Mar 1985

MARCH! 985 FRICfcRse. aO^NO. - { FQ;y;vpo 5 k JWHt.O XoWoxs-rmx-ii CONGHk jmotv » n.wis.g«*tav i I w ¦r. I g MT' ^•5 k^V -**« . t •'>^1'3^ •«w -V '6sIf I EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Toddywalla DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN ASSISTANTS Kranti Shilotri, Varghese W. Fernandez MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Billimoria ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE R.P. Thanavala FINANCE B.L. Arora CIRCULATION.B.P. Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver, Khurshid Daruwalla and Rohinton Mistry. 1 March 1985 Volume 7 Number 9 3 Readers' Forum 10 Events and Personalities 20 "A 'milestone' round our necks" by Arnavaz S. Mama 24 "The holy fire has brought prosperity. . 29 High Priests' assent to ceremonies by laity I 40 b The Parsi Priesthood in India: Faded Glory by Arnavaz Chubb 40 g Ham Band Paivaste by Arnavaz S. Mama 45 Congress inaugural speeches 51 The voice was heard. .. by Parinaz Toddywalla 55 Fourth World Congress papers A 68 In search of the Good Life-IV by Ruzbeh Antia 74 Vignettes from a celebrated family by Madhu Valluri 79 In Memoriam Cover: Transparencies of Congress inauguration by Homyar Mistry Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications at C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 001, 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. Box892, 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.READERS' FORUM I I ? i I i ? L f ¦ j. I t I f k accdmmodation on a nominal or token fortunately only a short service com- rent basis. mission. , % I am unable to comprehend this idea Honesty and integrity: I personally had rent basis. 1 am Uiiauic lu vumpisnwiu ima luvu * 1-------------------- J — of getting into government service and some bitter experiences when I was in then looking up to punchayets and an- “ * jumans for charity to be able to survive so that we can claim that we have so many Parsis in government service. 1 exchequer which cannot adequately efforts were made to implicate me. support its employees, through oiir punchayet and anjuman resources? How can a Parsi call himself an of­ ficer, and at the same time be on chari- and integrity? ’’ Who will provide the corruption, misappropriation which I the army since 1942 as well as after —I was selected for Indian Civil Service (ICS). Whenever I refused to toe the ___ ____ line of superiors in hanky panky busi- Why do we want to support the public ness I was put on adverse report. Even I. I 7^' 'i Less said the better. In summing up, I can only say that if you have political or official pull and influence, if you can buy your way ¦'3'' ty to support himself with “honesty through, if you can overlook misde^, > funds ar^ what will be the" sources of personally could not, by aU means join income? I am sorry I am unable to comprehend the raison d’6tre of this idea. - - . Let us be frank on this issue of join- not very particular about your top- J ing government services. Apart from les. Why depend on Parsi charity to ................................ . ; If any one comes to me for advice, I j will definitely tell him not to join any government service. How can a Parsi call himself an of- the government services. Though sala ­ ries are inadequate, there is enough grass in the pasture to graze, if you are 3- inadequate remunerations which I do survive in government service? not consider as the main factor, there are the other aspects to be considered, which have made inroads since Inde­ pendence. Selection stage: It is impossible to stand on your own merit. One <»n buy orshiDpinc elSCWhcre a first class anywhere in India for any ___ ® _ u- ? , have influence and pull in the right published in Parsiana, October ’84, as place. To cite an instance: Once 1 was to why the members of our coinmunity ¦ - • • “ ' ¦ are leaning towards other religions, has R.J. KATILA Readers' views are welcome on any « ma. viaoo a*i7»T**v.v ~ j • u- subject of interest to the community educational qualification. One must R.D.R. Wadm s and should be sent to the Editor, I ' “ ¦ . . . . , Readers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. ____________ __________ Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are secretary of the Selection Board for subject to editing for reasons of space Services. I received a phone call from and clarity. gfjjgf secretary of that State to see - ’Si^ been asked by several others in the _____ 4^ I____ 4- z>nA Vioc iit^ •:<*? past, but so far no one has come up " that his nephew who was appearing for with a reply. 1 would like to attempt an the selection was favourably con- _ , . sidered. 1 gave him a reply which di&- On government service pleased him. His nephew did not pass I read with mixed interest the article by the test and was not selected. After a R.K. Anklesaria IAS (Retd) on the while, I was eased out pf my pos^ be- subject of Parsis shying away from cause I saw t government services without consider- c... ' ' ing the benefits, in Parsiana, October pened about 22 years ago. So I am not 1984. s . Anklesaria did not enumerate the be- selected. - nefits one gets in joining government Service conditions: A well-qualified way of life and the tenets oi this reli- services However, in contrast, he men- Parsi lad was serving as non-commis- gion. . r tions that salary levels in the services sioned officer and came to me for ad- But then where can our youth find are not adequately remunerative to match the rising cost of living. He fur ­ ther mentions that they should be assis ­ ted by punchayets and anjumans by private company where he could earn way of subsidized rents, assistance easily three times the army sal^. Con- luwards education of children etc, to i , ‘ ’ ’ _ _ ' " preserve standar ds of integrity and was selected. He was a very honest per- ..ic.j h * - ------ ------------------------- C honesty and wherever possible such son and could not survive as he could them are uneducated, and do not have officers ’should be given the facility of not do hanky panky as he was ordered the kind of understanding or capacity the Pars! dhar amshala.s or guest house to do. He left the service which was “ *' answer. To begin with, it must be apprecia ­ ted that, if some of the Parsis (and their numbers are rapidly increasing) ________________, are veering round to and finding solace to it that Only merit in other, cults, it is because they have counted and not influence. This hap- lost faith in our own religion. Let’s face it. Over the ages, somewhere down the line, bur elders have failed to imbibe in our youth, the Zoroastrian surprised if not one Parsi out of 250 is Parsi lad was serving as non-commis­ sioned officer and came to me for ad- But then where can our youth tind vice whether he should apply for short enlightenment within the community? service commission. My advice was to finish his tenure as NCO and join a 3 Parsiana March 1986 5 ,3^^ •1 a They cannot go to their parents, as mo- selves nor have the inclination to help, vaaiv iiiivv ui...wa -__ and perhaps are themselves followers trary to my advice, he applied for and of some baba. They cannot turn to ' j many priests but only a few, as most of St of them do not know enough them- i to impart knowledge, nor do they com- Ic i 5 ia< ‘' itivet •»*w s cnKMniaci'OFTWjCveimTivedw- ” »" pHe^s < 'mtttoe pf Ws WerfiJ ^crba&triap Con- ' butt of gross at thr request of the federation. bmMnity. They can­ not Bebk advice from the Parsi' pun- ^chayets or anjumans, as they also are Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anju- not theologically knowledgeable, their mans of India Iteld in Bombay on May niain oj^gsipation being polit&king and 19 and 20, 1984, it was unanimously iitfightUg. decided by all the anjumans that the 1 tried to pose this problem at the task of heading the Fourth World Zo- Fourtb World iZoroastrian Congress, roastrian Congress be entrusted to but was tt^that no such eontroversial Guzder, who was the best suited"to un- jssti^ can b»pr^iate the good and efficient y^rk sm^Rtmvxe SUSES Co^-.Rs. 2,W- ill clas«l Rs. 3,050/- <1 class or 11 dess) Os^rture Dates: Apr. 29, MayO, May 13, May 20,’litev 27 ROUTH IMIDIA N.h NAGARWAI A Honorary Secretary Parsi ZorMslriati Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad Unwarranted accusations Some time ago we had come across in ________ ___ , ______ theParsiGujaraft Press, some uncalled genins, business acumen, pragmatic for and biased views expressed on the outlook and constant endeavor for im- World Zbroastrian Congress held at provement. To some extent his un­ Bombay in January 1985, wherein opposed election will also be a small some unwanted accusations and state- recompense for the substantial service meats were made a^nst, Jamshed and munificent charities given by the, Guzder who had kindly consented to House of Godrej to the community. S PafSiant Mar^ 1 I J/ I ' ' k 1®- I 1 InchidiM^isittoBANtbiQ^ . ’ MYSt^E, TRivANDRUM?I^YM(VM^ MAHABALlFURAMSMBi^it a FERIYAA GAi^E SANGWARV, C««t: Rs. 2,325/'-(Il class) Departure: May & NEPAL Including a visit to PATNA and KATHMANDU Cost: Rs. 2,375/-(II class) (Airport taxes extra) Departure: May 11 DARJEELING Including a visit to CALCUTTA Cost: Rs. 1,975/-(Il class) Departure: May 7 NEPAL-DARJEELING Including a visit to KATHMANDU, PATNA & CALCUTTA Cost: Rs. 3,925/-(II class) (Airporttaxes extra) Departure: May 14 For further details contact: H.K .LA LA& C0. Bansilal Villa, Sobhani Road, Colaba, Bombay 400 005. Phones: 211925/215094/21474* u QMMlWm-KLWSS '*3 I'- E 1 »b; With Compliments of S’’ JEENA rtehh^ deserves to be a and in etec^ng him the comnmnHy’ wiB not only honour itself, but will also reap the manifold benefits of his unselfish service. HOSHANG 0 ixy>NtiA.tl 4 COMPANY IATA Approved Air Cargo, Clearing, Forwarding & Warehousing Agents s 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay 400 023. «TT TC’T'nrT A’» Cabfc: “JUSTITIA Telex: 2313 Phone: 312032 BRANCHES: E. Merc House, 19/B, Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta 700 071. Phone: 444711 Instructor required From June 1985 our institution is star ­ ting “Licentiate in Radio and Audio Servicing Certificate course ” recog ­ nized by theGovernmentof Maharash ­ tra. Ineed a qualifiedand experienced instructor to take theoretical and prac- - ticai ebs^ in English. He should be an electronics diploma holder specializ ­ ing in radio engineering, w I.T.r. or G.T.I. trained instructor. A visiting instructor after office or factory hours, between 6.30 to 8.30 in the evening, would also be welcome. The selected candidate will be given a good emolument. Inspite of various advertisements, I have not succeeded in getting the right person. S.R. SANJANA Secreianr. The Behramji Nowroji GatnadiaJRHrsi /HiuihatBhala ¦ Hupnarshala Building, Gamadia Colony, Bombay-?. J. APPOINTED ' J*. OF jewellery . TO THE E “Jeena House”, 50, Hanuman Road, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110 001. Phone: 310821 Devtha Flaza, C. 14, Residency Road, Baiigalore 560 025. Phone: 26215 S' 1% No. 26, 26, 24, 2nd floor. Harbour Approach Road, Vishakapatnam 530 001. Phone: 65942 Tithal sanatorium In January 1985 when I went to Tilhal, near Bulsar, I met one Kutchi Hindu friend frem whom I. beard many funny stories about the trustees of the Parsi sanatorium, built by Seth Dhanjibhai Hirjibhai Patel on about nine acres of land near the seashore. On visiting the site, I found four large one-storeyed buildings, one resi ­ dential bungalow (for donor), about six clean water wells, and long large outhouses with a kitchen and servants quarters, lying in a dilapidated state. I 'i GOVERNMENTOF INDIA GAZDAR PVT.LTDJ TiiSS 4 • i" 205, Gera Chambers , Off Boat Club Road , Pune 411 001. Phone: 65942 No. 6, Jaffar Syrang Street, ‘ Madras 600 001. Phone: 26215 /........... " ¦ .................................... outhouses with a kitten and servants quarters, lying in a ^lapldsted state. I found it had such a haunted look, that one does not dare to enter the resident tial places. I would like to bring to the notice of the present trustees of Bombay and .Bulsar, specially Ms Shirinbai Nareal- wala of Bombay, that I have found wooden frames of the doors and win­ dows, and bricks surreptidbusly re- mbv^ and sold out with the fee|p the caretaker, to tbe villagers of that am. Materials like woodep furnihire and utensils have also been sold out to persons who could be located. . If the present trustees cannot mana ­ ge the sc^torium ahd, as 1 und^-stand Taj Mahal Hotel, ’ Bombay. Tel: 202 3666 Telegrams: MANUSCRIPT’p • .a-..................... 1 --------...........-,nmr * from reludrfe js^rces from Bul^, if years now and a rii^ is felt for its re- blus; postage and handBMUg cbmges in .a 5^^ tX^ mtsQteK arc (m jhe verge of dispos- pubbeatiem. I needed abcMtl US Indra, and at U.S. $20 per copy plu.s ingit to a noft-Ps^, it wilt not be fair $10,000 for the project of publishing postage and handling charges abroad* I on th^ the pdrt if they do so. I fed an edition of 1000 copies of TAcD/v/ne shall be obliged if you could teti^^ this Ought to be brought to the notice Songs of Zarathushtra. During my visit kpow if you intend to purchase ct^id^ of the charity commissioners of Gu- to the United States of America add of the proposed publication The Divine^ jarat and Maharashtra. Canada in the autumn of 1984,1 wdntt of Zarathushtra, so that I can ' The trustees of the Tilhal Sanatori- to several cities, and met mid spoke to hav.e an idea of the number of copies to *4 um should read tlw history of the office bearers of w|^3w|^^<^istrian be ]^inbd for the proposed edition. Tithal Sanatoriumwrithm by N.H. Da-associations and loSid^ ittwfefejfldj “ barzo irach taraporewala/; drawala which B really praiseworthy? f about my project. My proposd was wish the present trustees will wake up considered favourably by some asso- Kpcf * before the condition of the sanatorium ciations and individuals, and I was able **”’*“’^”**^***"*^®^* entire property to the trustees of the ed fof the project. In the second week economy and' efficiency, there is no Bulsar Parsi Anjuman who would be D^ 1984, 1 received a letter other method to beat Dokhmenashini..^ :^ the right persons to manage the show, f ^ . . .• .... ; ’ J.E. driver ’ TftmAorewala ’s Soniit ; - ^sociations an^ r gets worse, and think of entrusting the to ^ta part of the target amount need- if one goes by the yardstick of < .. . . . . ¦ : - : -V - - Bulsar Parsi Anjuman who would be M Dumber 1984, 1 received a letter other method to beat Dokhmenashini, from Canada stating that two Zoroas- Consumation dfthebody by burial ist trian brothers residing abroad were wil- very slow process; combustion of th^ ’- .Kng to donate the balance of the re- body whether on the pyre or in the elcc< ;, '.quisite target amount to bring to frui- trie crematorium could be complete hr , tion the proposal of re-publication of incomplete, releasing smoke or un- (- i >* Tat^orewala ’s Soni^ - v^dW^stie laxgei amount to pnng to rrui- trie crematorium couw Dc complete or < , . tion the proposal of te^publication of incomplete, releasing smo^c or un-/^^ ¦ Dr;lrachi,& Tara- ' The Divine Son^i 6f Xoraihushtra^eBd burnt particles, whereas the digestii^nx pOftt^Mb had publish^ dfinng his Mfe>« to distribute several copies'of the book process is complete assimilation. Heit* timeih worken-to various*universUfes-a®C«holar^ ih ce, as long as the body is consumed by< < S' memory of their XatOpahsnts. vultures the question of fouling does /rttafter'a bbour Out of the fuMs generated by the notarise. .'}'¦ This work of about iX^^tb UOOp^es / proposed ’’jmbliiS^n of The ^ivine The argument that the na8sessalars> is re^rded by scholars and critics as a Sortgi of Zarathushtra it is my inten- are doing dirty work and have no place, stahdanf^woric and a source book, and tion to publish other standard works of in society is misleading. The scavengers.^, as being one of the best translations of educational and cultural value' 1 intend and sweepers (the harijans) in ourcities<^.,, the Gathas of Zarathushtra. to distribute copies oi The Divine also do the dirty work but they are The Divine ^^ngs of Zarathttshira Songs of Zaraihushtra at a price rai^gi- pawt of our society. 1’ dfinng his Mfe>* to distribute several copies'of the boc^' process is complete assimilation. Hem ^^Za^it(ht^h- memot^ of their Ute pdrents. bi»»t 20 yearsf. r t, ------- - ------- I ----------- - ----------— Ti^ woric of about X1^ to 1:^00 f)Me$ proposed ’jwbliciaibn 6f ha& been ouhof print for a number of, Rs BW . DR. P.D. SUNA.VALa’ r " '............ ;> t i t p s r^r f E h- « isA- , <¦ *><, - .,.' V ' ¦sfi^ ¦ r 7/5 'C y' ;n < ; v’ . i t _j! -R With best wishes from: H. Person Private Ltd. Importers * Wholesalers * Distributors Worehousefnen / '' Retailers * Ship Stores Suppliers it Ji a e r& V’ A Asian Building, Nicol ROad-Batlard Bombay 400038 Tel. No. 26W75, 2631)^4 / ¦ ' , •-. ¦ , - *. T «fi>' g d r-3 V. &H I n w- Events and Personalities .¦ * Pftrsee Gyiiikliana centenaiy The Pafsee Gymkhana, one of the I ' oldest sports institutions in the country _ b and among the first to introduce cric- * ket to India, celebrates its centenary _ this7ear. ¦ The celebratioi^ Which included a H carnival, gala ball and dinner, were in- H augurated by Vijay Merchant who is an K honorary life member of the gym- K khaha, on February 15. The main H Tnhetion was held on February 25, the u|ictual day of the centenary, with Nani A. Palkivala as the chief guest. Earlier on the same day, there was a thanks- givirtg ceremony by high priests from ; Udwada, Navsari and Bombay. The idea of a club for Parsi gentle- , men to obtain recreation germinated at the Ripon Club, which was founded . just a year before. The first patrons had such illustrious names as Sir Jam- game of hockey was played on its setjee Tata and his son Sir Dorab grounds. " In 1963, the gymkhana admitted .viic.vi viic wivitav vjujoittn *bvvt j, uon-Parsi members, the first one being iam-e-Jamshed, who drafted the rules POrshottam Rungta, then president of c of the gymkhana, k The first sports played here were ic' L..---_____ , / _ “ - E Sent the first all-Parsi teams to England Polly Umrigar and Sunil Gavaskar, k in 1R86 and 1888 Bv 1895. the evm- Keprinfed from The Daily, febma^ 7; I985f and among the first to introduce cric- 11 w* sSv s fW| iV*CfA/«t£ ILj ¦W «5fr. I ' 'f I I I '•rf. Tata and J.B. Marzban, founder of one of the oldest Gujarati newspapers. iSfe < 'i -* rF/’ > -t F '1 ¦fl ii of the gymkhana. The first sports played here were lawn tennis and cricket. The gymkhana elude Wilson J ones* Michael Ferreira, the Cricket Board. At present, its honorary members in- .r' ’Wl in 1886 and 1888. By 1^5, th^ gym ­ khana was participating in the annual t Jrtsi^ rratches with European Tabla dOCtOrate , Btwnbay and Poona gymkhanas, which _ 4 r later culminated in the Pentangular^. Noted musician Aban E. Mistry has I Vil f’' Apart from being the Cradle of eric- recently been conferred a doctorate The centenary celebration function at ket, the gymkhana has sponsored open degree in musicology by the Akhil the Parsee Gymkhana grounds. hwn tenids tournaments. The first Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, woman tennis pUiyer was sponsored by Miraj, for her ' research volume _ ____ _ ^e gy mkhana , though she was not a "Pakhawajaur Tabla kegharaneavem Meherji Vakil, g member since women members were . hot admitted. The gymkhana also oc­ cupies a special place in Bombay ’s hoc- ley history, since the Bombay Provin ­ cial Hockey Asspeiation ’s Original essence and ret^ nature of the various ; hea dquarters were here and the first aspects stated in this book. Noted musician Aban E. Mistry has recently been conferred a doctorate tt- '^19 /^W^ans iSeS r ¦ Chief guest Nani Palkhivala presenting a medallion to gymkhana presuient, /wra/wporaje. " This two-volume book (Photo: Homyar Mistry) deals with the traditidhs of harmonium and tabla^ There jare three more books to follow which WiB explain further the (Facing page) Mistry: musical traditions 7^-^•fVi u.- ¦ PanditJKilci S. Jijina, Mistry ’s gura, expresses confid«ice that the book will guide many aspiring young artistes to achieve greater heights without having to undergo the troubles that MWy has gone through. “What is so striking and Of utmost importance is that being a woman, in an otherwise niale-dominat- ed field, has never crushed her infinite ’ spirit. In her dedication to Indian clas­ sical music, she has broken the shack­ les Indian siOciety Often binds a woman with ’’he informs. Mistry is the founder patron of Swar Sadhna Samiti, an institution promot ­ ing classical music for the past 24 paj^ was presented, ws scheduled to _ _________ _ —-____ ..______ _____ ____ Bharatiya Ganclharva Mahavidyalaya, th^press release. Miraj. She has performed at numerous music conferences and concerts in In- Wj ¦¦‘is < •« « • X Goiporia: Baroda Bank .chairman (Far left) Rana; I academic I exchange ’>2 > Sadhna Samiti, an institution pfomot- —:—•. t,', —. u u j r ing classical music for the past 24 phper was presented, was scheduled to Goippfia is director on the board oH^ years. She is also an examiner of Akhil be held in February 1985, according to Agricultural. Finance Corporatism - Limited, deputy chairman of the The press release further states that dian Banks ’ Association, a member of ; •i.uoiv vw.uv.v.*v»,o Rana has also been invited to explore the governing board of the Naticmal ’::^ dia and has extensively toured Eyro- possibilities of mutual Indo-US acade- Institute of Bank Management and the, pean. Gulf and African countries giv- mic exchisage of students and staff bet- Council of the Indian Institute of Iton- ing solo recitals on the tabla and en- ween specialized centres of internatio- kers. He is on the placement committee thralling the adduces. studies in the'US India. The of the National Association for the..j« department of Political; lienee of the Blind. ; j M.S. University, Baroda, receives spe­ cial funding in international studies by 'Settling the Afghan War . x k cial funding in international studies by „ * Uhokho At the invitation of the Institute of In- the University Grants Commission of tiomi Unaona leilOWSnip ternational Studies, Columbia, USA, India. The Homi Bhabha fellowships have Dr Aspy PhirOze Rana, professor and . H*nd chairman been permanently established, on the head, department of Political Science irano-tlina cnairman nineteenth death anniversary of Dr and dean of the Arts faculty at the The chairman and managing director Homi Bhabha, by the Tata Trusts, and Maharaja Sayajirao University of of the State-owned Shipping Corpora- the Ford Foundations of the United -fl Baroda, will present a paper on “Sett- tion of , India (SCI), Vice-Admiral States with donations of Rs 50 lakhs ling the Afghan War: an Indian pers- R.K.S. Ghandhi, has become the chair- and $2.5 lakhs respectively, according pective, ” notes a pressrelease. The in- man of Irano-Hind Shipping Com- to The Daily of January 25, 1985. ¦¦¦¦-'3 ternational conference on “The Soviet pany, a joint venture of SCI and Established on January 24, 1967, the presence in Afghanistan and its impli- Islamic Republic of Irah Shipping fellowships are awarded to young per- cations for South Asia,’’at which the Lines. Vice-Admiral Ghandhi is the sons between 25 and 38 years of ^e to | U; first Indian to hold the office of the assist them in developing their abilities chairman of Irano-Hind. in any chosen field, notes TZie Dm/y' Unlike most shipping companies the report. The fellowship has facilities for world over, Irano-Hind has maintain- research abroad. | ed its record of profitability in 1983-84, when it made a net profit of $11.47 ed to Dr Zarine Cooper and Dr million and announced a 20 percent Subhankar Ray, by the fellowships J dividend. Reprmieti from 1 mancial I xpress, January fi, E t'4 ?.¦‘’I the University Grants Commission of India. Irano-Hind chairman This year ’s fellowships were award- . council, for their respective projects ‘Archeological and Ethnographic In- ' vestigations in Andaman Islands’ and * Cnionria^ new chair ‘Understanding the,biological role of , viUipUFia S new v air methylglyoxal with special reference to ; Bank of Baroda ’s newly appointed cancer ’ notes The Daily, January 8, chairman is 52-year-oldManeck Nadir- 1985. shaUr Goiporia, who was previously chainran and managing director of po|jce Medal for Irani ' Dena Bank (for SIX and a half years) Since 1978; GoiptMia took over the neiw office from February 5, 1985. 1 .......... the Union Bank of India for near^ ^5, shed service states “Irani has done out- The citation which qualified Minoo J _ ___ Faredoon Irani, 54, for receiving the Earlier, the noted' banker wji^ with President ’s Police Medal for distingui- the linioa Bank of India for near^ ^5, shed service states “Irani has done out- years in various capacities arid was sent standing work in all types of police on assignment with the National West- duties, hot only , in the detection of minster Bank Ltd. London. crime but also in the executive field. /Mar I I I !