WORLD EVENTS stress on intrafaith dialogue, i.e. dialogue within each of our communities. It took one hundred years to jumpstart the 1893 Parliament. We hope it does not take another century of promoting the mission of the Parliament in every continent and every clime, before we begin to discern some results. NERGISH UDVADIA, MELBOURNE AUSTRAIA I had never before heard of the PWR. I was curious; the PWR was more esoteric rather than a tangible concept for me up until I actually ended up at the ZAV stall as a volunteer. The unfolding of events and meeting those who shared a passion for religious dissertation during the course of the week were to singularly convey a level of interest that was not expected. Reflecting back on the PWR what struck me was that while religion was a way of life, spirituality was how I translate that way of life by the choices I make. The extent to which there was knowledge of the word “Zoroaster” amongst the participants who visited the stall was refreshing. Disseminating and receiving further knowledge about the Zarathusti religion and way of life, gleaning thoughts and viewpoints of other religions was a highlight of the event. The younger generation are often dismissed as being too young to have any firm stance in life, be it religious or other. What the PWR showed was there are sufficient numbers that not only have strong faith but also an incredible amount of tolerance and acceptance of other faiths. If this is nurtured and allowed to develop then perhaps the right to co-exist and follow ones way of life will flourish and there may be hope that the love and harmony espoused in most Holy Scriptures will endure. My personal journey will continue to the next PWR. HOMI DHALLA, MUMBAI As an advisor to the Parliament and a participant, I played a dual role. I made two presentations on Zoroastrian subjects and a power point presentation on ‘Peace’ from a holistic point of view. Furthermore, it was challenging to be invited to participate in two other seminars on “human rights” and “inner and outer peace”. As the Parliament was multifaceted, it provided an opportunity to attend sessions on a variety of subjects. Being involved in the interfaith movement, I found it absorbing to hear some eminent personalities from other traditions. For me it was an enriching experience to exchange views, attend cultural shows and meet the Parsi community which was ever so warm and hospitable.
PWR
MELBOURNE
HOMI GANDHI, NEW JERSEY, USA I reflect on two opportunities the Parliament provided. An opportunity to host this remarkable event (before the Copenhagen Conference of World Leaders on Environment Security) in Australia, which has abundant natural resources and a desire to preserve and, if possible, to reverse the losses of millennia. The Parliament gave an opportunity to the local host community of the Zoroastrian Association of Victoria to celebrate and showcase their hospitality and talent in the community night for local and international delegates. This gave us a chance to meet the local community and trace our relatives and linkages of common friends. It was a very joyous evening as it was topped with a delicious lagan nu bhonu and a very professional cultural program by local talents. Thank you ZAV. DOLLY DASTOOR, MONTREAL, CANADA An event like the Parliament comes once every 5 years where friendships are made. wisdom is shared. lessons are learned and souls are touched. But the networking it provides made me realize the respect our community commands on the world stage of religions and spirituality. During the breathtaking week December 3-9 2009, of the Parliament, over 200 religions had presented over 660 events, and the Zarathushti contingent were represented in 12 i,e, in 2% of the total, including a choir in the opening plenary, in morning meditation, prayers and in the evening cultural events. This is a credit to a community which represents about 0.001 per cent of the world population today. PERVIN J MISTRY, MUMBAI The fifth PWR recently held at Melbourne in 2009 was different from the previous four PWRs. Here much more emphasis was given to environmental issues than to religion. Of course many religious heads attended but there were more environmental scientists than priests! Major concern was global warming and subsequent climatic changes which, according to many, is critical and irreversible! The Zarathushti delegation dealt with the environmental issues from all angles and our presentations as well as the display booth were highly acclaimed. Questions on Iran, "budgirs", dakhmas and Parsis were asked. Very complimentary comments were also received about the Parsis from participants who had known of the Parsis. What was also different at this PWR was the huge delegation from Iran! They were very appreciative of our Zarathushti presence at the PWR and paid high tribute to its ancient past, especially to Cyrus the Great who was the first to conceive the Charter of Human Rights and give religious freedom to all! The PWR was a great success both from religious as well as from the environmental approach.
FEZANA JOURNAL – Spring 2010
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