING Journalists Musicians Musicians Scholars Scholars Writers Writers Sportsman Sportsman Merchant Princes Merchant Princes Office Staff Office Staff Pratap

12. ZORASTRIAN IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji - House of Commons (1892-1895) Liberal Party candidate of INC.Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji - House of Commons (1892-1895) Liberal Party candidate of INC. Sir M Bhownaggree - House of Commons (1895-1906) Conservative Party.Sir M Bhownaggree - House of Commons (1895-1906) Conservative Party. Shapurji D Saklatvala - House of Commons (1922-1923) Labour Party.Shapurji D Saklatvala - House of Commons (1922-1923) Labour Party. Loard Karan F Bilimoria - House of Lords (2006).Loard Karan F Bilimoria - House of Lords (2006). PARSIS LEAD IN THE PROCESS OF INDEPENDENCE Pratap

13. PARSIS & THE RAJ SIR JAMSHEDJEE JEEJEEBHOY (1783-1859)SIR JAMSHEDJEE JEEJEEBHOY (1783-1859) First Baronet – The most esteemed parsi of 19 century. DADABHAI NAOROJI (1825-1917)DADABHAI NAOROJI (1825-1917) First Asian to become member of the British Parliament credited with coining the word SWARAJ or home rule. SIR PHEROZESHAH MEHTA (UNCROWNED KING OF BOMBAY)SIR PHEROZESHAH MEHTA (UNCROWNED KING OF BOMBAY) Incorrigible advocate of militant nationalism & a true patriot. MADAM BHIKHAIJI RUSTOMJI CAMA (1861-1936)MADAM BHIKHAIJI RUSTOMJI CAMA (1861-1936) First to unfurl the future Indian flag in public at second international socialist congress at Stuttgart Germany in 1907. FIRST INDIAN TEAM to go to England to play cricket was exclusively made-up of Parsis.FIRST INDIAN TEAM to go to England to play cricket 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 enemy in the jungles of Burma during II World War in 1942. PARSIS HAD IMPECCABLE INTEGRITY & HONESTY PARSIS HAD IMPECCABLE INTEGRITY & HONESTY Pratap

14. PARSIS IN THE ARMED FORCES 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 Army.In earlier era only Medical officers where in British Indian Army. Captain Cursetji (Later Maj Gen) won distinguished service order in 1915.Captain Cursetji (Later Maj Gen) won distinguished service order in 1915. Captain K.S Master won the Military Cross in WW-I, later became Lieutenant General & the first Director General of Armed Forces Medical College.Captain K.S Master won the Military Cross in WW-I, later became Lieutenant General & the first Director General of 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) –Admiral Jal Cursetji PVSM, AVSM of the Navy (1937-1979) –Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw MC of the Army (1932-1972) Three Parsis commissioned as Kings, commissioned Indian officers pre WW-II, Nusli Billimoria, Rusi Billimoria & Wadia.Three Parsis commissioned as Kings, commissioned Indian 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) Pratap

15. BAWAJIS 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 laughs are loud which fill the air & spread over.There laughs are loud which fill the air & spread over. IT HAS PROBABLY MORE INFLUENCE ON MANKIND DIRECTLY & INDIRECTLY THEN ANY OTHER SINGLE FAITH Pratap

16. TATAS CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE 1903 – Indias First Luxury hotel.1903 – Indias First Luxury hotel. 1907 – Indias First Integrated steel plant.1907 – Indias First Integrated steel plant. 1932 – Indias First Commercial air service.1932 – Indias First Commercial air service. 1941 – Indias First Cancer Hospital.1941 – Indias First Cancer Hospital. 1948 – Indias First International Commercial flight.1948 – Indias First International Commercial flight. 1968 – Indias First Software service company.1968 – Indias First Software service company. 1998 – Indias First Indigenous car.1998 – Indias First Indigenous car. A CENTURY OF TRUST Pratap

17. JHABLAS, GARA & KORS The present day Parsis are privy to 100 year old Chinese design tradition. The present day Parsis are privy to 100 year old Chinese design tradition. The European tradition & Persian Zoroastrian tradition. The European tradition & Persian Zoroastrian tradition. The trade flourished through silk route during Sacnian dynasty (226-661 AD) & Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) The trade flourished through silk route during Sacnian dynasty (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 of Paradise, aquatic life, butterflies & even bats STORY OF PARSI HERITAGE Pratap

18. THE PHILANTHROPIST PARSIS OF HONG KONG 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 Mody Sir Hormusjjee Nowrojee Mody Cawasjee Kotwal Cawasjee Kotwal Dhunjibhoy Bisney Dhunjibhoy Bisney Even today HK $ 1 million a year flows into 30 local charities in Hong Kong & millions go to charities abroad in India.Even today HK $ 1 million a year flows into 30 local charities in Hong Kong & millions go to charities abroad in India. Late Sir Hormusjee Nowrojee Mody contributed HK $ 300,000 to establish the university of Hong Kong.Late Sir Hormusjee Nowrojee Mody contributed HK $ 300,000 to establish the university of Hong Kong. Jahangir Rusttonjee contributed HK $ 2 million to fight tuberculosis & established 614 bed Ruttonjee Hospital in Hong Kong.Jahangir Rusttonjee contributed HK $ 2 million to fight tuberculosis & 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 in Hong Kong. He also introduced colonys first steam boat ferry service way back in 1898.Dorabjee came to Hong Kong as a cook & owned at the end three hotels in Hong Kong. He also introduced colonys first steam boat ferry service way back in 1898. Sir Jamsetji jejeebhoy served on board of Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking corporation.Sir Jamsetji jejeebhoy served on board of Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking corporation. GIVING BACK TO COUNTRY THAT NURTURED US Pratap

19. CALL FOR THE PARSI COMMUNITY 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 the religion. Exogamy if married outside the religion. Pratap

20. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF 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 population.Overall Parsi constitute 0.007% of Indian 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: Muslims Muslims Christians Christians Sikhs Sikhs Buddhists Buddhists Parsis (without any population weightage) Parsis (without any population weightage) Sex ratio: For 1050 females there are 1000 males.Sex ratio: For 1050 females there are 1000 males. 30.9% population in 65+ category, a disturbing feature (Indian 8%).30.9% population in 65+ category, a disturbing feature (Indian 8%). Pratap

21. PARSIS & NATIONAL POPULATION Pratap

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23. WEBSITES 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 Pratap