Diaspora DYNAMISM OF THE DIASPORA
Pakistan
Concerns of Pakistan Zarathushtis as we move into the 21st C In order for any community to have an impact on society it is essential to have a certain level of population base. Yet the Zarathushtis of Pakistan have left a mark in every field here, particularly in Karachi despite their low numbers. This miniscule community continued to prosper even after the partition of the sub-continent especially the businesses which contributed greatly in the economic progress of the nation. In the early 1960’s we numbered around 5,000, but this unfortunately has now diminished to its present level of around 1,800 and is also an aging community with a large segment of the youth migrating to the west. A change that has taken place over the years is that more and more Zarathushtis are seeking jobs as compared to the business minded people of the past, which in turn will reduce their philanthropy in an individual capacity. However, we are a very compassionate lot and tend to stand together in times of need and the amount of charity that is done within the community through different Trusts is phenomenal. Clearly the greatest impact which we can make is on the strength of our commitment to education. In the 19th century and the early part of the 20th, it was enough to make a contribution by establishing two excellent schools. At that time nobody went into higher education save the very top of the social league. Now everybody seeks to become a graduate, but they need more in terms of postgraduate qualifications and more importantly quality education. The quality of higher education in Pakistan is very limited and foreign education has become exceedingly unaffordable. Hence, youth from deprived social backgrounds may not be able to acquire the desired education and end up with office jobs with little scope for career progression. During the British Raj, Parsis had the ear of the British officials who saw us as sensible, un-volatile, educated and committed persons due to which we had their patronage. That patronage gone, we have since entered all fields with a sense of equality and proved our mettle. To make an impact we need to be not only twice or three times better but way above the rest. Yes, there are lots of not so qualified people doing good jobs but if we need to make our marks in science, industry, business, education, we need to tackle millions of very able, very sensible young persons who are as good if not better than us. The trouble is, with the immigration of many of our youth, a vacuum is being created which will 96
Meher Cawasji reduce the effect that our community could have on society. In some sectors our sense of moral values and commitment is still regarded as the one thing which gives us a head-start. It follows that in a culture of corruption, it is important for the youth of today and tomorrow to maintain these high standards without which our decline will be terminal.
Meher Cawasji is a 46 year old educationist, working with children in need of special care. (Down Syndrome and border line children with other behavioral problems).
Yada ashem zevim anghem mazdaoscha Ahuraongho ashicha aramaiti
May the wise lords reward when we invoke Righteousness with sincere devotion Ys 31.4
FEZANA JOURNAL — Summer 2010