At a time when there is a raging debate over religious discrimination and rising atrocities against minorities in the country, an article on Parsis and religious minorities, which appeared in the latest edition of the newsletter of the Navy Foundation’s Delhi chapter, has shocked many, according to The Hindu.
Dated October 20, the piece titled "A Tribute to Parsis" asks minority groups to "not be a parasite or leech on the host country, and to learn from Parsis," states the report.
Part of piece, according to the report, reads, "Each one of us Indians love respect Parsis... They are best gift by almighty to India... They are a beautiful people... A beautiful and dignified race...."
"I wish we had more of the Parsis who could teach our other greedy minorities as to what minority really means… All those who are asking for minority status, then and today, ought to be ashamed of themselves."
The Navy and the Defence Ministry chose not to respond when The Hindu contacted them for a reaction. However, a retired admiral told the newspaper that the issue has been conveyed to the committee and that a fresh version of the newsletter will be issued on Monday after the mistake is rectified.
Several similar versions of the article, which is available on the internet, lists prominent Parsi names in India and the contribution they have made towards the country. It ends up with same message- asking those communities asking for a minority status to be "ashamed".