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Jan 1985

JANUARY 1985 PRICE Rs 6 f r » 1 K- I o 9 o o 0 ft I 4' 1 I *«•*»-* I s Si :^S' ¦V tS TTi" 7 Y¦4' <- January 1985 Volume 8 Number 7 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Toddywalla DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN ASSISTANTS Kranti Shilotri, Varghese W. Fernandaz MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Billimoria ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE R.P. TTianavala FINANCE B.L Arora CIRCULATION B.P. Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver, Khurshid Daruwalla and Rohinton Mistry. 2 Events and Personalities 15 The election that never was 18 Guzder opts out 20 The Godrej campaign by Arnavaz S. Mama 22 Running the gauntlet by Arnavaz S. Mama 28 In search of the Good Life-Ill by Ruzbeh Antia 35 Speaking another language by Indra Gidwani V Cover: Photographs of Godrej & Guzder by Homyar Mistry i t ! Parsiana is published oy Jehangir H. PateJ tor Parsiana Publications at C/o H.L. Roehat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 001, and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400 001 and phototypeset at TRIAGE, Bombay 400 005- All rights reserved. Address all editorial and business correspondence to Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Phone: 268730. Annual inland subscription: Rs 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 U.S. personal 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 G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001."• («" 1^: " i e>, ’i 5* t.. t' S' ¦ s ¦ Events and Personalities Indira condolence meets the condolence meeting and added* was weii-known. Her love for the Parsi * • . . “Prayers were also offered at the meeting community into which she had married Anjumans and punchayets all over India for our beloved Ms Indiraji's soul to held meetings to condole the assassina- rest .in peace." tion of the late Prime Minister Ms Indira A letter addressed to Rajiv Gandhi Gandhi. At a fujiction convened by the from the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian ocvunucraoau ano nyaerat ombay Parsi Punchayet at the Framji Anjumans of India honoraiy secretary special general body meeting Sssed ’wEh^nomd ”’ •ViT’h “^‘though your ember 6, 1984 at Bai Pirojbai p Ssed which noted. She had great mother was completely secular in her [S “d outlook, her inter^t in-tho welfare and ,„u a son corner ana great regard in tK“ S ^^S.^'an^S ‘"’“Wes for our Parsi conttnunity and whenever her death the community has lost a true | admirer and sincere well-wisher. Speakers at the function included I BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla, former I sheriff of Bombay S.P. Godrej, Justice I B.Lentin, former Mayor of Bombay B.K. J Boman-Behram, cancer specialist Dr D.J. Jussawalla, president of the Family ' i Planning Association of India Ms A.B. Wadia, Editor of The Bombay Samachar Jehan Daruwalla, president of the Youth Hostels' Association of India Ms P.F. Dotiwalla, social worker J.F. Shroff, advocate Eruch Desai, municipal admi ­ nistrator of Bombay Jamsheed Kr.nga and industrialist Jamshed Guzder. In a letter to Ms Gandhi ’s son, Rajiv, the country ’s new Prime Minister, BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla referred to held meetings to condole the assassina- rest .in peace." ,. * ' * . ‘A letter addressed to Rajiv Gandhi i t w t was well-known. Her love for the Pars! was expressed throughout her life in many touching ways. ” The Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad at a J on Nov ­ ember 6, 1984 at Bai Pirojbai Chenoy Hall passed a resolution stating, “She always had a soft corner and great regard ¦ I »*» ! V a ‘W i! 1 «4 I ¦ Prayers for I Ms Gandhi at " Chikalwadi J ' Zoroastrian Colony fabovej BPP condolence meeting (left) I I iM’ •.2 Parsiana January 198SA i i r ! f A?- r y After working with the geological ed many valuable and important contri- possible, gave us a helping hand." The speakers included Sq/Ldr J.D. Jtalia, president of the Anjuman, Ms Maneez Kavoosji, Dr Mehtab Bamji, Dr F.D. Vakil, B.K. Batliwalla, Phiroze Bapooji and Dr (Ms) Polly Chenoy. At another function organized in Bombay at the Chikalwadi Zoroastrian Colony, Tardeo, 151 priests from Bombay participated in a mass prayer meeting led by Dastur Kekobad Dastoor from L'dwada. This meeting in honour of Ms Gandhi was held under the auspices of the trustees of the Zoroastrian Building Fund, Zoroastrian Colony Association and Medical Centre and Andheri Zoroastrian Association, Din- shaw Merchant, M.S Aloo Chhiber, S.P. Godrej, Dr Aspi Golwalla, Jehangir Shroff, Vispi Dastoor, Dr Sarosh Wadia, _ _ _ Ms Chandan Patel and Ms Rati Dastbor departments of the Government of butions to gepmagnetisni. Moos spent spoke on the occasion. The holding of meetings and prayers for Ms Gandhi caused some people to remark that while the Orthodox were willing to pray for a non-Parsi married to a Parsi if she happened (o be the Prime Minister, prayers were refused for other non-Parsi spouses.children of . r • . mixed marriages and Parsis who wished Oceanography and the Institute of as a member of the then Bombay Engi- to be cremated. Himalayan Geology. “The Institute of neering Service-was closely associated Himalayan Geology, established in with the construction of the Malabar 1968, was renamed the WadiaTnstitute Hill-Reservoir. ” of Himalayan Geology in his memory in 1971,” states the information sheet Among the numerous national Mnd v S.Venkatavaradan, Prof L.L.Cogger, international awards Wadia received professor of physics. University,of Cal- were the Back Award of the Royal gary, Alberta, Canada, and Prof Homai Geographical Society and Lyell Medal Jal Moos, educationist, whilst paying, of the Geological Society of London, tributes to Moos proposed that annual T^e Govemmerit of India bestowed on lectures and scholarships in the name him the Padma Bhushan in 1963. In qj- qj- moos be instituted and his addition to being elected president of biography be published. several scientific societies, Wadia was Qj- y S.Venkatavaradan wrote in a also elected president of the Interna- Bombay daily. Free Press Journal o^f tional Geological Congress in New November 7, 1984, “In 1900 the Govern- Delhi in 1964. Watlia died in 1969 at the ment decided to electrify the tram ser- age of 86. for other non-Parsi spouses^children of India and Ceylon, Wadia was ap-' his lifetime studying what are known as pointed the geolo^cal advisor to the ‘magnetic storms ’ which upset our radio Indian Governihent to initiate and reception. formulate a minerals policy for the country. He founded the Indian servatory is situated has been named Bureau of Mines, Atomic Minerals Di- after Dr Nanabhai Moos. vision, the National Geo-physical ke- " sealch Institute, the National Institute Boman-Behram pointed out that Moo§, “The road on which the Colaba Ob- “Former muncipal councillor B. K; The stamp of approval A multicolour stamp in honour of the late Dr Darashaw Nosherwan Wadia, a pioneer in Indian geology was issued by the Indian Posts and Telegraphs de­ partment on his 101 birth anniversary on October 23, 1984. The department “is-privileged to issue a commemora ­ tive stamp in honour of this pioneer in Indian geology and development of geo-scientific research in the country, ” notes the department ’s information sheet. “The rupee one denomination stamp cQf- ¦, ¦ - designed by the India Security Press, ageot»o- vice in Bombay and this was painful for Nasik, depicts a portrait of Wadia with MoOS’ ma&netic life Dr Moos as the electrical traction would the building of the Wadia Institute of disturb his magnetic observations at Himalayan Geology, Dehradun in the Leading scientists and educationalists Colaba. Earlier the trams used to be background. The first day cover shows recalled Dr Nanabhai Ardeshir Moos ’ horse-drawn which, of course, did not . Wadia working at a microscope, ” contributions to the field of geomagne- affect the magnetic observations. Dr states the hand-out. tism in India on his 125th birth anm- Moos says, T was convinced that elec- Bom in the family of shipbuilders, versary celebrated in Bombay by the trie traction would soon reduce all our Wadia received his early education in Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG). observations to a farce and all that “Dr Moos set up the Alibag Obser- could be done was to stall its coming as Director of the IIG, Dr Rastogi, director of the Nehru Planetarium, Dr Wadia received his early education in Surat and Baroda and graduated from . . _ the Baroda College. Soon after, he set vatofy considered to be one of the long as I could. Meanwhile, an alternate up the department of geology at the leading magnetic observatories in the site had to be found. ’ Dr Moos could Prince of Wales College in Jammu and world, ” notes a report inT/ze Times of indeed delay the commencement of wrote a text book for Indian students of India of October 30, 1984, “His monu- electric traction and completed the Ali- geology which earned him recognition mental work entitled Colaba Observa- bag Observatory in record time. Both both at home arid abroad. tory Magnetic Data 1846-1905 contain- the Colaba Observato^z and the Alibag 3 Parsisna January 1985 fs i '¦i ‘I* < ' ‘S V / ¦ s * I' ’¦ 'A J 4-a’' IP' 1* I ft I I' ft V ¦ I' i* Observatory functioned simultaneously for nearly two years to get correlated records. The magnetic work waS dis ­ continued at Colaba on March 31,1906, and the first electric tram came on the streets of Bombay on May 7, 1907. “Thanks to Dr Moos, today we have a continuous record of magnetic obser ­ vations going back to more than 140 years... Moos died on March 13, 1936, leaving behind a wealth of data on geomagnetfem that has been a source of inspiration for generations of scien ­ tists. ” pi' J R- ':"! I I f * fi ! ' Mirza (far left) receiving award from A wards Committee chairman. Dr Fagan (Left) Dadabhai Naoroji (photo courtesy: S.R. Vakil collection) (Below) At a function to release book on Naoroji: (from left) Minoo Masani, Adi Chinoy, Dr Aspi Golwalla, S.P. Godrej and Dr Sarosh Wadia. I 1 -¦ 7 Award for Mirza Noted Bombay dental surgeon. Dr Firoze Dara Mirza was presented a bronze medallion, a gold ring and a citation making him a diplomate on the board of the International Congress on Oral Implantations at the body ’s Vllth Book Oil Dadabhai Naoroji booklet was released on September 4, international meet held at Munich, West Germany in June 1984. A booklet entitled Dadabhai Naoroji, a He qualified for this diplomatic Model for Indian Youth Today written '¦:* ,x international meet held at Munich, ” 1984 by former parliamentarian and ex­ West Germany in June 1984. A booklet entitled Dadabhai Naoroji, a mayor of Bombay Minoo Masani who He qualified for this diplomatic Model for Indian Youth Today written praised Naoroji as being a God-fearing status after “500 hours of practice in by noted Bombay homeopath Dr Sarosh and efficient man. He remarked, “In 1 our public life today, we have good men who are ineffective and efficient men who are rarely good." M.R. Pai, noted Bombay social cru­ sader in a foreword to this book, states “I hope this booklet would have served its purpose if at least a few youngsters On the occ^ion. Dr Wadia presented are inspired to study in depth the life of implantOlogy, 200 hours of implant Wadia was released at a function on courses and five publications on the the 159th birth anniversary of the Grand subject of implantology attested by a Old Man under the auspices of the notary public,” states a press release. P “ ' , J' ' ' “Dr Firoze Mirza is one of our senior Guide to the Mazdeyasnani faith, an active members of The Zoroastrian organization co-founded by Naoroji when Dentists Organization and has been a he was 26 years old. practitioner, of long standing in C ’ Bombay, ” notes a write-up by Bombay some personal momentoes of Naoroji Dr Dadabhai Naoroji, and develop them- Parsi Punchayet chairman. Dr Aspi to Dr Aspi Golwalla, chairman of the selves into worthy citizens and public Golwalla. Mirza “is currently also a Bombay Parsi Punchayet, for preser- servants who can give leadership and professor and head of department of vation at the community ’s Alpaiwalla vision to people... ” prosthetic and crown and bridge at The Museum These included: a letter written Nair Hospital Dental College which is a by Naoroji when he contested as a premier institution in our country, ” > j <¦- - ¦ « -- noted Golwalla. Oral dental implantology for which him at the Lahore meeting of the Indian Rahanumae Mazdayasnane Sabha or Wadia narrates several experiences from Naoroji ’s life and credits him for being the tirst Indian to ask for self- government for his country, the first Indian to be appointed on the Royal Mirza was awarded the honour is a rela- National Congress in 1893, and a portrait Commission, the first Indian to be a lively new • science, notes a press of his which was in the possession of member of the British Parliament and release. the Maharaja of Kutch. The 23-page the first Indian professor at the Elphins- candidate for the British Parliament in 1886, a purse which was presented to 4 Parsiana January 1985? s I i I i ! I ¦ s active, receiving dignitaries from abroad, writing letters and reading newspapers. I A baton in his hands I - Making his debut as conductor with the I Cantata Choir, 29-year-old Nauzer Daru- I Walla dedicated the concert to the " memory of the late Prime Minister, b Ms Indira Gandhi. I Referring to the November 10 con- I cert. The Times of India critic noted, I "Young as he is, he conducts firmly, “ cueing in the voices and soloists with confidence. The balanced and well- disciplined choir (except for one chaotic moment) rendered the two religious works featured...with good dynamics and expression..." The pianist Zenobia Vakil- Patel “carried the burden of the orche- _ . . . stral accompaniment with efficiency and voicing the grievances of Indians... ‘India viewpoint. When