Feb 1977

HcJiAt: June-JuEy Price Rs 3 ?' 'Z ¦ I K iJ ;'A Kih ! : n ’n ’h'n I iHU.^H L.kai¦f 'b ' -M? ¦» * Feb. - Jul. 77 Vol. 1 No. 18 i A CONTENTS EDITOR'S COLUMN READERS' FORUM , IN THE NEWS . ZOROASTRIAN FEDERATION.. WAREHOUSE OF KNOWLEDGE by Dorab Mehta WE CAN OVERCOME . . by Lovji Cama DO YOU FAVOUR ADULT FRANCHISE? ADOPTION. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE by Rustom S. Gae LEARN AND EARN ODE TO A POfeT* ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD IN MEMORIAM BRA-LESS AT BHULABHAI by Geeta Doctor 5 9 14 23 29 33 36 40 '49 51 52 57 61 Parsiana coyer of J. N. Petit Institute by Manjuia Padmanabhan. riiih I 'i. r >!»> J'S *» 4’ "J' ¦j 9 t; n i J 'SJI J a‘1 I f i r EDITOR'S COLUMN V -if ss For a few tense days, it seemed as observer for Rs 20. Those in a munity s interests by siding with a though the Third World Zoroas- position to contribute more, may morally bankrupt dictatorship/ trian^ Congress would amount to attend as patrons for Rs 1,000 ..J^ J® little more than a three hundred (spouse included); vice-patrons, like the Bombay Parsee Association, thousand rupee extravaganzastudded Rs 500 (spouse included); member also passed a .’resolution applauding with speeches on past and present of the reception committee, Rs 250 the proclamation of Emergency ai^ glories The Congress ’s executive and spouse Rs 150. Tea, coffee and partook of the infhmous festivities co mmi ttee had virtually decided, at biscuits will be served to all partici- on that day, but then, e . . a stormy meeting on 13 July, to pants during the appropriate --- —-— . p. scrap the controversial fifth subject intervals. The Congress is scheduled of the Bombay community. On the which would have dealt with issues for 5, 6, 7 and 8 January 1978, with other hand, the Panchayat claims to such as the children of Parsi women the inauguration at the Birla Matu- be not only custodm^^m ^me who marry out, the ban on non- siucc oauuagiiai xxaxx aiix* oi*xz.xx, -- ----------------- —-- _ x * Parsis paying their respects to the quent sessions at the Taj Mahal but also the conscience-keeper ot the xaxax,x pxyxue, f • i7 x 1 z.zr.«.«,„z,;+v Tn tTlIS cnSC. it tailed lU dead and the status of non-Parsi hotel. __ y spouses. But at the follow-up meet- to^keep the fifth topic as planned, and sent to The Jt Hon. Secretary, lyuou UlWUSUl. auKZlxx XXXV vxxxxxx&y vzx ----.y........................ - -UOt tlOlG OU lO OlUCC mucuuiivij. teart is not known, as the committee Zoroastrian Congress, c/o umce After sometime, there is the danger . 1 X ji :i_i _ xi__ "nxRRRZR^ T)rr«rzrIrnvrAf T7in-»ric ano niivx u j .« r boycott of the Congress by progres- Properties, 209 Dr D. Naoroji Road, Q^^’^j^gpj^^aloner buV also personal sive anjumans in India and abroad, Bombay 400 001. considerations. When we took over proved a crucial deterrent. r .xu Parsiana from Dr Pesi Warden in To ensure the success of the Tn the grim dark days or the Bmer- 1973, we would not have Congress, it is essential that com- gency, as we sat together unable to ^wice about pubhshing mate- munity members attend in large comprehend the fate oi pur beloved Pateti Papers ’ numbers and make their points of country, there was little we could (p^j-^iana, Dec.-Jan. ’77). But four view known. Aside from the lectures, do except pray. ’ So began a note yg^j-gij^tgr itwas a decision one agon- workshops have been scheduled issued by Khorshed ^d Kekoo j^ed over consulted others and then where all delegates can participate. Gandhy of the Cheinould Art Gal- ^;ti.j.giug ’tance, published. One knew The subjects are: the priestly lery, to attend a thanksgiving jashan ^o^ij cause offense, strain rela- class —its present condition and on 16 April at the Petit Fash Agiary, demoralize the trustees, future uplift; economic uplift of to celebrate the end ofbindependent whom are personally known to Zoroastrians; religious education for India ’s darkest chapter . The Gandhys, f^oj^ childhood —and have the younger generation of Zoroas- like many other patriotic members magazine sympathetically, trians in India and abroad; the of the community, contributed their subscription and, problem of education for Zoroas- time, money and effort in the cause support. And yet, form- trians in the present set-up; social of freedom, at the cost of being friendships with those in power and cultural survey of Zoroastrians ostracized by the various artists death knell of a journalist, in the recent past and suggestions and art institutions who derived , definition be a critic, for the future; the setting up of an most of their inspiration from the watchdog of the public ’s interest, organisation to provide a link be- wine cellars and bank accounts ot tween World Zoroastrians and con- the Congress caucus. tinuity of action after each World But while the community had its Zoroastrian Congress. share of patriots, it is with deep reg^t c; XXXV .xxvjvvx^, ;— — xxxx- ...— -i-_- " ‘V ; discussed at the Iasi World Congress Bombay Parsi Panchayat ^wnich held in Bombay in 1964, and of the claims to represent t ’" recommendations passed on number of Parsis, chose not to that occasion, barely five or six oppose the government, have been implemented. Yet, remain impartial but to felicitate it does not hurt to discuss relevant instead, one of the leaders of such a issues once every 13 years or so, for regime. constructive dialogue leads to —well. Whatever the merits or demerits more constructive dialogue, and of Shankarrao B. Chavan, the re- hopefully, someday, constructive ception held by the trustees of the action. Cynics will do well to note B.P.P. at the Sir Cowasjec Jehangir that almost eight years after the Public Hall on 29 March 1976, to 1964 Congress, the Federation of felicitate him on completing a year Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, came into being. This time, the main smacked of rank opportunism. Al objective will be the formation of a a time when people were being held world body. Fees for delegates are in jail without trial, when freedom Rs 50 and for spouses, Zoroastrian of expression and the rigid ta life and non-Zoroastrian, Rs 35; anyone itself was denied, should the seven under 30 yeafs can attend as ^.n trustees have jeopardized the com- trian Congress would amount to attend as patrons for Rs 1,000 It is true th^ - - - , , z - -i-.j-jx. Vice-patrons, like the Bombay Parsee Association, IS.S JUU V^apuuac llivjuuvuy, ixxwxzx.^wx xxxx,xz -------------------------------i. T, of the reception committee, Rs 250 the proclamation of Emergency ^d .»A PVR /V» .1 ..J___ -I- 4.1p 4 «* ^«*k ««*« Z^HC> , axx p«xxx^x- on that day, but then, the B-P-A. appropriate does not claim to speak on^ehalf for 5, 6, 7 and 8 January 1978, with other hand, the Panchayat claims to the inauguration at the Birla Matu- be not only the custodian of the shree Sabhaghar Hall and subse- community ’s funds and properties, community. In this case, it failed in X-... ...________ ___ — All cheques should be made to, both respects. ing held 16 days later, it was voted 3rd World Zoroastrian Congress editor like any other person . x« r.Xxi X- _____3_____ + T’Uzv T* ^Ll CU.1XVX, XIJVW M.* J J- vu Accp vuc mill iwpiv yxaixiiv^. «xxxx -xzxxv vv. — - ------------ a V iu u Dosition of authority, shouia yyhat brought about the change of Executive Committee, 3rd ^OTld indefinitely. heart is not known, as tne commiuee /.oroasman ^^uugicss, After sometime, there is the danger meets in camera, but the possible of the Pars^^Puuc^y^ nrn^i that his decisions may not be based , .. 1 „ T> inonrT^ Monmn on alone, but also personal considerations. When we took over gency, as we sat together ui^ble to ^’^e about publishing mate- ArtmnrAbptiH the. fate of OUr beloved . , ® a watchdog of the public ’s interest, a guardian of individual liberties. In the case of Parsiana, where the editor, proprietor and publisher are jxuaoLiiau v^viigxvoo. oxx«xV wx ^xxxxx^xv, - XV RZ sauig person, the danger Of the six subjects, four were and shame that one notes that we « comnromisins principles is far _____ xRZRxRzJ ^4- 4-1. XR 1,Rr,4- YX Z X-. R-1 z4 « z» R* zR zi zR "D z« ***1<111 U o iT c 1 P Q Tl An 5^y ¦ WlllCll ?! ^’^Sw'in the course of the last statement of OwnoroWp & Other parttenlars about Parolana Form IV (Sea Rule 3) Place of publication Bombay Periodicity of publication Bi-monthly Printer, PnbUaher, Editor ¦nd Proprietor Jehangir R. Patel MatlohaUtr Indian *M^.”adaji Marg, Bombay-400 007 I lehangir R. Patel, hereby declare ttot the particulars given, above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sd (Jehangir R. Patel) 1 March 1977I four years, try as hard as we may, commercially, its greater earning of bills, complaints from the various we have been unable to make the capacity will help subsidize Parsiana. rmnistries, etc. Sharing the respon- magazine a self-sufficient venture or The new venture will absorb sibility for the libel suits, physical to publish it on schedule. Aware of initially, the attention of the older assaults and mail bombs will be both these implications, in Decern- Parsiana mafia, but we are happy Shirin Patel, who after a seven-year ber, we signed an agreement with to note that newer, less cynical but study and work stint abroad, has the Diners Club India Private Limit- equally capable people, will manage returned to the fold. Until she strays ed to publish their bi-monthly maga- Parsiana. Dr Rustem Colah who again, Shirin will be editor. zine. Signature. Negotiations began loans us his administrative skills. Yours truly will hover in the with Kali Mody and were finalized garnered from many years in the background, changing the occasional with the Aggarwal family, after world of pharmacology, will under- typewriter ribbon, filling water bot- Mody sold his major shareholdings take the onerous responsibility of ties and penning a few words now to them. As Signature will be,^ publisher and printer, which includes and again, to ensure the magazine hopefully, a more viable proposition dealing with law suits, non-payment a modicum of disrepute. SHARE THE GOOD NEWS _ large gathering of friends and re- After the completion of the lations. The initiation ceremony navjote ceremony in Avestan, Dr was performed by Ervad Kobad pr^tion of the kusti prayers with Boman Kotwal. For the benefit of On 10 July 1976, Dr Phiroz and rians in Montreal). Dolly Dastoor celebrated the / navjots ceremony of their sons, wiviui/juj xu Farahad and Zubin in Montreal, Bagli recited the English inter- Zarolia and was graced by Frvad Canada. pretation of the kusti prayers with Boman Kotwal. For the benefit of The initiation into Zoroastri- the children, to enable them to the large number of Canadian anism of Farahad was performed appreciate the significance and non-Zoroastrian friends attending by Ervad Dr Jehanbakhsh Bagli importance of their commitment the ceremony. Dr J. Bagli ex- and of Zubin, by Ervad Jal Pau- to the Zoroastrian religion. This plained the significance of the thaky. The ceremony was also was the first time in Montreal that ceremony in English. This was graced by Ervad Nauzer Kotwal the navjote ceremony was partly greatly appreciated by all. and Ervad Kersi Bhedwar (in performed in English. A band and a magic show en- spite of their other occupational Perin and Soli Pardiwalla celeb- tertained the guests to an evening, commitments, these four gentle- ra ted the navjote of their daughter, of dancing which also included a men are ably looking after the Shehnaz on 31 July 1976 at the dinner of Canadian and Indian religious needs of the Zoroast- Holiday Inn, Toronto, before a cuisine. * t COURSES FOR YOU * Business Accounts * Business Correspondence * Special Ladies Course * Borne Management * Personality Development * Computer Programming * Diploma in Commerce (I.M.C.) * Government Commercial Diploma * Petsonal Secretaries Pezsoital Assistants * Special English Course * Rapid Reading * Business Management * Punch Operating Shorthand & Typewriting * Taxation * * C.A.I.I.B. * Conversational Arabic & French Call or write immediately : DAVAR’S COLLEGE OF COMMERCE SI, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Bombay 400 023. esra 1900 Tel: 251634 7READERS' FORUM cted years ago and they continue in life. To eat, drink and be mwry hold the office without Umitation is their ^oal. ^However, mny m the fSr “"the" ’positi^.' ’ ^e*^body of borderUne' of poverty, the Federation should include learned dasturs, scholars, lawyers, have lived their Ufe as true Parsis boy wiU^say, I want to be^a barns- the community of that particular to make a lot of money, not to keep - . - i-TM ___ Mww.MM.1P «-*« AAmfArf Hilf Tn lASl/i fl Swuvu WIUVIX ULlvy ivpivowu*.* ’ W 1 xt_ J.’L should not be self made leaders nor helpful ^and^ interested section, l^ie present body of my good religion and I want to of the Federation comprises fuUy of follow it. ’ kalyan such leaders. In the past also, many such Federations were formed and .ghould Wo Switch to English?' have now vanished because of their jjuopgh many changing govern- corrupt motives. ments, the Parsis absorbed social I congratulate the anjumon lea- language and usage, ders of Udwada and Navsari for superstitions and religious sentiments showing their moral courage and pf pt^ej-s around them. Under the BsSa ’P®® — - times, greater than their mother tongue —Gujerati. . _ , jvzv... V.A---------------------- j,jp wonder then, that many 'The Pateti Papers (‘Zoroastrian Associations, India , parsis could express themselves much Is it necessary to wash dirty linen Parsiana, Dec.-Jan. 77), it is stated jp English than in Gujerati. in public (‘The Pateti Papers ’i that one of the achievements visible in the Parsis Parsiana, Dec.-Jan. ’77)? Whatever of the Federation of Parsi Zoroas- pj. were leaders in their the differences in our com- trian Anjumans of India resulted Palkhiwala, Homi munity and society, they should in the Bangalore Anjuman ‘revising Sgt^pa, J.’ R. D. Tata, Field Mar- be kept within ourselves. Parsiana the salaries of the priests substan- Manekshaw, Dadabhoy Nao- is read by all communities in all tiallyI should like to clarify this. pherozeshaw Mehta, Phiroze parts of the world; what will they The Bangalore anjuman was con- gg-’ t^na Their expression was, and think of our mentality when they templating enhancing the salves jjggt in English. Now, /^read the childish arguments among since 1965, almost eight years before gpjpparg tips with the policy of Wfthe Trustees of the Parsi Panchayat the formation of the Federation, but , ? Guierati as the medium h I A •i J’1 5^ ’*7$ wiro' “ J“V* '"vn •% "3 fe:,. elected years ago and they continue If time, ^en1?3iS^'Me “found unfit community Jive just beyond the To say ParsTs merely want to live in comfort is a slur on the leamea aasiurs, scnoiais, lawjrcio, - • * li- +' „i.zx„i industrialists and journalists who community. Any intelligent school have lived their Ufe as true Parsis boy wiU say, I want to be a barns- and are elected by the members of ter, doctor, engineer, auditor. I want the community of that particular to make a lot of money, not to keep section which they represent. They myself in comfort but to lead a should not be self made leaders nor helpful and useful rather than a be chosen by a small group of an hfe. This^is the simple t^ching —¦ —— —' J------------------ ----- Z. ,1 ' of the Federation comprises fully of follow it. such leaders. In the past also, many J.________________________ - have now vanished because of their corrupt motives. ___ I congratulate the anjumon lea- customs, language and usage, ders of Udwada and Navsari for g^pgrstitions and religious sentiments showing their moral courage and f around them. Under the r* • • rf?______ 2 XB. MW a1i« rt V* pains to bring up their families the British tradition. English KERSI R. AMROLIA 'A Federation First' Tn your article, ‘A Federation First, ’ of Bombay, who are supposed to be due to lack of funds, they were j^struction and communication, the Fathers of our community? unable to do so. In 1976, during the advocating the abolition Ms D. J. NALLADAROO T_.i-n -r *1 Madras unable to do so. In 1976, ^ring the advocating the abolition Golden Jubilee of the Bangalore tongue —the so-called ¦ Agiary, the on/wmon coUected a large parsi Gujerati nor of SWJA Guj- amount of money to augment the the influence of English is funds of the agiary, from donations important. It is unlikely that Gujerat being recruited into the In the midst of all .the Trustees ’ - --------------------- -- verbosity ( The Pateti Papers, Par- advertisements in the souvenir. siana Dec.