Threads of continuity - An Exhibition of Zoroastrian Life and Culture.

On 17th May 2016, students of Bclasses XI and XII ( Humanities) were acquainted with one of the oldest religions of the world, Zoroastrianism through an exhibition titled Threads of Continuity at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. The exhibition was an initiative under a scheme called Hamari Dharohar by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The group from School was accompanied by Dr. Tushar Alekar, Ms. Komal Hotchandani, Ms. Nidhi Bhardwaj, Ms. Akansha Chawla and Ms. Charu Bhatnagar, teachers of Social Science.

The exhibition gave us insight into the history of the Zoroastrian culture, its spread across the world and the continuity of tradition in the community through historic, artistic and civilisational artefacts preserved in India, the UK, Iran, Russia and Uzbekistan.

The exhibition was divided into eleven sections. Each section depicted different facets of Parsi culture. Students were fascinated to see old manuscripts and rare paintings of Ahura Mazda, the revered prophet of the Parsis. A magnanimous tableau of typical Parsi rituals was also on display. The Indian freedom struggle and economic history of India is incomplete without a background of the grand old man of India, Dadabhai Naroaji and he was suitably glorified here. The contributions of Ferozeshah Mehta, Madam Bikaji Cama and the great Tatas were also given prominence. The exhibition covered several aspects of this small yet thriving culture and was a delight to view.

Later, the students were taken to an Iranian Caf set up within the precincts of the exhibition, which offered an interesting fare of traditional Parsi delicacies. It was a great way to end the day!

Surabhi Sanghi, XII-C.