Apr 1966

ii Vol . II No . 6 Price 75 Paise APRIL 1966 ! I' ' neir medium for old uiadom 1 If I Jag ¦‘/J ’f'l s r * ’ • . ; ' Late Mr. P. N. MEHTA BUSINESSMAN. INDUSTRIALIST. PHILANTHROPIST, EDUCATIONIST, DONOR-FOUNDER I ' S " f * •< . • * ¦ < ? s 2 S' 5^'' ¦ • <7 s r ' ¦t' i s, X ' y f ’ t i. s ¦ s * x' a.».r . ' .,X. of P. N. MEHTA Education Trust and BOYS’ TOWNiS ‘ s li'" ¦ * / 'k . ¦f ' ’ 'V,2 ’.-. VOL II No. 6 APRIL 1966 P. N. MEHTA MEMORIAL LECTURES (A SERIES OF TWELVE LECTURES) DELIVERED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF RAHNUMA MAZDYASNAN SABHA AT K. R. Cama Oriental Institute (Bombay) ON WHAT SHOULD BE DONE FOR THE RAHNUMAE OF THE PARSI COMMUNITY ! This issue of PARSIANA is devoted exclusively to this series and is called RAHNUMA NUMBER Managing Editor: P. B. WARDEN. M.S. ( Bom. ), D.P.M. (Bom.) ADVISORY EDITORIAL BOARD Dasturji Navroz Minocher-Horpji, M.A., B.Ed. Dr. R, N. Cooper, M.S. (London). F.R.C.S. (Eng.) Mrs. Gool K. Savakshah Mrs. Shera N. Vazifdar, M.Com, Dr. R. C. Cooper, M.Com.. Ph.D. (Econ.), F.C.A. Mr. Jehangir F. Shroff Prof. Nadir Ardeshir Mody, M.A, LL.B. Dr. Sohrab H. Batliwala, Ph.D. Mr. Bejon N. Desai, M.A., B.Ed. Single Copy; 75 paise. Yearly subscription for 12 issues Rs. 6. Sh. 15 for U.K. and 2 dollars for U.S.A. Office Address; C/o Warden ’s (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd., 378, Grant Road, BOMBAY 7. Inland, - —¦' ¦ - -------------- •------------------------------------ - Piih liahAd and edited by Editor-Proprietor P. B. Warden from 378, Grant Road, Bombay 7 and printed by him at Godrej Memorial Printing Press. Gamadia Colony, Tardeo, Bombay 7.Par si ana Rahnuma Number CONTENTS: What should be done for the Rahnumae of the Parsi Community! Foreword by Mr. Erach A. Nadirshah (Reinforcer of Concrete Schemes) (President of the Rahnumae Mazdayasnan Sabha) A Lectures by : I. 2. Dasturji Khurshed Dabu (Our accredited revered religious leader) Prof. A. R. Wadia (My sor-ted pick) Dasturji N. D. Minocheherhomji (A Gathic Pathfinder) Mr. H. D. Banaji (Lawyer we TRUST-een) 3- 4- 5., Prof. N. A. Mody (Moving spirit of Y. C. Z, A.) 6. Mr. Jehangirji F. Shroff (A live-wire Executive) Mr. Bejon N. Desai (Mature head on tender shoulders) Mr. Sapur F. Desai (Atlantean shoulders fit to bear the weight of the Parsi World) 9. Ervad Dr. P. K. Anklesaria (Scholar-teacher-preacher COMBINATION Al) IO. T- 8. II. 12. Mr. Jehangir M. Ranina (Ran in a Great Race) Mr. Kaikobad D. Katki (KHADA PARSI in service of Parseeism) Mr. Ratan J. Mithaiwalla (Rathestar in the assembly of youth) syj/Pos/t/M Participants: Youths' Own Union (Y.O.U.) Young Collegians ’ Zoroastrian Association (Y.C.Z.A.) Dadar Parsi Youth Assembly (D. P. Y. A.) President — Mr. Maneck Mistry (Man with Knack)Lectures Series printed collectively, me daona nas paid the cost of paper, wrappers, postage, delivery and other incidental charges in the preparation of - - - - --------------------- In return the management of Parsiana undertake to send a copy to all members of the Sabha --------------- The object of the Sabha is This issue of Parsiana is thg result of implementing the decision of the Rahriuma Mazdayasnan/Sabfi^to. have l^ur^ of the P. N. Mehta Memorial Lectures Series printed collectively. The Sabha has paid the cost of this issue, but net the cost pf;compo^ng, editing an ** Lecture 11 Lecturer; Prof. A. R. Wadia M. P. President. Dr. Sarosh R. Wadia. 11-8-65 ? At the outset Prof. Wadia said this was a vast subject and it was difficult to make any off-hand suggestions. There were many questions that were facing the Community and their solution needed consideration and planning. Times were continuously changing and the Community shall have to adjust itself according to the circumstan ­ ces. The Community must take up seriously the question of education, both at the initial and higher levels. It is true that in the Parsi Commu ­ nity the percentage of literacy is almost lOO per cent. Still that does not help much. There was a time when with some learning a Parsi could get good jobs in bank or government offices or com ­ mercial firm. These days are gone. Other com ­ munities are coming forward which is welcome but in order that Parsis should hold their own, the standard of our education should also rise. Parsis should expect to get recognition on merit only. It is desirable to have a College with Parsi management. At present we can only think of an Arts College. Science college would be beyond our means. Purely Parsee college cannot get government Aid. Considering the small number of Parsi students who would join, it should be kept open for all communities. In our schools too greater attention should be paid to religious moral education and the formation of character. In order that the Parsjs can live contentedly and well we should change our expensive and luxurious habits and learn to live with dignity in simplicity. As a Community we should take keener inter ­ est and part in politics. Our older generation were ’ If such marriages cannot be stopped they should the leaders in the political field. Capable Parsis not be encouraged. should come forward to enter the State and Cen ­ tral Legislatures and the Civic Corporations. There is respect for Parsis for their habit of fair ­ play and impartiality. We should stick to such principles and use them as stepping stones to higher achievements. Because of our good traits there are four Parsis in Central Legislature two by election and two by nomination, nominated not as Parsis but as Indians as representatives of the teeming millions. In religious matters we have become indiffer ­ ent. A number of us may be going to the Fire Temples by force of habit but our warmth and love towards our religion has decreased. Christi ­ anity and others groups attracted some and charmed others. The wearing of Sudreh and Kushti should continue as our symbols. (Many Zoroastrians were saved by these symbols during communed riots). Parsis are respected as a harmless honest and loyal class by all. We must therefore try to pre ­ serve our individuality. It is a biological law, acknowledged commonly that union of likes produce specific results and in human beings it tends to preserve and perpetuate inborn traits. This is a rich inheritance of the Parsis which they should take care to preserve unsoiled. On this ground he opposed mixed marriages and based upon the male dominence in biology he agreed with our retaining children of Parsi father a.nd not accept ­ ing children of Parsi women by non-Parsi men. present system of 9In the end the lecturer pleaded for greater unity amongst the Community and hoped that by united efforts and scientific planning the Parsi Community will enable itself to live as well, honourably and happily as in the past. He deprecated the habit of drifting to Christia ­ nity for its pomp and pageantry and to Pirs, Sadhus and Saibavas for their so called miracu ­ lousness. In religion nothing matters except what is in our heart and Zoroastrianism has more than enough of good and great to fill any number of hearts. With outward indifference we are still zealous as can be seen from large numbers flock­ ing to our places of worship on occasions and many visiting them daily for religious inspiration. Parsis and Jews have endured most for their religion. As fanaticism will gradually fade away and proper understanding replace it our faith in our religion will blossom forth once again. Till then we must hold on, retain our beliefs and tenets in reverence they deserve. 1 I I The lecturer emphasised the need for industries to employ our younger generation. * ? o aaacB azzsu Publications of Zoroastrian Religious Knowledge by Mr. Framroze Rustomjee of Colombo are available at: All books in which Texts are New Book Co. Tarapo re walla. Jehangir B. Karani’s Sons Faredoon & Burjor Warden’s (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd Banaji Fire Temple (Sukhadwalla). fully explained should be in every Zoroastrian home. 10! Lecture III Lecturer*. Dasturji N. D. Minochchrhomfi M.A. Pres/dent: Mr. H. D. Banaji. Advocate. 18-8-65 All cases must be psychologically approached an d exa min ed and treated accordingly. In such matter the co-operation of parents is most useful. Parents must keep in touch with school teachers and the authorities, bring suggestions from tune to time and adjust home influences as advised by the teachers. As regards teenagers there is a common complaint that foey are fond of pictures and roam about in the evening. But the parents are to blame. If the parents themselves pass their evenings in the club or other [flaces of entertain ­ ment what are foe youngsters fo do ? Parents must spare time for their young sons and daughters, pass evenings with them, have attrac ­ tive conversation, teach religion and make good impressions how to behave in public now and when they grow up. Parental example is the key In his lecture Dasturji Minocheherhomji dwelt on the education of young children and the duty of the School and the parents. Dasturji referred to the late Mr. P. N. Mehta, in whose memory this series of lectures was arranged, and said he had worked under Mr. Mehta and knew how much Mr. Mehta cared for the education of our young people. Education must begin at a very young age when the child’s mind is most impres ­ sionable. We may not be aware but a child even at foe age of four or five is watching its elders very attentively and the behaviour of the elders is the most effective teacher. Impressions made at this tender age last for life. Parents should there ­ fore be very careful in their own behaviour and must never forget that every word they utter and family welfare, deed they do is a chapter in the lesson book of the child. Dasturji referred to the speech recently made by the Vice-President of India, Dr. Zaquir homji gave a second lecture in the same series Hussein, at Hyderabad that “the child is like the essence hidden in the bud which later grows into a flower. ’’ It is the duty both of the parents as jyfore Humble Survey ’’, well as of foe School authorities to see that this essence within the child is nurtured properly and helped to grow. The child passes through the school in about ten years. This is the most impor ­ tant period when the child’s character is formed. The old method of punishment is now replaced by patient examination about the cause which leads a child to behave in a particular way. Bad behaviour in school is often the reaction of some maladjustment at home or even in school itself. Dasturji in an illustration described a case in which every Tuesday a child in school would beat its fellow boys. Investigation at home show- keep in touch with those methods and try to ed that the family was so poor that they took incorporate as many of them as suit our condi- breakfast by turn and Tuesday was the day for tions. the child to skip its breakfast. The school provi ­ ded breakfast for that child every Tuesday and from that time the child gave up its bad habit. On I2th January 1966 Dasturji Minocheher- under the Presidentship of Prof. A. R. Wadia, “Fields of Guidance for the Community — One In the course of this lecture Dasturji Minochehrhomji gaife a very interesting survey of what is found in Zoroastrian religious scriptures about the education of a child, of a grown up man, as a citizen and the training which used to be given to our Priestly class during Achaemenian and Sassanian periods of Persian history. Dasturji also gave a dear idea of the method of modern education followed in advan ­ ced countries like England and America and sug ­ gested that those in charge of education, especial ­ ly the authorities of Parsi-run schools should ¦ . He said that visual method of training would be very helpful. Method should be employ ­ ed to make uninteresting subjects interesting. Above all, maximum attention should be given to»V'< when Khushrow became 2i years of age. Death character,.and for this purpose r i ¦ 4. v vatid- at-play and in their took place at 4 p.m. Khushrow sent fof Ub teac er sparethdu^? ’fep«(s, “V ’Tv Do you know m best itie education to each child at home, not only the pnnciples of our^ ------. A king should not take revenge and appointed the teacher a courtier for his whole life. of such teachers and such for teachers. To guide our ehildren we need not just Parsee mothers but we create a We need more pupils with reverence He asked him “Do you know me? ” •'Yes ! You are Your Majesty. You can now do ^hat you like ”. Khushrow said, “by your three 'th,, cr,at, a hini of aflection stripes I have learnt not to resp^t and fitith in our religion. . Dasturji gave a. general picture of education in ancient Iran. 1st It sought God’s Guidance. 