Dec 1984

' n“- ly^' ‘Z '*«*«««§»? !^-*r s r ' ?r ¦ December 1984 Volume 8 Number 6 EDITOR Jehangir ^tel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR ParinazToddywalla ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dina Mehta DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN ASSISTANTS Kranti Shilotri, Varghese W Fernandez MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Billimoria ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE R P Thanavala FINANCE BL Arora CIRCULATION B P Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Drjyer, Khurshid Daruwalla and Rohinton Mistry 3 Readers'Forum 6 Symbol of artistocracy by Shridhar Naik and Nina Ghosh 12 Funding the Federation by Arnavaz S. Mama 18 The lost tribe? by Malini Karkal 24 In search of the Good Life-ll by Ruzbeh Antia 29 The ethnic issue by Eunice De Souza 34 "Plays are to be performed" by R. Raj Rao 35 Books k Cover : Petit coat of arms ( Parsiana is published by Jehangir R Patel for Parsiana Publications at C/o H L Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground.floor, 39 A K Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 001, printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400 001 and phototypeset at The Typesetters, Bombay 400 023. All rights reserved. Address all editorial and business correspondence to Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Phone: 268730. Annual inland subscription: Rs 40 for one year (12 issues); Rs 75 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates-: Seamail Rs 80 for one year, Rs 150 for two years; Airmail Rs 160 for one year, Rs 290 for two years. For US cheques add $ 4 to cover bank charges For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 3 for bank charges. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favour of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay<400 001 or C/o H L Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A K Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 001. J1 Readers* Forum Readers' views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. j i Assyrians by the Medes in 607 B.C. against whom I had made the charges. TTT “1* " 7 “7 \ > There were other letters, however, show that the Prophet lived before thnt which my newspaper had also published important historic^ event, and not after, which vindicated the facts borne out in (VoL III ch. I) is purposely written to important historic^ event, and not after, which vindicated the facts borne out in as Some of the scholars would have us my article, but which you chose to ignore, believe. The exact place of Zarathush- Moreover, I had also written a rejoinder tra ’s birth is also equally difficult to explaining my standpoint on the issue determine. which again did not find space in your We are concerned more with the columns. fundamental teachings and the message When one chooses to publish two of the Prophet rather than with contro- letters from several containing views versial details like the date and birthplace both for and against an issue, one expects of Zarathushtra. (b) Feeling of wonder or anger at the germinal stage of religious consciousness? Animistic theory which, for the most part, preceded pofytheism among primi ­ tive people, aroused mixed feelings of anger, wonder, veneration etc. in the primitive man in accordance with his response to the natural phenomena. Pedantic tone of the books: Writing books on a religion like Zoroastrianism, which has as its source a scattered and mangled literature and no( the complete whole preserved from the hoary past, 1 r- << « i I { J Sit al, V and a tradition lacking in continuity, Mody Atash Bahram: one has to be particular in giving accurate references from relevant sources and f ' ____________ _ curb the free play of imagination. Again, involved (unfess one is motivated), there is a- lot of difference between reading books on a religious system like sarosh bana Zoroastrianism which derives its infor- Bana’s rejoinder; mation from a badfy mutilated literature I stand by my report. Whether an action and frequendy interrupted and broken has been undertaken three times or a Iranian tradition and books of fiction dozen times in the past, if it violates like stories and novels in which the norms, it violates norms. My report author can delight in giving a free hand sought to reveal that what took place to the flight of his fancy and imagination could have been better handled. and thus write in a style vibrant and vivacious. ‘motivated version' that they represent both the versions C Zoroastrianism course With reference to “Zoroastrianism: a graded course, ” 1 the undersigned, as the author of the three volumes of the above mentioned graded course, would like to clarify the following points, raised by the critic. Continuity: Subjects dealt with in Volume I on an elementary level are all _____________ ______ ____ explained in detail in Volume III. Hence May 7, 1984 — reprinted in your August Gibbs Road and the other at Shapuriee continuity is for the most part, observed. - ----- • • - . ... In between Volumes I and III, Vo- sore over shifting. ’ Courtesy demands Understandably, the Gibbs Road lume II comprises mainly the subjects that you at least inform the authors Project will cater to the housing needs not included in Volume I and III, when using their articles appearing in of Parsis belonging to the upper strata especially, the concept of Asha which other publications. of the community, whereas the other IS the pivotal teaching of Zoroastrianism. Besides, I found it highly unethical one will be fulfilling the needs of the Constancy: (a) Date and birthplace of on your part to have selected two letters less affluent Parsis. Zarathushtra: Definite date of Zara- from among the few which appeared in What amuses me here about the thushtra has not, as yet, been fixed, the Indian Express in response to my scheme is the difference in benefit The statement that Zarathushtra must article. It is but natural that both these derived by the affluent Parsis in contrast u_..- ..... .. .......................... . ... . historical event of the defeat of the R.R. MOTAFRAM Raw deal I understand fronf what I have been reading in various Parsi publications, that the Bombay Parsi Punchayet is Some Surds sore... I was taken aback to see my article — __________ _ entitled ‘Parsis resent shifting of holy spearheading to major housing projects fire ’ appearing in the Indian Impress of in the city of Bombay; one at Little ______________r—J-- issue under the heading ‘Some Surtis Bharucha Baug, Andheri. sore over shifting. ’ Courtesy demands when using their articles appearing in Besides, I found it highly unethical from among the few which appeared in ____ _ _ ;___ the Indian Express in response to my scheme is the difference in benefit certainly have lived much before the letters contradicted my article for they to the benefit the other section hopes histnrinnl pvent nf the defeat of ths had been written by the authorities to receive. 3 Parsiana December 1984»£ f <1^ Let me put it this way; the current market value for flats at Gibbs Road is approximately Rs 2000 per sq. ft. It is here that our BPP has decided to be magnanimous and offer flats to the affluent Parsis at the rate of Rs 800 per sq. ft. In short the affluent Parsis will be deriving a benefit of approximately Rs 1200 per sq. ft. Now compare this figure with the benefit the less affluent will derive at Shapurjee Bharucha Baug. The current market value for flats around the vicinity of S.B. Baug is around Rs 500 per sq. ft. Here the BPP has thought fit to offer flats to the less affluent at the rate of Rs 420 per sq. ft^ Whereas the affluent Parsis with all resources at their disposal will obtain a benefit of Rs 1200 per sq. ft., the other section with little or no resources at their disposal will derive a pseudo benefit of Rs 80 per sq. ft. only. One begins to yvonder from this whether the BPP reserves any soft corner for the middle class Parsis. In view of the present circumstances it is becoming more and more evident that the BPP as usual is giving this unfortunate section (Middle Class) a raw deal. NOSHIR HOMI DADRAWALA i } ! ( Of Dabu and Mody Apropos Dasturji Dabu, may I add that bis students, myself being one, tended to regard him a.s super-human in many ways and so we naturally asked him in one of his classes whether he had had any spiritual experiences. He admitted having had only one such experience in which he witnessed fire as the principal force behind the working of this world. As this happened a little before he was to speak on the importance of fire his writings on this subject assume special significance. All that I read about my erstwhile boss, Russi Mody, in Parsiana is some ­ thing I know firsthand and is true to the dot. His genius in human relations remains unmatched in other organiza^ tions I served both in India and U.S.A. These two illustrious sons of the com ­ munity, while so far apart in their life ­ styles and missions, nevertheless reflect the spirit of Zordastrianism in their respective undertakings. Incidentally, I was pleasantly surprised to see Mody starting his day with loban. K.H. ANTIA Chicago. U.S.A ) 5 Pa'rsiana December 1984 With Compliments From EMPIRE ESTATE Liberty Building 41/42 Marine Lines Bombay 400020 A;f" iw • •* 1 F ¦ ) Symbol of aristocracy Of the five Indian baronets, three were Zoroastrians. 4 i ¦• } ShridharNaik and Nina Ghosh I' The baronetcy, a signal honour bestowed a maharaja without being called one. ” House, today finds itself in a sori on any individual during British rule, The Baronetcy Act clearly mentioned state, reduced to ashes with only tlj conferred on the baronet a hereditary the family residence, which in all five outer walls standing as a pitiable remii knighthood which entitled the recipient cases was a palatial mansion, and pro- der of its glorious past. i to a berth in the highest echelons of vided each baronet with a family em- Controversy surrounds the birth society in the British Empire. blem, consisting of an insignia and a this merchant prince, with one versic Bestowedt)n those whose munifi- family motto. claiminghis birth date as July 15,178! cence and contribution to public life The baronetcy was introduced in In- in the Yathaahoo Vairyo Mohalla b< won recognition from the Imperial gov- 3ia on August 6, 1857, when Sir hind the present Crawford Marke ernment, the baronetcy was first con- Jamsetjee was created the first Indian while another slates that he was bor ferred through the Letters Patent Baronet in recoghition of his generos- in Navsari. The fact remains hov from His Majesty, and then created by ity, and dedication to public welfare, ever, that he was bom in a mode an Act of Parliament, though after the With the creation of the baronetcy. Sir weaver family, orphaned at the tend< passage of the Indian Councils Act, Jamsetjee achieved a ‘triple first ’ hav- age of 16 and consequently denied th the baronetcy had to be endorsed by ing been knighted in Her Majesty benefit of a formal education. It the Governor General in Council. The Queen Victoria ’s birthday honours list ironic, therefor** ?Hat when the Un baronet was required to create a trust, of May 24,1857, and even earlier being setting aside a sizeable sum for the up- awarded the Order of the Freedom of keep of future generations of the the City of London in 1855. Sir Jam ­ baronetcy. setjee was the first Indian to receive India witnessed the creation of five these honours. baronets, the first of them being the legendary Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, family the motto; “Industry and Liber- followed by Sir Dinshaw Petit, Sir ality, ” and provided for a sum of Cowasjee Jehangir Readymoney, and Rs25 ,00,000 to be set aside in a trust foi I Sir Currimbhoy Ebrahim in Bombay the upkeep of the baronetcy in and Sir Chinoobhai Madhavlal of perpetuity. The family home, the Ahmedabad. Mazagaon Castle, which now houses Recalls a city elder with an air of the Sales Tax office, was also handed nostalgia, “The baronet was virtually over to the trust. an institution in himself, a symbol of The family ’s Fort House, which later imperial aristocracy, who led the life of had the showroom of Handloom Lord Elphinstone wanted to give Jejeebhoy a military funeral but this was denied by his relatives on account of the Zoroastrian religion. The Baronetcy Act bestowed on the The family ’s Fort House, which later 6 Parsiana December 1984pT 'ft ’ 1 X ¦'t re- The baronetcy of Sir Cowasjee Jehangir stands abolished by an Act of the. Maharashtra state legislature. versify of Bombay came into being, Sir to give him a military funeral with full Jamsetjee was appointed one of the military honours but this was denied by five Indian fellows. his relatives on account of the tenets of After the death of his parents. Sir the Zoroastrian religion. Says a news- Jamsetjee was forced to come to paper report “The whole city Bombay and eke out a living selling suspended its normal activities and all empty bottles, an occupation which government and private offices earned him the surname of Batliwala. mained closed in his honour... Finding that this occupation afforded Thousands of people followed the no future, the ambitious Sir Jamsetjee cortege... The whole route was kept embarked in 1800 on his first voyage to clear of