-Jan. 77,) discussion on p fpnds the Trustees te teal issue, thanking te CW „f the priests. Sdte AdSistetee^Serri^;, to- s?M““mw^s: te why te single holiday of the conmiu- o'- gove^ent nity was dropped at all, in the first panthaki. Bangalore Parsi Fire Temple portaut Central government instance, for all these years, and ..... , whether ffie thanksgiving ordeal Our source of information was an unfortunately, know very ® A. I ___ I___ O 1-5____IIzbIb I/maT- TViA IWIl Whyte single holiday of the comwu- >- ^ViTaoveX^nt* nitv was drooped at all, in the first panthaki. Bangalore Parsi Fire Temple portaot Central government ce, instance for all these years, and because young Parsis in Gujerat whether ’ die thanksgiving ordeal Our source of information yvas ari unfortunately, know very httle will have to be undergone annually, article written by Furrokh S. Bamji English. Most of the importeiit PROF. p. D. suNAVALA in 0 booklct published in regard to avenues are closed to them. Their “ ¦ field is narrow and they cannot 'The Dawn of the Federation' expect to go in for advanced studies thp Hiffprent aniu- 'What is the Parsi Dream 7' in any branch of education for lack S'SrtJ orMiaX To ‘What is te Parsi Dream? ’ most of^^^ofEn^sh rarelv elected by the community of the interviewees answered that A large part of the l>lame M members of that^place. Some were Parsis want comfort and enjoyment on the Gujerat government or 9 booklet published in regard to avenues are closed to them. Their the Federation meeting. ’ ‘ 'What is the Parsi Dream 7'[ the medium of the meaning and context of the ^e riot only thoroughly scorifed. f I stressing (jrujerati as the medium of the meaning and context of the are riot only thoroughly scoilredi' ’ for all studies for almost two word Zaota and of the word Ratush. but are themselves purified and decades. Parsis in Gujerat are the Zaota, generally, is a spiritual teacher consecrated; and the liquid is then worst hit. In spite of such a curb and Ratush, his disciple. sanctified for holy purposes, through' on English, even non-Parsi parents Zaota refers to the angel whose the long, intricate, complex and- are keen to get their children admit- litany is recited, e.g. in Sarosh baj, exalted ritual ceremony and prayerp ted to private English medium Zaota refers to Sarosh Yezed and so service of the Nirangdin. Thereafter' schools and colleges. on, while the Ratush remains the imbued by these prayers and bless- In a free and democratic India, pers.on who is praying. This is the sings, it becomes an agent of puri- ? parochialism and sectarianism do interpretation of the late Ervad fication. These are the tenets of not pay. As the late Justice Pheroze Masani, who was not only traditional Zoroastrian observance* Nusserwanji Vakil, vice-chancellor, an Avesta scholar but also a well and belief; but in this scientific age M. S. University, Baroda, said at known exponent of Ilin E Kshnoom. it seemed desirable to reinforce them a Parsi convocation, ‘We must In all litanies, whether they are bajs, with scientific proof. continue to be Indians first. Parsis nayaises, yashts, or Gathas, the names In 1963, Dr Firoze M. Kotwal next and have access to English of all the angels are in Avestan, brought, for the use of the commu-. as close to Gujerati as possible. ’ whereas most of us are familiar with nity in Loudon, some Nirang by air ROHiNTON K. PATEL their Pazand names. from India which had been conse- surat Further clarification of fravarane crated in a Nirangdin ceremony , 4. QI- , is that we are first introduced to it in performed at the Vadi Dar-e-Meher u Tortunate Keiics Sarosh baj and thereafter, in all of Navsari. Six years later I sub ­ In the article ‘Unfortunate Re- litanies. In it, the reciter asserts his mitted a small quantity of this Nirang dies ’ Noshir Vajifdar complains that belief in the religion, he next announ- for chemical analysis to the London some of our prayers are repetitive ces the time of the day i.e. geh, and firm of Henner and Cox Ltd., ana- and irrelevant. praises its angels. Lastly, he extols lytical and consulting chemists, i Repetition, however, emphasizes the attributes of the angel of that together with a control sample taken ” supplication to promote spiritual particular litany and invokes that at that time from an ordinary bull ’ progress. He next states that the angel ’s help as Zaota. on an English farm in Kent, following lines from fravarane are ms a. n. bharucha As was to be expected, chemical irrelevant —‘May the chief priest analysis failed to identify the un- i. {Zaotd) recite the Yatha ahu vairyo Water of Life known quality in the Nirang which and his associate (Rathvi) recite Nirang is obtained from the conse- would give a physical indication of; atha Ratush ashatchit hacha frashva crated varasya and from other bulls its sanctifying and healing nature,: vidva mrute’ They seem irrelevant maintained on a hygienic diet. The for this quality necessarily transcends j because of the misunderstanding vessels which receive the bulls ’ urine the physical; but the photographs g With Compliments From National Organic Chemical Industries Limited st J- I Registered Ofiice : MAFATLAL CENTRE Nariman Point, Bombay 400 001 Tel. No. 258066 f I J* Ils 5 A taken in ffite strictly controfl^ C^nm* ticns cf a bacteriolo^ laboratory a London teaching hospital. f J W J Parsio are looked upon with enor- : or a Xronuou irwuiub uu^pio., mous goodwill, bordering on affe^ j: showedthe striking contrast between tion, by the vast mass of com muni- . XQOUS goodwill, bordering on affec- shortcomings are overlooked. Their contributions to various fields of .. life are impressive considering the I: appeared distinctly contaminated was flawless. This degree of purity is in and looked for in the Mrong; but this country. ’ ’ ’ Their undoing has been that the two liquids. The control sample ties that surround them. Even their :: appeared distinctly contaminated " "*¦“ Ti,«r with impurities, whereas the Nircmg was flawless. This degree of purity is ------- - —- . what I myself, as a priest, had faith small demands they have made on .. the evidence produced by this objec- tl ___ ¦ X ’ X interest to the more sceptical. DASTUB. SOHRAB H. KUTAB London : JEENA&COMPANY tivc scientific inquiry may be of they have stood apart from the :: them have adopted a western mode of life, thus alienating themselves ”: from the culture of this country. : ............. .. — Their nostalgia for their original :: With the steep rise in the c(Mt of homeland and infatuation with :: western culture have created a void. :: They lack a base, both cultural and ¦ ‘ mainstream of life in India. Many of Pinching the Parsi Paisas from the culture of this country. I This is so because of their inaptitude at assimilating Indian culture, which still consider themselves exiles, emigres, orphans of a calamity long forgotten. They feel they are living it is important that Zoro- astrians be given guidance in hand- _ __________ _______________ ling their finances. There are many emotional,"from which to function, members of the community with -______________ ¦ ' wealth, by way of jewellery and 7 ..L" ____ ___ ‘ LI L property, who are worried about th^" often^fook down upon. They their future economic stability but --- ¦- ”¦ ’ -m.. do not know how to help themselves. They keep their accounts and shares _ _____ j -___ of joint stock companies in single culUiraliy'^uprooted ’'and refuse to .. names and maintain current ac- .• x x. xi ---- 1----- .•—ti,x„ counts instead of savings accounts. ¦l^en they come upon difficult times, _ ______________ _______ they have to sell their shares to tual," rdigious and spiritual spheres, pay high interest charges on over ­ drafts or loan accounts with nationa ­ lized banks instead of, for instance, turning to Parsi institutions such as adjust to the changing times. They, :: alas, have not savoured the trea- ; sures India has to offer in intellec- :: ixivj ua>v XXZ x.v,xx xxxvxx ¦.xxx.xx>,„ — luai, religious auu spimuai spuviva. afford weddings and navjotes. They Their social mores are a mere veneer, ;; not an assimilation of the nation ’s alas, have not savoured the trea ­ sures cultural milieu. If they shift to other countries, mistaking them for fresh fields and pastures new, they will < » uuiiuu^ x«.i.oi luonvunvuj UMWJ.A neiGS anci pastures new, uxvj wm The Zoroastrian Cooperative Credit Q^jy ijg unwitting victims of a :: Bank Ltd for help. Most of them greater sense of insecurity. They will ;; lack knowledge of the safer and more |jg throwing away a valuable in- ;; lucrative schemes to invest in, like heritance for the preservation of •’ heritance for the preservation of which their forefathers travelled ____ ___ long distances and braved untold :: It is lamentable that the num- bers of the Parsi community are ;; reasons . tion. Be that as it may, there may ;: be other greater and more power- ;: auicrs ano unscrupulous inis uagcuy. x xxv x * - the look out for gullible for ease and luxury, and their failure ;; .1_____ 1______ 4._______ nnfk tlip rzMintrv s nattem > • Life Insurance and Unit Trust, nor how to gain refunds of income tax. Our forefathers became leading privations, merchants and traders by joining pedftzs (firms) as MiMniTMs (cashiers) or „— „ — . r. - t gumastas (clerks) and thus gradually dwindling. Economic factors are ;; learnt the intricacies of trade and considered ainong the plausible business. The trend nowadays is for reasons for this decline in popula- ,. old pensioners to enter the hectic world of business with no experience ---------- --- - behind them. They immediately fall ful psychological underrarrents for ;; prey to swindlers and unscrupulous this tragedy. The Pr^si penchant ;; persons on the look out for gullible for ease and luxury, and their failure ;; old people who can be easily tempted to merge with the rauntry s pattern into squandering their hard earned of life are cumulative causes wmeh savings on risky enterprises such as ------rnmm.,n,tv s ? poultry farming and taxi plying. Also in the later years of life a person may find it more difficult to summon the required initiative and »z.,xx --------- “ ¦ j u ~ capacity for hard work, essential them a sense of fulfilment and be- for runmng a successful business. Institutions like the Parsi Pancha- yat should take responsibility in this matter and perhaps an organization such as a ‘Financial Guidance Bureau ’ run by expert businessmen, should be set up. *» (ESTD. I WO) IATA AIR CARGO CLEARING. FORWARDING WAREHOUSING AND INSURANCE AGENTS 10, VEER NARIMAN ROAD FORT, BOMBAY-400 001 Cable : ’Juatitla ’ Telex : 2313 PHONE : 312032 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 : 310021 Spencers Building 153, Mount Road madras 600 002 CABLE : “SEAIRJENA” TELEPHONE : 8114M Ut lWHX la adversely influence the community ’s ;; subconscious. To rediscover this country as their own, to live in it, :; and live for it, or to spread their own ancient religion may bring ;; ion^g widch they have never experienced so far. * 1 .pcriCUvCU ov ? It will be a sad day for India ;; if this colourful and lovable com- ;; munity were to dwindle and vanish ;; from this land, which has given ;; it shelter and made it, its own. ¦ r A, N. BHAT R. A. KOTWJU.EN the news i -f &**}** ¦t X; -A Sorabjee: Fundamental freedoms Cases and Causes . One of the gains of the Emergency law conferences, has been the Janata government ’s nomination of the noted lawyer and For his 22^ civil libertarian, Soli f decency. ------- Press Censorship in India, is now obsolete, no one has done more thanhetoadiievetheobsoleSKnce^ recognition of his efforts to Born and bred in' Bombay, „orld of to sightless, Sorabjee matriculated from btxa- ongiucu , . hr,.nrarv vier ’s School in 1946, ranking first in English in the then province c. Bombay. An economics graduate from St Xavier ’s College, he went on to earn his law degree from the Government Law College whe^ he secured the Kinloch Forbes Gold his year In Medal for Roman law and juris- i prudence, in the final law examina- president, Vijay Mer- tion. He started his Practice in the the N.A^K s pj^es^^^ ,^^j chambers of Sir Jamshedjee Kang. , ‘There is hardly any where he was initially attached to throughout K. H. Bhabha. Sorabjee enrolled as a senior advocate of the Supreine Court in 1971 and has since fought in most of the crucial constituticmal cases involving fundamental rights. He specializes in human rights in international law and has attended and spoken at several international acting chief metropolitan magistrate. Capt. Hormazdiar Desai, honorary of Secretary General of the National Association for the Blind (N.A.B.), was presented the Takeo Iwanasni Award and the Rustom Merwanji Alpaiwalla Memorial Award earlier ___ J, tribute to Desai s three decades of outstanding com tribution as a voluntary worker , Slant 'noted at the time of the ’ , TO Kar/llv anv UA VQVXXVV*vivx*) - - institution for the blind throughout the country with which Capt. Desai is not connected and his enthusiasm is a measure of his concern for the blind in the country. ’ General of the National presented the Takeo Iwahashi 1 1 i H ,yjv* auv. X wi ....._ J_________ an ‘impartial, ciVii iiberiariaii. Soli Sorabjee fearless and tak /dministrmor tn the post of Additional Solicitor of justice, Jal H. Genera? of India. The 47-year-old honoured by Jhe Bombay Metw- Bombay based lawyer, fought long pohtan Magistrates C^rt i B and hard for fundamental freedoms Association on 30th during Ms Indira Gandhi ’s 19-month last year, wh®n his portrait was fXn If terror. unveiled at the Esplanade Court. ‘While- some eminent counsel An additional chief metropoli a^n chose to look the other way, Soli magistrate, Vakil retiied from the and hard for fundamental freedoms Association on 30thjsov^emoe unveiled at the Esplanade Court. counsel An additional chief metropolitan consistently championed the citi- Bench after a 30-year career, kens ’ cause, often at great risk to ‘You always maintained the high- himself and sacrifice in terms of est dignity ’’X^Son ’Sas- a lucrative practice, notes a news your court, noted the resolutiop Hem in the Calcutta daily, T/ie sed by the association. No lawyer or Statesman, written by its Managing litigant ever left your court with^a^ Director Cusrow Irani. Sorabjee impression t^— — , served as a <--------- — is a director of the paper which ^as one cf .I-\ " besides The Indian Express, to defy hearing, the censors. ‘He was there to p’ oppose thx ----- - ------ - — Commissioner of Police, Bombay, and law at the banning the holding of an indoor College. As a law student his deba^ eminent ‘You always maintained the high- Calcutta daily, T/ie sed by the association. ‘No lawyer or 7: W I hr,* a that he has not fully XXCLXXX. UVA AAXX^X x.'-J. counsel for and then been heard in the matter. cam. mcsi** ivvvxi.x.6 .-.r~ eciui ui iiiv papvi v.xx.w.i Reputed for his me icu ou award from Freany Ashburner of the few national dailies, mination of evidence and patient - ~ - Vakil matriculated froin . . _ 4 Capt. Desai receiving the Alpaiwalla -He was there to =’ n“ S^ool and ^^On^oHhe founders of S«.“S The“nmeS. La*w servantStiatedand^^^^^^^^ • O'zxiu^ra Ata law student his debal- of the association s vocational train 5S5 S’lawy«r to discuss the inS ^kilis won him the Sit Hari«n^ ‘E^teS^vefy^X^eTaX^: ambit of the citizens ’ rights during Gour trophy for »>“ “ ^a Rented InSa at several national and *e Emergency, atizens me uding best speaker cup a^ to SStomU conferences and served ipurnalists, imprisoned Without cause j initiallv in as a member and chairman of rxm S'“&^17e"t!:e Se’XXi “o'f ' r Nus£anp —MSd'^E! &‘w^mXns: ‘t:X'STr' ness claims 15,000 Indian.cWldren rprize and intimidate those running ’ journals ana newspapers. His uh- a. — - - - Ijroken record of successes in court practised mainly i i|i all these cases is a tribute as much court and in t"** to his legal acumen as to his courage d; “ " Z'^'* . , ^nd' faith in-the final triumph of presidency magistrate in ‘He was there to of the association ’s vocational train- Emergency. Citizens including best speaker cup 5^ .. . •_____ J ____ IQ'tO !