Sep 1983

s. September 1983, Votame 6 No. 3, Re. 1. I The Fourth Door of Love Like the Darbe Mehrs at Toronto, k centre but unused for lack of construc ­ tion funds, notes the report. “The Chicago community came for­ ward, formed a partnership, the Tarsi Partners ’, and purchased 5 acres of the Mettawa property from the Trust for $60,000. With the proceeds of this sale augmenting the Trust funds, the Trust was able to turn over $150,000 to ZAC. Through various other projects in­ cluding the Zubin Mehta Banquet, the ZAC raised enough funds to start the Members of the community, young and old, enthusiastically chopped and cleared, painted, varnished and The Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe to bring inner peace and spiritual Zoroastrians as the third, Rivetna is Mehr—Zoroastrian Center of upliftment; to attract and keep our quoted as saying. _ Chicago, envisioned ever since the first high calibre priests; to serve as centre " ~ ~ Zoroastrians settled in Chicago over 30 for social and religious studies New York and Los Angeles, Chicago’s years ago and realized by the small but (through) the library and learning cen- centre has been made possible by the determined Zoroastrian community, tre and to serve as a unifying force for vision and generous donation of Arbab was inaugurated on September 3-4 this al! Zoroastrians. ’’ Rustam Guiv, who offered the ZAC a year, notes a ZAC report. A two-day celebration was planned sum of $ 150,000 in 1980, notes a ZAC The fourth Zoroastrian centre in to mark the inauguration, with Mor- report entitled‘The Making of a Darbe North America and the first to be con- varid Khanum Guiv, wife of the Ira- Mehr’. The death of Arbab Guiv soon structed on American soil, the Darbe nian millionaire philanthropist, the late after delayed the release of the funds. Mehr now stands in suburban Arbab Rustam Guiv, as the chief guest. The Rustam Guiv Trust funds were Hinsdale, 20 miles south-west of The celebrations included a grand tied up in real estate at Mettawa, II- downtown Chicago. The construction jashan by Ervad Dr Kersi Antia, a linois, purchased in 1978 for a Chicago was completed just over a year after a ___________________________ _ centre but unused for lack of construc- simple ceremony broke ground and signalled the birth of the centre, and six years after the first Darbe Mehr or Door of Love opened on the American continent. * Built as a religious, cultural and educational focus for all Zoroastrians, the 6,000 square foot complex com ­ prises a prayer hall, an assembly hall polished their Darbe Mehr, and a library/learning centre, and is “dedicated to the first generation of ~~ American Zoroastrians, so that they speakers ’ forum, a benediction, and construction. ’’ may carry the torch of the ancient cultural programmes including a Parsi Zoroastrian faith for future genera­ tions in North America, ’’notes a ZAC newsletter. ZAC President Rohinton phase of the centre. A priest ’s members in the construction of their Rivetna outlined the goals of the Darbe residence was envisaged as the second Darbe Mehr. The Report initially I Mehr; “Through worship and prayer phase and a guest house for visiting recorded progress in the clearance of Ever since, the ZAC newsletters have natak- featured a ’Building Report’ which This sees the completion of the first have reflected the involvement of ther ? I * I I I ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD trees, building permits, laying of the foundation and later, details of the in­ sulation, tiling, electrical, heating and alarm systems, varnishing and pain­ ting. Setbacks suffered in the course of construction were also published. “In September 1982... during the roof con­ struction, one of the 50 foot trusses fell, bringing down 30 others. In the accident, a carpenter was injured and liability suits have followed. (But) the project quickly picked up again,” states ‘The making of a Darbe Mehr’. “Nothing of course happened in the smooth chronology that this account may convey. Events mesh into one another, plans were revised a dozen times, there were times when grave doubts were expressed, when deep despair was feljt, when the project I seemed interminable. But out of these storms arose this Darbe Mehr, as I testimony to the spirit of the Zoroastrian people.... as (a) monu­ ment to the faith and dedication of the Zoroastrian people and determination 1 to preserve and perpetuate the great faith of Zarathustra on this con­ tinent.” Chicago’s new Darbe Mehr is largely the product of the effort and skill of the 100 families settled there. The , building design and general contracting , , is credited by the ZAC to Rohinton Communication from Rivetna, engineering assistance was rendered by Bomi Damkevala, ac- Colifomia counts were managed by Noshir •' Daruwalla, while Keikhosrow Mobed Left: Community members clearing Darbe Mehr grounds Below: Rivetna before the new Darbe Mehr building Asho Zarathustra which are very vivid, that the Good Religion is universal and for all people of good understanding and counts were managed by Noshir -------V------------ discernment. The Center supi^rts Daruwalla, while Keikhosrow Mobed liaised with the Rustam Guiv Trust. Focussing on the religious, cultural and priests... for officiating at the ceremony Roshan Rivetna offered general historical tradition of the Zoroastrian as well as Behdin Joseph Peterson for his assistance at every phase of building community as well as current events of noble choice of religion.” design and construction and helped import is a new monthly bulletin The The maiden issue of The Zoroastrian, ¦ select the land and building furnishings Zoroastrian published in English and (February 1983) was “dedicated to the while Tira Farhadieh communicated Persian by the Zoroastrian Center, memory of the late Arbab Rustam Guiv whose philanthropic services to the Frequently prefaced with a translation Zoroastrian community have proven in­ spiring and encouraging for all of us to work with more zeal for the cause? ’’ The same issue noted, general historical tradition of the Zoroastrian as well as Behdin Joseph Peterson for his • a a» *. 