TOWER OF SILENCE – CHANGE IN OUT LOOK NECESSARY

This has reference to the news report of opening of the 4th tower of silence at Malabar Hill which was closed for almost 35 years because of the objection raised by the near by residents of an apartment. The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) which manages the towers of silence should re- think on opening of the same and introspect whether such cemeteries are required in the modern day life style and changed circumstances.(Due respect to the religious sentiments of Parsi community). The existing belief of placing the dead bodies in the said towers is centuries old. Any religious belief can be reviewed keeping in mind the hygiene factors and public sentiments especially of the people living around such towers. Even some of the Sub-castes among Hindus have changed the age old belief of burying the bodies and have opted for electric cremation. This is a very sensitive issue which no one can force on the community for changing their belief. However it is time that the opinion makers in the community should introspect and effect the necessary modification.