How does being a Bohri give you a special sense of identity (or does it)?
Yes, I do. . Bohras means a peaceful and loving community. you always get treated warmly by outside world.
They finds you friendly and flexible. Simple and honest.
How do you participate in the community?
Not always but I do, largely depends on how big the day and occassion is.
I don't attend Sabaks, don't participate in anything, only khidmat i do is in Mawaa'id.
Are there aspects of being a bohri that you especially like?
Urmmmmmm....more and less its same as first answer.
If you were in the leadsership positions within the community, what kind of changes, in any, would you like to bring about for our community members?
1.) Equality in treatment, No Different Safaai chhitti and No special thals, No special reserved place.
2.) Change in content : of Waa'z and bayan..nowadays mostly focus on glorifications and materialism things. Seriously its getting too boring and less spiritual day by day..should be more about Islam, less about Bohraism.
3.) Abandon giving titles on the basis of Salaam and najwa.
4.) Qadambosi should be free and Ziyafat on the basis of religious values a person posses, not his money.
5.) No forceful extortion of Wajebaat, whatever be given, should be taken. He will be accountable to Allah(SWT) on the day of judgement.
6.) Establish Free Libraries ( Deen and Duniya both ) and Loans for poor students, instead of buliding Aalishaan Jamatkhaanas. Provide regular food for poor and needy instead of lavish jaman everytime.
7.) Open mini Centres for understanding Quran with meaning, instead of spending on relays now and then.
8.) Encourage charity if one wants to do on individual level.
9.) Stop denial of burial in case of non payment of Sabeel.
10,) No Fixed money for Salaam and Raza, should be voluntary.
If you have young children, are you concerned about them maintaining the identity of a bohri?
Yes, I love the culture, values and manners we derived from our parents and ancestors. BuT, I will always teach him/her that you are a "Muslim" first, Then You are a "Shi'a" and Then you are a "Bohri". Always Remember.