Feb 1985

February 1985, Volume 7 No. 8, Rs. 2. f I I For whom the bell tolls A news analysis of the Fourth World Zoroastrian Congress Dr Kersey Antia on the need for a deci­ sion-making religious body was reject- ( I Perhaps the most unfortunate inci­ dent of the Congress also involved the Chicago high priest. While Antia was near the foyer of the Birla Matushri Hall, Tehomton Aresh, president of the Zoroastrian Association of Califor­ nia, physically accosted and verbally abused him. Ahlia reportedly kept his demeanor. The attack on Antia was most regrettable and the only such known incident at the Congress. As Prof Irani had observed in his talk “Why can’t we disagree without being disagreeable?’’ Aside from the late invitation to speakers, the worldwide Zoroastrian associations did not participate in the Few of the major issues facing the global community were scheduled for discussion, as all ''controversial subjects" were barred. i Perhaps the most lasting memory of went out so late that some of them' sed. Even a non-controversial paper by the Congress will be the bell. The me- received the letters after the deadline tallic ring dominated the three-day for submitting the papers had passed. meet more than any individual or Also, few of the major issues facing ed because Antia, who had performed event. Speakers and audience found the global community were scheduled Joseph Peterson’s navjote ceremony, their destinies controlled by the man- for discussion as all “controversial was considered too controversial, ually operated instrument and the clock. “When they wrote to me, they said I would have 15 minutes to speak,” said Behram Deboo of British Colum­ bia “When I arrived in the hall they told me 10 minutes and now (on the stage) I’m told not more than six minu- 1 tes. I don’t know where to begin and where to end.” Prof Kaikhosrov Irani of New York also noted “that when I prepared this paper I thought it would be a summary . of what I was going to say. Now my talk will be a summary of my paper.” On another occasion, Irani noted he was going to perform a signal service to the Congress by being one of the only subjects” were to be barred. Thus the format and subjects of the Congress speakers to end his talk before the bell issue of acceptance/non-acceptance of due to the distance and lack of time, rang. converts, adoption, inter-community Even if time and distance were not in- Though the January Congress was marriage, the position of children of hibiting factors it is unlikely the Bom- b|led as the Fourth World Zoroastrian such marriages, the need for behdins to bay Pars^ Punchayet, which sponsored Congress, it was very much a Bombay perform priestly functions due to the the function at the request of the Fede- affair. Invitations to foreign speakers dearth of athornans were not discus- ration of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans I i ! !had decided to tackle the main issues. If the North American priests want­ ed to be in the forefront, the priests in India seemed to be content with back­ seat driving. Eight high priests of Bom­ bay and Gujarat were conspicuous by their absence. Though invitations had been issued to them, they chose to stay away. Thus when they had the oppor­ tunity to offer leadership to the com­ munity, they characteristically abdicat­ ed their role. Perhaps their absence explained a question raised at the Congress: Why do so many Zoroastrians drift towards other religions, cults and individuals? Time and again speakers at the Con­ gress attacked Zoroastrians for seeking religious salvation elsewhere. One speaker from the floor spoke of the “menace of Christian Science.” But other speakers rightly pointed out that because Zoroastrians did not find com­ fort in their own religion, they turned elsewhere. Unfortunately the failing of the Zoroastrian religion as practised and preached today was not a subject on the Congress’ agenda. Nor was the ¦ ” 1 to make Zoroastrianism meaningful to its followers. There were many such missed oppor- _____ _ ___ tunities at the Congress. Even the Con- he said, therefore they gress theme H^am Band Paivaste — of India, would have permitted key issues to be discussed. Thus it was a pleasant surprise to find K-obad Zarolia of Toronto on the stage, talking on the issues facing the Zoroastrian priest­ hood in North America. These issues involved who could be a Zoroastrian, who could have their navjotes per­ formed, the stand on abortion, why a spring ghambar should be held in the fall as is the present situation^etc. Zaro- If the North American priests wanted to be in the forefront, the priests in India seemed to be content with backseat driving. lia outlined the issues and said a time 'j iia UUllHlCU iiic laauvo auu juim ------------------ . ^t_ x t. r frame for implementation had still to subject of a priesthood that has failed be drawn up. He wanted to gauge the Congress’ thinking on the points rais­ ed. “The priests in North America want to be in the forefront of their community,’’ 1 - , Bound Together Unitedly Forever, proved to be illusionary. A community that is afraid to face problems, that sweeps aside all controversy for fear of offending one section or the other, cannot claim to be united. It is only when there is free and honest discus­ sion within the framework of a Con­ gress or symposium that unity emerges, unity of thought, rather than unity of physical objects. Perhaps, for these reasons, the ses­ sion on the world body was the most dramatic. An important issue was be­ fore the Congress: whether the World Zoroastrian Organization would and could continue as an acceptable world body or whether once again the matter would be in abeyance. In his inaugural address on January 10 on the Cusrow Baug lawns. Federation and BPP presi­ dent Dr Aspi Golwalla categorically said “It would be foolish to have two world bodies.” That set the tone for a constructive dialogue. Even the Delhi Parsi Anjuman president Shiavax Nar- golwala’s acerbic remarks on the Pun- chayet and the WZO did not alter the positive tenor of the discussions. In­ stead it earned a rebuke from the ses­ sion’s chairman Dr Farhang Mehr who requested speakers “to refrain from personal attacks and insults.” No decision was reached on the issue 4 gRUNlTEDIA-.