May 1981

I 1 1 t I 1 1ii i. f r • I ifa k «S Si , “B; i. 3; U » . .. - 'll May 1981 Volume 3 No. 11 READERS’ FORUM 3 EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES 4 ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD 7 A FEDERATION THAT WORKS’ 9 WORLD CONGRESS PAPERS: ORGANIZATION OR OBLIVION 13 DASTUR DHALLA — XIII SPORTS Cover: The Athornan Boarding Madressa by Anant Kulkarni. EDITOR Jehanglr R. Patel EXECUTIVE BDITG» R. P. Thanavala ASSOCIATE EDITOR Arnavaz Patel DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN Ketayun Chotbla, < Rohinton BilUmorta ADVERTISING Veera Patel Khushroo Amroliwala Earln BilUmoria MANAGEMENT Hanita Irani CIRCULATION M. R. Ambujakshan Nair -S-ft. . 22 36 i) i? <5 Pai^sma Is.pubUidied by Jehanglr R. P^l at^ C/o H. L. Roebat, Nav- saiiO^Bmbers, pmuid floor, 39 A. Na^k Marg, Fort, Bmnb{^r-4(Wflei and mMted by him at the Boip- bay Chronicle Press, Sayed Abdulhi Brelvi Rd., Bon^ay 400 001. All rights reserved. Address all edito­ rial and business correspondence to Parslana G.P.O. Box 892, Bom­ bay 400001. Phone; 268730. Bfelvi #W., BoHtibay 400 001. Annual inland subficrlption: Rs 30 for one year (12 Issues); Rs 55 for two years (24 Issues); Foreign subscription rates: Seamall Rs 50 one year, Rs 90 two years; Airmail Rs 100 one year, Rs 180 two yeara For U.S. personal cheques add $2 to cover bank charges. For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 3 for bank charges. Cheques and drafts arq to be drawn in favour of Parslana. Single copy price Rs 5 and Re 1. All rates sub­ ject to change in postal rates. i A' I ¦5 -I* 1 “VI 5 '1 * ¦ a ¦- • 4 1? '' J 1 'I .. 4 It S-{... READERS’ FORUM Hip 'ilt 1 V ^iw I e 1*^1 controversies over imaginary issues? t __ ___ _ _____ _ People at present are only reacting to lity and .many either traits, are p^uH- a situation that does not exist. L ?__1_, _ 7____ Why should our small community alogy longer thaii the EngUsh Queen, be tom into factions? Why can we not ’ ’ learn froni previous experience and re­ main united, helping-and co-operating with each other? On behalf ¦ of CER, I say that CER Eden at Udvada definitely stands to preserve not only the identity of our people by conserv- • 1% . .r . tzwwzz iixtuvxiix €1X1 aLkvjuiui. w nave a mg our religion as per the tenets (rf the park at Udvada on a barren piece of Zoroastrian faith, but it will also bring .............................. - - - about moral, social and economic en­ hancement which will enrich their liv­ es and also that of posterity. It is the system that we wish to im­ prove, for slackness only degenerates society. We need healthy, wise and energetic people on the Anjuman Committee and I sincerely hope that in future they work as a team, having a common goal and always put service before self as a true Ma25dayasni 2bro- astrian should. DR. YASMIN K. VAJIFDAR colour, size, shape, intellect, adaptabi- ar to Parsis. Many Parsis have a gene- and I am proud to count myself CAPT. R. ]. KATILA amongst them; Since more than two years, I have been making an attempt to have a / J land leading to the Iranshah, and a flowering shaded avenue from the rail­ way station to Udwada. Three forest officers of Gujarat, who are members of our community have taken up the cause. Gaps on the road from the railway station where there are no trees will be planted with flow­ ering plants. I also suggest that we should take the opportunity to have revival meet­ ings in the month of Adar, when large numbers visit Udwada. It is my request to the learned theo­ logians of our community to give lectures on the philosophy of our an­ ient opportunity for Parsis to offer prayers, and know and hear about reli­ gious philosophy and recieve enli^t- enment. J. B. TANTRA Lucknov/ '"JIs -4- - - A! Readers’ views are welcome on any sirirject of interest to the community imd dhoidd be sent to The Editor, Readers* Fmmn, Parsiana, G. P. O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing f. v*-* K/AA vxxv* L/xxxxw,zii7%rLyziT UUi « ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD The Newsletter Network rate ethnic community in our new treasurer; Khushru J. Khajotia, Jam The vast distances between various adopted environment”, not^ the first shed R, Nos^r J. Mutry Zoroastrian associations of the world are slowly being narrowed by mimeo­ graphed two-to-eight page news­ letters. Gavashni the newsletter of the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec (ZAQ), was the first to charge a sub­ Zoroastrian Society of British Colura- and Khorshed B. Vakil committee bia editorial in Gavashni, summing up members. the need of Zoroastrian communities all over the world. Also elected to the Committee of Management of the Parsi Lodge Charity are Nargis K. Medora, Beh- ram R. Vakil and Rutton M. H. Patel, according to the release. The first official newsletter of the Parsi Association, Singapore, has been The Zoroastrian Association scription and recently permitted other of Albeita associations to ' ‘ ' ’ " ’ " publication. In Australia, the Austra lian Zoroastrian Association news- -------------- --------------- — --------- - letter has started to accept advertise- (ZAA), reportedly the fourth and the newsletter contains local community ments at the rate of Australia $ 40 newest Zoroastrian association of a recipe corner entitled Jamwa (approximately Rs 377) for a full Canada. The Association was formally G/mo Ji and a quiz for which a cash page. registered on 17 December 1980. -------- In addition to informing members though it was in existance since June of the same year, notes a letter from the Association’s president Neeluni send their news for The Zoroastrians of the west Canadian province of Alberta, have formed the _ . ----- Zoroastrian Association of Alberta published by the new Committee. The (ZAA), reportedly the fourth and the newest Zoroastrian association of prize of Singapore $5 will be awarded. Comments, criticisms and contribu­ tions towards the newsletter are invit­ ed, notes the Social Secretary Khor­ shed Vakil. of community events and develop­ ments, providing historical and reli­ gious snippets, the newsletters also Erach Austin, provide an effective medium for vari- OUS community fund raising drives. Appeals for contributions for commu­ nity centres, deserving students, hospi­ talized community members, establish­ ment of foundations, housing, sports, are some of the worthy causes under- - ~ . x - . - taken by the newsletteis. equal participation from needs assistance in meeting the cost The publications also generate both the cities on the Executive Com- of $ 3,615 (approximately Rs 30,366) career and business opportunities by mittee, and with the President alter- for his education at Gallaudet College, listing job vacancies, goods and nating each year between Edmonton Kandall Green, Washington D.C. services marketed by community Calgary. Darayus is a deserving case. His members. “The Zbroastrian community in father is a retired Marine Engineer, The most regular newsletters are from the Zoroastrian Society of Bri- - - r tish Columbia, edited by Jamshed about 12 in Edmonton. They have had I Pavn and one of the first associations, to have a newsletter, the Zo­ roastrian Associ^ion of Greater of Ontario, the Zoroastrian Associa- Neelum Erach Austin, president; Marezban Jehai^r Cantemwalla, vice presideht, Calgary Chapter; Ruby annual expenses, and is in need of Pilsuni Master, general secretary/ financial assistance.” treasurer;. Zubin Dastoor, social secre- Ratan K. Vakeel, also handicapped tary, Calgary Chapter; Hushtaqp Russy by a hearing impairment needs help Bhumgara, vice president, Ettaonton in pursuing further studies in the who are attended Austin notes, “The ZAA is perhaps quite unique compared to the other An Appeal for Aid Zoroastrian Associations throughout The Zoroastrian Association of North America, as it comprises of Qubec’s quarterly newsletter Gavashni membership from two of its main (March) sends out appeals for financial cities: Edmonton (capital of Alberta) aid to two handicapped students, and Calgary, which they call “Chap- Darayus Confectioner, a deaf student ters,” with equal participation from both the cities on the Executive Com­ mittee, and with the President alter- and Calgary. “The Zoroastrian community in Alberta is still vety small; there are only about 17 families in Calgary and and his mother—a deaf housewife— and he has a deaf sister. Coming from such an environment, Darayus has shown great courage and confidence have a newsletter. Association of New York, the Zoroastnan Society several very successful functions and get-togethers and the enthusiasm to venture into a foreign socio-cul- appears to be growing. tural environment. He has been award- scholarships from Sir H. N. Mody Trust, Time and Talents Club, Sir Dorab Tata Trust, A. S. F. Patel Charity Fund. However, all that money amounts only to a part of his “The ZAA’s first Executive Com- tion of Quebec, the Zoroastrian Asso- ^5^ elated as under: ciation of Metropolitan Chicago, the Australian Zoroastrian Association, the Borivili and Suburban Zoroastrian Association and the Poona Parsi Pan- chayat. The Borivili and Suburban Zoroastrian Association newsletters. the first of its kind in India, was _ - , . edited by A F Cama who recently Chapter; Zerxes Piroshaw Talavia, special education of those “special schools before she was inte- without the Association. ton Chapter. grated in a normal school in England. The Federation of Parsi Zoroas- Since completing her studies in Eng- trian Anjumans of India, which is Singapore Committee land, she has completed a two year emerging out of hibernation, has -start- Rutton M. H. Patel has been elected course in General Education at the ed a newsletter edited by Keki Gandhi president of The Parsi Association of Community College of Denver, This for the various member anjumans as Singapore for 1981 at the Annual enabled her to register as an under­ well as for distribution abroad. General Meeting held on 28 March, graduate student at the University of The opening up of a “source of notes a release from the Association. Denver. dialogue between our scattered com Other office bearers elected for 1981 “The choice of this University was, munity ... we consider as a first neces- are: Jamshid K. Medora, vice-presi- ‘because it has one of the most advanc- sary step for our survival as a sepa- dent; Cyrus K. Medora, secretary/ Continued on page 29 Ratan K. Vakeel, also handicapped the first of its kind in India, was Spired 7n Bomb^T and whose' loss assistant secretary/treasurer; Sheroo hearing-impaired, will be greatly felt both within and Homi Elavia, social secretary, Edmon- - ¦ ton Chapter. Rutton M. H. Patel has been elected Singapore for 1981 at the Annual enabled her to register as an under­ General Meeting held on 28 March, notes a release from the Association. Other office bearers elected for 1981 are: Jamshid K. Medora, vice-presi­ dent; Gyms K. Medora, secretary/ 7“A FEDERATION THAT WORKS” 3 ' Through a series of deft manoeuvres ? aimed at revitalizing the beleaguered | Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian An- | jumans of India, delegates of the vari- I OUS anjumans unamiously elected | Nani Palkhivala, the eminent jurist, to head the community’s apex body. (As this issue oj Parsiana goes to press, it is learnt that Palkhivala who had initially agreed to accept the pre­ sidency, has declined the post.) The vote to elect Palkhivala, India’s former •ambassador to the U.S.A., was taken at the extraordina­ ry general body meeting of the Fede­ ration held in New Delhi on April 12. Prior to the vote, the