he stood from the musicality." There were also two for Indians was his slogan... ” Holbom Constituency, he lost Next time chamber works where the conductor as violinist was joined by Freddy Dinshaw, violin and Shiv Mathur, guitar. Daruwalla, a student of London's One of the founders of the Student Minister of England, he was elected by Royal College of Music, where he did a double specialization in piano and violin, studied piano under Alasdair Graham and violin under Bertha Stevens and later Max Rostal. He has also conducted the Brandenburg Consort, a chamber orchestra. The Cantata Choir founded by a German, Joachim Buehler in 1973 has members from all walks of life. Most of ¦t ¦h ’Hi :$ > I- • I Daruwalla: conducting rehearsal of Cantata Choir tone College. “In the midst of all his Naoroji decided to contest the elec- literary and commercial pursuits, Dada- tion to the British Parliament so that he bhai seldom missed an opportunity for could get an opportunity to voice India’s Naoroji decided to contest the elee for Indians ’ was his slogan... ” Holbom Constituency, he lost Next time At the age of 20, he was appointed when he stood from the Central Finsbury professor of mathematics and natural Constituency, though described as a philosophy at the Elphinstone Institute, “black man ” by Lord Salisbury, Prime Literary and Scientific Society which the White voters, laid the foundation for female education in Bombay in 1849, Naoroji was its first on the Bible, he politely refused to do treasurer. The members of the Society the same as he was not a Christian. The went from “door to door to request Parliament allowed him to take the oath parents and guardians to allow their in the name of God. Dadabhai had taken daughters to learn the three ‘Rs. ’ Some a small book on Avesta with him ” for agreed but some were so annoyed that the ceremony. they threatened to throw them down The Indian National Congress, found- the steps for making such a proposal ” ed by Naoroji, was considered to be the them play an instrument or two, others In a short time, 44 Parsi and 24 Hindu “real institution which started the great females were available for teaching. Naoroji himself completed his school- old man of India, Naoroji, is known for Max Mueller Bhavan for rehearsals, ing from the Native Education Society his famous words, “I am a Hindu, a According to Bombay's afternoon daily. School The responsibility of educating Muslim, a Parsi but above all an Indian Mid-Day of November 10, 1984, “Their Naoroji fell oh his mother since his father first. ” He refused to be conferred with a concerts have been held in Bombay, had died wheh he was only four years knighthood and politely rejected the Delhi and Pune. And while they have old. As a student at the Elphinstone Shah of Iran's wish to honour him. never been abroad, they have been Institute, he “read a great deal of litera- When acting as a Divan to the broadcast to foreign audiences. ” Daru- ture of the world, mostly English but Maharaja of Baroda, at one time, Naoroji walla, a sales executive at Poysha, Firdousi ’s Shahnama, the great Iranian was pressed by the Maharaja to do Industrial Co. Ltd. is the choir ’s present epic was his favorite, ” notes the author, something which would do more harm director. Dharma Marg Darshak and Rasta to the subjects. With his characteristic Goftar'MQTQ the two magazines started frankness he replied, “Your Highness, by Naoroji to remove misunderstanding my surname is Dordi, you may burn a about Zoroastrianism. In 1855, Naoroji left for England as manager of the first Indian mercantile have decided, nothing can dislodge managed to run a highly' successful firm in England, started by the Cama me." newspaper without even once crossing brothers. While there, Naoroji pleaded ’ " for the right of Indians to serve the Masani, Mahatma Gandhi stated that by upholding the highest standards, it is administration of their own country Dadabhai had become a real Dada to the Camas of The Bombay Samachar, through the Indian Civil Service. In 1861 him as he was his constant adviser and the city’s largest selling Gujarati news he founded the London Zoroastrian inspiration. It was in hiis 91st year that paper — who preside over their Association (to guide Indian students Bombay University conferred on him establishment with great benevolence, to pursue various activities) and remained the honorary degree of LLD. Till his And one of them, Rustom Cama, its president till 1907. death at the age of 91, Naoroji was: (I^nown affectionately to his lejiop of "When he was asked to take an oath The Indian National Congress, found- are trained soloists, singers or music task of the freedom of India.” The grand teachers. Regularly they meet at the When acting as a Divan to the broadcast to foreign audiences. ” Daru- Cama lENS vice.-president dordi (thread) but cannot take a twist If there is one family in the media which out of it; so it is with me. When once I has steered clear of controversy and yet me. In a foreword to a book by R.P the bounds of ethics of the media, and to pursue various activities) and remained the honorary degree of LLD. Till his 5 Parsiana January 1985 1 (j , *- t ‘J ‘iif A* organized to celebrate London Diet, the friends as Rusi) has recently been elected vice-president of the Indian and ... Eastern Newspaper Society (lENS). F B Mf goW medal at the World Selection of The 62-year-old Cama has been in- ’’ "• BW beer. The medal was presented at a volved with printing in many other pro- B special ceremony held in Madrid Spain fessional capacities. He was also past , B on October 3 and 4 by Monde Selection president of the All India Federation of B '' Institut International pour la selection Master Printers and the past chairman B qualite. of the development panel of the print- , B “We have had many export enquiries, ing industry. B : Bland have been successfully exporting Apart from being a director in B iB our beer under the brand name of The Bombay Samachar, the Bombay < Maharaja beer to the USA. Exporting Chronicle and the Bombay Associated ‘ y — for the first time is no achievement by Newspapers Pvt. Ltd. he is also on the itself, but it is the repeat orders that board of directors of the Press Trust of count, giving us encouragement that India. the beer has been well received," en- The jovial Cama who is a keen swim- thused Irani. “The salient features of mer and yachtsman, having been a our London Diet are, that this beer has commodore of the Royal Bombay fata: ‘strengthening the hand’ a lower calorific equivalent as compared Yacht Club, carries on the tradition of with the leading soft drinks in the market > forthrightness and charity set by his late with accommodation for the outstation today... ” father, the titan Muncherji Cama. cadets, the station will have a boat shed Irani added, “Several investigations Reprinted from The Daily October 10,1984. KB I low calorie diet beer’s winning of the > » cadets, the Station will have a boat shed for building and repairing small vessels, over the last four years have yielded Dawson thanked the Godrej Founda- impressive evidence’that moderate drink- tion for encouraging the activities of ers have a lower risk of heart attacks the corps and said the organization was 1 From economics to politics Naval H. Tata chairman of the Tata findmg patroriage ah over the country. Electric Company and Tata Textiles, toda^' announced his decision to join in 1938 to inculcate‘the spirit of adven- this level of consumption could exert ¦ the Congressfl) for strengthening the ture and love for the sea’in the younger some protective effect on the cardio ­ hand of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. generation. The voluntary organization, vascular system was reinforced by bio ­ In a statement Naval Tata said that with its 13 centres in the country, is chemical tests on animals and human since Independence Pandit Nehru fol ­ lowed by his daughter Indira Gandhi age group of 11 to 17 years. The Bombay steered the country to earn international < \ esteem and respect. Now Rajiv Gandhi and at present 400 cadets are being contained increased levels of high density has shouldered the responsibility of trained in various sea disciplines. lipoprotein (HDL), a substance which is running the country, he added. Reprinted from Free Press Journal, November 1.3, also referred to as good cholesterol Naval Tata said that all those who 1984. The establishment of a clear correlation believed that the Congress had made a plieer the heer between the concentration of HDL and great contribution after taking over the the intake of alcohol led to research responsibility frorn the British, should “The response was so overwhelming that intotheeffect of drinkonHDLcholes- come forward to lend a helping hand to we were unable to cope with the demand terol in runners and inactive men. the party. for this brand, and we were reluctantly “One report in the Journal of the He also appealed to all right-minded constrained to refuse enquiries from American Medical Association last year people to help the party at this crucial Delhi, Calcutta and Madras, restricting even concluded that non-exercisers who hour by joining the party, strengthening our sales only to Bombay, ” said N.M. drink three beers a day can maintain the hand of the Prime Minister and Irani, managing partner. Associated levels of HDL similar to those individuals ensuring the success of the Congress (I) Breweries and Distilleries at a function who jog regularly.” in the coming elections. Reprinted from The Daily, November 20, 1984. I than teetotallers. Moderate drinking is confined to not more than three glasses The Sea Cadet Corps was founded of beer or wine a day; and the idea that in 1938 to inculcate‘the spirit, of adven- generation. The voluntary organization, with its 13 centres in the country, is open to all school-going children in the beings. " y “Laboratory experiments showed that i centre has trained nearly 12,000 cadets the blood stream of moderate drinkers , Reprinted from Free Press Journal, November 1.3. 1984. we were unable to cope with the demand terol In runners and inactive men. for this brand, and we were reluctantly constrained to refuse enquiries from / Delhi, Calcutta and Madras, restricting even concluded that non-exercisers who Godrej Boating Station The foundation stone of the Pirojsha Godrej Memorial Boating Station was laid by the Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Oscar Stanley Dawson, here today. The Rs 25 lakh project, situated near the training ship Jawahar, Colaba, will have ail infrastructural facilities for training the sea cadets. Besides a multi-storeyed building. #!« I 1 Parsiana January 1985 At London Diet 4xlebration: (from . ¦ leftf Ms and Mr D. Murugesan, F',.-* Ms and Mr N.M. u:., , -¦ Irani, Ms and Mr S.J. Lawyer'V r®- y?^ r \fv -« Hl.' * «. ¦q t’f- Ji I- i'' M 'll k ¦ Pastor as Gandhi WorW ’s leading law reporter for ship- has a comer of his heart too, and his ping banking, insurance and cominer- Indian passport is as dear to him as the Like Ben Kingsley, Sam Dastor is de- dal cases. Before deciding to settle in maestro ’s is to him. When he came stined to become a known face and fi- England, Zaiwalla completed his to Bombay on a short visit from his gure to millions of his countrymen, graduation in law from Bombay ’s Gov- adoptive home in Washington, Sorab .......... " '' " “ ¦ Modi reviewed for Mid-Day his com ­ patriot ’s triumphal return to the local podium at that unlikely concert hall, the Shanmukhananda. A local boy. Modi ’s youth is firmly than responsible for the arrest of an escaped rooted in Bombay. St.Xavier’s School and notorious dacoit, Riyazkhan Dawo- led to St. Xavier’s College where he J f 1 ¦ once BBC’s “Mountbatten; the last emment Law College. Viceroy. ” hits the screens here. The mini-series which was shot in Delhi last fyanFs p«ll«ntrv month has already generated the max- & J imum interest and Sam, is being hailed Sub-inspector Homi S. Irani who was as even more “Gandhian ” Kingsley. Incidentally, Dastor ’s father was odkhaii, has been awarded the Presi- read economics for his B. A .degree. A Homi Dastor, a noted optician whose dent’s police medal for gallantry. Subse- lover of music, he was secretary of the shop, “Dinshaw M Dastor and Sons ” quently he has also been promoted to college ’s music society. “I don ’t know “ ” ” * ’ . why Tchose economics, ” said Mody, As reported in the Bombay-based “my love has always been music and my h H ; ! A- 1 . i't I Still stands at Flora Fountain. He was the rank of police inspector, educated briefly at Cathedral School / ‘ * '* ~ andWalsinghamandthenhewasoffto M/rf-Zlay of August 21, 1984, “On June earliest memories bring back the Cambridge where he did his tripos in literature and later he joined the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Recently in New Delhi, he told another well-known Bombayite. Mehei Moos, that he had just missed being in­ terviewed by Richard Attenborough foi the role in Gandhi. He has bagged it now, laying to rest what he claims has been a great obsession in life. So far he has acted in more than 100 television films, including I Claudius, Yes Man and as Inspector Ghote in Harry Keating’s popular series on crime in Bombay. In Delhi, as happened to Kingsley, Dastor was practically gheraoed wher ­ ever he went. People touched his feet and generally behaved as if he were Gandhi reincarnated. * « M sounds of regiment bands marching to I Afghan Church, not far from where I ¦ lived. The bells of the church I stimulated me as much as bandstand I concerts of those bygone days. ” I It wasn ’t just an outside stimulus that I attracted, him to music however; his H mother also played the violin and the H piano. “That was in the twenties, ” re- i called Modi, “and her teacher was the Italian musician Savini. He eventually moved to Poona where, many.years la- H ¦ I '1 I :, 1 I ! I * I • u '' i ter, Zubin Mehta would travel once a week for his music lesson. ” Modi himself studied the violin