(FOBPv^F 4' WORLD ZOKC’ASTRt \\ CONGKFSS 1 J Al the inauguration (from left) Kanga, Begum Latif, Guzder, Governor LH. Latif, Golwalla, Nargolwala, Daslur N. Minochehf- Homji, (rear right) Homai Mody and Gool Tata. 4! 2 Parsiana February 19851 3 of a world body but it was a tactical victory for the incipient WZO. They had at least been able to stall any move for forming a parallel world body at the Congress. Antia.re^rettable incident Papers The quality of the papers on most of the topics was uneven. Some of the talks were rambling and irrelevant. On­ ly few were well researched. Mercifully the fourth Congress, un­ like the third, was spared homespun theories on genetics. The constant refe­ rence to the virtues of thoroughbreds, both animals and humans al the third Congress, had led Aspi Moddie, a busi­ ness consultant, to then remark that he was not certain whether he was present at a world congress or a stud farm. At the fourth Congress only one irani. 'signal service speaker from the floor began to wax eloquently on the merits of thorough­ bred dogs. He was immediately contra- ____ dieted by rapporteur Homi Sethna who Qf the Congress remarked that genetically pariahs are the summing of the subject ses- the strongest dogs. s. . . In terms of content, the session on speeches were either too long, irrele- coordination on a global scale and the research in the community addressed vant or repetitious. As BPP trustee need for a world federation to host by Dr D. Jussawalla, Dr N. Bharucha jamshed Guzder observed in his win- such events in an international spirit of and Dr M. Karkal was probably the ding up speech “1 won’t tire and bore give and take. The large contingent of most relevant and best presented. But yoy again with a summing up of the Zoroastrians from Iran, around 150, here also unfortunately the speakers congress proceedings.” lent an international flavour to the nleet. The youthful presence of the Zoroastrian Member of Parliament Malek Pour who carried a message of greetings from Ali Akbar Hashemi AU photographs in this issue by Homyar Mistry. Perhaps the most disastrous session forefront and thereby focussed on the > was the last, dealing need to hold Congresses more regularly with time schedules and guidelines sions by the respective chairmen. The spelt out. It pointed out the need for research in the community addressed vant or repetitious. As BPP trustee by Dr D. Jussawalla, Dr N. Bharucha jamshed Guzder observed in his win- were restricted to their time schedules, and other speakers from the stage and Congress and how the emphasis had floor spoke on subjects totally unrelat- been on youth. In most of the sessions, ed to the topic. The session also saw a young members of Khojeste Mistree’s dramatic confrontation between the group, Zoroastrian Studies, spoke and Rafsanjani, Speaker of the Ifanian chairman Prof Khurshed Sheriar and a earned themselves loud applause. BPP ~ speaker from the floor Ms Meher Mas- trustee Eruch Desai even went so far as ter-Moos, the feisty founder of the to say the Congress had changed his elsewhere. Mazdayasnie Monastery. Master-Moos opinion of youth. Guzder spoke of 7'.._ Z— Guzder went on to speak about the Parliament, highlighted the strong bond between Zoroastrians in Iran and Mazdayasnie Monastery. Master-Moos opinion of youth. Guzder spoke of The Zoroastrians from North Ame- insisted on speaking for more than the- holding a youth Congress in December rica who had been dwarfed at the third prescribed time of three minutes and 1985. Whilst the youth performance Congress by the presence of the power- when Sheriar refused to oblige, she was continued to speak till finally the were annoyed that opportunities were microphone was switched off. given largely to Zoroastrian Studies’ There was no doubt an element of members. Whilst sometimes the adula- other than Bombay, barely featured at arbitrariness throughout the Congress tion given to youth verged on pander- the Congress, though most of them in terms of which speaker got how ing, the fact remained that no subjects were present. There were no reports on much time. On several occasions spea- directly pertaining to youth were dis- the status of Zoroastrians in India. The kers ignored the repeated requests of cussed. The young speakers were al- Congress mirrored and at times magni- commendable, some youngsters ful Iranian delegation, emerged as a new force on the international commu­ nity scene. But the anjumans of India, chairmen and organizers to refrain most an afterthought. Even their fied these organizational shortcomings from speaking further as time was run- papers were cyclostyled at the last mo- '' ning short. As BPP trustee Jamsheed ment instead of being printed. And the and lack of direction. But despite all its drawbacks, the Kanga told one speaker who persisted youngsters all appeared to be from Congress was, in Guzder’s words “tru- on being allowed to speak towards the Bombay. ” end of the Congress, “People are fed J. up” of those who impose themselves achieve? The Congress raised commu- on the audience. Kanga, at another nity consciousness where it is most moment, jocularly told the gathering, needed — in Bombay. The Congress selected papers presented at the World “Now is the moment you all have been immediately brought the glaring defi- Zoroastrian Congress will be carried in our waiting for — the last speaker.” ciencies of hosting such meetings to the forthcoming issues. “ ' ’ ly successful.” Perhaps not as a world So what then did the Congress Congress but a Bombay effort to get back into the mainstream of Zoroas­ trianism. 