Nov 1984

¦ November 1984, Volume 7 No 5, Rs 2 i Chicago representative’s paper for Fourth Congress rejected. mainly to the fact that Zoroastrians Bombay ” Journal of the American Aca- faithfully followed their ancient tradi- demy of Religion, 1969, 37(3), pp. 231- tions till the twentieth century. It was 6) is worth noting: “Perhaps the greatest not the might of our empires or the threat to the Parsi community comes greatness of our ancient civilization that in the form of a frontal attack on much was responsible for the continuation of that Parsis have considered sacrosanct. I. Parsis may manage to stem the popu- is the beauty and uniqueness of its philo- that has given therri identity lis a people gious systems, even though as generally their survival as a historical community requ^ts and papers includmg two from probably had more influence on other sowed the seeds of skepticism and radi- and the other from Tehamp- other ’shigie fakh. debt'ed'the PaSis may beto thepr’^^^ -----77----- . . ,, However, the advent of modernity of Westernization, industrialization and 6) is worth noting: “Perhaps the greatest Dr Kersey^Antia, the head priest of the a large number of speakers are expected, bipgraphy of the pioneering Parsi refer Chicago Zoroastrians who participated we regretfully cannot accept your paper, mist, K.R. Cama, there were no refer in the navjote of Joseph Peterson, was I do hope you will understand.” mists in the Parsi community when selected by the Zoroastrian Association For the benefit of readers Parsiana Cama grew up as a young man in the of Metropolitan Chicago to speak at publishes Antia’s paper entitled “The 19th century. All Parsis till then were the Fourth World Zoroastrian Congress need for a generally accepted definition uniformly orthodox. But the westemiza- to be held in Bombay from January 10 of Zoroastrianism and for a permanent tioh of the community has changed that to 13. The invitations to the overseas religious body to resolve religious issues.” peaceful scenario not only in India but ass^iations to nominate representatives also in Iran. What Professor James E and paper readers was issued by the Whitehurst observes in this regard (“The Congress. Antias paper however was Zoroastrianism and Zoroastrians have Zoroastrian Response to Westemiza- rejected. In a letter to Antia, Congress survived since time immemorial thanks tion: A Case Study of the Parsis of chairman Jamshed N.Guzder stated: • • - - - “When we had sent out letters in the first week of October 1984, for inviting papers and speakers, we had made it very clear that in the event of there being too many speakers on a _____ ________ _ v„..,n.uuuv,. wiumvivu ^ven topic, the Subjects Committee will Zoroastrianism throughout millennia. Parsis may manage to stem the popu- have to use their discretion and not Rather, the main reason for its survival lation decline, but if the religious bond accept certain papers, if the limit of the is the beauty and uniqueness of its philo- that has given them identity as a people numljr of papers submtted is exce^ed sophy that sets it apart from other reli- crumbles, it is meaningless to talk about As tar as this Topic No. Ill is gious systems, even though as generally their survival as a historical community concerned, we have received very many acknowledged by scholars today, it has ... The advent of western education requ^ts and papers mcludmg two from probably had more influence on other sowed the seeds of skepticism and radi- U.S.iA, namely one from Mr IC Irani of religions, directly or indirectly, than any cal questioning .... However much in­ New York and the other from Tehamp- other single faith. debted the Parsis may be to the process ton .esn ot Cahfomia. However, the advent of modernity of Westernization, industrialization and As It would not be desurable to has led to dissensions and disagreement technology for their rise to prominence, have a concentration of speakers from -------- • ” • - - a particular country, as we have already two speakers from the U.S.A., and also i among us as to what Zoroastrianism they have become, in other respects, means to different groups of Zoroastri- victims of that process .... Hie full ans. As Sir Jivanji Mody noted in his force of its disruptive power is perhcqfsI Our community has made its mark in almost every field known to humanity but failed in studying its own religious heritage. more dramatically revealed in this tiny elsewhere? Will they participate in the astrianism is the most difficult of living comrnunity than anywhere else in the world Zoroastrian bodies and events? faiths to study, because of its antiquity, . Could we come to terms as to who is a the vicissitudes which it has undergone. Ever since modernity has cut deeply practising Zoroastrian and what are the and the loss, through them, of many of into our community, there has hardly minimal expectations or indicators of its holy texts.” Even_to4his day, western been any unanimity in our understand- being a Zoroastrian? scholars have not been able to unravel ing" and definition of Zoroastrianism The answers to these questions be- all the problems in this regard and we which has led many a Zoroastrian to come all the more important as unlike are so much dependent upon their emphasize their cultural heritage rather in other faiths we do not have a central understanding (or misunderstanding) of i our ancient faith. For example, even to this day they are not in agreement about The question of what a Zoroastrian the most fundamental questions facing stands for is as ancient as ZoroasLrtanism us, e.g., whether Zoroastrianism is itself. Attempts seem to have been made monotheistic or dualistic or henotheis- to answer this question soon after i new The answers to these questions be­ come all the more important as unlike than their great religious heritage, thus religious body to deliberate on these regarding themselves as “cultural Zoro- questions and corhe up with an answer, astrians” only. While the rank of cultu- ‘ ' * • ral Zoroastrians is swelling that of practis­ ing Zoroastrians is thinning to such an extent that a modem Zoroastrian is often a Zoroastrian in name and very little in Asho Zarathushtra established his ..... practice. The grip of modernity is so faith. The Avestan word Fravarane, strong on our ancient religion that even which literally means “I profess, ” repre- prophet Zarathushtra, whether he lived those that remain true to the tradition : ' would have been found wanting in their ter 12 of our Yasna addresses itself To dedication and adherence by our forefath- f ' ers just a century ago. This is not to Jasa Me Awanghahe Mazda, itself a suggest at all that our traditions need part of Yasna 12, which every Zoroastri- not be fqllowed, etc. Rather, those who an prays after tying his Kusti. When our ________ ________ , do follow them deserve our respect and forefathers turned up on the shores of to study our religion ourselves as best . admiration. f J - . . . . ___ - But what befalls those Zoroastrians religious freedom. King