¦ His ability to handle communal and riotous mobs and maintain law and order in difficult situations has been of the highest order. In every aspect of his work, he has proved to be a distingui ­ shed police officer of the highest merit. ..” The medal was awarded to Irani on January 26, 1985. He is also a recipient of the Police Medal for meri ­ torious service, 1978. Irani was responsible for successful­ ly investigating the Parsi fire temple murder case of 1980 when Homi Kha ­ ras was murdered in a fire temple at Fort, and his body thrown in a well. Irani effectively controlled strikes at Larson & Toubro, the Chandivali quarries, the Reserve Barik of India, Bombay Dyeing, Voltas, the Free Press Journal and the 1983-84 BEST strike, states the citation. The citation further says that in 1981-82, while attached to D.N. Nagar police station as Senior Inspector, Irani was instrumental in arresting a gang of highway dacoits and recovering stolen property worth Rs 1.50 lakhs. In the communal riots of May-June 1984, Irani ’s ability to efficiently han ­ dle the situation, prevented loss of life and any major riot from taking place in Andheri West. Irani ’s 34-year career in the police force also includes service at the Detection of Crime Branch, C.l.D.^Bombay, according to the cita ­ tion. Above: R.N. Engineer, managing director of In­ dustrial Boilers Pvt Ltd, received the A.R. Bhat entrepreneur award from R. Venkataraman, Vice-President of India, at the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Federation of Associationslof Small In­ dustries of India. I i t Left: Irani: handling riotous mobs nique is called for as the game is played with a hard ball and on narrower and longer courts, ” said Darius, when in Bombay for his Christmas vacation. Darius Pandole, who has been In­ dia’s national junior champion for three years in a row from 1981 and was of hues, the technique and treatment cles, and has bagged fellowships from unable to take part this year as he was used to enhance the value of a compo- the Ministry of Education, Govern- away at Harvard, recently participated sition coming solely through colour, ment of India, four times. in the Chivas Regal Championship in the overall effect being that of serenity and harmony, ” noted an art review in The Daily, January 26, 1985, of Homi paper collages and water colour but at 11 different clubs in New York. He Patel ’s 19 abstract paintings on exhibit found they did not interest him. He made the: quarter-final round Of the at the Chemould Art Gallery. returned to his first love, abstracts, men’s “A” amateur division, a group A veteran of great repute and a dip- t.... ____ .. _ loma holder from the J.J. School of categorize his works to a particular Art, Patel has held several solo shows Homies abstracts 7 ¦ * ¦f “Each composition, which has no spe­ cific theme or subject, is a subtle blend admiration and appreciation in art cir- ment of India, four times. “During an experimental period which 1,200 players were divided into some years ago, Patel tried his hand at 21 divisions and which was conducted returned to his first love, abstracts, men’s “A” amateur division, a group even though it would be difficult to below the professionals. Aware that Darius Pandole could assist the Indian team in the Asian [ . at home besides having participated in Junior Championships (under 19), ! In Harvard ’s ten Harvard University agreed to permit rich, Tokyo, Montreal, Freinsheim Darius to do his first semester exams in (W. Germany) and Teheran. Patel has In just the three months that he has Hong Kong, the day after the cham- displayed his works at the Internatio- been at Harvard, Darius Pandole has pionships were over, but Darius declin- nal Culture Centre, New Delhi as well made it to the first team of ten players ed the invitation of the Squash Rackets as at the ’71 International Triennale of Harvard University, which has pro- Federation of India to join the team as and the Jammu and Kashmir Artists duced the leading amateurs in Ameri- the preparation for the event would im Camp, notes The Daily. can squash. “It is not so demanding terfere with his studies. The report continues “With every physically as the squash played in the show he seems to have gained added rest of the world, but a different tech- t f r J ‘ism.’ ” In Harvard ’s ten /fepr/nred/rom The Times 01 India, December 28. 1984. •-'1 13 Parsiana March 196Sr South Pacific tales The story goes that residents of the capital used to have this favourite rid- 1; t SELVEL FOR EFFECTIVE OUTDOOR ADVERTISING THROUGHOUT INDIA With Best Compliments from: I SELVEL PUBLICITY & CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD. Ravindra Mansion Annexe, 194, Dinshaw Vatcha Road, 4th Floor, Bombay-400 020. Tel Nos: 2026512, 2027560. die some years ago. “Who travels more ” they used to ask, “Ms Indira Gandhi or, K. Natwar Singh (former secretary in the ministry of external af­ fairs)? ” The answer, as it turned out, was “neither, ” the distinction for be ­ ing the most widely-traveiled Indian go ­ ing to Ms Meher Heroyce Moos. The irrepressible Moos has done it again, turning her adventurous sights on the exotic South Pacific this time, a place which most of us experience vica ­ riously, mainly courtesy Rodgers and Hammerstein. She spent six exciting weeks touring New Zealand, Tahiti, Cook Island, American and Western Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuata and New Caledonia, having settled on that un­ usual itinerary only when her earlier plans — to go on a husky-dog expedi ­ tion of Greenland ’s remote trading posts — fell through. “It was largely weather conditions that help>ed me to decide, ” says Moos. “When plans for visiting Greenland in spring last year fell through because the ice melted. 1 had to use up my leave by the end of the year. That being win­ ter in Europe and the Northern hemi ­ sphere, I had to look southwards. ” Having visited South America, South Africa and even the South Pole, the South Pacific was the only “unchart ­ ed” area for Moos. “I’d always want­ ed to visit the South Pacific, ” she ad­ mits, “but never got round to it be ­ cause I felt all the places worth visiting were too scattered. But this time, since I was going all the way to New Zea ­ land, I decided to go through with it. “I had read about and been fascinat ­ ed by Michener ’s Tales of the South Pacific, I wanted to see the house in which Gauguin had spent his life, I wanted to visit R.L. Stevenson ’s grave and all the places Somerset Maugham wrote about in his short stories, ” she adds. And so, whether by ski plane or sea plane or boat, Meher Moos “discover ­ ed” the South Pacific, traversing sco­ res of islands that literally dot the In­ ternational Dateline. She visited people and places, came away with a morbid fascination for graveyards — “these were fascinating places, some graves covered with broken beer bottles to keep scavenging pigs at bay, others positioned at the very entrance to a 15 Parsiana March 1985 With Best Compliments from PENOSH TRANSPORT (The Name that carries Weight) Transport Contractors and Transporters of Heavy Machinery 94-A, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Pune 411 001 Phone: 64670, 6467L1 White Cloud Filter Pads Pvt. Ltd. 412 Gultekdi Road Pune-411 037 Pioneer Makers of quality Filter Pads untouched by hand and manufactured for the first time in the country on an imported completely automatic pad Forming Line. A Complete range of Filter Media from coarse through medium to sterilising grades made available equivalent to the finest imported quality. Serving the vital Pharmaceutical, Beverage, Chemical,Cosmetic and other sensitive industries in the country for their entire filtration requirements. IMITATED BY MANY DUPLICATED BY NONE. Phone: 44 10 78 GRAM: FILTER PAD home; ” saw for herself that Polynesian women were every bit as beautiful as Gauguin had painted them; dined on everything from flying foxes cooked in French wine to giant-sized snails, mus­ sels, shearwater birds, venison and coconut crabs. The last item surely qualifies as a gourmet ’s delight. The coconut crab, she says, carries a coco­ nut on its back and climbs up a tall tree. From a suitable height, it drops its burden, which breaks as it falls to the ground, and the crab scurries to ground-level to gnaw at its delicious contents. “When he is caught, he often has coconut in him, and is then cooked with coconut cream to make a scrump ­ tious meal, ” says Moos. About halfway through her tour came the news of Ms Gandhi ’s assassi ­ nation. “Everywhere 1 went, the mi­ nute people learned that I was an In­ dian, they came forward to offer their condolences and to ask if 1 knew any more details. It speaks volumes for Ms Gandhi ’s universality that everyone on those islands — from coconut men to fisherfolk — knew of her and expres ­ sed their concern. ” But global disasters notwithstanding Meher Moos went on her enterprising way, being entertained by tribal chief ­ tains — “they gave me a grass skirt and I gave them a box of powder, with which they were absolutely thrilled; ” had a “photo session” with a specially captured and subsequently freed shark, and even managed to escape a bomb scare unscathed. It appears that on a New Caledonia flight, Tchibaou, leader of the rebel Kanaky movement, was on board with his righthand man, and their flight was called back and ex­ plosives unearthed. This is the only “hair-raising experience ” Moos admits to. Even standing at the rim of a sim­ mering volcano in Vanuata and getting covered with ash didn’t unnerve her. After all, that ’s precisely the sort of thing that makes a Meher Moos holi ­ day an extraordinary event, and almost always an experience to write about. Delshad Karanjia Reprinted from The tvening News, January 29. 1985. Hilla Khursedji Trophy A trophy and a cup were donated by the Hilla Khursedji Memorial Trust to the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London, to perpe ­ tuate the memory of Hilla Khursedji, a noted pianist. BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public SHiool by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excel­ lent Climate — All-round Education: All Acadanic Subjects—Ted»- nical Subjectss Workshop. Tech ­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance. Carpentry & Farm ­ ing. Training in Sdl-GovernmeBl through Elected Boys’ Office bearers. Games—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. Frecships and Concessions to Deserving Students. , 4 Apply to — THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building. 324 Dr. D. N. Road, Bombay 400 001. 17 P^iaria Marchr ' - - J’, E f 1 A graduate from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Khursedji stood first in the 1975 Royal Overseas League Music Festival and was nomi­ nated ‘Young musician of the Year 1977-’78’ by the Greater London Arts Association. Khursedji ’s last perfor ­ mance was at the Tata Theatre in Bom­ bay. The Hilla Khursedji Memorial Trophy for 1984 was won by Ms Debo ­ rah Menezes, student of Harold Joseph of the Delhi School of Music, for being the most promising Indian in the grade five to Licentiate in the Royal School of Music, London, category. Zeenia Lawyer of Associated Breweries and Distilleries receiving the IMM Cinni Fan Award for the best woman entrepreneur from Vice-President of India, R. Venkataraman at the inauguration of the 1985 Asia Pacific Marketing Congress in Queen ’s Scout Venture Scout Bomi Daruwalla was presented with the Queen ’s Scout award “the highest accolade the move­ ment offers. . .for two years ’ intensive work on social projects, adventure training and youth leadership, ’’ notes a report in the Press Group publication New Delhi on January 4, 1985. of November 22, 1984. The district commissioner for Finch ­ ley, Friern Barnet and Golders Green, Peter Davis, handed Daruwalla the coveted Queen ’s Scout insignia in No­ vember 1984, notes the report. Twenty- year-old Daruwalla lives on Lincoln Road, North Finchley, and is a mem­ ber of the 16th Finchley Scout Group and the 1st Finchley Venture Unit. t . Daruwallv receiving the Queen’s Scout award from Davis The theme of Renuka Dhanrajgir- Batlivala’s eighth solo exhibition was 'Horses. ’ The Bombay based artist who has held exhibitions in Bombay, Hyderabad, Switzerland and Mauritius, exhibited her paintings at Bombay’s Aakar Art Gallery from January 28 to February 3. (Photo: The Daily) Eye that sees shtra, were being printed at the Tata Press, a supervisor walked up to the The intricacies of modern art at times associate producer and asked if they escape the best of us. When prints of were prize-winning entries of a chil- Husain’s triptych, which he has paint ­ ed for the film A Quest for Zarathu- dren ’s art competition. Reprinted from The Daily, November 20. 1984. 19 Parsiana March 1985— •c‘ ' * ‘milestone ’ round our necks •t tv?; Cusrow Baug residents vote against Karani Agiary extension. Arnavaz S. Mama i- The Dastur Kookadaru trustees in The Cusrow Baug pavilion witnessed tables have gone up from 28 in 1979 to high drama as residents scotched, by 60 in 1984. It is not possible for the 244 to 122 votes (six were invalid) the Agiary to have any more tables in the combined plan of the Karani Agiary Guzder Hall, having regard to the faci- Trust and the Dastur Kookadaru liti^s presently available. In fact,Ervad Trust, to build an extension to the Aibara, the panthaky, had to refuse Karahi Agiary. Being Behram roj, and will continue to refuse to have Shehrevar mah, the day (February 10) more than 60 tables in view of the limi- marked the golden jubilee of the ted area in Guzder Hall.” Karani Agiary in its present sanctum. It also marked the inroads of democra- their letter further note, “We believe cy and secularism in ecclesiastical mat- that some of the residents of M and P ters by way of a referendum held under Blocks are objecting to the extension of the Wadia management auspices. the agiary purely for selfish reasons as Due to the presently restricted area it may slightly obstruct their view, A of the Karani Agiary, the trustees of false and malicious propaganda is.be- the Dastur Kookadaru Trust are said to ing carried out that the trustees pro- have offered a sum of Rs 4.5 lakhs to pose to raise one or two floors on the round our necks. ” the Karani Agiary Trust with a view to agiary building. This is absolutely un- extend the precincts of the agiary —a proposal agreeable to the trustees of the Karani Agiary. Accordingly plans are exhibited at the agiary. You are The appeal to aesthetics notwith- true... standing, what emerged from inter- “The plans have been drawn up and views with some members of the Save Karani Agiary Committee was a cer- were drawn up with a proposed Kooka- most welcome to come and satisfy tain venom against Aibara. Ruby daru Hall (20 x 85 feet) on the south yourself that we have taken every mea- Mody, a committee member and resi- side and a smaller (19.3 x 17.3 feet) sure not only to preserve the aesthetic dent of P Block who noted that she enclosure on the north side, meant as a rest and change room for mobeds em­ ployed at the agiary. “After the exten­ sion, it will still leave 12 feet of vacant beauty but also to enhance it. After the became aware of the extension plans “when the trees around the agiary began to be cleared, ” says, “Aibara ’s Thirty to 40 militant tenants formed prayers (the cyclostyled sheets, to receive which people often have to wait for two to three hours) have been in- extensions are complete, it is proposed to have a garden around the agiary. ” area on either side where we will have a the ‘Save Karani Agiary Committee, ’ garden, ” Homi Ranina, Bombay Parsi whose cyclostyled handout noted: Punchayet trustee and member of the “The proposed changes would mar vestigated by scholars and found wan­ trust boards of the Karani Agiary and forever, not only the elegant and state- ting in Avestan content.” Bomi Kapa- the Kookadaru Trust had noted a few ly structure of the agiary building dia of P Block, who is said to be the days prior to the referendum. which is a perfect blend of modern and moving force behind the opposition to Activities at the Karani Agiary in- Persian architecture, but the beauty of the building extension, alleged two elude religious lectures on Hormuzd the whole baug also. Our agiary as it Bombay high priests as having said Ai- ’ roj and Behram roj, religious classes stands today, more than adequately bara is a very dangerous man and held by the panthaky, Ervad Nadersha meets the needs of the tenants of Cus- should be removed. (One of them on Aibara every Saturday, and an increas- row Baug as it has proved in the past 50 being contacted by Parsiana, denied ing number of uthamnas and the four- years and God willing, it will for having made such a statement.) Asks day after death ceremonies. A printed generations to come... Kapadia, “Can a priest say ‘there ’s a letter to the residents of the baug from “it is one thing to blindly support a saint within me and he speaks, not I?’” the trustees of the Dastur Kookadaru new venture that may at the start sound Mody, on her part, noting that “he Trust dated February 2, noted, “In not only plausible and interesting, but might have clairvoyant qualities, ” 1984, in the case of about 45 persons even essential. It is quite another to adds, “When we look at our religion it who died, the ceremonies were per ­ formed in the agiary itself. The muktad have built “It is one thing to blindly support a find in the ultimate analysis, that we does not accept miracles. ” She also a milestone (millstone) claims that there ’s a year-old notice in I;; 20 Parsiana March 1985W! R^-2 whtch slates that more muktad tables civil cpnstructioaat Godrej and Boyce, .afgi „..i^g£l s,.ig, Only 372 Parsf^ anfl'aTesiaent ot F block expresseatne . ._ , *,uk32^ same.objection ^aphically: ^‘Sippose COnSlGt^fSCl ttlSjfS® • vital enough to- { spend on it a few minutes on a Sunday morning. f WhiPli that more muktad taMes . civil.donstructioB,at Godrej andlBoyce, t i cannot be aoa^^ bei^Se there are and a resident of Block expressed the , nPihfifeedsTdr this pra)'^, « 1.,. Eye ^ecialist Dr Rustom Patclk you have a painting, an old masterpie- {nresident of the Cusaow Baug Urtited cc, and it was a little small in size. If ^^rts and Welfare League and resi- you asked a modern painter to enlarge dent of M Block said, “To mar the it to fit into your hall, how would it beauty of the agiary would be a sacw- look?” While Engineer claimed that lege. ” He noted that “for the past 50 “the perfect proportions of verdeal to ye^rs the agiary has been managing horizontal would be spoilt” by this ex- quite well— They claim they need tension, Ranina was equally emphatic larger space for lectures, but so far that the aesthetic appeal of the edifice, there has been bp werflow. They wa^* would not merely be preserved but quarters for 'dasturjis, but upstairs even enhanced on completion of the there a"big room for dasturjis (where said extension. Aibara cunenOy r^ssides with his wife It all began about six years ago when I at^ twbgrPwh-up sons)... Ifycxi in- mobed Nadersha Aibara accepted the I crease the area you have to consider the Cusrow Bang panthak. A clairvoyant I maintenance costs.” with a substantial following within the ¦ .^piy and Adil Daruwalla, also P community and without, Aibara ’s arri- I ^Pek tenants, were obviously'caught val at the Karani Agiary resulted in a l ,i^ tte cross-fire; “Our only protest is vast increase in the number of devotees I that^ it wilt ..change shape of the flocking to the dar-e-meher from all r? t^ia^.and the bi^uty will be spoilt. We over Bombay and elsewhere., Cusrow S have nothing against the dasturji. 1 at- Baug residents have been said to look tehd his da^s every Saturday, ” said askance at this patronage from beyond: / the baug. Scoffers notwithstanding. ¦ h f F s * *¦ ** *¦ •f-f-i' \^=! ii' -V 1 '• r,-' ¦ '‘'’¦i s Bi- B "• ‘I '-.y‘ s ¦* ¦Mlb< •''Aj h'* C (Abovef Gwr^' - , 'dia a^gd., '•* Ranina: I - ’®2 &¦? ‘ 1: X I. B (' *... J,,.'- HS*’*f*^ SfttaMsfe' I Aibara been holdu^ins morning sessions where troubled persons recsmve adMcc,; a cyclostyled sheet of prayer and i^otx^raphs of Dastur Kookada ­ ru, Shah Faredun, Shah Jamshed etc, free. The two injunctions are that they pay homage to the atash padshah be- Wilto Conndtanents FxtNm H. M MEHTA , ft co CottoWi Merdhants fore taking their place in the queue and that they desist from putting anything more than 2^ paise in the boi. Aibara does not normally permit any of his votaries from beyond the Colaba area to hold j as hans, fareshtas or other reli ­ gious ceremonies at the Karam Agiary. Aibara believes the source of his in­ spiration is the venerable dastur of the late nineteenth century, Jamshed Koo- kadaru. Lu 1981 Aibara announced his intention of starting a fund to create a dadgah in Dastur Kookadaru ’s me­ mory Accordingly, the Dasturji J.S. Kookadaru Memorial Agiary Tnist was founded, Jehangir Shroff, HOmi Ranina, Nadersha Aibara, Hirjee Albless, Erachshaw Major and Bomi Hansotia being the present trustees. The trust, to date, has collected nearly four and a half lakhs of rupees. The referendum and its results raised some disturbing questions, noted ob­ servers; From a total electorate of 559, only 372 Parsis considered the issue vital . enough to spend on it a few minutes on a Sunday morning. Were the other 187 (one third of the community) who kept away from the ballot box registering a boycott of a secular democratic prac ­ tice in matters religious? Or was their non-participation an indication that to one-third of this community sample, religious matters do not matter? Secondly, what was the contribution of the Save Karani Agiary Committee (or the individuals who comprised it) when the Agiary underwent much needed repairs in 1982? In April 1984 Ranina had noted in an interview with Parsiana that an ap­ peal for funds to Cusrow Baug resi ­ dents (about 2,500 people reside in 559 flats) netted only Rs 26,000 (ie a little more than Rs 10 per person). The third factor was stated with some anguish by Dr Dinyar Gamadia, president of the Gusrow Baug United Sports and Welfare League: “This will be a precedent for Cusrow Baug ... It’s a very sorry day, though an auspi ­ cious day. (This) breaking of a small community (is) a bitter pill to swallOw- For 50 yearsch a thing has not hap ­ pened. I hope and.iyay in future pro ­ blems there should be nd referendum? ’ F- A‘ I Burjor Framji &Co. tjcsnssd PhiRMrs Sanita^ & Ora^fmi LonnaciDfs MARINE MANSION 1ST MARINE STRET BOMBAY 400002. TELBWNE: 313207 *S«j A 'ik-¦! « J I “TIk hofy fire has brought prosperity J • - * - • -r ;sj ? ' / *i ’i <1 fti. irtiy :, A 5. ' ’! ¦i' i I fs ir ¦ '>y, i !^'. »’ O' ’ t* r < ^7- '> 'f-' L" "i* -J 5?. *¦¦'?; -J MS ' I 4' ?-’X' j f Iz L '> H iida 8 A\ ¦¦'1 i ^i»-f T ri ,ij................ ......................................... - The Karani Agiary building in Cusrow Baug is 50 years old Arnavaz Si Marria ..3^ v’/' 1 '¦I ?!%’ ' 1 - '\ *>! "^ • I or privilege than that on the fiftieth , . year we echo the gratitude for allowing Conceding that ^‘wc never hadm^t* .'r its results, they did make some telling ings or consultations with trystee^ and Z'5 I “We, the trustees of the Nusserwanji kers made any reference to the mprn- ii, Hirji ’ Karani Dar-e-Meher,. . .have ing ’s referendum (a proposed exten- ,,--------- ------------------------------- „ gathered before this distinguished sion to the Karani Agiary was put to us to put up this Dar-e-Meher here. ’’ ' . f-\ gathering to pay our tribute and to ex- vote among the bang ’s tenants) or Conceding that “we never 1^ m^ty .j' 7 press pur deep sense of gratitude to you its results, they did make some telling ings or consultations.with trusteps and "i;, b and' to the noble and worthy departed remarks about the sUte of the commu- (co-tijistee of Karani Agiary, Jamshed) L members of your illustrious family,” nity, with special reference to the Guzder was annoyed,” Tata noted that noted the address to Neville Wadia priesthood. Of special significance to “no previous consultation was :ne ¦ apd, in Wadia ’s* appreciative words, ly family which has treated all the colo- to nj Pamhaky, GotwUa, . ‘^tfsisted on appoint- nies,” noted Tata in his weicwne ShrofftAibarocthd Rantna (at.tHtmikef: " ment.” Though none <^4he main spea- -dress. “Wiat can be a grater pleasure fires have bgt^it tftirnpt/('‘ .'J,- si. •» Wiat can be a greater pk^re ',- V ? V '' K 5*^ '-'^J % i> » ' -. -^¦I * - pectively, readily gave 14(X) square by your worthy son Nusli who has yards for the purpose on a token rent also started taking keen interest in the of one rupee a year, noted the address welfare of the trusts, ” read Shroff and to Neville Wadia. “The fire temple was added “Nusli has, uYifortunately, sent constructed under the supervision of his apologies as he is out of Bombay. famous architects, Gregson Batley and King, on the style of Iranian, Syrian an engraved silver casket and a garland and Babylonian architecture, which of red roses were presented to Neville has since become a great tourist attrac- A red shawl, the address enclosed in IVadia: “agiary focal point'* ( ’ 4 "'Consider that many peons make Rs 1200 a month. What we are offering the mobeds is acutely inadequate." Wadia by Tata on behalf of the Karani Agiary trustees. Garlands were also presented to Tata, BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla, Shroff, BPP trustee Homi Ranina and Sohrab Panthaki whose wife and managing trustee, Roda Karani is the scion of the found­ ing family of the agiary but is currently said to be ill and in hospital. Appreciating “the cordial and happy relations between their trust and our N.N. Wadia Trust, ” Neville Wadia said, “This agiary is the focal poipt of Cusrow Baug. It is most inspiring and lends dignity to Cusrow Baug. I was ' a tion in south Bombay, ” read Shroff. The address further noted, “On delighted to be able to plant two trees “I got a very unkind letter from some­ one who did not think we deserved the completion of this structure and before which the next generation will be able honour because we were not Parsis (Zoroastrians) ... “One day it will be appreciated that Ness invited H.E. the then Governor of of Parsi priests. “I hope you will not this was the only microscopic commu- Bombay Presidency, the late Lord Bra- think me presumptuous, ” began nity who told the government that we bourne, to visit the Dar-e-Meher build- Wadia as he proceeded to briefly trace do not want special privileges. We are ing. He, along with Lady Brabourne the history of Parsi tradition in India: grateful to the governing (Gandhi) visited on February 18, 1935 when the “... the understanding that we’d be al- family for the appreciation they have trustees of the R.N. Wadia Trust, in- lowed to practice our religion. . .