3 Parsiana February 1985¦1 Ranina reports The youngest BPP trustee infornns the Anjuman Committee of his first six months in office. Amavaz S. Mama More than 500 Parsis occupied all available chairs at the Walchand Hall should work more actively’’ for com- merely vote at trusteeship elections but will be ready 1983 accounts in Septem- ............. her ’85 and 1984 accounts in November ’85. Thus “in one and a half years we will complete accounts of four pending of the Indian Merchants’ Chamber on munity welfare and urged the audience January 24, 1985. Representing a di- ‘ ” versity of community opinion from old guard stalwarts of the far right to young CER (Council for Economic Re­ vival) enthusiasts, the audience com- , ... prised the Anjuman Committee which, questioned, “Have the Parsis had a historically, is convened only to elect a ** ' ' candidate to the Bombay Parsi Pun- chayet’s board of trustees and then, ge- nerally and conveniently forgotten. On pride themselves in donating for chari- this occasion they had assembled at the table purposes.” invitation of Homi Ranina, the Bom­ bay Parsi Punchayet’s youngest trus­ tee, who was honouring a commit­ ment made when elected last June, to meet with the electorate every six mon­ ths to enlighten them on Punchayet af­ fairs. Congratulating the Parsis as pio­ neers for having elected 37-year-old Ranina (“I face a generation gap on the BPP board” smiled Ranina) six months ahead of the national swing towards youth, the evening’s maverick chairman and former BPP trustee, Shiavax Vakil, noted that hitherto the question of accountability to the com­ munity or the Anjuman Committee BPP, Ranina narrated his experience was held a guarded secret. Then, infor- with the Punchayet’s accounts depart- ming the audience of their right to ment. On August 2, 1984, the day he mere one and a half lakhs of rupees, question Ranina at the end of the talk, took office, he was informed that ac- said Ranina, adding “legal fees to Vakil noted waggishly, “I will not say counts of 1981 were still under prepa- change the objectives may (absorb) that there should be no controversial ration. Assuming the delay to be due to half the amount.” questions as happened at the big, re- the understaffed and inefficient work­ sounding meeting a week ago. ing of the accounts department, Rani- Ranina spoke about all aspects of na says he “brought in two to three the BPP’s working including accounts, young accountants and paid them from the different funds under its command, i , housing and the Gibbs Road project, accounting totally outdated.. .modern the amelioration of priests, repairs and accountants could not follow the sys- the Jyoti Studio imbroglio, the allot- - • • • — ment of flats, electoral reforms, etc. Noting that “almost 30 percent of speed up accounts, that they’ve de­ my time I’m spending on Punchayet cided to convert to double entry book­ affairs... I’ve resigned from three to keeping from the ’83 accounting four company directorships (to make year.” Ranina declared that 1981 ac- the time available)” Ranina said, “An- counts were signed^ on October 30, juman Committee members should not 1 , , . to form “area wise committees." Ninety-five percent of the donations years,’’ said Ranina. to the BPP were made before 1950, said Ranina. Prodding for the reasons ---- why donations have now dried up, he said, “Its total funds are no more than ¦ ¦ ¦ I seven crores of rupees, of which five change of heart? People haven’t beco- and a half crores are in liquid assets, me less wealthy. They have become yielding a return of 14 percent per an- more materialistic. They no longer num. which is the maximum wC can get.” Noting that “money is the root problem of the Punchayet,” Ranina detailed the various funds administered by the BPP (approximate amounts, some based on 1979 figures): Poor Par­ sis of lunatic asylum: Rs 87,300; Poor Parsis’ change of air: Rs 76,100; Ho­ norarium to bonesetter: Rs 22,800; Victims of World War II: Rs 1,24,500; Ghambhar fund Rs 6,03,0(X); Techni­ cal education and setting up small scale industries: Rs 13,66,300; Poor Parsi farmers of Gujarat: Rs 12,79,100; Amelioration of priestly class: Rs 3,00,000; Construction of new build­ ings: Rs 30,00,000. _ ___ ____________ Thus there were only two or three try and divert unutilized funds of the funds with defunct objectives,viz the bonesetter and victims of World War II and their diversion would yield a While the general feeling is that the BPP is loaded with money, Ranina ? 4 Parsiana February 1985 The BPP is considering the shifting of the existing Godavara agiary fire to Godrej Baug. Referring to his electoral promise to While 95 percent of these donations were made before 1950, Ranina spoke of his success in getting the Income tax _________________ Commissioner’s approval and the In- my own pocket... found the system of come tax exemption under section 80 G of the Income tax Act granted to the _______ ______ _____J- women and children fund of the B.D. renkTfis to the credit of Mr Soli Katpi- Petit Parsee General Hospital which tia of Surat who comes to the BPP to exempts the donor from gift tax and al­ lows a certain rebate under the Income tax Act. “The 80G could be obtained for the women’s wing of the Parakh Dharamshala, the Golvad Home, the couins wcic sigiicu vu uvivuvi jv, fund for marriage expenses of women, 1984; that by May’85 Accounts of 1982 the fund for navjote expenses ofs ferring to a suggestion to move the court to amend the clause said, “The point is whatever our personal views, We cannot brush aside these views. This land is for the use and benefit of the Parsi community. In December it was decided we cannot sell the land.” “Last Tuesday it was decided to of­ fer flats to the public at Rs 1,1.00 to 1,300 per sq ft. A flat of 1000 sq ft carpet area will cost between Rs 12,87,000 and Rs 15,21,000. When children, the training of priestly youth, one each from Shapoorji Pallonji, Ms you buy, remember, every flat will ge- etc ” noted Ranina, appealing to his Variava and from my family trust” nerate sufficient surplus to construct audience to be more generous and for- says Ranina. seven to ten flats for the poor. The thcoming for the support of the com­ munity. I E5< Ten to 12 lakhs of rupees had to be i says Ranina. Explaining the causes for the delay Gibbs Road flats are meant for the in the Gibbs Road project implementa- maximum