Jul 1983

July 1963, Volume 6 No.1, Re.1. The Resurgence of the Federation Gouri Wagadarikar I cept the resignation of the Delhi Parsi Nargolwala described the need for a Anjuman and the application for The reason for the change came about “I will heave a sigh of relief when I jumans). The Parsi Punchayet (Bombay) resolved to retain the rules and regula- transfer the onerous responsibility to has a conciliatory attitude and a sort of tions of the Federation as they existed on (Bombay Parsi Punchayet chairman) Dr understanding has been arrived at and January 25, 1978, the date on which the Golwalla,” said Shiavax D. Nargolwala, embodied as a resolution.” He credited BPP withdrew. Another important president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman, Golwalla and his colleagues for the resolution passed was to consider and ac- who for the last five years has been the “honourable settlement” arrived at. mainstay of the Federation of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India. On the body like the Federation as “obvious” membership of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman second day of the two-day meeting of the and stated that good work had been Registered Trust, in its place. reconstituted Federation, the Bombay done by the Federation during its ex- Parsi Punchayet was “unanimously re- istence, the Third World Zoroastrian because the Delhi Parsi Anjuman accepts quested not only to rejoin, but to head Congress being a feather in its cap. He non-Parsi spouses as members albeit I the Federation.” now hoped for a “powerful and united with certain limitations. The orthodox Addressing the representatives on May Federation” and looked forward to the groups claimed this was a violation of I 29 at Bombay’s Fariyas Hotel, Golwalla BPP in the role of leader and guide, the Federation’s constitution which re- noted, “In rejoining we had problems, Golwalla reiterated that everybody was quired anjumans and punchayets to have but we have joined after much thought, happy and that “we are meeting as only Parsi-Zoroastrian members. ’ consultation and deliberation with other friends.” B.K. Mistry, a member of the or- . anjumans.” Golwalla later stated that he had made thodox Council of Vigilant Parsis which • The BPP had left the Federation bare- his decision to rejoin mainly for the sake vigorously opposed the BPP rejoining ly two weeks after the successful hosting of unity and for “the happiness not only the Federation largely because of the of the Third World Zoroastrian Con- of our children but our grandchildren DPA’s liberal policies, even attempted to • gress in January 1978 at which also... you can count on the Bombay obtain an injunction to prevent the BPP Nargolwala had criticized the BPP’s Parsi Punchayet to help you... With from rejoining. electoral scheme. On March 11 this year (Nargolwala’s) leadership, dynamism 1 I Earlier Mistry had, through his by four votes to three the BPP decided to and intelligence we will continue to look solicitors, sent a notice to the BPP saying rejoin. The three dissenting BPP to him for help and guidance.” that they should not rejoin the Federa- trustees. Dr Nelie Noble, Maneck Following the BPP, several anjumans tion without the opinion of senior Hodiwalla and Jal Vimadalal did not at- gave their assent to rejoining the Federa- counsel. The BPP consulted noted tend the May meet. tion, some withdrew their resignation lawyer Fall Nariman, who “analysed the In his welcome address, Nargolwala and a few stated they would formally re- legal aspects in a 30-page opinion” and noted, “The Federation has passed join after discussion in the next General said that the BPP is more than a mere through difficult times, we have been Body meeting of their anjuman. trust: it is a lodestar, an institution for the making strenuous efforts to unite (all an- The Executive Council meeting first good of the community. It was decided I11 that BPP trustee Erach Desai should with others; and acceptance of leader- ing leading to frustration and short-lived draft a “forceful resolution” on behalf ship ofmany and not a few,” He saw the victory. of all the anjumans to reiterate their will- Federation as a common platform for ingness to rejoin the Federation. Each tackling problems, with sufficient beginning could be made if Kaikobad Punchayet would also equip themselves resources in the form of money and would draw up a moderate programme with an authorisation to back the BPP manpower. Emphasizing that the of counselling which could be applied to and make their stand clear in court, if re- Federation should not be a “gappa a small area. quired. sabha,” Kaikobad proposed that a plan Agreeing with Kaikobad about first The first day of the two-day Federa- of action should be formulated on scien- identifying the problem and then tackl- tion meet comprised an Executive Coun- tific lines after a study of various facts, ing it, BPP trustee Jamsheed Kanga cil meeting followed by a workshop to Every plan of action should be subjected remarked that most people were not discuss the main problems facing the to a probation period to confirm its ef- aware of the enormity of the problem of community. fectiveness. poverty. “That the Parsi is affluent is a The second day commenced with a Kaikobad then proceeded to take up myth,” he said, “the poverty is so much. General Body meeting and selection of one problem after another and suggested the state of the community so bad