Jadirana asked who drift away for various reasons from them the same question : Who are Zoro- __________ _ _____ _ the strongholds of Zoroastrianism and astrians? Presumably, the King received how we can continue to be good Zoroa- find adherence to various religious the reply from our pilgrim fathers in 16 practices almost impossible in their new Sanskrit slokas of Aka Andhyaru, which environment? Do they therefore cease are still extant. However, it is doubtful _ ______ ____ to be Zoroastrians? Since more and that our pilgrim fathers could start con- lenge of our times by laying down what more Zoroastrians even in the old Zoro- versing in Sanskrit the moment they ar- is the least expected of one who is a astrian strongholds turn out to be no rived in Sanjan. Perhaps these slokas practising Zoroastrian. Such a basic more than cultural Zoroastrians, the . - question of who is a practising Zoroas ­ trian demands our immediate attention ________________ . ___________ if we are to remain a viable unit. (In plied and spread to other places in versy and focus utmost attention on invariably turns up today when Zoroas- despite its unbelievably small size, but this burning issue facing us today, let " ' me clarify here that in this context, by Zoroastrians, I only mean those that are Zoroastrians by birth.) What does a as we can in the context of our own western savants. One of the main rea- Zoro^trian in Indi^ Iran or Pakistan times. This problem, however, is very sons for our apathy to our rich religious have in common with Zoroastrians in difficult to solve today because we lost heritage therefore is our ignorance Austria, Japan or North Amer- the knowledge of our ancient scriptures about it. If we dispel this ignorance by '¦¦¦ •• _ * ¦ ¦ ¦ dissemination of appropriate informa- or parameter of values, traditions or pire until the European scholars started tion about our religion and lay down practices among these different groups studying them in the nineteenth century, guidelines for everyone to follow, we Zoro^trians in^this world? What Even a scholar such as Dr Mary Boyce may very well witness a surge in their abroad find in common with Zoroastrians book, Zoroastrians (p. xiii), that “Zoro- tic, whether the later scriptures and traditions are in agreement c r disagree­ ment with the real teachings of our . / “ , _____ I sents such an attempt. The entire chap- 600 B.C. or 2000 B.C., whether our -------- 1 later literature, lituais and practices are this question, and so does the prayer of rooted in the Gathas or are rather in­ compatible with the spirit of the Gathas, etc., etc. Such being the case, it behoves us „ - __ t Sanjan after leaving Iran in quest of as we can in order to come to some agreement amongst us about the basic tenets of Zoroastrianism and determine strians while living either in Asia, Eu­ rope, Australia, Africa or North America as well as how we can meet the chai- ^8 versing in Sanskrit the moment they ar- were written later on in response to the knowledge of our faith should inspire need of defining and explaining Zoroas- loyalty among our ¦-present as well as trianism in a unified way when we multi- future generations. It seems so strange / ’ -r-—--- r------ that our community has made its mark order to avoid any unnecessary corttro- Gujarat. However, the same question in almost every field known to humanity trians migrate to far off places and there- by and large has woefully failed in study- fore we need to answer this fundamen- ing its own religious heritage for which tai question as precisely and effectively it is still pathetically dependent on the as we can in the context of our own times. This problem, however, is very _ difficult to solve today because we lost heritage therefore is our ignorance ica? What is the common denominator and languages after the. loss of our em- < ' ... ' 2 practices among these different groups studying them in the nineteenth century, guidelines for everyone to follow, we r,-- ------- « «« ”” - . • - - -- - „ will the children of Zoro^trians settled admits in the opening sentence of her devotion to Zoroastrianism for the mo- abroad find in common with Zoroastrians book, Zoroastrians (p. xiii), that “Zoro- dern Zoroastrians have hardly had an 2 Parsiana November 1984 i7^4^ ’,*1^ sfw i / ? persuasion and every continent the case of Zoroastrianism is the wide these problems, and present its diversity of opinion as to what their llllll^ions at the next Congress, prophet originally taught, let alone how ill be nothing new in this should be understood tod^y; and I^I^Uy be in keeping the blame for this confusion lies largely M^Mlk^rted by the with the West, and the ruthless self- femlllll^^^lpgesis) in confidence of nineteenth-century scho- rfing lars and missionaries ... Matters have i^t- now been further complicated with the Western scholars of nine- opportunity to satisfy tn^HmilHIII hunger. As Professor WillianicIlM^^ of the University of Toronto observOT^J^ at a symposium held in Chicago on April 29,1984, the principles of Zoroas ­ trianism are so beautiful that one can- ------------- not help but like them if one gets to Parthian Kin^A^lliH||||^ know them. Let us not deprive our the first century A.iX youth any more of such a glorious reli- to the Dinkard, he tried^ gious heritage. Let us not fail to give at ever Avestan scriptures had Mtrviv^ least an opportunity to the “cultural after Alexander’s conquest of Persia ______ ____ Zoroastrians ” to become “ideological (Madon ’s Dinkard, 412.5-11, ZZZ 8). that die «iii Zoroastrians ” by practising the princi- ' pies of Zoroastrianism in their daily kan, gathered all scattered Zoroastrian of the present-day Western “seffiflteifs; lives. teachings and traditions in the second including Boyce ’s. Insler, for example, Neville Wadia’s observations on the century A.D. and with the help of his has already countered Boyce ’s interpre- occasion of th^Cusrow Baug Golden high priest Tansar, “selected one tradi- tation of the Gathas and vice versa. Jubilee acquire special significance in tion and left the rest out of the canon. S" • • ¦ • , this context. “Have you really stopped to think ... what God did for you that was so important? ” Wadia asked. His answer: “1 firmly beUeve it is the Zoroas ­ trian religion with its very positive ap­ proach to life instilled in you since child­ hood which is the basis of your good fortune. It is this which has given you the faith that you can achieve what you set out to do ... Let me confess openly derful teachings of Zoroaster. His philo- pretation of all the teachings of the longing which seems doomed to temain sophy, his insight, his wisdom all appeal Mazdan-worshipping religion is our res- ’r::;;:: 7 to my sense of logic ... I know that if it ponsibility, for now there is no lack of antiquity^of their tradition ” (Zoroas- had been teft to me 1 would have chosen certain knowledge concerning them” to follow the shining truth of Zoroaster (Madon ’s Dinkard 412.11-17, ZZZ 8). ... Now you might ask why am 1 harping