Oct 1985

October! 983 Price Rs 6 lomoav jrarsi ir uncnayet i rusieesnipcLiecuuris Parsi Punchayet Trusteeship Elections Bombay frustceship Elections Bombay Parsi Punchayet Elections Bo mbay Parsi P inchayet Tru steeship Elec Lions Bomba Punchayet Tr Bsteeship Parsi <> Elections Bom lombay Parsi Punchayet Trusteeship Elections § ui X > < s § I : i ! 3 K J a I' t c IK W ta < £ s ae O u X ¦'x. > < t/t s X u :3 tK Ul Bombay Parsi PunchayetTrusteeship Elections punchayet Trusteeship Elections Bombay Parsi l^cctions Bombay Parsi Punchayet Trusteeship vusteeship Elections Bombay Parsi Punchayet.'¦ir. .1 feK, October 1^5 J # Volume 8 Number 4 R- - editor Jehon^f Patel’ MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE'EDITOR Parinaz Toddywalla ASSOCIATE EDITOR Niloofer Madon DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN assistants Kranti Shilotri, Vdrghese Fernandez MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ,A0ViERTISM;«5 MANAGER Zarin Billimond ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D’Penho, CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thonavala FINANCE B.L. Arora CIRCULATION Behrom Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Pdtel, Jasmine Odver^ Khurshid Daruwalla DATA PROCESSING Rohinton Mistry OFFICE Rajendra Nayak, Madhuri Dabral 3 Readers' Forum 4 10 Events and Personalities 18 BPP elections by Arnavaz S. Mama ' teoi^nfa^ to coexist by Porus Cooper 27 Mistree: grave imbalance 29 Dalal's duty 32 A gift turns pldtinum by Parinaz Toddywalla 38 StOT reporting by Pqrinaz Toddywalla . .1 I.1 II I II III.................................. . Cover:. JrbnsparenciPs of Mehto end f^escH by Homyar Mistry . 1 .*S4 Parsianq 0 published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications at C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsan Chbiribers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayok Marg, Fort, flonfibay 400 001, and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Ndriman Street, Bombay 400001 and photo- - i- typeset at TRIAGE, Bombay 400 005. All rights reserved. Address all editorial and . / business correspondence, to Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001. Phone: 2048730. Annual inland subscription: Rs 40 for one year (12 issues); Rs 75 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates: Seamail Rs 80 for one year, Rs 150 for two years; ’ Airmail Rs 160 for one year, Rs 290 for two years. For U.S. cheques odd $4 to cover ; - bonk chores. For Indian upcountty cheques odd,Rs 3 for bank charges. Cheques ond drafts are'to be | drawn in favour of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400 001 or C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsori Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 ' f Ar ¦¦ ¦; R S''" " r t ’J - H h ”3 I that the ‘E* Md ‘F’ registers (that is the problem (Parsiana, August 1985, pag^ I registers of the elected members and 20d). In particular you mentioned PtOf I donor meftibers respectively), should Rooshiktimar Pandya who had submit I be equal in number. It is pertinent to ted a report that involved an “overly I point out that whilst the number of large sum of money, ” Reading this, ! I elected members of the Anjutnan Com- happened to meet Prof Pandya a I mitteehas remain^ static at 303 from- days later and mentioned this to him. 1981 to date, the number ofthe Fregis- He was^amazed, saying that he had h.> Rs 15,000 to 20,000. am in a position tosay hOw much hanm I did not intervene in court on Oc- is caused to a trust and its property^! tqber 1, 1985 to oppose the freezing of and harassment to innocent persons , the *F* register. D.H^ Nanavati, a due to lethargy and unscrupulousness 4^ counsel in the above case, was not of some of the persons in charge of representing me as has been wrongly such trusts. - . . . • My main objective to pen these few Neither had I opposed the freezing lines is to highlight one of the impor- 1- . » . . - T*—Z-tant factors which has led to the down-. « t 1984 when Ms Mani Dalal Hied a peti- fall of the priestly class in our commu- he^ frozen tion against the chairman and trustees nity. It assumes significance, more so, 1b®®^hs beature the trusteeship elec- of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet regar- as the welfare of the priestly class is so ? powwer, wbw the CER moved ding .amendments to the scheme for vigorously discussed by the community < before the Bombay election of trustees, I had intervened at present. It is the constant harass-, Court on C^ober 1, 1985 (less on behalf of the ‘F’ register voters as ment to mobeds working in the fire- ' the proposed amendment intended to temples, by persons in charge who rt«K the F register against do away with and/or alter the existing totally exploit and degrade them with- fm^ M®hta, through his rights of the ‘F’ register voters. out any compunction, which in turn advocate D.H. Nanavati, intervened in ........................................ CQwit to oppose'such a freezing of the ( I !b ‘die F (donors) roister must be frozen tion against the chairman and trustees ^er. ^_had into^ened and opposed the F register even last Sw 9 J ' fl ¦ '*! .7!-is I do not believe in taking away the shakes the confidence of the mobeds to ' existing rights of any class of voters, the root, with retrospective effect. A spate of public notices in the news* papers, false complaints to the police, - * T sending police vans to the agiary, and ‘ threatening calls'and l^ers are things You have referred to the efforts made which could easily lead to-------------- uav x iv^ioivi even mdl TV a <% roister was being hea- • • • *» human terms? '. “**' io the efforis nraoe wnicn eouid easily lead to a nervous states by the community to deaPw^htfaedbr^ brb^own of any person. ,WiU any J ''S 5//' i . •^K:i I I ITI tJ It h from J.F. Pavri (Parsiana, July 1985) basis for the next proposed building of regarding the Goti Adarian fire rein- 20 flats. stallatipri and the Karanj Agiary. I may make it clear that both these holy insti- from within the community at the grass tutions are not managed by the Surat root levels mostly, since the flow of Parsi Punchayet, though it’s a fact that large donations from sethias has al- several souls closely connected with the most dried up due to economic reasons Surat Punchayet took a prominent part and other factors of complicated taxa- in the fire re-installation function. To tion, etc. make it clear, Surat Parsi Punchayet does not manage any atash bahram, of India, and especially of Bombay and agiary or dar-e-meher. its suburbs. As the Parsis residing in bangs and colonies take advantage of Efforts are being made to raise funds This appeal is directed to all Parsis Sodawaterwatla Agiary, Bombay. gheyara one then argue why young mobeds do surai economical rents — thereby making not take up this profession? Farokh Housinfi oroiect savings and maintaining a stan- Mobedji is a young person, fully profi- ® dard of life — the appeal to them is to cient and qualified in the mobedi learn- A committee called the Rayomand share and help others get a roof over ings, having received his training in the Committee was constituted in the year their heads. M.F. Cama Athornan Madressa at An- 1978 under the chairmanship of Ms dheri, and has performed nirangdin Goolestan Billimoria, to voluntarily bers of the Parsi community, is to regu- ceremonies also. We were both to- assist the trustees of the Bombay Parsi larly contribute for 5 years a monthly gether at the madressa, and we intend- Punchayet raise funds for providing sum of at least Rs 10. There are appro- ed to take up full-time mobedi which housing for the community. ximately 70,000 Parsis in the city of we put into practice; but for what? In- The Committee consists of a group Bombay of which about 30,000 are ear- stead of having any incentive or encou- of 28 dedicated ladies, which has from ning members. Therefore, if each earn- ragement, do we have to face this type its very inception striven hard to raise ing member contributes a minimum of of treatment? Besides, as far as we funds for housing the needy middle Rs 10 per month, the total collection have information, many of the pantha- class of the community. every month would be Rs 3 lakhs and kies in the recent past have been howl ­ ed out and harassed beyond limit. In- ing Rs 18 lakhs approximately, out of one crore and 80 lakh rupees. We deed, some year ago, one old and aged which a twin-building called Rayo- would appreciate if Parsi professionals panthaky of this agiary was dragged to mand and Khoremand has come up at comprising doctors, lawyers, accoun- court, and he subsequently died of the Pirojsha Godrej Baug at Nepean tants, consultants and architects