2nd . It taught adaptation to changes in earthly need Parsee mothers Zoroastrians at heart ; whom lif^., . 3rd It asked for Courage to live. 4th It believed that only the universal elements in teachings will survive and really guide. 5th It made guidance an imperceptible teach ­ ing and not a form of driving through force. These principles were introduced in teachings at all levels of life from child to adult and even the elders. Training, was in the hands of Dasturs and Danavs (the wise). They decided when, where, how and why to.guide and whom to guide. Those anxious to receive guidance are the most fruitful fields. It was the business of parents to inculcate respect for teachers. Khushrcw (later known as was given three stripes by his teacher. He carried complaint as a future emperor to Kobad, his father and emperor of the time. Kobad said your teacher is not my subject he i and I can do nothing to him. King Kobad died Dasturji calk Parsee Zoroastrian mothers. If rituals and customs differ they do not make any change in the basic beliefs of people. An Englishman went to a t---- boquet and a Chinaman came of rice. The Englishman asked the Chinaman will your grandfather when he rises partake of the rice ! ---- tomb with flowers and there with a bowl ? The Chinaman retorted when your grand ­ father will rise will he smell the boquet ? Ceremo ­ nies and rituals strengthen our faith and bond with God. We do need them. We mankind are Hamlets throughout countless centuries wavering to be or not to be this or that. We question every- Navshirwan-e-Adil) when ten years old i I , 0 thing. -We question the value of prayers. May be after prayers we revert to our old wrong ways — but at least for the time being we are elevated- like daily bath after which we feel clean and fresh — though need another next morning. Like today’s bath today’s guidance will not is our fami ly Guru last for good but we need it today all the same. _ Let us seek it earnestly. future emperor to Kobad, a ? I ? ? I ?'O' ¦'¦BCl I'S bn;; < Lecture tV ^L£CTRoNIC engineer. oil? Lecturer: Mr. H. D. ’BahafirWvoc^i Mar. Tech. .. , . ^*<**0 Officer. : t.La^y HiFal>ai'.Co^«w>i,-Jwa|^r Qnr Communi ty has social and religious prob- _ _ \ of them. During the 1300 years of our stay in India the Parsis have rigidly follow^ the custom of not admitting non- Zoroastrian to our faith and this long standing custom has the effect of law. It is also legally settled that the offspring of a Parsi father and a non-Parsi mother wedded by civil marriage can become a Zoroastrian Paxsi bat-ii ’ai:^ 'dEBwde marrying a non-Parsi male cannot mdce her child a Zoroastrian Parsi. But what about the Parsi female who though continuing to be a Zoro- astriaii marries a non-Zoroastrian ? All 'these . ;44r.rErt«h A. Nadjrdkah in a short speech jUdy tfflirftbaii.Cowaaji! Jehangir and lems. Intermarriages is one t'Saidfriie^ ’Kas'one 'ofi.thefdeiwf ladies of our Commu- nnHy -WiO'iwats* ^working iday and night for long iiiaahyiyiwirs jn Ibe cause of the poor of our Com­ munity. (TherRahnumaeSabha'was proud to have . aePastam likeiLady Hkabai C. Jflhangir. i I *ia4yiJehangir .occujMed; a unique place in our - Gn mmnrq ty and had., endeared herself to all, es- .-pecia^y filae..poorer class,.-by her service, sacrifice and devotiQn..The prmcBly chanb^s of die Ready- . pj.^biems must be faced and solved. The Second Binoaey-rf^i^y were w^lklmowi. World Zoroastrian Congress which met in Bom- c"2 : - bay in 1964 tmade-a number of recomraaidations. ,-Mr. ? Bana ji aaid the iwhole world was moving They must be implemented. We should appoint a .,tbroggb-h30n&tandy changing drcumstance^ Our committee of leaders and scholars and what is - country India was also moving fast Therefore, most necessary is that we should have a constitu- it would not help our Community to remain ton. If we have a Central Organisation for all stagnant. We should move with the times. • It Parsis of India we can do a lot. We can give ' iwoulds ’notopay to stjck to the old adage 'do as our forefahtars did’. We mus adjust ourselves to changed circumstances and try to hold our own. This we can do only on merit and be as fit in every way as possible. It is the work of the Rah- ,,t^“o^b7^7*Qfnu®~Community.,^ Main Com- 'Banaji gflid the ,whole wodd was moving most necessary is that we should have a constitu ­ tion. proper leadership and guidance, lend assistance where necessary, relieve distress in far off places, look after properties in villages at present lying uncared for arid what U most have a rqaresenta- ..nnmne Saaarto shw^tte nght path and it was appointed by the Cnngieas is trying to . of lectures. lon-this iipportapt subject as to what should. be done for the. Rahnumae of the Com­ munity. The first thing that was necessary, accor- cfing-lo the lecturer, was that our community should shed its lethargy and be prepared for active solid hard work. We have shown le&argy in civjc matters, in the political field and even in acquainting ourselves with our religion. There are*ghod sanall books on ourrelgion which parents should read and place in the hands of our younger generation. It is heartening to see that our nation ­ al outlook is keen and vigorous and even tod^y when the country was in danger not one but .*pBroiaUte,*h«t the ,Sabha had storted a series but we need the backing of the whole community in this great cause. The lecturer analysed each of our problems — Social, Economic, Political, Religious, Legal, Educational arid Health. SOCIAL: We have taken large strides and made a considerable progress. Now it is time to take stock of them. We must look into our Marri ­ age and social Taws and customs and fchange them as needed. In political Rfh each cs»e of ns must play his or her part appropriate to the station, and several Parsis laid down their lives in the defence *'pe4ad of Kfc, young , • u j of the cowitiy. take up th^ chMr« senoosly m .hand and treat or old. Parsi parents must ul»3 i ¦i a- them as their TRUST. Parents must educate ttieir own selves. School and coUege education are something apart. Knowledge of bringing up a new generation is more a sense of responsibility. We should prepare parents question of devotion and RELIGIOUS'. These controversies have been dealt with by several other speakers and all have a common theme. LEGAL: There are customary laws and there are statutory laws. The latter are enacted in 51 ior their task. They will then guide their children, legislatures and the former enter m by us^ and People will then say here is a community whoso mothers know how to live and lead. ECONOMIC: Millionaires are dwindling down. No big charities are possible. Everyone must pay laws), implications of civil marriage and Basu his own way and help the needy by pooling a large number of small resources. For that our youngste rs must increase their earning powers and share them to some better end. Our Employ ­ ment Bureau tries to secure jobs. All cannot get Parsi Panchayet investigated it and the Calendar the jobs they want but few are unemployed. The Report of 1927 was published in 1935 in two volu- - ¦ , mes with conflicting opinions therein* However, ^'Lpl^^for dd”pi^de? hedW "«• ” slowly and mor. and practice tin custom obliterates the written ( enact ­ ed) law as not applicable under given circumstan ­ ces. Our marriage and Divorce Act, our laws of succession and adoption (w© have no adoption Bill all need to be studied in context to our life. The Parsi Community has no Constitution even though Katchi and Lohana as castes have theirs. ZOROASTRIAN CALENDAR is in a mess. mes lazy ones swell their number. Our real headache is in securing . . and willing to work. The Panchayet cannot open industries. Monies with them are ear-marked funds. POLITICAL'. Modem Parsi youth has comp- Zoroastrian one calendar, lete apathy towards political career. We need not be deterred by the thought that unless we live up varied and arc with conflicting opinions therein. However, more people are inclined towards adoption of one Calendar in time to come. After long research Iran has finaly adopted Zoroastrian Fasli Calen ­ dar as State Calendar. Let it now be universal educational problems are too vast and not specific to our community, with political intreagues ours shall be some lone They are being solved mainly on national lines voice in wilderness. Parsis should be active in and partly on community lines. Elections. Failures do not matter. The electorate HEALTH: This problem is tackled by the is not all happy with those they have sent into Parsi Punchayet in its Tardeo Clinic and Parsi councils and assemblies. They say "We have put Ward of Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy Hospital and |ou in we shall put you out." But if Parsis will through munificence of great donors like Sir Bomanji Dinshaw Petit, Dr. Masina, Dr. Tehmul- ji Nariman and others. -f- ? go in in greater number they will clean up the mess and filth of political chicanery. CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH The Second World Zoroastrian Congress has done yeoman services to the Community. It has opened the eyes of the Community to its many problems and made 72 recommendations of which the following 12 are significant and urgent Compiling complete Parsi History Formation of an All India Zoroastrian Association Formation of a World Zoroastrian Association Forming a uniform Civil Code (I) (2) (3) (4) 14(5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (II) (12) Compiling a Directory of Parsi industries and trade A Zoroastrian Cooperative Credit Bank Collecting and printing essential statistics Marriage Guidance Vocational Guidance Microfilming Zoroastrian Scriptures and important works Starting Congregational Prayers Printing Avasta in English Scripts. Lady Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir in her Presi ­ dential remarks agreed with Mr. Banaji that the Community should shed its lethargy and set about taking appropriate action for the good of the Community. Lady Jehangir deplored that amongst all classes there appears some leanings towards non-Zoroastrian beliefs. We must inculcate the teachings of Prophet Zarathushtra more and more The community has not made the best use of its resources. Advantages are there but they are not taken in the right