Apr 1985

i April 1985, Volume 7 No 10, Rs 2 z. In the event of nonavailability of full-fledged priests.. Parsiana publishes contents of the letters written by four Bombay High Priests in reply to a query from the Ahmednagar anjuman. I' i. V, _ _____ _____ __ _________ \ - - .. .. . , At the meeting of the Federation (of ticing priests, Zoroastrians throughout hands of our revered priests. As time Parsi Zoroastrian) Anjumans of India, priests are willing to become priests behdins, who are deeply interested in and hence this shortage has begun to our religion, (to be) paramobeds, to assist the priests and help bridge the gap between demand and supply. This project can be devised and installed on­ ly with the sanction and support of your highness and hence we would like to know whether it is possible to train navars, who are not (fully) qualified (priests) or behdins who are interested in priesthood, to be paramobeds cap­ able of performing ceremonies like jashan, geh-sarna, uthamna, afringan, farroxsM, stum, etc. We would also like your opinion as to what course of study should be recommended for such persons and whether such courses can be started at our athornan (madressas) and how soon. I hope you understand my senti- priests, specially in mofussil areas like show its ugly head over the horizon, If ments in writing this letter and wish our town of Ahmednagar. We have an this continues, we will be forced to you take up the matter seriously and adaran in Ahmednagar and we have till convert our adaran into a dadgah. With the decline In the number of prac- the moment fed the holy fire at the India and the world have felt the need passes, less and less of the children of a project has been suggested to (train) for trained behdins to officiate at cer­ tain ceremonies. In response to a letter written by Merwan B. Mehta of the Ahmednagar Parsi Anjuman to the High Priests of Bombay, seeking guidance on behdins performing religious ceremonies when mobeds are not available, Dastur Hor- mazdyar K. Mirza, Dastur Kaikhusroo . M. JamaspAsa, Dastur Firoze M. Kot- wal and Dastur Nowrooz D. Mino­ chehr-Homji replied, consenting to behdin participation at certain ceremo­ nies. __ Most respected and revered Dasturji 1 take this opportunity to write to you due to the constantly pressing need and an ever increasing shortage of Parsi S Clockwise from top left: JamaspAsa, Mirza, Minochehr-Homji, Kotwai urgently to enable our holy fires in 1mofussil areas to burn with pride and which may be followed at the right gan, farroxshi, geh-sarna, uthamna longevity. time: and praying before a corpse. MERWAN B. MEHTA Vice-President, Ahmednagar Parsi Anjuman December 3, 1984 Dear Mr Mehta time: •One can save the fire by employing a trained behdin or osta after announc­ ing publicly in the Parsi press for its ex- My dear Mr Merwan B. Mehta igency. One can first ask for a priest. If he is not available within a stipulated period, one can change the pattern •The ceremonies listed in your letter can be performed by behdins. The We are sorry for the delay in replying to your letter of December 3, 1984. We are keenly aware of the grave course of studies was recommended by situation facing the community regar- ® decade ago to the trustees, M.F. ding the nonavailability of good and Cama Athornan Institute, Cama efficient priests, especially in towns Bombay 400 and villages in India. In fact, this crisis will also be felt sooner or later in large cities. In the event of nonavailability of full-fledged priests, we see nothing wrong in well-versed laymen (behdins) performing minor ceremonies men­ tioned in your letter. Regarding the performance of ri­ tuals and prayers to be recited for dif­ ferent ceremonies, we are sure any priest, whether practicing or otherwise, will be able to guide your anjuman. KAIKHUSROO M. JAMASPASA HORMAZDYAR K. MIRZA January 3, 1985 Received your letter (December 3) and here are my brief replies: •WZC meeting in Bombay—January 10-13 will be discussing your point of enquiry. •This is becoming an acute Problem (with a capital P!) in old time Dharm ni tekdz—Navsari!—much less the mo­ fussil places like yours. __ __________________ ___ •In the U.S., this question of creating cipal, Mr K.S. Daruwalla, asking him lay-priests {Dih Moobad in Persian) me a decade ago to the trustees, M.F. Cama Athornan Institute, 058, when I was the principal. You may please write to the present prin- to send you a copy. This will give you (has arisen). They should learn Khor- an idea about the future course to be vesta prayers—^yoish^, taken by you and others who ex­ perience the same difficulty. It is always better to discuss the pro­ blem personally than to enter into a long drawn-out correspondence. F.M. KOrWAL December 22, 1984 When Parsiana contacted K.S. Daru­ walla, he regretted his inability to trace the earlier records. We then contacted , , Dastur Kotwal who explained that the ^^e text book recommendations made by him during his tenure as principal were considered Dear Mr Mehta “ >* theofficiatpr^rtyof the madre- ssa and hence he did not have a copy Thank you for your letter of December of the recommendations. He however 3, 1984. In the light of your letter I mentioned that behdins could partici- would like to make a few suggestions pate in prayers like geh, nyaish, afrin- and important Yashts (I-III-XI-XIII- XIV—Refer to these numbers in Kan- gaji’s Yasht-baa-Maani). Also afrin- gans, afrins-stum. •These prayers should be recited (with proper) intonation i.e. pronunciation, by a well-informed priest, knowing Avesta. •They should study the ritual and lis­ ten to the recitals (by) a good recitor; before them. •At least two to four lay priests must be trained in each mofussil place. tGeh-sarna is also necessary to be read with facility by such lay priests. Casset­ tes can be prepared. N.D. MINOCHEHR-HOMJl December 7, 1984 3 Parsiana April 1985 For a liberal point of view subscribe to KAISERBHIHD Fill out the application form and mail along with your payment to Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Bombay-400 001. Annual Subscription Rs.15. Cheques to be made in favour of Kaiser-E-Hind. Add Rs.4 for outstation cheques. ? 1 year subscription for Rs.15 ? Money order sent Send me NAME ADDRESS CITY ? 