delegates amend­ ed a clause in the constitution stating that the chairman of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat (BPP) was the ex officio president of the Federation. The Federation has been without a president for over three years follow­ ing the abrupt withdrawal of the BPP over some critical remarks on the Panchayat’s election system made at the Third World Zoroastrian Cong­ ress in 1978 by Shiavax Nargolwala, the controversial head of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman. Several of the delegates voiced their apprehension at amending the constitution for fear of offending the anjumans who have withdrawn from the Federation, and asked for more time to debate the matter. Jamshed Italia, head of the Secunderabad and Hyderabad Parsi Zoroastrian Anju­ man and a vice-president of the Fede­ ration from the South Zone who did not attend the meeting, cabled label­ ling the meeting “illegal, unconstitu­ tional and not binding.” Ardeshir Batlivala, of Calcutta, a Federation vice-president from the East Zone, felt the delegates should “wait and inform the others that this matter has been adjourned.” Hosha- ng Debara from the Agra Parsi An- juman and Dadi Mistry of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman concurred with Batli­ vala, while Shapur Dalal who repre­ sented the Jamshedpur Parsi Associ­ ation stated he would abstain from the voting as he had not received in­ structions from Jamshedpur. Dalal, a former resident of Jamshedpur now residing in Delhi, was requested to represent the Jamshedpur Parsi Asso­ ciation at the last moment when the association was unable to send a local ' representative. Nargolwala and Keki Gandhi, the elect Palkhivala: volte-face co- Federation’s hoi^9rary secretary, untered the arguments with Nargol- wala claiming the meeting to be “fully legal and constitutional.” “Mr Italia has not paid the sub­ scription for the current year, there­ fore he has no locus standi” said Nargolwala. “Bangalore has passed a resolution to resign from the Federa­ tion. We are not forcing anybody to resign but once you have withdrawn, then obviously your argument that they should be given more time to consider is not valid. The BPP has circulated to all the anjumans with the exception of Delhi, a draft consti­ tution of a parallel body.” In the past, the Press attended the Federation meeting at the will of the delegates and often against it. stifled? We cannot be taken for a ride for years together.” Referring to the internecine wrangl- ings of the Federation, Gandhi askrf, “If two people disagree, should the community suffer? There are repeat­ ed efforts being made to stifle the Federation for what reason I don’t know. Since 1978 the Federation has been without a president. The presi­ dent is the heart and mind of the Federation. It is in the interests of the Federation to have a man like Mr Pal- khivala as its president.” Dr Ratan H. Sagar, president of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Al­ lahabad said the matter “should not be kept pending,” while Hoshi Press, a Delhi resident representing the Cal­ cutta Zoroastrian Community’s Reli­ gious and Charity Funds noted “that for a long time everything is getting postponed... there is a lot of filibust- • ering on the part of some people, as Gandhi says, I don’t know why. The Federation will lose its creditability. The time has come to grab the bull by the horns and act.” The “some people” that both Gan­ dhi and Press were referring to inclu­ ded Mistry, who at one time was Nargolwala’s most ardent supporter in the Federation as well as in the Delhi Parsi Anjuman. But as the diffe­ rences within the Federation arose. Mistry, who initially tried to act as a peacemaker, slowly became the spok­ esman for the more moderate element in the BPP, namely BPP Trustee Jamshed Guzder as well as the anju­ mans of the South. Mistry’s estrange­ ment from Nargolwala, which was ap­ parent in several of the earlier exe­ cutive council meetings, surfaced at the April 11 and 12, executive council and general body meetings. “I support the (constitutional) am­ endments whole-heartedly,” said Mi­ stry, “But the manner (in which they are sought to be implemented) is not acceptable.” Mistry said the amend­ ments “were jiot discussed even in our own anjuman.” He further point- Noting that the mandatory 30 days notice had been provided for the amendments, as well as mention had ed out that of the seven anjumans re- bsen made of the changes in the De- presented, only “four anjumans are cember Executive Council Meeting, represented by delegates who are Nargolwala said the concerned anju- wholly from them.” Mistry question­ mans “should have called a meeting, ed what knowledge of Jabalpore had They can call a meeting to withdraw Major Percy Nazir, a Delhi resident from the Federation but not to con- representing the J^alpore Parsi An- sider the change in rules. How can juman who favoured proceeding with you be allowed to blow hot and cold, the amendments. Nazir made mention of an aramgah wall that was in numb­ ers of Zoroastrians outside Bombay as well as to solve the problem of housing in Bombay, the Federation recommends that various anjumans keep each other informed through the Federation’s newsletter of jobs, care­ er opportunities civic housing, etc. available. Diminishing Priests RECOMMENDATIONS Assets and Institutions of Anjinnans The Federation should collect data on the assets of the various anjumans of India, and the institutions managed by them, especially in the case of the smaller anjumans. As the Parsi popu­ lation is dwindling and in some cases _________ _____ is non-existant, appropriate measures The Federation should seek the guid- should be taken to administer the as- j - • - .................. sets of defunct anjumans. i The alternatives such anjumans mans outside Bombay can best cope must consider, are whether to maint- i........ '' - ......... ain the institutions at considerable of full time priests for attending to the cost, or put them to alternative uses spiritual ne^s of the community, or as a last resort, dispose them off looking after the Agiaries and and utilise the proceeds for the wel- forming religious ceremonies, fare of the community. The Federation recommends that this Minorities Commissions exercise should be carried out at the Zoroastrians scattered over various Federation level and if the concerned P^Jts of India are facing socio-econo- amenities. ance of the learned high priests and invite their opinion as to how anju- with the problems of non availability of full time priests for attending to the per- anjuman requires any assistance, the ““c problems due to their small po- ” ' ¦ ¦ ' ‘ pulations. It is, therefore, essential that anjumans in various states seek representations on the minority com­ missions of their respective states. The Federation should seek represen­ tation on the central minorities com­ mission. Federation should request a neighbo­ uring anjuman to assist. Marriage To tackle the situation of late marri­ age, not marrying at all, and marrying outside the community, the Federa­ tion recommends the exchange of data between anjumans on the sub­ ject. Apart from financial and housing difficulties, attitudes toward i___ and procreation need to be studied and tackled suitably. For this purpose the Federation is in the process of formulating questionnaires, adequate national basis. Leadership The leadership role of the various anjumans should be augmented or . _ supplemented by the Federation. Each inamage anjuman should list its priorities after discussions within the anjuman and communicate them to the Federa­ tion for establishing priorities on a With Compliments From GLOBE THEATRES PVT. LTD. Established April 3,1915 Controlling: REGAL BOMBAY CAPITOL BOMBAY GLOBE CALCUTTA ROXY MADRAS 11 j 1 b¦ apers id* k 1 r * Organization or Oblivion At the Third World Zoroastrian Congress held in Bombay in January 1974, four papers were read on “The Setting up of an (humanisation to provide a link between World Zoroastrians and Continuity of Action after each World Zoroastrian Congress”. The speakers were. Professor Erach Dinshah Munshi, one of the founders of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York, Keki Ruttonshaw Bhote, an active member of the Zoroastrians in Illinois, U.S.A., Farangis Shahrokh Engineer, who formerly held senior govern­ ment posts in Iran and now resides in California, and Rustom Snntook, a Bombay businessman active in community affairs. Parsiana publishes below, edited versions of these papers. Readers- should note that these papers were presented prior to the formation of the World Zoroastrian Organization in London, in 1980, by the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (Incorporated). ^9 gious disbelief and indifference. economy, world affairs and world re- We do need certain changes in our ligion. , religious thinking. In the past 50 7 years, the survival and growth of all think big and think great. The ad- major religions of the world are being vanced education system cannot hold affected by society becoming more back our young boys and girls from urbanized and industrialized. The central authority of each reli­ gion, is questioned on secular matters tion is a structure of individuals, or a by many intellectuals, and it has be- group of different units designed to establish an effective work relation- ^^^^b|mm|||mm|||H||h|||||||||||H|||h ship in order to achieve the desired objectives and goals. Opr major goal is to survive, grow and td perpetuate the practice of our religiop. Our Zoroastrian c_ ading out in varioi world. And the future trend shows that more and more Zoroastrians will In North America boys and girls experiencing a wider and new world. In the simplest sense, an organiza- igMh. conan ioui ¦utufc amunity is spre- parts of the Our major goal is to survive, grow, and to perpetuate the practice of our religion. ijj settle down in western countries. To­ day, the first generation of the Zoro­ astrian community in Europe, Ame­ rica, Canada, and Australia has al­ ready formed viable Zoroastrian Asso­ ciations. These associations have been doing an exceptionally good job in uniting and serving the needs of com­ munity members abroad. We have to bear in mind that the individuals who have settled down in these countries are professionals, and are very well placed. It is fair to assume that members of each asso­ ciation have different social needs, cannot hold back our young But, the religious needs remain the boys and girls from experiencing same for members of all the associa- a wider and new world. dons. Organization, as one of the major ' social institutions serving human In all the democratic countries of needs, is a valuable tool for achiev­ ing community goals, provided the A New World Prof. Erach Dinshah Munshi The objectives the World Zoroastrian community wants to achieve in estab­ lishing an organization to provide a link between world Zoroastrians and continuity of action after each World Zoroastrian Confess, in my opinion, are: To widen the scope of inquiry jjjg advanced education system on major issues and provide inter­ action between members of the com­ munity in India, Iran, Pakistan, Europe, North America and Australia. To set up communication centres in major countries of the world which would facilitate a free flow of infor­ mation on vital issues and whicli would the world, society is becoming more help enhance mutual co-operation be­ tween various community groups in matters of common concern. To advance the development of a rich religious life. To secure a larger identity