Dec 1976
«. Sa*' f'-'i a along with Gheyara, rather than in- York-based organization dedicated PrAitr\r ’c C’nllimn sist the second representative also be to civil liberties. Unable to attend a CiUXLUI O WVIUILUL Trustee. The decision is a tribute dinner in his honour, Irani sent a i__«ii_« to both the Trustees’ ability to decide cable noting, “ I would like to feel ,, , . , issues on merit as well as to that in thus honouring The Statesman The right of the public to be informed Marshall’s considerable knowledge you are also honouring the many is one of the fund^ental principles expertise on community matters, publications, big and small, which are of journalism. A journal that with- purpose of elections is not with us in this common struggle, holds information of a public nature, individuals and parties In their tussles with the Law, many keeps its readers in ignorance and in power it is also to involve as large journalists have found an able dedi denies them the opportunity to judge r-;—J -- *1------1cni; the activities of those in power. uicauana _ ______ j—_ _____ j-- The decision to publish the sherM Jhgm fe'eT^rronh^^^ cudgels on behalf''^ Freedom First (notings) of three Trustees of the process and to create in them a when its Editor Minoo Masani decid- Bombay Parsi Panchayat was a pain- popseiousness of the responsibilities ed to move the courts in regard to ful one. The Panchayat was aware ot ^j^izens owe their state. 1 ----- -- the indiscretion on the part ot its , ergency was declared. He was by members and reportedly voted to de- ............................... - stroy the unflattering correspondence. , . „ j i - iudge gave a stay order on the But the written words of individuals Ever since the infamous dwlaration 25,000 deposit demand. He repre administering the largest trust in the of Emergency on 25 June 1976, many y. D. Lokurkar, a journalist community, cannot be so easily eras- Zoroastnaiis have distinguisneo standing who challenged ed. The Bombay Samachar referred to themselves by adhering to their pnn- censor’s orders and several other are well acquainted with the story. and physical deprivation. While the The majority of the community, community had its share of sycoph- however, remains in the dark. ants, they were rao^ than countered lu unpauu, x/z. By publishing the sheras, the by men like A. D. Gorwala, Soli p^ge^, price Rs 35) dealing'with the Panchayat’s public image will be Sorabjee, Cusrow Irani and o^ers. - - - . _ . . further tarnished and Its ettectiveness ------ . . . Bviuutiv ua^vu lawjvi owuvu. reduced, but at the same time it may of the reputed weekly, Optmon,.con- speech and expression has always held pride of place in system and in the functioning of ^e of the government despite several smcai m uuics, tiuviciiv auu Panohayat. There was a tii^ when notices^^a modern.... The sacrifices made and when issues were decided by the entire and two appear^ces before a magis- pgopjg to attain this ideal is a Anjuman at public meetings. That trate for ‘technical publishing off- was when Parsis prospered. By deny- enses. Wh^n press after pr^ss was the number of years a person may Gorwala took to cyclostylmg until hold office, by working in secrecy, the government banned publication the system has fallen into disrepair under the notorious Maintenance ot and the Panchayat has lost the sup- Internal Security Act. port of the community. Even the book Say Not^e Strugp But it is also the fault of the le. Essays in Honour of A.D. Gorwala, merit as well as to that in thus honouring The Statesman is one of the fundamental principles expertise on community matters, publications, big and small, which are of journalism. A journal that with- k rxt --------- - ” holds irformation of a public nature, onlv'to^plie^nTvidVaTs'^a^^^ a number of people as possible in cated friend in the noted lawyer. Soli the affairs ofthe community, to make J. Sorabjee. Sorabjee took up^the process and "to create in them a when its Editor Minoo Masani decid- consciousness of the responsibilities ed to move the courts in regard to citizens owe their state. precensorship shortly after the Em- - ergency was declared. He was by * * ¦* Gorwala’s side when the vacation * OUIUV UIC wixvopvzxAVivxivv. 4 • r J 1 4.’ But the written words of individuals Ever since the infamous dwuration Zoroastrians have distinguished community, cannot be so easily eras- fcu. ijuiituum vvz —- ----________________ _ inecensor s oruers iuiu scvciiii uuici the incident and Parsi political circles ciples despite tremendous financial j libertarians and publications, all 44 ...I ’.4 ,4 X r«4v<4 wivi ro 4 /in 1 /V O t1 \A/ illlPinft Without cost. In his book, The Law of Press Censorship in India (Tripathi, 272 Freedom First and Lokurkar cases, the Bombay based lawyer noted: ants, they were more than countered Gorwala, the Editor and Publisher to work for reforms in the electoral submitting to the arbitrary censorship civilized societies and has been humanity’s ideal in times, ancient and X cxixvucxj txt', liiviv V1W •* T.Axwxx ---- ’ A/sz\ 111. lUvUvlil. . . . lliC aciviinvco xiiauv cuivl any Parsi could vote for a Trustee, Rs 25,000, a tempor^y postal ban, suffering undergone by freedom when issues were decided by the entire and two appear^ces before a magis- people to attain this ideal is a Anjuman at public meetings. That trate for ‘technical publishing off- was when Parsis prospered. By deny- enses. When press after press was ing people the vote, by not limiting prevented from printing Opinion, xu. L_ _____ c moT, Gnnvfila tnnk to cvclostvling until _ _ community for shirking its respon- published by Oxford University Press sibilities and not taking an interest remained unreyiewed by the national in the affairs of its institutions. The and local media. The 328-page book success of any system, democratic or priced at Rs 40 contains articles on otherwise, is dependent on the active administration, education, politics, and intelligent participation of its and other subjects, but the ones ot constituents. most interest are the three that focus It is true that even without elec- on Gorwala, written by his close tions one can get good leadership, friends, H. M. Patel, A.G. Noorani, The Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) is and Gauri Deshpande. The volume a case in point. The SPP President dedicated to the former Indian civil Manenk Gheyara has devoted his life service officer was to commemorate to the community and has won its the completidn of his ‘first 75 years, trust in turn. It was from the Surat In Calcutta, Cusrow R. Irani, the Trustees that the initiative came to managing director of The Statesman, invite the Press to the Executive had his passport impounded when Council meeting of the Federation the English daily continued to publish of-Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of news instead of propaganda. The India (see ‘The Dawn of the Fede- paper’s finances are also under tre- ration’). Anditwas the Surat Trustees mendous strain due to an order who laid aside all politicking and banning all public sector concerns nominated one of their employees, from advertising in it. For h^ valiant Dr. Ratan Marshall, to serve on straggle, Irani received the Freedom the Federation’s Executive Council House award this year from the New Warden is good For sandalwood Head Office 378 Grant Road Bombay 400 007 and Branches Tel. 371464 Quality sandalwood Aggarbatties, gum benzoin (loban) and other Perfumes “J Itribute to its enduring vitality. It iff a 1^1^ ws first mooted by Ontario reaffirmation of nuuikind’s funda- (Faw/oBfl May ’76) which went to mental belief that thought remains a considerable lengths to prepMe the soliloquy unless men can communi- groundwork, drawing up lists of cate their ideas to one another, that it invitees, speakers, subjects of discus- is free and frank exchange of views sion,etc. The ZSO has kindly-offered between individuals and groups Wat to pass all the background material ensures the progress of civilization, to the Bombay Congress committee the flowering of democracy, the ere- for use. The ZSO plan was to invite ation of human culture. The greater scholars from the Asian Studies de- the freedom of opinion, the greater partment of various universities to is the flow of significant communica- bring the community in the public tion throughout every area of life, eye and thereby also create a consci- “Dissent has always been dan- ousness among Zoroastrians of their gerous. Dissenters have frequently community. The objects of the paidaheavypricefor giving utterance Bombay Congress have still to be , . to their beliefs, whether they be clearly defined. Readers, therefore. You don t nave to oe religious prophets or philosophers or are requested to write in their views enhcnrihA scientists or professors or poets or as to what they would like to see the ® millionaire political innovators. Time and again Congress act ieve, which subjects they Parsiana. Rs. 16 is all they have been ridiculed, reviled, feel should be raised, whether three exiled, imprisoned or done to death days are sufficient and so on. you need, for their nonconformity. Human nature being what it is, we cannot * * * , . . expect that in the rough-and-tumble mentioned in our last Gift It to a friend. Support of human affairs there will ever be an readers who had questions magazine that supports end to the condemnation of those pertaining to Zoroastrianism could who seek to alter the status quo in .^j-ite to us, we received only one the community, ideology or institutions.. .Ultimately ^hat of K.D. Chargeman who freedom cannot be preserved for an ^j-ote to inquire which prayer Zoro- • f 4 .« TTlx* X 1 WllUV Uv UOj WV ISA/VIWV* wxxw ------------ ideology or institutions.. .Ultimately ^hat of K.D. Chargeman who freedom cannot be preserved for an ^j-Q^g inquire which prayer Zoro- inert people by the Constitution or the rosary before For further Courts. Civil Liberties do not defend ... themsekes. They are not sustained by the chanting of mantras or by any brooding omnipresence in the sky. that only the'sSbs "ofthe Dema“ ' 'Ifet, without independent Courts .^,and mountains would have, but if “The need of the hour is to distribute manned by judges possessed with , - - - ........................ , courage and vision, and above all, a would men inveai Yj!”:an^sensitivity for human rights, manufacture. Civil Liberties become cruel shibbo- ¦’ leths.” throwing i t at his assassin and th ereby killing him. This is the type of information I details see page 6 * anybody else knows, please inform extensively small, simple fact bear- would then invest our j^g books—devoid of dogmas and . ' ~~ isms, on our religion and our Parsi * * * Zoroastrian way of life.” So notes a . . , , letter from the Iran League request- * * * Dinshah K. Malegamyala of the donations from the public to Jamshed Pavri, honorary secretary J. N. Tata Endowment writes to enable them to collect and distribute and director of the Zoroastrian Socie- inform us that in our last issue we existing publications to various ty of British Columbia who is in India inadvertently omitted the names of /sti»' **'' * * IflG luvvUj '^Fr i_ v cAninr nanttier Pundole venture noting that Iranshah senior paOT . « lO'U'vi xiivuxa- 5jM*x\xi.ix Emergency that ended different parts of our country . India’s 30-year-old democracy, was granted an unconditional release A modern, irrepressible son------ and marble in an interview with Htmmat adaran stands his release at 11 p.m. on Octob^ In the News ? .1 ;« - t Lubke’s History of the Parsis, Wil Durant’s Pleasures of Philosophi .’cre among the volumes 4ie read fused to think that the individua was everything. Durant has man me w, aged to persuade me that man i 14 A modern, irrepressible son of Sir Homi Mody a combinatiortof his'individual P« r and marble in an interview with Himmat sonality and himself in rela ion protruding flame- magazine. Mody was informed of society. adaran stands his release at 11 P.m. on October Mody did not write a diaty i The King and the Vazir Despite legal and clerical opposition, l^^^being held for 15 months with- were the staunch disciples of the late mystic leader, . Mnocher ^ndole a the" gov- consecrated their fire temple in tne sacred Parsi Mecca of Udwada ™men' on November concrete, plaster structure with a i like crown, the aaaran siauus nis release ar n u.m. ------j n barely 100 yards from the revered 5 but chose to spend the ni^t in ^son, but Iranshah—the oldest fire to be prison. His wife, Vina, fetched him democracy. I ®^ugth^ consecrated in India. The Pundolites from Rohtak jail on the outskirts ° mmnlptp it argue that every atash-behram must next morning. I will mana^ to ® _ have an adaran, a structure in which 50-year-old architect (who According to the one tiir an associate fire burns (see “Ud- ^g^j-s has reportedly had leader of the Swatantra Party ac wada; The King and the Vazir j skills) said one of the founders of the Bhar. Parsiana September 1974 issue). .'ha' he was completely .at .peace, Lok M is Athornan Anjuman of Udwada hanpv in prison. “With me efforts to form a national politic which manages religious affairs tn « ““ 3i,,ays been - --------------- the town, strongly opposes the “e « 8 J _ J. , , p„r.rir,i«ttP.niiirf>TiAtinBthatIranshah senior parmer. -- £?“dlf ^rw-Tn^lSrseTmuS ’ MoSj: ^rTUU in'the library I a ] _ “ ’ . In Rohtak I of groups, had more leisure to con- party comprising aU the oppositir grc”P'’. “When news came in pi son "that a new party had be< initiated and that JP (Jayaprakai Narayan) had given it his full bac .vvM I** >**»* ** --- - would side the compound. Then I visited all four barracks and had a glass caiuL « of tea at each. I read more books leader and in 15 months in prison than I did * Sie matter Fs pendiug litigation. with two or three companions. I Me^n Jlf # ? got up at six in the morning and one purpose ana one aione—v Each night before going to sleep in did a few quarter mil_e rounds in- restoratton oi democr^y. his prison cell, Piloo Mody ------ switch off the light and “recite the Zoroastrian prayer I learnt as a child.’’ The opposition —- - - . . Member of Parliament who was in all the years since leaving uni- iailed along with thousands of versify... I went through more his- Others on June 26, 1975 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi de- get to the roots of the culture of dared an Emergency that ended different parts of our country . * A bumpy eight-mile jeep ride aw from Palghar Railway Station, 1 the two thousand acres of grassla that Jamshed Khodaram Irani doi ted to the Iranian Zoroastr when tory than ever before W tried to Anjuman. - - “ For decades, law suits kept ¦ possession of Ba^-e-Jamsl of! j i ! i, i S i! j Khodaram in dispute, but on 11th December the Anjuman held a thanksgiving Jashan in their newly constructed, one-storey bungalow, named Aderbad, in memory of the former Anjuman President Dr. (Maj.) Aderbad B. Irani. The doctor had devoted many years of his life in trying to settle the legal disputes, and as Anjuman Secretary Mahyar B. Patel noted, it was Irani’s wish that once this was done, they all gather at the site in thanksgiving. The quarters, which were inaugurated by Anjuman Presiden Noshirwan Muluk Irani, were con structed under the supervision of Sh“ 'ie .amp« glimmer in and out- Solicitor Irani, Donor Khodaram, Major Irani: The gift of giving ¦ when located ip a limited number Shri Dahanu Koaa rwsi znjinosu of homes, inexorable of hands.” Anjumn, who along with his family, ticking away the re- At a meeting organized by the SS?ing"orXT80"Se ?s As mXing fe7days before "the light Citizens for Democra^, Dr ^oo M gpes out of the Constitution.” So D^tur, h«d of. the Poted to build quarters in the middle wrote the noted coirstitutiopal Science Dept, of Bombay Upiver of an agricultural wilderness, where jurist, PaUAiv^ tL Tn di several miles, is a very commend- the Lok Sabha of the 44th Consti- ciary, the executive, and the citizens, able feat. tutional Amendment that would If a citizen believed at any stage Dinshaw Behram Irani, vice-presi- deny nearly all the fundamental that the Parliament had deprived dent of the Anjuman recalled that freedoms to the 600 million people him of his rights, there was a re- the donor. Jamshed Khodaram, was gf this country. course to law available to him. The a humble, self-effacing man whose _____________ ______ legal tussles over the land often took Express was the latest in a series him to the offices of ^e noted solid" attacks by several prominent ------------ - tor, Dinshaw Jijibhoy Irani, of . personalities including Minoo we are placing the Parliament and Mulla and Mulla and Cragie and ^nd Aloo Dastur, against the executive beyond the law...’ Blunt and Caroe. As the elderly , gentleman would climb the stairs, stopping at each landing to catch his breath, Parsi lawyers from the firm would put a few coins in his „ hand as they passed him. Rather the Constitution, than protest, Khodaram would com- awnv it p"___ :__: — -I- _ nature of his colleagues and then tution, including the right to equa- 01 an agncuiiurdl WllUClUCba, WlIOlv JUaiov, x'^«ui a ment and the executive, taking note of ^attacks by several prominent of the feelings of citizens. Now the 59-clause amendment—the longest in the world. The bill “aims at altering and destroying the basic structure of ~ ¦ ¦’ said Palkhivala. pivvv,, _______ _ ' It takes away the basic human pliment Irani on the charitable freedoms epshrined iri the Consti- put the money in a box reserved lity before the law, freedom of in^an"**^art?* Thirty 'paintings by for donations. speech and freedom of the press, Indian artists, including three the right to form associations or , — - - ¦ ’ •’ ’ • — unions and to move freely through out thfe territory of India.” Minoo Masani, one-time leader of the Swatantra Party and mem ber of the Sub-committee on Fun damental Rights at the time of the work”, noted Kekoo drafting of the 26-year-old Consti- Gandhy of the Chemould Art tution, wrote in his monthly jour- Gallery whose concerted efforts Amendment may be the last as « * * A crucible iti which Picasso and a galaxy of masters were evaluated, the international art exhibition at Menton on the French Riviera, this year offered a slice of modem ( P "'¦i by Gieve Patel, were exhibited in the halls of the Palais de Europe from July to September. “India and UK were the two countries singled out for a major presentation because they have drafting of the 26-year-old Consti- Gandhy of the Chemould Art tution, wrote in his monthly jour- Gallery whose concerted efforts nal Freedom First that “the 44th painter S. Raza, Nari Amendment may be the last as Dastur of Air India and Soonoo there would be precious little left Kochar of the Indian Council of of the Constitution to amend fur- Cultural Relations, made India’s ther... The saddest part of the larger presentation possible. “Nor story is the way in which the Con- mally all other countries are re- stitutional Amendment Bill strikes presented by two artists. This is a blow at the political stability of the first time that a museum of Noshir M. Irani of Associated Breweries & Distilleries receiving the Silver Medal - —“ • from Mr. McLachlan, President of the our Republic... it Opens the flood- such high standmg has acquired /Kry of Examiners at the 15th World gates to the dangers of instability Indian works of art.” Selection of Beers in l^ndon for his com- accompany absolute soven The artists who were selfected by pony s beer, London Pilsner. More than ovvvu.|/u. j _ . 19 countries participated irt the event. which accompany absolute soven _ . „ eignty of any kind particularly the Biennale’s Secretary- General 11Photo taken at the Annual National Award Film Festival Mifreni Variava, Mana ging Director, Blaze Film Enterprises and Fali Vdriava (above') receiving the Silver Lotus Award from President Ahmed for their production, : '^ishant' which was judged the Best Regional Hindi Feature Film of 1975. •conveys Vyam Mandir gymnasium near Nana overpowers you with a sudden feel-* ing of anonymity. He brings out the desolate lonely feeling of human beings in his own inimitable and original style.'' * * ? and noted painter, Emile Marze, on A graduate of Bharda New High a flyhig visit to India, “depict our School, Katrak works full-time as times in (their) own characteristic a cashier in the Zaveri Bazar branch way,” noted an article in The Ulus- of the Union Bank and serves as (rated Weekly of India by Shaila a mobed during the muktad days Parikh. Gieve Patel, a medical to supplement his income. He trains doctor by profession who is also a three evenings in the week at the Bal poet and playwright, “conveys Vyam Mandir gymnasium near Nana through vast empty platforms of Chowk under the watchful eye of a railway station an eeriness which his teacher, Lingappa Sahan. - ’ The overall technique is most important,” notes Gev. “Seventy per cent is technique and thirty per cent is power.” At 5' 10" and 150 pounds, the 22-year-old athlete is a polished lifter who along with other young weight lifters such as Vispi and Neville Daroga, Dara Akola- The old Parsi bastion of Balaram walla, Jazeel Mehta and Keki Street has produced some of the Dubash promise to keep Parsi Power community’s strongest men. From in the news, scrapping on the sidewalks to lifting weights in a gym they rose to promi nence throu^ that one section of a newspaper which still gives coverage on merit, the Sports pages. “I used to sit and watch the boys in my lane, train,” recalled 22-year-old weight lifter Gev Burjor Katrak “ One day the instructor saw me and told me to start.” Since then the Burhani College first year arts student has gone on to win the National Junior Weight Lifting Championship and again made headlines when he re cently shattered three collegiate re cords, one of which had been un broken for 18 years. Katrak partici pated in the Bombay Collegiate competition despite “being medically advised n'ot to participate in any strenuous workouts due to a strained back,” noted The Evening News correspondent, John Crasto, who termed him “the star of the show.” BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 CHOICE SCHOOLING FOR YOUR SON Recognised as a Public School by Department of Education —for Merit Scholars, ^cellent Climate —AU-round cation : Indian Edu- Self-Government Zoroastrian — classes — All Academic Subjects — Technical Subjects : Radio and Wood-Work Tech nology, Farming —Training in through Elected Boys ’ Ofhce-bearers, Games — Physical Training —Daily Assembly with Congre gational Prayers —Weekly intensive Geeta —Koran Excellent Modem Kitchen and Dining Room facilities —Airy Dormitories. Mode rate Fees. Concessions to Deserving Students. APPLY TO THE MANA- GING TRUSTEE P. N. Mehta Education Trust Cooks Building, 324 D. N. Road Bombay 400 001 or to the Principal. I Katrak : ^Seventy per cent is technique^'1 The Dawn of the Federation In a community whose institutions Federation passed a resolution en- Congress has since been tentatively are notorious for functioning in trusting the BPP to take the lead scheduledfor early January 1978) at secrecy, the Federation of Parsi in the matter) and October.... Bombay’s Taj Mahal Hotel. Trusty Zoroastrian Anjumans of India what the Parsi Panchayat did, is Guzder, who heads one of the mam (FPZAl) made a bold departure best known to it.” Bombay Trustee committees formed for the Con- from tradition. For the first time Jamshed Guzder, a special invitee gress, noted that brochures on the in its four year history, the body to the meeting, went so far as to meet are being prepared for dis- consisting of nearly all the major suggest the committee be “aboli- tribution to groups of Parsis throu^- anjumans of India, conducted its shed” if it did not “take effective out the world. Any Zoroastrian Executive Council’s proceedings in steps”. At the insistence of Mistry can be a delegate while a non- the presence of the Parsi Press. Aside and several other delegates, a “target Zoroastrian spouse can attend as from enlightening the public as to date” of March 31 was set for the an observer, Guzder said, /^e its working, the decision to take committee to prepare its report. main theme of the Congress will be, the community into confidence also Among the many schemes voiced “The Status of the Zoroastri^ signalled the Federation’s coming by the delegates are the creation Community in a Changing World’ of age. The brainchild of the 1964 of a central body to look after the and delegates will be able to parti- World Zoroastrian Congress, it interests of the priests, a central cipate in open forums and hovered inconspicuously in the sha- fund to train and subsidize the shops. The formation of a World dow of the larger Panchayats like clergy, and a central register com- Zoroastrian Federation will also a poor, neglected relative; even prising 15 to 20 trained and educated be taken up at the Congress, when the Council met in Bombay, priests who would go wherever A target of two lakhs of rupees it was not unusual to find the Trus- their services were required. “The is to be raised for the function, tees of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat Parsi Panchayat has an existing of which the BPP has pedged (BPP) conspicuous by their absence, fund for the amelioration of the Rs. 25,000, the SPP Rs 20,000 Md But on Saturday, November 27, priestly class,” noted Boman-Beh- the Delhi Anjuman Rs 3,000, subject thanks largely to the efforts of the ram. “The question is, can we to increase. Other anjumans will Surat Parsi Pancbayat (SPP) and amalgamate it?” Nargolwala felt also contribute and business houses its president, Maneck Gheyara, that aside from rendering financial are expected to book advertisements delegates from all over India gathered aid, it was necessary that priests in a souvenir brochure to be pub in strength in the Parsi heartland are respected by the community, lished for the 'occasion. Fees for of Gujerat. And the open and forth- otherwise they would shun their delegates are Rs 100 and for spouses, right deliberations testified that the hereditary profession. Nadirshah Rs 50; this includes two lunches Federation may hold the answer Mulla, a former President of the and dinners and four teas. A lower to resolving the “crisis of leader- BPP and a co-opted member of the charge for those under 35 years of ship” which as Delhi Parsi Anjuman Federation, felt it was only when age is being considered. President Shiavax Nargolwala noted, Parsis were enlightened and edu- npinnfracv is confronting the community. cated in religious matters, that _ . priests would receive their due. While a democratic spirit diarac- *^*®®*® But as Boman-Behram noted, terized the Federation meet, two The top priority item on the Federa- the ultimate solution lay with the issues were ra&er unceremoniously, tion’s agenda is the amelioration priests. “They must help Aemselves” if not despotically squashed. The ofthe priestly class, a problem which he said. And they may well have first concerned the admission of the BPP Delegate B. K. Boman- to, for as BPP President Eraoh Navsari and Udwada to &e Federa- Behram noted, has eluded solution Nadirshah, who is also the Ex- tion. Both have refrained from for the past 100 years. “I would Officio President of the Federation joining because they reportedly dis- be happy,” he added in jest, “if stated, people should not expect approve of the body conducting the problem was solved in the next too much from the committee as its proceedings in English and object century.” Judging by the perfor- “we have no magic wand.” He to the FPZAl clause defining a mance of the committee appointed turned down the next day a request Parsi as one bom of a Parsi father, to study the matter, it may well from a section of the Press to attend as is the law. The two Anjumans take that long. As Dadi Mistry of the committee’s meeting which was consider only a child bom of both the Delhi Anjuman lamented, the to be held on November 30th in Parsi parents to be a Parsi. BPP was “to get the details (on Bombay. “They follow a particular type the priests), instead, we’ve only got ™ of thinking,” said Dr. Rat^ another note ... we’re going round WwW Congress shall. Special Officer of the SPP, in circles.” Even Nargolwala, one The next major item on the agenda who felt that if Naysari and U<^ada of the Federation’s four vice-pre- pertained to the Zoroastrian World did not wish to join, they should sidents felt, “It is a matter of regret Congress tentatively scheduled for be left alone. “By bringing them that between January (when the 25, 26 and 27 November 1977 (the in, the Federation will be fettered.”nd tint Parsi rtoda (bully) Offered in his individual capacity and no (but) for them in aBombay uncyaia ou,^ the matter as President of the Panchay • , r p^g 400, but the couple fused” on the issue and as the^matte thereafter the all-ma^e slum t^ +V10 mnnev. U a delicate one, he reqwKd ShMtl^^ delegates adjourned Gheyara said Navsaii was “con- ”p flie Panchayat. ™ J” “e couple SS-on ttc issue and as the matter “ ? “-Xeatter the all-male tiTmU. was a delicate one, he delegates adjourned did net p , ^aVsSSdIrfore iwo “obter- f"„ening, the SPP orgamzed ™s” who came from Navsari Sini with the piblic in *= .^“SralicfJ^ehise.Leader- could be asked to speak. courtyard of the Entee I^aram cannot evolve with this system. The second bone of contentio y/hich Nargolwala, Boman- n .- public meetings were pettmned^ &^*d BPpW« E-h iX’^SSig^bm sys,™ tions frSm the 740.strong 1.'“^""p/og^esshe^ ^section of the After Marshall did a very co^®g c^uWis feeling frustrated, he dable job^of ^ntrodumng^ „„ U,e -"S£wle’’stew?la^^^ iecliulio arc held to elect the ’ -5 of the SPP, Nargolwala said ofa fire “temple in the twin^cities (^tVonhreommunhy JJ^^gj^^bad'X^S^fS office temple, the Trustees passed a re- ower j be a curse. ®o?5^XnlXala ‘Wthere is a con- solution permitting her entry and ’ g overhaul our system said Na^f ideas.” The A^^rned the priest to comply if he » He felt it was not Obvious reference to wished to continue in.?“ • :LuSr anji^an, to just admi- on which who came “con- P resident from Navsari an open CVV1X1A±£55 1. • meeting with the public in The S«ond B<>“^“|^7--ugh sala at pertained to a Sehrmn and BPP Delegate bracn resolution endorsing the right ot . ^g and. entertained ques- -- Parsi women who marry outof - tbe 740-strong gathering, re^etab^y the community but retain th® ^orp t ons p ^g^y co^en- astrian faith, to enter fire temples After M^sn (ptroducing the 23 subject to the individual trusg pe . Nargolwala spoke on the mitlingthemtodoso.Erach Nad^ etSFrf leadership, noting tot shah felt every Parsi ^roastri^ cris community ss-Sl-si =.5=«‘=5 =¦£= ¦ had faUen into disuse. ¦ section ot tne that the t that no elections are with difl&culties. Trustees today. He noted solution permitting overhaul our warned the priest to comply it ne vve na ,, tinuous wished to continue imenough for anjumans to just admi- p ^ci oi irusiov» - ----- But in Gujerat Gheyara said. „ige their Uusts md SlrTare ^rwomen, the you.««t the tradition was to bar entry to x- problems facing the nhevara is over 60,andfhe such women and requested the SuSty are due more to a “loss ^XS^anch^y^^ and sKondrf Se pUonemSt noting Vrn'in a lions’ are not a “cnre-all” and anj the matter was pending scheduled caste so that they could 43^ col. ; rionded the postponement noting of. a a. the matter was pendi^ TchSed caste so that they couiu the BPP and that when Nadirsh^ l^ail of government housing. A supported the measure, he did so avail ui & It was a philosophy ...before it became a Tata Trust... remark was an I a "that they could towMvei! rf it >h| M if W"- / Z- E ,, Jamsetji Tata conceived of f 55few-Ze ’'.hVNS lildoSit whiX “idS tht Sih™ ana th. s;^.'.'si':s3ixs» THiic a nhildsoDhy, which went beyond merely ISno the ragged and feeding the poor, .s todav oroviding a strong technical and irteKtual bas ’e for national development. TATA enterprises nation-building activity, to .,.