In an old, neo-gothic building in Fort, an upmarket area in India's financial capital Mumbai, lies a modest office that once produced one of the country's oldest and most prominent Parsi magazines - Parsiana. Founded in 1964 by Pestonji Warden, a doctor and sandalwood trader, the magazine has documented the vibrant culture and history of the Parsi community.
Over the years, Parsiana grew its subscriber base, becoming a key outlet for Parsi news. However, after 60 years of publication, it will fold in October due to dwindling subscriptions and no successor willing to carry on its legacy.
The closure has sparked sadness not only among subscribers but also among those who recognize the magazine's significance. It's like the end of an era, remarked Sushant Singh, 18, a student reflecting on the magazine's impact on the Parsi community.
Soon after the announcement, tributes began pouring in. Readers have echoed how Parsiana served as a vital connection for Zoroastrians across the globe, sharing their achievements and addressing contentious issues with honesty.
Led by Jehangir Patel, who took over the magazine for just one rupee in 1973, Parsiana evolved from a monthly publication into a fortnightly that tackled both serious and nuanced issues within the community, including the sensitive subject of interfaith relationships and the decline of traditional burial methods.
As its staff, many of whom are in their 60s and 70s, prepares for their final issues, Patel expressed the bittersweet sentiment of ending a long-established endeavor that has spurred discourse and reflection within the sometimes-insular Parsi community.
Witnessing the magazine's closure signifies a broader challenge for print media in maintaining relevance and sustainability in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
