The Iranian Zoroastrian Youth Network had the honor of hosting Mr. Percy Master in a webinar on Mehr 31, 1403 (September 21, 2024). Captain Percy Master, a renowned Parsi entrepreneur in the field of marine transportation, is also the president of the Zoroastrian World Chamber of Commerce.
A Brief Biography of Captain Percy Master:
Captain M. Percy Master was born in Porbandar, Gujarat. He completed his education at Rajkumar College, Rajkot, and St. Joseph’s High School, Mumbai. After finishing school, he joined the merchant navy in 1963 after passing the entrance exam for the Dufferin training ship. Out of more than 5,000 applicants from across India and the subcontinent, he was one of the 80 students selected. In 1965, he graduated from Dufferin as the senior cadet captain, receiving numerous medals, and leading the ceremonial parades.
In 1965, Captain Master joined Skandia Shipping Company, and in 1974, he passed the foreign ship captaincy exam. He assumed command of his first ship in 1976 and served as a captain on various merchant ships until 1982. In 1983, he left Skandia to start his own business as a marine inspector, beginning with just a desk and his wife as secretary. Over the years, he founded several companies specializing in transportation, logistics, and hydropower. Today, the Master Group of Companies comprises five companies, with over 50 branches across India and more than 3,000 employees.
Captain Percy Master is also a member of the Institute of Marine Technologists and the Institute of Insurance Surveyors and Adjusters of India, and is a Chartered Surveyor certified by the Government of India.
Read below the text of Captain Percy Master’s speech on “The Future of Zoroastrian Society in the Global Scenario”:
“To envision the future, we must first reflect on our past. Our roots in ancient Iran trace back to a civilization that left a lasting legacy on humanity. Under Cyrus the Great, Persian rule was vast and progressive. He pioneered human rights with the Cyrus Cylinder, a document emphasizing tolerance and respect for diverse cultures and religions. The influence of the Achaemenid Empire extended beyond its time. The founders of the United States drew inspiration from Achaemenid principles of justice and governance. Thomas Jefferson, in particular, admired the values of Cyrus the Great, which he hoped to reflect in American democracy.”
The splendor of Persepolis, with its towering columns, showcases the advanced artistry of ancient Iran. Evidence even suggests the Greek influenced by these columns. The Achaemenid Empire also developed one of the earliest postal systems, ensuring efficient communication across their vast territories. In astronomy, they created the highly accurate Zoroastrian calendar. Additionally, Parsees were pioneers in steel production, refining their techniques well into the Middle Ages.
In ancient Iran, women held a unique position compared to other civilizations. While most societies limited women’s rights, Iranian women could own land, manage businesses, and participate in politics. They enjoyed a level of respect and autonomy that was revolutionary for the time, contributing significantly to both cultural and economic life. Now, let’s look at Zoroastrianism, Iran’s ancient religion. Founded by Ashu Zoroaster before the 6th century BC, it was the world’s first monotheistic faith. After the Islamic conquest in 635, Zoroastrianism faced persecution despite initial tolerance, leading to its decline in Iran, though it still thrives in parts of India among the Parsi community.
During this time, there were places of stability, especially in Pars, the ancient center of Achaemenid and Sassanid rule. To preserve the principles of Zoroastrianism, religious texts were meticulously copied to mitigate the risk of destruction. Unfortunately, a disaster did occur, although the reasons and methods behind it remain unclear. Following this event, Zoroastrians lived as a minority in small regions of Yazd and Kerman.
Religious scholars often encounter several challenges regarding Zoroaster. One primary issue is the uncertainty surrounding the dates of his birth and death. However, some researchers have proposed approximate dates based on later texts from the Avesta. According to these sources, Zoroaster is believed to have lived from 628 to 551 BC. The Sasanian period, spanning from 224 to 651 AD, significantly reflected Zoroastrian teachings.
