Jun 1985

I ¦¦¦ • June 1985 Volume 7 No 12, Rs 2 The ZAGNY split Iranian Zoroastrians in the Greater New York association have formed a separate organization. Porus Cooper There were hardly any Iranians at the ZAGNY dinner and few Parsis at iZA's. New Rochelle, N.Y. — Eight years ago that the late Arbab Rustam Guiv laun- group within ZAGNY,” says Dr Ros- an Iranian philanthropist put Parsi and ched his continent-wide experiment in tarn Sarfeh, the retired physician who a Iranian Zoroastrians together under Parsi-Iranian coexistence. The building decade ago introduced the Arbab to one roof here. Today they are still that houses the Darbe Mehr here was ZAGNY and now heads the Arbab under the same roof, but not all toge- purchased with a donation of about Guiv Trust in California. “They pro- ther. Dissident Iranian members of the $240,000 by the Arbab. It was the first bably want to hold lectures in Farsi,” Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) have left to form their own group. They call it the Ira­ nian Zoroastrian Association (IZA). The split was confirmed this March when th^ Iranians held their Nowroze dinner a week after ZAGNY’s. Atten­ dance at the two dinners suggests the entire Iranian membership of ZAGNY ,,he adds. But in a long phone conversa­ tion, he proceeds to contradict himself. The split, he avers, is the result of deep-seated grievances among the Ira­ nians.. . If so, the Parsi majority in ZAGNY seems to have badly underestimated the depth of the Iranians’ disgruntle- ment. “We just can’t imagine what’s — about a quarter of the total — has (behind) the idea of forming a new . shifted its loyalty to IZA. There were of several such contri^utiOBS made by association; we have tried our best to hardly any Iranians at the ZAGNY him to Zoroastrian communities in the be united,” says ZAGNY’s president, dinner and few Parsis at IZA’s. A truer United States and Canada, While the Ms Ivy Gandhi. est of the Iranians’ allegiance will Parsi-Iranian strife^ has long bedevilled She appears to be just as bewildered come with the next round of member- the ZortMistrian community in C^for- (he turn of events as the members of ship renewals in January. nia, ZAGNY had seemed to he iin- Z/iGNY whom she informed of the The event is of some moment to the mune from it, splitletter this March. The Iranians, Zoroastrian community in North Ame- The fuat reaction, therefore, of sevc- reveled, had started functioning p rica. ZAGNY is one of the largest and ral of those interviewed is disbelief at separately as early as May last year^ f __ X ________x_?___ ________ __________ __ JI__5 saw ____«____ • . •«« The first rt^tion, thereforc, of she revealed, had started functioning oldest Zoroastrian organizations on the division.”! thinkthere’s no split.., though presumably stillas members of this continent. It was with ZAGNY My opinion is that this (the IZA) is a ZAGNY. Atended the IZA’s Nowroze dinner. He­ matti says Parsis are welcome to join lent feelings about the rift are Shahriar his organization. ____ _____ .j The Patel-Hematti relationship per- ves for the Iranians’ departure. Khoda- is the chairmai^of the Arbab Rustam sonifies the general complexity of (he _ _____.......... _ _________ “ ’ .......... ' Parsi-lranian estrangement. Perhaps of the dissidents, accuses the Parsi ma- governs the Darbe Mehr in New Ro- only an expert social psychologist can ___________ ____ - - -- ... . . 1.1- 1--, rnake full sense of what has happened. of “mismanagpment’’ and unresponsi- fellow-Iranians, but hopes to persuade while the division between the Iranians veness. But cultural differences, them to return to ZAGNY. Sarfeh is and Parsis is clear to see, less distinct magnified by personal incompatibility, based in California, where the Arbab’s are the cracks running on either side of appear to have been the true catalyst aging widow lives. He too sympathizes the main rift. for the split. —- ---------------- —---------------- -— Patel suggests the split could have Hematti, a 56-year-old oil industry '' DPSDlte OUT averted if the Parsis whosucceed- executive in New York, is held by many ed him on the ZAGNY board had been to be the moving spirit behind the Ira- r6D69tG(J UttOrSHCGS ’ess confrontational. Hematti is incens- nian exodus, though he refuses to . u i ’ edwhen asked if he would heed Me- claim that distinction. On the contrary, 00 UHlty, tu© ^90190 rabi and return to ZAGNY. “Who the he says, he was long criticized by his o+ill rin anything?’’ he ^ks. fellow-Iranians for “compromising Z-OlOGSirianb ollll UU Hematti similarly dismisses Sarfeh s too much” with the Parsi board mem­ bers. But it is Hematti’s four-year tenure oh the ZAGNY board that forms the bulk of the dissidents’ case. His list of complaints ranges from poor accoun­ ting procedures to unpalatable food at most of the Iranians’ grievances widen it ZAGNY events. He is also bitter about seeks a reconciliation. an episode in which he was first pro- shj of*ZAGNY’s finance committee, sophles of these principals. ^Hematti ZAGNY’s election for vice-president of ZAGNY as a business. ZAGNY’s financial ma- left him equally bitter. He denies it. nagement, he says, has been “naive.” , - u Ivy Gandhi, 40, a substitute teacher For example he points to a ZAGNY for the money. “We (Iranians) have bers),” says Hematti. The Darbe Mehr, he reminds, was purchased with management (at least while he was the Iranian money. “ZAGNY is one te- association’s At some point since, the rift soiidi- Two with influential positions in the fied. The IZA was born. It appoints Zoroastrian community and ambiya- office-bearers and collects dues. I ” - Interviews reveal a variety of moti- Merabi and Rostam Sarfeh. Dr Merabi rahm Hematti, the best known leader Guiv Temple^ Trust, which offici^ly O1 viic awwovo v**v * uiui ***** ^xz »^***lj ---------------- — _ . __ jority on ZAGNY’s board of directors chelle. He says his heart is with his C. ......------ o------- ------------ - - O r u • veness. But cultural differences, them to return to ZAGNY. Sarfeh is magnified by personal incompatibility, based in California, where the Arbab s At some point since, the rift soiidi- Despite our repeated utterances on unity, the Iranian Zoroastrians still do / / 1 'I 'S imrlorctand thpir unity efforts. The two. he says, are > not unaersiana ineir ^^e control of the mam Ar- Parsi compatriots and vice versa. / / bab Rustam Guiv Trust and have per­ sonal axes to grind. The practical consequences of the split, in the meantime, are working to The Darbe Mehr here, which bears the Arbab’s name, is leased to ZAGNY. Now the IZA is challenging an episode in which he was first pro- A diagnosis of the split would be in- mised and then denied the chairman- complete if it omits the personal philo- ------- ship of ZAGNY’s finance committee, sophies of these principals. Hematti ZAGNY’s exclusive hold on the Others suggest his defeat in last year’s says religion must be run as efficiently building. ZAGNY expects IZA to pay ------ ------ - ........ ............ -1— for its use of the hall for Nowroze; IZA says ZAGNY needn’t hold its breath 4 left him equally bitter. He denies it. concedes the finance committee ap- loan to the financially strapped A paid^dues for jnem- pointment could have been handled Quest for Zarathushtra film project. better, but stoutly denies the group’s mnrpHino anv mi; affairs are mismanaged. Backing Hematti is Esfandiar Anou- shiravani, a 32-year-old engineer from represent the general Parsi outlook on Philadelphia, who claims his short running volunteer org^zationj such tenure on the ZAGNY board was a dist - illusioning experience. According to Hematti, Anoushiravani is the presi- d«it of the IZA. Anoushiravani pre- a cost accountant, but unlike Hematti fers to describe the new group’s leader­ ship as collegial. Framroze “Freddy’’ Patel, 50, a ------------ past president of ZAGNY, heads a I have spent on this program,’’ he says which ZAGNY has a large say to a re­ religious education project that is ap- of his leadership of theScouts religious cently created foundation in New York proved by the Boy Scouts of America education project. which too bears the Arbab’s name but and roundly criticized by Hematti. Hematti accuses the project of be- in which ZAGNY may not be as in- Patel expresses dismay at the criticism coming “a government within a go- fluential. of a prngram he considers one of vernment.’’ It collects money in Also, while spokesmen on both sides ZAGNY’s most successful. He is sup- ZAGNY’s name, he says? why won’t it hope they can find ways to shme the ported by Dr Kaikhosrov Irani, who ask ZAGNY’s permission to spend it? Darbe Mehr, nobody entirely rules out teaches philosophy at New York’s City Patel cannot understand why Hematti the possibility of scheduling conflirts. College and is a member of the would insist on having him go .to the Eventually, too, they will have to ae- ZAGNY board. Over the years Irani ZAGNY board for authorization of ^id® .how to share the costs of the has come to play the-role of philoso- every expense no matter how little. pher-guide to the community, esteem- With all that, Patel claims to be on cor­ ed by many, Iranians as well as Parsis. v/ith Patel, while not conceding any mis­ president), seems to nant (of the Darbe Mehr),” he adds, . —1. —I want to be another.” 1 So far, ZAGNY has not insisted on as ZAGNY. Trustworthiness, dedica- collecting the $101 rental from IZA, tion, financial sacrifice are some of the avoiding a potentially explosive con- attributes he prizes in himself. Patel is frontation. Meanwhile, whether coincidoitally 1 ¦ t doesn’t take his cue from his profes- or as a side effect of the rift, the Guiv 4 sion. “If you see my checkbook you Trust is seeking to transfer legal owrter- will see how much (of my own) money ship of_the_Darbe Mehr from a trust in 1 nave spent Ull UllS piVJJKUll, aiv niuvn X ---- ----------- ‘ of his leadership of theScouts religious cently created foundation in New York Hematti accuses the project of be­ lt collects money in a member of the would insist on having him go .to the Eventually, too, they will have to dc- building’s upkeep. ,,.... .w. __ _________________ It is considerably easiei to ascertain dial tCTmT^th H^atti. Patel even at- how the fabric unraveled than why. 2 Parsiana June 198SThe dispute had been rumored in the thoughts about the Iranians’ intentions Hematti on his board, does recall hav- community at least since late 1984, but began to trouble the board. ing “a very pleasant relationship” with Its seeds were planted much earlier. In a letter to the ZAGNY member­ ship dated March 24, 1984, Hematti, ____________ _ then a ZAGNY board member, listed ZAGNY, whether their meetTngs were his complaints and offered solutions, i. Z ,2. \ ____________ _ Hematti says his letter, distributed at whether they informed all ZAGNY last year’s Nowroze and general body members of their meetings, meeting, received scant attention then. ¦ It has since become the manifesto of the Iranian dissidents. One fateful paragraph in it: “Despi- wci. nviuaiu, uuui a luciiiucr oi me or cnarges: tack of accountability on te our repeated utterances on unity, the ZAGNY board and a convener of the expenses, delay in repairs to the Darbe Iranian Zoroastrians still do not i _ _j ____ .22... understand their Parsi compatriots and thly ZAGNY board meetings from De- significant ' LJ t r* r- z** 11 «* a a t- T I >4 zx ...... 1_ 4 <^<*1 .J TT_ II a In a letter to the IZA in October him. If so the cordiality ended with 1984, the board wanted to know if Patel’s departure. Patel was succeeded IZA’s members were also members of as president by Faroke Gandhi, and ‘ . Gandhi by his wife Ivy for the current' open to all ZAGNY members, and two-year term. “I think he (Hematti) just could not work with the Gandhis,” Patel says, “To this,” Gandhi wrote, “no reply But Hematti denies personal differen- was received.” ces played any part in his leaving An indirect reply was received how- ZAGNY. Instead, he presents a litany ever. Hematti, both a member of the of charges: lack of accountability riew group, stopped attending the mon- Mehr building, neglect ’ of festivals - - - ------------ --------- 1 to Iranians, excessive vice versa. His solution: Hold a cember 1984. Hematti tells Parsiana he autonomy for the religious education “round table” meetmg periodically to has abandoned his position on the project linked to the Boy Scouts of ParMS, he added, could help by learn- ordinary member of ZAGNY. a board member’s son who didn’t me- Hematti alone of the Iranians served rit it, and squandering of money on “It’s not a question of somebody poc- - ------------------ ------------ - .— HI. iiivriivj, iiv aays ui me part, Hematti claims to have restrained $10,000 loan made to the moviemaker, separatist sentiment among his fellow “They were foolish enough to put their Iranians rather than instigated it. “I own money in it.” What galls him was the only Iranian who got along more, he says, is that the filmmakers hosphalized and missed several board board),” he says. " Yetspeaklng o'i?th^phone from his ¦ -------J Patel, who as ZAGNY president put New York home, Hematti dropped compose the cultural differences. The board though for now he remains an America, the award of a scholarship to pQrcic Ko ozmi M kotva ___ ______ i___ a .... ! aiviit me iiaiiiitiis 5CIVCU Hl u, aoo squanoenng ot money on In her letter — mailed to members longest on the ZAGNY board. He join- the film A Quest for Zarathushtra. this March — Gandhi said a group of ed it as a co-opted member in 1981. m omueuvuy uue- Iranians had held a meeting at the Now he is its loudest critic. For his keting the money,” he says of the Dybe Mehr on May 20, 1984 and “re- part, Hematti claims to have restrained $10,000 loan made to the moviematpr solved to form a body.” At first, says Gandhi, the ZAGNY board was assured the new group was ______ ___ ___ ______ _ , iiimuiaR.cis part ot ZAGNY. That July, she was well with them (the Parsis on the were allowed an extension on the loan hospitalized and missed several board board),” he says. Yet speaking on the phone from his meetings. Upon her return, second Patel, who as ZAGNY president out New York home Hematti dronn^d 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. s CN I fflflZDfllCaSMIGLlMlTED IN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WITH BRITISH EQUIPMENT (LEASING) LIMITED, (UK) Registered Office: 317 Maker Chambers V 221 Nariman Point, Bombay 400 021. Tel: 243855 Telex: 011 6205 Crams: MAZDALEASE 3 Parsiana June 198bt enough hints to sustain Patel’s claim Dastur Minochehr-Homji, who was found Parsis and Iranians on opposite that clashing personalities had at least visiting from India and whose schedule sides of the controversy, the Iranians sharpened the differences in culture couldn’t be changed. She remembers favoring it and the Parsis opposing it. and management philosophy. receiving an angry phone call from Some, like Sarfeh, profess to be Several times, Hematti referred to Hematti on that occasion. (Hematti caught in the middle, their loyalties ' his opponents on the ZAGNY board as recalls making no such call; he in turn divided. On the one hand he calls (the “the New Jersey Mafia.” a reference says board meetings were often marked split) “a terrible mistake,” on the to their residence in the state of New by tension and shouting). other he reveals that he has sent his Jersey; often he chided them for being “ZAGNY has made every possible dues to the Iranian group even as he unduly sensitive to criticism. “If I said attempt to have one association for all remains a member of ZAGNY. a book was missing from the library, Zoroastrians,” says Gandhi, her voice “Unfortunately,” he says, “the Par­ sis have a poor opinion of the (Iranian) “ZAGNY has made every possible dues to the Iranian group even as he I I While Parsi-lranian strife has long bedevilled the Zoroastrian connnnunity in California, ZAGNY had seenned to be immune from it. Zoroastrians,” says Gandhi, her voice charged with emotion. “We are still proud to be an association of all Zoroastrians. .These are not the same Zoroastrians.” She dismisses most of Iranians who clean tables in Bombay Hematti’s charges as pretexts to justify chaikhanas. These Iranians are highly a split. In that she is largely supported by past president Patel as well as Irani. Patel, who is chairman of ZAGNY’s westerners, and above other orientals. Boy Scouts-affiliated “Good Life Em- What form this superiority complex blem” project for religious education, took with regard to the Iranian Zoroa- stoutly defends it. It is the only self- strians he won’t explain, but asserts: sustained ZAGNY activity, he says. Having long ago returned the seed "Anno \/ni i aro money it had borrowed from ZAGNY, y G, U d 11; it has since contributed to the group’s cUsaffGCtGCl VOU general funds. ' As for Hematti’s charge that the begin tO find TGaSOnS ‘rxiit nrAffram cnont lYiAnisi, iintViAnt to be disaffected. educated.” The Parsis, he says, were taught by the British to feel inferior towards / ! f I Someone would say, “1 aidn’t steal it.’” j The ZAGNY newsletter, he said at Scout program spent money without one point, has become a "Gandhi- the board’s authority, Patel says the Namah," a vehicle of self-promotion objection was not ignored. The project for the ZAGNY president. He wished is now permitted to spend only up to it to be used for intellectual discussion. $200 without the board’s prior authori- On the subject of the finance com- ty, he says, and most often it