11 __________ A. _ — The maiden issue of The Zoroastrian, with Abou Mazdai and selected the California. Prayer Hall furnishings. Several other 1 . . . members of the community, young and of prayers from the Khordeh Avesta, I old, enthusiastically chopped and The Zoroastrian provides answers to I ’ cleared, painted, varnished and polish- questions on the philosophy and precepts ed their Darbe Mehr. < _ “Nowhere in the world (is) there a topics like ‘The significance of Persian group of Zoroastrians with a stronger handicrafts ’, ‘The splendour of Persia ’ sense of commitment and involvement a..« ».v c.,,, than in Chicago,” a ZAC newsletter Hushang while on a hunting expedition. quotes Rivetna as saying. “No group has achieved what our small communi ­ ty has achieved in the short span of its existence... Today the building stands as testimony to the courage, industry and dedication of our people.” “The 1 of the religion and also treats diverse Zoroastrian Center, California hopes ¦ ¦ - - - ¦ tijat the bulletin, though a modest begin- ...w _ _____ —_____ fo*' a lofty cause, will find a and the discovery of fire by King place in the eyes and hearts of its readers. The June 1983 issue states the port and welcomes iriquiries, sugges- Zoroastrian Center of California’s stand tions, comments, criticisms and ar- on the Peterson navjote: “The position tides, ” which may be addressed to The of the Zoroastrian Center, California Zoroastrian Center, California, 1814 has been clear from the very beginning. South Bayless Street, Anaheim, Califor- It adheres to the Sublime Teachings of nia, 92802. 3 Parsiana September 1983i 3 Zoroastrian Scout Badge Community as endorsed and approved by the Local Association (x* an elder (but not the parent).’’ “As the total population of Zoroastrians in the continental United States is rather microscopic and as not all Zoroastrians in most of the states are organized into church groups, it is very essential that counsellors at local levels play a very significant role while guiding the youngster. In certain cases it may be desirable to correspond with the religious When Framroze Patel’s son wanted to group of 12 to 18,” notes the brochure, co-ordinator of the local Zoroastrian pass a US Boy Scout badge on religion. The aspiring scout will have to fulfil Association or of the Zoroastrian Zoroastrianism was not on the selec- the requirements of religious education Association of Greater New York. The tion list. and a community-oriented project; it parent, in such a case, may act as the So Patel along with Fred Morris, a will take at least one full year from the counsellor. .. .. „ „ . *---- • -- J-*- -<¦—“This brochure has been prepared teaches to qualify for the emblem. primarily for the Zoroastrian Boy Zoroastrianism to the Zoroastrian “The religious education requirements Scouts; however, it is recommended that • - “ . . •• .« It _ _ • .*•- _ ----------------- *- - -1-----------•-> *- members ’ children. Prof Kaikhosrov of basic principles of the Zoro^trian well conversant wUh Us content The ofTIew VorTphilo^pIv'dcpar^ Zoroastrians; awareness of the meaning his active participation throughout the and others prepared an almost 100 and the liberal interpretation of daily duration of the programme is very page mimeographed brochure to assist prayers; familiarity with the fun- necessary. For example, the notebook Zoroastrian Boy Scouts in securing a damental concepts of essential which each boy is expected to keep is ‘Good Life’ religious emblem or ceremonies like: Navjote, Jashan and most important and should be checked badge. various festivals as per the Zoroastrian regularly, with suggestions concerning its “The purpose of this programme is calendar and cognizance of: the various content, and reviewed at the completion three-fold,” notes the brochure, calendars followed by different groups of each stage. Namely: to make Zoroastrian youths of Zoroastrians; different stages of fire “It is hoped that wherever possible, more aware of their faith, it’s outlook temples and the days of the month, and the counsellor would encourage the boy and achievements; to encourage them the months of the year of the to discuss the conferring elements of this _______________ , programme with knowledgeable adults “The second and non-religious re- whose wisdom and training give them director of the Boy Scouts of America, date of registration in the programme Lovji Cama who teaches to qualify for the emblem. Zoroastrianism to the Zoroastrian “The religious education requirements Scouts; however, it is recommended that Association of Greater New York shall consist of four parts: understanding the counsellor and the parents should be members ’ children. Prof Kaikhosrov of basic principles of the Zoroastrian well conversant with its content. The Irani chairman of the City University religion, and the historical perspective of guidance provided by the counsellor and of New York philosophy department, Zoroastrians; awareness of the meaning his active participation throughout the and others prepared an almost 100 and the liberal interpretation of daily duration of the programme is very page mimeographed brochure to assist Kusti prayers; familiarity with the fun- necessary. For example, the notebook Zoroastrian Boy Scouts in securing a damental concepts of essential which each boy is expected to keep is * ... • 1*1 T *^^_V L. _ —__ J A .J a 1 various festivids as per the Zoroastrian regularly, with suggestions concerning its to achieve meaningful spiritual ex- Zoroastrian calendar, perience in living their faith, to in- ‘ culcate the practice of the religion of quirement, it is stressed, will involve the considerable insight which could be L- ________ - . courage Zoroastrian Boy Scouts to en- aspiring scout. In consultation with the odented" projects ""thereby* practisi ’iw ject of a 15-20 hour duration, within the Emblem Administrative Council of The the salient principle of the Zoroastrian faith, i.e., happiness unto 1............ .. makes others happy. “It is not the intent of this pro­ gramme to make over- zealous chur­ chmen out of scouts, but to supple ­ ment their religious training imparted at home, either by the parents or the priests, and to intensify their motiva ­ tion for a better understanding of Zoroastrianism. It is hoped that the programme will enable young Zoroastrians to think about i;eligious issues, and to express their i^eligious views with confidence. Furthermore, the programme will provide an oppor­ tunity and a vehicle for a scout to become acquainted and exchange his personal religious convictions and views with seasoned members of his faith. “The programme has been designed primarily for boy scouts within the age the prophet Zarathustra, and to en- action-oriented service project by the beneficial to the candidate.’’ _ _ __ _ ______ ____ " F®’’ further information on the project thusiastically participate in community counsellor, he may undertake any pro- write: The ‘Good Life’ Religiws ¦__ time frame of 6-9 months. The primary Zoroastrian Association of Greater New him who goal of this project should be: assisting York, Inc., 249 Weyraan Avenue, New to a special need of the Zoroastrian Rochelle, NY 10805. Gifts&! The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 253443 & 252730 4 Parsiana September 1983! 1 ? I I Criteria for Conversion Non-compliance of gnidelincs by priests: “RAC strongly urges that no priest violate the recommendations stated above. However, two members of the . RAC are of the opinion that if the priest violates any of the above guidelines, he should be severely castigated by refusing to permit him to perform any religious ceremony under the auspices of ZAGNY. The minimum qualifications required Guidelines for the performing priest Navjotc Committee: _ of non-Zoroastrians who wish to have and information material to the “The Navjote Committee will be form- their navjote performed and guidelines non-Zoroastrian candidate: ed by the Board of ZAGNY and will for priests who perform the navjotes of “1) Navjote should be done by an or- adhere to the guidelines as defined non-Zoroastrians have been drawn up dained priest. above.” _____ 1 2___ 2.— -_________. ’ ' " . ” • “The guidelines have been framed in formed by the Zoroastrian Association ed by any priest. A priest can perform the context of a different social en- of Greater New York to discuss the only one person ’s navjote at a time. vironment for Zoroastrians in North ‘Acceptance/Non-acceptance to Zoro- 3) A priest must get himself convinced Amer ica,” notes the report, astrianism and the Future’. that the person is genuinely interested “All the members of the committee “The guidelines do not, in any way, and not influenced by any non- havedone an excellentjob in disOTss- suggest or imply that the committee is religious and political motives. ing and evaluating this critical issue for or against the performance of the 4) Before the priest performs the nav- vdth great character and a high degree navjote ceremony of a non-Zoro- jote, the performing priest and can- of perceptivity,” wrote Erach p. Mun- astrian, ” notes the committee report, didate must receive approval from the shi, chairperson of the RAC in a letter Navjote Committee set up for that pur- to ZAGNY president Faroke Gandhi. Who can become a Zoroastrian? pose. The other members of the committee “a) Children of parents who are both 5) The candidate must satisfactorily are: Dr Darius Antia, Dr Loyji Cama, Zoroastrians; b) Children of one demonstrate or provide to the Navjote Cavas Desai, Tehmasp Dotivala, Ms Zoroastrian parent—either male or Committee the reasons why he/she Ivy Gandhi, Lovji Hakim, Prof female; c) Children legally adopted by wishes to forsake his/her present Kaikhosrov Irani, Dr Shan Merabi, a Zoroastrian; d) Spouse of a religious beliefs, if any. “ Zoroastrian, who being well-versed in 6) The candidate must be made aware the Zoroastrian tradition, wishes to be that he/she may not be accepted as a accepted into the Zoroastrian faith; e) Zoroastrian by other Zoroastrian In the case of (b), (c), and (d), the nav- Associations or communities in any jote ceremony should be performed part of the world and that he/she may with the agreement of both the parents, not be able to enter places of worship the child, or the spouse, as the case particularly Parsi-Zoroastrian temples may be, and the performing priest, in India and Pakistan. f) Persons of non-Zoroastrian paren- 7) No pressure or influence either tage” direct or indirect be brought to bear upon any priest by the Board of Criteria for a person of ZAGNY or by the Trustees of the non-Zoroastrian parentage Darbe Mehr to perform or not perform “1) He/she must be capable of reciting the navjote or any religious ceremony the kusti prayers and of giving an ac- of any Zoroastrian or non- count of and significance of the same. Zoroastrian. 2) The candidate should be able to state “If the above guidelines for navjote by the Religious Advisory Committee 2) No mass navjote should be perform- that the person is genuinely interested vironment for Zoroastrians in North Framroze Patel and Pervez Patel. Redder A’ 2) The candidate should be able to state “If the above guidelines for navjote the basic concepts of the Zoroastrian are not followed then the candidate in- • view of the world and way of life. 3) The person must be familiar with the membership in the association. ” I religious practices and customs of the I Zoroastrian tradition such as jashan. Time factor for initiation: I navjote, wedding, and funeral “There must be a lapse of a reasoiwble I ceremonies. period from the time that the candidate ¦ 4) It will be the duty of the officiating announces his/her desire to become a I priest to ensure that the above criteria Zoroastrian to the time of performance ¦ are fulfilled. If not, the priest will have of the navjote ceremony. Hie RAC I the right to reject the request until such could not come to an agreement on the ™ time when the candidate is ready to try length of time and the recommenda- again and pass the requirements. ” itiated may not be accepted for Kj J ! 