Contribution of Parsis

The Parsi community is famous all over the world not just in India. There must be something remarkable about them. One unusual fact is they have contributed in many fields, not just one. So, it must be their attitude, not just their genetic talent. This is why it is worth learning from them. After all, attitude can indeed be developed by most of us if we work on ourselves. We all need to learn more from them and their presence. Let us learn more about this community. 

The Parsi community, though small in number, has made immense contributions to India in various fields, including business, science, law, arts, and social reform. Their impact is disproportionate to their population, making them one of India’s most influential minority communities. 

1. Business & Industry 

• Tata Group: A Parsi founded it and this is India’s largest conglomerate. Key contributions include: 

• Steel Industry (TISCO, now Tata Steel) 

• Aviation (Air India, originally Tata Airlines) 

• IT (TCS) 

• Philanthropy (Tata Trusts, IISc, TIFR) 

• Godrej Group: Founded by Parsi, this is a major player in consumer goods, real estate, and security.  

• Wadia Group: Founded by Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia, pioneers in shipping (Bombay Docking Company) and aviation (GoAir, now Go First). 

2. Science & Technology 

• Homi J. Bhabha – Father of India’s nuclear program, founded TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) and BARC. 

• Ardeshir Godrej – Invented the first Indian-made locks and safes. 

• Farokh Udwadia – Renowned surgeon and medical researcher. 

3. Legal & Judicial Contributions 

• Fali Nariman – He is one of India’s most respected lawyers and is respected till today. 

• Soli Sorabjee – Former Attorney General of India and human rights advocate. 

4. Arts, Culture & Literature 

• Music & Cinema: 

• Freddie Mercury  – He is a legendary singer of Queen (born in Zanzibar to Parsi parents). 

• Zubin Mehta – World-famous conductor. 

• Boman Irani, Persis Khambatta (Miss India & actress in Star Trek). 

• Literature: 

• Rohinton Mistry – Booker Prize-nominated author (A Fine Balance). 

• Bapsi Sidhwa – A famous author whose books have even been made into films. 

5. Social Reform & Philanthropy 

• Dadabhai Naoroji  = " He is the first Asian MP in British Parliament, and early freedom fighter. 

• Pherozeshah Mehta – Co-founded Indian National Congress, called the "Lion of Bombay." 

• Jamshetji Tata’s philanthropy – Established IISc Bangalore, Tata Memorial Hospital (cancer research). 

6. Military & Defense 

• Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw – India’s first Field Marshal, led India to victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. 

7. Education & Journalism 

• Dinshaw Wacha – Prominent Congress leader and writer. 

• Russy Karanjia – Founder of Blitz, a leading investigative tabloid. 

Why Their Contribution Stands Out? 

Despite being less than 0.006% of India’s population, Parsis have had an outsized impact due to their emphasis on education, entrepreneurship, and civic duty. Their philanthropy, institution-building, and patriotism make them a unique and respected community in India. 

The most important fact we can learn from them is that it is not numbers alone that matter but what we do in the life that is given to all of us. This is why we can say they are true role models. 

By Jamuna Rangachari