all traffic... ” A rare honour, China as a clerk of his cousin. This was and which speaks volumes for the the first of his five trips, in the course of greatness of this legendary figure, which he amassed a fortune, and then The present Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy built upon it through regular trade with is the Seventh Baronet. The sixth China and the Far East. Baronet died without a male heir and The name l)f Sir Jamsetjee Je- the baronetcy devolved on his second jeebhoy will remain immortal for his cousin who now resides at Worli. Dur ­ generosity to the cause of charity. A ing the lifetime of the sixth Baronet, regular donor for flood and famine re- Mazagaon Castle was sold to the gov- lief, his aid even reached the victims of ernment and the family moved to Sett a flood in France and a famine in Minar, a bungalow on Peddar Road, Ireland. which has also been demolished. The At home his donations for charity Jejeebhoy family then still lives on, were endless. The most notable of continuing to uphold the traditions of these was the Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy its illustrious founder. Benevolent Institution which set up 19 Another eminent citizen bestowed schools including six for girls. with the honour of baronetcy was Sir The Sir J. J.Poona Bund and Water- Cowasjee Jehangir Readymoney, a works was built at the behest of the leading figure in the banking and com- Baronet to provide pure drinking water mercial world of Bombay and a promo ­ te the residents of Pune. The Mahim ter of renowned concerns like the Tata Causeway', linking the city to Bandra Iron and Steel Company, the Hydro and the suburbs, was built from a dona- Electric Power and Supply Company tion by Lady Avabai Jamsetjee. The and the Bank of India. India in Council in 1911. first civil hospital in the city, now But it was his donation of four lakhs The Baronetcy Trust involved a sUm known as the J. J.Hospital and the J J of rupees for the Institute of Science of Rs 10,000 invested in government School of Art, the first of its kind in the that won supreme recognition from securities and an annuity of Rs 50,000. country, was a result of the munificence Her Majesty ’s Government and in 1908 The Fort Mansion which was earlier the and benevolence of the first Baronet. Sir Cowasjee Jehangir, who had been family ’s dwelling place and which still Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy passed away knighted earlier became an Edwardian stands next to the Akbarally ’s depart ­ on April 15, 1859. Lord Elphinstone, baronet. The official Baronetcy Act ment store on Veer Nariman Road the then governor of Bombay, wanted was passed by the Governor General of along with the Readymoney Mansion on Napean Sea Road which was later built as the family house, but is now demolished, were also handed over to the trust. The family insignia in this case bore two mottos. “Burning I shine ” and “My life is His who gave it. ” Sir Cowasjee Jehangir (Baronet) was the adopted son of Sir Cowasjee Jehangir (Knight), knighted for his munificence and commitment to public welfare, but unfortunate not to enjoy the creation.lt is said of the Knight that (Facing page) Sir Jamsetjee: first Indian baronet. Sir J. J. Hospital (from an old water colour painting by Higgins) (Top) Sir Cowasjee: banker and business­ man (Left) Fort House: Jejeebhoy’s palatial home •? ¦¦'*s ¦1 and the suburbs, was built from a dona- Electric Power and Supply Company But it was his donation of four lakhs 1 'I i A wr iA i j& I 1 —w r ii^ ¦i -'.4 t - ' *'« !¦ I !>i»ifii .i|t.My!^m^ki.,|; w? p-7 , i nr’ :. Bw’i i T ;fi J r -= "ecessary ^passed by the British Parhatnent i„ PetS Born in a family Of traders amidst a 5 68 Wouire^^^^^^^ Equally, if not more “SES-F" Kavasji, wto migrated to Say Xthv coSut on m hi.T «“ '"o from Surat and established himself as a munity was the building of Zelling counTX “ <*» French sailors who called at Bombay ^o^ 'he mercy of rapacious Ratnagiri will remember him in Port, often referred to him as ‘Le Petit Hie Hoon r perpetuity because of his donation for Parsi ’(the small Parsij X label pS led h m toXX ^^e leper ’s asylum. He later offered the stuck and was eventdaily adop^ PoonTon the 1 government of Bombay a sum of the family surname. during the davs of the^p^^ Rs 1.25 lakhs for the setting up of Sir Dinshaw began his career rather from ? Peshwas, apart another leprosy hospital at Trombay, modestly, as an apprentice with Messrs works at Ahmedn water- but the project fell through because the Dirora, CareterMdCoon a mZgre Manvel government was disinclined to bear the salary of Rs 15 per month. Being am- As regards the city of Bombav. the to Rs mals at Parel. Equally, if gener- ' ' - OUS sums he donated for the welfare of — ----- 1 note- to his own com ­ as a munity was the building of dwelling tkn. poor parsis many of whom works at Ahmednagar, Igatpuri and on a meagre Panvel. • — - , J 1 . V<****v*wi mctiiiutiiaiivc CAL As regards the city of Bombay, the Rsl8,000. The foundation am- 9 Parsiana December 1984 \ . TO? '1 '5^ -feitea -r^ I hospital was laid by Prince Albert Vic ­ tor, who made an official announce ­ ment regarding the creation of the baronetcy on the occasion. The Baronetcy Act laid down that for the upkeep of the baronetcy, a sum providing an annual interest of Rs 1.25 lakhs was to be invested in municipal bonds. The family residence, the pala ­ tial Petit Hall at Napean Sea Road, which Sir Dinshaw built in 1867, was also handed over to the trust. Earlier, the family lived in a house on Hornby Road, which was demolished by the Third Baronet, and in its place has been built the offices of the Petit Trust. After the^eath of the first Baronet in 1901, the mantle of baronetcy fell on The Lady Sakarbai Petit Hospital for Animals: cattle wards his grandson Jijibhoy, whose father Framji, the heir apparent to Sir highest order, including the Shah of ing revelled in an.era of gradeur which Dinshaw, died during the first Persia in whose honour a special ban- is no more. Baronet ’s lifetime. The family then quet was held — has now been de- In a section of the compound, a red lived on in Bombay till 1947, contribut- molished. In its place stand two bricked chalet has been built, which ing continuously to the city ’s public life, skyscrapers which house representa- holds a part of the marble flooring, Vic- as members of the highest social tives of the most affluent social strata torian furniture and family heirlooms, echelons. today. This serves as the family ’s local resi- With the dawn of Independence,the The majestic marble staircase and denee, an essential pre-requisite to third Baronet left the shores of India one chandelier out of the many that honour the baronetcy, where the pre ­ fer good. The family settled in its villa adorned its halls, have found shelter in sent Baronef, the fourth in the line, at Nice in Southern France, where the the Tata Theatre — a symbolic re- pays his dutiful visits. While the emi- scions of the Petit household continue membrance of a family whose contribu- nent family may have no roots in to live. tions to Bombay can seldom be surpas- Bombay now, its connections with the Thev Petit Hall — whose marble sed. The 40 odd servants who waited city are far from severed. floored salons witnessed many a grand upon their master in his days of glory Reprinted from Sunday Mid-day, banquet attended by dignitaries of the still inhabit the servant ’s quarters, hav- September 2 and September i6,1984. E.D.P. CONCEPTS COMPUTER EXPOSURE & & COBOL PROGRAMMING BASIC PROGRAMMING Graduates only Project work on computer Immediate jobs for two best students per batch Career oriented va^tion courses for undergraduates & SSC Students Also suited for already employed people seeking Computer concepts Small batches • Personalised attention # More computer time Course conducted in Association with Bombay Data Base Management Services Pvt. Ltd. For Details Contact Sir J.J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane Bombay 400 023 Phone: 251185 Course commencing March 4, 1985 JO Parsiana December 1984y.CTBinmi 1* V A Funding the Fedei f| r A new ennphasis on action emerges as I - members identify the problems of finance, data and motivation that restrict progress. 5 t t- Si 3’-J Arnavaz Mama Federation and noted, “Do it now or our ] The Federation will now have two it. vice-presidents from the west zone in ­ stead of one. This change will permit _ Poona which has the largest Zoroas- appointment with the attendance, a tn- trian population after Bombay, to nominate a vice-president. The Federa- j tion will now have five vice-presidents. Federation does not have funds to pro- one each from the North, South and vide. ’’ He also East and two from the West. ' Also, the Federation ’s general meet ­ ing will be 1— — once in two years as hitherto. defunct anjumans a proposal made by bring forth their problems for discus- Gandhi was reiterated by Group Cap ­ tain Dhunjishaw M. Marker, vice-pre ­ sident, Mhow Anjuman, for obtaining and preserving documents, trust deeds etc pertaining to the properties of such anjumans. BPP trustee and Federation joint of the secretary Eruch Desai, noting that the .......... ’ t acting, ’’ added that resolutions and decisions must be specific. “Define who is in charge and what is to be done and reported at the next meeting. ’’ Ac ­ cordingly Gandhi suggested an ‘action sheet ’ be prepared after each meeting detailing who was to do what. The delegates welcomed the suggestion and instructed Gandhi to prepare and dis ­ tribute the action sheet. Setting the keynote in his welcome address, Sq. Leader Jamshed Italia, president of the Parsi Zoroastrian As ­ sociation of Secunderabad and Hyde ­ rabad, referred to the issues before the decide on how to proceed with the for- Various means to collect funds fojr the Zoroastrian Anjumans of India domi ­ nated the body ’s executive council meeting and extraordinary general meeting on October 26 and 27, 1984 in Secunderabad. The Federation has obtained income tax exemption whereby its income will not be taxed and those donating to the trust will get tax exemption up to 50 percent. A fund for women and chil ­ dren has been formed and Rs If,000 pledged by individuals present at the two day meet. The monthly Federation newsletter edited by the body ’s joint honorary secretary Keki Gandhi, which is at pre ­ sent the highest cost item on the Fede ­ ration ’s budget, has been provided ad ­ vertising support from various regions to cover expenses. About 3,000 people are likely to at ­ tend the opening function c." .L, --------- , . Fourth World Zoroastrian Congress at Federation had been talking and not Cusrow Baug. BPP trustee and chair ­ man of the Congress, Jamshed Guzder clarified that there will be three full days of business sessions at the Birla Matushri Hall where “only those who are keen on a particular subject are ex ­ pected. ’’ The list of speakers has not yet been announced. Disappointed with the World Zoro ­ astrian Organization ’s response to the Federation ’s queries and suggestions for joining the London-based world body, the Federation will now seek a mandate from the associations of the world to form a committee which will VttllUUd lllVClllO --------------------------------- . activities of the Federation of Parsi mation of an apex body. generation will not be able to do Federation president and BPP chair ­ man Dr AspJ Golwalla noted his dis- s buting it to the expense of travelling and remarked, “Unfortunately the about the tendency to concentrate on ................... problems relating to Parsis in Bombay held annually instead of and remarked that 70,000 of the com- luc in iww jvaio co ....................................munity does reside there. He simultan- In order tordeal with the problems of eously encouraged other anjumans to sion and solution. Golwalla noted that BPP chief executive Russi K. Anklesa- ria had visited Ahmedabad after the last executive council meeting in Bom ­ bay on May 19 and 20 and reported' that there were no more quarrels. The executive'council meeting, origi ­ nally scheduled for September 8 and 9 and postponed because of the unstable political climate that then prevailed in Hyderabad, was hosted by the Parsi Zoroastrian Association of Secundera ­ bad and Hyderabad with care and con ­ cern for the delegates ’ comfort. All the trustees of the local anjuman, particu ­ larly Bejan Dittia, Noshir Nagarwala and Naval Vakeel, assisted by the wo ­ men of the twin cities and the hospit ­ able host families with whom many of the delegates were quartered, had sought to make the delegates ’ sojourn pleasurable which Shiavax Nargol- wala. Federation vice-president and president of the Delhi Anjuman, grate ­ ‘i2 Pafsiana December 1984i'-VJ"-''-’-F!rAVl.