from Dominic Pereira and from Homi Kanga who was himself known as Mehli Mehta ’s (Zubin’s musician , . . . father ’s) best pupil. “I learned counter- Iran,: danng arre,, point and harmony from Hal Green 29 last year, after a tip-off, a trap was who played with Ken Mac’s dance Reprinted from Sunday Mid-Day, October 14,1984. laid (for Dawoodkhau). On Seeing the band, but was also a very good police, Dawoodkhan raced away in a teacher, ” Zsiiwsillfl Zflil taxi, promptly chased by sub-inspector __ intercepted Modi then joined Air India which gave The President of India, Zail Singh, was the taxi and Dawoodkhan pointed a him the opportunity to travel and listen successfully represented in a case pistol at Irani. Luckily when he was to the best music everywhere. With his before the House of Lords by Sarosh about to fire, Irani swiftly fired his pistol, kind of knowledge and experience, he Zaiwalla of M/s Zaiwalla and Co., injuring Dawoodkhan who was then over- soon became the music critic of The noted a report in a Bombay evening powered and disarmed. ” Tinies of India and although he didn’t daily, Mid-Day of August 21,1984. On completion of a police sub-inspec- get a by-line, he soon became well- “The case itself was of considerable tor ’s course in 1969, Irani was awarded known "as “Our Music Critic!” commercial importanc'c, the Law the prize of ‘Best Turnout. ’ After that Though his. major preoccupation, ords deciding that the common law he was posted at various police stations music was never his sole interest; did not award general damages for in Bombay. Since 1981, Irani has been theatre also took up much of his time delay in payment of a debt beyond the with the Detection of Crime Branch, and Adi Marzban’s comedies, both Gu- date when it was contractually due,’’ CID, Bombay. Irani has also been the jarati and English, generally featured states the report. recipient of 18 commendatory notes, him. “In between all those farces, ” Sarosh Zaiwalla, the 36-year-old 16 good entries and a cash award of Rs Modi reminisced, “I also played God ­ proprietor of the law firm “is probably 27M for the good services that he has bole in A Passage to India, and I also the first of a new class of professionals rendered, states his bio-data. did some broadcasting. — attorneys-at-law — to make a mark In 1963 he was invited to report on on the English judicial scene, ” notes rritir Mndv Edinburgh Festival and one thing the newspaper. Zaiwalla’s name also vriMV. iviuuy another and soon he was at the appears in two other cases reported in Sorab Modi may not be as well-known Holland and Berlin Festivals too. And, the 1984 Lloyd’s Law Reports, the a name as Zubin Mehta but Bombay of course, being with Air India helped Having graduated from university. Though his. major preoccupation. r 8 Parsiana January 1985 Music critic Mody¦K Kt •< . ¦¦‘;W 1 * r I '12 TS ^'1 •.1 I f'l 1 1 > make travel easy. Then, having mar ­ ried an American in 1972, he left India on a posting the next year and ended up, sans Air India, in Washington where he has been since 1980. Modi keeps himself busy there writ­ ing for Ovation which is a classical music magazine and also for Musical America for which, incidentally, he is reporting, though not reviewing, the Zubin Mehta visit. “I shall be writing about the Bombay scene, ” he ex­ plained, “the return of the favourite son; the rush for tickets, the adulation... human interest, you know...I used to know Zubin when he lived in Bombay; we’re both Colaba youngsters, after all!” Diminutive and chirpy, ever ready With a joke or a slightly off-colour story to tease the ladies, Sorab Modi misses raman, Vice-President of India. Bombay and takes every opportunity to return to home ground He hasn ’t missed a jazz yatra yet, and while tak­ ing time off to greet old friends, he _ writes up the festival for the Jazz Times world, ” notes the Company ’s press re- she consolidated her gifts with energy, in Washington. lease. “The Company has successfully giving them direction, drive and He’s a busy person, our man in completed a record breaking order purpose. Washington, and he has interviewed worth rupees eight crores for Promise ~ , 4 I 1 * She was very sensitive but she would with the ‘jari.’Although he is a man ot accessible to the Common man, they not let her sensitivity stand between her few words and calls a spade a spade, his have also brought to an end some eol- aim and its fulfilment. If she sought advice is much sought after by the le- ourful chapters in the fascinating help from some “who had enough gion of watch-repairing hobbyists in history of horology. According to B.B - ¦ Gandhi, chief administrator of Mareks and Co, quartz time-pieces will never ... , 1---------:__i ---------jV time-devices because “a watch is not old shop was, in the hey-days of the just a time piece but an ornament as Raj, a very elegant store on the fringe well.” Amen! Reprinted from Free Press Journal .October 16. 1984. I fering. A fund in her memory called those days, it occupied the whole block qj| vision “The Gool Shavaksha Memorial around today ’s smart little shop oppo- » Fund” is a fitting tribute to her memory site the Rajabai Clock Tower. It sold A third generation eye specialist, Dr and deserves wide support. items of gold, silver and precious Cyrus Minoo Shroff plans to expand ____ ¦ and modernize the retina services ” at meters; spectacles, eyeglasses, marine the Dr Shroffs Charity Eye Hospital at musical instruments. Its reputation for by his paternal grandfather in 1914, “has quality goods was sufficiently high to a bed strength of 177, and clinical work warrant an interesting entry in The there is recognized by the University of money to choke a yawning hippo ” and Bombay. was denied it, she would not despair, or E_S _____ . . take amiss, or halt her march. She Randeria had worked with Mareks and totally replace mechanical and antique would try elsewhere and would not Co. for nearly 10 years. The 160-year- scoff at minor contributions even. < All was grist that came to her mill, ] for her “mill” was suffering humanity of the fashionable Esplanade, the so- and her assignment to alleviate its suf- cial rendezvous of the British gentry. In Before becoming its proprietor. . .f i! Buji Chinoy stones; watchcs. clocks and chrono- Excerplsfrom The Daily September 30, J9S4. and field glasses: pianofortes and other Delhi. The hospital which was founded quality goods was sufficiently high to a bed strength of 177, and clinical work Keeping time Most of us find, I am sure, that repair­ ing and restoring watches and clocks in Bombay is not at all systematized. It is column ‘A Hundred” Years Ago ’ (Fri- thalmology) Examination, ” notes a press largely a hit-or-miss affair—and very day. May 2. 1K84). costly. Valuable time-pieces have to be The introduction of quartz crystals in After completing his junior residen- put away in mothballs and anxious vis- I _ its made to Chor Bazar to find the odd has revolutionized the time-keeping in- Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, fuse chain or a rusty hair-spring to re- ( " place worn-out parts. If lucky, one could sometimes persuade friends with « humbandgi organized by the C EP-Youth Wing on Parsi New Year day at a watch-repainng hobby to tackle de­ funct pieces. It will be a relief, therefore, when Rado ’s training centre puts the whole thing on a professional basis. There is a dearth of well-trained watch-repairers. Rado Watch Co Ltd, the third largest watch manufacturer of Switzerland, has recently introduced a scheme for conducting training courses for watch ­ repair technicians who will eventually man service centres of the numerous Rado agents all over the world. Such a scheme is the first of its kind in India and meets a long-standing need. As Rado makes nearly one million watches annually, of which half are quartz-made, trainees will be instruc- W|3 ted in both mechanical and electronic time technology. Initially, a batch of 10 . ' will be trained, and the centre will be run under the expert guidance and over-all control of Dhun Randeria, proprietor of Mareks and Co, agents for Rado. Dhun Randeria is a horology en­ gineer (the science of accurately measuring the hours), one of the very, very few Indians to hold such a specialized degree. He has rescued | many priceless heirloom time-pieces which would otherwise have ended up Times offndia of May 2,1884. under its London for their D,O.(Diploma in Oph- release. The introduction of quartz crystals in . 1942. and later, of Integrated Circuits, cy in ophthalmology at Dr Rajendra dustry. While they have made watches New Delhi, in 1982, Cyrus did a fellow- IVadia Atash Bahram: Dastur Firoze Kotwal, Kersi Limathwalla (centre) and BPP chairman Dr Aspi GolwaHa (extreme right) iMII Obi 11 Parsiana January 1985 Ai i . •fl V ; I- i 1 ¦q ¦ it i I 11 • / ! ¦ 4 ’¦ I E ' I ’ 5 . *I - 'I 1 I) *43 ship in vitreoretinal surgery at Sankara Netralaya, Madras under the renowned specialist. Dr S. S.Badrinath. On com ­ pletion of his tenure there, he was award­ ed the Dr V. T. Doshi Gold Medal for the best fellow in vitreo-retinal surgery for the year 1983. Cyrus completed his schooling from the Modern School, New Delhi and his MBBS from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Throughout his school and college career, he has been interested in debating, dramatics and creative writing and has won many awards, notes Shroff (left): retina services, Patel (centre): his biodata. research in tuberculosis and leprosy, Irani (right): ‘proud to be an Indian’ was lapped up by an audience with a MoOS ill Maoriland Behind this gimmickry is rigid phy- Ms Meher Moos, the perennial travel­ ler is in New Zealand right now, in the heart of Maoriland. In a letter, written during a flight '1, 5 ' r ' s t n ¦; V 'i. ? t. -i- •' ' ¦ Dr Minoo Shroff, Cyrus ’ father, is presently the chief medical officer and managing trustee of Dr Shroff s Charity sprinkling of film stars. Eye Hospital. Cyrus’grandfather Dr S.P. Shroff, was one of the founders of the sical training and mental conditioning. Delhi Parsi Anjuman and its president Majra now has under his tutelage over for almost 30 years, states the press release. a thousand students and conducts regular classes at the suburb ’s prestigious Vile from Wellington to Christchurch, she Parle Kelavani Mandal. Reprinted from The Daily, November 20. 1984. mentions the local Maori food that she flrpnk'ino' ipp Reprinted from The Daily, November 20.1984. been trying out. Most of the cook- uicaiKuig ivv done underground, in the natural Recently in a public audiovisual demon- pu £ P f I steam ofgeysers and hot springs. Anda stration by the Go Ju Kensha Karate — * IO* x aid menu includes steamed or smoked eel, do at the Bhaidas Hall, a spectacular Ms Rubina Jamshed Patel is Pakistan ’s wild boar with local berry sauce, raw feat of strength was staged by sensei first Zoroastrian to be awarded a Ph.D. fish marinated in lemon juice, and Viraf Majra, who is the chief instructor in microbiology and genetic engineering the meat of the Shearwater bird. Plus and Director. Reportedly for the first from the department of immunology Maori bread and dried fruits in port time in the country, five blocks of ice, and infectious diseases. School of Hy- each weighing around 250 kilos, were giene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins shattered one after another by Majra University, USA according to a write with deftly placed blows. This finale was preceded by the usual exercises, or Katas in Karate parlance, assignment at the Harvard University, all the exciting places, others go to New smashing of roof tiles over a blazing department of tropical public health, York. fire, repelling attacks by armed men by Harvard School Of Public Health to do unarmed women and breaking of sticks research in tuberculosis and leprosy on naked backs and forearms. All this under Dr John David. Ph.D. for Patel up. Presently Patel is on a post-doctorate wine as a salad. Next stop: Mt. Cook, then crossing the mountain ranges for seven days, then on to Tahiti and the South Pacific. As the man said; Some people go to Reprinted from Mid-Day November 10, J984. B < < 12 Parsiana January 1985 h' _L., wi Queen of Nations Hilla Irani looked stunned when crowned the Queen of Nations in a glittering ceremony in Sydney this week. A 21-year-old hotel management student from Bombay, Hilla had to compete with beauties from Australia, Italy, Germany, Wales, South Africa, Netherlands, Hungary, Malta and Lit­ huania. “I was so happy and thrilled and proud to be an Indian and so surprised that I won. The honour I share with Indians here and at home, ” she said. It was the first time India was represented in the 10-year history of the Quest of Nations in New South Wales. The Quest aims at raising money Majra: 'feat of strength'I ¦i I for the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association, making the public more ¦ aware of these unfortunate sufferers and H of how they can be helped by better H equipment, rehabilitation programmes H and surgery. The Quest also allows the H many ethnic groups in New South Wales H to share ’ their culture and heritage. ¦ Hilla, a petite attractive brunette, H was asked searching questions on the fl culture of India (from saris to the British H in India) as well as on Indo-Aussie H relationships. As part of her money- H raising activities, she, with the help of H the Indo-Australian Cultural Society, H organized a spectacular tableau to bring H alive the rich heritage of India and her B people. The crowning ceremony took H place in the presence of Air-Marshal fl Sir James Rowland, the governor of H New South Wales and Lady Rowland, fl The consul general of India. A.K. Ban- nerjee, was also present. Hilla is grateful to her parents for their support during the entire year of her Quest. Her father. Noshir Irani, is the live-wire president of the Indo-Austra ­ lian Zoroastrian Association in Sydney. Among the many prizes Hilla re­ ceived was a return trip for two to