Such a Long Journey: A tale of the Indian Parsis and Indian Politics

This paper presents two prominent themes of the novel Such a Long Journey. Parsis in India are a demographically and socially declining community. They once enjoyed a higher social status, however, with passing time they are reduced to second class citizens. This fact remains a major dissatisfaction for them. They, at the same time, take immense pride in their cultural identity. The various rituals related to their day to day chores and even during death are very different from the others’. This gives them a separate ethnic identity, which they cherish. A depiction of the lives, customs and displeasure of the Parsis living in India is highlighted in this write up. Politics too remains another noteworthy theme which is discussed here. The political setback centrally and locally, as perceived by the common mass, has a direct impact on their wellbeing. The scheming government at the center shudders the lives of the protagonist and his close ones. At the same time its incapability to handle situations of war or performing the duties towards the citizens, leave them in contempt. The inertness of the municipality too in doing its important duties leave the residents disgusted. Both these masterfully intertwined themes are studied in this research paper.