™X«kt.h;sirpo,abTataa™lr I I ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Despite the limitations of time and letter to determine what members situations that “ money, Zoroastrian associations expected from religious classes, to t^e future. It was done with a viw overseas are steadily increasing the be conducted by the association, to Tr scope and volume of their activities. Among the questions asked were: community, the availability of the From initially organizing social get- Do the children understand the Athravans, w „n„4ual situa- togethers, many of them now routi- general meaning of the prayers prepared to considw s nely publish newsletters, hold re- how often and for how long should tions of the nature rnentioned^in fiie ligiou? classes, perform jashans, the classes be held should they be Questionnaire -Considering^ collect books for their libraries and combined with family-type activities, 36/ of the toow ’ so on. All this is in addition to the how far would people be willing to bothered to send in t^eir a we more ambitious projects undertaken travel to attend the l^tures would we consider^this as a very POor track by the associations such as hosting they volunteer to conduct classes in record of the religious leaders oi symposiums, obtaining permanent religion, Iranian history or other our ®onimunity. x . this premises and organizing a World subjects and did they have any Wejvould like to repeat at this Zoroastrian Confess for 1980. books on religious subjects? The stage that^the; i^ssue at: h^d b not a Due to the geographic gap, the response to the questionnaire was modification of a social custom, or most convenient and practical encouraging and when the classes practice, it is not of proymgto method to keep track of Zoroastrians were held for the second time on Zoroastrians caus^ aSv iSnd abroad is through their news- November 6, 32 adults and 23 child- petence, noi isiit, to ®ause any fand letters. The Zoroastrian societies ren attended. The classes began with of confrontation The issue is«off in Ontario, Greater New York, the recitation of the Ashem Vohu S’'®at®\imP®^!^^5?r’nSian nhiS Quebec, British Columbia and New prayer and were followed by a survi^l of^thePiJ/’the South Wales in Australia publish translation in English; an Engli^sh phy. W® sincerely hope thatw th e and dispatch their newsletters to transliteration was handed out for passage of time, more and mo e Par^iana regularly. The publishing use at home. Stones from the Dasturs will realize the need tor. consistency of a newsletter is a fair Shahnameh were recited also. procla’ming the rehgion of ^ma yardstick of an association’s maturity In Quebec, Bagli sent out a ques- Mazda to humanity, without dis for it reflects the members’level of tionnaire to the Mobeds (priests) crimination. activity. The newsletters are usually of the North American Continent mimeographed or xeroxed copies of to “gather consensus of opinion... Iran two to four sides, listing forthcoming on certain points of vital interest to Journal headline said events, news on community members the Zoroastrian community on this , home ’’ and the article around the world, marriages, births, continent.’’ Noting that the number Welcome _ deaths, and historical and religious of mixed marriages is on the rise below noted The^retmn o information and also the possibility of Zoroas- many Zoroasttians to iran in r^ut 1 Jamshed Pavri’s missives from trians adopting children of other year^’ Tame after the /{Vancouver provide full length arti- “races and nationality, Bagli asked invitation to them to X/Icles on individuals and events in the the priests if they would perform Shah^^ ® ieT he visfted India, community; the Ontario newsletter the Navjote of such adopted children produced a new burst of activity edited by_ Sabar Balsara . and .the and chUdren^of^mixe_d ¦ m^ajriages, hasP^jod^“inftrhere?’The parti^ by Lovji Cama and Edul Daver are Zoroastrkn. aak" dKr^lnriai;^ chatty in tone while Quebec’s “To the best of our knowledge . | newly formed Gavashni edited by Dr. Jehan Bagli there are some twenty-two practicing 258^^ Lternationaf Cultural tends to be more weighty reading. Athravans on this continent. They (ZICA), to commemo- The New South Wales newsletter are located as follows: six in Mon- anniversary of the edited by Ernani Giambuzzi is a treal; four in Toronto; three in rate th® 50th anniversary relativelv voung publication but Vancouver; two in Chicago, and P attended the December 16 function held at the the of “zoroastriaM fow’Sem ¦ Montre^, 'three' from Retired Officers Club on r,««ri rtf Tnrontn and one from Vancouver. Avenue where a g^j^ator expected from religious classes, to the future. It was done with a view * ’ ¦’ --------------. to bring to the attention of our the children understand the Athravans, with foresight, who are how often and for how long should tions of the nature mention^ in the the classes be held, should they be questionnaire. Considering that only ¦ • • J. 36% of the known Mobeds even. by the associations such as hosting they volunteer to conduct classes in premises and organizing a World subjects and did they have any Zoroastrian Congress for 1980. t;:’:: "“’"C Due to the geographic gap, the response to the questionnaire was and practical encouraging books on religious subjects? The stage, that the issue at hand is not a M Greater New ^ork bulletin edited irrespective of which parent was a “ K\r T z\xrii f^omQ anH PHlll T^AVPT AFft T^OrOHStriHU. To the best of our knowledge to was a relatively young publication but Vancouver; two _ _ . holds great promise. seven in New York State. To date. The newsletters reflect an aware- we have received ness on ..x ---------------- ----- ~ - abroad for the need of consistent Toronto and one from Vancouver. p„nfilps was cut by Senator and regular communication, a need Seven out of eight ha^ angered „ ¦ vj. MrandMsTaham- which in India is best served by an all the questions in the affirma- atrophying Parsi Press. Both Zoro- tive. One Dastm did not return Sie band and astrian Association of Greater New the questionnaire but expressed , other things York(ZAGNY) and the Zoroastrian his desire to refrain from the ^®T?Sng to ZICA^ Treasurer Association of Quebec have through practice of Nayjote ceremony of the _ ghesania who recently visited • Bombay, the association s member- > ship has already crossed 225 since SSn'coiS'ttee-'of^GNyktT^W St'ain opinta of ‘"^'jXwslXr^s’oSoTnvik a questionnaire to its July news: priests on this Continent about the bi-monthly newsletter is on tne a 17 their newsletters attempted to gauge type referred to. the community’s sentiments on re- “This survey, to the best ot our ligious issues. The Religious Educa- knowledge, was the first attempt to 1 1 Id ’..____z*.r 'Zzvfzvoc+riQ'q thfs Continent about the the community’s sentiments on re-a- The Flioht of the S ¦I, « ‘V. ?!' i; 1 igjs f.!-' !\ a If -4 a ! ’ !• r i hSo — 1 1 F V i. temple Min«b« Si^fS^Dar^Mohe, Noshir Motiwalla, was then ^cei a * * adjacent to fire. As jremoniously instructed chamber a third Koshir MOtiwaiiO) " , SJThiFTAnnTbealU., fanaly r piwto on Bomanbehram Forward Studw. Rashtd ^£L^laAglary photo courtesy > T ¦ T V I - - - ® K 1- M nf the rising sun, the 1^“ under S^edw stay m Aden to^oW Boetag TO touched down at Bom- owh’, to the SoonwaUa “™„aaet “® '---- =ss?ss =-s “1bIs^ temfk, Lholse, on November », W«te another fire te^lc bu* H,d W "Ot ^n for h ?Zai£’:Ste’’d'm^A’A- Sy’tu X’‘TudTt''^/on d P-^'tigaot the Aden hr. i indiansoitthey.wroteanewc^f^ etr^^- ^“^^rear^oi^» foreign land had to gi ^cession arrived at r_ - nf crossings, me p aaa «»nn1e msiderable mental stram IQI touched down at Bom- ...Lu Cruz airport. On board very special - 'sSSSL-.Ik s ? vowasjce nemo- The ceremonial offeri g gj proceed to miles away in the People s hunv. has to be p^ /.ontimied t oratic Republic of S crowd watched m reverenc Ervads Minocher M. P^stoor. and Jehangir a,*— barked from Sheriar carefully disem- Air India’s flying November 14, if the fire is to Ghat Hill Station of Lona- the Holy Adaranpadshf 1.. 11 .jMM •4''« I under no < obligation t back to the a 17-year-< career as a a recorded annals of Zoroa i uumii'*''*—• before had.a sacred the mp ^^y at the printer’s apprenticf in the strianism. Never fire journeyed from to this country; even consecrated in India. the airoort, the fire was to rnis vuuunj » _ the holy fires, the Iranshah was right of .at 1,000 people .embicd outside the fireI ;J V s > serve as his f^her. assistant in the firm of Muncherji Eduljee & Sons. The family soon acquired the name Adenwalla and in the course of the next few decades, Cowasjee Dinshaw built up a busi ness empire and laid the foundations ot mooerii MUCH. ' Ji Cowasjee contributed vast sums oi K money to various community and g cosmopolitan charitable and reli- | gious institutions. When the Dar-e- g Meher built in the memory of 5 f assistant in the acquired the Cowasjee Dinshaw built up a busi ness empire and laid the foundations of modern Aden. As his money to various community and cosmopolitan charitable and reli gious institutions. When the Dar-e- Meher built in the memory of Merwanji Kharegat possibly the first Parsi to stake his claim in tne n Arabian Sea port, needed repairs, » Cowasjee decided to build a new _ consecrated In 1869 the Suez Canal was 4 ¦V e? s of the Red Sea grew and served as a coaling Arabian Sea port, needed repairs^ fire temple which was on September^ 20, Ji854. ly wenS.'TrSe between India and the ports of the Red Sea grew / phenomenally. Aden was declared | a free port and served as a coaling g station With the growth in business b the number of Parsi expatriates m Aden increased and on ’ n 1893, on land belonging to the Aden Anjuman, Cowasjee laid the founda- -- - ; Adaran which « consecrated in October that » While the British ruled Aden, the § X i the number of Parsi 1*893, on tion stone for a new Was <------ year Colony flourished. Between 15 to 20 S ships Lchored there dmly, earning the port three to five million rupees g per ship, notes Jehangir Sheri^, a | 28-year-old former resident of Aden, g But as the desire for self-rule swept H the colonial world, the winds of g change touched Aden. With the g struggle for independence the exodus | as the desire for self-rule swept colonial world, the winds of touched Aden. With the 5 “-t 4 J ' {< Co’wasjee and Jerbai Dinshaw t I «« tn. power tor tne nrsi uwu 1969, a radical party with strong i.fiir,* lAonitiac CflTYie to DOWcr. in In the case of the agiary. of the ei^atriates began By Nov ember 1967, Aden reverted to toe Arabs. A moderate regime held ------- for the first two years but in leftist leanings canie to power, in 1972 a nationalization act was pass ed whereby all immoveable property including places of worship we acquired by the state without com pensation. In the c^e of the agiary, the government paid the salaries of Minocher Dastoor and his assistant, Kawas Madan, who still resid^ in Aden and looks after the ‘^^.dg^ fire consecrated earlier; water and electricity are also supplied free or coTt But the cost of maintenance and sandalwood was, and is, toe responsibility of the commumty. Ttie agiary had a liquid fund of eight lakh rupe^ but in June 1967, a ftw months prior to independence, TAe Cawasji \tn:UM^al sale left the Agiary in dire economic straits.9 man—reportedly V Hormusjee Hathadaru, a trustee of Nan Dastur^who^sugge ^da B^ politan crowd of 200, mostly Indian the fire temple, with the prior or 707 effi^ered tor tne’ o Lthered outside the a&axy. Imdad Sequent approval of his co- Aden, Minocher Dast^rm glmade a speech and Minoo Patel trustees Cowas Dinshaw, a fourth with replied. The midnight buoy ceremony Lneration descendent of Cowasjee Ali X performed and the to was Sinshaw and Phirozsbah Pate , an ^e judm AmbamdM Im^^^^^ w^P ^e urn had elderly, infirm man-reportedly and toou^tom tne r to safeguto the to transferred a large office building of the PDKi , ana tn . World War II when a neigh- belonging to the firm of Cowasjee of state, ? others ’ bouring territory was attacked by Dinshaw & Brothers to the agiary tourism, justice and iSian forces. The urn was placed in exchange for the eight lakhs. Models of the in a car provided by V emen Airlines HathadaruT who went to Aden as a es of the container were shovvn. A driven by Homi Tangri, an Aden renresentative of the court receiver first the Yemen government was airport. Two police to^reportedly dissolve the Cowasjee reluctant outrider’s, four military vehicles and Dinshaw & Brothers partnership cause they thought we were trying gars belonging to well- Md ended up becoming fte general to take away gold, ± X escorted the fire to the manager and executor of the firm, Sheriar. We had to explain that jj^g airport was cordoned was both a party to the selling and there is no difference between yo r for’two hours; the police com- buying of the building. “We did not masjid and our temple, exceg^th j^ad permitted the urn to know of the transaction till the end fire.” While most ^f the ^ffic pass without customs inspection as of 1969,” said Sheriar who along concerned gave their s^mion, i e ^ot supposed to be viewed with several other former residents Minister Tourism objwted on ffie ^on-Parsis. The urn was placed oftheportfeel the building was over- groundsthat the in an aluminum alloy container priced? According to them, with was of historic value^ Then a^ previously with nirang. independence impending. It was very ment was: We are paying your 4 2.5 feet box with ven- unliSly that anyone would want to priests and not mterfenng^w ith t^he . ^jguble wire niesh ?nvSt in property and the most the fire, so why do you want to> take it specially designed by building could hie fetched was two away?” said Motiwalla. We had x-^^gj^gineers, was then secured S'COWUS Dinshaw to explain 4a. our P-jmpniatton AuMmCot^f " The plane departed t t ¦{ i, ¦f or three lakhs, cowas to the floor ot tne i defended the transaction, saying, had dropped from 1,000 to 1» a a ^ment which was ‘‘The buying of the building was it was difficult to get^priests, p temporary pavi. The plane oepaiu^u - to be a worthwhile proposi- from November 1974 to Au^st 3 3g and according to cne of Everything was legal,” says 1976, the papers just^^^ffiered dust a^^ Wengers, — ar who along with other m^- January 1976, Moti everyone on of the Anjuman asked Hatha- moved to Dubai, returned to Bom- j^g^^g^nd many prayed. At 7.15 ¦;rip""to7ud™da he we. Ato to was . Hattiadaru was piavcu. uxa^vx — ritumoze Chiniwalla. nut it. Ou arrest, says Sheriar, but he was given tell everyone of our problem ” ^said permissiontoreturntolnc iain Wy Motiwalla, and ,^hiniwalla rec solemn outy /'''''““r.Jj: 1970 in regard to a case filed against mended Motiwalla speak to Ru lived under the umbrella him by disgruntled heirs of the Kuka, a wealthy real estate agent and y^ly Fire, had prospered. Dinshaw family. He never returned, social worker who is well acquain- thought to be a worthwhile proposi tion.” 3 "s; ’“7’ ” Sheriar who along with oth®r m^^" daru for the accounts. Soon after fiay for his daughter s navj^ . landed m n^s of the transaction came to light, on a t'ip *7 /TxixxfoHt, be met * Hathadaru was placed under house pramroze Chiniwalla. ‘1 usea 10 Motiwalla put it, “Our sole r . - - ---------- - .. ---------- - --------nnukn, Raid _ _ promise.lt was solemn duty for us, becau^ we ... 4 x.l_ I Ia a.m. ,, Bahadurshah Dalal, board covered their ” "»a.m. Bombay and the ; over. Our sole 1 1 i i FIRE, FIRE no igara 10 tt vaav jxxvx* xxo—--- uicwkivu. ------------- -r --- wno nau uveu. uuwx ----------- disgruntled heirs of the Kuka, a wealthy real estate agent and ^g jjoly Fire, had prospered. 1 lamilY. -TXC ucvvi jjVVitti wvzxivv* T.xxxz — ”t 1 Prrtm 1970 onwards the agiary had ted with the Minister of Externa AdSfaJ^woffidL^^^^ ^la'ald ChSwaUa hS?Jporte^l^''Tp?nt^ onhTpDRrft%°^^^^^^ Throughout the ages, people have ^r™«s*on the'maintenance and non-aligned eonntnes to be held m ,^?es5.t their supply of kathi. Colombo. Pre ’deals and beliefs. Whether it be a 5fftL Hathadaru’s departure, the In August 1976, JJ® fire or a cross, the symbol serves as «zv«»rnin(*Tit cracked down further sidential council voted to J®’ me rallying point for people with on the Parsi business community, fire go and an official letter to that g^rise. Sometimes the sym- was imprisoned for six effect was sent in September..Cowas mistaken for the idea it and tried before a ‘People’s Dinshaw offered to b^ the cost of ° g^j^ifigs. Thus though fire has cSt’ The case was later dropped, transporting the fird. India w^ the P symbolize the religion of Dhsure whit^h^^fSe held for him, safest place to brmg the fire sai^ gjoaster, dt has also resulted in U dndne his frequent visits Motiwalla, “Nowhere else could we , labeling Zoroastrians fire W to to Spte "ould he get an all Parsi crew or a non-sbjp PTSipp^’ As Sir Ru^om Masam Sa»Ie®^^leav’e Aden, he would in his,book, The s,_________ Tn November 1973, Ij^tf'lXrati'on-firm'of Bhicajee Udwada High rnesii^asvui Zarathushtra. m CowasfeeLtdwas^i^jUp™ ^w^'a^nVotor? T^e plan; to%Xfresurrec.io, Sm^^w Md and landed four hours later ancIShmm g^nl. In Sie Gorte he speak .“bring to to P'eas. n.n ro page 52. co,. a mfstaker for lhe ;dea it SrrsymboUze-tiiTeligion of • . 4 1 _ Ma AOVI 1 4* AZl 1 V. leave Aden, hes would fii^t.‘- . . •lee the fire was not left benino. rvu x x** „ x- kjouu . . Motiwalla by Sam Pedder left Bombay at 8.45 j^j^gj-giy ---------.. . - November 13 with Sberiar, -gjtant, place in the religious systen nrUot TVaRtur Kaiko- T« it hft mereb An Air-India Boeing captein^ notes, " i x.,. _ _ .. , .x.x„t 8 subordinate, though im- Fire occupies alibis asset.: theKwko- of Immorta1 » » Zoroastrian Association (India) The stories of associations are the stories of individual men and women who for one reason or another take upon themselves the arduous task of article by Ardeshir F. Cama, bringing people together. It is their plodding, penpushing, paisa-pinching, fund-raising effort that creates an organization which in turn becomes an institution. Parsiana launches its new column oh Zoroastrian Associations in India with an honorary secretary of the Borivli & Suburban Zoroastrian Association, who writes the story of the Association he helped found. Today Borivli has over 100 Parsi I families, Kandivli over 30; there are many Parsis residing at Gore- gaon and Malad, and a few at Dahisar. north of Borivli. Our Association has 151 members and about a dozen more applications have been received. Membership is open to all Zoroastrians but with the present trend in the ' country’s government (against com munal trusts) it may perhaps be necessary to modify the rules re garding admission to gain certain . exemptions and benefits. But we will do so without losing sight of the purpose of our Association. On 13 th October 1974 we shifted mittee of eleven Founder Members, to the Life Insurance Corporation Initially we were warned that our (LIC) township in Borivli. At venture would land us Ln trouble A Federation First Due to the vast distances that separate the various Zoroastrian Anjumans in the country, the Federation of the Parsee Zoroas trian Anjumans of India (FPZAI) finds it expensive and time-con suming to meet often. To over come this obstacle, the Federation —which is fast becoming the truly legitimate and representative body of the community in India—has divided its members into 'four zones: West, East, North and South. The South Zone, whose members include the Bangalore Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman, the Madras Zarthosti Anjuman. the Nilgiris Parsi Anjuman and the Secunderabad & Hyderabad Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman, held the first zonal conference in Bangalore on October 2 and 3 under the auspices of the Federation. Over a 100 delegates registered for the conference held at the Institute of Engineers Hall. They represented the approximate 3,000 Parsis living in the four states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala; the area boasts seven agiaries, three prayer halls, three dokhmas, seven aramgahs (cemeteries) and five dharamsalas (guest houses). A 36-page booklet issued after the occasion noted the delegates discussed the “problems of employ ment, education, sports, inter-racial marriages and maintenance of fire temples and other institutions; the common point made by all was the need for a Central financial pool, managed by the Federation, which could help the programmes and schemes formulated by the vari ous Anjumans.” Please 'turn to page 51, col. 3 that time I had a vague feeling that the Association Would end that there would be at the most like many others in misunderstand- half a dozen Parsi families resid- ings and squabbles. But we de- ing in the area. I remember I had cided to go ahead in the larger earlier turned down a leased flat as I had thought Borivli was the other end of the world—a typical ting it approved, having the Asso- Parsi attitude which I resent now ciation registered, applying for tax when told by my friends “Bap re exemption and keeping the ac- ketla door rehva giyan”. (My God, counts is all very time-consuming, how far away you’ve gone to live!) When one spends three hours every Having made it my home for the day commuting to work, it is even rest of my life, I was eager to more so. But we managed, espe- fratemize with those of our com- cially with the help of my family, mupity living around. The activi- On 25 January 1976 we formally ties of the Parsi Club at Calcutta, inaugurated the Association with a where I resided for almost a de- Jashan performed by Ervad Pfesho- cade, and Madras where I stayed tan Peer, followed by a musical for six months, were alive in my programme, games and dinner, mind. Towards June, I suggested to my friend, Pheroze Mulla who also resided in the LIC Colony, that we should have a get-together It is our hope that the Association of the Parsis by holding Deh will prove itself an asset to the month’s Jashan. We found there community, particularly to the were not less than forty Parsi growing numbers which are shift families living in East and West ing northwards from Bombay city. Borivli—about fourteen of whom We can achieve this by providing stayed at the Central Bank Em- healthy recreation such as organiz- ployees Co-operative T’ Society. And so for the first time in the history of Borivli Parsis, we met on Sth June 1975—^for the Jashan, games and dinner. T’’ “ " function in^August 1975 and came scheme for providing housing. in contact with many more Parsis— We have in a short spell in- around sixty families in Borivli and troduced a scheme to sell cheap about twenty-two in Kandivli which exercise books, organized a Scouts and Guides group, held picnics, and game evenings. We have made interests of the community. Drafting the Constitution, get- more so. But we managed, espe- Up the Organization Housing ed games and sports for which we are on the look out for some piece of land with a cover for indoor acti vities. We wish to have an agiaiy when we have the required num- We arranged another Naoroz day her to sustain it and to formulate a We have in a short spell in- is the next stop on the Western Railway. , _ We now thou^t of organizing a beginning with our ‘Service ourselves into an association. Bureau’ to assist those desiring to Dhanji Variava broadly jotted earn in their spare time or start a down the aims and objectives; we side business by mentioning it in studied the rules and regulations of our Newsletter. We have a small similar organizations, selected the library, with a few books on re- most suitable and formed a com- ligious and other topics. 21> -. "r- .i x:^ w. •I' , ’ JU . 9 b; ik. 1 ¦’I ;,3’? ’"K ’niiiil ix thf l*nrsi Oreum? .. ........ L 4 From Iran to the shores of India | and the New World, the Parsis have ’ pursued the good life. Their dream , is the dream of all peoples, freedom j from want and persecution, the right to 'life, liberty and the pur suit of happiness.' While these goals elude many, the majority of the community has managed to achieve the basic, physical necessities of life. But once people have a roof over their heads, they want a chandelier w well; if they have a leaf to eat off, they want china. And so dreams always remain one step ahead of reality but they help to reflect the 1 . tainment of people. As the word dream has several interpretations, we .------- - our interviewees, Parsis'^Want.?". Thus some inter- level of social and economic at- ‘ 3 asked five of ____ _ _ “What is the Parsi Dream?" and two, "What do Parsis Want?". Thus some inter preted the word dream in the sense of ideals while others replied in terms of wants. of ideals while others replied , * I Interviews by kllllll Feroza Chavda and Jeroo Gorimar Photo on left by Farokh Reporter Rohinton Commissariat, 20, Student, R. A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics ‘‘Basically Parsis want a cdmfort- able enough life, a happy existence with enough money to indulge in what they want to do; not neces sarily a lot of money but enough get out Cx xxx~---- u * nn thp S. Tw3“S‘’“» “They want to get married and Maths was my Oar£red have children, which is what any I’d hke to be a C.A. (Chartered normal person would do. The rea son why there are so many unmar ried people in the community is probably because they can’t find “ wb^ I would not .eave .t .or an, o.„e in electing a s^use but not a «l the si«K thing I to ^eM deal Patste like someone things are basically deep-rooted fair, but I don’t put much impor- te^ice on that. Mental maturity is more important. “The community in general is materialistically-minded, especially ttiA vouneer seneration. They are 1---- ---- usually happy-go-lucky, take-it- jis-it-comes t^es. Frankly, I m like that too at times. I would prefer to work in a firm so I can of the office at 5 p.m. and I’d like to be a ----- . Accountant). Rnhinton would like to retire al 65 and continue to stay to Bombay “though I don’t know what th< city will be like then. At preseo I would not leave it for any othe things are . They don’t change, at least not n ope generation, ^ch generatioi gets a little more dihaa the on before, but they are not necessaril; I account of it, maybe little wiser.”¦ Jasmine Bharucha, 26, Reservations & Ticketing, Singapore Airlines “I don’t think Parsis have much mately I’d like to settle down and of a dream generally. They have keep house. I’d want a, husband certain basic goals in mind such who is well settled and has a good as landing a good job or being well job involving responsibility.” settled in life but they don’t aim for things. They don’t stand out Jasmine is not in favour of emi grating, “considering the situation and make a name for themselves in the U.K. and elsewhere, I feel or the community. more secure here. It’s rather sad “The tendency among the that more and more people are younger generation is to take up migrating. The community is hot jobs after graduation and maybe so intact anymore. Those who are take a course. But they don’t want abroad enjoy being there but they to start a business or go in for further studies. I’m a rather con ventional person. hold a job for the present. Ulti- the are a loss to us, just like the girls who marry out. It would be better I’m content to if the community were closely-knit and not so diversified.” 1 K Adi Aga, 79, Retired Chief Town Engineer, Tata Iron & Steel Co. “Parsis believe in enjoying life. They are more on the luxury side, generally go after cinemas, theatre, restaurants and things like that. They want a place of their own and like to have some form of between the rich and ‘vehicular.’ transport. “Most of them prefer to stay in Bombay though many have gone over their heads and the essentials abroad. I feel we should settle in lk'_. Z ---- 12— — 2_ this country otherwise the commu nity cannot exist. As it is. Parsis hearing prevent that, like to keep their families restrict- mnot nf m ed. Of course, if there are too many children, they won’t get the type of attention and education they require. “Parsis want motley but they are the club.” quite honest and work hard for it. They mostly go in for technical jobs. I wanted to educate myself and have a good job. I was lucky enou^ to achieve these objects. I feel sorry about the discrepancy poor. Everybody should have at least two or three meals a day, a roof of life. I would' like to do social service but my weak eyesight and T spend most of my evenings at home, mostly reading. Part of the morning I take a walk or go shop ping. hl the afternoon I rest. Sometimes in the evening I go to 9 I Mani Langrana, 39, Housewife 1 “My dream for the Parsis is to see more Tatas, Bhabhas, Manekshaws 1 etc. This is not impossible—much generatiMi gap. I can be achieved throu^ grit, I determination and ingenuity. you achieve through hard work. “In most families there is a ¦ To bridge it the young should be exposed to the elders more often in say group 41 “The young are more intelligent, activities such as social get-toge- but tend to be more materialistic,” thers, religious discussions etc. I says Ms Langrana. “In our time would like our youth to have it was different. We derived much opportunities to better themselves happiness from the simple things and meet each other. Every Parsi in life. Eveh a leisurely walk with wants to be comfortable and have ¦ ; a good standard of living. The im portant thing is to be content with what you have.” I lli IIXV. ijVtll « IVlCyiAiV-XJ TTMliV TT**,** j friends was as enjoyable as going ] to posh places. If you’ve been 1 brought up without much extra- I vagance, you appreciate the thingst ) 1 I 1 L........ H RII Dsrayush Irani, 22, Asst. Psrsian Sscrstary, Iranian n J I I Zoroastrian Anjuman “Parfeis as well as Iranis want a comfortable life, a house, children. ----- -. * . They want to go to Iran to better compulsory military service. Many their prospects, earn more money. Previously Iranis used to come to India, Pakistan, and Kuwait for business. Now that they are ------ ----- learned and there are plenty of that fire jobs available, they don’t go into business. “Iran is developing day by day. . xi. ’ ' 4i,zx The people enjoy life. In the social work after they retire, evening they go for walks, see ---- Pv movies, watch television. Many young people go in for body build ing. They have to put in two years « •'i * . _ * A do not like it but”! think the dis cipline is a good thing. “Most Iranis are religious. They believe traditions should go on. should be open only for Zoroas trians, that sons of dasturs should remain dasturs. Elderly people do would also like to do that. Every one should serve the community.” Khorshed Kheshvala, 49, Proprietress, F. R. Ratnagar & Co. The dream of the average, jptelli- b gsnt Parsi is to be an integral part arribitious. ® of India, whilst continuing to ch:ldrc~ ( maintain his unique identity. Many, j----------- - ,, however, have a distinct preference carry on the family name. - Mar- for Western standards _in their UICM liuilic ________ style’tends to be stilted—with the to fulfilling myself or finding secu- accent on 1 „ . J mornings and club life, at the ex- m pense of their children and society.” I Coming from a small town in ¦ 1_ .. B “Our approach to life was differ- ¦ ent. ¦ mintoh, read... we 1— B freedom to choose our occupation. , of religious values.^ My mother wanted me to be a professor but I started work in an office at the bottom rung. I want ed recognition of my worth as an individual, not as a member of my community, or as a woman. dress, home decor etc. Their life- “My parents’ generation was less ¦¦¦ . They wanted their children to settle down, to secure jobs and beget enough children^ to riage was never an obsession with me: I didn’t consider it essential bridge parties, coffee rity and happiness. , , . .-r ^1- — “The average Parsi is content not to delve too deeply into spiri tual matters and tends to be super- pense of their children and society.' U V.X1X XX x» ¦ . ..------ _ _ .... ¦ J Uttar Pradesh, Ms Kheshvala notes, stitious believing in amas and XXXV ..vxxx xlLT-.