San Francisco by Qantas, $1,200 spending money, a course in modelling and an expensive fur coat. Hilla’s ambition is to complete her course in hotel management, start her own restaurant and continue helping the paraplegics and the quadriplegics. Kersi Meher-Homji Reprinted from Sunday Mid-Day, November 19, 1984. > 1 A shawl and a scroll being presented to Dr Aspi Golwalla, BPP and Federation chairman at function hosted by Karachi Parsi Anjuman Trust Fund in December 1983 at the Hormusjee Katrak Hall, Karachi: (from left) Ms Goshpi B. Avari, Godrej Sidhwa, Dr Aspi Golwalla and Dinshaw A vari characteristic of acquiring things and maintaining them as well as the crown jewels. That is why a Parsi owner- driven car fetches more premium. A typical example was provided by an ageing, soft-spoken, Parsi gentle­ man attired in black coat and topi and a shy smile underneath his silver grey moustache, who came to our office car- . rying an ivory paper cutter with a \ calendar of the year 1901 inscribed on it and a rail ticket from Churchgate to Dadar bought on July 30.1954, costing three annas then. The paper-cutter issued by the Bombay Fire and Marine Insurance Co. Ltd. (advertising wasn ’t as much in its infancy then), has an interesting . __ story behind it. According to our friend, newspapers were not automati ­ cally slit 40-50 years ago and they had to and his graduation in commerce from be cut open with fingers or paper- the H. R. College of Commerce and cutters like the one ’s issued by the in- . J ¦ 0^^ HHHHI Modi: 'best oratory* .1 ' I <¦ f: *’;E JHI Thus spake Modi Since 1983 when Pesi Modi started competing in speech competitions, he has won several prizes. For the best oratory at the UNI-FESTA, organized Economics, Bombay. In aquatic events surancefirm. by the students of YMCA in Bombay in Modi used to regularly win prizes in Even more trivial is the train ticket. September 1984, Modi was awarded the V. K.Krishna Menon Memorial Trophy by associations like the YMCA, the ence. The Parsi gent remembers that which was donated by the Blitz Group Cricket Club of India and the Road the ticke t examiner was not present and of Publications. Modi spoke on “Life Safety Patrol. “Though my past devo- the stub remained with him. is a dream, death an awakening.” tion was to swimming, ” says Modi, “I Obviously both these items are ot no Studying for his Ilnd LL.B. at the am presently fond of squash and bad- importance or value but it provides a Government Law College, Bombay, minton. ” Modi is also fond of playing glimpse of the character of the person Modi has participated in intercollegiate the guitar and singing. especially as both are so well-preserved debate, impromptu speech and elocu- with not a chip on the paper-cutter and tion competitions organized by the col- leges of Bombay and the Rotoract Club. * rv!»crvc lui friend’s name — well, he very defi- He is presently working with the noted Apart from the fact that Parsis the nitely does not want it mentioned as he law firm of Mulla and Mulla and Craigie world over are known for their altruism does not consider this preservation any Blunt and Caroe. and charity, there is another trait, apart special feat. And who are we to break Modi completed his schooling from from querulousness, which disting- an old man ’s confidence? the Cathedral and John Cannon School uishes them from the rest. This is their Reprinted from The Daily August 20,1984. IK ¦J r, ¦i Modi used to regularly win prizes in inter-collegiate competitions organized probably the oldest local ticket in exisi- tion competitions organizeo oy tne coi- fnr nncfpritv leges of Bombay and the Rotoract Club. l^rCMJrve lor puswniy 13 Parsiana January 1985 ‘4 V' h^' a’ ¦w i' i1 NEWS ANALYSIS s *¦ ** “ /J The election that never was Intense behind the scenes maneuvering marked the unfought contest for BPP trusteeship. •I ¦ - . •*! Till the last day of registering nomina- remarked that he was certain Guzder Dadi Engineer (noted lawyer and cur- tions for the Bombay Parsi Punchayet would return to the Punchayet unop- rent CER president) or anyone else trusteeship election scheduled for Feb- posed. On November 20, a small news with comparable credentials; but the ruary 2, no one knew if retiring trustee item in the Bombay based newspaper, CER is said to have declined to make Jamshed N. Guzder would seek reelec- The Daily, noted that Godrej was to any such “political adjustments. ” tion for his seat against noted Indus- stand for election against Guzder. A Selecting and then getting Godrej to trialist Naoroji P. Godrej. few days later Godrej wrote a letter to stand was a tactical stroke of genius for When contacted over .the phone on the Press that appeared in the Jam-e- Ranina. There are few people in the Sunday, January 20, at his weekend Jamshed stating he was a candidate for community who could stand against Marve resort, Guzder said he was still the election. Guzder and hope to win. Guzder is not certain. On Monday, the penulti- Why did the introverted business- well-versed in community politics hav- mate day for filing registration, inqui- man change his mind and decide to ing fought a bitterly contested election ries at the BPP showed his nomination run? The answer was an intense lobby had not been received. On Tuesday, Guzder issued a press release stating he would not contest against Godrej but « should another vacancy arise, he might opt for it. The next vacancy is expected . to be that of Jamsheed Kanga, the founder president of the Committee for Electoral Rights (now renamed Coun ­ cil for Economic Revival). Kanga, who has still another seven years of his trusteeship term to com ­ plete, has been contemplating resigning led by BPP trustee Homi Ranina, Ne- Even the CER, which Guzder had hel- because of his duties as Municipal Ad- ville and Nusli Wadia of the Bombay ped to found, could not publicly sup- ministrator of Bombay. He is both Dyeing group of companies and others port him as they were on record as be- pressured for time and conscious that such as industrialist Naval Tata. The ing in favour of shorter terms of office holding trusteeship may conflict with Wadias and Guzder were business as- for trusteeship. Guzder had promised professional duties. Kanga’s exit would sociates of many years standing but the CER that should the courts even- also permit both Guzder and Godrej to had fallen out in recent times. Diffe- tually decide on a shorter term of office serve on the board. rences over the sale of the Jyoti Studio he would agree to serve only those Thus ends some of the most hectic premises next to Ness Baug, built by number of years even though the re- behind the scenes maneuvering for the Wadias, added to the feud. form would not legally be applicable to trusteeship in recent times. The com- - • • - - promise also avoided a showdown bet­ ween two powerful and influential peo- had lent his support to the CER candi- man committee meeting held by the pie in the community. Had they taken date Fall Poncha who stood unsuccess- CER at the Indian Merchants ’ Cham- to campaigning, the fallout from the fully against Ranina in the BPP trus- ber on December 8, 1984. charges and counter charges would teeship election of June, 1984. Kanga, When Guzder’s chances of reelection have been damaging. Poncha and the CER leadership ’s sym- appeared dim, efforts were made to get Godrej ’s entry into the race came as pathy also lay with Guzder as Godrej another sitting trustee to resign to a surprise to the community. A publi- had assisted Ranina in that election by make way for both Godrej and Guz- ’city-shy individual who has basically enrolling voters on the F (donors ’) der. But aside from Kanga it hardly involved himself with the working of register.(an amount of Rs 5,(X)0 or over seemed likely anybody else would his large industrial concern and related has to be donated to qualify for mem- oblige. The CER leadership privately ; social welfare schemes, Godrej had bership on the register). voiced concern at the power a person repeatedly, over the years, spurned of ­ fers to stand for trusteeship. In Octo- CER, Ranina is said to have offered his chayet and someone even jokingly ber 1984, at the executive council meet- total backing to the CER if they agreed claimed the BPP would be renamed the ing of the Federation of Parsi Zoroas- to field a candidate against Guzder Godrej and Boyce Private Punchayet. trian Anjumans of India, Federation such as Minoo Shroff (management ex- Guzder’s camp also prepared to and BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla pert and vice-president of the CER), mount an offensive to show that God- f i 15 Parsiana January 1985 Why did the introverted business- J i Jt fi Efforts were made to get another sitting trustee to resign to make way for both Godrej and Guzder. in 1975 against lawyer Jimmy Shroff who was supported by one of the king­ makers of those days, former BPP trustee Dr Nelie Noble. Guzder also helped the CER rout the orthodox alli­ ance backed by former BPP chairman B.K. Boman-Behram in the 1981 Anju­ man Committee elections. But Godrej was one candidate who could defeat Guzder. Guzder’s greatest drawback was that he was seeking a second term. '*1 ¦’5 AR '.<^1 Ranina had reason to oppose Guzder him. The new CER leader Dadi Engi- as Guzder is a CER sympathizer and neer made this statement at the anju- Despite his differences with the like Godrej would assert in the Pun- Aft' ’ i J Ji <1 i ' ' V.1. •’’i down after five years and thereafter, if The Guzder camp also noted that the 1 feel so inclined. I’ll stand again.” An- c rej ’s largesses in building houses at candidates. Godrej Baug on lands adjacent to '__ ______ . . _ Doongerwadi and elsewhere was only people conducting Godrej ’s campaign juman Committee members Burjor to house his own employees at the com- were not of his stature and basically Paymaster and Dickie Spencer, extol- munity ’s expense. consisted of the old CUZ (Committee Irng the virtues of the Godrej family' Godrej demonstrated his standing of United Zoroastrians) alliance that and of Naoroji, the man of action, was in earnest by issuing his manifesto lost the 1-981 elections, a few days after announcing his candi­ dature. When the two seat option was put to him he insisted that he would only contest Guzder’s seat; if Guzder ches to Godrej ’s downtown office and done a lot for the community. The wished he could occupy Kanga or any­ one else ’s seat. Godrej was adamant on contesting Guzder’s seat so aS to reportedly detiy him the opportunity to be chairman of the BPP, a position which traditionally has been filled by partaken, Ranina introduced Godrej as said that Godrej, whom he has known seniority. BPP chairman Dr Aspi Gol- walla’s term expires in October 1988 eighth of the community residing in and Guzder, at present, is next in se ­ niority. If Guzder contests on Kanga’s seat he may be considered the junior- most trustee as that may involve a break in his trusteeship term. Even if Kanga does step down, there is no guarantee that Ranina or some other group does not put up a candidate for that seat. But Guzder is confident on beating other were not of his stature and basically Paymaster and Dickie Spencer, extol- consisted of the old CUZ (Committee Irng the virtues of the Godrej family noted how Indian political and com- While Guzder did not issue any munity affairs suffered from a surfeit manifesto, Godrej ’s campaigning was of words. Ranina concluded' the eve- also low key. Voters were called in bat- ning with the words, “His family has addressed briefly by Godrej and then least you can do is cast a vote in his by his supporters. At one meeting God- favour. ” rej dutifully met all the approximately 70-80 people assembled on his terrace burly of Punchayet politics is still to be where, after the refreshments had been seen, Guzder had once light-heartedly How Godrej will adjust to the hurly- the largest employer of Parsis — “one- personally for many years, will pro ­ bably tire of the manner in which the Bombay. ” Brief tnough the introduc- Punchayet functions and resign in dis- tion had been, Godrej ’s speech was gust within five years. Aside from the briefer. Hoping this would be his last Punchayet, there is also the Federation meeting with voters, Godrej noted that and the issues confronting the commu- there was little to talk about since all he nity scattered all over the country and had to say had already been spelt out in abroad. But, having survived the in- the manifesto. Then, introducing what he described as “a healthy practice,” he added, “Although I’m told I can hold the office for 10 years. I’ll step pursues it to the end. tense maneuvering that surrounded his candidature, Godrej has demonstrated that once he sets his mind to a goal, he V Conference facilities at: a^D § HOE an ideal meeting place for Seminars, Company meetings, conferences, etc. !i I ' . / •J V ill Everything about the Grand Hotel has been designed with your comfort in mind. Our various rooms can accommodate 25 to 125 persons and can provide the right atmosphere of splendour and tranquility to make every success of your programme. Air conditioned rooms equipped with public address system havetreen meticulously provided s^ith our catering service according to your needs. Come, see the blend of elegance and Ka comfort at the Grand Hotel. X 00 to I o I I ?¦! dial 268211 for booking M twii H GRAND HOTEL Ballard Estate, Bombav-400 038. 17 Parsiana January 1985? .1 V i J rt 1 < ,• t'5 ? - r^' s 'i 4 I ¦5/^V -?. Guzder opts out — BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder — gives his reasons for not contesting the election. .¦ui!U!> i » w' i ~ but also to our fellOw-Zoroastrians around the world I had given the high ­ est priority to the organization of this event. I was so engrossed in this that I had given hardly any thought to the matter of my election. 