5 Parsiana September 1983 tions. ” . H , U 1 i Vi 1 ZAGNY's Stand in our good conscience associate views on anyone. However, we ourselves with these individuals who recognize diversity of opinion on these “It has never been the policy of (the dared thrust their so-called “convic- matters, as indeed there would be on Zoroastrian Association of Greater tions ’’ on their fellow colleagues and such sensitive issues. It has been our New York) to hold any priest obligated community members in clear defiance major concern and fervent hope th^t to perform any ceremony or perform a of their feelings. ’’ differences in views should not, and do ceremony with anyone,” writes The ZAGNY letter noted, “On the not lead to disharmony among our ZAGNY President Faroke Gandhi, in issue Of participation in ceremonies, priests whom the community expects to a letter addressed to 12 Zoroastrian ZAGNY is concerned solely with be exemplars of the Zoroastrian way of priests who refused to perform any public communal ceremonies, thus life. And it is in that spirit we request religious ceremony jointly with Ervad weddings, navjotes, ghehsarnas and you to reconsider your decision. ” Kersi Antia and Ervad Noshir Hor- other private ceremonies are not of our mazdiyar, following their participation concern, hence irrelevant... in the navjote of 27-year-old American Joseph Peterson. “We are in receipt of your letter of of you have participated in the public July 1, 1983, have noted the contents, ceremonies of ZAGNY. Indeed, some The Council of Mobeds in Tehran has and the extraordinary list of associa- have not even taken the trouble to supported the navjote of Joseph Peter- tions and publications to whom copies become members of the Association. have been dispatched. It is odd that a preliminary letter about your position press. You are aware that the Associa- with respect to this association should tion established a Religious Advisory require this wide and immediate Committee, of which some of you are from mobed Rahram Shahzadi, one of publication. We cannot suppress the members. The matters you raise have the priests who performed Peterson ’s doubt that the letter is more of an at- been discussed by that committee and navjote, the council stated, “If we tempt to publicize your views rather guidelines for appropriate action in Zoroastrians believe that our religion is than communicate with us. ” situations of the kind yoU refer to will one of the great living religions of the The 12 priests from the east coast be presented in their report. world and that it is beneHcial to all the area of the US had stated in a letter to “We appreciate the depth of your peoples of the world, we must per- the assoication (‘Religious Boycott’, feelings and conviction. Be assured severe to propagate it. We must accept Parsiana, August 1983), “We cannot that we do not wish to impose any persons who want to embrace the writes “Looking at the signatories of the letter, it strikes us that only a handful “We have noted the views you ex- 1 T«1*inwf60ntin«ntol Hoot —Bombsy 0 **•1 P >!*! Hi I I’ p tt :->eo:-i Tehran Priests Endorse Navjote son and noted, “The propagation and promotion of the religion is a meritorious deed.’’ In reply to a query on conversion LET’S BUILD THEM TOGETHER! 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 anywhere in the world. Over the last 100 years we have not only pioneered the I construction industry in I our country but spread our I wings to Muscat and the I Middle East —where against BjS ¦ 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 carried out by us over 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. OlMf0(«Sheraton HeM •>8ombev [Mi^t Filtc* of HH Sult»w of Oman] fls ' 'x. 4 ) A SHAPOORJI PALLOIMJI & CO. (PVT.) LTD 6 Parsiana September 1983J Zoroastrian Religion. In fact we should follow those who set us an ex­ ample.” J According lo Dr Shari Merabi, I secretary of the Rustam GUiv Trust, ] Shahzadi ’s query was addressed to the j council following objections to the I navjote on the grounds that “the pre- ii sent government of Iran may be | against the policy of accepting a Chris- J tian or other non-born Zoroastrians in- b to our religion...(which) may put our ! Zoroastrian sisters and brothers, living I in Iran, in a difficult situation. ” " “We feel that the Council of I Mobeds in Iran (the highest authority in Iran in Zoroastrian Doctrine and in the guidance of Iranian Zoroastrians), has the responsibility of looking after The two doctrines (of truth and lie), their people and they are in a better Let each man and woman, for position to judge the situation closely his/her own self and they know better what is going on Select the way before the Last Day in Iran than the rest of us residing in ushers in.” (Yasna 30.2) USA or other parts of the world. “Whoso, with his speech or mind Nevertheless, it is our responsibility to Takes action against the follower of let all the Zoroastrians residing outside lie Iran know, what is the opinion of the Or leads him to tread the Path of Council of Mobeds in Iran, in this par­ ticular issue. ” The following is the council’s reply (Yasna 33.2) dated May 24, 1983, translated from Farsi into English by Dr Ali Jaffrey, the noted Zoroastrian scholar: “Esteemed brother Bahram Shahzadi: We have received your letter of April So that he gives up his old doctrine; 20, 1983. It beautifully describes in He should, after satisfying himself, detail how Joseph Peterson, a Chris- Inform a religion leader tian, studied books on Mazdayasna, So that he is safe from harms by realized the truth of the Zoroastrian others. ” (Yasna 46.5) Religion without any person preaching it to him, became a Zoroastrian on his Zarathustra does not advocate force to ed Atash Dadgah room at the Darbe performed at the Darbe Mehr of New open for all. He has laid down certain I ¦¦ The Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr, Ontario where the Atas/i Dadgah was installed Then discriminate for yourself Let each man and woman, for Select the way before the Last Day “The above citations show that the propagation and promotion of the religion is a meritorious deed. If we look at other religions, we shall observe that they also do their best in promoting their cause. ” The Atash of Ontario On Hormazd roj (September 25), Zoroastrians in Ontario will witness the consecration and installation of Canada’s first Atash Dadgah fire, notes a Zoroastrian Society of Ontario newsletter. A jashan ceremony will be held at the main hall of the Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr, in which mobeds from other Zoroastrian associations of Canada and North America are scheduled to participate. This will be followed by the transfer of the Holy “The above stanzas show that Asho Fire to tne afargan in the newly extend- own accord and later had his navjote spread the religion, but has kept it Mehr,~the7epor7 not«. performed at the Dart^ Mehr of New open for all. He has laid down certain For Ontario’s large Zoroastrian York; also the op^sition shown by rules and regulations for the propaga- community numbering approximately certain persons