India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley last week indirectly hinted at the need for Parsis to grow in numbers saying that the country needs more business leaders from the community to emerge as the fastest growing economy at a time when global conditions are adverse. “As mentioned here just now that India is trying hard to grow faster than any other country in the world. Global situation is adverse still India is trying to do that. And for that we need a lot more of you,” said Jaitley, speaking on the concluding day of Iranshah Udvada Utsav.
“How you do it and produce more business leaders, I think it is for you to discuss and consider within community,” he said to a thundering applause. Jaitley said the Parsis were vital in the quest for higher growth for the business leaders they would produce. The minister acknowledged the contribution of the community to India and described how he spent many years with Parsi individuals closely associated in his life. Jaitley also assured all the central government support to the community to develop Udvada.
Cyrus Poonawalla, founding chairman of Serum Institute of India, was also felicitated at the event. Poonawalla, the chief sponsor of the three day event, became emotional while remembering his wife Villoo, to whom he dedicated the festival.