-; i‘. ":¦ ''r^.' y_: ¦•. W” ation 4 ''Even if you offer Rs 5000 per month, if no one wants to take up mobedi it's no use." '/ W:\ ailfifeaSaeit US not tread on dangerous grounds — just state the bare principles ... that ’s Vizag Zoroastrian Association, sugges- the best possible course. ” Desai said. t fully acknowledged on behalf of the delegates. Reminiscing about Hydera ­ bad ’s loyalty to the Federation at a time when many others had departed in ted that a questionnaire be distributed “the Federation should ask the WZO the wake of Bombay ’s abrupt exit in with the rest of the papers at the Con- ‘Are you agreeable to these basic prin- 1978, Nargolwala savored a remark gress “so that we can get an idea of ciples? ’Put the b31 in their court. . .if then made by Jamshed Italia, president what the delegates think. ” But Gandhi they don ’t see reason, follow Mr Nar- of the anjuman: “Carry on the work; we are with you. ” : I .Z argued: “Are we going to go by what golwala ’s approach and form own 1,200 delegates who have no locus body. ” standi say or are we going to stand by the considered opinion of the associa- dhi declared that the steering commit- tions? ” tee should comprise “a maximum of Nargolwala asserted that the pro- two representatives from each conti ­ nent or a minimum of one from each Stating “a personal opinion, ” Gan- .'C WZO Negotiations with the World Zoroas ­ trian Organization (WZO) having stal ­ led, the Federation will write to all the blem “should no longer be shelved. .. associations of the world, enclosing What is involved is the simple question country. .. Ensure that the convener is copies of the correspondence between whether the Federation joins the WZO. from India. .. When we form a world them and Shahpur Captain of the It is not important whether other asso- body we have to sit down with the asso- WZO. “We (the Federation) do want ciations consider we should or not. The ciations of the world to hammer out reasonable weightage. We cannot ex- question is whether, if the Federation the new constitution. Otherwise we ’d pect to help the community if pro- does not join, it should create another be guilty of the same folly ” as the blems of 70 percent are not conside- world body. Since it represents nearly WZO. red, ” declared Gandhi. ‘‘We will take 80,000 Zoroastrians it can consider it- a mandate from world associations self a world body. ... Unity cannot be Defunct Anjumans “ that the steering committee will decide at the cost of harm to the community. Though the sub-committee formed to how best to proceed with the issue in light of the WZO’s stand. ” Gandhi gave a synopsis of the dis- only. ” cussions since October ’83 noting that individuals and anjumans having one some people behind closed doors, are (sanatorium) trustee Mr Shroff, but vote under the present charter is not ac- taking decisions, ” said BPP trustee there is no response from him. ” The ceptable; that 14 of 21 managing com- Jamsheed Kanga. “Why be afraid of sanatorium near Balsar is in a dilapida- mittee members being from the UK open discussion? ” ted condition. was not acceptable; that while the Desai, who had submitted copies of Golwalla went on to state how three Federation had agreed to the head- proposed amendments to the articles of members of the Khambhat Anjuman quarters being in London, the meetings association of the WZO declared, “It ’s had attended a meeting with him and of the managing committee should be a lawyer ’s prerogative to confuse Russi Anklesaria, the BPP’s chief exe ­ held in rotation in different parts of the others but now I am more confused cutive and had photographs to show world; that agenda and background than ever as to what a world body how part of the dokhma lands had papers are now coming in very late. Captain Jal Postwala, secretary of the pies, ” he advised. “At the moment let Surat Punchayets are looking after the Have a closed door session with delega- pursue the assets of defunct anjumans tes of associations, an advisory session was set up in May, it had not met so far. “1 took over this task, ” reported “There is bound to be criticism that Golwalla. “We wrote to the Tithal Desai, who had submitted copies of should do. Negotiate on bare princi- been encroached. The Bombay and 13 Parsiana December 1984I 1 V AVI assets of the Kjiambhat Anjuman after all the former trustees died. Golwalla apologized for “not taking the committee ’s permission ’’ before meeting the concerned trustees. The ex ­ ecutive council, howeverj endorsed his work by officially casting him in the role of chairman, the Federation vice- president and president of the Surat Punchayet Maneck Gheyara as vice- chairman and BPP chief executive Russi Anklesaria as convener. “Khandwa is one defunct anjuman where no Parsis exist, ’’ noted Marker. “The anjuman property is in the hands of non-Parsis and nobody has been able to do anythlTig. Register (anjuman properties) in a central register so that we know what their properties are. ” ........... ............—— ¦ -r wm—iin-- - -....... Gandhi immediately responded: “If Two pillars minus gate and walls stand at the entrance to this dokhma some documentary evidence regarding outskirts of Surat. the encroached property in Khandwa is available to me I can take it up with the minister in Delhi. If every anjuman would give the secretariat copies of trust deeds to maintain a central record .. .Unless trust deeds give a history of allotment of property, there is no way to pursue it. .. (One must) establish that was accepted in principle. - JiU •' ' t * d 4 > -.-A--? iSr- '¦J5 a r »aKs rr. ... man and Diu and currently governor of Federation ’s newsletter be given to the Punjab had suggested to the Direc- whichever commercial organization tor General of the Archeological Sur- bears the total expense of its produc- vey of India that the dokhmas, which tion. Each anjuman, he said, should were not in use for decades, should be undertake to get two advertisements protected as national monuments and from business organizations in their the director general had indicated that area. “I’m prepaffed to take up two issues, ’’ said Guzder and set the-ball As regards the plot of cantonment rolling. Desai accepted responsibility land in Srinagar offered by Behram for one and the BPP for four more. Dr Pestonji, S. Nargolwala and Guzder R.D. Anklesaria, trustee of the Calcut- agreed on it being an ideal setting for a ta Zoroastrian Community ’s Religious holiday home for middle income Parsis and Charity Funds, Dinshaw Anklesa- but differed on the route to take to- ria, trustee of the Poona Parsi Puncha ­ wards that goal. Guzder noted, “the yet, Rustom Daroga, trustee of the The Diu dokhmas which were not in use for decades should be protected commander-ln-chief must give the per- Delhi Parsi Anjuman, Minoo Belgam- I mission to build ... I can collect four vala of the Madras Parsi Zarthosti as national to five lakhs in a jiffy. ’’Nargolwala Anjuman,Italia,NargolwalaandBe- mnni imonte countered: “Whicn comes first, the joo Jilla of the Nanded Parsee Anju- ___ mUi lumen iS.______ chicken or the egg? The defence autho- man expressed willingness to obtain rity will not give permission unless they advertisements for one issue apiece. Capt. Jal Postwala of the Vizag ment it. ’’ Zoroastrian Association distributed Nargolwala concluded, “The ball is copies of the Association ’s directory in Guzder ’s court. He has offered to and newsletter —a commendable ven ­ speak to Pestonji and get a firm propo- ture, considering that there are only the title to the property belonged to the see a definite plan and funds to imple- Khandwa Anjuman. We can then ap ­ proach the home ministry. . .a list of dharamshalas would itself give an in ­ ventory of properties! ’’ Nargolwala cited the example of the sal which could be considered by the nine families who are members of the Agra Anjuman ’s Hathras cemetery ly- Cantonment Board in Delhi ’’ but add- association! ing unused 35 km away, while Kanga ed, “get firm commitments from indi- spoke of the beautiful site of the dilapi- viduals regarding finance! ’’ dated Golvad sanatorium. “The pro ­ blem ’’noted Desai, “is that we have to Newsletter deal with people who are not under our “I am happy to say I’ve started on the lawn of Cusrow Bang ’’ said Guzder, control. We should consider whether modest figure of 4,000 and once the chairman of the Congress. The Federa- those private trusts could become mailing list is increased. I’ll go up to tion, which had been very hopeful of members of the Federation so we can 5,000’’ said Gandhi but admitted that having the late Ms Indira Gandhi in ­ hear their problems and make sugges- financing the newsletter was a pro- augurate the proceedings on January tions. ” \ blem. Noting that the main expense of 10, 1985 yet uncertain whether her elec- On the subject of preserving the the Federation was the cost of the tioneering schedule would accommo- dokhmas in Diu as national monu- newsletter which now came to Rs date the occasion, is now bereaved of a ments, Gandhi reported that K.T. 28,200 per annum, he suggested that staunch friend and supporter. At the Satarawala, ex-govern'or of Goa, Da- the centre half page in each issue of the three • full days of business sessions Fourth World Zoroastrian Congress “Three thousand people are likely to attend the inauguration on the central y 5 Parsiana December 1984 i 1 'I s w 'X) a, I 'i ¦X 7^^ Ji J ¦« •I.W gS ..4'IB! I •'.i f I '' j f 1 1 I b- 3 jY “I t' 1 I f »¦' kil I"* 1“ 4 r' ‘>1 f dix “I ¦J >? 'i' (January 11, 12, and 13—9.30 am to the 5.30 pm) at the Birla Matushri Sabha- garh which accommodates 1,176 peo ­ ple, only those who are keen on a par ­ ticular subject are expected to attend. The entertainment program as detai ­ led by Guzder, envisages a perform ­ ance by the Parsi doctors on Friday, a gala dinner at the Cooperage on Satur- reception committee (Rs 350; world; improving communications spouse Rs 300), delegate (Rs 75; that we know how to assist and gui spouse Rs 50), student (Rs 15) and each other; how and in what way t practising mobed (free). Nargolwala religion is relevant in tackling toda ’ jocularly suggested each foreign de- problems; areas of research; and t The next step is to concept of an appropriate world bo( Dr. R.D. Anklesaria of Calcui suggested that youth (age group 18- ° T^h X\’:„:sTHo:?r„"or£ri entertainment has been planned; in OUT FedOfatlOn SS 30 wed. f »ii’zrl«*r’c n/zM’/dc’ *C?z^«-b^.r^4-L«.M4._i_______ ' ' entertainment has been planned; i; Guzder ’s words, “Something to show . . ' off the professional skill of our young inStltUtiOn Of 3 men and women. ” The program, .- i ? which is expected to begin halfway (73X101731 Cn3 130131. through tile first paat and last to the “ end of the second last paat, will include legate be asked an audio-visual with commentary by Scotch! Adi Murzban, Dolly Dotivala ’s troupe, 1' _ Homi Daruwalla ’s international subjects committee, noted that the award-winning audio-visual on Singa- 1' ' ____ _____ , pore, Farida Pedder and her troupe of Paivaste — bound" together modern ballet. ¦" -- iviembership at the Congress is envi- topics: “conditions in each area so that saged in six categories: patron (Rs potential emigrants know what to ex- (Rs 750 including spouse), member of bank on life in different ’parts''of*the des'ignat^*^onorTry Desai detailed the contents of t souvenir to be published for the oct » sion. With an advertisement cum don tions target of two lakh rupees, t souvenir, with articles from outstan to bring a bottle of ing Parsis and hopefully, high priesl will be illustrated with pictures of Pai • Kanga, who is the chairman of the landmarks and photographs of theme Of the Congress wassed accounts of each of the " ' ’ ' „ ¦ ¦ I ¦ -11, ______ ; _______ I, ; synopsis of the gether with their activities, said Desj f Guzder noted that all the emine 1 .4- , • . ------ ------ to ex- Parsis honoured at the tercentena patron pect, thus developing a kind of data celebrations of the BPP have bet IK^ 75(1 inchinino cr*rMic<»\ mamk/ir j-m « . mm J patrons. Pai Daruwalla ’s anc( tors. One article will provide conde - ----- ...e associ unitedly tions and anjumans outside India t r Ik 16 Parsiana December 1984 With the Best Compliments of INGERSOLL-RAND [INDIA] LIMITED Manufacturers of Air & Gas Compressors * Rock Drill Equipment Vacuum Pumps * I1 k judges of the High Court have also souvenirs. The bank account should be be making a mistake in not reelecting a been invited. A badge will be distribu- under the authority of the Federation man like Guzder while Golwalla stated ted to all delegates, Guzder said. Air-India, designated the official carrier, will distribute information lite ­ rature free of charge and will provide two free tickets. New York-Bombay- New York, said Guzder. “We had hoped to premier A Quest for Zara­ thushtra (starring noted conductor Zubin Mehta) but, unfortunately, the movie will not be ready. Regarding publicity for the event, Guzder said he expected to call a press conference in the next two or three weeks. 