way. Better sense must prevail. We must welcome reforms where they are over ­ due and not fight shy of or show apathy and let things drift. Reforms must develop and strength ­ en our character. “LET OUR LPiZES PREACH _ not writing and speeches. ** WARDENS and War(leii*s (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd. have given you best Sandalwood for 40 years The Religion of Zarathushtra Daily Prayer Book NOW RECOMMEND BEST READING MATTER Works of Dr. Irach J. S. Taraq^orewalla Ph. D. Rs. 6 Rs. 3 (Publications of Mr. Framroze Rustomji of Colombo) Parsiana Available at all our shops. Rs. 6 (Yearly) 15Lecture V V Lecturer; Prof. N. A Mody Advecate 20-10-65 President: Mr. Eri^h A. Nadirshah. Mr. Erach Nadirshah referred in glowing terms about the lecturer. Prof. N. A. Mody. He was an Advocate, a Professor, the President of the Young Collegians ’ 2k)roastnan Association, and the grandson of the late Sir Jeewanjee Mody who was a great Oriental scholar and religious leader. mountain and passed a night there. This makes our youngsters realise the difficulties and perils which our forefathers faced for the sake of our religion and the difficult cicumstances through which they passed by strong will, faith and endu ­ rance. The lecturer said we should study the economic Condition of our community and find out the causes of poverty. Personal inquiries should be made and mere dole system should be replaced by some well-planned scientific system which would reduce poverty and make our Patsis depend less and less upon outside help. Some kind of co-ordi ­ nation between Trustees of various charities would help. When a thing is considered to be for the good of the Community and capable of im ­ proving its lot, action to put it into practice should Prof. Mody gave a very illuminating and inspiring talk. He analysed the position of the Community from several aspects, physical, intel ­ lectual, social, economical and religious and said that all said and done what was needed was the right approach, correct planning and immediate action. We often fail to make the correct diagno ­ sis. We do not become resourceful and find the correct remedy and we do not take action where immediate action is necessary. There are a num ­ ber of directions in which the Community should take action without fear or flicker. If we look at be taken immediately and without h^tation. One the history of the Rahnumae Sabha we shall find thing is necessary and that is foflow up. that a handful of men came forward and showed Scholarships are given to students but we should the right path of true Zoroastrian living in spite of follow up their career after they pass out, and wrong outlook must be brought to notice and down in profession, business or small industry - ¦ - --------------- ----------- . Other- We must be wise a kind of frustration comes on even to our - - •, see great opposition. Wrong beliefs, harmful customs what they need, assist them where we can to settle L__ _____„ ....... correct advice given. Opposition should not deter and give them small loans if necessary, us if our cause is just and true. --------- ... actuated by the highest of motives, viz., the good students who are intelligent and who pass out of others and we should be able to show where high. people are wrong, what harm they would come across by following wrong beliefs and must be _ made by persuation and education to go to the consorted effort. Societies like the Rahnuinae right path. Look at the position of our young Sabha have been workffig ^OT years but we should men and women. They are intellectual enthusistic plan our activities according to the needs of the. and useful. But they feel they are being left alone, time ,-0 as to attract the young. Like Christians The elders must interest them in communal we should bring out small picture books of the matters take them in their confidence and make life of our Prophet and see that if the youth do of their dynamic force. The glorious history not come to us we take the books to them, i^ce . - . - « •• 1 X 1. which would attract the attenion of even the parents. Let us hope that we shall now meet and consider what action should be taken and once decided we shall not lag behind in taking speedy In religious matters we have not made any Sabha have been ^orkiog/^ years but we shc^d time as to attract the young. Like Christians use of their dynamic lorce. me gionous nisiory uoi vumc uu u» wc lon-c wum lu of our forefathers should be repeatedly brought them in their hands and go from home to home to their notice. Mere lectures will not attract them. For instance, our Young Collegians ’ Zoroastrian Association take them for picnics and tours to places of historical importance like Sanjan and Udyada. and we once took them to the Bahrote necessary action. 16I Lecture VI Lecturer: Mr. Jehangir F. Shroff. President; Mr. Erach A. Nadirshah. appearing. 3-11-65 We must find the cause of this and Mr. Jehangir Shroff speaking on the question of the need for the Rahnumae of the Community took a wide survey of several burning questions which were facing the Community and laid emphasis on certain problems which required speedy solution and early action. He drew atten ­ tion to the progress which was made by the Parsis of a century ago. Coming to this strange land a thousand and more years ago without any money or possessions the Parsis made their way by dint of hard work, agricultural pursuits, trade and commerce and industrial enterprizes. It is true that conditions at the time were favourable. There was less competition, there were no rigid rules in international trade and travels and there was stability of the British rule. Now the condi ­ tions have changed entirely. There is a general awakening amongst all classes, competition has become acute and rigid, rules and regulations often operate as a curb on trade and enterprize. Despite everything the Parsis must hold their own. The lecturer said our boys and parents made much too much of College education. It was alright for the few bright ones but others must find their avocations suitable to their aptitude. There is no loss of dignity in manual labour, our Priestly class. He held" the Behdins largely Preferably more Parsis should take to handicraft responsible in this matter. Most Priests who carry and technical lines. Such students should be helped on not only during studies but after they ceremonies in the Fire Temples are meagerly pass out. Helping hand should be given to them till they settle down to their trade. There was a try to help those of the farmers who wish to stick to their lands. Financial aid is necessary at so many points. The lecturer therefore recommended the formation of a Co-operative ae(ftistrian Fina ­ ncial Corporation. We have good financiers and economists amongst us. We should take their advice and proceed slowly in the right direction so as to help and advise our people whenever needed. The lecturer said he had just returned from Yugoslavia and he was amazed at the speedy progress time. made by the small country in a short Besides economical we had several other prob ­ lems. Moral and religious education in our schools needs to be rigidly enforced and in the home and in the Fire Temples we should do all we can to inspire faith and respect for our religion. There was a time when Parsis were selected in Banks and responsible positions just because of their A upright character and truthfulness. Character- building was, is and will remain absolutely neces ­ sary every time. The lecturer drew attention to the condition of our Priestly class. on professional work of performing prayes and paid. With economic strain on them we cannot expect them to fill in the role of teachers and time when many Textile Mills were owned by guides which is really what they should do. We Parsis. This is now a thing of the past and Parsis now should not expect patronage but must learn to stand on their own legs and come up by sheer reasonable income. We should see that some pro ­ merit. In the agricultural line Parsis are falling vision is made for them in old age. back. Parsi farmers in Gujrat are slowly dis- should consider this matter seriously and devise some plan whereby each Priest is assured of many . There are other problems also. But the greatest need 17I 5 of our Community is unification. At present we Parsis are spread out in distant parts of this country. We must unite them by the formation of an All India Parsi Organisation as a Federation with authority to speak on their behalf and be able to give uniform guidance and leadership to all Parsis. We should shed our differences on small and unimportant points and all join in form ­ ing some plan for the lasting benefit of the Com­ munity. The learne^gjjjurer stressed three points: — Co-ordination of our resources in men, No. I. money and institutions which in the opinion of the lecturer was the supreme need of the hour. Machinery for long range thinking and No. 2. planning in order to use properly the resources of the community which should be the first target. Co-operative Zoroastrian Finance Cor- No. 3. poration to enable us to implement reforms. i ? ? •2» ? « ? ? ? ? « ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? « ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? <• ? *2* *** *2* *2* *2 ? <> 1 ? ? I ? ? ..J. .J *{**2*^*2*^^*^*^* HOMl & CO. Charni Road Junction A place for Quality and Precision for glasses. Eyes tested by qualified eye ­ specialist on attendance (COURTESY and FAIR-DEAL) <• ? ? ? ? ? ? * ? ? ? <• ? ? ? ? . ? ? ? ? ? ? ? i ? ¦3 18P^ ^^W I^^ P^ ^^^ ^^^ SHSS SB ISB Bi ti.-e^ V o w r n Dr. Rustom Nusserwanji Cooper M.S. (Lond)., F.R.C S. (Eng.) Died Sth April 1966 Born:- 3rd April 1893 A great student, a, great scholar, a great surgeon, a great soul, who endeared himself to the rich and the poor, serving equally the rich in their trouble and the poor in their misery. Loved by students, respected by colleagues, worship- ped by all whose sufferings he relieved he innumerable men and numerous institutiSli's in need of his mature judgment that ever extended his helping hand to cured all sorts of ills of life. 7' . - . insight of Minoi he knew well God’s plan of life and did his duty to all earth and remained ever mindful of the life beyond, where he Garodman. He was From worldly wisdom for the Geti to the spiritual I men on now resides in “God’s Compromise between an A self-less interval between life and death ”. earthly flower and Heavenly Angel. We regret to announce that this is the last issue of Parsiana, wherein his name will appear in the list of Advisory Editorial Board — that promoted Parsiana. “Namaste ” — We bow to you for all that was divine in you. a prestige body 19-iS-g* ¦¦ 8k ¦i5x-»’' ,• /!£«¦ ~z fs. »¦>' lecture WF Lecturer: Mr. Bezon N. Desai President; Mr. J.iE. Heerjeebehdin. 