Sep 1985

September 1985 Volume 8 No 3, Rs 2 BPP trusteeship elections: Desai Vs Mehta Two independent candidates vie for the November elections. After the excitement of the last Bom- and the Anjuman Committee (The An- stood but has once again increased by bay Parsi Punchayet trusteeship elec- juman Committee ^elections are held 91 as on September 2) the CER may tions, the forthcoming November once every seven years to elect mem- not have a chance. Erigineer. is averse t elections appears to be a tamer affair. BPP trustee Eruch Desai, whose the F register or donors, elect the BPP 10-year term expires in December, is [ seeking reelection and his only declared '' opposition candidate to date is busi­ nessman Hector Mehta. Both Desai and Mehta are middle- of-the-road in their political, social and Committee once every seven years to elect mem­ bers to the E register,who along with to standing against Desai. Should the CER not put up a candi- trustees as and when their terms ex- date, it will find itself in a quandary as pire). He was closely associated with to whom to support. As Desai is seek- Ranina’s campaign and claims he was ing a second term and as the CER is one of the key persons who influenced opposed to trustees serving for 20 years Ranina to stand against the odds-on at a stretch, the body cannot support for Electoral Rights Desai (In Godrej’s election the CER religious outlook. Desai as a trustee (CER) favourite. That bold gamble similarly could not officially Support has often espoused the orthodox line paid off and now Mehta is attempting their old friend and ally, JaYnshed but preserves his independence. He was, to repeat the feat. Guzder, who initially wanted to seek a . for example, the only trustee on the Board to dissent from the BPP’s deci­ sion to leave the Federation of Parsi be putting up any candidate. The most the CER would find it difficult to sup- Zoroastrian Anjumans of India in Ja- likely candidates, management consul- port the group that trounced their can- nuary 1978, two weeks after the sue- tant Minoo Shroff, social worker Sil- didate. cessful hosting of the Third World Zo- loo Kavarana and lawyer Dadi Engi- roastrian Congress. At that time the neer do not wish to stand. Shroff’s rea- fhen BPP chairman, B.K. Boman-Beh- ram had painted the Federation as a re­ formist, trouble-making body. Mehta has been active in several once again (at the time of Ranina’s community trusts as well as at the election the list had swelled by 176. It p various elections of trustees of the BPP was frozen at the time Naoroji Godrej trusteeship and the community.. I. t. i- But it does not appear as though the second term). On the other hand as characteristically indecisive CER will Mehta is viewed as a Ranina supporter In the absence of polls or debates, it is hard to gauge whose ch^Ces of vic- sons for refusing to stand are not tory are greater. At the" moment it known while Kavarana feels that with looks like a toss-up. the swelling of the donors’ register Parsiana’s Managing Editor, Arna- vaz S. Mama interviewed bothkhe can­ didates to ascertain their vie^W on the“A link in the chain Businessman Hector Mehta says self- employed individuals are preferable to i professionals for the work of the Punchayet. , Arnavaz S. Mama » “If we don’t volunteer our service when we think we’re worthy or compe­ tent, we have no right to criticize peo­ ple already giving voluntary service,’’ says Hector Mehta, the Bombay busi­ nessman who is contesting Eruch Desai’s seat on the board of trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), in November 1985, even as Desai seeks reelection at the end of a 10-year term. , _ The spry, sparsely built Mehta is ut- sources, faith in our established reli- *1 X o 3 < 2 [** P. f Mehta believes that “the BPP requi- (share) a common platform with me” res men of integrity, competence, re- when facing the community. ___ _ ______ - Mehta’s second promise relates to terly convinced that “Our religion is a gious customs and practices, and above the tenure of office. Noting that even cut above others.” It has higher prin- all, the will, the desire and the time to “the President of the United States ciples, its philosophy is of better quali- serve the community.” Noting dispas- gets only eight years” to fulfil his pro- with better values. It has taught me to wins,” Mehta notes that the Punchayet not seek reelection. As Mehta notes in look at problems from the position of requires a few trustees “who are busine- his manifesto, after a 10-year tenure, the opposition party.” The 49-year- ssmen and self-employed.. .’’and in his one “should make way for fresh old, April born activist is a daily visitor manifesto declares, “The experience I to the Dadysett Agiary where, it is said, 1___„ J _ . ................... he was instrumental in sorting out an also enable me to assist the Bombay and made a dynamic body. awkward controversy among the mo- Parsi Punchayet to deal with labor pro- “So far nobody has been able to beds, to everyone’s satisfaction. blems which have started cropping up overpower me with his ideology,” says A touch of understated elegance per- in its various departments.” Mehta the dapper, bow-tied Mehta, who vades Mehta’s spacious Empress Court feels that “a man who has his own claims to be an independent person, “a residence where he personally answer- established organization and is his own man who has his own convictions.” ed the doorbell on September 2, 1985. boss can devote far more time for Pun- Being related to BPP chairman Dr Settled across the large, hospitable din- chayet affairs than a professional. For Aspi Golwalla (his daughter is married ing table, Mehta noted that his priority a professional, every hour he spends at to Golwalla’s son), Mehta was asked if in the BPP will be “to inculcate in the the Punchayet, he is losing his in- the relationship would cram his style of younger generation a desire for self- come.. .The services of a professional functioning. “I don’t think so — why employment.” Towards that end Meh- can always be hired,” notes Mehta. should it?” he counters. ta hopes to persuade the industrial Standing committed to two promi- On the question of withstanding giants still under Parsi control to give ses, Mehta says he will render a regular pressure from various groups, Mehta capable youngsters “a start, by encou- - ... .. u.. raging them with orders for ancilla­ ries.” Mehta’s frank, prominent eyes are unblinking as he affirms that link in a chain.” Stating that the BPP’s renamed Committee for Economic Re- though “the spirit of enterprise is lack­ ing,” the community is “by no means qualitatively poor.” cut above others.” It has higher prin- all, the will, the desire and the time to tv it makes better people out of us, sionately that “only one candidate mises to the nation, Mehta says he will his manifesto, after a 10-year tenure, one thoughts and fresh minds, so that the have gained in my own businesses will Punchayet is constantly rejuvenated Standing committed to two promi- account of his work in the BPP to the says his approach will be pragmatic, community. But, “I never talk in the For example, the clause in the CER’s first person singular. I believe we are a (Committee for Electoral Rights now board of trustees effects its work by vival) electoral reform affidavit, seek­ common consent, Mehta says he will ing an upper age limit of 70 years for see “that the majority of my colleagues BPP trustees, meets with Mehta’s ap- I 3 Parsiana September 1985 1 i7 I "Though the Federation serves a useful purpose by discussion of connnnunity problems, (the ideas that have emerged) were already existing though dormant within the BPP." proval, as does the CER’s aim to help mant’ ’ within the BPP. (The FPZAI has equity between the sexes. He is also in young entrepreneurs. On the other been regarded with disfavor by certain favor of a rational acceptance of the hand, Mehta strokes Homi Ranina, the sections of the orthodoxy who allege it fact that “the problems, needs and controversial young BPP trustee, whom he has known for many years, as “a man of integrity.. .he is good for the community,” while disclaiming any association with the Athra- van Educational Trust to which Ranina is committed. Says Mehta, “I don’t want to be branded (by any of these connections). If people are convinced that I deserve their vote, that I’d look after the community’s interests, fine. I’d be happy at the faith they repose in me. But I don’t want to talk of any parties.” While Mehta says he would be agreeable to a public debate, should his opponent desire it, his campaign will consist of public addresses as well as direct contact with voters — meet “as many as I can,” says Mehta. Though Mehta thinks “the Federa­ tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of have not opted to serve on the Federation vened to safeguard the rights of the F India (FPZAI) serves a useful purpose ' ’ ’ '' ' ” by discussion of common problems of the community,” he says that the ideas that have emerged from that forum “were already existing though dor- wants” of Zoroastrians settled abroad would be different from those of ours, here in India. “So long as both sides don’t recognize this particular concept, the fusion is' difficult... Their ap­ proach has to be different. We who live here cannot pronounce judgment on them and vice versa.” Mehta says the present system (of election of BPP trustees), though 70 years old, is basically correct except that it requires certain adjustments due to lapse of time?In any public charity trust, the. basis is donation. Therefore the donor is the key person. He must have a say in the management.” In 1984, after Ranina’s election, when Ms Mani Dalal and Minoo Shroff of the CER had petitioned the to be a reformist body. Both Ranina and High Court for an amendment of the j BPP trustee Naoroji Godrej, a liberal, electoral scheme, Mehta says he“inter- 1 I I so far although the BPP holds four seats register (donors). ’ ’ (The E and F regis- on the Federation’s executive council.) ters together comprise the Anjuman A stern conservative who does not Committee which votes for trustees, favor conversion or intermarriage, The F register members are donors of Mehta believes in social justice and Rs 5(XX) and more to the BPP while the With the Best Compliments of lit INGERSOLL-RAND (INDIA] LIMITED Manufacturers of Air & Gas Compressors * Rock Drill Equipment * Vacuum Pumps 4 Parsiana September 1985} /- -! ; i including that of president in 1983-84. 