that office bearers: Four vice-presidents (one a plan of action in each case. In com- the people have lost their self-respect, from each zone), Shiavax D. Nargolwala bination with the marriage bureau the They are not prepared to work for a liv- (North), A.K. Batlivala (East), Maneck BPP had proposed, he suggested a ing and so they stay there and rot.” He J.R. Gheyara (West) and J.D. Italia counselling service, a service for “crisis hoped the crores of rupees lying in trusts (South); two honorary secretaries, Keki intervention before the crisis reaches the would be utilized to solve this problem. J. Gandhi and Erach Desai; two court,” which could be supplemented by honorary treasurers. Jamshed Guzder a family counselling bureau. Based on Housing Scheme and Pesi Nargolwala; and four co-opted scientific lines, the counselling service Kanga spoke on the crisis of housing, members, Rustom E. Daroga (North), should include sessions, discussions, especially in Bombay where the Bejan Dittia (South), Dr R.D. case-studies and adult education pro- land/man ratio is very poor. Two Anklesaria (East) and Pesi Nargolwala grammes. Ignoring the threat of mixed reasons why the pressure on land was so (West). marriages would be like “trying to cover great was that firstly. Parsis were reluc- a spark of fire by putting a handkerchief tant to move out of Bombay, there was over it,” he said. almost a “ghetto mentality,” he said. In the field of education Kaikobad and secondly, most people early in their Nargolwala then suggested that a I li fectiveness. Kaikobad then proceeded to take up myth,” he said, “the poverty is so much. ! |i The Workshop The workshop, which served to put in perspective the socio-economic problems stressed that the quality of education was career put in an application for accom- facing the community and to outline of importance and not the number of modation with the BPP and sit back measures to be taken for solving them, schools and children or even the free waiting for a house. To rectify the situa- discussed education in schools and col- meals. A crisis in the family would leave tion, the BPP has devised an objective leges, the implementation of the propos- a permanent scar on the child, he said, merit rating system which allots points to ed marriage bureau, housing, ameliora- which made counselling in schools essen- certain categories {Parsiana, April 1983). tion of priests, defunct anjumans, crea- tial. Only those people eligible for housing tion of a data bank, the Adoption Bill and its implications, and whether the munity was frequently dubbed the com- sidered, others “will be told to look WZO should be recognized as the world __ ______________________________ elsewhere,” Kanga said. The BPP, he body it claims to be. , added, planned to construct 1000-2000 Professor Noshir F. Kaikobad, a MattSfS Of rollgion and flats in the next five years. He requested sociologist and presently the president of the Maharashtra Council of Social Work, was the opening spokesman of the workshop. “So far the community has been past-oriented, this is the beginn­ ing of being future-oriented,” he said optimistically. He was all for “giving up narrow anjuman-mindedness, and adop­ ting a wholistic approach. It is not * enough that the Surat Parsi Punchayet munity of ageing people, he despaired of called up to say, ‘I’ll report to the Gover- works effectively or that the BPP is the facilities provid^ for old people, nor that you are all crooks, you take organized. What is important is that they “We don’t have facilities for old people money but don’t give us a house, (and are able to relate... and work in col- (to allow them) to maintain their ask him to) investigate into the working laboration.” autonomy and independence,” he. said of the Parsi Punchayet’.” For effective collaboration, he re- and su^ested a voluntary bureau to counted the sociological prerequisites: “The conviction that our effectiveness level, will depend on that of others; the widen­ ing of vision from ‘my anjuman’ to ‘my however, he warned of pitfalls that the establishment of institutions of community’; willingness to give up one would put an end to all the good work: a higher learning... we have colleges en- part of your unrestricted freedom to ac- tussle for the power of prerogative, per- dowed by Pjirsis but not a Parsi col- cept freedom to work in co-ordination sonality clashes, prejudices and politick- lege,” Kanga pointed out. “The Sindhis Commenting on the fact that the com- according to this scheme would be con- "'Matters of religion and conscience must be left to anjumans “to construct more individual choice and not to dictation by others belonging to the same community." houses if they have land,” to ease the pressure on Bombay. Meanwhile, there have been threats from disgruntled applicants. “We get a girl coming in and saying that if you don’t give me a house in one year I’ll get married to a Hindu,” recounted BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder. “Another girl serve these people on a one-to-one Education Regarding education, “One thing our In all the areas of collaboration, forefathers made a mistake about is in I i N I J 3 Parsiana July 1983I tv I came after Partition but in Churchgate itself they have three colleges. The reconstituted Federation representing an- added that it was “presumptuous” on benefit of this (Parsi colleges) is that jumans all over India) can now take a the WZO’s part to claim the