sup ­ shock. For this very reason, therefore. Sea Road. The 20 flats in the twin- port our cause, we have decided to fight for the cause building, each having two rooms and a of the mobeds even at our own cost kitchen have been allotted to Parsis. and prestige, and therefore are des­ perately hanging on despite all odds, the Godrej Baug by the BPP trustees sending us the unused income from and with our back to the wall. but we need your support to raise Rs 34 their corpus. We request our wealthy Ironically enough, the Bombay Parsi lakhs which is the estimated cost of senior citizens to please include the Punchayet who is a party to this epi- construction on a no-profit, no-loss Rayomand Committee in their will, sode, and who had literally thrusted on the panthak in its time of despair, in ­ spite of Mobedji ’s reluctance, has now shirked from its responsibility by not finding any way to get Mobedji paid for his outstanding dues since February ’84. It is very strange that all the che­ que books were handed over to Marfa- tia in spite of his antecedents being known. It is our fervent desire, there­ fore, that the well-meaning persons of • the community would see through f Housing project Our only request to all earning mem- We have succeeded so far in collect- in 5 years the amount would soar to We appeal to the trustees of various Zoroastrian trusts to support this ef- Land has been offered to us again at fort of the Rayomand Committee by Godrei Baug with Rayomand-Khoremand building. I li these events, and would prevail over 19 the persons concerned to break this ' stranglehold which will have far-reach- ing consequences on the community in future, and the mobeds in particular. ROOVINTAN P. PEER E H E3h ssSs Obi in, jW jl I I UH!: 1 Karanj fire extinguished There has appeared a correspondence Zfarsiana October 19fS}5’. ip- • t - - We also appeal to our Zoroastrian (U.P.), and other fellow Zoroastrians tainment while religious talks and lec- brothers and sisters settled abroad to residing in LI.P., where anjumans do donate generously every month. So far not exist. our Parsi friends from Hongkong, We have for our congregation a pra- Zoroastrian religion. Besides, the Canada and U.K., and Ahmedabad yer hall known as the Mazda Prayer games and sports secretaries organize have helped us generously and have Hall, which was constructed out of a assured us of their continued support. <' Contributions may be in cash or by thosti’ who once resided in Lucknow cross and order, account payee cheques and who had desired that his munifi- made out in favour of “Rayomand cent charity should ever remain in Committee” and sent to. the undersign- anonymity. The Mazda Prayer Hall ed at the following address: No 4 was declared open by the late Sir H.P. School Building, Cusrow Baug, Bom- . Mody, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, in The president of the anjuman and its bay 400 039. January 1950. executive committee are elected by the general body every two years; and five tures are held in the prayer hall. A ] small library includes books on the \ We have for our congregation a pra- Zoroastrian religion. r^ indoor and outdoor games. Weekly donation given by ‘A grateful Zar- club days and a monthly social gather­ ing are organized and community festi­ vals are celebrated wherein all the members of the anjuman participate. Our anjuman is a registered body under the Societies Registration Act. January 1950. In Lucknow, thanks to the 45hilan thropy of the Nawroji family, a dha- members constituting an Estate Trust ramshala and an aramgah were being Committee are elected by the general run, some decades ago, before the an- The Lucknow Parsi Anjuman is per- anjumans in India which is providing and maintaining residential flats for PERIN TENGRA Jt. Honorary Secretary The Rayomand Committee Lucknow anjuman appeal . . . . * run, some decades ago, before the an- body to hold office for an aggregate Lucknow metropolitan city has a total juman was formed. After our anjuman period of five years, population of 89 Zoroastrians. The came into being, the responsibility of Lucknow Parsi Anjuman promotes the running the dharamshala was taken haps one of the few Parsi Zoroastrian welfare and common interest of the 48 over by the anjuman. The dharamshala Parsi Zoroastrian families and safe- has four self-contained rooms with