Jan 1979

I Lr January-September 1979 Vol. 2 No. 9 READERS' FORUM EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES 3 10 1 ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD THE TWILIGHT OF THF FEDERATION GORWALA: PROFILE IN COURAGE Manohar Malgonkar ZOROASTRIAN FOUNDATION WORLD CONGRESS PAPERS: RIGHT ATTITUDES AUTOBIOGRAPHY: DASTUR DHALLA HOME-MADE CACTUS Geeta Doctor 18 21 24 25 29 38 46 IN MEMORIAM 48 I Parsiana cover; The Zoroastrian Foundation I f Jr R. ____ _ . __ __ _ , _ favsan Chambers ground floor, 39 A. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 DOI and printed by him at Tata Press, 414, Veer Savarkar Marg, Bombay 400 025. All rights reserved. Address all editorial and business correspondence to Parsiana „ G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 DOI. ART ASSISTANT Najoo Amroliwalla, pjjone : 268730. Ketayun Wankadia Annual inland subscription : Rs 20 for one year, (12 issues); Rs 36 for two ADVERTISING Feroza Chavda and years, (24 issues). Foreign subscription Veera Parbhu rates : Seamail Rs 36 one year, Rs 66 two years; Airmail Rs 80 one year, MANAGEMEOT Dr Rustem Colah and add $ 1.50 to Zarin Billimona cover bank charges, a „ a t • , V For ludiao upcountTy cheques add Rs 3 CIRCULATION M. R. Ambujakshan jjgjjjj charges. Cheques and drafts are Nair to be drawn in favour of Parsiana. Single copy price Rs 3.50 and 50p. All rates subject to change in postal rates. EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Gustasp Irani EXECUTIVE EDITOR R. P. Thanavala DESIGNER Mini Boatwala Nair OFFICE Mathew M. George Parsiana is published by Jehangii Patel at C/o H. L. Rochat, Na 1 ( i I I j I IREADERS' FORUM 5«.5 i f f«irt f f a »»*-!>> J te mi '5*1 J |V r 5’ i »»M» if III no I »* has curbed their activities in this Office may send the official receipts ’> direction, and this needs to be supple- at the mented through the benevolence of ' the affluent section of our society, particularly our community. •**i There is a wrong impression among some members of the community that the Parsi Panchayat, Bombay, has funds worth crores of rupees which could he utilised for constructing buildings. However, a major portion of the funds available is earmarked for specific objectives such as educa ­ tion, medical relief, relief of poverty, etc. and a very negligible amount is available for construction of buildings. Hence this appeal to raise funds for building construction. The Rayomand Committee, consist ­ ing of over 30 public spirited ladies of our community, is intensely moti ­ vated to do its best to assist the Parsi Panchayat, Bombay, to relieve the housing shortage for our community. Under the auspices of the Parsi Panchayat, Bombay, it will collect initially the funds towards the con ­ struction cost for buildings on the 'Happy Experience' land owned by^ the Parsi Panchayat qjj visiting distant places in the Trust, ¦ to provide residential^ accom- country where Parsis reside in small modation on cheap rental basis to the numbers, one finds great enthusiasm deserving members of our community, know more about the community The Committee earnestly appeals to and to celebrate the communal events, you to donate whatever amount you in the past I found this to be the case ran, to meet the needs of your home- when visiting various places especially proper address. MS GULESTAN R. BILLIMORIA MS SHERA F. NANVATI MS PIROJA P. NARGOLWALA MS SCYLLA R. VATCHA MS JER K. BARDI MS RATI C. BHABHA MS T. H. J. TALEYARKHAN MS DHUN D. DOCTOR MS FRENY GIMI MS HUTOXl A. IRANI MS KHORSHED D. KARANJAWALLA MS KATIE F. MEHTA MS PATSY P. MISTRY MS HILLA N. NAGARWALLA MS ARNAVAZ D. NAVDAR MS NAJU K. BHABHA MS PERIN C. TENGRA MS PERVIZ F. DOTIVALA MS BANOO N. CAMA MS HILLA R. SUNTOOK MS KHORSHED M. BILLIMORIA MS ALOO R. COLAH MS DINOO K. DUBASH MS BANOO IRANI MS N. KANGA MS DHUN B. MASANI MS MAKI K. MISTRY MS HOMAI N. MODI MS RATI F. NARIMAN MS PILOO R. SOONAWALA Readers ’ views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box -*?*-» uwuo ui jwui nuiuc- wnen visiting various piaces cspcviaiiy 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are sub- less brethren and reflect the charitable to attend the meetings or the zonal ject to editing for reasons of space and disposition and generosity of the Parsi conferences of the Federation of Parsi clarity. community. In fact, every Zoroastrian Zoroastrian Anjumans and to give should take pride in contributing, as talks. Recently. I had the same happy best he can, to this laudable project, experience when I went to Nagpur, and take legitimate pride in feeling The purpose for the visit was the that he is a part of this grand objective. 83rd birthday of the Mulla Dare- If they so jiesire,_ names of those Meher. When such birthdays are will figure on Special Plaques, and of Gujarat, jasan ceremonies are normally those contributing Rs. 10,000/- and arranged and sometimes, in addition, above, win be inscribed on a General religious discourses are held in the Contributions may be by rash experience when I went to Nagpur. The purpose for the visit was the Housing Appeal Pressure on space in Bombay partic ­ ularly during the last 25 years or so, . , ... ____ _ _____ ____ ___ _____ has created a housing shortage for contributing Rs. 40,000/- and over, celebrated at Bombay or cities of aU. Those who are better placed in . life should help. Your help, the help of every Zoro- astrian in particular, is needed to Plaque. evenings which are attended by a solve the problem of housing many Contributions may be by cash or small number in comparison to the unfortunate Parsi brethren, who today, by cross/order Account Payee cheques total Parsi population of such places, do not have a roof over their heads, made out in favour of the Rayomand On few occasions, musical groups give or live cheek by jowl in squalor and Committee. These donations will form late evening performances. But the dependency, or defer marriage part of the corpus and should be sent Parsis of Nagpur celebrated the birth- because they do not have a place to C/o. The Bombay Parsi Panchayat, day of their Dare-Meher for a full stay in, or move in desperation and 209, D. Naoroji Road, Bombay 400001. seven days with gusto. uncertainty, from one sanatorium to The donations/contributions will be There was a nice blending of • received by the authorised repre- religious and cultural activities. There The Parsi Panchayat,' Bombay, has sentative of the Rayomand' Committee were items like music, quiz contest, at its disposal land at various places only and they will issue a temporary exhibition of rare artistic articles, m Bombay which can be developed receipt which will soon be followed recitations by young ones on religious for construction of residential pre- by a permanent one issued by the and moral topics, and a drama mises for the unfortunates of our com- Parsi Panchayat, Bombay. Donors are performance by the Karanjia Group munity. But lack of funds at their advised to give their names and of Surat. I spoke on the social'aspects made out injfavour of the Rayomand On few occasions, musical groups give marriage part of the corpus and should be sent Parsis of Nagpur celebrated the birth ­ stay in, or move in desperation and 209, D. Naoroji Road, Bombay 400001. seven days with gusto. The donations/contributions will be __ '/ " „ received by tlw authorised repre- religious and cultural activities. There -— ------ ----- ’ ~~—lyr luv xxajrviuiuiu' \^iuuiilicc wcic iiviua UAC luuaiv, quix vuiiivoi, at its disposal land at various places only and they will issue a temporary exhibition of rare artistic articles, . ----------------------- ----------------, --------------- „ i by a permanent one issued by the and moral topics, and a drama Parsi Panchayat, Bombay. Donors are performance by the Karanjia Group dispo^ for this particular purpose, addresses in full so that the Panehayat of the co mmun ity, followed by talks 3I People charge us exorbitant rents never treat us as human beings with feelings. To them we are a hard, lusty. But no, they treat us like dirt and by K. N. Dastur. 'There was a com- People charge us exorbitant rents munity dinner attended by a large for pokey, smelly, dirty rooms. They number. It was surprising to see so never treat us as human beings with many Parsis present for the functions feelings. To them we are a hard, lusty, when we find such poor attendance dirty lot and very rich to boot. They in places where Parsis reside in large never think we are away from home, numbers. parents and love, and need affection The Mulla Dare-Meher and the or a kind word. That costs nothing. Billimoria Dharamshala are well main- But no, they treat us like dirt and tained. It was pleasing to find the abuse our God and religion. Life is panthaky of the Dare-Meher, Erward short and it ’s high time all people Asfandiar Dadachanji taking a keen of all faiths showed love and respect interest in nearly all the functions. The towards each other, then the world way he conducted the quiz contest will be a better place to live in. was admirable. a. faizelhxjur Phiroze Siganporia, the welfare Poona. officer of Empress Mills of Nagpur, Spring of Hope has started a quarterly publication, “Dharma Prakash ” with the principle intention of evoking the interest of Nagpur Parsis on communal topics and imparting information to the members of his anjuman and others about community affairs. I was told that there are about 750 to 800 Parsis in Nagpur and the surrounding areas. Most of the male members are employees of the Empress Mills. No wonder the Parsis of the place feel so grateful to the House of Tatas. There are fitting monuments of Jamshedji Tata, who laid the foundation of industry in India. It is indeed a pleasure to meet our dear co-religionistjs residing at various places in the country, to learn about their problems and achievements and to have free and frank discussions with them about questions facing the society. There is a warm welcome when we go to meet them and talk to them. How beneficial it would be to have more opportunities of this kind, which may ultimately help the community in maintaining its inde ­ pendent identity and building up a sound society. With all the changes taking place to which we have to adjust our thoughts and actions if we are to exist in har ­ mony, there is one change that is most essential —a. change of heart. Zarathustra proclaimed that inner change was necessary if Zoroastrians were to enter and enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven. It involved a change of values and attitudes as well as a re ­ cognition of past hatreds, greed, refusals of compassion, infliction of suffering on others. Many devout Zoroastrians recognise the need of this in their personal lives, but fail to universalise our acceptance of the command to love our neighbour equally with ourselves. 'The challenge of our age is to apply it corporately —to our professions, our social groupings, our political parties, our religious denomi ­ nations, our national loyalties. Present happenings are making us realise how much we depend on others for the basic necessities of life —water, food, medical care, sewage and refuse collec ­ tion, protection against violence and lawlessness. We are all bound together in the bundle of life. The remembrance of past injustices and the fear that they may return again, the very human reaction to do to others B -J J B • j : what they do to us, all need to be Pride and Prejudice examined. The only cure is forgive- Why are Parsis so anti-Muslim, ness —accepted and offered. We need especially anti-Iranian? They abuse to wipe the slate clean and start afresh, us, call us saala handus, harami, be- This is what the true imbibement of RATAN R. MARSHALL Surat anti-Muslim, ness —^accepted and offered. We need us, call us saala handas, harami, be- iman etcetera. 'They say we are dirty Zoroastrianism does to us. and lusty —why? —because we aren ’t . . All involved in human operations hypocrites. want to share in planning and decisions. If we Iranians are so bad, then why They want their share to be recognised are all the Parsis going to Iran and and valued. They want to be creative, taking jobs? They go to our country, as everyone does who believes that we take our jobs, benefits, money and are made in the image of our Creator, then abuse and insult us. They treat with spiritual chromosomes inherited us like dogs and stupids. We aren ’t from Him. If not, we become frustra- stupid. Perhaps some of us can’t ted, blame others for our joint failure, speak English well —but we aren ’t and give rein to our violent feelings, stupid. Further if we were rich as most people allege —^we certainly assessment, for friendly gestures and wouldn ’t come to India. reconciliation is needed. Then this JEENA & COMPANY ESTD. 1900 IATA AIR CARGO Clearing, Forwarding Warehousing and Insurance Agents 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, BOMBAY-I. Cable: 'Justitia' 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: 310821 A time for cooling down, for calm 5bitter winter of the spirit might give principal of “shifting gears ” which is Friends of the Trees place to a spring of hope. giving a message only that amount of j^ay be said that we Parsis day and FURHOK KAJKUSHROO TANGREE attention which is due to it. • - - - J. B. MADAN Calcutta night unnecessarily bum away the wood of the bountiful trees in about a hundred agiaries scattered all over the country under the false belief » w .............. that such is our Prophet ’s dictate down for four months, went to the photograph"^ *&e'Bhil±a""Behram though what our prophet has told us Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank for a Well (Parsiana August-November burning for all times is our loan to buy a taxi. He was told that 1978). your readers may be interested spark of humanity and not the produce s^urity of an equal value. Netherlands F. F. MULLAN Udvada Unhelpful My cousin ’s husband, a foreman in Bhikha Bahram Well Premier Automobiles, which was shut Sometime ago Parsiana published a l^zxn*** a a .a a a aa a a Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank for a Well the bank gave loans only to those who to Imow" that "thTweU is"ov'^ ^"years Physical fire. produce security of an equal value. q|j Jjj book authored by Dinshaw Zoroaster was a friend of the trees. Further, when he went to the Parsi Merwan Irani of Poona he writes and his religion is ‘Sp^ta ’—^growth., Panchayat for help, he was told that “The Bhikha Behram Well was built and no religion, such as the