- Chaand-raats etc. There is a lacuna We’d go cycling, play bad- in our spiritual life which could had complete be filled by a greater dissemination “When I retire I would like to farm my land in Karjat. Life in the country moves at a slower pace, and one has more time to devote to the important issues of life.” i Jehangir Choksi, 44, Cash Dept., Reserve Bank of Indie There is no such thing as a Parsi “There is no such thing as a Parsi and is not achieving anything. The dream today. Individuals may have community has grown complacent dreams in the seUse of landing a and reality is so bleak that life has good job, getting a house, settling become merely a question ol down, having children but there is nothing specifically Parsi about it. It’s a typical, middle class dream, common to most communities. “In the past when we were pio neers in so many fields, Parsis had As for my son, I would want hin dreams. Under the British we had to get what he wants, basically i the advantage of being the first to comfortable life with a wife wh( educate and westernize ourselves, would make him happy.” ’ survival. “I certainly didn’t achieve whal I wanted for myself, jobwise,” say! Ghoksi. “I wanted to be a marine engineer but it didn’t work out But this generation has no goalsl- Mr. B. K. Boman*Behram's Remarka : THE I PATETI I PAPERS I l', < i I' I have seen Mr. Hodiwala’s letter dated 16-8-1976 with the Panchayat Presi dent Mr. Erach Nadirshah’s endorsement on the reverse, as also the draft letters proposed to be sent to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Mrs. Aloo Chibber expressing thanks for the declaration of Parsi New Year’s Day as a public holiday. It is neither necessary nor advisable at this stage to write such letters to either of them. The Trustees dispatched a letter to the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the subject on 11th August 1976. The said letter must have been before the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Thereafter a news item appeared in The Jam-e- Jamshed of 13-8-1976 stating that due to the intervention of Mrs. Aloo Chibber, the Hon’ble Chief Minister had been pleased to declare Parsi New Year’s day a public holiday. It is doubtful whether the Chief Minister was influenced by our representation or by the supposed intervention of Mrs. Chibber. In this connection it may be interesting to note that as early as 26th June 1976 a letter by one Jimmy Pesi Mistry had appeared in The Jam-e- The manner in which __ men and women holding Jamshed informing that our Chief Minister was contemplating to declare public office conduct their a public holiday on Parsi New Year’s Day falling on 27th August 1976. affairs is always a matter of concern to their constituents. To write their activities is not 7 - to applaud or denigrate. ( At that stage Mrs. Ghibber was nowhere on the scene. Till date there has been no official announcement of the Parsi New Year’s Day being declared a public holiday. It seems to be a curious proce dure that the Chief Minister should have made Mrs. Chibber his mouthpiece instead of making an official announcement. At any rate it is clear that Mrs. Chibber is making political capital out of the situation. In these circums tances, it would not be appropriate to send any letter either to the Chief Minister or to Mrs. Chibber. I may also remind my colleagues that during 1967-72, when I was a Member of the State Legislative Assembly, I had prevailed upon the then Chief Minister, Shri V. P. Naifc, to declare Khordad-Sal a public holiday in addition to the Parsi New Year’s Day. At that time the Parsi Panchayat never wrote a letter of thanks to the Chief Minister nor were any thanks to me placed on record. Why then should a precedent now be created in the 'i i i but to keep the public informed so they can judge their representatives accordingly. Below we publish the remarks written by three Trustees insum'^s^* of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat, B. K. Boman* Behram, Nelie Noble and circulate and place before the Board. Ma neck Hodiwala in regard to whether the Maharashtra Chief Minister, S. B. Chavan, and a member of the State Legislative Assembly, indeed a good suggestion from Mr. Hodiwala. I feel Mrs. Aloo Chibber’s services to the Community should not go unacknowledged by the Trustees. The trustees had sent Resolution dated 17-12-75 and a reminder dated 21-1-76 to the Chief Minister, requesting him to include Parsi New Year Sd/- B. K. Boman-Behram, 19-8-1976. Sd/- E. A. Nadirshah, 19-8-1976. Sd/- Trustee A. F. Golwalla, 19-8-1976. Dr. Miss N. R. Noble's Remarks : ^Ms Aloo Chibber, should - be sent letters of thanks for Parsi New Year being in th£ list of holidays for the year 1976*^ declared a public holiday on 27th August 1976. 7 The result of these efforts was that Parsi New Year was declared as optional holiday. On 11-8-76 we sent another resolution to the Chief Minister Shri S. B. Chavan, requesting him to declare the Parsi New Year in 1977 as a public holiday. But Mrs. Chibber by her intervention managed to get us a holiday for the year 1976. It is indeed very bad taste on the part of Mr. B. K. Boman-Behram to have called Mrs. Aloo Chibber M.L. A. a mouthpiece of the Chief Minister, and that she was making a political capital out of the situation. Such remarks are an insult not only to Mrs. Chibber but also to the Chief Minister, and I feel Mr. Boman-j^hram should have thought twice before making such remarks which might harm the whole community. It would be more proper to put aside personal animosity and appreciate what Mrs. Chibber has done for the community. From the facts recorded in the circular it is very clear that our New Year holiday was re-instated in 1969 because the Chairman Mr. N. R. Mulla and the Trustees waited in deputation on the Chief Minister, Mr. V. P. Naik, and there is nothing on record that Mr. Boman-Behram got this holiday for us.I ASIAN METAL AND WIRE INDUSTRIES On Approved List of Government of India Grams : Metoolcorp Phone: 338186 Our Products: ® Rolling-Drawing and Coating as per I.S. and B.S. Specifications Copper — Aluminium — Brass ® Wire-Strip-Rods Square and Round, Sheets, Plate, Copper Tubes ® Refrigeration and Electrolytic quality ® Enamelled D.P.P. and D.C.C. Wire of Copper and Aluminium Fabrication Job Also Undertaken Office : 50, Nagdevi St., Bombay 400 003. Factory: Rai Village, Bhaynder, Thana. Even then if Mr. Boman-Behram feels that he should be thanked for that holiday, he may make a public statement to that effect and convince us that he was instrumental in getting us the same, then in fairness, the present Trustees on the Board may consider thanking him. Sd/- N. R. Noble, 23-8-76. Will express my comments at the Board Meeting, Sd/- Trustee J. N. Guzder, 23-8-76. I feel that thanks to the Chief Minister and the State Cabinet is a must. Sd/- Trustee E. B. Desai, 28-8-76. Mr. M. B. Hodiwala's Remarks : I do not agree with the remarks of Mr. Boman-Behram. I feel that it is the duty of the Trustees to look after the interest and welfare of the commumty and should not disagree on account of their personal grievances and grudges against a certain individual. That facts about Mrs. Aloo Chibber are publish ed in all the prominent papers and further the same is confirmed of her t«ing instrumental in getting Parsi New Year holiday when Mrs. Shera Vazifdar mentioned this in the presence of Mrs. Kusumbai Chavan in the public function of Navsari Association held on 20th August 1976 and also at that time Mrs. Aloo Chibber thanked the Chief Minister Mr. Chavan at the said function for the same. I am of the opinion that the Trustees should not fail in their duty and our chairman Mr. Nadirshah should thank the Chief Minister Mr. Chavan as well as Mrs. Aloo Chibber for the said Parsi New Year holiday. Sd/- M. B. Hodiwala, 31-8-76. Mr. B. K. Boman-Bahram's Remarks ; We have above one more example of the puerile sheras (notings) with which Miss Noble entertains us occasionally. Miss Noble has not answered my point at all. Without ascertaining the fact, she merely states parrot-wise that “Mrs. Chibber by her intervention managed to get us a holiday for the New Year 1976.” She conveniently glosses over the fact pointed out by me that as early as 26th June 1976 it had been announced in “ The Jam-e-Jamshed" that our Chief Minister was contemplating to declare a public holiday on Parsi New Year Day falling on 27th August 1976. My contention is further strengthened by what ap peared in the issue dated 5-9-1976 of The Bombay Samachar. In that issue, a correspondent complained that the Chief Minister of Maharashtra should have declared a holiday on August 27th as a special favour to and upon the express request of Mrs. Chibber. He further asked the question “Why was the community so ignored?” Upon that, the Editor of The Bombay Samachar commented as follows : “We feel it is not correct to state that August 27th was delated a holiday as a special favour to any individual. The Chief Minister has taken his decision strictly on merits of the case and to do justice to the Parsi Community. The way the news was spread lent itself to the mis interpretation.” Certainly, the comment of the Editor makes sense which some people do not seem to possess. Then Miss Noble goes on to attack my “bad taste” in remarking that Mrs. Chibber was making political capital out of the situation. Now, the term “political capital” is one very commonly used in political and legislative debates and controversies and does not imply any bad taste. I feel that Miss Noble was let into making such a remark through her ignorance of public matters. That apart, is it not bad or for the matter of execrable taste, to seize every occasion to vent her malice by writing such sheras against a colleague? Miss Noble should have thought twice before launching a fatuous, personal attack against a colleague. I repeat that Mrs. Chibber is making political capital out of the situation. She is now circulating a story that she visited the Chief Minister at his residence on Cocoanut Day and tied a Rakhi round his wrist and in return the Chief Minister acceded to her request to declare Parsi New Year Day a public holiday. I am sure that no one can believe such a story except a person at the level of intelligence of Miss Noble. request of Mrs. Chibber. He further asked the question “Why nmunity so ignored?” Upon that, the Editor of TTie BombayJEENA & COMPANY (ESTD. 1900) IATA AIR CARGO Clearing, Forwarding Warehousing and Insurance Agents 10, Veer Nariman Road Fort, Bombay-1 Cable: ‘Justitia ’ Telex: 2313 PHONE : 312032 Miss Noble certainly deserves an award for lie fatuousness of her suggestion in the last para of her endorsement. I care less to convince Miss Noble that what I stated in my previous endorsements was correct. Miss Noble is not aware that a list of holidays is generally placed before the Legislative Assembly for its approval. It was on that occasion between 1967-72 that I raised the question of a holiday on Zarthost-no-Disso on the floor of the House, and Shri Naik took note of my contention that the omission to give such a holiday would hurt the religious feelings of the community. If Miss Noble at all cares for the truth, she can refer to the printed proceedings of the State Legislature for that period. I only cited a precedent and not that I wanted thanks from the Punch ay et or any other body. I had enough thanks from the Parsi community in general which I prize much more. The Zarthost-no-Disso holiday was widely publicized. It would have been wise for Mr. Hodiwala to have kept out of the fray. I can understand his anxiety to oblige his election ally. But Mr. Hodiwala is new to public life and he does not know the background of the persons who helped him in his election. I am sorry to say that in the instant case Mr. Hodiwala has been made a convenient tool. On 16th August Mr. Hodiwala, Miss Noble and Mr. Eruch Nadirshah happened to come together in the Punchayet office. Very likely under the inspiration of Miss Noble, Mr. Hodiwala scribbled a note to Mr. Nadir shah on a piece of paper torn from the writing pad on the Board table. It was handed over to Mr. Nadirshah who also immediately made an endorsement on the reverse instructing Mr. Antia to put up a suitable draft. It was a happy family arrangement to boost Mrs. Chibber. Unfortunately, Mr. Hodiwala failed to see through the game and motive behind the move. Mr. Hodiwala seems to be impressed that the facts about Mrs. Chibber were published in all the prominent papers. But he forgets that it was Mrs. Chibber herself who circulated the news in order to get credit for herself. The Chief Minister himself has never stated that he declared the public holiday in question at the instance of Mrs. Chibber. As the Editor of The Bombay Samachar correctly observes: “The way the news was spread lent itself to the misinterpretation”. Mr. Hodiwala again refers to personal grievance and grudge against an individual. I have no grudge against Mrs. Chibber and I am not at all concerned with her. She has many a time made approaches to me, but knowing her as I do, I have kept my distance. I have never uttered a word against her either in private or in public. But I know the sort of vile propa ganda which Mrs. Chibber carried on at the time of Mr. Hodiwala’s election. Sd/- B. K. Boman-Behram, 13-9-1976. Branches: E. Merc House 19/B, Shakespeare Sarani ( Formerly Theatre Road ) CALCUTTA-16 PHONE: 444711 ‘Jeena House, ’ 50, Hanuman Road Connaught Circus NEW DELHI PHONE : 310621 Miss Noble's Remarks : The Shera is just another specimen of Boman-Behram’s malicious and vindictive nature, and a desperate but vain attempt to prevent the other trustees from thanking Mrs. Aloo Chibber. At first I thought I should ignore this specimen of illogical and irrelevant verbosity, a sign of old age. It is a known fact that such lapses occur in persons with senile condition of the mind which in medical parlance is known as “Cerebral Degeneration’’. However lest my silence be construed as a sign of weakness, I have decided to reply, but in doing so I shall not stoop to using the language of cheap rustics and the so-called educated illiterates. Referring to paras 3 and 4 of his shera, I certainly repeat that it was bad taste to have called Mrs. Chibber the mouthpiece of the Chief Minister. Boman-Behram poses as a great politician, but what are his political achievements? His knowledge of politics is zero, otherwise he would not have made the political blunder of joining the party which all throughout he had been attacking and criticizing, and in return getting a well-deserved kick. I feel in politics he is just a ‘Lilliput’ posing as a giant. As for his remarks, accusing me of venting malice against a colleague, I would ask Boman-Behram, what has his attitude been towards his colleagu es, particularly towards our revered Chairman and towards me? Referring to para 5, Boman-Behram says that he raised the question of a holiday on ^rthost-no-Disso, and the holiday was widely publicized but he seems to forget that on page 10 of this circular, he states that he prevailed upon the then Chief Minister Mr. Naik to declare Khordad-Sal a public holiday. I wish Boman-Behram would make up his mind whether itNITYANAND METAL CORPORATION was Khordad-Sal or Zarthost-no-t)isso? 1 wonder how true are the claims made by Boman-Behram or is it one more lapse of the mind for reasons stated above. In para 5, he says that he has had enough thanks from the Parsi com munity. I feel, he will earn the gratitude of the community only if he gets out of the Punchayet, because his presence is harmful to the community, he being opposed to the ruling party, and also the reckless manner in which he attacks our revered Chief Minister Mr. Chavan and our popular M.L.A. Mrs. A. Chibber. Referring to paras 6 and 7, I may say that Boman-Behram judges others by his own standard. The aspersions cast on his co-trustee Mr. Hodi wala who is a very astute and experienced person, belittles the attacker himself. Referring to para 8, the disgusting remark of Boman-Behram about Mrs. Chibber, requires to be censured, and is no doubt the result of his being inebriated with the exuberance of his own false pride. As for his utter ances and remarks about her are known to many people. •4 Non-ferrous Metal Merchants Seth Virchand Umersey Building Office No. 304 13-21 3rd Panjarapole Lane, Bombay-400 004. 'll Telephone: 336650 Grams: METALSKILL Mr. Hodiwala's Remarks : I thank Mr. Boman-Behram for his advice, viz. to have kept out of fray. Will Mr. Boman-Behram let me know his reasons for his so called wise advice? In the present case there is no anxiety to oblige my election ally. It seems Mr. Boman-Behram is under a wrong assumption. From the very outset let me clear my position that Mrs. Aloo Chibber had not played any vital role in my election or had made any sort of vile propaganda during my el^ion. X My success in election is due to my “F” Register Voters with whom during my interviews I found to my utmost surprise that Voters were hot in favour of Mr. Boman-Behram. They described to me that Mr. Boman- Behram is a very dominating person, wants to carry everything in Parsi Punchayet as per his desire and to have his hand up in every matter against the Trustees and to make them his “Yes men” and also wants to become a “King Maker” at the time of every election to bring the new Trustees of his choice to serve his motives etc. and so they definitely promised me their votes privately, so as not to create unnecessary enmity with Mr. Boman-Behram. Besides this “E” Register Voters, who are of different groups, such as— Pundole group. Prof. Sheriar group, Bharucha group, Talyarkhan group, also split amongst themselves after my interview with them and have privately voted for me. Moreover, my policy is of not speaking any evil against my opponent and even not asking promise or assurance from my voters to vote for me, are the reasons for my success in the election. Yes, Mrs. Aloo Chibber was requested to propose my name. This I did only to spite Mr. Boman-Behram being fully aware of the grudge Mr. Boman-Behram had for Mrs; Aloo Chibber as well as for the very improper part played against me and propaganda done by Mr. Boman-Behram during my election. It is a pity that a senior most Trustee like Mr. Boman- Behram should stoop to such attitude to go round with my opponent to canvass votes against me. I am sure Mr. Boman-Behram cannot deny these facts, as on one occasion, we met face to face with Mr. Boman-Behram and my opponent at one voters’s place, whose vote Mr. Boman-Behram was very sanguine to win with his pressure and influence, but unfortunately for Mr. Boman-Behram that voter informed him that he is going to vote for Mr. Hodiwala and wished his and my opponent, “better luck next time” in presence of my relative who was accompanying me during my voting campaign and thereby Mr. Boman-Behram’s position was made awkward in our presence. Is this a fair policy and creditable for the Trustees to join hands with the candidates at the time of election and thereby lower their prestige and self respect in our community? I think Mr. Boman-Behram should refrain from this practice in future, if he wishes to maintain his former respect and regards our community had for him some years back, both in the rich and poor classes of our community. It is really a matter of great pity that there is no harmony or peace between seven Trustees, who have been trusted with crores of rupees for the benefit of more than 70,000 Parsis of our community and that the Trustees should work jointly unitedly in the interest of our community is my humble suggestion and appeal to the Trustees. Please turn to page 52The Lost Generation FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE by Jamshed Modi or. Jamshed Modi's essay won first prize in The Lost Generation essay competition. An Operations Research specialist Modi heads the Quantitative Management Tech niques Group at Tata Consultancy Services in Bombay and is presently in the process of starting his own electronics concern. Below Parsiana carries an abridged portion of his prize winning essay. As there was a tie for the first place between Modi's eaeay and that of Dr. Lovji Cama of New Jersey, the tie-break ing vote was cast by the com petition's sponsor. Cama's essay will be published in the next issue of Parsiana. The Judges were the late Lady Hirabai Jehangir and the Editors of the Boihbay Samachar, the Kaiser-e-Hind and Parsiana. Photo of a Jashan performed Horniman Circle at night. at I lived in the United States for 19 years, did well by myself, and was happy in the normal sense of the word. In the twelfth year of my career there, I came to India, got married and took my wife back to the States with me. Over the next few years, we were blessed with two lovely daughters. Watching them grow up I began to be imbued with the writer S t community, but the writer ot the Lost Generation . viction r ' < - Try as We might, I and my wife lems of could not provide them with enough Parsiana to make a dent on them. Worse yet, we found our selves losing what little of it we had. The pointlessness of an American career began to weigh on me. And for this and other Tndl^^in I® ‘uoiuy uuuuerueu win f feeling and knowledge cradle of Parseeism, surrounded t—® - COTmuSIy *aU‘“rur^v mWpTh V' ones own pnvate life 1 The world more easily acquire the apiritua’! Seto “o7 SerrigVrii^S a business-like the upliftment of our community is business—serious business. In order to develop effective And for this and other Parsees for the similarity of their I feel our problems will defy solu- communal history and achieve- tion unless we approach them in' ments. Each of these communi- a business-like manner. To me ties, like us, had their problems. But quite unlike us, they seemed to have organization; they had __ ____ ____ _ institutions to bring focus, and solutions to the problems outiined m^ns to tackle their problems in “The Lost Generation” we need and further their cultures. to realize in specific the external None of those institutional forces which bear on the commu- arrangements seemed suitable for nity’s current status. Theste are ''7" " 7. ’ ’ J con viction grew in me that the prob- zl our < ___ solved by an organization of some sort. Exhortations (and even actions) of individuals, towards the woriZ individuals, as individuals is wel come but just cannot go far enough “The Lost Generation” is pri powerful forces with complex effects and they will not be coun- community must be tered by simplistic solutions. To Exhortations (aind even the forces of secularism agog in Secularism really re quires only that religion, caste and , - -------------o- creed are not to be considered in national, political and economic Ihe Lost Generation” is pri- life. Its side effect has been that marily concerned^ with imparting religion, caste and creed are not " among our considered—full stop! One’s own “J How to give them a sound religion and creed are ignored in ' Zoroastrian one’s own private life! The world ^cture of their rich heritage? that the next community is %st How to mculcate in them a pride as good or bad as ours is—there ffl being a ---------............................... J ® problem^ of feeling differences. These voices are raised in isolation. It is inextricably tied people, and buried in little known >9 and cultural assets built up by our forefathers. When reviewing our own condi tion in the States, I could not help but review the condition of the Sw^nXdiranTthZ^rai^^u^^ ? with the question of where pubUcatiZTs.“l“am Zofop^'^d lo abroad T aL Id ^a^seesi live and how much they secularism, but merely ^sh to observe the conditions o^iveral S^nriSt^ an?^fi mention in passing that secularism Presbyteries,' the Episcopalians, coJrtry^id^ w^lT ”* “ *^ti “8uishes our community the Momo^s^lS^^h^s c£2- n may re^d more like a The modern world is a world of tians all 7 Yes but with rUctinnt PJ^P^aal for a busmess venture large institutions and organizations identities' each vi^orou. J It the institutionsTf dynamic’seS^ Then^here to the catchy phrase, and will make man which appear to sustain us; ST Te^ie ^form and Se and nature seems to be at least two Orthodox—^Un ^Mmpared^to t a^W^’gL^n'Slr steps_ removed. We have our birth as good or bad as ours is—^there are very few voices who point out J - 7--. ’* -------® ¦..—WW.M. auvov VWXWO QIC laiScJ and knowledge cannot be treated in small meetings, perhaps by older in ior^iaf'i/\n T* _____i i « . , . < taking and what is happening in the what distinguishes our community country and the world. ------- ’ The essay may rend more like a ic o in..jAiardly taotice our dependence oh The institutional world is more we will be fed and clothed by the style in any way is a task in applied products of large organizations of sociology and economics. It is man; we will learn, grow and work what they call a “socio-economic” in human organizations. If we are problem, and must be tackled by close to death, the facilities of a the methods of socio-economic large human organization are our research and development. There best chance for survival. If we are several examples from our own have phobias and fears, if we have national life where we can see the worries and feelings of insecurity, alterations in life-style that were there are human organizations to sought and the methods that were help us. The attitude grows that employed. The best known of these human organizations can take care is the Family Planning program, of everything, from the cradle to Here some fundamental alterations the grave, then where is the need in life-styles and thinking of the for God and religion? One turns people were sought to be made, to them only when human organi- To do the job, a Department of zations fail or are not accessible. Family Planning was created in the Human organizations preoccupy Ministry of Health. It was sub- us every day of our lives but the stantially financed. Experts from Superhuman Organization behind various social sciences were directly the human organization is hardly hired, as were plain workers at all noticed. Our modem urban lives levels. Base-line surveys, control are removed from nature, and we groups, mass media, economic in centives, new technology evalua tion seminars, and a variety of other methods were employed. immediate than the spiritual world, and we need to take note of this These are the ways of making fact, too, as we develop our solu tions to communal problems. A special factor on the Indian in the country, educate villagers scene that has a bearing on the through television, promote the use problems of our community is the of high-yield seeds or build knowl- stru^e for existence. Barring a edge and pride of membership in relatively few fortunate cases, be- the Parsee community—one has ing whatever we are—student, got to go in with a well-staffed, housewife, breadwinner—takes well-financed, and well-designed most of our time and energies. If program to study the full dimen- I may put this human problem in sions of the problem and to evolve business terminology, we have very approaches. ¦ ' ¦ The second half of Modps assay envisage the creation of a “new socio-economic changes. Whether one wants to curb the birth rate be able to internally “finance' economic development, religious international programs, and so on. An honorary board of I may put this human problem in sions of the problem and to evolve little (human) surplus or savings to be able to internally “finance” our „ , own (spiritual) expansion. Here, I professional, action-research orga- am not referring to the sort of pro- nization” with a corpus of 70 gram that requires “just 15 lakh rupees to work for the minutes each day”. Many a well- uplift of the community “in .»meaning and sincere individual has all its various dimensions." The pointed out how much knowledge organization, tentatively called about our community we can ac- The Zoroastrian Community DeveT quire, if each of us read on the opment Institute, would be run by subject for just 15 minutes each paid, professional staff who would day. But I am deferring to the operate the various departments sort of programs that will take all such a^ education, family life, the hours of a day from some, and at least a couple of hours each affairs, day from some more, in order to < ' get just 15 minutes a day from all patrons would be authorized to the fest of us. It will take a large, well-organized program, requiring substantial involvement from quite team of like-minded individuals to a few people to alter the status of help with the legal and account- fhe community, and we should not ing formalities, fund-raising and rely on this involvement coming other stepS necessary to form the forth from “spare time” energies: institute. Those wishing to receive the realities of Indian life have not the complete printed text of the left much to spare. essay may write to The Lost Getting large groups of people Generation, Cfo Parsiana, GPO to alter their thinking and life- Box 892, Bombay 400 001. PULSAR ELECTRONICS Dealers in Electronic Components B-2 Vinayak, Kamla Nehru Cross Road No. 3, Kandivli (West) Bombay-400 067 Telephone : 385007 review and stat policy. Modi intends to form a smallf I I Abati, Ava, Abtum We publish below the fourth and final installment of names and meanings not listed earlier. All the names are of Iranian origin. In some cases we have furnished the Avestan (Av.). Pahlavi (Pahl.) and Cuneiform {Cun.) forms. Some c, — ., to readers, but they approximate as listed earlier. All the names are of^ furnished the Avestan {Av.). Pahlavi J of the spellings may seem unusual 'readers, but they approximate as Female Names V' AVA Waters ; name of an angel , name of 10th day and eighth month armindokht Right thought ; daughter of fourth son of King Kaikobad ARTA Righteous ASHA Righteousness, holiness Right thought ; daughter of BAHAR Spring closely as possible to the pronunciation in the original languages. The lists are not comprehensive and readers are requested to draw omissions and errors to our attention so that corrections may be incorporated in the proposed book of names. We extend our to cu.'attention so that ions may be incorporated in the NILOPAL, NILUFER Lotus, water-lily DANISH Wisdom DEYAZAD Worshipful creator DINAZ Religious song, music dogdo One who milks cows ; daughter : Av. Dugedhra , name of Zarathushtra's mother farnaza , farzanak Learned : intelligent FRAWARTI Guardian Spirit friya , friyana Beloved khoshnam . khushnama Having a pleasing name khushnawaz Pleasingly caressing MAH Moon MANI Pearl Male Names parik Fairy rozafzun Prosperous day rozbahar Spring day rozmeher Day of love and light RUXSHIN Shining, bright RUX Day thanks to the several scholars and Pahlavi whose assistance made this project possible. The responsibility for any shortcomings is entirely ours. Parsiana siaffers Sanober Marker. Pervin Mahoney. Veera Parbhu and Veera Patel worked on tire project. AH rights reserved. shortcomings is entirely ours. ABTUM Creator of the plentiful waters ABARJA Most strenuous ADRO Most righteous ADVI Needing no protection AHUN Of God, pertaining to ajman Infinite anaoshak Immortal aoshnar A man of intellect , Av. Aoshanara arawaostra Possessing a white stallion artawahishta Best holiness ; one seven Amahraspand s archangels aryameher Aryan sun ; sun Aryans SHAHRINAZ Music of the realm SIMURG Mythical bird SPENTA Holy SPENTA ARMAITI Beneficient, right mindedness j^rs HAMA truthfulness I------- TISTAR Angel of rain YAZDIN Angelic YAZDIN DOKHT Angelic daughter ZARINCHINAR Golden poplar zarmandokht Daughter of time ZOISH Name mother of Zarathushtra's God of the BAKHTAFRID. Blessed by fortune bakhtavar Fortune burjasp Having tall stallions burzafrid One who is exalted burzafrah Having exalted glory BURJIS Exaltation bokhtar Reliever of all troubles amongst the Having the might of a hero ARSHAN Hero ARSHAVIR Righteous hero , ARTA Righteous . s/ARTAVARDIYA Doer of justice, name of Darius' generals ASTOH Unconquerable ^atras Undaunted ATHRINA ¦ Pertaining to fire AURASHASPA dadafarin Created by justice DESTAN Strong, powerful ; name 1-. — Rustam DILAWER Liberal, charitable dilir Brave DILSUZ Sympathetic dinpanah Having protection of the religion durasarun Whose fame is -known afar ' ' ; another for Zal, father of of one Possessing^swift camels EREZWAND, EREZWA Righteous, holy ^ARSAK Father of all progress FARROKHAN Glorious, having glory farrokhbundad Having a happy family FARROKHHORMAZD Prosperous HormazdIf 6 FARROKHMARD Happy, prosperous man FARROKHRUZ Happy day FEROZGAR The triumphant FRAHIMRAWA Exalted soul FRAMARZ, FARAMROZE Merciful ; name of the son of hero Rustam. His exploits are narrated in Burzu Nameh and Faramarz Nameh LEARN AND EARN ( t GIRA Supreme control HUAFRITA Well-loved HUCHITHRA Having good origin JANAFRUZ ne who cheers, kindles life KAI, KAY Royal KARAN Active, efficient ; name of an Iranian hero KERFEGAR One who recognizes all merit KHORDAD Created by glory KHOREHOMAND Surrounded by a halo KHUDAVAND King of the Universe KHAVER Creator of all favours NASHAK, NAS HA Friend of all ? PADMANI i-ord of moderation ’ARVAN DA Within everybody RAKHOH Independent SAFNA Bringer of prosperity TARONISH Enemy of all evil VARUN Worthy of the faith reposed in Him VASPAR Beneficient Lord VASPAN One who reaches the entire creation VASNA Omnipresent How much do you know about your social, cultural, religious and economic heritage? Most Parsis are brought up on myths which they continue to believe till the dokhma. To help readers gauge the extent of their knowings and also to keep them informed and enriched, Parsiana introduces a Z-Quiz on behalf of the sponsor of The Lost Generation Essay Compe tition. The entry with the highest number of correct answers will re ceive Rs 75, the next Rs 50 and third Rs 25. In case of a tie, the amount will be split among the winners. ¦L k. Zi Z •2 ZA Test Your Knowledge 1. Was the Iranshah fire brought from Iran? 2. What is the difference between a Dastur and a Mobed? 