for our religion, to widen the spiritual hori­ zons of members of our world comm- . _ _ unity, and to reaffirm our spiritual of today wants to be part of the voir of human resources and huge in- roots and values in the face of reli-- macro picture of world society, world vestments in various religious insti- 13 Mimshi: ‘think big’ come a fashion to be indifferent, and in some cases unnecessarily critical, of religious practices and philosophies. and more open, and due to advanced human resources of the community education, increased mobility and an ¦ are well organized. extensive interaction between mem­ bers of various communities, the thinking of individuals is shifting from Organization ‘my community’s interest and welfare’ to ‘my country’s interest and welfare’. In other words, the young generation and since it commands a great reser- An International Zoroastrian Since the community in India is still the leading community in the world. L•k 1«1 tutions, the Board of 'Trastea^n _ _ ________ Bombay Parsi Panchayat must shoul- artutc from traditional thinking, der the responsibility of (setting up 1* ’ '** ' , ' -2 the Headquarters and) providing con- religious education and are simply tinuous leadership to the world Zoro- ' astrian community in the area of re- «w iviffmade dep- n children are deprived of proper s>- The Agreement forced to conform to religious teach­ ing, then their attitude toward religion ligious affairs. and religious teachings would be one An Organization of Head Priests of indifference. IZO with help from will provide the Headquarters with the Headquarters must nominate some guidelines pertaining to religious outstanding scholars of our religion issues. The Organization will also for the purpose of carrying out ex­ establish a link between itself and tensive research on the basic philoso- Zoroastrian associations of the world, phies of our religion. Federations can be formed in an _ • . • advisory capacity, which from time bugg^ons and Recommendations 7 to time will advise and consult the stren^hen the viability of «||| the JZO we should take steps to for- mulate central policies on major religi- OUS issues and community problems in the light of the needs of the world Zo- roastrian community. We do not want one mobed performing the Navjot ceremony of a child of mixed marri- age, whereas another mobed refusing to do so. 7 A proper emphasis should also be . < placed on a study of comparative re- ligions. It is true that the more deep- ly a perron probes into his own reli- Im gious faith, the m would strengthen participation at the local, national and regional levels. 18 3 J With Compliments From EMPIRE ESTATE Liberty Building 41 /42 Marine Lines Bombay 4000201 This infrasttitcWtre (ff'M* h*——»-v. nization, cannot be constructed over- be tackled, but the main issue is the ' time nas come to pay night. Given the infrequency of these desire and fervent wish of the few greater attention to the World Congresses, given also the Parsi Zoroastrians so widely scattered oyer Zoroastrian rrfiginn itself as notoriety for non-organization, its the globe to know that an organisation distinct from the followers Of t evolution may take years. There is a does in fact exist which can provide a gestation period in the birth of any- continuing and solid link with their co­ thing worthwhile. But unless we esta- religionists in other parts of the world. Wish such a goal, plan for it, organize This link could well be established by for it, and work for its realization, we t‘„- ~_______________ This infrastructure nization, cannot be constructed ovot - A ’Mcms to that faith. Besides the desire to maintain a inaction and anarchy and eventually atrophy into extinction. We must start now. Network Farangis K. Shahrokh Engineer For the last,several decades the Zoro­ astrians of the world have increasingly felt the need for the establishment of an organisation to serve as a link bet­ ween themselves. They want such an the formation of an active World Zoroastrian Congress and their work will continue to wallow in indecision, Zoroastrian Association (WZA). later approved by the same Congress Besides the desire to maintain a on behalf of all Zoroastrians. The res- physical link, the world Zoroastrians ponsibility of implementing this deci­ sion would be one of the tasks of the proposed World Zoroastrian Associa­ tion (WZA). It cannot be stressed too strongly that the time has come to pay greater attention to the Zoroastrian religion itself as distinct from the followers ol that faith. It is the faith that makes us Zoroastrians what we are, so let it not be said that we did not act when we had a chance to do so. Fimctions of Proposed WZA The main function of the WZA would be to provide an effective link between the world Zoroastriaus by obtaining reports and information from various world Zoroastrian groups and distri­ buting the information to all the groups. This will help to keep each area in­ formed of matters affecting Zoroastri­ ans in various parts of the world, bringing them closer together and as- « certaining whether they could assist each other; it would also act as the wish to see this link extended to the , secretariat of the World Zoroastrian ~ Congress, actively following up aU re­ solutions passed by the Congress, as well as collecting, maintaining and disseminating full statistics of world Zoroastrians. The WZA can collect and maintain all data of studies on Zoroastrianism and Zoroastrians and establish a cen­ tre for research studies into Zoroastri­ anism. The rendition of an authentic and standard translation of the Gathas and the Avesta would be another of the WZA’s tasks carried out by a group of Avestan scholars select^ by the World Zoroastrian Confess. The WZA could review books on When we think of to make the correct translation or' Zoroastrianism, assist those desirous Only close cdntact and co-operation on a well organised basis can help our scattered members to survive as an ethnic group. i 4^ about their religion in a manner and frequently, all that these people have access to is, an unauthentic review by some foreign scholars who are unable organisation to advise and guide their small and scattered groups and above all to present to themselves and the rest of the world, the correct precepts of their ancient religion and the noble Engineer: faith and followers .. philosophy and teachings of Zoroaster. It is estimated that there are appro- ____ _ _ _____________ __ ximately 110,000 Zoroastrians left in spiritual sphere as well. For the young- India and Pakistan and 25,000 in Iran, er generations, there is this hunger to More recently, an increasing number obtain more authentic information of Zoroastrians have migrated to Eu- about their religion in a manner and rope, America and Canada and other language they can understand. More English speaking parts of the World. * ‘ ‘ ' In effect, this may ultimately lead to the complete disintegration of our al­ ready small community, and only close contact and co-operation on a well organised basis can help our scattered The precepts of Zoroastrianism members to survive as an ethnic as enunciated in the Gaflias and group. We need a network of spiritual and the Avesta, should once and social activities springing out from a for all be clearly laid down, large axis-like centre to keep us to- _____________________ gether. I quote the late revered Sir Ru- ¦ stom P. Masani: " e ±i’± ''f * ' - . _____________ ____ ____ ______ this need for constant contacts and even intentionally make incorrect to undertake the publication of more cohesion in the, present political, social, renditions of the philosophy of our re- books and consider the establishment economic and religious set-up, it ligion or alternatively, merely stress of libraries on Zoroastrianism, seems amazing that its desirability the rituals which have been followed The distribution of information on was not thought of earlier.” and established long after the passing matters affecting Zoroastrianism and With this continuing dispersal of a of Zoroaster. Zoroastrians to others who may be small community, it is not surprising It is necessary that the precepts of interested; assisting in the establish- that numerous intermarriages have Zoroastrianism as enunciated in the ment of more seats at univerrities for taken place and even where a Zoroast- Gathas and the A vesta, should once the dissemination of the precepts and rian father may wish to see his child- and for all be clearly laid down. This philosophy of Zoroastrianism, aad ini- ren adopting his faith, several factors could best be done by a team of Ave- tiating students and other exchange have militated against this happening, stan scholars selected by the World programmes whereby country or 191 I area cxtends its h^jStaMl ’3 Aroitnd a place of worship on the other hand, they would survive and revive as a distinguished, respected community. This is why we survived and shone as a distinct, recognized community, in India and Iran. Zoroastrians abroad have the zeal and even generally the money, but not the materials and priests with suf­ ficient time to manage such places of worship. Simple Atash Dadgahs as in London today, would for the pur­ pose of the moment suffice. " gionists from elsewhere are possible -1 The WZA must try to bring harmo­ ny amongst the world Zoroastrians by standardising the various differing ritu- I als now being followed I The WZA would assist in the reli- I I gious education of the younger gener- I I . ation of Zoroastrians by preparing and I distributing tape recordings of prayers, I religious lectures, etc. in different I languages, and initiating the prepara- I tion of films regarding Zoroastrianism I and undertaking their distribution. I Collecting‘and compiling brief lect- I ures and explanations on matters af- " fecting us and arranging for priests to visit far flung Zproastrians from time to^time, would be another of the | al and cultural survey of worid Zoro­ astrians, and studying all questions af- I fecting our capacity to play an active dual economically, elevate the degree * part m life. The WZA should encourage parti­ cipation in national and international activities useful to the furtherance of Zoroastrianism, and organize and sup­ port the advancement of Zoroastrians and their participation in economic and social development. ______ ______ _ functions visualised for the their headway in industry, art and WZA form a formidable list. No new tZl___ 1_ k .Z../.,,. organizations could possibly cope with Organization may report on the des- such a task, neglected for centuries ‘ past, without the closest co-operation tioning and assistance from, various Zoroastri- Social: mere could be no more an anjumans, organisations and soci- tk, ... _ ___ eties already established in various contact all our unmarried youi^sters parts of the world. _ ____ k.,.\.,. 7.., effective, the needs to be given to the successful The Stracture of the Orrawwation should be built up as a strong organ!