Khushed Dastoor, a high priest of the Parsi community has been appointed as the Zoroastrian representative on the National Commission for Minorities. His appointment comes amidst the bickering within the community over nomination of Dinshaw Tamboly, a liberal member. Interestingly, Mr Dastoor, who is the high priest of Udvada fire temple is also known for his liberal approach.
Soon after the news came out on Wednesday evening about the centre appointing five members on the NCM including Mr Dastoor, the community got talking about how it was a “big setback to the orthodox groups”. “Vada dasturji Khurshed Dastoor’s appointment is in the right direction. We are very happy about it,” said Vispy Wadia, co-founder of Association for Revival of Zoroastrianism adding that the high priest has often taken a stand on allowing Parsi women married outside the faith to enter the fire temples. “He is the youngest of all out high priests. He is extremely progressive,” said Mr Wadia.
Mr. Tamboly had received support from Parsi Zoroastrians across the world who wrote letters favorring him. Even the chairman of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, the largest body of Parsis, Yazdi Desai, recommended Mr Tamboly’s name in January 2017 however withdrew his recommendation last week. The withdrawal started a series of debates in the social media platforms. However, Mr Dastoor’s name sprung a surprise as the community was unaware that he was in the running.
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