1 am the president of the Cine Labora­ tories Association and the vice-pre­ sident of the Raw Film Steering Com­ mittee. As far as service to our own community is concerned, the following may be mentioned: •Trustee of Bai Dhunmai Cawasji High School at Khandala •Trustee of Byramji Furdoonji Kooka and Bai Rattanbai Byramji Kooka Charity Trust in Bombay •Trustee of, Bai Bhicaijee Jehangir Mody Parsi Sanatorium Trust in Lona- E register members are elected^ once in seven years.) The matter however did not proceed further, says Mehta, as con­ sent terms were reached whereby the vot­ ing rights of the F register members were temporarily frozen between August ’84 and January ’85, when Jamshed Guz- der’s term of office drew to a close. Mehta fully agrees that the E and F registers, that is the elected members and the donors, should be equal in number. He is also emphatic that “the F register must be frozen six months before the trusteeship election.’’ Also, to bring the scheme in tune with pre­ sent values, Mehta advocates that the quantum of donation qualifying for F register membership should be raised to about 15 to 20 thousand rupees. A commerce graduate who has made der should spare their time, not only nity set up by the BPP good in the film exhibition and film their worldly benefits, with their less •Member of the managing committee prnressinff trade. Mehta’s business fortunate brethren... Win or lose, it’s of the M.F. Cama Athornan Institute plans include a diversification into commercial post production facilities serving the commumty.’’ for video. He is, however, sanguine - ~ about the time he will be able to spare for Punchayet work: “The business the Parukh Dharamshalla, Mehta says, must run, whether the bosses are there or not,’’ he says. A member of the BPP’s committee In any public charity trust, the basis is donation. Therefore the donor nnust have a say in the management.'' / / for economic uplift of the communi­ ty, five other community trusts and vala two professional organizations. Rota- •Member of the managing committee rian Mehta notes, “I’ve always been of the Parsi Lying-in Hospital service minded... firmly believe that •Member of the Committee for the those to whom the Lord has been kin- Economic Uplift of the Parsi Commu- •Member of the managing committee •Member of the Committee for the ____ I their worldly benefits, with their less processing trade, Mehta’s business fortunate brethren... Win or lose, it’s not going to mar my enthusiasm for at Andheri in Bombay •Member of the executive committee of the Fourth World Zoroastrian Con- veral committees of the BPP, notably gress held in Bombay in January, 1985. I now look forward to better oppor­ tunities and a larger scope for serving our comtnunity through a prestigious institution like the BPP. In 1978, my wife had felt the same sort of urge to serve the poor of our community. With that end in view, she has been an active member of the Pa- rukh Dharamshalla Advisory Commit­ tee, the Doongerwadi Advisory Com- A vacancy will be created on the Board Thrown into the world of business at mittee and recently the Matrimonial of Trustees of the Bombay Parsi Pun- the young age of 23 years, I have been Bureau, all set up by the BPP. Both of * " ¦ ¦ us earnestly desire to serve in the best interests of our community. The existing problems facing our community have been there since long Referring to wife Daisy’s work on se- “If I’m elected, I’d have the unique distinction of a family commitment to the service of the BPP.’’ Mehta’s manifesto Thrown into the world of business at chayet (BPP) when Eruch Desai com- looking after our various family busi- pletes his 10-year term as trustee on December 4, 1985. I have ^rat p^asure irt offering my- practical insight into finance, manage­ self as a candidate to fill the above va- 1----- —.1 1-1-L " . cancy as I am confident that with the stand me in good stead in assisting the would like to mention in particular, the -------¦ - - ............... following problems that now confront zation of their resources and in the it: work of running institutions like the nesses on my own with a fair measure of success. This has given me good ment and administration which will and are known to all of us. However, 1 support of my friends and well-wishers, BPP in the task of more effective utili- I will be able to help this prestigious in- -—---------- ' ’ stitution in discharging its onerous -------- - -------------- ; . , duties and in solving the many pro- Godrej Memorial Printing Press and perty owner and the biggest municipal blems which beset our community. the Industrial Institute for Men which tax-payer in Bombay. One of the rna- Born in April 1936, I completed my it owns. The experience I have gained jor problems facing i^rsons ^cupying me to assist the BPP to deal with labor pairs are either not carried out, or it problems which have started cropping takes months to carry them out. The 1.. —I___ -1-,- BPP staff are no doubt doing their best My late parents had always instilled to cope with these problems but they in me the idea of charity towards the have their constraints of time and fi­ nance. Steps must be taken to see that legitimate grievances are dealt with in a speedy and effective manner. Financial •The BPP is perhaps the largest pro- blems which beset our community. Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1957 in my own businesses will also enable the BPP properties is that house re- and decided to become a Chartered Ac- ’ " " countant. However, destiny had or­ dained something different for me. My up in its various departments, father’s sudden failing health in early 1959 forced me to give up my C.A. Ar­ ticleship in order to look after our then less fortunate people around me. Later family business of mining and export in life, I felt that I must not only give in of iron-ore from Port Redi in Ratnagiri charity, but must also place my own District. T am the chairman of Modem time and energy at the service of the co-operation of tenants must be Sixt^ Cine Lab Pvt Ltd, Dharti Cine poor. I was invited to join the Rotary sought, as it is in the interest of tenants Enterprises Pvt Ltd, and of Dharti Club of Bombay North in 1974 and to see that the houses they are staying Chitrapat Sa My Pvt Ltd. have served there in various capacities in do not collapse and render them S Parsiana September 19S6I also believe in the principle of ac­ countability and if elected, will appear before the community at regular inter­ vals to give an account of the activities die class by encouraging middle class of the BPP as well as to answer any . In conclusion, I wish to emphasize should hand over to them 50 percent of si business houses like the Tatas, the that I would like to serve the communi- dedication and determination, in a de- people who have the time, the will and the energy must help in the social up- liftment of their less fortunate breth­ ren. I should however, like to state that if homeless. Since tenants are constantly the unutilized land resources of the dissatisfied with the repairs executed BPP. by the BPP, they can be asked to send •! would like the community to in their estimates of the repairs and build up an economically strong mid- after approval of the said estimates, uiv vmaa uj *.©.