spends deeply hurt.” mittee chairmanship, he accuses Ivy far less. “The program is working. “ Gandhi of double-crossing him. Gan- What is his point now?” he asks, dhi admits the board majority had ac­ cepted Hematti’s request at its reorga- scout program, he says, has been of the ZAGNY board and compose his nization meeting but later changed its “widely praised.” As for the ZAGNY differences with them. Hematti declin- mind and appointed the treasurer to accounts “I am not a specialist in ac- head the finance panel “since (the counts, I do not look at the accounts, treasurer) handles all the ZAGNY ac- but at no time have I felt there was counts.” But she says Hematti was re- anything wrong with the accounts,” he ZAGNY should not be used for other tained as a member of the finance com- says. purposes, he agrees. And he concurs mittee and had as much access to the r * financial records as the head of the Hematti for walking out on ZAGNY deserved a larger say in ZAGNY’s af- panel. She cannot fathom the depth of — and the critics are not all Parsis —- fairs because it was Iranian money that Hematti’s discontent. concede that the differences between bought the Darbe Mehr. Gandhi simply rejects • Hematti’s the Iranians and the Parsis had always “Why did they not elect Hematti to other charges. The loan to the movie run deeper than the optimists would be vice-president? Why? I ask you, project, she says, was approved by a see. why?” Sarfeh says, “You have to .give vote of ZAGNY’s general body — be- At ZAGNY events, the English-and democracy a little exception,” If a ma- • fore she became president. Accounts Gujarati-speaking Parsis and the main- jority vote decided everything, he re- are scrupulously kept. The award of a ly Farsi-speaking Iranians quickly gra- marks, the Iranian minority would be scholarship to the board member’s son vitated to their own kind. The ZAGNY “swept away.” was not improper — “(The boy) had newsletter complimented the meal serv- rendered a lot of service to the com­ munity.” As for neglecting Iranian festivals, Iranians “sick.” Patel noted that (in minds. Hematti gives it short shrift, as she recalls a misunderstanding only on regard to disposal of the dead) one side does Irani. “There are innumerable one occasion. A Meher-Gan jashan was for burial, the other for cremation. Parsis,” Irani says. “When ydu have a scheduled by the Iranis was postponed With notable exceptions, the navjote generalization of this kind... by a day to accommodate’a talk by of the American, Joseph Peterson wouldn’t put much store by it.” He- t t “Don’t think that these fellows have split for the fun of it. They have been Even so, while on a visit to New York in March, Sarfeh is said to have Irani reflects Patel’s irritation. The begged Hematti to meet with members ed. Then again, Sarfeh echoes many of Hematti’s chief complaints: The an­ nual repair grant from the Guiv trust to says. But even some who are critical of with Hematti that the Iranian minority see. 1 At ZAGNY events, the English-and democracy a little exception,’’ If a ma- It’s impossible to estimate how clo- ed on one occasion. Hematti said ac- sely Sarfeh’s analysis approximates tually that day’s food had made many reality, for that would require reading I 5 Parstana June 1985 i i i i ! I !( It’s“hard work ” to stay united matti insists there’s nothing personal in his decision to quit ZAGNY. Sarfeh himself adds that the Iranians as well suffer from a persecution com­ plex. It’s the result, he says, of second- class status in Muslim-dominated Iran. Two years ago the Parsi majority If things are going wrong in New York, and sign up. These members then elect had readily agreed to ensure that there they are going right in Chicago. The the office-bearers and divide into would be at least three Iranians on the Zoroastrian community there is about ZAGNY board, co-opting them if they a third smaller — about 100 families — ...... ................. ............. .......... failed to win the election. Even before but the ratio of Iranians to Parsis is large board — up to 24 members at one that, Patel says, he sought to include about the same as in New York, about Iranians on the board. He found He- 1 to 4. Several times in the course of in- matti. t ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ' ¦ Z _Z _ But three is still a minority on a story, the name Rohinton Rivetna __ , board that numbers 11. It’s possible, cropped up. Rivetna, 50, is the presi- things off their chest.” Iranians were alienated by the rejection dent of the Zoroastrian Association of of Hematti in a general vote. Then Metropolitan Chicago. “That Rivetna, various committees. This system makes for an unusually time, though the number has come down to about 14. And that sometimes terviewing subjects for the ZAGNY makes for long-winded board meet- 1 ings. But, Rivetna says, ‘‘people get Members of the community meet ----- . once a month at the Darbe Mehr to again, it would hardly be an equitable God bless him,” said one, “is doing mingle, hear guest speakers, discuss solution to turn the large Parsi majori- wonderful things.”-----------------------------community concerns and have lunch, ty in the ZAGNY membership into an Among the wonderful things is a A “host” family usually prepares lun- artiHcially small majority on the Darbe Mehr. The structure, much ac- ch. The meal is Parsi if the host is Parsi ZAGNY board. Irani says of Hemat- claimed in the community everywhere, and Iranian if the host is Iranian, ti’s charges, “Once you are disaf- was completed two years ago. It cost There are occasional gripes about the fected, you begin to find reasons to be about $300,000, about half of that food, Rivetna says, but neither food disaffected. amount coming from the Arbab Guiv nor language has been divisive It would have been not only unde- Trust and the rest raised by the ____________ __________ mocratic but also illegal, Irani says, for Chicago community. Members of the in strength only on the occasion of a tax-exempt group like ZAGNY to community contributed their time and Nowroze, the activists among them are have discouraged someone from runn- talents as well as their money to the ‘‘always looking to the group as a ing against Hematti or reserved an of- project. For example, Rivetna, an engi- whole,” says Rivetna. In fact their ficial post for him. The Parsi majority, neer, himself drew up the blueprint for first president was an Iranian Irani suggests, went as far as it legally the building. Individual Parsis- and Iranians also could to provide representation to the Perhaps it is the united effort that invite each other to their homes. “I’ve Iranians. the Darbe Mehr project required, that told my wife, whenever there is a func- As for the future, the philosopher has made the Chicago community — tion, to be sure to call a couple of Ira Irani expects passions to cool with the Iranians as well as Parsis — as close- hian members,” says Rivetna. passageof time. “Tome,” he says, “it knit as it is. “Our people are our When the Peterson navjote threaten- is a relatively trivial matter.” If any- strength,” Rivetna says. But even he ed to disrupt the community’s har- thing concerns him,it is that publicity acknowledges that their unity is no ac- mony — two of the priests who per- for the quarrel will overshadow the lec- cident. In fact, he says, it’s “hard formed the navjote are Chicagoans__ tures, discussions and other “wor- work” to stay united. the association called a meeting .and thwhile” activities ZAGNY. “We have to face the fact that there allowed everyone to speak his mind. On the other hand, the example of are differences culturally,” says Rivet- ‘‘That was it,” says Rivetna. “Since California, where Iranians and Parsis na.