- ------- -.r r, .. sation with dedicated workers, adequ­ ate funds and above all the best wishes and prayers of each and every Zoroa­ strian. Let it emerge as the fountain­ head of all issues pertinent to the sur­ vival and revival of the great and noble religion that Prophet Zoroaster gave to this world, and with it the f vival, progress, happiness and well be­ ing of the upholders of that faith. ’ Scattered Harvest Rustoiii Simtook A natural and deep-rooted affinity conviction, we would have long since Zarathustra, has ke^t our communities what we did in Iran too, and this however, cannot lull us into any sense of complacency. Few as we are, we cannot afford to be fewer still. This is where the i and reorganizing ourselves "abroad assumes serious proportions. Functions Economic: To safeguard each indivi- L -- -------- ’ an^de^rable functions. I; 5 11 ss. •-1' WZA’s task, as also initiating a soci- ,moB 111 I? Simtook: survive and shine of education, and give young Zoroas­ trians opportunities in life, by offer­ ing them a variety of incentives for all good performances done, or promised to be done, in educational, industrial, artistic, and technical fields. There are many aspiring young men who are extremelv anxious to make . .... __J culture; but lack funds. The World ervedness of each applicant for sanc- ’ J an incentive. Social: There could be no ____ effective a manner for bringing into than a world organization. Emphasis The Finances of the Organization Quite a goodly section of the comm­ unity is very well off, even affluent; but in the absence of awareness about the community’s problems today, they do not know and have not come for- • ward to contribute as surely they would, if made aware. i Not until a community has founded itself on the bedrock of its spiritual existence, can it command any recognition by the world around. Each and every earning member of the community around the world through a form of compulsory contri­ bution in proportion to his or her in­ come, should contribute to the orga­ nization through their respective asso­ ciations as should all our various trusts and institutionb round the world. establishment of a Young Zoroastri- The first and foremost procedure would - . „ ------ 1 our revival is so world associations into a single world Spiritual: Not until a community which may be any centre chosim bedrock of its spiritual existence, can it command any recognition by the sur- world around, nor can it even be known to be in existence. Our fore­ fathers .knew that until a place of two worship was established, no numbers, large or small were to be of any en­ during value. Were it not for their sustained. ans’ Association as this aspect pf the have to be the linking up of all vital that it cannot brook any delay, body to function from a focal point Spiritual: Not until a community which may be any centre chosen as has founded itself primarily on the the headquarters for a period. When 1, centre like Bombay or Tehran or London or Toronto etc., assumes an importance of its own, it should function as the head-quarters for say tv. o years alternately, so that public interest in the Organization as a really world-wide working body may be . . , - J , ----- One of it’s periodical functions springing from the common faith of been scattered away. This is exactly would be the task of convening the Zarathustra, has kept our communities what we did in Iran too, and this is World Zoroastrian Conferences more abroad welded tight together. This, how we survived there. frequently and more regularly. Such however, cannot lull us into any sense This is what (Zoroastrians) in Euro- )World Organization being the voice of complacency. Few as we are, we pe, America and Canada are seeking and forum of all Zoroastrian organi- .ij idea of securing from the United Na­ tions Organization the recognition of the Zoroastriancommunity as a world \ I as one of the world’s prominent reli­ gions. This is what (Zoroastrians) in Euro- )World Organization being the voice pe, America and Canada are seeking < ’ ' 2________ _ to do today. This is why they fear that zations would, above all facilitate The urgency of expanding without being distinguished as a dist- ’ * " ' — ------, inct community, to be respected as be­ longing to a distinct faith, not only _ would they be living as second-class body and the Zoroastrian religion citizens, (but) their progeny would die “ '' - - out in subsequent generations. 21 . ) ¦I J i ii iF AEK ATMAKATHA A MAZDA ZOROASTRIAN FAITH i I i I j I 'i 18 .! I i! Hi i The life of Dastur Dhalla XIII Aek Atmakatha is the autobio­ graphy of the late Dr. Maneck Nusserwanji Dhalla, high priest of the Pakistan Parsis and a religious scholar of world repute. This is the 13tb condensed and edited extract from tffe English translation of the book — *Dastur Dhalla: The of a Soul’, by Gool and Behram Rustomji, published by the Dastur Dhalla Memorial Institute, Karachi. IHE STORY SO FAR Born to a poor dastur family in Surat on 27 August 1875, Dhalla moved -with his family to Karachi three years later. At the age of eight he was married to five-year old Cooverbai. After failing his matriculation, Dhalla sought employment while educating himself in religious matters. The Parsis of Karachi made arrangements for him, to study for his masters degree in Iranian Languages at Bombay University. While in Bombay, Dhalla came into contact with several prominent Parsis of the times, with whose assistance he went to New York ’s Columbia University. There Dhcdla studied under the guidance of Professor A.V.W. Jackson, a well-known Zoroastrian scholar of the west. Dhalla secured his PhD. in 1908. Four years in the west had altered Dhalla s outlook to life and religion. He was now the propagator of new concepts, examining Parsi customs and traditions in a scientific light. Dhalla decried the community ’s craze for performing excessive ceremonies, and visiting temples. Dhcdla claimed that Zarathushtra preached a religion of devotion in the Gathas. Dhcdla explained that the ‘Vendidad’, considered the most important book on ceremonials, actually had nothing like prayer or ceremony in it. He denounced a life of mysticism, renunciation of the world, penance, mortification of the flesh and the monastic life. A. hundred years ago Dadabhoy age —_the n^est, the latest,^ em- .. . . , the nectar of western culture and step­ ped forth into the world. Modem western education and all who ‘ be­ longed to the west began to be de­ claimed quarters. Our community qualineo i was lo iivc m auMu.. these newly-educated youths as ‘waifs a month. I voyaged in the S. of society’ and scorned the education rick, reaching Liverpool on the 13th _ __ J.;__i;_j____ Kv from tn T .minnn dangerous, and materialistic, were west, their voice to it- even more vociferous than we were. Everywhere it spoken that the east _ whereas the west was irreligious and atheistic; that the east was virtuous, the west full of vice. The east was deemed spiritualistic while the west was materialistic. The Zoroastrian books of later pe­ riods have labelled the north as the —- — , abode of the devil (Ahriman). Because when left^^Boi^ay of this we do not build our place of the body frf a dead person is in the head is never kept towards the north of his deep jentah and long loose turned towards the north while it taches had disappeared Iot ever, sleeps. While performing the Kusti had known him as a ritualist. He had era ver time and again we swish the a special inclination towards Chnsti- - ’ - • _ -...... he had become an atheist. He beliefs in heaven or hell had defi­ nitely abated, but now he even found amusement in challenging the existence of God. His views on politics had also altered. He had become a socialist. In Bombay J had seen Shapurji as derate party. Now I saw he had joined the extremist party. Shapurji arrang^ my lecture on , . r Ancient Iran and its Religion under had grown from childhood to auspices of an organisation of his ?od listening to such tirades party. I had noticed in New York that members of the socialist party and labour organisations were indifferent and unconcerned about re­ ligion and that they were in open opposition with religious leaders and ____ ’ They affirmed that since olden times when capitalists crushed the dependent lab­ ZA UUllMlVkl —O’ . . 1 J J! 11 Naoroii and his compatriots sipped bracing, universal and fully expenmen- ’ • ted. Henceforth I abstained, from accus­ ing without reason the culture of the west. I began to admire it and to denounced from all view it with affection. I was to live in Landon for about and Our community qualifi^ 1 • k’ n- 11 day and thence by train to Loudon where I resided at a small hotel. Dur- aiv/iiv ... U.U., _ _______ o __ York, Shapurji Sister communities also added Saklatvala had been transferred to the London office of Tata & Sons. Within a short period of his stay in London ___ he married an English lady and a son religious was bom to them. On hearmg of my arrival in London they came at once to my hotel and informed me that ar­ rangements for my accomodation had been made in their own homo and they took me there. There was a tremendous change in the Shapurji that I had seen in^1905 This change was ap- only in his dress and they had acquired as anti-religious. • Parsis not alone in thus demeaning the In fact they were was written and was 1 purji of 1908. parent not demeanour but also in his thinking. European attire had taken the place worship facing the north. As - house, great care is taken that it’s llCtlU IB liWVX Rvpv xv„,xx,^x, *XX— —-- --- X . , - — A babe’s head is never allowed to be dagla. His bushy beard and long mous- tumed towards the north while it tar.h&s had disanneared for ever. 1 sleepy. While performing the Kusti Kusti to the northand whisk away the evil spirit. We frequently snap our f ngers to the north and scare away this demon. Zarathushtra should be held _ __________ _ - more responsible than Jesus for member of Pherozesha Mehta’s mo- the untold hardships of the downtrodden! I 1- manhood listening to such -------- against the sinful west. My four yean of intensive study at Columbia Uni­ versity have taught me to witness and to understand that the western culture of the 20th century does not mean the culture of any one of the four direc- opposiuon wnn .ions fte ^orld nor of, oriy.one of the continents of the earth, but it is a world-culture belonging to the new I, i/ our class for their own greed and the community 25 years ago, many an selfishness, the priests always stood by unwise youth would have been pre- the wealthy and upheld them. vented from conversion. This evoked some amusement and all glances turn- . ed towards a certain gentleman. I came to know later that these I, i !