More than 250 members of the Parsi community in Delhi gathered at the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) on Monday evening to celebrate Nawroz.
Minister of Minority Affairs Najma Heptulla was the chief guest. “As soon as Najmaji took over as the Minister of Minority Affairs, her first focus was on the Parsi community. In our brief
meetings, she had confessed of her closeness, admiration of and love for our community and talked of the problems being faced by us," said Dadi E Mistry, former president of the DPA and member, National Commission for Minorities.
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Addressing the gathering, Ms Heptulla greeted the community and spoke of her association with the community. “I have spent a lot of time in western India, and in Gujarat where I have close Parsi friends. I am well aware of the community's good qualities, concerns, and the Parsis' sense of humour,” said Ms Heptulla. “I will offer all support to the community for resolving various concerns, including the dwindling numbers. It is up to the community to decide what steps they would like to take to overcome this challenge,” she said.
Ms Heptulla gave away scholarship prizes to more than 25 students from the Parsi community at the ceremony.
Rohinton Fali Nariman, who was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court in July was especially honoured on the occasion. Mr Nariman thanked the community, and spoke of his plans to translate the Gathas into English.
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