(deve- shown.” eluding your good self as a young man, loped) a close knit and separate society Then, reverting to community poll- were present. ” Interrupting himself- (which) lived by its strict code. It gave tics, Tata noted, “I heard rumours and Shroff produced a framed photograph us a distinctive character among the hope it’s not true that there was an ef- and remarked. “Perhaps this picture people of India. The priests of our fort to delink (the Wadia) family from will remind you how handsome you community played a prominent role in the management (of the bangs). I’ve spoken to the BPP trustees including Guzder and they ’ve assured me it’s not true. ” The fire of the Karani Agiary is itself departed family members have done must ensure for them adequate pay and 138 years old, having been originally and what you. Sir, are doing, assisted security, noted Wadia, so that they consecrated at Nullbazar on March 16, ¦¦¦ii 1847. Then, when communal riots led to a decline in the Parsi population in that area, it was shifted temporarily to the Sodawaterwalla Agiary at Marine Lines and thence, in the ninetieth year t of its consecration, enthroned at the ! £ present site. When the idea of erecting WB . Cusrow'Baug on land bought off the SB railways was conceived by the Wadias, the then trustees of the Karani Dar-e- Meher approached them with a request for some land within the baug where the Karani Agiary could be re-esta ­ blished. Sir Ness and Sir Cusrow, Neville Wadia ’s father and uncle res- j the shifting of the holy fire into this to enjoy.” Wadia then devoted his magnificent edifice, your late father Sir speech to the past, present and future Bombay Presidency, the late Lord Bra- think were at that time.” Audience and dig- -our fortunes and were widely acclaim- nitaries joined in the mirth as Wadia ed. Now their status and position have examined the photo with great interest, declined. If this trend is not reversed, “We appreciate what your noble, the situation will become critical. ” We **^<>.* a«H »*+ -S; B 1 ¦ I ¦¦ ; Si J *4 V I wl ’•a Gambhar lunch: "responding to a worthy cause"(Photos: Homyar Mistry) ¦ 25 Parsiana March 1985may be “free of economic and social privations. (We must ensure) that the social status of the clergy is not dimini ­ shed by our parsimonious treatment of the servants of God.” Referring to certain BPP schemes now on the anvil, Wadia noted, “Con­ sider that many peons make Rs 1,200 a month. What we are offering the mobeds is acutely inadequate. If we are to attract suitable candidates, they must receive a broad education in Gu­ jarati and English and college educa ­ tion to help them merge into the society whose spiritual heads they are to be ­ come. They must be equipped to play their special role in the future. ... “A Parsi rarely fails to respond to a worthy cause,” declared Wadia. “I do not feel the community will fail in the worthy cause of the Zoroastrian priest ­ hood. May I urge that all efforts be co­ ordinated. . .suggest that a committee be formed to get the community’s sup­ port and participation. It should in­ clude respected dasturs ... ” Referring to the enormous foresight of Lady Jerbai Wadia, Ranina noted that the bangs were built “not only to provide a roof over the poor and needy. Her main vision was that the population of Parsis should increase. Ninety percent of marriages in the community are between the people in the bangs. ” Noting that brought prosperity to all you wonder ­ ful residents, ” Ranina spoke about the need to relocate certain agiaries so that they may be sustained, and mentioned that the Mevawalla Agiary could be moved to Rustom Baug or J er Baug. Reiterating his plea for a one crore rupees amelioration fund for mobeds, Ranina noted the need of mofussil aparies where mobeds are required to tend “ancient fires (that) have been burning for 200 to 300 years. If any of our fires are allowed to die out, we will have to pay a tremendous price. We will, each one, have to bear our share of the guilt. For 1,400 years our fore- • fathers have practised our religion. We in the twentieth century would be des­ troying this history. We would then not be progressive but regressive. ” Noting that our traditions embody centuries of wisdom, “we cannot allow it to be dissipated, ” Ranina referred to the current secularism and said; “Our forefathers were also secular. Sir Jam- !S$tjee Jejeebhoy spent lakhs for secular causes, but he did not neglect the com- the holy fire has 27 Parsiana March 1S^ munity. Secularism does not mean you ignore your community and allow it to die. May 1 request you to emulate the vision of the Wadias, the Tatas, the Godrejs. Let us make our future as glo ­ rious as our past.” A film show by Ervad Jal Tata was followed by a contributory dinner at­ tended by 225 people. The day had also witnessed two jashans at the agiary. A free gambhar lunch for the underprivi ­ leged of the community was hosted by Ranina. ALMOAVVED ^—INTERNATIONAL"^" GROUP BAHRAIN The leading computer company of the Middle East now with subsidiaries in UK >*< REQUIRES MANAGER (Ref. AC/GM) Management or Science Graduates with Computer background willing to promote the most advanced international Computer systems — WANG 10 years experience with proven track record in the industry selling computer systems THE.CANDIDATE WOULD BE : • willing to earn more than I Rs. 50,000 a month • 35 —45 years of age • desire to spend not less than 5 years with the company • capable of working in multinational environment • preferably married with no children The selected candidate shall be trained in UK/USA and will be based in BAHRAIN. The package shall permit the earnings in excess of IRS. 6 Lacs a yean apply in confidence with detailed CV, accompanied by certificates, testimonials, references, passport size photograph & copy of valid passport to: Pervin Nirumvala Manager Admin. & Personnel P.O. Box 26259, Manama, Bahrain. statement of Ownership and other particulars about Parsiana. Form IV (Rule 8) Place of Publication: Bombay Periodicity of Publication: Monthly Printer, Publisher, Editor and Proprietor: Jehangir R. Patel Nationality: Indian Address: 285 J. Dadaji Marg, Bombay 400 007. I, Jehangir R. Patel, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sd. {Jehangir R. Patel) 1 March 1985. € 5;High Priests ’ assent to ceremonies by laity Ahmednagar Anjuman presents priests' letters at Federation nneeting. • *‘4 Arnavaz S. Mama In reply to a query from the Ahmed- The stand reflected a reassessment of In other Federation news, the ex- nagar Parsi Anjuman, four Bombay the Federation ’s functioning. Finding ecutive council appointed BPP trustee High Priests have stated that behdins itself unable to cope with the various Jamshed N. Guzder, convener of the can perform certain religious rites and tasks on hand, due to the limited Youth Congress scheduled towards the ceremonies in the absence of mobeds. monetary and personnel resources, the end of this year in Bombay (at that The letters from the priests, Dasturs Federation is beginning to rely more point Guzder was still considering Hormuzdyar Mirza, Kaikhusroo Ja- and more on individual anjumans to seeking reelection to his BPP trustee- maspAsa, Firoze Kotwal and Nowrooz undertake projects at the local level, ship seat sought by Naoroji Godrej). Minochehr-Homji were presented by the Ahmednagar Anjuman representa- ” “ “ ' ” tive, MehernoshMehta, at the January ChanCGS Of DOth th© 14 executive council meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anju­ mans of India held at the Sir Mancherji Khareghat Hall at Bombay ’s Khare- ghat Colony. A suggestion to publish the priests opinions in the Federation newsletter, for the benefit of other anjumans, was however turned down by the council for fear of offending some of the priests ’ associations. “Too much pub­ licity might hurt, ’’ cautioned Fede ­ ration treasurer Peshotan Nargolwala, who appears to be the Federation ’s and/or their representatives promising A tendency amongst delegates to unofficial resident authority on the to secure sponsors for each issue. chat amongst themselves while the subject. Bombay Parsi Punchayet trus- Moves are afoot to encourage an- meeting was in progress, caused Fede- tee and Federation joint secretary jumans to form local chapters of the ration and BPP chairman Dr Aspi Gol- Eruch Desai who has been increasingly Federation sub-committees such as the walla to reprimand individual mem­ voicing the orthodox line, added, “let us not rush in where angels fear to tread. Let us try and bring about change through cooperation and ad­ vice.’’ Shiavax Nargolwala, the Delhi Parsi Anjuman president and Federation vice-president noted that the Federa ­ tion was not taking any decision on the subject: “The Federation is only a con­ duit. The decisions will be up to the in­ dividual anjumans; ’’a stand supported meetings and instead of holding a complained to Golwalla that when they by the Federation ’s joint secretary meeting every four months as in the greeted youngsters with the word sa- Keki Gandhi: “We are only communi­ cating the information. ” The stand reflected a reassessment of 29 Parsiaoa March 1985 Another hurdle to fund collecting was removed with the Federation recei ­ ving an exemption certificate from the Income Tax department that permits donors to claim a 50 percent tax deduc­ tion on donations given to the Federa ­ tion’s fund for women and children. A four-page Gujarati edition of the Federation newsletter was sanctioned with individual anjumans and repre- Perhaps the first such major instance sentatives offering to find sponsors, was the school counselling program to be financed by the BPP and implemen- trian Organization were, and are still, ted in Bombay and Poona. Next, fi- in progress, though chances of both the nance for the Federation ’s newsletter WZO and the Federation coming toge- was raised from individual anjumans ther appear dim. and/or their representatives promising to secure sponsors for each issue. Moves are afoot to encourage an- \NZO and the Federation conning ,, together appear dim. Discussion with the World Zoroas- Jobs and Career Opportunities Panel bers, especially the delegates from which has not met since December Surat, for their conduct. 1983. Even the effort to safeguard the assets of defunct anjumans is being adopt a universally acceptable form of shifted to the closest neighbouring an- greeting on the lines of the Jewish juman. Another committee to encou- shalom. Tandurasti, ushata te, rage young Parsis to join government Mazada-ni-meher wctc some of the service has not met to date. salutations suggested by Golwalla, Realizing that the workload was in- which the community could adopt on a creasing, the executive council has universal basis. The need for such a reduced the frequency of the council greeting arose because some priests Golwalla suggested the community Tandurasti, past, the period for the next meeting hebji, the youth responded with a has been extended to six months. breezy ‘hi! ’? In deference to the opinion of mem- A four-page monthly Gujarati edition of the Federation newsletter is to be published. 'i Mobeds Doongerwadi made additional de- lergic ’ according to Peshotan Nargol- j The four Bombay High Priests have mands at a critical juncture. wala —came under fire as Nargolwala, j responded favourably to the query of In deference to the opinion of mem- who claimed to have coined the term, -a the Ahmednagar Anjuman as to whe- bers worried over the issue, Gandhi insisted that it referred to “behdins J ther behdins could perform necessary conceded, “Let Ahmednagar publish it who can do everything mobeds do.’’ ceremonies in the absence of mobeds. in ’ ••• - . . --u Federation members^ however, felt that republish it when we sum up informa- the body should not associate itself tion from anjuman newsletters. ’’ with the issue until the scheme for paramobeds (behdins who can perform certain priestly duties) is cleared by the Athornan Mandal and the Jashan Committee —two Bombay organiza ­ tions concerned with priests. The division of opinion surfaced on the question of publishing the High Priests ’ response in the Federation newsletter. Peshotan Nargolwala pointed out that the “paramobed ques­ tion (had been) raised as a point against the holding of the (Fourth requirements of local conditions. No port? ’’ queried Shiavax Nargolwala. 3 World Zoroastrian) Congress. ’’ Nar- permission is required on what has to Gandhi noted that “the Federation as a 1 golwala ’s opinion was supported by be done as a matter of necessity. Write body has not asked officially for Eruch Desai who noted “Let us try to to the Athornan Mandal just as you Vimadalal ’s report. In May ’84 it was I convince them (and) avoid a rupture, had written to the Dasturs, ’’ Desai ad- decided that it would be more impor- The Federation might lose their vised. The statement endorsed the drift tani for the seven trustees of the BPP (Athornan Mandal ’s) goodwill. Seek towards individual action by the an- to discuss the matter among themsel- their advice and cooperate. (There are jumans. ves. At the Hyderabad executive coun- 3 already) troubled waters at Doonger- The definition of‘paramobed ’—the cil meeting of the Federation, the ,3 wadi,’’ he said referring to a recent term to which a large section of the discussion went further but hardly occasion when mobeds practising at Athornan Committee is said to be ‘al- touched on Vimadalal ’s report. ” their newsletter and we will Gandhi gave it a. more restricted con- . notation of behdins who are trained to perform the restricted ceremonies for 2 “Each anjuman has to decide on the which a mobed is not required, thereby . excepting the higher liturgical ceremo ­ nies as well as navjotes and lagans. The delegates also demanded to know what action had been taken regarding amelioration of mobeds and the BPP scheme said to be under the J purview of BPP trustee Jal Vimadalal. 1 The scheme had been repeatedly noted fl as being under formulation, review, 1 discussion etc. “Why has the Federa- tion not received a copy of the re- BECAUSE YOU’VE ^EN FIGHTING FOR\UKRA'nON ALL THESE YEARS WE’VE CREATED..... r COUN QLASSAND mUSEmLD CLEANSE JUST SPRAY AND WIPE CLEAI^! } ANY SURFACE LIKE GLASS, MIRROR, T.V. SCREEN, DOORS AND WINDOWS, CUPBOARDS, FRIDGE, STEEL, REXIN, PLASTICS, ETC.... NO MORE BUCKETS, NO MORE WATER, NO MORE SOAPS. NO MORE DETERGENTS AND NO MORE BRUSHES. « I .SF I } ^9^: 1 cV IB P.o: BOX 1802. BOMBAY 400001. (INDIA). TEL: 29 48^,25 2932. TELEX; 011-6780. ISSUED IN THE INTEREST OF THE HARASSED HOUSEWIFE BY FLIE 3) Parsiana March 1985S. Nargolwala stated “I’ve changed my opinion in the matter. . .the mair thing is not money but respect, ’’ he noted, echoing sentiments voiced by Dastur Nowrooz Minochehr-Homji at the Congress. Castigating the pan- thakis who work the mobeds “like slaves, ’’ Nargolwala suggested that pressure be brought on trustees of various agiaries to force the panthakis to look after their priests or to sack the panthaky system. However, it was ex­ plained that all full-time practising priests do not get the same amount of work because all were neither equally qualified nor equally devoted. While Katie Seervai of Madras ad­ vocated refresher courses for mobeds, Gandhi recommended all anjumans put some amount in a special fund for investment in money multiplying sche ­ mes and earmark it for retirement benefits for their mobeds and staff. Boman Khodaiji, a retired IAS officer from Lucknow, suggested initiating an insurance scheme for mobeds, similar to the one for the police in some states. He informed the council that a nomi­ nal Rs 5 per month buys insurance cover of Rs 5000. Nargolwala describ ­ ed the scheme operated by the Delhi anjuman for its two young mobeds which includes a month’s salary as gratuity and provident fund each, plus one month ’s paid leave. Since the salary is Rs 1000, each year Rs 2000 plus interest accumulates, he said. The priests also receive an annual incre ­ ment of Rs 75, food, accommodation, medical and leave travel expenses and warm clothing, said Nargolwala. Golwalla noted cnat there were more schemes for the upliftment of mobeds, than funds. “Delays are mainly due to lack of funds as people are not willing to donate. ’’ BPP chief executive Russy Anklesaria and Peshotan Nargolwala urged that the BPP take up “one or two elements of the scheme and make a start, ’’ as in Surat ’s DavarK.T. Modi’s words, “priests cannot live on respect alone. ” Defunct anjumans Added to all the legal and technical problems of salvaging the properties of defunct anjumans is the convincing of non-cooperative trustees. Referring to the trustees of the Neemuch anjuman where, as Nargolwala alleged, one fa­ mily had. monopolized the running of the Neemuch trust, Gandhi noted he got a rude shock when in “answer to 33 Parsiana March 196b With Best Compliments GOLD SEAL ENGG. PRODUCTS PVT LTD Manufacturers of “Gold Seal ” Door Beadings, Flexible Channels, Rigid Channels, Velvet Channels, Contour Tapes. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENTS SUPPLIERS TO Hindustan Motors, Premier, Standard, TELCO, Mahindra LARGEST EXPORTERS TO U.K., Europe, Middle East, Africa, SingaporeJ A' '¦ ¦ .j,'-- my pleading letters (they replied) not to by the Ahmedabad anjuman president, bother them as my letters will be re- 12 ' ” ' ' * turned unanswered or comigned to the old trustees as saying that no title deeds ¦ "L/ mans in the Delhi area noted Nargol- I wala. In the meanwhile Parsi trust proper ­ wastebasket. ” Gandhi enquired if to propferties are available, was advised ties lying unused and illkempt continue there are “any provisions in the Trust to seek among the municipal records in pose as sitting ducks for poachers, Laws to compel trustees to do their the office of the Ahmednagar commis- encroachers and acquisitionists. They duty.” sioner or the charity commissioner or represent much communal wealth Desai contended that “there is no the registrar of waqfs. Khodaiji noted which could be used to advantage, it bar to that but data must be available, that charitv commissioners were an in- was noted. The trustees of the Tithal Before proceeding to court, vice-pre- < sidents of the area must contact those Maharashtra. Elsewhere there were im- families and use persuasion before legal force. ” Noting that this is not a legal pro ­ blem despite the community’s tendency Zoroastrian Congress was the esta- Mehta of Ahmednagar who reported ¦’I that charity commissioners were an in­ stitution only found in Gujarat and sanatorium property near Bulsar, were said to be contemplating a sale offer of Rs 80,000 per acre from a Jain trust. Land values in the region are now said One result of the Fourth World to average five lakh rupees an acre. _________ __ The question of building a Parsi to view it that way, but a problem of blishment of contacts between mofussil dharamsala on cantonment land in Sri- man management, Kanga felt that the real requirement was the ability to br ­ ing about reconciliation. “Vice pre- ______ sidents must go round and work for the jects. Delhi, he noted, had invited Guzder, the prime mover in the pro- welfare of small anjumans. Only such Noshir Dadrawala, project manager of ject, was understandably inyolved with people who can do it, or have people the Zoroastrian Community Develop- the World Zoroastrian Congress, round them who would, should accept responsibility of being office bearers, ” he said. “I’m a little hesitant about in­ dulging in this art of persuasion after Hinnells of Manchester University,who sponsoring each issue at a cost of Rs (the) Ahmedabad (incident), ” noted was on a prolonged study tour of India 600. The decision was preceded by a Golwalla ryely. Golwalla had stated at in preparation for the Katrak lectures debate with BPP trustee Jamsheed an earlier Federation meeting that (in depth studies on Zoroastrianism) Kanga, Surat Anjuman president and there was some infighting at Ahmeda- scheduled to be delivered at Oxford Federation vice-president Maneck bad which resulted in a howl of rage University next year.was also expected Gheyara and Modi questioning the and a strong denial of such infighting to go into the records of defunct anju- need for a newsletter in Gujarati. provement trusts and, in Uttar Pra ­ desh, the Wazul Department. anjumans, reported Shiavax Nargol- nagar which Behram Pestonji, the only aiijuiiicaiiOy ivpwivvw kjiiiava/v I’migvi- ------ — — ---------------------------------------- - - - y wala, adding that as a consequence the Parsi resident in Kashmir, was said to Delhi anjuman will take on more pro- have offered, remained in limbo as ment Institute, to come to Delhi and Newsletters make a study of the problem of de- A four page Gujarati newsletter will funct anjumans in the area. 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Subject to RBI/Govt. Approval. i' ¦'4 ¦‘‘^1 4? 1923-1985 Sixty-two years of clean service! ASIATIC TRAVEL SERVICE The House of Travel . 1. 1 blANA-ECLIPSE For all your carpet and upholstery cleaning. ? Holland House, Col^ba Causeway, Bombay. Tel: 2020619 ? "Parag" 27, Peddar Road. ~ 12, Murzban Road. Fort. Bombay 400 001. < Tel; 268151 Cable; AIRASIA Telex; AIRA IN 011. 3151. ¦*‘APM-ATS-8S' 35 Parsiana March 1985 ¦¦ ..-Ij«* ¦ i Gandhi, who noted that he ’d been trying to get the Federation newsletter translated into Gujarati, acknowledged the effort.of Jal Fostwalla, Secretary of the Vizag Zoroastrian Association, who did it for him and paid a hand ­ some compliment to the BPP staff: “1 don’t know why people complain about BPP service. 