10th World Zoroastrian Congress Starts In Mumbai

New Delhi, Dec 28, IRNA – The 10th World Zoroastrian Congress on the theme “Zoroastrianism in the 21st Century: Nurturing Growth and Affirming Identity” kicked off Friday in Mumbai, capital of Maharashtra state. President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the congress. Speaking on the occasion, the President stated that it was with happiness that he was reiterating the well-known fact that whether it is in the world of business and industry, or art and letters, leading our defense forces or breaking new frontiers in the field of advanced science and technology, the Zoroastrian community in India has always extended itself and reached the highest echelons of achievement and success. The President said that while the demographic statistics indicate that the Zoroastrian community in India is declining by about 10 per cent every decade, he nevertheless remains optimistic that this trend can be arrested. Presently, there are now less than 1.40 lakh Parsis in India. He stated that he has no doubt that a community that has such high literacy, talent, and discipline is bound to continue on the path of advancement and growth. The President also welcomed delegates from abroad who came for the event. I specially welcome delegates from Iran and other countries. We have a warm place for you in our hearts, he said./end