on the occasion as well tion and promotion of the religion as 1000, the consecration of the fire “will aS" the fact that certain parents have well as for the acceptance of non- be an occasion to remember, ” accor- alienated their sons and daughters who Zoroastrians. He has never reserved it ding to the newsletter. Recently,- the have married non-Zoroastrians. The for the Aryans or for a particular caste community unanimously elected a’ new council discuss^ the contents of your of people. Yasna 46.12 shows that the executive committee for 1983-84, with letter at an official meeting. religion had spread into the Turanian Dhun Bhaya as president, Sabar J have, m your detailed letter, lands during Asho Zarathustra ’s Balsara, executive vice-president, asked the opinion of the council regar- lifetime, because he praises Frayana, a Jehangir Behboodi, vice-president, . ding the acceptance of people into Turanian chief who supported Maz- Faredoon Khory, secretary and Zoroastrianism. Let us glimpse dayasna. Darayus Divecha, treasurer. Rati through Zoroastrian scriptures and In addition to the Gathas, other Mistry and Merwan Irani were elected find an answer to it. We begin with scriptures also advocate acceptance, executive officers. the Gathas of Asho Zarathustra to see One may refer to the Hom Yasht (24), At a jashan held to commemorate if our great prophet has reserved this Dinkard IX-4 and 14 and Dadistan the death anniversary of Arbab religion for a particular caste or people Dinik chapter 42. Also to the Aer- Rustam Guiv in June, Homi Homji, and has forbidden the acceptance of patistan 1-5-4 and 5 in which a non- past president of the ZSO expressed the aliens into it or that he has kept the Zoroastrian embracing the Good hope that the projected Atash Dadgah Zoroastrian religion open to all: :—i--—j—----------...... . _ “Hear the best with your ears And ponder with a bright mind! Good Pleases Ahura Mazda for good.” “If a wiseman, follower of Righteous Doctrine Succeeds in winning over a follower of lie Reli^on is advised not to force his wife would “bestow on the Zoroastrians of into it. Also refer to the same scripture Ontario, mutual understanding, peace, 1-4-16. tranquillity, unity and prosperity, ” 7 Parsiana September 1983I Children of Yazd nt the navjote ceremony and the ability to “settle all our dif- and navjotees. ferences with harmony and (to) prosper in this new country of our settlement. ” report. Earlier this year the association participated in a consultative confer­ ence held between 200 delegates from various minority groups and the Greater London Council, at County Hall. As part of its activities, the associa ­ tion provides consultancy services to community members on problems rang­ ing from the British Nationality Actand welfare rights to family problems within the community. On a larger scale several social activities, including a day coach trip to Broadlands — the home of the Mountbattens, a video film show and a whist-drive, have been organized by the executive committee of which F. Madon is the president and Ms Y.M. Sepai the honorary secretary. The highlight of the year’s activities was the Navroz com­ munity dinner. As for whether the activities of the association have lived up to expecta- The event was financed mainly by tions the report says, “What better evi- Hormazdiar Mahyar Lohrasbi, states dence in support of this could we submit the report, and partly by the ZICA, to you than to say that in less than a year “from funds built up over the years we have doubled our membership. ” mainly through membership subscrip ­ tions and proceeds from various func- rYzvxAzi D/zsm tions and donations. ” Oar DC MChr rlUn The ZICA was formed in Tehran For the establishment of a Darbe Mehr 1 i Group Navjote at Yazd Thirty-three young Zoroastrians, dressed completely in white, were about seven years ago, “to render cultu- in British Columbia, the fifth initiated into the faith at a group navjote ral and other worthy services to the Zoroastrian Centre in America, the Ar- ceremony held in the traditional community...(and) to co-ordinate bab Rustam Guiv Foundation has pro- Zoroastrian stronghold of Yazd in Iran increasingly with local Zarthostis and mised a donation of $ 200,(X)0, notes a in March, notes Kersy S. Bhesania, Iranian Anjumans, ” said Bhesania in his Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO) president of the Zoroastrian Interna- address on the occasion. newsletter. tional Cultural Association, the spon- Besides Bhesania, the president, the “The Society further reports that sors of the navjote. ‘ Around 600 enthusiastic Zoroastri- year 1983-84 includes Hooshang S. 55,000 have so far been received from ans from Tehran, who travelled to Atashband, Ms Freny K. Bhesania, its own membership, ” adds the Yazd, 700 kilometres away, to witness Hoshi D. Elavia, Khodaram M. Gha- newsletter. The progress is reportedly theevent, reportedly the third such nav- vesni, Ms Homai F. Mistry, Rustom K. jote organized by the ZICA, listened to Zerepoush, Ms Farzane K. Darabian the devotional hymn sung by two navjo- and Khashayar B. Fararooni. tees at the commencement of the cerem­ ony, and watched 11 mobeds perform the ceremony in three groups. After a recitation from the Hormazd Yasht, the 19 boys and 14 girls from Yazd, aged between nine and 14 years sipped the The four-fold purpose of the regional holy Hom water, and “mobed Kerman North London Zoroastrian Association Katrak recited a speech in Persian (NOLZA) which was set up on May 2, ' expounding the virtues of each individ- 1982, is the promotion of education of ual having the liberty to choose for him- Zoroastrians in and around North Lon- self whether he wished to be initiated as don, the provision of recreational facili- a Zarthosti, ” notes Bhesania. While ties for its members, the encouragement mobed Cyrus Unwalla prayed the of research into Zoroastrian history and Havan Gah and the Atash Nyaish, a heritage and the organization of social recitation of the Tandarosti by mobed activities which bring the community Mehraban from the Yazd Agiary together, notes the first annual report, brought the ceremony to a conclusion. Traditional dry fruits and Yazdi cakes zation to the main body at ‘Zoroastrian were served to all present, andperamnis House ’ but a local body,” notes Cyrus and gifts were presented to the mobeds Mehta of London who sent in the Besides Bhesania, the president, the ZlCA’s nine-member committee for the pledges and cheques amounting to $ “very encouraging” and increases the possibility of setting- up a Zoroastrian Centre in British Columbia. I 1 S' 9 Parsiana September J9S3 North London Association This association is “not a rival organi- Old post cards etc./wanted Advertiser wishes to buy OLD picture postcards, photographs, ci^rette cards, playing cards, posters, prints, illustrated books, albums and j other related material. i 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. IIi BOOKS Close Encounters ji of the Religious Kind Russi M. Lala Zofoas/nantszn —Xzi Ethnic Perspective by Khojeste P. Mistree, published by Zoroastrian Studies, Bombay, 1982. Pages 131, price Rs 99 14. t Xjo Ctfinic Perspective kMe«te P, Mbme God, rather than the brute strength of - ¦ -- ¦ ! 