2 year subscription for Rs. 25 ? Cheque enclosed (sub + Rs. 4) ? Send first issue by V.P.P. STATE AND COUNTRY PIN CODEI READERS FORUM r Readers' views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. ration is being given by existing organi­ zations involved in such work. Surely, the glaring fact is that young men are cial beneficiary from this autonomous not joining the priesthood due to the project as Nargolwala has so wrongly lack of respect shown to them by the stated. community, the nonavailability of good education, very low income and other meagre incentives presently of­ fered to these young men. Had Nargolwala attended a public You have reproduced an article under talk at the Patkar Hall on January 16 the heading “Symbol of Aristocracy” 1985 titled ‘Mobeds — The Forgotten {Parsiana December 1984) in which a Few’ to which he was invited, he would reference is made to the Sir Cowasjee have been able to gain firsthand infor­ mation on: *The personal opinions of a number of permission on phone for reproduction priests who spoke and highlighted their of the said article and she was definite- problems and conditions. *The methodology and different samy pling techniques that I used to ascer- ing that, the article has been reproduc- tain the income level of the priests has- ed which has some factual mistakes ed both upon a geographical as well as and glaring inaccuracies especially the proportional representative basis. statement in bold letters “The Baronet- *He could have openly discussed the cy of Sir Cowasjee Jehangir stands alleged shortcomings of my survey as abolished by an Act of the Maharash- well as heard my response, thereby tra State Legislature.” A similar state­ allowing the public to decide about the ment when made in Mid-Day was duly accuracy of my findings. corrected in a subsequent issue of that *He would have also heard the inde- paper. pendent report of another research scholar, Hormazdyar S. Dalal from Jehangir was conferred by .his Majesty The Zoroastrian Community Develop- King Edward VII by Letters Patent and ment Institute, whose findings regard- it still continues and the Act of Maha- ing the income level of mobeds corro­ borated the findings of my research. Has Nargolwala done a professional cy Trust which has nothing to do with survey to justify his findings by way the title of baronetcy. of a published report, substantiated through proper techniques of data col- has been reproduced in total disregard _____ i of the wishes of the family and that too Furthermore, with regard to my pro- with such inexcusable misstatements. astrian Studies.” There is no question of Zoroastrian Studies being a finan- HL/.AN KHARAS Symbol of aristocracy Jehangir Baronetcy. In this connection your representative had sought our ly informed that the family did not ap­ prove of the suggestion. Notwithstand- The Baronetcy of Sir Cowasjee rashtra Legislature referred to in the article has only dealt with the Baronet- Funding the Federation I would like to clarify certain remarks lection? made by Peshotan Nargolwala at the Federation meeting in October 1984, and reported in ‘Funding the Federa­ tion ’ {Parsiana December 1984). Nargolwala appears to have referred to my report as “highly pessimistic” and‘“Such a report, if it goes into cir­ culation will hamper recruitment’ of young men into the cadre of full time mobeds.” It needs to be brought to the ¦ attention of your readers that my de­ tailed survey on the priestly class in Bombay was done under professional guidance. For a Masters thesis in Social Work from the University of Bombay, I can­ not be expected to‘window dress’and ________ gloss over these findings purely be- posal towards tne cost of training 15 article, the question of "seeking your cause some individuals prefer to beli- • • • eve erroneously, that generous amelio- 1 I I 5 Parsiana April 1985 I very much resent that the article SIR HlRJl JtHANGIR Thank you for your letter of February 13. It is unfortunate that there was an error in the Mid-Day article which was reproduced in Parsiana. We had struck out the paragraph containing the error but unfortunately due to an oversight the blurb remained. The error is regret­ ted. Your statement that we sought your “permission on phone for reproduc­ tion of the said article” is incorrect. As you do not hold the copyright for the mobeds he concludes “.. .50 percent permission does not arise, of which will be payment to Zoro- EDITOR i 1 r LI Q I TH H h m Parsis as can be seen from the Zoroastrian Community Development aave UGWaGa scneme following episode: a Hindu servant Institute, under whose umbrella this Because of its proximity to Bombay, its^ from Udwada working at the Delhi scheme would be developed, in coope- location by the sea in the Gujarati Parsi Anjuman Dharamshala informed ration with Noshir Horn! Dadrawala. speaking belt and its unpolluted atmOs- me that he recently bought a house in Those interested may write to: phere, Udwada offers the Bombay Udwada belonging to a Parsi at a very Save Udwada Scheme, Zoroastrian Parsis an ideal retreat away from the nominal price, adding that the owners Community Development Institute, noise and filth of a fast deteriorating weren’t really concerned about who Bisni Bldg, Top floor, Nanabhai Lane, city. There are Parsis in Bombay who lived in their house once they had mov- Hutatma Chowk, Bombay 400 023. feel more at home in Udwada than in ed out. This incident is not a rare one. aban bana the city of their birth and would gladly It has been observed time and again leave Bombay for good if Udwada that many Udwada Parsis tend to be ^ducfition in agriculture could provide a means of livelihood indifferent towards this problem. ® and school education. Many Parsis in Bombay are of the 1 shall be grateful if persons interested The Parsi population has dwindled opinion that Udwada has to be revived in agricultural, dairy or home science considerably, as is the case in many and developed by the Parsis for the education would contact the President­ towns and villages where Parsis have Parsis, the sooner the better. The topic Trustee, Allahabad Parsi Zoroastrian lived, and some of the houses and pro- has been under discussion before, by Anjuma at P.O. Agricultural Insti- perties which once belonged to Parsis various people with varying views, yet tute, Ahunabad, 211 007. are gradually falling into the hands of one can do little in one’s capacity as an non-Parsis, some even quite close to individual as this is clearly a matter of the fire temple. The reason for this concern for the entire community, Pniog trend is that many Bombay Parsis who which is why it is necessary to join would like to invest in a house in Ud- together in a movement in order to ge- Drugs, drugs are for mugs, Wada cannot pay as much as the non- nerate public interest and awareness '^ut do not nag Parsis can, whereas Parsis who are well among the Parsis. The movement Because there is a tag. off and can afford to pay are by and would have to be Bombay-based, first- When their minds wag large not interested. This no doubt ly because of the number of Parsis here They reel out gags, reflects the general tendency in our and secondly because the Udwada But these are all fads community, that affluence takes one community does not show enough er. Which we all have to peg away from one’s religious traditions, thusiasm. The very first time this ide. Before their minds sag. But again one cannot generalize about was put into words was during my con- rustom bilpodiwala non-Parsis making higher payments versation with Dr Jamshed Modi of the president, Bhopal Parsee Anjuman R.H. SAGAR Allahabad i Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B.Cursetjee's Sons (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. Darabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay - 400 038. * Grams: 'DEADWEIGHT' Phone: 260021 (4 Lines) (Dock Office: 262230) I I I 1 Telex: 5824 DBCB IN k ( Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kajcinada, Mangalore, Bhavnagar, Bedi-port, Navtakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla. Also sole Government Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhavnagar. i I I 7 Parsiana April 1985I Events and Personalities Human riohU award According to tne report, me euiior “A sum of Rs 29,34,267.53 was Human rignis awaru Today, Aroon Purie, read the spent on the construction of the The 1984 People’s Union for Civil citation for the award. He said that the memorial hall and office complex. Liberties_ India Today “Journalism recipient of the award, Anklesaria, had said trustee Dali Bhesania at the annual for Human Rights Award” has gone to Ms Shahnaz Anklesaria of The States­ man, March 25, 1985. The prize, which con­ sists of Rs 20,000 and a trophy, was awarded by the former Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, M.M. Ismail, Calcutta’s Olpadvala Hall at a function in Madras on March 23, the report further states. Presiding over the function. Justice structed Edulji Olpadvala Memoriaj Ismail said that investigation was a i:_” 52, C’’* -u—__j Dart of reporting and communicating which is expected to “generate a high tee of the Calcutta anjuman who with others. He complimented journa- According to the report, the editor of India Today, Aroon Purie, read the spent on devoted eight years to some of the most general ineeting of the Calcutta Zoro- ____ _________ important matters in the realm of notes the Indian Express of human rights, the condition of women, status of minorities and the environ­ mental conditions. astrian Community’s Religious and Charity Funds. He further stated that the assets of the Calcutta anjuman totalled Rs 51,33,322.54 and over the last year (1984) Rs 44,916 had been disbursed for sickness, rent and educa­ tion feesito deserving applicants, notes The Calcutta anjuman’s newly con- the report. ________________________ 1 After the customary jashan cere- Hall situated at 52, Chowringhee and mony, Ardeshir Batlivala, former trus- income and make funds available for served on the committee for 14 years, was felicitated, according to the lists for their excellent job in making the community’s prosperity” — accor- : , vv.......;.- ding to the Calcutta Gavashni of Octo- announcement by the trustees Dah them of ber-December, 1984 — was inaugu- Bhesania, Russi Anklesaria and Adi rated on January 20 this year. Rabadi. people aware of the atrocities commit­ ted on people by depriving tl— -S their rights, notes the report. music ihDifl »•' I**' *»¦ W‘ I i B '¦'i r I 4 f S' w At Ankl^ria: making people aware Right: Penaaz Masani bein^ presented her first bhajan long playing record “Bansi Bajaiya” by the chairman of Music India Limited Shashi Patel. (Background) composer Jaidev. •J 8 Parsiana April 1985 “¦ 5- iSS- l> ’ i I t w » L^i* I ¦ ’W'« fl 1AJANS r ‘ r'. 1& ‘Satelite’ (abovef was part of a collection of recent paintings by Shiavax Chavda (inset) exhibfted at the Bombay’s Taj Art Gallery from February 5 to II, 1985. Adi Bapuji Rabadi was elected, un­ animously and unopposed, trustee of the Calcutta Zoroastrian Community’s Religious and Charity Funds on Sep­ tember 5, 1984. He replaces Ardeshir Batlivala who did not seek reelection after completing 14 years as trustee, notes Calcutta Gavashni of July-Sept­ ember, 1984. Batiivala was instrumental in reduc­ ing the tenure of office of the trustees of the Calcutta anjuman. “Believing that the community would benefit from the infusion of new people at the head of its affairs, Batlivala suggested that trustees be elected for a seven-year term of office.. .(and).. .initiated the proceedings to amend the Deed of Trust which originally stated that trus­ tees were elected for life,” states the Calcutta Gavashni report. Fresh elections were due in February 1985 when Dr Russi Anklesaria com­ pleted his second term of office. Ac­ cording to the Deed of Trust,a Parsi, resident of Calcutta and at least 25 years of age is eligible for election as trustee. “The number of trustees shall be three but may be increased to a max­ imum of five by a unanimous resolu­ tion of all the trustees for the time be­ ing in office,” according to the Deed giving medicare, rations, suppiemen- League has organized several interest- of Trust. tary diet, school and college ^ucation ing functions for its members and for fees, clothes, etc, states a write-up on the community as a whole. Variety The Editorial Board of the Calcutta its activities in the July-September 1984 entertainment programs, elocution Gavashni, a quarterly publication, issue of the Calcutta Gavashni. contests, talent contests, television Rhoda Dastoor, Bachi Karkaria, Founded in 1936, the Mandal gra- games, quiz sessions, scavenger hunts. Noshir Wadia, Persees Antia and dually raised funds and constructed a picnics and excursions are within the Navaz Gherda appealed to the mem- three-storey building which presently orbit of this highly creative body,” bers of the Calcutta anjuman to air houses nine needy Parsi families, ac- states the report on its activities. “The their views;"GavasZi/j/ is a community cording to the report. Calcutta Parsee Youth League gives paper. It is not meant to be the ex­ clusive effort of the editorial board. If grams “provide an opportunity for groups and also caters to the needs of you have anything to say, from com- members to get together and help aug- the less fortunate members of our com­ menting on a controversy to telling us ment the Mandal’s funds. It maintains munity.” how to improve this quarterly, do... get in touch with (us).” Founded in 1936, the Mandal gra- The Mandal’s monthly social pro- donations to the needy, to charitable a library of Gujarati and English books and magazines. The Mandal actively Tomatoes, although out of season, joins other women’s organizations in were thrown at the stage while the third Burying pets of Parsi families in the extending help at the time of natural act of the naatak was in progress on the gardens of the Dokhma at Beliaghata calamities like floods, droughts, epide- evening of September 2, 1984, notes a has been sanctioned by the trustees of mics, etc.” letter of protest from the managing the Calcutta anjuman, states a notice committee of The Calcutta Parsee in Gavashni, July-September 1984. The Calcutta Parsee Youth League, Amateur Dramatic Club which was • “There is no charge involved for this, founded 45 years ago, “was formed published in the Calcutta Gavashni of However it is mandatory to put salt with the intention of bringing the July-September 1984. with the body so please carry approxi- youth of the community together by mately two to four kilos of it...’’the organizing activities ranging from for granted and few people of this notice clarifies. social and community service to func- community realize and appreciate what tions which promote the inherent this institute gives and has been giving The Calcutta Zoroastrian Stree Man- talents of our community ’’ notes a for the past 77 years to our commu- dal, having nearly 400 members on its box item in the Calcutta Gavashni of nity,” the committee members despair­ roll, helps “the needy Zoroastrians July-September 