3. What is the literal translation of Atash Behram? 4. Was Cyrus the Great a Zoroastrian? 5. What does ‘Kshnaothra Ahura Mazda’ mean? 6. What is the Boye ceremony? 7. What is the message of the Vatha Ahu Vairyo? 8. How many Zoroastrians are there in the world (approximate figure)? 9. Is Pateti New Year’s day? 10, How many Trustees are there on the Bombay Parsi Panchayat? 11. Who was the first person to unfurl the Indian (tricolor) flag? 12. What is the name of the Parsi couple who hold the record for the longest marriage in the world? Send your replies to The Editor, Z-Quiz, C/o Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Last date of entry is 10th May. Answers to the above 12 questions will be published in the next issue. 37i comment of national integration but of Rs 725-1,325 and utider^ in- a neer. 39 too long for me to wait. My re- lations threw a fit when I sent them Indian, has ^rcess a piviuit mui vuyuvu. ....J y J • T >!• first iob—cleaning and shovelling industry m India. the best of these opportunities and contribute in ever increasing mea sure to the prosperity of our nation and our small community. Candidates exchanges. At the'lower level, the those of typists and stenographers parts of tnma i or in some cases, specialists like occupatnm. welders, drivers and machinists. Those rations iniew a wucu ± ocui vuvu. --------- -— a picture with the caption. “My many other jobs m business ^d ."/..I.. r'loQ'niina and Rtinvenine industrv m India. Those in the The Parsi in Quest of a Job by R. P. Billimoria "Jo dikra, bahargam na ja—nokri technical knowledge test on respec- ne vare. Tori character badhi tive disciplines. Keeping in view kharab thai jase," (Look son, the number of vacancies available, don’t go out of town for a job. successful candidates are mter- Your character will be completely viewed. The merit list is drawn spoilt) was the sage advice given up, taking into account the marks by an elder in 1944 when I left the obtained in the written t^t and portals of the Wadia College in interview. Offers of appointment Poona, as a young graduate in search of a job at Jamshedpur. I ignored it not from lofty considwa- tions t2 .. ................ „ because I needed a job and the queue for clerks in Bombay was interview. are issued after a medical exami nation of the candidates. selected are employed in the scale tensive training for 18 months. There can be no denying the fact that the Parsi, like any other to these and or the public sector, have them having secured the highest position. In that case, one would ask, why do We still have such a lyge con- , centration of Parsis—^is it 75 or CaodidauvS are also recruited 80 per cent—in Bombay alone, directly or through employment Obviously, there is «)me reason * ’ ’ ’ —¦ -I--, why the vast majority of young Parsis do not wish to move to other ¦ 21- in quest of an ____ This is a problem about which Parsis need to do their own thinking. To assist them and in this task and to provide pro to set up an adequate agency, duly elected by all members of the com munity, with suflBcient funds to engage counsellors and other specialists for the purpose. Vast avenues lie open to Parsis. The handful who landed in India nearly 1,300 years ago would have been wiped out in any other coun- the furnace at Rs 2 per day. Please private _ send Rs 50 by TMO (Telegraph done well for themselves, some of Money Order)* Today, there are larger oppor- From cleaning furnaces in the tunities in the private and public Tata steel melting shop, R. P. sectors. A variety of jobs are Billimoria rose to become Chairman advertised in the daily press, of the Steel Authority of India Candidates are also i (SAIL), the country’s apex steel , body. The 52-year-old native of exchanges. At the lower level, the Davangere in the old Mysore State posts vary from manual jobs to took over the reins of office from - ’ -------- ^M. A. Wadud Khan on October 7 lathis year. His appointment climaxed ______________ a 32-year career in both the private higher level, direct recruit- and government sectors of the ment of graduate engineers steel industry. , ... A recipient of the Jehangir Ghandy preliminary screening and Gold Medal for Industrial Peace • -—•— -- in 1963, the conscientious and unassuming administrator was SAIL'S Director of Personnel since its inception. He has also been personnel director of Tata Steel and Hindustan Steel. We carry alongside an article he wrote at our request concerning employ ment opportunities for Parsis, wherein he calls for the creation of a community vocational guidance agency. management trainees takes place, fessional guidance, it is, ne^ess^ written test or interview is con ducted depending on the nature of the job. In one of the larger organiza tions, graduate engineers, for example, are recruited in different disciplines for manning the first- departments at the level of ours, we have assistant foreman or junior tengi- and without ^y neer. The selection is made on encumbrances. It is for us to make the basis of written tests and an interview. The written test con sists of two papers, one is an aptitude test, and the other aI COMMENT I I LEST WE FORGET By Rustam T. Saklath and Jal Mehta Songs of the Rigveda, translated in collaboration with Adolph Kaegi and with contributions from Roth. Roth persuaded Geldner to un dertake the publication of a new edition of the Westergaard Avesta, which was out of print. Geldner had hoped to complete this task withip a few years, but soon rea lised that he had miscalculated. Besides the European manuscripts used by Westergaard, a treasure trove of Indian manuscripts was discovered. The wealth of hitherto unknown manuscripts that came to light obliged Geldner to devote Zoroastrians owe an immense debt about twenty years of labour to this to a number of Western scholars, monumental work which is consr- who, since the beginning of the 18th dered even today a reliable, critical, century, have devoted their lives standard and authentic publication, the study of Avestan, Sanskrit ^e presented this critical compila- • ’ nn. . ^ion to Bismarck on the Chancel monumental work which is consi- to 1 . and other oriental languages. Their ana oiner oneniai xuiiguagc^. x iicii vx <^^1^ studies in linguistics, philology, iw’s eightieth birthday. ___ *__________ _ ___ ____ I The first part of Geldner’s disciplines have brought to light a Avesta ^exts, entitled Avesta, the ed in 1886; this contains the Yasna. The second part containing the Visperad and Khordeh Avesta yNecs published in 1889 and the third containing the Vendidad in 1896. The chief value of this work lies in the very careful collation of the _ ___ _____ manuscripts and in the exhaustive s^ip ^siTed* list given of the varying readings. - ----- Geldner had thought of a complete translation of the Avesta texts and it comparative religion and allied wealthoFforgotten lore," which has S^^d. of the^ Parsis, appear- guided our own scholars in inter- “ ‘ ‘ preting Zoroastrianism. One such Western scholar was Karl Friedrich Geldner, Professor of Indian Philology and Compara tive Indo-German Languages at the University of Marburg in Germany. His monumental editions of Avestan and Vedic texts illustrate the hazardous tightrope that scho lars must tread ip balancing inter pretation with precision of expres sion. Borin on December 17, 1852 in Saalfeld in Thuringia, Geldner ob tained his Bachelor’s degree in Hildburghausen before studying A Sanskrit and Zend Avesta at the University of Leipzig. Later he moved to Tuebingen where his teacher. Prof. Rudolph Roth, con sidered a leading authority on the Vedas and Zend Avesta, had a de cisive influence oh his future. monumental Geldner: Treadir^ the hazardous tightrope ed unfulfilled. After waiting for ten years he left Tuebingen in 1887 for Halle where Prof. Richard Pischel welcomed him. They soon began joint research and a lifelong friend- » Ip 1907 he married his friend soon after. was to the sister of his deceased in Halle, Geldner received the recognition he had missed in Tuebingen, becoming a University seems that he deliberately Reader and then succeeding Prof, adopted the readings that he Herman Oldenberg at Berlin, where thought would be best suited for jjg worked for seventeen years, this purpose. He has actually jp 1907 he married his friend translated quite a number of the Adolph Weber’s daughter who died important texts, including three of soon after. His second marriage the longer Yashts, and also has sister of his deceased annotated these fully. Not only wife. did he publish the Gathas as jp iqgo his great friend Pischel metrical but he also proved that died in India. Geldner dedicated considerable portions of the so- (the second volume of his Selections/ called younger Avesta were also from the Rigveda to Pischel with metncal. Later, he dropped the - -. idea of doing a fresh translation of Roth s classes were attended by the entire Avesia and during the men who later achieved, worldwide last years of his life he went back fame as Sanskrit scholars.. - - - Geldner’s first research work was __ ____ ______ _ the solution of a query set by the Studies in Xuesfa (1882) FnFThree Faculty of Philosophy of the Uni- y "22;;__ ________ Tuebingen. Published in pies of his art of interpretation. the Metric of the Younger sensitivity and insight into the addition to Avestan philosophy. a quotation from the Rigveda-. “Beyond the Will of the Gods no one can survive. Even if he has a hundred lives; Thus have I been separated from my friend.” Geldner left Berlin in 1907 for Yashts^ (1884) are priceless exam- Marburg where he continued his 10'7'7 ’ J 1. “ ¦ 1 ---- researches. In the following years, title About the They ^ve proof of a wonderful he wrote Religion of Zarathus- the Metric of the Younger sensitivity and insight into the ori- tra and Vodism and Brahminism, Avesta, it proved an excellent ginal language and the precision of and re-edited Stenzler-Pischel’s addition to Avestan philosophy, t ___* - - - - He wrote a great many papers bound, and several books on Vedic hymns, their grammer and kindred ___ _ ___________ subjects. In 1875 appeared Seventy professorship in Tuebingen remain to the Rigveda. Like all Geldner’s translations. _ _ . ___ re-edited ______________ expre^ion holds the reader spell- Elementary Book of the Sanskrit ‘ Language which had been out of ¦ Despite these significant publica- print for many years. When Geld- tiohs, Geldner’s h£pe of obtaining a ner passed away on 5th February Please turn to page 45F f i » FINE ART Dinaz: Old world quality In the two years after she finished her Diploma in Fine Arts, Dinaz Hodiwalla had a happy acciderit: she spilt some water on a painting she had been working on. “I thought I’d see what happened when I rubbed the color out,” she says, and then, from the ruins of a smudged and muddied painting, she resurrected the soft, subtle tonal abstracts and crucifixions which distinguish her preserit work. ? The participant of two group ex hibitions, in Bombay and Poona, arid the recipient of a host of scholarships, prizes and awards while at the Sir Jamset jee Jee- jeebhoy School of Art, Dinaz has beeri favoured with the sale of all her work and with consistently good reviews—a hard won achievement in the shark’s pool atmosphere of the Bombay art world. “I’ve never taken it up as a hobby,” she says of her work, but sees it as her livelihood. “Many people do the course and after five or six years of art, give it up to do something quite different—^but you _ can’t do something else side-by- “I don’t think about my subje^ be side and do well.” age me,” says Dinaz, explaining that her talent developed as she found her feet in the Art School. While she has contemplated going to universities abroad—to America in particular as the facilities are better—she finds the expense pro hibitive and competition stiff. Com pared to other cities in India, Bombay “is good. There is a lot of interest and people are willing to spend the money.” Unlike those who get lured by the higher prices and easier terms of commercial art, Dinaz expects to tread only the steep and narrow path of fine art with its high costs, low returns and success only for the very few. She has one group exhibition of prints in the offing in December and her first one-woman show lined up possibly for next year. “People like my work, but many of them ask, ‘What does it mean?’ But I can’t express myself in words. Art is so much a visual medium, where the state of mind of the viewer decides how the painting is interpreted, shouldn’t ask for meanings.” One Article & Photo by Manjula Padmanabhan Federation Continued from page 15 election system will be good or bad depending on the voters.” Desai, while admitting that the ----- . condition of the community was “not fore I start to paint. It gradually good,” added he was “not a prophet takes shape, and changes as I work, until I feel it is complete.” While she used to do figurative, realistic work, she finds her present techni- Each small, carefully created work takes a week, says Dinaz. takes shape, and changes as I work. of doom,” and felt confident that “new talent will emerge as it has in the past.” But the last speaker, _ ........................................Bcman-Behram painted a gloomier que has become almost completely picture as he cited more instances of Parsis forced to live in hutments; he spoke of a Parsi driver and his wife who slept on the benches adjacent to the Bhi^a Behram Well in Bombay’s Fort area and of women who due to financial and moral circumstances were forced to follow dubious pro fessions in the slums of Bombay. “As we weaken, more and more will stay in zoppadpattisf he warned. “It’s a shameful state of affairs for our community.” Boman-Behram hoped that the collective wisdom of the Federation delegates would resolve the crisis. “We don’t have a leader, but the Federation of Parsi Zbroas- An only child, the 24-year-old trian Anjumans of India may assume . ' leadership,” he said. The meeting in Surat was a historic Though she does riot feel a par ticular attraction to any current art trends in India, Dinaz finds she is drawn to “the color schemes of the old masters. I like figurative work, because most people use abstract abstract, art as ari easy way out—if is more Despite the highly textured qua- difficult to gain complete mastery lity of her paintings unusual for over the human figure.” The old- watercolor, Diriaz finds, “I’ve al- world quality of her watercolors is most completely left out other heightened by the fact that she mediums, like oils. I haven’t had - - - - • - • ¦ • ’. When we started our course at J. J. we wondered how we would survive says Dinaz. “Many people ask, five years, but at the end we rea- ¦ ¦ “ “ ‘ * lized we didn’t have time to learn enough.” At present she attends evening graphic art classes there, to Despite the hi^y textured qua- watercolor, Diiiaz finds, most completely left out other finds particular enjoyment in doing time to experiment much, scenes of Christ on the cross. “I like creating the effect of suffering,” ‘Why do you paint the Crucifixion? Aren’t you Zbroastrian?’ But I don’t think of it that way, the idea „ „ . never occurred to me. It was just learn print-making from metal ¦ the subject I liked and I felt I plates. could express myself through it— just being Parsi or Moslem or artist has spent all her life in Bom- Christiati doesn’t force you into bay, living by the seaside, in Bah- molds.” dra. “My parents did not discour- - step in that direction.j^QQks tlOokSBOOl ,oii iks b sary, and the dokhma. It contains j. several informative articles, in- I eluding one by Dr Ratan Marshall 1 of the Surat Parsi Panchayat who explores problems confronting the I Valsad Parsis and the community I) as a whole and another by Jal i Birdy who writes of Parsi mum- I ficence in providing health and I education to the community and I relates how the Parsis have admir ably merged themselves into the I Valsad mainstream. I From a review by Sapur Desai I s 11 if 4 Is on sale at : Faredoon and Sandalwood Shop, Prin- 1 cess Street, I Karani Booksellers, Sir P« 4 Mehta Road. jl K. Bomanji and Sons 1! 1 Sandalwood Shop next to h Dadyseth Agiary. Flora Fountain. jl I Nalanda Book Shop. Taj 1 I Mahal Hotel. I Sahib Singh and Sons I Ij Chemists. Veer Nariman il II Road. I I Warden Road Bookshop 11 next to Touche. Booksellers. Valsad mainstream. Valsad Mainstream Directory & Survey Report of . . the Parsis of Valsad, 1975-76 ffer MaStCr'S VoiCC Published by The Zoroastrian Union, Valsad, 84 pages. Broadcasting and the People by Mehra Masani, 179 pages. National Book Trust of India, Rs. 10.25 In Nazi Germany the microphone crackled with Goebelsian lies; modern day coups and counter coups climax with the coim propagate "the views of those who rian'^ states use professional broad casters to perpetuate official myths. The communications media have The growing consciousness amongst Parsis of belonging to a shrink ing community has bred a spate of survey reports attempting to chart population trends which _____ throw light on social and economic maindpering of radio stations problems. One such report cornes ' from remote Valsad, where the grabbed power and totalita- miniscule community took its own states use professional broad- j census. casters to perpetuate official myths. The Survey is in two parts: one communications media have of the Parsi population in Valsad |^ggj^ ^ggj equally to yoke and and the other in the outlying town gj^gi^ve men as to liberate them, of Atul There are 220 families India, however, the best with totally 738 persons in Valsad thing that can be 'said of All and 13 families in the Atul colony, j^dia Radio is that it has neither In both cases the numbers are too enslaved nor liberated but instead small to come to any demographic ^gf^ the average Indian indifferent, conclusions. Since its birth in British India, the About 150 Valsad Parsis hold change in AIR has been in iobs and 81 are self-employed, the number of installations and a Rustic Valsad does not lag behind different Minister of Information educationally. There are several gild Broadcasting every five years double graduates, one Ph.D. and to undo the little that had been several high school graduates, achieved by his predece^or. in However, there is not a single dilapidated studios with ur^ Parsi doctor. The surveyors have equipment AIR continues to chum omitted to give income levels, but out raucous film music, stenle have indicated 44 families as affiu- talks by pontificating politician ent 47 as satisfactory. 83 ordinary and (‘biased’) news. Essentially a Sd 46 weaker stections. government toy, the minister of The Valsad Anjuman has under the day uses the service to broad it some 54 trusts. The Report cast his point of view and feels he makes no mention of how they are has the rigjt to instell transmi fer being used and whether they are in favoured areas and cities. Pro nnW for the Parsis of Valsad fessiohal broadcasters do not exist, . Sd nS^by AllaX or for Parsis for y^ of ~ livinp in other towns and villages ters has bred petty bureaimra s. i weli At a toe when a^aries Talent is a scarce connn^ty for are difficult to 1---------- has three; a mute testimony to better times, when they catered to a larger population. . The report is tembellished with pictures c- ------- , as the agiaries, schools, dispen- Now a bi-monthly Burjor Manneys Poona And at other stalls and bookshops r Bombay throughout Or write to Parsiana. Post Box 892. G.P.O., Bombay 400 001. Subscription Rs. 16 for 6 issues; Rs. 30 for 12 issues Foreign : (Six issues) Seamail: Rs. 32. $4 or £2 I Twelve issues Rs. 60, £3.50, $7.50 ent, 47 as satisfactory. 83 ordinary and (‘biased’) news. and 46 weaker sections. i ' * * The vaisaa Anjumau uas luc ---------- , , it some 54 trusts. The Report cast his point of view and feels be makes no mention of how they are Pro- maS vS rt^efstaff is underpay Znd at the^most Rs 75 per play or artists are paid a pittance of Rs 25 and at the most Rs 75 per play or talk. It has never occurred tojne one listens to and pay Please turn to page 52 authorities to slash the programmes Valsad landmarks such which noStamping i Grounds by Jeroo Gorimar I A lone Parsi postal official yen- I tured into the wilds of Abyssinia I in the wake of the Indian army in | the year 1868. “The Indian Post | Office used to follow the British I and Indian forces on their cam- I paigns abroad,” revealed Vispi I Dastur whose foray into philately I and postal history have not only I made him something of an autho- I rity on the subject but also won I him several medals at international I and national stamp exhibitions. | The 35-year-old practising Char i fw ^^tered Accountant’s collection of Indian stamps used in Aden in the Victorian era won him a gold ver meil at the Hafnia ’76, Denmark’s first international stamp exhibi tion. It is also the first time an Indian has won such ah award ih the ‘Used Abroad’ category. “I chose the Victorian era stamps be cause it is the classical period as far as stamps go. The collection and your contribution to philatelic knowledge. One can’t compete with millionaire collectors so I went ih for something where re search and knowledge would help. _ . “ ¦ where the charm lies, not Uojlege. in your album. Anyone can do that.” Dastur is also a specialist in Early Indian Cancellations such as Instructional Markings, Abbre- Touiitrv was the Vtron^y opposed to Though this TOunrry s nnvprtiment move to auction pioneer of orgamze the Indian States stamps collection, mumcation in Asia and Atnca, fiohtina Thp Federa- narticipauo. and tt have been having state and national I That’s where the charin lies, not wP just in buyihg aiid sticking stamps ' ?___ z4/-k t 1 ‘ Not just buying and sticking stamps'. the Empire of India Philatelic Society,” notes Dastur, who is the society’s honorary secretary and serves in an official capacity on several other stamp associations, such as the India Study Circle a student at Dastur’s School in Poona and the Antonio DeSouza High School. Dastur used to collect stamps in a “haphazard manner and gave it up while at Sydenham “Then I met Cooper in ^967^you could call him my guru. When he died, to keep the phila telic society going I entered state and national competitions.” Cooper who was an authority on stamps of the old princely 99 may ban our participation and it will put the country to shame for - few dollars. We haye built our proposed auction would ruin it at one stroke.” The Government has meted out step-motherly treatment to the philatelists on more than one occa sion. Dastur and his seven co served with notices exhibitions which is a good sign.” a few dinars we There are emnent Parsis in stamp repute , collecting but for middle class Parsis it is a problem. Phiroze Medhora is the Editor of India's Stump Journal and Riistom Shroff has been an inspiration to us. The late Jal Cooper was Jtodia’s rnosj eminent ] * “ philatelist. He founded medallists were ' 'C «¦ ts the Customs to shew cause why ‘I suppose you * b “Entering competitions is their Hafnia ’Ih medals should not be confiscated. .. cain’t blame them, it’s their job” he says. “Entering competitions is an expensive headache. There are problems with freight, insurance, the Reserve Bank of India, the Ministry of Communications, the Customs and there is always the possibility of exhibits getting lost. I may be participating in 1977-78 at Amsterdam and Toronto if things go well. Inspite of everything, competitions are a temptation you can’t resist. As you move around you meet other philatelists, and gain knowledge which is more im portant than winning bits of gold and silver.” Geldner Continued from page 41 1929 at the age of 11 he was meti culously researching the fourth volume of his Rigveda translation. Geldner’s judgement was com pletely independent? he never ac cepted anything without testing it. This is evident from many of his inteipretations and explanations which differ from the Indian com mentaries. His personality showed in his style. His lectures and writings often had an almost poetic elan which one did not expect from his calm and staid exterior. Easily approachable, he had the rare gift r of communicating his enjoyment to his students. As Dr. Irach J. S. Taraporewala, who had studied under another great German Indologist, Professor Christian Bartholomae, writes in the Introduction to The Divine Songs of Zarathushtra-. “I spent one whole day at Marburg with Prof. Geldner. I have seldom met a teacher more enthusiastc for his work. I caught some of his enthu siasm also and he has been oine of the principal inspirers of my work ever since. To the inspiration of these two great Iranists of Germany —Bartholomae and Geldner—I owe all I have been able to work out.” About the Authors: Rustom Sak- lath and Jal Mehta both residents of Calcutta have done considerable re search on Zoroastrianism. Their efforts and assistance to other scholars have made possible the publication of several books and articles on religious matters. Saklath is a former President of the Parsi Zoroastrian Association of Calcutta and of the Iran Society. 48-7,^' 1 I I IN MEMORIAM From Wimbledon to Forest Hills, to the tennis courts of Bombay, Jimmy Mdita ’s name was synony mous with the sport he loved. The 61-year-old former Davis Cup captain and player earned the nick name ‘Mr. Tennis’ not only for his prowess on the courts but also for his legion efforts to promote the game. As The Times of India noted, on the day following his death in an airplane accident on 12 October, “he must have drawn the passenger alon^ide into a con versation on tennis before the end came.” An outstanding doubles player in his heyday, Mehta had till re cently participated regularly in the veterans tournament at Wimbledon and represented India several times in the Stevens Cup, open only to players over 45. This year the gregarious sportsman had been elected Vice-President of the All India Lawn Tennis Association and named the Chief Referee of _____ the forthcoming Grand Prix tourney Krishnan, in Bangalore. He “carried with _ him wherever he played round the nty,” world, the true image of what is ( intended when talking about am- bassadors of sport,” wrote the noted he had Sports Columnist A. F. S. Talyer- ...----- „ khan in Blitz. “This most lovable had this fitness fad and he worried person overcame many handicaps about other people’s health as much to become one of the most astute -- i-— ” of the country’s players. What he lacked in speed and power, he made up for by meticulous study.” His tennis associate of many years, Ramnathan Krishnan who pla3red under Mehta’s captaincy in _ _____ ___ the Bombay and Barcelona Davis The Times of India obituary. Cup matches, recalled in an article “Jimmy, however, never really hit in The Illu^rated Weekly of India, the heights, but ns a doubles “Jimmy’s firm and majestic voice player he did enough to find a was always heard around the place in the Indian firmarnent.’ tennis courts. He would be pre- He partnered Sumant Misra in the sent for any match. If the officials Davis Cup and at Wimbledon were desperately looking for a where tennis aficionado still recall good umpire, Jimmy would the set they took off the redoubt- occupy the chair and' start able pair of Jack Kramer and Ted the match without waiting for an Schroeder. On the domestic front, invitation.” he won many i----------------- — umpire, the with Rita Mody. Mehta served numerous sports bodies and w president of the Academy of Mi tial Arts and founder of “Club 5 of Bombay, an association of playe over 55 years of age. A clever tactician on the cour the tennis veteran had “sound bu ness sense” as well, according Jehangir Shroff a long time busini colleague. After his marriage Homai Shapoorji Pallonji, Mel took over as managing director W. H. Brady & Co. and later v connected with Nowrosjee Wa won the Nagpur universny uuc. & Sons. He subseq^ntly brand “It was at that time (1937) Bill out on hrs own with J. N. Me] Tilden said of him that Jimmy had Enterprises. a ereat future in the game,” noted It was on a business tnp a great luture m i g Madras that Mehta along with others was killed. The Indian > lines caravelle crash-landed Bombay’s Santa Cruz airport a ; minutes after take off. The fli had been delayed around se hours when the Boeing airc assigned for the trip was reple by a caravelle. A few days before the final fii me uuiiicsiiu xiuiii, an old bridge-playing friend, Z mixed double titles Tayabali recalled meeting At the time of any tennis event,, get-together at the Mehtas’ apartment “was a must”, recalled ICxishnar-. “Not a single tennis star ... escaped Jimmy’s hospita- As the Evening I^ews_ Columnist, Busybee noted. a Of (Jimmy) it can safely be said that :„-l all friends and np enemies ... being a sportsman, he friends and as his own.” Bom in Nagpur, Mehta first came into tennis prominence when he won the Nagpur University title. “It was at that time (1937) Bill great future in the game,” notedJ Jimmy near the tennis courts of the Willingdon Sports Club and asking him to join in a game of cards. “All I want to do is play tennis,” replied the sportsman, “so long as I can do that, I’m happy.” As Talyerkha’n noted. “Sports men like (Jimmy) always die with their boots on.” Mehta leaves behind amongst others, his wife, Homai. Among the two other Parsis who lost their lives in. the air crash was Soli Warden, who was called on duty as a flight engineer at the last moment. a * ¦ “He who possesses the privilege of higher education owes it to society to share this as widely as possible.” Beram S. Saklatvala voiced these sentiments in an ! that appeared barely a month before his death on Sep tember 27, following an attack of double pneumonia. The 65-year- old Tata director and son of Comrade Shapurji Saklatvala, communist member of the British Parliament, devoted many years of his life to put this belief into practice. He served as Dean of the London Working Men’s College for several years, where he taught students ranging in age from 17 to 70 in jobs from sweepers to univer sity professors. He was also Chair man of the Northbrook Society educational trust that extends aid to Indian students and the Indian Women’s Education Association of London. “He was an extremely articulate man, clear in expression, lucid in ' ; and brilliant in his exposition,” isaid his colleague of I “Some nights the sea would be full of phosphorus and we would go bathing in the waves at Juhu and come back our bodies all 'llfthis thinking and brilliant in his spangled with it, she had said once, ^exposition,” isaid his colleague of descnbing a time when the dark many years at Tatas, Jamshed 'haters circling Bombay had shone Bhabha. with that mysterious light dredged A lineal descendent of J. N. Tata, the depths of the^Arabian sea., Saklatvala was born and raised in ’ En^and, and graduated from Uni versity College in London. He was appointed secretary of Tata Ltd. London in 1943 and later became ed and electrified generations of its managing director and vice- chairman. He was also vice- chairman of Tata A.G. Switzerland, a director of Tata Industries and phorus. served for two years as President of the Indian Chamber of Com merce in Britain. A poet and historian, Saklatvala Others recalled with affectionate translated the poems of Ovid, horror the redoubtable Ms Wood’s Sappho and Francois Villion. “He habit of storming into the then was completely at home in all the favourite student strongholds, the European classical languages,” re- Bullock Cart and Samovar and was completely at home in all the re- J r* 1 ?