status of a priority can be given to Parsis.” To step stand as a united front (and) make an ap- world body with a membership of a mere up the number of Parsi students in col- peal to the Government.” Kanga, 6(X). To the concept of a pyramidical leges Kanga proposed talent develop- however, thought an appeal to the structure, Kanga said that the WZO ment and vocational guidance by profes- government at this stage would be delegates responded: “We believe in sionals. Also, the existing institutes like premature and confusing. He insisted democracy, we want individual the Gamadia Institute should be that the Federation should wait until the members.” Kanga remarked disapprov- transformed to technical institutes where report is made public, analyse its im- ingly, “We do not want to convert it (a courses tailored to the needs of industry plications and only if it is not acceptable world body) into a (kind of) YMCA with could be conducted. The younger generation is not aware peal. “We will lose our credibility other- of the various trusts and schemes, Erach wise,” he said. Desai pointed out and added that a data bank to provide information should be ting adoption to Parsi children only, would be impossible to unite,” establish^. Nargolwala informed the delegates of the recommendation made to the Minority Commission for preference to Parsis in educational institutions, defence services and the railways by way of reservation of seats. The report of the Commission has, however, yet to be presented in Parliament. K.S. Pavri from Ahmedabad suggested that local anjumans could follow it up with their Maneck Gheyara, the president of the respective state governments. Desai re- Surat Punchayet responded that his ex- thought that it was wrong to cut away commended that a resolution on behalf of perience of this was unfavourable. In entirely from the WZO, as “it will put us the Federation should be sent to the Go- Surat, even poor parents were not willing on the world map,” and Ms Mani vemment regarding the seat reservation. Desai remarked, “We (as the ed (as such),’’ commented Kanga and should the Federation make a new ap- individuals.” “It would create practical differences. There might be a conflict of opinion bet­ ween anjumans and individuals and it was Desai’s opinion. Guzder, who traced the birth of the WZO from the Third World Zoroastrian Congress when a committee was appointed to establish a world body with representatives from each conti­ nent, reiterated “I will have nothing to do with a body of individual members. I feel the constitution of the WZO as con­ ceived by the present body is not accep­ table.” But there were some members who To a suggestion made about restric- Our effectiveness will depend on that of others, the widening of vision from 'my anjuman' to 'my community'." to offer their child for adoption. Kanga Clubwalla from Madras said, “As took another approach, “Why do you Zoroastrians we should give some sup­ want to take away the child? Give him port to the WZO.” Eventually it was decided that the and other expenses. secretary should draft a model of the The proposal by Delhi’s Keki Gandhi, Federation’s concept of a world body The Adoption Bill The mention of the Minority Commis- the money” to provide for his education sion triggered off several related issues. The most controversial topic was the Adoption Bill. The community itself is one of the Federation’s most in- which would be discussed at the next Ex­ divided on the issue; one section objected defatigable workers, for making up a list ecutive Council meeting tentatively to the Bill saying “they were worried of prospective employers to be circulated scheduled for September in Delhi. (about) its implications about induction among Parsi boys and girls with the into the religion and the inheritance Federation serving as the liaison between Unused Land rights of the adopted child,” noted a them was welcomed. With recommenda- Before Independence there existed a report in the Indian Express newspaper tions coming in from various anjumans, number of wealthy Parsi landowners on May 17, 1983. “The Minority Com- the Federation could also publish a who managed vast tracts of land in mission feels that matters of religion and periodical with news regarding employ- various parts of India. “Parsis prospered conscience must be left to individual ment, he added. under British patronage,” related SPP choice and not to dictation by others president Gheyara; it was only after In­ belonging to the same community.” To The WZO Controversy dependence that maintenance of land ensure this, the chairman of the Com- In response to the question as to whether became difficult because of various mission. Justice M.H. Beg in the form of the Federation should join the World legislations like the Land Acquisition an amendment made it mandatory for Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) or not. Act, Land Ceiling Act, Town Planning the adopting parent to “make a declara- two conclusions emerged: 1) that the Act, Income Tax Act, and others. The tion in writing in prescribed form that WZO in its present form could not be agiaries, dharamshalas and dokhmas . there is no religious prohibition against considered a true world body and 2) the which were well maintained before, suf­ adoption accepted as binding upon him Federation’s concept of a world body fered neglect. “Under Nusserwanji Vakil or her by the declarant.” was the apex of a pyramidical structure, we (the SPP) sold some (surplus) land,” The anjuman representatives all with anjumans and not individuals as said Gheyara, “(which was) a bold step, agreed that the civil aspect of the Bill members forming the base. It was pro- We got a good price for it and (in return) would be acceptable to the community posed that this concept should be con- we give free service for the disposal of but that the religious aspect, “the enter- veyed to the WZO so that a true world the dead.” ing of agiaries (and participation in other body representative of Zoroastrians all religious rituals) should be up to the over the world could be created, trustees and the (dasturjis),” as Nargolwala put it. He lamented the wastage of surplus land around dokhmas which was in “A group of people set themselves up danger of being illegally occupied by as the world body and ask to be recogniz- zopadpatti dwellers or alternately, being 5 Parsiana July 1983 I dtaken away by the Government. Even did produce trained mobeds, (Bombay ceremonies, but not weddings or nav- the practice of appointing watchmen to being the main centre for “mobed pro- jotes. In addition to a salary of Rs 800, guard aramgah land was declared un- duction”) but only 25 percent of them the paramobed would be provided with ’ satisfactory by Gheyara, as the wat- actually became full-time mobeds. The free accommodation,electricity and water. chmen tended to shirk their responsibili- yearly demand was about 12 mobeds but Summarizing the proposals, ty in the absence of supervision. the numbers fell short of this require- Nargolwala listed ways to ameliorate the “Where there are (few) or no Parsis, ment. There were about 200 full-time condition of the mobeds: by providing we should sell this land,” was Gheyara’s and as many part-time mobeds in Bom- free education for their children, free opinion. Ms Clubwalla recommended bay taking care of 42 agiaries and four medical aid, priority in housing, fixing selling land that can be sold (some land atash-behrams, he estimated, the charges for religious ceremonies, a cannot be sold, it is on perpetual lease Nargolwala, with Jal Irani and two prac- scheme for gratuity and pension and the from the government) to Parsis for con- tising mobeds formed a working group training of paramobeds. struction purposes with a proviso to en- to help the mobeds. Since forming a new Ms Perin Cabinetmaker, a social sure that in future the land is passed on trust is not feasible, (because of tax pro- scientist and special invitee to the to Parsis only. blems), “we have to resort to existing meeting, suggested that retired women There were two sides to the debate, the organisations and channelize (their) and men could recite many prayers and first being, “We should live with the help.” He added that they had raised a would be willing to tend the fire. “We changing times... use the land for con- ' *“ * ' *’ - - structive purposes” and the second, “It is a very touchy subject... we may be ac­ cused of desecrating our dead.” Guzder stated he “would rather spend money on the living than on the dead... we must teach our young respect for the dead, but is duty to a 70-year-old dead body more than that to a living person?” Eventually no definite conclusion was arrived at and further discussion was ' postponed. At this point a discussion arose as to mobeds, whether the money left over from the ‘ ~- Third World Zoroastrian Congress well,” said Nargolwala. “Only when To counter the problem of the reduced should be diverted to housing or to they need help they ask for it. You have number of Parsi children in Parsi schools building a Federation office. It was final- to go out of your way to ask them to ap- and the lack of “a Parsi atmosphere” in ly decided that a cell of specialised people ply.” To prevent misuse of funds, “we these schools. Cabinetmaker recom- be formed to put these funds to effective investigate each case before we give mended religious education for Parsi use. assistance,” he added. With the help of parents as well. Ervad Rustom Panthaki, principal of the E.J. Tarapore from Hyderabad- Help for the mobeds Dadar Madressa, “we tried to convince Secunderabad stated that in addition to “I have been questioned, ‘Do they (the the boys (to become) full-time mobeds,” the facilities provided by the Poona an- _______ _ I promising to open an account of Rs 1(X) juman, the twin city anjuman insured an r neglected class?’ There is evidence right per month for those who did and raise employed mobed for Rs 25,000 and I here that they are neglected,” said Pesi this to Rs 250 a month for those who when g panthaki died his widow was Nargolwala, who was appointed opted for a B.A. with Avesta Pahlavi, given Xs 25,000 and a sum of Rs 5,000 honorary treasurer only that morning. But they could enlist only seven potential for hospital expenses incurred. Commenting on the suggested formation mobeds because the parents were not To a proposd of dividing the charges of a ‘Mobed Union’, Nargolwala said convinced. “There is a terrific aversion of a ceremony in a 60-40 ratio between jocularly, “I’ll hand over the mobeds to to (this profession) among parents,” he the panthaki and the mobed, Gandhi (militant trade union leader) Datta Sa- stated, and this constitutes the “major said that “the panthaki is an* en- mant, and then you handle them!” bottleneck.” Parents prefer to be fr^ trepreneur. He has his own interest ^d j Pesi Nargolwala who has been involv- from any