at- guards their rights and common inte- tached bath and toilet facilities. All Zoroastrian Parsis at reasonable rent, rests when it is warranted. The anju- Parsi Zoroastrians coming to Lucknow These flats have been fully occupied by man maintains the services of a mobed are most welcome to stay in our dha- permanent residents of Lucknow who saheb so that Zoroastrians residing in ramshala where boarding arrange- are in need of residential accommoda- the Lucknow metropolitan area may ments exist and food is supplied by our tion. Further, these flats are also allot- avail of the benefits of themobed’s ser- mobed on payment of moderate char- ted to Zoroastrians who wish to settle vices. Our anjuman also places his ser- ges. down in Lucknow, and also to those vices at the disposal of other Parsi an- We provide and maintain a club for who are posted at Lucknow. It is note- jumans situated in Uttar Pradesh enlightenment, recreation and enter- worthy that out of a total of 48 families MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you -k Diploma Course in Business Management (Oral/Postal) IMC ? Banking: C.A.I.I.B. Course (Postal) ? Executive Secretarial Course ? Private Secretarial Course Steno Secretarial Course lAr Telephone Operating ? Personal Assistants* Programme (working stenographers) ¦k Telephone Operating-Cum-Receptionist Techniques ? Shorthand & Typewriting ? Punch Operating ? Telex Operating ? E.D.P. Concepts & Cobol Programming k Computer Exposure & Basic Programming Enquire at as ,A. D Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400 001. Tel: 251185 6 Parsiana October 196bV !'¦ residing at Lucknow, 16 families have help our small anjuman by donating The cheques/bank drafts may be drawn in favour of “Lucknow Parsi been provided residential flats in the for these good causes. compound of Parakh Bagh, 6, R.F. rS'ed'*building known as K.H. Katrak Anjuman ” and may 1^ forwarded to Freny Manor, 1st Floor, 6, Park Road Lucknow-226 001. Bahadurji Marg, Lucknow. A two sto- With Compliments of Block was completed im the year 1980, the president af the foUowing address: which has altogether six flats with one " '' - - r. .. living room and two bedroom accom­ modation in each flat. The remaining 10 flats were built way back i.e. 1948 to 1960. The dharamshala was also built in the year 1950. All these premises of heavy and major repairs from time Kristine Kumana (Parsiana, July 1985) to time. allow me to say that when a person dies The boundary walls both at Parakh only his soul moves out of its physical Bagh where residential flats, dharam- self and the person is supposed to be shala and prayer hall are located as lifeless i.e. soulless. The soul is the life also the aramgah, which is known as spark in our bodies, the living element. Hormazd Bagh, have to be maintained On completion of its given life span, properly in order to prevent encroach- the soul, for its further progress and rfient. development towards perfection is The anjuman ’s moveable assets, given a new abode in the womb of its have become old and decrepit and new mother according to its karni. replacements thereof are very much There is rebirth of the soul again and overdue. again in this world until perfection is On account of paucity of funds, the reached. The soul is thus said to be im- According to true Zoroastrianism, __ heaven or hell is what a man makes of gah. The aramgah is more than 100 his life here and now — vahista ahu, years old and has a green cover of fruit achista ahu. Heaven and hell are not bearing trees and flower plants. On ac- separate geographical locations. There B.J. KHODAIJI President Lucknow Parsi Aniuman After the death ... having been built long ago, are in need Having read “After the death...” by ® . __ . . __ yw-k • -r 1 allow me to say that when a person dies << anjuman has not been in a position to mortal, allocate sufficient funds for the proper upkeep and maintenance of the aram- t,—-- - - „ years old and has a green cover of fruit achista ahu. Heaven and hell are not bearing trees and flower plants. On ac- separate geographical locations. There count of acute shortage of water, it has are no souls in limbo.jpie Lord may be become difficult to maintain the or- trusted to provide the soul with ano- chards and flower plants, which have ther body to live in while He takes it been a regular source of