Mumbai: BJP Parsi Cell names new teams for its South Mumbai, Malabar Hill constituencies at Gamdevi gathering

Dignitaries including Lodha (third from left) at the event. Pic/By Special Arrangement

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parsi Cell formally announced its new teams for South Mumbai and Malabar Hill Constituency at a gathering held on Saturday evening at a venue in Gamdevi. More than 200 people from the Parsi community attended the gathering. The chief guest was Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Cabinet Minister, Maharashtra Government.

New teams

Rumy Zarir, president, BJP Parsi Cell, described the Parsi Cell as "A bridge between the community and the government." When asked what exactly "bridge" entailed, Zarir explained through an example. "A Parsi couple was caught up in a cyber fraud recently, and lost a substantial sum to conmen. The Cell office-bearers stepped in and are helping them through procedures with the cyber police in an attempt to regain that money. We as a Cell, do help."

Building trust

Asked specifically about a ‘trust deficit', perceived or real, between minorities and the current ruling dispensation, office-bearers said the best way to close the gap and retain faith in the government is to work for the community. "When people see the work getting done, this trust deficit, if it exists, will decrease," they said.

Community role

Neveille K Wadia, president, BJP Parsi Cell, Malabar Hill Constituency, spoke about the contribution of the Parsi community to the country, particularly through education and the armed forces. Wadia said, "It is necessary to spread awareness about the Cell and its work, while acknowledging that the concerns of the community cannot be resolved overnight and would require continued efforts."

Adding a personal perspective to the gathering, Commodore Aspi Marker spoke about his connection with the community and the armed forces, saying that he felt lucky to have been born in the Parsi community as well as into an Armed Forces family. Lodha acknowledged the contribution of the Parsi community to the country. "Your people have contributed most to the country," he said, adding on a lighter note, "I always get more Parsis on board so that I can sit and relax," he concluded to laughs.

Induction letters

Lodha handed over induction letters to the new BJP Parsi Cell teams for South Mumbai and Malabar Hill, led by Zarir and Wadia, followed by different office-bearers.