¦ international conferences and served as a Debate in 1939. After his Advocate threhambms ‘of ‘sh Nusserwanji committees of the World Council cwnrinaAr and mmnleted his training for the Welfa.re of^the Blind. inThrchambejs'of P. P. Khambatta ness claims 15,000 Indian children 70 S nraCi^d oW mjhe examinations, he read initially in found in him a willing advocate. &£ to aief&nio; completed Us trainingthe problems of its sightless. His mouth organ in his spare time and commitments, Desai has found the study was accepted^ by the World makes plastic bags. The fact that he time to author two books, The Blind Council for the Welfare of the Blind could not see, did not hamper Turn- in. India and Planning Agricultural and the Royal Commonwealth boli from acquiring the M.A. LL.B, and Rural Training Centres for the Society for the Blind, and report- and M.Ed, degrees, and a diploma Blind and is working on yet another, edly, mobilized substantial inter- from the Perkins Teacher Training Rehabilitation of the Sightless in national aid. College, U.S.A. He is now a central Dey eloping Countries. ‘Preventive work should have top goverment grade one officer, princi- priority, ’ Desai feels. ‘The World pal of the Government School for Health Organization (WHO) has a Blind, Delhi, vitamin A administration pro- ~ gramme. If this vitamin is adminis ­ tered in the right doses, twice a year, loss of eyesight because of malnu- ______________________________, _____ ______________________ trition can be prevented. Even a Jamshedji ’s death. ‘I owe my invol- J. P. Suraliwala, assistant commissi- vati (a small saucer) full of green, vement in blind welfare to him ’, he oner of police who received the leafy vegetables can prevent bhnd- says. A student of the Petit Parsi President ’s medal for meritorious ness. The Indian diet is often defici- Orphanage, Desai graduated from service and Brigadier Adi Jamshedji ent in this respect. ’ For the 10 to the Ismail Yusuf College and Go- Minocher-Homji who was awarded 12 lakh Indians suffering from vernment Law College. He joined the Ati Vishist Seva Medal, cataract, the Royal Common- government service in 1938 and wedth Society for the Blind, (of before retiring in 1974, after 36 years, Hilla(Khursedji)Mazda,the26-year- g^hich Desai is the honorary treasur- * ’ * ...................... ¦ “ ~ (l^r,) organizes 1,000 eye camps every year, he notes. _ _ _______ __ ............... minion blind (nine personnel manager of the Hindustan award by the Greater London Arts canriot earn a full wage because of Bombay and trustee of the K.R. has only 250 institutions. ‘But The 55-year-old noted painter, Jehangir Sabavala, was singled out The Bombay born, 60-year-old for the Padma Shree award along social worker took over as the prin- with the noted social worker, Ms cipal of the Victoria Memorial Gool Shavaksha (see In Memoriam). School for the Blind on his father, Among others to be honoured were was the Joint Secretary to the old pianist from Bombay, was among Government of Maharashtra, Finan- 12 musicians singled out from over ce Department. He is now the 150 for the ‘Young Musicians ’77’ I f SBI « .. 9 million if you consider those who Spinning and Weaving Mills in Association. cannot earn a full wage because of Bombay and trustee of the K.R. Those selected will give serveral partial or weak vision), the country '' ' ’ ’ ............. - has only 250 institutions. ‘But we have made progress, ’ he says. ‘In 1944, we had just 32. The existing institutions cater to about 20,000, at the most 25,000, visually handicap ­ ped, ’ where they are taught the skills of daily living, mobility, communi ­ cation and subsequently helped to integrate themselves into the com ­ munity. ‘We do not favour insti ­ tutionalized life, ’ says Desai. ‘For instance, those of average intelligence are encouraged to attend normal schools, colleges and polytechnics. Even employment-wise we try to locate simple, risk free jobs for them, '«Hbn the kind of environment they are ^^used to. In Bombay alone, 800 totally blind persons work in factories. They function at optimum produc ­ tion levels, and earn a living wage. ’ Desai devotes two to four hours of his day helping the blind to adjust to their handicap, and notes, ‘The blind can reach any height once they have been trained and adjusted to their handicap. They have been cabinet ministers, journalists and engineers. Pulitzer, the well-known journalist after whom the Pulitzer Prize is named, was himself blind. ’ Closer home, he cites the instance of Firoz Karkaria, and Cawas Tum- boli who have overcome the shackles of their handicap to a large extent. Blind, deaf and crippled, Karkaria works at the Dadar Tata Mills to support himself and his ailing mother, commuting daily from Jogeshwari to Dadar. Unfailingly Jehangir Sabavala receiving the Padma Shree from Vice-President Jatti on bright and cheerful, he plays the Republic Day, 26 January. Cama Oriental Institute, the Ranji solo recitals and concerts all over Fire Temple, the Anjuman Atash England which will be subsidized by Behram, and the Zarthostriona the Association. Rethan Fund. Despite his varied A onetime pupil of Bombay ’s ¦I SBJf •V ¦c- -, Olga Crafen, Hilla studied music under the renowned pianist, Rudolf Serkin, at Philadelphia ’s prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, before launching on a professional career. Acclaimed ‘a great talent ’ by an ­ other famed expatriate musician, Zubin Mehta, Hilla was selected from over 80 others last year to play at London ’s famed Wigmore Hall. The young musician paid a brief visit to her home town last year but feels London is the best place for a musical career. 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 quahty 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 ‘Apart from 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 of a 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 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 emoluments 10-fold, gross profit Among the other changes at rose from 80 to 526 lakhs and the Bombay Dyeing, J. D. Choksi has company maintained an ‘ unbroken stepped down as vice-chairman and Homi Batlivala wished to be relieved of executive duties and is expected to retire as managing director. Both have agreed to remain on the board of directors. critic, Padma Arya ” company to his son, Nusli. ‘The fact x‘_ . of Arts and Draftmanship, 39-year- leagues on the board has done his of a chairman is to groom a successor ei: _____ ______________________________ i .-------r :"; a short spell in London on three more years, has only convinced me special attention to this task for the British Council grants and for a that I am right, ’ noted the 66-year- last few years, and I am now com- year was a student of Patrick Rey- old magnate. ‘I believe in the motto, pletely confident that I can leave tiens, a stained glass artist in Buckin^iamshire, 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 and.corres ­ pondent of The Statesman. From the 350 contestants at the Student Education Trust ’s inter ­ school singing competition held at Bombay ’s Shanmukananda Hall in February, the voice of 15-year-old Pemaz Masani won her the first prize. A Rotaract prize winner for four years running, and winner of the Vasant Desai vocal music contest, the J.B. Vatchha Wadia High School student was singled out by Music Director Sonik Omi as a potential vocalist for his forthcoming film. ‘She would like to sing profes ­ sionally, ’ says her father, Doli, who spoke on behalf of his interview-shy dau^ter. ‘But we can ’t be sure of the future. ’ Peehaz is a disciple of Ustad Amanat Khan and like her father, has been coached in the Agra Gharana school of singing. Even if the young singer does not pursue the art as a career, she is determined ‘to study it forever, ’ says her father. Peenaz: Study singii^ forever I His forefathers were shipwrights i to the famous Wadia master builders I and Noshir Dhunjibhoy has kept I the family tradition going both, as I chairman of the South East Asia I 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, I he would go to the docks with his 1 father who was engaged in cargo ’ booking and stevedoring activities. ’ 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- 17 I it tesemrch so dear to his heart, ’ athletes, Bakhtavar Khambata, Tall and lanky Merzi Dubash according to the society ’s letter. Merzi Dubash and Kayomarz shattered the 100 metres record for Professor of Pharmocology 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 his death on 14 January 1976, the Championships held at Benaras in for the Best Athelete at the Hindu- 76-year-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 a 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 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. ciation and state meets, since 1970-71 coach noticed his potential. Merzi The fund-raising committee is when she first flexed her muscles, practised daily for two hours at the chaired by P. A. Narielwala ofTatas ‘We had our school sports and my University grounds and earlier this and the interest from the endowment friends saw my build. They said, year participated at the 15th Inter \ will be utilized for fellowships to “Come and throw. ” I was the young- State Athletic Championships held '' undergraduate and postgraduate est participant and happened to at Madras. For the Boys-under-19 students in medicine and pharmoco- 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 colo^ and a lectureship in thera- well as I expected. ’ peutics will be instituted and the expenses met out of the endowment, the morning when accompanied the_ Olympics, ’he says. 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 schools who faced the starter at cal College and J. J. Group of Hospi- grounds to train under Lt. Comman- Juhu Lions Park for the Inter School tals, A/C Dr Jal R. Patel Memorial der Keher Singh and coach Punner. Roadster Cycle Race on March 7, 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 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. Bakhtavar Khambata, i ‘When I started out, friends and School Athletic Meet, breasting the A cricket and hockey enthusiast, 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 Of the 216 boys from various In Si i ¦c ' i '' ' »M .........-iAiL^Jtfllilllfc X Merzi (above): Would like to go for the Olympics Bakhtavar (left): Breaking eight-year shot put record 19ft,- w gjl L. Kl. ‘ i- . I '¦ I I'il ¦i I ?dC. j i I H 'd nrsr-i Illi i'. S w B V' I'fi 4' Ss h I IN MEMORIAIVI y\le deeply regret nounce away 1 S' I I S iRO,,, I __ 1^4 v.’1'fe4lr'e* ' Modi, Ms Modi mid Sheriar: Fostering togethen.^ As a young collegian in Ahmedabao, Garda, a magic show Nadii Modi missed the companion- of fellow community members, by Mm o • 4 * _ n - .1^ «VTT"^ * III 11 ,1 V 11V and far "between. Making the - J the sudden passing k of Mr Fall Meherji ¦* Variava on10Ap;il 1_9J7. at » Mr^Fairhl. Variava wasjhe XV:SSW^e »?nr.^:%ering. Modi 1 Pdvate ' di. al ‘l its'IsTo- , few and far between. Making the tj^/jjnportance of tending ciate cornpanies. . . . 1 rSe w:ifarj of the , yorm^er ) nc VM uixxv fs..**----------- I vdiiava o v.vi,. - -• ¦ . ¦ own humble way, we giuy. Because of his Oeepi ,_ T\orois- COnQfJ J biiit;ciii.y v.1.^ ¦•¦c , . 1 of absolute honesty and in-: the early age of 51 years. I -¦•‘O' ' >— 'U'-’f ’ Director ” of Blaze Advertising K AS'es' ’s?nrar^thering, Modi I Private Ltd, and all its asso- g • r A gentleman of distinctive^ handful together into a loosely Knii weU-meaning Lppearance and Sfature. MF p'- social and cultural organizauon that seuerat ¦ Vanava's was a unique perso-1 met as oft'", ’’ Ms In our own humble way, we Because of. his deep Modi came to Bombay around 19 , tto. ^.z.A.) have been persis- Lj^^vgrhy and ingrained serise j '^iS? he" ’X::rerJ|ui.ng bs^^^a^Xt^ of ^olute hO-stV-d;- ^owXd^S ’SgSitb afdlow ‘LcYr Z.A^toheM~^ te^ ^But°hiS lecturer, Khurshed Shenm, Jdod, .’i^eatiojial, reli»ous T adv wrt and qS humOUr, ZOT^trian Associatiim in bbbr^n fS g h^i ’s resid- j^^ell as his uprightness^ 1952, with the objective of ^mg^ ence Modi Lodge, 13 Vachlm Lgture WOn him young commumty members together Qan&evi, Bombay 7; Ljends. And yet. perhaps hg and enriching their lives. Uanam i^oa , , Hneiiu . . hisj ‘At first there was some resistance from the authorities as to the forma ­ tion of what was considered a Percy 2.11__ > Doctor and a violin mimicry by Bal Sathe. handful together into a loosely knit to association for the local in ' estXhshed the Yoiwg CoUegianr Zoroastrian Association in February ~ attempt t ’o host the gajerings in larger quarters failed when the most outstanding trait was hj inborn serise HrSj * ****"*^.^_ *3 Year'after year Mrt BombSy Patsi Panchnyat trustees ^duu fortunate bre-j that it was a Zoroastrian, and not a atoo ph 1 particularly those for th^ • organization, and therefore, b addition to the blind, the Widowed, the or^ cultural in nature rather tih^ lectures hikes, socials and other pj^spg and the destitutes. . 1 activitiitheY.C.Z.A. toabbr^ Variava leaves b Parsi Communal. The association met wim y.C.Z.A. has a library enthusiastic support from the young acUv and rapidly ®%XuSi this 4W ^stSdents every year, notes and membership. In February th f^^d is year, the-Y.C.Z.A. • financed through donations. silver jubilee with a grand funcuon Sctivities,' Modi told "'Kowfof XrS gateed ",5^'“oTe ®S-S: !'^.?““n:?'Mlo ’^^b7 a all around welfare of our community at Allbless Bang, the Director fi :i* w’ followed by a leaves behing J him his wife. Silloo. and hi^ two 1----- Jamshed. Variava is, ‘private'Ltd. and all its assd ciate companies..of which hl 2 Sister. Miss Freni M little children. His wife. Mrs now appoint^ of Blaze AdvertisinI Mri of which hj a jashan and was followed by a aiiaruu u sister, MlSS breni va^ Wincss unto him who ^'°?ava, is the Joint Managiil ^TshappSss to others; actor. Aibara, Percy Presswalla, Ronny on1 ZOROASTRIAN FEDERATION T I NORTHWEST BY SOUTH 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 is divided into, the North and South passed without much controversy, generate the greatest amount of I the following six were heatedly de ­ activity. The Southern Parsis were i bated before receiving sanction: Secunderabad the first to host a zonal conference * * At a suitable opportunity, it may The weather in Secunderabad was 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 and their children should be taken controversial issues, they were in no 22 and 23 January this year, and became the first majoi Parsi Zoro ­ astrian Federation association in India to pass a resolution stating friends of the deceased, may be that spouses and children of Parsis 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 New Delhi and Secunderabad : and properly admitted into the Zoioastrian religion. ! f I bated before receiving sanction: At a suitable opportunity, it may ? ? Non-Parsis married to Parsis and their children should be taken . . into the Parsi Zoroastrian fold with mood to give them their blessings, certain pre-conditions, if necessary. Non-Parsis whether relations or The 200 Parsis who attended the full day session, as versus the 1,000 _____ _ __ _______,__ . 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 Jamshid D. Italia, ---,^--1-. acting president of The Parsi Zoro- When' a^ Parsi female "^marries astrian Anjuman of Secunderabad * come to pay their last respects. * ~ ‘5 outside the community she should and Hyderabad which hosted the not be ostracized by the Parsi com- conference, that the purpose of hold- munity and should not be prevented ing the conference was ‘not for our- from making use of the community selves, but for our children. ’ Unlike institutions, trusts and funds, subject the Delhi Parsis who, with a few ex ­ ceptions, were in favour of change, Parsis of the plain cities are split on to the provision that her marriage has been under civil law and that , . . she has remained a Zoroastrian and most of the controversial issues continues to profess the faith. * r New Delhi The rain fell intermittently through ­ out the chilly day as around 400 Parsis gathered at the Bhiwandiwala . _ Hall for the first Zonal Conference be allowed by the Parsi community, of the Parsi Anjumans of North L*. ------------- - — x- -------- ~ _ India. They had gathered to discuss adopted in Iran should be adopted such as Soli Hataria, president ot issues of crucial importance to them in India. A non-Zoroastrian spouse the Coimbatore Parsi Zoroastrian an d as the North zone President, marrying a Zoroastrian partner, can Anjuman; Dr. B. S. Surti, trustee of Shiavax 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 After patiently sitting through ‘Parsi Community ’ given by Justice Muneezah Banoo Kaoosji; B. K. - " - - " . - Boman-Behram, trustee of the Bom- ____ and Italia ’s plea was to draw atten- Conversion by marriage should tion to the need for charige without r„ —- ' ------- - which many younger Parsis were be- Tn this connection, the practice ing alienated. After hearing speakers the Coimbatore Parsi Zoroastrian s 1 i ji I tnoted, to examine thi ra change of priorities ’. ___ . _ over 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 in India. A non-Zoroastrian spouse marrying a Zoroastrian partner, can , adopt the faith of the Zoroastrian the Secunderabad and Hyderabad spouse after due verification. * The term ‘Parsi ’may be defined the Madras Anjuman; Shyavax in the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Patel of Hyderabad; Farokh Bamji Act on the lines of the definition of of the Bangalore Anjuman; Ms Bl ZON 1 ¦ a ¦ I I A w ISofS "¦ru. 9 M Surti, Hataria, Italia and Tarapore; ‘Not the last day of the w«Id.’ ,jK 23I r J if ¦f. Mistry, Motafaram, Debara, Sidhwa, Guzder and Nargolwala: ‘A change in priorities.’ 