1984. ed. residing in and around Calcutta” by “From its inception in 1939, the “Every year for the past few years. This Club’s efforts have been taken “From its inception in 1939, the i J i 1 i; y j ' J Ji !i i i! ( 9 Par^ana AprH 1906r J.F. Daruwalla, motorman of the first electric suburban train which ran on February 3, 1925, between K T. and Kurla, received a memento and a cash award of Rs 500from N.C. Narasingham, chief electrical engineer of Central Railway, who visited the old couple at home to present the awards. Left:Ranina (centre) receiving award from V.S. Deshpande, former chief justice of Maharashtra. Ramesh Rathi (right) Marine Lines Jaycees president for 1984. Outstanding Young Person of the Khabardar ChOWk VllVI 111 170-/} 1.11V niiivuj/ iiwivu. After being elected trustee of the The memory of noted poet *^avi Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Ranina is the acting niembers of the club are quite used to paper darts made and World in 1985, the write-up notes, thrown at the stage and a lot of unruly * "*¦“ * ‘-j * behaviour and noise by the younger ‘gentlemen’ of our community... Voi- said to have resigned from three to ces of protest from more responsible four directorships to enable him to members of our community would in a spare time for Punchayet work. way eliminate the bedlam that prevails at the ncuitaks — and if ‘the show must Ncw contracts f OF Rustomji go on’ — let it be done by the acting members of the club and not a few One of Italy’s biggest and nwt PtesU- juveniles who attend the naataks." Ardeshir Khabardar who spent 18 years of his life in Dadar was honoured by a road junction being named after him. Kavi Ardeshir Khabardar Chowk which stands at the junction of Jam-e- Jamshed and Lady Jehangir Roads near the Muncherji Joshi Pars! Colony V.V __________ ___ at Dadar, was formally inaugurated on gious publishers Messrs La Spiga Edi- January 20, 1985 before a distinguish- zioni have decided to bring out as ed gathering of Parsis noted a report in many as 14 books coauthored by Bom- Jam-e-Jamshed of January 20,1985. _ “He had a store-house of poems in his heart and was also a religious scho- Ranina ‘outstanding’ For nytytanding services in the field of author M.K. Rustomji, notesa prws taxation and law, Homi P. Ranina, iviwwv. -- —- —,----- j j • • * i “the youngest director on the board of latest International Book Fair held in missioner and administrator, Jam- more than 20 companies, was award­ ed the Outstanding Young Person na­ tional award by the Indian Jaycees, notes a press release. The award which is presented to can- according to the release, didates under 40, was given to Ranina T ___ ________ 1 t-- - * ’ taxation and for contributing over 900 coauthor, the renowned management even today. • . 3. C. ri?’:'-:—, erection of Khabardar’s statue near the have recently signed this agreement Parsi Colony, according to the report, will! u.t Khabardar’s fervent wish to com- • Publications have also signed contracts plete before death his 750-page work for a considerable number of books titled A vesta Pahlavi Gat ha was fulfil- Parkinson for translation and publica- sixtieth year of life, recall^ Hormazd- tion in the Swedish, Dutch, Indonesian yar Dalal of the Zoroastrian Commu­ nity Development Institute- bay-based management consultant and release. This order originated at the lar,’’ said Bombay’s municipal com- - Frankfurt and is a world record as sheed Kanga whilst naming the chowk never before, has a major foreign pub- after Kavi Khabardar. lisher undertaken to publish as many as B.K. Boman-Behram, former Bom- 14 books on management at one time, bay Parsi Punchayet chairman said, “Khabardar was a great poet and his Federal Publications of Singapore, poems in English and Gujarati are in- who are the agents of Rustomji and his eluded in the B.A. and M.A. syllabi ..— -----------------1----------------------- He also proposed the for having written several books on articles in various newspapers and expert Dr C. Northcote Parkinson, magazines, notably the Financial Ex- I . _ press and Business World, in addition with the Italian publisher. Federal to shouldering the responsibility of r • ’ = -* directorship of more than 20 well- l»z. » --------------- ----------- - ------- . known limited companies, notes the written by Rustomji and Northcot? led when the book was published in his press release. The Indian Jaycees have also sent his nomination to the Inter­ national Jaycees who will select the and Thai languages, the report notes. IO fia/SM/v Aorr/ fS6S! I Sponsor sought Junior national cycling champion, Porus D. Jassawalla, who has been in­ vited to participate in the World Junior Cycling Championship to be held in July 1985 at Stuttgart, West Germany, needs a sponsor to help raise a mini­ mum of Rs 53,000. “My immediate . aim is to secure first place in the sprint event,” says the 17-year-old cyclist who has been invited by the Arthur Road Club, London, to train and com­ pete in their local and international events. “Jassawalla is a sprinter blessed with speed,” says noted sports writer John Castro in an article titled ‘Soon you’ll _ _________________ ____ _____ hear about him,’ in The Times Of In- **4* ' Jassawalla being helped by father Dinshttw. dia, December 2, 1984. “Bombay JasspwaUa and Khushi: successful cyclists. sprouts top cyclists every now and then. Adi Havewalla was so great. The spite of major injuries incurred during Malabar Hill Jaycees inter-school road Malcolms, father and son were pheno- the Inter-State Cycling Championships menal. Rustom Havewalla was one at Hyderabad in 1985 when he was hos- rare sprinter. The youngster shaping in pitalized, within four days of his fall he write-up in The Times Of India of the mould is Porus D. Jassawalla. You’ll soon hear about him. Maybe his nual Cycling Championship at the sister, Khushi Jassawalla might do bet- V.P. Stadium, Bombay, where he won Khushi race on the Bombay roads, ter.” five golds and four silvers. helped considerably by their father, Jassawalla’s determination to sue- Jassawalla’s sister, 13-year-old Khu- ceed is borne Out by the fact, that in shi’s maiden triumph was the 16 km 5 K !ji I I ! L w M.C. f V M-C.C 1 ¦ii' iil 1 Jt [ race held in March 1984, in a record time of 22 minutes, 02 seconds, notes a took part in the Maharashtra State An- March 12, 1984. By way of training, Porus and five golds and four silvers. Jassawalla’s sister, 13-year-old Khu- Dinshaw Kaikhushroo Jassawalla, who sets the pace on a scooter. MAZDA—with the British accent on leasing Over a decade of experience in the first year itself! Mazda’s own professional expertise coupled with over 13 years of experience of British Equipment (Leasing) Limited, UK, gives Mazda a definite advantage over all other leasing companies in India today. .CM mazPBijEasifiGLiMiTED IN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WITH BRITISH EQUIPMENT (LEASING) LIMITED, (UK) Registered Office: 317 Maker Chambel? V 221 Nariman Point, Bombay 400 021'. Tel: 243855 Telex: 011 6205 Grams. MAZDALEASE 11. Parsiana April 1965 1 :ji |! li 'll N y Ji : I! i 1I Marazban Patrawala MLA What does it take to be a Congress(l) member of the Maharashtra Legislature. Arnavaz S. Mama ! overflowed onto the landing^ elwte^young Congress(l) legislator the exorbitant delays in clearance of applications result in those ancient structures cross­ ing the thin line between repair and demolition, he says. A scheme for converting old tenan­ cies into ownership, with the consent of the landlord, is what he is workup n for the benefit of the upper middle l^asc rent that ths class, says Palrawala, About months’ rent could be the value tixw to effect the transfer, he notes, but the measure needs to be weighed for its im- on wealth and capital ^ns. , ¦¦‘Corresponding legislation would w aDDroach the required in tax laws ere this propos^ is . :+u o accepted,’’ notes Patrawala, mentton- qoverninent Wixn a ing also the need to set up citizens +ho+ Qvtra committees and holding pubUc hear- pla n t nat exxra • O jngs before such a measure can be con­ sidered. . . , Patrawala says he “promised people to move the government to abolish the TV tax in the state... 