10,000 newsletters, expected to be ready in a we^^t would be distributed to every flat of the baugs belonging to and the surplus should be utilized for that Guzder would in all probability be _ ______________________________ reelected unopposed. The BPP put out an appeal'for Rs eight lakhs for mobed quarters (at Doongerwadi). We have received only Rs 50,000. . / / The Priests Paucity of funds and dearth of reliable information have been hampering the Federation ’s attempts at the ameliora ­ tion of priests. It was reported that the Zoroastrian Community Development Institute had estimated that the train ­ ing of a single yozdathregar (higher liturgical) priest would cost one lakh rupees. “The first thing you must have is funds, ” said Golwalla. “In the last four months we (the BPP) put out an appeal for eight lakh rupees for mobed the BPP, and the rest to the remaining the objectives of the Federation, he quarters (at Doongerwadi). We have baugs. The Bombay based morning noted. To counter criticism in the received only Rs 50,000...We re ­ newspaper The Daily had offered to newspapers regarding the need for the quested seven trusts to come for a prepare a supplement on cost sharing Congress as well as allegations that meeting. . .only one trust responded. ” basis and to print topical articles free Guzder was promoting the Congress to of charge. Radio and TV coverage for enhance his chances of reelection to the the mobeds* miserable condition of life the Congress was also being planned, BPP board of trustees in February and work. On the other, mofussil anju- he said. 1985, Nargolwala suggested that Fede- mans cannot find anyone to cater to Nargolwala advised that the holding ration members write to the Parsi Press their needs, despite providing superior of the Congress by the Federation to explain their point of view. Gandhi should be emphasized in the panels and noted the Bombay community would On the one hand persist reports of terms of service. cl)ntinued on page 30 17 Parsiana December 1984 I { i .{ 1 I I i I ! f i i M .f sS' i;:' ?¦ ‘S’ i •c. is-^i The lost tribe? Trying to maintain both identity and numbers is proving difficult. Malini Karkal The census of 1891 mentioned that there were not more than 100,000 Par- sis in the world. By 1961 the number was estimated to be 128,077. Of these, were enumer- absolute number showed a consistent increase even when it was observed that the rate of growth was much slower population was 5,775 whereas the net -7-7-1 /-TO-7 X - r r---------------- influx was 4,779. During the following 100,772 (78.7 percent) were enumer- Between 1881 and 1951, while the decade, when an influenza epidemic ated m India. However, the number in general population in India grew by was rampant, the population grew by India has shown a decline since Inde- 74.6 percent, that of Parsis grew by 37.3 1,663 whereas the net influx was 419. pendence. The largest number of Parsis percent. More significantly, the growth Again, between 1921 and 1931 the lived in Bombay — 68,816 in 1951 ris- > ing to 70,065 in 1961 — with post-inde ­ pendence migration from other areas in the country. But the following census of 1971 showed a decline to 64,667. Figures for 1981 are not yet available but . other indications are that the number has gone down further. Most Parsis continue to be Zoroas ­ trians. John Wilson, a Christian educator of Bombay, wrote a book on their religion and it appeared in 1843. It period were 49.2 and 42.6 respectively, exposed the degree to which the com ­ munity was ignorant of its own religious background and literature. After the tinuejT declining and were around 23 and 20 by 1931. The national rates at this later time were 46.4 and 36.3 The population of Greater Bombay showed lower rates for each decade. In 1872, both the birth and death rates- were around 28 and reached about 20 lation was mainly due to immigration. Between 1901 and 1911 the increase in than that of the general population. Between 1881 and 1951, while the [owever, the number in general population in India grew by 2--”---------------------------- 74.6 percent, that of Parsis grew by 37.3 1,663 whereas the net influx was 419. of the general population was mainly population had gone up by 7,913 due to natural increase — the differ- ’ * ' “ ence between births and deaths — whereas for the Parsis the major con ­ tribution was of immigration into on age unrecognized minority group in the whereas the net influx was 3,913. Parsis ; were only a small fraction of the popu- ' lation of India to begin with, and with j their slower rate of growth they are an , India. An analysis of the data distribution of the Parsi population of country. Except for the size of the ’ undivided India gave a birth rate of population, no details are given about around 31 and a death rate of around 29 the communitj^in the censuses since per thousand for 1881-1891. The rates Independence. Though Parsis are a minority com ­ munity in India they are affluent, as can be seen from their standard of living. for the general population for the same At the turn of the century, the rates were 28 and 23 respectively. Both con- first wave of resentment, the Parsis took the accusations to heart and began an educational and reform programme that had considerable effect. Parsis completely forbid conversion to their faith, even of those non-Zoroastrians who marry Parsis. Strict adherence to by 1925. The death rate, which hovered these rigid rules was demanded to maintain “purity of blood, ” though there are instances of mixed blood expressed by non-Aryan characteristics such as blue eyes and fair hair and the presence of the chromosome G6PD, . which is present only in one other com ­ munity — the Warli tribals — in the figure of 10.6. For the decade 1961-71, area on the west coast of Gujarat where the Parsis initially lived. The commu- • nity to a large extent has managed to around 14 till 1947, showed a decline to 11.6 by 1954. It then moved upwards, in spite of improvement in mortality, and continued rising because of the aging of the population. The rate was 15.6 in 1969, 16.0 in 1970 and 15.9 in 1971. The birth rate had reached a low the figures for birth and death rates for India were 41.2 and 19.0 respectively. _ (It is interesting to note that the keep its independent identity and this reproductive rates in all minority com ­ munities — anywhere in the world — are higher than that of majority has had demographic repercussions. The history of the slow growth of the are nigner tnan that ot majority com- Parsi population provides a good munities. This happens mainly because opportunity to study what causes low they find security in numbers. But as fertility in a community. The census of 1881 counted 85,314 Parsis in undivided India. The number rose to i 14,890 by 1941 and, in 1951, the Parsis in India and Pakistan numbered 117,147. Between 1881 and 1951, the we have seen, the Parsis ’ reproductive rate is just the opposite —- much lower than that of the general population.) Thus natural increase contributed very little or negatively to the growth of the Parsi population. Increase in popu- 18 Parsiana December 19841, "7' \ '^'?*2 ^¦f ¦'2*'^^ t A' A .•M . A' 13? ?-.W From this point it is worth seeing some of the characteristics of the population as noticed in the 1982 survey. Parsis are a highly urbanized urban areas. Among those living ir Pr\»v»kn»T .,-.1_ L__ A ^e~i P remaining 22 per ­ in the city for over 25 years. Of those who have been living in Bombay for less than 25 years, the majority is young. Being “old residents ” of Bombay,the Parsis are less affected by the deteriorating living conditions in the housing conditions of'the eral population. 1' - holds i -- ... j.,v0ugiuus souin Bombay, and an additional 30 percent and more live < i\_ Bombay. Thus over 83 percent of the population has convenient locations and are not required to commute long distances to their places of work. In addition, as the Parsis have been living in Bombay for a long time, they possess larger houses. Even those that were rented had far lower rentsjhan what is charged in recent years. Data available from the 1971 census show that 77.4 percent of the house ­ holds in the city lived in one room and 14.2 percent in two rooms. In compari ­ son, 3.6 percent of Parsi households lived in one room and 19.4 percent in lu observed from the 1971 census data that the number of persons per room was 4 for the general population whereas Parsi households were much less crowded and the number of persons per room was 1.4. The households of Parsis were equip ­ ped with amenities which were not eas ­ ily available to many Bombay resi- > dents. 82 percent of the households possessed cooking gas, 78 owned a refrigerator and 49 X CXI CIO aic a iiigniy uroanized com ­ munity with a large majority living in urban areas. Among those living in Bombay, almost 78 percent were bofn in the city. Of the remaining 22 per ­ cent, 2 out of 3 persons have been living affected by \he the general population. The - -- ...e coniniunity are much better than those of the gen- • percent of Parsi house- —J are located in prestigious south on the island part of population has convenient locations distances to their places of work were — is percent „ ivMigcraior ana 49 percent nad a geyser for hot water. Nearly two •« i I f *¦(¦ The reproductive rates in all minority communities — anywhere in the world — are higher than that of majority communities. ,. r 1 !' f 1 I a 1 ’b out of three households had a radio or a television, and one in three had a tele ­ phone. One in three also owned a vehi ­ cle and two ot^these three owned a motor car. The reported income per household was over Rs 2,000 per month. The low fertility among Parsis is a result of the late age at marriage, a sec ­ tion of the population remaining unmarried, and low marital fertility. Between 1881 and 1891 the mean age at marriage of Parsi females in India was 19.2 years; between 1891 and 1901 it was 22.1. By 1931 the age rose to 25 and has remained the same since. For the general population, the females mar ­ ried on an average at 12.5 years in 1891 whereas by 1971 they did so at 14.3. The proportion of females reporting never married ” between the ages 20 and 29 is an index for late marriage. For Parsi females of Greater Bombay the value of index for 1901 was 48.8. It rose to 62.65 by 1961 and to 65.2 by 1971. A survey in 1982 showed it to be 68.2. The latest available figures for the general population refer to 1971. These data show that the percentage of “never p" married ” females between the ages 20 and 29 for India was 6.0, for Maharashtra it was 6.2 and for Greater Bombay 19.4. It is therefore evident that the incidence of late marriage is higher for Parsis even after comparing it with the general population of Grea ­ ter Bombay. It is known that a late age at marriage separated from kinship groups, the five Parsi females held an administra- is accompanied by a section of the family households were much smaller tive or executive position, whereas population never marrying. The pro- and socially and economically indepen- among the females in Greater Bombay portion of females “never married ” in the age group 40 to 49 is an index of non-marriage in the population. For the Parsis of Greater Bombay, the per ­ centage was 3.3 in' 1901 and it rose to 18.9 by 1961. By 1971 the percentage resulted in a rise in natural increase, show that in the age groups 20 to 24 and showed a slight decline to 17.9. The adjusted their growth in population by 25 to 29 as many as 71.6 and 83.1 per- 1982 survey showed that it had gone up late marriage and high celibacy, which cent respectively reported as “house- to 21.0. The general population of ........ India for 1971 reported 0.6 percent of females between the ages 40 and 49 as never married. Maharashtra reported the percentage to be 0.6 and Greater Bombay 2.6. Marriage among the gen ­ eral population is therefore early and universal, whereas for the Parsis it is late and a substantial proportion opt not to marry. Experience in the European coun ­ tries has shown that in late marrying Homyar Mistry) H ^^1 20 Parsiana December 1984 J:; B Karkal: investigating decline (Photo: their non-marital status by seeking alternatives to marriage and rearing children in employment outside the home. The 1982 survey of Parsi households in Greater BombSy showed that nearly the entire population was literate. Comparison of the education levels of the never married and the ever-married females showed that the former had achieved higher levels of education compared to those of the latter. The data on those reporting as students are indicative of the importance the com ­ munity attaches to education. In the age groups 15 to 19 and 20 to 24, the percentages of females reporting as stu ­ dents were 34.5 and 7.5 for urban India and 81.5 and 36.3 for Parsis. It was further observed that larger proportions of Parsi females were economically active compared to females in urban India. The percentage of such females amongst the Parsis was 28.8 whereas among urban females in populations, nuclear families had long the general population, the percentage been residentially and economically was 7.3. Among the employed, one in dent, thus reducing the moral authority only one in 100 did. of larger kinship groups and encourag ­ ing individualism. People whose reli- about females reporting as housewives, gion did not emphasize early marriage, Data for Greater Bombay, available and in whom declines in mortality for the general population for 1971, Another interesting observation is resulted in low fertility. These popula- wives. ” Among the Parsis for the same tions took advantage of opportunities age groups the percentages were 18.1 for employment. Females adjusted and 22.8 respectively. All this goes to >< c a e 1 c ) I r .i 3 t I t ¦ ¦^4T ¦¦ 't • ¦¦ \ jj ’’ Parsi females are more active in pursuing education or careers. Marriage and being a housewife does not interest them as they do the general population. '# I i. #. iS' ( f f show that Parsi females are more active in pursuing education or careers. Mar ­ riage and being a housewife does not