**© ••••——«- — —-----_— — the tenants should be allowed to under- Parsis to set up their own sm^l-scale questions raised. take repairs on their own. The trustees industries and businesses. Leading Par- In conclusion, I wish to emphasize should hand over to them 50 percent of si business houses like the Tatas, the that I would like to serve the communi- the total cost, as their contribution, Wadias and the Godrejs should be ap- ty, of which I am proud to belong, with after satisfying themselves that the proached with a request to encourage dedication and determination, in a de­ work has been properly done. This way these small entrepreneurs by placing voted m^ner. I the grievances of the tenants will be orders for ancilla:ries and/or compo- ' *''' *•“*’“ ***“ **"“ considerably lessened and work will be nents and parts for their giant con- of a better quality as it will be done cerns. under the personal supervision of the •Schemes can be initiated to impart tenants. vocational and technical skills to deser- •The crying need of the middle and ving youngsters to enable them to be I am given this opportunity to serve as lower middle class Parsis today is hous- self-employed. a trustee of the BPP, I shall not seek ing. The Committee for the Economic .1 firmly believe in upholding the reelection after my term of office is Uplift of the Parsi community of good and established customs and tra- over, as I feel that the present tenure of which I am a member, has set up ditions of our Zoroastrian religion, office of 10 years is sufficient for any norms for allotment and a merit rating Adequate housing, medical and educa- individual to give his best to his com- system for short-listing of and selecting tional facilities as well as a decent wage munity, and he should make way for applications for allotment. Allotment must be offered to our mobeds to in- fresh thoughts and fresh minds, so that of flats is being done in a more syste- fuse in them a desire to take up priest- the Punchayet is constantly rejuvenat- matic manner. But our community is hood as a full-time career. A strong ed and made a dynamic body. still in great need for many more flats athornan, full-time practising mobed I do hope and pray that the elector^ for the poor and middle-income class, will help to uphold our religious college which has the right to vote, will groups. New housing must be con- rites and further strengthen our belief give me that opportunity. structed as speedily as possible on all in the Zoroastrian faith and religion. September 1, 1985 Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B.Cursetjee's Sons (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. Telex; 5824 DBCB IN Darabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay - 400 038. Grams; 'DEADWEIGHT' Phone; 260021 (4 Lines) (Dock Office; 262230) Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Mangalore, Bhavnagar, Bedi-port, Navlakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla. Also sole Government Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhavnagar. /' 7 Parsiana Sept amber 1985ii il |! Desai’s decade BPP trustee Eruch Desai talks of his term in office and why he is seeking reelection. Arnavaz S. Mama jobs of the Punchayet. Among these are the J.J. College of Commerce, fo­ reign education, vocational guidance bureau, kusti wool, Alpaiwalla mu­ seum etc. Normally constituted by the BPP chairman, each subcommittee consists of two or three trustees, Parsi social workers and BPP staff. Noting that “the chairman of a subcommit­ tee is the moving force, giving direc­ tion, thrust,” Desai says, “For the first time in nine years 1 became chairman of (eight) committees... Committees should be so constituted that the chan­ ce (to become) chairman should come after a lapse of four to five years and not after nine years.” Desai was catapulated onto the BPP board by the late Nadirshah Mulla, Desai’s professional mentor and ex­ chairman of the BPP, at a time when the community was prejudiced against the institution that seemed impervious to its requirements. The orthodox young lawyer was appointed by the then chairperson. Lady Hirabai Jehan- girto the Federation s executive council where Desai says, “1 was able to do something about the Adoption Bill and the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act. I was the first to draw the attention of the community to the clause (in the Adoption Bill) which provides for the child being brought up in the religion of the adoptive parents. I drafted amendments to the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act (with the help of) my friend Phiroze Vakil who is conversant with divorce cases. (Former BPP chair­ man, the late) Erach Nadirshaw and I signed separate representations to the “What do you expect of a trustee? He November 1985 (His opponent is busi- government regarding the Adoption must have integrity, honesty, average nessman Hector Mehta). “The com- Bill on behalf of the Federation and the intelligence. He must be able to mana- munity will support (me). All contend- Punchayet.” However, when BPP ge the Trust properties to the best of ing parties in electoral reforms (have chairman B.K. Boman Behram’s per- his ability and in the interest of the opted) for two terms of seven years sonality clash with Delhi Parsi Anju- community. If he’s in a position to do each. That’s the pulse to judge by,” he man president Shiavax Nargolwala led this at the end of 10 years, he’s in a bet- argues. Analyzing the costs and re- to the BPP’s withdrawal from the Pe­ ter position (to do so) at the beginning wards of trusteeship in his Mulla and deration, shortly after the Third World of the eleventh year — so long as he’s Mulla Craigie Blunt and Caroe office Zoroastrian Congress in 1978, the fair fit, not infirm or too old... Experi- at Flora Fountain on September 2, bespectacled Desai dared to cast the ence counts a lot in managing trust af­ fairs.” Eruch Desai, whose 10 years of BPP thing for the community — despite sac- “relegated to the background (while) trusteeship are running out at a time rifice of time, energy and income.” when the community has begun to look askance at a second term, was justify- of 18 subcommittees of the BPP (there ing his decision to seek reelection in 1985 Desai says, “The more you are in- only dissenting vote — “lam always a volved the more you enjoy doing some- fighter,” he says — and found himself others were asked to lead in the mat­ ter.” Desai’s opponents question his per- are 36 in all) dealing with the various formance on the BPP board. “Talking The 54-year old solicitor is a member 8 Parsiana September 1985 I I 1 ( 1 1The legal documents have been "in limbo" because of the controversies. The government would take heed if the community • "spoke with one voice. about non-performance, people should know what is performance,” counters Desai. He speaks of the Adarbad buil­ ding scheme at Hughes Road which had begun and the documents executed before he “came on the scene.” Desai says he came “to know that the pros­ pective allottees were to be charged hi­ gher amounts which the builders were not justified in charging. Mine were the lone dissenting notes.” When Desai “took up cudgels on be­ half of the prospective allottees,” the matter was referred for (a senior legal) counsel’s opinion who upheld that nearly 50 percent of the amount that the builders were charging was suspect. At this time Desai said he was just re­ covering from typhoid and defied his doctor’s orders to keep the date with the counsel. “My wife didn’t speak to me for days,” he recalls. Ultimately, says Desai, the builders managed to get only 50 percent of the claimed amount. Later, the builders registered their an­ noyance with Desai by pressurizing the apart from the fact that this is not fully institution which had invited him to preside over their function into with­ drawing that invitation, Desai noted. Desai, who prides himself on the independence of his decisions while working as the member of a team, says, “with all humility.. .my perfor­ mance is no less than that of any col­ league in the last 10 years. What is it that 1 have not done that somebody else has done?” he asks. Then, referr­ ing to the work of redrafting the con­ stitution of the World Zoroastrian Or­ ganization (WZO) at the behest of the Federation, he notes, “The implemen­ tation stage has to be done by some­ body and that’s me.” (The WZO’s constitution assigns equal weight to in­ dividual and anjuman members, so that the BPP, for example, would be entitled to the same one vote as any in­ dividual. In 1984, when there seemed to be some chance of the Federation ’ joining the WZO, Desai had been as­ signed the task of drafting amend­ ments to the WZO constitution to br­ ing it in line with Federation and BPP ideas). Another task which took “a heavy toll of time and energy” was the association with the Souvenir Commit­ tee and collection of advertisements for ! t the souvenirs published for the Third and Fourth World Zoroastrian Cong­ resses. Desai says he has been “instru­ mental in getting the highest ctxitri- butions to the congresses” and more than Rs 50,0(X) in donation at each of the two congresses and for the Rayo- mand Committee consisting of Parsi ladies and others who have been col­ lecting funds for the BPP’s housing schemes. (“My wife rings up my clients and gets the advertisements.”) “It is alleged,” says Desai, “that I don’t go to the baugs regularly. But correct, I’m not on the committee re­ lating to the bangs. No trustee inter­ feres with affairs relating to other com­ mittees. The matter is taken care of by colleagues who are on the committee. We go when we receive calls from peo­ ple who know us and I’ve been to the baugs with (BPP trustee Maneck)Hodi- wala who is on one such committee. Normally maintenance and repairs i& looked ^ter by the joint secretary in charge who is assisted by the engineer and the supervisors of the concerned baug. So, apart from giving the usual directions, there’s very little that a trustee has to do in the matter. Besides, all matters of expenditure come up before the board, so every trustee is aware (of what is going on). All trus­ tees contribute to the discussions and take an active part in the deliberations and decisions. To say that any particu­ lar trustee is managing the whole show about repairs is not true.” In reference to the management of trust funds, Desai says “We are trying to get as much return for the communi­ ty as we can. I was on the investment committee with (former BPP trustee) Jamshed Guzder... (and) am associat­ ed with many