10-11-65 J the number in each class is large. Method of Mr. Bezon Desai, the Principal of the Boys’ S'own Nasik, recently returned from the United teaching should be modernised and visual train- Btates where he had gone as a visiting teacher under the Colombo Plan, said he was very glad this series of lectures was arranged in memory of the late Mr. P. N. Mehta, a past President of the Rahnumae Sabha and the founder of the Boys’ town at Nasik. Mr. Mehta possessed zest for the ing helps a lot in making children to remember -lessons. Some children are bent upon In olden times punishment method. In these days mischief, the usual was teacher would a mild way. in providing proper up to date kind of educatiotf^l^j^^ "jg gnd the cause tor the young. As he had experience in the edu ­ cational line he would concentrate on the question 6f education. _ ______ _ ___ a parsi Community and was particularly interested better by approaching in and when that is removed the mischief ends. Proper friendly heart to heart talk often has better results parents and home atmosphere must be studied. than punishment. Contact should be made with difficult in the present times when far off from the school and teachers Mr. Desai said it was a wrong notion that the ^11 this is education of a child commenced at the age of six 1_„„_ or seven. At a much smaller age the child begins ‘ have hardly any time. In such cases the Parents to gather impressions which remain for a long time in its mind and which go to form its charac- ___ ter. It was therefore absolutely necessary that ¦ of views would help both sides. Attention should parents should see that a wholesome influence prevails at home. If a child sees constant squab ­ bles amongst its parents, relatives or neighbours that creates a lasting bad impression upon its nature and future. Attention should be paid to moral training. Undesirable language used or^ bf education there and introduce desirable systems other impressions consequent upon congestions at home should be carefully avoided. homes are Associations can do much. Regular parents meetings should be arranged and free exchange be paid to physical exercise and in cities there are less opportunities for this. In comparison to that opportunities provided in boarding schools like the Nasik Boys’ Town are many. If possible more teachers should be sent abroad to see the methods less opportunities for this. In comparison to that opportunities provided in boarding schools like the Nasik Boys’ Town are many. If possible more here. Care must be taken at the time of admission at school. Parents often desire to put their children in higher class than the child deserves. I his is not to the benefit of the child. Teachers at school take every care as regards instruction and behavi ­ our outside teaching hours. But parents must co-operate in this. Poorer boys are given help in studies, pur ­ chase of books, etc. Yet our Trusts are not able to cope with the demands. More attention should Proper nourishment of children is necessary both for health of body and mind. Many Parsi schools provide food during the day which is commendable. The natural bent and eccentricities of children have to be watched and individual attention is desirable. This is not possible when be paid in investigating each case carefully and estimating the capacity of the student before help is given. Boys should be trained according to their aptitude and encouraged in the line in which they can produce best results. Some kind of religious instruction should be given. This is not possible in aided schools run on cosmopolitan lines. But there too prayers on common lines and general moral instruction should be imparted. This should be suplemented by religious education at home. Mr. Desai said the subject was very vast and that he could deal with it in broad outlines only. 20I i- •w •W '* ' -ini? J 1^2 .-5. /J 1 /A/ POISONS COFFEE • BUTTER • TEA There are 84 optional subjects in S. S. C. < : ; £ou^. There are varioust handicraft, art work and science subj^ts. ^. JNo school can provide for all 84 choice. Some concentrate on sdence, some on arts, crafts and multi-purpose courses. Bifur ­ cation starts in 8th standard. All parents must have the whole list of voluntary subjects and help the students to select what is best for him. Our parents have a childish craving that their oi . son must go in for Academic lines for prestige of the family. Prestige is later ruined with the ruina ­ tion of the students' third rate career in unsuitable line. PU.1SE ypu Our prosperity was due to our forefathers rising early, offering prayers and starting day for whatever they did and they did well. Today outward impression and show without substance characterises many a life. Even schools are selected by parents on basis of show. They look upon pure Parsi schools disdainfully nil They do not know that now all schools are practically brought up to the same general standard. Everywhere all teachers must be qualified teachers. Good students make Success is to be sought in thejife of the good sdiools. Good schools do not make good student in the siib^^t and not in the students. Many of our best men have passed out drift from examination to examination for collfec- ‘ from"fedidbk^^bu look at with scorn. If yog will . tion of certificates. We are credulous si at i ii H«U — 4. —wn. and gullible of college career without r&ally benefltting by it sow seeds of contempt you will reap contempt We hay© fondness somewhere. All schools serve by rule and rule by se!hdGe to your sons and daughters. It is only the You must care for those who care for the future (of your progeny) Due to natural limitations imposed by I. Q. Do not dump glamour that catches your eye. all your students in the S.S.C. heap. Ultimately f ' what shall we do with tl^t heap ? Let them h^e suitable careers _ military, naval and different " ____ craft schools can make reaj^ men of th^'. We all children cannot prbfit by any ordinary scho<^, prefer j^se to purpose aHiSii pompous or plain. cl suitable careers _ military, naval and different 21»¦ > rf? i.. K "-i 7 4, ,1J> t .-¦< ¦(»- W;-' strong atWttt tfie fi»»Wd-««d diat large amounts were ?d&owed to lie ’idSo for a long time. If the (foject ^Id nti^ be serM^ t&c Court ?should be mBfed toS®nni^t^ use'to anofiier like usefid^urpcBs. Tl»^ Trustees of tSe dSfferent Trusts shouldSvork co-o^ation. If Trus ­ tees are adaBrnt aB do not co-dpeSater die aid It is time . r ^ive up your fidse fondftesis.' The Pfedeftt. Mr. H^tj^^hd& 'fti a verjr i^piring speech gave a number of points in matters of education, poverty aiid administration of Oiarity Trusts. He cottj^atulafted Mr. Desai for doling so exquisitely with the question of PaiM education and complimented Kihi in t^t the knowledge obtained by him during life visit t® ..v.T.t-ji&Tti..- •. »tr.-ia . 4 i 7. r- 1 a oftheTawcOhrtssll^^be-invoW^. educational institutions in U.S.A, and England _ and . : i- , X. 1 the rersi Cdmmunifv inraotes to tms xweo ana would be ui^ to the benefit of our educational i . ^4 • U Tvr Anoire does Icttnething befwtrrt fe loo 1^. institutions here. Mr. Heer^eDehdin spoxe -“«¦¦ !¦ -!«.¦ ¦ -1 Mr. 1 I ¦»> ?«r»»* MM » ?? 11 »»44» ? H n f» ^iMlVthtrfMVM M8»yi M I Mll Mlf^M- Ni/s. G P. MKapscItar « Co. Sandalwood, Sandalwood 6il lidoif^Wibtb 8t Importers—Exporters '¦LAXMI ^ttVAS” Gibb Town, Poet Box Mo. 8, Dhaf^ar (Myto) In^. Ol^Mt & Stocki»t» »f MALBARl & DHARWADl (MYSORI ) SANDALWOOD & SANDALWOOD OIL Dur Sals* Depots at: Dharwar & Bombay Principal Suppliers to :- LTD* M/s. WARDEN’S (MYS^ORE) PVT Grant Road, Bombay & other Merdumta in Greater Bombay. Groffu: "SANDALWOOD” Dharwar. PhwidNo.: 179. •» '¦umimtttir............................. *........... 22Lecture VIII Lecutrer: Mr. Sapur F. Desai 17-11^5 President: Mr. Maneck J. Gheyara. On behalf of the Rahnumae Sabha Mr. Erach A. Nadirshah, its President, welcomed Mr. Maneck Gheyara and congratulated him on his recent election as the President of the Surat Parsi Pun ­ chayet. Mr. Gheyara came from a highly respect ­ able family of Surat. He and his forefathers are wellknown for working for Surat Punchayet and Parsi community round about. Mr. Gheyara is keenly interested in the community ’s welfare and is doing his utmost towards it. Mr. Nadirshah wished him every success. Mr. Desai began his lecture with a question, could a hundred years of Rahnumae not suffice for the uplift of the community ? Rahnumae depends on those who talk of Rahnumae, those who listen to what they say and those who actual ­ ly carry out Rahnumae. Everyone considers him ­ self a leader and we have Advisers in plenty. For every 50 Parsis we have 51 advisers, but the effect and value of what they say lies in their integrity and not in their words and the earnest ­ ness of the people who listen to them alone can determine its final value. We can evaluate what has been done in the last hundred years. Leaders can do nothing without earnest followers. The understanding that existed in the community about social, religious, moral and spiritual matters hundred years ago did not exist fifty years ago and what existed fifty years ago does not exist now. That earnestness is Jacking. Time brings on changes. During these hundred years people have acquired education, broadened their vision and have met some of the problems in their own way. With changing conditions new problems have, from time to time, arisen. That must bring in the question of changing Rahnumae from time to time. Everything remains in a flux in this world and we have to examine our problems repeatedly in the light of changing world, for each of which we must necessarily develop a new outlook and a new appropriate technique qf adaptation. It augurs well for the community that it looks out for fresh approach and rational ways for correc ­ tions. The Parsis came to India twelve hundred years ago and they have retained their individuality all these years, for which we are thankful to God Almighty. Now the question arises. Shall we be able to retain our individuality another twelve hundred years? In a population of four hundred and sixty millions a hundred thousand Parsis are a microscopic minority. At the end of this century the Indian population would be one thousand million, or one hundred crores. The birth rate in the community is low and falling ; in fact the lowest in the country and in the past few years the Bombay Parsis, over seventy thousand strong, have begun to display a falling birth-rate. Today Parsi literacy is almost cent per cent. The overall literacy in the country is about thirty per cent. When this figure rises to himdred per cent Parsis may find it difficult to live with keen competition all round. Even at present the Parsis sense the slow grip of competition. The Parsi community is highly individualistic and each one thinks he is capable of looking after himself. That in itself may be a virtue, but when such a virtue is stretched to its breaking point by trying to lead the rest, the virtue becomes non ­ existent. Three hundred years ago there were only two Parsis jn Bombay. Today there are over seventy thousand. Hundred and fifty years ago a number of Parsis began to come to Bombay. Many cf them were pioneers. They loved adventure. Coming to Bombay from villages of Gujarat was not an easy thing then, since there were no means of communication or transport except by bullock cart and by prows. The growing prosperity of a few saw the rise of Charitable Institutions — first the ‘Dokhmas ’ and then the Agiaries and Atash- behrams. But spiritual satisfaction is not all that 23s mae on how to solve this problem. Bombay has attracted thousands of Parsis in material body requires and the multipiica^ion of j^f «JQi^Parsis. This question demands careful the poorer elements in the community saw “tiw '^consideration. The question is grave and the solu- rise of funds for helping the poor. The Trustees tipn difficult but not impossible. We need Rahnu- have' to manage the Trusts in the same spirit thkt prompted the donor to settle the,., 4aust. The Trustees cannot use Trust moneys in any other -way even though laudable as long as even.a sin^e -the.last few decades. But-life .in Bombay-has oiow •peasmiclaBiiefttingffrom the; object of the Tnfet to. I)e difficult. .Some .thirty or lorfy ,years claims the benefit. People usually do not under- those Parsis^who retired from work left Bom- stand this legal binding on the Trustees and losely towns and. villages in Guja- ¦talk-of diverting Trust .moneys to industry or ¦’^t, but that tendency is now waning. There , is t trade, for ..the. Parsis. .Between. Maharashtra and Gujarat there c o^ffir-fifteen hundred.itrusts with a corpus running , both sides. . into, over thirty crores^.This is not a small .amount and the imiUiona.that came by, up to a ..few deca- vdes-ago. will not repeat themselves. It therefore -behoves lhe community to make the best use of .its resources for,the uplift of the community. - In, a.