Suchattemptswerealsomadebyvari- on religion. Not only do 1 believe that if ous high priests in Iran after we lost our lems, but perhaps there is no other has been a great source of strength in empire. But nothing has been done in problem facing our community that ulti- the past but that it will be even more this regard ever since. Time has come mately threatens its very existence as important in the future. With the rapid when we cannot afford to defer this the one of determining what our future erosion of all moral values in this coun- important task any longer. As a matter generations should be expected to be- try and for that matter abroad, the Parsi of fact, we need to establish a per ma- lieve and practice as good Zoroastrians community will be hard put to maintain nent body to study and resolve various and in keeping with the spirit of the its standards of integrity and honesty in religious issues. Even the western scho- Pahlavi tradition of Shayast La Shayast such a world ... Only with moral strength lars who have contributed to our pro- (that is, what is possible (to observe) based on the indestructible foundation blem in this regard have not failed to and what is not) or the Zeitgeist, what of your religious beliefs can this com- notice this problem. Thus, it is not are the most fundamental characteris- munity survive this very difficult era. surprising that Boyce concludes her tics and beliefs that bind us all as Zoroa- ... Without that inner strength a little scholarly book, Zoroastrians, by em- strians, despite modernity making it community like ours could well disinte- phasizing nothing else but the serious- impossible for us to observe all those grate” (ParAzano, May 1984, p. 21). ness of this problem (p. 255). While I do practices that once made up Zoroas- As we all know, and as one of the not agree with all her conclusions, I trianism. Our great prophet was the most prominent scholars of our religion, greatly admire her devotion to the study first one in the world to emphasize Boyce, too has not failed to note, “It is of our religion and fervently wish -pur Vohu Mana, good mind and the power ruefully said nowadays by Zoroastrians community will soon produce a Mary of the mind.’ As Descartes reminds us, themselvesr that where three of them Boyce of our own. After careful glean- “Cogito ergo Sum,” — “I think; there- are gathered together, there will be ing, I quote her following remarks as fore I exist.” If we cease to think as three different interpretations of their they strongly support my thesis: “Clear- Zoroastrians, therefore, we will cease faith” (A History of Zoroastrianism, ly whatever the doctrines were which to exist as Zoroastrians; If we let our p. XIII). There is therefore no better their prophet taught over 3000 years thinking and psyche be guided by the way to resolve this problem than to ago, these need to be re-interpreted for eternally inspiring philosophy and relb urge this Congress to appoint a perma- his contemporary followers, as do the gion of Asho Zarathushtra, we will nent religious body of Zoroastrian scho- teachings of all other prophets for their never cease to be Zoroastrian and Zo- lars, priests and concerned laymen of own communities. What is unusual in roastrianism will never cease to exist. p^s tw our nraliM with an ai The first Sassanian King, Ardashir Pape- witness the ¦HI »•- Since this is the very stuff on which the western academia thrives, we cannot . , _ . expect anything otherwise.] So the West A modern Z_oroastrian has now destroyed the basis which it is often a Zoroastrian in name and very little in practice. originally provided for Parsi reformists, although this has yet to be realized within the community itself. A few of the orthodox continue serenely un­ troubled by all this; but many Zoroas ­ trians, in a literate age, long for a simple, noble, lucid scripture on which that I am greatly attracted by the won- And he issued this decree: The inter- to base a unified faith, and this is a unfulfilled, because of the immense trians, p. 225). This Congress has on its agenda many pressing socioeconomic prob- .•i 3 Parsiaha November 1984“The right input” SB BPP trusteeship election manifesto of Naoroji PirojshaGodrej I I ed to give free medical aid to the poor, in Delhi. We are also being associated with the Foundation of a Technical Institution at Golvad for imparting technical education to school drop ­ outs. The Pirojsha Godrej Memorial Wing has been set up at the Breach Candy Hospital, Bombay, for the poor. Substantial sums have also been donat ­ ed to the B.D. Petit Parsee General Hos ­ pital. 1 may venture to add that the knowledge and expertise gleaned by me over the years from the large dis­ bursements made by the Godrej Chari­ ties will stand me in good stead to assist the Parsi Punchayet for a more effective utilization of their funds. My action plan I am confident that the support of the present trustees of the Punchayet would heart. I, therefore, intend to actively assist the Punchayet in the following illustrious father, we have built an indu- goals : strial complex at Vikhroli, providing I have great pleasure in announcing the Company has grown significantly, my candidature for the trusteeship of and today employs more than 14,000 be forthcoming in ample measure, as the Bombay Parsi Punchayet. Jamshed people. When the Godrej organization they are all well-meaning persons wl^ Guzder’s 10-year term of trusteeship purchased lands at Vikhroli in the early have the interest of the community at will expire on February 25, 1985, and I forties, Vikhroli was just a dense and have decided to stand to fill the vacancy marshy jungle. Along with my late and so created. The sole motive in offering my can- strial complex at Vikhroli, providing The twin facets of housing — new didature is to do whatever is possible every form of infrastructure, namely construction and repairs — would be for the good of the community. My factories, residential quarters, schools, father was at great pains to instil in his medical centres, sports facilities, etc., sons a ; of the community'and the people at 15,000 people reside today. Godrej pre­ large. The fact that my family name is sentlyjives employment to more than known for its indelible mark on Indian industry and Parsi philanthropy is not enough for me. I would personally like of Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Pvt Ltd to do whatever I can for my community, today go towards the various charities and I feel that the Parsi Punchayet which have been founded by the God- could be revitalized to meet the aspira- rej family. Prominent among these tions of the members of the community, charities are the Pirojsha Godrej Foun- There is no doubt that a lot has already dation which disburses scholarships to been done by the present and past deserving students, gives grants for set­ trustees of the Parsi Punchayet, but surely a lot more could be done with the right input of managerial skills. While one.would not expect the Punchayet to perform miracles, given to the Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Foun- the constraint on its resources, the dation, a cosmopolitan trust, which is revamping of its management, and ad- - endeavouring at present for the con- ministration would go a long way in raising the Punchayet to its apex status, which this great and ancient institution is destined for. engaging my urgent attention because I feel that this is the most pressing sen^e of duty for the upliftment etc., for a township where more than problem which the community is facing -lx.. —J -1- .