income for the out of its former physical self. anjuman. The proposal to augment Seance in Europe was a curse on the water supply by re-boring the existing gullibles until the police put several well cannot be implemented due to pretenders and fakes behind bars under shortage of funds. The main building the Prevention of Witchcraft Act, and which also comprises the bungli of the curbed the activities, aramgah needs major repairs. Giving due respect to the institution g , dharamshala ot athornans and mobeds, the anju ­ man has substantially raised the emolu ­ ments and perquisites of our mobed, so that he gets adequate monthly income nani Parsi Dharamshala at Nanpura. considering the very high cost of living Due to some internal politics and usual these days. The anjuman has also taken conflicts, the magnificent building of steps to establish the Mobed’s Benevo- the dharamshala was very badly kept, lent Fund to make provision for his the water tanks were leaking and the ’ retirement benefits. old pipes were choked. The main hall In our own humble manner, the and the surrounding otlas were un ­ Lucknow Parsi Anjuman is making kempt, every effort to mobilize maximum in ­ ternal resources, including obtaining of able trustees to engage a needy Parsi donations from the local Zoroastrian gentleman to look after the mainten- Parsi philanthropists of Lucknow. The Lucknow Parsi Anjuman there- premises could be used during get-to- fore fervently appeals to all benevolent gethers and other auspicious functions. Parsi Zoroastrian trusts and philan- anklesari a thropic Parsis to come forward and Rawat Bhata ROSHNI H. SI- I'HNA I had the opportunity to visit Surat in recent months and I stayed at the Tam- It is my earnest appeal to the honor- ance of the dharamshala so that the 9 Parsiana October 1985 JEENA COMPANY IATA Approved Air Cargo, Clearing, Forwarding & Warehousing Agents 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay 400 023. Cable: “JUSTITIA” Telex: 2313 Phone: 312032 BRANCHES: E. Merc House, 19 / B, Shakespeare Sarani , Calcutta 700 071. Phone: 444711 “Jeena House”, 50, Hanuman Road, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110 001. Phone: 310821 Devtha Plaza, C. 14, Residency Road, Bangalore 560 025. Phone: 26215 No. 26, 26, 24, 2nd floor. Harbour Approach Road, Vishakapatnam 530 001. Phone: 65942 205, Gera Chambers, Off Boat Club Road, Pune 411 001. Phone: 65942 No. 6, Jaffar Syrang Street, Madras 600 001. Phone: 26215 .1 h ii i "3 J-w., •1 ' Events and Personalities 1 11 -•u « 13 r Mivinp and matching intermingle, the Punchayet warily de- World Zoroastrian Congress earlier in ® ® cided to try out the idea on a restricted the year): the invitations had to be ex- '‘The Two of Clubs. . .the lady with trial basis for the people registered on changed for passes, the passes for theTwoof Clubs, ” vainly called Zeno- the matrimonial bureau. paper plates brimming with refresh- bia Bhesania, the evening ’s compere. . In an effort to mix and match the boys cupid were the Punchayet ’s chief exe- soft drink and two sheets of cyclostyled and girls attending the BPP’s matrimo- cutive Russi Anklesaria, joint secretary paper — an invitation to the next get- nial meet at the Framji Cawasji Hall on Gool Tata and assistant secretary She- together and a suggestions slip. The September 28, 1985,the boys had been roo Master, aided and goaded on by a music was peppy and Bhesania brightly distributed playing cards from the red committee consisting of social workers urged the participants to put their best suits and were expected to seek out Homal Mody and Daisy Mehta, and foot forward, girls with the corresponding black Adi Marzban. Although the venue cards. reflected the Punchayet ’s concern for The lady with the Two of Clubs, scarce resources (apart from the air- 1.,^ .. . V. , J _ —--- — - , — —-----—------ —---------------------- ---------—---- - ----------- - ’ •' — — the playing card half-concealed on her the Framji Cawasji Hall is too austere a losing battle. The number of girls lap, unmindful of Bhesania ’s calls. She a setting for the purpose), the evening present was woefully small and natural had told Parsiana earlier that she had been planned with civil service pre- inhibition was strongly reinforced by found the boys “disappointing ” and cision (Both Mody and Tata are orga- the gallery of 34 