In an old, neo-gothic building in Fort, an upmarket area in India's financial capital Mumbai, a long-standing tradition is coming to an end. Parsiana, one of the country’s oldest magazines dedicated to the Parsi community, is set to close its doors after 60 years.
Founded in 1964 by Pestonji Warden, a Parsi doctor, the magazine was established to chronicle the community's stories and offerings. Over the decades, it grew to become a crucial source of information and connection for Parsis worldwide, providing insights into community events and achievements.
However, the publication's journey is coming to an end this October due to declining subscriptions, financial challenges, and a lack of a successor to take over its operations. The announcement was met with sadness from its loyal readership, many of whom regard the magazine as a familial link amidst a dwindling community.
It’s described by readers as a unique publication that not only informed but connected Zoroastrians across the globe. Jehangir Patel, who bought the magazine for just one rupee in 1973, transformed it with journalistic integrity, turning it from a monthly into a fortnightly and enriching its content with investigative stories and societal commentary.
The last issues will commemorate Parsiana’s legacy, marking its role as a bold voice in the Parsi community—one that often challenged norms by addressing contentious issues, including the community’s diminishing population and cultural challenges.
Patel notes a sense of sadness among the staff as the end approaches, acknowledging that their long commitment to the magazine feels heavy as they prepare to close this significant chapter.
In reflecting on the magazine’s impact, readers shared that Parsiana’s role transcended being just a publication; it was a treasured companion that chronicled the Parsi narrative with passion and dedication, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