“We try to play them down because then there has been no discussion of have remained in separate groups, sug- they are transient. The next generation the matter.” The furor over the nav gests the rift in the New York area will have fewer differences. We always, jote led the New York group to draw won’t heal quickly. The California remind ourselves that it’s a short up guidelines for the future. No such dispute as well began as a personality period of time we have (to be concern- pressure was applied on leaders of the conflict. The prospect of a permanent ed about). The future will take care of Chicago association. While individuals separation, Gandhi says, deeply trou- itself.” He is keen to have the youth disagreed, as a group the Chicagoans bles her. Hematti, however, holds out take over the affairs of the association apparently reached a silent consensus the faint hope that a reconciliation is as soon as they are ready. that each future case would be dif- . possible if a board, acceptable to the That philosophy is backed up by or- ferent. Iranians, takes charge of ZAGNY. The ganizational shrewdness. The group’s Above all, a collective learning pro­ next board election is scheduled to take office-bearers are not picked in general cess is kept alive. Rivetna: “When we place at Nowroze next year. elections, which in the past had caused heard of (the problems in) New York, “ugliness” and discouraged the losers, we reassured ourselves that we were all I Porus Cooper is an award winning edi- Instead, anyone who wishes to serve on together. We decided to discuss our torial writer for The Courier-Post in the board has merely to certify that he problems openly before they mush* ' New Jersey. He has written for Par- has read the association’s constitution roomed into something big.” siana on several important occasions on an honorary basis. _____ ______ _ ________ _______________________________________________ While the Iranians seem to come out work” to stay united. (¦ ...... “We have to face the fact that there allowed everyone to speak his mind. ¦*> JJffdronnac r«iilfi««*ot] Above all, a collective learning pro- , 7 Parstana June 1985 I ! I, li I I iI ? 1 I Events and Personalities Medical items on loan An appeal to all members to donate Suburban Zoroastrian Association (BSZA) states their May newsletter, newspapers so that their sale can aug- The association has been examining the ment the much needed resources of the A. new service offered by the Parsi The association has been examining the ment the much needed resources of the Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad possibility of shifting a sacred fire to association has been made. “We shall and Hyderabad (PZASH) is the free the suburb for sometime. also appreciate if sale proceeds of loan of hospital furnishings such as The association’s committee has newspapers are directly handed over to beds, gas cylinders, bedpans, saline been unanimously reconstituted. The us by members,” the newsletter adds, drip sets and so on, notes the PZASH new office-bearers are: Ms D.H. Mino- Scholarships in the names of foun- newsletter of April 1985. Sixteen items have been ‘graciously’ president. Noshir Paghdiwalla, hono- Mulla are given every year to Higher loaned to the anjuman by former trus- rary secretary, Ms Freny Siganporia Secondary Course (H.S.C.) students tee. Dr Minocher Parakh. The items and Bomi Umrigar, joint secretaries, who have secured the highest marks in will be stored at the anjuman office Yezdi B. Motivala, treasurer and com- . — . . and will be loaned for emergencies, mittee members, Dhunjisha Variava The honorary secretary of the anjuman Ms Dhun Patel, Ms Roshan Choi is empowered to refuse the loan of any Nariman Bhagwagar and Sam Wadia. touch (with us) with a copy of the mark item, states the newsletter. “As this facility is intended for use in emergency only, no person or family report adds. Padma Shri fOF Sethna will be allowed to retain any article for Due to “inflationary trends,” the more than 15 days, so that others in subscription of the BSZA has been “Designer and weaver of national and need of the same may not be denied its recently raised from six rupees to Rs 10 international repute” Ms Nelly Homi use. In case the article loaned is to be per year, notes the newsletter. Sethna was awarded the Padma Shri by retained further, prior permission from the honorary secretary should be ob­ tained. “This is a service to our community and no charges will be made for the ar­ ticles loaned. But a written guarantee for the safe return of the articles in good condition will have to be furnish­ ed. However, transportation to and fro will have to be arranged and paid for by the borrower,” reads the circular issued by J.D. Italia, president of the anjuman, and N.F. Nagarwala, hono­ rary secretary. “We are very grateful to Dr Mino­ cher Parakh for this generous ges­ ture,” states the newsletter. The association’s committee has newspapers are directly handed over to new office-bearers are: Ms D.H. Mino- cher, president, Pheroze Mulla, vice- der members, Cama, Painter and Ms arts,science and commerce. “To derive the benefits of this appreciation of their scholastic achievement, do get in Khurshed Pastakia and Kersi Amrolia sheets,” states the newsletter, are the two co-opted members, the Due to “intlationary trends,” the Z1 * I ! N L- f n i ! J .4 1 • Borivli ’s fire quest Another step to setting up a fire-temple in the Bombay'suburb of Borivli was taken with the approval of a constitu­ tion for the Atash Kadeh at a special general meeting of the Borivli and Sethna receiving the Padma Shri from President Zail Singh, as husband Homi looks on. Parsiana June 1985 ) J I H ! I itI I the President of India, Zail Singh, for I her role in reviving the art of kalamkari I (hand painted and handprintfed vege- I table dyed textiles), notes a booklet I issued at the investiture ceremony at ! the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, | on March 16, 1985. | Sethna has held several one-woman j shows of handwoven and handcrafted | creative experiments in India and ab­ road. She has also held special exhibi­ tions of kalamkari layouts designed by her, and an exhibition of crewel em­ broidery of Kashmir. From 1976-78 she was given a special assignment by the All India Handicrafts Board to develop new designs in crewel embroi- j dery of Kashmir, notes the booklet. j In 1972, Sethna edited and designed a book from her own collection titled Shawl- Weaves and Embroideries of Kashmir, notes her bio-data. Born on November 1, 1932, Sethna__________________ obtained a National Diploma in Design Pudumjee: teaching puppetry abroad. (printed textiles) from the Regent Poly­ technic, London, U.K. and did her §a||itya for Daruwalla post graduate course in weaving at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Michi­ gan, U.S.A., adds the bio-data. l-tZ Seervai PUCL chief I Eminent jurist H.M. Seervai has been 1 elected president of the Peoples’ Union 1 for Civil Liberties (PUCL) for the year 1985-1986, at its annual general meet- ing. Addressing a meeting organized by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber, Seer­ vai noted that the government should give a serious thought to the reserva­ tion policy which he described as “dis- < crimination in reverse,” states The • Daily of April 4, 1985. Reservation, he feels, has lead to a deterioration in the Standards of vital sectors like medicine, education and administration, adds the report. Rather than reservations in educatio­ nal institutes and jobs, Seervai advo­ cated free and compulsory education and financial assistance for scheduled tribes and castes, the report adds.. Once again, TCI For the nineth consecutive year the Noted poet and senior official in the Travel Corporation of India has receiv- n, U.S.A., auus uic uiu-u«tc.. Central Intelligence, Keki Nusserwanji ed the prestigious “ Sethna joined the Bombay Dyeing Daruwalla, was awarded the Sahitya sented by Je Trave Ag ’ and Manufacturing Co Ltd as chief Academy Award 1984, for his book of tion of India. Executive textile designer and was head of its poems titled The Keeper of the Dead, ^angir N Katga^ a r®^^e^wa^^^^^ ____________________cho ctartpH from nntoc Tho Timer: nf India of Februarv OU behalf of TCI at the travel Agents Association of India annual conven­ tion held in Bangalore this May. TCI has handled over 25,000 foreign gress of Craftsmen in reru anu lo while reviewing me ouuk, umv tourists, eyned foreign exchange to study crafts in different parts of the Geeta Doctor wrote {Parsiana, August the tune of Rs 12.5 crores ^d^has a world. In 1972, she was awarded the 1984): “Inspite of the grim ugliness of total turnover exceedii^ Rs 40 crores, ntiahha f<>iin«/shin to revitalize Haath and derav with which he (Daru- States The Times of India report dated May 16, 1985. As future projects, the company plans to develop the Andaman Islands for tourism, promote Buddhist pilgrim traffic to India, coordinate and handle tourist charter flights to India and been awarded the 1984 Sanskrit! na, Daruwalla’s other works include organ ze ^cruises in he Indian Ocea , design studio which she started, from notes The Times of /rtcfw of February 1960-68, notes the booklet. “ ’ ’ In 1968, Sethna received a Travel and Study Award to attend the Con- 10,000, adds the report. gress of Craftsmen in Peru and to While reviewing the book, critic study crafts in different parts of the Geeta Doctor wrote {Parsiana,August Homi Bhabha fellowship to revitalize death and decay with which he (Daru- selected crafts, especially kalamkari, walla) confronts us, what is moving, is adds the booklet. the beauty of life, that is animated in the bright pinpoints of his poetic ima- Award for Pudumjee Bom in Lahore in 1937 and educated Noted puppeteer, Dadi Pudumjee, has at the Government College of Ludhia- been awarueu me oaiuMu. .I«, - pnnpInHpt thp writp iin Award for the performing arts, notes Under Orion,^ Apparition in ^J^ril^^d concludes the write up. Towards healthy teeth Pardiwala ML A After a dental examination by the Barjorji Pardiwala of the Congress I Zoroastrian Dentists Organization 27, 1985. The award included a casket, a copper plaque and a cheque for Rs While reviewing the book, critic the April 1985 newsletter of the Fede- Crossing of Rivers, notes his bio-data, ration of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India. Pudumjee, who received a diploma from the Darpana Academy, Ahmeda- .ooijuij. i „—-----o-—- - - , .