Aug 1981

in Vt DC PaW 0) .2 Q. 01 * I I ? v> 3 O) 3 < e V 7, i/'. 9'M/: Oh ¦ I I '•»; I 1.' Ji — fll ”!I 'f 1 i t PaW August 1981 Volume 4 Number 2 READERS’ FORUM EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES ZOROASTRI ANS ABROAD NEWS FROM THE MEDIA QISSA-I-SANJAN ZOROASTRIAN STUDIES Khojeste Mistree LAW AND LORE Bergis Desai DASTUR DHALLA—XVI BUSINESS Cover: The voyage by Mario Miranda 3 9 13 15 20 47 51 55 62 ti 6 'I' I I. ( EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel EXECUTIVE EDITOR R. P. Thanavala ASSOCIATE EDITOR Arnavaz Patel DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala ADVERTISING Veera Patel Khushroo Amroliwala Zarin Billimoria MANAGEMENT Hanita Irani CIRCULATION M. R. Ambujakshan Nair Geeta Gupta Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel at C/o H. L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 001 and printed by him at Jyoti Indus ­ tries, 324 A to Z Industrial Estate, Bombay 400013. All rights reserved. Address all editorial and business correspondence to Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Phone: 268730. Annual inland subscription: Rs 30 for one year (12 issues); Rs 55 for two years (24 issues); Foreign subscrip ­ tion rates: Seamail Rs 60 for one year, Rs 110 for two years; Airmail Rs 120 one year, Rs 215 two years. For U.S. personal cheques add $2 to cover bank charges. For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 3 for bank charges. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favour of Parsiana. Single copy price Rs 5 and Re 1. All rates subject to change in postal rates. J: i > '7'; I READERS’ FORUM Pilgrim ’s Progress tion of an enlightened public. This I was a visitor to the Metropolitan should i^^d^e by way of holding Washington area, and I met some of the . ¦ Washington area, and I met some of the sev^ regional/ward seminars, at Zoroastrians living there. Inevitably, which, one^ain issue at a time may be April'1981) that'yo'u direction must be provided, by recrui- recently published about the Zoroas- dng the best available and willing talent the talks led to the article, Pilgrim’s Pro- Projected. To be successful, a sense of recently published about the Zoroas- ^*^8 the best available and willing talent trian Association of Metropolitan Washington ’s desire to build a Zoroas- ? Washington ’s desire to build a Zoroas- harmonization through intelligent trian Centre, including an Atash participation may yet be achieved and Dadgar or Agiary. I felt that the figure Community enabled to march forth of $600,000 or over Rs40 lakhs, as the ® united body. eventual cost of that scheme, might homi b. minocher homji frighten, many Zoroastrians in India as “too big” and, therefore, deter them from helping this most worthwhile cause. I must say that I was converted, after talking to the dedicated Zoroastrians who live here. The Washington Associa­ tion ’s estimate includes a $ 200,000 trust fund from whos^ income one or two Help Spenta In the article on Zoroastrian Stree Man- dal, Secunderabad-Hyderabad, which appeared in the March 198.1 issue of Parsiana, it is stated that the sales- counter, run as part of the self-help pro­ ject, pays a high rent. I would like to clarify that for our full-time znobedscan be engaged to tend sales counter, “Spenta ”, the trustees of to the Atash Dadgar. Thus, their the Anjuman have given us a small place physical facilities will cost about ® one of their buildings On a modest $400,000; or in terms of purchasing rental. For our kitchen located some power in India, only about four lakhs of distance away from the sales coimter, rupees. The Washington proposal is very the Atash Dadgar. Thus, their the Anjuman have given us a small place Readers’ views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community modest, although it is far-sighted in its and should be sent to The Editor, approach and potential impact on all Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Zoroastrians. FURDOON A. MEHTA Arlington, U.S.A. we are indebted to the trustees of the Old Parsi Fire Temple who charge us a truly nominal rent. One Of our biggest hurdles has been to get proper accommodation for our kit ­ chen, show-room and office. As our kit- 4 ..'ll, ..'ll, .5 Dharamsala Digest I have just returned from Bombay to Orissa by road, a few years back I had travelled from Bombay to Assam by road, and on both these occasions I felt the need to compile and make available to those who so desire, a list of Parsi Dharamsalas; with addresses. Also, I would like to inform you for the benefit of your readers, that the Calcutta Zoroastrian Anjuman has painstakingly compiled a directory of all Zoroastrians residing in North-East India. This is a valuable reference book for young travelling Zoroastrian sales ­ men, businessmen and tourists to those areas. K..E. KHAMBATTA Bhubaneshwar The Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India intended to undertake a list of Dharamsalas, but as a result of the various splits, nothing was done. ‘Forgotten Factors ’ Zoroastrians living abroad, feel a keen sense of participation in the impending, consequential, socio-cultural and orga­ nizational changes affecting the com­ munity in Bombay. We have been the forgotten factors in the local internecine conflict of Lilliputians, which have so far advanced nothing but egos, and af ­ flicted us with a sense of dormant frus­ tration. The courage of the Committee for Electoral Rights (CER) in taking on single handedly not only the Committee of United Zoroastrians (CUZ), but with it, the Bombay Parsi Panchayat (BPP) and the orthodoxy at large, has at last exposed the hollow claim of represen ­ tativeness advanced by the orthodoxy and the community has now projected its aspirations in no uncertain manner. The CER victory ensures that no longer will the community lend itself to maneuvering by a coterie. The CER should gear itself to deter ­ mining the nature and quantum of for­ thcoming changes, with full participa- Warden is good For sandalwood Head Office 378 Grant Road Bombay 400 007 and Branches Tel. 371464 Quality sandalwood Aggarbattiss. gum benzoin (loban) and other Perfumes 3 * .’’C ‘ii’' places, great inconvenience is caused in I } i i i With Compliments From GLOBE THEATRES PVT. LTD. Established April 3,1915 Controlling: REGAL BOMBAY CAPITOL BOMBAY GLOBE CALCUTTA ROXY MADRAS transporting the preparations from the I kitchen to the shop. The present ar- I rangement is also vastly detrimental to a I brisk sale. I To surmount this hurdle, we want a I building where we could accommodate I our kitchen, shop and office under one I roof. To that end, unceasing efforts I over a long period are continuing with I the trustees of the Parsi Anjuman of I Secunderabad and Hyderabad to allot I us a piece of land in the Anjuman com- I pound. The construction cost will I mount into a formidable amount . Equi- I pping the kitchen, the show-room and I the office with adequate gadgets and I furniture will mean a further sum. I To raise the finances for this pur^ I poses, we appeal to private and public I trusts and to individual donors in India I and abroad to donate to this praise wor- I thy effort of the ladies of the Zoroas- I trian Stree Mandal, to make their bene- I ficiaries self-respecting and self-reliant, j Donations should be in favour of the j Zoroastrian Stree Mandal, Secun­ derabad-Hyderabad, 395, Bank Street, Hyderabad 500 001 (A.P.) ALOO R. RUSTOMFRAM President, Zoroastrian Stree Mandal, I Hyderabad Dadar Madressa I In the article entitled Madressa’s Dia- I mond Jubilee, (Parsiana, May 1981) the I second photo of the students reciting I prayers and food being supplied to I them, is ndt of the students of the I Athornan Boarding Madressa, Dadar, I but of the M. F. Cama Athornan Insti ­ tute, at Andheri, Bombay. The Dadar Parsee Youths Assembly J High School (DPYA) which is adjacent to our Madressa, gives academic educa ­ tion to our students free of charge since the year 1966 as arranged by the then Honorary Secretary of the DPYA, D. D. Kapadia. We are very thankful to Darab D. Mehta, chairman, the authorities of the school, the principal and the staff, for all the co-operation that we receive from them. R. N. PANTHAKI Principal, Athornan Boarding Madressa, Dadar. Khandalavala Award I refer to the report in the May 1981 issue of Parsiana which states that Karl Khandalavala was awarded the R. P. Chanda birth centenary medal by the Asiatic Society of Bangalore on 2 March 1981. CHEMOULD Art Shop, Art Gallery Picture Frames —in the heart of Bombay's Art World 1st floor Jehangir Art Gallery Bombay 23. Tel. 244356 3 (J* I 5 iftMiiiaK--*’' * J With Compliments From Starlite Electrical Works Electrical Engineers & Contractors Fan House, 13, Ormiston Road, Bombay-400 039 r "f..... r'Sar;BES*?***®'¦V' V To the best of my knowledge there is iro Asiatic Society in Bangalore, The said medal was awarded by The Asiatic Society of Calcutta at its Annual General Meeting held on 2 February 1981. And shouldn’t the recipient ’s name be correctly spelled as Khandalavala? J. R. MEHTA . Calcutta The report was taken from The Times of India issue dated 4 March 1981. The error in spelling is regretted. Statue Shifting A newspaper report notes that “The traffic department. .. is proposing to shift the statue of Karsetji Manekji Shroff, better known as Khada Parsi, from its present site at the foot of the Byculla Bridge, Bombay. The shifting is part of the new traffic design at the bridge and of the Byculla fly-over.” This news has, shocked me. This is a revered statue of well over a 100 years. Sculptured in London, it was erected in 1867 by Shroff’s friends and admirers at the junction of Bellasis, Clare and Rippon Roads, near Nagpada, where it stood for 61 years. It was shifted in 1928, after consulta- ting the family, to its present site, which incidently is very close to where he founded The Alexandra Native Girls’ English Institution, in March 1860. This statue reminds citizens of a fine, straightforward Parsi whose sense of equality, honour and justice were im­ peccable. PERIN M. R. B. JEEJEEBHOY Religion of Change Your readers may find the following remark by the noted philosopher Alfred North Whitehead of interest: “Religion will not regain its old power until it can face change in the same spirit as does science. Its principles may be eternal, but the expression of those principles re­ quires continual development. ” DHUN MEHTA. Rashid D. Bamanbehram Professional Photographer for Photos of Weddings, Navjotes and Birthday parties. Contact: Flat No. 3, First Floor, No. 6 Wadia Block, Khareghat Colony, 30A Hughes Road, Bombay 400 007. Phone: 826074 J JEENA & COMPANY ESTD. 1900 IATA AIR CARGO Clearing, FcMTvarding Warehousing and Insurance Agents 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay-1. Cable : ‘JUSTITIA’ Telex : 2313 - Phone : 312032 Branches: E. Merc House 19/B, Shakespeare Sarani (Formerly Theatre Road) CALCUTTA-16 Phone : 444711 Jeena House’ 50, Hanuman Road Connaught Circus NEW DELHI PHONE : 310821 1 Ir J i B 1-^ f' b' Events and Personalities J B fifiipon V WifVi cj-fc I I Rich With so many prestigious clubs in Bom- «**« y • i>nrorr; Hono- : bay operating in thefed, the Ripon Club Treasurers: Vispi S. Dastur and is proving an exception to the rule. Mmoo A. Seervai; Honorary Secre- Damania, Sam Lala, R. Nanabhoy, K. J. Khajotia and P. S. Shroff; Hono- Minoo A. Seervai; Honorary Secre- j ! Mistry who also chairs the Andhra Pradesh Travel and Tourism Develop ­ ment Corporation, is a former cabinet minister in the Andhra Pradesh govern­ ment. She is in charge of the legal aid cell of the All India Congress Committee (I), chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Na­ tional Children’s Fund, president eme ­ ritus of the Indian Council of Social Welfare, Andhra Pradesh, and All In­ dia president of the Indian Council of Active in the field of women’s move­ ments for welfare and progress, “her current interest in promoting the cause of women treated as beasts of burden and playthings has made her persuade the only too willing Indira Gandhi, the leader of her party, to open legal cells in all Pradesh Congress Committees in the country; these cells often come to the rescue of women on the verge of mental breakdown, ” notes her bio-data. Born, brought-up and educated in the “Moglai” atmosphere of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Mis­ try, now a grandmother of three, attri ­ butes the moulding of her political career and welfare activities to the late nationalist and former governor of Gu­ jarat, Janab Mehdi Nawaz Jung. It was reportedly Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru , w who first gave her the opportunity to / enter politics on a Congress ticket in 1959. Mistry has been lobbying for the Par­ sis to remain within the scope of the Adoption of Children Bill, 1980, pre- ______ _____ . sently before parliament. ties include holding of seminars and Tata Scholars courses as well as the publication of Birf -- r--—o **** WZYV^PIIMU tv LHC I Ulc. . . -i j u/vviv" The 97-year-old institution situated B. Dhalla and Eruch S. on the 3rd and 4th floors of the N. M. r .^' > W V r 1 * •« « • T B «l«* 1 .* ¦ j For further information write to the Road, Bombay 400 023. Leading Lady Wadia Building on Mahatma Gandhi p- ........- jlh Road, showed a “moderate profit of „ P®" Club, 123, Mahatma Gandhi ¦ Rs 53,522’’ in its annual report for the 400 023. ? - year ending 31st December 1979. “The club earned this profit in the „ . , .. pivo.ucm i ' face of spiralling prices and all round C®”® ^istry the first Parsi woman to social welfare. i scarcity and shortages, ” note the hono- ® member of the Rajya Sabha, rary secretaries, R. B. Dhalla and E. S. recently elected to chair the Press /"Hodiwalla. Public Relations Association Founded by Sir Pherozeshah Mehta , in ’ 884 for the community, the club has 1 around 400 members both men and ' ;women, according to the report. The : nominal entrance fee of Rs 750 and a • monthly subscription of Rs 25 keeps , membership in the range of the young as ___ ; situated in the heart of the city ’s com- = mercial area, the club with its old world atmosphere, is an ideal place for lunch, snacks and relaxing. Several news- • papers and magazines are available and can be read on comfortable easy chairs on which the members can stretch their legs. Wednesday is Dhansak day at the ..club; there is a fixed menu for the other , days as well, plus a limited range oiala ^arte dishes at reasonable prices. Mem- . .bers have the option of dining on a com­ mon table or reserving a table for them- Mistry: furthering communication : selves and their guests. A hall cum ter- xpace on the fourth floor is available for social functions. ^*st of vwuiova ao wcu as IOC puDiication of a S ’ <"'5® News from the Media The film, to be appropriately titled — “AQuest for Zarathushtra ”, deals with the history of the Zoroastrian people, some 2,500 years ago in ancient Persia, the life of Zarathustra and the last 150 years in the history of the Parsis. Cyrus talks.about it enthusiastically. “We begin with a jashan, a religious ceremony, the sound of prayers, music, Zubin conducting, then going back 35^ years to his own Navjote in Bombay. His own life, his music (the theme music in the film will be that of Richard Strauss, especially his “Nietzsche ”, which he composed as a tone poem). Then the search for his identity, the quest for Zarathushtra, which will place —jom in anciem rersia in i^uv o.u. ’ In a way, it is also Cyrus Bharucha ’s Mody: making education relevant A Quest for^ Zarathustra In the magnificent Sea Lounge of Sir Zubin in ancient Persia in 1500 B.C.” Jamshetji Tata ’s Taj Mahal Hotel, Cyrus Bharucha, a resident of the U.S., talks about the film on the Parsis and mainly in England, has been for 17 years Zarathushtra that he is planning to do with j Zubin Mehta. ./ I:--' i K .