Among the various writings of the Avesta, the Gathas stand out as a collection of poems attributed to Zoroaster, composed in the ancient Avesta language. These texts suggest that Zoroaster was a magian (or magus) from the ancient Iranian religion who had an intuitive experience of Ahura Mazda, leading him to spread the truth. Ahura Mazda occupies a central role in Zoroastrian teachings, presented as the highest god and the only one worthy of worship. According to the Gathas, Ahura Mazda is the creator of both the material and spiritual worlds, initiating the transformation of light and darkness. The Gathas also describe seven divine qualities associated with Ahura Mazda, known as the Amshaspands (beneficial immortals). These qualities include:
- Speṇta Mainiiu (good or benevolent spirit)
- Ashavahishta (justice, truth, or right order)
- Vohu Manah (good thought)
- Armaiti (thought, speech, and good deeds)
- Kheshtra Vairiyah (desired government or kingship)
- Haurvatat (holiness or perfection)
- Amortat (immortality)
The Parsees, meaning Iranians, are the descendants of Zoroastrians who migrated to India to escape persecution and domination by Muslims. The exact date of this migration is unknown. Traditional narratives suggest that the Parsees initially settled on Hormuz Island in the Persian Gulf, but under continued pressure, they migrated to India in the 8th century AD. This migration may have continued into the 10th century AD or occurred during both periods. They first settled in Diu in Kathiawar before moving to Gujarat, where they remained a small agricultural community for 800 years.
With the establishment of British trading posts in Surat and other regions in the early 17th century, the circumstances for the Parsees changed dramatically. They were influenced more by Europeans than by Hindus and Muslims, leading them to expand their commercial power. As a result, the Parsis of Gujarat began settling in Bombay, the commercial capital. The expansion of Bombay in the 18th century can be largely attributed to the industrial skills and trading acumen of the Parsees. By the 19th century the Parsee community had become prosperous, achieving significant success in heavy industries, particularly in railroads and shipbuilding.
In 1868, Jamshedji Tata founded modern Indian industry and became a key figure in India’s economic growth and development. His vision spanned from textile factories to iron and steel production, and he played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Institute of Science and constructing the Taj Mahal Hotel, which brought pride to India. His legacy influenced future generations, leading to the institutionalization of Tata’s values. Through hard work, determination, persistence, and a steady vision, he and his successors embedded these values into a structure that has endured and continuously contributed to the country’s industrial advancement. Today, our society takes pride in the Tata family. Following Tata’s lead, many other Zoroastrian entrepreneurs emerged, establishing their business dynasties based on the ethics and values of the Zoroastrian faith.
Just to name a few, prominent Zoroastrian entrepreneurs include the Wadiya, Godrej, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, Forbes Marshall, and Poonawalas, among many others. These companies established shipyards, hospitals, research institutes, and produced consumer goods. The Parsee community also contributed significantly to science, training high-caliber scientists who advanced India’s atomic and space research, including Dr. Homi Bhabha.
Several Zoroastrians served in the Indian Army, leaving a lasting impact and making India proud. Notable figures include General Sam Manekshaw and Air Chief Marshal Fali Major, among others, who fought bravely and made history during their time. This spirit extended to sports and the arts as well.
The Parsees fought alongside local rulers, defending their territories, advocating for India’s independence, and sacrificing their lives for their new homeland. All these achievements were grounded in moral principles and values. It is with this foundation that we established the “World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce,” rooted in industry and honesty. My emphasis on this matter is crucial because we have built a reputation for ourselves in India and around the world based on the principles of honesty, integrity, and fair methods to achieve wealth. These values align with our religion, which advocates for good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. We have always strived to be beneficial to society.
After the Parsees settled in India and became prosperous, contact with their Iranian counterparts was severed. It wasn’t until the end of the 15th century, in 1477, that they sent an official mission to the remaining Zoroastrians in Iran, a small community called gabr by the Muslim rulers. Due to the success of the Parsi community in India, they began sending representatives to Iran, helping to improve the quality of life for Zoroastrians there.
Over the 1394 years that the Parsees have been in India, they gradually integrated into local Indian society, adopting local customs. The Parsees fought for India’s freedom, viewing the country as their motherland, and began building industries and commercial enterprises.
Thus far, we have discussed ancient Iran, the birthplace of our religion, and touched upon Zoroastrianism as a faith received directly from Ahura Mazda. We also examined the migration of Zoroastrians to India following their defeat from the Islamic army and highlighted our progress into the 21st century. Moving forward, we will address the decline of our religion and society in India.
To put everything into the right perspective, I believe our religion is at a critical juncture, similar to the time we emigrated from Iran 1,394 years ago. This decline is not due to war but rather our own mistakes that threaten our existence. Given that our Zoroastrian faith is nearly 5,000 years old, we must acknowledge that changes in religious practices are inevitable. However, we have managed to preserve the Gathas, some religious texts, and stories written by our scholars.