possible profit,” added Ra­ tion, Ranina related that the Task nina. Tenders from prospective buil- Housing Force had suggested a lease with a ders have already been invited and will Meeting people twice a week, Ranina developer which would later be com- be opened by mid February and “the says, he has, by now, met between muted into a lumpsum to enable the best possible person will be awarded 1,500 and 1,800 people living in old Punchayet to build for the poor, but (the contract)” noted Ranina. Munici- and dilapidated houses. Cautioning his such an arrangement would be illegal pal permission has already been secur- audience about the “very serious hous- as a landlord cannot accept compensa- ed. ing problem in store,” Ranina was em- tion. This, according to Ranina, would phatic that the Gibbs Road project be entitle the government to take the deposited with the municipality before made to yield the maximum surplus, following three courses—to confiscate getting their okay for the plans for the The project, as it now stands, offers the proceeds, to confiscate the land M and P plots of Godrej Baug; but accommodation to the well-to-do rang- and to levy a penalty. They could even with representation, the deposit has ing from Rs 8 per sq ft in the base- jail the trustees, he noted. Ranina says, now been reduced to Rs 20,(XX), said ment to a gradually accelerated Rs “I don’t mind going to jail, but the Ranina,promising construction activity 1,1(X) to 1,300 as one goes higher from land should not be taken away.” Even- before the monsoon. “Publicly ac- the first to the sixth floor. The earlier tually the BPP sought and accepted knowledging with gratitude 'what the price was Rs 800 per square foot for Nani Palkhivala’s legal opinion—to Godrej family and Foundation has any flat. The anticipated surplus from build and sell flats at Gibbs Road and been doing for the Parsi community,” Gibbs Road is expected to amount to use the profits for the construction at Ranina noted that the Godrej Founda- six crores of rupees says Ranina, which Godrej Baug, Panthaky Baug etc, as tion will get the right of allotment to would be enough to construct 600 flats, part of a composite scheme and thus the extent of the difference between the There is a reasonable chance to acquire free of tax liability. “1 had suggested market price of construction and the three acres from Behram Baug in An- this in 1982,” noted Ranina “but I was actual price of construction, which . dheri and if some land could still be ac- overruled.” may be considered as Godrej’s dona- quired in Uran (in view of the projected hovercraft service which would reduce mined the possibility of selling the Gib­ commuting time to less than 30 minu- bs Road land in toto. They had receiv- cha Baug, Andheri west, will also be tes across the bay, says Ranina) 500 to ed an offer of Rs 700 per sq ft from sold at less than market price but will 600 more flats for poor and middle Tata Housing and another from a Mid- yield one and a half crores of rupees class Parsis could be constructed for die East consulate, noted Ranina. The for building at Panthaky Baug in An- which another 10 to 12 crores of rupees trust deeds of 1869 however stipulated, dheri east. The snag at Panthaky Baug would be required. Of the 20-25 build- “We are purchasing this land so that is said to be the creation of Pestonji ings projected at Godrej Baug, three no non-Parsi shall have access to Zilla who, Ranina noted, has allegedly buildings have received sponsorship— Doongerwadi,” quoted Ranina and re- sold part of the land to Mittal builders. i i I i Concurrently, the BPP trustees exa- tion. The 160 flats of 500 sq ft at Bharu- 1 5 Parsiana February 1965 t i i IA boundary wall needs to be construct- ment, ratified by the BPP and in percentage of net income, he said, ed at Panthaky Baug for which the February 1982, the Charity Commis- repeating a plea he made before his Punchayet has allocated-Rs 4,84,(XX) sioner had approved the sale. When election last May {Parsiana June ’84). but “the municipality has yet to de- Mehta started delaying the payment Thus, if 5,(X)0 Parsis would undertake marcate the boundary which job it has (of Rs 64.8 lakhs balance—earnest to pay an average of Rs 50 per month been putting off month after month.” money Rs 7.2 lakhs had been paid at for three years, a-sizable corpus of one crore of rupees would enable the main­ tenance of 125 priests, he said. I j t money Rs 7.2 lakhs had been paid at the outset)^ the BPP decided to enter in­ Repairs to negotiations and force Mehta to give Having emphasized repairs in his the money. Mehta wanted the second manifesto, Ranina wanted to start with half of the property for an additional Flat allotment the job but found that there is no port­ folio in the Punchayet for repairs. Having persuaded the BPP chairman a decision of the board which stipulat- to start a new portfolio, Ranina finds ed that eight percent interest was not with credit points (eg engaged couples that Phiroze Davar, a retired engineer acceptable and instructed Guzder to waiting for accommodation to marry, negotiate a higher rate of interest, said married couples where the wife is of Ranina and quoted Guzder’s note of child-bearing age, house collapse, liv- February ’83 according to which half ing in zoppadpattis or morally undesir- 18 lakhs of rupees and the matter was Referring to the BPP’s recently adopt- left to BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder by ed merit rating system which categori­ zes applications under various heads We were told that thp t\/nPQ nf ilInPQQPQ the amount would be paid by Mehta by able areas, etc) as “the only scientific March ’83, and the balance by June way in which we can make some assess- your community suffers from are not enough to qualify a medical student." / / ’83. ment of a person’s need for accommo- At further negotiations on March dation,” Ranina says since July ’84 16, 1983, Mehta stipulated that pay- there has been no allotment out of ment would be made only after the sale turn. “Just because someone comes of the second plot of land