------ 1_ —1.» at present. I am aware of the fact that not only are there about 2,500 applF 1,100 Parsis. cants on the waiting list of the Bombay More than 30 percent of the profits Parsi Punchayet, but that many more are joining the queue every year in view of dilapidated houses which are on the verge of collapse. It was with this in mind that the Pirojsha Godrej Foundation decided to contribute the seed capital for the Godrej Baug at Napean Sea Road, ting up educational institutions, pro- where the Punchayet has extensive lands vides medical assistance, constructs on which about 500 flats could be con- housing for the needy, etc., etc. Vast structed. With the help of the Godrej tracts of land have also been donated Foundation the initial buildings on the said land have been constructed depart- mentally, with a view to bring down the cost of construction to the bare minimum, so that maximum number of flats could be constructed at the * struction of thousands of tenements for the lower and middle income groups of people. Godrejs have also lowest possible cost, without sacrificing donated lands at Vikhroli to the Sir quality and workmanship. I hope to Ratan Tata Trust for setting up a home carry on this work with all the assist- Background for infirm and aged Parsis. Another ance and expertise available. Born on December-3, 1916, I joined tract of land at Vikhroli has been do- ' my father, the late Pirojsha Burjorji natedtothetrusteesof the B.N. Gama- Godrej in August 1933 in Godrej & ' Boyce Mfg Co Pvt Ltd, which can today claim to be one of the finest companies in India. Since those days. I believe that the best manner of helping one ’s fellowmen, is not merely dia Parsi Hunnarshala for constructing to give out regular doles but to make dwelling units for the weaker sections them self-supporting. The creation of of the Parsi community^ The Godrej employment opportunities for our Memorial Trust in Delhi has been found- people has been the cherished goal of 5 Parsiana November T984•I '4 J I firmly believe that religion should my family. I would like to impart edu­ cation to our young boys and girls- best be left to our dasturs and scholars, which would enable them to acquire and it would be my endeavour to set the required skills to be self-sufficient up a body of expertis to deal with these so that they would not only be able to matters and guide the community, so ensure comfortable living standards for that controversies are minimized and themselves and the community, but differences are ironed out. also contribute to the growth of the nation. Our community reached eminence in the past because they were in the always been a man of few words, and I forefront of business and industry. I believe that goals can only be achieved would like to see a resurgence of the by hard work and determined action, spirit of enterprise in our community With more than fifty years of experi- as in the past. I would like to initiate ence behind me, I offer to work for the schemes for imparting technical skills Punchayet, so that whatever I have by reviving tecl^ical institutes which achieved during these years could be our community already possesses. fruitfully used for the benefit of the With the dwindling population of community. I have no personal ambi- cur mobeds, it appears to me that the tions and I am solely motivated by the very survival of our ancient and noble need to make the Bombay Parsi Pun­ religion is at stake. The Parsi Puncha- chayet an effective charitable institu- yet is at present actively considering tion for the upliftment of the com- setting up of houses for the priestly munity. class and a central fund for their ame­ lioration. My assistance in every pos ­ sible way would be extended in ample measure for this worthy cause. Conclusion I would now like to end, as I have I now seek your blessings and good ­ will to enable me to fulfil my goal. December 3, 1984. v Tablniercontlntfttat Hotai — Bombay F ?j(l r' *» J l< tUl> PARSIANA REQUIRES Editorial Assistant Preference for person with diploma in journalism and/ or job experience. Trainee with good command of English will also be con ­ sidered. Apply giving full particulars to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Chicago Zoroastrians The second instalment of "In search of the Good Life" by Ruzbeh Antia which was sche­ duled for the November issue will be carried in the December issue due to exigencies of space. IfT’S BUILD THEM TOGHHER! 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(PVT.) LTD. I n ? e' n a 110 n d I l . - > • ¦ ' L ngmeering ¦ ¦ New Ind '¦ a ' f’• trt¦ 1 ~ Borrbay 7 Parsiana November 1984 IEvents and Personalities i Maharashtra Agro Industries Develop- ‘ ment Corporation and the Maharashtra eccentric painter were worth the result. with Bombay ’s myriad problems has later served as the State’s commissioner Kekoo Gandhi, it took over a year to Novemb^ Became the Bombay Muni- reorganize the cooperative banking down. He then perused the'texCsug- and commissioner. Kanga, a trustee of I Kanga commissioner Maharashtra Agro Industries Develop- “The efforts to rope in the busy and ment Corporation and the Maharashtra eccentric painter were worth the result. The awesome responsibility of coping Tourism Development Corporation and Originally the brainchild of Chemould ’s with Bombay ’s myriad problems has later served as the State’s commissioner Kekoo Gandhi, it took over a year to fallen on J^msheed G Kanga who in of cooperative societies and helped pin the elusive, barefooted master November became the Bombay Muni- reorganize the cooperative banking down. He then perused the text, sug- cip^ Corporation ’s new administrator sector in the country. gested glass and acrylic paints as the T Subsequently Kanga was appointed medium and, on a wet July afternoon, ¦ secretary to the Government of Maha- completed three wonderfully diverse rashtra in departments like social welfare, paintings,” notes the Bombay-based tourism and agriculture, according to The Daily, October 29, 1984. “It was the press release. Whilst he was with really staggering to watch a white screen the Government of India in the depart- come to life as Husain's brush built up ment of Atomic Energy for five years, these extraordinary images. We found he was made director of Government ourselves in awe of the creation of ‘The corporations like the Electronics Cor- Creation, ’ poration of India Ltd, the Indian Rare, Bharucha. Earths Ltd and the Uranium Corporation of India. Kanga’s wife Firoza is the