1 asked Russy Anklesaria for the cost of publication in Gujarati and within five minutes I got the information. ” Kanga felt that “if more people work to bring out the newsletter than read it, it is not worth the effort. We’d be wasting our time on peripherals. ” Modi contended' that “the newsletter only circulates among trustees and they all know English. Hence it is not im­ portant to translate ” which caused Gandhi to exclaim, “The general com­ munity has to be informed. There was a whole paper on communications at the Congress! ” Minochaher Bharucha of Bhavnagar was categorical: “Ninety percent of the Parsi population (in Gu­ jarat) does not know English. ” As Gandhi sought financial commit­ ment towards the support of the Guja­ rati newsletter, Guzder was, as usual, the first to offer financial support, gesticulating to Gandhi to count on him for two issues, which he later in­ creased to three. Poona and Saronda agreed to take care of one apiece; while Bharucha, Pheroze Karanjia of Ka- ranj, Nariman Balsara of Saronda and Gheyara in their personal capacity took one each; Rustom Daroga, trustee, Delhi Anjuman, booked two. Gandhi suggested the four trustees of the BPP help out with three and Anklesaria noting that “the' largest Gujarati speaking (Parsi) population is still in Bombay, ” suggested “Let BPP take two,” to which Golwalla agreed. Regarding the English newsletter, financing of which had been appor ­ tioned in Hyderabad, Gandhi reported that GuZder gave towards the cost of two, Delhi one and that he had receiv ­ ed confirmation from the others that , they ’re working on it. “Send the type­ scripts and instructions as soon as pos­ sible, ” he requested. wzo Whether anjumans or individuals should dominate the London based World Zoroastrian Organization con­ tinue to be the subject of controversy. “Yesterday they said let individuals and anjumans have 50-50 representa- 37 Parsiana March 1985 1. Supplied & Erected By :- ZAINA ELECTRIC MECHANIC WORKS Prospect Chambers Annexe, 2nd floor D N Road Bombay 400 001 C0N CORD ELEVATOR as HEIGHT OF EFFICIENCY Latest and the most rigid Technology of the World, Micro Processor Control Panel Lifts, Single Speed, Two Speed, Collective, Duplex, Simplex, Electronic Auto Doors, Feather touch Elegant looking self luminated Button Panels with Arrows in L.E.D. & position Indicator in digital. With Battery Operated Emergency Landing System Specialist in Modernization. Tel: 25 18 30 Gram: Nirupamas’ employers^ to partia^te fn a meeting tion,” Guzder said. He howe^ em- ____________„ phasized, “If anything has to be done, or seminar so that “what employers individuals would not be able to do it. consider basic requirements ” may be Only the BPP or the Federation would better known and understood. have the facilities and the clout to do it.” Bej an Dittia, co-opted member. Commission, call a press conference south zone, suggested the executive and publicize the recommendations committee have 12 members with four and findings of the panel. A restricted from the BPP, four from individuals reservation system for Parsis — eg in and four representing anjumans accor- the civil service, finance for housing, ding to geographic areas. Gandhi how- seats in the minority commissions of ever registered greater concern with the states, easier bank loans etc. — was ad- voting rights in the general body. Dit- vocated by Nargolwala. “Perhaps the tia ’s concept would be alright,he said,if seed capital requirement (for entrepre- the general body (comprising of all the neurs) may be waived, ” he noted, members) has no rights over the execu ­ tive committee. According to Nargolwala the organi- Parsi candidates for competitive ser- zation has 1000 members. “One thou- vice examinations has sponsored three sand people cannot dictate to one lakh students for the exams to be held in others (80,0(X) Indians + 20,000 Ira- May ’85, said Anklesaria. The initial nis)” and took Golwalla to task for amount sanctioned is Rs 2,500. While having announced at the inauguration this year ’s measure may prove too little of the Congress that “we’ll not set up and too late, the services subcommittee another body,” which Golwalla noted, of the BPP is thinking in terms of pick- “was the (Federation ’s) decision in ing up bright children in schools and Hyderabad. ” colleges to groom them from an earlier Nargolwala suggested individual age. members of the WZO have votes in proportion to their ratio to the total Counselling world population. Secondly Nargol- In some schools fifth standard students wala complained that the WZO func- do not measure up to the level of the tioned in a most improper manner as third standard, noted Prof Noshir Kai- agenda papers and minutes were not kobad, convener, school counselling reaching him. The opinions and sug- service for Parsi school children, a gestions of those executive committee Federation scheme being funded and members who cannot attend the ses- implemented by the BPP. Children sion should be read out and reasons from four Bombay schools — theA.F. given for their acceptance or nonaccep- Petit, the Dadar Parsi Youth Assem- tance, he said. Mrs Farida Variava of bly, the Cowasji Jehangir High School. Delhi noted in support that she became and the Behramji Jijibhoy Parsi Cha- a member of the WZO some time ago ------- -------------------------------------------- but had not yet received an official |n SOITie SCKOOlS fifth receipt for the dues she paid. » stancJarid students do not measure up to the level of the third standard. Gandhi suggested that Ms Aloo Chibber, a member of the Minorities The special training scheme launch ­ ed by the BPP to help tutor suitable 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 Warden is good For sandalwood Head Office 378 Grant Road Bombay 400 007 and Branches Tel. 371464 Jobs, careers, business While it was reported that the Job Op­ portunities Panel has not met since December ’83, Dittia suggested the set­ ting up of a Zoroastrian financing agency to help Parsi entrepreneurs _______________________ _ find seed capital — the basic amount ritable Institute — are currently cover- • which the entrepreneur must furnish ed by the project. before funds from Government agen- The variants that constitute the pro- cies can be forthcoming. It was also blem of maladjustment and scholastic suggested that anjumans can go into backwardness include shortage of business if trust deeds are amended. staff, multiple levels of culture, the business if trust deeds are amended. Noting that some Parsi employers personal characteristics of teachers . were reluctant to employ Parsi boys be- (some want to know if they will be paid cause of their previous unhappy experi- to attend the counselling project), ten- ences with them Anklesaria recom- sion at home and wrong attitudes mended the Federation get a few Parsi among families, ignorance on the part Quality sandalwood Aggarbatties, gum benzoin (Loban) and other Perfumes 1 39 Parsiana March 1966 I. 'isSiXi fisVi'i ¦-¦- br* iL: ¦'' *1 Federation office bearers requested the next meeting be held in Surat, but liS ’ ¦ u ; of parents towards their own contribu- Federation office bearers requested the next meeting be heia in burai, out - tion to the problem of drug addiction transfer of Congress surplus funds still Gheyara noted that “the atmosphere etc. “Considerable harm (is caused by vesting, with the BPP. Now that the was not good. As the Madras dare- the) interviewing of a small child for Federation had acquired exemption of meher will be celebrating its 75th anni- nursery admission. ..” said Kaikobad. income, the fear of the funds beirig tax- versary on July 19, Mani Clubwala of “The BPP has sanctioned this pro- ed was allayed. “We got the certificate Madras offered to host the executive ject as an experiment for one year. Will in a hurry to enable this (transfer), ” council meeting in Madras if the anju- it continue? It requires to be put on a said Nargolwala. man is agreeable. long term basis, ” Kaikobad added. While Guzder noted that a part of Those attending the meeting were. In school counselling as in the fight the Congress surplus may be required Mehernosh Mehta of Ahmednagar, against drug addiction, Kaikobad re- to trigger off the World Youth Zoroas- Dr A.E. Contractor of Ajmer, Dr gistered the community’s need for para trian Congress in December, Nargol- R.H. Sagar of Allahabad, Minochaher professional volunteers. wala suggested that some of the monies B. Bharucha of Bhavnagar, Dr Aspi be used to implement the fourth Con- Golwalla, Eruch Desai, Jamshed Guz- to trigger off the World Youth Zoroas- Dr A.E. Contractor of Ajmer, Dr wala suggested that some of the monies B. Bharucha of Bhavnagar, Dr Aspi be used to implement the fourth Con- Golwalla, Eruch Desai, Jamshed Guz- gress ’ recommendations. Nargolwala der, Jamsheed Kanga, R.K. Ank- then added that as the Fifth World lesaria, Peshotan Nargolwala, Ms exempt from taxation and donors can Zoroastrian Congress may be held in Gool Tata, B.H. Tarapore, Noshir also claim exemption under section Teheran or out of India and Indian Kaikobad and Noshir H. Dadrawala of 80G, the Federation ’s members and of- funds would not be required to set the Bombay, Behram S. Deboo of British fice bearers are gearing themselves for ball rolling, “a part of this money can Columbia, Shiav^ Nargolwala,^Keki a major fund raising drive. These ex­ emptions were received in record time, noted Desai, paying handsome tribute delegates can stay.” to Nargolwala ’s acumen, ability and C--------- — - Funds, income, membership Now that the Federation ’s income is exempt from taxation and donors can be utilized for the building of a dha- Gandhi, Rustom E. Daroga, Zal Now- ramsala (in Bombay) where Federation sherwanji, Ms K.Z. Nowsherwanji, Ms _ ¦’ Farida Variava, Noshir Captain and Golwalla who is committed to the Ava Khullar of Delhi, Dawlet B. Irani reputation among government circles cause of a dharamsala in Bombay not- of Hyderabad & Karnataka, Nariman ¦i-j. that made such an achievement possi­ ble. Shiavax Nargolwala is a retired In­ dian Civil Service officer who held very «- ?tW' t * F ed, “One building in Khareghat Col- d. Elavia of Indore, M.N. Dinshaw ony is to be demolished. I don’t know and Ms G.N. Dinshaw of Jhansi, Phe- what will happen with this site. But if roze B. Karanjia of Karanj, Boman all anjumans contribute, it would Jalejar Khodaiji and Bapsy B. Khodai- help.”“In a good cause money is never Ji of Lucknow, Katie F. Seervai and Mani J. Clubwala of Madras, Grp Ajmer was the latest anjuman to join Capt D.M. Marker of Mhow, Bejoo the Federation as Bharuch ’s official Jilla of Nanded, Tehmi Grant, Homai application for membership was still N. Pudumjee and Perin Cabinetmaker awaited, although its membership fee of Poona, Rohinton M. Daviervala of anjumans in Gujarat are still out of the da, B.F. Dittia, Naval B. Vakeel, Federation fold. Gheyara noted by way Noshir F. Nagarwala and Ms. P.B. of explanation that there was “so Dittia of Secunderabad and Hydera- much difference of opinion among all bad, Mani N. Bharucha of Shahabad, tjie anjumans of Gujarat, ” it stood in Zarin S. Amaria and M.E. Pithawalla the way of collective action. of Sholapur, Maneck J.R. Gheyara, While delegates had expected the Dr Minocher K. Contractor, Davar next meeting to be held in Poona, the Kavasji T. Modi and Dr Sam S. Bhacca Poona delegates regretted their inabi- of Surat, Ms S.J. Vesuna of Vesu and lity to oblige, though no explanation Capt Jal S. Postwalla of Vizag. The was offered. Then Gandhi suggested Press was represented by Porsiflrto. senior positions in government. These sanctions however, are not permanent but have a validity span of a problem, ” reassured Nargolwala. 3/4 years, warned Nargolwala and must be renewed in good time. He cal­ led on the Congress fund raising com­ mittee under Desai to raise funds for ______ , ... _ . . the Federation. “Also use the Congress had been paid. However a number of Sanjan, Nariman P. Balsara of Saron- surplus for the women and children ’s 'und,” he added. Finance— Tax Consultancy C.A. finalist, experienced in tax and investment matters, available for taxation and investment consultancy/ accounting assignments. Write to The Advertiser (Tax), G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Old Wrist Watches Wanted Advertiser wishes to buy OLD wrist watches of Pre-1950 period of well- known makes such as Rolex, Patek-Philippe, Cartier etc. Please send detailed list with expected prices to The Advertiser, (OLD) C/o Parsiana, H.L. Rochat & Co., Navsari Chambers, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay .400 001. • Gifis& 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 40 Parsiana Marche 19tlbI ¦‘¦j' The Parsi priesthood in India: fa ff Arnavaz Chubb I * 1 i- ‘^} ¦^1 mJ The athornan has lost his exalted status in Zoroastrian society. But the plight of the Parsi priests today is not ¦ a recent development. The graph I began its descent more than 100 I years ago, and much has been v/rit- I ten and said about it since then. At- 5 tempts have been mode to identify x the causes and solutions have been x offered, but the problem persists. x Secularization, and a growing apa- ? thy towards religion have permeated | the ranks of the priesthood as well, I and young men of priestly families I prefer to seek secular occupations. I The early history of the Parsis in In- I dia presents a vague and unclear pic- I ture. The only sources of information I for this early period are manuscript I colophons (inscriptions at the end of a i book or manuscript, usually with facts relative to its production). Manuscripts were mainly copied by priests, and stray notes and references to events \ and people have been preserved in them. The Qissa-i Sanjan, the poetical record of the arrival of the Parsis in India, was composed about 650 years after their landing. But, even after making allowances for the long pas­ sage of time which elapsed and a cer ­ tain amount of poetic licence, the basic sequence of the narrative seems factual. The subsequent his ­ tory of the Parsi communities in India can be traced through numerous scat­ tered references in the narratives of European travellers and the Gujarati literature of the Parsis during the last few centuries. The sudden spurt of religious awareness amongst the Zoroastrian laity in recent years has once again led to the spotlight being focused on the condition of the priesthood. This series of three articles on the (Farvardin Yasht, 13.100) and lore, the scientific supercedes the spiritual, Parsi priesthood in India, attempts to — - reconstruct briefly from these sour ­ ces, the history and nature of the Par ­ si priests from their heyday down to the present. *1 t ¦< t ,3 f -L^ 40b Parsiana March J9eS * 1 h»' ¦ It would take a very special type of own. Theirs was a time when pious man to travel to the spiritual realms of men with prayer and faith worked heaven and hell and back to the mate^ wonders on account of their spiritual rial confines of earth, or to have mol- powers; and ours is a time when such ten metal poured on his chest to vin- incidents are relegated to the realm of dicate his faith and to emerge from myth and fable. that ordeal unscathed. Zoroastrians have, through the ages, celebrated the comprehend, it is because we are the memory of these men in their prayers products of a technological age, when If we find these episodes difficult to The first was called Arda Viraf and the Recorded history is scattered with seve- second Aturpat Mahraspand. They ral instances of such a ‘miraculous ’ were both Zoroastrian priests who liv- nature that cannot be substantiated by ed at different times from each other concrete evidence, and at the Same time and in a very different time from our cannot be disregarded as fantastic fli- a&fe-¦r r. ded glory p u i % ghts of fancy. A story, current in the oral tradition of Rustampura in Surat, tells of one such episode. At the turn of the present . century, a Hindu goldsmith known to be a miser, died. After the ritual pra ­ yers had been performed, to the astoni ­ shment of onlookers, the corpse at­ tached itself to a pillar and could not be moved. The distraught Brahmins concluded that as the man had been a miser, his soul refused to I from his wealth in death. The services of two neighbourhood Parsi mobeds were desperately sought. They came to I Desai Anjuman Atash Bahram at I Navsari (Photo:Ashwin Mehta) I Meherjirana:power of prayers J I the aid of their Hindu brethren and 1 I commenced with the gah-sarna pra- I yers. The corpse became unstuck from .2 I the pillar at the appropriate time and I the relieved Hindus carried the body of I the miser away. s I Whether the story is true or not, it I serves as an example to illustrate the j fact that a Zoroastrian priest is a man I set apart from ordinary mortals by vir- | I tue of his specialized training and spiri- tual discipline. i As one incredible incident leads you to unearth another, legions of P^si priests, some known and others un- * known, emerge as stalwarts of the Zo- 4 roastrian religion, who strove against -2 t tremendous odds to preserve the cus- I toms and traditions we so often casual- "• I ly reject today. Their zeal mocks our 4 I indifference and their efforts mock our ' “ I complacency. I Popular ballads of Moghul India I sing the praises of a Parsi priest from | I Navsari, the first Dastur Meherjirana, i I who visited the court of the Emperor ; I Akbar. So impressed were Akbar ’s ? I courtiers with the knowledge, wisdom "J I and sagacity of Meherjirana that he I has been immortalized in the lore of I Moghul India. One of the most farhous stories attached to Meherjirana tells of | how he foiled the attempts of a Hindu i . sorcerer who attempted to delude an | A Zoroastrian priest audience by creating two suns. Throu- is a nnan set apart from ordinary mortals by virtue of 7^spirituallyemight- ened or powerful. his specialized lau uccii <1 , , ... , be parted training and spiritual discipline. 40c Patsiana March 19S> iV J. ;fe SSfef •Si ' t ’) 'h !» I •f r : t gh the power of prayers, Meherjirana destroyed the illusion of the second :< sun, proving to the people that they had. been deceived by sorcery and the 1 As doctors, astronomers, scientists and seers, the Zoroastrian priests of yore were indeed a remarkable breed of | men. Religion and science were not se- i parate disciplines for them, but were interrelated. Healing and cures were in- J jE5® ft duced through the power of nirangs priest, is “to maintain the religion pro- gendary King Jamshid, the office of (inr^n ffltinns) A large collection-of perly and to perform the ceremonial priest has passed from father to son. such nirangs exist. They are- to be used and invocation of the sacred beings The Bundahishn, the Zoroastrian story in the cure of snake bites, headaches, well and with attention, and(according of creation, says that all priests des­ stomach aches, various types of fevers to the decrees, decisions, customs and cend from the family of Manushchihr, and a host of other illnesses. control as revealed by the pure, good another legendary king of Iran (35a.7), Priestly astronomers had long ago religion of the Mazda worshippers, to It appears that after the overthrow " charted the course of the planets and make people aware of the goodness of of the Persian empire by Alexander stars The movements of Tishtrya (Si- good works and to show the way to the custom of hereditary priesthood ¦ • • 3 more honoured in the breach than in the observance. It was during Sasa- commands the revived and firmly established. History . who throughout does provide us with certain excep- 5. 5 rius). Vanant (identified with either heaven, and the danger and avoidance was . Fomalhaut or Vega), Haptoiring (Ursa of hell. ’’ . -a Major) and Satavaesa (perhaps Vega) “Him thou shalt call Athravan, O man times that the custom was agai^ ’ had been worked out and their benefi- holy Zarathushtra, ’’ commands the revived and firmly established. History cial influences on mankind noted. Vendidad (19.1-6), “who throughout does provide us with certain excep- Tishtrya and Variant even have Yashts the night sits up and demands of the tions, blit during the last few centuries composed in their honour, and their holy wisdom which makes man free particularly in India, only the rrwle corresponding nirangs are deemed to from anxiety, with dilated heart and member of a priestly family as be efficacious in warding off evil. cheerful at the head of the Chinvat become a priest. The rightxan be reviy- • Amongst the last known of saintly Bridge, and which makes him reach ed by any male member of a priestly, . ‘miracle-workers was Dastur Jam- t__ shedji Kookadaru (1831-1900). The cellent world, the world of paradise. ’’ that world, that holy world, that ex- family, though his immediate ancestors ¦¦¦¦¦¦’ might not have been actually ordained most celebrated event connected with ¦ The ninety-eighth subject of the as priests. _ r Since the priesthood can only pass for all” those of the good religion that from father to son, it was incumbent families. Unlike some other faiths that him, recorded in his biography, relates book Sad Dar is that “it is necessary to the construction of Bombay ’s An­ juman Atash Bahram. During con­ struction of the Atash Bahram, funds presence of priests and teachers, so as ran short, and Dastur JamaspAsa, who later became the High Priest of the An- juman Atash Bahram requested Dastur Kookadaru to contribute Rs 10,000. Being a poor man, Kookadaru was perplexed at the request, but never ­ theless pondered over the problem. While he was giving the matter deep ’ consideration, Dastur JamaspAsa came along and Dastur Kookadaru ?'¦ told him to collect whatever was in the next room and sell it. To his astonish- ment, a block of solid gold was found which when weighed was found to be J. worth exactly Rs 10,000! \ In the Persian Revayats, 15 characte ­ ristics of the priest (herbad) have been i enumerated. They are: pure disposi­ tion, innate wisdom, restoring or em­ bellishing the religion, remembering to A God, looking up to the spiritual world, nue in the Nyaishes and Yashts. And it There are three distinct classes of pure ’in body, sweet of tongue, having is still more expedient for priests and priests. The Persian Revayats distin- \ the Nasks (the 21 divisions of Avestan ’ ’ ' ‘ “ ..j u- literature, the only complete one ex- ; isting today being the Vendidad) by gion; and if a priest, while teaching, itiated navar. A mobed is he from F* heart, reciting correct Avesta, obser- shows incompetence, it is a great sin whose tongue the Zand-A vesta is never X’ ving cleanliness, knowing the incanta ­ tions (nirangs) well and performing propitious, spoke to Zaratusht thus: f* ceremonies with undivided attention ‘ . . / and faultlessly. It is strongly recom- commits a blunder in teaching those of knows the meaning of the Avesta, as to mended that the herbads should prac- the good religion, 1 make him just as what the creator Ohrmazd has said to tice these virtues so that God and the far from heaven as the width of the the holy Zaratusht; and again he Amahraspands may be pleased with earth. ” ’ should know the meaning of the Pah- 2 them and their religious services may Traditionally, the Zoroastrian pri- lavi writings and at his orders, it is ne- ' be accepted by them. esthood has always been hereditary, cessary to perform the religious r According to a Pahlavi text, the Da- From the time of the division of society works. ’ r testan-i Menov Xrat. the business of a into four classes, supposedly by the le- From the above, we see that the her- P they learn the Avesta characters in the upon priests to marry and raise* . families. Unlike some other faiths that advocate a celibate priesthood, mar ­ riage is a positive virtue in Zoroastrianism for both priest and layman alike. Childlessness is a curse and it is a blessing to have sons with the ' disposition of an Athravan (Yasna 10.15). Birth itself does not entitle, the son of a priest to become a priest. In order to become a priest, the candidate has to pass through two initiation ceremonies a •I Ji Sasanian coin depicting two priests attending the fire altar. » read, and that no error may conti- qualified priest, nue in the Nydishes and Yashts. And it after his navjote —the navar and / i maratab. A navar is not entitled to per ­ form the higher liturgical ceremonies like the Yasna, Vendidad and Baj, nor can he officiate at the purification rites of nahn and bareshnum. In order to do so, he has to undergo the maratab ceremony, which makes him a fully ¦i 1 I 'jji teachers, that they teach the Avesta guish them thus: ‘A herbad is one who characters to all those of the good reli- knows the Avesta and who has been in- shows incompetence, it is a great sin for him. For Ohrmazd, the good and at a distance and who does the service -- 2_______1 ¦ of the Yasna. \ dastur is he who ‘As to every priest and teacher who knows the Avesta and Zand, that is, he Traditionally, the Zoroastrian pri- testan-i Menoy Xrat, the business of a into four classes, supposedly by the le- 40d Parsiana March 1986 ¦Ji -SLr Sr ?’¦ "4' t. «; -r- The term dastur then can only be properly applied to a particular type of priest and the loose connotation that it has today, signifying any priest, is incorrect. bad (Pazand: ervad), is one who has undergone the navar and knows how to perform the minor rituals like afrina- gan, stum, farroxshi, gah-sarna, wed­ dings and navjotes. Over and above these ceremonies, the herbad is also supposed to be a teacher-priest as his title suggests (Avesta: aerthra paiti= master of the priestly school). A mobed (Avesta: magavan. Old • Persian: magav, Pahlavi: magupaU magi) is one who has been initiated as >navar and maratab and knows the higher liturgical ceremonies like the Yasna, Visperad and Vendidad and their ritual intricacies. A dastur (Pahlavi: dastwar- autho ­ rity, priest, minister) as the title sug ­ gests is an authority on religious mat­ ters, be they rituals or interpretations of the texts. He also supervises the ceremonies that have to be performed, advises and guides the laity in matters religious and secular. The term dastur. then can only be properly applied to a Kookadaru:finding funds particular type of priest and the loose connotation that it has today, signify- ing any priest, is incorrect. A dastur is either eligible for the title through hereditary rights or he may be appoint ­ ed by the trustees of a particular fire temple. In some cases, he may also be chosen by the community in recogni ­ tion of his contribution to society, as in the case of the first Dastur Meherjirana of Navsari. From times immemorial, priests have provided a link between men on earth and their gods in heaven. Al­ though a secular man, busy in the f modern material world, does not feel the need for propitiating the gods as his ' forebears did, priests have continued j through the ages to play an important • role in society. In war or peace, in | sickness and in health, the family priest I played an important part. They were I part and parcel of the army retinue, for I the king consulted them on the auspi- I cious time to start a battle or end it. Up I to very recent times, the family priest I was considered to be an integral part of | the family. He listened to family pro- I blems and offered advice, and since he I was intimately connected with the | Bombay’s Anjuman A tosh Bahram a* I*’*; family, his prayers for them were as for his own family. < Although the religious role of the Zoroastrian priest has more or less re ­ mained the same, the social role has radically altered. No longer is he a family confidante and friend, but ? mere paid employee, hired to perform , the family’s ceremonies. Living in large cosmopolitan cities, the personal touch between priest and layman has been lost. Religion as a whole has ceased to plhy an important part in modern life and consequently, the role of the priest too has diminished. James Hope Moulton’s conclusions in his book The Treasure of the Mag (1917) might have been written for to­ day: “The Parsis themselves being witness, the possession of a high ideal of religion in the Gathas has not avail ­ ed to make them a religious people. .. the community has lost its religious earnestness. ’’ ;.SJ -¦^1 -7^ 40e Parsiana March 19^ P*’ ,i|! W [*• I? It I 1 - M.F I- f. Ham Band Paivaste -s M *•1. •' Mr ft- * f ¦<¦ *3 f As the delegate from France observed, the I Congress motto, | 'Bound together | unitedly —forever,' is 1 a dream that some | day may come true. 1 h 11*1 Arnavaz S. Mama I '¦"a B'U ' a «?> trustee of the Bombay Parsi Puncha- M yet. While he sought reelection, the- 3 surprise entry of Naoroji Godrej into .