I interest them as they do the general I population. I The survey of 1982 showed that 20 | percent of the ever-married females were childless and another 26.5 percent had only one child. Among the females of completed fertility (aged 45 years and above) the percentage of the child ­ less was 18.7 and those with one child j was 20.7. I More important is the fact that when I asked if they wanted a child or more I children, 64.8 percent of the females I with no children said that they desired I none and 84.1 percent of the females | with one child and 98.5 percent of those I with two children said that they did not 1 desire any more children. Finally, it is 1 worth noting that not a single female 1 with three or more children desired any | additional children. I Putting it statistically, it is observed I that in 1901, because of non-marriage, I the births to Parsi females in Greater f Bombay were 55 percent fewer than f what the number would have been if L every female was “married ” through- I out her reproductive ages. This propor- I tion was more or less the same up to I 1931, but it showed a decline to 49 per- I cent in 1961 and then a rise to 59 per- I cent in 1971 and to 63 percent in 1982. H Since married females are producing II fewer children, that too has an impact I on the overall fertility of the popula- 1 tion. It was observed that in 1901 mari- I tai fertility was only 43 percent of the I standard and it declined to 35 by 1931. I Declining rapidly since then, it was i only 17 by 1982. S As a result of the influence of the marriage pattern and marital fertility, the impact on overall fertility showed that the actual fertility of Greater Bom ­ bay ’s Parsi population was only 24 per ­ cent of the standard in 1901. It showed rapid decline and was only 11 percent by 1982. < " »< ut \ ’ 21 Parsiana December 1984 ¦E ?iiA,\:- W' Ft* -J J '^a 9I 'i^' *¦* < BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recogn^ed as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excel­ lent Climate — All-round Education: 1 All Academic Subjects—Tech­ nical Subjects: Workshop. Tech ­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Farm ­ ing. Training in SdC-Govemment through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Gaines—^Physical Train ­ ing — Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Week ­ ly intensive Zoroastrian —Geeta- koran classes — Excellent Modem Kitchen and Dining Room facilities — Airy Dormi- tmies. Moderate Fees. Freeships and Concessions to Deserving Students. Apply to — THE MANAGING TRUSTEE ’¦*! ¦' P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 324 Dr. D. N. Road, Bombay 400 001. inpurstting careers and self improvement leads to the-lowering of population ’s fertility. From the presentation so far, if any ­ one concludes that enlightenment and raising the status of females will lead to a society-that plans for its extinction it is not true, especially for a population such as that of India. For a traditional society to raise the average age of females at marriage to 25, and accept non-marital status for a substantial proportion, requires many other Stillbirths and misearriages are more frequent among Parsis than in the general population. changes to have taken place, mainly when society has given up its traditional character and has the individual and conjugal family at its core. The question that perhaps still remains incompletely answered is why is the decline in the Parsi population of such a magnitude that the very survival of the community seems to be threatened? A dimension that needs further research concerns the biological changes in the community. The data collected in the 1982 survey indicate that fetal wastage (stillbirths and mis ­ carriages) among Parsi females is much higher than that observed in the gen ­ eral population. It is known that the outcome of a pregnancy is related to age and the order of pregnancy. Females below the age of 19 and those in higher ages (over 40) experience higher wastage. Similarly, wastage is reported to be higher for higher orders of pregnancy. Even when allowance is made for the fact that Parsi females marry late, it is observed that the was ­ tage of pregnancies for Parsi females is higher when compared to the females of the same age in the general popula ­ tion, and this happens in spite of the fact that they are better nourished and receive better medical attention. Prof Karkal is head of the Department of Public Health and Mortality, International Institute for Population Sciences, Deonar, Bombay. Reprinted from Science Age, September 1984. -i** Let us Pray - to Ahura Mazda by Noshir H. Vajifdar (3rd Edition) PRICE Rs. 6 A vailable from MR. SAM S. CHOKSEY C/o. Eastern Stores & Trading Co., (P) Ltd. 115, Nagdevi Street, Bombay-400 003. UNION PRESS 13, Homji Street, Fort, Bombay - 400 001. ERVAD BAPUJI DESAI High Priest, Mehta's Atash Adaran, 91, Metcalfe Street, Bowbazar, Calcutta-700 013. THE SECRETARY Delhi Parsi Anjuman, Mengusi Parsi Dharamsala, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, Delhi Gate, New Delhi -110 002. MR. FREDDY GODREJ Villoo Villa 1, Church Road, Pune-411001. MR. NOSHIR P. NAGARWALA Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad & Hyderabad, 125, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Secunderabad - 500 003. M/S. PURINA PRINTERS 87, General Patters Road, Madras - 600 002. MR. JAMSHED UNVALA Parsi Fire Temple, 15 Queen's Road, Bangalore-560 001. IF- By the same Author Teach me to Pray -'TJs. 5 Prayers for Parsi Children (ILLUSTRATED) Rs. 5 PUBLISHERS: PARSI ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATION 1 Saklat Place, Calcutta - 700 072. DELHI PARSI ANJUMAN (Address as above) 22 Parsiana December 1984 %¦7 ¦¦ In search of the Goo A report on the Zoroastrian i-mmigrants settled in Chicago. Ruzbeh Antia I -j ¦J The 1960s end early 70s were the marriage. She has no interest in having peak period of Zoroastrians'irnmig-, a navjote performed, ’’ said the tall, ration to the United States. A project bearded Hoshang. “I don ’t see why I examining in some detail the should push her into it. After all, she ’s Zoroastrian community in Chicago just like a regular American kid, ” he was I________ , _ ____________ in partial requirement for her degree at ajecent meeting of the ZAC. in journalism from the Marquette University. The first instalment of Antia's thesis "Keeping the fire of the example of Joyce and Hoshang faith alive: Zoroastrians in Chicago" described the social and economic condition of the Zoroastrians, the reasons why they emigrated, their assimilation into the American mainstream, and their views on Zoroasttrian traditions, rituals and acceptance of converts. presented by Ms Ruzbeh Antia added, tucking into typic^ Parsi food Zoroastrians are obviously worried that too many among them will follow t I At '4 * I: ,«¦ i« Presswala — marry outside the com ­ munity and not bring up their children as Zoroastrians. Our children are bound to marry non-Zoroastrians when they grow up," said Roshan Patel of Chicago. “We cart't shut bur eyes to the fact and hope if won ’t happen." Of course, not all those Zoroastrians who marry outside the community or their children are necessarily lost to the ' married about four years ago in Denver group. “Except for one case, most of and now live in Chicago. He is a Zoroa ­ strian, she is not. Before she met Hosh ­ ang, Joyce had never heard of Zoroa ­ strians or their religion. “That was my first interest in.Hoshi," she says, “the fact that he comes from such an unusual munity ’s head priest, said that he had not appear to be very high. In the group," performed several navjotes for children Chicago survey, less than.one fourth of Jbyce has since learned a lot about of mixed marriages and hoped to perform all married respondents were married Zoroastrians. She has visited their strong ­ hold in Bombay, which she admits, was ______ a “culture shock. ’’She sometimes attends their prayers and prepared for the number of Zoroastrians marrying outside meetings and other functions of the ceremony by the non-Zoroastrian the community increased in the larger ¦ - ¦ ¦ 19 to 40 age group, there seems to be no increase in the rate of outmarriage. About 10 percent of Zoroastrians in the 19 to 40 and 40 to 60 age groups arc First, accurate statistics and research married to non-Zoroastrians. These figures, however, may be Birth, death and outmarriage Hoshang and Joyce Presswala were those who have married out want to bring up their children as Zoroastrians. They have navjotes performed and all," said Rohinton Rivetna. Kersey Antia, the Chicago com- Front entrance of Darbe Mehr Opposite page. Conference Room at Dafbe Mehr riage in the North American Zoroastrian community is necessarily speculative because it concerns the future. At present, the rate of outmarriage does performed several navjotes for children many more in the future. He pointed to non-Zoroastrians. Of these, 90 percent out that two of the children were taught were men. Moreover, although the actual meetings and other functions of the ceremony by the non-Zoroastrian Zoroastrian Association of Chicago mothers. (ZAC). But she does not feel that she How much does the community stand can identify with the community. “There to lose or gain from outmarriage? This isn ’t that much to identify with," she is a very difficult question to answer, points out. r — Hoshang has involved himself with are hard to come by. Next, there is no the activities of the ZAC and even served general concensus on the effects of misleading. In this survey, we were on its executive board of directors, outmarriage even among sociologists, dealing with first generation immigrants However, he is not overly concerned Most of them recognize that a host of with firm roots in the mainstream Zoroa- about bringing up his children as Zoroa- variables have to be taken into account strian cultures of India and Iran. Some strians or having navjote ceremonies performed for them. “I have a child from a previous 2 2___ 1 ¦ “ ¦ ¦ How much does the community stand identify with the community. “There to lose or gain from outmarriage? This variables have to be taken into account and that they vary from one community of them may have been married before to the next. Much of the debate about outmar- they immigrated to the United States and many returned to their home count- 24 Parsiana .December 1984I e i ¦» dLife-n ries after immigration to marry Zoroa- single people around, but it just hasn ’t change and can only be acquired by strian spouses.^ happened. ” birth into the group, are more liable to “The pattern so far has been for the On the other hand, the trend towards be threatened by outmarriage. On the boy to find his feet in this country, then increasing numbers of marriages outside other hand, groups adopting looser, go home and marry a girl his parents the community already seems to have more “subjective ” approaches based on have chosen for him and bring her back started. Rivetna cites the example of personal identification with a group and with him, ’’ says Roshan Rivetna. five women who came to the United its concerns, are less vulnerable. Such Second generation Zoroastrians who States in their early teens and recently groups have a greater potential for have been brought up partly or entirely married. Only one married a Zoroastrian. absorbing the spouses and children of in the United States will be much less — likely to follow this old patterp. At the number of men marrying outside the The survey also indicates that the mixed marriages. ! Zoroastrians have traditionally defin- same time, given such small numbers community far exceeds the number of ed themselves objectively and have throughout the United States and Cana- ed that almost 84 percent of the Avomen against outmarriage. Moreover, only finding Zoroastrian spouses within North ¦ married before they came to the USA. been allowed into the fold so far. These America will be very high. The effects of outmarriage depend traditional attitudes towards mixed mar- “There hasn ’t been a single case of I two Zoroastrians being married within group defines itself. Groups that define vulnerable. However, there i; ____ the community in Chicago," asserts themselves “objectively," as sharing fixed evidence , that many of these attitudes Rohintpn Rivetna,-peering over the rims i of his spectacles, “There are enough customs etc.), which are difficult to and dispersion of the community women. However, it must be remember- adopted strong 4»rotective injunctions da, the demographic odds against lheir who responded to the survey were children bom of Zoroastrian fathers have The effects of outmarriage depend traditional attitudes towards mixed mar- to a large extent on the way in which a riages could make the community more group defines itself. Groups that define vulnerable. However, there is some common attributes (religion, language, are changing in North America. ) The most frequently challenged I V - IBS 25 Parsiana December 1984 .t ft. 1 I /'The next generation is crucial. The real test of the survival of the community in North America will be when our children grow up." i 1- ¦'-¦1. only three deaths^ among t^ com- f “Two adults and one child have died I munity, ” reports Rohfnton Rivetna. f and all are buried here in Chicago. ” Although no one