‘-S ¦¥ lit ¦ ii '*^1 I search for his own identity. He studied in television and films, has worked as a r fashion and food photographer, as •3 3 ¦¦¦¦ti Bridging a Culture Gap photographer for the Science Museum A lecturer in Bombay University ’s in London, as a BBC film cameraman department of Civics and Politics, and producer for its current affairs Ms Nawaz Mody is a specialist in Indian department. It was at this time that he and Asian Studies. She has recently got his big scoop. The first interview been awarded a Ph.D. in Politics for her with Albert Speer, Hitler ’s ‘munitions thesis on ‘Indonesia under Suharto —A minister ’, as he came out of prison, study of the concentration of-power Later, he moved on to the US, was ex- from 1965-1971’. ecutive producer with the Public Broad­ casting Service, joined the 24-hour news of being one of the first detailed service programme of commercial TV. research works on Suharto, and its ac- ‘ ‘Then I heard what Zubin was plann- ceptance for publication , are a tribute to ing to do. I gave up my job, have come Ms Mody’s learning. A former student here to raise funds for the film. We ex- of Elphinstone College, Bombay, she pect it to cost $ 332,000, around Rs 30 has had a brilliant academic career. She lakhs, we hope industrialists and major stood first class first at the B.A. and families in Bombay will help us.” M.A. examinations and has won nuihe- There are two others associated with rous prizes and scholarships. In 1975, at the film, Mr Moshen Sadeghi, a Bahai the annual conference of the Liberal In- from Iran, who has his own motion pic- ternational at Gummersbach in West ture company in the US, and Mr Meher- Germany, she presented a paper on the. The thesis, which has the distinction * Bharucha: A search for identity It is a film that both he and the world ji Madan, chief accountant for a multi- role of political parties in India. Later, famous conductor of the New York billion dollar corporation in Wash- as Fulbright scholar , she spent a year Philharmonic Orchestra have set their ington. (1978-1979) at Cornell University, heart on doing. They are hopeful that the Parsi captains of industry, like the everything including ancient Iranian Tatas, the Wadias, the Godrejes will assist them. In the beginning, Zubin Mehta was planning to host the film and be its nar­ rator. He would come on the screen, say: “Good-evening, I am Zubin Mehta and I am a Parsi. People often ask me what is a Parsi... ” Cyrus had a bigger idea. Zubin have big sales in Germany, since the Ger- her thesis, when she married in 1976. “I should be the central figure of the film, mans are interested in Zoroastrianism, was, however, determined to finish. So, set, out in search of Zarathustra, in good sales in Japan, since the Japanese my husband and I resolved to put off « search of his own identity and the identi- have always been interested in religious having any children until after its com- ty of 100,000 Parsis, among the smallest subjects and should run well in the pletion ”—a decision which she feels has and most distinguished religious com- American art theatres. shocked many people. munitiesof the world. __ Mid-day 7 juiy i98i Ms. Mody has newly launched into Six months will go in research, U.S.A. ¦ 1 Hailing frofri a family of teachers, music. Shooting is expected to start in Ms Mody has “always wanted to teach the middle of next year, 75 percent of it and research. I have been offered other to be done in Bombay, Satyajit Ray is jobs—some more paying and more being invited as the film’s artistic con- challenging too. But I turned them suitant . down. I work in my profession because I The film is expected to have a major want to. ” TV release, a limited cinema release and a premiere probably in Bombay. It may deed, total. She had barely started on Her commitment to her work is, in- *?' 'J Mid-day 7 July 1981 15 /¦yiuriiityy' 4-. A- consultancy services to industry. “My have focused quite a lot of attention on tirst concern IS to make education more issues such as dowry and rape. Unfor- releyant to the changing needs of society tunately , their good work is crippled by and industry. Her book, ‘An Indone- a paucity of funds ’’ Whilesheisthesolewomanlecturerin published under the auspices of the her department, Ms Mody has many Khataus and the Tatas, and privately women students. She thought therefore circulated, is an effort at using her ex- that it would be a good idea to introduce pertise for practical purposes. She sup- into the curriculum, a paper devoted en- plemented the book by a lecture tour of tirely to women. But the men obviously Indonesia in March-April 1981. Her didn’t think so and Ms Mody had a set- IS a hundred year history of tie for the inclusion of the subject the Khataus, for whom her husband ................... works. Her work apart, Ms Mody is greatly interested, in women’s problems, - ----------------- ---------------* — “especially ii¥ legal reform to better consumer guidance movement and is a their status. Our constitution recognises member of the Consumer Guidance any discrimination between them. I Io learn German and Bahasa In- would like to see these articles imple- donesia (Indonesia ’s national mented. A beginning could be made by language). An avid fan of music, theatre enacting a uniform civil code for all cinema, she belongs to the National religions. In addition to securing equal Centre for Performing Arts (N.C.P.A.) property rights for all women, such a 1*1® N.F.A.I., the Max Mueller code would also help eradicate evils like Bhavan ’s ‘Sangati Club’ and the ‘Cine bigamy. Club’ of the Alliance Francaise. But Ms Mody is associated with the Delhi- she really “craves ’’ to do and for based Manushi Trust which brings out a • • ¦ ___ magazine in English and Hindi. “They Georgette Heyer. ’’ concentrate on studies of women and Bve ’swe«S'ii^n^5mi Tuning in to the Sound of Silence , Off cacophonous Park Street, two floors up a small building, there is a world without sound. But not without sense or sensitivity: the Oral School for Deaf Children... Dhun Adenwalla—who founded the * school and has over the years taken scores of children out of their confused and deafeningly silent world, and put ; them into the mainstream —stresses thej , importance of not relying entirely on sign language. “It would destroyin deaf children all incentive for speech; it makes no difference to them since they cannot hear themselves but it would create a sub-culture of the deaf which mvii ovdcuo. wul vuiisuiuuon recognises “**«“''“*vviviuivvui»uuK;iuuiuiinvc ?u u the equality of the sexes and prohibits Society of India. She has also found 8®t “em nowhere nearer the aim of >• • • • x.— - . integration ’’. At the School, equal em­ phasis is given to oral speech, lip- reading, finger spelling. “It is not > enough to give the child speech’’ says Mrs Adenwalla. “That is relatively easy. It is more important and more dir ficult to give him language otherwise he can do no more than parrot. Besides, the deaf do not overhear things as normal people do, so far more needs to be told > to them. ’’ As with most others suffering from a sensory handicap, the other senses of issues such as dowry and rape. Unfor- a paucity of funds. ” While she is the sole woman lecturer in i many -- —w-klivu^lll LIIVI VIMI Cy that it would be a good idea to introduce into the curriculum, a paper devoted en- as a mere ‘sub-topic ’ in an optional paper — ‘Political Sociology of the Third World’, at the M.A. level. .. Ms Mody also takes an interest in the Club’ of the Alliance Francaise. But which she has no time, is “relax with GIRIJA PRABHAKAR I I » With Best Compliments From: Dinshaw Shapoorji & Co. Govt. & Transport Contractors Transports of Heavy Machinery Luxury Coach & Staff Bus Operators 414/3, Kasarwadi, Bombay-Poona Road, PIMPRI, POONA 411 018. Grams: “Truck’’, Poona—Phone: 22782 Pimpri Phones 82658-83055-83056 Branch Office: 92-C, MOHAMEDALI ROAD, BOMBAY 400 003. Grams: “Motor Truck’’, Bombay—Phones: 323977 or 339718 • •• • ••• » Ct! £ iV 33 5 » 17 V» 4 the deaf are better honed. They can, for instance, listen with their eyes in a remarkable fashion. This ability has im­ pressed mime artiste Zarin Chaudhuri. who has worked at the School since 1973... “It is amazing how closely they observe the world, retain the details in their minds and then translate this into mime. At first, I used to act out sequen ­ ces for them and they merely copied. Now, the whole impetus comes from them, I only need to give the directional touches ” i '• i.,- [t BACHI J, KARKARIA The Statesman 8 June 1981 1 J "Pvt® ¦H. Tl !cfJ I children. Greenlawns School in the city ® I has often produced her work, and to I sound applause too. She bases her plays / ® I on Indian themes and they have been in I good demand in the Magic Lamp pro- I gramme of Bombay’s Doordarshan. S I One of her most popular works in this I medium was Adventures of a raindrop. I She also initiated a programme on coins I and numismatics, part of which has I been included in her cassette. Uncle 4] I Happy and Aunt Grumble Vias another I of her hits, in which she was partnered by Pankaj Khandpur. “My play. Wildflowers was staged 16 '(< times ”, Roshan told me. It deals with the problem of child beggers and was directed by Saraswati Swaminathan of the INT. Roshan’s latest TV programme called | SwmgozicfszTig, contained 16songs,just J like the Amarnad cassette with its 16 tunes packed with variety and lilting < J a ¦'S Roshan ’s Cassette The other day i met an interesting young lady who has some commendable achievements to her credit in the field of children’s entertainment. This is Roshan R. Treasuryvala, Treasuryvala: recording ‘fairy tales’ whose cassette of 16 songs for children ? has just been issued by India Book also a Fellow of the Trinity College of musical accompaniment. On the cards for Roshan are a video-tape based on nursery rhymes and fairy tales as also a recording of The magic ring for IBH. Financial Express 3 May 1981 House in its Amarnad series. Roshan’s Music (London) with two gold medals educational qualifications are as nota ­ ble as her experience with music for juveniles. She is a B.Com. and B.Ed. as posing music and writing plays for to her credit. Roshan has devoted herself to com- WITH COMPLIMENTS OF Messrs. N. Dinshaw & Company Dealers in Mill Stores, Packing Materials, Beltings Phone: 253488/290354 Grams: 'DILINOL'. AND i M / s. Abrasive Products of India Manufacturers of Resinoid Bonded Grinding Wheels. Phone: 253988/299343. Grams: 'APIGRIND' 14, Ismaii Building 381 Dr D. N. Road, Flora Fountain Bombay 400 (X)1. 19 ’¦Ir - • ., :- ¦ '^. *¦¦ •- .• ¦ ' •¦’’ •; -¦ V ,.¦' . • •’ - r k; r i s I i I f n u § L' st'- M ¦ - IS I h s p Is ¦«s ‘ f. H 111 I c 1 n c o ’ 2 I h Qissa-i-Sanjan ... The Obscure History of The Men of The True Faith in the vear 1600 A D on Khurdad roj, Farwardin mah, a with a controversy which has led to the forrnation of ^o rival priest, Bahman Kaikobad Hormuzdyar Sanjana put the finish- schools of^f a hteto'ricS noveI " S^ng .ouches to «« 864 lines of his epic, .he Qisse-z-Senyen or his.oricsi the Story of Sanjan . ¦ ¦ -------\ The verses were the first written record of the Zoroastrians migration from a t ---------- ------- hospitable shores of India. For over six hundred years, since the Zoroastrians landed in the 10th century A.D., the story had been related by the spoken word from generation to generation. . "I have heard this (tale) from a wise dastur who was presented a renowned for virtue," wrote Bahman "Mav the Dastur schools of thought, one believing it to be history, the other The^controversy regarding the Qissa-i-Sanjan's historical to the fore at the beginning of this century. ’o .he when some Persie decided »rai^ a monumen, a. Sanjan ,o commemorate the Zoroastrians landing. The dissidents, notable among whom were Ervad Jam­ shedji Dadabhoy Nadirsharan Avesta scholar who is said to have travelled extensively in Persia, and B. N. Bhathena, who u.co»..swJ - entitled Kisse-Sanjan: 4 Palpable False­ hood aX the 12th All India Oriental Conference jn Banares in r^t of Bahman's imagination. Bhathena accuses Bahman of having composed the (2/ssa-/-San/az7 with "a view to glorify the Sanjana priests as the protectors of the religion of the Both scholars discount the traditional notion that the Zoroastrians fled Iran in the wake of religious persecution and sought refuge in India. They claim that the Parsls ir^lndia to- Zoroastrian traders and businessmen who had set up their I Punjab, Sind, Gujarat and Thana, while Zoroastrian kings were still ruling in Iran. Bhathena notes, "The fact is that on the downfall of > great excellence ... He told me this tale according to the say­ ings of the men of old and repeated the obscure history of the men of the True Faith." . Little is known of Bahman except that he was "already ad- ’ yanced in age at the time (of writing) and that he came of a family noted for Its literary tastes and aptitude for the com­ position of Pbrsian verse," notes Shahpurshah Hormasji^ Hodiwala, the noted historian in bcch Bahman's father, Kaikobad, whose "heart delighted only in calling Iranshah to mind," appears to have been a leader amongst the Sanjana priests settled in Navsari. "When. ..we I___ '—¦ ¦ - -y in xhe Kisse~e-Sanjan," wrote Rustam Barjorji Paymaster , a 20 rhie S s””dfes «n pariz day°are jhe descendents of aiready establfehed Iranian r;.5X=ofZH.o.con.ained Vaad^z^'". ?a Papain imn had no country. The Arabs were not able to establish their rule securely for a considerable time; they had not resorted at >1’1* "J ¦ >'f : - ¦. (¦ ', ' : ¦¦''V' • were powerful and freedom loving Zoroastrian chieftians who challenged and defied the authority of the conquerors for a long time after the fall of the Sassanian Dynasty. "When these brave Ispahbads were gallantly giving resistance to the Arab invaders, only the cowards can think of leaving the motherland to her fate and running away to some distant place for safety. If the supporters of Kisse-Sanjan rank their ancestors among the cowards, I have nothing to sav.” Opponents of the Qissa-i-Sanjan dispute the existent of Jadi Rana, the account of the war fought by the Zoroastrians on behalf of his successors and, "in short, the whole Kissa is palpably false and entirely baseless," according to Bhathena. Jivanji Jamshedji Modi, the reputed Zoroastrian scholar, defended the Qissa-i-Sanjan and commented, "not a single voice was raised against (the Qissa) for these 100's of years. It was only when I launched the column movement, that the first voice of opposition was heard." The Reverend Dr. John Wilson, the noted Christian mis­ sionary whose school was attended by several Parsis in­ cluding K. R. Cama, the noted scholar, at the turn of the cen­ tury, states the verses are "the most important document of the very meagre accounts possessed by the Parsis of the settlement of their forefathers in the country." Hodiwala says that "Bahman's statements appear to have been based not only on a nucleus of genuine oral tradition but, perhaps of written memoranda ... Those memo­ randa. .. must be pronounced trustworthy and valuable. .. Bahman himself tells us at the end of the poem that he had