¦ 86^ Saklatvala : /I debt to society called Dinshaw Malegamvala, a Tata associate. A prolific writer who wrote both litider his own name and that of John Marsh as his publishers advised him to use a pseudonym when writing oh Britain, Saklat- vala’s books include The Christian Island, King Arthur, Roman Bri tain's last champion and The Rebel King on the life of Jesus Christ. “He was not religious in the ortho dox sense,” said Bhabha, “but basically religious like all good men.” He is survived by his wife. Vera. The speaker was Kamal Wood, ¦ whose presence, during more than two decades of teaching at Bom bay’s Elphinstone College, touch- ¦ students, leaving at the time of hfer death of cancer on 8 August more than just a trail of phos- . “She made us feel that we were people and hot just num bers,” wrote one of her students in a letter to The Times of India. restoriag the guilty ones Beir respective lecture halls. “She traihed us, there was a cer tain discipline,” said one of her associates at Elphinstone College, Caveh Munshi. “Her meetings would be gay, casual affairs that would go on for hours. But the work was done and she made sure that it was done on time. She always insisted that it was very im portant for us to think of students as individuals. And I think they adored her for all her strictness.” She had ih her the ability to re cognize the spark of originality, and the gift of all good teachers, to nurture and feed this spark. Born Coomi J. Dastur at Surat, Ms Wood received her primary education at the Convent of St Joseph in Nagpur and went on to do her B.A. and Masters degree in English at the Morris College, Nagpur University, standing first both times. During the yeahs 1937- 38 she received a Tata Scholarship for study in England and went to St Hugh’s College at Oxford Uni versity. On her return to India she was appointed Lecturer in Eng lish at Elphinstone College and in 1954 became Professor and the Head of the Department of English, a post she held until she was ap pointed head of the English De partment at the University of Bombay. Ms Wood travelled extensively in India and Europe and received a grant to study Elizabethan litera ture at the University of Pittsburg in the USA in 1965 where she ? * * Wood: 'Thegift of all good teachers. *t ( r ¦Ij iis Wjor Sohrab R. Bamji, 89 pro- Bamji captained one of four units minent social worker and noted t , ~ - Free Mason, following a brief ill ness oil 25 July in Bombay. An active figure in numerous _____ ________ _____ associations, Bamji “worked ener- and was promoted "to MajoV^in getically” and often at cost to his ' own purse, noted a condolence resolution passed under the aus pices of the Dadar-Matunga Parsi- also taught a Freshman course. She was appointed member to the board of studies of several Univer sities in the country and her un flagging enthusiasm for the arts is evidenced by the numerous talks ' and broadcasts she prepared for All India Radio or encouraged through her written work and papers. A celebrated beauty, who drew around her noted poets and writers “Kamal was part of the intellectual elite, and along with (Author) Raja Rau and other romantics started Chetana as a kind of intellectual centre where they could meet to discuss art and literature,” recalls Dinshaw Malegamvala, a director of the J. N. Tata Endowment and long time friend of Ms Wood. “I think it was perhaps then that she changed her name. There was a romantic longing to go back to all things Indian at the time.” At the height of her popularity, Ms Wood married Evelyn Wood, an Irishman who was both an intel lectual and a poet. The marriage was to bring out a facet of Ms Wood’s personality which would be tested again and again as she grew older, her courage. For while she was expecting her second child, her husband suffered a breakdown in health which was to afflict him periodically for the rest of his life. It was during the strain of this p^iod that she turned to the Zoroastrian Association and nine Advaitic teacher, f • - Menon, in Kerala. Malegamvala, who is also a devoted disciple, gently explained this change in her: _______________ “At first she was completely bro- Shroff, wrote and^ delivered more ken down,,but in the face of diffi- lectures “than any other Parsi culties her natural spiritedness mason could have done”. He was matured and her real worth came out. Perhaps for a girl of her type, a crisis like this, a result maybe of some past Samskara, was neces sary for her evolution... I do not In the sphere of community Died: Queenie CaptaiB, 86, say that she stopped being a Parsi. activities, Bamji was honorary Founder President of the National’ If you are in the right hands it secret^ of the Bombay Parsi Association of the Blind and will make you a better Muslim, a Association for over 18 years. He Honorary Life Member of the better Christian a better Zoroas- was president of the Parsi Pioneers, World Council for the Welfare of trian, a better Hindu for Vedanta honorary secretary of the Bombay the Blind, a distinction she shared simply means going back to the P^^si Textile League and was on with only one other lady, Helen changeless source of your being.” advisory board of Parsiana. Keller; following a heart attack on Ms Wood leaves behind a daugh- , son, Furrokh, described him 16th October, in Bombay. ter, Leela, and a son. Ananda. A “very orthodox” in religious A dedicated social worker who postgraduate award in her memory matters, yet having “the courage for over half a century nurtured has been recently instituted at convictions. He once recited fledging committees into full-blown the Department of English in some prayers at the funeral of a institutions, “Her greatest contri- Bombay University. Parsi who wished to be cremated... butioh was to the blind,” noted tnonttis after that event, my father was attacked in the Parsi news- < papers, forgetting all his (past) ser- B vices to the community.” Born in Bombay, Bamji gradu- ated from the Fort & Proprietary High School and joined St. Xavier’s College. While studying account- Z1 ancy, he took up a job with Forbes, Forbes Campbell and later switched over to the Kolar Gold V Fields English Warehouse. He p then became an insurance agent f with Norwich Union Life Insur ance Society and after nationaliza tion, was attached to the Life Insurance Corporation of India as X an agent. Along with his professional career, began Bamji’s involvement with social work, starting with the St. John Ambulance Brigade in 1908 and the Adam Wylie Hospi tal where he served on weekends as a nurse. In 1912 he passed the Milita^ Commissioned Officers Examination and when riots broke out in Bombay over the visit of the Duke of Windsor in 1921, ¦ - J - _ s to ward off attacks against the community. He served in various capacities in the auxiliary and reserve forces for over 30 y'ears ¦'; 2.1 1932. “His physical fitness training en abled him to move with vigour, even at 89,” recalled his daughter _ . . — ----------- ---------------- —- Ms Narges Minochehr-Homji. But dri Krishna other local organizations. He was the out-going and good-natured A4Qioaarr, * I" ’Vas a s^^mi of diyihi^bl dt]^ created* Qfajegtg. K oS?* ^® ^®^ship > I to ®ays in Fama Ha 43 B' 1^. Verse Uh0 the in^ flahfe I » ’ but W W hoah^t^ffeBil*^ Verse 4. > ^but notes that ftfe ts ^blamatic of « thbmnm ’ftame. - » . ^I'^ire three grades of shooed I Atash Behram, the ¦ sm»bl of diyiai^f e a»y are fed with fresh firtl. S The rituals required o nnsftBrg^ B By make sacred ’ the three ,typ^ ©f S m"© are : collectioo, ^pmT" y a^ coBsecriWz&esycon! M of the ’ ’ ¦ *ne ofthevwtt with Mr. Nadirshah of i^s. Chibher and re aiianny B ^Tbpic verbally with Mr. Nadirs mt heating, I presumed maybe P\*y Bolhte-Behram seeamsitydui ai^h^ , : .T -“1- ... . - . I to. Chibber in th^r mg to me she has done something Jouj™ rww« .... i tomrks riding grievance and grudge I . indmduah, I reafiirm the same, 4s hfr r.* ‘“®?z.*e“*“®' B y theiime of my el^tkm on the phone iMK-OMMve-«u today. At that t^ase dunr ~ me that he had a lot of things agains t -S B SJ collectioo, parlfitt • consecration, union of dke^ a^ conaecraled z fires, conseci offliei Bonmn>Bteram fiinwlf hte spo ke" For ^e atash behiw fjii ociweeu us wjuch.i actudly do dedi^ted to the ai^fidWvfefenHS hme the Conversation healwiSomcd Jixteim iowfesvl^l toothings againstKfrs. Ghibbcr wfaids he^Sttaat/ ^ collectedwh^i^afefHhna cm9 show that he iuw a grttdge n)D4 iriev^ JS®’ t J — briocmakrnj^ an ascetic, a. gc^s^ji^H a mint, an irohsimth, an [anoing ' between us wIuch.T against Mrs. Chibber? It is not fair on the ! re- - ’ do ^Wed ®“ the part of Mr.^oiitt;®?amtew •z.?^ tu^t mmtms at fbis stage an w^«_. .g ’. . 7^ critical but radio set is beyond their •” r‘“'’ possible cures for All India that they can ineith^^^undSSaS A?® Deputy Director qualified to dissect the 'f ida* r.f __!^. lie J’ “a arilfcrftB 4-AlaitrtiK.r •.J’ ^'wESSRsR^ t tWWs#!!.?',. wipie WQcaunn^ . remaM nOiMsaw phu^Wffi^ibuy^^^ wood and on the thresUi^J ¦*'* •MW. MWAxibAx «c> *"»^FfviqBp to Adar, as to the vazir or minister Piitily there is thi^ J is .dedicated to M^ ^jij^ lled^ eii^ jn dailllih, which is cal an«il-dedica4«d.to beri » L?I Olga Crabn, Hilla studied music | under the renowned pianist, Rudolf | Serkin, at Philadelphia’s prestigious I Curtis Institute of Music, before I launching on a professional career. I Acclaimed ‘a great talent’ by an- I other famed expatriate musician, I Zubin Mehta, Hilla was selected I from over 80 others last year to play I at London’s famed Wigmore Hall, i The young musician paid a brief I visit to her home town last year but I feels London is the best place for a I musical career. V.- ¦ - V' n § Of the 18 artists who exhibited their work at the Society of Contemporary Artists of Calcutta show, the stained glass artwork of Katayun Saklat stood out ‘not only due to their novel ty and usefulness but also for their poetry in colour and imagery,’ noted the Indian Express critic. ‘In black and white, they lose their The Wadias: Change in leadership charm but if one sees them against natural lights or even under artificial After 25 years as chairman of the record of dividends since 1885’, illuminations, one is transported Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing noted the statement at the annual into a realm of new sensations which Company Limited and a 45-year general meeting on 4th April when only an artwork of very high quality career in the textile industry, Neville the change in leadership was an- can evoke and inspire,’ wrote the Wadia handed over the reins of the nounced to the public. critic, Padma Arya. company to his son, Nusli. ‘The fact ‘Apartfrom directing the affairs of A graduate of the Indian School that each and every one of my col- a company, the most important duty of Arts and Draftmanship, 39-year- leagues on the board has done his ofa chairman is to groom a successor old Katayun studied Fine Art for best to persuade me to stay on a few to take his place. I have been paying a short spell in London on three British Council grants and for a year was a student of Patrick Rey- tiens, a stained glass artist in Buckin^amshire, U.K. She has worked briefly as an art teacher at various schools, was the artistic , designer at the India Hobby Centre turnover increased 11-fold, staff asked before I give it.’ Calcutta, and art critic andtcorres- emoluments 10-fold, gross profit Among the other changes at pondent of The Statesman. rose from 80 to 526 lakhs and the Bombay Dyeing, J. D. Choksi has company to his son, Nusli. ‘The fact leagues on the board has done his ofa chairman is to groom a successor ----- _ --------- - - „ ¦ *.3 more years, has only convinced me special attention to this task for the that I am right,’ noted the 66-year- last few years, and I am now com old magnate. ‘I beheve in the motto, pletely confident that I can leave “Five minutes too soon is better than the future management of the com- one minute too late.” ’ pany to the next generation... my Under his chairmanship, the com- advice will always be available when- pany’s share capital doubled, the ever asked, but I will have to be X. . — -- 11 XX* Z\ flV X/J I* Ar A T TT A IT ' From the 350 contestants at the m Student Education Trust’s inter- B school singing competition held at ¦ Bombay’s Shanmukananda Hall in B February, the voice of 15-year-old B Peenaz Masani won her the first B prize. A Rotaract prize winner for B four years running, and winner of h the Vasant Desai vocal music contest, the J.B. Vatchha Wadia High School r student was singled out by Music k Director Sonik Omi as a potential S vocalist for his forthcoming film, i ‘She would like to sing profes- I sionally,’ says her father, Doli, who I spoke on behalf of his interview-shy daughter. ‘But we can’t be sure of ? the future.’ Peenaz is a disciple of Ustad Amanat Khan and like her father, has been coached in the Agra Gharana school of singing. Even if f the young singer does not pursue the art as a career, she is determined ‘to study it forever,’ says ber father. Peenaz: Study singing fwever emoluments 10-fold, gross profit rose C-__ ZZ J2Z Z_Z_Z____ ZZ ZL, , company maintained an‘ unbroken stepped down as vice-chairman and of executive duties and is expected to retire as managing director. Both have agreed to remain on the board of directors. Homi Batlivala wished to be relieved f M lb It ¦> I His forefathers were shipwrights I to the famous Wadia master builders I and Noshir Dbnnjibhoy has kept I the family tradition going both, as S chairman of the South East Asia ¦ Shipping Company and this year, as I president of the Indian National I Shipowners’ Association (I.N.S.A.). I His involvement with the shipping I industry began when as a boy of 12, fl he would go to the docks with his 1 father who was engaged in cargo booking and stevedoring acti\dties. ’ He has since served as vice-president of the I.N.S. A. for the last three years and represented it on various bodies such as The Bombay Port Trust, National Welfare Board for Sea- nI nf 150 in March this year. In Indian Embassy b^RaagsWx and j 1969, he had received a siinilaiawa^ Wth’a certificate^^ merit fro^ Vice President of India for a paper that he had presented at the Ninth International Congress on Large Dams, held at Istanbul. A portrait of the late Ms Mehroo history o/ Gujarat, considered the OUUBJLUa) XMVsxxviwx -- Gulistan Finishing School, was un- on the ffisi death anniversary of the Design and Standards Organization I of the Indian Railways at Lucknow. I The late Prof. Manekshaw Com-1 missariat, author of the three-volume | Snnlthia, founder principal of the standard and most authoritative I Gulistan Finishing School, was un- history of the province, was com-1 veiled by S. R. Vakil, noted lawyer, memorated recently when his por- J on the first death anniversary of the trait was unveiled in Surat. The 1 respected and reputed educationist, painting of the 91-yeai-old bachelor j on 10 January this year. who passed away five years ago, was 1 Ms Sookhia left a teaching job to unveiled along with the portrait ot start an institution with the objective his parents, by the Surat Parsi Pan- of moulding young women to be chayat on the occasion of the Exe-1 better wives and mothers. Reportedly cutive Meding of the Federation ot ¦ the first of its kind in the country, - ’ ’ “ ' '' the school initially met with a poor response but gradually established ------------ - itself. She then began to amass funds all others and... entitles mm to 1------------------ ---- \ would offer vocation oriented cour- ses. X. XXW ___X - not only an academician but ccmld and textiles, headed the Poly- the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, in November. response but gradually esiaousiicu ‘His History of Gujarat supersedes itself. She then began to amass funds all others and... entitles hina to for the Somani Polytechnic which foremost place among modern histo- would offer vocation oriented cour- rians,’ noted a review of his tome by , ses. The former principal, who w^ Alexandra Findlay Ji\the also work deftly with clay, lecher, cane i________ . technic till her death. rv! i 1 !'t ¦ (J I'": rians,’ noted a review of his tome by J University Journal. When wiitingj the history, Commi^ariat consultedi sources and authorities in Persian,® Arabic, Portuguese, Sanskrit and! English and collected photographs® from various sources to illustrate! his books. The first volume beginsl in the year 1297 A.D. and stretches! upto 1573 A.D. when Akbar con-j quered Gujerat; the second spans! the Mughal period and the thirdl continues from there. I Born in Bombay in 1881, Conv missariat graduated from St Xavier s High School and then St Xavier’s College, Bombay, with a first class and was appointed a Dakshina Fellow for two years. The next year, 1904, he completed his M.A. in^ history and political economy andi Dhunjibhoy ; Shipping tradition farers and the National Shipping Board. He is also chairman of the Negotiating Committee of Ship owners. Dhunjibhoy joined his father in the family business in 1936 and launched the South East Asia Ship ping Company in 1948. Starting with a small vessel of 550 ‘dead weight’ tons, Mahamaya, which operated on the west cost of India, the company gradually expanded its operations to the entire Indian coast, Burma, Ceylon, and Pakistan. Today, the company owns and operates six vessels of 57,256 d.w. tons on these routes as well as the West Asia Gulf market. Plans are on the anvil to acquire at least four more modern liners which may in clude a cattle carrier. A freemason and senior steward of the Western India Turf Club, Dhunjibhoy’s interests include horse riding and sports. J. F. Mistry, the chief engineer i..----- - Gujerat, was singled out for recogni tion by the Central Board ofjrriga- tlOn ailU. X W VTVX xv/x XX. X. X WMW— X XT ~ - ------ on ‘Stability of spillway and power deputy general manager dam blocks on and shear zones several posts in inoia anu auiuau, j. j. vjivup mx xxw^ixxv«..», vxxw^* — Sry was awarded a gold medal, including stints at the Indian High R. Patel Memorial Fund to M certificate of merit and a cash prize Commission in Australia, and the the cause of medical education ani in charge of irrigation projects for Irani : Guarding the railways by the Central Boara oi irnga- - ------- - - and Power for his research paper the railways, was appointed senior low angled faults vigilance officer of the Central Rad on the Kadana dam ways on 1st February. He has held several posts in India and abroad, two years later was appointed pro fessor of history and political eco-j . nomy at Guj erat College in Ahmeda- bad where he served for 30 years. ’ He held many positions in the educa tional field and was a fellow of th^ University of Bombay. His chief published works are Mandelslo's Travels in Western India, Studies in the History of Gujarat, and Imperial Mughal Far mans in Gujarat. (From a report by Shernaz Wadia of Surat.) A five lakh rupee endowment in the memory of Dr Jal Patel who had ministered to a galaxy of presidents, Jamsb ed Irani, a 30-year veteran of princes, industrialists and statesmen, ¦ ’ ’ — is to be raised by his many friends and chief and admirers. Sponsored by the Research Society of the Grant Medical College ant J. J. Group of Hospitals, the Dr Ja a 18research so dear to Jhis heart,’ athletes, Bakhtavar Khambata, Tall and lanky Merzi Dubash accormng to the society’s letter. Merzi Dubash and Kayomarz shattered the 100 metres record for Professor of Phatmocology at the Mehta. senior boys at the Bombay High Grant Medical College, Dr Patel was ‘When I started out, friends and School Athletic Meet, breasting the appointed Honorary Director of relatives said, “You won’t grow tall, finishing tape in 11.2 seconds. ‘I had Research in Pharmocology by the you will have muscles with all that wanted to break the record but I Government of Maharashtra and weight lifting’” recalled 19-year-old didn’t expect to succeed’, says the served as Physician to the President Bakhtavar Khambata who broke fleet-footed runner from Bharda of India and as Surgeon Commodore the eight-year-old shot put record at New High School who carried away of the Indian Navy. Shortly before the Inter University Athletics the Lifebuoy trophy and scholarship ms death on 14 January 1976, the Championships held at Benaras in for the Best Athelete at the Hindu- Jb-yeM-old cardiologist’s name December and stood first in the stan Lever sponsored meet, held in figured prominently in Dominique discus throw event. ‘Now they feel February at the Brabourne Stadium Lapierre and Larry Collins’ best quite proud of the little name that Hosie Patel who set the record of seller. Freedom at Midnight, where I have made. They think it’s worth 11.3 seconds in 1955, presented the authors state that had Patel it.’ The tall, strapping athlete has special cup to the sprinter. leaked, news of Mohammed Ali consistently smashed and bettered A cricket and hockey enthusiast Jinnah’s deteriorating health, inde- her own records at the Greater Bom- Merzi only recently made his debut pendence would have been delayed bay Region Amateur Athletic Asso- in the world of athletics when his and partition possibly averted. ciationandstatemeets, since 1970-71 coach noticed his potential Merzi The fund-raising committee is — '¦’** ’ ............. ..... - chaired by P. A. Narielwala of Tatas ‘ ____ ___________ ________ and the interest from the endowment friends saw my build. They said, e will be utilized for fellowships to I " zc the _____ undergraduate and postgraduate est participant and happened to at Madrasr por'^th^ Boys-under-l? students in medicine and pharmoco- <---- - .Th; ;";;t. t,_,l__ ’ ............... logy. In addition, a laboratory in his interested and took me under train name is to be raised to continue ing.’ She also participated at the research in the field of neuropharmo- Nationals in which ‘I didn’t do as cology and a lectureship in thera- well as I expected.’ peutics will be instituted and the T " ' ‘ ________ __________ _______ ___ expenses met out of the endowment, the morning when accompanied the Olympics,’ he sayT All donations should be sent to by her father, Jal, ‘who always en- <— ' — ' ‘The Research Society, Grant Medi- courages me,’ she goes to the naval 1 /-I - II . _ ' 1 T -r z* tals, A/C Dr Jal R. Patel Memorial der Keher Singh and coach Punner. xvaw vFux»axviL ,, Fund’, Ward No. 9, 1st floor. Main ‘There we do actual throwing and Kayomarz Mehta finished the 25 km Building, J. J. Group of Hospitals, running around practice till 8.30 or ~ “ Bombay 400 008. 9.’ In addition to wielding discs, rAitci a smuuui nuc aiong me route, lugging weights and whizzing in and Kayomarz was awarded a rotating Parsi sporting mettle was again out of Bombay for the large meets, shield and a cycle. The meet demonstrated in a rash of trophies Bakhtavar finds the time to play the conducted by the Malabar Hill a report on three of the teen-aged where she is an arts student. Bakhtavar Khambata, ran auu lauKy ivierzi unoasn Mera Dubash and Kayomarz shattered the 100 metres record for ‘When I started out, friends and School Athletic Meet tsxz__ _____ _ _ __ r._ll r* • •• • . a ciation and state meets, since 1970-71 coach noticed his potential. Merzi when she first flexed her muscles, practised daily for two hours at the ‘We had our school spor^ and my University grounds and earlier this " ’ ...................., year participated at the 15th Inter Come and throw.” I was the young- State Athletic Championships held -.J 1. ____________________________ 19 come first. .The sports teacher got relay, Merzi’s four man team stood first and in the men’s relay, the quar tet stood second. At 18, Merzi has no certain plans for the future, but he is ‘serious about athletics. I would Bakhtavar’s day starts at seven in like to go for the Asian games and All donations should be sent to by her father, Jal, ‘who afways en- Of the^21 ’6 "boys'^ from various ‘The Research Society, Grant Medi- courages me,’ she goes to the naval schools who faced the starter at {• £• Hospi- grounds to train under Lt. Comman- Juhu Lions Park for the Inter School „ ,, J « i « --------------------------------------- Roadster Cycle Race on March 7, Fund , Ward No. 9, 1st floor. Mam There we do actual throwing and Kayomarz Mehta finished the 25 km Building, J. J. Group of Hospitals, running around practice till 8.30 or course first, at the Gateway of India. Bombay 400 008. 9.’ In addition to wielding discs. After a smooth ride along the route, lugging weights and whizzing in and Kayomarz was awarded a rotating Parsi sporting mettle was again out of Bombay for the large meets, shield and a cycle. The meet demonstrated in a rash of trophies Bakhtavar finds the time to play the conducted by the Malabar Hill and broken records. Below we carry piano and attend St Xavier’s College Jaycees was sponsored by the a report on three of the teen-aged where she is an arts student. Metro Cycle Co. ing.’ She also participated at the schools who faced the starter at ? 5’i 1 4 'A > >'<«L '5 •i’ Merzi (above): Would like to go for the Olympics Bakhtavar (left): Breaking eight-year shot put record 19¦S > ¦it It - fi IH nl 4. iSliiiiS^H wB I i s J s i J ‘ ,-4" ¦5 I*'' K ‘*V 14 ^1: Z'“ IN M EMORI AM We deeply regret to an-, nounce the sudderi passing away of Mr Fall Meherji Variava on 10 April 1977, af the early age of 51 years. Mr Fall M. Variava was the Director of Blaze Advertising Private Ltd, and all its asso ciate companies. . .' . A gentleman of distinctive appearance and stature. Mr Variava's was a unique perso-i nality. Because of his deep- of ’'absolute honesty and in tegrity, he perfiaps made a; few enemies since he could^ brook no hypocrisy. But his. ready wit and quick humour, as well as his uprightness of nature won him innumerable^ friends. And yet, perhaps his most outstanding trait was his inborn sense of charity to wards his less fortunate bre thren. Year after year Mr, Variava had beesn helping in-; numerable charitable institu tions. particularly those for then blind, the widowed, the or-j Phans and the destitutes. <'' ' I.. Li •J;? Modi, Ms Modi and Sheriar: Fostering togetherness As a young collegian in Ahmedabaa, Commissariat, Nadir-Modi missed the companion- r“-’ ship of fellow community members, bj ---- as Parsi students in his college were mimicry by Bal bathe. » few and far between. Making the Addressing the gathering, Modi best of the situation, he banded the stressed the importance of tending handful together into a loosely knit to the welfare of the younger social and cultural organization that generation. Every well-meaning met as often as possible. When Parsi from time to time talks about teach English at ^the Jai Hind (the Y^C.Z.A.) have been pe^sis- IIC WJJLOIM-VXVVJ- vr* —--o- — similar association for the local in this regard.’Oyer the last 25 ^ars breakf weekly fonctions of a I _ __________ H Percy Ginwalla and Khurshed Garda, a magic show by Minoo Doctor and a violin as Parsi stuaents in nis coiiegc were uiuuivij mj _ ----- ------- . ,. few and far between. Making the Addressing the gathering, Modi best of the situation, he banded the stressed the jmportance of Jen±ng sociai and cultural organization that gener^ion. Modi came to Bombly around 1949, this. In our own humble way, we to teach English at the Jai Hind (the Y.C.Z.A.) have been pe^sis- College, he considered organizing tently and regularly doing a similar association for the local in this regard. Oyer the last 25 years college students. Along with a fellow the Y.C.Z.A. has held alinost without ' lecturer, Khurshed Sheriar, Modi a break, weekly functions of a established the Young CoUegians ’ social, educational, religious, cul- Zoroastrian Association in February tural and general nature. Most ot the 1952 with the objective of bringing events are held at the Modi s resia- youn’g community members together ence. Modi Lodge, 13 Vac^a bd ebiching their Uves. Gandhi Road, WiJ ‘At first there was some resistance an attempt to host the gatnerings from the authorities as to the forma- in larger quarters failed when the tion of what was considered a Bombay Parsi Panchayat trustees communal body,’noted Modi’s wife, refused to pernut themuse of the Homai, presently Y.C.Z.A.’s chief Khareghat Colony Hall- But the executive. But the founders argued Modis decided, however, the cordial that it was a Zoroastrian, and not a atmosphere of a home was some- Parsi organization, and therefore, thing that was needed from more was cultural in nature rather than than one angle. In addition to the communal. The association met with lectures, hikes, socials and other enthusiastic support from the young activities, the Y.C.Z.A. has Lbra^ and rapidly increased its activities which provides books to around and membership. In February this 400 students every year, notes year the Y.C.Z.A. celebrated its Ms. Modi; the libraty fund is silver jubilee with a grand function financed through donations. at Bombay’s Allbless Baug. Tn all our activities. Modi toU A crowd of 600-strong gathered the gathering at Allbless Baug, the for the occasion which started with Y.C.Z.A. has only one aim M a jashan and was followed by a all around welfare of our commumty variety entertainment programme ...(as) we are told m the Aewnfl that included skits by Y.C.Z.A. Mazda...happiness unto him who members Sarosh Dastur, Sarosh gives happmess to others. Aibara, Percy Presswalla, Ronny sincerity and ingrained sensed ailO OHM tnw ------ ~ ¦ Mr Variava leaves behindi him his wife, Silloo, and his ? two little children, Felicia and Jamshed. His wife, Mrs, Variava is now appointed Director of Blaze Advertising Private Ltd, and all its asso ciate companies, of which his elder sister. Miss Freni M. Variava, is the Joint Managing Director. His! ZOROASTRIAN FEDERATION 4 ? ¦ i NORTHWEST BY SOUTH I close to four hours, the members (1909) 11 Bom.L.R. 85, but including debated the issues under the skillful therein, children of alien fathers by Of the four zones the Federation of chairmanship of Nargolwala. While Parsi mothers who have been duly Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India most of the 27 resolutions were and properly admitted into the is divided into, the North and South passed without much controversy, Zoioastrian religion. generate the greatest amount of I the following six were heatedly de activity. The Southern Parsis were | bated before receiving sanction: the first to host a zonal conference of the Parsi anjumans in October, and be considered whether the priesthood unusually hot for February. And on 26 and 27 February 1977, they calling should be opened to all Zoro- the soaring temperatures without hosted a second such conference at astrians and not kept exclusively for and within the Bai Pirojbai Chenoy Secunderabad. The North and West the Athornan class. Hall, indicated that while the South zone held a conference of their affi- * Non-Parsis married to Parsis ern Parsis were willing to discuss liated anjumans in New Delhi on 22 and 23 January this year, and became the first major Parsi Zoro astrian Federation association in India to pass a resolution stating that spouses and children of Parsis b married to non-Parsis be admitted ’ into the Parsi Zoroastrian fold. The West zone which comprises the major anjumans such as the Bombay and Surat Parsi Panchayats, has still to host a zonal conference, Parsiana reports on the meetings in from making use of the community New Delhi and Secunderabad: bated before receiving sanction: At a suitable opportunity, it may * Secunderabad The weather in Secunderabad was * Non-Parsis married to Parsis and their children should be taken controversial issues, they were in no into the Parsi Zoroastrian fold with mood to give them their blessings, certain pre-conditions, if necessary. “ Non-Parsis whether relations or full day session, as versus the 1,000 friends of the deceased, may be community members who were pre allowed to be observers of death sent for the gambhar the night before, ceremonies, especially when they were told by Janishid D. Italia, come to pay their last respects. .. - - - * — - • - * The 200 Parsis who attended the J acting president of The Parsi Zoro- When a Parsi female marries astrian Anjuman of Secunderabad outside the community she should and Hyderabad which hosted the not be ostracized by the Parsi com- conference, that the purpose of hold muni ty and should not be prevented ing the conference was ‘not for our selves, but for our children.’ Unhke institutions, trusts and funds, subject the Delhi Parsis who, with a few ex- to the provision that her marriage ceptions, were in favour of change, has been under civil law and that Parsis of the plain cities are split on she has remained a Zoroastrian and most of the controversial issues * ’ . and Italia’s plea was to draw atten- Conversion by marriage should tion to the need for change without ' „ ' “ ' \. which many younger Parsis were be- of the Parsi Anjumans of North In this connection, rhe practice ing alienated. After hearing speakers New Delhi The rain fell intermittently through out the chilly day as around 400 continues to profess the faith. Parsis gathered at the Bhiwandiwala * C Hall for the first Zonal Conference be allowed by the Parsi community. India. They had gathered to discuss adopted in Iran should be adopted such as Soli Hataria, president of issues of crucial importance to them in India. A non-Zoroastrian spouse the Coimbatore Parsi Zoroastrian and as the North zone President, marrying a Zoroastrian partner, can Anjuman; Dr. B. S. Surti, trustee of Shiayax Nargolwala, who is also adopt the faith of the Zoroastrian the Secunderabad and Hyderabad President of the Delhi Parsi Anju- spouse after due verification. Anjuman; A. F. Taraporewala, of man which hosted the conference — noted, to examine the need for * in India. A non-Zoroastrian spouse marrying a Zoroastrian partner, can i ! spouse after due verification. The term‘Parsi’may be defined the Madras Anjuman; Ervad Shyavax in the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Patel of Hyderabad; Farokh Bamji ‘a change of priorities’. Act on the lines of the definition of of the Bangalore Anjuman; Ms After patiently sitting through Community’ given by Ji^stice Muneezah Banoo Kaoosji; B. K. • — - I Boman-Behram, trustee of the Bom- * 4 t !