National Seminar Highlights Parsi Community’s Extraordinary Contribution to Modern India

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on Friday organised a major National Seminar on “Parsis in Modern India: Navigating Cultural and Socio-Economic Pathways” at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai, bringing together Union Ministers, policymakers, industrialists, scholars and members of the Parsi community to deliberate on issues related to cultural preservation, demographic sustainability and socio-economic development.

The seminar forms part of a broader series of academic engagements initiated by the National Commission for Minorities in February 2026 to assess the contemporary status and challenges of minority communities in India.

The event witnessed extensive discussions on the remarkable contribution of the Parsis to India’s industrial, economic, philanthropic and cultural development, while also focusing on concerns surrounding the community’s declining population and preservation of its unique identity in a rapidly changing social landscape.

Kiren Rijiju Praises Parsi Community’s Historic Contribution to India

Delivering the keynote address, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju described the Parsi community as one of the most influential contributors to India’s nation-building journey despite its relatively small population size.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to preserving the community’s heritage and supporting its socio-economic welfare.

Highlighting the historical role of Parsis in shaping modern India, Shri Rijiju recalled how the Tata family sponsored India’s Olympic teams in 1920 and how Parsis fielded the country’s first Indian cricket team in the 1880s. He also praised the community’s pioneering role in establishing India’s industrial and economic foundations.

“It is not just about numbers; it is the impact that matters. The Government values every community and follows the dictum of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, which in the third term has been further strengthened with ‘Sabka Vishwas’ and ‘Sabka Prayas’,” Shri Rijiju said.

The Minister also invited suggestions emerging from the seminar, including recommendations related to the Government’s Jiyo Parsi Scheme, aimed at addressing demographic decline within the community.

Concerns Raised Over Declining Parsi Population

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian acknowledged that the Parsi community today faces distinct demographic and social challenges requiring coordinated intervention.

He said declining population trends and changing social structures are complex issues that demand both policy support and active community participation.

“It is important to recognize that the community today faces distinct challenges, particularly with regard to demographic sustainability,” Shri Kurian noted.

Speakers throughout the seminar repeatedly highlighted concerns over shrinking population numbers, changing family patterns and the need to encourage greater institutional and societal support for preserving the community’s future.

NCM Reaffirms Commitment to Cultural Preservation

Delivering the welcome address, Smt Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, National Commission for Minorities, emphasised the invaluable contribution of the Parsis to India’s pluralistic and inclusive social fabric.

She said the Commission has consistently remained engaged with issues concerning the Parsi community, including:

• Demographic challenges

• Preservation of cultural heritage

• Access to welfare schemes

• Protection of community identity

“These efforts are guided by sensitivity and a clear understanding of the community’s unique identity,” she stated.

Parsi Ethos Played Key Role in Building Modern India

Shri Berjis Desai, Member, NCM, delivered an extensive address on the extraordinary role played by Parsis in India’s economic, industrial, legal and philanthropic development.

He observed that despite being numerically small, the community has contributed disproportionately to the making of modern India through values rooted in integrity, public service and entrepreneurship.

He remarked that the Parsi ethos of hard work and nation-building continues to serve as an inspiration across sectors.

Similarly, Ms S Munawari Begum, Member, NCM, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts involving government institutions, scholars, civil society and the community itself to protect the Parsi cultural and demographic future.

Film and Coffee Table Book Showcase Parsi Legacy

A special short film documenting the history, heritage and contribution of the Parsi community to India’s industrial, social and philanthropic growth was screened during the event.

The dignitaries also unveiled a Coffee Table Book highlighting the legacy, achievements and demographic profile of the Parsi community in India.

Additionally, Dr Atya Nand, Joint Secretary, NCM, announced that a new compendium on Jainism, Buddhism and Parsis would be launched on May 19, 2026, in New Delhi during the State Minority Commissions Conference.

Industrial Leaders Stress Importance of Preserving Identity

Shri Hormazd Godrej from Godrej Agrovet Ltd. highlighted the entrepreneurial and philanthropic traditions associated with the Parsi community and stressed the importance of preserving its cultural identity for future generations.

Meanwhile, Shri Pyare Jiya Khan, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, spoke about the community’s contribution to Maharashtra and called for continued institutional support for minority communities across the country.

Technical Sessions Focus on Heritage Preservation and Socio-Economic Challenges

The seminar featured two detailed technical sessions examining key issues related to the Parsi community.

Session 1: Cultural Identity and Preservation among Parsis in Modern India

The first session focused on preserving the community’s rich tangible and intangible heritage, including language, history, architecture and cultural traditions.

Key discussions included:

• Preservation of Avesta and Pahlavi languages

• Documentation of Parsi textile traditions

• Role of Parsis in industrialisation and philanthropy

• Museum preservation initiatives

• Digital education and archival programmes

Speakers included Shri Kerman Fatakia, Ms Tinaz Nooshian, Dr Meher Mistry and Shri Kerman Daruwalla.

Session 2: Socio-Economic Status and Challenges of Parsis in Contemporary India

The second session examined the demographic and socio-economic realities confronting the community today.

Speakers including Shri Dinshaw Tamboly, Prof Shalini Bharat, Ms Pearl Mistry and Prof Nasreen Rustomfram observed that while Parsis have made enormous contributions to India’s economy, industry and public life, they now stand at a demographic crossroads marked by declining population and evolving social structures.

The session concluded that the future lies in balancing preservation of identity with adaptation to contemporary realities through stronger internal support systems and broader engagement with national institutions.

Seminar Reinforces Importance of India’s Pluralistic Heritage

The discussions throughout the day reinforced the broader importance of protecting India’s pluralistic cultural traditions and ensuring that smaller minority communities continue to thrive socially, culturally and economically.

Participants agreed that preserving the Parsi community’s unique identity is not only important for the community itself but also for safeguarding India’s diverse civilisational heritage and nation-building legacy.