written the Qissa according to what 'he had seen and also learnt from the conversation of his elders.' " In a translation of the Qissa published by the Lutfuddaulah Oriental Research Institute in Hyderabad, the preface written by Sayyid Ahmadullah Qadri, then president of the Institute, notes, "It is far from reality to say that the story of the poem is fictitious. This Qissa is based on facts indeed, but there is dif­ ficulty in locating periods... as it is a historic poem, there is no room for conjuctures. Its author, Bahman, was a learned and able poet." Rustom P. Karkaria, the noted historian and author, com­ mented on Bahman's epic in an introduction to a translation of the Qissa-i-Sanjan by Paymaster: "Literary merit it has few, its language is at times obscure and faulty, while its imagery is sometimes grotesque, still with its faults, it has always ap­ pealed to our people in a wonderful manner and we are sure the hold it has on Parsis will be stronger in the future. It is a voice from the past speaking of a past remoter still, and momentous as containing the germs of our present position in this land and of the future which time may have in store for our race. This tale of Sanjan is in embryo our Odyssey and Aeneid combined." The Qissa-i-Sanjan was originally written in Persian and then translated into Gujarati. A Gujarati prose rendering was done by Framji Aspandiarji Rabadi, a noted 19th century, Parsi scholar. English translations have been undertaken by Edward Backhouse Eastwich, a noted 19th century orientalist. Pay­ master, Hodiwala and Hakeem Sayyid §hamsullah Qadri amongst others. Parsiana publishes in this issue Paymaster's translation which is amongst the most readable. Though there appear to be as many spellings of the Qissa-i-Sanjan as there are transla ­ tions, Parsiana has adhered to Dr Mary Boyce's spelling. Researched by Arnavaz Patel I -a-.. GOD, (I CRAVE) THY FAVOUR !n the name of God, the Giver, the Beneficent, the Merciful, the Just, the Kind, the Matchless, the High and the Great. '*1 I In the name of God, the Wise and Holy, every moment I sing heartily His praise. Night and Day I offer to Him abundant thanks-giving because my soul is made happy (victorious) through His praise. I do not say anything in season and out of season, except , thanks-giving to Him, for He is the Eternal King of the crea ­ tion. He is powerful (and) mighty everlastingly, for the eyes of His servants (creatures) are constantly seeing through him. He is our refuge and helper everywhere; He forgives sins and accepts our prayer and repentance. Again He always comes to our succour. He has given us knowledge and shown us the true faith. He is the Protector of the poor and the Lord of the Universe. He pardons sins and forgives (the sins of) mankind. Further, He is our constant Guide (and) is the companion of our secret hours and solver of (our) difficulties. Thou hast a perfect control over the creation. Thou art the King, Thy kingdom is without decline. Thou art the Lord over Lords Thou art our darling, matchless and incomparable. From clay Thou makest by Thy power the shape of'man and Thou puttest into the soul, glad and happy. Thou carries! from the loin (spinal cord) a drop of seed into H the womb. Thou art the One Who delineates forms on water. Thou gavest the drop of seed the form of a body. Thou madest | the world visible in it. Thou gavest man the outward, visible tongue; and Thou again j hast given him the inward (invisible) gem (of wisdom). ' Thou hast given him two eyes for the purpose of seeing and ; hast made two ears for hearing. J “'I M. 'I 1 -> ' Thou hast given him a tongue for speech , so that it may move 4 like a pair of compasses in Thy praise. Thou hast given him the sense of smell for enjoying sweet .1 scent Thou hast given him feet to stand up and worship (Thee). Thou hast bound 32 pearls (of teeth) with one string, Thou hast created the sense of taste in the mouth (palate). In such a (perfect) manner has the world been drawn on the slate of your workmanship that one can sacrifice his life for such workmanship. To the souls of lovers thou bringest sorrow (yet) Thou hast given (them) comfort and joy with melancholy. Thou hast (painted) the picture of the two worlds on (the tablet of) Nothingness (chaos). Thou hast made man the leader of angels. I grant that divinity befits Thee, Wisdom has testified to Thy existence. Every time I express unbounded thanks to Thee my tongue is fittingly employed every moment of such expression. Love has put a cord round my neck, so that wherever it draws me I proceed. I have no help but to obey the Command of God, because He has thrown me everywhere into cheerful resignation. ¦ I. '¦ t tJ 21No one deserves eternity except God, since He is always mat ­ chless. All this entirely of existence has emanated from Thee, Thou hast given shape to the world through Thy wisdom. Thou hast created Adam out of clay and Thou hast named him Thy deputy. Thou art He who is not subject to changeability. Thou art He who takes us by the hand to assist us. None resembles Thee, none is like Thee, the whole of the crea ­ tion emanates from Thee only. Thou hast created the earth and the heavens and thou hast graced them by creating man. To Thy court Bahman has turned his face, enlighten his heart (mind) in this world. Make his heart thrive in the true religion, and free his head from the chahis of sorrow. Keep him always prosperous (staunch) in the faith (and) by Thy own grace illumine his soul with light. I have no benefactor save Thee, and in both the worlds my hopes are centered in Thee. X O Thou merciful One! forgive (my) sin, my tongue recounts (weighs) Thy attributes. , Thou doth help my friendless soul. Thou dost favour Thy ser­ vant with Thy bounty. To whom shall I turn my face, if Thou drivest me away; where shall I go since there is none other than Thou. I am ashamed of the crudeness of my words, I am not for­ tunate in this kind of art. I have come before Thee to make apologies, for Thou boldest eternal sovereignty. O Thou supporter of the world! befriend me, for I am Thy slave, the dust at the foot of the earth (i.e. Thy humblest creature). I will not make any other altar except Thy door What shall I do that will be acceptable to Thee? In life be Thou my companion, because these companions (of this world) will not come with me (i.e. avail me). At the last the wheel (sky) will reduce me to ashes, what fear or dread have I to die this death? When my soul goes to Heaven, bring the words Asham on my tongue at that moment. At the moment when the soul leaves the body, direct an angel to me. Acquaintance may be formed with the souls of the departed so that my soul may be enlightened thereby. The sin that I may have committed secretly, pardon it, O Mer ­ ciful One, through Thy kindness. What excuse can Old Bahman offer to (Thy) Court (Thee), who has committed a number of faults in Thy service? But forgive his sins, and free him (his soul) from secret defeats. Accept the words of my prayer, for I have experienced from Thee divine mercies. O God! Thou knowest my secrets. Why dost Thou make me run here and there for nothing? My salvation in this world isTrom Thee, why then should I desire release (salvation) from others. Youth is gone and old age has approached. My straight cypress (form) has stretched its head to Heaven. Leach Weborny Dry Cleaners & Dyers CARPET CLEANING IS OUR SPECIALITY 11 & ¦ i ' I > 23,.'4-is. SI r/* * *oW Bahman is the pooreSt p^r?Be Thou my helper and assbt me everywhere. Thou art my Judge in both the worlds. Thou befriendest the weak and the helpless (like me). O God! wash my sleepy eyes of their carelessness and (O God) turn my face towards vigilance (i.e. make me vigilant). Judge me not, O beneficent King, in proportion to my sin- fulnqss From man nothing comes but sin, direct me to Thyself with the help of faith. I am crying bitterly in Thy Court, so that Thou mayst not in­ clude my name amongst the sinners. If thou wilt favour Thy servant, he will be exalted in both the worlds. I was reflecting within myself about Thee, and was hesitating in my thought^ O Thou Judge, Acceptor of prayers, I pray for Thy mercy. On the arrival of believers in the true faith to the land of India from the city of Khorasan. Now hear wonderful narratives from the words of priests and from ancient writings. Should I speak, it would be impossible to relate the whole history, and even on paper the whole cannot be expressed. Yet I will find out a portion of it; but of a hundred words I will utter only one. I have heard it from a wise Dastur, who was always famous for his goodness. He had also read Zend and Avesta and had repelled the followers of Ahriman from himself. •7- ¦UiA^ - . ............................... In his city he was a Dastur by whom undoubtedly the religidn . 1 was constantly made shining (in evidence). In those days his order prevailed over all (and) he arranged the affairs of the religion. Whoever wanted to know of him the secrets of the religion, could by his directions well regulate the affairs of religion. He was an instructor in the city and his disciples were mightly pleased with him. He narrated this story from the ancient tradition . He describ­ ed the inward secrets of the truthful. One day he told this story to me and pierced the pearls of news excellently. This was the Dastur who told me this story. May goodness be his consort everlastingly. I am repeating what he told me. I am revealing the secret . works Oegends) of the Faithful, In the days of King Gushtasp, holy Zoroaster showed the path of religion. In the Avesta is narrated what would appear (in future); namely that a tyrannical king would appear among you. The true religion would be broken up thrice, in consequence of which the faithful would be ruined and wounded. The name of the king would be Sitamgar (tyrant) and the true religion would suffer at his hands. Now hear carefully what I say regarding the religion, it was thus the faithful became again sufferers. At length their King Alexander appeared . He openly burnt the books of the religion. For 300 years the religion fell low and the devoted were op­ pressed. I SAY NAVROZ MUBARAK WITH A ZARATHUSHTRA MEDALLION Invest in a gift from our incomparable series of religious medallions in 9990 fine silver. ¦i Shri Ganeshji*Shri Lakshmiji’Shri Saraswatji ’Guru Nanak*Zarathushtra*Shri Tirupatiji*Shrinathji Available in 5, 10, 15, 25, 40, 50, and 100 gram Denominations Manufactured by: NATIONAL REFINERY PRIVATE LIMITED NATIONAL JEWELLERS Manufacturers & Dealers in Ornaments & Jewellery 7/9, 3rd Agiary Lane, Dhanji Street, Bombay 400 003. Phones : 329991 321078 25 *(liiw ( Xrdesliir hecnine King. A second time (then) the true religion was restored; in the world was heard its good report. Ardai Viraf was sent to the divine Court for (obtaining) knowledge of heavenly things . Thereafter again the ill-omened Satan, broke up this faith. He again caused obstacles in the true faith and from every directidn proceeded complaints about religion. After a period, when King Shapoor appeared, once again the good religion became fully shining. When the devout Adarbad Maraspand girt up his loins for the sake of the religion. He made copper of seven materials and melted it and poured it on his own body. He removed e^ry difficulty of the faithful and a second time he restored splendour of the religion. From King Shapoor to King Yazdegerd, the religion got its (original) dignity and position. The days of Zoroaster came to an end for a time and no one found any trace of Zoroastrian state. When a thousand years passed after Zoroaster, the true religion thus came to an end, When King Yazdegerd lost his sovereignty and a king of alien faith seized his throne From that time Persia was broken up. Alas! the kingdom and its religion were both made desolate. At that time all who had faith in Zend and Pazand became scattered. The lay followers df the faith and the Dasturs all had equally to concehl themselves for the secret preservation of the religion. They all for the sake of their religion left their residence;, place of abode, garden, hall and palace. They remained a hundred years in Kohistan (the mountain) when their condition was reduced to such extremes. Once a wise benefactor considered deeply the state of their religion. He told his companions, that it was difficult to remain there also any longer, on account of the fear of the enemy of the faith. He ran with priests and laity at once to the city of Ormuz. When 15 years passed in that territory and they suffered a number of indignities at the hands of people of an alien religion. There was a wise Dastur in that place who was an able astrologer. . Who had found from old calendars that our stay there was to come to an end. (He advised) if we wish to leave this country we must at once move out of it; Otherwise we shall all fall into a snare (come to grief), our wisdom will be useless and our work spoilt. It would be therefore better that leaving the demons and the infidels we should proceed to India. Being afraid of their lives and for the sake of their religion all then fled to India. When the ships were launched into the sea and the sails were adjusted. I t -J 1 X‘”? The Senjan pillar ¦’^:i They made women and children sit there in and they drove their ships fast towards India. / I When the ships came all of a sudden towards India, without > doubt they anchored at Div. Having secured a place there they came down—at last th^ found themselves once more on land . The faithful remained . there for 19 years after which an astrologer made a prediction. An old Pastur read in a calendar and immediately said *‘O enlightened friends, ‘ ‘We must remove hence to another place where we may find another place of refuge, ” All were pleased to hear him and they sailed fast towards Gu­ jarat. When the ship had proceeded to some distance in the sea they were overtaken by a storm. All the priests were perplexed and were overwhelmed in the whirlwind. They rubbed their faces (fell prostrate) entreatingly in the Court of the Almighty and began supplications standing . Saying ‘ ‘O you Omniscient, help us out of the difficulty. Take us out of these hardships for once. ‘ ‘O you victorious Behram, come to our help, extricate us out 'd of this difficulty. ‘‘By your kindness, we shall not be troubled about the typhoon nor shall we harbour fear in our heart or soul. ‘ 1! '^1 '' *• iS v/« I 27 r »’^^1! 