Zoroas- they give loans only for weddings and jjy Seth Bhikhaj i Behramji Pandey who trian religion, would preach wanton navjotes! passed away in 1783”. destruction of nature. Religion is We should remember that our p p mullan wisdom; religion is righteousness, community prospered because our udvada d. j . cama ancestors helped each other in their days of need. They never thought twice in helping other needy Par sis. But nowadays there seems to be a complete reversal in the attitude of Parsis. Take for example, scholarships. Recently, when I had gone for a scholarship, 1 was told to produce so many certificates which a poor student would hardly be able to produce, considering the meagre resources at his disposal. This shows that we Parsis too, like other Indians, are getting into a rut of bureaucracy and red-tapism, thereby signifying our doom. H. B. DAV AR Propaganda Vehicle I had originally subscribed to Parsiana when its intention seemed to be the unmotivated dissemination of Parsi News. It is now obvious that the magazine has more-than-graduaily become a vehicle for the propaganda of so-called ‘reformists ’ such as the president of the Delhi Anjuman. In the light of this, I wish to dis ­ continue my subscription to your magazine. MS RATH K. SETHNA 'Listening' Since I lecture quite often on the subject of ‘Listening ’ I have secured considerable feedback from my parti ­ cipants, which coincides with a point raised by Mr. A. D. Moddie, (Book Review, ‘Lend Them Your Ears ’ Parsiana May-June issue) which is Managers have limited time and there ­ fore, cannot listen leisurely to every ­ thing inflicted on their ears. The point, which' I have tried to make unsuccessfully, is that since ‘Listening ’ is a skill, in the initial stages it should be practised with maximum concentration on every occasion. Once a modicum of effectiveness has been acquired, then Managers can apply the Teheran, December 1979. “Report everything you see truly. Tell them we do not want to kill our own. ”— Soldier to news reporter This I Have Seen : A car turned turtle and burning A boy bent up and beaten, baton broken on back I have not yet seen blood flowing I have seen streets washed after bloodshed 1 have heard girls wail as in a medieval monastery (They were egging on their men : They know everything is symbolic) I have seen society ladies carry carnations to soldiers 1 have seen a red-handed slogan painter Signing ‘Three thousand dead ’ on every space I have seen him chased by a drawn gun 1 have seen a mother give him a hiding place I have seen boy-prostitutes play cops and robbers I have been solicited by a soldier I have seen a masked street-rider I have seen a veild woman with an acid-can I have seen children selling Silone (translated) I have seen boys surreptitiously buying Mossadeq I have heard a mullah ’s harangue: Women have become men I have walked a mile after Cristalnacht I have seen a jew put out flames on a BMW I have seen a photograph of the 2908th dead I have lost lyricism, a pretend innocence I have harbored five rebels as language-students Burning king burning brothel burning camel X’mas morning people were carolling a king: ‘Death to him ’ Post-script: And now I have seen blood on white Beautifully red A Benz star burnt and set in briar Someone bit an informer ’s ear: In rimor ’s alleys blood paid with blood (no Bethlehem) Provinces riot, heads cease function, hearts rest Not a light to write a poem, nor a candle to bum it by Hands! Of love work miracle Work stone and mineral Work dust HOSHANO MERCHANT 71 Events and Personalities Elections For the 12 seats, there were 27 What Chikmagalur was to the nation, aspirants ranging from firebrand the Anjuman elections held r., . ». were to the Parsis of Nagpur, writes groups or' “panels ’""as'^\he7''stvled navaz E. Bhagwagar. Tension and L ___ _____ ______ in the air. An undercurrent of excite- ___ _____ ment ran through the crowd. The sub- all but two of the former kingpins on dued buzz and murmur of conversa- the committee. The only survivors of tion m the huge Dharamshala Hall, the old guard were Edul F. Bhagwasar where countmg of votes was going on, d..~ n ----- often rose in delight or fell in dismay as news of votes polled by candidates drifted out. An expectant hush fell over the room, when at 9 p.m.. Chief Election Officer, S. Shapurji announced the results in the most keenly contested, of votes, Uuiouiiw hotly debated and intensely campaign- organized the election ed elections for the office bearers and panel and himse lf Managing Committee of the Nagpur with attention t_ Anjuman Efficient and assured. ”°Bapuna "is “ a The results . President, Dmshaw F. businessman who Ms Davar, vice-president, is inspi 1 rojs of ffie Girls ’ High Schoc „ . ----------------- .....................— O-—r- -X Jtzcxxxvio a» iiicy sivieo , unassuming, the secretai Parsiana Nagpur correspondent. Dil- themselves. The old committee on the u admitted q- t DU one hand and the ousters on the nthftr honestly that he was not sure ranging from on Young Turks to the uiv nujuuidu elections neid on loung lurks to the more vl « . Sunday the 17th December 1978, and senior. They had split into two * Region, were to the Parsis nf Natrnnr omimc . . . Tension and qu - ---- -------— “uuoivia uil me ouicr • • ¦’ J ----------- suspense hung heavy and a few who went it alone Bapuna and was even more surpris t of excite- and his panel swept the polls. tODnline landslide victory. An efficie oil K..* *— -£ n . worker, he had served the Managi one hand and the ousters on the other Committee well when he v.'x member of it. He had failed to was a seat in the committee during its la agree o^f votes for the third time in succes- the office of the Accountant Generj and Rusi B. Cyrusi. -------------------a „, , election. Persuaded this time to taut Bhagwagar managed a hat- for Secretary, Bala not only agri trick by winning the highest number but also got elected. Keki works sion in the Anjuman elections. Elected president by a wide majority Nagpur. Aspi Dinshaw Bapuna, --------xxaajwiiiy ™P‘ umsnaw aapuna, a commen Dinshaw Bapuna had graduate and in the Ifquor businei J campaign of his father, has been electe ----- on a war-footing treasurer. He is possibly the young® to strategy and detail. of the managing committee _Na^ur ’s only Parsi lady lawyi \ ’ - J se reserved for a Lady-Member. A LL.f Treasurer ’ Asnr^n ’ Lioongaji and Sons — m Constitutional Law, she is mSS Ad?^lVfc 'T& n a manager, then a partner lecturer at the College of Law and 3 MemSS proprietor in the practising advocate. j A record of 90 per cent vote —-—1 up to cast their vote, an inc cation of the interest and enthusias ’ members evoked by the elections. Dinshaw Randeria, aged 87 and one of th ‘Test ’ Prize distribution (L to R) are Runiy Master, Capt. of the Jamshedpur te^, npoi^a Dadachanji, Homi Bodfiiaiiwalla, President d Jamshedpur Parsi Association and Maneck Maior. campaign of his with his father, has been electi Bapuna; Vice-Presiden^ Ms Nergisli tion of an employee in a firm of^dis- ^’llers-Messrs. Doongaji and Sons — rose from the posi- Ms Thrity Patel, takes the in Constitutionar Law, she ^B^gar, Rusi liquor and Zdllery ’ a i K SS*’ ‘>’‘1 Papuna 4o has the air of a turned Vi' ^’^agwagar. man who can get things done, stressed Parvez R. Amrohwalla and Aspi the point that all his family Surveyor. pay wealth tax. Nagpur Parsi Anjuman Association office bearers, Bapuna and Bala. 10 of the Nagpur team.U ¦ -*. 4) Noted modern dance exponents, Astad Deboo and Uttara Asha Coodawala performed together at the ‘Images of Jazz and Rock ’ show sponsored by Max Mueller Bhavan and Jazz India, some time back in Bombay. New York based, Uttara founder-director of the Mandala Dance Thea^ Company has been in India on a two year Homa Bhabha Fellowship. Deboo who has ‘danced his way throng fifty countries' is seen in his ‘Space Odyssey ’ dance program outfit. The space show held at Patkar Hall was presented by the National Youth Theatre. I F? y 1 oldest members of the Anjuman was r brought to the polling booth carried on a chair. Former residents of Nagpur who continue to be members of the Anjuman came from places as far off as Seoni 120 kms away. A L visible involvement by the younger S generation in the elections and the affairs of the community was evident. In fact, the average age of those who have been elected to office is a young 45. The Parsi electorate —555 in number —is an intelligent packet and not one that was likely to have smoke get into its eyes. It rejected age and experience in favour of a new broom, which proverbially at least, is supposed to sweep clean. •** ouibuiuuuiru mw uic rarsi zxjroasinan Anjuman or anneals ?nd Nagpur University being Secunderabad and Hyderabad, Erach appeals and letters that flooded the presented n ‘man-nnfra ’ ivia t ac “a voters played no small part in the „„ victory of president-elect Bapuna and Aninmnn. his panel. Complacency and over- confidence on the part of the old committee cost them dearly. That apart, there had been for some time past, rumblings of discontent against the autocratic behavior, dogmatism and nepotism of members of the old committee. Chivalry is nowhere so dead as in politics. Without so much as a “sorry ” or “by your leave ” the Parsis of Nagpur decided it was time the old order changed for the new. Shah Namah serial - oiKwi iwodMin sonai . > An English translation of the great I * J poet, Firdausi ’s Shah Namah is to be ‘ J serialized in the Nasvroz weekly pub- Calcutta. Translated by Dr B. S. Surti, a noted Secunderabad- Hyderabad scholar of Zoroastrianism, Ms Thrity Dinshaw Patel (right), the the epic is described in a circular dis- first woman and first Parsi to pass tributed by the honorary secretary of her LLM degree in (Constitutional Law the Parsi 2toroastrian Anjuman of “ • J presented a ‘man-pati*a ’ by Ms Katy J. Tarapore, as “A divinely inspired Madan on behalf of tire Nagpur Parsi account of the glorious deeds and * 7^ « achievements of the kings and the people of the only Zoroastrian Empire, its religion, culture and civilization *- /i 11< O o s Uhl 3 z o < !( s § s j 12 Ol. tz> -z, ;$ A 5 & i, I V } p 7 < OJ j J g, 'Q > ‘X’ J J ’l/> i’f -2 I W"*'^ .^B t /• ^1 o f1 •f i V ''h '> ''"S- -z. 0 l/> x»; ^1 ‘12 (4Z_ &Zd!i:^'^O t '^'1 'Z. /W / Zsr 7. 2 ('^ I I 5 y b 'f ^> '<5 s s-r E-Sgfe ' ,Z0- Ui - ifi 1e2 •z a u. 7 T~ >. p 1 o IHz/ C Km J5- ^'StY 3 0 li ^^g/- »- JI < I which profoundly influenced the think ­ ing and doings of different races such as the Jews, Christians, Muslims and Hindus. ” The note goes on to state that “a generation or two ago, a copy of Firdausi ’s Shah Namah was to be found in every Parsi household along with Khordeh Avesta and the Gathas. But, due to lack of knowledge of Persian among the succeeding genera ­ tion, we do not understand the con ­ tents of the Shah Namah and its importance. Those who would like to read a faithful translation of the Shah ’ Namah in simple English prose may enrol themselves as annual subscribers of Navroz by sending Rs 20 only directly to the Manager, Navroz Weekly, next to Banaji Parsi Fire Temple, Ezra Street, Calcutta 700001.” High Marks ______ ___ Parsi scholarship continues to get high Education, Genetics, Opera- ...-ii IO -r, ... O . O . linns Rpcflorf'li Dkm-nooo.. ___ 1 z-n.. out of a total of *87*'students foTSe Pharmacy, Psychology and T. S. Wilkinson, Chairman, Board of I Studies in Sociology, Nagpur Uni- versity, earned Bhandarkar, a senior 'in lecturer in the post-graduate depart ­ ment of sociology at Hislop College, Nagpur, a doctorate from the Nagpur University, The Parsis being one of the smallest minority communities in the world, drew Bhandarkar to them, writes our Nagpur correspondent, Dilnavaz Bhagwagar who interviewed the pro- fessor. Bhandarkar, who has authored several books and articles on sociology noted that despite the community ’s considerable impact on all spheres of the country ’s activities, the Parsis “have never been subject to any organized hostility, like for example, the Jews in Germany, the Banias in Africa ... they have been faithful sojourners in the land of their adop ­ tion. They were loyal to the Moghuls, they were devoted to the British and their patriotism and allegiance to post ­ independence India has never been questioned. They were loyal to the masters of the day and loyalty as a trait is admirable. ” Bhandarkar agreed that the com ­ munity ’s fortunes were on the decline, “they seem to be drained of much of their qualities of leadership, enter ­ prise and philanthropy. Of course, it is a vicious circle — philanthropy is less evident because money is limited, money is limited because enterprise is sorely lacking and enterprise is lacking because of ineffective leadership. Timidity and inertia unfortunately seem to be replacing much of the former enterprise and courage. ” But the sociologist did not feel that the community was in “danger of extinction ”, their “deep-rooted religious convictions, their commitment to tradition and their intense pride in their distinct identity have seen them survive so many centuries that there is no reason to believe it will not see ties between them7 '' them through many more. Of course. The Committee, appointed in June ^®’’® » time when they will 1977 when the Commonwealth Heads have to evolve a mechanism to main- of Government _met, represents both " ’ ’ ” ' non- the correspondent. Malegamvala on Commonwealth Committee. Chemistry Computer^ Science. Eco- marks with iF Parsis being Selected Research. Pharmacy and ^e- out of a total of 87 students for the Pharmacy. Psychology and J. N. Tata Endowment Scholarships advanced work in Physics, also qualify *1. ___ T? 1 .? lOr tnft lQfC» AxX7Of»/4o for the academic year 1978-79. The 13 are : Ms Mahzarin R. Banaji, Ms Roshni J. Chandaru, Zarir H. Kalianivala, NevUle C. Kermani, Dinyar B. Lahewala, Ms Dilafruz K. Moradian. Farrokh Ms &Sn’ lIS 5’?