Parsi traders and community in India - a showcase

Contributions of the micro minority community of Parsis in India is showcased through an exhibition that has opened at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) here.
"Painted Encounters: Parsi Traders and the Community" is a celebration of history, beliefs,practices and contribution of Parsis, its trading encounters in China and its alliance with the British East India Company.
Minster of Minority Affairs Najma Heptulla and Minister of State Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurated here last evening a 11-day-long "The Everlasting Flame International" exhibition.
Three multimedia exhibitions, talks and workshops are part of the show organised under the minority affairs ministry's 'Hamari Dharohar' (Our Heritage) in collaboration with the culture ministry and Parzor Foundation, a city-based community organisation mandated by Unesco to preserve the Parsi-Zoroastrian heritage.

"Never in the history of India, has a programme which recognises the contributions of Parsis been organised before. I take this moment to salute you for your contributions in India," Naqvi said addressing the gathering of the Parsis also attended by actor Boman Irani.
Speaking at the event, Heptulla opined that it was the ability of the Parsis to take jokes on themselves that made them loved by all.

The exhibition showcases the largest display of Parsi
portraits under one banner entitled 'Painted Encounters - Parsi Traders and the Community' and 'No Parsi is an Island' at National Gallery of Modern Arts here till May 29.

It take visitors on a journey from the earliest days of Zoroastrianism to its emergence as the foremost religion of imperial Iran. From the shores of Iran to the west coast of India, the maritime journey of Zoroastrians is followed to their settlement in India where they came to be known as the Parsis.
Curated by Pheroza J Godrej, Firoza Punthakey Mistree, Ranjit Hoskote and Nancy Adajania, the collection explores the rise of wealthy Parsi traders from 18th and 19th century and re-reading of the work of 14 Parsi artists who were engaged with colonial modernity, nationalism and Indian modernism.

"We began this journey two decades ago in 1996 when we attempted to transform the idea of Zoroastrians into art and culture. I am happy that we have the largest display of Parsi portraits on display here," Godrej said.
Explaining the idea of portraits, Godrej said they have been named "No Parsi is an Island", because no Parsi is standing in isolation. They are the part of the larger shared culture of India, she said.
The exhibition is the first ambitious project of the government under "Hamari Dharohar" to preserve the rich heritage of the Parsi minority community displaying the works of artists like Pestonji Bomanji, M F Pithwalla, Sorab Pithawalla, Jehnagir Ardeshir Lalkaka and Shiavax Chavda

Other artists include Homi Patel, Jehangir Sabavala, Adil Davierwalla, Piloo Pochkhanawala, Nelly Sethna, Jean Bhownagary and Homi D Sethna, Gieve Patel and Mehlli Gobhai.