¦¦5 the contest had queered the pitch for him. Although Guzder and the BPP a had worked very hard for the success of the Congress, the fear of controver- sy bred by the BPP’s abrupt exit from J the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India after the Third World Zoroastrian Congress in 1978 and the incipient politicking resulting from the proximity to the trusteeship election, had bedevilled the organizers. The resulting ambivalence prevented a clearcut enunciation of priorities and an objective search for solutions to community problems. Thus, the sub­ jects committee refused Dr Kersey An­ tia ’s (the high priest of Chicago who had performed Joseph Peterson ’s nav- jote) paper and accepted the papers of four representatives from Zoroastrian Studies (ZS) on the subject of the rele ­ vance of Zoroastrianism to the modern world. Since they all belonged to a Congregation assembled for Congress (Photos: Ho my ar Mistry} thought, they said the “Who says the Parsis are not a tolerant controversy, the need for marriage same thing in four different ways, lot?” asked a jesting Jamsheed Kanga counselling and the status of non-Parsi What is more, two of them were allow- (BPP trustee and Bombay ’s municipal spouses, to seek minority protection or ed to have their say for 20 minutes dur- ‘ administrator) at the end of three and a not to do so, the need to look facts in ing the afternoon session which was half days of verbal bombardment. The the face and the implied censorship of supposedly devoted to the findings of community’s 1000 plus delegates had avoiding controversies, the rights of modern scientific research. ’ endured an assault on the ears from Zoroastrian mothers and the need for At this same session, the skewed almost every direction during the three an international organization of Zoro- priorities were even more obvious •- days (January 11-13) of the . Fourth astrians. . .Godrej Dotiwala, speaking when a speaker from the house who re- | World Zoroastrian Congress at the Bir- la Matushri Sabhagarh and the fanfare and pageantry of the evening inaugu ­ ral on the Cusrow Baug lawns on Janu­ ary 10. The babble of voices enumerated unfortunate. The chairman of the Con- hand. The topics she raised: The shor- problems and non-problems: the dwindling numbers, and the calendar from the floor on the first day, noted quested five minutes (instead of the succinctly, “We are one lakh people, customary three) was bawled out of so we have one lakh problems. ” court by the chairman and the mike The timing of the Fourth World Zo- switched off because her theme did not roastrian Congress was perhaps most adhere to the “scientific ” subject at gress, Jamshed Guzder, was approach- tage of bawal kathis (firewood) for the ing the end of his 10-year-term as fire temples — a subject of acute con- 40g Parsiana titarch 1985s' “A lot of our younger generation is Iranian Majlis) and a member of the " cern to all those responsible for the “A lot of our younger generation is Iranian Majlis) and a member of the 1 maintenance of atash bahrams and not familiar with Zoroastrian customs Iranian delegation, read a message in agiaries — and the need to set up a and traditions. It is with them in mind Farsi from the Speaker of the Majlis. . .5 fund under BPP auspices, financial that we have decided on the topics to Although an official translation was never forthcoming, having succumbed , 4 “For example, we shall discuss the to BPP censorship, it is said that theJ feasibility of helping them find life President of the Majlis had noted that ' ' assistance from which would embolden be discussed at this Congress, young couples to raise more children in these inflationary times. Such shortcomings apart, the orga- partners within our community. Many the Parsis should consider Iran their nizers, especially the BPP staff—“the Indians living abroad come down to home and feel that they are welcome silent workers, the backroom boys” in India when they are of a marriageable there. Kanga ’s words — had put in an enor- age to find a spouse. Our aim is to en- The excitement of the event cloaked mous effort. Excitement had been courage Zoroastrians to do so, too.” much of the uneven content of the deli- generated nearly a year ahead as the Federation, at its executive council trons, delegates and guests from other and several troughs. Unnecessary emo­ meeting in Calcutta in February ’84, communities, the Governor said: tion, sometimes bordering on chauvini- prodded the BPP to take on the task. Eventually, the national Press was briefed at a special press conference and photographs of the inaugural were splashed on its front pages. Doordar- shan covered the event in their national news bulletins and even the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) had a special talk on Zoroastrianism with reference to the Bombay event. The original concept had been even grander, with justifiable hope of hav­ ing the late Indira Gandhi personally inaugurate the Congress. Then, in the aftermath of tragedy, expectations were progressively axed and instead of the rows of national dignitaries, the Governor of Maharashtra alone graced the occasion, as even the chief minister had another appointment to keep. Cusrow Baug dwellers got a balcony view of the goings-on in their very own “amphitheatre ” as dagli-clad BPP trustees in phetas and pagrees rushed to escort the Governor and his lady to the dais while Jehangir Shroff (chair ­ man of the Athornan Mandal, having retracted from his earlier anti-Congress stance on being assured that the Con­ gress would steer clear of controver ­ sies) and his Parsi scouts, in full regalia, presented a gaurd of honour. The traditionally rigged audience comprising Bombay Parsis as well as foreign delegates and community big ­ wigs listened to BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla explain the raison d’Stre of the Congress: “We wished to streng ­ then the identity of Zoroastrians and foster greater community conscious- ncss/’ Guzder set the community’s main concern — to keep the youth within the fold — squarely before the audience: age to find a spouse. Our aim is to en­ courage Zoroastrians to do so, too.” Addressing the patrons, vice pa- berations which marked a few peaks ¦ communities, “You, as Zoroastrians^can be proud to sm, led Prof Kaikhosrov D. Irani of ' City College, New York, to admonish: “Do we have to be disagreeable' fo 1 disagree? ” while a vituperative attack J called forth a stern declaration from Dr Farhang Mehr (ex-chancellor of ' Shiraz University and professor at j Boston University), the session chair- J man: “I advise the speakers to desist 3 from personal attacks. I will have to Stop the speaker despite the respect 1 may have for him. ” j The French delegate — Eddie Ma- razbani from Paris — admitting “we ' haven ’t reached the sophisticated level ] discussed here (but we) have lots of fun,” answered the question, ‘What has the anjuman (in Paris) done?’ “It has brought youth back into the fold,” he noted with obvious satisfaction. “Most (of us are) well placed executi- * ves in multinational corporations. We '1 help finance the business of our fellow J Zoroastrians, find temporary housing, locate jobs... ” Then, referring to the ; Congress motto Marazbani said, “Ham Band Paivaste (Bound together j unitedly — forever) is a dream — some 3 day it will come true. ” ; Aspi Moddie, a management consul- ¦ tant, who considered “this entire Con- A „ communications affair, ” dec- /-Ml tJIIIGIal lared that the Congress had generated translation of Malek I Pour's speech was not forthcoming, having succumbed to BPP censorship. Prejudice. “Raise the standard of your; debates, ” he advised. Then grasping; the fear of controversy by the horns,: Moddie asked “Where lies the devil in the piece? Fear is not in Zoroastriani ­ sm, but fear is in Zoroastrians. Whenever we promote chauvinism, it promotes disunity. The applause (from the house) was for chauvinism. There “Children of Zoroastrians who have belong to this community. India, as a was no applause for the scientists ¦ he observed. as her citizens. ” “How far are we willing and ready to Perviz Malek Pour, Iran ’s only Zo- do the things we expect our leaders to roastrian member of Parliament (the do? If we expect more convergence, we emigrated are being born and brought nation, is certainly proud to have you (while they spoke), up abroad in a totally different en- ” vironment ... separated by distance and time. 41 Parsiana March 1985 :‘SGuzder said. He however em- employers to participate in a meeting t t - I I' I If. I I h tion,” phasized, “If anything has to be done, or seminar so that “what employers individuals would not be able to do it. consider basic requirements ” may be Only the BPP or the Federation would better known and understood, have the facilities and the clout to do it.” Bejan Dittia, co-opted member. Commission, call a press conference south zone, suggested the executive and publicize the recommendations committee have 12 members with four and findings of the panel. A restricted from the BPP, four from individuals reservation system for Parsis — eg in and four representing anjumans accor- the civil service, finance for housing, ding to geographic areas. Gandhi how- seats in the minority commissions of ever registered greater concern with the states, easier bank loans etc. — was ad- voting rights in the general body. Dit- vocated by Nargolwala. “Perhaps the tia ’s concept would be alright,he said,if seed capital requirement (for entrepre- the general body (comprising of all the neurs) may be waived, ” he noted, members) has no rights over the execu ­ tive committee. According to Nargolwala the organi- Parsi candidates for competitive ser- zation has 1000 members. “One thou- vice examinations has sponsored three sand people cannot dictate to one lakh students for the exams to be held in others (80,000 Indians 4-20,000 Ira- May ’85, said Anklesaria. The initial nis)” and took Golwalla to task for amount sanctioned is Rs 2,5(X). While having announced at the inauguration this year ’s measure may prove too little of the Congress that “we’ll not set up and too late, the services subcommittee another body,” which Golwalla noted, of the BPP is thinking in terms of pick- “was the (Federation ’s) decision in ing up bright children in schools and Hyderabad. ” colleges to groom them from an earlier Nargolwala suggested individual age. members of the WZO have votes in proportion to their ratio to the total Counselling world population. Secondly Nargol- In some schools fifth standard students wala complained that the WZO func- do not measure up to the level of the tioned in a most improper manner as third standard, noted Prof Noshir Kai- agenda papers and minutes were not kobad, convener, school counselling reaching him. The opinions and sug- service for Parsi school children, a gestions of those executive committee Federation scheme being funded and members who cannot attend the ses- implemented by the BPP. Children sion should be read out and reasons from four Bombay schools — the A.F. given for their acceptance or nonaccep- Petit, the Dadar Parsi Youth Assem- tance, he said. Mrs Farida Variava of bly, the Cowasji Jehangir High School. Delhi noted in support that she became and the Behramji Jijibhoy Parsi Cha- a member of the WZO some time ago —---;------------------------------------------- but had not yet received an official In some schools fifth receipt for the dues she paid. » standar(d students do not measure up to the level of the third standard. Gandhi suggested that Ms Aloo Chibber, a member of the Minorities The special training scheme launch ­ ed by the BPP to help tutor suitable 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 4(X) 039 Phone 24(M)31 Warden is good For sandalwood Head Office 378 Grant Road Bombay 400 007 and Branches Tel. 371464 3 I e-‘. ? Jobs, careers, business While it was reported that the Job Op­ portunities Panel has not met since December ’83, Dittia suggested the set­ ting up of a Zoroastrian financing agency to help Parsi entrepreneurs ______________________________ find seed capital — the basic amount ritable Institute — are currently cover- ’ which the entrepreneur must furnish ed by the project. before funds from Government agen- The variants that constitute the pro- J Quality sandalwood Aggarbatties, gum benzoin (Loban) and other Perfumes .V' 1 before funds from Government agen- The variants that constitute the pro- cies can be forthcoming. It was also blem of maladjustment and scholastic suggested that anjumans can go into backwardness include shortage of — I." -.—. ------ 2--’. staff, multiple levels of culture, the business if trust deeds are amended. Noting that some Parsi employers personal characteristics of teachers were reluctant to employ Parsi boys be- (some want to know if they will be paid cause of their previous unhappy experi- to attend the counselling project), ten- ences with them Anklesaria recom- sion at home and wrong attitudes mended the Federation get a few Parsi among families, ignorance on the part I '3 I I -J J W Parsiana March 1965 .rfJii*: jAft:of parents towards their own contribu- Federation office bearers requested the next meeting be held in Surat, but tion to the problem of drug addiction transfer of Congress surplus funds still Gheyara noted that ‘‘the atmosphere etc. ‘‘Considerable harm (is caused by vesting with the BPP. Now that the was not good. ” As the Madras dare- of parents towards their own contribu- I 11’’' L'S- the) interviewing of a small child for Federation had acquired exemption of meher will be celebrating its 75th anni- nursery admission. ..” said Kaikobad. income, the fear of the funds being tax- versary on July 19, Mani Clubwala of ‘‘The BPP has sanctioned this pro- ed was allayed. ‘‘We got the certificate Madras offered to host the executive ject as an experiment for one year. Will in a hurry to enable this (transfer), ” council meeting in Madras if the anju- it continue? It requires to be put on a said Nargolwala. man is agreeable. long term basis, ” Kaikobad added. While Guzder noted that a part of Those attending the meeting were: In school counselling as in the fight the Congress surplus may be required Mehernosh Mehta of Ahmednagar, against drug addiction, Kaikobad re- to trigger off the World Youth Zoroas- Dr A.E. Contractor of Ajmer, Dr gistered the community’s need for para trian Congress in December, Nargol- R.H. Sagar of Allahabad, Minochaher professional volunteers. wala suggested that some of the monies B. Bharucha of Bhavnagar, Br Aspi be used to implement the fourth Con- Golwalla, Eruch Desai, Jamshed Guz- gress ’ recommendations. Nargolwala der, Jamsheed Kanga, R.K. Ank- then added that as the Fifth World lesaria, Peshotan Nargolwala, Ms Zoroastrian Congress may be held in GooI Tata, B.H. Tarapore, Noshir Teheran or out of India and Indian Kaikobad and Noshir H. Dadrawala of funds would not be required to set the Bombay, Behram S. Deboo of British ball rolling, ‘‘a part of this money can Columbia, Shiavax Nargolwala, Keki be utilized for the building of a dha- Gandhi, Rustom E. Daroga, Zal Now- ramsala (in Bombay) where Federation sherwanji, Ms K.Z. Nowsherwanji, Ms Farida Variava, Noshir Captain and Golwalla who is committed to the Ava Khullar of Delhi, Dawlet B. Irani cause of a dharamsala in Bombay not- of Hyderabad & Karnataka, Nariman ed, ‘‘One building in Khareghat Col- d. Elavia of Indore, M.N. Dinshaw ony is to be demolished. I don’t know and Ms G.N. Dinshaw of Jhansi, Phe- While Guzder noted that a part of ' Funds, income, membership Now that the Federation ’s income is exempt from taxation and donors can ' also claim exemption under section 80G, the Federation ’s members and of­ fice bearers are gearing themselves for a major fund raising drive. These ex­ emptions were received in record time, noted Desai, paying handsome tribute delegates can stay.” to Nargolwala ’s acumen, ability and reputation among government circles that made such an achievement possi­ ble. Shiavax Nargolwala is a retired In­ dian Civil Service officer who held very what will happen with this site. But if roze B. Karanjia of Karanj, Boman senior positions in government. all anjumans contribute, it would Jalejar Khodaiji and Bapsy B. Khodai- These sanctions however, are not help.”“In a good cause money is never ji of Lucknow, Katie F. Seervai and permanent but have a validity span of a problem, ” reassured Nargolwala. 3/4 years, warned Nargolwala and must be renewed in good time. He cal­ led on the Congress fund raising com­ mittee under Desai to raise funds for awaited, although its membership fee of Poona, Rohinton M. Daviervala of the Federation. ‘‘Also use the Congress had been paid. However a number of Sanjan, Nariman P. Balsara ofSaron- surplus for the women and children ’s anjumans in Gujarat are still out of the da, B.F. Dittia, Naval B. Vakeel, Mani J. Clubwala of Madras, Grp Ajmer was the latest anjuman to join Capt D.M. Marker of Mhow, Bejoo the Federation as Bharuch ’s official Jilla of Nanded, Tehmi Grant, Homai application for membership was still N. Pudumjee and Perin Cabinetmaker und,” he added. ________________ Finance— Tax Consultancy C.A. finalist, experienced in tax and investment matters, available for taxation and investment consultancy/ accounting assignments. Write to The Advertiser (Tax), G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. anjumans in Gujarat are still out of the da, B.F. Dittia, Naval B. Vakeel, Federation fold. Gheyara noted by way Noshir F. Nagarwala and Ms. P.B. of explanation that there was ‘‘so Dittia of Secunderabad and Hydera- much difference of opinion among all bad, Mani N. Bharucha of Shahabad, tjie anjumans of Gujarat, ” it stood in Zarin S. Amaria and M.E. Pithawalla the way of collective action. of Sholapur, Maneck J.R. Gheyara, While delegates had expected the Dr Minocher K. Contractor, Davar next meeting to be held in Poona, the Kavasji T. Modi and Dr Sam S. Bhacca Poona delegates regretted their inabi- of Surat, Ms S. J. Vesuna of Vesu and lity to oblige, though no explanation Capt Jal S. Postwalla of Vizag. The was offered. Then Gandhi suggested Press' was represented by Parsiana. I Old Wrist Watches Wanted Advertiser wishes to buy OLD wrist • watches of Pre-1950 period of well- known makes such as Rolex, Patek-Philippe, Cartier etc. Please send detailed list with expected prices to The Advertiser, (OLD) C/o Parsiana, H.L. Rochat & Co., Navsari Chambers, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay .400 001. Gifts& The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive gifts and |W«gi8i| Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: ’253443 & 252730 40 Parsiana March.* ’ ^r* ’^ Fear is not in I Zoroastrianism, but fear is in Zoroastrians. / t >«^ » t 9 I need to have pragmatism, understan- ! ding and a reaching out.” Then, adr dressing himself to the leaders, M^die F noted: “Be more sensitive to the com- munity. You’re too remote, too involv- ed with yourselves and your pro- blems. ” kJ iL< A- Noting that “the community must < unite or wither away, ” Moddie said, unite or wither away, ” Moddie said, research more on oursel- «¦¦•¦ ' ‘ • - - -- - » I. ing. .. Decision making (implies) poli- j tical questions. You cannot involve youfself in community affairs without the politicization that goes with it... the cost of conflict is unavoidable (but) < good leadership tries to solve these > conflicts — interpersonal and group ves (and we) should not be afraid if some of that data is not to our lik- youi-self in community affairs without t? V -¦ conflicts — and keep these costs \ low... emotive questions should be left to bodies of specialists. This will reduce politicization and increase ac- k * ' ceptance and rationality. ” Noting r that “we’re spending too little on social development, ” Moddie recom- mended that the community plan for physical and social sustenance over five years. Then, referring to the position of man in Zoroastrian theology as God’s helper, Moddie concluded, “As L man grows, God grows. ” «.!¦ of man in Zoroastrian theology as .'n- As Kanga ended the four-day talk- (Above) Shroff (right) presenting guard of honour to Governor Latif athon with graciously worded thanks (Below) Guzder presenting a rose to Ms Tata. BPP trustee Eruch Desai in the rear. to the Congress ’ two secretaries, Homa j Mody and Gool Tata, Guzder shed his 1 weariness and gallantly presented each j) with a rose and a kiss in appreciation of their enormous help, and Kanga quipped lightheartedly, “I’m sorry to | disappoint Jimmy, but I’m not going i i to call all the girls of the BPP.” The most pointed reminder and the most sympathetic advice came from J Professor John Hinnells (of Manches- ter University). With reticence, dignity . j and the objectivity of a scholar, Kin­ nells said, “Can I, as an outsider, (ad­ vise you) to face your problems with the love for justice, care for the weak and tolerance for all which characteriz ­ ed the practice of your forefathers. ” Arnavaz Mama is Parsiana ’j managing editor. .43 Parsiana March ^.t^SseC . . £ .2ai - 1I’, . yNZQ INAUGURAL SPEECHES Governor I.H. Latif tion of Parsis in India. But at this June- s ___ J. :______ ; ture in pur development, a very special but one which our country has been source which is not only inexhaustible Your presence here today, m such large effort I feel is now required, as perhaps most generously blessed with If the numbers, demonstrates the marvellous never before, by all patriotic citizens to genius of your community and its ex- unifymg power of your faith. I am spe- band together and dedicate their ener ­ gies and talents for promoting an at- • O'-—•«- -.-¦.K"'-'-wi pivuuvuviiy, wiui II, oiner non-conventional forms tion. Mankind as a whole benefits of efficiency and of prosperity in the of energy, I have no doubt that it could when youth treads the path of enlight- country at large, ened thought, word and action. /. " _ ______ Concepts and lifestyles increasingly unity there are certain aspects of na- face the onslaught of a shrinking world. But in India, our pride in the country ’s culture and tradition is based on centuries of shared experience. We stand today, however, at a point of time in our nation’s history when the problems that confront us require uni­ fied and gigantic efforts on the part of people of all regions, of all linguistic groups, of all religions and of all fields of activity. The World Congress brings together some of the best and most enlightened minds and it is only natural that your deliberations will reach out beyond personal and internal aspects to areas of common interaction and re ­ levance. It would be unworthy of the occa­ sion to speak to you today within the narrow confines of the problems and prospects of a particular community, problems and prospects with which ^1 of you, in any case, are more familiar. What opportunities then, what chal ­ lenges does your community, with the rest of India, see before it? What are the tasks that we must address oursel ­ ves to and seek to accomplish and the goals that we must seek to achieve? An extraordinary election has electrified the nation, but in a democracy special ­ ly, one’s task does not end with the tional development in which your com- casting a vote. Every individual. numbers, demonstrates the marvellous never before, by all patriotic citizens to unifying power of your faith. I am spe- band together and dedicate their ener- cially glad to see among the audience, gies and talents for promoting an at- representatives of the younger genera- mosphere of harmony, of productivity, when youth treads the path of enlight- country at targe. brighten the national horizon in a most - - - -—----- Apart from strengthening national significant way. The second area of importance is education —across the board, but spe- ¦ daily primary education. This also I happens to be an area in which your I community continues to make wor- I thwhile contribution, particularly in I certain urban areas. But teaching of I young children in their early formative I years should jiot be a task exclusively I left to be shonldered by the govern- I ment, nor should facilities of quality be I the exclusive preserve of the affluent I alone. A sound and extensive primary I education system, available more and more to members of the weaker sec­ tions of our society is essential and the more we supplement the efforts of the government the more successful we I shall eventually be in all our other ’ I endeavors. I Health is the third area that I would I like to highlight today, health not only p in terms of better and more extensive medical facilities but also the control of pollution and the preservation of L' our environment, both of which are I key elements when health is considered I in its wider and proper perspective. ' These are, of course, obvious areas and these are areas in which your com­ munity has already made an outstan­ ding contribution. But the aspect that 1 • would specially like to suggest for your munity could, 1 feel, make a specially consideration today is that whilst pro- must now determine the role it must that of energy. Energy is power and and our work has been focused prima- play in helping our country to achieve without power, as we all know, there rily on urban areas But 70 percent of Its rightful position amongst the na- r—_ ________ ‘tions of the world. i ‘ ‘ ‘ Today, full integration with the have already made a very notable con- mainstream of national life is obvious- I " j.. ly of primary importance and calls for however, our attention has been con- genius of your community and its pertise could be brought to bear on the full exploitation of solar energy and, with it, other non-conventional forms •T r I 1. i V'*s J,, I'i ^'9 / I fcj Latif: ‘supplement government efforts’ I ° 7 . -------J .i.uiiiij vv>uiu, 1 icci, iiidKc d bpetiauy consiaeraiion toaay is tnat whilst pro- every organization, every community valuable contribution, the first being moting these activities, our attention ( can be little progress. It is also an area our population as we all know, lives in in which members of your community the rural areas. It is there, in the words - of Mahatma Gandhi, that the heart of ^ribution to our country. In the past, India beats. My plea therefore, this evening, to the dynamic and forward looking community that you represent, is to turn your attention, your resour- ,, , . - . .. ------- ---------- —-—fe-o. ces and your expertise to our small well-being of the nation. It is a matter Oil exploration has of course opened towns and our even smaller villages, to of great pride to all of us that a fine, in- up new vistas and brought new hope, those people whose need is the greatest ee a ste lar example of citizenship but the source of power that 1 have but whose voices are still too weak to every individual and social segment to fined primarily to conventional forms regard it as a personal duty to contri- of energy; but these, as we all know, bute to the maximum to the overall have certain obvious disadvantages. of great pride to all of us that a fine, in- up new vistas and brought new hope. b. our population as we all know, lives in ^1 has been set by generation after genera- specially in mind is. solar energy, a be heard. hl 'J t'-s-i r'ii.t’-. Dr Aspi Golwalla cussed at some length. Apd there may Today, pockets of Zoroastrians are be other problems for which a solution scattered around the world. Because of The First World Zoroastrian Congress should, be sought as far as is possible, their adaptability and enterprising spirit, they have made a success of their lives in foreign lands. More than ever.