companies as director... it does not require any great expertise to manage these sort of affairs. We have limitations in law; we cannot in­ vest in shares or debentures of public limited companies and earn higher re­ turns.” Other instances of Desai using his in­ dividual discretion related in one case to a close relative living in one of the baugs who sought to shift to an iden­ tical vacant flat above his own. Desai refused to espouse his case because of the relationship and the flat was allot­ ted to someone else. Similarly, when a senior BPP employee was being allot­ ted a flat that was too large for the size of his family, Desai objected. He re­ calls that the present BPP chairman. Dr Aspi Golwalla, had supported his line of thought but was overruled. Indeed, Desai admits that his wife Coomi is not very happy at the idea of his offering himself for appointment, to the Punchayet a second time around, even though she herself “takes a lot of interest and is full of ideas and discussions.. .Apart from regular fort­ nightly meetings one or the other com­ mittee meeting is always there.” The foreign students committee of which he is now chairman, required him to spend over four hours each on two or three days, interviewing candidates. Initially, Desai says he used to spend two to three hours a day on Punchayet work. “Now the grasp is quicker and the turnout faster — experience and training counts a lot” notes Desai, adding, “A solicitor is a must on the board, whether I’m elected or not,” as in his estimate “90 percent of Puncha­ yet work is legal work.” “By convention, files come to the senior legal trustee on the board who has to ascertain the facts, apply, the law, give decisions. Thereafter it goes to the other trustees. 1 am senior to (ex­ judge Jal) Vimadalal on the board,” says Desai, adding, “I would refuse to concede the proposition that any one trustee can take credit. It is all collec­ tive work. You can’t single out a trus­ tee for praise or blame... Any single trustee who thinks he is achieving everything is living in a fool’s para­ dise.” Desai claims that a solicitor like himself with a qualified staff and of­ fice amenities at his beck and call is hi ! IH 11 1 I I I 9 ParsiarM September 19HbI ¦ h I j I ; Desai says that “the Gibbs Road Desai feels that the Trust has tried to scheme (where 57 ownership flats are incorporate the “maximum benefits, has Ijeen on the anvil since around But, says Desai, “If I was asked to join _ _ ’ ¦ ¦ - ... . • • J as the Income tax and the Rent Act such a board... I would like to do it as points of view, Desai recounted that a member of the board of trustees of I there were two alternatives: “We sell the Parsi Punchayet. The Punchayet I the property outright and utilize the still has a very great name. A large ma- j proceeds for building for the poor or jority of the community — and outsi- 1 give it on long term lease to a developer ders — hold it in high esteem. Not a | for which there might be complications finger is pointed (at us)... they look at j under the Rent Act.” Tax expert Soli us with respect. The public outside Dastur had opined that there would be Bombay hold us in great esteem. That no complications to leasing the proper- is why there are four BPP trustees on ty “because of certain decisions of the the executive council of the Federa- Bombay High Court.” It was consider­ ed better to lease than to sell as thereby _ there would be no tax complications at priestly woes is to “marry the Parsi all, said Desai. Punchayet scheme (for the ameliora- When legal counsel Nani Palkhivala tion of mobeds) and the AET — have a was consulted, he advised that there composite, united front after having was no objection to leasing the Gibbs proper discussion with a cross section avail of this advantage Road property as “part of a composite of the community. A united approach scheme. (The sale proceeds of the own- is the only salvation. As a divided ership flats at Gibbs Road will provide house we cannot succeed.” Despite the Government of India construct rental housing for middle census figures published in July ’85 class and underprivileged Parsis in Desai says, “Our community’s figures, Bharucha Bang, Panthaky Bang and if you count world wide, are not on a Godrej Bang. Under the composite decrease. In Bombay they may be go­ ing down, but people are going outside Bombay and we want people to go out­ side. Despite building a lot of housing J Then, in answer to recent allegations for the last 10 years, we still have so ?«v.. ____________ _ ________ _ __ r niade by BPP trustee Homi Ranina to the ground. Representations to the that the Gibbs Road scheme, as origi- railway ministry had hitherto failed to nally conceived would have led to a va- yield result, but at the last Federation riety of disasters including confiscation the imprisonment of the trustees, Desai retorted, “Apart from our own opini­ on neither counsel (Dastur or Palkhi- capable of absorbing a substantial load of work on the Punchayet’s behalf.‘T _____ _ , ___ am in a better position to deliver the being constructed for affluent Parsis) considering the legal complexities.” goods,” he says, “And if large Indus- hd: ?“ ‘V —--------y" trial houses and clients take advantage 1977.” Explaining its two main angles the AET, I would be very wary to join of my advice and guidance, it should be to the interest of the community !¦ You can't single out a trustee for praise or blanne. . . Any single trustee who thinks he is achieving everything is living in a fool's paradise. / / I r that it can without fees. I’ve tried to see that costs are kept less than what we charge to the ... , „„„ others and though this is a partnership the capital that the BPP requnes to firm, I do not share in the profits from " " Punchayet work.” The small railway platform at Ud- vada has been the source of much dis- . - . comfort to Parsis going to the Iranshah scheme, these various constructions are as it fails to accommodate all the rakes considered as sections of one of the long trains and there have been scheme).y cases of accident as people, unused to such acrobatics, are required to jump as of railway ministry had hitherto failed to nally conceived would have led to a ya- tion.” Indeed, Desai’s prescription to end All trustees take an active part in the (decisions. To say that any particular trustee is nnanaging the whole show about repairs is not true." / ! meeting in Madras, Desai had announ- of the land by the government an^/or ced-that thanks to his efforts, the rail- ' ' “ way ministry had now agreed to the ex­ tension of the platform. Desai now added that the expenditure had been vala) advised that we’d have offended sanctioned by the ministry from this the provisions of the Bombay Rent year’s budget and that the work is under way. Desai’s two main priorities today are housing and mobed amelioration. He says that “425 flats have been con­ structed in the past 10 years and notes that “the idea of building a Godrej Bang w^ mooted in Erach Nadir- shaw’s time or perhaps Lady Jeha- ----------- . .. j ngir’s. On the question of delays in the there are some reservations. Things dation we can provide.. Punchayet s housing schemes, Desai says, “We are not in the position of private builders. We have to stand in queue. The government has great rega­ rd for our institution. The natural pro- -------------------------------- , , r u cess of time is taken but they consider tives are laudable.. .it is possible to 1885, Desai calls it one of the our requests and schemes and propo­ sals sympathetically.” Act.” On his part Desai discounts the com­ monly heard allegations that dissension on the BPP board has increased since Ranina’s election. “I wouldn’t say dissension has increased,” notes Desai, “but things could be better. We are able to take care The atmosphere is as many applicants on our waiting list, cordial and cooperative as before, but There are limitations to the accommo- Comparing the Federation of Parsi i Zoroastrian Anjumans of India which 1 could be better if all the trustees work as a team.” . . . , Referring to the Athravan Educatio- is a meeting ground for the discussion j nal Trust which has been set up by of community interest to the Indian 1 Ranina, Desai comments, “The objec- National Congress when it began in j ~ .................. . “ *’¦ 1 implement the objectives.. .(it) de- useful bodies for the community.” He pends how they are implemented.” concedes that there is a “fear in some 10 Parsiana September 1985I quarters that it’s a radical body. (But) the head must rule the heart.” When die classes more alert and conscious of it remains a fear, not a fact. Even since the matter of the navjote of American progress and that is a happy sign.” the Federation started we’ve continued engineer Joseph Peterson, had come Quoting the “enthusiasm for religious with our traditions of custom and reli- up before the BPP board, Desai recalls knowledge among the younger genera­ gion. . .