1 had not issued any manifesto, I had not publicly de­ clared my intention to stand and, in fact, I had taken no effective steps at all in connection with the election. In the meantime, a short while ago. i < I had agreed to stand —not for the full term of 10 years but only for the shorter period as may be fixed by the court. I Mr Naoroji Godrej announced his can­ didature to offer himself as a trustee to fill the vacancy created on my retire­ ment. It so happened that a few weeks ago one of the trustees expressed a desire to 1 1 - ' resign as a trustee of the Punchayet My term as a. trustee of the Bombay have any personal ambition to con- My term as a. trustee of the Bombay have any personal ambition to con- owing to new preoccupations. He felt Parsi Punchayet Funds and Properties tinue as a trustee indefinitely but that it was not possible for him to spare will soon be over — to be exact on Fe- because I was persuaded to stand by a the time or do justice to the work of the bruary25, 1985 — and it seems to have large number of people and friends. Punchayet. become a cause for a great deal of con- Their contention is that since I was the Therefore, when Mr Godrej declared cern within our community. Doubts have been expressed whether mittee, which initiated the scheme for Mr Godrej had consented to ’serve the I will be standing for reelection. Mr the housing project for the construe- community and offered himself as a Naoroji Godrej has even gone on re­ cord to declare — unwittingly, I am sure — that he has decided to fill the Parsi Punchayet, if I devoted further With this I was fully in agreement, vacancy that I shall be creating. of my time to see this project through. Therefore, he approached Mr God- Even during the Fourth World Zo- _ , roastrian Congress, innumerable peo- not for the full term of 10 years but on- time ago he had decided to resign, in pie, who met me, expressed the hope ly for the shorter period as may be fix- any case, this was the most opportune that I would stand for reelection and < , continue to serve the community, and to be introduced after March 1985. they very kindly assured me of their support. Although I have completed 10 years been appointed the chairman and the munity that I, also, should continue as as a trustee, it was my intention to of ­ fer myself for reelection, not because I Their contention is that since I was the chairman of the Economic Sub-Com- his candidature, this trustee felt that as tion of 1,000 flats, it would be in the trustee, this opportunity should not be interests of the community, and the lost and Mr Godrej should be elected. of my time to see this project through. Therefore, I had agreed to stand — rej and informed him that since some not for the full term of 10 years but on- ed by the court under the new scheme moment for him to do so, in which case Mr Godrej could fill his vacancy. At the same time, this trustee felt Because of the Fourth World Zo ­ roastrian Congress, of which I had that it was in the interests of the com- success of which was so important, not a trustee, because, having worked very only to the Parsi Zoroastrians in India closely with me on the Economic Sub- i !’ 1 18 Parsiana January 1985• •¦,f iff*- i.r' ^K5 b . . ¦ '7 ' 4 ’ J fl "J? Mr Godrej suggested that I should offer myself for reelection in the vacancy that may be caused by the trustee who wished to resign. ww \ J'>^- Committee and the housing project, he Band Paivaste, meaning Bound Toge- yuas very keen that as he was not in a ther Unitedly — Forever. At this Con- position to continue as a trustee, I, at least, should be on the Board of Trus ­ tees for the successful and quick imple- munity should set an example in terms mentation of the housing project. - . . Mr Godrej, however, was of the opi ­ nion that as he had already made a _____ _ ______ _ public announcement that he desired to sounding immodest, 1 believe 1 have stand for the vacancy to be created on served the interests of the Parsi Pun- my retirement, he would like to do so, chayet with honesty and competence, and he suggested instead that I should and have also been of service to very offer myself for reelection in the va- large numbers of my community who cancy that may be caused by the trustee have approached me with a variety of who wished to resign. problems. Considering also that Mr As far as I am concerned, 1 am not Godrej has expressed such keenness to fully in favour of my trustee colleague stand in my place, I believe it is for me resigning. My feeling is that he has to set an example, which I hope will gress, there were pleas from young and old alike that the elders of the com- of unity, harmony and leadership. 1 have already served one term of 10 years as a trustee and, at the risk of made a good contribution and he guide the way in which future elections 1 . should continue in the service of the will be carried out, by allowing Mr community, especially since he has not Godrej to stand as a candidate for my yet completed one full term. vacancy, unopposed. Therefore, I have I am firmly of the belief that the taken a decision not to stand for my election of a trustee, which need not be uncontested, should be an event mark ­ ed by dignity and good behaviour. Un­ fortunately, at times, the election has degenerated into political squabbles tached or without insisting on any quid J seems unfortunate that the pro quo, because I believe that a per- methods employed by politicians are son of his standing, representing the S now slowly being introduced into the family that he does, should also be elections of the Parsi Punchayet. given an opportunity to serve the com- r n}ours and accusations of padding munity as 1 have done by giving of of the electoral roll, attempts to win himself in terms of personal involve- voters by giving receptions and parties, j canvassing being done by proxy by a ------------ - ----- - large number of agents going round volving the Parsi Punchayet in needless praises of one candidate expenditure, would undoubtedly give and denigrating the other, is something an opportunity to all sorts of persons that IS totally distasteful to me. to create all types of disunity and I reel that no one should have any disharmony in the community as we vested interest m the Parsi Punchayet have regrettably seen in the past u J -------- ¦ However, as I have stated above, my e of anybody. Therefore, an offer to desire to serve the community remains serve as a trustee should be motivated unchanged. If an opportunity should by the thought of serving the com- arise and a vacancy occurs in the munity and not himself. future, and if it is the wish of my • 22”® friends and supporters that I should ~ ~ : J : contest such a vacancy for a trustee, I ¦ certainly give due consideration .X proposal. However, I have - —.......... 1 not stand for elec­ tion to fill the vacancy caused by my own retirement. I vacancy. I must make it clear that in doing so, I shall give Mr Godrej my sincere cooperation, without any strings at- pro quo, because I believe that a per- so ’i .of his standing, representing the , - ----------- --------------- given an opportunity to serve the com- ment, time and energy. To insist upon a a contest at this time, apart from im and it should not be the private preser- com- these recent developments and I have an opportunity to all sorts of persons to create all types of disunity and and the sentiments that were so strong- .u.., „ p.v,pv,-,ai ly expressed by so many members of resolved that I will the community during the Fourth Wor ­ ld Zoroastrian Congress, just comple ­ ted, and highlighted by its theme Ham- January 22, 1985 19 Parsiana January 1985 ' j ¦ BOYS’ TOWN I -11 Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excel­ lent Climate — All-round Education: AU Acadanic Subjects—Tech­ nical Subjects: Workshop. Tech ­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Farm ­ ing. Training in SeU-Govemmeot 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 tories. Moderate Fees, Freeships and Concessions to Deserving Students. Apply to — THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 324 Dr. D. N. Road, Bombay 400 001. .’J / I I't t i 'fl •4 1^' J- 3 J -i? ¦rJ - .t ' j y- J, s *'s a "A J .y X7f , a I i P*” t ‘) I ij ’i ¦'1 <¦ ? . 4 ,' ¦!) 1 ! - I1 The Godrej campaign Industrialist Naoroji Godrej believes the Punchayet's resources should produce better results. Arnavaz S. Mama ‘‘They disburse Rs 80 lakhs or so, 1 understand. With 80 lakhs, one can do reported by the Press, ‘‘the trustees quite a lot. ” Naoroji P. Godrej, mana- must give weightage to those views. .. ging director of Godrej and Boyce It is always possible that all trustees - Mfg Co Pvt Ltd was referring to the cannot share the same views. If a trus- activities of the Bombay Parsi Puncha- tee, however, feels strongly on any im- yet, seated in his downtown office portant issue and is making no head ­ overlooking Bombay ’s Azad Maidan way in its implementation, he is always substantial housing to cater to the com- on December 11, 1984. The muted tones and modest size of the cabin have their own tale to tell of the pleasant greying man of medium build dressed in workaday whites who . governs an industrial organization which is amongst the largest of India’s closely held companies. The quietly ef­ ficient Godrej, whose manifesto was published on his sixty-eighth birthday, is contesting a seat on the BPP’s board of trustees against Jamshed. Guzder ‘ who is seeking reelection. Guzder’s 10-year term of trusteeship expires end February. The keenly contested poll scheduled cannot achieve what you have set out other such lands available. There is to bfe held on February 2, 1985, has to do for the community. ” land in Thane, which is not very far evinced some fresh peculiarities as Godrej ’S priorities are housing, edu- now. After exhausting all available Godrej, who confesses himself a libe­ ral, emerges as the doyen of the conser ­ vative lobby. ‘‘There is no reason why we cannot . work with all people, orthodox or libe­ ral. There would be no problem if employees and have also three schools everybody had the same aim of uplift- plus a technical institution, where more ing the community, adding matter of factly, ‘‘1 don ’t ex- educated. ‘‘As far as the first two through academic education should get pect everybody to agree with me every priorities are concerned, ” Godrej technical education. That should be time.” quipped, ‘‘practically everything 1 have strengthened... Over the years our Despite his jjaternalistic reputation been doing in my own company. It is young people have been going ab- • within the fathMy, the company and the same thing — nothing new, nothing road... Opportunities can be created among associate^ Godrej professes different.” so that poor people are not a burden on strong democratic leanings: ‘‘The trus- Godrej, who hitherto had turned the community. . .with Rs 80 lakhs tee should be accountable to the com ­ munity,” he feels, ‘‘otherwise the for trusteeship of the Punchayet, has could have been done. ” While Godrej needs and aspirations of the commu- an explanation to offer for his decision nity are not satisfied. ” He also believes that the Press should be correctly trea­ ted as a conduit between the trustees comparatively free; formerly, it would representations to the courts, he says, and the community: ‘‘Parsis must have been impossible ” he notes, refer- He is optimistic, ‘‘If the right approach know what ’s happening ” and if certain ring to the time factor. He also feels is made, the courts may accept it and views prevail in the community and are that ‘‘the Punchayet whose funds are so vast, can do much more than it has hitherto been doing. .. ‘‘The community has gradually be­ come poorer than before. With the funds and lands at- th6 disposal of the Punchayet, they can probably provide free to step down as there is no useful munity ’s needs. . .housing can also be self-generating if tenements are built on ownership basis. ” On the subject of a dharamshala in Bombay, Godrej concedes, ‘‘There ’s a need for it also but if we have a large housing program, this could be accom ­ modated within that scheme. More than anything else, Parsis need hous ­ ing...” Godrej spoke about Gilder Baug in Andheri administered by a pri­ vate trust where they had land which is being developed jointly by the Kuka Trust, the Gilder Trust and the Godrej purpose served in being a trustee, if you Foundation. “I am sure there may be 11 Why shouldn't the whole community vote? Every adult* Parsi. should have the right to vote." /i ' 20 Parsiana January 1985 to do for the community. ” Godrej ’S priorities are housing, edu­ cation and the upliftment of the land, we must buy some rpore land, if mobeds. He feels that he has enough needed. Parsis ’ housing problem can experience in the field of housing and be solved, that ’s my feeling — if we go education as the Godrejs have con ­ structed vast housing colonies for their about it the right way...” ‘‘Secondly, there is more unemploy ­ ment than before — beggary as you can see, which was never the case in the smiles Godrej, than 3,000 students are today being early days ... people who cannot go the same thing — nothing new, nothing Godrej, who hitherto had turned down the plea of well-wishers to stand available for so many years past, much concedes that the funds may be ear­ marked for specific causes, it may be to enter the fray at this juncture. ‘‘Now that my son Jarnshyd is with us, I am possible to alter the same by making have been impossible ” he notes, refer­ ring to the time factor. He also feels^,- f. '} ;r'W ? .