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 community, 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 delegates, Italia, at the conclusion of the day ’s session, counselled them, ‘Do not take it to heart. It is not the last day of the world. ’ outspoken president of the Delhi of Progressive Anjumans . But what- While many of the delegates at the Parsi Anjuman, came armed with ever the cause, it is apparent the two zonal conferences were amen- letters from seven anjumans autho- functioiiing of the four-year-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 anjumans in India, is Surat opposed nearly every ‘con- Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian An- severely hampered by all the various troversial ’ reform. At the Delhi jumans of India held on 2nd April, stresses and strains it is exposed t©. meet, B.P;P. trustee, Guzder and in Bombay. The divisions became more ap- Surat Parsi Panchayat president, ‘You mean you will have seven parent when the council turned to Maneck Gheyara time and again votes? ’ asked a startled Maneck the subjects to be discussed at the voiced their opposition to change, Gheyara, president of the orthodox forthconiing World Zoroastnan claiming that they represented, Surat Pajsi Panchayat which views Congress to be held in Bombay on orthodox constituencies who would the Delhi Anjuman as reformist. 5, 6, 7 and 8 January. Aware of the not agree to the reforms and that ‘Yes, read the .rules, ’ replied differences that were delaying a there were more constructive issues Nargolwala, turning to the green consensus, B.P.P. trustee. Jamshed to be tackled in the economic and 12-page constitution of the F.P.Z.A.I. N. Guzder, who is the chairman of welfare fields. In Secunderabad, As the delegates studied the crucial the Congress s executive committee, Boman-Behram and Gheyara with sixth clause of the rules and regu- noted, ‘We must have a decision . the additional support of Bamji, lations, B.P.P. trustee, B. K. Boman- today. ’The subjects suggested focus Taraporewala and Justice Jal Vima- Behram allowed that while Nargol- on the priesthood, economic up- dalal —who inaugurated the con- wala could speak on behalf of the lift, religious education of the young, ference —proved a formidable lobby anjumans, ‘I should say no, to a education in general, the perfOT- against reform. right to vote. ’ As others joined in mance of the community over the But whatever the outcome, the the chorus, the embittered Delhi last 30 years with suggestions for conferences signalled an awakening president threatened to withdraw the future and the creation of an and a consciousness amongst the from the Federation if he was denied organizatiim to provide^ a link Parsis of the 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 taken _ ship, and the South following a close up. Federation president, Erach was ‘too vague. Can we discuss con- second. The meetings also demon- Na^irshah reserved a ruling till version, intermarriage, dispo^l ot strated the enthusiam and oigani- legal counsel could be obtained. the dead, the marriage act, divorce zational skills of the Delhi Parsi But the skirmish clearly served to laws, etc? Ifit covers all these points, Anjuman trustees, especially Dadi demonstrate the growing rift in the it is too wide. If it does not, I don t Mistry and the Secunderabad and Federation between the democrati- sec what we will discuss. Guzder Hyderabad Anjuman trustees and cally elected representatives like pointed out that Justice Jal yinia" managing committee who devoted Nargolwala and those of the Bom- dalal who heads the subjects wmmit- considerable time, effort and money, bay and Surat panchayats who tee, was against disci^sioiie to serve their constituencies well. function with a very limited mandate, issues as ‘it may resulf in some and are, therefore, reluctant to chaos. ’ Jamshid Italia, hcting pre ­ initiate change. The Bombay Sama- sident of the Secunderabad and between Zoroastrians the world over. Nargolwala felt that the fifth item as ‘too vague. Can we discuss con- Mistry and the Secunderabad and Federation between the democrati- manaeing committee who devoted Nargolwala and those of the Bom- dalal who heads the subjects commit- Ln a very imutcu luauuauC, issues as ‘it may resuif. in some therefore, reluctant to chaos. ’ Jamshid Italia, heting pre- 2______ ~___ ' " r. - J—1--J — The meeting began with a con- char report on the meeting attributed Hyderabad Anjuman, felt 'conteo- to serve their constituencies well. 'STANDING ON PRIVILEGE' frontation. Shiavax Nargolwala, the the differences to ‘The Impatience versial subjects should not-be shirK- 25 I t I i i I i 1 f 1 i 1 I 8 I *ed, while Nadirshah lift there was study the matter, passed several present, 21 per cent can prevent 79 much constructive work to be done resolutions on 30th November, per cent from discussing an issue, ’ and 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 be amended to 50 per cent. ’ Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman noted, of priests to collect statistics. When ‘They are not good rules, ’ coun ­ that insistence on discussing contro- asked for a progress-report on the tered Nargolwala, ‘they are ’ transi- versial issues would ‘lead to the last four months, Gheyara, who tory rules. ’ He noted the rule was breakdown of the^ Confess and cha.irs the committee, said the only framed to ensure the B.P.P. with its the other anjumans and trustees the community into confidence ’ Desai felt a^ compromise could be efforts by the Federation^on the one the discretion of the chairman of a particular talk to ‘judge the mood ’ ‘Why are you afraid to talk about tion to set guidelines for disposing off matters by noting'^the ^Federation ..9’ tr, v-j .1-- , was only five years old. ‘Give it time, ’ he pleaded. much constructive work to be done resolutions on 30th November, f" _ ’ ” " __ 5_________________ 1 _ fogged down in controversies. As fund, to look to the interests of the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman noted. 1* ¦ ¦ ¦ ' _ _________ ____ __ versial issues would ‘lead to the last four months, Gheyara, who J____ 1_J____ _ p Ji < <. .« . 5--’ 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 duphcation of privileges are very reluctant to eive arrived at where it would be left to hand and private bodies on the other. of priests to collect statistics. When asked for a progress-report on the I 4 * 4 r ^1% si 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. them up. ’ To which Boman-Behram retorted, ‘Do you think we are Even when Behram Nagarwalla, standing on privilege? ’ Before the - - the president of the Ahmednagar issue became another controversy, Parsi Anjum^ requested the Federa- Gheyara attempted to soothe these problems? ’ asked Khurshed the dead in those areas where vul- Irani, who was co-opted on the tures are scarce, the Federation, council from the North zone. ‘Let ’s refused to do so. ‘These are local 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- The Federation ’s major handicap vesty. ’ is its administrative dependence on ‘It ’s not a question of being fright- the Bombay Parsi Panchayat. The ened or shirking 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- who is also a full time employee of sible to hold another for 30 years. ’ the panchayat, the Federation is staff- Nargolwala noted that a referen- less. And attempts to create a sub- duni 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. .... ‘The Bombay Parsi Panchayat is not against change, ’ said Boman- Behram. ‘We are i ' ' , _____ _____ community. People might resort to others. ’ Ms Mani Clubwala of the them. Let change come with time. Let us not be impatient. We are speaking on behalf of the majority of the community. ’ ________________________ 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- ing by attending in full strength, ment to permit the chairman to The North zone representatives 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 all the delegates are which states that if the chairman agreed upon, became apparent when presiding at the executive council discussion began on the ameliora- feels that a matter is prejudi- 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 A Zoroastrian Abroad An extensive interview with Jamshed Pavri of Canada on the relative merits of Parsis who - have settled out of India. said. ‘There are two meetings in a year. If a person takes up public office and does not perform his an orthodox duties, he should make room for __ __ _ __ change was forced on Madras Zarthosti Anjuman noted ’ " ’ - Avas a de ­ terrent for many of the representa ­ tives to attend. But Nargolwala stated that even when meetings were ’ ” ¦ ~ ¦ 1 to find many of the Bombay will not squash it, that ’s fine. I am compensted for at the April meet- 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. I i More Parsi Paeans Ratan Marshall reviews Pilloo Nanavutty's latest book. The Parsis. ment to permit the chairman to Z Quiz No. 3 Another chance to test your knowledge of Parsi history, culture and religion and to be , rewarded for it. presiding feels tha feels that a matter is prejudi- then an 80 per cent majority is re- i ¦taiKw.,I 5 COMMENT ' K Warehouse of Knowledge by Dorab Mehta S'' ¦««; i 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 completed and 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. Petit 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 May 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 second milestone was reached Raja Maharaj Singh, governor of gathered much fare for his dramas, on 31 August 1875. The library was Bombay, presiding. In 1856, about a dozen Parsi registered for the first time under the The Instituteprovides manyfacili- students of Bombay ’s Elphinstone Act for the Registration of Literary ties to its members : from the lending College, among whom was Jamset- Scientific and Charitable Societies, library, a wide range reference room, jee N. Tata, the industrialist-to-be, About this time, Jamsetjee Nesser- to the old file room and other began to collect books with the idea wanjee Petit, whose name the departments. But the most popular is offorming a mutual lending library, institute was destined to bear, its Readmg Hall at the top ot this They shelved them on the fourth became a life member of the library gothic building, well stocked with floor of a house in old Mody Street and was soon elected as one of its newspapers and periodicals And in Fort. The idea took root and the directors. From the very beginning comfortable easy chairs in which library began to grow. Encouraged _____________________ ______ ________________ . by their success, the sponsors pro- ..... ceeded to have it formally opened He preferred, The Times, for his daily nap. He replied ttuit th© 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 Hall, a management committee was he took a most lively interest in the members sometimes can be heard appointed with Prof. A. Gordon institute ’s welfare and progress until snoring as they doze off. For many Fraser presiding. This was a fateful his premature death in 1888. In 1891, retired and aged persons the Reading year in the history of India; in his sorrowing father endowed the Hallislikea second horne. They pass Bengal, the Great Sepoy Mutiny library with a sum of Rs 25,000 to their day reading, resting, and dis- had just broken out. In Bombay, the perpetuate the treasured memory of cussing the Share Bazaar nevre; foundation of a great cultural insti- his only son. This handsome gift even appointments are kept here by tution was being laid and the Bombay placed the library, now housed in a members and their mail is received 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 admirably among the educational institutions Street, beyond want for a consider- with the eccentricities of its members, eligible for Government aid, and also able time to come. In recognition of Those reluctant to get up every time offered the library free books. the gift, the library ’s name was from their easy chairs to get another j Within its first year, the Fort Im- changed by the grateful members to paper, collect several before settlmg provement Library had 115 members The Jamsetjee Nesserwanjee Petit down. But since the peon on his on its rolls, all Parsis. There were Fort Reading Room and Library. rounds collects them off the floor, two classes of membership : the Four years later, Bai Dinbai they usually hide them behind their first paying eight annas and the Nesserwanjee Petit expressed a desire backs or below their seats to read second, five annas per month. Apart to establish an ideal public reading them one by one. One member used from the total stock of 900 books, room and library in memory of her to come regularly every afternoon, twenty-one periodicals were received deceased son. It was said, up to pick up The Times of India,^wipe for the Reading Room, some gratis, Rs 2,50,000 for a special building to the easy chair with it, settle down, some at concessional rates and a be erected for that purpose, would be spread it on his face and go to sl^p- few were subscribed to at their full donated. She was requested to turn Once, his sound sleep was disturbs “ ¦ * the amount to the already by another member who silently ___ _ ' ___ * * * ---- ’"» therein the Jamsetjee Nesserwanjee face, much to the former ’s indi®ia- 29 *|||^ the renowned library where he has avoiding th© glare while sleeping. rates. The library ’s first president, over the amount to the already by another member who silently Navroji Furdoonji and its first secre- established library and to endow carried away the ^paper^ from his tary, Edulji Shapurji, spared ' ' ’ " . x?— — no 1^ ; -I r') •1' I I I S I i ij I i ! 3 Ltion. I asked him why he preferred belongs to the Institute or in one of But the stormiest meetings were when The Times for his daily nap. He the rooms. It would bring in the the management 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 "" ~ ¦ 7 ¦ and 1,01,416 books, including many There were two classes of membership : the nrst paying costly ones in various languages, 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 are also available to members. The Institute has been fortunate they showed the wrong time. As plainedthatthelift was often ‘sick ’at large number of foreign journals members complained regularly, it peak hours so that members had to was decided to keep the clocks per- climb the long and never ending ma nently 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 mooted 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. i With Compliments From Starlite Electrical Works Electrical Engineers & Contractors I Fern House 13. Ormiston Road Bombay 400001 31 1I— THE LOST GENERATION L We can overcome Dr Lovji Gama's essay won the second prize in The Lost Generation Essay Competition. As there was a tie for the first place between Gama's essay and that of Dr Jamshed Modi, the final decision was taken by the sponsor. Cama is a senior research chemist with Merck Sharp and Dohme Re­ search Laboratories in New Jersey, America. A 17-year resident of the U. S. A., Cama was secretary of the Zoroastrian Association of Great ­ er New York for a number of years and is presently on its Board of Officers. He has written two articles previously for 'Parsiana'. Below, we publish a slightly abridged version of his prize-winning essay. A generation is defined as a group of individuals born and living at a particular time, sharing similar ideas, problems and attitudes. In human terms a generation occupies a period of rou^ly 30 years between the birth of parents and birth of their offspring. We are then concerned with a group of Parsis born in the last 40 years or so (late marriages in the Parsi community led to a longer generational gap) who for the pur ­ pose of this essay will be called the Lost Generation. ALostGenerationisbestdefined as a generation in which the majority of individuals have lost their moor ­ ings and identity. For Zoroastrian Parsis there are two aspects to their identity —race and religion. To the Lost Generation neither of these two are meaningful. Why? The causes are many. To acquire historical perspective let us turn to the end of the last century. Anyone who reads The History of the Parsis by Dosabhai Framji Karaka, cannot but be impressed by the co^dence and the sense of identity and direction the community possessed. Yet, only 70 years later, we appear to have ground to a halt, our confidence lost, our numbers decreasing, our commitment to our religion weakened. It is easy to claim that we had our heyday during the British Raj, that with its tide we prospered and with its ebb we fell. This is only partly true. One forgets another world-wide 32 * I by Lovji Cama event which, occurred during the ture and ideas. Westernization and I last 75 years —^the Industrial Revo- education changed our thinking, a lution. More than any other com- slowly at first and then more rapidly ¦ munity in India, the Parsis saw, and in the last 25 years. And we started ¦ took advantage of, the opportunities to question that pillar of our identity, fl of the Industrial Revolution. Thus our religion. 