-number of cases the hand of the dead V ,donor re^a heavily on his Trust, and no other use C'itf ithe fflDipusi is jermissible 'beyond tiie wishes of deceased'donor. However where there is no needs : possibility of carrying out the trust terms the doctrine of cy pres can be applied for and per ­ mission obtained from Court to . divert the Trust money. Truist separately and independentiy of each other is now oittdated arid out-moded. are ZAe o/d system of administering each Mr. Desai emphasised the desirability an d im ­ portance of co-operation and co-ordination not only between trusts and trusts but between Anju- maa and -Anjumans. He said that it was the busi- .aeSB'Of everyone to see that no Tarsi ever ran into'diffictllties and if one did to rescue him. Towards that the leaders of the comm unity and fhe Trustees , of trusts should have at hand practi ­ cable measures, ) preventive and corrective. rat, but that tendency is now waning. highest concentration of .Parsis in Bombay and villages and towns of Gujarat are. being dpnnded of Parsi occupants. This. has. created, problems on The'funds in the hands of these trusts and Anjumans are a sacred trust for the good of the comnwnity. They should, thereforre, ba for any Parsi living anywhere in the country. tThere should-be no furochiaUsm-OXtA>03xAi o^ should work towards, the;darker end. Mr. , Desai drew attention to , the foUowipg I Maintenance of the old and jnfitm. Creating tffs giyigg emplejonent. Education from nursery upto ’ univers^ stage, for all,’ with, help from trust funds wherever, needed. Prophylactic measures. Development of arts and industries and directing . and settling the Parsi yoothS;-)^ small scale industries. 6. . Measures towards confining .GujaraL “Parsis to Gujarat where they can make , a living with ihe insreasing opportunities. Mr. Desai warned the Trustees that if they failed to make ruse of the tmsts in their; hands, the Charity .Commissioner may make them do it Hrider- sectibft 55 of the Bombay Public Trusts Act. Sections ii, 12 and 13 of the ^Income-Tax I. 2. 3- 4- 5- iMr. Desai referred to the conditions prevailing •in. Gujarat towns^ and villages and said that the of those places were migrating to cities and their'house sandland were falling into the hands Act of 1961 would fall heavily on them a 134The Parsi Punchayet has its hands full. There is no side of daily life which the Punchayet is not looking into. There are several committees like He suggested that statistics of fifteen tlwusand Parsis living in Gujarat should be taken- at an early date so that practical measures cap be undertaken. He appealed to the Surat Panchayet housing, health, employment, education, finance, to take a leading part in the matter, especially to administration and management. Their reports Mr. Gheyara, independent, vivacious President of the Surat Parsi Punchayet. Finally Mr. Desai stated that on Pandit Jawa ­ harlal Nehru ’s suggestion, the United Nations had designated 1966. as the Internation Co-operation Year. If millions could think in terms of co-opera ­ tion, the community which is like a drop in the ocean could consider the value of co-operation as something vital for its existence. He advised the community that if they wanted to live purposeful existence for the next twelve hundred years every individual should think at least for some time in terms of others and not of self all the time. He decried our pleasure-loving pre-occupations in -which when an ethnic group gets engrossed it fails to spare any time for some larger and impersonal cause of the welfare of its own group. "J? ft He pointedly drew attention to the degenerat ­ ing effect of dole system worked indiscriminately. It should be restricted to the incapacitated and the infirm only, for charity should be fruitful and helpful conducive to progressively less and less dependence on charity. Charity should not dege ­ nerate into any form of easy-money. are open to inspection and study. But who cares? The Punchayet maintains a good library. But who goes there ? It is true we do not have a constitution or a central body with authority and sanctions but the Bombay Parsi Punchayet is doing a number of things by long standing convention. In his concluding lecture Mr. Gheyara referred to the difficulties of the Parsis of Gujarat who had to contend evil effects of social legislations like Prohibition, Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, etc. He stated that there was extreme poverty in remote villages of Gujarat and it was time something was done. Prohibition had taken away their trade and moneys earned and invested in agricultural land are forced out of possession. He deplored the slowing down of religious tempo amongst the youth and stated that something should be done to awaken their faith and streng ­ then it. He expressed his conviction that it was our faith in our religion that sustained us through centuries. Mr. Gheyara expressed satisfaction at the work which was beirig done by the Rahnu ­ mae Mazdayasnan Sabha and congratula^d it on organising this series of lectures. f lal£( ^5Lecture IX Lecturer*. Dr. Peshotan K. Anktesaria 1-12-65 President; Mr. Adi N. Chinoy. Mr. Adi Chinoy formally introduced the lecturer of the evening. Ervad Dr. Peshotan Anklesaria, was too well known in the Rahnumae Sabha to need any introduction. He is for many years the Principal of the Gama Athoman Insti ­ tute at Andheri and is thus taking active part in bringing out a priestly class, not only qualified for daily ceremonial work but also learned and well equipped with knowledge of our religion and scriptures. Dr. Anklesaria was himself a scholar of Avesta and Pahalvi and was recently selected as a visiting Professor of an American University and had the opportunity of seeing the methods of study in the States, England and the Continent. Mr. P. N. Mehta memorial lectures are delive ­ red and valuable suggestions have been collected from various speakers. Time has now come to take action. After this series is over the Rahnwnae Sabha may appoint an action Committee and frame some concrete suggestions for taking action on our various problems. Ervad Dr. Anklesaria first referred to the question of population and deplored the consiste ­ ntly decreasing number of Parsis as revealed in successive censuses. He pointed out that 97 per cent of literate Parsis come in the group from 15 to 55 years. Economic and other reasons were responsible for late marriages which is one of the causes of lower birth rate in our Community. The olden ways of living in joint families where married sons and their families used to live under one roof is no longer practicable. Housing is such an important matter for the future of the Ccm- munjty that the Trustees of the Parsi Punchayet should take it up and obtain expert advice of specialists if necessary. On our total population Dr. Anklesaria quoted census figures from Mr. Sapur Desai as under: 1891 1931 1941 Then there is fall 1951 1961 89,887 1,11.853 1,14,890 1,11,791 1,06,087 Thus, about zi,ooo persons are unaccountably missing to the Community. Previously each birth in every hospital was properly recorded about community and religion. Little irregularity here may explain a small number but there is definite decrease in our number. On an average there is one Parsi per 4500 Indians of all denominations and works out at 0.02 per cent of total Indian population. Improvement of the lot of Athornans, the Priestly Class. Athomans are an important and perhaps an indispensable class in the Community. The majority of our Priests are in very poor circumstances. If a poor Priest has three or four children the problem of rearing them, educating them and making them fit to earn a living becomes very difficult. Again, the more intelligent of the boys go in for secular lines where the payment is attractive as compared to what they can get in the Priestly avocation. We have got the Athor- nan Madressa and the Cama Athornan Institute where we bring out a priestly class with good learning and good background. But the prospects in the priestly profession are unattractive. We are glad the Dadar Athornan Madressa has again started working. Mr. Maneck Mistry along with Dr. Karkhanawala are preparing some plan. We wish that something is done soon. Even at the Second World Zoroastrian Congress held in Bon> bay in January 1964 recommendations were made to devise some and means for the improve ­ ment of the economic condition cf our Priests but no action seems to have been taken in the matter. We should follow the example of the Jesuit Fathers devotedly they work all their life. JSome such system should be evolved whereby our knowledge of our ancient history and deeper understanding of our religion become more wide ­ spread. The outstanding trait of religious faith is the growth of faith in one ’s own self. The spirit of adventure and enterprise that our forefathers showed was the outcome of their faith in our Priests may be free from the worries of earning a living and may devote themselves exclusively to religious ceremonies, religious teachings, scholar ­ ship and produce useful books on religious sub ­ ject as some scholars have done in the past. Dr. Anklesaria said we Parsis are the inheritors of a great culture. We ourselves do not care to know religion and that put us on path of prosperity. about it but western scholars keenly study it and some are devoting their life work to this study. For instance the great kings of the Achaemenian dynasty made so much impression on American scholars that on the general Post Office in New York the words of Herodotus are quoted about Mfe reviving our staunch adherence to our King Darius who introduced the Postal System Religion which shows us the one and only right first in the world: path — Ayevo pathaye Ashoi — of righteousness. With slackening of that faith we drifted to mixed marriages and loss of our specific traits and slow general deterioration in character and lowering of our ideals of life. Let us put our ideals back in our “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom oj night stays these couriers from the swift comple ­ tion of their appointed rounds'. HERODOTUS." Speaking about education in general the lectu ­ rer said that all Parsi boys should not aspire to go to College. Aptitude and inclination should be watched in each case and each boy should be given the type of work which he is expected to do best. Dr. Anklesaria drew attention to the Butler Act of 1947 in England according to which every school was compelled to maintain a record of Ability and Aptitude Tests of each pupil and bifurcation was considered from young age. Our Parsi schools would do