__Xnj,-- bad and who is part of the Sutradhar was elected to the Gujarat Legislative (ZDO) of school children Puppet Repertory, started in 1980, was Assembly from the Bulsar constituency Navroz Baug at Lal Baug, Bombay invited to teach puppetry in Germany in South Gujarat. Pardiwala won the m October 1984, it was observed that and other countries of Europe. elections because “the electorate saw in “the teeth of our children were in a Executed and directed by Pudumjee, him a ministerial candidate,” notes a ve^ry sorry staite and the productions of the company in- i-^------------------------- elude. Mod ki Moonch, Chhiyoram, 9, 1985. The voters were hopeful that per care of their teeth and gums... Assembly from the Bulsar constituency Navroz Baug at Lal Baug, Bombay elections because “the electorate saw in “the teeth of our children were in a report in the Indian Express of March done to educate our young in the pro- i the productions of the company in- ClUUC, IVIUlt KI lvHJUfH.li, - -- -------- ,----------------- . J U,, ?U,. Pakhendi Sher, The Ballad of Dhola Pardiwala, who is a lawyer by profes- notes a_,pres^ J Maru, Ek Tha Joota, Rangila Rak- shas, Utsav and The Little Mermaid. sion, would “become the first Parsi Zoroastrian Dentists Organization of minister fromGujarat,”the report adds. Bombay. 10 Parsiana June 1985 iI Inaugurated by BPP trustee Homi P. Ranina, at Navroz Baug, the pre­ ventive dentistry program., included a talk with the help of slides to explain the prevention and care of dental disease. This was followed by a dental examination, when oral hygiene kits, donated by Hindustan Ciba Geigy were distributed. A healthy teeth contest, sponsored by the same firm, was also held. Founded 32 years ago by senior Zoroastrian dental surgeons of Bom­ bay, the ZDO aims at promoting bro­ therhood amongst Parsi dentists and helping the needy or poor dentists or students with financial assistance, dur­ ing the difficult years of their dental education, states the press release. The organization also conducts con­ tinuing education programs in dentis­ try, twice a year and financially sup- Manohar deft) presents award to Dr Wadia. (Centre) Dotivala and seated Sudha ports needy students of the Byramjee Thandran deft) and area director Dr Khorshed Madon. kase^'^*^°y School, adds the re- ^Ollta awards population control was still the biggest The office.bearers of the organiza- -- - ---------------------- - ".hahenge facing the country as well as tion, president Dr Sam K. Sahukar, treasurer Dr Ratan H. Doctor, secre­ tary Dr Porus S. Turner and joint-sec­ retary Dr Sorab M. Javeri, plan to visit all the Parsi colonies to inculcate with­ in the community “good oral hygiene habits .. preventive measures against tooth decay and gum diseases and... prevention and early recognition of release. elimination for Navroz Baue children. ! Zonta awards TU rz * 1 ? luviii^ iiiv vwuiAiijr ad well ad The Zonta Club s Woman of the Year the whole world. She called upon exe- award was given to Dr Avabai Wadia, internationally known crusader for po­ pulation control, by Justice (Ms) Suja- I * ' ... Si!!! parenthood b7de7aUo7wh?ch ‘reSvS the 1985 United Nations Population Award, notes Trimurti^the bulletin of the club. The Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Tro- India, ac- phy for Zontian ol the Year was pre- —1 that sented to Ms Freny F. Paghdiwala and Dr Varsha D. Vadera for their devo- I tion and dedication to the ideals of I Zonta; and the Personal Involvement I Cup was awarded to Ms Meher S. Kot- I wal for her handcrafted candles which I were presented to the guests of the I club, adds Trimurti. I Speaking on the occasion, Manohar I said, “Women today already have a lot I on their hands.. .and if they also find I some time to serve the community?.. it I shows a deep commitment to the im- I provement of society,” reports the Mid-Day of April 15, 1985. The Zonta International, which was started in Buffalo, New York, in 1919, is a worldwide service organization of over 33,000 executive women in busi­ ness and in the professions in over 900 Zonta Clubs in 50 countries, notes the directory of the Zonta Club of Bombay III. The word Zonta is derived from the language of the Sioux Indians and means ‘honest and trustworthy,’ adds the directory. cutive women to take active part in community work, stated The Daily , ............ report of April 17, 1985. Wadia is also International Planned Club of Bombay HI, with Ms Havovi G. Dotivala in the chair, note news­ paper reports. ,, ' , . ------- “¦ ''^adia, president of the Family 12°“^ the press Planning Association of I j: re.e^sc. knowledging the award said tl M H||b J J *¦1 I > I* 11 Paisiana June 1986 A 1 continued on page 15I Athravan trust inaugurated An individual trust attempts to raise l.. ¦ ( over a crore of rupees for the further education of priests. Nlloofer J. Madon 'if 1 • • a ua. coid revealed that 88 percent of the priests SSSS 11 1985 ( roz Behram, man Aaax) on the main lawns of Cusrow Baug. Bom- bay. The trust which is attempting to raise over a crore of rupees for the up- been launched by Homi P. Ranina»the noted tax consultant and Bombay Pm- si Punchayet (BPP) trustee, Khojeste Mistree, founder of age.. .“nothing to tide them over a who carried out an indepenaen unv u-j - - study,” for her masters thesis _ have nothing to look forward to. work from Nirmala Niket^, g j^g only religion which has to the University of Bombay, and who we are me omy e “We are the only religion wnicu uoa not looked after its priests, who have been demoralized and reduced to pe­ nury, due to our gross neglect.. .res- ration, “one out of every 10 agiaries X'^ihmtVlies with S'D’asur-S; Firoze M. KorwA » ^-STany Xo"” ^^^.art today. Things are really getting Xn? MS Hit R “"rr\“y.” Ranina added tttng to Ranina ••the-trust feels sowed the seeds of the trust by her . years, only seven a need for at least one crore o ^1,':’i""onXX st.J^ 2'le‘i"iire *e'S ttTt'tax by the eharity with a spKtal AsptdiM there will be no young priests and tta R,„i„a ex- Dadaihanjie and 200 other priests, in thStek of plained, is divided into tw ph^jji wtritftdinint'heParsieo^u- inters J“SXhkhTs’‘'fc650 SforThrK to four years Noting that a priest’s The inauguration fui^i™ — „in be a new i out of hand.” According to Ranina “the-trust feels need for at least one crore of rupees. a generation where come tax and gift tax by the charity m'^*hlf “""worid minlh, much less than what a pet- moocub, - Iban nail me wuhm inh or a com- ^’nlation of mobeds,” were taWng s^c^earn tn part. After dictory prayer (‘‘may glory ever leave t-— ----- , Kotwal, each priest received a rose and a pon/rM of Rs 51. Later Ranina, welcoming ibe aud- ence. described what prompted the J subjects like Zoroastnan theology, Zoroastrian i— covering religions^ Iranian history, philosophy, the humbandagi and a bene- Noting mat > P™" » te'cVuTse^'S'^e Jv^^alehXship ' may not the radiant four in the mormng and lasu fo 14 to this house”) led by 18 hours, Ranina aske , Y satisfactory completion of ______ -.4 , .u„. .„:il ku ucciirpH a of Rs 2,000. Dastur Kotwal has agreed to head the training of this course. . j • Phase two, to be launched in the next five years, will be directed towards upliftment of the existing priests. How­ ever, according to Ranina this will be possible only if the trust has a substan­ tial financial corpus. Said Ranina, “1 want you to pve with love in your heart, and warm feel­ ings (because) the very existence and survival of the religion depends on this .. If 5,000 Parsis give Rs 50 a month for three years, we will get 90 Kharas addressing meet. Hambandagi led .by Kotwal (right) y2 Parsiana June 1965 the course each priesLwill be assured a ence, the monthly income t. , , Ranina tial financial corpus. Kanina and Mistree (at left}. 