(there is) no perceptible danger that there was “a move to condemn it tion” and the frequency of young boys of inroads at all. If there is an attempt, we are there to take care of it,” assures in the strongest possible terms.” Desai and girls visiting the agiaries, Desai ' notes that “we have followed the tradi- says, “You have to’ stand in queue to tion of not converting anybody in this go into Aslaji’s (the agiary near Sha- country (but) the legal position is quite poor Bang at Grant Road) on Meher clear (In the celebrated Parsi Puncha- roj, Meher mah. ” He foresees “no yet case of 1908 the judges had*held particular adversity for the community that while the Zoroastrian religion en- in the next 25 to 30 years. joins conversion, the Parsis, on their advent to India, had adopted the policy Desai, “is the inertia of the affluent of not converting anyone).” As trus- and of the intellectuals. They are ever tees “we can deny such converts the willing to help when asked, but the benefits under the Punchayet,” says initiative to do something for the com- the middle-of-the-road lawyer, who munity on their own is lacking.” How- Even since the Federation started, we've continued with the traditions of custom and . , I , , uiiv v/a.vt lonjvi, vriiv iiiuiiiLjr vii viivix vnii lo iiun- religion. . .there is no drafted the resolution adopted by the ever, Desai notes that “all the different .¦111 x BPP board. sections are proud to be Parsis and perceptible danger of inroads." / / “What I’m unhappy about,’’ says i! ¦|i !l BPP board. Of the B.D. Petit Parsee General they are always ready to help?” Hospital Desai says, “It is an indepen­ dent body — we are only the custo- lie) debate,” Desai argues that a dians. The actual problems are not “debate does not add to the dignity of the orthodox Desai. Describing it as a because of the inactivity of the BPP the office.. .does not befit the high representative body of “all-India di- but because of tax laws. Donations are status that the Trust enjoys,” which is mensions,” Desai says the “govern- not freely given because there is no tax also the impression of his non-Parsi ment authorities would pay more heed exemption. We as a body do not inter- friends. Desai, whose own mode of to the Federation than to one puncha- fere with the management.” Noting campaigning is to approach voters in- yet which has a sway within its own ju- that “they are doing their job as best dividually, says he had acquainted risdiction.” they can in the circumstances,” Desai Ranina of his views in ’84 and adds. However, Desai feels that the Fede- had a special word of approbation for “I will not view a proposal for a debate ration should ensure delegation of du- the hospital’s honorary secretary Dr with favour.. .1 may agree to a debate ties and responsibilities and a more ef- Homi Mehta and treasurer Noshir Du- when I am no longer a trustee.” ficient implementation of certain sphe- bash, who are “doing wonderful res of activity like the properties of de- work.” There is nothing that has “very funct anjumans, the problems faced by strikingly gone wrong which can neces- other anjumans and matters of all- sitate the interference of the BPP.” India importance such as the Adoption Bill, the Marriage and Divorce Act consider the depleting numbers Of etc.” The legal documents have been nassessalars to be alarming. Says “in limbo” says Desai, because of the Desai, “We are continuing to receive controversies in the community. It is workers for the job. The question (of a Desai’s opinion that the government critical shortage of nassessalars) will would take heed, if the community not arise in the next 25 years or more in “spoke with one voice, but a divided my view,” adds Desai, house (must) face the consequences.” Regarding the recent unanimous de- sentative of world Zoroastrians,” cision of the Federation to seek limited Desai refers to its activities in the fields reservations in educational institutions of housing, education, care of the aged founded by community charity, Desai and the infirm, rural boys’ homes, says he was “once of the view that we medical and financial assistance etc should fall in line with the mainstream, and asks, “Which institution of any • But now we should do something for other community does so much?” our community. We are being left out for more reasons than one. The minuses” in the state of the community the “race has been started so early to government has always taken a very as a whole. “In the professions^Parsis preempt me away... Hector Mehta is sympathetic view to any approach by are as active and prosperous as ever, a good friend of mine, but I personally the Parsi community. It would lend a There are lots of young businessmen think he could have waited for some sympathetic ear,” he adds. coming up, starting with some industry more months. The fact that he has not. Questioned about his opinion on or the other.” According to Desai, shows that somebody is after my scalp, conversion, Desai noted that though he “The younger generation is turning out My work and experience will tell with is personally against it, “in some cases to be smarter and smarter and the mid- the electorate. If others outside the At the doongerwadi, Desai does not Calling the BPP the “de facto repre- 11 Parsiana September t9(ih Though “not fighting shy of a (pub- !i The affluent and the intellectuals are ever willing to help when asked, but the initiative to do something for the community on their own is lacking./' / / il i;i Ij ! h h Desai says he sees no threat from any quarter to his desire to continue in the Desai notes several “pluses and trusteeship, although he concedes that I i \K i community can use my time and ex­ perience, why not the community? Although Desai admits that “certain forces are acting against me,” he ex­ pects fairly good support from both the E and F register voters. “1 have received many phone calls,” he says, “that they are behind me and that 1 should go on fighting — the response is very encouraging.” Desai admits to “second thoughts” about the electoral reforms scheme that has been presented by the BPP to the Bombay High Court, specifically the raising of the amount of donation qualifying for F register membership (which votes for trustees) from the Rs 5,0(X) stipulated by the High Court, in S rush in the past one year to enrol in the Delhi’s Shiavax Nargolwala who is a i i experience. Having acquired first hand, knowledge of the working of, the va­ rious facets of the Trust activities, my main object in seeking reelection is to put myself in a better position to be us­ ed for the purposes of our communi­ ty’s welfare and happiness, and 1 urge, for the support of all. Entering the age of 55, I have not become too old to call it a day. The primary role of a trustee of such a large trust as the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, is to best manage the Trust affairs as a man of ordinary prudence would ma­ nage his own, with integrity, honesty and independence, and I can claim to my credit, that this I have done ade- Committees should be so constituted that the chance (to become) chairman should come after a apse of four to five years and not after nine years. Having succeeded in helping to esta- ----- . Wish the women and children’s fund quately. With added experience, I am for the Federation, with the assistance now in a better position than 1 suggestion for two terms of seven years XXhy‘’buff.‘S sZ he has d.lS' Io have a full term of .0 years, tendency (to acquire) control over “suspended his hobbies.” Even read- I repeat my representations, that I voting rights,” Desai is now of the opi- ing for pleasure has “reduced to a trr am a firm believer m our Zoroastrian nion that the amount be hiked to bet- ckle” for there is his three-year-old faith, traditions, customs and prac- ween 10 and 15 thousand rupees. Des- son, Hormuzdyar, who has a stake on tices, and in the wTthe fact that such purchase of his time. tenets, hentage and culture. But aUhe voting power may dim Desai’s chances Desai, who claims to judge each same time, I have an open of reelection he bravely notes that he “proposal on its merits, not who is be- shall always be my endeavor that the fe -SSy gM ^ause The com- hind it,” says that he belongs to “no efforts of munity is getting the money, even if 1 group and no party. My only party is ® xK _ ______z\nhr intorpcf 1C lose.” Director of nearly 23 companies, Rotarian Desai has been a lecturer at various legal seminars and has appear­ ed before the Parliamentary Select Committee for amendments to the » proposal. No matter which group sup- Companies Act and the Monopolies f POrts me, it does not mean that there s - - • r- J 1 a quid pro quo...” I have and Restrictive Trade Practices Act. / / f I retired Indian Civil Service man, Desai ¦ I women and child­ ren’s fund for the BPP as such trusts ing for pleasure has “reduced to a tri­ ckle” for there is his three-year-old son, Hormuzdyar, who has a stake on siuup .AVZ ‘J • __ -- o j retain our identity and proininence as a the community and my only interest is community in this changing world, the interest of the community... I shall not have been in vain. I have been have sometimes given my views against true to these particular groups and sometimes in favour, depending on the merits of the shall not have been in vain. I have been Desai’s Manifesto and in spirit, and I shall continue to do so till death do us part. My active role with the Federation of Parsi Zoroas­ trian Anjumans of India, has created some misgivings in the minds of a few misunderstood but well meaning mem­ bers of our community, quite a few of whom are my friends, but I can say with legitimate pride, that not a single tradition, custom, or precept of our religion that we have followed up to now for the last several hundreds of years, has been affected even in a re­ motest possible manner, and 1 shall It was nearly 10 years ago that I had and forjhe benefit of the Bombay Par- When I approached you on the last , rona nope occasion, I did not have the first hand continue to strive that the same, imsi- confidence impression of the gigantic task then ViTe MemSs^Xet, none of us trustees presently on the Board, has that much expertise to tinker with the same. These matters should best be left to our Dasturs and scholars. It has been the shouting from the housetops that housing has been the Il liven 1/ JW***k, - ----- — — approached you for your support and si Punchayet Trust institutions, encouragement, and the same were rea­ dily extended to me in the fond hope, that I would justify your t—7.2—-; reposed in me. Towards the end of rny term, I now approach you once again for similar response with a sense cf satisfaction, not only to my consci­ ence, k/U* » VI vz».»»