¦ It was the same in London. In my lecture I briefly sketched ancient Ira­ nian history, the principal precepts of the Zoroastrian faith and the influence remarks had been directed against of the Zoroastrian religion on Christi­ anity through Judaism. IJuring the discussions that ensued who at the end of the talk an intelligent Reverend Bhabha invited me to tea gentleman remarked that in the world at his residence. Hinting with good due to the avarice, greed, pride and humour at the remarks occasioned by heartlessness of the rich, the poor have my talk, he spoke with such concern had to suffer a great deal. Instead of and feeling for the community that I teaching people to avenge these was very favourably impressed by him. wrongs in this world only, religious Later Shapurji informed me that teachers have done a great disservice though the Reverend was a Christian to humanity by holding out the vain convert, it would be difficult to find promise that God would repay in the such an ardent well-wisher of the com- next world all injustices and sufferings, munity. When some Parsi youths, com- ing to England to study, got involved . in some trouble. Reverend Bhabha im- Ihe cominincc S suggestion was mediately went to their rescue and rendered! silent service to all- He had renounced his faith in his youth, but he did not forget his belov^ commu­ nity. He was always eager to serve his co-religionists in whatever capacity he could. As my work was over I prepared for my return to India. The committee had sent the amount for my second class passage from Bombay. From that amount I bought many valuable books and from the balance I bought a third class ticket for the steamer. Just as those unfortunate dead who are condemned to the eternal fires of Hades cannot. go anywhere near the precincts' of heaven, third class pass­ engers are prohibited from extending their wretched footsteps towards the happy abode of the first or second that a seat for a dastur be established at Karachi on a monthly emolument of Rs 150. Reverend Df Bhabha who was in the audience. He had been a Zoroastrian was converted to Christianity. The poor have been misled by such teachings of Jesus Christ and they have done injustice to themselves, and instead of fighting against the rich and solving their own problems they have been made to suffer unnecessarily through the ages. He added that the , doctorine of reaping the result of good and evil deeds has been handed down to Christianity through the Zoroastrian religion, hence Zarathushtra should be held more responsible than Jesus for the untold hardships of the downtrod­ den! I replied that man’s greatest enemy is man himself. Through ava­ rice, jealousy, enemity, hatred and other vices man has created unhappi­ ness. Religion cannot be held respon­ sible for that. The prophets have always directed religions and it is fruitless to man to the path of righteousness and attempt tO search for their have stopped him from being steeped - - - - - - in selfishness, greed and evil. Tliey have clearly made known to the wealthy their obligations and have given to the poor hope and courage. To the extent that man has disregard­ ed these virtuous commandments, he and dirt prevailed there, so most of my time was spent in reading on the deck. Later, I lectured on the Zoroastrian religion on the ship. On 3 December 1908 our steamer anchored at Bombay. Those who aspire for a doctorate of philosophy from Columbia Univer­ sity have to write a dessertation. For my subject I published a book entitled, Nyaishes or Zoroastrian Litanies' and dedicated it to Khurshedji Cama. Ra- tanji Dadabhoy Tata had sent the The philosophy of reincarnation is the heritage of later Hindu parallels in Zoroastrianism. class inmates. Eight passengers had been crowded into my cabin. Darkness BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excd- lent Climate — All-roond Education: AU Academic Subjects—Tech­ nical Subjects: Workshop Tech­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Farm­ ing. Training in Self-Govemmeot through Elected Boys’ Office bearers. Games—Physical Train­ ing — Daily Asserabiy with Congregati G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay-400 001. of the community and those who were known as reformists. Members of the former group whose staunch supporter was ‘Mansukh’, time and again ac­ cused the refomists of being bent upon suppressing ceremonials and of chan­ ging the Zbroastrian religion to a ‘religion of convenience,’ and under the influence of Christianity, trying to convert it into a ‘protestant faith.’ Dadabhoy Naoroji, Khurshedji Cama and other learned rrformists were labelled as Parsi Protestants. Naoroji, Just as we did not want a Christian-Zoroastrian religion we did not want either a Hindu-Zoroastrian of a Buddhist-Zoroastrian religion. Parsi theosophists, supporting the con­ servatives, claimed that they had saved , the community in the nick of time from being ruined by Parsi reformists who, in the mode of Christianity, were trying to introduce reforms such as praying in a language that could be understood and the like. Before going to America to study, my protest was that, suppose for the sake of argument, the reformists were attracting the Zoroastrian religion to­ words a Christian-Zoroastrian faith, Parsi theosophists were drawing it to­ wards a Hindu-Zoroastrian or Budd­ hist-Zoroastrian religion. Prior to my departure they had published many large and small book­ lets like the one entitled Zoroastrian ­ ism in the Light of Theosophy. Later, another book, Zoroastrianism in the Light of Vishnuism was published by Swami Govindachariya of Mysore. Recently a Hindu professor of the Punjab has written The Vedic Origin of Zoroastrianism. In this book its author states that Avesta, known as the sacred language of the Parsis, is a dialect of Sanskrit or of one of its offshoots. The suffix Ved meaning to know is used in its various forms in the Gathas. Arising out of this the learned writer states: “Zarathushtra prays to Ahura Mazda and asks: ‘When will I get the knowledge of the Vedic religion?’ ” On the basis of similar ridi­ culous explanations the author informs us that the Zoroastrian religion of the Parsis is an offsping of the Rig Veda! All I had to say to my theosophist co-religionists was that just as we did not want a Christian-Zorostrian reli­ gion we did not want either a Hindu- Zoroastrian or a Buddhist-Zoroastrian religion. We needed a pure Zoroastrian religion, a Mazda-Zoroastrian faith. But the advanced philosophy of the > later, religions born of the Upanishads, the Brahmas etc., and the Zoroastrian philosophy are poles apart. Avesta, Pahlavi and Pazend literature recog­ nize a Personal God. Parsi theoso- phists, finding such a form of God incomplete, have attributed to the term Zarvaneh A kerneh — limitless time— the meaning of ‘Impersonal God’, placing Him above Ahura Mazda. This concept was Hindu in essence. The philosophy of reincarnation and other principles are the heritage of later Hindu religions and it is abso­ lutely fruitless to attempt to search for their parallels in Zoroastrianism. I declared that the far-fetched endea­ vours of Parsi theosophists to attribute those teaching to the Zoroastrian reli­ gion are false and do not reflect sound scholarship. Later, when I delivered this lecture in Karachi, I explained at length how the ideals of the Hindu and Iranian elders of the Ind o-I rani an era were identical but in later years when they were separated and settled in India and Iran their way of living differed in every detail. In Iran a married life was deemed equally sacred for laymen and for priests. The man who took upon himself the responsibility of a married life was dearer to Ahura Mazda than he who remained single. Celibacy in priesthood never found a place in the 4000' year old history of Zoroastrian­ ism. 1 3 From amongst the approximately 800 Athomans there could be found hardly 25 who were capable of guiding the community by their written or spoken word. The life of renunciation and free­ dom from worldly cares never found a foothold in Iran. It has never been an Iranian belief that this world of desire is a complete illusion. To re­ nounce the world in an endeavour to be free of its ties and tempetations has never been extolled in Iran. With many such examples, as an unbiased student, I depicted the advance of Hindu religion and philosophy towards renunciation of worldly life and that of Iran as a step towards social pro­ gress- Dependent upon the Hindu philo­ sophy of the Avatars of gods and goddesses, Parsi theosophists declared that Zarathushtra was no ordinary human being but an Avatar of the Ameshaspenta. I announced that this 26[ J § a teaching , was completely unfounded ledge they had to offer. Thus, although and alien and that ^ophet Zarathush- his views were not in consonance with believed only . . all, but to the end of his life he and alien and that Prophet Zarathush- his views were not in consonance with believed only in the Zoroastrian tra was a man of practical common the teachings of the Theosophical So- philosophy regarding material and sense. From this arose a controversy ciety, he would attend lectures or spiritual life about which he had that I had insulted our Prophet by call­ ing him a common man. After some time, during the Zoroas- he would attend lectures or spiritual life about which written and spoken in public. Khurshedji Cama’s life was simple, „ _____ , pure and austere and he had high trian Conference, when the orthodox Sheryarji, Ervad Tehmurasp and others ideals. Work, industry, service — these Parsi papers of Bombay waged war did not approve of this. 'They argued were his sole physical and mental re- against me, many misrepresentations that a strong-minded scholar like creation and relaxation. In thought, were propogated on the basis of the Camaji would be in a position to listen word and deed he led an honest life above. As a result, for a munber of to all and weigh its worth and accept and thus put into practice the precepts years, I had to print and distribute only what was of value, recognizing of the religion. amongst the entire community of the the real source of things. But those Yet to the orthodox he was not subcontinent three small booklets ex- incapable of forming individual opi- included within the ranks of the pious, plaining my statements. nions on matters of religion or philo- The majority of men evaluate a per- Khurshedji Cama had the good for­ tune to know that his desire to estab­ lish ' a seat for a Dastur for the Zoroastrians of north-east India had been fulfilled, but he did not live to teachings of the societies he frequented, witness the final nomination of its first they too would be led to follow in his Daslur. He died just a month before footsteps and accept their doctrines, that auspicious occasion. Their fear was not entirely unfounded. study classes organised under their auspices. His learned disciples like Ervad to all and weigh its worth and accept and thus put into practice the precepts the real source of things. But those incapable of forming individual opi­ nions on matters of religion or philo­ sophy would be wrongly influenced son’s piety not by the uprightness of by Camaji’s presence at such meetings, his thoughts or the purity of his heart. It was possible that under the mistaken but by the empty outward semblance impression that Camaji adhered to the of his religious practices. But Ahura Mazda’s evaluation is based upon a man’s innermost thoughts and ideals and upon the purity of his feelings, that auspicious occasion. Their fear was not entirely unfounded. And from that standpoint Camaji was If the portals of priesthood had been Camaji attended all religious meetings, an ideal Nar Asho — the most right­ open to laymen, the Alhornan fold respected all their founders, listened eons man. would have certainly gained a resplen­ dent reputation. But Camaji did not become an Ervad or a Dastur himself, but he certainly was the maker of Ervads and Dasturs. In the 60’s of the last cen­ tury, from a class of mobeds that had been neglected and taunted as andhi- arus, was bom a new class of learned mobeds who for the first time in India, taught laymen to respect the religious leader and to regard him in a new light. It goes to Camaji’s credit for crea­ ting this priestly class which though lacking in material wealth was rich in learning and of sterling qualities. He 'had endowed them with gifts of money too, but he had bestowed on them the even more precious gift of education. Educating them on philolo­ gical lines he had sent forth into the world many a bright, young mobed, well versed in Avesta, Pahlavi, Pazend and Cunneiform. Thus, to the last days of his life, through monetary assistance, through • his own innate wisdom and his per­ sonal upright charater, he had succe­ eded in persuading them to be staunch upholders of the faith. My link with him was forged at the ebb of his life. During my period of study at the Madressah when I lived at Bombay, I had the opportunity of meeting him many an evening. Wherever there were lectures or sermons or gatherings of savants he would be present and I would also be there. Camaji was a reservoir of tolerance. . He viewed all religions and creeds with respect and he was always keen to glean whatever information or know- NAVJCTE «MnK An affair to remember with fare to remember at the West End Hotel. A navjote, a lagan, a silver or golden wedding anniversary, a first-birthday party— these are highlights of your life. If you are looking for a beautiful isetting to hold your celebration and at the same time want to treat your guests to the choicest food, come to us. The West End Hotel offers you the starlit splendour of its Terrace Garden. Choose the day and leave it to us. We give you our impeccable service. It's an occasion for rejoicing, so make it ah unforgettable one at the West End Hotel. West End Hotel rCen*> y i;->< itcd) 45, .Nc'/v M;Kirie i i.