^ ’ thousand wh?' uTf ’frS- ,¥^ _Malegumvala, director Philosophy and also an M.A. in Maths been invited was awarded her doctorate in Philo ­ sophy for her thesis “Buddhist Theory of Causation and Einstein ’s Theory of for the Higher Education of Indians Awards this year. The 85 year old Tata Endowment now enables about 60 Indian gradu ­ ates “with an academic record of con ­ spicuous distinction ” to go abroad every year for higher studies, notes ar worth ---------- ------------ awarded to more than ¦‘I Indian scholars, ever pres^. release. Loan scholarships rth ovw a crore of rupees have been Bharucha. Ms ErenyDesai. Dorab Bharucha ’^^^who a' • K. wiaiegamvala, director ~SpSv";nd"aL±i^^^ eL^he. J.._N. Endowment Trust, has to serve on the 15- member advisory committee on the relationship between the official and the non-governmental organizations. I. who is also a director Relativity ” by the University of MaleimS Loaic Mutism and managing trustee of the Lady Tata “ R ssriavAstsss the University of Warwick, U.K. whjch she_ joined from October 1978. S ? »., P governmenlal involves Philosophy and the University of Warwick, U.K. which she joined from October 1978. The U.S. monopolized most of the i Tata scholars i____ _________ distinguished Universities in the U.S. Pyinceton, fomatron Tn'r^rofessionarTS changes they will have to m^e in Stanford, Cornell, Columbia, the Sloan the future. ” School of M^agement and the Uni- Thesis on Nagpur Parsis The Sporting Life Berkeley Three An interest in the “sociological study With ping-pong bringing the Ameri- Ind nnp ?n Canada of a minority community ” led Pro- cans and cSinSe together and cricket Thniicth fh hzerland. fessor P. L. Bhandarkar to write a healing old wounds between India and of studcuts doctoral thcsis OU thc Parsis of Nagpur. Pakistan, sports is bound to play a andXHS Sociological Study of a role in holding the communhy ^to- tecturJ like Archi- Mmority Community: Case Study of gether. Sure enough, from Nagpur Administration, Chemistry and Textile searched under the The Committee ’ appointed in June '^hen they will M.I.T., tain their numbers. But as they have been able to adapt themselves to many __________ 1 organizations in the change in the past and still endure, areas of development, education, in- “®y ’’®. a^^® accept the Prin<^ton, formation and professional activitv. the thesis re- comes word via our correspondent, supervision of Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar, that the 13 f ii 1 I; i: If1 Nagpur Parsi Cricket Gymkhana XI over by the hospitality of the steel has matched talents against teams city stalwarts, from Jamshedpur and Secunderabad 1 and that “as our community gets among the young Parsis of Nagpur is smaller and more scattered, points of ’ ...... . . contact for Parsis, be it at a World _ _____ ________ _ Conference or on a cricket field are cricketing head-priest and the increasingly necessary. ” __j __ ___ below extracts from Dilnavaz ’s com- by the irrepressible Banoo Mody, mentary on the game : secretary of the Parsi Cricket Gym- Saturday, the 9th of December 1978, khana. The Parsi team, which till a Armoury Grounds, Jamshedpur. A few years ago shamefacedly admitted winter ’s morning warmed by bright to having only one or two Parsis, can sunshine, blue skies, brilliant sweaters, today boast of a full true-blooded, soaring spirits and warm handshakes. ..................... ..... ‘ "• Playing for the Jiji Irani Memorial Cricket Trophy were the Nagpur Parsi Cricket Gymkhana XI vs. the Jamshedpur Parsi Association XI. Nagpur won the toss, but skipper Shiraz Doongaji elected to field, a decision for which Nagpur paid dearly. Jamshepur going in to bat first got ____ _____ ____ ______ ______ _ ____ off to a flying start with the opening Nagpurians~invit^ in November ’ 1978 pair giving them 33 runs for no loss, the Secunderabad Parsi Cricket Team. They continued comfortably to pile up The Nagpur Cricket Gymkhana lost their runs and were 115 for 3 at lunch - • * time. The slow pitch did not help and even Nagpur ’s best bowlers Shapoor Govadia and Shiraz Doongaji could make no impact on the Jamshedpur bats. After lunch, Nagpur took three quick wickets and Jamshedpur were 122 for six. Nagpur Parsis, however, failed to press home the advantage. Jamshedpur tail-enders hitting hard added another 85 runs, mainly due to the Nagpur team flooring a great many catches. The innings closed on 240 runs. Principal scorers for Jamshedpur were, Minoo Bhagat —44, Rusi Agboatwalla —38 and Kersi Godi- wdla —33. The main wicket takers for Nagpur were Shapoor Govadia and Kersi Patel, taking three wickets each. With only 40 minutes of play left on the first day, Nagpur went in to bat, losing three wickets for 47 runs. The next day, Nagpur batsmen fell like ninepins. AH of them tried to play across the line of the ball and were disposed of cheaply except for Rumy Mody who scored 37 runs. Within an hour-and-a-half, Nagpur were all out for a disgraceftd 93 runs. The main wicket takers for Jam­ shedpur were big and beefy Behram Zarolia, 4 wickets, and their fiery messiah-like Cawas Saiwalla, three wickets. Nagpur ’s defeat was due mainly to their very poor fielding and indifferent batting. If Nagpur was bowled clean in cricket it was also completely bowled and the umpire ’s decision and. .. Great Men Series A new feature entitled “Lives of Great Men of our Community ”, is to be serialized in the newsletter of the Borivli and Suburban Zoroastrian Association (BASZA). The announce ­ ment was made in the January BASZA newsletter and is to commence from the next issue. Several snippets of historic material are carried in the cyclostyled, approxi ­ mately four-page newsletter which is ., , , , „ . one of the most regularly published bli^-bloc^ed Parsi Eleven. Zoroastrian association in the Early last year, Nagpur played host country. In addition to the newsletter, to the Jamshedpur Parsi Cricket Team the BASZA holds several social, and won the newly instituted Jiji Irani cultural and religious functions for its Memorial Trophy. Encouraged by the members, has a small, circulating response, both in terms of cricket library, advertises employment oppor- interest aroused among the youngsters tunities, part-time jobs, services and and the good-will created between the products and assists students and visiting and. the home teams, the others. BASZA celebrated its third anni­ versary this January with a function that included a talk by Dr Ervad M. D. Karkhanawala, one of the most articulate proponents of orthodoxy, games and a ghambar; the newsletter notes in capital letters “PARSI & NON-PARSI GUESTS WELCOME.” Annual membership to the associa ­ tion is Rs 6. For further information write to A. F. Cama, Honorary Secre- ‘ Z_____ :_ j may complain about the Association, C-4/1, Jeevan Bima Nagar, The resurge of cricket interest due mainly to the infectious enthusiasm of Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji our ¦ J en- We carry couragement and co-operation given the Secunderabad Parsi Cricket Team. the match to a superior team but won a great deal of appreciation for the genuine warmth and hospitality ex ­ tended to the Secunderabad boys. And so it may come to pass that what the Federation of Parsi Zoro- astrians Anjumans of India could not achieve for the community, the game ___________ _____ ,_______ of cricket might. Except that some tary, Borivli & Suburban Zoroastrian trustee i ‘___ 7 ____ _____ _ bouncers, and the state of the pitch Borivli (West),' Bombay 400 092.~ Minoo Bhagat —44, The Zoroastrian Co-operative Credit Bank Limited Eam interest upto 101% on Fixed Deposit Accounts and 5i% on Savings Bank Accounts. Loans and Overdrafts granted on moderate terms 16 HORNIMAN CIRCLE BOMBAY 400 023 • PHONE: 298987 151 1 I I CHAVDA I Exhibition ,Y H > * Reflection I, one of the 20 paintings exhibited by noted artist, Shiavax Cbavda at the Taj Art Gallery, early this year, (^vda has held 36 man shows m India and abroad. one- 1 PARSI „ DANCE FEVER i Latins? West Indians? No, Parsis ! The winners of the Joe Fonseca Trophy for the Rumba ‘King and Queen ’ competition held several months ago in Bombay by the Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing (Australia) Amateur Medal Test Function organized by the D’Cunha Academy of Music and Dance. The winners (left to right) are: First : Noshir and Freny Umrigar. Second : Neville Harda and Roshni Sethna. Third : Khudiroo Banaji and Dr Ms Thrity Nalladaru. j 17ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD » I ii s I ing and stevedoring. Many lo^ Am investments in shares in the ‘national ation ’ process. Landed properties a trusts came under pressure of requi tions, rent-controls, non-resident la and other legal curbs and some uud i_ _ trade, industry, commerce and the public services. Like the port of Bombay, Parsis here also provided the local or ‘native ’ back-stopping for British economic and maritime activi ­ ties and in the process greatly pros ­ pered. We patterned our life-styles on the British standards and culture and Our propensity for early assimilation after twelve centuries of defeatism and strait-laced living, clicked, at least till our sister-communities caught up with us. “When that happened, we quickly away from home, switched over to new technological acquirements e.g. from banks to air­ lines, from accountancy to computeriza ­ tion, as the result of higher and techno ­ logical education abroad. We were from ' gaining more remunerative employment at home, because of parochial and political constrictions. The pioneers of our ‘third emigration ’ The Pakistani Parsis Though the Parsis of Pakistan consti ­ tute the third largest congregation of Zoroastrians in the world, the inter ­ national community, especially India, knows little of their activities. Due to the strained political relations between the two sub-continent countries, co mmuni cation links have been erratic and except for the occasional visit on medical, religious, compassionate and lately cricket grounds, Pakistemi and Indian Zoroastrians are more likely to meet in foreign lands rather than ^eir own. But with the thawing of relations and travel restrictions, the ties are being revived. At the Third World Zoroastrian Congress held in Bombay last January several representatives from Pakistan were present, though unfortunately no report was present^ on the community there. Educationist Behram Rustomji served as a rapporteur for the session on the ‘Problems of Education for Zoroastrians ’, while Ervad Godrej Sidhwa an active member of the Karachi community spoke on the priesthood. But a book published recently in Karachi by Homi B. Minocher Homji, a former United Nations Social Development official offers information on the Pakistani Parsis. According to Homji, “The history of the Parsis in Pakistan cannot really be too different from that of our Community in India in most ways, but lacking adequate information and data from across the border, we will avoid any comparisons and try to analyse the situation as we see it in Pakistan. Very largely this will, in fact, deal with the 4,000 Parsis in Karaclu only, siaw Parsis out of EL---- EE "1 number 300 to 400. There are wealthy families in Lahore, Quetta and ^wal- pindi, with much influence in the cosmopolitan society, public service and ntrucrcrle . has b66Xl monopolistic control of some specia- lized industries as well as an extra- ation ’ process. Landed properties a tions, rent-controls,* non-resident la t-E -,E_ : ¦ ‘enemy property ’ and ‘blockt accounts. In short, our struggle ei ‘enemy since, has been just to survive, to n from pillar to post and we are I doing that very eminently either. Soi have opened up businesses in t Middle East and seem to be flourishii “A very small but dynamic part < the comparatively younger-age grot at home did indeed very well, naovii bravely with the tide and establishi _________ ______ . ¦ - ___ new areas of trade and industry. 'Hu already feeling insecure and inhibited prospered very well till ‘nationalisatioi from gaining more remunerative ‘taken-over ’ industries or dismembe more ment of Pakistan ’s Eastern wing, on again caught up with them. ___ _ ____ _______ “Many already in the services < in the 25-^ age group had already wage-earners, were able to benefit frc started moving West, both for higher the socialistic/egalitarian policies of t * ' ’-----Government and from the ‘nationah ation ’, by virtue of automatic conve education and for more lucrative employment and true to tradition, with a spirit of adventure and accommoda ­ tion, indeed started doing very well for themselves in their new homes. “However, those that were left be ­ hind had a mixed impact of the political ----- — _ • j changes that took place at and after (earlier than other sister-communitiej 1947. Economically, the fixed-income u Ell traditio nal old-aged group found their and new businesses as secretariq incomes whittling down through prob- gradually rising to ffigher positions lems arising out of Partition, in real estate (evaqpee properties), in gilt- edged bonds and investments (left in ____________ _ India) and in transfers of resources general competition. These girls hel] (currency and exchange) as well as their impoverished parents wiffi t* general inflation. Many were unable or income and so the total family incomt „ . incapable to size up the possible effects helped to survive an increasing « wili'^ ’bardv of these changes in good time. flationary cost of living, but in « Karacm win oareiy e process the girls became more ind{ pendent from their parents, mi^ more with other communities, marric less frequently within the Communit and more frequently outside th Conununity and so created more socis and marital problems in the Conum nity at home, parallel to what the boj created abroad. To quote Dasti Dr Dhalla ‘girls began to work i greater numbers. . .their horizon hi widened. They have become courag sion into the public sectpr employme in several trades and industries. Thq unlike the older fixed-income groiq were able to ride the inflation. j “Girls also started coming oj to fill up the vacuum of jobs in proportionately, did better on th average, as compared to the middle level educated boys who met stifij| om< just to survive, to run ordinary devotion to social work. The {mm nillar tO DOSt". families in Multan, Sukker and ” Peshawar have dwindled in numbers as also in the exercise of busine^ activities. The Anjuman at Lahore is a well-organised and well-disciplined institution wiA an Atash Kadeh and a mobed. There is also a mobed in Quetta. “In Pakistan, not unlike in pre ­ partition ]___ , _ was for Parsis a century of rapid econo ­ mic _ enterprise system in “Some others continued to survive on ---------- —* the legacy of the western Corporations, ous and independent. . .the altered ou particularly banks and business firms ’ which had earlier quit the sub-conti ­ nent because of the process of Pakis- look on life has come to stay.. marriages are on the dedine. T1 Lkistan not unuxe m pre- ucm vwauov wx *-------------------- younger generation does not s^meag India, ’the 1850-1947 period tanisation. With restnetion on imports to ^teW^^x>S€ as lor raisis a wuuuji V vx xtn/xv* . ic growth, achieved through the free languished.. Others opiating on the iterprise system in diverse spheres of sea-front did better with ship-chandler- and of wines and on shipping, they too married life. This has definitely poK ¦ "’*3 a serious question and affected U ¦ morality of the community. ’ 18¦« The Twilight of The Federation > » / The Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian ‘informal ’ meeting of the BPP trustees amendment that sought to expel the Anjumans of India which has died and the representatives of the Federa- DPA from membership in the Federa- a thousand d^ths since the trustees tion on February 26 following the tion. The amendment stated in part Bombay Parsi Panchayat Federation ’s Executive Council meet- that membership would be barred to (BPP) decided to relinquish their ing held two days earlier at the any “anjumans or panchayats which niernl^rship, now appears relegated to Fariyas Hotel. permit the admission as members, the history bwks. At that meeting several of the whether honorary or of any other . tShominy was dealt the anjuman representatives noted that it kind, or as associates or associate apex body in a resolution passed by was only a matter of time before they members, of any person who is not OK ®trustees at their too would be compelled to admit non- a Parsi Zoroastrian. ” Delhi admits May 2 board meeting stating that the Zoroastrians to their anjumans, subject both honorary and associate members ^stees, are unable to rejoin the to certain limitations. One represen- who are non-Parsi-Zoroastrians. Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian tatiye of an orthodox anjuman in The representatives then discussed Anjumans of India under the existing Gujarat noted that in certain institu- the other amendments point by point. Constitution of the Federation. ” The tions meant for Parsi Zoroastrians, approving some, rejecting others and BPP contented that as the Delhi Parsi already children of mixed marriages withholding decisions on quite a few. Anjuman (DPA) admitted were admitted. Erach Tarapore, honorary secretary Zoroastrians as members, albeit Another representative, who asked of the Secunderabad and Hyderabad subject to certain limitations, they not to be quoted, said that if admitting Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman noted that were no longer eligible for Federa- non-Zoroastrians as members were “my committee feels there are very tion membership which the BPP made grounds for expulsion from the few ' ‘ ‘ claims is nnen nnlv tn aniiimans _i__ Zoroastrian tative of an orthodox anjuman in as non- albeit tion memoersnip which the BrF made pounds for expulsion from the few points that require drastic clauns IS open only to anjumans Federation, “many anjumans will have changes ... let ’s be cautious and make and panchayats comprising P—• " ’ ” - - Zoroastrians. BPP Trustee Eruch Desai who had i Parsi to go... changes will happen. Even as few changes as necessary. Try not the trustees ’ children will marrv nut ” (O look at every line ” Ms Mani Clubwala, the representa- "today we have come with the idea the trustees ’ children will marry out.' Other delegates questioned the , - , , . rationale of permitting Zoroastrian tive of the Madras Anjuman noted that Sion to withdraw from the Federation associations that admitted non-Zoroas- “today we have come with the idea abstained froni voting for the BPP trians to participate in the Third of agreeing with the Bombay Parsi resolution, noting in a letter to The World Zoroastrian Congress and Panchayat as far as possible. ” Jam-e-Jamshed “my stand in the invited them to join a world body, “There must be a give and tak e, ” but denied them that right in the added Shiavax Nargolwala, President of the DPA, “not a surrender on all The prime purpose of convening issues. ” ¦ “If we are not going to be dictated titution proposed by the BPP and then "we are not going to be dictated opposed the Panchayat ’s initial deci- resolution, noting in a letter to The World I_________ “my stand in the invited them to join a world body, matter remains the same as before, L_; 2_ 2__* ' ' ‘ * namely that it is in the interests of Federation. the Parsee Panchayat Bombay to be T'... .2__ _ ___ _____ 2„ a member of the Federation, irrespec- the Council meeting was to consider .xv-v ewmg w uv uivioitu tive of the fact whether or not the amendments to the Federation ’s cons- to by the Bombay Parsi Panchayat, Delhi Parsee Anjuman could be a titution proposed by the BPP and then we are not going to be dictated member, under the existing consti- reportedly drafted by BPP trustee and to by the Delhi Parsi Anjuman, ” said . former high court judge, Jal Vimadalal. * ” * ‘ * ' * ? T J which had Unlike at the earlier Council meetings, xu- J 4. invitations were issued to the Press. But when representatives of the ments) is to drive the Delhi Parsi former high court judge, Jal Vimadalal. Anklesaria. “There is no give and take . --------------------------------- (by Delhi) ’’. stated the decision to remain out was no invitations were issued to the Press. “The whole object (of the amt-nd- unaninmus, hailed the BPP decision. But when representatives of the ments) is to drive the Delhi Parsi Scwic^na/- termed The Bombay Samachar and Parsiana Anjuman out, ” said Nargolwala. It “anynwise drcision.^ . .it is a sha^ turned up uninvited, the meeting began “That is your interpretation, ” differences, ” wrote Editor Jehan of Poona and Ardeshir Batliwalla of “No, ” replied Furrokh Bamji, of Daniwala. Calcutta, who chaired the meeting, not Bangalore. “That (they want to drive A comproim^ resolution whereby to take notes and to publish only what Delhi out) is obvious. Only the name the Delhi Parsi Anjuman would be was handed them by the anjuman is left out. ” represented by the Delhi Parsi representatives. “It is time we told the The discussion then turned to voting Anjuman Trust was rejected by the Press what they should print, ” said by proxy, a controversial topic that BPP on the grounds that they “are Dr Sarosh Anklesaria of Ahmedabad. arose at an earlier Council meeting not separate and distinct bodies. ” The The gathering then debated and when Nargolwala claimed he had “That > our elders could not rise above petty with a request by Homai Pudumjee countered Tarapore. wrote Jehan of Poona and Ardeshir Batliwalla of ‘ ______ _____ Calcutta, who chaired the meeting, not Bangalore. “That (they want to " drive represented^ by the Delhi Parsi representatives. “It is time we told the BPP on the grounds that they ‘^re Dr Sarosh Anklesaria of Ahmedabad. _____ _____ _____ The gathering then debated and when Nargolwala claimed he had formula had been thrashed out at an rejected the most crucial constitutional proxy authorization from several proxy 21I JripiliwT sriT J. N. MJ^HALU. ?I9D9sn i sril bqxs ol ] -EisbsH sri) ni qirizi: )iBq ni bsJEJz Jn;----- o) bsiifid sd bbiov/ qirigisdmsrn JBri) risiriv/ gjBVErisp.Bq lo zEBmuinB" '(ns ,gisdfnsm zb noizzifnbB sril )ifmsq i5ri)o vnE lo lo viEionori isrbsriv/ 3)b1sozzb ------- )on zi oriw nozioq ' 4^r>i2..uACirT Artt in .iiuiJiiiau^ i ___ ____ __________„ 11b no isbnsnuz e )or^h<|A4CI sri) lo ".ZSUZZl aninsvnoo M szoqiuq smhq sriT .)ByBrisnB4 iziB4 yndmoO sri) o) -znos z noiJEisbsH sri) o) gJnsmbnsmfi J , b3)B)sib sd o) 8nio§ bifig ".nBfnuinA izifiO irilsCr sni yd o) s>Ib) bnB 3712 on zi sisriT" .BiiBZsWnA . -r " ."(irilsQ yd) ,z8ni)s3ni IisnuoD isilins -bnsmB sri) lo) issido sloriw sriT" -------- 7^ iziB4 irilsQ sri) sviib o) zi (zJnsm sri) lo j!3vi)B)n3Z3 ‘iq3i .b!bw1o31bM bifig ".noi)B)siqi3)ni lo .iimB9 riilonuH bsitqsi ",oM" ;-------- 4. i sviib o) inBV/ vsriJ) )EriT“ .siolBgnEO Jon .gubssm sri) bsiiBris oriw ,b))us1bJ bnB 449 sri) yd bszoqoiq noi)u)i) bnB 3S)gui) 440 yd bs)lBib ylb3)ioqsi .iBlBbBmiV IbI .sabuf tiuoo rigiri ismiol _ , o l) )B STlilnU bfiri ^zz314 sri) o) bsugzi sisv/ znoi)B)ivni on . I nsflv/ )u9 boB oAT 3d o) xcdrnoH )BYBri3nB4 33Z1b4 -soqgsni .noiJBisbsH ori) lo isdnR ,,,.t lo isriJsriw )3b1 sri) lo od bluoo rnsmuinA 33giB4 i 10 isriJsriw JsbI sri) lo tzxj ---------------- - -iJznoo 2ni)zix3 sri) isbnu . isdi ".n L„.l rioiflw VCjAiswoV-^-mnV . 3i gsw Juo ntBfnsi oJ noiziosb arfJ b .noigiosb 449 aril bsliBti .zuoini "Juo nfimuinA boB * J* .. •• 3r ¦“ -------------rr rrcn bsrrnsl -wiA^nrovi?* sAT 3 iriz B gi Ji... .noiziosb sziwnu ni iq 3vodB sail Jon bluoo gisblsj 3vnb oJ inBv/ ysriJ) JbHT^ 3mBn ; ¦ to'BnZiijBa'iirtUtaA'bnrBnooqto nsrhl TOlibS =»™ ' 1* O V 6 d templation of Ahura Mazda will call " towns in India with well prayers. The only practical solution seems to be a middle-path between the two extremes. We must make the messare of Zarathushtra come alive for me younger generation. This means inter- Rregramsii^ ins ­ truction is a fairly recent approach in education and has » meaningful way. The answer seems to be the incorporation highly of some selected basic interpretations ® of our prayers in a language which is understood by the child, to supplement the Avestan lyrics — may be even with ­ in the actual ceremony or following ! it, so as to make the ritual more Given the fact of a close relation- ship of language to thinking and con ­ ceptualizing, chanting of prayers in a only pTi I midole- templation or Ahura Mazda will call * * i forth feelings of love and reverence on successfuL the part of the child towards the One to Whom prayers are said. Children need experiences along with explana- ‘What ’ and the ‘Why ’! tions, and early experiences leave the Cx.v.** most lasting impressions. It is also im- chin kV larfanaZZ tn tlTinlHn^o and lyrics that are understood by portant that these early experiences be cej^ nahying chmiting of prayers in a performer and/or observer of the happy, so that (religion) is associated language thkt is not underetood seems ^^4 serve to stimulate with joyful thmgs. exercise in futility! The ideal thought. This in turn would trigger a Translation of Prayers solution would be to teach our Q^testing minds to explore Prayer has been described as the re- youngsters the Avestan script. How- garding of today in relation to Eternity, ever that is certainly not a practical The chanting of the ancient scriptures solution. Other faiths such as , v, . , -. - can have a mystifying, almost hypnotic Christianity and Judaism are facing a “ being a Zoroastrian. effect on the listener as well as the similar problem. They have adopted The first step in this direction can raconteur. But is that enough? The either complete or partial translation be taken by developing accepted and performance of ceremonies and of their prayers into English as the authorized translations by a central chanting of hymns without under- solution — at least in North America, body of Avestan scholars, of scrip ­ standing their meaning is often However, many of our Avestan tures such as the Gathas. I cannot rejected by the younger generation as scholars caution us against a total overemphasize the need for a core of teing dogmatic. Ritual for the sake of rejection of die ancient script. They such a set of documents which can be ritual without adequate rationale maintain, and support with valid logic, used as guidelines by the young to an cannot accepted by young minds the argument that the very sound of understanding of the basic elements trained in the ways of science and our prayers and the vibrations they of Zarathushtra ’s message. For it is technology. They want to know the create are an integral element of the only through such understanding that exercise in futility! The ideal thought. This in turn would trigger further their traditional heritage and as the process unfolds, there will emerge slowly but surely a true sense t :i I Our Religion Series Children ’s Books Under the auspices of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman a series, named OUR RELIGION, is being published. The first five books in the' Series are : 1) Zarathushtra 2) The Navjote Ceremony 3) The Kusti Prayers 4) The Creation 5) Ahura Mazda and His Powers. Each book will be illustrated in colour, and is meant for children aged 6-8 years. Please order your copies, Rs. 5/- each, through Mrs. P. N. Jungalwalla, A-2/2, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-1 10 016. 33 I *The training will i ensure that the principles being taught to children are free of dogmas and personal biases. ¦ in this format. Firstly, children can learn at their own rate. Since religious mstruction classes, if and when formed will probably be heterogeneous in terms of age groups, this approach has the unique advantage that it can accommodate children functioning at different levels of intellectual capacity. The younger and slower child will not be lost and at the same time the older child can avoid boredom. Secondly, a child who learns at his own pace will be less likely to encounter experiences of failure and is, therefore, more likely to develop better attitudes towards his task. There are also various studies supporting the idea that children tend to learn faster and retain material longer in a programmed instruction format. These are some of the major advantages. Probably the only serious problem is that developing a good program is not easy. There is a lot of material on the educational market today which is poorly conceived and produced. It is beyond the scope of this discourse to go into details of the bSsic compo ­ nents of programming but it seems to me that the material we would be dealing with, would lend itself very well to such a format. Let me end by saying that the task outlined here may not be simple, but one that is deserving of the utmost effort on the part of the entire commu ­ nity. The followers of Zarathushtra are facing the question of the survival of a way of life which originated in the early dawn of civilization — a task which is monumental at the very least. The greatest threat to the realization of this goal comes not from other cultures that surround us, but from within the community itself — a danger that has the potential of de ­ stroying the very foundations of our way of life. I speak here of the grow ­ ing feeling of apathy and pessimism which will eventually smother the fl^e that we are striving to keep alive. Apathy leads to stagnation which in turn proves to be the breed ­ ing ground for ignorance and mis ­ conception. Our ancestors have en ­ countered similar weakening in the past after the defeat of Darius III, through the Macedonian domination and the Parthian dynasty — but the worshippers of Mazda never allowed themselves to wallow in self pity and pessimism. Today we are aware of a process of weakening and we must stop it before it spreads like cancer the younger generation will acquire the ability to distinguish secondary growths acquired throu^ our long history, from the basic teachings of our prophet. Textbooks utilized in any program of instruction should be such that they maximize the probability that children will learn. The material should arouse and hold the child ’s interest. It should be colourful, replete with illustrations and pictures and seem relevant and mea^gful to the child. Children find it diflBcult to deal with abstractions. With reference to the message of Zarathushtra, which even sch olar s at times find hard to interpret, it might be difficult indeed for the author to present these ideas at a concrete level. But effort must be made in this direc ­ tion, for otherwise the child will lose interest altogether. Current literature in the end is seriously deficient in such material with the exception of a hand ­ ful of books dealing mainly with the life of Zarathushtra. Children have a short span of attention, and their vocabulary is limited to simple words. These considerations should be taken into account when developing textual material. One alternative which deserves serious consideration is the develop ­ ment of programmed instruction, which may contribute significantly to the ease and efficiency of teaching. It has the added benefit that it can be used for religious instruction of children in areas where it may not be feasible to establish schools. Pro ­ grammed instruction is a fairly recent approach in education and has proved to be highly successful when employed properly. It is a way of arranging learning material in logically sequenced small steps. Each step or frame of the program provides information, requiring the student to respond to the information, and gives feedback to the ' - student as to the “correctness ” of the through the very fibres of our lives, response. The story of Zoroastrianism is old. There are many potential advantages noble in tradition and deserving of of presenting material to the children survival. of presenting material to the children With Compliments from GLOBE THEATRES PVT. LTD. Established April 3, 1915 Controlling: X REGAL BOMBAY X CAPITOL BOMBAY X GLOBE CALCDITA X ROXY MADRAS 35 Ib With Compliments from ESTATE EMPIRE LIBERTY BUILDING 41/42 MARINE LINES BOMBAY 400 020 36 Abroad contd. from page Author of two books and credited with over 50 papers in learned journals, Mavalw^a, a former pre ­ sident of the ZSO, “is the first Canadian and Zoroastrian to be elected President and is the youngest person to hold this office, ” noted the news ­ letter. Pavri Honoured Over a 100 Zoroastrians gathered at the Oak Room of the Holiday Inn in Vancouver to honour one of the most prominent member of the over ­ seas conununity. “Under no circums ­ tances must anyone contact him or let him sense anything is in the air”, said a mimeographed notice announc- « ing the surprise dinner and dance S organized by Piroj Amrolia and j Sheraz Bhesania on behalf of the i British Columbia Zoroastrians. And. 1 so it was that Jamshed Pavri and his wife, Rhoda, were given a rousing reception and glowing tribute for all his years of service to the cause of Zoroastrians overseas. Pavri, who as honorary secretary of the Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia has published numerous newsletters and articles chronicling the history of the Zoroastrian Community both abroad and in India, also published the first directory of the Zoroastrians in North America and was mainly responsible for the Zoroastrian Society publishing the first book compiling . the history of the Society. In honour of his numerous services, the Community presented a gold plated map of British Columbia with a star indicating Vancouver and an inscription that reads : “Presented to Jamshedjee Pavri in Recognition of Outstanding and Dedicated Service to the Zoroastrians —April 15, 1978”. Several community members of the Vancouver Association including Homi Engineer, Sam Confectioner, Jal Dastur, Pilsum Master, Ms Sheraz Bhesania and Ms Piroj Amrolia spoke on the occasion and related Pavri’s contributions. “Jamshedji has played a great role in making our anjumw what it is today ”, said Ms Amrolia who has worked with the Pavris for the last six years, “we have various activities and projects conducted in the name of the anjuman, all the credit for which can go to Jamshedji ... thanks to this man we are the only anjumans who can boast of a fully paid burial ground for the Zoroastrians ... (The Pavris) have extended theit help to a number of people who have either passed through Vancouver or made Canada their home ”.1 p “Rhoda has stood behind Jamshedji in all his activities ”, Ms Bhesania noted, “giving her full support throughout the years, without which Jamshedji could not have carried on his numerous projects. ” Jal Dastur, a former resident of Uganda, now settled in B. C. noted that Pavri along with J. Bacha, J. Irani. Hormusji M. Engineer and Noshir M. Fitter were the signatories to the registration of the Zoroastrian Society of B. C. with the Canadian Govern ­ ment on February 22, 1968. Pavri’s contributions have “enriched the name of the Parsi community not only in Vancouver nor Canada, but every ­ where where one Zoroastrian exists ”, said Dastur. THE HAVRASHTA FOUNDATION AND THE ZOROASTRIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE The Havrashta Foundation has been set-up as a public charitable trust, and one of its projects is the set-up of the Zoroastrian Community Development Institute. I 10-Lecture Series A series of 10 basic informative lectures to propagate Zoroastrian history and religion was offered to the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario by the University of Toronto (School of Continuing Studies). “Knowledge and interest in our history, cultdre, heritage and religion is very much needed especially since we feel a greater need in the Western World to keq> Zoroastrianism alive and well, ” noted the Z.S.O. newsletter. A minimum of 25 participants could attend the once-a-week lectures each of two hours duration, (from 7 to 9 p.m.), the fee charge being $ 64.00 for the 10-week session. The newsletter thanked Putli Mirza and Moti Bulsara “for pursuing this long-thought-of-project with Profes ­ sors Oxtoby and Nigosian. ” SINGAPORE Lectureship Award One of the three recipients selected for the prestigious Arris & Gale lectureship award was Pesi Chacha, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Chacha proceeded to Exeter in April to present his paper and receive this distinguished honor from the Royal College of Surgeons, U.K. In Memoriam The demise of Pesi Davar, business ­ man in Singapore and life member of the Parsi Association, was mourned by the community members recently. 2^ inhabitant of Singapore since 1925, he is “Singapore ’s longest resident Parsi, ” according to a newsletter from Singapore. Dr P. Daruwalla also “a resident of long-standing in Singapore ” also passed away recently in Calcutta, stated the Singapore newsletter. The Institute is conceived to be a premier social-research-action Institute for the Zoroastrian Community. Its object will be to study fundamental problems of the Zoroastrian Community throughout the world, and to design and implement programmes to solve them. It is intended to be staffed by well-paid, full time professionals in economics, sociology, demography, statistics, business administration, law, accounting, etc. The basic idea behind this is that community problems require focussed attention from an inter-disciplinary team of professionals and an infra­ structure should exist wherein such professionals constituting tremendous aggregate talent in the community, should be able to carve out lucrative careers in the service of the community. For the time-being, the trustees of the Foundation are the Board of Governors of the Institute. They are : Dr Nanabhoy S. Davar Mr Kekoo M. Gandhy Mr Dara N. Khurody Dr Freddie A. Mehta Mr Nadir A. Modi Dr Jamshed Modi Educationist &¦ Ch. Accountant Director of Art Gallery Dairy Consultant Business Economist Advocate & Solicitor Engineer & Management Consultant Initially, the Institute will operate largely on a short-term contract basis; giving out project work to competent individuals and organizations. A few projects of a fundamental data-gathering nature are under con ­ sideration. Later, as the resources of the Institute build up, a Director, Department Heads and other staff will be taken on a permanent basis. Financial support for the basic set-up, office expenses and initial projects is urgently needed. A few business houses have started support at the rate of Rs. 1000 per month for an initial commitment of 12 months. Many more such supporters are needed. Other donations, small or large will be gratefully accepted. It has often been said that the community is blessed with abundant resources; that there is plenty of capability and skill among its members; that there is still considerable enthusiasm for vigorous community develop ­ ment —but no professional organization to put it all together. Here is a professional organization that will put it all together I Don't fail to back it I Contributions, inquiries and correspondence may be addressed in the name of the Foundation or the Institute, Post Box 4087, Bombay 400 007. 37 H s si ¦I The Life of Dastur Dhalla Bath professionally and personally Dastur Dr Maneckji Nusserwanji Dhalla lived the religion of the good life. An outstanding scholar whose contribution to Zoroastrianism ranks him amongst the top scholars on the subject both in India and abroad, he was the compassionate and revered high priest of the Karachi . Parsis. The Dastur Dr Dhalla Memorial Institute which was founded in his honour, published an English version of Dhalla's autobiography Aek Atmakatha about three years ago. Translated from the Gujarati by two of the priest's admirers, Behram and Gool Rustomji of Karachi, both persons of note In their own right, the book runs into over 700 pages and covers a span of about three-quarters of a century. As the book is not easily available, Parsiana will publish extracts to provide readers a glimpse into the life of a noted Zoroastrian. I 38 ? w I '‘-.-A 4 Mali ¦ilJ s; $ *¦ '.J s'. 1 f 1 'J .............. .. ........... ... is nothing — it is nowhere. AU around there is change and movement. All onward. Foreword In Persian this world has been called ___ ______ __________ ____ a caravanserai. Caravanserais are rest things are ever moving forward, rushing Forty-two years ago, while studying at Columbia University, I learned the lesson of tolerance from the world- renowned philosopher, Santayana. He declared that “matters of religion should never be matters of contro ­ versy ”. A very large majority of mankind is still incapable of putting shortens depending upon his physique into practice this invaluable advice — our community least of all. True to our restless and impetuous tempera ­ ment, all the year round, without the least restraint or restriction, we continue to vent our views through the Parsi Press on socio-religious customs. Hence, it is but natural that they occupy a houses, where cavalcades of men and animals, on their long and tedious journey, relax awhile. Drawing an analogy from it, man’s sojourn on earth is known as “a few days ’ resting place ”. At present I am 71 years old, in the evening of my life. As the length of day changes with the seasons, the evening of man’s life lengthens or and his physical fitness. I cannot ^y whether the evening of my life will be long or short, but I know that twilight has set in. Two thousand five hundred years ago, the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said: “Being is nothing. Becoming is _ _________ ___ everything. ” Similarly static great W Of SpaCC ifi tlUS Marha order to give correct and unpre- ha order to give correct and unpre- Surat judiced ^idanc^ to the community, I Surat, the garden-city of Gujarat, debate in my books, from time to time, on ethics, ceremonies, customs and con- . ______ ,__________ ____ ventions. In discoursing upon them I ed there. The glory of Surat, however, have seized the opportunity to try and ................ . end the controversies with an open ___ ____ ___ mind, honestly and from a scholastic hands of the British. The rise of ing, a devastating fire devoured the angle. In doing so, this Atmakatha Bombay was the decline of Surat; and city, as a result of which Rustompara, has, in a way, taken the form of a gradually, Surat lost its grandeur, inhabited by the Parsis, was com- guide-line, paving a pathway for the ” ‘ religious conduct of the community. With regard to the ordinary questions that are being debated in the commu ­ nity as well as to inflammable questions good and evil spirits. It has divided like the Jc^din problem and crema- the winds of Govad Yazad into two torium which have, from time to time parts — peace and prosperity — laden destroy mankind. But undaunted, naan igxiited the peaceful and co-operative winds — ‘the good winds ’ — have been forges onwards. Ruined Rustompara life of the immunity and set it ablaze, assigned to Spenta Mainyu, whereas I have written whatever has been in strong, storm-bearing winds — ‘the bad my heart, holding back nothing, hiding winds ’ — have been termed as the nothing. ‘ ‘“ In March 1944, the eminent Chinese author and philosopher. Dr Lin-yo- _ Tung said: “India was suffering from storms approach the southern city of and employees, an < too much of religion and could well afford to do with less of it. ” These words apply not to the inhabitants of India alone but, to a certain degree, to all nations following any religion in the world. After the prophets depart their disciples turn everyone into blind followers of the faith. Religiosity replaces religion. Socio-religious customs take the place of pure, ethical and devotional faith and turn it into tradition-ridden religion as a result of which quibble and quarrel constantly. Religious faith is man’s most treasured and personal possession. , _ , Gone are the days when the opinion Ox tllG lOlth. of^ society could dictate religious — principles. They have gone forever, never to return. Free choice has taken the place of force and it will remain so. ‘Truth never stales with repetition. ’ starving families wended their way and father went to some religious festi- It will, therefore, be expedient to i___ _ „„ ___ _ __„_____ ______ j. __ _____ ,^2___ ' 2 , reiterate that Herodotus, the father of Parsis had ga^ined a f^thold there share at the fair. From that" they would buy history, wrote of our two thousand five the days of Portuguese supremacy and a little gift for themselves, eat some- ^nd, old ancestors —the it grew increasinglyfirm under British thing and return home happy and and courageous in envisaging changing Company wrested the Government erf times and circumstances and in condi- Surat from the hands of the Nawab. f ¦ _ * ¦ " " _ ¦ _______ __________ _________ in which Aey the Parsi ^pulation of Surat ”had heirs, follow in their footsteps and learn the Union Jack fluttered, enterprising was well-endowed with a good income from leadership tlwt there is Parsis followed. Besides, with the from cattle farming and dair y products, grace, dignity and wisdom in fashioning growing strength of the British in the My mother died when I was three, our lives according to the demands of Far Parsis established trade *-•- this twentieth century. relatioMhips with the ports^ of Hong- and'industrious. The people of ’the MANECKH NUSSERWANn DHALLA ’ Karachi, IS July 1946 ,, ____ ___ „________ __ ___ , was have had to , deliver lectures and to the metropolis of the Parsis in the . ’ . ” " .. 