1950s or even in the 1960s. There is a magical rites, he proclaimed in those dark non-omnipotent God should not De There is a stirring of faith among the definitely moral character to religion... inerc is a SIIIIIII5 vi laiui amvriA^ v>viuuw*j ------------ ------------- -------- - ----- n • »> a ? *1 Zoroastrians that was not there in the Though surrounded by believers in an omnipotent Bang. A 1950s or even in the 1960s. There is a magical rites, he proclaimed in those dark non-omnipotent God should not De desire to be informed, enlightened, days of unreason that religion has its seen as a weak Being for he will emerge perhaps ennobled by our faith. Kho- truth in moral significance, not in ex- invincible at the end of time and good jeste Mistree has fanned this desire and ternal practices of imaginable value; men will aid him in the final victory, in recent years has been the prime in- that its value is upholding man in his The author quotes from the latest former and awakener of his people. A life of good thoughts, good words and translation of the Gathas by Stanley ’ Insler which is apparently superb. It The basic struggle in the world for was published in 1975. Insler ’sjran^a- and evil within every man and between 8(X) a copy and it is worth an Indian men. Khojeste Mistree shows that ac- publisher getting rights to reprint the cording to the faith the role of man is verses of the Gathas only—without the commentary. _ Mistree underlines that God, for the to the best things. Reflect with a clear Zoroastrian, is a friend—not someone ;; •—- " A man ’s friend one can speak to and who ¦ I return as he did to ___ _____ ___ free will. Zarathustra in the Gathas. Yasna 46.2 Zarathustra gave his followers the con- says: ‘‘Take notice of it Lord, offering sciousness to choose the right from the the support a friend should to a ....... future predestined. He is ‘‘a productive hymn which expresses this idea telligent Farsi ’s guide to his faith. The purposeful creation of God.” , The beautifully: ‘‘He walks with me. He book is elegantly presented on cream- faith endows each man with dignity. talks with me. He tells me I am His wove paper in sepia ink and is lavishly Zoroastrianism is a religion of hope, own.” illustrated, though only in one colour. Monasticism, mortification and The 131 large-size pages of the book Mistree places the date of fasting, are alien to the faith. The latter are divided into 18 chapters. The most Zarathustra ’s birth at 1500 B.C. When weakens him and a man has to be important and informative chapters the prophet received the revelation, ac- healthy in body, mind and spirit to are those on The Nature of Prayer, The cepted and spread it, Zoroastrianism fight evil. God is powerful indeed and Incarnate Word (translations and text became the first revealed religion of the the ultimate triumph of good and truth of some key prayers). The Navjote world The immensity of Zarathustra ’s will come but God needs man to fight Ceremony and The Funeral Ceremony, stature springs from the fact that he the battle. “The emphasis in Mistree answers several queries of a was, in Rabindranath Tagore’s words, Zoroastrianism, ” says Mistree, “is layman: “Why are foreigners not “The first man we know who gave a upon the goodness and perfection of allowed before a dead Zoroastrian for perhaps ennobled by our faith. Kho- truth in moral significance, not in ex- that its value is upholding man in his in recent years has been the prime in­ chartered accountant who left his pro- good deeds. ” fession to study the Avesta at Oxford T... ....---------------------- . • . . .. • ..,1 ot dc University-first under Zaehner then Zarathustra, was the one between good tion with commentyy is priced at Ks. ic wnrfn $in Indian under Mary Boyce—Mistree is no ivory-tower scholar. On returning to India he gave a number of lectures, and what is mote, trained a group of teachers to join in the struggle to annihilate evil, who in turn could teach others Yasna 30.2 says: “Listen with your rars Zoroastrian studies. t. .... . .............o---------- ---------- , The moving passion of Mistree ’s life mind —man by man for himself —upon before whom a person trembles, but a is to protect, preserve and acquaint the two choices of decision. ‘our tribe’ (as he calls us) with the fravashi (soul) helps him to choose the answers in essentials of our faith. This first book right. God gave man frer "" of his is an extension of this desire. ; Hence he sub-titles the book, ‘An Ethnic Perspective ’—introducing the wrong. Man is not a puppet with his friend.” There is a verse in a Christian element of race. The work is an in- future predestined. He is ‘‘a productive hymn which expresses this ’._e2 faith endows each man with dignity. Zoroastrianism is a religion of hope. ustrateo, tnougn only in one cuiuur. Monasticism, mortification and —o------------ _ Mistree olaces the date of fasting, are alien to the faith. The latter are divided into 18 chapters. The most 10 Parsiana September 1983SezdoV' “Why do we burn an oil lamp Demavand Koh (“direct extracts of person at last becomes a Zoroastrian by close to the head of a dying person? ” Dadar Ahura Mazda ”); the book, which undergoing the cycle of life and death in- “Why should we say prayers in the contains some of the revelations he has numerable times on this earth.” Avesta language?” preach^ to his followers, is divided into This publication highlights the fact There is a brief chapter