over 60 was report ­ ed in the survey, a few elderly Zoroa ­ strians do live in Chicago. Most are I parents of the original immigrant or his I or her spouse. * Freny Mehta, 73, first came to the j United States almost nine years ago to I help her daughter-in-law through preg- I nancy and childbirth. Widowed and I with both her sons settled in Chicago, S she decided to stay on. She keeps busy j looking after her grandchildren, taking * craft classes and being involved in the activities planned by the Zoroastrian Association of Chicago. “There is so much to do here that I „ J . . ._ ____ have no time to get bored, ” said the ZAC youth at Darbe Mehr grounds during an overnight camp frail-looking Ms Mehta who still wears tradition is the one that bars children of Zoroastrian parents also appear to be the traditional, Gujarati style saree rather Zoroastrian mothers and non- Zoroa-strian more aware < „ fathers from entering the religion. “I (according to the parent) and are taught Zoroastrians. don ’t see any basis for continuing to differentiate between children of Zoroastrian men and those of Zoroastrian doomsday fears that beset some sections women, ” asserts Roshan Rivetna. of the community. They do suggest. Noshir Hormazdiyar, a Zoroastrian however, that there is legitimate room ur I 8 •0 of their Zoroastrian heritage ^an Western clothes like most other more about the religion and culture. In a major study of demographic These figures hardly justify the patterns among the Parsis of Bombay, Paul Axelrod found a very high pro- ___________________ t — Noshir Hormazdiyar, a Zoroastrian priest from New York, has made a break for concern. For large communities, with tradition and performed navjotes changes in demographic factors such as for childi-en born to Zoroastrian mothers birth, death and outmarriage rates, may and non-Zoroastrian fathers. be merely statistics. For small com- “1 have even performed navjotes for munities like the Zoroastrians, such non-Zoroastrian spouses who want to factors often become crucial chips in be accepted into the religion. I have the survival game, had to face much opposition but you can ’t go on following the old ways forever. I think mixed marriages can percent a year for the last 20 years, help in perpetuating the religion in North America, ” Hormazdiyar said. The results of the Chicago survey provide an ambiguous and inconclusive answer to the crucial question: are mixed marriages a help or a hindrance to the survival of Zoroastrianism on this has grown from a handful of people to continent? i According to the survey, about half represents a good 15 percent of the to- of the children of mixed marriages are ’‘ being taught about the religion and culture by some method. The same number are also aware of their Zoroa ­ strian heritage, according to the parent. However, only 10 percent of those who responded to the survey and who have married non-Zoroastrians, had the ------ _ --------- ---------- . -.c c Zoroastrian wedding ceremony perform- deaths). The natural increase has been and their families was 25, which suggests ed. In contrast, all those married to sharper since very few old Zoroastrians not only a youthful population but also Zoroastrians were married according live in Chicago and hence, there are one with considerable potential for future to Zoroastrian rites. Children with both fewer deaths. growth. In India, the Parsi community has been declining at the rate of about one Almost a third of this decline is a natural one, caused by greater number of deaths than births. The rest has been attributed to emigration and outmarriage. The demographic picture in Chicago is rather different. The community here "There hasn't been a single case of two Zoroastrians being married within the community in Chicago. There are enough single people around, but it just hasn't happened." TH Parsiand December 1984 about 400 in the last 20 years. Today it portion of unmarried adults, especially " . . women, a high proportion of childless tai Zoroastrian population of the USA. couples and of aged people in the Although immigration has been the population. major cause of this increase, it is not In contrast, in the Chicago survey, the only one. The fact that 43 percent 90 percent of the respondents were of the people listed in the Chicago survey married. Of those who were married, are under 18 years of age, suggests that a 90 percent had one or more children, significant proportion of the growth has the average number per couple being been a natural increase (birth over 2.25. The average age for respondents tai Zoroastrian population of the I'SA.. \ ‘¦^ >7^ ¦. F Cii^ -i J;) r 1! 1 1 li I- i r- These are all very healthy demo- “Our children grow up confused. There are only a handful of adult graphic indicators but critical questions knowing nothing about their heritage, ” second generation Zoroastrians in Chi ­ loom just under the surface. What will explains Rivetna, “The child knows he cago. Among them is Shenaya Bhote happen when that large part of the i" ----- - r.- _ . • .... .. . “Our children grow up confused. CT" ’ I----- ------------- - - wr. TT ¦ AV./V A A >¦ U VVUk lUVU. IIVI IiagV, loom just under the surface. What will explains Rivetna, “The child knows he community, now under 18, comes of. thought he was an American Indian age? Will they retain their Zoroastrian because everyone at school said he was identity? How many will marry outside Indian. ” the community? Most important, how ^ - . - ------ -¦----- - vaiV/111 AQ UVAAVIlOjr a jMlIVlV) J is different. One Zoroastrian child 24, a graphic designer and daughter of Keki Bhote. Zoroastrianism plays very little part in her life and thinking, by her own admission. . - -- ------ — “I was taught all about the religion, many will bring up their children as blame lies with the parents. “They never I've been to India several times and Fve Zoroastrians? “The next generation is crucial, ” predicts Rohinton Rivetna. “The real test of the survival of the community in North America will be when our children grow up.” The pressures on the second gene ­ ration of Zoroastrians to assimilate are great. They g® to schools where there is often no other Zoroastrian child, where few have even heard of Zoroastrianism and where they are constantly exposed hppoi loo px/pn/nno at to the dominant culture. UUbdUbe eVeryOne dl school said he was Indian." Rivetna feels that most often the had my navjote done, ” she said. “But it is difficult to identify. I just see myself as American. ” She also said that it was highly unlikely that she would marry a Zoroa ­ strian or bring up her children as Zoroa ­ strians. It is difficult to say whether hers is an isolated case or part of a developing trend. It does, however, point out that being taught about the religion and culture or having a navjote performed , , L . r, . . . ... "Ot guarantee a Zoroastrian Stuff at school, complains Royenton Indian. to the grandparents, ” claims Dhun Batli- Farhadieh about his three young sons. ---- ------------------------ -------------------- vala. “The children may be taught the The ties of the second generation to old stories and some prayers but that it the mainstream cultures in India and explain anything to the child. After the not enough. They must also feel that Iran are remote. The demographic odds child is fourteen or so it is probably too they are Zoro^trian. against their marrying Zoroastrians are late to start explaining anyway," he ppe probably equally remote. said. ixxue. "'The child knows he is different. One ' Zoroastrian child thought he was an American Indian explain anything to the child. After the against their marrying Zoroastrians are late to start explaining anyway," he probably equally remote. said. SERSON 28 Parsiana December 1984 z)('a7 iitslalmeul will appear in riie Jantiari’ Electrolytic Capacitors For All Electronic Applications BYom 12 VDC To 350 VDC Man ufa ctu rerr: Serson Industries Pvt. Ltd. PImpri P.F.P.O., PoonadS. Cable: Etdifdl Poona-18. Phone: 82379ii ' ¦*, ‘ The ethnic issue Farrukh Dhondy talks to Euriice De Souza about ethnic programs on British TV, Eunice De Souza Writer Farrukh Dhondy is the recipient of the Samuel Beckett award for the best first play on British television. A report in the Times of India, May 21,1984 tlbtes, “His award winning play Romance, Romance is one of a series of short dramas that he was commissioned to write for the BBC. It deals with the isssue of an arranged marriage in the Asian community in Britain in a light-hearted and sympathetic manner. “Dhondy is a committed writer — he has long been part of the anti-racist movement in Britain — who believes in retaining the complexity and ambiguity of the human condition in the ‘political^ plays, stories and novels that he writes. One of his earliest books, Poona Company tells of his childhood and upbringing in Pune. It is remarkable not only for its sharp characterization and evocative atmosphere of middle-class life in that city, but also for its largely successful attempt to enrich the English language through a careful and selective Indianization. ” Noted poet and writer Eunice De Souza interviewed Dhondy in London. Parsiana reprints extracts from the write-up which appeared in The Sunday Observer (Bombay) of Aprils, 1984. rams are produced by Asians and Blacks themselves. Farrukh talked about his new job between calls (the phone rang inces ­ santly). It will be a year at least before the work he commissions appears, and in the meantime he will continue to oversee the work commissioned by his predecessor. Sue Woodford, who is from the Caribbean. Farrukh has a three year contract. “When Channel 4 started, ” Farrukh i] says, “it had the brief to find a new 1 relationship between the new immig- I rant communities in Britain and the I media, and to mediate that relation- I ship. The first commissioning editor I was given the job of setting up some- t thing. She did well, and she had to fight I a lot of people. ” I I asked Farrukh how he proposed to I tackle the easily inflamed sensibilities ’ of ethnic communities here. Even an [' Indian TV producer here, a Black 1 British Indian that is, gave this as a . i reason or an excuse not to produce H more serious work . Farrukh said , “Last ¦ year I did a series on BBC 2 in which a ¦ girl from a Sikh family is dressed as a ¦ punk. The elders of the Sikh commu- ¦ nity started saying I was probably a ¦ Muslim trying to destroy the Sikh reli- ¦ gion. They have to learn that a Sikh girl ¦ dressing as a punk is a representation of ¦ a strong reality and that the Sikh reli- ¦ gion has to take its chances with it. ¦ Islam is an internationally explosive ¦ reality today. I know that the Muslim ¦ population of Britian has had to come ¦ to terms with the fact that you can ’t ¦ pack up a factory shift to say your prayers. The demands of capitalism are in charge of their reality. Thousands of them keep roza but even that gets mod ­ ified to deal with the reality of life in Britain. As individuals and as a com ­ munity they will have to discover some views with Indians who keep dogs and balance between Islam and capitalist the interviewer wanted to know why reality. So far British capitalism is win- Indians in Britain give their dogs west- - — - em names. The same program also fea ­ tured a vet whose chief claim to fame don ’t like being ghettoized, appeared to be the fact that he has pro ­ duced a book with suggestions for the names of dogs, from Sita to Scruffy. si* Ct* J- ¦ lit . .. . S K ¦ r I, W, 1 K 1 . • 1 I 1 , J (¦ I ; ¦ 1-1 6 -.1 ^'1 I .t %'S 'I 'Hi.„ I,.; ttSSKM Farrukh Dhondy has just been ap- groaned. One program included inter ­ pointed commissioning director for ' ----- ethnic programs on Channel 4. The world is suddenly full of ethnic wallahs making tracks to his door. At the moment, the “ethnic prog ­ raming ” includes feature films, dra ­ mas, situation comedies, documen ­ taries, and two magazine programs. Black on Black for and by people from Black on Black featured an African Africa, the Caribbean and so on, and Eastern Eye for Asians. I’ve heard very different reports about these magazine days, and then dig him out again, alive. . _ . - We heard that, off the screen, the ning. There is a generation of Black British now, irreversibly. The young 55 I asked about the move in Asian communities to press for religious schools to protect their children. Far- mkh said, “I will defend to the end a magician whose chief trick was to cut community ’s right to set up any educa- 5 tiontheywant.lt is easy for parents and , . _ „ communities to wring out of the British programs. One person said they were We heard that, off the screen, the state concessions to have Islamic light programs quite professionally police went to see the magician and said schools. It is more difficult to convince produced. Others laughed heartily at he couldn ’t bury anyone for five days in the clients of those schools, their chil- the mere mention of the program or winter, it was just too cold. These prog- dren, to turn into alienated Asian indi- some fellow ’s throat, bury him for five 29 Parsiana December 1984I f t jii- 'i d ' I it'. rt. I if t' ¦t F ('¦f' ¦f: I L") k' f r 1 I i J S ; A ’ ! ¦i. dren to attend these schools. On contim^ed from page 17 balance, I don ’t think the establish- The Federation ’s honoraiy treasurex ment of any immigrant enclave in the Peshotan Nargolwala, who has studio country will finally turn reactionary. If the problem, noted that Bombay ’s 180 I thought they were going to become mobeds including 28 yozdathregars can Khomeinis it might be a more difficult be categorized into three groups depen ­ decision. I have more faith in the young ding on ’where they work. Category one comprises the atash bahrams and Doongerwadi where individual income ranges between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500 i; The Federation ’s honoraiy treasury For of the Asian communities. I have care ­ fully observed their socialization. Kho ­ meini can ’t win here. ” ___ ___ About immediate plans Farrukh per*' month; category two comprises says, “I would expect to buy quality the affluent agiaries where mobeds earn Rs 800-1,500 and category three^ includes the poor^giarieS'^vittfan in- comTlrmigF of Rs 500-800-1,000. In ­ come among the mobeds of the first two categories has gone up by nearly 50 percent in the last three to four years, estimates Nargolwala, and “they are not interested in any mofussil attrac ­ tions. In category three no one is cap- material from India — film, features, documentary, as much as I can afford. I might possibly want to^et Up^fOduc^ tion companies Ijctween British and Indians, a# Issued in the public interest by Parsiana. 