1r I I r t. lakhs. This is a commitment for just three years, so contribute as much as you can as fast as you can.” Talking about the housing problem among the mobeds (“two-thirds of the mobeds don’t have a house”) Ranina outlined the BPP plan to build 18 flats for them at Godrej Bang and “when­ ever we construct new houses, five per­ cent of the flats will be reserved for mobeds.” Ranina concluded, “A lot more needs to be done, so strengthen our hands.” Kotwal, in his talk in Gujarati, out­ lined the need to uplift the mobeds. He said that our forefathers had come from Iran to India at the risk of their lives to preserve their religion. Because of that, this ancient religion still exists and to keep it going mobeds are essen­ tial. Kotwal added that 20 years have passed since talks began to uplift the mobeds, but nothing so far has been done. thase. , . this neglect will be observed), he ex­ claimed. Kotwal explained that everywhere there is corruption and politics, and that is why the trust is independent and will keep away from community poli­ tics. A mobed, according to Kotwal, should have three basic characteristics. Firstly, he should have a feeling in his heart that the religion he preaches is the true religion of Ahura Mazda. There are people who give up their religion to follow that of saints, sadhus, gurus and mahatmas, little knowing that their own religion is far more powerful. Secondly, a mobed should have knowledge, (“M.A. Ph.D. nu nai”) but knowledge of our religion, so that when youngsters ask questions they are ready with a suitable answer. Thirdly, a mobed should have cha­ racter; honesty, integrity and all other virtues that Zarathushtra preached should be incorporated within his life. Only then will the rituals that he per­ forms acquire true spiritual potency. Warning the audience not to expect a 24-hour miracle, ("Kai magic wand nathF'} Kotwal said that anyone who truly loves the religion of Zarathush­ tra 1 should take the first step and donate without hesitation. In his talk. Mistree said, “The im­ portance of the priesthood cannot be underestimated.. .Zoroastrianism is not just a philosophy, there is some- 'Have eni silver jubilee W (shortly the silver jubilee of 13 Parsiana June 7996 I i From left: Peer, Phiroze Behram- Kamdin, Katrak, Sinor and Ranji. Photos: Noshir Desai thing else that keeps us going, and that tions of which included the Godiwallas is ritual. Without ritual 1 believe this for their catering and decorations, religion cannot survive.” Framroze Pavri for the stage, tables Talking of a religious renaissance and chairs, the N.N. Wadia Trust for Mistree added that, “whatever the the use of their grounds, Minoo Irani other trusts are doing is good, but it is for the stage decorations and flowers, not enough. There is need for a new, Karl Mehta of the Blitz group of publi- young, dynamic organization to do cations, for the brochure paper and it ” printing, Cusrow Bang residents and Concluding his speech. Mistree said, many others who were listed in the pro- ” A short Gujarati play-, written and _ _____ _______________ directed by Adi Marzban and perform- The talks were followed by the felici- ed by the Zoroastrian Studies Theatre “Let us march unitedly. I believe and gram. have a dream... Let us all join hands and make this dream come true.” tation of those priests who had been in Group, followed. Using humour as the the profession for the longest period of medium, the skit gave an insight into time and who had performed the most what could happen were the priestly number of nirangdins. Chief among class to dwindle in number by the next the mobeds felicitated was 88-year-old century: The punchline of the play be- Ervad Feroze Sohrabji Ranji, who has ing that mercy killing would have to be been a mobed for 76 years. Ranji later postponed since there were no priests graciously donated his packet to the to perform the death rites, anyway! trust. The skit was followed by a talk given Ervad Jamshedji Naoroji Sinor, who by Ms Huzan Kharas, managing trus- is 85 years old, was felicitated for his tee of the Athravan Educational Trust, 76 years of service to the community, who highlighted the salient features of 65 years of which have been spent at her study. She explained, with the help the Doongerwadi. of slides, the terrible conditions in A token of appreciation was also which the priests lived today and out- given to Ervad Erachsha Jal Katrak, of lined her dreams for a better, educated the Wadia Atash Bahram, who has priesthood. .{Parsiana has already car- performed the most number of nirang- ried a synopsis of Kharas’s study in its and to Ervad Noshirwan Behram-Kam- sented a gift and. a bouquet of flowers, din who has performed 65 nirangdins and who was felicitated in absentia. Thirty-one-year-old Rohinton Pe- tory of Zoroastrianism and the Zoroas- shotan Peer, was given a token of ap- trians of Iran today, was screened for predation for being the only priest to those awaiting their turn for the food have passed his Ph.D.-from the youn- sittings, giving an unexpected, yet de- ger generation. lightful finish to the evening. Ervad Rustam Panthaky, principal To conclude, in the words of Kha- of the Dadar madressa', was also felici- ms, “The time has come for people dins — 69, in his 43 years as a priest, July, 1984 issue.) Kharas was then pre- Sacred Fires, the British Broadcast­ ing Corporation (BBC) film on the his- Ervad Rustam Panthaky, principal LFl VllC JL/aVUU illd-VU VOOCi, woo (WOV IVIIVI- ---------- -------- ------------ -- tated in absentia. Ramyar Karanjia with vision and determination to... who received the token on his behalf, rise to the challenge of providing a WllW ivVClVCVI lllC IvKCll Vll illd VVIIOIA) * O r w read Panthaky’s message of thanks to dynamic and educated priesthood to the trust. herald the dawn of the twenty-first cen- The felicitation was followed by a tury.” vote of thanks by Mistree, special men- The inaugural function of the trust The inaugural function of the trust di '.I it.I j has outlined many grandiose plans for the scheme is provided by the rest of opinion so that we can discern their in- Those lined up for the first batch, according to Kotwal, include 10 can- trian Studies (ZS), Ervad Aspi Gandhi, didates from the Dadar Madressa, one the socio-economic upliftment of the the trustees; Dr Firoze Kotwal,^ high tellectual capabilities. khojeste Mistree, founder of Zoroas- panthaky of the VatCha Gandhi from the Andheri Madressa and three Agiary, ZS stalwart Ms Shernaz Pan- who are already full-time practising thaky, professional cost accountant priests at the Wadia Atash Bahram. Limji Nanabhoy, Jamshed Panday Some of these boys will also be attend- who is chief accountant and company ing college, says Kotwal. secretary of Voltas Systems and as ma- While the trustees are expected to naging trustee, young ZS enthusiast Ms work “harmoniously, as a team,” in 1---- J Mistree’s words and it is a bit early to tell what specialized contribution each a great trustee will make, it is evident that Kot- wal’s “guidance on course structure” Kharas, who is said to be involved will be invaluable and that he “will be ________— j involved in a key way.” To implement workingZ*^notes that initi^y she had such advice and guidance will involve priests, but only time will tell if they priest of the Wadia Atash B^hram, will succeed in their endeavour. Phase 1 Arnavaz S. Mama who are already full-time practising “To save the Zoroastrian religion from i _ becoming extinct,’’ BPP trustee Homi Huzan Kharas whose masters thesis on Ranina who is also a trustee of the new the Zoroastrian priests and her per- Athravan Educational Trust, personal- sonal involvement provided ly wrote to affluent Parsis saying, “if part of the rnomentuip. 500 Parsis decide to give amounts rang- K*-*¦“ ' '* ing from Rs 10,000 to one lakh, just with all aspects of the Athravan Trust s once, we could raise the requisite ------ — . , , ¦ » amount.’’ The targeted capital of one met some resistance from the mobeds ZS personnel who, as Mistree notes, crore of rupees, to be collected in three on account of being a young woman have acquired specialized communica- years, would, according to Ranina, ge- but “now they’ve got a little more con- nerate income to sustain the Athravan fidence,’’ she laughs. While Mistrw Trust’s initial project aimed at educat- V.--------------- ing and raising the economic status of among mobeds/’ Kotwal appreciates the very comprehensive mode of oi^ra- Zoroastrian priests. the sheer quantum of labour that she tion of the scheme which will include Ranina had promised to “set up a has put in, “Agiary-agiary efarvun, ek different aspects of communications, fund for the benefit of athornan fami- ek mobed ne malvu, tetlaj tapla bi psychology, etc. ‘If (the teachers) give lies.. .