3'1 “Come to assist the helpless, guide those who have lost their way. If we find a way out of this whirpool, no calamity will over­ take Us again. “If from this sea we reach the territory of India, happy and delighted. “We will kindle the victorious fire (Atesh Behram) release us from this hardship and give us power. We accept this in the presence of God, because we have no one except Him (as our friend).” «4, “We arc poor and have come to your City and at your abode . ¦. fz\ aclr fA-r m*zx*ak/«lUA«* . ¦ to ask for protection. “For the sake of our religion we have come to this place; have heard that there is a Raja here. “Of the descent of benevolent Kings; that he has always been famous in India, “(That) he will give us shelter in (his) own city and kingdom, ; he will look upon our condition with an eye of mercy. We rejoiced at hearing this news and we came to you under pleasant auspices. we r i- By the biasing of the victorious fire of Behram all fortunately “Now we have come to your City and we have escaped from ! AGPQnA/l TFAm irloMn^a* >f escaped from that danger. The very hour their supplication was accepted, God befriend ­ ed them in their work. A favourablewind blew with heavenly light (and) the very same contrary wind disappeared. When the captain of the ship brought the name of holy God on his tongue and steered the ship at once. All the Dasturs and the faithful bound their sacred thread (and) immediately steered the ship in the sea. It was so fated that thereafter they all arrived (towards) in the vicinity of Sanjan. There was a good Raja in that place who was known for his righteousness. His name was Jadi-Rana; he was liberal, sensible and wise, The Dastur, who was noted for his learning and wisdom, went to him with a present. He gave him benediction and said “O you King of Kings, give us shelter (place) in this City, the infidels in hope of (meeting) you”. On hearing this all the subjects of that beneficent Raja were | pleased at heart and delighted in soul. When that Prince saw them, all of a sudden he took fright. He was afraid of his crown lest they should render the country 5 desolate. The Raja was afraid of their dress and asked the Dastur about their secret (observances). At length he said “O you pious Dastur, first tell me the secret of this affair. ''7 “Namely, what is after all the custom of your religion? What 5? are secret, and what are open observances? | .'ji ’• “First, let me see what your religion is, thereafter I sMIt "® prepare a place for you. J ‘ ‘Secondly, you must give up the language of your country, so f that 1 may give you a resting place (here). “ You must avoid the language of the country of Iran and pick up the language of India. ! 5 ¦•**i»i** xir*- V Afriendlyainile and... FRIENDLY ICECREAM IN EXOTIC FLAVOURS 4 f « 7 O n 7 ga iZIAIMKl’S f FRIENDLY® A ICECREAM 'MM* 7^:) !¦ ¦ w I i “Thirdly, your women must put on clothes like our women. “The fourth is this, that these weapons and swords must be laid aside (put within the scabbard) and should not be worn anywhere. “Fifthly, when there is some good work (marriage) in connec­ tion with a child, it must be performed in the evening. “If you accept these conditions, then you can get a place of residence in our City. When the Dastur heard all this from the Raja, he had no help but to accept all that he said. The aged Mobed then told him “O you wise Raja, listen to what I say about our religion. “Do not be sorry on our account here, nothing wrong will proceed from us. “We shall be fiends with the whole of India and we shall everywhere cut off the heads of your enemies. “Know for certain that we are worshippers of God (Yezdan) and have left (people of another faith) unbelievers for the sake of our religion. “We have left behind us whatever we had, we have suffered much difficulty on our way. “Even our residence, country and our possessions have we abandoned, O you fortunate King! We are strangers (foreigners) from the descent of Jamshed, we revere the Moon and the Sun. “Thirdly, we esteem the cow, water and fire on account of their good qualities. “We worship fire and water, also the cow, the Sun and the Moon. “Whatever God has created in the world, we pray to it, since He Himself has approved of it. “This Kusti (sacred thread) of ours, with 72 threads, we bind (round our waist) and we sleep with a pure heart. “The women, who sit (apart) in monthly course, do not look to the Sun, the Sky and the Moon. “They keep at a distance from water and fire, since these things are of the essence of light. “They carefully abstain from all things, during the light of day-time and the darkness of night. “So long as the menses disappear they sit (apart) and when they wash their heads (i.e. are free from menses) they see fire and the Sun. “Again the woman who begets, a child must remain apart for 40 days. “She must abstain herself just as when she was in menses; if she does not do so, the things (she touches) become pollut^. “The woman who gives premature birth or birth to a still bom child. “She cannot go or run about where she likes, she even cannot converse with any person. That woman also with great (strict) abstinence sits apart for 41 days.” And whatever other customs and rules they had, were all described to him one after another . When they had recounted the secrets of their faith and pierced the pearls of discourse in the best possible manner. When the Hindu Raja had heard these words of the Dastur, his heart was fully satisfied. r , 4 . . i '^i -'•6 J I t1 r Howl "¦BOOlbOV kU r# 5® LETS BUILD THEM TOGETHER! 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We proudly offer this expertise for any construction project and proposals for joint ventures would be welcome. npiex Sultan of Olli ff iwol on HUH ¦ S' 'Ij [•Miwcat Pal«c» of HU M^•jwy\»h* Sultan of Oman] r''<' st ?r » ;>uwiiuUtiklbS^t'$y tfcjft I y H tod [n Ir ¦ Mr 'w- I **3 ¦w I il 5?:^ ' ' ' < IT, . * - " i> ' . '1 h i 1 R, w w o n SHAPOORJI PALLONJI & CO. (PVT.) LTD. 31 Y ‘ ,/The ve^ &idah»itW'i^ ^-,4- /? >¦ I residence in his kingdom. The men who were wise, virtuous and tactful. (They) examined the land piece by piece, (they) found a com­ modious place and informed the Dastur of it. A plot in the desert was found acceptable, it was a pleasant spot and they took it up for their abode. The people liked the place and a city grew up out of a jungle. It was altogether a barren desert, and old and young all came down to that place. When the Dastur saw that good place he selected a spot therein for residence. The Dastur named that spot Sanjan, it became prosperous like the land of Iran. From that day they call it Sanjar^a, know that the city is named after it. In it they wsj-e happy and comfortable and every one passed his time according to his desire. One day they had business with the raja, (so) they all went up to him with a happy thought. The Dastur told him ‘ ‘O you son of a king, you have given us a place in this kingdom. “We now wish that in the land of India we should instal our sacred Fire. ‘ ‘The land must be cleared for 3fursangs (leagues), so that the sacred ceremonies may be properly performed there. “No stranger should have access to that jrface and none should approach it except the people of the faith. Not a single one of a different faith should come to that spot, • J ' (work) ceremony whh the Are can be , OOT \ observed, “If any one were to make a noise there, undoubtedly there .would suddenly be a great disorder in the religious work i (ceremony). ’’ The Rai said “I have given my permission, I am pleased with you for this work. I heartily give you my authority since such a great king (i. e . the i sacred Hre who was called Iranshah) there should be in my time. “O wise man, what could be better than this, hallo! at once gird up your loins in this business.’’ Instantly the Prince issued his order and gave to the Dastur a pleasant spot. The very, moment Jadi-Rai, the Hindu Rana, cleared the place in every direction. He removed those of a different faith to 3 fursangs (leagues) and no one remained there except men of wisdom {i.e. the faithful). For 3 leagues no one lived in the vicinity, no one lived within it except men of the faith. Round about the Arwisgah the Pasture ’s, each in piety shin­ ing like sun-light. (They) were there, night and day, keeping watch, by the order of Yezdan (God) such work was shown to them. At that time every one was (wise) well-informed and (each one) was capable in the affairs of his religion. On certain days and months they performed Yezashni ceremonies at night and made several attempts (iiithe affairs of religion). i [¦ a team you can depend on Commercial Electric or Gas Cooking Range, ideally suited where Cooking is to be done in bulk. * Specially designed burners or hot plates for fast heat-up - - - saves time. * Spacious Oven provided with thermostat control - - - saves gas er electricity. * Individual control for each burner or hot plate. * Stainless steel panels for elegant look. Mdt Nat Steel Equipment (Pvt) LU. (Incorporated: National Steel Equipment Co) G.O. Ambeker Marg. Oadar. Bombay-400014. Sales & Service from—BOMBAY • DELHI • CALCUTTA MADRAS • BANOACOW • HYDERABAD 33 .. .ftww*y rJ V- ¦¦ I i 74 * « rj- 1*^'; The faithful were engaged in their own work (and) they made several preparations against the (encroachments of) aliens. Even the the Prince Jadi-Rana himself used to send several things (offerings) of every description. In those days all the affairs were managed by the Faithful. All work could be performed by them with ease, because they had brought their materials from Khorasan. With those materials (implements) which were (brought) from Khorasan they worked there without being disturbed. Because, along with so many Dasturs and laymen of that pure religion who had come to that place. Several Alchemists had come, so, by the favour of God, everything was made easy for them. They (Alchemists) had brought with them materials and they kindled the sacred fire in accordance with the rules of religion. According tS the custom of the faith all old men and Dasturs installed the sacred fire (Iranshah) full of abundant light. In those times there were people who had knowledge of the faith and managed all matters of their religion with wisdom. In these times God knows what the state of our religion is, only faith is required to practise according to its rules. In that province all laymen and priests held a festival with rejoicing. In this way 300 years, more or less, elapsed and some left the place and others came there. They became scattered in India and they selected a place in every direction according to their liking. Some turned to Vankanir, and some took their way towards Broach. Some went to Variav; all went speedily to their respective abodes (selected by them). Some arrived at Anklesar and some proceeded towards the ii ? City of Cambay. 1 ¦? Some took all their kit to Navsari —all with their title-deeds and fortune. Each one got comfort in some place and thenceforth made it his abode. i In this manner many became happy and prosperous for two ’ centuries. I In those days in Sanjan City several houses (families) of I Dasturs had remained. On them there was the decree of Fate (a calamity), I don’t ' know what became of all the Dasturs. There was a Dastur, young (hearty) in his goodness and of good intentions and a sweet tongue. The name of the Dastur was Khooshmast and always he did benevolent works. His son, whose name was Khujesta, desired to perform Baj ' and Barsam ceremonies, The performance of Yezeshna ceremony was his constant ' work, Baj and Barsam were his constant companions. He was also well versed in (the performance of) Yezeshna and ’ there always remained his presence at the Arviasgah. That holy person was highly esteemed . May he have happiness / • in paradise! ' In this manner 7(X) years elapsed, in that city they had several descendants. When several years passed, the crooked heaven became un- propitious to them. All of a sudden the world became narrow to them, and time made an attempt on their lives. I «j 1^ After some years by the turning of the wheel of Fortune (he » 1 TTie choice of the discriminating— Shirtings & Suitings by............. TATA.lejctlLeJa Vasp»r aS 5 '1 V ? I i’ . ¦ ' *I King (of Gujarat) received information about the Raja of Sajan. When 500 years passed after their (Zoroastrian ’s) arrival in India, Moslem arrived at Ghapaner. The sending of his army by Shah Mahomed for fighting with the Raja of Sajan and the the latter coming to know of it. A good King appeared to have fortunately sat on the Throne in that City. He was called Sultan Mahomed. The subjects called him “Shadow of God”. After several years, when it appeared (that) towards Sanjan in India there was a King, One day he told a Vazir of his (named) Alefkhan that an order had been issued by the prosperous King, (That) immediately with an army he must go towards Sanjan and capture the province from him. By the order of King Sultan Mahomed he issued forth from his place like smoke. At that moment he prepared the whole army, he let his eagle ­ like (banner) fly. When Alefkhan removed his army to that place, and reached the prosperous Sanjan, The Hindu King came to know of it, that a numerous army had been brought from every direction. That he had selected 30,000 horsemen, all brave and noted warriors. The Raja became unconscious on hearing the news. The next hour (when) he recovered his senses. The very moment he called all priests —all meh of good faith and Mobeds. (And) that benevolent King asked them “O faithful friends, what is the remedy? “You were the chosen of my ancestors, they have done you great good. “Immediately gird up your loins in this emergency of mine. You be my guides in the battle. “If you recount the favours of (my) ancestors, you will not fail to show your gratitude ’ ’ An old priest thereafter replied, “O King, don’t be aggrieved on account of (at the approach) the enemy, “Each one of us, until death, will shed the blood of a hundred thousand of the enemies. “Truly in battle it is our custom that so long as our life re­ mains, its value is this: — “That not a single soul from among us will turn back, even if a millstone were to turn on the head”. Hearing this, the Prince gave each one of them a robe of honour During that period (to ascertain) how many men of the good faith there were, old and young, A count was taken of the entire community (and) 1,400 were brought on the record Immediately they put their saddles on their horses. The horsemen stood up putting on their armour. In that place the men of the good faith drew up their ranks side by side with the Raja, The dawn peered out of dark night (and) the light of the stars went below the cave (of darkness). With Best Wishes from H. PARSON PRIVATE LTD. Importers • Distributors • Wholesalers • Retailers • Ship Stores Suppliers • Warehousemen I I Asian Building, Nicol Road, Ballard Estate, Bombay -400 038. § ' ® 31 I7 s" ’< Fl|^ iwtweeii AliiiilblniB and the Hindu Raja and the flight of Aiefkhan caoMd hy Ardeshir. From the (M:her side when Aiefkhan, with his horsemen, put- n? 1 ting on the armour, came into the battle-fleld They put embroidered saddles on their horses (and) the ban­ ners on the backs of elephants. They saddled their horses for the purpose of the fight , the land was distressed by the (weight of the) elephants. Commanders arranged their armies and exposed weapons of war on every side. When on the field they had drawn up their numerous armies, they instantly blew the Roman (or brazen) trumpets. The amy was so arranged on each side, on one Moslem and of the Hindu Raja on the other . Day and night they were engaged (in battles), the pace of the horses had to be slackened on account of full gallop. The two Commanders on each side, who were like whales countered each the other like leopards. The world became darkened through clouds like pitch, from which rained swords, spears and arrows. On both sides so many were killed in the battle that heaps were formed of the slain. Not a soul came to the help or succour,—such was the Decree of Providence (against them). Of the army not one looked around; all were killed in the bat ­ tle without number. Suddenly a flight took place from the maidan, so that one could not recognise another in the battle. The devout layman told his companions—“I do not find of the Hindus anybody befriending us (from) before or behind. “The Hindus have fled from the field of battle, none has re­ mained here except the Faithful. , en- “Now is the time to fight, O my dear friends, we must plunge into their ranks like lions. “If weattack their force in a body, we will shed the blood of/ opponents with sword and arrow.” The first person of the Faithful that came into the field (was the man) who was known as Ardeshir among them. That insttmt famous Ardeshir spurred his swift-footed charger into the battle-field. He plunged all of a sudden into the ranks (of the army), hav­ ing taken in his grasp an iron javelin. He stood in the field with the javelin in hand, with an armour on his body and a sword tied (round his waist). At first arrows rained in every direction and the armour was (consequently) torn on the (bodies of the) warriors. The world-illuminating Sun was concealed, how could any­ body know whether it was night or day? Owing to the dust the face of the Sun was veiled; on every side man fell on man. You would say the world was covered with pitch, and in it were glittering arrows like diamonds. Of the spearmen and mace-bearers, at last, out of thousands many were lost. The earth and the sky became darkened and black; the dust became (red) like tulip on account of the blood of chieftains. Blood flowed from the body like fountain, spears were cut to pieces by the swords. From head to foot the heroes were drowned in iron (were arm­ ed) which was shining like the bright Sun. - Darts flew about on both the sides, blood began to flow con­ tinuously in the dark dust. Spears pierced into their chests and blood dropped through the armours. 