|
|
UNESCO ASSISTED PARSI ZOROASTRIAN PROJECT
Welcome to the Parsi - Zoroastrian Project Web-Site .
(Contents for Ver. 2.0 browsers or lower at the end of this page)
The Paradoxes found in the Parsi Zoroastrian
Community have attracted global attention . How has a religion survived from
the Bronze Age with its core beliefs still intact ? What is it that has enabled
such a small group , less than 0.01% of the Indian Population to predominate
in the multi-cultural world of Indian diversity ? Pioneers in the Sub-Continent's
industry , business , research , politics , education , the arts & other
fields , Zoroastrians have retained a distinct ethnic identity while integrating
well into the mainstream in all the lands where they have settled . Zoroastrian
charities have benifited all human kind . 
The UNESCO assisted Project for the Preservation & Promotion of Parsi Zoroastrian Culture & Heritage is expected to act as a catalyst in drawing attention to this miniscule minority & it's contribution to world culture . Wherever the project has reached so far there has been an over-whelming surge of interest . It has attracted the attention of people across the globe & it is hoped that in this way a unique part of the world culture will survive and flourish in the new millennium .
The project is envisaged as a multi-dimensional project with a long term scope covering
The Oral Tradition : 1-A The Living Heritage , 1-B Religion & Priesthood ; Heritage Sites ; Archival Material ; Parsis in Public Life ; Professional Life ; Industry, Agriculture , Trade & Science ; The Performing Arts ; Arts & Crafts ; Institutions & Charities ; Medical . UNESCO support is as a catalyst . A seed capital of $4500 , provided by UNESCO has enabled the consultant Dr.Shernaz Cama to formulate the main Project Report in which all aspects of the scope are brought out in detail. This web-site is based on that report to enable you to see each aspect we would like to cover .
However further progress in any of the aspects identified will only be possible through collection of funds . We sincerely appeal to well wishers of all communities and specially the world wide Zoroastrian community , Zoroastrian & Multi-Cultural organisations, trusts & companies in all parts of the world to provide support to enable the project to go forward .
Monetary support , small & large is welcome . Support could be either directed to cover substantially the expenses for a specific aspect amongst any of the modules or as a general donation . Details may be seen in the appeal .
We also look forward to contributions of time and expertise from scholars , translators , sociologists & historians because this vast project needs inputs of information at many levels.
The module we are taking up right now is the Living Heritage . Much of the wealth of knowledge on this topic lies with a generation whose members are in their 80's or 90's and it is imperative that this is recorded urgently.
Specific support toward microfilming & preserving the important archival collection of manuscripts & documents at the First Dastur Meherjirana Library at Navsari has enabled us to initiate concrete action thereon already .
We need you to share your inputs & information . Questionare No.1A designed for inputs from rural South Gujarat is being put on this web-site soon . We hope you will fill this up as it would be valuable to receive inputs from urban areas in India & from abroad to see how some core beliefs are being reflected in new communities & assess the impact of urbanisation & westernization on ethnic minorities in multicultural societies. .
CONTENTS (For Browser which do not support Frames)
BEST VIEWED WITH
IE 3.0 or Higher