(and) programs.. .conceived to khava, e kai khava nu kaam nathi (to their services free, fine, if not. we pay better educate our priests” in his elec- go from agiary to agiary, meeting each for it. There are a number of different tion manifesto published on April 30, mobed, often being rebuffed and in- courses.. - depending on how the boys 1984 to announce his candidature for suited, is no ioke) ” perform we 11 decide whether we want BPP trusteeship. Fifteen is the maximum number in to stretch our manpower or augment it. Accordingly, the Athravan Trust, in the first batch of young mobeds to be We do not want a hack job. We want its published brochure notes that its inducted into the Athravan Trust’s to tutor the boys well. first project “is a practical scheme aim- training scheme, says Mistree. “We Investigating the problem of student ed at educating and raising the econo- -----------------— -------- ; -- - ...... jz r.u mic status of priests.” Phase I includes but (we) won’t reject a sixteenth if he ^n ex^ming the background^Ojf the “three to five yeas of training covering _____ subjects like Zoroastrian theology, the tious. The current thinking is to see role and nature of Zoroastrian rituals, tnese u uuuuipi ------- ---------- . world religions, Iranian history, social take on any more unless we find the town and will go back to tend to the psychology, philosophy, plus short system working very well... anjumans there. “We can t bind a per­ courses in public speaking, communi- “Parents of the boys feel confident son whose heart is not in it. If we give cations, English language, assertive we will be able to do this. The boys the right environment to these boys, training, interpersonal skills etc. have everything to gain, nothing to give them a sense of well-being no “Those inducted'into this program lose. It is our pilot project.. .we’re person^can be motivat- will receive scholarships between Rs 600 to Rs 1,200 per month. Upon satis­ factory completion of the course, the —— ------------- ----- . - , boys will be guaranteed an income of muktad. Everything is in the pipe- tion, we must allow the bird to fly Rs 2,000 per month, in order for them line...” rather than accept the risk of half- to remain priests and make it a worth- Noting that the aim is to create free hearted performance or negligent ten- while career. enlightened minds that can withstand ding of consecrated fires because the “It is our intention to launch Phase the stresses of life, Kotwal notes that community will hold us, the (Athravan II in the next five years. In this phase the 17-18-year-old boys, coining after Trust’s) trustees, responsible. we plan to help all the mobeds who underaoine their navar-maraiab initia- The accommodation problem of may be in need of socio-economic up- liftment.” -o— — -------- ------- - . . . , _ ... . , ., .. While Ranina’s organizational and their teachers,” at an age when new by the hostel facilifles generated by the ^petitT for more. Mistree wants “to being undertaken by the Athornan expose the boys to a cross section of Mandal, says Ranina. but “now they’ve got a little more con- tion skills. “Even non-Zoroastrians will be says “Huzan is a very sought-after lady teaching,” says Mistree, emphasizing the sheer quantum of labour that she tion of the scheme which will include 'mobe'd ne°malvu, t'etlaj tapla bi psychology, etc. “If (the teachers) give khava, e kai khava nu kaam nathi (to their services free, fine, if not, we pay .vww _ ___ _ ___, ’ perform we’ll decide whether we want Fifteen is the maximum number in to stretch our manpower or^ugment it. inducted Into the Athravan Trust’s to tutor the boys well.” training scheme, says Mistree. “We Investigating the problem of student might find it easier to work with 12, dropouts Mistree notes, “We have chooses to join. We want to be cau- boys). Some are already practising ‘ priests (who) want to improve their these 15 throu^’for three years; not to knowledge.. .some come from^out of anjumans there. “We can’t bind a per- “Parents of the boys feel confident son whose heart is not in it. If we give have everything to gain, nothing to give them a sense of well-being dealing with a lot of unknown factors, ed... Go on the basis that if we do our We’d like to start the term probably job, they will do theirs. If a student at some time after Nowroze, after the any level decides to change his voca- _ _ *1_ __ *__ nll/viir fViA rather than accept the risk of half­ Noting that the aim is to create free hearted performance or negligent ten- enlightened minds that can withstand ding of consecrated fires because “the undergoing their navar-maratab initia­ tion at the madressa, would ‘be at those student mobeds who come fpm “the right age for cross-questioning mofussil areas may be met eventually. liftment.” \vniie Kiuiiiia s ui{^uii4«uuu«u ouu uicii icoviivia, ««. «*»* -j--------------- - ----------- ------------------------ financial acumen is well-known to the ideas can generate enthusiasm and the Dadar Madressa s horizontal community, the theological, educa­ tional and administrative support to 14 Parsiana June 1985 Ln r c J- r" Although not a part of the original EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES first phase of the project, the question- continued from page 11 ing of such facilities being meted out to ^onta Club of Bombay III, -------------------------------------- -- the youngsters while the old priests chartered on March 15, history of the University of Bombay to who have been serving for 20-30 years has 16 members on its roster. It is appear for his examinations from a are on a pittance, has led the trust to involved in many noteworthy projects, hospital bed was Ronnie Mehta, a stu- actively work on a medicare project ongoing one being to build a re- dent of the second year B.Com. corres- that entails the listing of doctors — creational park for the handicapped, pondence course, notes a report in the general practitioners and specialists — Trimurti. ’ Indian Express of April 7, 1985'. who agree to look after the mobeds Having suffered burns on his back, free of cost. “Some very kind Parsi y . cfnrv in Marathi determined not to lose a year, doctors have always been helping mo- * Mehta decided to give four out of six beds,” says Mistree but the trust is now The Marathi edition of Russi M. Lala’s papers, thereby taking advantage of compiling'area and speciality wise lists book on the House of Tatas, The Creo- the ATKT (Allowed To Keep Terms) so that mobeds in need may know non of Wealth — the Tata Story, was provision which requires that a student whom to approach. released by V.N. Gadgil, Union Minis- fail in not more than three papers. The trust is also examining the possi- ter for Information and Broadcasting, The university, satisfied by the writ- bility of medical insurance under at a function on April 6, 1985 at Pune, ten certificate of his doctor, that writ­ government insurance schemes. Expec- Titled Samruddhichya Margawar ing the exams will not adversely affect ting the medicare scheme to become and translated by Professor Prabhakar Mehta’s health, had to send the ques- operational “within the next few mon- Urdhwareshe, the book which won the tion papers, everyday to the B.D. Petit ths,” Mistree notes, “If the trust has Escorts book award in 1982, has also Parsee General Hospital, states the to incur expenditure on medical bills in been translated into Hindi and Guja- report, terms of hospitalization, etc the mo- rati, and will shortly be published in beds’ income-earning capacity will be Malyalam, notes The Daily of April 8, penses of the supervisor and find him- considered. If our resources permit, 1985. self a writer who was less qualified without being wildly extravagant, yes, we’d like to have a first rate service for shan, Pune, the book has a foreword mobeds. Whether we levy a service by J.R.D. Tata and illustrations by Ssiilillfi SUCCCSS charge to avoid wastage or have it noted cartoonist. Mario, notes the ® totally free, we’d have to play it by newspaper report. Sheriyar Bamboat, helmsman of the ear...” Speaking on the occasion, Gadgil yacht Jager, crewed by J ehangir J ehan- Referring to the “theological per- related an incident with J.R.D. Tata, gir and Zarthus Karai, sailed in seven sona” (distinct individuality) of each when he was minister of defense. The races to win once more the Third Sea- consecrated fire. Mistree is appalled by quotation by the Tatas being too high, bird National Yachting Championship the suggestion that fires be amalgamat- a contract for the manufacture of one and the prestigious Godrej Trophy, ed and agiaries closed down where part of the Vijayanta tank was given to notes The Times of India dated April there is no one available to tend them, another firm. When Gadgil met J.R.D. 17,1985. “When there is a lacuna, you correct on a plane, he told him the problem, the balance.. .one (must) improve the J.R.D. replied: system,” not eliminate other sections of it, he says. “Our population in 1985 is larger reduce the