vice- _ president of the IAS Officers’ Wives’ _ ___ ____ __ Association. His elder daughter Shireen portant project It will give the pro- C j-----f .... younger daughter Farida is in school. ,said the film's director. * “The film's almost compfete though it needs a final financial thrust from each one of us — however large or small — to help us complete this im-'f^ is a student of first year B.Com and his ducers and the trustees a good oppor- . tunity to present the world premier of 4/ - Kanga: welcomed by city leaders CreatiOD of reSOUFCeS the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and found- Three paintings on glass by the noted er president of the Committee for Elec- artist Maqbul Fida Husain depicting toral Rights was the industries’ secretary The Story of Creation according to a in the Maharashtra Government prior Zoroastrian text. The Bundahishn, vvQve to his new appointment. unveiled in Bombay on November 13, The 50-year old civil servant’s ap- 1984 by industrialist and former sheriff pointment was welcomed by city leaders, of Bombay, Sohrab P Godrej. The pro- though controversy surrounded the ceeds from the sale of the prints, priced removal of the former commissioner at Rs 1500 a set, will be donated to The D.M. Sukthankar who was known to Oriental Heritage Trust who are funding have taken a strong stand on irregularities the 90 minutes docu-drama A Quest for in the building industry. Zarathushtra, directed by Cyrus Bha- A graduate of economics and laws rucha and featuring noted philharmonic from the Nagpur University, Kanga has conductor Zubin Mehta. a Master’s Degree in Public Administra­ tion from Harvard University in the USA. ___________________________ ____ Starting as assistant collector in Pune portant work since his series on Mother District in 1956, Kanga was later made Teresa. From the triptych, 500 prints, controller of rationing in Bombay during 17” by 23” in size, have been prepared __u J____ ££__ 1 _i__ X_______ J 1965 to 1967, notes the press release, by the artist to the Nehru Centre which is under construction at Bombay ’s Worli area. > The paintings, done on three sepa­ rate glass sheets three feet by four feet each, are considered Husain’s most im- Teresa. From the triptych, 500 prints. the difficult days of food shortage from for sale. The originals will be donated He was the managing director of two important public sector companies, the i^rsiana November 1984 this film in Bombay for the World Zo ­ roastrian Congress which is to be held in January, 1985," notes the Oriental Heritage Trust appeal. The chairman of theTrust is noted jurist Nani Palkhi- vala, vice-chairman is S.P. Godrej, and the trustees are Minoo H.Mody of Tatas, lawyer Jehangir R Gagrat and industrialist Sanat Mehta. I 1 Holding reins The week before on an afternoon when the sun was on holiday and it was drizz­ ling I met petite, pretty and chirpy, Ayesha Captain, the first woman rider of the country to jostle her way through the so far “men only ” open racing as a pucca professional. The sun reappeared as she smiled, dimpled, and told me, without the usual feminine trait of fluttering eye ­ lids, that soon after school she made up her mind to ride, which she is doing with absolute devotion and only one thought in mind, to do her best. Yet. she added, her only desire at Secretaries at stake Mehta: ‘a professional attitude' retaries (NIPS) and president of the this ehrly stage in her career was to win Association of Secretaries in Asia 21,1984. Since its inception in 1970, The Na- her the ropes and teach her the tricks of tional Institute of Personal Secretaries the trade, for which she is very grateful. — the first and only professional or- ganization of lady personal secretaries and Soli, both top-flight amateur riders Encouraged by her parents, Laila Even though many Parsi ladies con ­ tinue to become personal secretaries, the general standard of the profession seems to have deteriorated, according to Ms Homai Mfhta, faculty and ad­ ministrative co-ordinator. Sir J. J. Col ­ lege of Commerce, who gave an in- Association of Secretaries in Asia a good race for aged,'pious Aziz terview to a Bombay daily. Mid-Day, (ASA),” to quote Mid-Day, August Mahmoud, the veteran trainer and her which was* published on August 21, 21,1984. racing‘guru’who was the first to show 1984. . ..................................... ............ “I have wondered why the best clas­ ses do not take to becoming personal secretaries the way they did earlier,” says Mehta. She recalls that formerly in India — hosted for the first time in in their time. Ayesha has proved to be a the personal secretary profession at- India the sixth Congress of Secretaries ‘natural.’one for whom horses ‘go. ’ tracted a lot of arts graduates whereas in Asia from September 30 to October Though Ayesha -Captain looks frail today there are more personal sec- 5 at Bombay. and delicate she iFas all the necessary rctaries with commerce backgrounds. “Mehta can be considered an autho ­ rity on the subject not only because she tary, ” opines Mehta who feels that girls pair of hands. is. in effect, the principal of the 30- are better suited than men to becoming After having started grooming^ year-old college since the past 13 years secretaries. schooling and generally looking after but also because she is the president of ‘' ' . . . . _ the National Institute of Personal Sec­ in Asia from September 30 to October 5 at Bombay. “As far as loyalties go, girls would be requisites. A good seat, exceUerrt ba- more apt for a job as a personal secre- lance on the horse and a strong, safe are better suited than men to becoming secretaries. Mehta worked with Tatas for eight expensive thoroughbreds in Western years as a personal secretary prior to India, she spent a year, and acquired taking up her present assignment. Her the final finishing touch and polish in daughter. Niloufer, an F. Y. Arts stu- Bangalore in Rashid Byramji ’s yard, dent at Bombay ’s St. Xavier's College. After this she was sure she had ac- has no plans for becoming a personal quired the confidence to ride competi- secretary. “It’s not because she doesn ’t tive races with full-fledged jockeys, think it worth it. It’s just that she’s taken to psychology very much. She’ll falls and minor injuries, but the wilful, probably go in for counselling or maybe determined girl, instead of dancing her she’ll prefer to be a housewife, ” TTie way through life, her second love, Mehtas also have a son, Hushedar, who chose the more arduous, tough life of a is schooling. Homai ’s husband Homi is jockey — bumps, bruises, falls mixed the managing director of Mazda with occasional ecstasy and top-of-the Leasing. world feeling. At the time of writing, she has yet to. Of course, she has had her share of 9 Parsiana November 1984 Strange, but modest Ayesha is not Unveiling of Husain’s Story of Creation: Godrej and Mody Leasing. On the question of lady secretaries being sexually harassed at work, Mehta lead in beaming, and pattingjier ride as asserts, “I’m not inclined to believe the winner, but this is a mere matter of that sexual harassment is much to be time. As it is she has earned several found in the line of a personal secre- ‘places’ in her first handful of rides in tary ’s job. It could happen to a girl in the ‘open. ’ any other profession. A professional attitude is what counts. I don ’t think after big time fame. She loves horses you ’ll find such femme fatales (shown and is more than happy working and in cartoons) as secretaries in large exercising as many as 10 horses every organizations. ” morning at the crack of dawn which no doubt helps improve her stamina. Aziz Cur rim bhoy Reprinted from The Daily. Oct ober2,1984. ii i Ir ) I >• »¦ The Ahmedabad correspondence Ahmedabad refutes charges of infighting and Federation chairman blames Press for "misreporting." In reference to the article “The Fede­ ration ’s Fifty ” (Parsiana, June 1984), the president of the Ahmedabad Parsi unchayet, K.