was approved and pesters you, do you have to take by the Charity Commissioner, said up his case?” asks Ranina and notes Ranina and noted, “To date we have not received the money. The Charity Commissioner has refused to sanction the second deal” and Mehta has now As soon as the money comes in, all i i i "The CER should have a candidate of (its) own. . .and if . . . Minoo Shroff is put up, we shall not oppose him." i J j looking after the job, is seriously over­ worked. “There are 200 and odd build­ ings in our possession,” says Ranina agreed to give 14 percent rate of in “and so I’m trying to get another terest. “Now consent terms are being engineer so that one has south Bombay finalized. We hope N.L. Mehta will and the other has north Bombay.” pay up with 14 percent interest from Despite the difficulty of finding a the date when he was liable to pay. ” capable person “on the type of salary we offer,” Ranina is confident of fin- Wadia Bangs’ repairs will be under­ ding a suitable incumbent. taken, says Ranina, adding “In the Meanwhile work has been sanction- meanwhile, residents of Cusrow Baug ed for Building No. 6 at Khareghat Col- are going ahead with repairs and the ony with 50 percent contribution from Wadia management has agreed to re- the tenants and Rs 4,63,000 have been imburse them when the Mehta amount sanctioned for repairs at Panthaky comes in.” Baug. At Navroze Baug, No Objection Priests Certificates have been received from the repairs board and repairs at the A and F blocks are already in progress. We shall get to the others as soon as we woefully inadequate to meet the needs Trusteeship elections get money from the Jyoti Studio land, of the priestly class. Ranina pleaded Noting that Naoroji Godrej was elect- said Ranina. for a measure of social security for ed trustee of the BPP on January 22 when no other nomination was filed to that, as of the December 3 meeting of the BPP’s board of trustees, it has been decided that even “if a trustee gives the directive that a case be put up, it should not be put up and may only be “We are the only community who have taken up when the particular category not looked after our priests,” says Ranina adding that the BPP scheme is is taken up for discussion.” i for a measure of social security for them with a decent commercial wage of Jyoti Studio Rs 2,000 per month and the financial challenge his candidature, Ranina Noting emphatically that it is not true wherewithal to accomplish it. Ranina touched upon the question of BPP that Neville Wadia wanted to favour estimates the need of an additional developer N.L. Mehta, Ranina con- fund of one crore of rupees as against tended that the Jyoti Studio land adja- the BPP’s corpus of three and a half his trusteeship. According to the com- cent to Ness Baug, being a public trust lakhs under this head and the Cama In- under the Wadia management, had to stitute’s 30 lakhs plus three lakhs per ask for offers and accept the highest month which it will be receiving from leave him enough time to attend to received: Rs 72 lakhs for one arm of Tata Housing. Punchayet matters. “Jamsheed Kanga the L-shaped property. It was a unani- The time has come for average in- has helped the Punchayet in his own mous decision of the Wadia manage­ trustee and Bombay’s municipal ad­ ministrator Jamsheed Kanga resigning munity grapevine he intends to do so because his professional duties do not The time has come for average in­ dividuals of the community to donate a way and personally, 1 hope he will not 7 Parsiana February 198br i BPP's total funds are no more than seven crores of rupees, of which five I / granted a straight increase of Rs 180 a the air, the trustees did not want to month together with medical benefits face the public. Ranina says when he and an eight hour day, said Ranina and told his co-trustees that he would be expressed the sentiment that under the going ahead with his own meeting, they guidance of chief executive Russy Ank- made a plea for unity. “But we can^t lesaria—“a very competent man”— ' • • • “ the BPP should improve. Vakil, however, commented that some of the 1 be united to deceive-the community,” says Ranina. Ranina said his critics averred that nnri a half nrnroQ arp staff behave as though they were the there is “a lot of dimension in the Parsi dllU a I Id 11 bluicd aic trustees! Punchayet since Ranina has come.” in liquid assets" “ resign,” said Ranina. Then added. Committee meeting on November 25, “Let us assume that Kanga resigns, said Ranina. Then, on November 13, then the CER should put up its own the Jyoti Studio controversy being, in candidate. 1 should like to say publicly that the CER should have a candidate from their own coterie of men and if someone like Minoo Shroff is put up, we shall not oppose him.” f / Z The BPP trustees had decided on But Ranina counters, “I do not believe September 25 to hold an Anjuman that we must speak with one voice. You elected me because you knew I would dissent and not bow down to any pressure.” ?. I i Proposed developments Questioned about the proposal to insti­ tute a medical college at the B.D. Petit Parsee General Hospital, Ranina acknowledged that the point had been considered but “we were told that the types of illnesses your community suf­ fers from are not enough to qualify a student.” The matter was still being looked into, said Ranina. Since Godrej Baug will eventually consist of 498 flats, an agiary there made a lot of sense and Ranina noted that the BPP was considering the shift­ ing of the existing Godavara Agiary fire there. (The Godavara Agiary is the only adaran under BPP control, the entry to which being denied to Ms R.D. Tata sparked off the Parsi Punchayet case of 1903.) The development of the present site of the Godavara Agiary by leasing part of the area to a bank would not only enable the BPP to at last have its own office (hitherto they have been licencees of the Jejeebhoy Benevolent Fund) but help to defray the cost of construction of the new adaran at Godrej Baug, said Ranina. Questioned about the electoral scheme which the trustees are due to submit to the High Court by March 15, Ranina agreed with a suggestion from the audience that the reforms should be discussed with the community before submitting the scheme to the High Court. The official BPP stand has been to submit the scheme and let the High Court call for objections, he noted. Giving the BPP staff a special pat on the back, Ranina noted that when a trustee tries to understand their pro­ blem, they cooperate. They have been 1 1 , AtMOAVVEB _______ —— INTERMATIOMAI.