well to study modern methods prevailing in England and elsewhere and employ the same as suit local conditions. At any rate it is necessary to give greater attention to handicraft and technical training and some machinery should exist to follow up the career of a boy after he passes out and thus helped on to success. Speaking about betterment of Athornans the lecturer spoke feelingly about importance of this class and our callous unconcern about them. All that has survived of our ceremonies and our religion is due to the sacrifice and simplicity in the life of Athomans. It is they who carry on the traditions of tending, attending and preserving our sacred fires in Atashbehrams and agiaries and wherever faith exists it is these Athornans who enhance our joy of auspicious occasions and solace unhappy hearts by devotion to ceremonies and service to our religious institutions. We need them badly. We shall keep them well. He expres ­ sed great satisfaction that Dadar Madressa is re ­ opened. He suggested that the premises of Dadar Madressa be used exclusively for betterment of Athornans and that ceremonies of those who have left donations for continuity of their ceremonies be done there, if need be by adding a structure in the compound. The spirit of cooperation now shown by the dissenting gorup is a laudable chayet for using the working profits of Godrej gesture of common weal. Memorial Press only for Golvad Rural Home. Dr. Anklesaria explained that Godrej Memorial Press came into existence out of funds of Godrej Farm. Its object was to improve the condition of poor Parsis in villages of Gujarat and for that reason the application of these profits are properly allocated. •2'- An explanation : Someone had passed adverse remarks against the Trustees of the Parsee Pun- The lecturer spoke of the good work done by our Jashan Committee and Jarthoshti Dharma Gnaynan Felavnari Mandli for sending out teach ­ ers to various Parsi schools, for conducting classes on our religious subjects and in general promoting our religion amongst us. He wished that more 27Lecture X i ¦I 4 ¦ j Lecturer: Mr. Jehangir M. Ranina, Advocate President: Mr. Boman K. Bomanbehram 8-12-65 Mr. Ranina opened with the remark that advice unasked for was always unwelcome and at the same time it was the duty of the Rahnumae Sabha to give guidance. It may be asked what capacity IS there in the Rahnumae Sabha or the lecturer to give guidance to the Community. Mr. Ranina an insigm- in Parsi Schools should be modernised without wise listen to delay. We should insist and see that necessary advice and help are given without waste of time. We should introduce a health scheme and a panel system of medicd aid for poor Parsis. We can do a lot in this direction but nobody seems to move a little finger in doing the right sort of work. The system of education pointed out that at times advice from ficant person proves useful. The < ' eveiybody and take lesson from wherever f find it. As in the case of individuals so in the case of a Community it is best to start finding out our own defects and deficiencies. The best method is introspection. Let the Community think for itself and find out where it was wanting and then devise methods for improvement. The Parsis have a glorious past and after settling in India Parsis shined out in several walks of life and ’ neers in many matters. We can no longer live past glory. Conditions have changed, desirable feature in the life of < that recently there js a rush to Bombay city. About 70 per cent of our population in India is residing in Bombay. This was undesirable because -1 case of danger or unforeseen events the majo- io create a liking for religion. To ---------- -- was therefore highly teenagers, the basic principles of our religion should be explained in the proper way and small books in English and Gujarati giving an idea of on smaller classes, quali- they tied teachers and enforcement of discipline. The system of home work should be discontinued and in the evening scope should be given to students for physical exercise and relaxation. 1 a 1 j 1 aW jind out where it wanting and then were pio- . J on One un- our Community is in f rity would have to suffer. It necessary that serious and successful efforts should be made to induce Parsis to sil. mostly Gujarat. We should go back to the tnofus- ...d arrange for their Parents must keep in touch with the progress of their children and the teachers and devote some time in the company of their children at least certain days in the week, narrate to them interest ­ ing and moral stories and give them an idea of thetr glorious past. Example wa.s better than precept and parents should restrain their behavi ­ our in the company of their children so as to inspire good aspirations and moral response. The custom of small joint prayers at home would go a great way to create S 5 our religion and its sublimity should be placed in in our Fire ’ in a planned way and Temf>les should be forthwith changed. When all J a noisy atmosphere, must be wisely meditation and concentration are impossible. Similarly at ceremonies, especially at Muktad in un ­ making a mockery trade, agriculture facilities and smaU industries ^^eir hands. The custom prevailing i there. This should be done in a seen that it is successfully accomplished. We have toud tones creating got enough funds but their use i ___ ___ guided. The problem of poverty among the Com- ........... - ____ __ munity IS real. It must be faced and scientifically t^e when so many Priests sit separately and i solved. The system of compelling the ' apply for help is humiliating and harmful to their their homes and —J concerned got enough funds but their use poor to find out the true needs of the families loud tones shout something which cannot be derstood or followed we are i ' ' of our ceremonies. Some method must be devised whereby ceremonies 28 can be attentively followed I-i in a peaceful atmosphere. Our Fire Temples must and renew the Licences at intervals be places of respect, concentration and meditation and must be free from noise and gh ou Hngr so that any Priest found to ‘behave contrary to the rules of the ' Community may be refused Licence. In a small Community like ours we have three New Nears. Parsis should think of this seriously. The greatest Fire Temple, IRAN SHAH, WAS CONSECRATED ACCORDING TO ]-------- DATE AND WITH FASLI ALATS AND FOR CENTURIES CEREMONIES WERE PER­ FORMED THERE ON FASLI DATES. THE CHANGE TO SHEHENSHAHI WAS LATER. WE CAN CHANGE OVER AGAIN. What the Community needs most is a constitu ­ ted authority for the whole of India with power to represent and speak on behalf of all Parsis. FASLI The Second World Zoroastrian Congress recom ­ mended the formation of such a body and the Constitution is under consideration of a Commit ­ tee. Let us hope that soon we shall have a Central Parsi Organisation. Mr. Boman-Behram in the course of his speech as President agreed with the lecturer that there are many directions in which action should be taken for the common good of the whole Com­ munity . He laid stress on the need for providing housing accommodation that he said should be given jirst priority. The improvement of the Priestly class was equally necessary and the Priests doing Pi^ests ought to teach religion to the laymen. Mr. Boman-Behram said that the Bombay Parsi Pun- on such chayet were doing their best in both these matters. Mr. Boman-Behram appreciated the work done and was glad it had a series of lectures on subjects vitally The condition of our Priestly class calls for our serious attention. We have a few learned and scholarly priests. But what about the rest? What attraction is there for bright priests to continue in this avocation ? Their emoluments are very meagre. In the case of Christians they make pro ­ vision for life for their Priests who have no thin g to worry about. We must make some plan like that. At times we hear of some Navjote or other ceremonies of persons who are non-Zoroastrians. The Parsi Punchayet occasions gives a lead to the Community by passing Board resolutions. But that does not act by the Rahnumae Sabha as deterrent. Why should we not introduce the arranged system of giving Licences to Priests to practise affecting our Community. • 29Lecture XI Lecturer : Mr. Kekobad D. Katki 22-12-65 President : Mr. Pestonji C. Hansotia. Mr. Kekobad Katki opening his lecture said that in this series of lectures in memory of the late Mr. P. N. Mehta many eminent men have spoken before him and made valuable suggestions. He believed that the condition of our Community was becoming grave and demanded serious con ­ sideration and speedy suitable action. Referring to the remarks made by Mr. Sapur Desai at a previous lecture Mr. Katki said that decreasing population of the Parsis was a matter for serious consideration. At the same time we have to approach this question in such a manner that we continue to preserve the individuality of the Community as we have done so far. Besides number we must pay attention to quality and see that Parsis continue to possess character, honesty and integrity for which they have become so noted. The economic condition of Parsis is also a grave question. As compared with our small number the amount of our Charitable Trusts is fabulously high, something like Rs. 22 crores. Why should poverty persist ? The method of the administra ­ tion of our Trusts needs to be revised. Trustees should have direct touch with the donees and their families and effort should be directed to put Parsis again on the path of independent earning and independent living. Cases of help must be followed up and we should see that Parsis who set up small trades and industries thrive. There is great need for co-ordination of all Charitable Trusts tend the use of unused monies lying un ­ fruitful. Efforts at unification and consolidation of Trusts made upto now are haphazard. If Trus ­ tees of various trusts were impressed by such need and persuaded to pool resources many of them are human and humane and have the good of the Community at heart. Probably our appro ­ ach to them is not satisfactory. Trusts should be administered with foresight so as to meet the requirements of needs which may arise in future. Our leaders can do much in this direction. Trust ­ ees of all Parsi Trusts should not rest content with just routine administration but they must study the conditions and needs of our people and act upon some creative suggestions and new schemes so as to meet the demands of the present situation and effectively reduce poverty in the Community. In religious and social matters almost all Parsis think they are all too wise and need no guidance. There is tendency to behave as one likes and the restraint which should prevail to conform to social and communal requirements are becoming weaker. High education is desirable but educated Parsis should not think that they are free to speak and act in any way they like just because of the degrees they hold. They carry a responsibility towards their Community which they should not forget. The educated have a duty to fulfil which they should not escape from by running after some mirage. Unfortunately, we have not got any Central Organisation amongst the Parsis which can show the right path, pull up delinquents and see that established Zoroastrian ways of life are not diverted from. It is time we have such a Central Organisation. It will have the benefit of having constituted authority to represent and speak on behalf of