^4-. fi 'k i, * ¦ ™ V- I < The interview was conducted before J am shed Guzder’s decision to withdraw from the election the community will not reject it.” I Nor does Godrej see any problem in P working with six colleagues on the BPP Board. ‘‘1 don ’t see why they would not accept a good suggestiqn. In my own company also, 1 don ’t take all the p decisions ... it is a bad organization if it runs on only one person. Thirty years ago when we were oh. a shoe-string budget, yes; hot any more! ” he laughs. B: / Bjw.i 11 M hew of Ardeshir Godrej who founded j Gbdrej and Boyce Mfg Co Pvt Ltd '‘ft’ I in 1897 and the son of Pirojsha Godrej ' j who consolidated the pioneering vi- sions of his brother, Naoroji joined the i I J family concern in 1933 at the age of 17 . , ... . ¦¦¦->¦ and has worked his way up from the J converted to Zoroastrianism two years shop floor. The Godrej township in the i ago. Godrej is, however, categorical; - • f „ “We do not and should not convert “Five years is long enough for any people; so doing this sort of thing does trustee to prove his mettle,” says God ­ rej. “Then, if you are not able to con ­ tribute anything, you will be account ­ able to the electorate and thrown out automatically ... only then will trustees be truly effective.” The current indi­ rect system of voting does not appeal shrines — Godrej reckons that “the to Godrej either. “Why shouldn ’t the whole community vote? Every adult Parsi should have the right to vote, ” he says. “If you are going to help, help. ” Godrej ’s wofds typify his approach to religion, there would be no need for the community ’s problems whether on the individual or the institutional level. Speaking of Zoroastrians outside In- Bombay suburb of Vikhroli where | 14,000 people (1,100 Parsis among them) who work in Godrej factories ' I and their families enjoy such infra- j structural'facilities as schools, medical ? welfare and sports, was carved out of a J dense and marshy jungle by Pirojsha J " ¦ J ¦ ¦ ' ‘__ _______ — ..J -I percent of the profits of the company 'I go towards the various charities found- F ed by the Godrej family, notes God- rej ’s manifesto. The Pirojsha Godrej , S not help. It only creates problems, creates controversies. . .we can ill af­ ford controversies. ” Referring to the obverse of the con- version com- Parsis marrying outside Godrej in the forties. More than 30 the fold, worshipping at other religious fault lies with all of us as we have failed to impart sufficient knowledge about our own religion, which is our duty. If we had inculcated our children with sufficient knowledge to feel for their Foundation disburses scholarships to deserving students, gives grants for set ­ ting up educational institutions, pro ­ vides medical assistance, cbnstructs *• housing for the needy. The Soonabai . Pirojsha Godrej Foundation, a cosmo- manifesto regarding a body of experts politan trust, is constructing thousands tn /n^ol vizifH z-* 4-«¦ z«*>z. —J ™ ~ says that “a body of dasturs and know- them to look elsewhere. ” Amplifying his statement in the dia, the problem of forming a world to deal with religious matters, Godrej body and the raison d’etre of the Con- says that “a body of dasturs and know- gress, Godrej stressed the economic ledgeable people should work out what angle: Zoroastrians outside India are is good for us. If we select the right better off than those here. They have people, it would be accepted. Some will got the money. They can help the not agree, but in a democracy every- Zoroastrians in India. Financial help is body won ’t agree. But if the majority what we should do is send people on Godrej, who has hitherto steered lecture tours so they can impart reli- t‘__ . ........ uui gious knowledge to those far away familiar with the work of the Federa- , from home. Out there people are over ­ worked. They would welcome compe ­ tent and knowledgeable people to lec­ ture on religious issues. ” i Despite his generally liberal views, j Godrej says he .adheres strictly to the itially awakening the community to its nonchalance'about'^e^OuLome'^onhe canons of the Zoroastrian religion, problemsand privileges “it'r tu “You cannot physically stop someone Godrej is credited with the expan- decide who should wVTwon ’tWel re- Sion of his companv as well a., it. in. bad. In any case, in a democracy some ­ body has to lose and somebody has to win.” is good for us. If we select the right ! < J''. •4 M. required here, not there. In return, on lecture tours so they can impart reli- agrees, it would be workable. of tenements for the lower and middle income groups. The Godrejs have ¦ donated land to the Sir Ratan Tata Trust for the construction of a home for infirm and aged Parsis and to the B.N. Gamadia Parsi Hunnarshala for constructing dwelling units for the weaker sections of the Parsi commu ­ nity. The Godrej Memorial Trust in I r. |. . . X VIVUIVJ IVIViilVtiai iiuai 111 P comrnunity politics, is not Delhi gives free medical aid to the poor tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India or with the policies of the Com ­ mittee for Electoral Rights (now named: the Committee for Economic Revival) but credits the CER with in- re- and a technical institution is being set up in Golvad to give technical educa­ tion to school dropouts. A man of few words with little time or inclination for the limelight, God ­ rej ’s perspective includes a relaxed * -4 '‘r 4.- " i . canons of the Zoroastrian religion-, problems and privileges. “You cannot physically stop someone Godrej is credited with the expan- from embracing Zoroastrianism, re- sion of his company as well as its in- marks Godrej in reference to Joseph creasing participation in the ameliora- Peterson, the American engineer who tion of community problems. The nep- Peterson, the American engineer who 21 Parsiana January 1985L'j' p h’' It j Av <1^ Running the gauntlet Sitting trustee Jamshed Guzder is undaunted by efforts made to ease him out of the trusteeship. Arnavaz S. Mama The energetic figure, the fair face chat together about various matters the common good of the communi ­ crinkling into a smile, has been a fami- but I did not question him why he ’d liar feature on the community ’s eco- changed his mind, because it was none political landscape. With sunny opti- of my business ... mism undimmed by a decade of Pun- “There is a general feeling that the chayet trusteeship, Jamshed Guzder two of us together ip the Punchayet has chosen to brave another poll. This would make a solid contribution rather time, however, he faces a contest, not than one displacing the other. I would ___________________ ____________ against a woolly Pundolite, but an in- also feel from what I’ve heard that he who feel that my reelection as trustee dustrial magnate known and respected really did not stand against me because will not serve their purpose and that by within the community and beyond: one or two trustees have expressed hook or by crook an atmosphere be Naoroji P. Godrej. ..................................... " In his Neville House office — en­ dowed with the gracious proportions of an earlier era — on December 3 and 5, 1984, Guzder disparaged the need for a manifesto: “If I issue a manifes ­ to, what would I say? What little I have done? Even then people might say I’m “There is a general feeling that the ty... “The unfortunate part of this or any election is that while both of us may ex­ ercise restraint, others will take advan­ tage and start attacking one or the other. From what I have heard, there are certain people with vested interests their feeling that if Naval Godrej created so that Jamshed Guzder is not elected. How far they will succeed re­ mains to be seen. ’’ Guzder assesses his winning chances as being “very good indeed’’ — great with the F register and good with the E, adding “I certainly expect to win; otherwise 1 would not stand. ’’ Guzder notes that he sacrificed a great many business interests and passed them on to his sons who were not very happy about it for quite some time. “In the event of not coming iri, I shall immerse myself back in my business activities, ’’ says Guzder. Referring to the opposition to the current Fourth World Zoroastrian ..... ... Congress in a section of the communi- .1 Guzder and he is perfectly willing to “Having been associated with the ty, Guzder noted: “I also played a part participate in a public debate with his Godrej family and Naval Godrej for in the Third World Zoroastrian Con- • opponent, Naoroji (Naval) P. Godrej, • of whom he says, “I’m given to under- "It goes against my belief in good behaviour to tell the , ‘ blowing my own trumpet. Rather than plnrtnrpto tho\/ my proclaiming what I may have done, LUI d LU LI Id L LI ItJy should elect me because I'm a better by and large... the community has a fairly good idea of what I did as a trustee and I’m sure this includes in very large measure the members of the ¦ Anjuman Committee, both the E and F registers, in whose hands it is finally to elect one or the other. . 1 Words come easily to 68-year-old would be very happy to step down. “Having been associated with the ty, Guzder noted: “I also played a part man. wishes to come in, one or the other the past many years, I cannot bring gress (then, as now, Guzder was chair- myself to campaign like a politician man of the organizing committee) and stand he is a very shy person. He-says and run down my opponent. Therefore people ask what good did this Congress he ’s agreed to stand only because (BPP it makes it rather difficult for me and it do? But they don ’t realize that this trustee) Homi Ranina and others have goes against my grain and my belief in Congress was directly responsible for assured him that they 11 do all the can- good behaviour to tell the electorate the awakening in the community. At * • vassing and appearing in public and en- that they should elect me because I’m a the concluding session, when I was in p’ sure him victory on a platter. I repeat better man. That is not right. There- , that this is hearsay ... He’d all along fore I can only see two alternatives: ' mentioned that he ’d not like to be a ( • • ; trustee of the Punchayet. .. I think he ’s feel the same way as I do, in which case been influenced by outsiders. I’d have if an offer should be made or if an im- expected that if he had certain reserva- mediate occasion should arise for ano- tions he might have checked them out ther vacancy on the board of trustees, with me, but he didn’t. After he an- ' ¦ nOunced his decision we had a long the chair, L gave an assurance that we will involve outsiders in committees to one is that Naval Godrej would also be set up, consisting of the best brains in the community from different disci ­ plines, so that the trustees may get the benefit of their advice and wisdom. That is how the first Committee for the then he may decide to fill that vacancy. Economic Uplift of the community so that both of us can be trustees for was formed — 1 insisted that only one 5 22 Parsiana January 1985•!| i - ¦ X T •¦-I i 'J F" [-' ¦ i, ‘.^ I ¦i t 4 -i 4 s Si I ’¦’¦fi 1 1 (1^ •# iZ-h ff I “ A ‘ ¦*# ¦; i ! -¦f MMi IBm H The interview was conducted before Jamshed Guzder's decision to withdraw from the election girls are dissatisfied with our boys. The average girl is more intelligent and go- getting than the average boy. She ex­ pects something from life which she feels she would not be able to have by marrying the average Parsi boy. So she opts for boys of other communities. .. (So we should) help our young men and women to make a good start in life and most important, provide much needed housing to engaged couples to reverse the trend of diminishing numbers and increase our popula ­ tion. .. “We should get the maximum or two trustees should be on the Com- rupees for the (Gibbs Road) land. mittee and the majority outsiders in (There are two options) We can take amount of money from the Gibbs order to involve the public — out of the maximum amount and build all we Road scheme to buy more land on the which has evolved the program for can or accept less money and keep the mainland for in the next 20 years com- housing and utilization of the vacant land (within the community). But then munications will be such that the city land lying unused with 'the Puncha- another 100 families, without resour- yet.” . .............. “ The Gibbs Road project, the pro ­ ceeds of which are expected to fund the yet, Girzder laments, “It’s a common ed at Colaba or around them they did housing construction scherne of the fallacy at the present moment that the not visualize the forest of skyscrapers Punchayet, has been the source of con- Punchayet is only the custodian of the at Nariman Point or that the whole of siderable controversy as the original funds and properties which they hold Malabar Hill would be a concrete fo- offer of Rs 800 per sq ft — in an area where the free market price ranges bet­ ween Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 — seemed to of the role of the Punchayet is that we where it is still cheap. What is Godrej a section of the community to be an should be pacesetters for improving the Baug today but the fulfilment of the outright subsidization of the rich, condition of members of our commu- dream of our grandfathers in 1877?” There was also fear that earnings from nity. We should intervene very actively It is Guzder’s opinion that ‘The Pun- the project would be considered busi- and, if necessary, very aggressively chayet feels that the Press is against ness income liable jo be taxed, said when any of the interests of the com- them. (There is a) lacuna because the Guzder. Accordingly, on the advice of munity is in any manner threatened or trustees are not bothered to take the experts, the Punchayet switched the jeopardized. The part we should play is Press into confidence. (There should original plan of building and offering also one of maintaining harmony and be) an exchange of views. ” However, flats there, into offering the land on unity in the community, maintaining a while there should be “more ongoing long lease to a builder or society. On proper balance between the extreme or- rapport with the Press, ” Guzder says, further consultation, however, Guzder thodox and the extreme radicals. In the “I also feel that the Press, in order to said, “It was switched to building our- context of present circumstances and sell, should not create controversy and selves on condition that it would be a way of life, the Punchayet must give run the Punchayet down. ” Personally, part of the whole scheme, including leadership to the younger generation, Guzder claims, he ’s “very happy with Godrej Baug, Andheri, etc, and not in revive the spirit of entrepreneurship, the Press. They ’ve treated me. fairly isolation. .. bring about conditions which would gently and I’ve always gone out of my “The Punchayet has received an of- prevent mixed marriages ... if you ana- way, whenever possible, to be frank fer of four and a half to five crores of lyze mixed marriages you find that our with them and inform them of the va- 23 Parsiana January 1985 J fi '1 t. 41 I » I ¦ * <* '?