-ti.'s, Bombay 400 0?0 Tel; 29912! Telex 011 2892 madison WEH/lft 27 »r I Continued from page 7 ed programmes, in the special educa­ tion, with an emphasis on early child­ hood education, emotional distur­ bances, and mental retardation, etc. Therefore I am very anxious to pursue my studies further, and to take ad­ vantage of- this programme in order to help others who are hearing-im­ paired.’ “She has held several jobs (part- time), to earn while she is studying. Financial assistance from the Zoroas­ trian Association of Europe ($ 1,200 (approximately Rs 10,000) covered her tuition fees for the first quarter. The tuition for the next year, and the estimated living expenses are $ 4,530 (approximately Rs 38,052) and S3,000 (approximately Rs 25,200) respec­ tively. She has $ 2,000 (approximately Rs 16,800) as her savings. “Both the above cases, to the best of our knowledge, are completely genuine and deserving your kind atten­ tion. Any financial assistance the com­ munity can render will be deeply appreciated.” mately Rs 10,92,000) in a few months. We are ever so thankful to Dr Sarfeh for his relentless efforts and are forever indebted to the late Arbab Guiv foi for pick-up. Orders of persons not pre­ sent at the meeting will be home deli­ vered by other ZAC volunteers after the day of the meeting. The above scheme was discussed in the last ZAC his generosity. Now we wait patiently monthly meeting and agreed upon by and hope that these problems can be the members present at the meeting, overcome and we can start on our With the active participation of ZAC Centre soon.”^ members, the above scheme can gene­ rate a handsome amount of funds for the ZAC.” As regards the community centre, Rohinton Rivetna, president of the ZAC notes in his progress report, “a purchase contract was signed in Octo­ ber 1980 for the purchase of a two acre vacant property near 1-55 and Rte. 83 for $ 55,000 (approximately Rs 4,62,000). When the percolation test turned out to be unsatisfactory, the owner agreed to improve the property at his own expense (approximately $6,000 (around Rs 50,400). This involved excavating an area of 6,000 sq. ft. to a depth of 4 ft. and filling with good black dirt. That work has now been' completed and we are March, ‘Sg Hoshang- awaiting the percolation test report ........................ from the DuPage County Health De­ partment. As soon as the County approves the work, we shall proceed with the closing of the contract. “In the 'meantime, an escrow account has been opened with the Thorsen Title Department into which Sadeh. various documents have been deposit- In a new development, the Zoroas­ trian Association of Metropolitan Chicago, is trying to lure Zoroastrians into skiing. A trip to the ski slopes at Four Lakes Village was scheduled in February, the cost for the trip was US $14 (approximately Rs 115). For once Zoroastrians in North America will be on the downhill. Fanning the Flames A celebration to commemorate the ‘discovery of fire,’ on Bahman Mah and Meher Roz (February 1) was held at the Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr for the members of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO). According to the Shah-Nameh, notes the ZSO shah saw a snake moving in the bush­ es towards him. He picked up a stone to hit it: the stone missed the snake but hit another stone instead and ca­ used a small bush to catch fire! Mah Bahman, Roz Meher is celebrated all over Iran as the day of the Jashan- Shopping for a Centre The Zoroastrian Association of Metro­ politan Chicago (ZAC) is examining various possibilities to raise funds for their community centre. One member. Firoze Gandhi, had put forward the various documents have been deposit- Jn Toronto, Bahram Parsi and Me- following scheme according to the ed according to our attorney, Mr hraban Homaie explained the signi- newsletter: “Members are invited to Mermall’s instructions. When all the ficance of the day to those present, purchase their everyday household pro- requirements have been satisfied, a states the newsletter, adding that next ducts like toothpaste, bath soap, cheque for $ 36,566.80 (approximately year a larger celebration has been shampoo, laundry detergent, dish- Rs 3,07,161) will be deposited in the planed, washing liquid, bleach, draincleaner, account. Since all the pledges have etc. through Firoze Gandhi. Firoze will donate between 20-30 per cent of the purchase price of the products to­ wards the ZAC Building Fund. Hence, if each ZAC member buys $ 100 worth of products, ZAC will receive well-wishers for their generosity. It is between $20 and $30 towards the ZAC Centre. “The products are manufactured by Amway' Corporation with complete Rs 2,24,280). This is testimony to our satisfaction guaranteed. There are ~ about 300 daily consummable house­ hold items, quality brand-name products like Zenith TV, Sony Tape Recorders. RCA Video Recorders, etc. “To order, select the products of (approximately Rs 31,920). your choice from the Catalogue. Place pledges totalling $ 5,300 (approximate- the order with either Firoze, Rusi or Pravina Gandhi at 465-1473 and from eight families... mail them your personal cheque for “We have been in touch with Dr Sarfeh. the amount plus six percent sales tax. He is trying very hard to release a Within two weeks of placing the order, partial amount of $ 20,000 (approxi- the products will be available and will - - - be brought to the next ZAC meeting Mermall’s instructions. When all the requirements have been satisfied, a cheque for $ 36,566.80 (approximately year a larger celebration has been If The ZSO newsletter also announc­ ed plans for a Persian Evening cat 11 like CfKlo Kabab and Ash-e-Reshteh, and Persian music. A Jamshedi Nav- roz function had also been planned for ZSO members, and the Zoroastrian Cricket Club had scheduled a dinner and dance for 25 April, notes the newsletter. not been redeemed yet, we have taken ed plans for a Persian Evening on 11 a $15,000 (approximately Rs 1,26,000) April, promising Persian^ sp^ialities mortgage from the owner at 11 percent ’ ’ " ’ interest for one year. “We would like to thank all our encouraging that over 50 families have sent in their full pledged amounts, totalling over $26,700 (approximately Zoroastrian virtues and’traditions of philanthrophy and generosity. It ap- There are 5.000 other pears that the Zoroastrian spirit is alive and well. Six families have re­ quested payment by instalment—these picture postcards, photographs, cigarette pledges total an additional .$ 3,800 cards, playing cards, posters, prints. Old post cards etc./wanted Advertiser wishes to buy OLD ) cards, playing cards, posters, prints. Further illustrated books, albums and other related material. iy Rs 44,520) remain to be collected Willing to pay top prices for single items or entire collections. Please send, detailed list with expected prices to The Advertiser, (OLD) C/0. Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 4(M)001. mately Rs 1,68,000) in a few weeks and the balance of $ 1,30,000 (approxi- 29¦I Continued from page 5 of her “life’s work,” that Irani waxes eloquent. “Indian dancing is a highly developed and powerful medium of ex­ pression. It is a medium for commu­ nication with the masses through the appropriate use of costumes, sound and light effects and expressions.” She feels that “Indian dance offers tre­ mendous aesthetic joy for oneself and is itself a medium of spreading this joy to others... it is a form which expands and channelizes one’s physi­ cal. spiritual and creative energies, rendering deeper insights into one’s own psychological and spiritual nature. “It is more*than an art, it is a sci­ ence,” she continues, talking of Bha- rata Natyam, the dance form she chose after exposing herself to vari­ ous schools of Indian dance as well as Russian ballet. “Every concept and character can be danced by some pa­ rticular hand or foot movement or a facial expression. There are six diffe­ rent types of laughs, seven eyebrow movements, more than forty-nine eye movements and innumerable hast as (hand movements) and leg move­ ments,” she explains. Irani laments the fact that today, dance is commercialised. She agrees that for most girls it is just a hobby or more often a ‘passport to marri­ age.’ Parsis, who learn dancing, she feels, make better pupils as they take the art seriously, though few take to Indian classical dancing. She and her students have already produced several traditional dances over the years which have been enthu­ siastically reviewed by the press. By composing and presenting dances on traditional and contemporary themes, and by teaching at her Kala Mandir, Irani wishes “to make her humble contribution to the field of Indian Gift shopping at its best at Gifts& the friendly Gift Shop at f Swadeshi Stores Ltd. Road, Bombay 400 001. Tel: 253443/252730 IWittflSl Bombay Sir P.M. Roa< ZOROASTRIAN ARTEFACTS & SILVER PENDANTS AVAILABLE dance and culture and share it with others.” Calcutta Torch Bearers A series of lectures on Zoroastrian­ ism by noted authoress, Piloo Jungal- walla provided “another telling inst­ ance of the awakening in the Parsi community,” states the 27 December issue of Navroze, a bilingual weekly from Calcutta. Noting the large turnout at the three lectures arranged by the Parsi Zoroastrian Association (PZA) of Calcutta, under the auspices of the Rustom Saklath Memorial Founda­ tion on 13 and 14 December at D. B. Mehta’s Atash Adaran, the weekly cited the various classes, books and other activities being pursued by the Calcutta community. Rusi B. Gimi, president of the PZA spoke on the occasion of the lectures, of the PZA’s project “to provide reli­ gious education for adults and child­ ren of the community, and the two special courses under the direction of Mrs Tina Mehta and Mr Godrej En­ gineer, which were inaugurated by Mrs Jungalwalla on the 14th mom- Mehta noted, “We are aiming our attention to young people who will be the torch bearers for the future, and for this we have Godrej Engineer who is going to spearhead the programme for children... not boringly with lectur­ es but via the exciting media of pro­ grammes like essays and painting competitions, creative plays and stage performances, young peoples’ gham- bars and story time... where struct­ ured religious instruction will be of­ fered in a very novel way.” Jungalwalla spoke on God and Na­ ture in the Gat has. The Navjot and Kusti Prayers, and Sarosh Ydzod, and all three lectures are to be printed. Behram K. Merchant, vice-presi­ dent of the association, noted, “The Rustom Saklath Memorial Founda­ tion was set up by the PZA with a view to create a sizeable corpus, from the interest of which programmes could be organised to disseminate in­ formation on the Zoroastrian religion, to create awareness of the greatness and glory of the Zoroastrian religion, and to bring out our religion’s salient features, which establish its relevance today.” I New Poona Panchayat President Pesi Shapoorji Anklesaria has stepped down as president of the Poona Parsi Panchayat (PPP) and proposed the name of Rustom Burjorji Patell, a former president of the Panchayat to replace him, notes the PPP newsletter of March. The newsletter did not state the reason for Anklesaria’s resigna­ tion. but according to some reports the resignation followed a controversy over the method for disposal Of the dead. The present term of the Anjuman Committee and the trustees, is due to end in December this year, ‘and the elections are scheduled to be held in August/September for the Anjuman Committee and in November for the trustees, states the newsletter. The Panchayat report notes, “The annual income for 1976 (when this Committee took over) was of the or­ der of about Rs 100,000 or so. But year after year, with careful invest­ ments of the funds and with great co­ operation and very generous dona­ tions received from the community, the income last year stood at Rs 2,40,000. 