This engrossing YouTube video  provides an insight into the investigation of the Parsi community’s legacy, dispelling myths and illuminating their noteworthy contributions to Indian public life. Prochy N Mehta celebrates the launch of her enlightening book, ‘Who is a Parsi.’ As the journey begins with a meticulous analysis of the decline in the Parsi population, getting into the root causes, including non-acceptance within the community for children from cross marriages. The book addresses gender discrimination and holds up hope for change, especially in the context of the ongoing uniform civil code debate in India.

Prochy N Mehta unfolds the behind-the-scenes magic of her collaboration with the 93-year-old legal luminary, Fali S Nariman. The duo reveals previously unknown aspects of Parsi history, showcasing a 1000-page judgment from the privy council archives and exploring the evolution of personal laws. These revelations challenge common perceptions about the community’s origins, struggles, and societal norms in the early 1800s. The exploration extends to the complexities of Parsi marriage laws, navigating historical legal acts and highlighting the impact of the Special Marriage Act of 1954 on opening doors to interfaith marriages. The video emphasizes significant court judgments that shaped definitions of Parsi identity and religion, unraveling intricacies surrounding legitimacy and acceptance within the community. Prochy N Mehta reflects on the historical context, unveiling the evolution of the term ‘Zoroastrianism’ and addressing contemporary discrimination faced by Parsi women in interfaith marriages.

The book advocates for revisiting the rights of intermarried Parsi women and their children, calling for a shift in societal perspectives and emphasizing the importance of truth and respect within the Zoroastrian community. The author, also an ordained priest, questions the influence of fringe elements on religious principles. She discusses pivotal legal cases highlighting the acceptance of inductions into the religion and advocates for flexibility in temple practices, challenging notions of racial purity and calling for gender equality. Reflecting on the evolution of Parsi customs, the author highlights historical restrictions and emphasizes the slow but certain progress in reforms. The video addresses the need for change, discussing ongoing legal challenges to Parsi panchayats and shedding light on societal and legal debates surrounding Parsi identity and religious practices.