Surat: The remarks made by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat during the 56th annual convocation ceremony of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University regarding the foreign powers who came to loot the nation have sparked outrage among Parsis across Gujarat, including in Surat. Members of the community are expressing deep sorrow and concern and have sent emails to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Governor Acharya Devvrat in response to his reportedly unintentional remark.

Trustees of the Nanpura Parsi Anjuman Trust and Samast Anjuman—Rushad Daravas Master, Parvez alias Palli Bastawala, Noshirbhai Pardiwala—and many others from the community have written to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, expressing shock and regret over the Governor’s allegedly inappropriate comments.

While addressing students, the Governor said, “The infighting between kings in our country was recognized by foreigners, who took advantage of it and looted the nation’s wealth. Mongols, Jews, Parsis, Mughals, and the English did not come to visit the country but to plunder its wealth. They succeeded due to our lack of unity.”

Now, the mention of Parsis in this statement, likely made by mistake, has caused a stir. Community leaders and citizens have stated that equating the Parsi community with others as having “come to plunder the country” is deeply hurtful. Whether made in error or due to misunderstanding, the remark has hurt this micro-minority, yet proud, community.

The Parsi community now urges the Governor to reflect on the history and legacy of the Parsis and consider issuing a clarification or a statement of regret.

Parvez alias Palli Bastawala, a leader of the Parsi community in Surat, said that even today, the community expresses its gratitude to Jadi Rana, who gave shelter to the Parsis 1,380 years ago, by gathering on a specific day in Sanjan. This day, observed in the month of May, serves as a day of remembrance and thanksgiving to Jadi Rana.

Referring to the recent controversy, Bastawala said that the Governor’s remarks suggesting that Parsis “came to plunder the country,” whether made in error or through misunderstanding, have deeply hurt a small but proud community that has always considered India not just a place of refuge, but their beloved motherland.

He added that the ancestors of the Parsis came to India seeking refuge from persecution and, in return, pledged loyalty and service to this land—a promise the community has honored for generations. Over the centuries, Parsis have made significant contributions to India’s progress in science, industry, education, philanthropy, defense, and governance. DeshGujarat