^ PaVn sent a letter to theme proposed by you was again re- Anjuman or the office bearers The above para wa.s printed on the very first page (3rd para) of the said issue of Parsiana. The objectionable Under these circumstances can it ever be maintained in May 1984 and still less at the present moment, that the -------- --------3 are in- iiimans inHia and p k D • D ! j of the Said dulging in infighting? And to add salt to KvPf cV"* Py"- 'ssue and runs as follows: injury, you proposed that one or two chayet chmrman Dr Aspi Golwalla. “Golwalla referred to the infighting individuals be sent to Ahpiedabad to Copies of the letter were sent to Jam-e- in Ahmedabad and noted that an im- bring about peace. Not taking any deci- Jamshed and Parsiana.In his letter to portant function of the Federation was sion as to who should be sent to Ahme- infighting or lack of co- dabad, appears the wisest thing that the copy of my letter addressed to Dr Aspi operation can be minimized and sug- Federation Council did during the en- Golwalld with reference to his rather gested that the Federation should send tire meeting on that dav. I leave it to presumptuous suggestion based on thin one or two people as ambassadors of air, to send one or two persons to Ahmedabad to cause peace within the ------------------------------ --------------— Ahmedabad Punchayet... The matter was brought to our notice rather be­ latedly but it’s not everybody who reads 98 tO WHO ShOUlcI bO Parsiana every day! ” We carry Pavri’s letter, Golwalla ’s reply, Parsiana's rejoinder and an ex­ tract from an editorial in The Bombay Samachar. the Federation Hf Parsi Zoroastrian An- printed on chayet chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla. ‘ ___________ _____ _ Copies of the letter were sent to Jam-e- in Ahmedabad and noted that tire meeting on that day. I leave it to you to guess what would have happened if some self-styled peacemakers were K , , I ¦ I • • unnecessarily foisted on Ahmedabad Not taking any decision uninvited by the¦Ahmedabad Puncha- Our trustees and members of the managing committee have been work ­ ing with unity of purpose viz. uplifting the Zoroastrians at Ahmedabad and to that extent though we do not have the Bombay Parsi Punchayet resources of crores df rupees, with our slender re­ sources we have achieved notable suc­ cess in the sphere of properly maintain­ ing our Farvandyan, employment of peace. However no decision was taken Parsis, education, medical relief, accom- sent to Ahmedabad, appears the wisest thing that the Federation council did. • Dear Shri Golwalla In the meeting of the managing com ­ mittee of the Parsi Punchayet held on October 27, one of our trustees produc ­ ed an issue of Parsiana dated June 1984 pointing out two paragraphs in this is­ sue, which when read out was consider- _______ ................ . ed objectionable by the members pre- very outset that you are rather ill-inform ­ sent, unanimously. ' The words in inverted commas that made objectionable reading were pur- know the so-called infighting in the activities, but suffice it to say that be- ported to be words, used by you as P—’ ”—*------ ’ • chairman during the meetmg of the history of the Parsi Punchayet, no team unity, amongst the 15 office bearers of Fede ration s executive council on May or panel of 15 office bearers having the Ahmedabad Parsi Punchayet, we 19 and 20. These paras run as follows: similar views have been elected uncon- are quite confident of achieving even Encouraged by the Federation ’s tested. During the elections of office ^v«vv. lluwtvci iiu ucvibioii wds LdKcn rdiMs, eGucauon, mcoical reliet, accom- as to who should be sent to Ahme- modation and last but not the least, dabad. helping and encouraging and subsidiz- Dr Golwalla permit me to say at the ing members of the Anjuman to adhere .. _ ¦ .......... ... ...... . [Q fulfil the customs and rituals of ed and perhaps misinformed by vested our fabulous religion. 4 do not think it interests or by persons who purport to necessary to go into the details of these Parsi Punchayet at Ahmedabad. In the cause there is no infighting, because of panel of 15 office bearers having the Ahmedabad Parsi Punchayet, ,1 1 1 , . . quite confident of achieving < more success. Under these circumstan- D D u . u- r-. --------------------------------ces, your remarks, Dr Golwalla, are not Bonttoy Parei Punchayet chairman Dr five trustees, two honorary secretaries, only contrary to facts on record but if I enlarge its activities to include the role of peacemaker. He cHted the example of Ahrnedabad where, due to the ‘in- single panel were elected unanimously Coming to the point of Ahmedabad lighting amongst the members of the and uncontested and subsequent to this not being represented in the Federation once again your contention is not true to facts on record. During the last two Federation meetings, on one occasion I had to cancel my air ticket at the ele- or 1 similar views have been elected uncon- growing strength. Federation and bearers held on December 18, 1983, all _ l_ ’ ’ Aspi Golwalla recommended, the body two lady members of "the managing „ „ may say with due respect rather pre­ committee and all six members of the sumptuous if not disrespectful to the managing committee, belonging to one members of the Parsi Punchayet. single panel were elected unanimously " Anjuman, Anmedabad went unrepre- there was the election of the president sented on the Federation. ‘We should of the Parsi Punchayet and again with- send one or two members to go and out any contest the president was elect­ make peace.’said Golwalla. ” ed unanimously. 