30 Parsiana December 1984 Individual Or Bulk Requirements Fine Paintings, Jewelry & Handicrafts Rajasthani Art'Gallery Room 9, Abbas Building Ground floor 35, Mereweather Road (Near Taj Hotel) Colaba Bombay 400 039 Phone 240031 ad Office 8 Grant Road mbay 400 007 d Branches I. 371464 den is good sandalwood lity sandalwood irbatties, gum benzoin Ml and other A' J 9i Il I . i"' *linue as the money was needed for the problem. Ms Katie Seervai of Madras At the other end of the scale, t boys ’food, college fees, etc. In return, suggested that the technique of auto problem of Parsi children being unal said Nargolwala, “he is providing the , hypnotism be employed in the process to compete for technical ediicatk Delhi Parsi Anjuman with two young of treating addicts. once again raised the question of rese priests. ” Then, on being reminded by ' t Gandhi about the Federation ’s limited Jobs and careers _ __.vov. »v a vs resources, Nargolwala volunteered to Gandhi gratefully acknowledged the percentage (of seats) for Parsi vation: “Colleges endowed by Pars should be allowed to reserve a certa , -- - — * XZA X U* kjl Stl contribute Rs 3,600 from the Delhi interest and help preferred by Darius dents. Our children and grandchildrc P5,r«i AnSnman ..r , k, ,--------u.. ^arcurse US for uot asking. The bo; Parsi Anjuman, adding, look after the second year ’s contribu ­ tion. ” ‘ h, You can Forbes of J.N. Marshall and Jamshed may curse us for not asking. The bo ’ Guzder to the Jobs and Careers Panel must be made to try their best. Tn of the Federation in the training and parents must involve thiemselves rigl employment of Parsis. He was particu- from the beginning. Give loans to bo^ larly happy that the advertisement of a for medical and engineering college^ disabled job seeker of Baroda in the In Sangli, Parsi boys have been refd Fedpratinn’e npwcl^ttAr had cn/'n^adAd • cxd ” __ _________ i. Drugs A voluntary committee has been for- ______ _________ _________ med by the BPP at the request of noted Federation ’s newsletter had succeeded sed, ” admission to the engineering cd stage director Pearl Padamsee to aid in getting him employment in his own lege there,noted Katie Seervai. j ^milies with an home town. Peshotan Nargolwala explained thd addict on thei^^ands. Chronic addicts. Accommodation problems of those four seats had been reserved for Parsi Golwalla noted, need an average of six boys training with J.N. Marshall in for 25 years at Sangli thanks to th ly the BPP is also considering the pro ­ vision of four beds for Parsis in Seva- dham, the Christian Mission in Bandra, through Viraf Mehta, a 24-year-old reiormed addict who is now working at has offered to give up to Rs 200 per stitutions in our appeal made one and the mission. Dr R.D. Anklesaria, sug- i..„..”. iii... at gested that the constituents and ilvork the dharamsala during the period of his of the committee be publicized in the training in Poona, said Gandhi. Bombay Parsi Punchayet ’s Quarterly Q_ y__'_ _________[ _ _____ _ 7?evze»v but Golwalla mentioned that supply which “do not match —thede- he and Guzder were “thinking on lines mand is for technical jobs while the "--------- ’ ¦' " • - - • - regarding laws to restrain drug pedd- over the salary expectations of techni- r ¦ • ___________ That s why names of the committee above those of similarly qualified non- 1 ¦1 in getting him employment in his own lege there,noted Katie Seervai. ----------- -------- 1 Accommodation problems of those four seats had been reserved for Parsi -X 1’ X- X •. ..........c> .Z.x,. 4TX«X«^XXM>X *VZA JVCIAO Gl OailBU UiaUK^ lU U« i”^h^ ODD • According- Poona had been resolved in some large donation made by noted enginee V '* cases, noted Gandhi. One boy was ac- Jehangir Daruwala. Twenty-five year commodated at the J.N. Petit School, having elapsed, those seats are now ni while the Poona Anjuman, which has longer reserved for Parsis. However no control over the dharamsala there, “we have mentioned seven or eight iuj ! month per boy to accommodate him at half years ago, ” he noted, referring t( an appeal forwarded on behalf of th community by Ms Aloo Chibbet Gandhi analyzed the demand and member of th^ Minorities Commis ' ¦ sion. - ---------------- ----------- J—.......... - -.c Golwalla commended the house o of how to approach the Prime Minister supply is of clerical (people). ” More- Godrej for absorbing the boys fron FAOOFZnirifT loti/c raetrnin mA/U _ _____x1________l____ . , - - - - ----------------J -------1------------------- - —* l**v UVITUU iiuiiiv aiiu WVlll Vll lU SUM' hng; but peddlers are very dangerous, cally qualified Parsis are 40 percent gest that those who find industrial oi^ the Golvad home and went on to sug y 1 i members should not be divulged. ” While Anklesaria said that the pro ­ blem.of drugs was very limited in Cal ­ cutta and nil among the Parsis and abegging portunities in Vapi (Gujarat), wheri Parsis, he said. accommodation is scarce, can avail b Gandhi lamented “there are Parsi the residential facilities of Golvad schools with training facilities going Delhi and Calcutta having set up simit cutta and ml among the Parsis and abegging ” and was supported by lar panels, Golwalla urged Secundera- Minoo Belgamvala of Madras reported Kanga who cited the example of Boys ’ bad to follow suit that there was no problem there, Shia- Town where under a special scheme, ui vax Nargolwala noted that in Delhi the children of mobeds receive free train- ght wkh him substantial copies'^of ser, problem was quite acute among the ing including the teaching of prayers, vice pamphlets noted, “Pay, terms ant student community as a whole though with free boarding and lodging. “It ’s a conditions in the services have impro Itz fIz-nz^vvm Daaa« ___-_*-i «* • « .« .. * A consciousness has now been genera- ( ted among parents to watch out for this boys, there now . ’ ’ that there was no problem there, Shia- Town where under a special scheme. problem was quite acute among the ing including the teaching of prayers. Capt Jal Postwala, who had brou« , 1x1 ---------------- --------------------O-O- VVilMlUVUO 114 HIV iiavv there are only two known Parsi cases, very good school, ” he said. “I studied ved considerably. ” Guzder requestec A PAner'iniicnocc hoc Kaam xi_____ _____ ____ 1 xv • ,. * there. Yet there are only 25 to 30 Parsi that copies of the service pamphlets bt sent to the BPP marked for his (Guz- Rashid D Bamanbehram Professional photographer for photos- of weddings navjotes and birthday parties. Gifts& KUtUlsl Gift Shop for Expert in video-super 8 movies Best in colour black and white photos Contact No. 6 Khareghat Colony 30 A Hughes Road Bombay 400 007 Tel: 8226074 iiJ handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 253443 & 252730 32 Parsiana December 1984A- : • ' ' - -'-a:-' « V .''S^ der ’s) attention. Further to the note on opportunities in Government service prepared by general meeting convent at the Parsi BPP chief executive Russi Anklesaria, Dharamshala, Secunderabad on October a panel consisting of Admiral Curset- 28, the-fund was proposed by Dr. Gol- jee, Admiral Gandhi, Golwalla, walla and seconded by Dr. Anklesaria Kanga, Dittia and Anklesaria has been and it was resolved to establish such a formed to aid the community in its ef- fund for the social, economic, educa- fort to train Parsi youngsters to sue- tional, moral and religious uplift, pro ­ ceed in the public service examinations gress and development of Parsi Zoro- but is yet to meet. Kanga, who is the astrian women and children. convener, admitted that the World Guzder set the ball rolling with an in- Zoroastrian Congress whose subjects, itial donation of Rs 1,001 but Nargol ­ wala decreed that the Federation should be the first contributor with a nominal Rs 101 donation. Within minutes, the delegates had rolled ap ­ proximately Rs 11,000 into the kitty, which included Rs 4,4(X) from Sq. Leader Italia —the largest single dona- fund, explained Nargolwala. Accordingly, at the extraordinary With Compliment of JEENA COMPANY f » The salary expectations of technically trained Parsis are 40 percent tion offered on the spot. Summing up the proceedings Nar ­ golwala confessed “our progress is rather slow. ’ ’ Then warming to Hydera- badi hospitality he added, “We have made so many friends. We meet repre ­ sentatives of the anjunians but when committee he chairs “takes very much we stay in private homes we meet peo- higher priority, sb this has lagged pie who are so charming, they ’re an behind, ’’ and promised to take it up asset to the community. ’’ shortly. The next Federation meeting will be held in Bombay on January 14, 1985. Income tax exemptions Those attending the meeting were: Thanks to the combined effort of Shia- Merwan B. Mehta of Ahmednagar, vax Nargolwala and Eruch Desai,the Dr Ratan H. Sagar and Ms P.R. Federation has now been registered by Sagar of Allahabad, Dr Aspi Golwal- the commissioner of Income tax. Bom- la. Jamshed N. Guzder, Eruch B. bay under 12 A (a) of the Income Tax Desai and Jamsheed G. Kanga of Bom- Act. A trust once recognized by the bay, Ardeshir K. Batliwala, Rusi D. commissioner of Income tax becomes Anklesaria and Najoo A. Batliwala of entitled to tax exemptions, noted Calcutta, Shiavax D. Nargolwala, Keki Nargol -.ala and the income is com- J. Gandhi and Rustom E. Daroga of pletely free of. tax if investments are Delhi, Ms Daulatbai D. Irani and Ms made in speiiified categories. Aban Mazda of Hyderabad and Kar- “The next step is to get the Govern- nataka, Minoo Belgamvala and Ms ment of India to recognize our Federa- Katie F. Seervai of Madras, Group tion as an institution of a national Captain Dhunjishaw M. Marker of character, ’’ said Nargolwala. Noting Mhow, Bejoo R. Jilla of Nanded, Din ­ that there are very few such institu- shaw S. Anklesaria of Poona, Sq. Ldr. tions, Nargolwala mentioned that an Jamshed D. Italia, Bejan F. Dittia, application had been made under sec- Keki S.J. Dalal, Behram J. Baria, tion 10(23)(C)(v) for national clas- Noshir F. Nagarwala, J.M. Hormusji, sification. “We will get it in a month or Ms Gool Y. Chenoy, Ms P.B. Dittia, two, ’’ he said. B.K. Batliwala, Naval B. Vakeel and While all this benefits the trust, for Ms Parviz T. Parekh of Secunderabad the donor to get a benefit the trust and Hyderabad, Captain Jal S. Post- must be recognized under section 80 G. wala of Vizag and Peshotan Nargol- After 1961 no trust exclusive to a com- wala, honorary treasurer. The guest munity can claim this exemption except speakers were Dr Malla Reddy, Dr if it establishes a fund for the benefit of Parameswar, Dr (Ms) Polly Chenoy the community ’s women and children and Dr M A. Aleem. The Press was and donations are received in this represented by Parsiana. above those of similarly qualified non-Parsis. IATA Approved Air Cargo, Clearing, Forwarding & Warehousing Agents 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay 400 023. Cable “JUSTITIA” Telex: 2313 . Phone: 312032 BRANCHES: E. Merc House, 1^/B, Shakespeare Sarani, (Formerly Theatre Road) Calcutta 700 071. Phone: 444711 *Meena House”, 50, Hanuman Road, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110 001. PhoneL310821 Devtha Plaza, C. 14, Residency Road, Bangalore 560 025. Phone: 26215 No. 26, 26, 24, 2nd floor. Harbour Approach Road, Vishakapatnam 530 001. Phone: 65942 205, Gera Chambers, Off Boat Club Road Pune 411 001. ^ Phone: 65942 •33 Parsiana December 1984 r 1Plays are to be performed Interview with playwright and writer Dina Mehta R. Raj Rao Dina Mehta ’s is no mean literary achie- Bombay. How cut off I am from my performance; I would write a short vement. With such award-winning plays people ultimately depends on me. ” story or a novel instead. ” as Brides are not for Burning The My th Personally, Dina would pride herself This remark facilitates, in our own Makers, and Tigpr, Tiger, and with on this empathy, this ability to get into discussion, a switch-over from drama to an impressive number of highly readable