1980 was Rs 3,80,000 and it is hop­ ed that very soon some of our funds would become self-sufficient. This signifies the interest and participation of the community in the working of the Panchayat in general and also of the increasing magnanimous generos­ ity of our donors in particular”. A list of Panchayat members is also being prepared, and will soon be available at the Panchayat office, not­ es the newsletter. The PPP expects that the founda­ tion stone of the charity buildings scheduled to be constructed on Pan­ chayat land will be laid soon after the lands have been freed from under the purview of the Land Ceiling Act. “The papers are still pending at the Cabinet level of the State Govern­ ment. In the meantime sufficient pro­ gress has been made in getting the plans passed and approved for build- last year stood The total income for 30•t' I ‘ i ing charity buildings on tiw space around there. We hope that ite' few legal hurdles which are still in the way will be cleared in a very short time and we may be able to announce the happy news of laying the found­ ation stone very soon.” Parsi Haute Cuisine Jardaloo ma gosh, kharoo bhejoo and masala liver, have found their way into the world of haute cuisine. The three traditional Parsi culinary masterpieces, featured in Jeroo Mehta’s book, 101 Parsi Recipes have been selected by the prestigeous Time-Life Book’s new bimonthly Book’s series on international cookery — The Good Cobk. Meat with apricots (Jardaloo ma gosh) will be featured in *5 the 15th volume of the series, entitled ‘Lamb’ while the khctroo bhejoo and Mehta; ‘petrifed of cooking’ ¦ i ¦ MJi r ¦ ^|| . Jashan at Mount Barot Parsi cooking during her student days fire for 13 years. On 24 January, a school and then at New York Uni­ versity, studying journalism, and sub­ sequently while her husband was on an assignment abroad. In the introduction to 101 Parsi Recipes, Mehta writes: “Parsi cook­ ing appeals not only to people from all parts of India but also from diffe­ rent parts of the world. I first became aware of this while I was a student in New York. My school held a fete at which there was a stall of food from different countries; the chicken vind­ aloo which the school cook prepared from my mother’s recipe disappeared hpotl^ni ' iw .L Vispi Dara Dotiwala, 23, and Dara S. with " other Mfatry, 26, have been given a cash reward of Rs 200 by the Bombay Commissioner of Police, M. S. Kas- bekar, for displaying exemplary coui- age in rescuing a businessman from a knife attack and robbery, on the night of 28 January in Bandra, a Bombay suburb. {Free Press Journal, 13 Feb­ ruary 1981). Si VUVKlllK ixvx ------------ ---- .f - - North America, first at finishing group of about 50 devotees, mostly — • followers of the late mystical leader Minocher Pundole, hik^ up Mount Barot for their annual jashan and pil­ grimage, notes Z. M. Zend, one of the members of the group. The jashan was performed by five Pundolite priests after the caves had been cleaned by the group, says Zend. The week-end pilgrimage included a visit to the Udvada Atash Behram. other fire temples, and the Sanjan pil­ lar where prayers were offered, Zend notes. s J .i 1 in less than an hour while the stall was still well-stocked ’...... ........ dishes! “I was petrified of cooking, until 1 started and realized that it was quite simple. I started with baking, and be­ gan to love it,” recalls Mehta, who was an associate editor with Eve’s Weekly for three years, and is now a season­ ed cook. Her 101 Parsi Recipes. which won for her publishers. Vakil and Sons Ltd., the Maharashtra gov­ ernment’s award for presentation and design when first published in 1973/ 74, is now in its second edition. Mehta is at present working on a new book. Cooking for the Family, especially formulated for the Indian housewife, and to be published by India Book House. Swimmer Persis Madan (Willingdon Sports Club) shattered the 100 metre freestyle mark for women with a time of 1.06.1 seconds, her fifth record vic­ tory at the 10th Bombay YMCA Winter Gala held at the end of Feb- (Indian Express, 2 March masala liver are scheduled to appear in the ‘Offal’ volume of the series. The success of her recipes lies, “in the absolute accuracy of each recipe,” says Mehta. “If my recipe says half a teaspoon, it m.eans half a teaspoon. Each recipe is tried several times in all its variations, until the most prac- muia duur nuusc. . „ , xx tical and tasty result is achieved.” As- Swimmer Far^ N. M. sisting her culinary forays are her College, Bombay, won the naval husband, Dorab, and two child- Pundollte Pilgnmage individ^ual boys title m the Junior ren, Cyrus and Kh or shed, whom she Jashans are being regularly held at the Inter-Collegiate^ Swinging Meet held acknowledges as her severest and caves of Mount Barot, near Sanjaii, at the Y.MC.A. pool, Bombay, on 3 most patient critics. Mehta discovered the popularity of 1981). caves of Mount Barot, near Sanjaii, at the Y.M.C.A. pool, Bombay, on 3 where the first Zoroastrians in India March. {Indian Express, 6 March are said to have hidden the sacred 1981). 31 WHBM " i I i Noted Bombay dentist Keki M. Mistry < *2 ___ _____ _ 22 is the first Indian to be appointed of India, i March 1981). consultant on the editorial board of the international journal, The Tropi ­ cal Dental Journal, published in Eng- r 2 „2 ~ ,..2___ _ Africa, Asia, South America and the eastern oceanic tropical countries. {Times of India, 8 March 1981). on 28 February and 1 March {Times Former commercial manager of Indi- an Airlines and director of the Maha- lish and French and distributed in rashtra Tourism Development Corpo- , 2 2________ __ 2 : ration, Dorab Cawassa Warden has been appointed executive secretary of the Travel Agents Association of India. '{Times of India. 8 February 1981). AVAILABLE LATEST VIDEO CASSETTES OF HINDI- ENGLISH PROGRAMMES JOIN Lecturer, columnist and popular astro­ loger Bejan Damwaila received the Jyoti Shiromani award under the aus- __ ____________ jMcies of the Bruhad Gujarat Astrolo- Rusi Mehta ’retained gical Society, Ahmedabad, from Shre- weight title with a lift of 147.5 kgs. yans S. Shah, Editor-in-chief of the at the National Weight Lifting Cham- Gujarat Samovar. {Blitz 21 March pionships in New I^lhi. {The States- 1981). man, 29 March 1981). Reigning Railways champion Jazir “ I his middle- VIDEO LIBRARY Dinaz Homi Gorimar has been award- Chairman of the board of Trustees of ed a Ph.p. degr^ in English by the the Prince of Wales Museum, Bom­ bay, Karl Khandalvala, was awarded the R. P. Chanda birth centenary medal for 1980 by the Asiatic Society of Bangalore on 2 March 1981. The award was presented to him for his contribution to art history in India, according to a press release. {Times of India, 4 March 1981). “Women’s Education: Bombay University for her thesis en­ titled “Women’s Education: It’s forms, methods and effects as reflect­ ed in ths works of the major women novelists of the 19th century”. {Times of India, 6 March 1981). I Piloo Kapadia was elected president for the second time of the Association for Social Health in India, and Adi Chinoy was elected one of the vice- presidents. {Indian Express, T! Feb­ ruary 1981). Athletes Darayos Saricari and Bhidca- tawar Khambatta emerged individual champions in the men’s and women’s sections of the All-Parsi Athletic Meet held at the University Stadium equalled the Asian mark of 10.4 sec- Chairman of the board of Trustees of Athlete Bakhawar Khambatta (Rail­ ways) hurled the shot put to a new national record of 13.38 at the 19th All-India Athletic Meet, held in Delhi in March, and sprinter Adille Sumariwalla was declared the fastest man of the meet for his 100 meter dash of 10.5 seconds, according to newspaper reports. Sumariwalla also ? WE TRANSFER INTO VIDEO 8mm 1 6mm 35 mm MOVIES WITH SOUND ? ALSO AVAILABLE BLANK VIDEO CASSETTES ? WE ALSO MAKE VIDEO FILMS OF YOUR FUNCTIONS 7-MERVLAND CORNER SION BOMBAY-22 PHONE 4i(3301 J 4 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 8* Oral) e Commerce :G.C.D. Cowrse e Executive Secretariat Course > • Private Secretarial Course e Telephone Operating • Telephone Operating>cum Receptionist Techniques • Shorthand & Typewriting • Punch Operating • Telex Operating I! ,A. ! Enquire at: Sb* J. J. College of Commerce 14>Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk, BOM BAY 400 001. Tel: 251185 < I 33 Iaccording to present day trends, in West Germany, notes a news item ginally began her career teaching at the Regional Training Institute of Direct Taxation. Bomi Daruwalla, 17 year old member of the 16th Finchley Scout Group, was presented with his Chief Scout’s Award by district commissioner Peter “Jumbo” Davis on 27 March at the scout group’s East Finchley Methodist Church annexe headquarters, notes the English newspaper Press Group of U.J ..........- 17 April. The award was in acknow- of Technology, Bombay ledgement of “the work done in scxial .. ............ and community service and outdoor an Games and hopes to attempt swimming the English Channel if sponsored. (* ” ” . 