2 , 17th century. Half the total population questions , concerning religion, of the community, approximately . _ 2 — —2 —20,000 Zoroastrians, lived and flourish- motherland, Iran, and settling amongst the dignified Gujaratis of Gujarat, these ‘fair-skinned, serene and coura ­ geous ’ Parsis, from the close of the 17th century, spread to the four comers of India and even beyond its boundaries. The great floods of Gujarat of 1822 waned in 1662 from the time the island of Bombay passed into the wrought havoc in Surat and in reced- Nature itself seemed to frown on her pletely gutted, and contributed to her downfall. Zoroastrian literature of later days has apportioned the elements to the According to Zoroastrian precepts, life is a constant struggle — a struggle within and without man’s soul. The four elements of nature — fire, water, wind and earth — at times attack and too revived and the sacred manthras of Ashem and Yatha resounded once again in Parsi localities. Approximately creation of Angra Mainyu. These 500 families, including priests and stormy winds oppress Iran year after laymen, lived there. Professionally they year. Usually, before spring sets in, were weavers, brokers, shop-keepers overdose of spirituality. . .India had Kerman with terrific rapidity, strength ......... " and suddenness. Huge masses of clouds rash down upon the eartih like a horde _____ _ __ ______ _____ __ _____ of wild elephants and whirlwinds of Farampara in Rustompara. Tbeir self- dust and sand are a curse to wayfarers owned dwelling-place had bamboo and caravans. The city of Surat has walls plastered with cow-dung and there with their parents. They earned wrought untold dis^ter ^nd de^ruc- ceremonies and walked all the way to Nanpara and the city just to get a gratuity of one or two paisas. At times they had to walk three or four miles After the prophets depart, Ihe home of some wealthy layman __ where they had to perform the pre- tneir^aiSClples turn every- dawn uthamna ceremony. Should one into blind followers they be fortunate enough to receive a tip of four paisas, there was great rejoicing in the family. As the priestly profession did not bring in sufficient The great famine of 1847 of the sustenance, both men and women wove Samvat era (1790-91) brought in its cloth in order to supplement the family wake several minor famines and income. In those days when my uncle starving families wended their way towards the promising city of Bombay, val, they were given a pie each to enjoy My forefathers were Athornans of Navsari of the Bhagarsath sect. They lived in the area known as Motta dust and sand are a curse to wayfarers owneT dwelling-place^ had bamtoo and caravans. The city of Surat has walls plastered with cow-dung and been spared such boundless and mud. My father and his brother lived unbridled breezes. Instead, constant there with their parents. They earned floods and fires have repeatedly their livelihood by performing casual tion to this one-time Eden of the Orient. men It will, therefore, be expedient to where they had to perform the pre ­ dawn Uthamna ceremony. Should history,jWrote of our^two thousand five the days of Portuguese supremacy and Ha^emenians —that they were valiant rail In 1800^^ British East^India ^liSitel . ~ r. ----- r—J ------- - ----- -------------- — I was tile only brother of my three times and circumstances and m condi- Surat from the hands of the Nawab. older sisters I was born on the Amer- tionmg their lives according, to the By that time quite a major portion of dadsal day in 1245 Y.E. 1875 A.D. wuntryMd the age in which they the Parsi population of Surat had (27-9-1875) in Farampara. My mother ’s lived. Then let us, as their rightful already settled in Bombay. Wherever parental home was in Dumas and it heirs, follow in their footsteps and learn the Union Jack fluttered, enterprising L____ from leadership that there , is Parsis followed. Besides, with the from cattle farming and dair y products. our lives ’ acrerding to the demands of Far East, Tarsis MtaWished trade relationships with the ports of Hong- My uncle, Hormusji, was energetic kong. Canton, Shan^ai, Maccao and neighbourhood honoured and respected other places. Leaving behind their him as a Daver or a Desai. Not content 39Afl fit A nviAoU,. J? recommend him. But Karachi me priestly proiession his mother persuaded him not to leave About 125 S' j I; J. J ***W*TOO*W** xiiuuici i^iiuauea mm not to leave About 125 years ago. Parsis turned did not bring in sufficient f®’’ ^er old age and once again their steps from the towns of Gujarat sustenance,bothmenand 'inXeT^r wiv “g women wove cloth in dwindled. Day by day the part of the sub-continent, our wntaX order to SUDDlement fliA decreased and despite the have been with Sind and the Punjab - - ppienient tne strictest economy. It became increa- dating back to almost 4,000 years. Of k*-*be sixteen lands created by Ahura ^nted him Mazda and mentioned in the first verse Unfortunately Mb. Wadia ’s ot SeptTShu-^the'*ffiiSh ’ ™ f^d an unexpected and extensive Punjab of today. During the reign of tion of the family. Hiraged '^n^ents ““o™ed my uncle of his the Achaemenian kings, Sindh and did not approve\f his iderind ?on of the Persian dissuaded him from taking such a step commJnX^ 1“!} Ever since that time the Unwilling to hurt them in any wS ’ relationship between Iran and the sub- he respected their wishes and lived a contractors or continent has been maintained. Stray life devoid of hope. n ’ Zoroastrian centres, too. have conti- r ¦ ‘ _ __________ _ renowned translator of the Y^iashne Ito ““^Wltagmfiud-fmy-pro-siia; Stadi, rnd “pSjab to ' uncle had become a Navar under the serviw in the printing did not end there. At patronage of a wealthy gentleman of Prf« Jam-e-Jamshed branches nf the TesRa« the Wadia family of Bombay One day i7h Te/iihhn? extended from Karachi through Sindh he told my uncle that he wTs acquXd a^cS via Peshawar crossed with Mr. Wadia. There X S Ta mv5?ne^ h^d t*^® th® sub-continent into mobed who would live in his home he^ w^s n^t wraver Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, at Bombay and cook sanctffiSl food the^n- i positm to perform When the Hon ’ble Sir Jamshedji and perform the ceremonies The began to earn ^hisTS?v h ’^^d J^Jibhoy I extended his generosity to was quite decenl. Should SSonniuu eusual SmS S“rdid Kcbadi, the first Pu^se^ more th^ Rs 18 in cash, so I„ the last century and a quarter 1849. wa; a™;;"";? or so. to Min*fo “ ««>?; to Baluchistan. It the Jam-_e-Janished branches of the Jessawalla Company SaS?h’s. extended from Karachi through Sindh eiinnnv l lanaKhz^x/’e nA\«r __J __ • 1 ^L^®^ priests. My uncle did not nued to exist. In the last century and a quarter he worked for the railway for J bread by the cities of Gujarat, he wished to help my uncle decide ^;,r^on. “TcoS ““'" ’* ................................... ’ I i Match your AMBITION to a CAREER To do so we offer you: • Diploma Course in Business Management (Oral/Postal) • Banking: C.A.I.I.B. Course (Postal & Oral) e Commerce :G.C.D. Course • Executive Secretarial Course • Private Secretarial Course • Telephone Operating • Telephone Operating-cum Receptionist Techniques • Shorthand & Typewriting • Punch Operating • Telex Operating Enquire at: sir J. J. College of Commerce ¦¦ 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk, ¦0 BOMBAY 400 001.Tel : 251185 .ik 41days thariW him respectfully for his result, without any other means of Kothari and its rent 1 ¦ I 1 I I uajrs uuumeu Him rcspeciiuiiy ror ms result, without any other means of Kothari and its rent was Rs 4 but we kind thought but wrote back that they support or sustenance, we came and did not have to pay this amount were broad-shouldered and preferred settled in Karachi in 1878. I was then According to an understanding between feet. Already the communal and non ­ Karachi —charities that have been similar to ours, the "families of two J ___ ___ T • 4 « « AAAW - -------------- ---------- -------------- MXAW U,WV«k LTTVAli^ tion of caste, creed or colour —amount Hindu, Muslim and Goanese families to approximately a crore. J___ In 1849, when it came to my uncle ’s neighbours ranged ] knowledge that an assistent mot«d was ragmen, milk-men, tinners, cane dinner only —apart from that he ” liv^ needed m Seth Hirjibhai Behrana s setters, carriage drivers, cooks, the night and day at the Agyari Mv aunt Daremeher at I^rachi, he began to Surti mistress of a Parsi and three un- and sister did all the en nking and make inquiries ^ut it. On condition fortunate prostitutes. Living in such a cleaning. Every morning my uncle of a salary of Rs 12 per month he chequered environment we had the would rise at 3.30 while my aunt and agreed to come and settle in Karachi, opportunity of witnessing the celebra- sister ’s day began at 4 Like her ?*4^ K x xv * 1- Ip . '7---------- 4 wxzxxxxxxwxxx- husband my aunt, too, was most dili- ties. At the time of the Nortans, Lalia gent and industrious. Besides the house-hold chores, her evenings, extend ­ ing almost till 10 at night, were spent ' SriaSrd and teet. Already the communal and non- Our home was in an area known as rent, at the dawn of each day my uncle rommunal chanties of the Parsis of Chic Gali in Saddar. Two other families prayed to the Almighty to bestow upon Karachi^harities that have been similar to ours, the families of two Seth Kothari and his progeny, prospe- TCStowed without the least considera- Irani corpse-bearers and about twenty rity, health and longevity tion of caste, creed or colour —amount Hindu, Muslim and Goanese families We were four in the home —mv uncle to appro^ately a crore. resided there. The professions of these and aunt, my older sister and myself In 1849. when it came to my uncles neighbours ranged from hawkers. My father came home for lunch and knowledge that an assistant mobed was ragman, ----- ------ - ’• Daremeher^ at Karachi, he began to Surti mistress of a Parsi and three un- i» ^ter serving in this capacity for some tion of the festivals of varied communi- the Sagdi every evening to light the - • lamps. For this he was given a salary of Out COntaCtS have been Rs. 15. Besides this he would earn a little by performing casual ceremonies in people ’s homes. My father worked as a weaver at Surat and also went to places to pray which fetched him a gratuity of a few pai^s. The new premises of the Seth men and women sang garbas and per- with Sind an d Punjab, “ spinning the yam of the Kusti, 1 ’ weavina rlennma nrAccino- onrl fnlrUnn dating back to almost 4,000 years. weaving, cleaning, pressing and folding it. From dawn to dusk she would thus earn approximately 5 to 6 annas per S “ gratuity a Jew --------- ----------------------------------------- ‘"’our total monthly income amounted garbas and per- to Rs. 50 which included my uncle ’s Hirjibhai Behranas Dyemeher at formed folk dances which wq enjoyed salary of Rs. 15 my father ’s salarv of open in watching. Many of those garbas I can Rs. 12 and other incidental tips.^We 1875. Mv Uncle arrarureH fnr a mh fnr hum ovan i-rwio,, *i.