the shoes of others, as it were, that she the short story, as we sip our coffee, short stories her credit, Dina, as a has cultivated over the years; for doubt- ” writer in full command of both the less, it enables her to portray the reality vement. With such award-winmng plays people ultimately depends on me. ” ! Personally, Dina would pride herself drama and the short story forms, oc ­ cupies a somewhat unique place in Indian English literature. Dina has some very “definite views ” about English theatre in our country, and feels that it should be indigenous, that plays should be related to the Indian milieu in which they are creat ­ ed. “It is ridiculous to have plays which bear no relevance to India, which mean nothing to us, ” she says. “An audience and a play must re-create each other, ” but we in India have, unfortunately, “an audience of sheep, a pseudo-audi ­ ence ” that will swallow anything that is imported from the West. *• Scourge of dowry Every one of Dina ’s own plays is, in fact, an attempt to make this belief a reality. While Brides are not for Burn­ ing deals with the scourge of dowry (dowry might be a much-written about subject tdday, but not in 1979 when the play was created). Tiger, Tiger is woven around the exploits of Tipu . Sultan. Dina will not agree that the English language is ill-equipped to ex- actually wander in search of it. press the flavour of Indian life. “The flavour of Indian life should be com- "How cut off I am from my people ultimately depends on me." How did Dina arrive at the short story and achieve mastery over it, I am curi- ; OUS to know. “Well, actually, ” she be ­ gins, “I’ve worked longer on the short story than on anything else. The plays came much later. A short story is like a ’ sprint — you have to say what you want to in a given time, and you have to make the most economical use of lan ­ guage. And I’Ve always had this ambi ­ tion to use language well. ” First novel And now that Dina has embarked upon her first novel (which is still in the writing), it has enabled her to under ­ stand the demands of a good short story even better. “The short story is not a novel in miniature — it has its own form, a kind of distillation that gives it completeness. , One has to remember that the canvas, in a short story, is small, and one does not have the margin for error that one has in a novel. The novel ; by this measure, is much more lazy than the short story. ” Besides, Dina has always emphasiz ­ ed that “it is the vertical thrust of the !> of her characters without having to short stoiy that givqs it its significance, its substance. A good short story spills over its own economy to give you a Parsi limits the sco^ of Dina ’s viSon universal picture — a small incident can illuminate the whole of life — so although it ’s short, it grows enor ­ mous. ” The awareness, in Dina ’s short sto- To my question whether being a municated through felicitous handling of India, she retorts: “Fve never thought of the language, and that is where a of myself as a Parsi writer. In my short writer ’s skill comes in. ” In any case, - - - - • - English expression is not incompatible with the Indian sensibility, Dina feels. What a writer has to accept, how ­ ever, is the challenge posed by the of the writer and his audience to relate numerous shapes and patterns of Indian life that can be depicted on the stage. “I can never write about village India, for formance ” must be a pSywright ’s catch ­ example, because Fve never lived word. “Plays are not meant to be com- there, ” Dina says. “But I can use my municated in any other way but pCr- imaginative vision to understand the formance, ” she says. “I wouldn ’t use the male. plight of a factory worker, say, in dramatic form if Fm not aiming at a Reprinted from The Daily. September 16.1984. stories Fve only created one Parsi charac ­ ter so far. A writer has to broaden his ____________ _ ________________ Socio-cultural base, and then alone can ries, is almost entirely from the woman ’s the vicious circle, caused by the inability point of view. But “I wouldn ’t see this ! as a limitation, ” she argues, “for it isn ’t to each other, be broken. ” sometlyhg that I do consciously it However according to Dina, “pei> just happens. ” Thus, while there is only one short story shef can recall that is centred around the male, there are in ­ numerable ones woven around the fe- dramatic form if Fm not aiming at a 34 Parsiana December 198411 S’ BOOKS Echoes of a lifestyle /\ booklet commemorates the Parsi Club's 100-year anniversary Homi J, Rogers of 1884, with particular reference to January 27, when the first general meeting A Hundred Years of Ripon Club: 1884-1984. Price Rs 30. The Ripon Club of Bombay popularly of the Club was convened, while the known as the Dhanshak Club — has most exciting news reported in the c®)ebrate Bombay Gazette was of a fire that broke a commemorative brochure to narrate Advertisements extolled virtues of m words and pictures the chequered Madon ’scod-liveroUemulsionorbeckon- histoiy of the most prominent of Bombay ’s ed one to the Elphinstone Theatre to leisure — and exclusively Parsi — clubs, witness a performance of Sheridan ’s _ Conceived over a century ago by Sir School for Scandal in GujaratL The event known as the Dhanshak Club — has most exciting news reported in the completed 100 years. And to celebrate Bombay Gazette was of a fire that broke the momentous occasion has published out the night before in a heap of hav. a pnmnnAmArotivo 4.^ _ ______ k j____________ -- - A % j since most of the members are drawn felt by them that the Club should be near the city ’s High Court. Staunch Parsis would also find of ih- terest the story of the Club ’s first contro- ni„ ___ u T .. ¦' — -------- x lie cvciu siovc mosi oi 106 memoers are drawn L sm STra^Si* inauguration, however, was from the bar, and it was hence strongly MIS soil LzOrat) on the breezv heights nf rAnr^rfAd at _ «. .1 .• - _ - . . heights of reported at considerable length, and a to be a point of social meet for the orthodox. Western-cultured and British- returned Parsis. Sir Pherozeshah Mehta took a ereat intere^st in ri..h zi- ¦” **“''**““';*’- vuapxvi vcisy- loio nere Dotn .Dy me author and tov in the Club and discusses the different premises occupied its perpetrator, CM Cersetiee, Sir Phero- ® before it shifted in 1917 to zeshah Mehta ’s lieutenant mevKhs even drafted rte Club ’s prosper its present home on Mahatma Gandhi tiou and management oi tne Club and S^S^hSXd^^inThe “efub^^: ‘o learn that at hter its vicopt^dent The httde in ’W raises as a tribute to the father and founder ____ _ _ nvnvc of the Club and its honorary secretary provided a gran^tand view for royal from the very commencement. r ' ' __ ; __ _ L. aSax The brochure under review has a the King Emperor George v'and Queen K< u u 1 t_ 1 Vi icpviicu di consiaeraoie length, and a Mahabaleshwar, the Ripon Club aimed reprint of the article has been included in the brochure, thus enhancing its value as a collector ’s copy. _______ x,iui7o uui wuuu- Yet another informative chapter versy — told here both by the author and ii in the forma ­ tion and management of the Club, and 1 C ----------------- ¦ -'t'- a aav. a/aaiaiv 111 xuu9 one time the Club house was almost (just five years after the Club ’s inception) the^ Apollo Pier and hence nearly split the Club and the matter was .' taken to court for a decision. Despite the ruling in favour of the Club, notable Se^rrf'e' ui^ijmtay (and bM^Md rra^ ’ed ’Sm X Club. The cause ceiebreias .he invim- ‘Busybee ’ Contractor, who has received constructed), members much assistance in his task from the by a circular to inform the Club ’i its present home on Mahatma Gandhi li now synonymous to the city — was i were requested prepared laries if they proposed to come to the prS X r---------- --------w VC/llIV tv Ulv by the Club as their Golden Jubilee Club on the occasion, so as to enable Brochure, the slim monograph bristles the secretaries to make suitable r ---- with infoi ination, aimed to entertain and ments for their accommodation. The enlighten. A chapter recreates the ethos present premises were however preferred tion extended for dinner by Cursetjee to two notable Europeans, Thomas Bennett and Shipsey. This was inter- ___ -i as a breach against a rule. They felt that the word arrange- guest meant Parsis only. The Ripon Club ¦ to them was probabfy as sacrosanct as a fire temple! The appelation Parsi Dhan ­ B 1 jS 35 Parsiana December 1984 ] j I >!, I * shak Club hence Could have greater reputation of the Club. The brochure tions and it proved to be a miserable meaning than just the culinary speciality reproduces two letters from vigilant failure. ” It would not hence be ri^t to of the Club. members who have taken to task the say that the publicity campaign was Incidentally, there is one complete committee and the cook for falling well organized — overkill can also ruin chapter on gourmets - a reputation standards. And one letter is as recent as a product (as it did to the Edsel) and no enjoyed by successive generations of November 27, 1973. The Ripon Club is marketing or advertising man true to Ripon Club members. The meals down like a good Parsi: it laughs at itself. his salt can take the credit for organiz- the years have been mentioned, and it The brochure is well-produced and ing advertisements or publicity that is with a twinge of envy that we learn neatly designed. Complementing its text either oversell or offer more advan ­ that in 1910, a seven course dinner are some simple yet quietly evocative tages than the product can actually (including one sweet) could be had for sketches (by Mario Miranda), which deliver. Rs. 2 only. Even today, the Ripon Club contribute immense^ in making the total ranks as one of the best and most job very pleasing. The present Managing economical eating places in the Fort Committee needs to be commended for for its members, who continue to take an excellent effort undertaken in i an interest in guarding the culinary jecting the history of the Club. Ripon Club members. The meals down like a good Parsi: it laughs at itself. . t The brochure is well-produced and 1 3 ing advertisements or publicity that are some simple yet quietly evocative tages than the product can actually As with all works that are compila ­ tions, the book suffers from the usual „ sins of omission. For some inexplicable pro- reason, Rustomji extends the scope of great ideas only up to Galbraith. Today in the face of the onslaught of Japanese management techniques being rated as the best, it would have been approp ­ riate if the book dealt with these ideas too. And with S.A.Sapre as a col ­ laborator, one would have expected on this subject, a chapter or two, as both the authors are knowledgeable about Japanese management techniques, having earlier collaborated on The Great Ideas in Management by c.Northcote Par- management theories put forth by the Incredible Japanese. kinson, M.K.Rustomji and S.A.Sapre. Published ... by India Book House, Bombay, 1984.278 pp, Rs 30. Minoo K. Rustomji has by now won ideas of these experts.'' and as a stepping stone to the discovery international recognition for his series At times, however, the short re- of the wisdom of greats who have of bookspn management made simple sumes affect the total understanding of shaped managerial thinkin g With — a management that has extended to the theory Rustomji is trying to put innumerable case studies to illustrate even social fields of bringing up chil- forth. For example, while diagnosing and exemplify, sketches (by Halbe) to dren and medical spheres of looking the famous case study of the failure of enliven and visually recreate the writ- after your health. With his constant col- Ford ’s Edsel car, Rustomji writes, “the * “ laborator, CNorthcote Parkinson, (au- publicity campaign was so well or- f ~ S.A.Sapre, Rustomji has churned out expectation among the people. The car Management manual A compilation of ideas from top management levels. greats, but supplements them with Nevertheless, within its purview, brief notes on the economic conditions Great Ideas Management proves Nevertheless,^- within its purview, of the period which gave rise to the invaluable both as a reference* work < ten word. Great Ideas in Management . _ fulfils the need for a lay person ’s man- thor of the famous P^kinson Law) and ganized that it aroused tremendous ual to the intricacies of management. yet another management monograph, simply could not 'fulfil these expecta- which,-though may not rank amongst his best is certainly the most ambitious of the current crop. Great Ideas in Management attempts to outline concisely and accurately within its framework of 278 pages,the basic ideas of some of the world ’s greatest management experts —from F. W. Taylor to J.K.Galbraith. Covered in its pages are nuggets on human rela ­ tions, effective administration, perfor ­ mance appraisal, leadership, collective bargaining, motivation, marketing, as expounded by a galaxy of 25 masters of modem management. Encyclopaedic in its range. Great Ideas in Management serves both as a primer and a handy reference book to the history of business management. What makes the presentation complete here and in the other chapters, is that Rustomji does not only expound the Hofni J. .Rogers 36 Parsiana December 1984 ¦'i .