9 one sees illustrious Parsis pioneering 9 industry after industry and becoming The clergy a fabulously rich and powerful. Parsis This urbanization, westernization I supplied much of the educated and sudden rise in the education I expertise and leadership by rapidly level, resulted in another change. I embracing western education. A The priesthood which was considered I community of traders and farmers the better educated section of the I became, in 50 to 70 years, an urban community lost its status to the j community of professionals, highly laity and within a short time, lost | educated and looking towards the the leadership of the community also. I west for cultural values. But this By nature orthodox, by vocation I phenomenon occurred world-wide; bound to what they considered the i was there a difference for us? unchangeable religion (even if only I dimly understood), they could not, | and would not, westernize themselves. I Westernization does not mean the j pursuit of material goods so much 1 as the development of a questioning ] mind that researches and reinter- | Yes . While even the United States fI was only 50 per cent urbanized by the end of World War II, we were 80 per cent urbanized, and that too i_ _______ J _ time when the rest of India had scholars^ of Avestan and Pahlevi I barely begun to assimilate western and began religious research. But I culture and education, 95 per cent their research was, and still is, I of the Parsi community was already hidden away in scholarly articles literate, many of us in English, and and books. Little was transmitted i We cannot afford to have more than one Lost Generation. Westernization, to the priests, was I anti-religion. I _______________ ______ Certainly, a few academics | in a poor country like India. At a followed the footsteps of the western I time when the rest of India had scholars^ of Avestan and Pahlevi I barely begun to assimilate western and began religious research. But I culture and education, 95 per cent their research was, and still is, I of the Parsi community was already hidden away in scholarly articles J literate, many of us in English, and and books. Little was transmitted I were eagerly acquiring western cul- to the average working priest, who '.y\ a[ 20th function as a legislative body with centoy Parsi community turns to a powers of enforcement for the . for Parsis. From then on it became religious solutions. A vicious essentially a trustee for the chari- in which the table funds of the community. the priests to lead signi- The present panchayat of Bombay ficautly earns them disrespect, which to which all the other Parsi pan- in turn drives away many intelligent, chayats still look for leadershin fr9in the priesthood, suffers a great disadvantage. Its f f ? 7:® cler^ IS left with a majority archaic election system denies it the o individuals who are blind to mandate of the community; 99 per change, and resent it. cent of the community have no say situation IS the in who gets elected. A community complete lack of a central guiding which leads India in nearly every priests a central body field, does not bother to look at its which rnakes decisions. Our learned own selection system nor even to J ®follow the system t^t India chose seldom meet and if they agree on and inherited from the British anything, it is usually to maintain the status quo or to blame the laity, a democratic system. The Laity r The Parsi Panchayat of Bombay cally; 95 per cent of Parsis \A/ Q C TIT* C T + ^4- 2 t •» •» • . century ? i solutions. A are blind to mandate of the co mmun ity; 99 per cent of the community have no say convention is lost. 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. h upon achieving independence — The Parsi community has all the hallmarks necessary to function democrati- was first formed after the island literate, many are highly educa ted passed to British from the and individualistic. The Bombay Portuguese. The panchayafs autho- Par^i Panchayat was most effective nty waxed and waned over the years when its members were popularly depending on the quality of the elected in 1818. The panchayat can f served on it. In 1787, lead only if it has the mandate and w puncAayat was elected with respect of the community. Ittannot me 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 ­ fluence or contacts. It became so decadent that by 1836 somemem- X. “ -- - -^VUUIUSIU 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 defy years later to gain a formal mandate conventions when the person feels Irom the Legislative Council of he or she cannot live by them in the ' ; 1 ? and with it went the modern world. When a great number last hope of the panchayat to of individuals thus defy it, the old to be earned. If the average Parsi of those who wish to speak for him and control his destiny, he will feel no need to listen to them. In the absence of a mechanism iSB3 V' j: I r,/ hji- ¦¦ 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 learned 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 ­ young 33 II I * i- K f nomic weaffh was something to be the disappearing. So what is the alternative? Give up and declare that it i ‘ the Soshydns to ---- us? No. E,::. from ourselves. We have two institutions which must be changed : the Bombay Parsi Panchayat and the Gama Athornan Institute. The Bombay Parsi Panchayat Board of Trustees should be -------- ted into i '____ ____ should be composed of five ------ or r* :___ ; Zoroastrian above the re^s.Ei';S ‘rbrfor?X ‘‘’el«;i„n ide? of oeiore ttte election ethics as exemplified in the Gat has. I young . in its glory but —- Its failings so that they would get a balanced view. Above newspapers and - , ---- -----J luv be a significant experience. The child ’s learning need not stop at the nuvjote, but would continue with such priests. If such priests do an outstanding 1 O '1^ I* w* ^"1-. __ I* » and teaching, then they must* be sent abroad to broaden their out- funds for this as well as to pay the secular side up to the high — is needed is at least four more years, the equivalent ot a college degree, during which Deliverance must come ourhistorvand Av«.V«n L our history and Avestan and Pahlevi lan^ages. Only a handful of priests will do so, but it will serve our purpose more than adequately. The priests ’ duties could include teaching at the Athornan Institute and other madressas, and being —in . and other cities where a bVard nf “> «« temples i- ss“S; £- least one year before the election . °tir religious should be entitled to vote The Gathas. definition of a Zoroastrian is any ParsrchVldren ” tV' one who has undergone the navjo^ hFstorv ^int X .fo®munity s ceremony. The directors when i ® .y ’ glory but running for office, must declareTheff failings so that th^,, Views and plans publicly and have them published in c. ---------- magazines. To stand for ^electTon signatures of 101 ‘quafifiM voters to nominate him or her. The the directors should hold office for only five years, after which they may seek re-election, r —- problems of the and set achievement goals. They miict ____ 1 eacS candidate ’SSidVw tJS to nominate him five years, after which they seek re-election. , r v ----- The elected panchavat directors their love for learning must identify the problems of the sent abroad community in an order of priority UnV Th “ ‘ broaden their out- and set achievement goals S fend J?®,^.‘?'"’”tini y must find the must overhaul the oanchavat the bureaucracy so that it ffinctions fhl!? ®commensurate with as an efficient corporation Lawyers ®bort we must social workers, doctors, engineers X 1 of priests and others can offer their services vrould be teachers and resear- equally and on a voluntary basis If ®5®JJ®-.Z^’’athustra himself was proud its leaders oasis, it of being a teacher firct a«zi ri,,.— our (— respond when approached. as an efficient corporation. Lawyers their standing. In short we must are popularly elected, ’i young will community ’s of being a teacher first and then a priest. We have to act decisively. Let all of us who are concerned come together, argue less, listen to one Let us say what we feel without J our us re- . - ------------- - 1.0 have more than one lost generation. -------------- ---------- ----------------- --- W5VI.UCI, aigue less, listen to one A 20th, century Pursi another, be honest with one another, community turns for personal animosity and leave religious solutions to a 19th rivalries behind. Let us _ century priesthood. --------- - ----- - —------------------ -— Ahura Mazdah has look^ after us Th A ron,„ A+K T X- . many centuries, because even thJf® * Athornan Institute is at the worst of times we made the the foremost institute for the edu- effort to look after oursdves Our a sizabte ^Xwmern ’^X"Ih ancestors travelled to a new country to preserve their religion. We are lodged immeasurably better placed today on spacious Let us not be afraid of the future ¦ mXh®"} 5® drawback merely because ' ’ nsIitnM instruction. The badly now vumparca 10 ago, does not mean that dual thinking. Ihe education of these many centuries, because effort to look after ourselves. Our ancestors travelled to a new country is its method of instruction. The badlv jnCtlfllfA efracroc ____1 rather than scholar^ip and fndivi- dual thinking. The education of a priest stops too early. On the reli- gious side the school teaches up to Ilia _______ . r « • the navar and martab level and we seem to be doing now compared to 50 years __ _ w© have lost the capacity to survive. We are an intelligent people. All we need to do is to reorganize our energies and the structure of our leadership on to reflect the needs of the present, With Compliments from PANTOURS Private Limited General Sales Agents for Pan American World Airways Taj Nahal Hotel Bombay 400 038 Telephones 292792 255454 35VIEWPOINT Do You Favour Adult Franchise Once upon a time, it was sufficient 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 efficiently 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 office 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? 1^ A 9 Lt 'list es- u> I .^ VIAIVVU AXA, XX.A-XVZ XJ 1.1 A. JI AXXUOj A (including the law regarding adoption) applicable Parsi child can be adopted by a Parsi. Before *Accordihg to a senior Bombay Parsi Panchayat official, the report has been submitted and is awaiting action in New Delhi. 40 J> I Tte «« proS'XSSrthe effect of the adoption JS effS «*^doX cMd'^Mlte S'to S ’’’¦ ' Zo“oastriL ’'co''^ wedlock, for all purposes donor who makes a gift in favour of what Iia kp.r including intestacy. Thus, the adoption order virtually to be the Xncem^S of^W^rengil and ?? “ Atat of welfare of his coZSnitv o? of SciS^ " munity —a secular judge is bound to accept that belief — a natural bom, legitimate child. Adoption of non-Parsi child by Parsi Does it mean then, that a non-Parsi child adopted by a Parsi would automatically become a Parsi or that a —— community or of mankind. ’ It is a long-standing religious practice recognized hy custom and usage that conversion to the Zoroastrian r recogmzed by the community as part of the reh^on. Thus, the provision of the Bill dealing With thA AttAPf rtF « . < . . 3nS o? a A O’- the effect of the adoption order which virtual? adopted by an athornan would equates the position of an adopted child with that of ^tomatical y become an athomanl Would such a child a natural bom, legitimate cffi c^not S^^^^ questions causing concern to the community. . The constitution contains two guarantees regard- zxf —1.-~:— T-i Y? . + K • + ------ - L»ui seems “'S"' '°8ardingtKeSomone" “M religiou^SuS as' ’mly Ee ap'^SSl Ly Us ‘'^S;"ciX'' S'E.y T’4“ “’‘’P*- but also, ,0 exMbi. h^s belFe? and iJisl “Si St StomSly^SSmSa ^Sasto^SiSN and f enjoined or sanctioned by his religion ; a behdin child adopted by an athornan would not and further, to practise and propagate his religious automatically become an athornan views for the edification of others. The second g ueeume an atnornan. tee provides that any religious denomination. are --- --------- -------------- VTTV ^**W.X€HXVVVO ivgaj.u- mg freedom of religion. The first guarantee provides ’*1^^ subject to certain restrictions, every person has „ . . ----- not contain regarding consent to the religion in which the adopted child is to be brought up. The absence of this provision is not accidental but seems to be intentional to guarantee fundamental rights guaran- , or a Would a non-Parsi child adopted by Parsi automatically become a Parsi ? a automatically become an athornan. To rernove any possible doubt, a representation may be made to the central government, recommend ­ ing the insertion of a sub-clause as under: - , For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that nothing in sub-section (2) shall be construed to change the religion or religious denomination or sect of an adopted child into any other religion religious denomination or sect to which the conversion ot a person not bom in such religion, religious deno- mnation or sect is not permissible according to the ctnnes, usages or customs applicable to the followers ot simh religion, religious denomination or sect. ’ The Adoption of Children Bill, 1972, as reported by the Joint Committee, is already pending in the l< SI tAZCl XQ IxTl o V^ii 2x 1___ < T i' e VI- -------- --- paoocu uy luC f on the dissolution of that House on 18 January 1977. Any representation to ttie central government in the matter to include a clause should be made immediately. Use of fire temples and trust funds by section of it, has the fundamental right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes and to manage its own affairs in matters of rehgion. This includes the right to spend the trust property or its income for the religion and for religious purposes and objects indicated by the founder of the p'q Azq c aa v *--- ------ ’’ pvmjmg lu me trast, or established by usage in a particular institution. Lok^Sahh^^A^ ’n-n a^® not been passed by the Two principles emerge from the above constitu- ‘ tional guarantees: the first principle is that freedom of conscience and religion is not limited merely to matters of religious doctrines and beliefs but extends also to acts done in pursuance of religion. Thus, rituals and observances (including customs and usages) cer- ’^“nas tiy emonies and modes of worship which ar? ikteSL child parts of religion are also guaranteed The seconH arising for consideration is whether principle is that the constituSts of an esintiS “nd ‘“*“5*='^ 'V Pa™. wo “ld automa- integral part of religion or religious practices have ^® entitled to claim the benefits of trusts to judged mthelSzh, or the foeSne of St p™ Jajais. Can such a child be ricular religion, and such practices, as ate regarded Towers of Silence (Jot/mai) “TST- “ ? P’“ “f -‘a taligion, must ---------- ----- --------------------- ^1^7,°’“*'* ;¦? The legislature is not precluded from making laws ‘providing for social wel- iMe and reforni . It is intended thereby to save only those laws which do not invade the basic ’and essential , ,, — ----- as are regarded by the community as a part of its religion ----- SlICZl nA i-nz*liiz4A«4 xV_ ___ rri « • intended thereby to save only the right of entry to fire temples {agiaris ox Atash Behramsyi T^s would depend upon the terms and J relevant trust deeds or schemes, cases, usually contain a provision X of the trusts (including trust funds -——ixuv luvauc me Dasiciand essential x x . 7 hum luuus practices of religion guaranteed by the constitution properties) should bej given only to Parsi That does not, however, enable the legislature to The benefits of the trusts cannot, there- make laws intended to ‘reform ’ a religion or rXiot^ uon-Parsi child adopted by a Parsi. practices out of existence or identity. tu T • Position regarding succession is different. In 1909, long before our constitution Justice ^®®^ Parsis themselves. Davar of the Bombay High Court, in a case from adopted child, though a non-Parsi, can claim under Bombay, upheld the bequest of property bv a Parci .®,y^ Parsi father and can also succeed Bombay, upheld the bequest of property"" by^^a ParTi u- XU. / 7. x«.uaxvi. vau OISVS^UV to his estate if he dies without leaving any will. 41Separate adoption law for Parsis not feasible $ of ‘Parsi ’ parents. The words ‘Parsi synonymous terms, but there is definitely a distinction as mentioned above. W ?" -o*. favour a”— S-ZorJ^Sa^ ‘haZWSly'i^ ’'S‘t:S a microscopically small synonymous terms, but there is definitelv HictiTinf k community as the Parsis, since the Adoption of Child ­ ren Bill, 1972, as reported by the Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament, and pending before the Rajya Sabha is a step towards a uniform secular law on the subject. Representation by Parsi community— advisability Unfortunately, no representation was made on behalf of the community, suggesting amendment of the Bill in its application to Parsis, before the Joint Com ­ mittee submitted its report to parliament in August last. Once the report of the Select Committee or the Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament on a Bill is received and laid on the table, amendments are not usually accepted. It is, therefore, late for the community to make any representation to the central government, much as I would have liked to have done so. An attempt may, however, be made to have a clause included as mentioned above. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE The personal law of marriage and divorce amongst Parsis, the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936, is based on the English matrimonial law prevailing then. Since then, there have been considerable changes in the English law itself, as well as since Independence, in the personal laws of other communities. The per ­ sonal law of Parsis in India is based primarily on Lxv English common law and the Hindu customary law. Changes are called for to bring the Parsi matrimonial j r> • n. law in conformity with the laws applicable to Hindus a Pa,rSl mother . and other communities. Ml Judicial view on meaning of 'Parsi' The word ‘Parsi ’ has been the subject-matter of judicial V decisions. In 1908, the Bombay High Court in Sir Dinshaw Petit ’s case, which was in the nature of a cause celebre, held that the Parsi community in India consists of (1) Parsis who are descended from the original Persian immigrants, who are bom of both Zoroastrian parents and who profess the Zoroastrian religion, (2) the Iranis from Persia professing the Zoro ­ astrian religion, who come to India, either temporarily or permanently, and (3) the children of Parsi fathers by alien mothers who have been duly admitted into the religion. In 1926, the Privy Council in Bella ’s case, took a similar view, while defining a ‘Parsi ’, when it held that the Parsis are ‘racial Parsis or people deemed after a long lapse of ages to be racial Parsis ’. This exposition of the law applies even today to the Parsi community. Thus, the Parsi matrimonial law in India applies to the above three categories of Zoroastrians. Parsis from other countries would generally fall under one or the other of these three categories, as they would be descended from the racial stock in Iran or in India. the Redefine comprehensively the term Parsi to include children of a non-Parsi father Basic features of Parsi Marriage & Divorce Act Anomaly as to children of non-Parsi father and Parsi mother The child of a Parsi father and a non-Parsi mother may be initiated into the Zoroastrian religion by the navjote ceremony, but conversely, the child of a non- Parsi father and a Parsi mother cannot be so initiated. On principles of justice and equity this is incongruous _ ’ —1—-L dwindling of the Parsi population, more so, when marriages of Parsi girls to non-Parsi boys are increas ­ ing. The community has strong reservations and re ­ sentment against Parsi girls marrying outside the community but the marriges of Parsi boys with alien girls are accepted with greater grace. Causes as to diminution of population The winds of change are blowing across the community swiftly, but these changes must not become a threat to our survival and ultimately affect the existence of Parsis as a separate community. Intercommunal marriages among Parsis may be as high as 25 per cent, a precise definition of ‘Parsi ’ has The community is deprived of this legitimate popula- ^1- J J- growth and is thus the loser. This fall in popula ­ tion is due primarily to the fast growth of hi ghe r -------------------- education among Parsi girls and the dearth of corres- astrian, one who is not a Zoroastrian by religion pondingly suitable Parsi boys, coupled with the econo- ““Teatures or Kars; Marriage & Divorce Act Disability suffered by Parsi Women ine basic framework of the Act is that once marriage According to judicial decisions, a Parsi can onlv be between Parsis is solemnized by ashirvad by a Parsi a Parsi by birth and cannot be a Parsi by conversion. presOTce of two Parsi witnesses and is This puts the Parsi woman at a disadvantage due contracted under the Act, it can only be dissolved to the patrilineal system of descent amongst Parsis by a competent Court under the provisions of the Act, regardless of subsequent change of religion, domicile or even nationality. Meanings of 'Parsi' and 'Zoroastrian' It is essential that parties to the marriage be ‘Parsis ’. A ‘Parsi ’ is defined as meaning a Parsi Zoroastrian. the doublc qualification wu pnuvipits vi jusuvc auu equity uus is incongruous by religion and a Parsi by and paradoxical. This has virtually resulted in the race. As regards the first definition, Zoroastrian means ’ ’ . - • - ¦ i u u tnc any person who professes the Zoroastrian religion, be he English, American, Hindu or Parsi. As regards the second qualification, the word Parsi has only racial sigmficance and has nothing to do with his religious profession. Parsis are the descendants of the original Persian immigrants, who came to India at the end of the seventh century. A person born a Parsi remains a Parsi, no matter what other religion he may subse ­ quently adopt or profess. Difficulties as to meaning of 'Parsi' The absence of ; __ caused difficulty in practice. The word denotes only race or community and has nothing to do with re- li^on. As the definition of a ‘Parsi ’ is a Parsi Zoro- would not be recognized as a ‘Parsi ’, even though he mic independence of girls who prefer to remain single. 43 HHHEST} 1 Parsi girls continue to marry outside theXcommunity Delegates for Parsi Matrimonial Courts and the community has not been able to arrest " ' prevent the increasing number of such marriages. community, thus leading to a gradual diminution of selecterfrom'^a panerappointed byVhe 7tate'eXm- tnp nnmilnfinn at thA rota 1 ___ _____x ____ a _____ - j /' i a . ® system of delegates seems to" be modelled on the jury or This has prevented the “influx of fresh blood into 'the the population at the rate of 1 per cent per annum , wWch is quite high for so small a community as ours. Diminution of population is due to other reasons too, '2 increasing number of unmarried persons, late marriages and small families. Safeguards regarding children of non-Parsi questions of fact too. father and Parsi mother The time has come to redefine comprehensively the word ‘Parsi ’ on the lines of the judicial view expressed above, including at the same time within the defini ­ tion, children of a non-Parsi father and a Parsi mother initiated into the Zoroastrian religion by the navjote ceremony. This may be done by suitably amending the definition of ‘Parsi ’ contained in the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936. Though conversion is not prohibited by the Zoroastrian religion, Parsi s do not believe, in proselytization. Conversion to the Zoro- astrian religion is against the custom and i__ c- Parsis in India and is a controversial issue in the community. Changes in grounds of divorce The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Act, 1976, recently enacted by Parliament amending the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and the Special Marriage Act, 1954, is a progressive social measure. Some of the of this latest Act could conveniently be made applicable to Parsis by amending the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936, for the purpose. Divorce by mutual consent pie Parsi Marriage Act must Contain special provi ­ sions regarding divorce by mutual consent. Such pro ­ visions already exist in the Special Marriage Act and have also been recently included in the Hin du Marriage Act. The new provisions empower both the spouses to make a joint petition to the Court wWch is quite high for so small a community e.g., an Under the Parsi Marriage Act the judge constituting the Parsi Chief Matrimonial Court or the Parsi District Matrimonial Court is assisted by seven Parsi delegates, ment, and appointed for a period" of ten years. The system of delegates seems to be modelled on the jury system then prevailing in the country. All questions of law and procedure are determined by the judge and questions of fact, by a majority of delegates and of law and procedure are determined by the judge if they are equally divided the judge decides the System of delegates not favoured In the past, there was some justification for having a system of delegates, because a large number of judges were British and not familiar with Parsi customs and usages. The position has now changed completely. All judges are Indians and are supposed to be familiar with Parsi customs and usages. Criticism of this system has been voiced and the perverse verdicts given by delegates in some cases have also been noticed. The jury system on which the delegate system is based abolished throughout the country and the e in t„s above system does not operate in the personal laws of other communities. When the constitution contem ­ plates uniformity in personal laws of all communities, the system of delegates prevailing under the Parsi Marriage Act should be dispensed with. Other amendments to Parsi Marriage Act provisions There are other provisions relating to the Parsi Marriage Act which also need amendment. Conversion by the defendant is a ground for divorce provided the suit is brought within two years after the plaintiff became aware of it. Since freedom of religion is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution, conversion per se should not be treated as a matrimonial wrong. The Parsi Marriage Act should therefore, be amended by deleting conversion as a ground for divorce. The Parsi Marriage Act recognizes the right of the wife to maintenance, both alimony pendente lite (during than a year, that they are not able to hve together Thisison thegroundthatmarriage obUges thehnSS The Parsi Act must contain special provisions regarding divorce by mutual consent. to maintain his wife. Alimony cannot exceed one-fifth of the husband ’s net income. Permanent alimony is determined by the court and is based on the ability of the husband to pay, the wife ’s own assets, the conduct of the parties and what is just for the purpose. The Court ’s order remains in force so long as the wife remains chaste and unmarried. The Parsi Marriage Act does not recognize the corresponding right of the husband to claime maintenance from his divorcing wife in matri ­ monial suits. In the context of the changed social status of Parsi women coupled with the avow^ declaration of equality of man and woman as envisaged by the constitution, it is irrational and improper to place the obligation of maintenance on the man only. There are today, many economically independent women in the community who are capable of looking after not only themselves, but The Parsi Marriage Act should be amended to impose an obligation on such women to maintain their denen- An 4 «-,!.* A _____ ____ *11 j-l 11 ¦ * of their children and with their brothers, the maint^ nance of their indigent parents. Amendments are further needed regarding divorce on grounds of cruelty, desertion, leprosy and mental and that they have mutually agreed to dissolve the marriage and obtain divorce from a competent Court. Parsis marrying under Special Marriage Act Even today, there exists an indirect way of getting (uvorce by mutual consent by Parsis: by registering under the Special Marriage Act after i^ating it according to Parsi religious rites under A who marry under the <*±6 vapaoic oi looKing aiier not only themselves but ofthat A?tT/d provisions also their indigent parents, husbands and children, mat Aci ana not by their own personal law i.e. - ¦ * Act. It is essential that this provi- an obligation on such women to maintain their depen- abW WrirSatea sh^lTb^ in it, so that two adults may have their marriage (hssolved honourably by remaining within the provi ­ sions of law applicable in the matter. 45disorder (including psychopathic disorder), expeditious Law Minister H. R. Gokhale, observe^, believe disposal of matrimonial cases, holding of proceedings that while we should do everything possible to build up in camera, provisions regarding reconciliation, and and cultivate the consciousness for reform, the urge and other such factors. the demand for the reform must come from the commu ­ nity itself. ’ Public opinion in the community should Reform in Parsi Marriage Act necessary therefore, be mobilized in favour of refornnng the law. Enlightened Parsi opinion is in favour of reforming The unfortunate customary contention on vital the Parsi Marriage Act. The Federation of the Parsi questions concerning religious or social changes, pre- Zoroastrian Anjumans of India should examine the valent among some Parsis, must not be allowed to come matter and, if necessary, appoint a high level committee in the way of the reform needed in the personal law of tomakerecommendationsaboutreforminParsipersonal Parsis. The community must steer clear of the petty laws. The sentiments and views prevailing in the com- differences and factionalism noticed in some quarters, munity including the views of the Parsi youth, and the Leaders should be found who can unite and guide the reforms recently made in marriage laws of other com- community at this crucial time in the history of the munities, should be taken into consideration. Some of community. For this purpose, I cannot think of a better the provisions of the Parsi Marriage Act are out of tune body than the Federation. with the progressive trends in society and need early The Parsi community is a microscopically small amendment. If the necessity for change in the law is community and a mere drop in the sea of Indian huma- broughtby the Federation to the notice of the central nity, constituting, according to the 1971 census, only government, the government may be persuaded to 0.02 per cent of the total population of India. If it has amend suitably the Parsi Marriage Act by passing a been able to maintain its separate identity, uniqueness Bill in both Houses of Parliament. and traditions, it is primarily due to its socio-economic solidarity, personal laws, religious faith and fervour, CONCLUSION and unity in resolving difficulties. It is on these pillars In his presidential address at the Seminar on Islamic that the community must build its future. Personal Law in Modern India, in January 1972, Union >- °ls ft GO., PRIVATE LTD. NANUFACTURERS OF AERATED WATERS A BEVERAGES IB, CLARE ROAD. BVCULLA. BOMBAY. ESTD. 1S37 4731 4 ’¦ JiS 6. What is the bq/ ceremony? 3. How many Zoroastrian World Congresses have there been? 5. Who was the first Indian to cut Gujerati type? 2. How many Aatcuh B^rams are there in India? 7. Who is the first Indian woman to set foot on the Antarctic? 4. What is the message of the Ashem Vohu? 1. the author of the ¦ ShxA Nameh, a Zoroastrian? J LE 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 knowledge and also to keep them informed and enriched, Parsiana continues the Z-Quiz on behalf of the sponsor of The Lost Generation Essay Competition. The entry with the highest number of correct answers will receive Rs 75, the next Rs 50 and the third Rs 25. In case of a tie, the amount will be split among the winners. r ? Send your replies to The Editor, Z-Quiz, c/o Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 by 15th August. Answers will be published in the next issue. 8. According to the Kissah-i-San- Jan what were the five terms Jadi Rana made for the Parsis to stay in India? 9. What is the literal translation of Ahura Mazdah? 10. What is a varasycff Response to the first Z-Quiz, Behram, the angel of victory, from one-liners to mini-theses, came in varying degrees of accuracy. _ The total prize money of Rs 150 trian? ’ (Good Mind).'Those who help the will be equally divided between Much depends on how the word lowly and needy and have Ahura's K. D. Chargeman, Ms Freny Mar- Zoroastrianism is interpreted. The Khshathra (creative power), shall, Ms KLatie Seervai and B. S. original religion as taught by Zoroas- Surti who replied correctly to all ter was much changed by the time 8. How many Zoroastrians are there 12 questions. of Cyrus and had become one of the in the world (approximate figure)? Copies of Dastur Khurshed many ‘religions ’ of the Persian Approximately 1,25,000. Dabu ’s Handbook of Information on empire ; Cyrus himself, paid homage Zoroastrianism, generously gifted by to various gods. 9. Is Pateti New Year’s day? the publisher, Sohrab Ranji, will be Pateti, from ‘‘pateV (repentance), is forwarded to the runners-up; Ms 5. What does Khshnaothra Ahura New Year ’s eve —a day of intro- F. K. Antia (11 correct), Ms Thrity Mazda, mean? spection and repentance for deeds Keeka (10), Manchi Davar, Jehanbux Glory be to Ahura Mazda. and acts committed in the past ’ year. Navroz, ‘new day ’, is New Year ’s day. God), is as powerful as a king. Those who work for Ahura Mazdah 4. Was Cyrus the Great a Zoroas- and have the gifts of Vohu Manah I r F. K. Antia (11 correct), Ms Thrity Mazda, mean? Keeka (10), Manchi Davar, Jehanbux Glory be to Ahura Mazda. Edelbehram, Hormuz Irani, A. K. Kathawalla, Rustom Mehta, Ms 6. What is the hoye cet&Baxass'l Yasmin Mirza, Ms Nergish Nusser- Performed 5 times a day at the wanji and Maneck Patalwala. commencement of the five gahs, it is 10. How many trustees are there of the ceremony of keeping the fire in the Bombay Parsi Panchayat? 1. Was the Iranshah fire brought a fire temple, always burning, by Seven; E. A. Nadirshah (Chairman), from Iran? feeding it with fragrant wood. The B. K. Boman-Behram, E. B, Desai, No, the sacred fire was consecrated word ‘hi/z ’ in Pahlavi and "baodhoi' Dr. A. F. GolwaUa, J. N. Guzder, in India. in Avestan means ‘odour ’or ‘smell ’. M. B. Hodivalla and Dr (Ms) N. Noble. 