1 I 'il ’ I I I I ,4'if ; * 4 I 9 4 4 Sj mazmoco iirAVv KITCHEN z\ND CA^EN EQUIPMENT (Il’i V IMtrSIKIAI i” ,''A DELUXE SERVICE COUNTER STERILIZING SINK UNIT Si PORTABLE BAIN MARIE WORK tame HEAVY DUTY COOKING RANGE < 1 BULK COOKER il MAZDA MANUFACTURING CO. Ptv np 1 C' iHS' < I ¦ ' H ’( t ¦ I ¦ '¦ 'M'-' g > y\^Ckl f HA*V X 1. WBlaWMVW** KZ********* •»>* L activities trebling , and out of it emerged v\ iirknt io n/Aiv oFfA/'finnafplv Ifnnwn to I K' many as ZS—Zoroastrian Studies. Our Objectives Zoroastrian Studies is primarily con­ cerned with both , the religious as well as ---------- the socio-economic aspects of the com- munity, by munity. It is our aim to encourage, pro- s.------------------ , ^0 la lUUIlVlvU Vll Ullv Mcxoio uiicxu uivav avily iti vi k*vx vaxmx j . .. <*•.« ~ . will be organizing a free dental camp for the use of modern scholarship and new mitted Zoroastrians, who in turn would the poor. “ - • ' We strongly feel that an organizationt ¦I) X - J* f 2s, must, as of moral dhty, p^^ise respoinse from our mailing list member^ > J .-J"’-:. restoration may prove to be too difficult and expensive. The need of the hour is the need for a complish programmes beneficial to the dynamic religious revival, and this can- not take place without substantial fun- >. ding, to encourage a new generation of I the spirit of the religion which in the was indeed heartening. 96 percent of the past* led to the accolade —“-Parsi, thy respondents believed that ZS could ac- name is charity! ” < Inspite of our efforts and hard work, community, 88.2 percent of the respon- neither the recognized institutions nor dents credited us for developing a grea ­ trusts have come forward to help finan- ter appreciation of the religion, 62 per- cially, for the continuance of this pro- cent of the.respondents credited us for ject. Our poor are supported through developing community consciousness, the toil and sacrifice of the middle class 52 percent of the respondents credited —a sad indictment to the memory of the us for giving inspiration for spiritual Parsi visionaries of yesteryears. Our Other Activities Over the past 48 months, ZS has been in­ volved in a number of other activities. Once a year, we hold a religious essay age. . and painting competition in order that Much more important is the fact that ouf children may enjoy the spirit of the we have been accepted by the younger religion, through a creative process of generation, in whose hands lies the learning. We have made a very success- future salvation of the community, ful, audiovisual titled —Revelation A The Lack of Financial Support Light in Darkness, which has been if Zoroastrians are desirous of a good screen^ all over the world. Our next religious service, then full-time trained audiovisual is already in the pipeline. personnel are required to meet this de- ZS produces a quarterly Newsletter mand. This can only come about if in- which is sent regularly to a mailing list of dividuals within the community recog- over 2,000 people. We are in the process of expanding our readership, so that we may be able to form a global link, serv­ ing Zoroastrians all over the world. It is ______________ __ hoped that this development will bring make a good professional career in reli- the toil and 'V C-' r growth. Our greatest support comes from the educated, working segement of our population, with 62 percent of our respondents being below 50 years of Our poor are supported throui sacrifice of the middle clas^. Jr and painting competition in order that Much more important is the fact that ouf children may enjoy the spirit of the we have been accepted by the younger -I } e 4-' (J Xi I audiovisual is already in the pipeline. specialized religious teachers trained in the flelds of doctrine, ritual, education, psychology, creative writing, audio- visual techniques and so forth . It is with these skills that Zoroastrian studies , would *like to evolutionize religious education within the community. « The Lack of Leadership The community also lacks good collec­ tive leadership and hence, all the in­ fighting and a crisis of ideology ; amongst our people. Religion is indeed not negotiable, but an understanding - and knowledge of it would give one the \ flexibility and insight into what is 'v desirable andright for ohe’s self. Only then can emerge a new awareness and love for the religion, founded upon scholarship, devoid of speculation. A monitored change for a new order may indeed be desirable and should not 4 I 5 >» The misconceived idea that religious charge, and that individual involved in - nize this need and are inspired to initiate a professionalism which in the long run flexibility and insight info what is will ensure our survival. It is about time young people are given the incentive to about a greater cohesiveness and a sense gious education, which till now has been of identity within our community . We treated with utter disregard. are dso involved in the publication and The misconceived idea that religious ..... distribution of scholarly articles and services must be extended free of jjg seen as a threat to our religion and oth« reading material. charge, and that individuals involved in coininanity. Concerted action based ZShasembarkeduponawcl-rescar- uponaseWesofboIddecisions.needsio 3 <±ed programme for children s educa- betalten.andforthis.wereiiuiteateam j non. We have inducted anther of of. international experts, whose task it S religious creativity classes, wilhihe aim socio-religious problems. Their fin- J dings can then be presented to the com- munity, for it is eventually the commu- nity that must decide its future* based upon its heritage of the past, coupled'^ with the urgency of the present. This can only be achieved "through dynamic and enlightened leadership. 'J t •1 Raok: the ZS mascot The Foqiotten Torch Bearers The economic and educational uplift- | ment of the priests has been discussed greatly, though very little by way of tangible amelioration has come their , way. I The fires are beginning to flicker, the rituals are slowly dying away and the _________ __ priests continue to be trained poorly at Our problem today is not one of lack their schools, a sad reversal of the vision 1 of teaching religion through arts, crafts, quizzes, music, role playing and stories, in ordin* that the children may learn through fun and joy. Adult education is also our priority. A number of classes and seminars have been conducted by ZS members in Bom­ bay, Calcutta, Jamshedpur and New Delhi. A small study group Has recently been started in Toronto, by a ZS pro­ tegee. ZS would like to spread its wings abroad, with professional seminars undertaken if the need arises. Under the auspices of ZS, a number of public talks have been organized and it is our belief that over 15,000 people this task, must subsist as the “poverty have passed through our doors, over the stricken dregs” of our community, past 48 months. I myself, have lectured must come to an end. at various Universities, as well as to our C . community in different parts of the of community funds, but that Zoroas- of the founders of these schools. With world, and to date I reckon that I must trians who have become “the uncon- an anachronistic syllabus and inade- have given over 400 lectures. In March 1980, we decided to eva ­ luate our efforts and achievements. The an anachronistic syllabus and inade- > quate educational facilities, can on^'| blame the boys for being unenlightened tion, come to believe that the task of and ignorarit? An educated and well- scious receptacles of the tradition ”, have through a myopic and false convic- ,4^L ¦f Ss -¦*1 JS paid priesthood should be the priority 21st century. Let us get together and racial dilution is inevitable in the times of the day. grow together, to become once more, we live in; therefore, it is the religion and the bright beacons of the ‘good -culture that have to be safeguarded, religion’! against the pressures of the New Age. Equally, there lies no salvation in bigotry and religious fascism, so amply The problem is not one of lack of funds, but one of moral and selfish bankruptcy. Economic and housing incentives need to be given liberally, so that we can bring back a sense of professional digni- The Dangers ty so a new generation of boys are at ­ tracted to the priesthood. The salaries of the priests need to be commensurate with those of their educated friends the lack of rational religious knowledge working in other fields, rather than the pittance that the average mobed earns It is not diminishing numbers, intermar ­ riages, nor conversions that are going to wrought havoc on our community. It is coupled with an unawareness of our heritage, which may thwart the survival today. With no provident fund, medical of our religion. After all, our forefathers did not come to India in the tenth century A.D. to maintain only their Iranian, racial heretical cults and pseudo-scientific identity. They came to preserve our quacks, whose utter disregard for religious uniqueness which more and scholarship leaves much to be desired, more Zoroastrians today are so igno­ rantly shedding. An economic unliftment without a religious renaissance is surely mean- benefits, holiday facilities, nor any pen­ sion to look forward to, is it surprising that very few boys want to become priests? A dearth ^f funds is the excuse one often hears —a traversty of affairs. reflected by the support given to many A monitored change for a new order may indeed be desirable and should not be seen as a threat to our religion and community. Added to this, is the ill-conceived though fashionable trend amongst many educated Parsis, of veering towards greater secuUrism, thereby iiigiess if the Zoroastrian identity is not threatening the very fabric of our small, doubly reinforced. On the other hand, fragile community. fragile community. judging from the resources that could be made available if a bold and innovative approach was taken, through better utilization of funds. A fair percentage of the trustees of our institutions and fire temples, are rich in their own right. Could one of them not make the supreme sacrifice of digging into his own resources, to en­ dow additional funds? Would not the sale of prime property yield a substan ­ tial sum of money, for it to be utilized towards the economic upliftment of the priests? Indeed with the legal and tax luminaries available, this problem, can be solved. The problem, therefore, is not one of lack of funds, but one of moral and selfish bankruptcy in which the rich and powerful, do not have the volitional consciousness to give generously. The Vision We at ZI§ have a vision—a vision of a religious renaissance which will give the community, the strength and the force to thrust Zoroastrianism into the 21st century. The Community has to contribute its goodwill and financial support, for this dream to become a reality. Let not the future historians say, that our miniscule community which survived centuries of merciless persecution, failed to “draw its life’s breath in the time of plenty. ” Let not Zoroastrianism become a fossi­ lized anthropological phenomenon, to be found only in the text books of the 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 setting 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 an unforgettable one at the West End Hotel. West End Hotel fl.' Maruu !t>i : ;‘991 I. i f’»'S. rb ! h I 0 1 fc 400 0.^’. niadiaon WEHtlft 43‘« Ak K lU ':J^^ F’V^ Fire Fighting Berjis Desai What happens when obscurantists clash imate rights of other dissenting m- with religious zealots in a court qf law? dividuals. Amongst other things, an important personal prayers around what they con­ sider to be their “Sacred Bull” and fur- It was held that every Zoroastrian has ther that they can also offer prayers for a fundamental right to establish a their own dead. .ciifiiuui. umuvu„v.. r---__Mirza and Others are reportedly plan­ practicing and propogating his religion, ning their next salvo, to be Tired when judicial decision and the consecration of L---- ------------ "" ‘ decision of the Gujarat High Court in a suit filed by Udvada High priest, Hor- mazdyar Mirza, and others, versus Behramshaw Bharda and others. Bharda and others, members of the so-called “Pundole Group”, had es­ tablished an Adaran in Udvada. The priest of Udvada objected and claimed that Zoroastrian custom prohibited the consecration of an Adaran between the Par River near Pardi to the Vaitarna River near Bombay. Mirza’s group averred that an Adaran can only be established at a place where no Atash Beheram exists. All these arguments were sought to be substantiated by obscure religious texts and the Rivayats, a compilation of in­ formation on social and liturgical mat ­ ters in the form of questions and answers. The Pundolites challenged the constitutional validity of the alleged custom and the stage was set for a mas­ sive legal showdown. Justice S. H. Sheth and Justice S. B. Majumdar of the Gujarat High Court held that no such custom existed and the religious texts revealed a picture which was quite contrary to what was stated. The “Atash Beheram—Adaran” argu­ ment of the plaintiffs was dubbed an pi«vuvu.vvuov4»................