„ lived coiixfuitebly Our Tv' g simple. Our breakfast comprised of the -- --------------us. night ’s left-overs, if any—othetwise vfQ Our house belonged to Seth Hormusji had chappatis with tea. Our lunch 1875. My Uncle arranged for a job for hum even today. The excitement at the my father to serve as a supervisor and time of Moharrum of the Muslims and caretaker night and day in this Dare- X’mas of the Christians fas cinated raeher at a salary of Rs. 12. As a * I = I I FIRST INDIAN BEER TO GET WORLD RECOGNITION FOR TWO SUCCESSIVE YEARS WINNER OF INTERNATIONAL AWARDS IN WORLD SELECTION OF BEERS LONOON-1976 LUXEMBOURG-1977 1976 i h 1: 1 e I LONDON I HLSNER 1977 SYMBOL OF THE INTERNATIONAL QUALITY 43According to Zoroostrion precepts, life is a family offered coconut, candy and struggle. spirit of the seas. From there we pro- n I * Ij soon as we reached we went to the child ’s cheeks. In the beginning I too sea-shore where the oldest lady of the was thus protected. ' I Later this practice was stopped. But floral tributes to Avan Ardivisur, the for fear that some blighting glance may spirit of the seas. From there we pro- be cast upon the one and only child of ceeded to the Mahadev Temple in the the home, my aunt took other precau- comprised of khichdi with ghee and cave nearby. Similar offerings plus tions. Whenever we had meat at home, pickles or khichdi with toddy, or some coins were made there also, with the membrane that was removed while dhandal or dhanshak. Patia or sauce or due obeisance. As we sat upon the cleaning it was dipped in turmeric, mince was hardly ever served with floor the Brahmin recited some prayers, encircled seven times over my precious khichdi. Curry-rice had not yet found Leaving that temple we climbed up the head and then thrown out. Thus any its way into our home. At night we hillock which was a five minutes walk spells that might have been cast over lived on dal and chappati or molasses from there, at the top of which was me were nullified. The poor crows with milk and chappati or some vege- situated a Muslim pir’s dargah. The would pick them up, and without a table course or a bowlful of gravy with keeper of the tomb also received care of appeasing the evil spirits, would two pieces of meat and one potato and offerings and we went down on our gleefully put the morsels in their chappati. Two courses were unknown knees and bowed before the shrine. I mouths. All this was most distasteful and we were well-nourished on this had no idea or understanding of what to my uncle, but such matters con- simple fare. was going on. This was my first visit cemed the womenfolk of the home so We were poor but a Zoroastrian and first experience of mandirs, and he resisted from interfering. family having many children in the dargahs. On my return home, with Sixty years have gone by since my neighbourhood was poorer. My uncle great glee I related the whole incident aunt protected my innocent childhood would give those children a share of to my uncle and found that the narra- from such imaginary evil portents. At the pens, pencils, papers and books tive caused him pain. All he said was that time the light of modern science which he brought for me. T^is act of that as we were Zoroastrians it was not had barely touched our community, grace and generosity was a joy to me. quite proper for us to visit the temples Six decades have passed since then; yet Qf the Zoroastrian families that and mosques of Hindus and Muslims, even today, when the girls of the dwelt in our lane, there was one better- In olden days, the superstition about community have been educated side t placed in life than ours. The head of the evil-eye was wide-spread, and by side with the boys, thus lending that family had studied English and everyone was most wary about saving lustre and refinement to it, superstitions the children were also being educated, children from its ill-effects. To ward exist. Quite a few go to temples and Whenever they went for an outing in off evil, children ’s eyes were blackened! tabernacles in search of sanyasis and a carriage they took me along with On both the temples, too, large spots sayids, pirs and priests. That such a them. Once I got the opportunity of of soot were imprinted. The more state of affairs should exist in this age going to Clifton with that family. As cautious even put such spots on the of enlightenment! 1 SERSON Electrolytic Capacitors For All Electronic Applications From 12 VDC To 450 VDC Manufacturers : Serson Industries Pvt. Ltd. Pimpri P. F. P. O., Poona-18. Cable: Etchfoil Poona-18. • Phone: 82379 45Home-Made •1 Cactus GEETA DOCTOR i Adi Marzban ’s “Cactus Flower ’’ is times, I LL _1_________ ___ perfect —perfect that is in the way appears the same. What ’s *more, "his Ms EWckenson to help him out. She that^a good imitation is a perfect copy audiences love it. The mood of a crowd at first overjoyed at his proposal i thing is a Hollywood film (from a start, is restless, excited, buoyant with she redises, almosf at once, that it but his basic philosophy dicament and as usual he as! uiai A guuu uiuiauuu IS a perieci copy auuiences love ii. ine mooa or a crowa at urst overjoyed at nis proposal i of the real thing. In this case, the real waiting outside for one of his plays to marriage and deeply wounded whi thing is a Hollywood film (from a start, is restless, excited, buoyant with she realises, almost at once, that it Broadway play) starring Ingrid the certainty that there, inside, a great not at all in the way she hopes it to Bergman and Walter Mathau, with big, Daddy/Uncle is waiting for them. But her hurt pride allows her to ) Goldie Hawn, a cross between a canary in the wings unseen, but with the ability through the pretence of meeting To bird and a sex bomb, thrown in for to tickle them out of their routine and persuading her that she is qui hysterical distraction. existence and give them two, or even happy to give Dr Winston his “divorce Mr Nferzban needs to be compli- three, solid hours of fun. And the so that he can be free to marry her. ‘ mented in having the courage to follow miracle is that he never disappoints in the footsteps of such a combination, them. He must obviously work on the prin- She does her part so well that th . tender-hearted Toni now spends a He must obviously work on the prin- The good news for those who may her evenings with the Doctor, brooc ciple that if you can manage to copy not yet have seen Cactus Flower is ing over his wife, until the latter tell a good act well, you can’t go wrong, that today there is a great deal more her. in another hasty moment of in He not only manages to do this, but of leg power. Not only does the scene spiration, that his “wife ’’ is a nympho by paralleling and echoing the original open with Toni (Dhun Billimoria) maniac. This leads to further complica performance so closely, he succeeds stretched out delectably on her bed tions, whereby Ms Dickenson is coaxe< * - I , I I f I ¦ . .iwAAtMji TTiixovk/ui, auu ma uuiac wiiv avvvpua a vuci IViRrzbdn IS3n Old-fdShioned assistant, Ms Stephanie Dickenson, as of the Doctor ’s patients. entertainer of the music hall genre, indulging the audience with a little bit of leg, a lot of song and dance, a few naughty, but not dirty jokes and a good story line. in invoking the personalities of the in a premature bid at suicide, wearing to go to a nightclub along with an oli * screen actors to lend an added dimen- only a nightie, but her next door and somewhat lecherous friend of f sion of glamour and grandeur to his neighbour, Igor (Homee Wadia) who Doctor, Harvey Greenfield (Dinyal actors on the stage. Whether in the rescues her dso spends half the time Contractor) to lend credence to tra process he gains or loses in his stature wandering in and out in various shades Doctor ’s description of her. In th| as a director, becomes almost an of underwear. The other notable meanwhile, Toni is getting into thl academic question. The truth, one advance is that while film censors habit of confiding in Igor, who is n<^ suspects, is that Mr Marzban is an spend their time debating whether only closer to her age, but not blind old-fashioned entertainer of the music kissing is, or is not obscene, to die to her charms either. hall genre, indulging the audience with Indian mind on the stage, the practice A climax occurs when Toni, in a a little bit of leg, a lot of song and has really come of age. The on-stage typically impulsive gesture, sends dance, a few naughty, but not dirty kissing was conducted in the most Stephanie a mink stole that Dr Winston jokes, and a good story line to keep pleasant, healthy and appetizing has sent for her along with an affec- it all together. He may have turned manner, quite unlike the hasty nibble- tionate note. The mink stole and the to sophisticated Hollywood, or Broad- on-the-cheek routine that used to pass misdirected note so transforms way sex comedies to keep up with the for passion in the old days. Ms Dickenson, that from an antiseptic The plot is a complicated one which Cinderella of the dentist ’s waiting involves two sets of people, a dentist, room, she becomes a vivacious woman Dr Julian Winston, and his nurse who accepts a gallant offer from one well as Toni, Dr Julian ’s girlfriend and American diplomat (Burjor Patel) to her neighbour, Igor, who are all go to a ball. They end up in the same scrambled madly together, until finally disco where Toni, Dr Winston and the matdung couples end up on the Igor are spending the evening, and the same plate. Ms Dickenson (Ruby transform^ Ms Dickenson, in full Patel) is staid and efficient. Dr Julian bloom, now attracts Igor and spends Winston (Hosi Vasunia) is a gay the entire evening dancing with him. bachelor who finds it convenient to Neither Toni nor Dr Winston are pre ­ pretend that he is a married man while pared for this state of affairs and the he philanders, until he decides that he manner in which they sort out their wants to marry Toni. She, however, mistaken affiliations, provides the conceives of a strange wish to meet denouement of the play. his wife before she can agree to marry As the favourite hero in a series of „ him. Dr Wington is in a terrible pre- similar sex comedies, Hosi Vasunia is 46a man more sinned against than sinn- crisis. Ruby ’s transformation, on which ing, who now wears the permanently the whole theme of the play depends. and false eyelashes painted halfway . ... down her cheek, and since the real worried expression of a bloodhound is most credible. She blossoms forth Hawn made such a lasting impression who can’t find any blood. His cultivated into passion and her nightclub scene on the mind, we do not mind getting American drawl, “How WURRY is worth seeing just for itself (choreo- a less than glittering Dhun. Burjor nice ”, his typical jowl-sagging expres- graphed expertly by Salome Roy Patel was good as the amorous Latin sion of a modern hero ’s existential Kapur). It is a contagious, exhilarating, despair at the slings and arrows of out ­ rageous fate, has become so familiar that other actors tend to behave in the same way. Both Dhun and Homee frequently had the jowls-down look fhelr time debatlnq to register comic despair and in the i ” first scene when Igor climbs in through whetner KlSSing iS, Of is Toni ’s window, his manner of speaking and walking is straightforward Homi , who can’t find any blood. His cultivated into passion and her nightclub scene “How WURRY is worth seeing just for itself (choreo- American diplomat, while Dinyar Contractor bounced through his role like the durable India rubber actor that he is. The lesser figures were dis ­ appointing. Mrs Durant as a rich patient being more bitchy than over ­ bearing. crudely suggestive rather than coyly sensual, in attracting the Doctor ’s attentions. A special mention must be made about the sets that really moved on oil wheels and the lighting which had to snap shut briskly to sustain the movie style, freeze-and-cut acting, at the end of each of the 18 different sequences. One sat apprehensively, expecting all the worst kinds of mix-ups to take place during each one of the numerous changes, some of which took place in thinking? feenng5 mteUigent near total darkness, and not a single While film censors spend not obscene, to the Vasunia. While one ” appreciates the Indian mind nn fha ctanp * talents of Mr Vasunia in the field of ’^0180 mino, On tne Stage light comedy, it is really somewhat the practice haS reallv distressing to imagine future, genera- . tions of trag^y-stricken blood- COme Of age. hounds baying across the stage in imitation of him. ¦^e real surprise of the evening is and triumphantly liberating experience. Ruby Patel. At last she is in a role For once she seems to be playing the that is closer to her real age and part of a physiognomy rather than the usually woman, and she gives an intelligent hitch was perceptible. Our doubts . scatty heroines that she plays. At last performance. regarding Mr Marzban ’s ultimate value also she appears to have learnt the As for the rest, a slimmer, sweeter, a® a director notwithstanding, this, no meaning of the word ‘restraint ’ and more cuddlesome Dhun, is so pleasant less than the other aspects of the show, there is none of the usual yodelling to watch, that it does not matter at all ^^s a measure of the thoroughly pro- in the upper register that she normally if she can’t act. At least she tries hard fessional level attained by the whole As for the rest, a slimmer, sweeter. there is none of the usual yodelling to watch, that it does not matter at all r _.................. 2 _____ ____ . .._ _____ „„„ _ __ 1 resorts to in moments of emotional to be Goldie Hawn, with tousled hair performance. Vasonia and Patel : “mistaken aflfiliatioas ”. I i ¦ 5^^ BOOKS WANTED Wanted urgently : The Religious Customs and Ceremonies of the Parsees by Jivanji Jamshedji Modi. Please write to C. Munshi, 1 Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Bombay 400 005 or telephone 212301 at about 4.30 p.m. on any day. M F JOB VACANCY We are a small Parsee Charitable Trust located at Marve Beach, Bombay- 400 064. We need an Assistant Matron who can run an establishment, especially the supervision, of kitchen and household staff. The person should be of a friendly nature, must personally know cooking and be fond of children as occasional demands by the children staying at the Home will be made. Preferably the applicant will be middle-aged or elderly with no dependants or encumbrances of any sort; also should read, write and talk English. The post carries a reasonable salary plus free boarding and lodging. Apply to Mr. J. R. Taleyarkhan or Mr. R. J. Taleyarkhan, J. J. Hospital Nursing Association, Shale Building, Bank Street, Bombay 400 023. p- 41IN MEMORMM WONDER JOCKEY press and regular racegoers, many of Karl “had racing in his blood, ” stat whom had come from Poona. ' ~ The Bombay Samachar's a reporter of the Indian Express. I __ - _______ _______ - “In had demonstrated his prowess on tl They referred to him as “the Golden Mempriam ” column says, “He rode track even as a child when he part Boy of the Turf ”, a 19-year-old wonder for the fun of it, for the sake of sport cipated in the mounted sports ari I race mee jockey who broke the Indian record and for the thousands of punters who later at the gymkhana for the largest number of wins in a had absolute confidence in his where he was often champion rider, day after Karl Umrigar established his column in the Evening News praises in single season, at one centre. But the integrity. ” Busybee. in his popular He first donned his tiding coloui .4.,., ir„-i __i----- .u. January 1977, at the age of T triumphant place in jockeying history, him as the “first of the new breed of after he passed out of Cathedra a freak fall from his mount, Vasudha, jockeys...He brought class and dis- School, where he excelled at boxin during the first race of the last day tinction to the profession and every and gymnastics. His first professiona of the 1978-79 Bombay season, caused jockey gained in respect with his ride on Loyal Dream, the favouritt serious injuries that proved fatal entry. ” He adds, “Karl Umrigar had was a nightmare as the mount finishe 18 days later. in just a season and a half become unplaced. Umrigar’s determination t< Hundreds of people from every the racegoer ’s favourite, by his quiet win, however, soon saw him tearin strata of the racing fraternity flocked manners as much as by his hard rid- past the winning post, lengths aheat to the Bhabha Bangli, Doongerwadi, ing.” The Times of India racing sports on race tracks all over the country, to pay their last respects to the popular correspondent, Pegasus notes, “His rid- He was retained as first jockey by th champion. Mourners include the ing technique improved with every dominant stable of Western India, tha pbaimsrenr of aud Ms Goculdas and Mr Mulra The younger son of Jimmy and D. Gokuldas. Champion jockey of th Turf Club, prominent owners, breeders, Dhun Umrigar, amateur riders and Poona meet in 1977, the same yea trainers, jockeys, members of the racing well-known figures in the racing world, saw him second to Vasant Shinde oi ]8 days later. to the Bhabha Bangli, Doongerwadi, ing.” The Times of India racing sports on race tracks all over the country, to pay their last respects to the popular correspondent, Pegasus notes, “His rid- chair^rson, committee members, and mount. ’ stewards of the Royal Western India “V I % sX «*» H I f MT' 48i f I •Os-. Irani f Lain ¦ ¦ J ¦ -J the foremost Indian race track at H Mahalaxmi. Retaining the Poona ¦ championship the following year, he H was narrowly beaten by Shinde in the H Bangalore races where he rode Royal H Tern to victory in the Bangalore Derby ¦ and Colts Trial. The fatal 1978-79 ¦ seasons in Bombay won him three B classics with Royal Tern (Indian Derby and 2,0{X) guineas) and Tulipa (Indian H Oaks). However, his greatest moment B of victory was when he triumphantly rode his 54th winner of the season, K breaking the former record of 53, set !