¦ which grows on the mainland will be a ces, would be left out. ” second Bombay. When our grand­ Speaking on the role of the Puncha- fathers stood on Napean Hill and look- . on behalf of the community. While rest. Therefore we must think ahead that may be so in some sense, my idea and invest in land across the harbour - i 5 5 1 A ¦ 1 'i ¦ -i >5 .r J, 'i i ¦1j tai.^ -a^t V rious activities. ” Guzder recounted the history of the Federation from the time when,even BPP trustees were foggy about its ex­ istence and workings, to the clash of personalities between Shiavax Nargol- wala and B.K. Boman-Behram so that eventually the BPP resigned in a huff and pied piperishly induced other an­ jumans to follow suit, to the eventual ' rapproachment under the chairman ­ ship of Dr Aspi Golwalla and said, “The Federation today, in my opinion, has really become the focal point, a centre of the community for the large and small anjumans scattered around India. It has started some very useful schemes like employment, assistance in self-employment, giving advice to the small anjumans of India, establishing a counselling service for Parsi boys and girls and for the first time the small an­ jumans of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh etc are beginning to look to the Federation for help and guid- ¦ ance. Unfortunately, even though it is held by some of the trustees of the BPP that the BPP trustees are akabars and there should not be another body superceding the Punchayet it must be admitted, that the BPP because of its < ¦ ¦ 1 'i «-•- .' 1' si ’. For Individual Or Bulk Requirements Fine Paintings, Jewelry & Handicrafts Rajasthani Art Gallery Room 9, Abbas Building Ground floor 35, Mcrewcather Road (Near Taj Hotel) Colaba Bombay 400 039 Phone 240031 . 24 Pars/ana January 1985 appear before them and hold myself accountable for the period I had been trustee (about mid-term). I believed, and I still believe, that the trustees are accountable to the community and the . precedent that had been set for the past 300 years, of the trustees not being an­ swerable to anybody because they can’t do any wrong, was not desirable in the present context. This was not very ac­ ceptable to some of my co-trustees. However, by persuasion I was able to convince my co-trustees that instead of an individual trustee appearing before the Anjuman Committee, all the trus ­ tees should appear collectively and this was done in ’82 when a meeting was called of the Anjuman Committee when four trustees were present. This practice has now been accepted by the trustees. A similar meeting was to be called in November but was postponed JI ¦¦IV u. . -_ J___ J- demise of the Prime Minis- of India the Federation will ter. Therefore I have set a trend. 3 “Secondly, we believe charity begins Parsi community, (that is) scattered at home. Yet our own people, our own 1 ? so grossly underpaid. When I took this up and suggested we do something about it, 1 was rebuked: ‘Where can we get the money from? ’ So I persuaded my trustees to amend the pattern of investment of our funds of Neville and in the last five years our average particular role and preoccupations, was never able to reach out to the four corners of India. Even the adjoining anjumans of Gujarat would approach the Surat Parsi Punchayet. That is why today and in the years to come, I firmly believe that with the help and assis- 'My idea of the role of the Punchayet is that we should be pacesetters for improving the condition of our community." tance of the BPP and the major anju ­ mans t. . , serve a most useful role in keeping the around India, together and make the employees, are big and small anjumans feel that at last their voice will be heard. ” On the subject of the Jyoti Studio property deal, Guzder says his role was merely one of conveying to the Pun­ chayet, at the request cf Wadia’ the initial offer of Rs 55 lakhs yield has gone up by 25 to 30 pycent, from Shapoor Irani. According to bringing in comparatively higher m- Guzder the deal had been struck by come. As a result, the effective salaries Neville Wadia who wished Guzder, as and wages paid today are much higher a friend and a trustee, to convey the of- t—.......—- ¦ fer to the Punchayet and get their process of paying higher wages and okay which Guzder did. When the salaries is continuing and, before my matter was first criticized publicly at a term ends, it is my intention to per- CER iashan everyone sat up and took suade my trustees to give another sub- a iwrv, ottiM diuiiuui — X------- Neville Wadia given only last month. However, it must be kept in mind that the BPP is fore, this ongoing process of increasing Wadia Regarding the costs must not reach that stage where, because of the limited pattern of in- and wages paid today are much higher than those paid five years ago. This notice that the price was too low, said stantial increase, a part of which was Guzder. By this time Neville Wadia given only last month. However^ it was out of India and Guzder says that i-------------- relations between him and the Wadias not an industrial institution^ and mer^^^ began to sour when he tried to con ­ vince Neville ----- price. Subsequently, says Guzder, the 114111 u^ai wao ivoviMMw** *•••»• — — ¦ -------- --------- - , , was struck with N.L. Mehta — also by not able to meet the Neville Wadia — for Rs 72 lakhs. In fact, Guzder says he had never met or seen N.L. Mehta before. Reflecting on community happen ­ ings of the past 10 years Guzder says, naw a ---j ------- “When I became a trustee, the Board mited number of flats were built. This of Trustees was a closed shop. The committee did not have full representa- theory or principle of accountability of tion of trustees — just four out of the trustees was non-existent. I believe that seven. I insisted arid the other trustees I am the first trustee in the history of agreed, that this being a very iinportent the Punchayet to call a meeting of the function and any wrong allotment Anjuman Committee so that 1 could could be misunderstood, all the Irani deal was rescinded and a new deal vestment that we have, our income is Referring to the issue that is closest to peoples ’ hearts, the allotment of flats, Guzder noted, “In the past there used to be a committee for allotment of flats when a vacancy occurred or a li- if > in the manner of allotment (of flats) and saw abject poverty: People who ’d i I trustees must participate in the deci- in the manner of allotment (of flats) and saw abject poverty: People who ’d Sion. As a result all the trustees are now which previously was done on the basis retired on a small stipend half starvine because of inflation. Then I realized that one ’s purpose in life, especially “I grew up in an environment where towards the tail end, is a certain obliga-^ J r one ’s fellow man. Giving money to charity does not serve the purpose. . .giving of oneself is, in my aJhousand,crores of rupees, trustee of opinion, far more important, far more ¦ • soul satisfying and makes one feel that one ’s existence in this life has not been I never knew how the poor in vain.” collectively responsible for this func- of which applicant had the greatest in- tion. Again, because of outsiders on fluence with a trustee or trustees ” our committee (Committee for Economic Uplift), we were able to ob- I’d never come face to face with pover- tain from them several good ideas of ty,” reminisced Guzder, who is direc- how the assessment of each applicant tor of 16 companies with a turnover of should be made, and out of this was in- i ’ troduced the system of categorization 18 charitable institutions and commit- of applicants, giving of points and tee member of several business organi- marks and arriving at a merit rating of zations. “I ____ k...... vi.v h— ’?£*'^d“^^aPPl*cant. This was the and needy existed. My eyes were *first opened to their plight during my elec­ tion 10 years ago when I went round •44 4 . first time in the history of the Pun­ chayet that there is a certain rationale AH phorographs Cf) Messers Godrej and Guzder iri this issue by Horiiyar Mistry. 4 F Rashid D Bamanbehram Professional photographer for photos-of weddings navjotes and birthday parties. 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 Gifts& giMKdiSi The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 253443 & 252730 I i a % ri 14 5- ¦5 4- For Pure Diamonds 5^ J « JEWELLERS 324. GRANT ROAD, BOMBAY 400 007. TELEPHONE: 371483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA I T1 Parsiana January 1985 1 '¦¦ :S- ; -isi^’’ *? t 1 F Ai.\ In search of the Go lit' !» I A report on the Zoroastrian immigrants settled in Chicago. Ruzbeh Antia * r at the First North American Zoroas- and associated values, beliefs and trian Congress held in Toronto in 1976. observances and the myth of common “I don ’t think (this has happened) by ancestral origin. Most important, they design; I think external forces have identify themselves as Jewish. made the Zoroastrians an ethnic ¦j' 1 fi r 51 H’ The 1960s and early 70s were the peak period of Zoroastrians' immig ­ ration to the United States. A project examining in some detail the Zoroas ­ trian community in Chicago was pre­ sented by Ms Ruzbeh Antia in partial community. ” requirement for her degree in journal- ~ ism from the Marquette University. The first instalment of Antia's thesis "Keeping the fire of faith alive: Zoroastrians in Chicago" described preserved by many exclusionary rules, the social and economic condition of These dictate, for example, that only the Zoroastrians, the reasons why those born of Zoroastrian fathers can Parsis an<^ Iranian Zoroastrians, ” they emigrated, their assimilation into the American mainstream, and their views on Zoroastrian traditions, rituals and acceptance of converts. The second instalment focussed on outmarriage among the Zoroastrians, the Jews, “There comes a time when the possibility of second generation religion is given by social inheritance, Zoroastrians identifying themselves is associated with a cluster of culture. These are three of the most impor ­ tant characteristics of the working Through the years, the essentially definition of an ethnic group esta- ethnic identity of the Zoroastrians, blished by a 1973 symposium of the both in India and Iran and, later, in Social Science Research Council, other parts of the world, has been Zoroastrians, too, possess all of these characteristics. “There is no real difference between t 1 n ^1) 1 l!, be initiated into the religion, that no claims Royenton Farhadieh, who one can be converted into the religion comes from Iran. “They have the same and that Zoroastrians should not ethnic background and should be marry outside the community. proud of it. Like the Jews, they should As Nathan Glazer has written about stand behind one another, ” he said. In North America, moreover, many of the cultural differences between Iranian and Parsi Zoroastrians are with Zoroastrian culture and religion and then it fulfils the definition. . .of becoming blurred. English has replac- and the chances of the community an ethnic group, a group which is seen surviving in North America. as different, thinks of itself as dif­ ferent and whose difference descends dress and social habits is widespread from inheritance rather than by adult and many customs are being modified choice or other forms of choice. ” Glazer’s words and the analogy with ed Farsi or Gujarati as the predomi ­ nant language, adoption of western 1 ?h 1 j ak ‘^jV. J The Americanization of Zoroastrians: Problems of identity choice or other forms of choice. ” in the direction of uniformity. “Zoroastrianism is a religion, not a Glazer’s words and the analogy with Since there is no practicing Iranian social group, ” said Noshir Hormaz- the Jews can be useful in countering priest in the Chicago Zoroastrian diyar, a practicing Zoroastrian priest, another often made objection. This community, for instance, Parsi priests “The ’Parsis, on the other hand, are an asserts that Iranian and Parsi Zoroas- perform all ceremonies in the Parsi ethnic group. ” trians are really two different ethnic fashion, according to Farhadieh. It is legitimate for Zoroastrians to groups. Interestingly, the very process that feel that this is what their group iden- “Iranis (Zoroastrians) and Parsis blurs distinctions between Iranian and tity should be. Though the historical have a different language, many Parsi Zoroastrians in North America, evidence is unclear, it is likely that this different customs and many other will perhaps increase cultural dif- is what their group identity was in the social and cultural differences, ” said ferences between North American Zo- early days of their religion. However, Rohinton Rivetna. “This is often roastrians and those in India or Iran, the fact remains that for much of their painfully clear in Association func- Some Zoroastrians believe that this recorded history the Zoroastrians have tions. They sit separately and don ’t may lead to the forging of a distinctive projected themselves as an ethnic •b ''J •¦1 1 >k' petty jealousy that many of us who lity that ZAC children may betaugnt have worked very hard for the commu- about their heritage by other means, w*/ nity and the Association ,in the past their opportunities for interaction with having have completely distanced ourselves from the Association now, ’’ said Keki Bhote. The two chief reasons why Zoroas ­ trians in Chicago participate in activi­ ties organized by the ZAC are to meet and communicate with other commu ­ nity members