—------------ . nf the Parsi Matri- “exaggerated falsehood” by their Lord- perfectly legal for any reformist group to the junsdict jrresnective of shios^*^ to establish an Agian wherein not only monial Courts only, irrespective ot The enurt laid down an important religious rites for cremated persons can where he resides? proposition of constitutional law when be performed but also where non-Parsis Some light was thrown ot these _ m- it stated that the individual citizen ’s fun- would be permitted to worship. How- of BomtodeMw- damental rieht to freedom of religion ever, radical this may appear, this Matrimonial Court ot Bom pay aeii ver and conscience enshrined in the Indian epoch-making judicial decision can be constitution was not subject or secon- taken to its logical culmination. dary to the right granted to religious Perhaps, the mobeds of Udvada have denominations to manage their own af- unwittingly stirred up a hornet s nest. . .ul of view of Parsi fairs in matters of religion. Dastur Mirza, a reputed religious not only from the point of viewot_Har« The indues were of the opinion that scholar, filed a Special Leave Petition m i—....... - . any contrary interpretation would not the Supreme Court of India against the principles > o£pnvate Internationa only stifle the individual’s fundamental judgement of the Gujarat High COTrt right to freedom of religion and con- and obtained a status guo order. The science but also lead to the hegemony of Pundolites in turn applied for a varia ­ tion of that order and succeeded. The Supreme Court has ordered that groups against the, power of the State pending the appeal, the mobeds of the a new Adaran. The reference is to the religious institution for professing. The court held that it was the fundamen- the Supreme tai right of every Zoroastrian establish a religious institution. any contrary interpretation would not right to freedom of religion and con- 1. Pundole Adaran at Udvada to summer recess . Till then , the Pundolites will offer their personal prayers for their dead and the living. ¦ Finally, it is impossible to disregard I the less beneficial consequences of such I a protracted litigation. Already thous- I ands have been spent over the consecra- I tion of a new fire temple when the exist- I ing ones are facing a grave future due to I shortage of funds and other resources. I Isn’t it ironical that the same people I who are clamouring for assistance to ¦ fight poverty and penury, are willing to ¦ spend so much on court battles? It seems ¦ that we are fast becoming a bunch of ¦ compulsive litigants. ¦ S. B. Vakil and J. M. Panchai ap- H peared for Behramshaw Bharda and ¦ others, B. R. Zaiwalla with D. K. I Frivedi and G. Vakharia with Bhushan ¦ B. Oza appeared for Mirza and others. Marriage, Parsi Style must laud a decision Can a Parsi married underthe Parsi a valid divorce abroad? Or is he bound Whilst one i..uu, — - ----------- -------- . . favouring individual freedom and con- Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936, obtain science, it is necessary to reflect upon Its - --------- . practical consequences. It would now be by the provisions of that Act and subject .1 - ?____________________________ 4-Ua Oom KAotri. ¦ *¦¦ would be permitted to worship. How- teresting questions by the Farsi eniei ----- radical this may appear, this Matrimonial Court of Bombay and maintenance filed by the wife. This oral judgement of Justice Aggarwal delivered on 2 April, 1980 is important taken to its logical culmination. matrimonial law, but also from the the clergy. The rights given by the con­ stitution are meant to protect individual •<^v****w* ¦»- '• —- ---------- ------------- _ - . _ _ and are not to be used against the legit- Pundole Adaran be allowed to offer their The parties were married according to the Parsi form of marriage under the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936, in Bombay. They had two children. In 1975, the husband was posted to Geneva, Switzerland, whilst the wife, who was keeping indifferent health, remained in 51A 7 The Agreement A*,. > *3 (- V I A K? J? a When Jerbanoos' husband Bomsi died he left her a tidy sum. That started the trouble. Just how to invest it? Her lazy son Diniar had just the scheme in mind—Monthly Interest Deposit Scheme. "Just imagine — a regular income every month—and no work involved." But daughter Kerbanoo counted on the Money Multiplier. "Think of the family's future requiremehts—the money will more than double in 8 years." The air grew thick with schemes. Freddy, business-like, opted for the Current Account. Putlibai sighed about the Fixed Deposit. But they alt agreed on one thing. Central Bank. Bomsi after ail had made his money there. Come drop in at your nearest Central Bank branch. We'll advise you, as we did Jerbanoo, how best to invest your money. Centred Bank of India (A Gevammant oi India Undertaking) The Bank that moves out to people and places lnterpub/CBI/10/80 Bombay. According to the wife, the husband had an affair with another woman there. The husband was transferred to Lon­ don in 1978, but he came down to Bom­ bay and filed a suit for divorce in the Parsi Matrimonial Court. However, in 1979, he unconditionally withdrew the suit and filed a petition for divorce in the High Court of. London. In the mean ­ while, the wife had already moved the Bombay courts for restitution of co­ jugal rights and was even granted an ex- parte decree for the same. The husband succeeded in convincing the President of the Family Division, High Court of London that as he was I domiciled in England since 1936, (he had come to England as a child of two and stayed on until he was 18 years of age), the English Court had jurisdiction : to hear his petition for divorce. ! Undeterred, the wife petitioned the ' Bombay Court again for maintenance : and alimony whilst the husband’s I divorce petition in London was pen- 6 ding. : The husband claimed that the Bom- i bay Court had no jurisdiction to try the case as he was a British subject residing in England and any order passed by the Bombay Court would amount to inter ­ ference with the jurisdiction of a com­ petent court which would be contrary to the principles of comity of nations and international goodwill. The Bombay Court turned down this contention by saying that the husband had already submitted to the jurisdic­ tion of the Bombay Court and the domi­ cile argument was only an afterthought on his part and he had no right now to challenge it. The Bombay judges held that the Par­ si Marriage and Divorce Act, intended that once a marriage was contracted under that Act, all questions of divorce and separation were to be decided only by the Parsi Matrimonial Courts with the aid of Parsi delegates alone. Justice Aggarwal pointed out that a Parsi married under the Act is bound by the provisions of the Act regarding divorce and such divorce can only become operative if a decree is passed by a competent court under this Act. Nor could a Parsi create a jflfisdiction in the court of some Other country by chang­ ing his domicile after marriage. The purpose behind such a scheme was that legal ideas relating to matrimonial mat ­ ters prevailing in foreign countries should not affect the Parsi community- in India. BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excel­ lent Climate — All-round Education: All Acadwnic Subjects—Tech­ nical Subjects: Workshop Tech­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Farm ­ ing. Training in Sdf-Gtovenuneot through Elected Boys’ Office bearers. Games—^Physical Train­ ing — Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Week ­ ly intensive Zkiroastrian - Geeta- koran classes — Excellent Modem Kitchen and Dining Room facilities —- Airy Dormi­ tories. Moderate Fees, Freeships and Concessions to Deserving Students. ¦. « Apply to — THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION 'TRUST Cooks Building. 324 Dr. D. N. Road, Bombay 400 001.K* 'AM AEK ATMAKATHA > r The life of Dastur Dhalla XVI SETTING SAIL Aek Atmafiatha is the autobiography of the late Dr Manek Nusserwanji Dhalla, high priest of the Pakistan Parsis and a renown religious scholar. This is the sixteenth edited and condensed extract from the English translation of the original Gujarati, by Gool and Behram Rustomji, published by the Dastur Dhalla Memorial Institute, Karachi. THE STOR Y 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, Dhalla 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 and later Dhalla went on to Columbia University, New York, where under the guidance of Professor A. V. W. Jackson, the well-known Zoroastrian scholar, he was awarded his Ph.D. in 1908. Four years in the west had altered Dhalla’s outlook to life and religion. On his return to India, Dhalla was nominated the Dastur of Karachi in ' 1909. He advocated reforms in the established religion and felt that priests were best suited to do this. One of his first steps in this direction was the organization of the Zoroastrian Conference to bring all the mobeds and ervads together to consider the problems facing the community. The conference’s work began smoothly but soon, it came to be regarded as an extreme reformist party. The orthodox faction tried unsuccessfully to remove Dhalla from the office of high priest. Ten years ago as an Ervad I had travell ­ ed to Gujarat in order to deliver sermons and lectures. I decided to repeat the per­ formance. All the arrangements were to be made by the Standing Committee of the Zoroastrian Conference at Bombay. Starting from Ahmedabad, we were to deliver three or four lectures in every town before reaching Bombay. Our committee had received intimation that as the news of our arrival was spreading in certain towns, they were inciting adverse propaganda against me. Between Ahmedabad and Bombay I gave about 32 talks. In generous appre ­ ciation, kind co-religionists everywhere had presented me with gifts in cash which amounted to Rs 4,500. This was a welcome initial instalment towards my cherished aim to go some day to Eng­ land and America to lecture on the Zoroastrian religion and on allied historical subjects. Successfully completing the tour organized under the auspices of the Zoroastrian Conference, we returned to Karachi after two months. The first opportunity we had of visi- Navjote himself, ting Lahore was in 1913. At that time ------ signs of Parsi glory attained in the past expressed their strong o^sitiojiUo this century were apparent; yet, at the same time, it seemed that their prosperity was at an ebb. Two prominent Parsi families of would be dissipated and they would re- We expressed our willingness to render whatever humble service we were capable of in this direction. On reaching Lahore we were received at the station by men and women belonging to both parties. During my stay in Lahore the repre ­ sentatives of both parties kept in touch with me and explained their individual objections. Gleaning the root causes of the differences between the two sec­ tions, I was able to establisTl peace bet ­ ween the two parties after a fortnight ’s persuasion and pleadings. It was decid­ ed to close down the second Agiari. Just then a major and unprecedented difficulty arose from an unexpected quarter. News of the intended perfor­ mance of the Navjote ceremony of the off-spring of the Muslim mistress of a well-known and respected elderly trustee of the Anjuman came to light. Leading trustees of the Anjuman and their friends were bent upon preventing this step from being taken, whereas the revered Dasturji Kaikhushru , true to his honest belief, had agreed to perform the Those who had set up the new Agiari and told me in no uncertain terms that should this come to pass, the understan ­ ding that the two parties had arrived at 1 1 'i _________________ ___________________________________ . Lahore were to be linked by marriage open the Agiari that had been closed ; From one side, the ceremony was to be down. It took us another 12 days to end performed by Dastur Kaikhushru this dispute. Jamaspji, the Head Priest of the new _____________________________ 24ros/iBeAeromatBombayandIwasto , » • officiate for the other party. Taking ad- What WHS lacking and vantage of this opportunity, four lec- uDOn what waS founded all future controversy, As we were approaching Lahore, my waS the Nirang wife and I were preparing to alight, when at an intermediary station two gentlemen and a lady boarded the train and settled in our compartment. They agreed to avert it, hence peace was informed us that they had come particu- restored. In joyous gratefulness for the larly to receive us with due respect, dissolving of long-standing disputes. From their talk it transpired that there the Anjuman organized a jashan was a rift in the small community and ceremony followed by a dinner. matters had reached such a state of dispute that the opposition party Jiad ter was received from Lahore stating even started a temporary Agiari of its that the Navjote that had been J own. prevented had eventually been perform- j They pleaded that instead of leaving ed. Party spirit revived and bitterness * Lahore as scheduled at the conclusion waxed high. I started a lengthy corres- of our programme, we should stay back pondence and begged of them to forego , 1 and endeavour to bridge the unfortu- ill-feelings and to submit to circum- nate gulf between the two parties and stances and to be tolerant. Common save the community from the unneces- sense prevailed at long last and the sary expense of maintaining two fire threat to reopen the closed Agiari was S temples. finally abandoned. tures in English and Gujarati were orga- 'X ¦¦Si Those associated with the Navjote As soon as we reached Karachi, a let- I 55 Jis- j; ¥ eP’? >^v->?j-1 *5 ’f With Best Compliments From: ALL INDIA THEATRES SYNDICATE PRIVATE LIMITED *» REGAL TALKIES Ahmedabad NEW SUPER TALKIES Surat RAJESHRI TALKIES Surat 357159, \/. p. Road Bombay 400 004. V My book entitled Zoroastrian Theo­ logy was nearing completion. As print ­ ing and binding in India were not as good as they were in America, I had resolved to have all my future books published there. It was not necessary to go to America personally to have this work done. With a little delay and botheration it could have been accom­ plished from this end also. When I had left the shores of America in 1908, I had determined that if God ever places any money in my hands, I would save it and utilize it in the service of my community and my faith by lec­ turing on the Zoroastrian religion and its history in the west. My hopes were raised as a result of my lecture-tours to Gujarat, Bombay, Poona and the Pun­ jab. My wife accumulated all the cash gifts that wett given to me by the various Anjumans df different places, and had managed to collet^ nearly Rs 6,000. This amount would suffice merely to have the book published there. Of course there was the hope of recovering some of the expenditure from its sales later. My wife’s coming would increase the expenditure by about Rs 2,000. The steamship companies allow a cer­ tain discount in their passage to Chris­ tian Missionaries in order to assist them in their endeavour to spread their faith. We had no right to such a discount. Yet, thanks to the contrivance of some Parsi authorities in the shipping company and to the kindness of the officers* as Zoroastrian missionaries we were given a rebate of Rs 150 in the fare. The Anjuman called a meeting to bid us bon voyage and together with their good wishes, the community presented me with a purse of Rs 2,500. On 22 April 1914, we set sail for Liverpool in the City of Karachi. From there we were to cross the Atlantic in another ship. It would take us live weeks to reach New York. :’',!S ¦> Jl A With the compliments of ENKA ESTATES PRIVATE LTD. Seervai Building ‘B’, Sleater Road, Bombay 400 007. Phone: 370241-42 1 1 1 '» « *T#, ' f. J"! As Zoroastrian mission ­ aries we were given a rebate of Rs 150 in the fare. I ¦i'-a Shortly after I had returned to India on completion of my studies in Ame­ rica, Professor Jackson’s wife had ex­ pired. After some time, he had married again and they had visited India via Per­ sia. We had informed them from Eng­ land of our arrival and of our ship’s J 97 3^t I I to tfi 1*' '4- LS- 'i,. r ¦ I £ [i schedule. The husband and wife had My main job of publishing the book come to the wharf to welcome us and was over. My lectures had been deli- were very happy to see my wife accom- vered. My wife had learnt many new panying me for the first time. things. She had purchased goods