— ¦ onoup BAHRAIN The leading computer company of the Middle East now with subsidiaries in UK REQUIRES COMPUTER SALES EXECUTIVES (Ref. AC/CSE) Management or Commerce Graduates willing to travel in the GULF to promote the most advanced BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM “PROFIT" 5 years experience with proven track record in the commercial sector selling computer systems THE CANDIDATE WOULD BE: • willing to earn more than I Rs. 30,000 a month • 30 — 35 years of age • desire to spend not less than 5 years with the company • capable of working in multinational environment • preferably marriad with no children • must travel on short notice to demonstrate the product- The selected candidate shall be based in BAHRAIN, the package shall permit the earnings in excess of I Rs. 3.5 Lacs a year, apply in confidence with detailed CV, accompanied by certificates, testimonials, references, passport size photograph & copy of valid passport to: Pervin Nirumvala Manager Administration & Personnel H P.O. Box 26259, Manama. Bahrain. fl g •i i. 8 Parsiana February 19^? i t ? J I t 4, I For Individual Or Bulk Requirements Fine Paintings, Jewelry & Handicrafts Rajasthani Art Gallery Room 9, Abbas Building Ground floor 35, Mereweather Road (Near Taj Hotel) Colaba Bombay 400 039 Phone 240031 BPP electoral reform proposals Constituency-wise voting, parity bet- sent, but the last date for registration ween the elected voters and the donors of voters prior to the election, has been before a trustee election, a seven-year advanced from December 31 to No­ term for trustees instead of the present vember 30. 10, are the highlights of the electoral reform scheme to be presented by the any election of a trustee, the General Bombay Parsi Punchayet to the Bom- Register and the Donors Register will bay High Court on March 15, 1985, it be brought on par with each other, is learnt. This will be done by including in the The A, C, D, E and F registers are to anjuman committee “those persons be scrapped and in their place will be a who stood next in the number of votes General Register and a Donors Regis- (received), to the last candidate de­ ter. Names will be transferred from the clared elected at the immediately pre­ present registers to the new ones. Ten ceding general election.” percent of the seats from the general — - - - One hundred and twenty days before I The deposit for a person contesting register will be reserved for graduates, as a trustee has been set at Rs 500 and For new entrants to the Donors Regis- if the candidate gets less than 50 votes, ter, the amount to be donated has been the deposit would be forfeited, raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,500. The reforms will be presented to the As in the Municipal and other elec- High Court which will then invite sug- tions, voting will be on a constituency gestions, recommendations and so on basis with Parsis voting for candidates from the public. After going through to represent their areas. the various proposals, the High Court The Anjuman Committee elections will decide which reforms are to be in­ will be held every seven years as at pre- corporated. For a liberal point of view subscribe to KAISEBEHMD Fill out the application form and mall along with your payment to Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 PerIn Nariman Street, Fort, Bombay-400 001. Annual Subscription Rs. 15. Cheques to be made In favour of Kaiser-E-Hind. Add Rs.4 for outstation cheques. Send me NAME ADDRESS CITY ? 2 year subscription for Rs.25 ? Cheque enclosed (sub + Rs.4) ? Send first issue by V.P.P. ? 1 year subscription far Rs. 15 ? Money order sent PIN CODE STATE AND COUNTRY 9 Parsiana February 1985 ! iK c* FEDERATION TALKS Devotion to public good’ Arnavaz S. Mama be wrong, but that’s the idea in my abad, created an unbroken record of mind... trust and responsibility. The combined “There should be more articles, knowledge of English and Persian more writing about Zoroastrianism, enabled the Parsis of that era to pro- When something is not known, all liferate in all departments of govern- sorts of wild things are talked about... ment—the mint, judiciary, post office. There is nothing wrong in a discussion etc. Holding themselves aloof from “From Dadabhoy to Manekshaw, There is nothing wrong in a discussion etc. Holding themselves aloof from from the beginning of the struggle for on why a person cannot be a Parsi. If politics and intrigue, some even earned freedom to the results of that free- there is a large number of non-Parsi the gratitude of the masses by standing dom... your influence has been such Zoroastrians, the problem of marriage, up to cruel officers, said Chenoy. despite your small numbers.” etc gets solved... Referring to the “peace, prosperity Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma, Gover- “Somebody was therein Kashmir to and confidence enjoyed by Parsis nor of Andhra Pradesh, complimented find the original Aryan. If he had come under the Nizam,” Chenoy spoke of there is a large number of non-Parsi the gratitude of the masses by standing the community handsomely as the two- to Bombay he would have found those day deliberations of the Federation of people who had tried to keep up the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India purity of blood... wound up with an At Home to the Governor in the spacious Eduljee concluded the Governor, “is devotion Chinoy Pavilion of the Parsi Dharam- shala in Secuderabad; “You provided the first Member of (the British) Parliament... “Your religion, in one sentence,” to public good — from birth to death, in your case even