¦ ¦I 1 ? j I QNQT four hours of talks by speakers Davar in Sir Dinshaw Petit’s Case, such as Ms Piloo Jungalwalla, author of several religious discourses , - . - .. including the recently published The Par sis; Rustam M. Mehta, a Supreme Court lawyer; Ms Ava G. Khullar, former trustee of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman; Rusi S. Gae, former law secretary to the Government of India; Jamshed N. Guzder, a trustee of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat ; Prof. Homai J. Moos, from the » Ministry of Education; Ms Parvin C. Bharucha; Ms Perin Driver and Ms Novy Kapadia who spoke on the role of the youth, the delegates broke for lunch. In the afternoon, they attended workshop sessions on subjects ranging from economic problems to the legal aspects of adoption, marriage and divorce. After a tea break, the various reso lutions passed by the workshops were taken up for voting and for 2 HD %AW jk spElieii 1 « 1 L O .R s .J Surti, Hataria, Italia and Tarapore; ‘Not the last day of the wwld. ’¦< . 1 I > ) tt I « * Fi ¦ Suiiibav. The divisions became more ap- ‘You mean you will have seven parent when the council turned to vvuvo" cvokvC. a startled Maneck the subjects to be discussed at the Gheyara, president of the orthodox forthcoming World Zoroastnan 5, and 8 January. Aware of the bay Parsi Panchayat; Dadi trustee of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman; and Dr Ratan R. Marshall, Special Officer of the Surat Parsi Panchayat talk on a range of subjects in the morning session, the delegates star ted their deliberations in the after noon on the resolutions to be passed. Despite several attempts to tackle issues such as intermarriage and admitting into the community the offspring of Parsi women who marry non-Parsis, the only controversial resolution voted through, referred to not ostracizing Parsi women who marry outside the conununity, nor preventing them ‘from making use of religious community institutions subject to the provision that her marriage has been under civil law and she remains a Zoroastrian and professes the Zoroastrian faith. Aware of the keen sense of dis- ' appointment felt by many of the , , Motafaram, Debara, SMhwa, Guzdet and Narfiolwala; / delegates, Italia, at the conclusion of ^Sge In priatWes. ’ the day s session, counselled them, “ the°last day^of^ the ^orld.’ outspoken president of the Delhi ofProgressiveAnjurnans’.Butwhat- While many of the delegates at the Parsi Anjuman, came armed with ever the cause, rt is ^pparen e two zonal conferences were amen- letters from seven anjumans autho- fonctioning of the ^-yea^r-old able to change, the panchayat, rizing him to represent them at the Federation comprising nearly all representatives^from Bombay and executive council meeting’ of the the major J® Surat ooDosed nearlv every ‘con- Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian An- severely hampered by all the various dX Juntas of India held on 2nd April, stresses -d sttarn^ «;.^exp^o.d Ij. meet, B.P.P. trustee, Guzder and in Bombay. Surat Parsi Panchayat president, Maneck Gheyara time and again votes?’ asked a orthodox constituencies who would the Delhi Anjuman as reformist. 5, 63 7 and 8 January^_ Aware ot the not agree to the reforms and that ‘Yes, read the .rules, replied differences that were edging, a there were more constructive issues Nargolwala, tiumng to the green con^ns^, B. . . .l’irmun nf to be tackled in the economic and 12-plge constitution ofthe F.P.Z.A.I N.Guzder ^he welfare fields. In Secunderabad, As the delegates studied the crucial ^he Confess s execuUve commt e Boman-Behram and Gheyara with sixth clause of the rules and regu- noted,. We must have^adeas on the additional suonort of Bamii, lations, B.P.P. trustee, B. K. Boman- today. The subjects suggestefl locus Taraoorewala and Justice Jal Vima- Bebram allowed that while Nargol- on the priesthood, economic up- dalal—who inaugurated the con- wala could speak on behalf of the lift, religious education ofT^e^ung, ference—proved a formidable lobby anjumans, ‘I should say no, to a education in general, the perfor against reform. i But whatever the outcome, the the chorus, the —* --- ; - , rrkatinn nf an conferences signalled an awakening and a consciousness i------ a— — ---------------- Parsis ofthe North, West and South, the right to vote. To avoid an open with the North giving the community break and the possibility of the issue both intellectual and moral leader- preventing other matters being token ship, and the South following a close up, Fvu.vi<*vivrxa second. The meetings also demon- Na^irshah reserved _ strated the enthusiam and oigani- legal counsel could be obtained, zational skills of the Delhi Parsi But the skirmish clearly served to Mistry and the Secunderabad and Federation between the democrati- _ - * - 4 * • 1 _ _n_- _1_ X_ I committee who devoted Nargolwala and those of the Bom- fuiaction with a very limited mandate, issues , as ‘it may resulj in some and are, therefore, reluctant to chaos. Jamshid Italia, acUng pre- right to vote.’ As others joined in mance of the community over the - - •’ ; embittered Delhi last 30 years with suggestions for m awaxening presiueni imcaicucu. w ------- q lint amongst the from the Federation if he was denied organization to. provide a l^^nk - — - - . - . . r-T'- ------J — between. .Zoroastrians tiie worio over. Nargolwala felt that the fifth item Federation president, ''Erach was ‘too vague. Can we discuss con- ruUng till version, intermarriage, disposal ot the dead, the marriage act, divorce zational skills ot tne ueini rarsi nut me skuuusu vivai.j- Tf^t’di^es^norfdon^t Anjuman trustees, especially Dadi demonstrate the growing rift in the too wide. If it on/i QAnnnriprQhQH and Ff^dftratinn betwccn the democrati- sec what we will discuss, ouzuer representatives like pointed out that Justice Jal Vima- ¦ ivov Cwxxx- dalal who heads the subjects commit- panchayats who tee, was against diset^ssieaK iOf • |b#se ------ 3 as ‘it may resulf in some ana are, vncicivic, ivn*vv«.xiv w -- initiate change. F/ie Bombay Sama- sident of the Secunderabad and The meeting began with a con- c/iar report on the meeting attributed Hydpr^^^. frontaS Shiaval Nargolwala, the the differences to ‘The Impatience versial subjects should ndt be siurk- 25 a Hyderabad Anjuman trustees and cally elected managing ”±~ o considerable time, efifort and money, bay and Surat to serve their constituencies well. 'STANDING ON PRIVILEGE' rSSniM Vv* I constructive work td fe««i^w resolutions on Wth November, per cent from discussing an issue/ the Congress should not get mainly to form a central body and noted Nargolwala and Mistry.‘This bogged down in controversies. As fund, to look to the interests of the is not democratic. The figure should Dinshaw Irani, vice-president of the priests and to appoint a committee Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman noted, that insistence on discussing contro versial issues would ‘lead to the last four months, Gheyara, who tory rules.’ He noted the rule was breakdown of the Congress and chairs the committee, said the only framed to ensure the B.P.P. with its Federation. Aside from Delhi, all action taken was a decision ‘to take four seats on the executive council, the other anjumans and trustees the community into confidence’ so veto power. ‘Those who have are orthodox.’ B.P.P. trustee, Erach there would not be a duplication of privileges are vepr reluctantjo give Desai felt a compromise could be efforts by the Federation on the one ' * ” - • - - arrived at where it would be left to hand and private bodies on the other, the discretion of the chairman of a particular talk to ‘judge the mood’ the president of the Ahmednagar issue became another controversy, of the gathering and decide. Parsi Anjuman requested the Federa- Gheyara attempted to soothe ‘Why are you afraid to talk about tion to set guidelines for disposing off matters by noting the Federation these problems?’ asked Khurshed the dead in those areas jwhere vul- Irani, who was co-opted on the council from the North zone. ‘Let’s get down to brass tacks and thrash problems to be settled locally’, said it out once and for all. Otherwise A. K. Batlivala of Calcutta, the Federation will become a tra vesty.’ ‘It’s not a question of being fright- the Bombay Parsi Panchayat. The ened or shirlang the issue,’ replied executive secretary of the Federation, Boman-Behram. ‘It’s a question of Nariman Vacha, is also a joint not offending the community. Have secretary of the B.P.P. and aside a referendum to decide. Once this from one assistant, Ms Gool Tata, Congress breaks, it will not be pos sible to hold another for 30 years.’ Nargolwala noted that a referen dum was to be taken in Delhi per- stantial fund for the Federation have taining to the children and spouses been thwarted by the larger of Parsis married to non-Parsis and panchayats. Aside from the financial that at the North zone conference drawbacks, Nargolwala, who has (see ‘Northwest by South’), reso- been involved with the founding of lutions had been passed favouring the Federation and has reportedly the admission of non-Parsi spouses attended every council meeting, was and the children of inter-community peeved at the poor attendence re marriages into the Parsi Zoroastrian cord of many of the delegates. In fold. ‘If these resolutions are passed, the past, out of a total council mem- the Delhi Parsi Anjuman will write bership of less than 29, one found, to the government,’ to make them from 11 to 16 members absent, he law, said Nargolwala. said. ‘There are two meetings in a ‘The Bombay Parsi Panchayat is year. If a person takes up public not against change,’ said Boman- office and does not perform his Behram. ‘We are an orthodox duties, he should make room for community. People might resort to others.’ Ms Mani Clubwala of the violence if change was forced on Madras Zarthosti Anjuman noted them. Let change come with time, that the cost of transport was a de- Let us not be impatient. We are terrent for many of the representa- speaking on behalf of the majority tives to attend. But Nargolwala of the community.’ stated that even when meetings were Nargolwala agreed to the sub- held in Bombay, it was not unusual jects if the fifth item was left ‘wide to find many of the Bombay enough. So long as the chairman trustees absent, a shortcoming they will not squash it, that’s fine. I am compensted for at the April meet- not agreeable to any unwritten agree- in^by attending in full strength, ment to permit the chairman to squash a discussion just because it have also been irked by some of the is inconvenient.’ rules and regulations of the Federa- The inability to function, even on tion, especially clause number 35 matters that ^1 the delegates are which states that if the chairman agreed upon, became apparent when presiding at the executive council discussion began on the ameliora tion of the priestly class, one of the cial and should not be discussed, projects undertaken by the Federa- then an 80 per cent majority is re- tion. A special committee formed to quired to overrule his decision. ‘At of priests to collect statistics. When asked for a progress-report on the be amended to 50 per cent.’ ‘They are not good rules,’ coun tered Nargolwala, ‘they are transi- them up.’ To which Boman-Behram retorted, ‘Do you think we are Even when Behram Nagarwalla, standing on privilege?’ Before the tures are scarce, the Federation, refused to do so. ‘These are local The Federation’s major handicap is its administrative dependence on who is also a full time employee of the panchayat, the Federation is staff less. And attempts to create a sub- The North zone representatives presiding feels tha eels that a matter is prejudi- was only five years old. ‘Give it time,’ he pleaded. COMING SOON PARSIANA AUG.-SEPT. '77 * The 3rd World Zoroastrian Congress Is it necessary? A cross-section of the community decide and suggest the issues to be tackled and how. A Zoroastrian Abroad An extensive interview with Jamshed Pavri of Canada on the relative merits of Parsis who have settled out of India. The Evolution of the Agiarf Dastur Dr Fircze Kotwal's paper on how Indian fire temples originated from the humblest of resources. Travels with Ms Moos From the Mongolian desert to the Andes with intrepid and compulsive globe-trotter. Meher Moos, the first Indian woman to set foot on Antarctica. More Parsi Paeans Ratan Marshall reviews Pilloo Nanavutty's latest book, The Parsis. Z Quiz No. 3 Another chance to test your knowledge of Parsi history, culture and religion and to be , rewarded for it. 21COMMENT Warehouse of Knowledge by Dorab Mehta At the confluence of the Dadabhai efforts to set the library on a secure Petit Institute. Bai Dinbai consented. Naoroji and Sir Pherozeshah Mehta financial foundation. The building was roads stands a quiet monument to As the library began to expand, opened for use on 1 May 1898 and past giants of India: The Jamsetjee more space was needed. In 1857, it finally registered under its now per- Nesserwanjee Petit Institute. Built was removed to a more spacious manent name of The J. N. in the memory of the prematurely building in Rampart Row, Fort Institute. A constitution of the deceased only son of Nesserwanjee where Dr Haines, the then Educa- governing body was also framed. Petit, the gracious old edifice with tional Inspector, visited the institute An extension to the Institute was its crenelated tower and mock and expressed his satisfaction at its completed in 1938. The result was gothic arches has served for over progress. In September 1867, the a graceful combination of art and 70 years as a gentle haven of peace library’s name was changed to The utility. The Golden Jubilee of the and perusal to many a member. Fort Reading Room and Library. Institute was celebrated on 1 from slogging student to sleepy Before another year was out, the 1948 and the function was attended intellectual. Below, columnist and subscribers’ list had grown enough by a large number of members and playwright Dorab Mehta writes of to make the library self-supporting, distinguished ^ests. His Excellency the renowned library where he has The second milestone was reached Raja Maharaj Singh, governor oi gathered much fare for his dramas, on 31 August 1875. The library was Bombay, presiding. _ fxzx xixx- fix.x xixx______d.. TheInstituteprovides manyfacili- Act for the Registration of Literary ties to its members: from the lending Scientific and Charitable Societies, library, a wide range reference room. About this time, Jamsetjee Nesser- to the old file room and other wctxxjvv xvxix, ..ixx^ov, the departments. But the most popular is institute was destined to bear, its Reading Hall at the top of this became a life member of the library gothic building, well stocked with and was soon elected as one of its newspapers and periodicals directors. From the very beginning comfortable easy chairs in which mock and expressed his satisfaction at its completed in 1938. The result was ¦ * _ — - .t _ __r» 1______________________ onH avoiding the glare while sleeping. I 5 the renowned library where he has <_ - - In 1856, about a dozen Parsi registeredfo^the first time under the students of Bombay’s Elphinstone -- x - x_„x College, among whom was Jamset jee N. Tata, the industrialist-to-be, . . - began to collect books with the idea yanjee Petit, whose name of forming a mutual lending library. They shelved them on the fourth floor of a house in old Mody Street in Fort. The idea took root and the library began to grow. Encouraged by their success, the sponsors pro- . , . j, •! u i’~/4 ceeded to have it formally opened He preferred. The Times, for his daily nap. He repuea. as a full-fledged library on 1 April paper was thicker than the others and best for 1856, naming it The Fort Improve- ment Library. The following year, at a meeting in the Durbar Room of the Town . x- k i, ox/i Hall, a management committee was he took a most lively interest in the members sometimes c^ be appointed with Prof. A. Gordon institute’s welfare and progress until snoring as they doze on. Fot rna y . Fraser presiding. This was a fateful his premature death in 1888. In 1891, retired and aged persons theReaaing A > year in the history of India; in his sorrowing father endowed the Hallislikea s^ond hoine. iney Bengal, the Great Sepoy Mutiny library with a sum of Rs 25,000 to their day reading, reding, and to- had just broken out. In Bombay, the perpetuate the treasured memory of cussing the Share Bazaar ne , foundation of a great cultural insti- his only son. This handsome gift even appointments are kept ne y tution was being laid and the Bombay placed the library, now housed in a members and their mail is rec Government reacted favourably by big hall on the first floor of a house on the first floor. Including the newly opened library rented for the purpose in Churchgate The Institute also copes adm Y among the educational institutions Street, beyond want for a consider- with the eccentricities ot its mem . eligible for Government aid, and also able time to come. In recognition of Those reluctant to get up every offered the library free books. the gift, the library’s name was from their easy chairs to get ano Within its first year, the Fort Im- changed by the grateful members to paper, collect several bet ore se g provement Library had 115 members The Jamsetjee Nesserwanjee Petit down. But since the peon on n s on its rolls, all Parsis. There were Fort Reading Room and Library. rounds coUects th^ on tne no , two classes of membership: the Four years later, Bai Dinbai they usually hide them behind ne first paying eight annas and the Nesserwanjee Petit expressed a desire backs or below ttmir seats o r second, five annas per month. Apart to establish an ideal public reading them one by one. One meinber u from the total stock of 900 books, room and library in memory of her to come regumly ’ twenty-one periodicals were received deceased son. It was said, up to pick up The oj inaia, p for the Reading Room., some gratis, Rs 2,50,000 for a special building to the easy chair with it, settle o some at concessional rates and a be erected for that purpose, would be spread it on his lace ana go to few were subscribed to at their full donated. She was requested to turn Once, his sound sleep was dis ur rates. The library’s first president, over the amount to the already by another m^ber who sue y Navroji Furdoonji and its first secre- established library and to endow carried away the paper, irom h tary, Edulji Shapurji, spared no therein the Jamsetjee Nesserwanjee face, much to the former s inai^a- ¦29 rounds collects them off the floor, Bai Dinbai they usually hide them behind theirtion. I asked him why he preferred belongs to the Institute or in one of Kittiw The Times for his daily nap. He the rooms. It would bring in the th© noahagembtit introduced pro replied that the paper was thicker extra revenue much needed to keep posals to increase the members’ ¦ than the others and best for avoiding the graceful stone arches and their fees. These resolutions were regularly the glare while sleeping. cool shade still standing amidst the thrown out by the members; how- The water cooler in the reading surrounding jungle of concrete. ever, since then, persuasions have room is often out of order, because As one who has been visiting this prevailed and fees have been raised, some thirsty members use all their old institute almost every day since Although this institute of culture strength on the poor lever to draw a many years, I fondly remember the and learning had to face some finan- full glass of cold water, while others stormy Annual General Meetings, cial difficulties, it has still survived wait patiently. I first thought it The late Burjorji Bharucha, a strong and made vast improvements for strange that the two huge wallclocks critic of the Institute, even kept increasing the amenities for its should be either erratic or out of scrupulous records of the librarian’s membership which has now risen order constantly. But then I learnt lunchtime and complained about to about 4,660. The Institute is main- that they were electric clocks, and any dirt on the usually polished and tained by’ a staff of 50 under the due to fluctuations of power supply clean staircases. One member com- management of Jehangir Shroff, A. J. Khambatta and E. R. Seervai There were two classes of membership : the first paying Ssffy ^variX ’^'faSfuZS eight annas and the second, five annas per month, ranging in subject from Literature ______________________________________________________ and Politics to Science. Apart from Indian dailies and periodicals, a they showed the wrong time. As plained that the lift was often‘sick’at large number of foreign journals members complained regularly, it peak hours so that members had to are also available to members, was decided to keep the clocks per- climb the long and never ending The Institute has been fortunate manently out of order. Now another stairs, making themselves susceptible not only in having the help and small wallclock is installed while to heart attacks. At times, members guidance of the illustrious Petit the two old ones continue to amaze had been trapped in the old lift family, but also that of well-known the uninitiated. between two floors, and it was quite public figures who have given Valu- The intrusion of students holding a sight to see them being extricated, able honorary service to the library day long cramming sessions in the Since then, the lift has been renovat- over many years. For many. Institute’s sedate rooms has led to ed. Another vehement critic was the bibliophiles or arm chair philoso- confrontations with the more long late Burjor Shroff who complained phers, public personages * or standing members, some of whom regularly about bugs in the easy students, the Institute continues feel that a special student’s corner chairs, to which the then Secretary to provide a sizeable store of infor- should be reserved for them. Another replied jocularly that it was due to mation in the refuge of sympathetic improvement inooted is to open a some members who thought the surroundings—a fitting monument small canteen in the garden which reading room was their bedroom, to the ideals of a young coterie. With Compliments From Starlit© Electrical Works Electrical Engineers & Contractors Fern House 13, Ormiston Road Bombay 400001 11i 'i ; j ’4 i 1 ’a il : ill I i! li ¦ 'iii ¦ 'i . 'i ¦ 1. ¦ ;i' TftE LOST generation We can overcome the |»r uuvji - - second prize in The Lost Generation Dr Lovji Gama's essay won Essay Competition. As there was a tie for the first place between Cama's essay and that of Dr Jamshed Modi, the final decision was taken by the sponsor. Came ls a senior with Merck C —. search Laboratories in _ ____ research chemist Sharp and Dohme Re New Jersey, America. A 17-year resident of the U S. A., Cama was secretary of ) Zoroastrian Association of Great New York for a number of years ________________Doorrl fit 1 1 by Lovji Cama and ideas. Westernization ai ' - thinkii event which occurred during the XahonThanreS our So”K?: 5‘?tk« co»- -I ........».;=»;•. E'ss SpSlffe SeirSSkoSwWAwSconS embracing farmers the better educate-' "f ' keZe, in 50 to SranTwito a short time, community of professionals, highy ? 5 jj.,(4econiMnil} educated and looking towards tte *«‘““™'Prthodox, by voca... west for cultural values. , S„nd to what they considered a phenomenon occurred world-wide, was there a of the one sees industry fabulously rich illustrious Parsis pioneering the er I----- and is presently 'J® Officers. He has ---------- previously publish a of his prize-winning essay. A generation is defined as a group of individuals more than C ?S“ms S’Xdes..In human Generation f ,_____ + rsnriiTtlftS a OeriOd terms at of roughly 30 years birth of parents a. offspring. We are with a group C- last 40 years or so (late marriages in the Parsi community led to a longer generational gap) pose of this essay will be called the T ost Generation. A Lost Generat ion is bestdefiiied a in which the majoruy of individuals have lost their moor ings and identity. For Zoroastrian Parsis there are two aspects their identity—race and religion. To the Lo^t Generation neither of these two are meaningful. Why? The causes are acquire.............. z- jv turn to Anyone the Parsis ( Board of n written two articles for 'Parsiana'. Below, we slightly abridged version generation occupies a period '''' between the and birth of their then concerned of Parsis born in the the Parsi communityjed^o ajonger pose of this essay - ------- Lost Generation. a generation in c::- '¦ ings identity—race ________ as which the majority and identity. For Zoroastrian V 1, n V « — ' and religion. To the . And we startj UVU TTXK*’*-** . .« educated section ot w lost its status to a short time, Iq t ij ui vxaur -- \ J orthodox, by yocati4 OOUIIU lU Wiacv -- W unchangeable religion (even t oj dimly understood), they could and would not, westernize themselvl Westernization does not mean v pursuit of material as the development of a mind that researches and reinM orets the dogma and ritual of religijl Yes. While even the United States ^g^mrnization, to the priests, tq was only 50 per cent urbanized oy .religion. 1 end^of World War n, we were , few acadeijM 80 per cent urbanized At a followed the footsteps of the westj in a poor country like India At a t time when the rest of India nau religious research B barely begun to assimila e research was, and still culture and education, 95 per cen scholarly artic of the Parsi community was already Little was transmit literate, many of us in English, average working priest, v were eagerly acquiring western cul ........... difference for us? We cannot afford to have ------- than one Lost meaningful. ____ ire historical perspective let us the end of the last century, who reads The History of bv Dosabhai Framji tne rCli Oto ;------ , <- Karaka, cannot but be impressed by the confidence and ^e sense of identity and direction the community possessed. Yet, only 70 y®arsJatw, we appear t" ‘^’-mind to a halt, our t„-— decreasing, our religion weakened. It is easy to claim that we had our heX during the British Raj, that with its tide we ' One forgets another world-wide < confidence and the sense < ppear to have ground to a halt, confidence lost, our numbers commitment to our v to claim that we had our during the British Raj, that its ebb we fell. This .is only, P«Uy . true. _ , cent urbanized by •ft CJ •5I 0 • i /¦> I i'.. reseated -ciMlons Parsi community turns to a powers of enforcement tor the century priesthood for Parsis. From then on it became lO] of enforcement for the vicious essentially a trustee for the chari- The present panchayat oi Bombay religious solutions. A vicious essentially a trustee tor the cMari- cirde has been created in which the table funds of the community. inability of the priests to lead signi- The present panchayat of Bombay ficantly earns them disrespect, which to which all the other P^rsi pan- in turn drives away many intelligent, chayats still look for leadership, young men from the priesthood, suffers a great disadvantage. Its Thus the clergy is left with a majority archaic election system denies it the of individuals who are blind to mandate of the community; 99 per change, and resent it. cent of the community have no say Compounding the situation is the in who gets elected. A community complete lack of a central guiding which leads India in nearly eAery light for the priests—a central body field, does not bother to look at its which makes decisions. Our learned own selection system nor^ even to dasturs have no desire to lead, they follow the system tt^t India chose seldom meet and if they agree on and inherited from the British anything, it is usually to maintain upon achieving independence— the status quo or to blame the laity, a democratic system. Parsi community has all the hallmarks The Laity necessary to function democrati- The Parsi Panchayat of Bombay cally; 95 per cent of Parsis are was first formed after the island literate, many are highly educated passed to the British from the and individualistic. The Bombay T» + X.rnc niACt P-TTAPtlVP rity waxed and waned over the years persons who served on it. In 1787, lead only if it has the mandate and a new panchayat was elected with respect of the community. It cannot the authority of the government of lead when its members know in Bombay It was effective for a time, their hearts that they were selected but eventually suffered a decline as by a tiny minority. Authority has there was no democratic mechanism to be earned. If the average Parsi to replace its members. Membership feels he has no say in the selection was by inheritance, monetory in- of those who wish to speak for bim fluence or contacts. It became so and control his destiny,^ he will decadent that by 1836 some mem bers, led by Framji Kavasji, publicly as^a result its authority was ex- change? By an insidious process tinguished. An attempt made two whereby each individual has to deiy years later to gain a formal mandate conventions when the person feels from the Legislative Council of he or she cannot live by them in the India failed, and with it went the modem world. When a great number last 1 - was Portuguese. The panchayat's autho- Parsj Panchayat was most effective rity waxed and waned over the years when its members were popularly depending on the quality of the elected in 1818. The panchayat can persons who served on it. In 1787, lead only if it has the ^mandate and a new panchayat was elected with respect of the community. It cannot the authority of the government of lead when its members know in Bombay It was effective for a time, their hearts that they were selected but eventually suffered a decline as by a tiny minority. Authority has there was no democratic mechanism to be^ earned. If the average of those who wish to speak for him feel no need to listen to them. DCis, icuuv In the absence of a mechanism exposed its behaviour and resigned; for change, how does a community as a result its authority was ex- change? By an insidious process tinguished. An attempt made two whereby each individual has to deiy years later to gain a formal mandate conventions when the person teels from the Legislative Council of he or she cannot live by them in the hope of the panchayat to of individuals thus defy it, the old J '*^J r C A ’^l*’ c. n v' 2: This process is the voice of the people, but the voice of a people lost in the wilderness without leader ship. The process is divisive; it creates guilt in the individual who is forced to break the convention; it leads to frustration and disillu sionment ; it makes it difficult to be a Parsi for those very Parsis whose intelligence and thoughtfulness is required to solve the problems of the community. When a great number of individuals defy it, the old convention is lost. If such is the case among the elite, then it is worse for the mass of the community. Without direction or leadership, either secular or reli gious, they lose the capacity to care and begin looking to leaders and false leaders, outside the community, for answers. Until we solve our two basic problems—a priesthood out of touch with the thinking of the average Parsi and the inability to select leaders responsive to the .needs of the people and deserving of their mandate—we will dissipate our ener gies trying to find piece-meal solutions to our problems. One often hears that the young have no pride in being Parsi. What should they be proud of? The past? It is hidden in scholarly books in musty libraries and unspeaking stone statues scattered over Bombay. Their religion? The beauty of the Gathas, with their timeless wisdom, ethical teachings and demanding ideals, are never explained to the young. The daily prayers are learnt either without meaning or through translations that are often inadequate. The rituals appear meaningless and are performed mainly without grace. Zoroastrian rituals are the least understood part of our religion; should a child or adult be curious enough to ask the performing priest for an explanation, the chances are that he or she will either receive no answer, or an answer fit for the 18th century. If the young are not proud of their community and religion, it is be cause they possess the basic charac ter of their religion: honesty. There is very little to be proud of at the present. During the last generation the material success of the commu nity cushioned its problems. Eco- 33I (I r h ' * BVUU^ _ least four more years, the ^uivalent •“ .1 - •a’sB&B^*'' M* -I r wi and deliver Zoroastrianism and other religions, our history and Avestan and Pahlevi languages. Only a handful of priests La YTXA>WX4 TJX** T*** --- Bombay purpose more than adequately. The priests’ duties could include teaching at the Athornan Institute luuivx uvvx***.