worth We rented a small room in the vicinity Rs 6,000 with a view to sell them in of Columbia University and had our India. News from the war front was meals at an inexpensive restaurant near- growing increasingly alarming, dally, by. I wore American clothes, while my The new threat and terror of the sub­ wife wore a sari at home. But when she stepped out she became a western dame. ______________ At the annual function of the Universi- lips, we had our passages booked on the ty, I sat next to Professor Jackson at- Transillvania, a newly commissioned tired in Jama-Pichhodi and she, beside ship of the Cunnard Co. which plied Ms Jackson, in a sari. between New York and Liverpool. As the printing of my book had com- We had to return to Liverpool in menced. Professor Jackson together order to take the steamer for Karachi; so with Drs. Ogden and Hass did the we left all our luggage including the six proof-reading. We met daily for this trunks that contained my wife’s pur­ purpose. The work at the press was pro- chases which were meant for sale, in the gressing rapidly and to keep pace with it, warehouse of the steamship company I had much work to do on the manu- and proceeded to London. scripts. We lodged at a boarding house that I had to commence work at dawn had been opened by a Zoroastrian. every day. As soon as the alarm-clock After 1855, the year in which Dadabhoy rang the hour, my wife would leave her Naoroji, Muncherji Hormusji Cama, bed despite all my dissuasion, and and Khurshedji Rustomji Cama esta- would sit by me and fan me while I Wished the first Parsi and Indian firm in London—the Cama Company—several At that time an unprecedented war other firms were founded and many broke out in Europe—a war such as had Parsi families started to settle there, never been recorded in the annals ^of history. marine was well on its way. Ultimately, with God’s name on our Orthodox Dasturs and Ervads expressed the opinion that the Navjote was null and void. formed their Alurvyo/ex^eremony. This practice was set with many difficulties. Some child may be ready-for the Nav­ jote, but due to business commitments, it was not possible for the elders to leave the place for three to four years, then their uneasiness increased. Rustomji Rattonji Desai, an enter- prising Athornan who had been a prac­ ticing priest in his earlier days but had taken to business later and was carrying ? on a flourishing trade in London since years, took advantage of my presence and requested me to perform the Nav­ jote ceremony of his grown-up daugh­ ter. I willingly complied with his re- ' quest. Because of the Zoroastrian Con­ ference all my activities were impeded under one pretext or another, hence we had taken all possible precaution not to J g*''® cause for complaint. Wehad mana- of age the ged to obtain sandalwood and frank- ____________________________• ¦ incense with great difficulty and from a parents took them to India and per- With Best Compliments Of M. M. INDUSTRIES Manufacturers of LETRO EMBOSSING GUNS & TAPES Hampton Court, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Nr. Colaba P. 0. (South) Bombay 400 005. Phones: 213103/212752 * , •• 59 I I IA*- ( i 1 i .5' great distance we had secured the leaf of ed off very happily. But later the ques- a pomegranate. Care had been taken to tion was raised in Bombay whether this bathe and purify the initiate according Navjote could be considered valid or to custom. 1 ~ - What was lacking and upon what was precious hours in trying to solve this founded all future controversy, was the perilous problem and certain revered or- Nirang, i.e. the sanctified bull’s urine, thodox Dasturs and Ervads expressed My wife had collected all the requisites the opinion that the Navjote was null of happy augury as per Parsi practices, and void. Empty salmon and sardine tins had been The reason given was that the custom .. _ ___ _ ,___.... ....e,.. perforated in auspicious designs of fish born in ancient times, which has found a trepidations while passing through the and coconuts and prepared as boxes to footing in the community considered to imprint chalk on the doorways . Nor had she failed to fill the sopara with choco­ lates and sweets. The Caxton Hall was adorned with garlands and chalk im­ prints and the ses was duly prepared. This very first Navjote in Europe was performed with due ceremonies and re­ joicing ‘midst a large and distinguished be educated and progressive, namely gathering of all the- coreligionists that of giving the child the consecrated __________________________ _____ ... residing in London, many prominent taro together with the pomegranate with the well-known scholar of Zoroas- Englishmen and Parsi doctors who had leaf —was not adhered to. come from Brighton and other places to Thus the first Navjote performed in serve in the military due to the war. At London came under fire but today the the conclusion of the Navjote, I performance of Navjotes there is quite delivered a sermon and Sir Muncherji common. Students of the priestly class Bhawnagari thanked me. going there for study or doctors who By the grace of God everything pass- have been intiated as Navars and are practising in London, wear the white turban when necessary and go to the assistance of coreligionists living in far- not. Dasturs and Ervads spent many flung places, and fulfil their pledge to ... . • . . .. the faith. Steamers had become scarce, so we had to remain in London for six weeks. At last, on securing passages we set sail from Liverpool for India. We had to pass through all kinds of The reason given was that the custom My wife would sit by me and fan me while I wrote. Mediterranean. It was pitch dark at night on board the ship. At intervals, submarines of the Allies would appear and leave various messages with the Captain. Near Malta, a British torpedo boat stopped us for several hours from proceeding further and allowed us to go forward only when the sailing was safe. Some months later, at the same place, the ship that had set sail from Karachi trian literature. Reverend Professor James Hope Malton on board, was sunk. We disembarked at Bombay as I had been nominated to preside over the Zoroastrian Conference which was to be held in Bombay on 25 March. SORABJI NOWROJI & CO. 16, Horniman Circle Bombay 400 023. OLDEST & LARGEST STOCKIST & EXPORTERS of SANDAL WOOD SANDAL WOOD OIL & PALMAROSA OIL MANUFACTURERS OF ‘CROWN’ BRAND SANDAL WOOD OIL AGMARKED Telephones Office: 292937, 292943, 296346 Factory: 378316 Wholesale Depots: 331275, 323262 Retail Shops: 351637, 261573 Cable Address: “WELFARE” Bombay. 61J ' ' V ’ ' 'I, 4 BUSINESS -r 1 ;i The Other Tata In the last few months. Business India has concentrated on overall issues like power cuts, oil and stockmarkets. And we thought it was time to focus on an in­ dividual who has had a considerable im­ pact on industrial activity in the coun­ try. Naval Tata, besides being a family member of the House of Tatas and an active force in several of the group’s companies, has played a prominent role in employer-employee relations in In­ dia. Tata has been actively involved in ‘I r B The Plethora of Pars! businessmen being featured regularly in the general newsmedia has prompted PARSIANA fo start a BUSINESS column. Any news pertaining to businessmen in the community is welcomed. BUSINESS INDIA in its issue of June 8-12 featured Nava! Tata on the cover and in the issue of July 6-19 wrote about the House of Godrej. BUSINESS WORLD published by the Ananda Bazar Patrika group featured J. R.t). Tata and Russi Mody the field of labour and employee rela- on the cover for an article on The Tata Iron and Steel Company Ltd. ITISCO), while the issue of July 6-19 featured J. S. Khambata, Managing Director of Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva. the multinational company Glaxo on the cover. SOCIETY magazine published by Lana Publishing Company featured on of the board of several other companies . the July cover J. R.D. Tata and SUNDAY magazine featured in its March 22 issue Russi K. Karanjia owner, publisher and editor of BLITZ weekly and THE DAILY, Bombay's newest and lively left-wing morning news paper. PARSIANA carries extracts from BUSINESS INDIA and BUSINESS WORLD and will focus on the other publication in future issues. tions, both in India and abroad. He has been, for over 30 years, a member of the governing body of the International Within the Tata group, he is the chair- * man of the textile companies and the power companies. He is also a member r'' t --I 1 J ¦'i ¦19' 1 r. Tata: ‘‘the compleat man” Naval Tata (who is guardedly, and sometimes not so guardedly, talked about as a successor to J. R. D. Tata) is sometimes called, has never forgotten his humble beginnings. “If I have been able to do something in these 50 years of my association with Tatas, ” he says with characteristic modesty, “it is simp­ ly because God gave me an opportunity —a rare one. And from that day, some­ how or the other, it became a mission in my life.” The Tata family, showered with abundance in all other respects by Dame Fortune is not blessed with many^ off­ spring. Neither of Jamshedji N. Tata ’s two sons—Dorab and Ratan —had any issue. In 1917 when Lady Ratan Tata became a widow at the age of 40, a fami- I M I IP He is unusual among the senior direc­ tors of the Tata group in as much that his wife and son also manage a Tata group company each. He has also been an active sports administrator for several years. Business India is appreciative of the fact that Tata took time out to meet with us and give us a lucid and candid ac­ count of his views. He sees his role as a non-executive chairman of the com­ panies he is involved in, leaving day to day management to his managing direc­ tors. This role includes trying to ensure that the companies ‘ ‘ follow age old Tata traditions and the policies laid down by the Chairman. ” Business India, Editorial, June 8-21 issue Dr. Johnson said of Edmond Burke that ly council suggested that she adopt the you could not stand under a shed with son of one of Sir Ratan ’s cousins as heir, him while it rained without recognising The choice fell on 13 year-old Naval his calibre. So also with Naval Hormusji Hormusji Tata a second child of his Tata —humanitarian, industrialist, parents who was studying in an or- staunch critic of government red tape phanage. His grandfather was related to and inefficiency, a spokesman of Jamshedji ’s grandfather and his grand- ennlc,ers in their dealings with mother Cooverbai and Jamshedji ’s wife employees and scion of the house of Hirabai were sisters. Naval ’s side of the Tatas. Less known, but equally impor- family was not well off due to the early tant to him personally, is his role as a death of Naval ’s father, humane administrator of several charit ­ able trusts including those established was suddenly elevated into one of the by the Tatas. mostaffiuentfamiliesinthecountry.lt Though occupying the top-most posi- seemed. Naval Tata says, as if a magic tions in management and the recipient wand was waved and a fairy godmother of numerous honours bestowed by both had appeared. Fortunately, he had time industry and the state during a long and to adjust because for four years, in ac- illustrious career, the other Tata, as cordance with the rules governing non- On his adoption, the impecunious lad K' e2P f j’ ’¦ Iff 1 ! -r His main gift, is his ability to be at home with anybody and talk his language. (< >, won the world hockey title at the Olym­ pics, winning gold medals on three occa­ sions. C. A. Swamy, the sports writer, commenting on the state of Indian hockey and Tata ’s contribution to In­ dian hockey wrote: “Funds were em-» bezzled, he got them back. He was bluffed and disappointed by the ones he trusted; he came out best in the long run. Parties within the Federation waged a bitter gang war, but he got them to ­ gether for the sake of hockey.” Charitable work Tata is currently chairman of the Indian .-I 1. fee paying boarders, the boarding school, would not release him. He was only allowed to be with his foster mother. Lady Ratan Tata, during his holidays. Rapid rise He graduated in economics from Bom­ bay University and did a short course in Cancer Society and a trustee of several accountancy in England. On his return, philanthropic bodies including the Tata he joined the Tata organisation in 1930 trusts. He has always found time amidst as a despatch clerk cum assistant his multifarious activities to act as a secretary at a salary of Rs 150 per trustee on the board of various chari- month . table organisations . “ I strongly feel that He soon rose to be assistant secretary no one in Bombay House could ever of Tata Sons Ltd. and later secretary of take Naval Tata ’s place where organis- Tata Airlines. In 1939, he became the ing of charities and charitable work is joint managing director of the Tata-run concerned,” says K. Dadinatha, secre- textile mills and, in 1948, he took over tary of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. “The charge as the managing director of Tata fundamental principle he has always Oil Mills. kept in view is to see that every Today Naval Tata who, incidentally, charitable institution should become is 32 days younger than J.R.D. Tata, is self-sufficient sooner or later and not deputy chairman of Tata Industries and continue to be dependent on a parent Tata Sons, in both of which companies Trust. ” J.R.D. Tata is chairman. He is also chairman of the three Tata Electric Sir Ratan Tata trust of which'he is the Companies, the four textile mills and of chairman and is very much involved in the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. He is also a the proposed Lady Navajbai Ratan Re­ director in several Tata companies and a search Centre for Diagnosis and Treat ­ trustee of many of the Tata and other ment of Cancer which is to be set up in trusts. Consequently, he is forced to the Queen ’s Barracks area at Colaba in spend a lot of his time over files and at Bombay. conference tables. His charming wife, Simone N. Tata is managing director of public eminence Naval Tata, that Lakme Ltd ... Encouraging sports “Today, go where you will in India,” said A.F.S. Talyarkhan, the doyen of years made him a host of friends and Indian sports commentators, “when you say ‘Tata ’ you also say ‘sport ’.” The gold and royal blue colours of Tata managing director, Tata Electric Com- sportsmen are familiar to sports lovers panics, ‘‘is his ability to be at home with ail over the country in athletics, football anybody and talk his language. He can and hockey. The Tatas have fielded over talk at his most polished when with a hundred sportsmen who have repre- royalty or speak the simple language of sented India at various international sport events. Naval Tata ’s contribution to Indian sport has been signiHcant. When India established the All India dress at the function celebrating Naval Council of Sports to administer and Tata ’s 50 years in the Tata organisation financially assist all branches of sports praised Tata ’s sense of humour, his flair organisation in India, Jawaharlal for reconciling differences and his com- Nehru nominated him first president of passion for the weak and the needy. He the council. He served on the council for four years. During his 11 year ter a il man. I am accountable to him for any issues raised regarding companies under my chairmanship. you look after and how mudCtime do How would you characterise your style you devote to them? What precise role of management? What are the qualities do you play in the management of these