after death.” Initially, while responding to the (the British) Parliament... Swaraj Governor and later while speaking in was first used by the Parsi president of Gujarati to the assembled Parsis after the (Indian National) Congress. Some- the Governor had departed. Dr Aspi times one word galvanizes people. That Golwalla, chairman of the Federation one word changed the whole com- of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of In- plexion of the freedom struggle. One dia referred to the conversation he had cannot and should not forget the great had with the late Prime Minister regar- pioneering work done in India’s Indus- ding the Adoption Bill when, he re- trialization. (So what if) the first steel ported, Ms Gandhi had remarked, plant was only half a million tonnes. “In 1969 I was in the Federal Repub­ lic of Germany and visited the Merce- .......... _ „ des factory. They said with the Tatas ’s all about,” concluding with the ter- land under cultivation, became com- they’d go into any collaboration... ” ’ The Governor was introduced by Be- (that Parsis be totally united).” jan Dittia whose article entitled Parsis’ battle for survival, realistically assess­ ing community problems, had ap- “Why can’t such a small community Paredun U1 Mulk Bahadur, the eldest speak with one voice?” “And that,” son of Jamshedji Vatcha who worked said Golwalla, “is what the Federation with deep involvement bringing waste- vent hope "Ke Parsioma ekdum unity missioner in 1884 and then private sec­ retary to Salar Jung II. Holding the in­ terest of the ruler, the state and the mi- Thp Parcic at nister above all else, such was Fare- ___ > <11313 >. Bombay 400 I)?.** India ivision;W-' tudes or a combination of them. None everyone listened to the male. That the majority of cases, whatever is in of these attitudes is rational, he added, dominance is now no more...” Para- vogue is uncritically accepted. “Pa- Citing the example of the peculiar meswar smiled tattered pants that today’s young men “They kept us under that illusion!” prefer, Parameswar noted that the boy buys a good pant out of respect to his of Education, who had sat in on the where careers, are planned from the parents, then disfigures it to fit the cul- talk, provided an additional facet to kindergarten stage and records of three ture of his group. The parent must the perplexing change in social values, understand and accept the pressures that cause this behaviour, says Para­ meswar. On drug addiction he noted that poor and rich children take to drugs, but their reasons are different. In the- upper class prevails a state of disgust dominance is now no more... ” Para­ meswar smiled compassionately, rents rarely bother about the curricu­ lum chosen,” he said, and contrasted Dr Malla Reddy, dean of the College that attitude with the practice in Japan and four-year-old children are main­ tained. The aptitudes and attitudes of such young children are tested by their reaction to toys and instruments. “It’s a costly affair,” said Aleem, “K.G. teachers there are paid more than pro­ fessors here.” Moreover, there was much waste of talent in India due to periodic underestimation and over- estimation of jobs. Then too, because there is no employment in sight, the 75 to 80 percent students who stay free in hostels keep taking courses, in order to avail of the hostel’s shelter in an uncer­ tain environment. Asking “How do you pinpoint ta­ lent?” Aleem suggested that parents and children should alike cultivate the habit of seeking guidance if a child is. not doing well in a particular subject. “Take him to a psychologist... find out what is the cause,” he advised. Referring to parents who insist on their children following a vocation which may be unsuitable or even dislik­ ed by the child, Aleem suggested that a comments child’s daydreams are a good indica­ tion of the sort of work he finds gen­ uinely interesting. Information on edu­ cation should also be actively sought, he said. Unless the habit of consulting 1VI t h* fh guidance bureaux is cultivated, chil- Maicning me peg dren remain ignorant of the opportuni- tft thp hnlp them. Dr Russi Anklesaria of Calcutta, “Is career planning the responsiblity of agreeing with Aleem on the havoc My ignorance as an elder, nny inability to understand, fouls with the status quo, the drugs becom- thp ml^itinnchin \A/ith ing an avenue of escape. The lower "P VVI LI I class views drugs as a way of catching up with the rich. The poor boy thus takes to drugs to ape the rich, hoping that being addicts together will bridge There is “always a link between tech- |i__....If 1___ X________________II____ _ . i.i nnlnou and lii^ ctrctom ” and his own poverty. Hence, in the case of the poor child, education is enough, whereas the rich child requires counselling, he noted. Refusing to advocate permissive- youth. the gulf between his colleagues’ wealth oology and the value system, __ I • _ - «« • .» ft Z-«ZY1«i nz&«<r , ' he said. "We have acquired new technology and new institutions but our values have not changed. Youth looks upon this as hypocrisy.” Federation vice-president Shiavax ness, Parameswar advised “rapport Nargolwala disagreed, noting with the child instead of dictating to ' . . ness, Parameswar advised “rapport Nargolwala disagreed, noting “It’s ¦ ¦ • •• ¦ • ¦ - J-__ not important what you say to the him; (use) influence rather than autho- child; it’s the example you set... rity.” In the discussion which followed, BPP trustee Jamsheed Kanga noted “We never questioned the respect due to the elders. Are leaders of society now setting bad examples?” Parames­ war replied: “Not only have models changed, processes of responding have changed. Today’s young are far more critical. When Adeshir Batliwala of Calcutta questioned why youth brought up in respectable families do not live up to the family tradition, Parameswar ex- parents, schools or government?” Dr caused by ignorant and overbearing plained “Values have changed. Today, M.A. Aleem of the Department of parents noted, “Many parents force what is profitable is respectable. What Public