and to discuss religious sudreh ancJ kusti in and community matters. It is significant that only 18 percent said that their main reason for partici­ pation was to teach their children a Zoroastrian peer group appear rather 1 I cago, interpersonal communication is very strong. “We’re always meeting, J parties and doing things together, ’’ said Bachi Damkevala. “Even a lot of people who don ’t get involved with the Association, do socialize with Zoroastrians. ’’ In the survey, two thirds said that most of their close friends were Zoroastrians. About a quarter said that their close friends were mostly Americans, while the remaining 10 percent had close friends belonging to other ethnic communities. . .. In sharp contrast, however, only something about the religion and limited. This could prove a major hur- about 10 percent of those married to culture. Forty percent found this die in the efforts of the community to non-Zoroastrians said most of their reason was not at all important to socialize its children into a Zoroastrian close friends were Zoroastrians In this them. This, coupled with the fact that way of life. group, more than three quarters said two thirds also said that they rarely “My sons know a lot about the reli- that their close friends were mainly attended any of the ZAC’s children ’s r-------- ' — . . - - activities, suggests that the ZKC has a Zoroastrian. But they do not want to earlier findings of the survey - ------------ , appears that Zoroastnans who marry complains Rohinton Rivetna. outside the community tend not to Among adult Zoroastrians in Chi- associate with the group. '"Most teenagers wouldn't be caught dead wearing a gym class. culture. Forty percent found this die in the efforts of the community to problem reaching the crucial second associate with other Zoroastrians, ’’ While we cannot rule out the possibi- “My sons know a lot about the reli­ gion and say £hat they are proud to be American. In keeping with some of the • , it 1 r ¦ f ( 33 Parsiana January 1985 A&MOAVVfiS Kta OrTSBMATtONAt^BHie GROVF BAHRAIN The leading Computer Company of the Middle East with subsidiaries in UK REQUIRES REGULARLY THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL SECRETARIES (Ret AI/AP) Arts Graduates Fast, Accurate Steno/Typist good command of English. 3/5 years experience in self correspondence hardworking, willing to learn Word Processing ACCOUNTS CLERKS (Ret AI/CD) Commerce Graduates hardworking with good command of English. 3/5 years experience in Purchase/Sales control, computerised accounting apply in confidence with detailed CV, certificates, testimonials, references, passport size photograph, and copy of valid passport to; Penzin Nirumvala Manager, Admin. & Personnel ¦| P.O. Box 26259, Manama, Bahrain I•^! < --'V S K- " J?.!' 1 !¦ When it comes to communication The present survey also shows that the tions will grow up amongZoroastrians- with friends and relatives in the former community in Chicago has succeeded in any North American city, home country, the survey reveals that in maintaining moderate to high levels all communicated with some degree of of identification. But great caution survey were in a unique position that is frequency. Eighty-four percent said must be exercised in applying these unlikely to be repeated. They are first they communicated regularly, while facts to the future. generation immigrants brought up in a the rest said they communicated sometimes. Such high levels of communication are not unusual for first generation immigrants. Many have immediate Next, all those who responded to the i l| J)/ .1 j p m' ii/ 41 I, 1 4 ir V 1 j- i It f i I I I ! ill i' 'i 1! i ¦i. There are people family members slill living in (he yyQ|.|^ vg|-y hard former home countries. The communi- ' cation probably reflects the strength of .and t h 6 H t h © T© 3 T© p©opl© who ask us not to s©nd th©m any mor© junk mail.' First, many of the techniques of Zoroastrian environment in their home survival that Zoroastrians used in the countries. “I grew up in a Zoroastrian atmos ­ phere and took much of it for /granted,” said Royenton Faihadieh of his upbringing in Iran. “It was just ingrained in me that I was to marry a Zoroastrian and bring up my children as Zoroastrians. ” Future generations of Zoroastrians growing up in North America will pro ­ bably take none of this for granted. They will not imbibe their Zoroastrian identities by osmosis from the atmos- 11 personal ties rather than ethnic ties, for when asked whether they subscribed to ethnic publications from the home country, only 25 percent said yes. To predict future trends from present levels of knowledge and .___________ _________________ , research about the North American phere. They will,* instead, have to Zoroastrian community would be past may be impossible to transplant to acquire them by a conscious process of largely an exercise in crystal ball the North American environment. For learning and reconcile them with other, gazing. In the past, Zoroastrians in instance, given the lack of significant perhaps more attractive, identities also other countries have been remarkably numbers and resources, it is unlikely open to them, tenacious in preserving their identity, that a tradition of non-state institu- The final instalment win appear m me March issue. Conference, Wedding or Party — Leave it in West End's experienced hands. Your Favourite! ‘The Gourmet’ Restaurant/Coffee Shop offers EXECUTIVE BUFFET LUNCH • 16 delicious courses. • From 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. every day. Including Sundays. Restaurant open from 8 a.m, to 11.30 p.m. .34 Parsiana January 1985 ANAVJOTE,ALAGAN, ASILVER OR GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, A FIRST-BIRTHDAY PARTY- OR ANY SUCH HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR LIFE Celebrate them at West End Hotel, in the beautiful setting of the Terrace Hall. Choose the day and leave all the other problems to us. AT-THE WEST END HOTEL Hold a RECEPTION in the stately splendour of our Banquet Room OR in the delightful setting of our newly renovated Terrace Hall West End’s Conference Plan Rs.60/- -I- 1.5% Sales Tax per head Inclusive of: Room Rent, Buffet Lunch, Morning and Evening Tea. Ask for special concession offer for larger conferences. J Sifi-®) A linguistics career offers immense opportunities, opines Wadia. 7* .1 L V insemination of dairy cattle and had technology to the National Dairy Deve- lopment Board in Gujarat in 1977; and interpreting for two famous French writers, Robert Sabatier and Michel Tournier, who were hosted by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations Speaking another language a,, ouuunding French lan “ guage students, after obtaining her i«z4r«uiaster ’s degree in French in 1976, Wadia applied for a French Govern ­ ment scholarship to do her doctorate in France. “You need a master ’s degree A merit scholar throughout her with a first class to be eligible and it is < t J i I “With Indo-French relations improv- whole life,” recalls Wadia. ing continuously, there are more i _ French delegations coming into the scholastic career, Wadia secured a first the French Embassy in New Delhi and country; more collaborations; the class first in the ’ bachelor of ate the University Grants Commission trade commission and Indo-French (French) degree examination whe which jointly decide on the grant of chambers of commerce are more ac- graduating from Bombay ’s Elphir. scholarships. The term starts in Sep- tive in organizing seminars, conferen- stone College in 1974. Thereafter she tember-October and you apply one ces, exhibitions and trade fairs; and acquired a first class first in her year in advance,” explains Wadia, for with the French company Compagnie- master ’s degree course (majoring in the benefit of other hopefuls who may Francaise de Petrole collaborating with French) in 1976 and also obtained a wish to follow in her footsteps. the Oil & Natural Gas Commission in diploma de langue (1974), a diploma Wadia duly received the scholarship offshore drilling operations, job op- superieur (1975), and a diploma in October 1977 for doing a doctorate portunities for translators and inter- francaise commercial cerlxhcst.- in French literature from the Paul prefers in the French language have in- tes from the Alliance Francaise de Valery University in Montpellier, creased, ” says Dr Perveen Wadia Bombay. “Most students opt for Paris but I (29), one of the privileged few in the chose Montpellier in southern France country to have acquired a doctorate in Two-year stint on the Mediterranean coast, which is a French literature from Paul Valery With this kind of scholastic record, student university town specially University in southern France. plenty of interpreting and translating known for its medical faculty, with a Wadia, who has her hands full doing assignments came her .way during a young population of 30,000 students, translations, interpreting and giving two-year stint at the consulate. “I out of which 10,000 are foreigners lear- private tuitions in French, did not " ' ’’ - - exactly drift into a career in languages. But, it was the French consul general in Bombay who however shaped her ca- French language and wanted to build 1________________________________________ ____ of opportunities awaiting her in a the challenge and did all kinds of after 1947.” Wadia selected contem- linguistics career. i . _ “While I was studying for my came my way,” recalls Wadia. masters degree in French at Bombay University, the French vice consul for that came her way during the mid- French scholars such as Alain Danilou, cultural affairs, M.M. Couturier, who seventies were as official interpreter for who had a modern approach to Indian used to conduct our lectures once a press conferences during the Interna- culture. week, approached me with the offer of tional Film Festival in January 1976; Wadiacompletedhermaster ofphi- a part-time job at the consulate from 9 interpreting for French scientists who losophy examination in November am to 1 pm. This offer changed mv had invented a svstem for artificial 1979, which was an introduction to the . “I out of which 10,000 are foreigners lear- always wanted to be different from my ning science and languages. The course friends, who were either married or is very well-organized, ” observes had traditional careers. 1 loved the Wadia. ______ - ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ 1 The subject of her thesis was: “The reer and gave her a peep into the world my career around it and so 1 took up image of India in French literature interpreting and translating jobs that porary India and was guided in her .«.v i*v / * vvolio V/tiMio. choice by the French consulate in Bom- Some of the important assignments bay. She extensively read several 35 Parsiana January T9P^ l5j ;'3 'i- k'l ’I I ;1 ! ’3 i '¦•‘2’ff'K 1 ¦f doctorate, and submitted her thesis in naging director of the National Film IF f h* 1982. And hardly surprising, ever since Development Corporation, business- her return to India in September 1982, men, engineers, etc., and she charges Wadia has been one of the most sought Rs 35-45 per hour. “Work keeps in- after French language interpreters and creasing and the translations are main- translators in the country. She has ly technical or commercial and they are worked for industries ranging from always urgent. I would like to go more leather to optics and has interpreted for seminars and exhibitions organized by the French Trade Commission and leading firms. She has also sub-titled several films for Indian film festivals held in France, including Simhasan, Nagarik, Manthan and Bhavni Bhavai for the Smita Patil retrospective. I loved the French language and wanted to build my career around it. B 1' I into interpreting which is very in­ Film synopses teresting. But then all the work is Wadia particularly enjoys film sub- varied and interesting. I love my work titling work. “I translated quite a few and am always learning something synopses of Indian films for the last new,’’ says Wadia. Cannes Film Festival. Since it is lite­ rary work, it gives me great pleasure, eign languages, linguistics is a reward- These synopses are printed and circula- ing career and even more so if learning ted among foreign distributors and a language is combined with some other visitors to the festival. This as- other professional course, points out signment also taught me a lot about Wadia who has established herself as a non-Hindi films, ’’ explains Wadia. There is considerable demand for feels that newcomers entering this field private tuitions in French and Wadia have a bright future. has a long list of students, including photograph rtprlnltd with permission from people like Malati Tambe-Vaidya, ma- Business world, October s-21, i984. For those with an aptitude for for- professional in less than two years and f IJI it' - |- ?! Do you have a G6PD enzyme deficiency? The G6PD enzyme deficiency, common among the Parsis, makes them highly susceptible to certain drugs.* The deficiency may cause jaundice in the newborn and severe hemolytic crisis ( destruction of red blood cells) in adults. Ask your family doctor to arrange for a blood test to detect whether you have G6PD enzyme deficiency. If you happen to be a G6PD-D patient, it is essential that you carry your card at all times so that in any emergency you would receive appropriate treatment. * Aspirin, phenacetin acetanilid, all sulpha derivatives, furadantin and all nitrofuran derivatives, quindine, quinine, primaquine, pamaquine, mepacrine, arse­ nic derivatives, PAS (para-amino salicylic acid). BAL (dimercaprol). benadryl, antistine. benemid, chloramphenicol, nitrites, heavy dose of Vitamin C. chlor­ oquine, Vitamin K and sulphones (dapsone). Issued in the public interest by Parsiana. With the Best Compliments of Itt 36 Parsiana January 1985 INGERSOLL*RAND [INDIA] LIMITED Manufacturers of Air & Gas Compressors Rock Drill Equipment * Vacuum Pumps *
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