The National Seminar on “Parsis in Modern India: Navigating Cultural and Socio-Economic Pathways” was organised by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on 9 May 2026 at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Mumbai, with TISS PARZOR serving as the Knowledge Partner.

The seminar brought together Union and State Ministers, policymakers, scholars, industrialists, academicians, and members of the Parsi community to deliberate on questions of cultural preservation, demographic concerns, and the socio-economic status of Parsis in contemporary India.

The dignitaries on the dais included Honourable Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju (Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs); Honourable Minister of State Shri George Kurian (Ministry of Minority Affairs); Ms. Alka Upadhyaya (Secretary, National Commission for Minorities); Dr. Atya Nand (Joint Secretary, NCM); Mr. Berjis Desai (Member, NCM); Ms. S. Munawari Begum (Member, NCM); Mr. Yogesh P. Mhase (Secretary, Minorities Development Department, Maharashtra); Mr. Pyare Jiya Khan (Chairman, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission); Mr. Hormazd Godrej (Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet Limited); and Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor (Head Priest).

The seminar was formally inaugurated with the unveiling of a Coffee Table Book documenting the legacy, heritage, and contributions of the Parsi community.

Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju highlighted the enduring contribution of the Parsi community to India’s development, recalling how Sir Dorabji Tata financed India’s first official Olympic contingent to the 1920 Olympics. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards preserving Parsi heritage and addressing demographic challenges.

The seminar featured technical sessions on Parsi cultural heritage, language preservation, socio-economic realities, and contemporary challenges, bringing together diverse perspectives on the future of the micro minority community in India. Discussions also reflected on the revival of the Jiyo Parsi scheme, while the Government was presented with a list of recommendations and proposed next steps emerging from the deliberations for further consideration.

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