|
SEPTEMBER 2002 MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT FIRDOSH MEHTA
Dear Zarathushtis and Friends,
During my recent whirlwind trip to the "big & beautiful" City of Houston, Texas, I once again had the opportunity to experience the warm and loving hospitality, the respect and kindness offered and the culinary and intellectual delights that were food for the body and soul, not to mention the "Puckka Parsi Humour" that made me feel right at home among so many distinguished Zarathushtis at the residence of Hoshang and Arnavaz Sethna.
Even though the FEZANA VP Ballot Count meeting was the main reason for my visit, the opportunity to meet many folks, some even just for a handshake, was very fulfilling from the point of view of strengthening old friendships and establishing new ones.
The Ballot count meeting went smoothly and amicably and I commend the Candidate's Representatives Mrs.Yasmin Pavri and Mr. Bahram Yazdani for their professional and unbiased participation, not to mention the thoroughness and impeccable preparation of the documentation by our Secretary Arnavaz.
The most heart warming experience in Houston was the chance to participate in the MUKTAD prayers at the Darb-e-Mehr.
We all recognize the great divide our community faces in all issues of life, that being the two Schools of Thought, as either Zarathushtis-By-Parentage or Zarathushtis-By-Choice.
Without being judgmental, and respecting Zarathushtis of all persuasions, I honestly feel that there is Good in all of us. I have always wondered if we will all ever be UNITED in our practice methods of the Rituals, Traditions and Customs of Our Faith. Even if Unity is a distant dream, I have always believed that we can be in Harmony with each other, now.
When I saw that the Muktad Prayers were conducted in two separate rooms, clearly reflecting these 2 Schools of Thought, I thought to myself, this is wonderful Harmony. People had different beliefs and instead of dividing the community, the good folks of Houston had found a way, like other centres in North America, to uphold and maintain our time honoured TRADITION of the essence of MUKTAD or FRAVARDEGHAN.
I participated in both rooms, prayed for my departed loved ones and reflected on the analogy that we can be like the Keyboard of the Piano, some ebony, some ivory, some at a higher level, some on the lower rung, all making individually unique sounds, but together making beautiful music in Harmony.
That SUNDAY morning in Houston, during the Muktad Prayers, Houstonians were making SPIRITUAL MUSIC.
Salutations to the Athravans (MOBEDS) of Houston for their dedication in performing the ceremonies. Houstonians are truly fortunate.
May you live long and recite the Avestan Manthras in Harmony, forever.
Hazaaran-Hazaar Aafreen Baad!
Sincerely,
Firdosh Mehta
FEZANA, President
| 