11 Parsiana November 1984 \ I"T - venth hour due to a heavy attack of flu and fever and on the other c something veiy urgent crooDL^m 7nm t matter of contributions pelling me to^eaS m Eda„S m n" anticipation committee of the Ahmedabad Parsi occasion Punchayet, the matter of contributions in what has appeared in the Parsiana. A passing reference was made by me at the meeting to Ahmedabad at the time when the question of bringing in cordiality and cooperation in the com ­ munity in different centres where there was heard to be some discord was dis- time when the question of bringing in cordiality and cooperation in the com ­ munity in different centres where there was heard to be some discord was dis­ cussed in general, but so far as 1 recol ­ lect, the main reference made was to some infighting and litigation going on at Broach to which a reference has been made in the newspapers also. We are aware, and are glad to have aSSaSS SS5SS55 the high priests that (to) join the Fede- narilv^hS '^ newspapers ordi- Of thS AniUlDaD ffiel ration would eventually lead to reform- 1 +k J- u • ists in our religion. have therefore, got matters first IlK© tuG hloh Df GStS under the circumstances, it is obvi- o. • • k • . -------- ------ ously desirable and also in consonance tjnaking any With democratic norms that we take the verdict of the General Body Meeting -r-i ~j ' peace. Since this rather slanderous re- I no ciesire was oniv to pnnehayet, Ah- ho .1 i i ^®d?bad has been spread without veri- yours quoted in Parsiana to send some -----------------to cause peace was read out by one of our trustees. At SMi* ^T^ - hpve still ¦^eople'-.o Ahn,eS' nor have had {h’s juncture it was resolvediohrsUake nor nave had the time the verdict of the General not had time to get the verdict of the General Body Meeting whether the Federation i ’ _ ;__ to ratify our move to join the Federation in anticipation of the sanction of the General Body Meeting. Please read the headlines in ---------- Body Meet­ ing before sending the contribution to the Federation. So at least for the time being I am afraid the Ahmedabad Parsi the Puncjiayet will not be represented in lect, the main reference made cenue of Page 1 of this very issue of the F^deVarion Not beX2""„f Pa^,a„a, which runs: “Invite the hinh i„fi„h,i„„ ' verified in some manner. But it is most , — -------"“J con- tact with Ahmedabad Punchayet, it was proposed by you to send one or two people io Ahmedabad to bring about re- con- be helpful if needed, and there was no ..... ....... intention whatsoever ‘*"*"*^ and ean never be to be critical in any way. that to join the Federation would eventually lead to reformists in our religion. -I----- —— ”>v*«v^viL rvi 1 tication or without any grounds the least I owe to my Punchayet would be to get _________________ I" know that i, has been inviting speakers * from Bombay and Other places to give K.s. PAVJii religious and other discourses to the community. There was no question of my mentioning any infighting amongst the members of the Ahmedabad Parsi Punchayet because I know that there is no such infighting amongst the present ------ - We had ® .y. heard that some differences of me to you. The Editor Jam-e-Jamshed Please refer to the letter of Mr K. Pavri, president Ahmedabad Parsi Punchayet whether Ahmedabad would like to ioin addre«pH tn ma , v.* u u ------ "’**e*'i“*6 amungsi in .. l™ *“ Punctaye. .rustet'membe,.. thp FpHpraf;^., u„„ daily. o^Jy jjeard that QOIYI^ rliffap opinion had existed with the outeoine Plin/>Plo«rzA«- 4-....^4.______ 1 . T ® I® - ------ 1 spoke on the subject in general, what I had in the Federation or i of the reputation the Federation has earned of being progressivT/wouW 20, ^984^.?rS^Tb^me man are veXo^esTive I NoS it to vou '’?Rv nS? ; J ^2, addressed to him. tn thp Proco M lo you. ^By quoting the words and feeling of Behramji Pestonji, Shri S Nargowala has pointed out minds of certain people of different anjumans, though the office bearers of the anjumans that have joined the Fede­ ration may not have taken the verdict of their General Body Meeting, which would make their joining the Federation null and void. During the meeting of the managing 12 Parsiana November 1984 Nov- Punchayet trustees and when I < mind was that if^and where there any groups amongst the Parsi c„... munity wher^there is a small or limited - - ----------- 1 may think to help establish greater cordiality and unity in the community; this was all that was in mind at the time. In fact, Mr Anklesaria our chief exe­ cutive who had been to Ahmedabad sometime in August 1984 last, had met one of your cohimittee members Mr Nayroz Kanga who had told Mr Ankle ­ saria that everything was going on very well in Ahmedabad Punchayet and that there was no discord whatsoever pre- your valent. I was very glad to know this Anklesaria and hence at the • —meeting of the executive council any groups amongst the Parsi am oblig- population. Federation ember 12, addressed to him, to the Press with a view to make full facts of the matter clear, for the information of all request you to see — in your issue. dr. a.f . golwalla with a view to make full facts of the a feeling concerned. May I •hatXTn.eTpu'hE Dear Mr Pavri Please refer to your letter No. PP/524 dated October 29, 1984. I have noted the contents of letter carefully. There is ____ some misreporting or misinterpretation last spoke in are com ­ LI of the Federation held at Hyderabad- Secunderabad just about a fortnight ____ ___ ___________ _ back, I mentioned this fact to some of held at the Parsi Punchayet office Bom- our colleague members also. __ I would request therefore that you (before Bombay Parsi Punchayet rejoin- and your committee members may not ed the Federation) at which you were take amiss something said in general present and in the minutes of the dis- terms in good faith, and I am sure you will fry to understand it in the spirit in which the Federation and I as its chair- chayet Bombay that trustees Mr Guzder man would like to help Parsis anywhere and Mr Desai had pointed out to the necessary, by re-establishing greater representatives of the anjumans present cordiality aniongst all the members of that once the Parsi Punchayet Bombay the community so that the image of the and other punchayets/anjumnns join community as a whole stands out favour- the Federation, we should keep out ably which has been its tradition in this controversial religious issues, that the country all tlffough the centuries. May Bombay Parsi Punchayet has never de- I assure you once again therefore that viated from the conventional views of passing reference made, the the community and that we need not therefore be deterred from or have apprehension in rejoining the Federa­ tion because of the somewhat unortho ­ dox views of a paltry number. It ’— also stated at the meeting that the Fede­ ration has done nothing against the interests of the community and that none will be allowed to dominate over ______ the other anjumans which will remain Jam-e-Jamshed^ autonomous. At the meeting of the exe- Dear Sir cutive council of the Federation held In Dr Aspi Golwalla ’s letter of Nov- In this connection, I would like to invite your kind attention to a meeting bay on Saturday November 27 1982 ed the Federation) at which you were cussion of which it has been recorded in the office record of the Parsi Piin- desire was only to be helpful if needed, If Parsi ana has reproduced something which was discussed in a different light, we may not take it amiss and be guided by ___such material. sorry if