Administration, Osmania Uni- ^beir children to be round pegs in is traditionally respectable is not pro- i fitable. Now respectability is a pur- cutive council members of the Federa- chasable commodity; to you respect- tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India assembled at the Parsi Dharam­ shala, Secunderabad. Noting that graduates from Indian universities do not find it easy to gain human life, human relations are the same.. .my grandmother was a better psychologist than Parameswar.” Taking Nargolwala’s <---------- * within his stride, Parameswar counter­ ed, “But grandmothers are not avail­ able, so you have to be satisfied with Parameswars!” ability is a sacred heritage. “On the question of attitude, choice, decisions, the genetic factor has no role ... it is entirely the environment. Then, expanding on the theme, Para- employment in trade, industry and meswar spoke of the home today being government, Aleem noted that “Our “not a home but a hostel or even an or- education is not management or job versity, posed the question to the exe- square holes.”- Reports of five Federation guest speakers written by Arnavaz S. Mama. “not a home but a hostel or even an or- f ' • phanage. The parental attitude is that oriented. Elsewhere professionalism is the school will take care of my child.” instilled early into education.” In In- There is a tendency to pass on the dia, despite the trend towards planning buck. for development, career planning is Introducing a spark of male chauvi- still unpractised, said Aleem. nism, Federation secretary Keki Gan- Only the few educated, families prac- dhi noted mock seriously, “Once tised career planning, Afeem noted. In instilled early into education.” In In- Only the few educated, families prac- CORRIGENDUM Ms Meher Contractor is presently vice-president of Union Internatio­ nale de la Marionnette and not president, as was mentioned in Parsiana, August 1984. The error is regretted. 14 Parsiana February i985i The judge and I Bejon Daruwalla “The only honest resignation in the very straight, eyes, pools of darkness I I t “The only honest resignation in the very straight, eyes, pools of darkness Though the words were uttered Bhutto case” said the Karachi lawyers and sorrow and knowledge and wis- rather sternly , I again saw the lips move of Judge Dorab Patel. Of course I had dom, a fine nose, clear voice, impecca- with slight mischief. Justice Sahab was read about him in our Indian papers ble English, legs crossed, as he sat on pleased with the prediction. during Bhutto’s trial. What sort of man the main sofa, in his huge hall, furni- I plunged in the icy waters of was this judge? Did he grant an inter­ view? The last I had heard was that he , . _ had refused politely but firmly, an and he, it turned out were company in the Bhutto case, rather than be a interview to a BBC correspondent. If enough). He was a bachelor, excep- party to his hanging. Allow me to say, the BBC had failed what chance had an tionally self-reliant. sir, that it was a brave thing to do!” Indian astrologer? He closed his palms, interlaced his “Not brave, just normal and proper. I checked up my own horoscope and fingers in an attitude of prayer, placed By my lights and conscience, there was concluded that Dorab had a date with his chin on it, and waited for me to talk not enough evidence, on this particular Daruwalla! I told my friend Aziz Mun- with the patience of an alligator, shi, deputy attorney general of Pakis­ tan about it. Aziz laughed outright. Aziz. We looked mutely and I tried this “My God, Bejan, you want to enter the foray, “Renovation, decoration, alter- tiger’s den!” “With your help, Aziz!” ation, or even a complete sale of The At that Aziz laughed a little more, Towers is possible, Sir.” He trained his in all fairness, that the very next day, winked, and a week later, I was at “The eyes on me and asked, “I take it that President Zia called me to dinner.^ Towers,” a huge, sprawling place, the this is a prediction, Daruwalla!” “Yes “That means no bad blood, sir” I residence of the mighty man. “I hope sir, “The Towers” have off the mark” he said and smiled. That nothing in common with our Parsi broke the ice. Towers of Silence” I said as an opening ‘ , gambit. For a brief moment a smile flit­ ted about Justice Patel’s lips and then he was his Usual, ram-rod straight, about it. I have just been toying with sprightly, self. I guessed that he was in his late 50s, the main sofa, in his huge hall, furni­ ture definitely period, old-fashioned, dialogue straightaway, “Sir, we in India no photos and certainly no TV (Books are completely aware that you resigned and he, it turned out were company in the Bhutto case, rather than be a 21 ' '1 He closed his palms, interlaced his I checked up my own horoscope and fingers in an attitude of prayer, placed By my lights and conscience, there was issue, to merit the hanging of Bhutto. Yes, I was a bit unnerved. So was That’s all.” “It must have caused a sensation, sir!” “That I don’t know, but let me state this is a prediction, Daruwalla!” “Yes sir,” “Well, maybe, you are not wide said. Aziz realised that I was going too fa^ too fast and gently said, “We would all “I assure you, sir, Aziz did not tell appreciate tea!” And it was tea time, me about it!” I blurted. “He couldn’t have. Nobody knows After that, it was time to go. fl 1 L ,1 the idea. So, no need to defend your­ self, Daruwalla!” Reprinted from “A'kiss for Kara(Ua)chi, ” Sunday Mid-day, A/arc/i 18, 1984. E.D.P. CONCEPTS & COBOL PROGRAMMING Graduates only Project work on computer Immediate jobs for two best students per batch COMPUTER EXPOSURE & BASIC PROGRAMMING Career oriented vacation courses for undergraduates & SSC Students Also suited for already employed people seeking Computer concepts Small batches#Personalised attention#More computer time Course conducted in Association with Bombay Data Base Management Services Pvt. Ltd. 15 Parsiana February 1966 For Details Contact Sir J.J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane Bombay 400 023 Phone: 251185 Course commencing March 4, 1985 ii a I'