at the end on 16 short chapters. There is a brief state- that just as one discusses racial superiori- the arrival of the Parsis in India on which Mistree accepts Hodivala’s fin­ dings of 936 A.D. and not the earlier ones. The test of a book on religion is not its power to enlighten alone but its •ability to bring the reader a little closer Among all religions, Zoroastnanii'sPm to God than he was before he started. If Mistree ’s work can sharpen the hunger for righteousness in the by Christianity. If one is attracted reviewer, the book can perhaps do the same in others. Scholarship has not dulled the pas ­ sion in his heart and his ever widening concern for the community. May more books flow from Mistree ’s pen. preached to his followers, is divided into 16 short chapters. There is a brief state ­ ment of his teachings, followed by strict ty, or the myth of racial superiority, do’s and don’ts about a Zoroastrian ’s there is within our faith a group (cult) behaviour in an agiary, at home or at which firmly believes that as work. Given below are some of the points put forth. is ,the purest and highest. In order of merit, Hinduism comes next, followed All Pundol's followers wear a red cap...Wearing a black cap is pure sacrilege, for '"black signifies darkness and evil." in a class by themselves. When our forefathers came to India centuries ago. I I p r I The Gospel \ According to Pundol Deenaz Damania towards the Jewish faith, one cannot even reach Chin vat bridge after death, and to drift towards Islam, would be to condemn one’s soul to centuries (43 to 45 lakh years!) or rebirths without achieving Zoroastrians their souls are superior, and salvation. All Pundol’s followers wear a red cap saying “wearing a red prayer cap is more they did not claim they were a cut above auspicious than wearing a black cap the rest. Today, when we face such because red is the symbol of Behram serious problems as the threat of dwindl- Yazad. ” Wearing a black cap is pure ing numbers and extinction, it is dif- sacrilege then, for “black signifies ficult to accept some of the teachings put darkness and evil.” forth in the booklet. But the book In his lifetime, Pundol denounced highlights Pundol’s role in making his inter-communal marriages, and said the followers proud of their Zoroastrian biggest mistake a Zoroastrian could faith, and aware of the beauty of Zara- make was to marry outside his faith. He thustra ’s teachings, stated that a Zarthosti by marrying a non-Zarthosti starts his/her own “Religious knowledge given in this book spiritual downfall. “A woman who mar- will not be found anywhere in our ries a man outside her religion, can never religious books, nor was such knowledge expect her soul to rest in peace. Soon ever given by the dastoors and scholars after her death, she is reborn and has to of the community. ” These introductory undergo all the hardships and miseries remarks from the booklet entitled ‘The she has already gone through in her True Knowledge which Minocheher previous birth. Only then, her ravaan Pundol Saheb acquired from the sahebs will reach Chinvat after she dies. In the of Demavand Koh’ arouse one’s interest and curiosity. Originally published in Gujarati in punishment. ” November 1976 on the consecration of the Pundol adaran in Udvada and subse ­ quently in English the 56 page booklet membership? Pundol has this to say does not have a title page with the name about conversion —“The Almighty gives of the author, publisher, place of birth to a human being on this earth. The publication, or price. One surmises, it human being should perform good deeds has been published by the followers of to please the Almighty while remaining the late mystic leader, Minocheher Pun- faithful to his own religion, and he thus ’ dol in his memory. His followers are restricted in numbers and largely concen­ trated in Bombay and parts of Gujarat. Amongst them are BPP trustee Dr Nelie spiritually advanced person and he can Noble, the Sidwa family of Udvada and judge whether a non-Zoroastrian is wor- lawyer Jimmy Shroff who unsuccessfully thy of becoming a Zoroastrian, and he contested the BPP trusteeship now oc­ cupied by Jamshed N. Guzder. During the last 15 years of his life, Pundol is supposed to have had a close their Navjote ceremony and make them relationship with the Magav Sahebs of Zoroastrians for the first time. Thus a same manner, a Zarthosti male marrying a non-Zarthosti female has to undergo Is our faith universal in its approach, and if it is, can we Parsis restrict its attains soul advancement. A time comes when such a person is fit to become a Zoroastrian. A Rainidar Saheb is a has the power to convert these non- Zoroastrians into fellow Zoroastrians. He has the power therefore, to perform II Parsiana September I9S3 With compliments of LORD’S CENTRAL HOTEL MATHERAN 410102. •> 1t Removing a few misconceptions peo- ‘hearing’ friend. One field in which the deaf are indis- Cawasji, the secretary of the Deaf Aid tinguishable from the normal is in the Kothavala Institute: Nurturing the deaf Deenaz Damania I* The busload of school children leaves handicap normally associated with the associated with retardation. A lot of Bangalore’s busy Shivajinagar Bus Sta- Parsi community, and yet education for these children are perfectly normal, tion at 8.10 a.m. on its way to school, the deaf, has been pioneered by Parsi What they have missed out on is early What strikes one immediately is that women. Dhun Adenwalla in Calcutta, childhood learning due to their inability though there are almost 80 children and Behroze Vatcha in Bombay are to hear and relate to the world around.” , aboard, the noisy chatter one hears prominent in the field. Bangalore saw For example, a normal three-year-old sounds ‘different’. It is only when you the birth of the first school for the deaf who comes to nursery school already look closely at the happy, animated due to the Initiative and interest shown knows a few hundred words and their faces of the school children ‘talking’ by Aban Unwalla who was born deaf meanings. A deaf child who starts with their hands and eyes, that you rea- and had to take her training in Madras, schooling at six years, has a very limited Use these children are deaf. because there were no existing facilities vocabulary and concept formation. He The bus is on its way to the Sheila in