1 made represen­ tation. . .am happy it was accept^.’’ Patrawala considers the Parsis “a great community — one to be through­ ly proud of.’’ For “this micrcwcopic of Cuffe Parade are concerned about on ' __ i 1___ __ ' Government charges there. “The Gov- Marazban Pabawala, the nwly tiwuM e —---. from Colaba had been charg^ by the list of candidate for the electton to the PatraWalS IntGOdS tO patt Dnmhav KXiiniciiial Comorattou sche- “Coiivo^»»*»'—— required in tax laws ere this proposal is ... ___ .^1^ wtAMfiAn. with the initial formation of its Bombay Municip^ Corporation sche­ duled for April 25. The delegation questioned Pattawala’s rating of a pm- ticular ex-Councillor. AU those who had worked for the party had been in­ cluded, he said; those who had been elected were included he repeated; those who had worked harder were gi* ven a higher billing, ‘he noted. The harangue repeatedly see-sawed on predictable lines. There were oblique references to the Congress High Coiiunand. Undaunted Patrawa­ la noted he could see Rajiv whenever required and reminded his visitors that he had reached his preseiit position MLA on the basis of his own work within the organization — he was beholden to no one, he said. to a 1 Patrawala said, for me. I’ve _ the Chief Minister’s S’"-"7 Tousled hair, unshaven face, py- ’ of construction. For example, the the relentless pressures of pohticking. Patrawala’s day starts early - some- « «.es as early as 5 asn-^^e^^V - s^l^^Suie ayuc vrs J w. Patrawala spoke of his constttuen- plan that extra FSI ‘ be allotted for construction on lands which the community owns. gSSwriTSmSnS? o^lhcTher SSMTS the gt^em- wala said, “This boy has worked these Ough) Ileses t community owns. le. I’ve given him presence over backtra^ . the FSI were raised from 1.3 to 2 or ____'hief Minister’s nominee (who is -rovidina better amenities to the 2.3, every building (in the bangs, for not an active worker).’’ When the °^ P ttis while containing their ex- example) would be able to toke on two uf« dtsnersed after more than zopadpa_ _ nr thr<»e more floors on pillars, as has of ment with a plan that extra Floor Space two hours of sparring, mi. ” jam^ umler the tartan roU tesafiei » he "ot«. Boinba7Patsi Punetayet (BPP) had the relentless pressures of politicking. ¦ Jat«i hnii.es in the old Fort area, built the U Block in Cusrow Baug Patrawala’s day starts early — some- dilapidated houses in the a rates which the trustees dmTsTeariras 5 am. as the day in ^Ul apply will be r^sonable rates. For question, March 26 - and ends late, »h«^“%“„uTbe geared to this purpose -X:a"l‘'Tata"^evS; m&ybc 2 or 3 nm. . i-_ i:__« p«<.e CAmptimw; the dins Parsis like Naval Tata, facilities co-< dS?Xlications‘'’f8^s’t. SomeUmes the ding Parsis 12 Parsiana April 1985 I IA The adoption bill should not be made applicable to Parsis because it would create chaos in the day to day working of the community. 11 /1 he instructed the reservation clerk.) Founder convener of the National Students’ Union of India in 1970, Patrawala became general secretary of the Bombay Pradesh Youth Congress (I) Committee and the Mazagaon Dis­ trict Congress Committee of the BPCC (I) simultaneously in 1971-73, notes his biodata. In the 1972 state assembly elections the Congress party offered him the legislative assembly ticket from Wadia, the BPP trustees, Jehangir sis of the generation of 50 years ago Mazagaon which Patrawala says he Shroff, Parsi architects, civil engi- (achieved) because of certain social refused because he was doing his final neers, builders, chartered accountants, events in India,’’ a spin-off from LL.B, and intended to proceed to the financial experts and lawyers... Form British rule. “They were a preferred lot U.K. for postgraduate studies. While it into a very representative committee, (because) they took to western educa- in the U.K. doing his LL.M, and Mas- Such a committee was set up by the tion... they were a neutral community ter of Management Studies, Patrawala BPP when the A.H. Wadia Trust do- qua the British.’’ Even today, Patra- chaired the U.K. Indians’ Committee nated land for the Wadia Baug at Pa- wala notes, “Parsis are universally in support of Indira Gandhi’s policies rel. This is my specific task for the known.’’ and programs 1974-77. community.. .If the scheme comes Notary public and a constitutional When the time was ripe, when Indira through, I shall feel that I’ve done lawyer with an international practice Gandhi returned from the wilderness, something in return for my entire forei- that often takes him to Europe and Patrawala ploughed steadily ahead gn education (which was financed by) routinely to the high courts of Bom- from general secretary of the Bombay loan and gift scholarships from various bay, Ahmedabad, Patna, Lucknow, Regional Congress (I) Committee in Parsi trusts and foundations, notably Jabalpur, Srinagar, Cochin and Hyde- 1980-81 to member of the MPCC (I) the R.D. Sethna Trust, the A.H. Wa- rabad as well as the Supreme Court, executive committee in 1983, with dia Trust, the Sir Ness Wadia Founda- Patrawala is very largely an organiza- other organizational stints in between, tion.’’ tional man, weaned from university by Thus he could argue with his inquisi- The other task Patrawala has set the Congress (I). Even before he tors who questioned the choice of cer- himself on behalf of the community is graduated with honours in politics tain individuals on Patrawala’s list of to “see that the adoption bill is not from Wilson College, a meeting with Congress (I) candidates for the munici- made applicable to Parsis because it the charismatic Indira Gandhi had pal elections in fluent Hindi: “They would create chaos in the day-to-day fired his political ambition. have worked for the party organiza- working of the Parsi community. I don’t want the existing legal setup to be the Wilson College Students’ Union even over friends and relatives of big- made topsy-turvy by the introduction Council in 1970 — “note down, the wigs who do not have such a record.” of this legislation because, basically, an only chairman elected unanimously,” Notary public and a constitutional H !i 1 i ¦I Patrawala was elected chairman of tion, therefore they get precedence Says Patrawala, who celebrates the • adoption is in relation to bequeathing said Patrawala. He was also chairman first anniversary of his marriage to of one’s faihily name and properties at of the Bombay University Students’ Dinaz Mistry in April, “I got nine- a future date. This can still be done Council. Patrawala says for two years tenths of Parsi votes in Cusrow Baug from a Zoroastrian to a non-Zoroa- he “won the All India Inter-University for which I am grateful.. .As legisla- strian by means of a will. But the adop- debating trophy — write down, the on- tor, I will help any Parsi. I do not want tion bill will upset the social structure ly person to have won it twice.’’ to dabble in religious matters because I of the Parsis.’’ (While Parsiana wrote. Patrawala have not read religious scriptures and Patrawala does not believe the Parsis called Indium Airlines to ascertain his I’m not well-versed in social matters to of today are in any way inferior to number on the waiting list to Delhi, comment. These should be left to scho- those of earlier generations. “The Par- “Put MLA under my name. It helps,’’ lars of the Zoroastrian religion.’’ 13 Parsiana April 1985 ¦i ( I1 i What makes Tirandaz tick? i 1 ¦I Undaunted by five unsuccessful attempts at elective office, the candidate from Dadar will try again for a seat in the Bombay Municipal Corporation on April 25. Amavaz s. Mama “My heart has always been in the budget was six crores of rupees, notes Bombay Municipal Corporation, said Rustom Tirandaz as he prepared to fight the municipal elections due April Legislative Assembly elections—his man in charge was Kantilal Shah, a Gujarati. The Corporation was run by Maharashtrians. The Shiv Sena and Tirandaz, who ascribes this sad state to lack of accountability. “Today, the ----------- medical facility has become impossible Shah could not get along. The S iv llKiil me luuiiivipcu vivviiviij J V X JI 4-4 - _ 4.:------ --------------fz-k 25 1985. The recent defeat in the for the common man, he notes sadly. I «^daffv4> Aespmhiv elections—his When Tirandaz was chairman of the . , sixth attempt at elective office, five of health committee in 1974, all municipal the basis that in Bombay TB ^as gone them being unsuccessful — has not hospitals were made to incorporate lep- down! Refusing to sit by such folly, alloyed his^ood humour nor dimmed rosy and venereal disease (VD) treat- Tirandaz explained to^thc Municipa his ontimism "lent in their skin diseases wards. Conimissioner that the 3000 people The lithe figure with steady brown Before that the Ackworth Leprosy coming to the polluted atmosphere of eves the Wack beard ever so ^sparsely Home was the only place where leprosy Bombay everyday from a naturally Xted a^kWttedS cZfLefSmlJ could be diagnosed or treated. As for clean and healthy environment were salted, a Knitted sKuii cap iixcuiiriiuy iu^rnnt clinic at Bombay potential TB victims. The Commissio- atop, Tirandaz portrays a mixture of VD, one illkempt ciinic at nompay p_____ and high idealism and colloquial humour Central was the sole municipal centre who identifies himself as a rank com- munalist...” When interviewed on March 20, he was busy aiding the late bay’s citizenry. Darvish Irani’s son and daughter-in- law — both blind — who run a stall at Kemp’s Corner. The Iranis’ stall was in danger of demolition by the municipa­ lity and^irandaz was trying his best to help the blind couple save their busi­ ness. ing elected councillor) is to rationalize Simultaneously, TV and radio began to was agreeable to run under the Jan the objectives of the Bombay Munici­ pal Corporation,’’ says Tirandaz. Tak­ ing roads as an example, Tirandaz says there is no policy regarding their main­ tenance. Each of the utilities dig up roads at random, for, says Tirandaz, -—- ---------- -------------- - “How can there be coordination? They country held classes at the Bombay rate to do away with the electric stun- (the utilities and the municipality) Central clinic for doctors interested jn r „ _ don’t even have an annual meeting.’’ Indeed, notes Tirandaz, the mainten- between individual councillors and tKe relevant municipal department. “Not many people know how to dis- ------------ . - perse the funds of the Corporation (the The knowledge gave him the resolve to ed to be a councillor they passed the Ali, Jussdanwala — went to court. We won.’’ In March 1978, at the end of his ' • • ment in their skin diseases wards. The lithe figure with steady brown Before that the Ackworth Leprosy s Sena started a tirade against Shah to discontinue the beds at his hospital on ner saw the folly of the proposal and the axe was withheld — until after Tirandaz ceased to be councillor. When Tirandaz was 25* years old, for a disease which, according to Tirandaz, afflicts 25 percent of Bom- A survey of children in municipal G.K. Malvi, a very good personal primary schools had then revealed a friend, offered to sponsor him as a Jan leprosy incidence of 9:1000, says Sangh candidate. But Dr M.C. Bhil- Tirandaz. At the time the municipality podiwala was then the Congress candi- was spending a meagre Rs 10,000 per date from the same ward and Tirandaz year on leprosy. Tirandaz and his col- refused to fight a fellow Parsi. At a leagues were responsible for pushing later date when Bhilpodiwala was up the leprosy budget to Rs 10 lakhs, refused the Congress ticket, Tirandaz _ 7 1 be utilized to disseminate information Sangh banner. However, Tirandaz on leprosy, he notes. considers himself “a free thinker.’’ Ignorance about venereal disease is Says he, “When it comes to main country-wide says Tirandaz. Every issues, party mandates and disciplines Wednesday Dr B.A. Daruwalla, the are meaningless to me.’’For example, oldest qualified venereologist in tne the JS had promised its Muslim electo- _ _ I ning of animals before they’re slaugh- knowiiig more about this dread di- tered, a measure which reduces the ani- ______ sease. Though Tirandaz is no doctor, mals’ pain. Tirandaz noted, “I cannot ance of roads is an index to the rapport he asked permission to attend and was afford to perpetuate cruelty to animals appalled by what he learnt about the and live with myself. Until) was in the long-term effects of VD when it is in- Corporation, I didn’t allow them to differently or inadequately treated, pass that resolution. As soon as I ceas- - - - - - •” ¦’ ’ Corporation’7 budgrt fs currently fight in the"Corporation for better resolution. We — the SPCA, Salim about Rs 430 crores)’’ says Tirandaz. ------------ vzp For example, the health biidget is Rs 60 crores today, yet, the services have had 45(X) beds in Bombay city^,^ of deteriorated as compared to what it of- 1J32------- 1- 11- 2,, ’ , • v fered in the early ’70s when the health pital at Ghatkopar says Tirandaz. The sure of victory, postponed elections by facilities for its treatment. Tuberculosis, another dread killer. which 1500 were in the SarvodayaHos- elected term, the Congress being un- i 14 Parsiana April 1986II i I I ? 