~.~, — —-------- C- majority of our intelligent well-mean- i for the betterment of our looming large before my horizon. Al­ though it started with a position of un- of certainty, it is ending happily of having aviivii iiui waaaj —J ____ coutributcd my mite for achieving a bUtTtnUy believe, also’to a large better tomorrow for the community. I _ . am now offering myself for reelection, need ofthe hour for the communiry, 12 Parsiaria September 198bing assets and continue to manage in a Apart from attending regularly to prudent way,, the existing affairs. To achieve once again the position of yore and I had joined the chorus and pro- during my term of office, mised to do something in this direc­ tion. I refuse to believe that any single the trust affairs in the manner explain­ trustee can claim the sole credit for any ed above, a trustee has also to fill in the for our community we have still to pass achievement in this connection, and I role of an Akabar to some extent. He through the bad and the good, through would most frankly say, that without has to guide those who need guidance, thick and thin, through water and fire, the collective effort on the part of all of and help those who need assistance. It We have yet so much to build, so much us, including the experts and some ins- has been my privilege not only to keep to shed, so much to restore, in housing, titutions of our community, we would my doors open every working Saturday in employment, in relief of poverty, in not have been able to achieve what we afternoon, besides other days also in better education, better medical relief, have achieved in the last 10 years, in case of urgency, to meet the members better infirmary facilities, to lead to a spite of the present day difficult times of the community for the purpose, but better Parsi Zoroastrian, and- a better and herculean task involved in under- I have also extended my helping hand priestly class. True, this is a Collective taking such activities, in these days of in whatever way I can, to the various effort.and I have contributed thereto in complexities of modern legislation, anjumans of India including Surat, my own humble way, but at the same and the fact that the trustees cannot be Pune, Baroda and Srinagar, for solv- time, it also requires thrust, leadership equated to private builders. Not only ing any of their problems, including and direction. With the experience that that a single residential building of advice and guidance both orally and in I have gained of the community’s ours has not collapsed at any time writing, in relation to the management needs and the Trust affairs, with con- because of timely repairs, but we have of their respective trust affairs. This, tacts that I have established in the been able to construct through such apart from the role that I have played course of my career, both in profession collective efforts during the last as a Trustee with a legal background in and in public life, I can say with all decade, nearly 425 flats for the com- the course of the administration of the humility, that it will be far easier for munity, thus providing a shelter over Bombay Punchayet Trust affairs when me to be equal to the task. , , ¦ Human nature tends to make one fo- mans and organizations approach us cus more on the triology “I, me, and myself” other than the rational “who,” A trustee is accountable in law for I prefer the latter to the former. I do H il i! the heads of quite a few needy who various individuals, associations, anju- were so far homeless and shelterless. The buck does not stop here. But it for their matters on hand, shall soon reach the end of the journey. Even when I undertook the onerous his acts of omission and commission, if not belong to any group or party, and task, J was fully conscious that con- it goes counter to the interest of the conscience is the only judge of my ac- sidering the manifold activities that I Trust. I can be no exception. Apart tions, reason my only monitor. Fear was already engaged in, in the course from accountability under law, I would and hatred do not exist in my heart, of my profession, and as a director of also like to be accountable, not only to My motto is to work without any ex- more than 20 companies of repute such my dear voters, but also to any mem- pectation of any word of praise or cre- as those inter alia managed by the Birla ber of our community who wishes an dit. Success does not elate me, failure and the Tata Groups, I should spare explanation. But I would not like to does not depress me. I have neither the enough time for the purpose of atten- specifically convene a meeting “to ex- desire, nor the ambition to seek self­ ding to the Trust affairs.* I am glad to plain my accountability,” with a view glorification. I have up to now, accept- say that in this respect, my position in to wrongly steal a march over others, the well-known firm of solicitors of but would like to participate in a meet- M/s Mulla and Mulla & Craigie Blunt ing organized and convened by the if I am asked to shoulder this respon- and Caroe, having a large office and a Punchayet as a collective body, which sibility again, I will gladly do so. If staff paraphernalia, has helped me we have done in the past and where f not, I shall have no disappointment, considerably in acquitting myself credi­ tably. I can say without fear of contradic­ tion, that I have been regularly atten- and answer any question, ding the meetings of the Trust, and to cite only an example, out of a total of of dreams with the realities on ground, of the august institution of the Bombay 111 regular meetings of the trustees Nor do I want to build castles in the air Parsi Punchayet. held during the last more than three as is the theme song of most of such and a half years, I have attended in all manifestoes. The liquid funds of the me in achieving the above? 94 meetings (only sickness or some un- Punchayet in 1976 when I entered the September 10, 1985. .avoidable engagement kept me away scene were of the order of Rs 4.5 crores from those which I did not attend) and and have now increased to nearly Rs in quite a few cases, even at the cost of 6.5 crores. The interest income has in­ cutting short my journeys outside creased from about Rs 6,200,000 in Bombay in the course of professional 1976 to Rs 1.2 crores in 1985 by judi- engagements. In this respect my record cious investment, (and I was a member compares favorably with most of my of the Investments Committee for colleagues on the Board. The above, quite some time). There is still a gigan­ apart from the hundreds of non-sche- tic task ahead, to consolidate, apart duled and committee meetings held from putting to the best use, the exist- ed and shouldered every office in my life in the name of Ahura Mazda, and also participated. As and when such My service will still be at the disposal meetings are convened by the Puncha- of the members of the community in yet I would gladly face the audience any capacity that they want. But I feel that I will be able to discharge the same I do not want to build up a collision better if I were to continue to be a part Will you not, my dear voter, assist CORRECTION In “The Parsi Priesthood of India: Dasturs of distinction” by Arnavaz Chubb, the last paragraph of the first column {Parsiana, August 1985 page 40) should read: “Dastur Da- rabji Peshotanji Sanjana succeeded his father as High Priest of the Wadia Atash Bahram in 1898.” 13 Parsiana September 193b I i !ii I I i i iNEWS ANALYSIS AET: a matter of trust? criticizing, what they have done.’ He noted that the AET trustees were ni oiusiii as uas ................ ........... ........___________ workingfortheTrustat “greatperso- EduSonidTrurUAET). Every aspect pretation,” and by “lay people trying nal sacrifice.’’ As to why prominent naucaiioiiai iiusiv / h k - J,„ people were not made the trustees and then ^attacked The Bombay some of the present trustees not kept as Seldom htis the formation of a commu- explain the organization’s objectives, nity trust raised as much controversy Raniha noted that much of the attack or antagonism as has the Athravan on the Trust was “clouded by misinter- of the Trust, formed on February 21 to understand a legal ^document.’’ this year has been a subject of heated Ranina -.— ---------, debate, starting with the inaugural Samachar saying that 95 percent of its employees of the Trust, Ranma said, function and continuing consistently 1,50,000 subscribers were non-Parsis “a worker never functions with the thereafter. The trust deed, the trust ad- ’ dress and even the trustees themselves devoted to Parsi affairs every Wednes- have become a focal point of attack by day and Sunday, nearly all sections of the community. ‘ Two High Priests have alleged that singled out?.. .