This act transcends mere generosity, directly connecting us to key divine principles:

• Vohu Manah (Good Mind) plants the seed, inspiring the desire to give selflessly.
• Asha Truth/Righteousness) ensures our giving is honest, sincere, and aligned with divine order. Spenta Armaiti (Devotion/Humility) ensures we give with true humility, not for personal recognition.

Our acts of giving are thus not just social or personal choices; they are spiritual contributions that connect us to the ultimate purpose: the furtherance of Frashokereti—the progressive renewal and perfect future of the world through righteousness.

This understanding of giving is reinforced by the concept des; (I give so that you may give;)—a pattern of exchange explored by Professor Almut Hintze of SOAS University of London in her article, “Do ut des: Patterns of Exchange in Zoroastrianism,” which she places at the very heart of the Zoroastrian religion. Hintze explains that this exchange is not about keeping score or seeking immediate material return, but rather about maintaining a sacred balance: a reciprocal relationship between humanity and the divine, and among individuals themselves.

Our community’s history is marked by an incredible tradition of philanthropy. Eminent figures like Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, Sir Dorabji Tata, Cowasji Jehangir, and Lady Hirabai Tata were more than just wealthy individuals; they were trustees. They fundamentally understood that their wealth was a sacred trust from Ahura Mazda, intended for the collective good. This spiritual mandate compelled them to establish foundational institutions, building hospitals, schools, and infrastructure to provide clean water and education, thereby recognizing their fortune was never truly theirs to retain. The elephant in the room: Addressing Contemporary Mistrust The theological and historical mandate for giving faces a significant contemporary challenge. The elephant in the room; is the widespread scepticism regarding the management of charitable funds. A significant number of young Zoroastrians are reluctant to donate, not due to a lack of generosity, but due to a perceived lack of institutional transparency.

The core issues are clear: a lack of verifiable proof that donations are used as intended and minimal public disclosure concerning fund allocation. This erosion of faith in our institutions directly compromises the powerful spiritual dynamic of giving we inherited. To revitalize our community's commitment to giving, we cannot simply look away. The proper response is to reaffirm the act of giving while simultaneously demanding a higher standard of ethical oversight and clear accountability from community bodies. This push for reform ensures our institutions reflect the same Asha (Truth and Righteousness) we seek in our personal charitable acts.

Reviving Our Charitable Spirit

The younger generation today often focuses on getting charity but avoids talking about giving back when they can afford it. This lack of active philanthropy is concerning. Zoroastrians are known for their deep-rooted honesty and charity—it’s part of who we are. This quality can still be revived by connecting the youth to our tradition of giving.

Reviving the Spirit: Fresh, Modern Strategies

To bridge the generational gap and revitalize our sacred duty of giving, we need fresh, transparent, and technology-driven ideas for today’s generation:

1. Transparent Platforms: Establish dedicated websites or mobile applications where donors can track, in real-time, exactly how every rupee is allocated—achieving full financial accountability.
2. Micro-Donations and Crowdfunding: We could implement micro-donations and crowdfunding for specific, tangible projects. Imagine a mobile app where the community can fund initiatives like training young mobeds, providing care for our elderly, or restoring agiaries.
3. Beyond Monetary Gifts: Emphasize that giving is not limited to money. Community members can contribute invaluable resources through time, specialized skills, and professional knowledge.
4. Harnessing social media: Utilize digital platforms to share compelling, real-life success stories that showcase the positive impact of donations on individuals. Such visibility builds trust and actively inspires a new generation of philanthropists.

Our Family & Tradition of Giving

My father ingrained the habit of giving in us. He encouraged us to avoid unnecessary spending and instead give that money to people in need or stray animals around us. He also taught us to show love to the elderly by visiting old age homes on days like Valentine’s Day and offering small gifts. He always demonstrated his belief that every penny counts by consistently putting money in the donation boxes of our worship places. Furthermore, we always witnessed him raise the wages of our house staff whenever he received a raise. He formalized our duty by teaching us to set aside a specific amount for charity once a year.

Conclusion

At its core, giving purifies our souls and brings us closer to Ahura Mazda's qualities: wisdom, goodness, and divine order. Through Vohu Manah (Good Mind), we develop the right mindset; through Asha (Truth), we act with integrity; and through Spenta Armaiti (Devotion), we give without ego. Giving is not about loss; it's about becoming a light. When we give, we truly embody Vohu Manah and uphold Asha. As Professor Hintze reminds us, the essence of religion lives in the sacred balance of giving and receiving—a cycle that sustains our souls and our community.

May every Zoroastrian heart become an eternal flame of generosity, glowing bright through good deeds.