'I I r “There are 10,000 inhabitants in the Dadar Parsi colony. I’ve come across only three cases of drug addiction. In two cases I’ve helped them get off drugs... the glory of the community can never be dimmed by its weaknes- ses; its virtues are far in excess...” af­ firms Tirandaz and speaks of Shah­ rook Dhalla, Dinyar Panthaky and Mithoo Jessia who have revitalized the- Dadar Parsi Colony. While Tirandaz says he wears his cap most of the time, it has no religious When it connes to main issues, party mandates and disciplines are meaningless to me.' / / connotation for him. Once in 1973 having forgotten to remove his cap after a visit to a fire temple, he was assaulted by the Shiv Sena who stole it, Since then Tirandaz has worn his cap in a gesture of defiance. Tirandaz has a small electroplating Although Tirandaz lost by 4492 shop in Niagam .to which his brother votes (about 40,000 votes were cast in i----- six months. The Janata Party which prestige for the Congress,” he noted. was in opposition (of which the JS was i- ,__ „ ...... , . a constituent under the prevailing alii- votes (about 40,000 votes were cast in attends, while he concentrates on their ance) resigned saying they’d outlived the constituency), he has noticed a exports agency. As a merchant expor­ their term. Tirandaz refused to toe the clear pattern emerging in these electo- ter he deals in spices, soyabean meal, line because he felt he could not “leave ral frays. Initially he says, he is always machine tools and components, car- the Bombayman to the mercy of the leading; then, as the day wears on, the pets—exporting them to the UK, US Congress(I) and the Shiv Sena.” There tidings become bleaker and finally end and the Middle East. were 1300 items pending but with fill- in defeat. The first 70 booths cater to A weightlifting champion of Bom- bustering techniques, Tirandaz says he people living in buildings; the next 80 bay University (B.Sc. from Ruia Col- “let them pass only one item a day.” to people from the zopadpattis where, lege), Tirandaz confesses himself an The second time around he faced a a day earlier, generally such goodies as MCP (Male Chauvinist Pig) who refu- scheduled caste opponent named N.K. stainless steel items are distributed by ses to allow his wife Armaity to work Baria. A lot of Parsis assumed him to the Congress, notes Tirandaz. When professionally. However, shei^“hono- be a Parsi and the community vote was divided. On that occasion Tirandaz tide turns. was also confined to running his elec- ] tion campaign from his bed as a bad and power arrayed against him, Tiran- “We have a beautiful system. When I scooter accident had left him with an daz is undaunted. He does not com- win the election. I’m happy. When I injured liver. He lost by 199 votes. Speaking of the last foray when he content to pit his Quixotic mite against sons—Behram, Faredun and Darius was the Progressive Democratic Front it: “1 J . . _ the results from such areas come in, the rary physiotherapist to poor Parsis in need.” Although his family has been Despite this combination of wealth stoutly behind him, Tirandaz banters. plain about the system, being perfectly lose, my wife is happy.” Of their three I believe that right is always, are studying in standards X, VIl “ . and I respectively — Tirandaz says. Of Parsis, Tirandaz says stoutly, “My children should not hold me in “We’ll never be a schedule class, even awe. They should think of me as a if we are starving. The community has friend. It ever they’re in need, I would sponsored Bharatiya Janata Party might,” he says. candidate for the Legislature from ~ Matunga. assembly constituency and lost to Dr Subramanian, Tirandaz says he had"worked very hard getting the never been as glorious as it is today, want to help them.” zopadpattis water and phone connec- We still have the best lawyers, the best tions. In fact Congress(I) workers had doctors. Busybee is the finest humour hard work, thrift and honesty embed- complained to ward officers that there writer among Indian journalists. It’s ded in him, Tirandaz says, “All my will be no water connections available all doomsday soothsayers talking this wealth, that I’ll accumulate to my last to them to dole out. Ultimately, how- nonsense (about the decline in the qua- day, will be well begotten. I don’t sell eveir the contest became a matter of lity of the community)... my soul to anybody.” With solid Zoroastrian virtues of 15 Parsiana April 19iib J ( I ) 1 i 1 i J i ii I Social gathering of Parsi Elphinstonians A social gathering of Parsi Elphins­ tonians was held on Saturday even­ ing in the Nawab of Beyla’s bun­ galow at Grant Road, which had been kindly lent to them for the occasion. There were about 200 Elphinstonians present to inaugu­ rate the first of what is hoped to be a long series of annual gatherings to be held with the view of promoting mutual good feeling amongst ex-stu- A hundred years ago dents of the institution. The idea of holding these assemb­ lages originated with a few young Elphinstonians who have recently completed their college career, and who considered that re-unions of this kind would have a beneficial effect amongst the hundreds and thousands of those natives who have received their education at the Elphinston Institution. A committee consisting of Dadabhai Naoroji, Nowrozjee Furdoonjee, Sorabjee Shapoorjee Bengallee, P.M.Mehta and others, wasformed to give effect to the project. The younger mem­ bers of the committee, communi­ cated with some of the representa­ tive Elphinstonians of the Hindu and Mohamedan communities, but they did not appear to take to the move­ ment. A circular was then sent round, requesting the Parsi Elphins­ tonians to join, and about 200 of them expressed their willingness to enroll themselves on the list... Reprinted From The Times of India, October 27, 1984. ) fciftss The Friendly Gift Shop for ISirMttrtlXl rriciiuij aw. handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 253443 & 252730 Matrimonial Correspondence invited from Parsi/ ftani girl residing in U.S.A./U.K. or anywhere abroad, Age 18 to 25 years, for handsome Parsi youth, fair­ skinned, Age 24 years. Science Gra­ duate with Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science, 5 feet 11 inches tall, desiring to settle abroad. No dowry. Please write to: Mr P H Havewala, Flat No. 2, Buidling No. 25, Old Khareghat Colony, Hughes Road, Bombay 400 007, India. INMA’S FIRST PELLETRON PLANT The "Pelletron"—India's first charged particle accelerator- enclosed in a steel tank, 24 metres long, 6 metres in diameter and weighing 120 tonnes will be housed in a specially constructed building in the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research complex. The total CivH Engineering work has been entrusted to Shapoorji PaUonji & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.,—pioneers in the construction industry—and we are proud to be associated with this "historic event" for the country. 