chaperones — parents now it was obvious, she would not co- nizational stalwarts who were largely and relatives of the participants who operate. Ms Two of Clubs excepted, the girls who attended the inaugural meet seem­ ed perfectly content with the evening ’s circumstances — boys outnumbering girls three to one! — as Bhesania urged them again and again to return to the floor with fresh partners. As one of them, a master of science in organic cheipistry noted candidly, “I’ve tho­ roughly enjoyed it...come to know people in a better way. ” The BPP’s debut as an organizer of socials and dances is the result of fears generated by increasing outmarriages and growing numbers of single people — two tangible contributors to the community ’s declining birth rate. Troubled by nightmares of the com­ munity expiring under its nose and fal ­ ling prey to the usual alibi of saujja chhokra/chhokri multa nuthi (where are the eligible boys/girls), the BPP trustees decided in 1983 to set up the matrimonial bureau and have been maintaining files on the 349 people who have registered with them. The results hitherto, of 12 successful coup ­ lings, was modest even by the BPP’s standards. So when playwright-editor Adi Marzban suggested the Punchayet create frequent and regular social occa­ sions where the community ’s youth can the matrimonial bureau. Thus cast in the unlikely role of ments, the empty plates for a bottle of Mody, with her usual grace and flair, was in the hub of activity, strain ­ ing to break the ice as quickly as possi- however, sat primly next to her father, conditioning which functioned well, ble. Initially she seemed to be fighting responsible for the functioning of the attended as guests — who lent the oc­ casion an overdose of propriety. The refreshments break however produced a magical thaw and by the time the evening officially ended at 9 pm, 31 participants (of the 71 who at­ tended) had replied to the invitation to the next get-together — 28 of them af­ firming — aiid 64 suggestions slips were duly filled and returned. Breaking in on a few participants between their swinging and snacking, Parsiana discovered one bachelor of commerce, a master in organic chemis- Marzban and distrihuling jp Compere Bhesania. f. Left above: Anklesa- Mody (' prizes. Left: partiii- H pants putting their I best foot forward. t 10 Parsiana October 19Sy'J ¦ ? ¦ <' MIS -«f ,*?*5 . ii id** ! ifc ) try, a clerk with an inter commerce din to similarly take on the onus of and doubted whether the company background, a mechanical , engineer paying the agiary ’s electricity bills, who had returned after a few years in I ' New York, a tailoring entrepreneur. As dressed to Mody at his residence at gross income of Rs 73.29 lakhs, the net against one girl who found the func- Chaman Chambers but someone profit was Rs 46.71 lakhs. The average tion disappointing and said she would throws them in at the agiary. Mobedji price of a 10-rupee share is around Rs not like to come again, another says he then again sends them to Cha- 75. “thoroughly enjoyed the evening; ” while one boy found it slow moving, another had already made a couple of who live in the quarters behind the items where chances of default or ob- tentative selections and was looking agiary is understandably tough. The soletism were high, said the chairman, forward to the next round! The biggest panthaky says he has had to invest in grouse was “too few girls!” In the following week Tata and Mas- and candles, ter briskly sorted out the 64 suggestions slips in order of preference to reveal shah Gheevala who owns Alice Radio, with contracts worth around six crores that 20 respondents had opted for a a shop near the agiary and Dara N under negotiation, said Ranina. picnic, 11 for a pound party and Shroff have signed a letter to the Jam- Ranina introduced to the Press, Hpc- games, 10 for a film show, seven each e-Jamshed in Gujerati, protesting the tor Mehta, who recently joined the for housey and visits to interesting in- turn of events, Mobedji says he has company ’s board of directors. (Mehta stitutions and three each for whist now resigned himself to whatever the a well-to-do Bombay businessman is drive and quiz. Disco and bhel / sail Almighty has in store. incidentally also a candidate for the found only one and two votaries BPP trusteeship elections in Novem- The next function, scheduled