^ before, there is a. need now, for our . was held in Tehran, while the next two And lastly, it is felt by many well- were organized in Bombay in 1964 and wishers that the time is ripe for a truly 1978. Though we do not wish to make representative world body of Zoroas- it a tradition, you will all appreciate trians to function more effectively for community to keep in touch in order to that the principal reason for holding the welfare of our clan all over the ‘feel ’ and ‘understand ’ each other... the Congress in this metropolis is be- world. .. and others. cause a large majority of Parsis live There are many kinds of affinities. We plan to enlighten delegates about I r* tis /l-, al c 1 1 a There are many kinds of affinities. We plan to enlighten delegates about but the nobler one is like ours based on the prevailing circumstances and the ¦ > high cultural ties and sympathy of cha- environments in which fellow Zoroas- racter, following the religion of our enlightened Prophet Zarathushtra, the religion of truth, love and benevolence, a religion as pure and as luminous as the fire which is its symbol. And let me tell you friends, ^that nity worldwide, wherever you go, it will not be difficult - to find a Zoroastrian with whom you will be able to share happy moments, and the grasp of loneliness will not take L- hold of you when you reach far off shores... trians live in various parts of the world. Separately, through the second to­ pic, we shall discuss how better com­ munications and rapport may be esta ­ blished within the Zoroastrian comnlu- I '' Jamshed Guzder The Third Congress caused an awaken ­ ing within our community, which in the past had allowed a lot of important ’ issues to drift along. Since then, more ; and more people have become increas- j ingly conscious of the community’s ob- ! and responsibilities; and m|||I many more, particularly the youth,, have involved themselves in the affairs of the community. But we still need to consolidate the gains of the last Con- mi gress. It is appropriate that the venue for the inaugural function of this Congress 'i, t’hi ¦ ''- f ” ligations Thirdly —and this is most important for our young men and women who are not well exposed to our religion and customs—we want to discuss the rele ­ vance of Zoroastrianism to our chang ­ ing times. Zoroastrianism, as a way of ¦4 '¦'3 ( I ¦w GolwaUa: ‘few basic problems’ here and the Bombay Parsi Punchayet is Cusrow Baug which stands as a shin- J continues to play a primary role in the ing monument to the munificence of ' affairs of the community. It also gives the Wadia family, particularly, to the an opportunity for our fellow co-reli- benevolence of that great lady Jerbai gionists to visit their motherland and Wadia, whose vision and foresight ori- renew bonds of brotherhood. .. We ginated the concept of providing hous- wished to strengthen the identity of ing for our community. Zoroastrians and foster greater com- Guztier: 'consolidate gains life, has much to offer in terms of both This good work was continued by spiritual and moral guidelines, which munity consciousness. .. her two sons—Sir Cusrow and Sir can never be outdated because they are We shall find ways of establishing Ness—and her grandson Neville whom based bn logic, determination, action links for the mutual benefit of our co- we are happy to have with us here to- and free enquiry. In my personal life, I • religionists from East and West. We day. havefoundthatthepractiseofthisphi- also believe that Zoroastrianism is rele- Now, after a lapse of seven years, losophy has given me the strength to vant in the modern world and we the Fourth World Zoroastrian Con- face up to the stresses and strains of would like to revive the spirit of the gress meets in India once more... three precepts of Zoroastrianism — under the theme: Ham-Band Paivaste, we are happy to have with us here to- and free enquiry. In my personal life, I Now, after a lapse of seven years, losophy has given me the strength to modern living. - -------------------- The fourth topic that we propose to good thoughts, good words, good which translated from Pahlavi, means discuss at this Congress should interest deeds. We face a few basic problems Bound Together Unitedly —Forever, not only the members of our communi- such as a dwindling population, a very You will agree that the theme of unity ty but also the world at large. It is a wide scatter and the lack of social con- that we have chosen is not relevant fact that we are one of the very few tact among the younger members of merely to one community, but Is today, communities in the world which has ex- our community. These need to be dis- a matter of nationwide concern. .. isted for over a thousand years without deeds. We face a few basic problems Bound Together Unitedly —Forever, i ; __22 You will agree that the theme of unity ty but also the world at large. It is a that we have chosen is not relevant fact that we are one of the very few a matter of nationwide concern. .. ;''4' 1 CT 1 -1 fl Parsiana March 1986 ,'W» * ® The voice was heard; what was the message? Impressions of the Fourth World Zoroastrian Congress Parinaz Toddywalla At the end of the three-and-a-quarter- youth congress was to be organized by membership within the audience with day sessions of the Fourth World Zo- the end of 1985; and that the Fourth membership forms being issued and roastrian Congress, many friends en- Congress had generated more than a enrollments being encouraged to in- quired “What will be the outcome of lakh of rupees as income. (The souve- crease the list of individual members. ’ this Congress? ’’ The first time this nir bears testimony to the last fact, question was posed, I was taken un- considering that the ratio of reading youth Zoroastrian congress sounds in- ' . ') teresting so long as all concerned with J The discussion on the WZO mem- the organizational aspect realize that j The proposal of hosting a world " awares and had to mentally labour for matter to advertisements is equal.) an answer, reminding me of the spea ­ kers at the Congress who gave the im- bership which seemed to go on endless- there are youths outside the Zoroastri- pression of wanting to say something, ly, made many wonder whether there an Studies ’ fold who could be invited but didn’t quite know what to say. Gradually my response developed of deliberating over the structure other than the duality of Vohuman and 1 the finesse like the other speakers, who (membership) to debating over the con- Ahriman. When youths are invited to -1 in the words of S.Nargolwala “were at- tents (objectives). It was indeed com- speak, it should be ensured that their ) tempting to be miniature Demosthenes mendable that Dr Farhang Mehr con- speech is relevant to the topic at hand. • with their oratory leading to rhetoric ducted the proceedings with such equa- To an observer, this out-of-context en- and finally ending with a joke. ’’ I knew nimity. An Indian Zoroastrian might couragement to youths was totally un- that negotiations were in progress re- have been unable to maintain the called for. It was apparent that initial- garding membership to the World neutral stance all through and to sum- ly, beyond enrolling in the student Zoroastrian Organization; that a world marize the proceedings so effectively. Begum Bilkees Latif releasing the souve­ nir at the inaugural function as Maneck Gheyara (left) and Jamshed Guzder (right) look on. would be any progress from the stage and who could stress on something ss^ category (which was believed to be house-full), no further participation was expected from them. This last-minute inclusioi|sof young "S While the issue of membership conti­ nued to remain ui^solved, it was notic­ ed that during and after this session, there was a strong lobby for individual speakers appeared to be unfair to the /I I F 5'^ 51 Parsiana March 1985 Except for the inaugural function not a single session started on time. other senior speakers who had worked on their papers in advance and had something worth contributing. As one speaker subtly complained, “I had hoped my paper would be a summary of what I’d speak, but now... I’ll bare ­ ly have time to give a summary of my paper. ’’ Another revelation that has come across is that while a certain paper was rejected on the plea of there being too many speakers and too many represen ­ tatives from a particular association, other speakers were accommodated at the eleventh hour. Workshops at the end of every ses­ sion may best be termed ‘talkshops. ’ (At the end of each panel discussion. tri 'H Wf I 'JU1: (Right) At the JVZO session: (from left) Mehr, Peshotan Nargolwala, Shahpur Captain, Irani and Behram Deboo (Below) Refreshment break another point of view was quite noti- ? I There were some disabled persons I 53 Parsiana March 1985 In the session marked ‘Reports from rapporteurs, ’ the chairmen and repre- ing substituted for nirangal a religious during lunch and tea breaks. While the organizers were glowing with the growing attendance at each speakers from the floor were invited to participate with explicit instructions not to exceed three minutes.) Speaking on anything that one wanted with total disrespect to the chairman and the to­ pic being discussed, seemed to be the prevalent norm in the case of these ‘three-minute speakers from the floor. ’ When it was realized that these sessions were defeating their purpose, it should have been ensured that only ideas rele ­ vant to the preceding discussion were offered. There should have been a ge- conflicting undercurrents surfacing ceable. The common response of ap- neral session towards the end, when when the orthodox and the reformist speakers who did not fit in the earlier groups couldn’t see eye to eye. Em- categories could have been given a phasis on tradition and orthodoxy was chance to voice their views on subjects apparent in the case of some American of concern to them. Zoroastrians when they voiced concern over the fact that orange juice was be- plauding speakers who conformed to their thinking and showing indifferen ­ ce to discussions of a scientific nature was apparent. Applauding to cut short a speech was definitely not in good taste, but a chit sent to an aged speaker ¦¦ . , . , - . - °----------<=---' was embarrassing. The aged delegate sentatives of the various panels seemed ceremony, or lamenting over the fact merely read out the contents of the , , . . - - -—I chit, “We don’t want to listen to old to voice what was left unsaid by them were not willing to get married to their foccies’’ hut it made a non-7oroa«tri- earlier. In only one case did the sum- fellow Zoroastrians settled abroad, mary give the impression of being a Such grievances could be overheard report. Repeated mention was made of re ­ cord attendances at particular sessions. ___ .... ____ Also, the audience ’s preference to session, the reception committee had move closer to the stage on each suc­ cessive day might have been an indica- ¦ tion of their appreciation for the pro- delegates during tea and lunch time, ceedings but it meant that the Press re- Since the refreshment breaks went out presentatives could not be accommo- of gear and the workshops prolonged, dated in seats reserved for them in the all sessions were delayed. Except for first row. ' f The general atmosphere prevalent at session started on time. 'j the Congress suggested informality and There were some disabled persons camaraderie though there were certain who made it to the inauguration func- to view the session as their last chance that Zoroastrian youths from India t ____ „ were not willing to get married to their foggies ’’ but it made a non-Zoroastri- an invitee remark, “When you show such a mentality it reflects badly on the community.’’ There were some who attended the Congress because they were interested in the outcome of the deliberations, obvious difficulty in quenching the others attended it as a status symbol ^hirst and ^satiating the hunger of the and yet others because they had nolh- 1 i_ better to do. Referring to the thoughts generated by the Congress, Guzder summarized at the concluding session, “The important thing is how the inauguration function not a single and what we implement, and how long .. . J the implementation will remain good. ” Parinaz Toddywalla is executive editor of Parsiana.r FOURTH WORLD CONGRESS PAPERS T 5 Kaikhosrov D. Irani The core of the religion J ; * ........................ The core of the religion is the con- Kaikhosrov D. Ironies paper entitled dividual believers so that the religious ception, which we find in the Ga^has, rpodern world" ’presented at the- to their lives, tradition becomes a is a complete religious vision, in that it Edited and abridged from Prof conviction fades from the mind of in- "Zorodstrian thought and belief in the belief no longer provides significance the hymns composed by the Prophet. It rpodern world" presented at the- to their lives, tradition becomes a is a complete religious vision, in that it Fourth World Zoroastrian Congress matter of empty external practices, gives us a view of the world, prescribes And if there are no ritual perfor- a way of life, and following it, offers a mances, the tradition disappears as a conception of salvation. social reality. In both cases, the faith under the topic "The relevance ol Zo­ roastrianism in the modern world." Ahura Mazda created the universe in A religious tradition is a combination and the ritual must be meaningful to accordance with the principle of of doctrine, ritual and social practice, the individuals of the community for the fundamental Truth. However, the The doctririe is usually a combination the tradition to continue to live from benevolent spirit which strives to fulfil of belief and prescription. The belief is generation to generation. Many an- the design of Ahura Mazda is opposed a religious view of the world, and the cient religions are now dead because by an evil spirit striving to frustrate it. way of life that is prescribed is seen to they lost significance to generations, as The Good Mind, which is a divine crea- follow from the view of existence and changed circumstances made the doc- tion and with which we are endowed, enables us to grasp the Truth, viz. Asha and also to recognize the flaws in When we consider the position of a the world around us. Thus, with this the individuals of the community for the fundamental Truth. However, the now dead because by an evil spirit striving to frustrate it. way of life that is prescribed is seen to they lost significance to generations, as human life. The tradition, if it extends trines and rituals meaningless or point- over a long period of time, changes as less. ideas and practices are affected by al- ”' _ tered physical and social circumstan- religion in the world today, there are realization and benevolent zeal, viz. ces. two inquiries we must make: First, S0enta Armaiti, we act -to promote the The existence of a historical religion what is to be taken as the core, i.e., the good and dispel evil. The ethical life is dependent on two factors. First, the central commitment, of the religion? that is prescribed therefore is the life of religious belief and commitment must Second, is the core of the religion good thought, good word and good live in the consciousness of the belie- meaningful in the modern world and is deed. Such a life brings prosperity and ver. Second, there must exist some tra- it compatible with the ideas and know- satisfaction to living beings and brings ditions of practice which are the ritual ledge of the world we live in? 1 shall happiness to oneself. Upon death the manifestations of the faith. If either proceed to answer these questions with soul comes to the bridge of the separa- fails, the religion perishes. If religious respect to Zoroastrianism. tor, where if the good outweighs the 55 Parsiana March 19854? > •4, I The ^ire worM sliall» attend of T I time, tie r^ovated, when e^l shall be ¦ I totallyeiiminated. Thus shall existence I I be perfected. I I TOs belief and way of life charac- I* terizes a Zoroastrian. That is What we I I find in the fundamental scripture of I Zoroastrianism. There are, of course, I I standard Htuals in the Zdr^ttiah I I tradition. But they cannot be consi- I I dered as the core of the faith, for no I Mb 1 1^ 1 1 ' 1 i' S'- % Get good Valve for your Money /Step in for your comfort & rejaxoiibn RAILWAY REFRESHMENT ROOM , (PERMIT ROOM & BEER BAR) (Fully Airconditioned) (Railway Hotel), Chatni Road Junction, Bombay-400 004. Tel.: 352035 ss fe' Wfe have to discover the singular role of religious belief in one's life With compliments of I.' ? > I performance of ntual by one who does I not hold the belief stated above can I make one a Zoroastrian. These remarks should not be taken I to imply a repudiation. The rituals are I necessary to give identity to the reli- I gious community and unite in con- I sciousness the community for one his- J torical moment with those of the past; I What We are claiming here is that Zara- I thushtra propounded a reflective reli- I gion, a religion based not upon some j form of ritual worship which had some I ritual effect, but consisting of a reli- J gious vision and an ethical life. I Turning now to the second question, I do we find the religious vision of the I Zoroastrian faith acceptable iu the I modern world where we ^plain pheno- I mena though science and transform I the worW through technology? The I answer is indeed in the affirmative.' I When we use the mind to understand I nature, we Imve v&eA Vofiu-mana to I grasp tlw underlying operations of I Scientific understanding is a reli- J giously w(vthy act. And so is the trans- I formation of the world to bring abOut\ I I prosperity and well-being; I I One might now be inclined to ask I I what is the function of religious belief I I for an enlightened individual in the I I modern world. Can he not understand I I the world through science, improve it I I through technology, and dispense with I I religious conceptions altogether? What I j we have to do is to discover the singu- J I lar role of religious belief in one’s life I I in the modern world. I I Therdigioiu vision gives meaning to I I human ^E^bce. Sdeaee can explain 1 J an individuals existence as a body, as a | Vi. V , V. 'hj I nature, we Imve used Vohu-mana to Starlite Electrical Works Electrical ' Engineers & Contractors 13, BEST Marg Bombay 400 039 Tel-241496 I E K, i i feV ?<• 4* f..' L’ rt'i ‘ I SV »A?r r * 3/ cA k 7 r >. WWW »^.45- fh\' I’-I* I ¦M pfiysidloi^sBl ob^e^. h cSaimdt at^ fc'- h‘- L>- ¦ With the Compliments Of 5- I F .L'- s- h r 1 fcf TATA CHEMIC ALS LIMITED Sf) Parsi^ M»^i^ one who asks: What is the point of my existence? To aiatwer this one must look iat the universe in moral terms, in terms which give significance to human thought and action. That answer is what religion provides. And the Zoro ­ astrian conception does that in a way quite compatible with our scientific world-view. ^-1 ,-w If religious belief provides no significance to their lives, tradition becomes an empty external practice This conception, call it a religious vi­ sion, doctrine or creed, is the common- and perennial thread of all Zorpas- trians, of all generations throughout the world. What about our common rituals? Many are maintained and have become the overt acts of our identity. They also produce in the believer the experience of spiritual upliftment. But they must necessarily be adjust­ ed to environmental circumstance. Communities in the western world are not equipped to have consecrated fire ­ temples. Living, in a world of strong social interaction, they cannot have ex­ clusionary rules like the ones of the Parsis in India. Social practices of the religious com­ munities may diverge due to variations in the circumstances in different parts of the world. This is both inevitable and understandable. These variations should not become causes for divisive disputes in the community worldwide. There is no doubt we are agreed on the core. Can we not on the basis of that common bond in the religious vi­ sion of the Prophet himself try to achieve as much ritual commonality in as enlightened a way as possible? Arid beyond that when we come to social practices which are certainly not part of the religious core, canwe not, even when we diverge, respect the consider ­ ed and seriously held views of our bre- tl>ren? With full confidence in the power of our vision and the rectitude of our moral character, may we, in the words of the Prophet, be like those who bring the world toward perfection. I ’a With Best Compliments from HOSl VASUNIA PRODUCTIONS V sfeS ''^1 J 5FOURTH WORLD CONGRESS PAPfeRS iS Cancer lower amongst Parsis Dr. J. Jussawalla Edited and abridged from Dr. D.J. Jussawalla's paper entitled "Differen ­ ces observed in the incidence of can­ cer among Parsis and other communi­ ties in Bombay" presented at the i-ourth World Zoroastrian Congress data can never be obtained from a known as “the age correction factor ” under the topic "Findings of modern hospital record department, referred to whereby the age of any population research regarding Zoroastrian Com- ... munity and identifying areas for fur ­ ther research." resident population of Bombay, details ’______ ;;;;____ about which were obtained from the cidence rates of any two or more popu- Census Board and analysed according lation groups, it is essential to correct to age, sex, occupation, community the crude incidence figures obtained and various other parameters. This from the Registry, by applying what is To compare the true difference in in- V It is a recognized fact today, that can­ cer arises in over 75 percent of cases due to certain habits, customs and life- inai me correct incidence rate of a style of an individual or a closely knit disease cannot be calculated because often as a hospital registry, as.patients under study is standardized to a figure attending a hospital, especially in a ma- arrived at by estimating the average age jor urban centre, do not come from a of the total world population. Such known population pool but are drawn “age adjusted or corrected rates ” can from various parts of the country and then be utilized to adequately compare that the correct incidence rate of even from other countries nearby, so the occurrence of cancer in any two or more communities or populations. On detailed analysis of the Bombay the size of the population from which Cancer Registry figures, we found to our surprise, that the Parsis, though unknown. living in the same geographical en- The Registry staff members perso- vironment as the rest of the Bombay I* community. T Our attention was first drawn in the the patients early sixties, to the common occur- unknown, rence of breast cancer in Parsi women attending our clinics. A scientific nally visit all hospitals, nursing homes population, present striking differen- Li ,j J ’¦ ¦' ces in the relative frequency with which . cancer is found in different parts of the information at first hand from all the body. -------------- j A critical appraisal of the situation unit based on a stable population of “missed” cases of cancer, viz those der to ascertain whether or not these group to be established in our country. It soon provided us with accurate in- , _ __ ________ formation on the incidence rate of Corporation ’s death register is scruti- cancer and its mortality amongst the nized every month. are drawn, remains en- analysis of this problem could, and offices of consultants in the re- however, only be undertaken after the gion, in order to obtain the necessary Bombay Cancer Registry was establish- i “j ;_____ " ed by the Indian Cancer Society in cancer patients known to be residents .. _____ v.. June 1963. The Registry was the first of Bombay. To minimise the number thus appeared' to be warranted in or- Urtna/1 XXM A 1 _ A.1 _ A* AA •. group to be established in our country. who do not report to any hospitals or apparent differences could be ascribed consultants, the Bombay Municipal to recognizable variations in the habits, socio-economic status of the Parsis, when compared with thos^- Ji i 3 '¦ t- In Parsi men, for some unknown reason, there is a lower incidence of cancer as a disease entity, at all ages. S' 3 I ' of the other communities. To begin with, we found that the age composition of the Parsi population was quite different from that of the other communities, as the majority were found to be in the middle and ol­ der age groups. The total population of Bombay on the other hand had much I 61 Parsiana March 1985* rV* larger numbers in the younger age groups. Furthermore, a much higher percentage of the Parsi population was found to be in the age groups beyond 50 in men and 30 in women. Such age-wise population analysis is called, in statistical parlance, the “age pyramid ” of a community. According to our findings, all diseases which are known to occur at the older ages, should be more common in the Parsis. However, as far as cancer , a disease of the middle and older age groups is concerned, its incidence in the Parsis is ’ surprisingly lower than that seen in the other communities. Another unusual fact to come to li­ ght, was the lower cancer incidence in men as compared to women, up to the age of 65. Only after this age do Parsi J males present higher incidence rates than the females. In all other commu­ nities in Bombay, as well as in other countries, the incidence of cancer is known to be higher in men. In Parsi men, for some unknown reason, there is a lower incidence of cancer as a disease entity, at all ages. When we compare specific regions in the body affected by cancer, in dif- I ferent religious groups, we find a I remarkable variation. A more or less I total site inversion of cancer is seen in j the Parsis, when compared with the si­ tuation in the other communities. I Thus, the mouth (oral cavity), the throat, the voice-box, the gullet and in I women the uterine cervix (mouth of the I womb) are much less affected in the I Parsis, whereas cancers involving the I pancreas, prostate gland, bladder, ner- j vous system, the female breast, body I of the womb, ovaries and leukaemia, I are more frequently encountered. I The breast is the commonest site af- I fected by cancer in Pafsi women, as is I the prostate gland in Parsi men, where- | as in the other communities the mouth I of the womb (known as the cervix) is I the commonest site affected by cancer I in women, and the mouth cavity and I [ . throat in men. I In fact, the age-corrected incidence I rates of cancer of the cheek and throat I •; in the Parsis, are more comparable to I ; the British and North European figu- I res. These low rates are perhaps related I to the fact, that the Parsis as a commu- I nity, are less addicted to smoking arid I tobacco-chewing —habits which are I very prevalent in the other communi- j I _ ties and which are known to lead to a I I higher incidence of cancer at these I I sites. L With Compliments From ?’ > fc I 4- & Paist^tia 1985 EMPIRE ESTATE Liberty Building 41/42 Marine Lines Bombay 400020 "'’"'y V h X *> "S b F zgO’ '¦^ f,.. EOURTH WORLD CONGRESS PAPERS Priests in the New World Kobad Zarolia Edited and abridged from Ervad Kobad Zarolia's paper entitled "A cent agreeable to this navjote and the form navjote ceremonies in the Havan report on the seminar of North Ame- dastur should be satisfied that the nav- Geh. rican athornans" presented at the jote will be for the good of the child Navjote booklet: A good booklet on Fourth World ZoroastrJan Congress and then he will be brought up as a navjote was submitted by Dr Jehan under the topic "The relevance of “Zoroastrian. ” Bagli. Zoroastrianism in the modern world." be made. The father should be 100 per- People should be encouraged to per ­ cent agreeable to this navjote and the ' dastur should be satisfied that the nav- "Zoroastrian. ” • Navjote of a child adopted at a very General: All dasturs, when requested young age (one or two months old). It to do any controversial ceremony, is left to the dastur to satisfy himself should consult their fellow dasturs of to do any controversial ceremony. % -4'; The seminar of North American athor- ____ _ ________ ______ nans was convened by Ervad Kobad that this type of navjote merits some the area before agreeing to perform Zarolia in consultation with the athor- consideration. the ceremony. All dasturs should try to nans of Ontario. It was held on No- ..t, .. .. „ ... vember 26, 1983 at the Meheraban Guiv Darbe Meher, 3590 Bayview Ave. Willowdale, Ontario. M2M. 3S6 (To­ ronto) under the auspices of the Zoroa ­ strian Society of Ontario. All practis ­ ing mobeds and athornans known to reside in North America (N.A.) were invited. The main items for discussion were: • Standardization of ceremonies for N.A. • Mixed-faith marriages or navjotes. • Training and utilization of priests in future, and leadership by priests in N.A. Navjote majority of the North American com- Preparation: The performing mobed munity (and if possible Indian Zoroa- _ ...v. must ensure that the proposed initiate strian community) should be in favour performing mobeds. knows the meaning of and is able, to re- of these changes. mended that a few male members of cite by memory: Kemna Mazda, Ahu- ..... . ramazda Khodai and Jasame A van- ghae Mazda. , , ______ If possible, he should arrange a the community feelings before any or provincial regulations. A* Ttik'^of meeting with the child a few days navjotes are performed. sudrehs and kusties must be maintain- before the ceremony to explain its Except for the first step which is ac- ed bv the associations and nrovided tn meaning, privileges and responsi bilities. The parents should be in­ formed, where so applicable, (in case steps should be taken after discussions Supplies, of children of mixed marriages or by the community. Maybe in the next Houstori, Texas 77043 from where such adopted children) that the recognition 100 years ¦ - - -------' • of such navjotes in India cannot be au­ tomatically presumed. Initiation: After a long discussion, the might give us an insight into the com- majority present felt that we should munity’s feelings and ideas. consideration. f " ~ • Navjote of the non-Zoroastrian abstain from public criticism of each spouse. If the spouse wants to follow other. the Zoroastrian religion. . Navjote of a non-Zoroastrian. Funeral The above progression has no time Sachkar: The prescribed procedure It should be left to the satisfy himself that the navjote of an adopted child some consideration. limit. It should be made sure that the should be carried out immediately after the edrpse is taken to the funeral home, by any relative or friend, other than the . It was recom- As aU the dasturs are voluntary , and the community, other than performing community, we should always copsider the sachkar, bearing in mind the state our aim is to serve the Zoroastrian mobeds, should be trained to perform 1 5 4 Except for the first step which is ac- ed by the associations and provided to cepted by the North American and In- the family on request, on payment. At- dian Zoroastrian community, all other tention was drawn to the Zoroastrian „ . . , , 10511 Brinwood Drive, ol children of muted marriages or by the community. Maybe in the next Houston, Texas 77043 from where sup- > we could complete all the plies could be obtained and stocked, steps or at least a few. The fifth Essential requirements for laying down Zoroastrian congress in California the body, and for rituals following - 1-. - death should be explained in a booklet, , , . - ----- ------- which could be supplied to the family, break down the possibilities by progres- Nahan: Whenever possible, the nahan to guide them. (Ervad Yezdi Antia was ’ ceremony should be performed at the entrusted with this responsibility). A , • Any child of parents with father be- place of the navjote, in order to avoid eulogy in English after the uthamna mg Zoroastrian. r- --------- ¦’____________ ... . . . . Any child of parents with mother be- In the absence of nirang, ing Zoroastrian. Here a proper investi- i '____ ' _____ ________ ____ _______ gation in the family agreement has to but wine (alcohol) should be avoided, acceptable. Donation of body !;¦ ¦•-I? ? -r. r- I, 1 65 Parsiana March 19^ -3- commuting after the ceremonial bath, ceremony is quite appropriate and may pomegra be permitted. In case of accidental nate or lemon juice may be substituted death, gah-sarna without the body is ..................... - / organs ‘i_ to hospitals etc is admissible and Meher or on selected burial grounds, should be encouraged to be held in should not affect the funeral where ashes could be scattered and an- HavanGeh. ceremonies. nual Farvardegan prayers offered. In Audience participation should be en- ; Prayers and ceremonies: The use of a some crematoriums there are walls couraged in all ceremonies, not only in dog for sagdid is outmoded in the with sections where an individual could Avesta but with suitable translations in North American context. When only preserve the urn for a fee. Individuals English. Hum Bandagi should become'' one mobed is available for gah-sarna, could use that facility if they so desire, a regular feature whenever Zoroastri- any athornan or behdin can join the Most dasturs present felt that we ans meet. mobed to make a pair. Full ceremonies should discourage people from having Calendar controversy should be kept can be performed for any deceased any permanent monuments for the to a minimum and an individual should who may have donated part or all of deceased person. follow his own conscience and prac- his or her body for medical or research tice. purposes. For a still-born child, gah- General sarna and sarosh-nu-patru is adequate. When a mobed is not available we Agenda for next seminar These ceremonies should be essentially should encourage behdins to perform Items for consideration should include, performed for every deceased Zoroa- ceremonies. Any behdin who is in- alternative but appropriate and strian in addition to uthamna and at least one chahrum should be perform- training by the available mobed. ed if time and place permit. For subse- ’ - - . quent ceremonies, if relatives so desire, L——----------------------------------------- — , the tenth day, first month, sixth month this might help the North American Bandagi ' prayers; consolidate Iraraan and annual baj may be directed. The community to have a steady supply of and Parsi Zoroastrian ceremonies into ¦’ latter ceremonies including the annual voluntary dasturs. 3 uniform pattern; navjote of non-Zo- baj could be arranged to be performed 1., —. _ ------------- ------------- at the Dadar Madressa in Bombay, if does not require any high priests, as all monies in the same category; follow-up so desired, bn payment. i , -. Cremation or burial: Cremation is themselves should discourage the move ceptance ’ of non-Zoroastrians; need recommended as the method of dispo- to elevate one priest over the other. All for a uniform practice of sal of a corpse. If permitted by local the associations should encourage the ' ’ and provincial or state governments, a formation of a Dasturs Council Body. plot should be reserved at the Darbe mobed to make a pair. Full ceremonies should discourage people from having When a mobed is not available we Agenda for next seminar ceremonies. Any behdin who is in- alternative terested should be given some basic uniform set of prayers for jashans; J preaching in English to become a part We should ask Bombay to allow a of all ceremonials including housewar- ‘ behdin ’s children to become dasturs, as ming jashans, etc; systematize Hum i The North American community roastrian spouses and also death cere- mobeds are voluntary. The dasturs action of the Montreal survey for ‘ae- j themselves should discourage the move ceptance ’ of non-Zoroastrians; need 1 ' f ceremonies; need for muktads in the Fasli Calendar; and disposal of ashes of cremated Zoroastrian bodies. i Navjote and wedding ceremonies For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324. GRANT ROAD, BOMBAY 400007. TELEPHONE: 371403 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 67 Parsiana March 19S5 ¦sa a »¦- 5'i' !?' In search of theGk)o s report on the Zoroastrian immigrants settled in Chicago. Ruzbeh Antia The 1960s and early '70s were the 57' __ ___ _ _______ __ peak period of Zoroastrians' immigra- justments she had to make was living .... ................................ alone, especially after having lived in a large, closely-knit family in Calcutta. “You sometimes get the feeling here that nobody really cares for you. But the anonymity has its advantages too. Basically, I’m a loner and I don’t really mind it,” she said, leaning back in a comfortable sofa in her suburban Chi ­ cago apartment. In the Chicago survey, about 40 per ­ cent said that they experienced no sig ­ nificant problems after immigration. Adapting to American customs and values, in particular, was a problem to very few, 82 percent saying they had no noticeable difficulty managing - _ it. Part of the reason may be that most the possibility of second generation of the Zoroastrians who came from In- Zoroastrians identifying themselves dia had already been exposed to Wes- with Zoroastrian culture and religion, and the chances of the community surviving in North America. _ __ __ ___ _____ _____ ___ _ The third instalment highlighted problems such as difficulties with the Immigration and Naturalization Ser ­ vice (INS) and economic difficulties. Almost all Zoroastrians settled in Chicago, except those who came as wives or close relatives of immigrants tion 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 requirement for her degree in journa ­ lism from the Marqyette University. The first instalment of Antia's the ­ sis "Keeping the fire of faith alive: Zoroastrians in Chicago" described the social and economic condition of the Zoroastrains, the reasons why they emigrated, their assimilation in­ to the American mainstream, and their views on Zofbaptridn traditions, rituals and acceptance of converts. The second instalment focussed on outmarriage among the Zoroastrians, the fact that though many North Ame­ rican Zoroastrians are intellectually aware of their religion and heritage, not as many actually perform the ac­ companying religious rites and cere ­ monies or participate in Zoroastrian already settled here, have had pro ­ Association of Chi cago ‘s activities. She said that.one of the major ad- tern lifestyles and ideas. A greater number of Zoroastrians appear to have faced more practical blems with the Service, according to Rohinton Rivetna. “I’d say it’s defi ­ nitely the biggest hurdle —it was, for me. After that, most other things are plain sailing, ” he said. Among the other problems mention ­ ed in the survey were, loneliness, mis­ sing family and friends, adaptation to professional registration requirements (cited by an,M.D.), and language (this was not included in the list because it appears that for the overwhelming ma­ jority, language is not a significant pro ­ blem; only one immigrant, from Iran, indicated that he experienced.it ). A usually reliable indication of how well immigrants have been accultura- ted is their involvement in the institu­ tions of the larger society, ranging from sports clubs and neighborhood activities to local government and poli­ tics. Overall, the survey reveals a modest degree of such involvement among Chicago Zoroastrians. The highest level of participation, predict ­ ably for a community with such a large number of professionals, is in profes ­ sional societies and organizations and in work related activities and societies. The community has produced some individuals with distinguished records of public service. For instance, Keki Bhote has served as president of his The struggle to survive xMost Zoroastrians seem to have had very few problems managing the pro ­ cess of adjustment. “No problems at all, adjustment-wise, ” said Rohinton Rivefna. “I had to make an effort to remem ­ ber the small things, like there are only elevators in America, no lifts, and side ­ walks not pavements. ” said Dhun Bat- livala. “I had no major problems, al­ though the year that I spent living with my sister and brother-in-law may have acted as a protective cushion. It would have been tougher to face it all alone, ” added Batlivala, who is unmarried. / 1 .1' •iA I // I « ! 68 Parsiana March 1985 t-'tTr • Zoroastrians as an ethnic and cultural group will die-o^;^ over time in North America, but the religion will survive. 1 ? ? ir llrtMIfiRATlOM mp NAT ¦ ponded to the survey pefcieived soi<$<' kind of threat to Zoroastrian surviw^, in North America. However, only percent felt that the threat was “vei^.^ great no matter what we do.” half opted for the slightly more opj^g" great unless something is donsi^; mistic vieVb' tlmt the threat is ¦>!« Twenty-five percent of the respondeW^ thought the threat was“fairly greai{f0^ while only a few saw no threat at al^^ “We do not have the comfort numbers so we have to take active Stef«.. to perpetuate the faith, ” says Kdtb Bhote. “This must be the prim^r^ function of all Zoroastrian assoc^'^? tipns in North America; ” / Perpetuation of the faith has been a recurring theme at the four North American Zoroastrian Congresses, the*: last one in April 1982 in Monh^ll ,, These debates have offered varioi^^ solutions ranging from non-controv^-^ , sial ones, such as the establishment of ft chair of Zoroastrian studies at a pres^/^ tors will probably continue to hold gioqs university, to controversialOne^^ down family size. such as permitting conversion. < “Zoroastrians as Zoroastrians are L____ _ - __ - - ___ not going to survive in Wy number jn sified under two viewpoints. The or> North America, 1 give them two gene- thodox/conservative viewpoint wouli|. argue that the only way for the com-j Some others, including Rohinton munity in North America to survive but with a transformed identity. ving all traditions, customs and rituaJl “I feel that we will maintain dur intact. This point of view also advocft^, “I '0 Cook County township, on United Na­ tions* panels and on the board of trus- , tees of a college. He was also chosen the most outstanding naturalized citi ­ zen of Chicago and has received a United Nations Association of the Arts rations, ” predicts Dhun Batlivala. Award. ! „ . Although the community is justly Rivetna, believe that they will survive to actively resist assimilation by preser* prtxid Of its record on acculturation, it but with a transformed identity. ving all traditions, customs and ritual! ’ has much to fear frprn assimilation, “1 feel that we will maintain dur intact. This point df view also advocft^, The survival problem is more acute identity as Zordastrians, but as time tes taking a strong stand against maf< because the community cannot rely on goes by it is going to take a different riages outside the community and ai^ . increased immigration or a higher face altogether, perhaps unrecogniz- tempting to promote unions betiS^ded-^i .birth-rate to swell its numbers. Zoro- able from the present. The community Zoroastrians by all possible means. astrian immigration to the United Sta- will look different and live different- is also vehemently opposed to convet- tes is already much lower than its peak ly,” said Rivetna. sion. in the 1960s and 1970s and is likely to Yet others feel that Zdroastrians as Khojeste Mistree, a Bombay-bascu! fall off considerably in the future if an ethnic and cultural group will die writer and speaker dn Zoroastrianfem; Coi^ress enacts tougher new immigra- < , . " tion legislation now under considera- that the religion will survive. Such a these views. “Do not rdek the bdat. jfion, I ’ cewnmunity has tra- t ,dttidn!aHy lhMadift « ' M A, 'i •4I /L a "\Ne will maintain our as Zoro^strians, but it is going to take a different.face altogether, perhaps unrecognizable from the present. II like their children to marry Zoroas- triaris but who is going to listen tons?” asked Roshan Patel. “I wouldn’t eX’ pect my girls to go back to India to find worldwide and create a need for new a boy,” said Patel, one of whose definitions and perhaps even new ter- ''-i daughters is married to an American. This argument is likely to. grow more persuasiveasmoreofthesecondgene- ration grow up and marry. “If my sociological consequences of convert daughters marry outside when they sion. “Up to now, there has been nO„;1 grow up, 1 don’t want to tell them, they question of differentiating the religious or their children aren ’t welcome in the and ethnic parts and 1 really find it dif- ,i ficult to visualize that, ” said Rohinton -I Rivetna. “At this moment 1 admit that 1 cannot accept how somebody of a America is by changing and adapting tion of Chicago, at a meeting which totally different race or ethnic group — to suit their new environment. was debating the Bsue. Japanese, for instance —can be a Zero-- 1 “The name of the game is still ^rvi- in spite of the demographic evi- astrian. But that is a mind set and it | val, but I believe the methods have to dence, however, the survey shows that could change. ” change, ” said Kersey Antia, the bead almost 40 percent believe there is some priest of the Chicago communitjr. “I possibility of their children marrying Brooklyn College sociologist, has exa- mined the effects of conversion on the ; "s American Jewish community. Al- /’I one in four said that it was somewhat though Judaism traditionally has not A likely to happen. One in five admitted accepted converts, in the last thirty that they did not think it at all likely, years about 100,000 people have been ’'4 About a third said that they just didn’C converted into the religion, most being know. The main argument against conver ­ sion, offered by conservatives, is that a llP^ dO^-.n'T? t Au- potential for tensions and even antago- nism between them. It could spark serious identity crisis for Zoroastrians minology. Most Zoroastrians do not appear to have thought very deeply about such z; th l‘i organized by the Zoroastrian Associa ­ tion of ftthicago in October 1982. _____________ The opposing, liberal viewpoint religion any more. I can’t hurt them in would a|gue that the only way in which that way,” said Boman Damkevala, Zoroastrians can survive in Hprth secretary of the Zoroastrian Associa- In spite of the demographic evi- A recent Study by Dr Egon Mayer, a was brought up in a very orthodox at- ’ ‘ mospbe?^ in India, but this country is said that it was very likely to happen, >> so different. You simply cannot be guided by the logic of the old coun­ try. ” The liberals generally favour conyer- siotn as part of this process of change, know. spouses of Jews. However, there is much disagreement The main argument against conver- Mayer found that Jews by choice '1 about exactly who would be let into the sion, offered by conservatives, is that a tend to be more religiously observant J religion. Almost all would allow and centuries old tradition is not to be than those born Jewish. However, in encourage the children of mixed mar- „ , . . riages into the group. Some would ac­ cept the non-Zoroastrian spouses of community members into the fold. A few would throw the doors of the reli ­ gion open to anyone who believed in r the message of ^rathushtra. “Zarathushtra ’s message is a univer ­ sal one and we have no right to deny it . to people in an arbitrary fashion, ” says people who may not have much aware- practices of Judaism,” Noshir Hdflnazdiyar of New York. ness of the values and customs associa- “ there is reason to ex,pect that conver- ' Many Zofoastrians in the liberal ted with it. sion can produce considerable stress , camp feel that Hormazdiyar ’s view is too ©ttreme and prefer, for tbe mo­ ment, to aclopt the more modest goal of accepting children of mixed marria ­ ges and non-Zoroastrian spouses. They actuallyconvert,itwouldmostcertain- argne that this is only practical because ly mean a break between the religion discouraging marriages outside the and ethnic group. We would then have trian immigration and birth-rate will comihunity would not work. “Zoroastrians by birth ” and “Zwoas- not increase significantly in the future “Everybody says that they would trians by choice ” with considerable but that marriages outside the com- Zoroastrians. While only one in seven taken lightly. They also fear that per- several other tests of attitudes about mitting conversion may lead tq a break Judaism, converts married to Jews | between North American Zoroastrians score lower than those born Jewish. and the mainstream community in In­ dia. A more convincing .argument, but than communal-ethnic terms, accor- .-j not often used, is that cohversion could ding to Mayer. “Unless the ‘Jews by <'¦ actually hasten the process of assimila- choice ’ are socialized to share in the.'-j tion by allowing into the community Jewish ethos as much as they do in the ’ he warns, The converts are more likely to define their Judaism in religious terms c ness of the values and customs associa- This last argument touches upon the within the converts as well as between, • crucial topic of religion and ethnicity. If conversion were to become much easier and if significant numbers did that Zoroastrians would do well to take j injo account as the debate over conver- y sion continues. Assuming that Zoroas- them and their Jewish-born brethren. Mayer ’s study raises some pointsr ' •; 3 B:munity will, conversion appears robe nization for a long time.