quotation and I shall do it in “were hdd in light to medium wind than it was in 1885,” says Mistree. “If one minute. You give me only a rupee, conditions between the Dolphin and the number of fire-temples could be “And if you ask, why Re 1, the rea- Sunkrock lighthouses in the tidal sustained then, I don’t see why they son is that my group is an industry, waters” off the coast of Bombay, cannot be sustained now with greater and, as an industry, it has certain states the write-up. Exams in bed! The first student in the 127-year-old Tata story in Marathi However, Mehta had to bear the ex- Published by Kirloskar Press Praka- than himself, adds the report. The Championships which attracted 14 competitors was conducted by the “You tell me orally, not in writing Nationed Seabird Association under that in the interest of the nation, the aegis of The Royal Yacht Club, and resources at our disposal... norms. It is not right to give it free. But “It is sad that that which has given for the sake of the nation, certain con­ us great strength is the tool we are now cessions must be made and so even a trying to run down.” Noting that it was only after the in- rupee will do.” The next day a representative in ' augural function of the Trust at Cus- Delhi called on Gadgil, and Tatas of- row Baug that he learnt of attempts to fered to manufacture the desired part sabotage it — one group, said Mistree, of the Vijayanta tank with the mes- wanted to advertise in the Jam-e-Jam- sage, “This is our cost. Even if we shed, requesting priests to keep away forgo profit, still our cost cannot be from the Cusrow Bang function, but less than-that of our competitor. If the the Jame owners and editors refused to cost is less you may give the contract to accept* the advertisement—Mistree them, not to us, in the national inte- concluded, “you and 1 may have our rest. This is the message from J.R.D. geh sarna, but our kids may not. Tata,” relates a Mid-Day report dated That’s what we are trying to avert.” Dr Warden Parsiana's founder editor. Dr Pes- tonji Warden, expired on June 9, 1985 at the age of 87. A few days prior to his death, Parsiana had interviewed Dr War­ den for the magazine’s twentieth an­ niversary issue this August. Par­ siana will publish the interview as scheduled as a tribute to its founder. 15 Parsiana June 1985 April 10, 1985. !1 i|* company with the Zoroastrian touch The Mazda group is one of the few Parsi companies in recent times to go public. I 99 Parinaz Toddy walla r In an attempt to attract Zoroastrians to trepreneurs, he felt. “Housing was the tonal board of the company who were - - ¦ - - . “at the helm of affairs. Six of the _ ___ •’ eight directors are Zoroastrians: tax ¦'Our quality of business is A-I... consultant Homi P. Ranina; partner We have consistently projected Mazda of M/s Mulla wd Mulla, Burjor^H. _____ _ _ _ ____ • tered accountants Yezdi J. Master and We do not mind having a low business Kersi J. Limathwalla; and business profile, so long as our quality of mana- executive Homi D. Mehta. In addition Bank of Baroda, Balkrishan M. Shukla and former managing director of Searle India Ltd, Sharu S. Ragnekar. Mehta reminisced with pleasure about the successful launching of Maz­ da Leasing in 1983, “At the first splash it just took off... After a very long time did some Parsis take the initiative of starting a public venture,” he ex- pany with the Zoroastrian touch.*’ plained. Mehta recalled that while he Describing the Parsi response to was serving as adviser to Mazda Estate mohallas which are very Parsi. Some- their company as “extremely — .. ‘ ^^ 7 houis surrounded by non-Parsis... no cha^ in the eight-member direc- who is presently its chairman, the latter / / Our baug is meant as a fillip for attracting Parsis back to Navsari. the Parsi bastion of Gujarat, the Maz- first base for a proper industrial infras- da group of companies is undertaking tructure.” a three crore rupee housing project at “n«r m Navsan j t”'—-------- —"—’¦ __ _ . The baug will comprise of six, nine as a very professional company. Our Antia; advocate D^aK. Deboo; char­ storey buildings to be constructed on image building has been very strategic, tered accountants Yezdi J. Master and 1.5 acres of land, with all the 216 flats We do not mind having a low business Kersi J. Limathwalla; and business earmarked for Parsis. profile, so long as our quality of mana- executive Homi D. Mehta. In addition “Three to four storeys of the first gement is maintained.. . We are a com- they have retired^xwutiye building” of the Dinshaw Park Apart- ” ments Co-operative Housing Society Ltd “have been completed,” noted Homi D. Mehta, managing director of Mazda Leasing at his Maker Chambers V office whose walls are adorned with posters of the housing plan undertaken by a sister concern, Mazda Housing Development and Finance, on April 18, 1985. There are a “lot of old houses and _______ „ _ ____ mohallas which are very Parsi. Some- their company as “extremely good,” and Finance, “the seedUng company times there are one or two single Parsi Mehta confirmed that there had been floated by its pioneer Dara Deboo” t f f 'I 3 We felt that those staying in such old cottages could sell them and invest in a I flat at Dinshaw Baug” costing Rs 1.25 I to Rs 2 lacs, offering a choice of “lux- | urious two bedrooms with hall and kit­ chen or one bedroom flats with hall and kitchen” as the information bro­ chure states. “Our baug is meant as a fillip for at­ tracting Parsis back to Navsari,” as at one time Navsari had a considerable Parsi population. Since south Gujarat ' is promising to become a “real Indus- I trial hubbing zone” they have come up ! with this “very good face project to in- I vite Parsis to move out of Bombay into the Navsari-Vapi-Surat-Sanjan belt. Whenever Parsi business houses want to expand, we’re trying to induce them to this belt.” Such industrial satellite townships could provide employment opportunities to small scale Parsi en- Mehta: leasing trends /mmtic (Phato: Hotnyar Mistryj 17 /’i9Z2f/ana Jun eI- suggested that they should expand their company was doing very well indeed.” extent of Rs 259 lacs,” notes the com- activities to leasing. Mehta however Whilst refusing to commit himself on pany’s first annual report. Hirers avail­ felt the need to “make a study on the the question of issuing debentures to ing of the leasing facilities “are repay­ subject of leasing and survey the trends shareholders, Mehta smilingly added ing the instalments as stipulated,” sta- abroad” before the company was es- “Let’s say we will be making our tes the auditors’ report for the vear tablished. Touring abroad on this mission, Mehta managed to interest the British Equipment (Leasing) Ltd, U.K. with the Mazda plans. Presently Mazda Leasing is “the only leasing company in India with a foreign tie-up” prides Mehta. Quick to point out the distinc­ tion between a collaboration and a tie- up, he clarified that while the term ‘collaboration’ denotes an element of financial support, ‘tie-up’ refers to the business association with a foreign company whereby there is exclusive shareholders very happy.” Mazda neous factors like the stability of the their respective countries and also “Let’s say we will be making our tes the auditors* report for the year ended June 30, 1984. Mehta further added that there was “no problem at all” on this front since they were “extremely particular in cre­ dit and quality of clientele,” Such dif­ ficulties, he attributed to three main causes: dishonest management, rash decision making and lack of expertise. Briefly outlining the pros and cons of leasing vis-a-vis other sources of finance, Mehta kept reiterating that profitability in this context “was a relative term” depending on extra- _ _ __ » representation by one for the other in Leasing is listed on the Bombay and company seeking finance and the pur- their respective countries and also a Ahmedabad stock exchanges. pose for which the facility was to be en- borrowing of “systems, procedures, - - - ... . . goodwill, etc.” The company s public issue of Rs 75 the Fixed Deposit Scheme, depending needs of the farmers were such that lacs which opened in February 1984 on whether the minimum amount of they could be better met by the banking was over subscribed by four times, deposit was Rs 5 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 Civil Engineering work has been entrusted to Shapoorji PaHonji & 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 efforts of many people.... I must, hoyever, 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! SHAPOORJ PALLONJ & CO. (PVT.) LTD. Engineers & Conttruction Contractors New India Centre, 17 Cooperage Road, Bombay-400039 India. Telex: 011-2124; Tel.: 2026614, 2020228,2020762 r: '4- a 19 Parsiana June 1985 I I