History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. VI.] PARST INFLUENCE. 263

medicine, in which they are honourably distinguishing themselves.

The Parsis still maintain their high social position in the community. It has been justly said that “they are the salt of the Bombay community.” Their influence, guidance, and aid are just as requisite as ever to the success of any undertaking or movement for the public good. Political associations derive weight from their connection. Indeed Parsi influence and Parsi co-operation first gave them birth, and for a long time alone sustained them.! Occasionally it happened that on some of the active Parsi members withdrawing from these bodies they lingered on without much vitality. It was often owing to the impetus of an enthusiastic Parsi that they revived at all.

Our Hindu and Mahomedan brethren will, we think, not be slow to acknowledge the truth of what we have said. When a Hindu gentleman has performed any public service meriting recognition the Parsis have been invited to take the lead and give it, so to speak, the stamp of popular acknowledgment.

In the civic government of the city of Bombay

* Of the body known in London as the East Indian Association Mr. Dadabhai Naorozji, a Parsi, was the first honorary secretary, and it is well known that it was through his exertions that this useful association, which is doing considerable good by its advocacy of liberal principles in the conduct of the government of Her Majesty’s Indian empire, was established.