2. What is the difference between a 7. What is the message of the dastur and a mobed ? YaXha Aha Vairyo ? 11. Who was die first person to A mobedis a priest with the minimum Also known as the Ahuna Vairya, unfurl the Indian (tricolour) flag? qualification of navar or mar tab. A (^21, 13), the prayer is made up of Madam Bhikaiji Rustom Cama dastur is a high priest usually of an three lines containing seven words (1861-1936), on 18 August 1907 Atash Behram. each. Being the most ancient verse at the International Socialist Con- in the Avesta text, it is the most gress in Stuttgart, Germany. 3. What is the literal translation of difficult to translate and there are Atash Behram ? as many versions as there are 12. What is the name of the Parsi ‘Fire Victorious ’. The fire in the royal scholars. The three lines appear to couple who hold the record for the chapel of the Persian emperors was answer the question, ‘who or what longest marriage in the world? known as Verethraghane, the smiter is to be chosen? ’ The spiritual leader. Sir Temulji Bhicaji Nariman and of the enemy. This was later who because of his store of Asha Lady Nariman, were married from corrupted to Vaharram and then to (the changeless, eternal laws of 1853 for 86 years. 49 K- *Z 3 L Ode to a Poet Browsing in the libraries of far-flung stood human psychology. He wrote through the sale proceeds of the first, cities. Dr Perin Driver unearthed about love, sin, war, good and evil. ’ ‘I’ve always been fond of the the mouldering manuscript of a long His five available narrative poems Gujerati language and I’m proud chies. Dr Perin Driver unearthed about love, sin, war, good and evil. ’ - - -X- ’ ” D * MVX T W ^VVll.U .... V*J VX M X* XXXXX^XXXX^W IXllX. X. XXX piVUU lorgotten 17th century Parsi poet, are a slice of Parsi history and of it being my mother tongue, ’ says Rustom Hormazdyar. ‘It was a ‘influenced his contemporaries, the bespectacled and loquacious rare manuscript and apparently had especially, Noshirwan Jamshed, scholar. Her paper. Arrival of the not been seen or touched by anyone, ’ the seventh ancestor of Jamshedji Parsis in India and their influence on ¦ discovery resulted Tata, ’ observes Driver. Gujerati culture won the Navsari in her 1,400 page doctoral thesis, Rustom wrote in Prakrit, a born and bred writer the Maharaja Gujerati poems composed by the Parsi vernacular dialect derived from Sayaji Rao III Memorial Research century, part of Sanskrit. ‘His akhyans were read and Prize for 1973-74. She has contri- which was recently published. heard by Parsis and Hindus, ’ notes buted a chapter to the History of ‘Rustom was the pioneer of Parsi Driver. ‘He was the first poet to Gujerati Literature published by the Gujerati literature, ’ says Driver, write in the language of his people. Gujerati Sahitya Parishad and two his Noshirwan from Sayaji Rao III Memorial Research j^^e IS to our language what Chaucer But today Rustom is unknown not chapters to the History of the to English and Narsinh Mehta to only • in Gujerat but also among Parsis to be published by the Gujerati literature. ’ The first writer Parsis. Prakrit is Greek and Bombay Parsi Panchayat. Driver to innovate a poetic form called Latin to even Gujerati speaking is vice-president of the South Gujerat 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 plays and short m Gujerat during the strife-ridden Gujerati literature and a writer stories for All India Radio to trans- reign of the Moghul Emperor who writes in Parsi Gujerati won ’t lating the works of foreign poets. 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 _________________....... in religious matters. His first poem, enthusiastic response mostly from degrees simultaneously and also Araaviraf Nameh was about God, non-Parsi readers and was published taught at a school some distance heaven and hell. In Zarthosht Nameh with the assistance of Jamshed Pavri away. ‘My friends could not under- he wrote about the life and philo- of Canada. Driver hopes to finance stand how I could burn the candle sophy of the Prophet. Rustom under- publication of her second volume at both ends. After the Bar Council exam in 1959, I practised in the I courts of Bombay for five years. I But it was difficult running from I one court to another and there is I 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 a book of her poems shortly. ‘My poems are mostly on philosophical and spiritual themes. Some have been published in Gujerati news- .1 papers and some have been read at poetry readings. Writing them doesn ’t take long. I write them on the spot when I am inspired. ’ 1 L*'* I I Prakrit is even 4=^* I •? J * h* ¦**« w* B ¦J Driver and Pres. Dr Jagannath at AH India Oriental Conference, Haryana. A graduate of Tata Girls School and S. B. Garda College in Navsari, she studied for her M.A. and law JEROO GORIMAR 517 ii ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD sy^qsium on, ‘ Survival and Perpe- ______ ____ X X ., _______fuauon of Zoroastrians in North, that on 4 May 1977, formal papers America ’ on 21 and 22 May 1977. were signed to transfer the ownership ' I and Door of Love T am extremely happy to inform you of the ±uihlingZ~mZNear:;:BgpfrRT^^^ Canada 'Rew York, to Daxbe Mehr Zorq- formida astrianT Temple. ’ / L 1------- tKFn^sletter may not have gone unheeded. For Womb The Bell Tolls Across the Atlantic, equally con- the U.S.A, faces cerned about dwindling numbers, the Zoroastrian Association of Europe ___ ____ ____ ___ (Z.A.E) in London, had planned a ‘What pragmatic and seminar on The Present Demographic Trend and the Future of the World Zoroastrian Community, on 30 April at the London School of Economics. According to the Z.A.E. newsletter, sent by Dr Shirinbanoo Kutar, ‘The Zoroastrian community in X. . X x -- _ - formidable hurdles in its survival ’, ____ _ With those words, warned the smart red and blue _ _ newsletter 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 "Starting in true Zoroastrian tradi- ‘The Gift of Guiv ’ {Parsiana, May heritage, our culture ?’ 1976) had become a reality. The ~ 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- Technolo^. Listing a veritable roll lation and demographic development blish the first community centre on ‘ ' .. .. the American continent. The name of outlined the programme; Or^ the the centre was !_ . ~ ~ and means ‘Door of Love ’. wa» w vauv txuxvra,oxxx»,i.oxxx, xxxx xx^x*---------- ---------------- ------------ -------- ‘Detailed plans are now being Ancient Faith for Modern Man and discuss amongst other things, th<_.^^ prepared for renovations and repairs the Gathas—Quintessence of Zara- '' ’ ' ” to meet the zoning regulations as f L * " ’ ’ „ . \ 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 f , ” ’ _ . - scheduled to have begun under was to speak on Zoroastrianism in supervision of a four-member sub- I . committee consisting of Dinyar Mary Boyce, Professor, Iranian /Wadia, Dara Sagar, SxxxxLlx,.., L—.1—_xx 71- ------- , ,-x • (and Eruch Munsl^ ’^he trustees Contribution of Zoroastrianism to Status. A report on the deliberations, of the centre are Guiv, Sarfeh, 1_ Eruch Munshi, Ervad Pervez Patd,^ contemplating the survival and per- Lovji Cama and Framroze Patel/^ Attempts towards establishi^ a centre began as early as 1972 when xxux,-,., ..x... ------- - .— —---------- _ _ . the office bearers of the association address. Survival of Zoroastrian Jamshedi Navroz was celebrated created the ‘ZAGNY Special Fund ’ Theology and Culture; Dr Jamshed with prayers and parties by yanous Guiv heard of the venture from logy, Toronto University, was going Hukt, published in Persian from North American Zoroastrian Coin- jashan performed by Parvez Patey^' Iran, and offered to help buy a place munity; Dr Jehan Bagli, past presi- and Hosang Unvala, followed by and also contribute towards the dent, Zoroastrian Association of dinner. Dr Jal Pavri who was there annual maintenance. Quebec was to suggest Code Changes with his sister, the Marchioness of After examining several sites, a for Adaptation to North American Winchester, addressed the gathering large old building formerly used as a Realities ; and Minoo Treasurywala, on The Importance of the school house, in New Rochelle, close past president, Zoroastrian Society in our Scriptures. The children to New York city, was settled on for of Ontario, was going to speak on • - -t.™, ... ,- the sum of around Rs 8,55,000. Knitting the North American Zoroa- x . When ready, Darbe Mehr Zoro- strian Community Together. The fund for maintenance of the astrian Temple will serve as a place symposium, under the chairmanship Darbe Mehr Temple, by contributing i Inspite of discouraging weather, American associations in its advisory about 275 attended the Navroz , committee, from Los Angeles to New iashan and children ’s party in Onta- ___ 2 7_ _____ ¦. rio on 20 March. Moti Balsara and ' With a nominal fee of $15 and her committee report a very success- ! out-of-towners in Chicago homes pitching in by making row. Boman (arrangements were even made to Kotwal and Yezdy Antia performed divert children under twelve of ihe jashan and Hoshi Patel provided a very enjoyable puppet show. The Zoroastrian Association of Quebec also hoped to celebrate Navroz with a jashan and dinner on —Chicago, the symposium was to president, and Ruby Contractor, continue at the Illinois Institute of honorary secretary, experts on popu- call of the erudite, the brochure from the U.N.,Manchester Univer- luiiciiu lucuttuicui uuiiiiicd ilic piugianiuiv, On x ’liC sity, the L.S.E., the All India Institute suggested by Guiv religious aspect. Dr Framroze Bode of Demographic Studies, Bombay, was to talk on, Zoroastrianism; An and other relevant bodies were tp _ _ _________ ____. fecundity of Zoroastrian females; the thushtra ’s Teachings; and Dr Behest status ofchildren of mixed marriages, especially those of a Zoroastrian mother and an alien father; and the impact of such marriages on the Sarfeh, Editor, Hukt magazine, dwindling Zoroastrian community. XXX _ _______ ~_____ .xl_xJ __ '-J There is a proposal to set up a Iran, Present and Future; and Dr World Zoroastrian Organization affi- “ * ~ ‘ liated to the U.N. Economic and Social Council for Consultative ihyar Dalal Studies, London University, on The the World ’s Great Religions. And suggestions and recommendations of __ xxxwxxxtxlxxxixxc, 7___ - .7._ 7 r— ¦ seminar will be published by the petuation of the religio ’n. Dr Richard association as soon as possible. Frye, Professor, Iranian Studies, Harvard was to deliver the keynote The Rite Of Spring the office bearers of the association address. Survival of Zoroastrian Jamshedi Navroz was celebrated to muster finance for the project. Mavalwala, Professor of Anthropo- far flung Zoroastrian association^ Guiv heard of the venture from logy, Toronto University, was going In New York, 205 adults and 55 Sarfeh, the editor of the journal to report on the Demography of the children met on 26 March for a Iran, and offered to help buy a place munity; Dr Jehan Bagli, past presi- Quebec was to suggest Code Changes with his sister, the Marchioness of on The Importance of the Gathas la our Scriptures. The children enjoyed a magic show while the ___ _______ _________________ adults helped the ZAGNY special When ready, Darbe Mehr Zoro- strian Community Together. The ^nd 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 sever al North f ‘With ownership comes responsi ­ bility, ’noted the ZAGNY newsletter, ‘and a deep commitment by the York and Toronto to Montreal, membership that the community Wi-lx w ZZZ---- *----------- ------ -x , • , , j- centre will help to sow the permanent every attempt being^ made to host ful function with the local^ladies seeds of Zoroastrianism on the * ‘ ‘ ’ ——~ American continent. ’ Realities ; and Minoo Treasurywala, Give Us Your Hearts And Minds participants at a nearby centre) the Echoing the above sentiments, the plea, ‘Explore with us ways and Zoroastrian Association of Metro- means to perpetuate our way of life, politan Chicago was to host a Give us your hearts and minds ’. 52i I 1 IK 2Q March and in Lond^ the Parsis Sesame Nameh were to gather to imbibe, the tradi- " “ tional falooda followed by a ‘tot ’______ _ ov-juwx V.uo.vo Kjaixi-ita, me uoiiwm in 'salamatV. A jashan was to for children. In New York, the Shanghai merchants subscribed to precede the merrymaking culminat- classes ‘have been an unqualified buy a burial plot and Parsi trustees mg in a ‘scrumptious dinner ’. success; ’ the ZAGNY newsletter were appointed. In 1848, more land 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- with the emphasis on meaning, and had to be sold after litigation. By brated Nayroz with falooda on stories on the life of Zoroaster and then, most of the trustees were in 19 March in Sytoey 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 ofiered by Ms Pilloo Sidhwa and In Toronto, unfortunately, the this, they took court action and the Dr Peshotan Katrak, there were further contributions by members, the younger ones providing musical _ _______________ _____ ___ ___ , „„ _____ _ ___ _______ items, and several intrepid ladies changed to Noshir Parakh ’s own the government. The exhumed were performing a garba choreographed house, to and from which he even re-housed at a new site which, by Maharukh Irani. Children parti- ] ’ ’ ' “ ‘ cipated in a fancy dress competition I___________________ __________ while the grown-ups rounded off the lar area, but Parakh was willing to evening with dancingi I ’ ' ......................... * Muncherjee, fell fatally ill here. At New York, Toronto and Sydney the suggestion of an Armenian, now all run Sunday school classes Aristarous Sarkies, the transient classes ‘have been an unqudified buy a burial plot and Parsi trustees success; ’ the ZAGNY newsletter were appointed. In 1848, more land 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 even re-housed at a new site which, provided transport. This rather res- though it is very well maintained, tricts the dissejnination to a particu- 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 *.*any 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, Fratnroze Patel cited no less than Tuan Up^On You who is often assisted by his teenage Resident Carter as inspiring him to From Singapore, Suna 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 is welcome and newcomers are here by the Parsi Association with a to the preceding year. ’ Though inevitably drawn into community buffet dinner at the Cricket Club. It revenue receipts were higher, expen- affairs. For most of us, the periodical ses were almost double due to the get-togethers and picnics are wel- ubiquitous inflation. <_________ ______ J. In Vancouver, the Zoroastrian jashans, a good exposure to ceremo- Society of British Columbia publish- nial prayers, ed its ninth annual report. ‘Ouri ’ society is now a debt-free society and we do not owe anything to anybody, ’ -Pc k. — ------director, 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 the 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. The Australian '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. has been closed for burials since 1974. Now, once again, a new resting j|B^ariy Yearnings ^^lany associations i .^gifs honorary secretary '^^l^nished Pavri ann( From Singapore, Suna Kanga sends son Ratan. Vakil, here since 1948, is community in South East Asia, (agents for Shipping Corp, of India), 1976 was community has just hit the century District Sales Manager, mark. The influx of aj-kal-na Parsis ’ ’ is welcome and newcomers are affairs. For most of us, the periodical was also to bid farewell to Banoobai Mehta and her daughters Homai, a coine 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 back to 1829, when a Parsi convict, 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 I A simple Jashan at the new funeral parlour, Singapwe. 