your feelings have been hurt and I am sure you would like to inform your colleagues appropriately and to yourself attend our future executive council meetings as you did earlier, and will try your best to prevail over the General Body of your Punchayet to was decide to join the Federation at an early date. DR. A.F. GOLWALLA The Federation has done nothing against the community and none will be allowed to dominate over the aniUmanS which will ?"W28.1^atFatiyasiHotei^ • bay (after Parsi Punchayet Bombay re- wuivu oppcarcu in me jam-e- remain autonomous. t^e Federation) at which also Jamshed on November 16, Dr Golwalla - you were present, it was made clear states, “There is apparently some mis- ' in the discussion that each anjuman will reporting or misinterpretation in what in jts own independent way has appeared in the Parsiana." Dr Gol- in the internal functioning of the anju- reproduced something which was dis- mans. In view of the clear stand taken cussed in a different light from what the executive council itself at these it amiss and be guided by such material your colleagues may not like to be what was in the mind of those who had bay (after Parsi Punchayet Bombay re- The Editor ember 12 to Mr K.S. Pavri of Ahmeda- bad which appeared in the Jam-e- you were present, it was made clear states, “There is apparently some mis- and there was no intention whatsoever function ^_____ ____ _______ __ . i>i woi- and can never be to be critical in any and that Federation would not interfere walla further states, “If Parsiana has in the internal functioning of the anju- reproduced something which was dis- I -am so happy to read from the mans. In view of the clear stand taken cussed in a different light from what contents of your letter that all your by the Parsi Punchayet Bombay and was actually discussed we may not take activity of the Punchayet are going on the executive council itself at these it amiss and be guided by such material cordially attd with utmost cooperation meetings, I would suggest that you and which may not fully or correctly reflect from all, and I am sure that they will your colleagues may not like to be what was in the mind of those who had continue to flourish in future, in that guided by some solitary opinion or feel- deliberated or what was exactly meant.” same happy atmosphere. ing of an individual distant anjuman The Managing Editor of Parsiana, As regards Ahmedabad joining the member, here or there, but may instead Ms Arnavaz Mama, our Executive Federation, I do not think that I had decide in favour of joining the Federa- Editor, Ms Parinaz Toddywalla and mentioned that either Ahmedabad or t’— ..... .. - — ’ any other centre for that matter, was i Stated to have not been joining the jointly ensure that in all important mat- Federation because of any infighting. A for example) can have many reasons of its own for not being able to join the ------,---------- ------------------ a Federation without some hesitation or If Parsiana has reproduced some- reference, to, “infighting in Ahmeda- 1 oining the Federation at all, thing which was discussed in a different bad” made by Dr Golwalla on the mom- though, I^ the chairman of the Federa- light from what was actually discussed, ing of the first day's deliberations. Gol- ^n and as the chairman of the Parsi we may not take it amiss and be guided walla also stated that, “where differen- fmnchayet Bombay which has joined by such material which may not fully or ces arose in anjumans, we should send the Federation, would always be very correctly reflect what was in the mind one or two members to go and make happy to see that as many anjumans of ' ' .................... India as is possible, do join the Fede­ ration. ing of an individual distant anjuman tion in the wider interest of the com- myself were present at the Federation of munity and in order that we may all Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India exe- . ¦ cutive council meeting held in Bombay - s. ters concerning the community, the on May 19 and 20. We make it a point punchayet or an anjuman (Bangalore community can, and does, speak with to have more than one reporter present for example) can have many reasons of one voice from all over the country, as so that the possibility of error is mini- ite own for not being able to join the far as possible. mal. All our notes very clearly show a of those who had deliberated, or what peace.” was exactly meant. Having regard to the above, I am At the end of the second day ’s ses­ sion, Bombay Parsi Punchayet chief 14 Parsiana November 1984r executive Mr R.K.Anklesaria, who ser­ ved as a municipal commissioner in Ahmedabad prior to his retirement from the Indian Administrative Service, noted that Ahmedabad has “very good persons, ” but they have “wide differen­ ces.” Anklesaria also suggested a delega­ tion be sent to Ahmedabad. At the next meeting of the executive council in Hyderabad-Secunderabad on October 27 and 28, Dr Golwalla inform ­ ed the delegates that Mr Anklesaria had visited Ahmedabad and had report ­ ed the Punchayet had patched up their differences. “I am happy to state that there are no more quarrels.” No dele­ gate from Bombay or elsewhere raised any objection to Parsiana s reportage of the Bombay meeting. If there is any doubt to what Parsiana has stated it can be verified as the entire proceedings were tape recorded by the BPP and a transcript typed. However, the intention of writing this letter is noi to prove who is right or wrong* Dr Gblwaila’s remarks were made in good faith and out of genuine concern for the concerned Punchayet. That his re­ marks have been regarded as a slur, is unfortunate. But this should not be reason to make Parsiana a scapegoat. JEHANGIR R "PATEb, The Bombay Samachar of Sunday, Dec­ ember 2, 1984 “Parsi tari arsi” column by Editor Jehan Daruwala referring to the exchanges in correspondence noted, “It is sad as well as surprising that the office bearers of the Federation have so far not shown any anxiety or eagerness to state where the truth lies. If this is s 1 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 the shabby way in which the Press is being treated, how can the Parsi institu­ tions expect to enlist its cooperation? “In the Parsi institutions there are men of honour and character. As human beings they may commit mis­ takes sometimes. The honorable way is to acknowledge the mistakes. Our re­ gard and respect for them will be en­ hanced by this act of grace and justice. It is deplorable that there is a tendency to take the Press for granted.” * k I For a liberal point of view subscribe to iuisra«iiiD Fill out the application form and mail along with your payment to Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Bombay-400 001. Annual Subscription Rs.15. Cheques to be made in favour of Kaiser-E-Hind. Add Rs.4 for outstation cheques. ? 1 year subscription for Rs. 16" ? Money order sent Send me NAME ADDRESS CITY . ? 2 year subscription for Rs.25 ? Cheque enclosed (sub + Rs.4) ? 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