*T* assigned to various fire temples in of directors. It Bombay and other cities^ where elecTed^ directors.’ Every the navjote. They could teach the and their meanings, and Parsi children their community’s - Y - - ’ The directors, when also in its failings so that they - • *1 balanced view. Above £.11 the religious curiosity of the ;Ll nnd children must be aroused and stand for election satisfied. Th^en only can the kJ n^ ic wed^ ^^ but*i -sT’wtoUs the alternative? Give of'a coll^e’d^gre^' during which UP and declare that it is time for the priest has a chance I® study the SojAj'd/w to come a-d ’7rvrr^actrl^ln1stn and other religions, us? No. Deliverance must come ^^*We°have^two institutions which wiU do so, but it will serve our must be changed : the J Parsi Panchayat and the Cama ^^The^^Bombay Parsi Panchayat and other madresst^, and being Board of Trustees should be conver- assigned to various fire temples in AouMbe%om?^sed‘'o?'fc^^vJ,: or nine c—-— ----- - Zoroastrian above the age of 21, prayers --- rAiioJoiKj who has resided in Bombay for at give a basic idea least one year before the election ethics as exemplified in iheGathas. should be entitled to vote. The The priests could also teach young definition of a Zoroastrian is any Parsi children their one who has undergone the navyote history, not lU S^lojy^Jut ceremony. '— ----- - , , ,, running for office, must declare their would get a views and plans publicly and have them published in newspapers S^ndicUte" should have the be a significant experience, signatures of 101 qualified voters child’s learning need not stop at to® Lminate him^or her. The the navjote, but would continue directors should hold office for only with such Pnests five years, after which they may If such priests do an outstanding seek re-election. jeb and show their love for learning The elected panchayat directors and teaching, then they must be must identify the problems of the sent abroad to broaden their out- community in an order of priority look. The community ^^st find the and set achievement goals. They founds for this as well as to pay th | must overhaul the panchayat priests a salary commensurate with bureaucracy so that it functions their ®^°J%7^r^sts as an efficient corporation. Lawyers, encourage a new order ot prints social workers, doctors, engineers who would be teachers and res^r- and others can offer their services chers. Zarathustra himself was proud equally and on a voluntary basis. If of being a teacher first and then a its leaders are popularly elected, priest. , • • , t our community’s young will We have to act decisively, e V3 respond when approached. all of us who together, argue less, listen to one ------------------------------------- - ------- another, b e honest w ith one another. A 2C)th century Pa.rsi Let us say what we feel without •4,----------------- personal animosity and leave our community turns tor rivalries behind. Let us re- relioious solutions to a 19th member that we cannot afford to firiAcsthood have more than one lost generation, century priestnooa. Mazdahh&s looked after us • - --------------------------- these many centuries, because even The Cama Athornan Institute is at the worst of we made the tivA fATflmnst institute for the edu- effort to look after ' * ancestors travelled to a new country basis. If of being a teacher first and then a will community’s the foremost institute for the edu cation of Zoroastrian priests. It has auvvuv.,.-- +iZr;L\.«iJo-inn We are taEXabh be„» 1^'actd rather than scholarship and indivi- lost the capaci^ * dual thinking. The education of a an intelligent people^ priest stops too early. On the reli- t eious side the school teaches up to a**» - -------- , «#•+t,»,«Te«ent the wwr and level and on to reflect the needs of h p to do is to reorganize our energies and the structure of our leadership With Compliments from PANTOURS Private Limited General Sales Agents for Pan American World Airways Taj Mahal Hotel Bombay 400 038 Telephones 292792 255454 35VIEWPOINT Do You Favour Adult Franchise? 1 J I I -I ¦j J Once upon a time, it was suflBcient for rulers to claim their mandate from heaven. Today, individuals and political parties claim their legiti macy from the people; either through the ballot box or the barrel of a gun. But whatever the system, the ability to govern eflficiently is dependent on the maximum number of people participating directly to select their representatives. Once, the board of trustees of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat managed the affairs of the community with the mandate of the entire community. Today, the seven trustees are elected to oflBce by an electoral college com prising around 400 Parsis, half of whom have bought their right to vote by paying Rs 5,000 or more. The other half of the college is sup posed to be elected by the rest of the community but, due to an archaic and complicated electoral system coupled with the lack of any voter registration drives, less than 1,500 Bombay Parsis cast their vote for this half. As a result, the present trustees serve with the mandate of less than two per cent of the 65,000 strong Bombay community. In a country where even an illiter ate person is considered responsible enough to vote and has acquitted himself admirably in the recent General Elections, how do Parsis view their lack of direct franchise? ! B A Q B b UJiRi o W! e ¦1®. lC^° i p» 1 1 i I I t’ 36 u f, [6^ -1^ a (Q :^- o o' Lb ELECTIONS OF2 0 >n1i 7i» fez ill I® 1. Amy Panthaky, 71, Social Worker ‘I would prefer it. If more people of someone who had bequeathed voted for the trustees directly there his land to the Panchayat for housing is the possibility of getting younger, better trustees. ‘With the present system the same sort of people will be reelected. We never know before the elections educated and knowledgeable about have to hope for the best. Initially, a trustee may seem a nice man but later who knows how he will turn good he needn’t elect them again, out? We need good and straight The term of trusteeship should be adimnistration by people who can reduced to five years. Seven trustees are enough. We should not have male or female quotas—it must of someone who had bequeathed purposes. Yet when his poor relations needed housing, they were refused.’ As for the voter, Ms Panthaky feels, ‘He should be 25 years old, who are the good j«ople. We just community matters. He should keep a check on the trustees after the election. If he feels they are not out? We need good and straight The term of trusteeslup should be look after the community. In the present state of affairs, you need influence to get things done. I know depend on who is capable.’! r I 4< T I w t ’ Oastur, 18, Student. Sydenham College ‘Everyone above 18, should be to be held, who the candidates are. given the vote, to make the system The term of trusteeship is too long, more representative of the commu- It should be from three to five nity. It would fulfill the ideals of years at the most. The best ^ople democracy. ’ " ‘The voting should be direct like the American system as it creates greater awareness and in volvement among the voters. ‘Seventy to eighty per cent of and charity. There is not much you Parsis don’t know anything about can do after the elections to see the Parsi Panchayat, who the whether your representatives take trustees are, how they are elected, the right course or not. Perhaps and on what basis. The Panchayat there should be a provision for should publicize what they are doing, when the elections are going ‘Everyone above 18, should be t‘ - L / - naore representative of the commu- should be elected even if it means all seven are women or all, men. ‘ The ballot should be secret so that the voters are not victimized later for allotment of accommodation the right course or not. Perhaps sa impeachment and the Press should be free to campaign against wrongs.’ Homayun Saroshian, 50, Housewife ‘No. If everyone were to vote, it would be like mixing jowar and bajara. Only the few who are intelli gent and knowledgeable should be allowed to vote. Voters who don’t realize what is good for the community, would vote only for people they know personally.’ Ms Saroshian feels the electorate should consist of ‘a group of a 100 Parsis and Iranis, 30 years old and above. The voter could be in the past, whether he has ex perience, etc. should be considered. The trustee should be given a year’s trial and a five-year extension if he is good. ‘There should be about 20 trustees who can guide each, other. The more trustees the better so that every member of the community would know at least one of them, if they needed help. If not 20, have at least 15 or 10 but they should informed of the elections through be good and capable. The number the anjumans, the papers or Irani restaurants. When electing a trustee, his background, what he has done need not be fixed. If women candidates are better you could have more women and vice versa.’ Bejon Madan, 33, Partner, General Office Typewriters ‘I’m « *¦ , __ not concerned with the As for financing of campaigns, Panchayat so how does it affect Bejon feels that the ‘‘Panchayat me who is at the top? I’d be interes- ’ ” ’ ’ ted in voting if I needed something g from the Panchayat. ‘Perhaps if the system was simplified, and a card were sent home to me, I would vote. How ever, from the point oi view of me community, I think, everyone above should have a kitty and divide it. ‘Elections should be declared well in advance. The candidates should be brought into the public eye, so people know who they are LU luv, 1 nuum voting for. If after the elections, — from the point of view of the power is misused for personal ends ___ ; 2 ' ! the trustee should be kicked out. 30 should ’ have a say". Younger There should be a complaint register people are more concerned about and the trustees themselves should their studies or their career rather bring each other to book. There than community affairs. The voter should be literate because if he isn’t, his vote can be easily bought.’ should be at least about 10 to 15 trustees. They should be elected on merit, regardless of sex.’ 31T 1 t * H Shirin Patel, 26, Graphic Designer ‘We should do away with the ¦ college because it creates a kind m of caste system. It is almost as H though the average Parsi cannot be trusted to vote. If the voter depend on their public spirit. votes directly it puts more responsi- ‘The Panchayat should bring H bility on him and he feels a greater sense of involvement. Young people mi and poor Parsis especially, should have a say because they have a vested interest in the funds. one could throw out the people who don’t deliver the goods. But since the trustees are honorary one can’t pull them up. We have to ‘The Panchayat out its own publication or publish the minutes of every meeting in the Press, so that the community knows whether it’s doing a good job or not. The voter shouldn’t have the ‘Trustees should be elected more right to impeach because in the first place the trustees should not be vested with such great powers. But trustees should have the power to administer and reallocate funds.’ frequently so that the community is sure it is benefiting from the system. Ten years is too long. If the Panchayat were like a corporation l-O -"“T ' R I f r IK ] Eruch Engineer, 63, Retired j ‘Of course, I favour it. Every J mind, educated, have status in the I adult Parsi should have the right community and the capacity to earn, to vote directly for the trustees. “ - - - - “ j The present system is outdated. I So many of calibre don’t vote. ‘The ballot should preferably be I secret as a safeguard. After the should only be three aided by a kind of liaison committee. The committee should consist of paid staff. The members should be qualified to guide the trustees as They should not be over 70. Their term should be reduced to three years or at the most, five years. Seven trustees are too many. There ! elections the voter should try and ascertain whether the person he has voted for is right for the job or not. If he doesn’t find him fit, he needn’t select him again. The they are busy and have their own Press should be free and taken into confidence by the Panchayat' As for the trustees. Engineer ______ feels, ‘They should be in sound female could be eligible.’ business. The trustees should be paid as well. Any capable and efficient person whether male oi Rhoda Maneckji, 46, Beautician ‘Yes, the system should be enough to vote.’ After the elec- changed. Even if we had adult franchise only those who are interest ed would vote and those who aren’t, won’t bother. But that is no reason to restrict the vote to the elite. In the past they may have been the right people, not now. ‘ If we changed the system, we might get worse trustees instead of ward and function openly, no better and younger ones. The within themselves. Ten years ii attitude right now is that the younger generation can’t do any thing, io lets go on as we are. But its worth trying out as most ¦ Parsis are educated and mature system tions, Ms Maneckji feels, ‘ then should be a meeting every yeai where voters can air their grie vances. If there has been misuse oJ power, it should be punished. ‘There is no need to have mon than seven trustees. But all sever should be dedicated, straight for too long. It should be five years It is pointless to fix the number o trustees depending on their sex You can’t get the right peopli if you restrict it to any one sex.’ INTERVIEWS BY JEROO GORIMAR AND FEROZA CHAVD/ 3‘I I i r I 1 Adoption Marriage and Divorce Rustom S. Gae to Parsis. It is not known whether any report was submitted by the Committee nor, if so, what its recommendations ’ Below, we carry an article adapted by the author from a speech given by him on 23 January 1977 at the First Zonal Confer- _________ ence of the Parsi Anjumans of North India held in New Delhi recommendations were. The Parsi Panchayat ol and titled. Legal Aspects of Adoption, Marriage and Divorce Bombay should enlighten us. Laws and the Changes Needed Therein. Rustpm S. Gae, a senior advocate of the Supreme Court, was former secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of law. * Adoption of Children Bill, 1972 Tn India, there is no general law of adoption, though AU, J.IJ.U.1CI, lUVlV J.O UV gviAViWJ. AMVT adoption is permitted by statute amongst Hindus, and by custom, amongst a few other communities. Different communities in India have different personal Recently, there has been a growing demand for such laws. The Parsi community also has separate personal laws, for example, the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 and a separate chapter in the Indian Succes sion Act, 1925, containing special rules for Parsi intestates (persons not having made a will). ADOPTION AMONG PARSIS In India, adoption is well known among Hindus law on adoption, and is governed by the Hindu Adoption and Main tenance Act, 1956. Among Parsis, the custom of adopt ing a male child as palak or as dharmaputra, was ________ common in the past. A palak is appointed by the Parsis. The provisions of the Bill, when enacted, father in his lifetime, and a dharmaputra, after the will apply to all adoptions. Any adoption contraven- death of the adopter, for the performance of the ' funeral and other ceremonies of the deceased. The prevaiUng view is that an adopted son cannot succeed to the estate of a Parsi male intestate. _____ _ Some years ago, the Parsi Panchayat of Bombay adopted by more than one person unless they be a r^ommendations for amending the personal laws married, may be taken in adoption. Thi^,^a non- V e adoption order for a child is' made by the Court, a law particularly from social welfare organizations and social workers who see adoption as an opportu nity to provide proper homes and families for aban doned, destitute and neglected children. This led to the introduction of the Adoption of Children Bill, 1972, in the Rajya Sabha on 1 June 1972, the first real attempt to secure for Indians a uniform seculai Salient features of the Bill The Bill applies to all communities in India including ing these provisions shall be void. Any person ovei 25 may adopt a child. Unless otherwise provided bj the Court, the adopter must be older than the adopted to the estate of a Parsi male intestate. _ child by at least 21 years. The same child cannot be appointed a Parsi" Law Reform Committee to make married couple. Any child not already adopted oi (including the law regarding adoption) apphcable Parsi child can be adopted by a Parsi. Before ar * According to a senior Bombay Parsi Panchayat official, the report has been submitted and is awaiting action in New Delhi. the consent of the parent or guardian of the chile or c-________ . been, must be obtained. of the institute, in whose care the child may have 40"SR for the perpetual performance of ceremonies lik< if 1 * of •<- ““op-i?" 0,“ order needs careful consideration in reep^''* ------------ ’ - ” • - adoption of a non-Parsi child by a Parsi. ’i. tuc vuuununiiv _From the date on which the adoption order takes undoubtedly to be the belief of the effect, an adopted child shall be taken to be the child ' of the adopter, and the adopter shall be taken to be xvzx xxxxxx uu m luugemeni interfere with the con7cien^”of i ro tAor adaptor in l^ful wedlock, for all purposes donor who makes a gift in favour of what he believe including intestacy. Thus, the adoption order virtually tc t. th. * equates the position of an adopted child with that of welfare of his a natural born, legitimate child. 7 ' AdoDtion of non Parci r^hiiH custom and usage that conversion to the Zoroastriai Adoption of non-Parsi child by Parsi religion is not recognized by the communitv as oar Does It mean then, that a non-Parsi child adopted by a of the religion. Thus, the provision of the Bill deafin a"or that a with the effect of th^ adopfioTorder, wWch ^uaFl child of a behdin adopted by an athornan would equates the position of an adopted child with that o automatically become an athomanl Would such a child - —- - • • ypicu vmiu witn mat o be automatically entitled to claim the benefits of trusts and funds meant for Parsis, e.g., trusts regard ing Towers of Silence and fire temples? These questions causing concern to the community. The constitution contains two guarantees regard ing freedom of religion. The first guarantee provides that subject to certain restrictions, every person has regarding the freedom of reli^oiTor Teiim^urnrai^tme' merely to entertain such Therefore, it is considered thS a non-PaSi child adopt reli^gious belief as may be approved by his conscience, ed by a Parsi under the Bill when enacted wouL but also, to exbbit his belief and ideas in such overt not automatically become a Parsi Zoroastrian Similarl fenjoined or sanctioned by his religion; a behdin child adopted by an athornan would no and further, to practise and propagate his religious automatically become an athornan views for the edification of others. The second g’ “ ainornan. tee provides that any religious denomination. in respect of the with approval the following observations of the Judge " '”‘®’ of the community—and it is prove* y - X1-- 1y. y 2 Zoroastrian com mimty—a secular judge is bound to accept that belief- *1?°^ for turn to sit in judgement on that belief- ’ conscience of i Does it mean then, that a non-Parsi child adopted by a are guaran- , or a Would a non-Parsi child adopted by Parsi automatically become a Parsi ? a f- to be the axxm.wxw • t • __ . 5 forgotten 17th century Parsi poet, are a slice of Parsi history and of it being my naother tongue, say xxxx^xzx XX__ ./ . • ___ X___________•.__ xU/x U.xonxxx.for'lprl and Inniinriniiq rare manuscript and apparently had especially. contemporaries, the bespectacled and loquacious his contemporaries, the bespectacled and loquacious Noshirwan Jamshed, scholar. Her paper. Arrival of the Gujerati culture ^on the Navsari she recalled. The discovery resulted Tata,’ observes Driver. in her 1,400 page doctoral thesis, Rustom wrote in Prakrit, Guierati poems composed by the Parsi vernacular dialect derived 1----- ~ x,x c-. u x- poets of the 17th century, part of Sanskrit. ‘His akhyans were read and Prize for 1973-74. She has contri- which was recently published. 1----- ’ hntftd a chanter to the Historv ot ‘Rustom was the pioneer of Parsi Driver. Gujerati literature,’ Seijs uiivci. wills lu mv xuii5uug,xx —-v- -- — x .^Heisto our language what Chaucer But today Rustom is unknown not chapters to the History oj t e ¦k. _ . . ..................... 1 Parsis to be published by the Prakrit is Greek and Bombay Parsi Panchayat. Driver Guierati speaking is vice-president of the South Gujerat says Driver, write in the language of his people. Gujerati Sahitya Parishad and two IS lU UUl wiiai vuauvw UUl luuaj ixuotum lo »»X* ----r; . - J , “ , vjft to English and Narsinh Mehta to only - in Gujerat but also among Parsis to be; published by t e ^^^ujerati literature.’ The first writer Parsis. Prakrit is Greek and Bombay Pysi Panclmyat. Driver to innovate a poetic form called Latin to even Gujerati speaking is vice-president of the South Gujera akhyan (ode), Rustom penned his Hindus today. The problem is that Kavi Milan in Surat and her activities poems on the banks of the river Tapi Parsis don’t appreciate high flown range from writing ^ays an s or in rriiipmt Hiirincr ths strifp-ridfipn friiierati literature and a writer stories for All India Radio to trans lating the works of foreign poets. A graduate of Tata Girls School and S. B. Garda College in Navsari, she studied for her M.A. and law in Gujerat during the strife-ridden Gujerati literature and a writer Aurangzeb. ‘His themes were legen- be read by Hindus. It’s a thousand- dary and historic,’ says Driver. ‘He year-old problem.’ Driver’s 256-page wanted to educate people, especially book priced at Rs 30 met with ill iciigiuus iiiancis. niJ nisi, puciii, ciiiuuaiaaiiv ivapunav l i ' Ardaviraf Nameh was about God, non-Parsi readers and was published taught at a school some distan Stand how I could burn the candle : at both ends. After the Bar Council exam in 1959, I practised in the I courts of Bombay for five years. But it was difficult running from one court to another and there is little scope for women.’ After her I marriage to Dara Driver she started I lecturing at Navsari’s Mahila Arts I College. She received her Ph.D. in I 1973 from Gujerat University. ‘My I original intention had been to write I on the Parsi poets of India but I re- I alised the thesis would become I voluminous,’ says Driver. ‘I visited I the libraries in Gujerat, Calcutta and I Bombay and when I came across the I poet Rustom’s verses, I decided to I limit myself to the 17th century Parsi I poets.’ She believes a manuscript of Rustom’s Aspandiar Nameh is lying in a library in France. , Driver spends much of her time writing poetry and intends to publish J a book of her poems shortly. ‘My poems are mostly on philosophical I and spiritual themes. Some have been published in Gujerati news- papers and some have been read at I poetry readings. Writing them I doesn’t take long. I write them on I the spot when I am inspired.’ JEROO GORIMAR reign of the Moghul Emperor who writes in Parsi Gujerati won’t Aurangzeb. ‘His themes were legen- be read by Hindus. It’s a thousand- dary and historic,’ says Driver. ‘He year-old problem.’ Driver’s 256-page in religious matters. His first poem, enthusiastic response mostly from degrees simultaneously an o . - ® 1 __ 3 at Q cr*rinnl cnm<» flistancft /Lruaviruj lyurnen was auuuv vjuu, iiuu-jraiai icaut^ia aiiu , - - j heaven and hell. In Zarthosht Nameh with the assistance of Jamshed Pavri away. ^My he wrote about the life and philo- of Canada. Driver hopes to finance sophy of the Prophet. Rustom under- publication of her second volume Driver and Pres. Dr Jagannath at All India Oriental Conference, Haryana. 51r/ ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD r may not have gone unheedei xxxvx.vxx vxx x-x ________ _ ___J_______ For Womb The Bell Tolls ‘The Zoroastrian community in Across the Atlantic, equal the U.S.A, faces cerned about dwindling num formidable hurdles in its survival’, Zoroastrian Association of warned the smart red and blue (Z.A.E) in London, had pli ‘What pragmatic and seminar on The Present Dem< . .. Trend and the Future of th Zoroastrian Community, on at the London School of Ec< "Starting in true Zbroastrian tradi- According to the Z.A.E. ne xxxxxx, x.lxLx XX'____x^x-.x --k_ 7—„7 J sent by Dr Shirinbanoo —Chicago, the symposium was to president, and Ruby Co: continue at the Illinois Institute of honorary secretary, experts < Technology. Listing a veritable roll lation and demographic devc call of the erudite, the brochure from the U.N.,Manchester luiicni. lucuaiiicui uuiiiiicu luc pxvgxaiinixv, vzix XXXV sity, the L.S.E., the All India suggested by Guiv religious aspect. Dr Framroze Bode of Demographic Studies, . and means‘Door of Love’. was to talk on, Zoroastrianism; An and other relevant Jjodiw prepared for renovations and repairs the Gathas—Quintessence of Zara- fecundity of Zoroastrian fen to meet the zoning regulations as t___________ „ , well as to make it suitable for our Najad, Professor, Oregon University, purposes,’ noted the newsletter on The Mazdayasnan Movement. Door of Love symposium onj,‘ Survival and Perpe- ‘I am extremely happy to inform you t^ion of Zoroastrians in North , that on 4 May 1977, formal papers 'Anwrica^on 21 and 22 May 1977. were signed to transfer the ownership ‘71, _--- ' of the huildiofl. Canada and New^^rk, to_ Darbe Mehr Zpro- ^trianTTeiaDle.’ With those words, thenew^tter of the Zoroastrian brochure. *____ _________ Association of Greater New York concrete steps can we take to (ZAGNY) informed its members that preserve our noble religion, our ‘The Gift of Guiv’ (Parsiana, May ttefitage, our culture ?’ 1976) had become a reality. The "Starting in true Zbroastrian tradi- millionaire Iranian philantropist, tion, with a banquet at the Sheraton Arbab Rustom Guiv donated over Rs 10,00,000 to enable the Zoro astrians of the New World to esta blish the first community centre on the American continent. The name of outlined the programme; Or^the the centre was s_ , ’ " and means ‘Door of Love’. w«..x vw .....v —, —----------------- — --- ‘Detailed plans are now being Ancient Faith for Modern Man and discuss amongst other tni to meet the zoning regulations as thushtra’s Teachings; and Dr Behest status of children otrmxe^n well as to make it suitable for our Najad, Professor, Oregon University, purposes,’ noted the newsletter on The Mazdayasnan Movement, signed by ZAGNY secretary, Jehan- On the historical front. Dr Rostem bux B. Daruwala. Changes were Sarfeh, Editor, Hukt magazine, scheduled to have begun under was to speak on Zoroastrianism Jn supervision of a four-member sub- I___ ' committee consisting of Dinyar Mary Boyce, Professor, Iranian /Wadia, Dara Sagar, Di ------ - - -- "" Sarfeh, Editor, Hukt magazine. especially those of a Zo mother and an alien fatl the impact of such marriag dwindling Zoroastrian coi There is a proposal to s Iran, Present and Future; and Dr World Zoroastrian Organizi ihyar Dalal Studies, London University, on The liated to the U.N'. Econc and Eruch Munshi/^he trustees Contribution of Zoroastrianism to Status. A report on the delil of the centre areT Guiv, Sarfeh, the World’s Great Religions. And suggestions and recommem Eruch Munshi, Ervad Pervez Patd,^ contemplating the survival and per- the seminar will be publish Lovji Cama and Frararoze Patel^ petuation of the religidh. Dr Richard association as soon as posi Attempts towards establishi^ a Frye, Professor, Iranian Studies, _ centre began as early as 1972 when Harvard was to deliver the keynote The Rit® O* Spring the office bearers of the association address. Survival of Zoroastrian ----------- ---- Guiv, Sarfeh, Lovji Cama and Frararoze Patel^ J _ centre began as early as 1972 when _______— -------- ------- . j- txt the office bearers of the association address. Survival of Zoroastrian Jamshedi Navroz was < created the ‘ZAGNY Special Fund’ Theology and Culture; Dr Jamshed with prayers and parties b to muster finance for the project. Mavalwala, Professor of Anthropo- far flung Zoroa^rian ^s Guiv heard of the venture from logy, Toronto University, was going In New York, 205 admts Sarfeh, the editor of the journal to report on the Demography of the children met on 26 Mai Hukt, published in Persian from North American Zoroastrian Com- jashan performed by Par Iran, and offered to help buy a place munity;_ Dr Jehan Bagli, past presi- r"'’ and also contribute towards the annual maintenance. After examining Several sites, a large old building formerly used as a Realities; and Minoo Treasurywala, on school house, in New Rochelle, close past president, Zoroastrian Society in to New York city, was settled on for of Ontario, was going to sp^k on r ' the sum of around Rs 8,55,000. ILxxk.kxc -k- ,7----- 1— When ready, Darbe Mehr Zoro- strian Community Together. The fund for maintenMce astrian Temple will serve as a place symposium, under the chairmanship Darbe Mehr Temple, by co for worship, social gatherings, reli- of Keki Bhote of Chicago pooled to a raffle. gious classes and will house a library, the combined talents of several North L—,, _ j'+u” American associations in its advisory about 275 attended tm committee, from Los Angeles to New WithTa normal fee of $15 and her committee report a vei Mavalwala, Professor of Anthropo- far flung Zoroastrian ^s and Hosang Unvala, fol; . _ ___ _ ___ -____ - * Quebec was to suggest Code Changes with his sister, the Marcl IJUVtllXVJj 1.<1- ---- --------------------- T 1 Tfc • I- dent, Zoroastrian Association of dinner. Dr Jal Pavri wno V^UVMWW VVCXO VKZ k***^^***^*' ----- --— -------- y for Adaptation to North American Winchester, addressed the - -¦• -'’ The Importance of tl our Scriptures. The v^xxvcxxx^, ..xx„ _______±-______enjoyed a magic show _______ _________ ___ Knitting the North American Zoroa- adults helped the ZAGN When ready, Darbe Mehr Zoro- strian Community Together. The fond for maintenance for worship, social gatherings, reli- of Keki Bhote of Chicago pooled to a raffle, gious classes and will house a library, the combined talents of several North Inspite_ of discouraging ‘With ownership comes responsi- ---------------------------- ---------------- , t-u » bility,’ noted the ZAGNY newsletter, committee, from Los Angeles to New iashan and children s pa^ ‘and a deep commitment by the York and Toronto to Montreal. rio on 20 March. Moti Bi membership that the community V/kk a. xxxxxxxixxkx fow ---- ------------- . x centre will help to sow the permanent every attempt being rnade to host fol function with the lo seeds of Zoroastrianism on the out-of-towners in Chicago homes pitching in by making ran American continent.’ (arrangements were even made to Kotwal and Yezdy A^ia i divert children under twelve of ihe jashan and Hoshi Pate a very enjoyable puppet The Zoroastrian Asso( Quebec also hoped to Navroz with a jashan and Realities; and Minoo Treasury wala. (arrangements were even made to Give Us Your Hearts And Minds participants at a nearby centre) the Echoing the above sentiments, the plea, ‘Explore with us ways and Z^roastrian Assodation of Metro- means to perpetuate our way of life, politau Chicago was to host a Give us your hearts and minds’.r f 20 March and in Lond^ the Parsis Sesame Nameh 1.2_ ' 2.11 2_U1^ 111 1____ ... wwe to gather to imbibe, the tradi- New York, Toronto and Sydney the suggestion of an Armenian, ti^al/a/ooda followed by a ‘tot’ ------ ------ .n.. x----- iu *s(damati\ A *- precede the merrymaking culminat ing in a ‘scrumptious dinner’. _____ , __ _______ ________ _____ ________________ ________ _ At the other end of the globe, the informs. Basic prayers are taught was bought but in 1896, part of it Zoroastrians in Australia, also cele- - • • .... ... brated Navroz with falooda on r Muncheijee, fell fatally ill here. At c' now all run Sunday school classes Aristarous Sarkies, the transient A jashan was to for children. In New York, the Shanghai merchants subscribed to f ' '• classes ‘have been an unqualified buy a burial plot and Paxsi trustees mg in a‘scrumptious dinner’. success;’ £he ZAGNY newsletter were appointed. In 1848, more land ' . , J ' / ’ \ ¦ t with the emphasis on meaning, and had to be sold after litigation. By stories on the life of Zoroaster and then, most of the trustees were in 19 March in Sydney with one of from the Shah Nameh are recounted. India and the sale proceeds were the largest gatherings they have been Snacks and soft drinks are brought transferred to Bombay. When the able to attract so far. With prayers along for a break period. Singapore Parsis came to know of offered by Ms Pilloo Sidhwa and - . . ... Dr Peshotan Katrak, there were further contributions by members, the younger ones providing musical In Toronto, unfortunately, the this, they took court action and the response was not that enthusiastic amount was returned. Thereafter, due to the location, but attendance in 1959, the plot was sold at a good . . _ soon picked up when the venue was profit, as part of it was acquired by iteins, a.nd several intrepid ladies changed to Noshir Parakh’s own the government. The exhumed were _ _ ’ ------ , -----..U-L k---------- re-housed at a new site which, by Maharukh Irani. Children parti cipated in a fancy dress competition _______________________ ______ while the grown-ups rounded off the lar area, but Parakh was willing to evening with dancing; I ’ ' ..... .- perforining a garba choreographed house, to and from which he even cipated in a fancy dress competition I provided transport. This rather res- though it is very well maintained, ¦ has been closed for burials since _ > 1974. Now, once again, a new resting help even those not in the locality if place has been prepared. they got in touch. On Farvardin Roj, 8 April, a In Sydney, the first Sunday school jashan ceremony was scheduled to —lany associations abroad published classes were to begin on 3 April, and be performed at the recently cons their annual reports and presented will continue from then onwards on tructed funeral parlour of the ceme- their yearly financing for scrutiny, every second Sunday of each month, tery, by Ervad Behram Vakil, For the New York association, honorary dastur to the community, Framroze Patel cited no less than Tuan Up^On You who is often assisted by his teenage President Carter as inspiring him to From Singapore, Sana Kanga sends son Ratan. Vakil, here since 1948, is thank the ‘wonderful people who the following report on the Zoroastrian Manager of Jumabhoy & Sons were principally and primarily res- community in South East Asia, (agents for Shipping Corp, of India), ponsible , for steady growth of In Singapore and Malaysia our and in recent years was Air-India’s ZAGNY ’. The year 1976 was community has just hit the century District Sales Manager, summarized in one line; ‘Growth, mark. The influx of aj-kal-na Parsis Jamshedi Navroze was celebrated Yes. But at a lower rate compared i /____ __2 _________ __ ___ _ 7__ _ _____ J__ to the preceding year.’ Though inevitably drawn into community buffet dinner at the Cricket Club. It revenue receipts were higher, expen- .5 „ „ ses were almost double due to the get-togethers and picnics are wel- ubiquitous inflation. t________ 1 __j 1 In Vancouver, the Zoroastrian jashans, a good exposure to ceremo- Society of British Columbia publish- nial prayers, ed its ninth annual report. ‘Ourf — - - society is now a debt-free society and we do not owe anything to anybody,’ -^*’s honorary secretary and director, imshed Pavri announced. The society has managed to pay off all payments outstanding towards the purchase of 73 burial plots at Garden of Four Prophets at Valley View Memorial Gardens; $119 were collec ted by Ms Khorshed Panthaky by telephoning members of the commu nity, for tire Variety Club Telethon for Handicapped Children and $44 were received towards a fund for Mother Theresa of Calcutta. From the sale of Olympic coins and Stamp Sculptures, the association donated Rs 500 to Raipur Durg Parsi Anju man for repairs and maintenance of their cemetery and $100 to the London Association for their Burial Ground Fund. _ T^e Anstraliaa 'Zoroastrian Asso ciation also made its half-yearly financial statement. The initial bank balance of $214.63 in July 1976, had risen to $408 in December. tricts the dissemination to a particu- Yearnings ^^lany associations £ mark. The influx of Parsis is welcome and newcomers are here by the Parsi Association with a . ..... . . . „ affairs. For most of us, the periodical was also to bid farewell to Banoobai _ _ ' . ¦ Mehta and her daughters Homai, a come occasions, and the twice a year government civil servant, and Bapsy, a teacher, who were leaving us for . , Bombay. The Mehtas lived in Malaya The history of the Parsis dates before the war, and have been here for fifteen years. Earlier the same day, the 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Parsi Association (formed in May 1954), was conducted by outgoing vice-president Ms Dinoo Antia and secretary Ms Roshan Mistri. Presi dent Mr Homi R. Mistri was unanimously re-elected to the post, with Mr R. J. Kanga as vice-presi: dent, and Ms Nergish Nagarwalla as the new secretary. Dr R. C. Cooper was elected honorary auditor for the ensuing year. New committee members are Ms Khurshid Mehta, Ms Nergis P. Medora, Mr Noshir J. Mistry and Mr Jamshed Medora. Mr Medora along with Mr Rutton M. H. Patel and Mr Behram Vakil form the nucleus of The Parsi Lodge Charity. It is their responsibility to safeguard the community chest, a substantial six-figure fund, and to disburse the earned interest on education, upkeep of the ceme teries, religious ceremonies, and medical and housing benefits. At back to 1829, when a Parsi convict, A sim^e Jashan at tte new funeral parlour, Singapore. 53I ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Door of Love _ sympqsium on^’ Survivalaud Perpe- xK you RStion of Zoroastrians in North were signed to transfer the ownership ‘ Canada Zoro- f ¦' the smart red and blue (z7A.E)’in“London7had pia 51®’’®“ pragmatic and seminar on The Present Demo New York .cvpo vcax. we uak ‘7k informed its members that preserve our noble religion, T“® pl ft of Guiv’ {Parsiana, May ttefilage, our culture ?’ 1976) had become a reality. The millionaire Iranian philantropist, Arbab Rustom Guiv donated over Rs 10,00,000 to enable the Zoro astrians of the New World to esta blish the first community centre on „x uuv the American continent. The name of outlined the Gu die the centre ^^s suggested by Guiv religious aspect. Dr Framroze Bode J Love’. was to talk on, Zoroastrianism; An Detailed plans are now being Ancient Faith for Modern Man and prepared tor renovations and repairs the Gathas—Quintessence of Zara- to meet the zoning regulations as - - - - well as to make it suitable for our purposes,’ noted the newsletter signed by^AGNY secretary, Jehan- Sarfeh, Editor, Hukt magazine, dwindling Zoroastrian com: su^Jeryision of a ta.r-mOTber“snb- ™ “ There is a proposal to sei lwS'”n Boyce, Professor,’ Iranian UaSd" te" Uie'iS" Econmi /waaia, Liara Sagar, Dri----- tx-ii I Ayr ------- UU 1UC OUVIUI VUUnUll lOF VOIIS /of fh? Contribution of Zoroastrianism to Status, A report on the delibe: / Fruch MiiriQhf World’s Great Religions. And suggestions and recommendai // T nvh ra ’ri Contemplating the survival and per- the seminar will be published fl Eovji CamaandFramroze PateL< —---- r- • . Attempts towards establish!^ a centre began as early as 1972 when the office bearers of the association vi zjvujasuiiiii created the ZAGNY Special Fund’ Theology and Culture; Dr Jamshed w muster finance for the project. '' - - - - ^rfeh, the editor of the journal w. ivyuo wu me tzrcmugiapuy ui me Hukt, published in Persian from North American Zoroastrian Com- Iran, and offered to help buy a place and also contribute towards the annual maintenance. After examining several sites, a large old building formerly used as a school house, in New Rochelle, close to New York city, was settled on for the sum of around Rs 8,55,000. When ready, Darbe Mehr Zoro astrian Temple will serve as a place gatherings reli- ..... vi vziuvagv pumeu and will house a library, the combined talents of several North y*th °wncrsmp comes responsi- American associations in its advisory bility, noted the ZAGNY newsletter, committee, from Los Angeles to New and a deep commitment by the York and Toronto to Montreal, membership that the community ®®atrewnilwlp to sow the permanent wrwxj anviupi usiug mauc lu uusi lui luncuon wiin me locai AmArinan Zoroastnauism on the out-of-towners in Chicago homes pitching in by making rawa. 1 American continent. farranff^ment^ that on 4 May 1977, formal papers America’on 21 and 22 May 1977. lhe Zoroastrian coromunity in and formidable hurdles in its survival’. may not have gone unheeded For Womb The Bell Tolls Across the Atlantic, equal the U.S.A, faces cerned about dwindling numl Iac In itc cnminop, Zoroastrian Association of concrete steps can we take to Trend and the Future of the Zoroastrian Community, on: at the London School of Ecoi According to the Z.A.E. nev ---------- sent by Dr Shirinbanoo —Chicago,^ the symposium was to president, and Ruby Con Technology. Listing a veritable roll lation and demographic devel our Starting in true Zoroastrian tradi tion, with a banquet at the Sheraton continue at the Hlinois Institute of honorary secretary, experts o Lirof’tSe eruditt, the bVoihuri ! programme; On the sity,theL.S.E.,the Alllndial ' " 'of Demographic Studies, B and other relevant bodies i discuss amongst other thin: fecundity of Zoroastrian feme v^u.,iixi.vao&ixvv VI .^axd.** IvVUlxUIiy OI XyOrOdblrlaD. ICTTlg thushtra’s Teachings; and Dr Behest status ofchildren of mixed ma on The Mazdayasnan Movement. _____ _______ ixioiuxi ' " A’ P^i'^wala. Changes were Sarfeh, Editor, Hukt zvi* 1 X*. "L.___ ¦!_ _ __ < supervision of a four-member sub- Wadia, Dara Sagar, Najad, Professor, Oregon University, especially those of a Zor< on The Mazdayasnan Movement, mother and an alien fathe On the historical front, Dr Rostem the impact of such marriages H::kt magazine, i’ ’ " was to speak on Zoroastrianism in 71__ 1_ _ __ 1 „ _ Iran, Present and Future; and Dr World Zoroastrian Organizat Studies, London University, on The Social Council for Cons . . petuation of the religion. Dr Richard association as soon as possit ig a Frye, Professor, Iranian Studies, Harvard was to deliver the keynote The Rite Of Spring address. Survival of Zoroastrian Jamshedi Navroz was cel - - ---------- 1 with prayers and parties by Oniv tiBorri nf +1, V Mavalwula, Professor of Anthropo- far flung Zoroastrian assoc Toronto University, was going In New York, 205 adults s to j.gpQP|. Demography oj the children met on 26 March *--------------------—i— —X.X- jashan performed by Parve; munity; Dr Jehan Bagli, past presi- and Hosang Unvala, foUov dent, Zoroastrian Association of dinner. Dr Jal Pavri who wi Quebec was to suggest Code Changes with his sister, the Marchio: for Adaptation to North American Winchester, addressed the ga Realities; and Minoo Treasurywala, on The Importance of the past president, Zoroastrian Society in our Scriptures. The c of Ontario, was going to speak on enjoyed a magic show wh Knitting the North American Zoroa- adults helped the ZAGNY strian Community Together. The fund for maintenance c symposium, under the chairmanship Darbe Mehr Temple, by contr of Keki Bhote of Chicago pooled to a raffle;. - - ---------------- 1 Inspite of discouraging w American associations in its advisory about 275 attended the 1 iashan and children’s party in rio on 20 March. Moti Balsa her committee report a very s With a nominal fee of $15 and I ' . every attempt being made to host ful function with the local (arrangements were even made to Kotwal and Yezdy Antia perl participants at a nearby centre) the divert children under twelve of the jashan and Hoshi Patel pr „ K,, g ygj.y enjoyable puppet sho’ The Zoroastrian Associate Quebec also hoped to cel Navroz with a jashan and din: Give Us Your Hearts And Minds wutic; me Echoing the above sentiments, the plea, ‘Explore with us ways and Zoroastrian Assoaation of Metro- — politan Chicago was to host means to perpetuate our way of life, a Give us your hearts and minds’.¦ ¦ , in the general hospital,fifty thousand insurance are K. Medora, P two, to Parsis. foi T.B. research, and even today, Medora and S. ^Sanjajm. In joi is Pesi Davar who came in 1925. in his name in Bombay and Singa- Byramji oi The Strai^ pvxv. ___ :.:L- ingtop positions are BajiPalkh tri’s spacious home serves as a regular senior vice-president ofthe Ame vvxixxg plxxww fvzx Express Int. Banking Corp; But particularly noteworthy are P. S. Talyarkhan, regional dii the Maneckshas of Malaysia, who of Reader’s Digest Asia Ltd; present, 26 scholarships are given, two, to Parsis. lui 1 .u. icscaiui, ttuu vvvxi —----------- Among the longest resident Parsis there are several charities continued hsm there is Singaporean p U --------------------------------- ---------- --------------— — — . ------------- --- . . - Businessman Davar recalls the period pore. Homi and Khorshedbanu Mis- when most of the Parsis here were 1 “ i - employed by two soft-drink factories meeting place for our Association, owned by Mr P. Framroz and p - MrN. Mistri. t-------------------- ----- - . Here since 1948, is Rutton M. H. probably qualify as the longest Setna, chartering manager o Patel who deals in Indian film resident Parsis in this area as they Neptune Orient Lines Ltd; A distribution. He and his Chinese have been in business for over sixty Nagarwalla, general m^agt wife, Joyce, demonstrate an active years. Today, Mr and Ms R. Rotary Screens ot Asia Pvt. interest in the Association. Manecksha and Mr J. Manecksha and in Kuala Lumpur, N Prominent among the families of are still in Taiping and there are Pundole, managing director o long standing are the Medoras and other members of the family in Oil Products. Also here are the Mistris. Insurance expert Keki other cities. Upcountry too, is bio- Mehta with an oil company, r Medora’s wifeNargis has won govern ment recognition for social service. The doyen of our community, ............ ..........- -------, — - . . Homi R. Mistri arrived here in 1950, Parsiana, May ’76). Aviation is represented by a few years before the death of his Today, the Parsis here represent a Behram Batliwalla, and the . wealthy brother, Naoroji Mistri. A cross-section of various professions, pore Airlines pilots and engi bachelor and philanthropist, the To name a few: in medicine are Billy Antia, Adi Kapadia, Fz late N. Mistri came in 1909 as a Dr Putli Martin, Dr J. Daruwalla, Irani, Dhun Daruwalla, Baji dock engineer, started the flourishing Dr Firdaus Medora, Dr Pilloo dia, Rusi Kanga, Jamshed Ma Phoenix Aerated Water Co. in 1925, Chacha and orthopaedic surgeon Soli Dallas and Homi Sethna and died a multi-millionaire in 1953. Dr Pesi Chacha. In economics. With the Godrej group in M< On his death, his staff was substan- Dr R. C. Cooper and Jamshed are Yezdi Mistry, Aspi Bird tiallv rewarded, a million dollars Medora and Zarine Cooper, a lawyer Dara Palkhiwalla and in Sinj 1 other cities. Upcountry too, is bio chemist Sam Tata who last year won Mistry a marine surveyor, recognition for his breakthrough Chapkhanawalla from James ] in rubber research (In the News, and B. Batliwalla with Today, the 'Parsis here represent a Lxv. __Dr Pesi Chacha. In economics, On his death, his staff was substan- Dr R. C. Cooper^ and Jamshed were donated for a children’s ward by profession, now ih business. In H. Baxter and K. Khajoria. For Pure Diamonds 9 JEWELLERS I < 324, GRANT ROAD, BOMBAY 400007. TELEPHONE: 371483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA T* 1 * I IN MEMORIAM I 1 Succession and the Law of Alimony, it was held. He travelled because As a trustee of the Bombay he wanted to know more aboul people, to study their customs and manners and their life style,’ said ‘He would make ' Parsi Panchayat from 1958 to 1968, Banaji visited many of the anjumans in India to talk to people about the Ms Banaji. ; workings of the Bombay Panchayat, voluminous notes each time we ’ '¦ ¦ ¦¦ ’ ’ ’ went abroad and then write from them in the Jam-e-Jamshed to inform Parsis back home. Strangers woulc often come and tell us how mud and was at one time invited by the five Parsi anjumans of East Africa on a lecture tour. ‘In legal matters his guidance was very valuable,’ noted the Bombay Pafsi Panchayat they appreciated his travelogues.’ resolution but Banaji did not seek reelection to the Board of Trustees when his ten-year term expired as he wished to give others a chance to serve the community. In later years, he felt the Panchayat had become too polilical and counted himself ships the Zoroastrians had sufferec amongst its critics. Born in Bombay, Banaji asserted ___ his independence even as a child of former trustee of the Bombay six when he* marched off to the Parsi Panchayat; of cardiac arrest Pandey Girls’ High School where playing chess and tennis. ‘He hat on March 7, at his residence. his sister was studying, and got ................... . Clad in the traditional black himself admitted without waiting Parsi dagla and pheta, Banaji had for his parents’ imtialive. He matri- frequented the courts for 50 years and won the respect of the judiciary and the Bar ‘for his erudition, fairness and advocacy,’ noted Banaji: ‘Valuable guidance ’ Died: Hormusji Banaji, 77, senior As vice-president of the Irar League and president of the India- Iran Culture Society Banaji had £ special fondness for Iran where h< explored all the remoter Zoroastriar strongholds, ‘to relive the hard- advocate of the Supreme Court and Bombay High Court and at one time, while we were safe ir India,’ recalled his wife. Banaji’s interests varied fron listening to music and reading t< led a full life and died peacefully, said Ms Banaji. ‘He had gon< through his usual routine of goinj culated from the Bharda New High to court and to his chambers. W* School and maintained close ties with it through the Old Boys’ ___ .. Association of which he was the passed away.’ resolution passed at a condolence founder member, noted his brother, meeting held at the K. R. Cama Jehangir. After graduating from went for a walk in the evening had dinner, and a little Jatei h< a He is survived by his wife Purviz ____ ________ and Tehmina, Jehangir, Bacha an< Oriental Institute in March and Wilson College, he taught English Rustom, his brothers and sisters. convened by the India-Iran Cultural Literature and French there for two years, before appearing for the Solicitors’ and Advocates’ exami nations in 1924. Subsequently, he practised as a solicitor for five years and in 1929, enrolled as an advocate of the Bombay High on 12 April 1977 at the Bread Society and seven other associations. A man who could talk with equal facility in Gujerati or English“on,the intricacies of law, as in French on the genius of Tagore, Banaji ‘will always be remembered for his cheerfulness,’ recalled Jehangir Court in the chambers of Sir Candy Hospital. Shroff, an associate of many years. Jamshedji Kanga. In a few years For almost half a century, sh A member of the International he had built a substantial practice sought ‘to relieve poverty, igno Law Association and of the Inter- and set up his own chambers where rance, and suffering,’ noted th national Commission of Jurists, Banaji had the distinction of being __ _______________ the only Indian advocate to argue talking to people’, said his wife, an appeal before the United Nations Purviz. ‘He made numerous Admdnistrative Tribunal at Geneva speeches at Bar dinners and Rotary ’ where the advocate Died: Gool Shavaksha, 72, note* social worker and Founder Presi dent of one of Bombay’s leadinj social service organizations, Th Time and Talents Club; of cance recalled Jamshedji Kanga. In a few years and set up his own chambers where he in turn trained many lawyers. ‘He enjoyed conlmunicating and in 1957, on behalf of an Indian meetings ’ where the advocate citizen. In 1954, after an in-depth would spice his pontifications with study of the adoption laws of other humour. If the audience comprised friends and colle agues they would clamour for the latest string of ‘Banaji jokes’, she recalled. Banaji and his wife, w^ho according to citizen. In 1954, after an in-depth r" " •’ ' ¦ ' ' 2 couiitries, he worked for the intro duction in Parliament of a Bill on adoption. On the invitation of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mo ......... ... Banaji who had been the honorary friends were ‘insepiarable’, travelled legal advisor to the French Consu- - • - - - late in Bombay for 45 years, went to Paris to study the social and judicial institutions of the city. In the sphere of Parsi law, he participated in the drafting and < ¦ ” ’ ~ ¦ 7' Trust Registration Act and worked extensively in the course of attending law, Rotary or Moral Rearmament conferences, and often purely for pleasure. ‘He would do anything that was out of the way and ___ unusual. He had watnted to see the ^acti^nt of the Parsi Charity passion play whicli is performed " ** „ A/ __ 2 __ 1„J once in 10 yearns. So we went for long-needed, essential reforms specially to Ober ammergau in the ’ ¦' , Bavarian Alps in permany wh^/p in the Parsi Laws of Divorce Shavaksha : ‘Led till the last ’whose Fund Raising Committee 1965, as a juvenile court magi- she once chaired. Aside from rais- strate and Justice of Peace she Daruvala and initiated the club’s press release. ‘Her fine At 26, she started voluntary work flat) and continued to look mind and acute social consciousness at the Naigaum centre at Nagpada. the material and psychoh made her a highly effective social Four years later, she founded The needs of the girls. The He worker.’ The driving force behind Time and Talents Club, encourag- Home Committee nf the Tim« the club’s 23 committees, Ms ed by her mother. Lady Jerbai Talents Club was started > Shavaksha worked in collabora- Mulla and her lawyer husband, tion with numerous other organiz- ' - — — ations such as the Seva Sadan __________ _ ________ ________ _ __ _____ ___ _ ____ and the Indian Red Cross Society club’s constitution. From 1936 to being subsidized by the club J----- •• ----- - .ggg loved music’, noted she once chaired. Aside from rais- strate and Justice of Peace she Daruvala and initiated the ing large sums of money for the worked with the inmates of the and Talents Concert Comi blind, T.B. patients, the physically Bombay Remand Home. which sponsors outstanding £ handicapped and other charitable During World War II, Ms Shavak- and groups for concerts of I causes, she was instrumental in sha worked closely with Lady and Western music, dance starting the popular seaside res- T' - taurant. The Victory Stall, to raise the Women’s Voluntary Service in of her varied services, Ms Sh money for dependents of the armed the Bombay presidency. She was sha was awarded the Padma forces during the Indo-China war. air raid warden, secretary of the earlier this year. ‘She was a most gay and Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s The genial social worker’s noted her Board and secretary of the Silver for living and concern for p , held annual camps for wo the late Kaikobad Shavaksha who women at the Panchgani : was instrumental in drafting the of Ms Shavaksha, the exp sha worked closely with Lady and Western music, dance * Mountbatten as colonel-in-chief of theatre productions. In recogi taurant,^ The Victory Stall, to raise the Women’s Voluntary Service *¦“ —' ---- ‘ for^s during the Indo-China war. i was a most gay and Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s The genial social worker’s entertaining person,’ i ' ’ ’ " ’ ' ___ ______________________________ J.______ re sister, Ms Hilla Daruvala, the Trinket Fund. She held these posts remained undiminished despi sole survivor of the pioneering from 1940 to the end of World protracted and debilitating il <^1^ four who started The Time and War II. In recognition of her work according to Ms Perin Gobh Talents Club in 1934. ‘She was she was awarded the Kaiser-I-Hind longtime colleague and friend deeply interested in religion and Medal by the Viceroy and the led us till the last. When philosophy,’ and authored The War Services Award by General couldn’t leave the house, mer Zoroastrian Credo, a book on the Auchinleck on behalf of the Govern- would go there to discuss la religion, for children, a play on ment of India for her outstanding problems. Till the last day, the life of Zoroaster, The Splen- services. Twice elected president of drips in her arm, she was j< (loured One and numerous articles the Bombay Presidency Rangers with the hospital staff’ and on the religion. Committee, and as editor of the on the point of virtual coll Daughter of Sir Dinshah Mulla, Indian Guide, Ms Shavaksha was she apologized to the docto the eminent jurist, who inculcated also presented the Girl Guide spoiling bis evening. in her an avid interest in reading, Beaver Award. She collected funds Ms.Shavaksha leaves behim Ms Shavaksha did not attend for the Bai Shirinbai Mody Hostel two daughters, Sillpo Dhondy school or college but was taught for working women (which had its Zarine Kothawalla and her ; at home by governesses and tutors, beginnings in a small residential Ms Daruvala. I For Ownership Flats Contact YAZDAN CONSTRUCTION CO. . BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS Irani Wadi, Near Bhuta School, Mahatma Gandhi Road Ext. Vile Parle (East), Bombay 400 057?- 1 WEVNEW Bra-less at Bhulabhai By Geeta Doctor Just as it’s alright to ogle a heroine romping through their paces wi in bra-less T-shirts and very self- such apparent enthusiasm. Briefl consciously liberated, while the real the play is about a daughter wl Indian woman in the audience, upsets the cosy comforts of h It cannot be Adi Marzban’s fault has her saree pallav modestly draped parents’ home by landing up wi that the man sitting next to me had over her bosom, or sadra carefully a baby daughter who is beii a fondness for garlic. Nor that every tucked in place or burkha over the brought up papoose-style, varioi time he laughed he turned to my shoulder. What happens on stage attitudes belonging to early womeD side and let out a ‘Haw Haw Haw!’ has no connection with the audience lib and discarded long since, ar reeking of garlic. I only hold the which is why they can afford to a baseball playing husband who director responsible for making him laugh heartily, while feeling grateful turns out, was never really her hu laugh so loudly and so often through that thanks to Messrs Marzban band. After much shouting at another of the hit-and-run routine and Patel, they are able to keep screaming across the yawning gener comedies for which Marzban is up with the sophistication and wit tion gap, the daughter who want) now so famous. of the theatre going Joneses on to leave the father of her child i Without meaning disrespect to Broadway and in the West End. that she could do her own ‘thinj the genre, one feels, such mecha- Marzban proves that not only is is persuaded that her ‘thing’ i nical forms of entertainment should it quite safe to have double stan- eludes being married to hi be measured by mechanical means, dards but that it can be quite amusing, formally. The parents are hapj Devices are used to record the res- ... ponses of audiences in T.V. studios, so why should they not be effective in the theatre also?J*To invite a cri tic to this form of entertainment is to induce rigor criticus, a painful stiffening afflicting a critic when he finds himself engulfed manic laughter the cause which he is imable to understand. Adi Marzban was once known for producing plays that were good, clean fun and for creating Highly original comedies that exploited the humour that sprang out of the odd Anglo-Parsi culture. Nowadays, he is even better known as the producer of plays that are good, smutty fun on risqu6 subjects like homosexuality, adultery, and in fids latest offering, the problems of a permissive society. While most Indian parents would collapse at the very thought of their Carefully tended offspring straying from their communal pens, they apparently do not mind laughing at stage parents whose children casually announce their preference for members of their own sex and jump in and out of bed with indis> criminating gusto. That’s all right because it’s not happening to them. My Darling Daughter produced by Adi Marzban and Burjor Patel Directed by Adi Marzban by of This latest burnt offering from to be left alone again, the emotion America, appears so stale that the Italian father-in-law is happy th actors must be congratulated for he dobs not have a bastard grai i9aid^R*ZiRlw OTBRrAVjtn t cBnBUlTZ AWI^lll^ WTCS' dR^RHMNi 1. daughter and BOYS’ TOWN Public School I • J *4 ’4- > Ji 1 apparently be happy to go homo. Having been around so long. Marzban productions can generally be expected to have a certain slidmess, sureness of pacing and a kind of smooth efficiency. Too smooth perhaps. Everyone does predictably well. Each actor is so set in his comfortably oiled groove that whether we see Hosi Vasunia ,,, as the father with the homosexual s<min Ah Norman or as the perplexed husband in Move over Mrs or the hissed grandfather in My Darling ; Daughter, give or take a few kilos it is the same old Hosi Vasunia. As for Ruby Patel, she cannot but give a polished performance but one hardly even realized that she was speaking English and that it was her first appearance on the English stage. She gave her standard k Ruby Patel act, the same intonation, ’ the same high pitched voice bordering on hysteria shrieking from play to J YCZA Young Collegians Zoro astrian Association ( I ¦- play whether English or Gujerati, ‘ Darling... Darling..the same 5 facial tricks, coy pouting of mouth and wrinkling of nose with one of her oh-so-adorable smiles. Dinyar Contractor is justly'famous ^1* his size, the sight of which alone, is enough to make audiences laugh. He did not disappoint them this time either, though he has shed a bit of his toimage. It was his first appearance on the English stage, according to the programme which was infinitely more interesting than the goings-on on the stage and full of chatty details (Scheherazade Mody who played the daughter, is apparently an excellent cook, while Diayar is a bachelor and ’always a big draw in parties, etc.’). As an overtly emotional Italian father-in- law he was very funny. At least he was able to maintain his Italian- American accent throughout while Hosi Vasunia’s flat nasal twang came and went depending on whether -he-, breathed through his nose or through his mouth, and made the poor man sound as if he were talking with a mouthful of ether. In case there are some who feel thtB too harsh a condemnation, it WQuld be worthwhile mentioning th^ the high point of the evening is , #^W»ehed when Hosi Vasunia comes tB fancy Cuban dress and nces that his plane has just inacked to Cuba and returned, jnwre long ago in the sixties ^Bwhionable to laugh at such Join and make friends at our regular weekly func tions including Our Dances, Picnics, Whist Drives, Games, Film Shows, Hikes and Tours. L i 9^ I Religious lectures, Shah Name Recitals and Literary/ Musical circles. Borrow from our Book Fund Library texts on Arts, Science, Law, Commerce, Engineerng and Medicine at nominal charges and no deposits. For further details contact: MRS. H. N. MODI Telephone No. 366241 Modi Lodge, 13, Vachha Gandhi Road, Gamdevi, Bombay 400 007. Space donated by a well-wisher 1 it jokes. ^OB then the Cuban problem hu slipet^ ofif the cold war shelf Nasik 2 CHOICE SCHOOLING FOR YOUR SON Recognised as a Public School by Department of Education —for Merit Scholars. Excellent Climate —All-round Edu- cation : Indian All Academic Subjects — Technical Subjects : Radio and Wood-Work Tech nology, Farming —Training in Self-Government through Elected Boys* Office-bearers, Games — Physical Training —Daily Assembly with Congre gational Prayers —Weekly intensive Geeta —Koran Excellent Modem Kitchen and Dining Room facilities —Airy Dormitories. Mode rate Fees. Concessions to Deserving Students. ZoToastrian — classes — APPLY TO THE MANA- GING TRUSTEE P. N. Mehta Education Trust Cooks Building, 324 D. N. Road Bombay 400 001 or to the Principal. J oblivion. So too ifld plays like this one.