compulsion and want their runs (the agiafy) on business lines.” It I ed in implementing schemes to help boys to decide their own future when was not the panthaki who needed F mobeds for the past few years, stated they grow up. amelioration, they were the cause of the f • that about 80 years ago there were upto poverty of the mobeds, commented 1200 mobeds, now the community is Paramobeds Shiavax Nargolwala. Several represen- , unable to maintain even 500. This is To fulfil the need for mobeds, tatives were against the panthaki system I because society supported the mobeds Nargolwala outlined a plan. Like the and the general view was summed up I then but a recent attempt to enlist the ‘paramedics’ of China alias ‘barefoot by Tarapore who said that it would be ___;___ ________ _______ 1 doctors’ “who go around doling out better to do away with the panthaki onVfor the maintenance of mobeds met common remedies,” he envisaged the system and employ only mobeds. If the with failure.______________________ training of ‘paramobeds’. For this role, system was continued, the trustees As far as training facilities are con- he suggested that behdins could be train- should exercise control and ensure that cemed, he said, the Cama Athoman In- ed and would be qualified to run the mobeds are treated well and are ade- stitute and Dadar’s Athoman Madressa dharamshalas, and conduct a few quately paid. sum of Rs 10,000 the first year and should encourage them, invite them and appreciate (their services),” she said. A representative from Poona said that in Poona money is collected through donations, and during Navroz and Pateti mobeds are given gifts in the form of consumer items and money. In the St Ann, St Vincent and Dastur schools an appointed mobed teaches the children about the religion after school hours. Rs 40,000 the next and restricted the Students who do well in the final exam financial assistance only to full-time are awarded prizes and books. In addi­ tion there is a big cup awarded as a “The mobeds have responded very floating prize to a school. Third World Zoroastrian Congress well,” said Nargolwala. “Only when r I iiavc uccii qucbuviivu, I mobeds) need amelioration? Are they a neglected class?’ There is evidence right .1 I support of residents of a local Parsi col- 7 Parsiana July 1983 The WZO in its present form could not be considered a true world body.r j ztaa/i nff bv analysed and a rian of actkm deddod nnndfy « scussion was rounded off^ Federation steered clear of the forum to S’-SSr^rPcUrson-snaviore. ismcs. has an aU-lndia ! 'The discussion was Shiavax 1 that since luo v*ww.w. --------- - —u-- ,„qc done the spadework, Ik could only a passing reference to meet, discuss and tackle Those attending the meeting induded Ahmedabad; Dr Ratan H. Sa^, - Allahabad; Boman Cama, Baroda; Savak Patel (Shri Parsi Punchayet, Vedodra); Dr A.F. GolwaUa, J.N. Guzder, E.B. Desai, J.G. Kanga, R.K. Anklesaria, Ms Gool J. Tata, B.H. Tarapore, Pesi D. Nargolwala (Iranm Zoroastrian Anjuman), Bombay; Dr R.D. Anklesaria, Calcutta; Soli teria, Coimbatore; Shiavax D. — Nargolwala, Keki J. Gandhi, Ms F.S. at -tne reaerauuu w^ Variava, RustomE. DMOgaJ^elhi; E J. ZildSp'&'S'with each other to not discuss any ctmtrotroW ma^^or Tma^re,^B.F, Maneck, Jabalpur; MS l^Cb^, SXtXSSS^tohelpim. „h,^ ^feelings of the connnumty, '’"y?{^Tdear,however,.lstha.lm^ each plan, should be the driving force. 'The members of the Federation ap- KSy‘’1SS^rth^‘“S^c iKd been beguifed huo joining, IZataK motels in differed parts ^^on. 7^ mSKls*“ BPP's condition made prior to rejoining Since education was to be given priority, the secretaries of the Federation should contact Meher Master-Moos and ^o- jeste Mistree, both lecturers and authors on Zoroastrianism, and make a ntrte of thdr teaching methods. Also, Ms P“W Jungalwala’s books on the religion could be distributed for study. To be effective, it was decided that the Executive Council should meet three to four times a year and the office-bwers About 80 years ago there were upto 1200 mobeds, now the community is unable to maintain even 500. which stated that “the Federation wffl Hoshang Debara, Agra; Keki S. Pavn, Ahmedabad; Dr Ratan H. Sag^, Allahabad; Boman Cama^ Dr' A.F. GolwaUa, J.N. Guzder, E.B. Desai, J.G. Kanga, R.K. Anklesaria, Ms Gool J. Tata, B.H. Tarapore, Pesi D. Nargolwala (Iranm Zoroastrian Anjuman), Bombay; Dr Coimbatore; Shiavax D. R.p, Ginwala, Madras; Dinshaw Bapuna, Keki Bala, Nagpur; Bajoo R. Jilla, Nanded; Minoo Irani, Dinshaw Anklesaria, Marzban Kekobad, Poona; Maneck J.R. Gheyara, Dr Sam Bhacca, a^om'erVc^luoll’ wHich ielt W the BPP and their enuiwuabuc had been beguiled into ioini^ e ma invited to speak. Mention of their JOrity of the m^bers ap^to ^e^eX^ represen^by The re^e to be “action oriented.” BPP anhe b^For- with Bomfaty Samaclar, the Jam-e-Jamslied. Ste"*—rwe^“ r;:^val of the Federation the com- of the opposition of the orthodox section of the community and the opinion of TahlntaicoMlMmal HoM — Bombay UrSBOnJ) THEM T06ETHER! Whether it's a five-star hotel, a Sultan's Palace, a hospital, a chemical factory, a fertiliser plant or a housing project— we have the expertise and experience—to handle any ------------- . turn-key construction project carried out by us over anywhere in the world. ' ¦*“ Over the last 100 years we have not only pioneer^ the s. construction industry in S our country but spread our I wings to Muscat and the I Middle East—where against * competition from the best construction companies, we won the contract for putting up the imposing Muscat Palace complex of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman—and completed it in time. The multiplicity of projects CartItiU out uy ww w.