MUMBAI — Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Parsi community today during a national seminar titled “Parsis in Modern India: Navigating Cultural and Socio-Economic Pathways.”
Organized by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, the event addressed the dual challenges of preserving the community’s storied legacy and reversing its shrinking population.
Key Initiatives & Announcements
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Legacy Unveiled: A new Coffee Table Book documenting the Parsi community’s history, industrial contributions, and demographics was officially launched.
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Upcoming Compendium: A comprehensive guide covering Jainism, Buddhism, and Parsis will be released on May 19, 2026, during the State Minority Commissions Conference in New Delhi.
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Cultural Rejuvenation: Minister Rijiju highlighted ongoing efforts to revive the Avestan language and strengthen the Jiyo Parsi scheme to stabilize population trends.
Strategic Concerns: A Community at a Crossroads
Despite their immense contributions—ranging from sponsoring India’s first Olympic team in 1920 to building the nation’s industrial bedrock—the Parsi community faces significant demographic hurdles.
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Demographic Sustainability: Union Minister of State Shri George Kurian noted that declining trends and changing social patterns require a “coordinated response” between policy and community action.
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Socio-Economic Balance: Expert sessions highlighted that while Parsis remain influential in philanthropy and law, they must navigate shifting family structures and aging populations.
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Heritage Preservation: Discussions underscored the importance of protecting tangible assets like the F.T. Alpaiwalla Museum and intangible traditions such as Tanchoi textile weaving.
Voice of the Leadership
“It is not just about numbers; it is the impact that matters. The Government values every community and follows the dictum of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’.” — Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Minority Affairs.
The seminar concluded with a call for community-driven suggestions to refine the Jiyo Parsi scheme, ensuring that one of India’s most successful minority groups continues to thrive in the modern era.