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 ejforts of many people.... I must, however, mention particularly the principal contractors, Messrs. Shapoorji Pallonji A 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! SHAPOORJ PALLONJ & CO. (PVT.) ITD. Engineers & Construction Contractors New India Centre, 17 Cooperage Road, Bonibay-400 039 India. Telex- 011 -2124; Tel.: 2026614,2020228,2020762 17 Parsiana April 1985f I, A splash of color Noble Paints' 50 years are marked by a series of innovations. “As a child, Jal Jamshedji was fasci­ nated with nature’s colors...and as­ pired to be a color chemist combining the aesthetics of color with science,’’ so notes an introduction to the story of Noble Paints issued on the occasion of the completion of fifty years since the founding of the firm by Jal Jamshedji. When import of paints was stopped at the time of Independence, Noble Paint and Varnish Company Private Limited, one of the few paint factories then in existence, received a boost to their production, notes the write-up. But Jalbhai the son of Jamshedji Hor- musji who worked in a solicitor’s firm stated, that while the market should be expanded, the quality of the products should not suffer. In recognition of their high-grad^ products, in 1952, the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad appointed Noble Paints “as suppliers of paints and distempers to him.’’ Thereafter the two succeeding Presidents, Dr S. Radhakrishnan in 1963 and Dr Zakii Hussain in 1967, also issued them war­ rants of appointment. Among Noble’s most successful in­ novations is their paint Fyretard which was commissioned for the Naval friga­ tes Udaygirl, Himgiri and Nilgiri, notes an article in the company’s house magazine, Noble's Tidings of 1975 which though presently irregular, they plan to revitalize during the coming years. After witnessing a demonstra­ tion arranged by Noble Paints when an attempt was made to set fire to a woo- den hut painted with Fyretard, the k chief fire officer of Bombay Fire Bri- B gade, A.B. Kulkarni, remarked in his ¦j letter of April 19, 1976, “They have convinced us that the quality of fire K||^ retarding paint manufactured by them is of high quality and is favourably comparable to the British st^mdards... The credit goes to Noble Paints for putting a lot of research and develop- ment efforts to produce such a paint.’’ J b IS Parsiana April 1985 [ s. ¦ SSMIPOfl* ’ '* * -1 ' '-''SHI 4 i -^4 WrH r ¦i"' ''5 I g S - !1 |j:: rNoble moves down when Jalbhai concentrated on Road Transport; Andhra Pradesh When Noble Paints was set up in 1934 paints, stated a spokesman of the com- Road Transport; Tamil Nadu Road as a small paint factory at Reay Road pany. In 1939 they shifted to a new fac- Transport and Karnataka State Road “Noble is there helping spread sweetness’’ stated Noble’s Tidings of March 1976 while priding over the fact I with five machines and 12 workers to tory at Lower Parel on a one acre plot Transport, make stiff paints, as stated in the com- of land arid by 1950 Noble had become pany hand-out it started as a partner­ ship between two brothers. When Jal- up adds. bhai bought over his brother’s share in ____ - , . the firm, he alone had to supervize all Company as trairiee in 1963 when he shtra had started using their Chlorcote, functions including marketing. The ae- was barely 20, is credited with the a synthetic rubber paint, which pro­ rated drinks factory, Plumol Waters, “diversification of the industry,’’ vides a protective coating to the sugar owned by the Jamshedjis -was closed notes the release. Heading a work force industry. A similar use of Chlorcote was found in the rayon industry to iri- g —----------------------------- --------------- crease the lifespan of its machines, as I Noble Paints was set mentioned m the 1975 issue of Noble’s up in 1934 as a small paint factory at R©ay Noble’sRustseelissaidto“givethecar complete under-body protection and is used by well-known service stations in Bombay, notes the October 1977 issue of Noble’s Tidings. The main strength of Noble’s pro­ ducts is known to be its washability. Presently they are working on a new ' of 90 employees, Dinyar was made development — a paint which will give 8 managing director in February this a pearly finish and which will appear Ji year. To meet the growing demand of brighter after each wash, explains f! its products from all quarters, in 1975 Nilouffer. Noble shifted to their new premises, occupying around 10 acres of land at Noble men i New Bombay, briefed Dinyar’s wife, Harmonious employer-employee rela- Nilouffer who takes a keen interest in tions ensure that an employee “once a ' the running of the company. To stren- Noble man, (will remain) always a No- gthen their market, depots were set up ble man’’ notes Noble’s Tidings of Il at Madras, Bangalore and Cochin, March 1976. With 80 percent of their states Noble’s Tidings of 1975. With machinery being imported, usually the steady expansion, Noble’s started ex­ porting their paints to the Middle East. a private limited company, the write- Jalbhar’s son Dinyar who joined the that at least 19 sugar mills in Mahara- •ij J* Road with five maehines and 12 workers. 1 i 1 ? I Clockwise from bottom left: J at Jamshedji (right) presenting prize to Noble’s chemist. Noble factory at Lower Parel before shifting to New Bombay. Dinyar Jamshedji., familiarizing Sir Richard Myyers, managing director of Coates’ Brothers with their New Bombay factory. 19 Par^iana April 1i)l£> Tidings. The anti-corrosive, rust preventive and sound absorbing compound. employees find no difficulty in hand­ ling the equipment. In certain depart­ ments like the synthetic resin depart- Noble products ment where there is a risk factor to Amongst their products, Polycote spe- health, it was Jalbhai who insisted that cial synthetic paint enamel deserves workers wear their masks when on du- mention for it earned the appreciation ty, explains Nilouffer. As a preventive of Dr. H.N. Sethna, then director of measure, workers in such departments the Engineering Group of the Atomic are also given extra dosage of milk, she Energy Establishment. “Only (Noble) adds. ... has satisfied the exacting demands Refering to the informal sociafstruc- pf our rigid specifications,’’Sethnasaid, ture at Noble Paints, the write-up notes Universal Basic Stainer (UBS), a that in the early days there used to be concept introduced in India for the regular staging of plays, musical pro- first time by Noble Paints, enables the grams, etc to Increase worker partici­ user to obtain the precise shade or col- pation. With Dinyar, a Rotarian, being or by mixing tinters miscible to any more inclined towards sports, the re­ paint, the company write-up indicates, cent trend has been for Noble Paints to Noble Paints was commissioned to sponsor cycle meets, karate competi- paint Bombay’s Nehru Planetarium tions. Road Safety Patrol projects, etc. with Nobstucco, and Mantralaya with In their pursuit of technological in- Nobcolite according to the 1977 issues novations and with their emphasis on of Noble’s Tidings. Dinlite was chosen diversification, the aim of Noble for use by Maharashtra State Road Paints “has always been to add colour Transport, Bombay; Uttar Pradesh and gaiety to Indian life’’says Jalbhai. Refering to the informal sociafstruc-