the Community. There always exist differences of opinion and this is a healthy sign. But this need not divide our small Commu ­ nity. We can all unite and work for the common good of the whole Community. For this purpose the leaders should come in close contact with the masses. In any new proposals the whole Commu ­ nity should be taken into confidence. The aloof­ ness that exists between the Trustees and the beneficiaries, between the well-to-do and the needy and the condescending approach by the so- called social workers towards the down and out should all be given a go-by. There should be sincere approach and contact. This can only be possible if all consider our difficulties and handi ­ caps as one problem-complex to be shared in and helped out. 30I f s I I Mr. Katki spoke about the need for housing purpose attractive terms should be offered to accommodation. In spite of so many charitable tenaments the need persists and many poor fami ­ lies are without homes. In many Parsi charitable colonies families are residing who are well off. They must be removed and poorer and needy must be housed. Despite so many colonies it is lamentable that about 20,000 (25 per cent of our of the higher order community members) are homeless and the num- 4 i Si ber is likely to increase with more houses being declared unfit for human habitation. If housing is primary need we can with the Court ’s permis ­ sion divert idle charity monies to building houses and giving relief to those who need it. This is an age of action and speedy planning and we must accomplish these things soon before it is too late. Until new houses come up those who have to pay exhorbitant rent may be helped by subsidy towards rent. A proper scheme should be devised to implement new and novel considerations as are possible. Due to high costs of materials build ­ ing cheaper tenaments for the poor is at present found. Many parade their prejudices and pre- not possible. It is definitely objectionable that well-to-do people comfortably placed as tenants in charity buildings should look upon their tenan ­ cy as a hereditary legacy from their respective silent contempt for all things Parsi — too big to Trustees. They must realise that the Trustees condescend to the level of the community. They admitted them as tenants at low rents to help live in their own world, too vain to presume all tide over their then stringent circumstances, they have outgrown their then income it is now time for their outgo. Rent Act was not intended to give advantage to obstinate contenders for their trifling gains. Ostracism as suggested by Miss Kanga (Y.O.U.) in the Symposium hereafter may ppionatedness and the other by the obsession of not be an act of social outrage. They violate the personal prestige. They come out with conflicting very purpose of charity if reasonable other acco­ mmodation offered be rejected. them. The suggestions made by Mr. Ranina to give licence to Priests was worth" considering. To establish identity as Zoroastrian every Navjote should be registered. Not only must we maintain the priests able to perform ceremonies and rituals X I H « •fl but all the basic tenets and practices should be preserved along with our institutions. Without Mobeds we shall have no religion. With­ out religion we shall have no Community. More than in the numerical strength of our community it is on the solidarity of our religious practices and systems that our survival will depend as an ethnic group. Mr. Saour Desai remarked that for every 50 Parsis there are 51 persons assuming the role of advisers. But where are they? Who are they? When we need them most they are not I conceived notions without any study of the prob ­ lems. Some are engrossed in making money. The educated class lives in its air of superiority with If knowledge and too proud to stoop to conquer. It is a foul bird that defiles its own nest. Amongst those who participate in discussions one group is characterised by obstinacy of self- schemes and implement neither. Those who seek Rahnumai feel frustrated. How long will our able men keep mum keeping their own counsel? Give us the benefit of your learning. We need you now. A change has to come over us all — Those who The Rahnumae Sabha was doing good seek Rahnumai and those can offer it. It is time we become conscious of the wareness of the need Mr. Katki emphasised the need for giving pro ­ per religious education to Parsis especially the young. work but the old method of merely giving lectures should be changed and lectures should be arran- for change, which precedes change, ged in the colonies and supported by visual entertainment. Change is also due in the attitude of the Trus ­ tees. It must dawn on them that they are no longer just administrators of the funds and estates, ment. Some Priests are acting contrary to esta- They must in right earnest assume the role of the blished custom of the Community. We should see that we preserve sufficient number of Priests able to perform high religious ceremonies and for this The condition of our Priests needs improve- leaders every time publicly explaining their points of view and directing the destiny of the Community. They are the accredited heads of the 31Their Community for their natural life time. action may make us move — move ahead, aside or zig-zag but their inertia can only put our clock complete. He informed the meeting that the back. A Federation of All India Zoroastrian An- Banaji Trust has recently co-operated with other jumans and An Association of World Zoroastrians Trusts and with the consolidated amount they are drafted and are collecting dust on a shelf. are building charitable tenaments. In some of to Income Tax. The suggestion for co-ordination of Trusts is not new but is not satisfactory nor are building charitable tenaments. these buildings tenants able to pay good rent would be accommodated. If tenants who occupy charitable tenaments are shown better places and will create enthusiasm and confidence amongst all. Undoubtedly a lot of meaningless and worth ­ less criticism will come up but that will be all of educative value. That will help develop aware ­ ness, which we sadly lack. The Parsi Punchayet must maintain an effici ­ ent Publicity - Department and keep the commu ­ nity informed of its activities periodically. That persuaded to go there the effort will succeed. Lady Jehangir and others are constructing such tenaments at Parel and other places and the scheme hopes to succeed. In the end Mr. Hanso ­ tia expressed his satisfaction at the work of the Rahnumae Sabha and wished it success. Mr. Hansotia in his Presidential remarks euo- p ' " .. .......................................... - -- logised the lecturer for his able and impressive thanking the President suggested that the Parsi survey of the conditions and needs of the Parsi Punchayet should also organise a Symposium of Ervad Dr. Peshotan Anklesaria while finally Community and said the Rahnumae Sabha was doing very useful work and the Sabha was one place to which the Members of the Community can look for guidance. Our Parsi Trusts now realise that according to law if they do not spend 75 per cent of their income they would be liable this kind. ,1 MDC He informed the audience that much material was gathered from the P. N. Mehta Memorial Lectures and that the Rahnumae Sabha has decided to get all of them printed in one volume. IPg^ODUCTS Kamal Bldg., adjoining Radio Club Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, Bombay 5. Manufacturers of OAKS BRAND squash Squashes Crushes Syrups QUALITY SYRUP ^AftTlFICIAL 4 By Appointment to H. E. Shri Sri Prakash, Ex-Governor of Maharashtra Suppliers to High Class Hotels, Air Lines, Well-known Clubs, Stevedores to Shipping Companies, Oaks’ Products Must be Good. 32I Lecture XII Lecturer Mr. R. J. Mithaiwala, B.A., LL.B. President- Mn Kekobad D. Katki. The lecturer at the commencement questioned whether the Parsi Community ’s progress was of the right type ? He said the Community needed advancing in various directions and progress was slow for lack of unity in the Community. We should pick out the questions which are agitating us and find out solutions. 9-2-66 European and American countries. If necessary teachers may be sent there for training. Much can be done in our Parsi schools. Along with school education they should intro- duce Commercial training in various directions. In the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy school book-keeping, typewriting and similar things are taught from 8th standard and many boys after learning them are able to make a living. Some people believe that to improve our eco ­ nomical condition we should try our luck in foreign countries. Some Zoroastrians who are settled in Canada send a call to Parsis to go there. The lecturer said that would not solve the all in all question of our poverty and economic progress. It is true in Bombay we are experiencing terrible congestion. In spite of sb many buildings and • Colonies built by the foresight of our ancestors we are finding no space in Bombay. The alterna ­ tive is to look to places nearer Bombay in the suburbs as far as Thana and Bassein. We should open colonies there on the lines of Cusrow Bang and see that schools, shops, business etc. are opened there along with the colonies. There are many kinds of handicraft and small home indus ­ tries that our young men can open and do agri- right type and in the right way. From infancy X, parents and teachers should interest youngsters in our religion. In all other religions: they bring out beautiful attractive books, done nothing of the sort. should be systematised and given little by little according to age group in attractive form. Our Fire Temple should hold small religious classes for those who live in the neighbourhood. The ¦P^dre of the Christians becomes friendly with the Attention of bright boys should bfe directed'to the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service where there is a bright future. Our able bodied boys should join the Army, Navy and the Air Force in larger numbers. There are military schools in Khadakvasla and Dehra Dun and Naval Training on the “Diifferin ”. Bright Patsis are sure to get officers* grade in a short time,. , In our Parsi schools mpre attention should be given to imparting of religious education of the culture, poultry farm, carpentry, tile making, brick baking, fishing etc. which can be taught and our young men can prosper there. We . parsis have Religious education The lecturer drew pointed attention to the splendid work which was being done at Gholvad under Mr. Maneck Mistry. Such lines will in the long run prove advantageous to the Community. It was no use sending more Parsis to Gujarat , f/V' 1 . . . -A Ui me UVLU111U3 XXXViXVlxy VVXVXX XXXV where the same difficulties exist as in Bombay. > , .... j n , ,,, ,, . , . families of the locality and calls on them at inter- We are unable to improve the lot of Gujarat far ­ mers. Our rich Parsis may go to Gujarat and esta ­ blish business and industries and absorb poor and middle class Parsis. Otherwise Gujarat is no solution. vals, finds out their problems, guides them and comforts them in time cf need. not given to our Parsi Priests. Such training is The question of education must be considered very seriously. The old method must be replaced by modern methods of education prevailing in We should have an Information Bureau and an Employment Bureau and systematic work should be done like a regular office. 