you look for in your senior managers? companies? Despite the prolific growth of industries My primary responsibility is to look and the new style of scientific manage- after the four textile and three electric ment acquired and practised by indus- companies in the Tata group. It is diffi- trially advanced countries, my concept cult to measure the amount of time I of management has still remained some- devote to them. The pattern varies, what orthodox. Our group chairman. There are days which are smooth sailing J. R. D. Tata and a few of my colleagues when normd office hours would be have from time to time generated con- enough for my work. On the other hand siderable interest by inviting know- there are days which require late hours ledgeable consultants on the subject of in the office Ind at home after dinner, management. My wife also works with me till late in the night on her own office problems... In short, I owe overall responsibility tenets of modern management. The to my colleagues for the well-being and younger generation of directors in rqjutation of the companies. The day to Tatas, some of whom have been educa- A Ncw LCRSC of Life f Or day management and operations of the ted at European and American univer- TISCO companies are handled by the managing sities, are bound to adopt a modern ap- director and joint managing directors proach. Our current concept of mana- and their subordinate officers. gement is substantially more progres- What is your role in the House of Tatas? sive than that held by J. N. Tata and his As deputy chairman of Tata Industries I sons in their day. I have great faith in the the interview, Tata was his usual suave, make a sincere effort to follow the age- dynamic approach of the coming gene- knowledgeable and outspokpn self, old Tata traditions and carry out the ration towards more scientific manage- qualities which have consistently inspi- policies laid down by the Group Chair- ment. red not only the managers but also the Extracts from the interview with Naval Tata by Rusi J. Daruwala. Which companies of the Tata group do However, I cannot claim to have mastered to any considerable degree the ration towards more scientific manage- Briefly what I look for in our senior managers, is faith and belief in the age- old Tata traditions. Thereafter apart from proficiency I prize loyalty, integri ­ ty, initiative and capacity for hard work. What are the guiding principles by which you run the companies in your charge? It is difflcult to define this, I try always to be true to the Tata tradition because I sincerely and passionately believe in it. Then I take into account our govern­ ment ’s ideologies because we are so much dependent on them. I try to con­ fine myself, for our own survival, to the code of honour reasonably acceptable to the government and to the intelligent ­ sia of the country. It was a pleasure to interview J. R. D. Tata. Quickly overcoming his intense ir­ ritation at being given short notice for With Best Compliments From MERWANJEE POONJIAJEE & SONS PVT. LTD. MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS OF SUN BRAND INDIAN CONDIMENTS SINCE 1876. I / 65a. A ' ¦> V--- I** : 1X7 '! 7 Tata: problems can be solved workers in India’s oldest and setting industrial corporation. Business World, Editorial, April 13-26 issue pace- I brium. If you don’t maintain an opti- those aspects of the country ’s future. [ misticoutlook there would be no future. f" *• i I myst confess that very often one can- i 7 .. iLc i not but take a bleak look at whpt is hap- possibility and'inthe wiU t^oke thenf pening, whether it is in the political field, whether it is in the industrial field, whether it is in the ordinary social field concerned with political in the life of our country. If only the citizens were given the opportunities , and a chance to develop our many skills, and SOClSl problems which and also are given the minimum re- are the major problems of j quirements of a happy life. But while I am generally optimistic, I ______________ _ am very pessimistic in orte respect and But in our country, everything is so that is about the consequences of the politicised, people think too much of continuous and unrestricted growth of their politicians. Government is more our population. I cannot make myself concerned with political problems than comprehend an increase to the figure economic and social problems which are that the World Bank visualises for, I the major problems of this country, think, 2050 A.D. of 1.6 billion people in this country. I do not think we can live Extracts from the interview with with a huge population like that, I think H. Mody. we would reach a stage of chaos in the country which is horrendous to think of and therefore that problem must be solved quickly. Then, in addition, we remarkable stability of industrial rela- must stop the erosion of our land, the tions in the company. I believe these problems can be solved provided there is a real belief in the Government is more problems than economic this country. economic and social problems which are R. H. Mody, 62, vice-chairman and managing director of TISCO in Calcut ­ ta, is primarily given credit for the Excerpts from the interview with J. R. D. Tata by Dilip Thakore Are you optimistic about the future of growth of deserts in the country, the bn the management stylo in TISCO. the company and the economy in destruction of our forests, the denuda- I think we are a dynamic organisation geiierd? tion of parts of the country. In other and we view each difficulty as a Any citizen of this country must be an words, if we continue as we have in the challenge. Sometimes optimist to retain his mental equili- past, one cannot but be pessimistic on overcoming the challenges that con- destruction of our forests, the denuda- I .71..7____"1 _ __ tion of parts of the country. In other and we view each difficulty as i we succeed in past, one cannot but be pessimistic on With Best Compliments from ROGERS & CO. PVT. LTD. 64, Mirza Galib Marg, Byculla, Bombay 400 008. Manufacturers of High Class Aerated Waters 67Bl 3^ ‘I front us; sometimes we don’t. But no difficulty is ever allowed to go un­ challenged. For instance, when last year we saw that the railways were breaking down and indiscipline on the railways was go­ ing to affect our production, especially the movement of coal, we organised a massive movement of coal by road, al­ though it was a very much more expen ­ sive proposition. This massive effort saved the company and thereby produc- * ed steel for the country. We could have ' easily said ‘Well, if the railways break down, there is no coal then what can we do?’ But that is not our style of manage ­ ment in TISCO... There is an overall commitment to the prospertity of the company, which I find is one thing real ­ ly lacking in the public sector. Public sector managers are just as intelligent,, just as good, just as brilliant as any of us overall commitment in the private sector, but their style of On the style of managing industrial rela- management is such that enthusiasm, ‘ ‘ initiative, commitment suffers. ¦ !¦ 1 tl B ik il If the morale is high, all constraints can be (( overcome »» blems and I always reply to him in writing, under my own signature. In the last six to seven years I have been managing director, I have personally replied to 80,000 letters and personally signed 80,000 letters to workers. Quite frankly, if you ask me what I believe is the essence of good manage ­ ment, I would say ‘morale ’. I think in an organisation if the morale is high, all constraints can be overcome given the will to work. I think that this concept has a great deal to do with the success of TISCO. I Glaxo Takes the Strain J Excerpts from the interview of J. S. !' Khambata, Managing Director of 4 Glaxo by Dilip Thakore. Business World, July 6-19 issue. “In 1979-80 through better manage ­ ment practices and strict control of costs we were able to cushion inflationary pressure and maintain the company’s profitability, ” comments J. S. Kham- tions in TISCO. I would say it ’s a friendly style of management in which there is no ques­ tion in anybody’s mind as to whp is __________ _ ___ managing the organisation. But at the bata (50) a former advocate ofThel^- same time it is not through fear that bay high court who is currently the work is being done. For instance, at a managing director of the -company, duly appointed time, any worker can “However in 1980-81 we have had a ¦I— ¦' I come and see me with his personal pro- year of increasing inflationary pressures work is being done. For instance, at a can With Compliments of Driver Crafts Private Limited Manufacturers of "TREKERS" Jean Gear JEUNESSE” Beauty Parlour-TREKERS Jean Gear Four Effs Confectioneries four effs Where Tastier Confectioneries Originate Spin* lllataw MB Philco Industries Vimzar Enterprise Registered Office: Piramal Mansion, 235, Dr. D Naoroji Road, Bombay 400 001. Phones: 261724, 265475 69 .P';I - ? w; ft and erratic, raw material supplies which factors have pushed up our costs of pro- duction. In- the absence of any worth ­ while price increases in the selling prices of our products particularly formula­ tions, the recently concluded year has been nowhere as good as last year. ’ ’ says Khambata.... ‘‘Like most other corporate organisa ­ tions, drug companies are business organisations which are expected to give a return on investment to their share­ holders. Besides, what is the acceptable level of profit in the drug industry? ‘ ‘I think we should view this matter of the prices of drugs in its proper perspec ­ tive. Drug, prices constitute no more f ¦ r >4 I S J* ¦i LALAS' TOURS OFFER MEMORABLE PACKAGE TOURS Hl ¦fj Khambatta: “drugged policies” than lOVo - 12*Vb of the Union govern­ ment ’s expenditure on health program ­ mes. The fees of doctors, hospital charges and last but not the least, the ex­ cise duties that the government imposes on drugs and formulations constitute the bulk of the expenditure of the government or an individual on health. , ‘‘Today the drugs industry is not making profits anywhere near the norms set by the Union government under the drug policy, 1978. Glaxo also does not make the percentage profit en­ visaged by the drugs policy. With infla­ tion still not under control and under the current adverse trend in government policy on prices, a number of major companies are already facing the spectre of declining profitability to such an ex­ tent that the percentages cited in the policy for all practical purposes are an illusory set of figures. ‘‘One never hears talk suggesting a ceiling on doctors ’s fees or on hospital charges, even though these constitute a Kashmir DELHI, AGRA 13 Sept. 17&31 Oct. '81 Rs. 1,825/- (2nd Class, Nainital AGRA 19 Oct. '81 Rs. 1,200/- (2nd Class, Simla BHAKRA-NANGAL CHANDIGARH, KULU 20 Oct. '81 Rs. 1,740/- (2nd Class, Darjeeling CALCUTTA 20 Oct. '81 Rs. 1,550/- (2nd Class, Nepal VARANASI KATHMANDU 19 Oct. '81 Rs. 1,850/- (2nd Class) South India MADRAS, BANGALORE MYSORE, M'BALIPURAM TRIVANDRUM, BACK WATERS, MADURAI, KANYAKUMARI, PERIYAR GAME SANCTUARY & KODAIKANAL. 24 Oct.'81 Rs. 1,650/- (2nd Class, U. S. A. FLYING TO MANY IMPORTANT CITIES 1 Oct. '81 Rs. 18,750/- Japan and the East with MANY BEAUTIFUL EASTERN CITIES 11 Sept. '81 Rs. 15,250/- Singapore with BANGKOK, PENANG KUALA LUMPUR 11 & 25 Sept. 16, 23 & 30 Oct. '81 Rs. 6,500/- Hongkong with BANGKOK, MANILA & SINGAPORE 11 Sept. 16 & 30 Oct '81 Rs. 8,900/- Singapere Cruise on M. V. 'CHIDAMBARAM' with PENANG & K'LUMPUR 17 Oct Ct 5 Nov '81 Rs. 4,175/- onwards H. K. LALA & CO. Bansilal Villa, Sobhani Road, Colaba, Bombay 400 005 Tel: 211925, 215094. Gram: EDTours' 71....... ............. r r major part of an individual’s expen ­ diture on health. Also, if the govern­ ment is so concerned about.the prices of drugs why does it not reduce the excise duty on drugs and formulations? The entire criticism seems to be misdirected in concentrating on a small part of the nation ’s health programme to the exclu­ sion of other, probably more important, aspects. ” t w I' 1 j .1- = t i f ’ I i ) •I I ¦f ¦] j 1 * I r I ¦h.L-' 1 'b I I i Ji • I j 1 i‘) , ' t Godrej: The Untold Story Godrej is an extremely well managed company, running profitably, with an enviable reputation, and a record of treating its workers exceedingly well. Business India, Editorial, July 6-19 issue. Vikhroli—the industrial township in the suburbs of Bombay—has become syno- nymous with the private business em- f|ees and (inset) Perveez Aggarwal. pire of the Godrej family. The huge . j- • d m estate _ reportedly covering over five Malaysia Sendirian Berhad (MS 2.43 square miles—houses the spaciously lakhs) and Godrej (Singa^re) Private constructed plants of Godrej & Boyce Ltd. (Sinsapore $ 3 25 lakhs) Manufacturing Company Private Limi- ruuir.1 rhe el “Hs main subsidiary, Godrej the three sons of P. B. Godrej is me i;£„;e7?DWn ‘^aps Limited. In addition, the estate chairman SS to ^^^thSSV Bombay’s has an impressive residential complex, ®‘!'“*"°'jy°'Fursa pew commercial centre of Nariman where comfortable flats are provided to fairs of tlw two mam companies- new commercial the employees at generously wbsidised NaorojiP. Godrej Md his ronj™^^ Launched by Perveez Aggatwal, P.T^roT^dTs rons-Am director of Dinero Club, India, whohas -run the “soap operations. ” been in the travel business for over 20 What makes G & B products sell? years and ^er husband Shamsunder How has the company consistently chairman of Diners Clul^ DWT is the earned handsome profits over the 14th such full-fledged Dmers World Perhaps the single most important ¦H{ have had a travel agent, today many Parsis are notable in the travel agency business. snH wu.«, ».v Added to names such as Jeena, Asia- of P. B. Godrej is the tic, Indtravels, H. K. Lala and others, is Sorabji Pirojsha Godrej , the eldest of the employees at „ rates. The Godrej empire today is the tran ­ slation of the vision of Ardeshir Burjor- “contribution to India s self reliance . years. dnale most imnortant “We have the talent, know-how and staSlnSs whSTwSo^d. me quality “wT hiX^e^ed ’its grandsons. Today the Godre, gmnp S°?„o“ys later was by Yves Gautier ??olTckr»«i™uVnS2:^:^^^^^ nXs ^‘‘"produc.s. Ld chairntan of Diners Club and Diners equipment, ’typewriters, refrigerators, consumers ; SSs * S'ftom offering the usual travel machine tools, steel tubes and forklift price for t p y P facilities DWT operates incoming and trucks to soaps ’««able oils, fatty A j j „ame, outgoing tours for members of Diners th. Group ?he wide markeUng network and after Qub as weU F™™ ?h Xp^ operations are spUt up into sales service But mother signiftc™^ “d 'Ro/^IoSr^o Si? fS! a number of units-with Godrej* “r?‘'?±."SeS^ma?fetas«^^^^ JSaccmtog?o Ms. Ruksana Mehta, Boyce as the holding company. The SXS of She company. Tours to Godrej companies have been faring ve^ Mdhasr p Europe are planned for April and May. well, their combined turnover reported- leafler. Aggarwal, who started her career as a journalist in Nagpur, and subse­ quently joined Jeena and Company in Bombay and later, Indtravels, intends manage Godrej & Boyce, while Burjorji The entered almost every market as a pioneer —and has reaped the benefits of being a leader. ly having crossed the Rs 200 crore mark Travels last vear During 1979, for instance, UinerS iravcib Godrej & Boyce registered a profit of Parsis have bwn in the travel busing Rs 607 lakhs, Godrej Soaps (Rs 324 ^ gradually expand the DWT services .„5,eo,hern.e«ropo.i«ncUie,of.ndia ever since the first voyage about a 1 ,CXX) 12 1