(surely there are) better the Trust, “has taken the community things to write about on Sundays — .„ ,, at large and the athravans in particular better subjects, better interests... it the presence of Khojeste Mistree. for a ride.’’ An editorial in The Bom- does not look nice to face non-Parsis Noting that Mistree was a chartered ac- bay Samachar states, “People want to (who read the columns)... the Sama- countant by profession, Ranina que­ start grandiose schemes in the name of char’s policy is to publish only one ried,“Canyouthmk ofany other Par- mobeds, but such schemes do not stand point of view.. .the letters of support si Zoroastnan who has sacrificed his the scrutiny of reason and logic.’’ And (for the Trust).. .are not published.’’ career for religious education. .. Do the Jam-e-Jamshed, a one time ally of Turning on the two High Priests, not malign the Trust because of perso- the people behind the Trust, carried Dasturs Hormazdyar Mirza of Ud- nal prejudices.. .if somebody is doing editorials on the front page of the wada and Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa of something wrong, you do something paper on three different days, criticiz- the Anjuman Atash Bahram, who at- right.’’ ing the Trust, stating, “the trust deed tacked the Trust in a jointly written ar- - ------------- in its present form.. .provides consi- tide published in the Parsi Press, derable scope for misuse.’’ f Angered by the unexpected back- i---------- ,---------- ------ , ... jj j u lash, trustees Homi Ranina, a noted wgre “pessimistic.. .when you set up a been singled out... lam saddened by tax consultant and trustee of the Bom- tr Ranina also did not fully realize the somewhat less committed than the per- extent of resentment Khojeste Mis- son who pays him, went out with the tree’s name Would arouse in the com­ i Cloinled with emotion shrewd and perceptive individual like a liability than an asset at this stage. There is no doubt the Athravan Educa- Ranina, who orchestrated such a sue- r ' ' " tional Trust controversy has generated cessful electoral campaign barely a over the AET has simmered, the com­ as much heat as light. The attacks from year ago, find himself in such a pre- muhity will review this odd chapter in a both sides appear to be clouded by dicament? more objective light. They will perhaps emotion. Ranina alleged that lay peo- In the election Ranina tread slowly, hail the controversy as a milestone in pie had misunderstood the Trust but sought support, sensed the public the re-emergence of the Parsi priest­ even a legal luminary and former Bom- mood of disenchantment with the hood as a force to be reckoned with, bay Parsi Punchayet trustee, Shiavax Committee for Electoral Rights (sub- not merely the object of behdin cha- R. Vakil,who is also legal adviser to the sequently renamed Committee for Eco- rity. After spending years in seclusion House of Tatas, criticized several nomic Revival), helped swell the donor and turning their backs on the day-to- aspects of the Trust noting that “no register of voters and went from place day problems in the community, the Trust of this character with such draco- to place campaigning. In the AET he priests have grappled with contemp<> nian powers given to the managing presented the community with a fait rary issues. They have suddenly be- trustee can survive for long, nor attract accompli and then went out seeking come the focus of attention of the com- nor evoke sympathy or trust of the support. He did not correctly sense or munity. Every organization or trust commynity. Rumors are agog that one perceive the mood of the athornans. of the trustees is likely to go abroad for collection of funds for this Trust — at seething at the low esteem the commu- Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India whose expense?” (Ranina later retort- nity has accorded them. Now, when devotes time to the priesthood at every ed that the trustee in question was an the demand for priests is greater than session. Every anjuman or punchayet invitee to the Fifth North American the supply, it is the turn of the priests is hesitant to do anything without their Zoroastrian Congress and his fare had to dictate terms, not vice versa. Ranina sanction. Newspaper articles, editorials been paid by an association there.) Ranina’s allegation pertaining to priests by viewing their problems main- vacancies) focus on them. As Mistree JamaspAsa’s resignation from the ly from an economic point of view, himself ironically, though unfairly Cama Trust was denied by the High Time and again the priests have stres- observed, “they have t^ecome lords.” Priest as well as his co-trustee, Shiavax sed that priesthood is a calling and not What the trust did was to cast them as Vakil. Ranina’s claim, that Samachar’s a commercial proposition. Even if uneducated, impoverished mercena- pages were closed to the AET’s point Ranina disagreed With their outlook he ries. of view drew a reply from the paper’s could have been more tactful in his ap- ” Editor Jehan Daruwala asking him to proach. Instead he and his co-trustees restored the priests to a position of cite if any piece of his or his co-trustees pushed ahead on the basis of an M.A. power. Now the question is whether had been turned down for publication, thesis which, however worthwhile, the priests will unite and work for their The Samachar also carries columns must,still be classified as the work of and the community’s betterment, or pertaining to other communities on an amateur — as unfortunately most whether they will once again let the op- different days of the week. The pur- of the research on the commuoity is. pose of these columns is to provide news and analysis of community events for readers of those communities. Ranina contended that a trust must be of like-minded positive people. Yet in his election campaign he approached and sought support from a cross sec­ tion of the community. The danger of ' like-minded people is that they tend to think alike and leave or ignore oppos­ ing but valid points of view. And when Ranina alleges a paid worker does not have the same dedication as an hono­ rary trustee, he should cast another glance at some of the BPP staff who certainly have inspired more confid­ ence than eertain trustees, especially in In the election Ranina tread slowly, hail the controversy as a milestone in wants to be associated with them in one For years the priesthood has been manner or the other. The Federation of and his co-trustees also irked the and even advertisements (for filling Perhaps the AET has unwittingly portunity slip away. 15 Paisiaiia Sepfftnihof ! 1 j II I iGifts& The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 253443 & 252730Ranina’s Homi Banina's second six-monthly address - overstaffing in certain departments... overbiaiityfe „ ...f tsspiTiinatinfi repeaTpcrro^ .„thK/ adriress to the community focuses 1 > I I I Ra- Arnovax S. Manto overstaffing in certain de^n^nu eaX“”:;^BharuchaBaug,Ood.i = =iss.==S -d such friction on the board of f ceased.. .(BPP trustee) Nao- j charitable trusts. Many of the Bombay Parsi J Qodrej has spent much time in ne- ot encroached upon, differences of opi- roji uo j benefits.. .hope the such lan by , . fnrmance will increase m a noud R^^ma^^^ 8 the it of his electoral commit- dation nina expects asked me if I’m going of not seemg ®y®‘^°^ye beaaP 1— described such ^tction on trustees c. - vet as “legitimate sess s-fessss sxs:? ‘,SSXfX» Chamber hall on second after 1— - The audience roji ~— gotiating staff performance will increase in a I? r' ¦p Sanrhave been encroached u^n noted Ranina, eg Indian Merchants ;„„umf»ntation of tne uidu» a M., July 24, IMS — *e P . ,1,0 punchayet is build- his election to the BPP. ’ had turned up jn „ plou^J»» of India in "°On the subject of flat allotment Ra- sassTJiStt in ing 51 housing the next couple of yet flat. Referring to the ui devoted to the “ * b , for the ameliora- other being an of- of one of the topic of the „«Alinra- two recent schemes tion of priests, the the forthcoming^election ,r tiot,t^c3 of the BPP. November 1985, assit- gathering wm to f— ’ — scheduled for ting trustee E. of office draws t^a Hector Mehta, has publicly s contest Desai’s ^t.^ Hie f-- 4emlt with the — the accounts, new tion, repairs, _ some of it a repeti^n the board of trustees VFI k'vwr»’»--- . - Eruch Desai’s close . While Desai ------ J the evening’s chmnnan. ration. Bombay businc^man - • I the evening’s chairman, affirmed his decision to uesai's scot. fira half of ySp usual topics of the BPP -“*F housing construe- ™''al'lo‘unen. of flats, etc - ws, «ut . . -J of his earlier S of ri*^ of X is absorbed by is though) 30 percent of consumed by wages, _ /yfiere is) “our staff is underpaid... (There is, percent of the income is Ranina stated, 1—^ mirtniai — ptioto: Homyar Misuv 16 Parsiana September 1985rmance on a defense of the controversial Athravan Educational Trust. Referring to the Parsi Punchayet’s letter to the liberal daily The Bombay to occupation of BPP flats, Ranina sta- Referring to the Parsi Punchayet’s letter to the liberal daily The Bombay ted, “We are going to fight these intru- scheme for mobed amelioration, Ra- Samachar by a Dinshaw Dumasia, ders. Even after 15 years we will throw nina noted that the. objectives differed, quoting extensively from the trust deed them out.. .people are trying to make “We believe Rs 600 (the BPP intends which was thereafter published in toto money out of charity.’’ to subsidize mobeds whose income is by the conservative Jam-e-Jamshed. It Ranina described the BPP’s new po- less than Rs 600) is not the answer to is the contention of both these dailies licy on repairs where instead of the the problem. We are not in conflict that the trust deed and the brochure are Punchayet conducting repairs and re- with each other. They have a limited at cross purposes. covering 50 percent of the cost from goal, we have a wider goal. (Later, in Noting that “Naoroji Godrej and the tenants, “we are telling the tenants answer to a question Ranina said, “I my family have given a lot of money to to go ahead with their contractor and am also part of the BPP scheme. I am this Trust,’’ Ranina said, “All our we give them 50 percent according to part of both schemes. I want both trustees are men of integrity.’’Then to our estimate... The tenants can more schemes to succeed — they comple- refute what he called the “malicious j effectively supervize and be responsi- ment each other.’’) The BPP cannot propaganda in the Press against certain ble for the quality of work (instead of get the benefit of 80G (exemption to trustees for purely personal reasons,” the) BPP staff which cannot cope.” donor and trust from income and gift Ranina noted, “Our trustee is going Approaching the problem of the pri- tax) because of the way its trust deed is abroad to collect funds... at the invita- ests, Ranina noted that even though he worded. Exemption from the gift tax tion of the Fifth North American had spoken of it in his manifesto he requires (that the trust not be) for any Zoroastrian Congress (which) will pay “was not really aware until Huzan caste, creed or community. We also for his ticket and all expenses.” Kharas’ research paper (was published) have certain clauses for women and Then, taking the bull by the horns, that 58 percent of mobeds discourage children. Even if you spend money on Ranina confronted the critics of the their children from taking to women and children of one communi- trust deed: “Dinshaw Dumasia’s copy mobedi... ty, it is deemed to be a secular trust, of the trust deed was a wrong copy. “Was the AET necessary? Couldn’t (We got) the same exemption for the The amended trust deed, now with the the madressas do the same job?” asked Parsi General Hospital,” said Ranina. charity commissioner, has no clauses Ranina and went on to explain how the Ranina noted that the AET sought for any benefit to any trustee. I do not madressas’ job is to train young boys to educate the priests in the meaning of know where Jam-e-Jamshed got its until they complete their navar and the prayers so that “if they know what trust deed from. maratab initiation ceremonies. “Only they are praying,..^they will not gapcha “Managing trustee Huzan Kharas is seven boys took to the priesthood in maro (omit sections).”A comparative responsible for this Trust being con- five years,” Ranina emphasized. “All study of religions is another sub- ceived. She wanted Naoroji Godrej to the money spent at the madressas was ject sought to be inculcated because, be the managing trustee; but Naoroji wasted. Madressa trustees cannot be says Ranina, “Parsis go to pirs and said he did not even want to be a trus- responsible for the boys after their babas because Parsis believe all reli- tee if Huzan is in charge because ‘I training is completed. There is no trust gions are the same, which is absurd.” have full faith and confidence in her.’ to encourage the boys to make use of The aim, according to Ranina is to “Ours is the only trust deed pro- the training received at the madressa.” create “a new generation of educated viding for rotational retirement of Noting that there is no trust for the mobeds of the twenty-first century trustees. Normally trustees are ap- amelioration of Parsi priests — “total (who will) fulfil the special needs of pointed for life... very good scheme funds (for the purpose) are -no more our young people.” because we have incorporated the cor than seven lakhs in the BPP” — Ra- The AET was avowedly set up by porate concept.. .the charity commis- nina stated that the question of merg- Ranina together with Dastur Firoze sioner was delighted... The managing ing the madressas also had to be aban- Kotwal, High Priest of the Wadia Atash trustee cannot- remove a trustee; a doned. Though the Cama Madressa Bahram, Khojeste Mistree, founder of trustee can be removed only by a majo- has a total annual income of three Zoroastrian Studies (ZS), and others in rity vote... to speak of untramelled lakhs of rupees, Ranina quoted the furtherance of the electoral promise in powers is all wrong.” trustees as saying that “all the income his manifesto to ameliorate the plight Using the analogy of Rajiv Gandhi is being used fully.” While four lakhs of Zoroastrian priests. An illustrated who “has no experience of politics or will be received from Tata Housing for brochure distributed at the inaugura- administration, yet is a leader of 7(X) the structural repairs of the Cama tion appealed to the community for millionpeople,”RaninaspokeofKha- Madressa buildings, no more than two funds. The credentials of the Trust, ras’ “missionary zeal... has dedicated to three lakhs will be available for which has a targetted corpus of one hec life to this project. We feel if things mobed welfare, Ranina added. crore of rupees, were questioned in a are going to happen, it will be because i I ' I I i i I I ! 17 Parsiana September 1986J- ¦ u . ILIUM — -¦ _____ of the young'^^^SHlrpeofwe becaSWof __________ _ _ have let us down... Only one BPP referred to thela^^mom tneMaoro^^^r^, who arrived while trustee wanted to do something for the board of trustees and enquired, “Was Ranina was speaking, accepted the lat- mobeds and that was the late Maneck Eruch Desai not doing any legal advis- ter’s invitation to share the podium Mistry. ing?” While refraining from comment with him. Mehta began the evening’s “Why (only) employ the young peo- on the specific question, Ranina noted, proceedings by citing an amusing ana- pie? We want them to be responsible— “Justice Vimadalal has been of tre- logy between the administration, of only trustees carry responsibility.” Ra- mendous help to us in regard to rent US President Calvin Coolidge and the nina noted that the AET’s board of control.” tight lipped BPP, prior to 1981. Mehta trustees is a balanced one, with old, middle-aged and young people. In the course of the question-answer convene the Anjuman Committee and vainly firing their, questions at Pre­ session which followed, one question Ranina replied he had “no comments sident Coolidge who when repeatedly pertained to Ranina’s earlier state- to offer. I am here in fulfilment of my asked if he had anything to say on ment, made in February, that if the promise.” various issues replied each time with CER(Committee for Economic Revival) fields Minoo Shroff as a candidate for verting tenancy flats in the baugs into filed out of the room, the President BPP trusteeship, “we shall not oppose ownership, Ranina replied, “Charity called after them, “And don’t quote him.” Asked whether he would now trusts will not be able to convert (their me!” abide by the statement, Ranina noted flats) to ownership because of the trust that this commitment had been made deeds. And even if the deeds are unless it has first been freely ac- in the context of BPP trustee and Bom- amended, 60 percent of the tenants will cepted,” noted Mehta. “Our youngest bay’s municipal commissioner Jam- not accept.” trustee, Mr Homi Ranina has freely ac- sheed Kanga resigning from the trus­ teeship. “If a CER candidate resigns, mented on the undesirable state Of our people and to come back to the let the CER put up its candidate. The some of the agiaries and noted that the community with the report of his invol­ commitment does not (now) arise. This solution is to “shift the agiaries into vements and achievements in commu- vacancy is not a CER vacancy,” said the baugs where the population resides, nity affairs.” He also disclosed that Ranina. where the fires would be well looked Ranina’s family trust had donated Rs In the context of the repeated after,’’and noted that the BPP had un- 34 lakhs to the BPP for the construc- amendments to ths Gibbs Road scheme animously decided to shift the Godavra tion of 20 flats in Godrej Baug. Maor< Another questioner wanted to know related how, at a White House press why the trustees as a board did not conference, various reporters were Questioned on the possibility of con- the word “no.” Then as the reporters “Nobody is bound by any obligation In answer to a query, Ranina com- cepted the "obligation to reach out to INDIA'S FIRST PELLETRON PLANT S 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 buiding in the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research complex. The total Civi Engineering work has been entrusted to Shapoorji Palonji & Co. (Pvt.) Ltk—pioneers in the construction industry—and we are proud to be associated with tills "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 eomplexily and quality is due to the combined efforts 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! V' t 18 Parxiana September 198b • V.:. !lh’ 1 4/ E SHAPOORJ PALLONJ & CO. (PVT.) UD. Engineers & Construction Contractors New India Centre, 17 Cooperage Road, Bombay-400039 India. Telex: 011-2124; Tel.: 2026614,2020228:2020762 I