«r , several decades has resulted in the building up of expertise in numerous aspects of the construction industry. We proudly offer this expertise for any construction project and proposals for joint ventures would be welcome. loacat Pataca oi H1i Majaaty iha Sultati of Qmyj Obaroi-Shaiaton HsM —Bombay V. y 5 ' «s"S? 1 SHAPOORJI PALLONJI &¦ CO. (PVT.) LTDfact, it was not even established whether such a godown existed. Enquiries with fellow banks would have revealed that Maher Corporation owed Central Bank (in Delhi and Faridabad) a sum of Rs 84.55 lakhs, that the firm had a current deposit that it also owed _Grindlays Bank NEWS FROM THE MEDIA_____________________ ___ Fraudulent Firm Pradeep Shinde Could a firm with three partners take four foreign banks and three na- account with Bank of India but would another Rs 17 lakhs. ¦ ! The same partners had, by floating to Bank of Baroda; other agencies, also borrowed Rs 3.2 * that the security of Rs 75 lakhs crores from Bank of America in * tionalised banks for a ride and dupe close the account and route all business them of Rs 7 crores? The answer seems to be in the affir­ mative if one goes into the manipula- will be hypothecation of stocks in all Faridabad. Another Rs 52 lakhs went tions of M/s Maher Corporation. It godowns. to two more “agencies” from Central has duped the Bank of America, the Apart from these staternents, Kharas Bank of India. The Banque Nationale Banque Nationale De Paris, Grindlays of Maher Corporation also mentioned De Paris also fell victim to the tune of kiaiirL, vnuivvivw ------ ---------- *------------ --------------------- — ------ banks), Canara Bank, Central Bank of than Rs 14 lakhs for the assessment India and Bank of Baroda (nationalis- year 1979-80. ed banks), according to investigations. !------------- ------------- The modus operand! came to light to the Bank of Baroda, Bombay, on ters. It s been closed for the past when it made an application for a loan December 31, 1982. How it was done three months,” says the neighbouring of Rs 75 lakhs to the Bank of Baroda, was a mystery, it being a bank holiday, shop owner. Cawasji Patel Street, Bombay. The The application was introduced into Meanwhile, Hindustan Lever has has duped the Bank of America, the Bank, Chartered Bank (all foreign the tax paid by him as being more Rs 60 lakhs, t Investigations also revealed that the office in Malabar Mansion, Colaba Such an application was submitted Causeway, Bombay, has downed shut­ The application was introduced into firm, with partners named as Kersey the bank by Ms. Kapadia, assistant stated that M/s Maher Corporation Kharas D. M. Kharas and Ms P. general manager and secretary to the were “our stockists till March 31, ' • «• « rT?l_ _ 1 1 — X Kharas’(reportedly father, mother and chairman and managing director. The 1983... later on we cut off our relations son) gave the office address as 2B, papers were sponsored in the meeting with the firm.” Parle Products, Malabar Mansion, Colaba Causeway, of the committee of executives (an un- another company mentione^ in the > Bombay. papers were sponsored in the meeting with the firm.” Parle Products, t’ J precedented step) on January 12, 1983 loan application, has however, by D.J. Kapadia, deputy general disclaimed any knowledge of the firm, manager. Where is this firm anyway? Within five days, the proposal was Reprinted from the Jndian Express, April 13, 1983 passed (on January 17) and the amount of Rs 75 lakhs disbursed. In the Bank of Baroda, such in May, which was picked up by hypothecation loan applications are leading newspapers, alleged that the Photograph by Ayesha Soni. A report filed by a news agency UNI, normally routed through an “opinion department.” Divided into sub-groups I determined by businesses like construc- j tion, theatres, hotels, industry, trade I unions, etc, this department is, in ef- I feet, an investigative arm of the bank. I Loans for more than one lakh are, as I a rule, thoroughly scrutinised and in- I vestigated before a green signal is given I to the disbursement section. The entire I process of cross-checking on the bona I fides of loan applications and the I credibility of companies normally I takes about 20 to 30 days. It takes at least 45 days for the final disburse­ ment of the loan. In the case of Maher Corporation, The shuttered office of M/s Maher Corporation The firm also gave two letters to the all the five basic commandments of Bank of Baroda, Bombay, and stressed credit institutions were allegedly ig- the following points: nored. No visit was made to the office * that it was the marketing agent for of M/s Maher Corporation. No goods manufactured by Hindustan market reports about the company’s Lever,, Parle Products, ITC, Voltas status were filed by the opinion depart- and Phillips; ment. No enquiries were made with the * that it had 18,0(X) dealers or companies for which M/s Maher Cor- retailers under its umbrella; poration was allegedly the distributor. * that they need a loan of Rs 75 No inspection of the company’s lakhs because of inflationary trends; godown was carried out either... in godown was carried out either... in 9 Parsiana July 1983 Redder i i I i 1 ii 1 Ii trio had defrauded 10 banks, quoting, in