Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs inaugurated Parsi community’s exhibition “Painted Encounters Parsi Traders and the Community & No Parsi is an Island” last evening at National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi. The exhibition is a part of “The Everlasting Flame International Programme”, which the Minority Affairs Ministry has taken up as the first project under “Hamari Dharohar” scheme. Speaking on the occasion Shri Naqvi said this exhibition is an effort to make the people aware of history of the Parsi community that has played a vital role in nation building. Emphasizing need to bring history of those people who have made tremendous contribution in nation building before the new generation, the Minister said every society feels proud in connecting itself with their great personalities. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist, Jain communities have produced such freedom fighters and other great personalities who sacrificed their life for the country; they were “Architect of Bharat Nirman”, he added.
Shri Naqvi said that the Parsi and other Minority communities have an outstanding and crucial contribution in India’s development. The Parsi community has also given a number of great personalities who have contributed a lot in various fields. The hard work of Jamsetji Tata to see India as an industrially independent nation; Dadabhai Nouroji and Bhikaji Cama’s selfless sacrifice for India’s freedom; the determination of Homi Bhabha to make India an atomic nation and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s military services are all part of our rich Indian history. Shri Naqvi said that this exhibition showcases the rich culture, social life and heritage of the Parsi community. This will also make the common people aware of traditions of the Parsi community. This exhibition showcases the work of Parsi artists and presents their rich contributions to film, poetry, theatre, classical dance, crafts activism and literature. He said that even though the Parsi community is a very small in terms of population; the community is one of the most liberal, educated, development-oriented and modern society. Shri Naqvi said that more such events will be organized to make that people especially the youths aware of glorious heritage and culture and traditions of the Minority communities.