‘‘Local bodies press for informed discussion of the f the only way to increase numbers in tend to be very myopic and often ItMje issues is very great. &it Rivetna is. y North Anxirica. On theodtlfir hand, the sight of the larger perspective. ” skeptical about what debate can achi- sociological implications of conversion Coverall, survey results indicate, the eve, cannot be ignored. In our survey, opinion on conversion appears to be split down the nuddle. ' Thirty-three percept said they did not favor it at all ots a means of preserving < and perpetuating the faith while 20 per ­ cent picked it as their most favored means of achieving that goal. The rest favored conversion to a lesser degree. The two conservative solutions of keeping all traditions intact and dis­ couraging outmarriages appear to be least favored by those surveyed. Not surprisingly, the most favored step is the ndh-controversial one of forming a continent-wide Zoroastrian organiza ­ tion for unified direction. Efforts to form such an organization seems to be little agreement about the prayers and religious practices, have been going on for several years nature and direction of the change, but without notable success. Neither is . * . there a North American newsletter or transition, ” said Rohinton Rivetna. fe magazine. “It is absolutely essential to weld ing. It’s a terrible stage to be in.” • local organizations into such a body,” Bhote, who has been for an organization that will set a campaigning for an “umbrella ” orga _ _______ _ _ ‘We can talk about these issues majority of Chicago Zoroastrians till the world comes to an end and wev| can take sides but .we probably won’t resolve anything. The solutions will happen by themselves, ” he said som- herly. ¦'j Ultimately, history will take its own..,. ? course but there are a few things tl^t } the community can do to influence its . _ direction. There is an urgent need to . J train priests for the future, for in- stance, to develop an infrastructure that would allow them to practise the S religion without dependence on the community in India. There also re- 3 mains the task of socializing children 33 think it is essential for the community into the Zoroastrian ethos and way of to change and adapt. However, there life, in addition to teaching.them the .j;'?! The Zoroastrians have come a long “We’re very definitely in a state of way from the remote mountains of -3 _____ , ____ __ _ ____ Iran and the bustle of Bombay to the -I We’re not quite sure where we are go- comfortable suburbs of North Ame« rica. But everywhere their struggle has J J Under these circumstances, the need been the same — to preserve their reli-1 J gion, their way of life and their iden- J future course and for a. Zoroastrian tity. ©^rall, survey results indicate, the Everybody says that they would like their children to marry Zoroastrians but who is going to listen to us? / / 11 '•ft ¦j fc - INMA’S HRST PELLETRON PLANT The "Pelletron" —India's first dwged T^ticle accelerator- enclosed in a steel tank, 24 metres long, 6 metres in diameter and weigNi^ 120 tonnes will be housed in a specially constructed building in the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research complex. The total QvX Engineering work has been entrusted to Shqpoorji Palpnii & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.,—p^eers m the (instruction industry—and we are proud to be associated withth» “historie event" for thecowitry. ill In 1964 at the inauguration of the massive project, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the late Dr. Homi Bhabha one of the world ’s leading nuclear physicists said : "A building of this^ complexity and quality is due to the combined efforts of many people.... I must, hon ’ever, mention particularly the principal contractors, Messrs. Shapoorji PaUonji & Co. Pvt. Ltd., who have done a magnificent job” Now when this new sophisticated research facility is being commissioned for the first time in India, Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt. Ltd., have once . again been selected! ik p i ¦ . ?• I|i Z^r« -w ?¦ 1 I 4- I I' .J SHAPOORJ RALLONJ & CO. (PVT.) UD. Engineers ft Conatructton ContrMtters New India Centre, 17 Cooperage Road, Boinbay-400039 India. Telex: 011-2124; Tat.: 2020614, 20202% 2020762 I ' s 5£sd^s ? Vignettes from a celebrated family * 5 r » r For four generations of VVadias, from shipbuilding to textiles. the rights of succession had to be earned. Madhu Valluri ¦U? '¦^1 »¦- k Pne of India ’s youngest business Neville Wadia, as most sons of Indus- Gujarati word vadia, which means ^.,1 tycoons started his career with the trialists are apt to. And they are ‘shipbuilder. ’As early as 1736, Lowji receipt of a letter that said ; expected to, even if Swraj Paul is busy Nusserwanji was brought to Bombay • “As you have been found to be me- trying to do away with this tradition. In from Surat, where he was based, and I' dically fit we have appointed you as the case of the Wadias, the tradition is soon became a ‘master shipbuilder. ’ Junior Offitxr (Trainee) at the Bombay somewhat different. Sons have sue- For about 150 years thereafter, the |, Dyeing St Mfg Co Ltd’s Spring Mills, ceeded fathers alright, but the rights of Wadias, beginning with Lowji, with effect from August 2, 1962 on a succession had to be earned. This Parsi designed and built about 335 ships, consolidated salary of Rs 185 per family has over the years built itself a including 16 men of war, Ab]»haml4t- month. You will be on a probationary reputation as big as the Tatas. It has sons, an English vimfctr to India in the period Of six months... If during the taken four generations of Wadias to 18th century said lhaf the Wadia ves- period ybur work or conduct is found to make their empire into one of the seis, “far exceeded any in Europe for i. be unsatisfactory in any way, your ser- largest in India. durability and that it is usual for ships t’ , vices will be terminated forthwith. But even before the first generation (Wadias ’) to last 50 to 60 years. ” ft* without any notice. ” , Wadia could launch forth into the tex- B At 40, Nusli N Wadia is at the helm, tile business, the family, as such, was indeed high, Salsette^ a Wadia fogate fe J of affaire today. Maybe it was natural ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ‘ ..................................... for him to take over from his father. •'1 i J • .'*' The reputation of their ships was known for shipbuilding. In fact their withstood nine ice-locked weeks in the surname is the corrfl'ption of the north Baltic Sea withduta scratch while the rest of the ships in the same voyage were crushed. On board the Ckwpwa/- [ Us, another Wadia ship, the Chinese [ signed the Treaty of Nankit^ in 1842, ! ceding Hong Kong to the British. A^- den, a Wadia man of war , fought in the I American — Britain Warof 1812 audit ' was on her deck that the American i poet, Francis Scott Key, composed The f Star Spangled Banner wh^ later became the Ameripfui patifmal i anthem; John Willis, owner of the British clipper, Cufly SurAr, added two Wadia ships to his fleet, one of which, the Tweed, was known as Willis’ Wonder. The vessel made the London-Mel­ bourne passage in 83 days, a record that W; ->1 f"*! I 1 J 1 I the ^^*'- 1 1 £ i r ^¦-1 (Left) Handing over: Nusli ’Wadioi taldng over tfie chairmansfup from fusy fttther Neville. I (Faca^ poge) Sv Ness:.fri ^.driver’s .ve^. la' <1^1 r' • i ,Nowrosji Nuss^rwanji: first thought of dye^g yam loctiiiy^ is unbroken to this day by any ship of her class. The reputation of this ship ­ building family grew even bigger when Ardesecr Cur^tjee Wadia became foe first Indian Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1841, It was Ardeseer who fost introdueed gas lighting in as^even built a one hp steam engine while stilt in his teens. Another Wadia, Khurshedji Rus- ton^(fost cousin of the Bombay Dye­ ing father* was the first 'k s 'V r >¦ IfkSiin to be appbintet^lndfa ’s Hign However managed to set right the loum^^ Cotut. lie consistently r^sed to and in the process kissed bis railway job award .capital punishment tto the goodbye. He stayed on in the Petit Britisfa forced him to do. Rather than Mills and became its general manager, coftipromise on principles, Khurshedji This was in the 1870s, a p^icularly''^? RustO^ji resigned from office. Now- rough period for Indian enterprise to ' rosjee Nusserwanji Wadia was, how- survive. One of the problems at Petit*r^ ever, a different kettle of fish. He Mills was the transporting of cotton ' ^ wanted to become an engineer. But yarn all the way to England for dyeit^.;. before he could accept a job in the locomotive department of the Sind and at that time. Nowfosjee Wadia came up; Punjab Railway, he had another task with the suggestion to dye yarn locally^ waiting ftu him at the Petit Mills. This suggestion was transformed ihto a Oi^i Of the looms had broken down reality in August 1879. Backed art; and Sir Dinshaw Petit who happened to’ enthusiastic Petit, Nowrosjee Waditi- know the 25-year-old Nowrosjee, started the Bombay Dyeing & asked him to look into the. matter. The ufacturing Company Limited. The. ’| nnachine suffered from over-heating fledgling company opened in a sm^l» during operation and the problem red brick shed on the seashore along couldn’t be solved even after swaddling Mahim in central Bombay with a C^pi- it in cakes df ice. The young Wadia, tai of Rs l{X),000, much of it coming There was no dyeing facility in India ' 3-*P^ ')c/, -sy I I s ? I I ¦¦6 ’>a ¦ B.=-.<:i.. 1 >f •v I^Ww KS-”' OOTrnWa Sir Cusrow Wadia sold his Cei|te& Mills at market price to Sir Otui^m iflom SirPeiil ’s own eoffera: , ?ihe company, l»gan running to full Sir Cusrow Wadia sold his onngnq leapacity.Sev^^ht{!0fertliey<»pened Mills at market price to Sir ChuawH a.scntno 1’another brand new mill, Century-(now Mehta, a personal friend, and even over the under the control of the Birlas), and in —-- ---------------- —¦ —-—¦'¦'¦' ‘f" ¦" IkSLl-<’ia¦... .2, ¦ .'* ,.¦ .-_ ¦..¦¦¦<.« ¦¦¦¦ f ir^a. ¦ ^power looms, weaving a wide range of - textiles. ( The mills’ founder, died in 1899, fe^p^ther prematurely at 50, but it had j ^.iaken him barely two decades to be ^iJl^nown as a textile magnate. He had &3|^i^ted and erected more than a h^zen mills in his lifetime, consolidated Fjtflie liKi^idia assets, and also served as a ^tnember of the Bombay Municipal Cor- ^i^afioft. He had three sons, CUsrow, pNess.and Rustom. While Rustom died K:^,^Ag, the first two carried on their ;fisiiher ’s business, Cusrow Wadia had pther intemts too. He was chairman agency japd chief steward of the Royal Western i 05 "tX - a short wbHe acquired a battery of Platt 7 ¦'*iJ •• avrArsvrvMnr O Z^T i ’ K' r '•'¦? *'? a ? '¦ ) S-^ ttm a formidable pet I • J the^p^tury. ¦r‘"” ¦ "''^'......' million as worthing c^t^, a twowf A weaving master orice got such a dressing down froth ____ fho hin that the the ^r wadias, was tne Uiy uuoo u lai ll its _ temper aiidhw^tfi A t 1952, his compal^hadh of nearly Rs 70 pinfikht fits of Rs 2.6 miffion . Sir Ness; by far, is dw raoSI, ,-j 1 •1 next day he suffered from a nervous breakdown. • j weaving master, once got sttidi ‘4te4nfe5" sing down from the big ^ss next day h^ breakdown. When erf his state, he sept hin^imW^liW^ for a holiday at cmw exp^Wrse On «Tv. atfettier occajaon' wan he,WM a^w C N Wadia & Go ttd for free, to accept an Honorary Fellow^t«p^>m the College of Physicians af^ ; geons,he told the doctors (witha4«aid* . ^¦ pan face) his own foripula for ? ^8 ¦SP*; handed over the nulls’ >ana©ng t. W.1V* aw.T.> ‘S ‘/x ?i 1 > r-*' Bz-j 1 Wif '¦7’)»t r? weft 19Si. , f '/I ’V t f ! i .. .y ¦ - ’ 1 1 ' •>!^ I J J J J V ' - ' ¦'!w i potions for women and castor oil for I children ! I Though his mills grew to be the I largest textile operations in Asia^ Ness I was also known for other pioneering I efforts. In the late 20s he started the I India Radio Communications Co Ltd I as a public service to his country. In I those days, India ’s only communica- I tion connection with England and the - I rest of the world was by underseas I cable. Ness established a wireless ser- I vice — the forerunner of the modern I telephone in this country. I For his services he was awarded the I CBE (Commander of the British I Empire) in 1918 and later the KBE I (Knighthood of the British Empire). I He was the first Indian to receive the S KBE. When he died at Bella Vista, the ® Wadia residence on Redder Road, 's Bombay, the cotton markets were closed and his mills suspended opera ­ tions for three days. The body was __ ___ __ ___ _ ______ flown to England and buried alongside Jinnah and married her in All Saints especially at a4inie when the textile his wife Lady Evelyn at a cemetery in C’ Surrey where both his father and his few years later, great-grandfather were also laid to rest. 1’ Incidentally, Ness Wadia converted Ness Wadia died in 1952, and almost himself to Christianity early in life, Life for Neville, the third generation zation drive. He ordered more than Wadia, and the current honorary chair- l» i' is 1 ¦r L J ,1 .t- ¦p' Board of Directors during the Company’s centenary year (1979) creator ot Pakistan, Mohammed Ali him, the company increased profits Church at Malabar Hill in Bombay a industry was facing one of the worst recessions. Nusli has his own way of Neville took over as chairman when keeping a check oiTliis employees and immediately embarked on a moderni- a “somehow gets to know an individual ’s worth, ” comments an employee. Married to Maureen Keelan, a Wadia, and the current honorary chair- thousand automatic looms which former airhostess, the Wadias live in a man <rf the company, began on a very resulted in the largest single order ever newly-done up cottage in Prabhadevi, adventurous note. He recalls: “There placed with a Swiss firm. To the exist- just besides the looming twin towers had been a spate of illnesses in the fam- j--• ¦ * ¦ ¦ • ily, and my father decided that we’d all Works, of which he says proudly, “rve go back to England. ” In November, designed all the new buildings myself.” 1916 the family set sail for England aboard the Asia.. While cruising nary celebrations, through the Mediterranean, five-year- <' old Neville was lifted off his chair and the shareholders in Bombay ’s Taj were shifting out of this country bag thrown across the deck. World War I Mahal needs to be circulated among all and baggage. In fact, there were was on and the Germans had tor- the old fogeys who are still clinging to reports that two Marwari ‘parties ’were pedoed his ship. A fierce storm made their chairmanships on various com- interested in buying up Bombay Dye­ matters worse for them but luckily a pany boards. Said Neville, “I am abso- ing outright. It was the employees who small fishing trawler rescued the pas- lutely certain that this (retirement) is prevailed upon the management, sengers and made its way to Malta, the right thing to do and that this is the Wadias in particular, to desist from sel- Neville contracted pneumonia while right time to do it. I have seen too many ling off their hundred-year-old com- Lady Tata, who was also on board, lost people cling to office beyond their use- all her jewels. They went down into the fulness to make the same mistake bottom of the sea along with Asia. . The Tata-Wadia association, how- icsign nui uiuy as a cnairman out aiso run control at Neville House, the com- . ever, endured over the years. Neville from the Board of Directors. ” Today pany’s headquarters in Bombay ’s Bal- _______ J pros ­ pered here in India in the last hundred years, there ’s no reason why they ing factories he added the New Bleach that house most of his company’s top executives .A few years ago, the Bom­ bay Dyeing employees received one of Two years before the mills’ cente- the rudest shocks in their lives. , Neville Wadia Rumour had it that the Wadias were decided to call it a day. His address to winding up operation ’s in India and pany. By the looks of it the storm has tided myself. I have therefore, decided to over and Nusli Wadia seems to be in resign not only as a chairman but also full control at Neville House, the spent most of his Sundays With J R D he has settled down in the village of lard Estate. If the Wadias have ing Club. He soloed in an old Tiger Moth biplane to earn his wings. Even­ tually he became a director in Air chairman of Texprocil (Textile Exports Tata learning flying at the Bombay Fly- Morcote, near Lugano in Switzerland. ''¦ ¦ ” Which brings us back to Nusli Wadia. By 30, Nusli Wadia became shouldn ’t stay on and become even big- ‘ ” ". 3 ger in the next hundred. Assuming that India, then a Tata enterprise, and was a Promotion Council) and stressed the the Wadia acumen for business is still passenger on the inaugural Bombay- need for exports. Insiders at Bombay alive, the future should be sipooth sail- London flight in 1948. When barely 25, Dyeing say that he ’s a rather “low pro- ing. So what if they don’t have ships he met Dina, the 17-year-old daughter file ” person and likes to operate from of the leader of the Muslim League and his cabin, not the shop floor. Under anymore. Reprinted with permission from Society, July 1984. '!• 77 Parsiana March 1985¦s' IN AAEAAORIAM I '‘3 As managing director of Bakhtawar * Construction Co Pvt Ltd, he has to his and needy of our Indian community, besides Freemasonic charities... Whenever, he visited installations of credit about 40 constructions in Bom- Died: Noshirwan Muluk Irani, 61, Lodges and also through newsletters, bay, including buildings like Gitanjali, president of the Iranian Zoroastrian he conveyed the message of service to Sherman, Meher Apartments, El Cid Anjuman and one of the leading beer mankind and promised to contribute and a couple of commercial buildings manufacturers and builders of Bombay his mite towards the worthy cause,” at Nariman Point, notes his life sketch, on January 30, 1985 at London follow- noted a resolution passed by the Fund He also constructed the multi-storeyed ing a cardiac failure. “He served the anjuman in one ca­ pacity or another for a period extend- 1985. He was the District Grand Mas- neer, Irani was educated at the Wadia ing 14 years. His qualities of head and ter of the District Grand Lodge of College, Poona, and Engineering Col- heart had endeared him among the Western India (Scottish constitution) lege, Karachi, and was a member of va- members of the anjuman, ” records a for the last nearly eight years. rious architectural bodies in Britain, resolution passed by the members of ‘ ‘ the general committee of the Iranian Irani was closely connected, marketed Zoroastrian Anjuman on February 8, popular brands of beer like London ses, of which 12 are currently racing 1985. “His ever willing desire to spare Pilsner, London Premium and London states the release. His Snow won the time from his business activities for the Diet, which are served in all five-star i(X)0 Guineas, and Enterprising the In­ benefit of the members of the commu- hotels and clubs of India. London dian Derby, last year. This year, Emi- nity will long be remembered. ..” Pilsner has won international awards As settlor and patron of the Scottish in the World Selection of Beer compe- Freemasonry Charities, a trust found­ ed in 1982, it was Irani ’s desire “to 1980; and London Diet won the 1984 Irani is survived by his wife Mehroo, start service activities and projects for International Award at Madrid, accor- and daughters Zeenia Sorab Lawyer the upliftment of the deserving poor ding to a press release. and Bakhtawar Bezan Chenoy. Iranian Anjuman president Freemasonic ¦ h 79 PaKiana March 1985 Raising Committee of the Scottish Aderbad building for Parsis at Khare- Freemasonry Charities on February 5, ghat Colony. A chartered civil engi- 1985. He was the District Grand Mas- The brewing industry with which America and India, the release adds. Irani was the owner of about 24 hor- nence won the 1000 Guineas and Reve ­ lation won the Oaks as well as the In- titions in 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 and dian Derby. 1980; and London Diet won the 1984 ¦s t One of the last races attended by Irani. (From left) Irani, daughters Zeenia and Bakhtawar stm-in-iaw Bezan Chenoy Desai: new dimension lo BPP ‘Strenuous innings' Died: Sapur Faredun Desai, 79, former secretary of the Bombay Parsi Puncha ­ yet for about three decades and author of five books on the Parsi community, on October 24, 1984 in Bombay fol­ lowing an attack of cerebral thrombo ­ sis. “Desai with his many splendoured personality, was one of the most popu­ lar, versatile and dedicated secretaries I J 1 A J! 1 1 1 I 1 s The Art Shop of Gallery Chemould Jehangir Art Gallery Bldg Bombay 400 023 Will solve your presentation problems if you are going abroad. We can give you a variety of the choicest handicrafts such as Pichwais (paintings on cloth) Warli paintings (tribal art) Laminated prints Gay cushion covers etc. of the Punchayet, which he had the pri- every Parsi who has read or will here- vilege to serve with conspicuous devo- after read it,’’ states the resolution, tion for nearly four decades, ” read the resolution passed in his memory at the ledge lightly ” said Jehan Daruwalla, meeting of the Board of Trustees 6f the ’ Editor of The Bombay Samachar, in Bombay Parsi Punchayet. “On the ad- his column “Parsi tari arsi ” of No- ministrative side, he gave a new dimen- vember 4, 1984. “He was one of the sion to the activities of the Puncha- most modest persons one came across yet,” the resolution added. andyet when it came to matters of his “It was a pleasure to work with conviction, he was bold and unwaver- Sapur. He was as firm in his opinions ing. .. The fact remains that after all as he was soft-voiced in speech, ” recal- the troubles and travails of life, the led former BPP chairman B.K. community today holds him in high Boman-Behram in the Bombay-based esteem. ” The Daily of November 13, 1984. “His concept of the Punchayet was not that staff of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet of a mere eleemosynary institution for on August 27, 1970, the valedictory ad- giving doles or providing cheap hous- dress noted, “By your easy accessibi- ing...he visualized the Punchayet as lity, genial temperament, unfailing the fulcrum of social welfare activi- courtesy and sympathetic understand ­ ties. .. He had often to contend with ing you have won for yourself the love his bosses —the trustees, the majority and esteem of your loyal staff... Par- of whom, then as now, were allergic to ting is always sad, particularly from new ideas or methods. ..” one who has been virtually wedded to After joining the Bombay Parsi Pun- the institution, but it would be wrong chayet in 1932, Desai took over the res- on our part if we forget that after such ponsibility of secretaryship in 1941. a long and strenuous innings of 38 During his tenure in office, Desai, of- years you too deserve some rest and ten with the assistance of his wife Teh- relaxation. .. ” mina, helped found the Fort Nursery and Infant School for poor Parsis, Sir mina, daughter Armaity and sop Xer- Cowasjee Jehangir Rural Boys’ Home xes. and the Jehangir Rural Girls ’ Home, Golvad, a Vocational Guidance Bu- Jamc trustee reau. Sir J.J. College of Commerce, B.N. Gamadia Technical Institute and the Godrej Memorial Printing Press. Desai assisted in the grant of agricul ­ tural relief to rural. Parsis of Gujarat and the evacuation of Parsi children from Bombay to Navsari during World ecutive magistrate and honorary me­ tropolitan magistrate by the Govern ­ ment of India in recognition of his Desai “wore his learning and know- At a touching farewell given by the Desai is survived by his wife Teh- Died: Rustom Phirozeshah Marzban, 73, chairman and managing trustee of the Jam-e-Jamshed Charity Funds on December 20, 1984 in Bombay follow­ ing a heart attack. Marzban was appointed special ex- AO. Parsiana March 1985 War II. In addition to his services to the Par ­ si community, for his various contribu- social activities for the Parsi and other tions to society in general, Desai was communities. He was a delegate of the conferred the honorary titles of Justice Parsi Matrimonial Court. of the Peace, Honorary Metropolitan Magistrate-Bombay for over 22 years. A science graduate from the Univer- Maneckji Cooper Education Trust, sity of Bombay, Desai ’s special inte- Marzban served as treasurer of the rests were social biography, demogra- B.D. Petit Parsee General Hospital in phy and anthropology. A Petit scholar and Ellis Prize holder of the University of Bombay in Avesta- stone College, Marzban joined Jam-e- Pahlavi and a gold medalist in the same Jamshed as director. He was editor of subjects from Sir CJNZ Madressa, the humour magazine, Gupsup. Navsari, Desai authored Parsis and Eugenics, A community at the Cross terested in freemasonry, music, car- Road, The Trust Secretary, B.D. Petit pentry, and mechanics. He was chair- Parsee General Hospital, and History man of the managing committee of the of the Parsi Punchayet, 1860-1960. WIAA Club. During his lifetime he The last book is considered his mag- had directed many plays, num opus, “which will greatly benefit Being interested in educational ac­ tivities, he was connected with the Bombay. After graduating froffT the Elphin- Marzban, a rotarian, was also in- He is survived by his wife, Mitha. 1