Bangalore then. Following the efforts has missed out on a lot of growth and Kothavala Institute for the Deaf, situ- of Aban, her parents and a group of development due to his inability to hear, ated on the way to Bangalore Airport, other interested individuals formed the Therefore even though any two children Started in 1967, the school is 16 years Deaf Aid Society which today runs one may have the same LQ. rating, the deaf old this year. It has been named after of the best schools of deaf education in child has a lot of learning to catch up on, Sheila Kothavala who was very interested the country. before he can perform as well as his in educating deaf children, and on her demise, her family donated a part of their pie may have about the deaf, Tehmina property to house the school building. Interestingly, deafness is not a Society says, “Deafness need not be field of sport. The students of the Sheila Kothavala School excel in the field of sport. In fact at the National Sports for the Deaf, a lot of the school students are sent to represent Karnataka state, and win a lot of awards and tro­ phies for their state. Providing equal opportunities for girls and boys in the field of sport is reflected in the school football team which comprises girls and boys. The school building with its large open spaces around gives the children a feeling of freedom and space. This is in direct contrast to the schools for the deaf in Bombay, which are nor­ mally run in apartments, maybe on the eighth or ninth floor of a tall building. A very special feature in teaching the deaf is the teacher-pupil relationship. As Margaret Joseph, the principal of the school says, “Compared to a normal school where there are 50 students to a teacher, the teacher-student ratio at our school is 1:7. It is a very personal and close teaching relationship, and besides teching the 3 R’.s the teacher has to help the child effect a better intellectual, emotional and social adjustment toJife. As babies and toddlers they have never heard endearments whispered into their ear, and so some of these children are emotionally ‘retarded’, and slowly learn what it is to give and receive love and affection.” Most of the students appre­ ciate the special care and attention they receive. In fact, a little sister of one of the deaf students who went to a normal school wanted to quit her school and join her deaf brother’s school, because they seemed to be having so much more fun! I 1 1 i i I I i 1 r. •«*» !» , J i F I I > Left: Teacher with student using a hearing aidSPORTS 9 ¦ W- ¦< Touch R. Arvindam Shivaji Preparatory Military School in Pune. His schooling in the racing field started under the late S.A. Poonawalla, through whose patronage he obtained a trainer’s licence. From then on he never looked back. In 1968 came Byramji ’s first classic success when he saddled the Maharaja of Kolhapur’s filly, Radha Pyari: But it was Prince Khartoum who gave him his first Derby triumph, in Bangalore, and his first Invitation triumph as well. Other Invitation successes followed. It was Topmost in 1974; then the first hat- trick through Commanche (1976), Squanderer (1977) and Manitou (1978). Another hat-trick followed from 1980 onwards as he sent out winners in Eve- rynsky. Track Lightning and Almanac. If Track Lightning set the tracks wise in that memorable year at Madras for he sent out the first three in the Mad­ ras Derby. All the winners in the first _ four classics at Madras that year came , - The sale of King Midas and his golden since I shifttd mi , ho«s «o ^^hid fta. f™” SSiteTrem irainer feel ahou, 1 touch comes to mind when one thinks of ctoc attention to his successes ? He feels they have been trainer Rashid Byramji: every horse he Kcret achieved through hard work and sincer- trains seems to turn into a classic detail, hard Uy o? purpose He travels round the. winner. For two seasons in particular horse. An P • country and takes a personal interest in !iXok’htS-rlXX"^ " p. Goenka: -Since my purchasing two-year-olds for his he sent out a regular stream of winners “'JJ ntag’Sents from cl” c “’rheie are some who wonder why so i U nestem India, S^^is abilit^o work ^per- whohasmadeBar.galo«_hisho™,has 000^ tuned to meet there is nothing outstanding about send- out classic winners. Well, how does get a big string unless the owners times in 20 inyiutions)-an incredible abilities 7 . . performan„indeed^^^,^. ^Ctai^n^^ g^^^ --------- .. -------------------- ,u, 5 for those who know the magnifi- BTC is proud of his achievements as he of this trainer. He is supremely has now made Bangalore hw head- — ---1 >—ij" "1 ‘A Trainers i s iWB a ablaze, Byramji ’s other wards did like- Says Mr. J.P. Goenka: “Since my . association with Byramji I have been observing his training talents from close '"lie pXSonal from westerrt India, quarters. His ability to^work^hardI per- J nas mauc LanKaiw.v kio h-3 mits him to bring out the best out of his won at the time of going to press, the charges. They are finely tuned to rneet Indian Turf Invitation Cup at Hyde- precise racing rabad for three consecutive years (seven in assessing two-year-olds is remarka- mits him to bring out the best out of his Incredible, yes, but certainly not sur ­ prising for 1 cence of v...o - -------------------- - dedicated, an excellent judge of horse- quarters and holds an flesh and a man of high integrity. lie?"--* ” Let’s get the accolades straight from k»v...e - -j-—L nf them all the owners for whom he is saddling classic his father Rustomp and grandfather -------------- winners. According to Sunit Khatau: Rvramii were trainers. No wonder , “Although I have been buying the best two-year-olds for many years, it is only IS Purskma September 1983 have tremendous faith in the trainer s ....... 7 Byramji is of the opinion that the present crop of young trainers is a dedi­ cated lot. They are hard working, wil­ ling to learn and spend a lot of time with the horses. That’s a fine compliment ’te'in Byramji ’s blood, for both indeed coming from the greatest trainer Byramji were trainers, ft**’** **1* --- 'Wk w «>»*•.«*.. -- his matriculation certificate from the Sri Photograph courtesy /ndian Express. Madurai. ..— . Reprinted with permission from the £Xp<kss Atogaz/ne, Rashid eave up his studies after getting Express (Bombay edition), March 13. 1983. *'***’•* *• o r ____ 1____ _ Madurai.