1981). ' Assistant Collector of Customs, Pre­ ventive Department, Rustom Parakh retired after 37 years of service. He was considered to be an ace detective and in recognition of Tiis outstanding z services, was awarded the President s 1978. {Free Press Journal, 14 March 1981). Rayomand K. Irani, of Poona was awarded his Ph.D. degree by the Indi­ an Institute _ for his thesis: Studies in Fluidized . Reactor for Complex Systems, accord- activities , according to the scout to the Poona Parsi Panchayat group’s circular. Newsletter of March 1981. IVIflwijgh Hoshang Kherawala, Assist­ ant Income Tax Commissioner, Ah- ---------- „ , • medabad, is one of the two officers in the Events and Personalities secLon of the probables for the deputed by the Government of I^ia • for advanced training in Income Tax an onds at the Tata Sports Club meet on 29 March at the Bombay University Stadium, notes a Times , outfitting the tern for the Russian climate, completion of pass­ port and visa formalities and M on. “We finally emerged from all this and met the rest of the Indian contin­ gent in Delhi in July. There we had a series of briefings, a meeting with our Prime 1-------- and ihus reinforced, we cow 1— with some mination. There ---- the contingent from India. “We were given a very good pressed by the organisation ,11 of the All India Women’oHoc- of the but were sent back to the Village after sometime. We could, however, watch all that we missed on the T.V. available. The atmosphere was electrif^ng and 411UVU1I-J a wonderful feeling number of of friendliness everywhere. ¦ “Unfortunately, our womens team did not take the opportumties that fervour and determination that win- facilities for everv evening'—' nd watching video tapes of the games, official literatupy and other informa­ tion were eas',y available. , -ii. “Transportposed no difficulty as people ebullient, , ¦ -L T.,,rr«K<»r nf nf friendliness C' there we^ trolley -r------- Villar ; Travel in Moscow too was free m presentation of Identity Cards. E-' .n contingent was allotted a car a sufficient operating within the “Unfortunately, our women’s team came their way. Our girls lacked the fervour and determination that win- ‘"id^nSni-hTto traveEas^ Md'when nets are made of. I feel that they were titev chose Six interpreters helped us too easdy demoralised by the umpir to communiSng with the Russians, i- wh™ .hallenaes were thrown at we would have felt rather lost with­ out them. ;ses he Women’s Hockey maiden venture to the challenge to hold 1 and the A.I.C.S. (just 10 days for the finally emerged from all this our Prime Minister and President- left for Mcs- I ® ing. When challenges were thrown at them, their killer instincts did not rise to the fore. “The closing ceremoi^ was memo­ rable tor all of us. The warmth and friendliness broke all barriers of coun­ try and creed. We bade farewell to our happy village home, our inter­ preters, security guards, the friends we , had made and also the cleaning women some of whom had picked up a few words of Hindi. We had found the Russians cold and withdrawn to start with, but a few days of acquaintance proved to us that they were warm and gentle people. “Back at the Delhi Airport we were welcomed by friends and relatives, but , the Gold Medalist Men’s Hockey , Team got a really heart-warming wel­ come. It made our girls really wish "ilS that they had tried a little harder and put more fight into their game. Damania is president of the Wo- J men’s Hockey Association of Maha- I rashtra and was its secretary for ' three years prior; she is also a mem­ ber of the executive committee of the A.I.W.H.A. She was a delegate at the International Federation of the Wo- . . - - - - held in August 1980 at Scotland. s full of hopes and excitement and anxiety and a lot of deter- There were roughly 86 in , Damania: ‘Electrifying atmosphere. security men’rHockey Association Conference and rigid, and we chafed quite a bit mens^ Scotland. under the restnctions / Wife of Dara N. Damania, manag- uon Ol 01.3. Identity Cards were issu^to all. w^ch . g^^j^au Wolf New R^sians had really put in great efforts . Be JtW -- “J ........................................ .. lion in Moscow and were most im- - - - —1 and the efforts that had gone into the prepara- lion nf these 1980 Olympics. The of these 1980 Olympics. jt "In the Ijeginning. India Engineering Works Ltd., and mother of three daughtere, Damania. a former hostess with Air-India feels politics and sports should be kept separate. “It was a great pity that many were not able to participate in these Games because of the boycott. Inspite of it many records were broken and higher standards were set as compared to the 1976 Montreal Olympics. “I very strongly feel that politics numteof Au'Wyniiue Ton:h at the ®a.um S'lnt^ "=E ““ ss T^iurity national oneness and amity that is ror«cSby»;othetmeditm,. to make it a success. “The Olympic Village was beauti­ fully laid out and planned. There v- a \— Sports ----- other facilities. What struck us as _ _ most thoughtful was.that the pe^na XSr ^ch time toey enters toe llv laid out ana piaimcu. luxiv ..... Village, dogs were there to sni _ well staffed and equipped hospital, drugs and bombs, and even the bu.e ' iSniXiv? Btoldtog and that took us to .toe sWmms «u- Other facilities. What struck us Administrative Building was ritv guards. Our initial irritation gave - ’ - - started appreciat- washing, ironing and retiring were be Ceremony, March XSiXS .XS'i Besides this, there were a which were most popular. enjoV a variety of cultural programmes 36 were i shall never forget, measure we were ness the entire the stadium should hot sports arena. generate at the Olympic Games can- ® a 4 1 1 >1 — -411 1T*>^ As a security not allowed to wit-J r ¦ We can but look forward to the 1984 Olympic Games and hope it will be held in conditions that are easier and happier than those of this year and that India shall be able to participate in bigger numbers and strive harder to bring glory.” P»diyaI<K strict discipHnarim and (cWckwiM) with P.«id«l Tito, wM. the Prerident KMoedy Plaqoe, with the Helm’s medallimi and citidion Dhansak Cricket “What the Federation of Parsi Zoroas­ trian Anjumans of India could not achieve for the community, the game of Cricket might”, writes Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar. Parsiana’s Nagpur corres­ pondent. Bhagwagar notes. “The Nagpur Parsi Cricket Gymkhana has over the past five years striven to foster greater friendship and goodwill among like­ minded Parsis of different places by arranging inter-city cricket matches. “For one such recent encounter, the Nagpur Cricket XI journeyed to Jam­ shedpur to play for the Jiji Trani Memorial Trophy, instituted by Dr. Jamshed Irani, in memory of his father, the late Jiji Irani. “The Parsi Cricket Gymkhana beat the Jamshedpur XI by a convincing margin of five wickets, in the match played at the Jamshedpur Stadium on Sunday 8 February, 1981. The Nagpur boys were superior to thei^ opponents in all departments of the game and the victory for them was a cake-walk. “Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji, the lively and well-loved ‘cricketing priest* ¦ from Nagpur was declared Man of The Match. His expert fielding ctmtri- buted in large measure to the fall of the steel city stalwarts. Percy Zal was declared the best batsman and Shiraz DoMmaji the best bowler from Nagpur. “The main wicket taker for Jam­ shedpur was Behram Ziarolia and their best batsman Cawas Saiwalla. “Cricket for Parsis is inseparable from dhansak and dhoom-dham. The last two ingredients were very mud in evidence during the two-day visit to Jamshedpur. Off the turf, the Nag- purians were completely bowled over by the warmth and hospitality of the host team. Eruch Surti, Rumi Master and Pesi Wadia of Jamshedpur worked Nagpur cricketers and orgaaizars hard to make the fixture the success it was. “The resurge of popular interest in cricket among the young Parsis of Nagpur is due in very large measure to the enthusiasm and encouragement given by Dadachanji and Shiraz Gimi, chairman. Sports Committee who are there every morning to give the young­ sters practice, -har the next cricket season the Nagpur Parsi Gymkhana is threatening to field a Ladies XI. So gentlemen beware!” til* '-I In the Service ol S^pevt Veteran athletic coach, administrator. official and author, Jal U. PardivaJa, ^was presented the Buck’s award for R outstanding service rendered by him " to the cause of physicaF education and sports in the country. Instituted by the YMCA College of Physical Educa­ tion^ Madras. the award was given to Pardivala at the diamond jubilee cele­ brations of the college on 20 Decem­ ber 1980. An unassuming, grey-haired gent of 70. with an athletic physique and brisk walk that belied his introduc- * tory statement. “I am an old man now”. Pardivala is hesitant to talk erf i his many and varied experiences on 37and off the athletic field. “Won’t you right that the Silver Cross of the noted The Illustrated Weekly of India. be bored with my tales?” he asks, Finnish Sports was awarded to the at the time. bringing out his collection of clippings, teacher of the Bombay Sports Insti- The son of a Pardi farmer. Pardi- photos and other memorabilia pre- tute, Jal D. Pardivala, who, with vala from an early age dismayed his served over the years. several articles and lectures in his fondness for athletics. He, is said to With nostalgia and pride. Pardivala hometown of Bombay, as well as in have run 200 metres in 23 seconds as recalls the International Olympic Com- his country, India, has made Finland a teenager. But it is as a physical mittee Gold Pin he got in 1958 for and its sports , known more than any- educationist that he was sought after, “enhancing Olympic ideals and the body else in India.” Pardivala received Pardivala has taught at the Bharda 21 ______ ;¦ Y- ______ 1 _Y ’ • ' ’ ” _ "’--—2’- 1 New High School, St. Mary’s, Byramjee Amateur Athletic Federation Veteran sea of Indian governmental red tape, Jeejeebhoy Institution, Bombay Inter­ Pin, for “great service to sport” in jealousy and vindictiveness, 1962^ the Amateur Athletic Union of months after the award was proposed,” r ~ " 2 ~ — “being co-ordinator for the Common- September 1960. wealth versus USA Athletic Meet in ” July 1967”, the Helm’s Athletic Foun- member of the Technical Committee nistration of major athletic competi- dation meHallify and citation, “in re- of the International Amateur Athletic tions. His pupils remember him as a cognition of noteworthy contribution Federation (IAAF) and a member of strict disciplinarian, thorough in his to athletics” in 1969, and the Govern- the Association of Track and Field training and a walking athletics ment of Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Statisticians, Pardivala has authored Encyclopaedia. Award and Diploma for “distinguished several books on athletics. His Manual .service to sports in the state” in 1972, of Athletic Competitions (Track and to mention only a few. Field), now in its fifth edition, has But the award of which Pardivala been referred to as “undoubtedly the seems most proud is the Finnish Minis­ try of Education’s Sports Cross and Diploma, also referred to as the Sports . m nugnsn language, oy me - RirfhHnv norripc Cnnfsirb Oscar, which he received in 1960, American journal. Track Technique ™ ninnaay parues. COntaci. during the Rome Olympic games. The in its summer 1979 issue. In 1960, Flat N<X 3, First Floor, No. 6 citation states the award is “in re .................................... — cognition of your valuable service to the Finnish sports life.” A Finnish newspaper clipping of the times, head­ lines Pardivala as, “The only Finn in Bombay,” continuing, “it was only mittee Gold Pin he got in 1958 for r ¦ ¦ -' - -- Olympic movement.” the International the award after wading through a /____ ¦;____ ” „ ’ ’ . Pin, for “great service to sport” in jealousy and vindictiveness, “18 i:::, : _ ________ _ y y ’ _ USA’s President Kennedy Plaque for notes the Free Press Journal of 21 other Bombay schools. He has also ¦ ~ " Y ' * • conducted training programmes and The first Asian and only Indian helped in the organization and admi- member of the Technical Committee of the International Amateur Athletic national School, GreMilawas, the David Sassoon Industrial School, and the Association of Track and Field training and Field), now in its fifth edition, has Rashid D. Bamanbehram most comprehensive book of IAAF Professional Photographer for track and field rules ever published photos of Weddings, Navjotes in the English language . by the r Amsnean journal. Track Technique ~ * A Finnish Pardivala released what has now come Wadia Block, Khareghat to be called his magnum opus — Colony, 30A Hughes Road, Indian Athletics, 1920-1959, a stati- - - ---------- stical history of Indian athletics. Bombay 400 007. a “prodigiously painstaking effort, a Phone : 826074 pioneering record of our athletics”, With Compliments of Tata Elnterprises f 39 I I t I I i I I t