-¦ by Vasant Shinde in 1974-75' B As The Illustrated Weekly noted in sB an obituary, Umrigar had a long way SB to go and much to do; to graduate from a rider of winners to a maker of horses, to forge an individual style that would set on his riding the stamp | of distinction. And, writes Pegasus, ythere is every reason to believe that, in the normal course, he would have found a place in the short list of great kedah) as jockeys ,,who have ridden in this einployee. ” co^try. Peshotan Nargolwala who worked He IS survived by his parents Dhun closely with Irani in several associa- and Jimmy, his brother Neville and tions referred to Irani as an “active sister Tina. Shirin Bahadurji Zoroastrian. . .when starting on a pro- r,- J . ns- I* „ . , . ject, he would tell us don ’t think in Irani, 76, terms of very large funds or very great vice-presdent and trustee of the publicity but in hard work for the raman Zoroastrian Ai^uman and an cause ... even if we achieve only active member and office bearer in 25 percent results, it will be worth- several community associations, many while. ” Sehra Singara, a vice-president 0 them linked to fostering closer of the Iran League of which Irani was vice-president and founder- Died : Jamshed Lam, 83, noted heart tt L ’ Bombay, of a editor of its Quarterly hlewsletter Bombay lawyer and chairman of attack. described him as “a real worker for several charitable organizations, fol- alwavJ in th League. ” lowing a heart attack on 8 June 1978 Iways clad in the traditional fetah At a condolence meeting held the at Lonavla. ZoroaSn Fmninvmfnt evening at the Iran League A senior partner in the noted Employment Center which office. League President Sir Jamsetjee Bombay law firm of Eastley Lam & neiped place community members in t—— j ----- •>- -« - - ,. . < jobs, served on a committee to help Zoroastrians secure jobs in tried persistently to encourage entre- freemasonry. preneurship in the community. In the “At a time when it became fashion- Executive Council of the Federation able lixt vidvia ui" of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of community to deride Parsee youth... India on which he represented the Dinshawji always spoke highly of Anjuman and the Third World them, gr/ Zoroastrian Congress he spoke on the inspiration ne^ for economic uplift. ____ -- He was an inspiration to us, ” said newsletter written by Vispi S Dastur. Noshir M. Irani, president of the - r Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman, at a j _____ _______________ ___ meeting held at the and the Billimoria High School in to their homes and "starT^work there; Anjumans premises on Scptr —bcr 22. ” ’ ' ” , _ . _ “Dinshawji devoted his time and near ___ energy to the community. He died in Market prior to retiring from business harness working for it. ” •_ . .. . ® , . lAnoi-iiaa KT H KjT* K 1 TT •• t • 1 ? r ttixuqv WVlAlUg, Xiaill I CUIVIXU^TII I'cllSi 0^11,001, SIOOO iSa p community affairs first in the final law exam and received priest ot the Petit Fash Atash Kedah r —- ’ ’ • • - . . . - , of which Irani was the i_____________ ___ anu trustee for many years related at the had the honour of representing the meePng how “Dinshawji came every Zoroastrians of India at the coronation day exactly at eight a.m. (to .the atash of the Shah of Iran. though he were an Always full of good humour, Irani could be counted on to enliven any function either as a speaker, master of ceremonies or even as a guest. Dastur also related how when he and Irani were in Calcutta in 1975 Dinshawji spent an afternoon riding in the trams “for old times sake. ” Irani leaves behind his wife Banoo, his daughters Jerbanoo, Dilnavaz and sons Beheram and Darayush, in Calcutta on also a vice-president and founder- same evening at the Iran League Dicd : Jamshed Lam, Jeejeebhoy described Irani as “frugal Company, Lam put his legal acumen and simple in his habits ” while Jehangir to work in several community trusts Iran and Shroff spoke of Irani ’s contributions to such as Sunaiji Hirji Agiary in Bombay and the Banaji Trust, both At a time when it became fashion- of which he was chairman, and the ! amongst the ^Iders of the Dosibai and Jehangir Dadabhoy Trust J J- r, which built an old peoples ’ home about five years ago in the Masina giving them encouragement. Hospital. He also took a keen interest ¦ I and proper practical in the welfare of the blind, and was guidance, ” stated an ^itorial in the chairman of the Shirinbai Mancherji u.. e ... Home for the Blind at Jogeshwari Born in Bombay, Irani was educated where the blind were fed, clothed, at Bharda High School in Bombay trained and given money to return at the and the Billimoria High ^hool in to their homes and start work there; ^ptember 2L Panchgani. He ran the Empire Stores Lam was also associated with the Tata near ^mbay ’s weU-known (ZraAyford Agricultural Colony for the Blind. - - - - - . Bombay-born Lam attended the in 1974. JEven whils^ working, Irani Panchgani Parsi High School, stood serving on the working committee of several prizes including the^an^lor ’s managing all three Zoroastrian Congresses and Gold Medal. His wife, Ms Lam, the first Indian lady to become a barrister and later appointed the first lady sheriff of I 49i P^' 1 i r k II Bombay, noted 1^ husband enc^it^ed me, ” in social work. from his wife, Lam leaves behind his son, Sohrab, an orthopaedic consultant in England. Dirf: Dr, Godrej Sor^ji Karai, 56, eminent heart and lung surgeon and former President of the Association of Thoracic and Cardio-Vascular Surgeons of India; of cancer in July ¦; ” 1978 in Calcutta. The first Indian to receive the Evarts ¦ A. Graham Memorial Travel Fellow- ship, he was an Assistant Clinical Professor at Harvard University while in the U.S.A., and worked on cardiac BjH homotransplantation at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. |H At a condolence meeting convened Hi by the Zoroastrian Community of Calcutta at the D. B. Mehta ’s Anjuman Atash'Adaran on August 6, Karai’s to the field of medicine -------- Kooweage oi Zoroastrian religion to children, ” community was recalled. A gentle ----j - i . - healer, and a most orthodox and true co-religionist, ” is how Dr Russi D. Anklesaria referred to the deceased. “His dedication, style of work were enco^^ed me, ” in social work. •’ behind his wn, Sohrab, an orthopaedic ;i Modi 4*' B ii Captain he had malignant cancer...he lived and worked as if the hand of death was not on him. ” Karai leaves behind his wife, Homai mmment and Zoroastrian Association, “he was 'pas^^deJJ^T^L “SS p^fessional, ” ntS'^JSsh'S K^S^BrS’&tmtatag MaJ-bl^war; on ^taY wYs 1 man'oV tiS SS^^repatS^'XtS?^ » S Schlo?"' 'j.™ mmd and a man of faith. His mind which were actually recorded after ^ . . College of Surgeons, obtaining his n --------- - — uvu „au admitted to the Fellowship of the tried to promote a Sunday school for American College of Surgeons. • ------ - He held teaching posts in various capacities in the Medical College, Nilratan Sarkar Medical College, ^KM Hospital, Unwersity College axsrxaxv, vaoiiis umve a year. Hospital, Institute of Child Health and clubs, camps; all these claimed a the National Medical College, Calcutta, sufficiently justifiable share of their where lie was Head of the Department ' - - and Professor of Thoracic and Cardio ­ vascular Surgery. He was also attached classes for imparting knowledge of --- ,.4 .J ‘A gentle noted an obituary wnter in the Navroz Weekly of 29 July 1978. “Before his death ”, noted D. B. Surti, Honorary Secretary of The Parsi commitment and Zoroastrian Association, V Al •— . — Z— vuiluicn ana irainins n w ladies who could conduct classes in different localities. He — to Canada and the U.S.A. In a letter to Moddie written before the Third World Zoroastrian Congress in January 1978, Karai wrote his views ( ¦’ 15 November at his Mahableshwar residence. the Israelite press. He was a former director of Western India Theatres. A keen sportsman. Modi served on the Turf Club House Committee. As _____ _ Mahableshwar, he “took a keen and writes his wife Mariam. Born in Ajmer, Modi passed his matriculation from New Hij * “ ' ' Md graduated from E He'' moved to Poona in 1928 and in 1976 opted for the serenity of the Western Ghat hill station of Mahableshwar. He is survived by his wife. fl 11 roast persevere to study the Avesta and deep interest in this burial ground ” not expect its wisdom and grace to —........................ ' come easily. “For ten years, Karai had * ' ~ __ ? Zoroastrian Children and the number had shrunk from twenty to two, ” says College. Moddie. “Parents ’ excuses were their children were over-worked in schools, tutions at home, exams thrice a year, ------- ------- la i School Iphinstone Hl i 5 • time to deflect the spirit from an hour sp^t on learning about that very ?zx 41, xi xr J- -------itself. Karai concluded, ‘I to the Calcutta Medical Research disagree when they say there is no A student of religion and philosophy, at the Ramakrishna Mission Institute and attended ‘talks ’ by various scholars of different faiths. He studied the Aveste and the Gathas as well as Uie translations of Zoroastrian scrip- himself kept the flame alight through tures, gave several ‘talks ’ at the Parsi all his suffering till the end. For the Anjuman Atash Adaran and conducted better part of the last year he knew Institute and the B. R. Singh Hospital. A student of religion and philosophy, “he very frequently attended lectures Karai concluded. Died : Kadd Captain, 66, Pakistani Industrialist and Merchant Navy pioneer; of heart failure, on 28th October, in Karachi, Captain founded ^e Farrc^h Chemical Industries and silicate manufacturing organization. Bom in Bombay, Captain was a seafarer from 1927-1951 who “scored many firsts and played a leading role in the foundation of the Merc hant Navy of Pakistan ”, notes a family source; his last post as a seafarer proper source of knowledge, for often I found that “satisfactory ” answers _ _ ___ _ uiuiuihk, miu were only those that were agreeable C^ptm^*'^emic^"Mustrire, “a”l^ to themselves, rationalized their desires, -------¦ • . . ° or was a short-cut to avoid the effort on their part ”. ‘Godi wrote in sorrow, but within tures, gave several ‘talks ’ at the Parsi all his suffering tilT the end^ For the ‘talks ’ by “I 51«J MJ being Marine Superintendent of the Mahmoodi Shipping Company. He also established The Captain Foundation, a charitable trust that set up several medical dispensaries for the needy. The son of Rustom and Pheroza Captain and grandson of the well- known Parsi author, thinker and re ­ former, Kaekhosrou Kabraji, Captain is survived by wife Frainy, daughter Spenta and son Farrokh. I 44?- 'W V J 4 4 Died : Soli Shiavux Cardmaster, 53, past Chairman of Indian Institution of Plant Engineers; and former Deputy Managing Director of Bakelite Hylam Ltd., of cudiac arrest, on October 13, Tl 1978, at his residence in Secunderabad. " ? Bom on 3rd December, 1924 in Bombay, Cardmaster obtained his Master ’s degree in Chemical Engineer ­ ing from the University of Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A, and began his career in 1952 as a factory manager at Bakelite Hylam Ltd. and recently established his own company called “Fosan Company ”. A condolence meeting was held on October 13 by the employees of Bakelite Hylam Ltd., Santhnagar, to mourn the death of their pioneer. The factory was closed for the day as a mark of respect. Cardmaster leaves behind his wife Meher and two daughters, Seemonil and Firoza, Cardmaster, Died : Dr Keki Burjor Fracis, 62, Medical Officer of Bai R. J. Chenoy Charitable Dispensary, Secund^abad, for nearly 30 years; ? failure, on 9th September 1978, in Secunderabad. He was an Asst. Hon. Physician and Asst. Hon. Professor of Medicine in Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad, from 1954-1968 and worked in the J. J. Group of Hospitals, Bombay, from 1945-1946 and at the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Bombay, from 1946-1947. on Ftads I A graduate from the Royal Insti tute of Science, Bombay, Fra^ obtained his MBBS degree from t^ of heart Grant Medical College, Bombay 1944 and his Doctorate of Median M.D, (General Medicine) in 1950 fro^ the University of Bombay. 1 One of the three to four Panj doctors in the twin cities, Fracis, tlM son of late Dr Burjor and Dinanui| Fracis, is survived by his wife Sarosi^ son Burjor, sister Silloo, and brothefl Homi, Jamshed and Hoshang. > Dr B. S. Surit Secunderabai _____ ___ _ _______ _ __ _ > IN MEMORIAM Died : Ms Rutty Phiroze Engineer, 46, partner with S. D. Engineer & Son, Licensed Ship ­ ping. Clearing and Forwarding Agents; of cancer on 18th April, 1979, at the Bombay Hospital. Born in Secunderabad, Ms Engineer did her schooling from St. Ann’s Convent, Secunderabad and her graduation from Naoroji Wadia College, Poona in 1955. She bore her illness of three years with “stoic and remarkable endurance ”. Ms Engineer is survived by husband Phiroze, daughter Roshni, 16, and son Sorab, 19. Rutty Warden is good For sandalwood Head Office 378 Grant Road Bombay 400 007 and Branches Tel. 371464 Quality sandalwood Aggarbattles, gum benzoin (loban) and other Perfumes t \ I 52 IE