33Onc cause of inter-communal marriages is lack young ^men go abroad for higher learning and of proper religious knowledge and want of tfte ’ training it is proper but patriotism lies in return - knowledge of the ancient history of the Parsis. Shahnameh recitals are iiow few and rare and- do not now interest our younger generation. Another reason is that on an average our Parsi boys, in the beginning of their careers, earn very little and our girls who have received college education and have opportunities of mixing with other com ­ munities often take hasty steps without or at times against advice. There should be classes and clinics for sex education and advice. Visual films in such matters are available which may be shown to the young which will have educative and deter ­ rant value. It is essential to bring boys and girls of marriageable age together. In absence of con­ tact they get easy contact of other Communities in colleges and services. X ing and serving the land of their birth. By personal care and attention we should bring iap»and bring Out suitable boys and girls fit for services and occupations of higher grades — such as can be suitable to take advantage of Colombo Plan, Engineering Plan of the French Govern ­ ment and Foreign Scholarships of Tatas. We have done nothing to draw the attention of our young boys towards such openings. There are many arts, crafts and niinor home industries to which attention of youths must be directed. Even with will to work many are loiter ­ ing about for not knowing outlets. Mr. Mithaiwala had against people advocating migration to foreign countries. He made reference to England, Ameri ­ ca, Africa and of late Canada. are making Immigration Act stiffer and discour- a few sharp remarks The lecturer very strongly advocated a well conducted Employment .Bureau, where outlets may be created or old ones drawn attention to. Most countries He advocated opening Parsi Departmental Stores which can be manned by Parsis and where things rnade by Parsis at home, having no shop, can be put for sale. Such practice will not only age outsiders and in Western Countries colour-bar give market to home industries but will open the is on the increase. African states recently becom ­ ing independent introduce such laws that those already settled there are returning to India and only very few migrate to Europe. If our . eyes of many now ignorant to many opportunities that exist for making saleable things at home. Ignorance & a greater devil than indolence. We can chase both of them away. w K'. 34SYMPOSIUM 17th February 1966. ? V Participants : Members of Youths ’ Own Union, Members of Young Collegians ’ Zoroastrian Association and Members of Dadar Parsi Youth Assembly. Mr. H. P. Tavaria {Y.O.U.} It was the ge ­ nerosity of the Rahnumae Sabha that it was giving opportunity to younger people to express their views on this subject. Mr. Tavaria empha ­ sised giving the right type of education to our young boys and girls and recommended that the rich class should patronise purely Parsi-ran schools like the Sir J. J. Institution and the Sir Byramjee Jeejeebhoy School. To attract all clas­ ses the tops in the School should be men acquain ­ ted with modem ways of education and broad vision. If necessary the School should send young teachers to foreign Public Schools to see how they work and run our schools on those lines. The great advantage would be a truly Parsi atmos­ phere and sound moral and religious education. The Parsis have a weakness for the foreign. If we send for foreign qualified teachers vanity of our parents may be partially satisfied. We should follow up students after they pass out and those who are not able to study further jn Colleges should be given opportrmity to leam small trades like tailoring and Parsis should patronise such tailors, carpenters, etc. Mr. S. J. Mulla. {Dadar P. Y. Assembly} drew the attention of the meeting to the deterioration of the physique of our boys and strongly advocated opportunities and regular arrange ­ ments for the physical training and body building exercises. A ' panel of Zoroastrians should be appointed for this purpose. In times of emergency able-bodied men would be useful to the nation. Mr. Man&ck M. Mehta. {Y.C.Z.A.} said that there was a time when Parsis were pioneers in many matters. Now poverty is increasing every day and Parsis are being relegated at the back. on **What should be done for the Rahnumae of the Parsi Community.” (Under the auspices of the Rahnumae Mazdayasnan Sabha) President Mr. Maneck P. Mistry We should proceed to make plans for the future progress and welfare of our Community, especial ­ ly economic problems. Parsis should have a Parsi College. Boys should be induced to work in fac­ tories to earn and learn. We should send more boys for practical training and set up small indus ­ tries and business. For boys who cannot go in for higher education, dignity of labour must be in ­ culcated. Loan arrangement should be devised to set up small industries. The Second World Zoro ­ astrian Congress made several suggestions but they have not been implemented. We should im ­ plement those of the suggestions which are bene ­ ficial to the Community. We are losing energy, vision and vigour. Our communal sohdarity is our purpose and all should help to keep it up. Miss Ah an Kanga {Y.O.U.} laid stress on the economic difficulties especially housing problems. Many youngsters cannot get married for want of housing accommodation. The old custom of joint family system is gone because small accommoda ­ tion does not permit this and modem boys and girls prefer independent residence. But in the beginning when the income is small it is difficult to ran a separate home. There are many charity buildings but people with better means even owning motor cars live there with the result that the really poor cannot get accommodation. The well to do must be compelled to go to the suburbs. They can afford the cost of transport which the poor cannot. If legal action cannot be taken social ostracism may be effective. People should understand their moral responsibilities to the poor. There should be a Federation of Parsi Trusts and all should work for the common good. Mr. M. D. Hodvwala {Dadar P.Y.A.) said that in what is good for the Community youth and old all should join. Unfortunately, our youth is averse to hard work, especially manual work. Both in the schools and at home amongst the parents there should be a psychological approach to create in the minds of our youth the right sort 35of mentality so that they may realise their res- ' Community have one. What is needed is unity ponsibilities when they grow up. Boys who are unable to learn much may be diverted to techni ­ cal and handicraft lines. More attention should be paid to discipline at home and at school and the building up of character. Because right direc ­ tive and advice do not reach the young in right time many youths loaf about and kill time and develop callousness for life. and co-ordinated work according to plan. Mr. D. D. Kapadia (D.P.y.A.} said the cause of the youth must be championed. Boys are a real problem not only to the parents but also to the Community as a whole. In Russia boys are selec ­ ted according to their hobbies and tendencies and practical training given accordingly. Only those students should go in for higher education who are really fit for it. All our boys cannot get entrance in Colleges. We should have a Parsi College. If Sindhis and others could do it why cannot we? In some Engineering Colleges seats are reserved for Parsis but even there sufficient number of Parsi students do not go. We must have a panel loj advisers whose advice individuals may seek in private. If families take their advice before marital separation or divorce many a home would not be broken. Our Matrimonial Court Parsi Delegates can do a lot in this direction. Our Community has no accredited leaders, greatest need is unity. In his Presidential remarks Mr. Mistry congra- Miss Zarine Sarkari {y.C.Z.A.} congratulated the Rahnumae Sabha for selecting this subject which went to the root of our Community. She emphasised the need for building up character and for this purpose she said proper religious education from early age was necessary. At pre ­ sent a kind of lethargy has come over the com­ munity. What amount of trouble is taken by Christian Schools to attract youngsters to their' religion. We are doing nothing in this direction. Christian Schools are helping the poor by holding fetes where articles made by the poor are sold’. We should help our poor in the same way. Besi ­ des technical education we should teach farming to our boys. The condition of our Parsi farmers tulated the Rahnumae Sabha for organising this in Gujarat is becoming very hard. Immediate succur is needed. Our priests besides normal work should be employed as society teachers and en ­ couraged to spread Parsism and Zoroastrianism. All labour to be good and holy. The Mr. Dara Katrak {y.O.U.} This is an age of planning. We suffer for want of proper planning. We have no recognised leaders. We look to the Parsi Punchayet for guidance. The Punchayet should take advice of expert economists and make plans for the Community accordingly. We had an expert economist in the late Mr. A. D. Shroff but when he stood for election for a seat in the Punchayet he was thrown out. There seems to be something wrong in the system of election of the Trustees. Besides routine work and the administration of their trusts the Parsi Pun ­ chayet should take greater interest in the youth of our Community. Mere education is not enough but each boy should be followed up, his avoca­ tion determined and it should be seen that diffi­ culties in his way are removed and he is put on the road to independent living. There should be a constitution for our Community with some kind of sanctions in order to discourage Parsis from acting in undesirable ways. If other Communities have their own Constitutions why not the Parsi symposium and said he was aware of the excellent work which the Rahnumae Sabha was doing. Mr. Mistry gave a summary of all that was said by the speakers and said that in matters like housing he himself had moved in the matter from 1935 and carried on this work now through the Parsi Punchayet. It was legally difficult to vacate tenants who had improved their economic condi ­ tion but efforts were being made to house as many of the poor as possible. According to him IN THIRTY YEARS 5948 NEW TENAMENTS HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED. RATHER THAN DEPEND ON CHARITIES CO-OPERA­ TIVE HELP Schemes practice. Encouragement in farming and its training is given on sound and systematic lines in Gujarat. Owing to the present famine conditions urgent help to our Gujarat Parsis is needed. Arrangements are made for employment of Parsis in factories like Godrej with attractive terms. The greatest need was according to Mr. Mistry the building up of character. The youth must be given religious teaching of the right type and they should take things from their' elders and Dasturs and scholars. Mr. Mistry ’s remarks were greatly appreciated by the audience. WITH BE this direction 36 MOVEMENT SHOULD in TEMPORARY ENCOURAGED, are put into 0 's : 3'4 PAR.SIANA invites all Zoroastrian Institutions to reserve whole or part of any issue to send their message to the Community ; following the example set by Rahnumae Mazdyasnan Sabha of collaboration with Parsiana. collaboration with to