534*- i X5VVWXWJX iTiioni. n. viuM-otvuuu ui vaiiuua piuicssluus. pure Airlines piiuis ana engineers, bachelor and philanthropist, the To name a few: in medicine are Billy Antia, Adi Kapadia, Faredun late N. Mistri came in 1909 A.S A. Dr Pntll T^r T T^qviiatzoIIci T^q-mi T\o*»iitT7ollr» 'Dni^ Ti^ present, ^6 scholarships are given, in the general hospital,fifty thousand insurance are K. Medora, P. N. two, to Parsis. for T.B. research, and even today, Medora and S. Sanjana. In journa- Among the longest resident Parsis there are several charities continued lism there is Singaporean Nancy IS Pesi Davar who came in 1925. in his name in Bombay and Singa- Byramji of The Straits Times. Hold- Businessman Davar recalls the period pore. Homi and Khorshedbanu Mis- ing top positions are Baji Palkhivala, when most of the Parsis here were tri ’s spacious home serves as a regular senior vice-president of the American employed by two soft-drink factories meetingplacefor our Association. Express Int. Banking Corp; Soli owned by Mr P. Framroz and But particularly noteworthy are P. S. Talyarkhan, regional director Mr N. Mistri. the Maneckshas of Malaysia, who of Reader ’s Digest Asia Ltd; Soli Here since 1948, is Rutton M. H. probably qualify as the longest Setna, chartering manager of the Patel who deals in Indian film resident Parsis in this area as they Neptune Orient Lines Ltd; Minoo distribution. He and his Chinese have been in business for over sixty Nagarwalla, general manager of wife, Joyce, demonstrate an active years. Today, Mr and Ms R. Rotary Screens of Asia Pvt. Ltd. ; interest in the Association. Manecksha and Mr J. Manecksha and in Kuala Lumpur, N. N. Prominent among the families of are still in Taiping and there are Pundole, managing director of Edible long standing are the Medoras and other members of the family in Oil Products. Also here are Yezdi the Mistris. Insurance expert Keki other cities. Upcountry too, is bio- Mehta with an oil company, Noshir Medora ’s wifeNargis has won govern- chemist Sam Tata who last year won Mistry a marine surveyor, Mehli ment recognition for social service. recognition for his breakthrough Chapkhanawalla from James Finlay The doyen of our community, in rubber research (In the News, and B. Batliwalla with Dodsal. Homi R. Mistri arrived here in 1950, Parsiana, May ’76). Aviation is represented by Tata ’s a few years before the death of his Today, the Parsis here represent a Behram Batliwalla, and the Singa- wealthy brother, Naoroji Mistri. A cross-section of various professions, pore Airlines pilots and engineers: late N. Mistri came in 1909 as a Dr Putli Martin, Dr J. DaruwaUa, Irani, Dhun D^wdlaTBajilc^a- dock engineer, started the flourishing Dr Firdaus Medora, Dr Pilloo dia, Rusi Kanga, Jamshed Marzban, Phoenix Aerated Water Co. in 1925, ~ - and died a multi-millionaire in 1953. Dr Pesi Chacha. In economics. With the Godrej group in Malaysia On his death, his staff was substan- Dr R. C. Cooper and Jamshed are Yezdi Mistry, Aspi Birdy and tially rewarded, a million dollars Medora and Zarine Cooper, a lawyer Dara Palkhiwalla and in Singapore were donated for a children ’s ward by profession, now in business. In H. Baxter and K. Khajoria. I , Dr Pilloo dia, Rusi Kanga, Jamshed Marzban, Chacha and orthopaedic surgeon Soli Dallas and Homi Sethna. Dr Pesi Chacha. In economics, L L __ 1. Z Dr R. C. Cooper and Jamshed are Yezdi Mistry, Aspi Birdy and For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS ! < 324. GRANT ROAD, BOMBAY 400007. TELEPHONE: 371483 • APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA T 55B HR f I IN MEMORIAM 4; * I K » it was held. He travelled because he wanted to know more about manners and their life style, ’ said 2 j . ‘He would make voluminous notes each time we : wy wcut abroad and then write from of East Africa them in the Jam-e-Jamshed to inform Parsis back home. Strangers would often come and tell us how much As vice-president of the Iran League and president of the India- Iran Culture Society Banaji had a special fondness for Iran where he explored all the remoter Zoroastrian veil imu uvvvn.v strongholds, ‘to relive the hard- ¦¦¦ ¦' 1 counted himself ships the Zoroastrians had suffered amongst its critics. at one time while we were safe in aiuuugst. _ ------India, ’ recalled his wife. Banaji ’s interests varied from listening to music and reading to playing chess and tennis. ‘He had led a full life and died peacefully, ’ said Ms Banaji. ‘He had gone through his usual routine of going to court and to his chambers. We went for a walk in the evening, had dinner, and a little later he He is survived by his wife Purviz, Succession and the Law of Alimony . As a trustee of the Bombay --- - -- —- , Parsi Panchayat from_l?58 to 1968 people, ^to study then customs Banaji visited many of the anjumans in India to talk to people about the Ms ^p^naji. workings of the Bombay Panchayat, and was at one time invited by the five Parsi anjumans e. ------------ on a lecture tour. ‘In legal matters his guidance was very valuable, ------ . . , noted the Bombay Parsi Panchayat they apprcQated ^his travejogues^^ 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 political and c -------- ------ amongst its critics. Born in Bombay, Banaji asserted __________ _ 1 as a child of six when he* marched off to the Pandey Girls ’ High School where ,, at 1116 i«iuviivv, his sister was studying, and got the traditional black himself admitted without waiting for his parents ’ initiative. He matri ­ culated from the Bharda New High Banaji: ‘Valuable guidance’ Died: Hormusji Banaji, 77, senior advocate of the Supreme Court Born, in Bombay, Bi and Bombay High Court and his independence even former trustee of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat; of cardiac arrest on March 7, at his residence. Clad in C- —1 — Parsi dagla and pheta, Banaji had frequented the courts for 50 years ---------------- . . , . and won the respect of the judiciary School and maintained close ties and the Bar ‘for his erudition, ------- fairness and advocacy, ’ noted a resolution passed at a condolence tounuer memoer, nuicu ju» onZ Tehmina Jehaneir Bacha and meeting held at the K. R. Cama Jehangir. After graduating from and ^and s“^^^ Oriental Institute in March and Wilson College, he taught English Rustom, his brothers ana convened by the India-Iran Cultural Literature and French there or Society and seven other associations, two years, before appearing tor e A man who could talk with equal Solicitors ’ and Advocates facility in Gujerati or English*on,the nations in 1924. Subsequently, e intricacies of law, as in French on oractised as a solicitor tor nve the genius of Tagore, Banaji ‘will always be remembered for his cheerfulness, ’ recalled Jehangir Court in Shroff, an associate of many years. with it through the Old Boys Association of which he was the passed away.^ founder member, noted his brother. Wll^UU XXV - ------ Literature and French there for two years, before appearing for Ae 1924. Subsequently, he recalled Died: Gool Shavaksha, 72, noted social worker and Founder Presi ­ dent of one of Bombay ’s leading social service organizations, The Time and Talents Club; of cancer on 12 April 1977 at the Breach chambers of Sir Candy Hospital. For almost half a century, she sought ‘to relieve poverty, igno ­ rance, and suffering, ’ noted the nations in practised as years and in 1929, enrolled as an advocate of the Bombay ^High _ _ _ _1 the ----- Jamshedji Kanga. In a few years A member of the International he had built a substantial pracice Law Association and of the Inter- and set up his own chambers^wnere ‘He enjoyed conimunicating and 11_-__ coirl hie wife. he in turn trained many lawyers. ‘He enjoyed conimunicating and talking to people ’, said his wife, Purviz. ‘He made numerous speeches at Bar dinners and Rotary iiivvvhxfe., ’ where the advocate would spice his pontifications with humour. If the audience comprised friends and colle agues they would clamour for the latest string of ‘Banaji jokes ’, she recalled. Banaji national Commission of Jurists, Banaji had the distinction of being the only Indian advocate to argue an appeal before the United Nations Administrative Tribunal at Geneva in 1957, on behalf of an Indian meetings ’ citizen. In 1954, after an in-depth study of the adoption laws of other countries, he worked for the intro ­ duction in Parliament of a Bill on adoption. On the invitation of the j —-- , —- French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his wife, wbo according Banaji who had been the honorary friends were ‘insep»arable , trave legal advisor to the French Consu- late in Bombay for 45 years, went to Paris to study the social and wiuwcuwu, ---- . judicial institutions of the city, pleasure. ‘He would do any g In the sphere of Parsi law, he that was out of the way participated in the drafting and unusual. He had wamted to see enactment of the Parsi Charity passion play which is pertorm Trust Registration Act and worked once in 10 yearr^. So we for long-needed, essential reforms specially to Oberammergau m n in the Parsi Laws of Divoroe a^td Bavarian Alps in- ^ermany Why/F extensively in the course of attending law. Rotary or Moral Rearmament conferences, and often purely for unusual. He had wamted to see the once in 10 yearr^. So we went specially to Oberammergau i— - and suffering,' Shavaksha: ‘Led till the last’ 57! 1965, as a juvenile court magi- ... strate and Justice of Peace she Daruvala and initiated the Time figide her a hig^'' the Hobday -Worker^’ The driving force bein^ -Jraee'^aawl oJaitRwiibtveacourag# Home Committee of the Time ^d the club ’s 23 co mmi ttees, Mi- ed by her mother. Lady Jerbai Talents Club was started which Shavaksha worked in collabora- Mulla and her lawyer husband, held annual camps for working tion with numerous other organiz- the late Kaikobad Shavaksha who women at the Panchgam home ations such as the Seva Sadan was instrumental in drafting the of Ms Shayaksha, the expenses and the Indian Red Cross Society club ’s constitution. From 1936 to being subsidized by the club. whose Fund Raising Committee 1965, as a juvenile court magi- ‘She loved music ’, uoted_Ms she once chaired. Aside from rais- ____ ____ _______ ing large sums of money for the worked with the inmates of the and Talents Concert Committee blind, T.B. patients, the physically Bombay Remand Home. which sponsors outstanding artists handicapped and other charitable During World War II, Ms Shavak- and groups for concerts^ of Indian causes, she was instrumental in ' .... starting the popular seaside res ­ taurant, The Victory Stall, to raise money for dependents of the armed the Bombay presidency. She was forces during the Indo-China war. i ’ * * ' , . Sailors and Airmen ’s »> sha worked closely with Lady and Western music, dance and Mountbatten as colonel-in-chief of theatre productions. In recognition the Women ’s Voluntary Service in of her varied services, Ms Shavak- 1 i sha was awarded the Padma Shree 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 zest entertaining person, ’ noted her Board and secretary of the Silver for living and concern for people sister, Ms Hilla Daruvala, the Trinket Fund. She held these posts remained undiminished despite a sole survivor of the pioneering from 1940 to the end of World protracted and debiliteting illness, - — — - —_ ", ~_____ _______ " L.. according to Ms Perin Gobhai, a _____ ___ __ ____ __ she was awarded the Kaiser-I-Hind longtime colleague and friend. ‘She deeply interested in religion and Medal by the Viceroy and the led us till the last. When she philosophy, ’ and authored The War Services Award by General couldn ’t leave the house, members Zoroastrian Credo, a book on the Auchinleck on behalf of the Govern- would go there to discuss knotty religion, for children, a play on ment of India for her outstanding problems. Till the last day, with the life of Zoroaster, The Splen- services. Twice elected president of drips in her arm, she was joking doured One and numerous articles the Bombay Presidency Rangers with the hospital staff ’ and when on the religion. Committee, and as editor of the on the point of virtual collapse. Daughter of Sir Dinshah Mulla, Indian Guide, Ms Shavaksha was she apologized to the doctor for the eminent jurist, who inculcated also presented the Girl Guide spoiling his evening. in her an avid interest in reading, Beaver Award. She collected funds Ms , Shavaksha leaves behind her Ms Shavaksha did not attend for the Bai Shirinbai Mody Hostel two daughters, Silloo Dhondy and sole survivor oi me pioneering irom lyw lo me ena oi woria four who started The Time and War 11. In recognition of her work Talents Club in 1934. ‘She was she was awarded the Kaiser-I-Hind Daughter of Sir Dinshah Mulla, in her an avid interest in reading, Beaver Award. She collected funds I.:. "2 2 ” / _ . . school or college but was taught for working women (which had its Zarine Kothawalla and her sister, at home by governesses and tutors, beginnings in a small residential Ms Daruvala. I 1 Ms Daruvala. For Ownership Flats Contact YAZDAN CONSTRUCTION CO. . BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS Irani Wadi, Near Bhuta School, A^teCtiatma Gandhi Road Ext. Vile Parle (East), Bombay 400 057» 1 REVIEW Bra-less at Bhulabhai By Geeta Doctor Just as it ’s alright to ogle a heroine romping through their paces with in bra-less T-shirts and very self- such apparent enthusiasm. Briefly, consciously liberated, while the real the play is about a daughter who Indian woman in the audience, upsets the cosy comforts of her It cannot be Adi Marzban ’s fault has her saree pallav modestly draped parents ’ home by landing up with that the man sitting next to me had over her bosom, or sadra carefully a baby daughter who is being a fondness for garlic. Nor that every tucked in place or burkha over the brought up papoose-style, variety time he laughed he turned to my shoulder. What happens on stage attitudes belonging to early women^s side and let out a ‘Haw Haw Haw! ’ has no connection with the audience lib and discarded long since, and reeking of garlic. I only hold the which is why they can afford to a baseball playing husband who it director responsible for making him laugh heartily, while feeling grateful turns out, was never really her hus- laugh so loudly and so often through that thanks to Messrs Marzban band. After much shouting and another of the hit-and-run routine and Patel, they are able to keep screaming across the yawning genera- comedies for which Marzban is up with the sophistication and wit tion gap, the daughter who wanted now so famous. of the theatre going Joneses on to leave the father of. her child so Without meaning disrespect to Broadway and in the West End. that she could do her own ‘thing*, the genre, one feels, such mecha ­ nical forms of entertainment should it quite safe to have double stan- eludes being married to him be measured by mechanical means, dards but that it can be quite amusing, formally. The parents are happy Devices are used to record the res- This latest burnt offfering from to be left alone again, the emotion^ ponses of audiences in T.V. studios, America, appears so stale that the Italian father-in-law is happy that so why should they not be effective in the theatre also?^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 unable 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 his 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 childreti 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 Marzban proves that not only is is persuaded that her ‘thing ’ in^ it quite safe to have double stan- eludes being married This latest burnt offfering from to be left alone again, the emotion^ actors must be congratulated for he does not have a bastard grand fluff HUSf R!Mfll|ptoff WMh' fl^ppHMfljl' flHifeHriMiff'Ofc a^a i I dau^ter and tSi tfWPlipWw® I; apparently be happy to go how. Having been around so ron& Marzba" productions can generally be e?pec^ to have a certain diclmess, 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 tha* whether we see Hosi Vasunia the father with the homosexual son in .lift Norman ox as the perplexed h^band in Move over Mrs or the Batassed grandfather in My Darling f Daughter, 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 play whether English or Gujerati, ‘ Darling... Darling...’, the same facial tricks, coy pouting of mouth and wrinkling of nose with one of her oh-so-adorable smiles. Dinyar Contractor is justly famous I to /W which alone, f . is enough to make audiences laugh. He did not disappoint them this time either, though he has shed a bit of his tonnage. It was his first appearance on the English stage, according to the programine 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 Dinyar is a bachelor and ‘always a big draw in parties, etc.’). As an H overtly emotional Italian father-in- la# he was very funny. At least he was able to maintain his Itahan- 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 this too harsh a condemnation, it would be worthwhile mentioning that the high point of the evening is , reached when Hosi Vasunia comes on stage in fancy Cuban dress and announces that his plane has just beffi hijacked to Cuba and returned. ¦ Somewhere long ago in the sixties it #as fashionable to laugh at such Ife jokes. Since then the Cuban problem has dipped off the cold war shelf 1>' •t' 5. YCZA Young Collegians Zoro ­ astrian Association 75^? »¦' n "I ?• I JL{ ‘15’' I dipped off the cold war shelf drifted into oblivion. So too jdd plays like this one. BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 r Join and make friends at our regular weekly func ­ tions including Our Dances, Picnics, Whist Drives, Games, Film Shows, Hikes and Tours. Religious lectures, Shah Name Recitals and Literary/ Musical circles. Borrow from our Book Fund Library texts on Arts, Science, Law, Commerce, Engineerng and M^icineat 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 CHOICE SCHOOLING FOR YOUR SON Recognised as a Public School by Department of Education—for 1 Merit Scholars. Excellent 1 11 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. Zoroastrian— 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. 63 i