addition to the above, the Punjab National Bank, the Punjab and Sind Bank, and the State Bank of Patiala, “The three are alleged to have also As an overseas Zoroastrian, returning of carrying two bags full of san- tried to smuggle more than Rs 1,5 crore briefly to India, it is a joy compounded dalwood, handed them over to the in cash out of the country using some only by the fact that one can visit the priest. She informed him that somebne smaU banks, adds UNI, Atash-Behrams in Bombay and, in par- whose name was unknown to her had 1 he unsuspecting banks, impressed ticular Udvada, This is what I set out sent the sandalwood from Canada by all the meticulous documents, fell to do on Sunday, the 27th of February thanksgiving to the fire On hearing into the trap and allowed the credit and jofii ---- :— — • .. , . . - - ® Sources respects and ^homage to one oF our name of the Canadian donor and when •— ,. ¦ .---------- ’ —-------- --- was not forthcoming, he became _^“^__^enes of a train journey and a extremely rude. In his anger, he tore ---------- 1 open the packets and the sandalwood at the rest-house near the Atash- fell noisily on the floor. Picking it up Behram, when a flood of quarrelling clumsily, the priest heaped it upon the The Agony of Udvada S , J uuraua. 1 lua la wiMi 1 aci uul scoi inc sanaaiwooQ irom Canada as a by all the meticulous documents, fell to do on Sunday, the 27th of February thanksgiving to the fire On hearing into the trap and allowed the credit and 1983, with the thought of paying my this, th? mobe^demanSed to know S? hypothecation facilities.” S-------- ------- * --- *---- ---- -----—-WAAV V* XZWA AAAAl reportedly revealed that the suspects most sacred fires, in spite of the com- this various firms “duly certified” by a worsening fever. Hardly had I drived firm of Bombay chartered accoun­ tants, at whose address a “detection” IL* *1 » -I—-— - , vaav AAVCAMVU IV UUVli VIIC agency was also being run. Subsequent people approached me and vied with holy fire which, at this point was fee- mspection of the “stores” one another to sell me some san- ble and flickering. The second mobed hypothecated by M/s Maher Corpora- dalwood. Leaving them to their heated was loudly demanding money for the tion revealed that they were almost discussions. I had a bath and proceed- two Tan Dorostis that he had praved Journal, ed to the Atash-Behram. and having received it over the . J?!? < ® through a small entrance threshold of the sanctum sanctorum that the partners owned several other as the main section of the Atash- he began reciting the third Tan Dorosti firms which had credit arrangements Behram is being renovated. Hardly had prayer like a freshly-wound cuckoo clock, with other banks, according to a I completed reciting my kusti pray/cK, By this time, the Atash at least report m The Daily. They had denied what I was bested with offers regar- three feet high and its size and concern. ding the doz/is. A person known to the brightness seemed to delight all those it swindle was that rest-house owners, who had accom- present. But what it said to me was It was related to hectic buying of shares panied me, fended off all the others something totally different. Its ragged of reputed companies in the wake of and took the battis on my behalf to a edges and induced brightness in a sense investment facilities alloweci to non- rickety table by the well. On the way cried out in protest Xu^iecorXg according to the Free there a few priests in flowing, white surroundings. Its continuous angry rress journal. beards criss-crossed mv nath with r»f_ v'ro/^viir.z, __ c__ i ix___ j The victim banks are said to have fil- 1 ed criminal cases in various courts that, wanting dms,' all in the" same bdnr*fed? while some handed over the <---- . the police and the Central Bureau of Investigation. No arrests have been made so far. firm of Bombay chartered ed to the Atash-Behram, i __ ____ ________ _ I was shown through a small entrance threshold of the sanctum swctorum^ as the main section of the Atash- he began reciting the third Tan Dorosti I completed reciting my kusti prayers. By this time, the Atash was at least ding the battis. A person known to the brightness seemed to delight alf those rest-house owners, who had accom- present. But what it said to me was rickety table by the well. On the way cried out in protest at its unbecoming I .'I Reactions of Zoroastrians world-wide to-the Navjote of Joseph Peterson will be featured in our August issue. beards criss-crossed my path with of- crackling made me feel that it was de­ fers of reciting prayers and, failing nouncing the manner in which it was . 1 —• Its simulated brilliance breath. Having lit the battis, I moved reflected the greed of those who came to the building where the Atash (fire) is to ask for boons only, giving it perhaps now housed and prepared myself for a large quantities of wood but not the session of heartfelt prayer and inner love and care that it so richly deserves, peace. Its agony forced me to bow my head What I saw was inexcusable and when and ask for forgiveness for those who I eventually left the Atash-Behram, it had reduced one of our most tranquil was with a very heavy heart rather and inspiring fires to nothing more than feeling spiritually energized. Two than a glorified bonfire. mobeds were inside the sanctum sanc­ torum and one of them was tending the holy fire. An old lady, tired as a result From a letter by Kaikhushrau Wadia, from Hong Kong, reprinted from Ushta, May 1983, Zoroastrian Studies publication. a Old post cards etc./wanted Advertiser wishes to buy OLD picture postcards, photographs, cigarettes, cards, playing cards, posters, prints, illustrated books, albums and other related material. Willing to pay top prices for single items or entire collections. Please send detailed list with expected prices to: The Advertiser, (OLD) C/o. Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Gifts& Friendly Gift Shop for ¦>« handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 253443 & 252730 10Faz3'/az7a July 1983 IChristian Science, envisioned and founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy has many Parsi adherents. Emphasizing the healing of physical and emotional disorders, everyday problems and tensions through prayer, Christian Science reportedly expects its followers to give up smoking, alcohol and any form of medical assistance except in cases of extreme emergency. The movement, which calls for a scientific understanding of the Bible and Eddy's book Science end Health with a key to the Scriptures is said to have spread to over 57 countries, in an article on the Christian Science movement in Bombay entitled 'Faith Healing with a difference' (Indian Express, October 31,1982) Ketaki Sheth comments on this phenomenon. Faith Healing I Ketaki Sheth I notice that most of the Bombay con- (she has given up wearing glasses) and explained, “Man is the reflection of god. gregation is made up of Parsis. In fact, eczema. How did her medical colleagues If god is constant and eternal, man is regular church services are held in Guja- react when she took the decision ? Her constant and eternal.” Matter is mean- rati and there is even published litera- patients? “The general verdict was that I ingless, it is only the spirit that exists, ture on the Science in Gujarati! Was had gone bonkers. Few thought I was Pianist Tehmi Gazdar, who is presently there something lacking in the Zoroas- courageous. It takes more mental activ- a Reader at the church and who played trian faith, or disillusionment with the ity now than it did when I prescribed the organ there for 19 years before she became a member, speaks of how she Christian Science is marked by its was “healed of her fear of death” when her medical profession that made you turn medicines.” to Christian Science, I ask Jer Master, who gave up a lucrative medical practice absence of rituals, ceremonies, priests, husband lay dying of cancer, after 25 years as a successful pediatri- godheads, symbols and idols. “I was cian. She is now a registered practi- once open to all religions,” explains case in Bombay where a Christian tioner — one who gives her full time to Neera. “I would dttend Novenas, light Scientist’s son died in his mid-thirties the public practice of Christian Science candles, take prasad, perform the arti. and no doctor was called to diagnose or healing — one of the five in the country. Then I came to a stage where I was treat the patient even when his life She now deals with individuals whose questioning these rituals and their seemed to be in critical danger. I was problems range from asthma, to broken meanings. Today, through Science, I’m told that the son (who was also a Chris- homes, to divorces, to failing businesses, practising the living of good as Jesus did tian Scientist) refused all medical treat- She declines to comment either on her —not just mouthing it, but proving it.” ment. I hear of another case where a former profession or religion and prefers Services are held twice a week but young woman died in the early stages of to discuss what she has gained as an these are not obligatory. “It’s a total cancer as she denied ail medical assist­ individual. “ It has taught me to be hon- approach of looking at things,“explains Mrs. Thanawala, “As a young student, I was searching, questioning... 1 read was a colleague of a doctor-turned Aurobindo, the Bhagvad Gita, Bertrand Christian Scientist, the whole approach I ask some members about a recent f r i I ance. According to a medical doctor, who . the medical profession that made you turn to Christian Science ? Was there something lackinq in the Zoroastrian when I read Science and is impractical. “Only if medicine simply . Health, everything locked into place. 1 cannot cure an iliness like terminal faith or disillusionment with never questioned it.” cancer, would I recommend such a heal- No ceremonies ing in the final analysis.” Regarding the Does the absence of rituals imply the conflict between medical and Christian absence of ceremonies on occasions Science, one Christian Scientist such as births,marriages,deaths?“Why remarked: “Science is preventive. You choose a birthday to celebrate?” asks are already in a state of preventing medi- Mrs. Thanawala. “Can’t everyday be a cines. Because you don’t need it. The est not only with others, but with myself, celebration ?” Marriages are performed root cause of disease is fear. In Christian Christian Science says it is not the law of by any legal authority — the general Science, we don’t experience such fear.” the human mind but that of the Divine practice is a registered marriage. When Mind which controls the body.”She has asked her views on death and life the- been cured of migraine, poor eyesight reafter, one Christian Scientist I I Reprinted with permission from the Express Magazine, Indian Express (Sunday edition), October 31, 1982. I 11 Parsiana July 1983 I