Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Saturday launched the phase-2 of the “Jiyo Parsi” scheme, aimed at reversing the declining trend of Parsi population.
Under the “Jiyo Parsi” scheme, the Parsis would adopt a scientific protocol and structured interventions, stabilise their population and increase the population of their community.
Addressing a large number of people from the Parsi community and renowned personalities from various fields at the launch of “Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2” in Mumbai, Naqvi said that the Parsi community had made immense contribution in nation building and Parsi community has been a “role model” for other communities for its culture and traditions.
Naqvi said that Jamshetji Tata played a crucial role in industrial development of India, Dadabhai Naoroji and Madam Bhikaji Cama contributed a great deal to India’s freedom struggle and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s service to the nation would be always remembered, while Homi J Bhabha was “father of Indian nuclear programme”.
“Be it industry, military service, legal service, architecture or civil services, the Parsi community has always shown its talent,” the Minister said.
The Minister said that even though the Parsi community was a very small minority community in India but there is no doubt that the Parsi community is one of the most liberal, educated and an example of peace and harmony. “The declining population of Parsi community in India is a matter of concern,” he said.
The Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-1 was initiated in 2013 for containing the declining trend of Parsi populationand reverse it to bring their population above the threshold level.
Naqvi said that Parzor Foundation was an important link between the Parsi community and the Government in success of “Jiyo Parsi” scheme. The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, the Bombay Parsi Panchayet (BPP) and Federation of Zoroastrian Anjumans of India had also played a key role in this regard.
“These organisations have been publicising the scheme through outreach programmes like seminars, workshops, publicity, brochures, Parsi journals and other advocacy programmes and awareness campaign,” the Minister said.