It’s important to recognize that the path we must follow today is not as clear-cut as it was 5,000 years ago. The pressing question is why our community has diminished in both numbers and faith over the past decades. Our ancestors established the Bahram Fire of Iranshah and built seven Bahram fires and other places of worship across India. Their unwavering faith in our religious practices, commitment to the right path, and dedication to good deeds fostered love and respect within the community. Despite our small numbers, we were unique. One key reason for our decline is that we have not adhered to our faith and its principles as diligently as our ancestors did. They frequently visited fire temples, drawing strength from them.
Reflecting on the past 50 to 60 years, our parents encouraged us to visit the fire temple regularly, a practice that has nearly vanished today. Our women are now highly educated, while many young men have not kept pace, making it difficult for our girls to find suitable partners within the community. We must confront this reality honestly; only by acknowledging our shortcomings can we find solutions.
Our latest census shows that our population in India barely reaches 50,000 to 60,000. We struggle to maintain our places of worship, provide dignity to our congregants, and support our families financially. As a result, Mobed families are shifting toward more lucrative careers and higher education, which has affected our numbers and commitment to our faith.
Additionally, the amenities of residential complexes and the availability of mid-level jobs have reduced the motivation for our youth to strive for success. Our young people are talented but need guidance and support. As competition for higher education intensifies, some opt to study abroad due to limited opportunities in India. Identifying these issues is crucial for finding viable solutions.
Various Zoroastrian trust funds now provide financial assistance for higher education abroad, leading to the success of our youth who migrate to North America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As a result, our community is gradually shifting from India to these regions, where Zoroastrians have excelled as traders and professionals.
Currently, there are about 40,000 Zoroastrians worldwide, and efforts are underway to build educational facilities and religious places to support their children. Missionaries from India are being invited to settle in these new communities and provide necessary resources. Educated Mobed have also emerged, adopting professional titles such as “Mobed Engineer,” allowing them to balance religious duties with other careers, which may eventually influence practices in India.
We are working on establishing funds in India and North America, as well as supporting Iranian youth through networks like the one I’m discussing. Additionally, the Indian government is taking steps to bolster our community, recognizing its value and integrity. Initiatives like the Jio Parsi scheme have already aided in the birth of 500 babies, aiming to increase our population.
Our community must allocate a substantial budget for the Jio Parsi project, as this is crucial for increasing our numbers. Immediate steps to address the situation include:
- We must come together as a community. It’s not the responsibility of one individual but requires collective effort to rectify our current circumstances.
- Many organizations are engaged in similar work, leading to resource division. Like-minded organizations should unite to create a stronger, unified front.
- Organize seminars in our residential complexes for parents and children to discuss our current situation and necessary actions. There are many capable individuals in our community who can facilitate this.
- Encourage our youth to pursue higher education by providing tutoring, mentoring, and career guidance. Not every individual excels academically, but others may possess valuable skills that deserve nurturing.
- Organize regular gatherings for our youth to foster communication, friendship, and potential marriages within the community.
- Similar to the Indian government’s Jio Parsi initiative, we must allocate budgets to encourage young couples to have more children rather than just one or two. This could include providing funds for housing, scholarships, and other supportive measures.
The primary issue we face is the urgent need to grow our population if we wish to survive in the long term. I urge the Bombay Parsi Panchayat and the Global Working Group to address this matter with great urgency. The time is now—let’s not miss this opportunity.
Now, I invite our contestants and young people, who may be reading this on social media, to pay attention to the following quotes to inspire action:
Quotes on Education:
- “Education is the key to success in life. Intellectual development should begin at birth and stop only at death.”
- “Education is a passport to the future; because tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
- “You are always a student, not a professor; you must always move forward.”
Motivational Quotes:
- “To succeed, we must first believe that we can.”
- “If you dream it, you can do it.”
- “Problems are not stop signs; they are guides.”
- “Always do your best. What you sow now, you will reap later.”
- “We must not give up, and we must not let the problem defeat us.”
- “You can’t cross the sea just by standing and staring at the water.”
In conclusion, I would like to quote from Yasna 28.4 of the Gatha:
“The message of the holy Gathas is eternal, timely, and universal. Let’s strive towards Esha if we want to flourish as a society!”
Jamshedji Tata once engaged in profound discussions with Swami Vivekananda, forging a strong bond between them. When asked about the survival of Zoroastrianism, Swami Vivekananda stated:
“The Zoroastrian religion will never die. Its roots are very deep. This religion teaches an ideal way of living everyday life. This peaceful religion incorporates the message and philosophy of all other religions. This religion has great spiritual knowledge that cannot be found in other religions. God will never allow the flame of this religion to be extinguished.”