for Mazda S maiden dividend The other directors of the company November 2, 1985 will feature another Mazda Leasing, one of the few Parsi are: Burjor H. Antia, Dara K. Deboo, batch of invitees from among those launched public companies in recent Yezdi J. Master, Kersi J, Limathwalla, ' registered with the bureau, together times, plans to set up a high technology Homi D. Mehta, BalkrishanM. Shukla with those of the first batch who care manufacturing unit in Talasari, about and Sharu S. Ragnekar. joia. two kilometers from Sanjan railway station. Announcing the news at a press con- would succeed, Ranina stated, “we are Mobedji further says the bills are ad- pleased that we have” succeeded. On a man Chambers. The secret to success in leasing was Life for the two Mobedji families to select the lessees well and avoid While the company did Rs 4.22 cro- tubs to store water, hurricane lamps res of leasing from July 1984 to June 1985, in the current financial year, the Two votaries of the agiary, Eruch- turnover was already Rs 3.37 crores Mazda ’s maiden dividend Zoroastrian Bank at Tardeo ference at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Bom- The Zoroastrian Co-operative Credit Blackout at Sodawaterwalla The only source of light now at the bay on August 12, 1985 Mazda chair- Bank Ltd. has acquired premises at Sodawaterwalla Agiary, Bombay is the man (and Bombay Parsi Punchayet Tardeo “and arrangements are being atash padshah. After several reminders trustee) Homi Ranina ijoted the project made to open the branch as soon as and eight months of unpaid bills, the was in conjunction with a West Ger- possible,” states the Bank ’s 58th an- BEST cut off electric supply on Sep- man company, Deuspa Unternehmens- nual report for 1984-85. The branch tember 25, 1985, notes the harassed beratungs-GmbH. The new concern has been opened in view of the fact that panthaky, Farokh Mobedji. would manufacture products such as the Reserve Bank of India has granted “The next day 1 informed the trus- fluid power systems, and equipment a licence for a new branch in February tees —Hormusji Kapadia, Nariman and components with analogue and this year, stated the Bank ’s president Vatcha, Hormuzdiar Choksey — and digital controls which had “a wide Rustam A. Gagrat, even the BPP Chairman Dr Aspi Gol- range of applications in the engineering The bank also instituted safe deposit walla, ” notes Mobedji, the stock res- industry, ” said Ranina. Talasari being vault facilities for its members and ponse being an impotent “Aapre soo classified as a backward area in the customers, and lockers have been made karye (What can we do)?” state of Maharashtra, “a lot of money available on hire since' March 1985, The rift on the board of trustees of will come from government. .. Our ca- notes Gagrat. the agiary with Kapadia, Vatcha and .pital investment is insignificant. .. Choksey ranged on one side and Aloo .most of our funds will be ploughed now has 3993 shareholders, an increase and Jal Mody of the founder ’s family back into leasing. ” z of 90 over the previous year; and a on the other, has led to the neglect of The chairman also announced that total share capital of Rs 7,63,000, ‘the agiary. All documents, cheque Mazda Leasing, at the completion of registering an increase of Rs 40,825. books etc are reportedly in Mody ’s cus- its first full year of operations, was Deposits of the bank, have also regis- tody. declaring an 18 percent dividend to tered a growth of Rs 22,37,000, notes The amount of the bill is over Rs shareholders. In order to raise further the write-up. 5,600 says Mobedji, whose own salary capital, the company will issue more All in all, “the bank continued to as panthaky has not been paid since share and secured redeemable convert!- maintain steady progress during the February 1984. Even the kathi is not ble debentures to existing shareholders year under review, ” said the president, provided by the trustees but by Khoda- and the public. The Bank ’s managing committee dad Irani of Sasani Restaurant, says Noting that Mazda was launched at comprises Rustam A. Gagrat, Noshir Mobedji. Mobedji alleges that the trus- a time when people felt there were too S. Pochkhanawala, Nanabhoy B. Jee- tees are waiting for some generous beh- many leasing companies in the market jeebhoy, Cawasjee N. Dinshaw, J eh an- Registered in June 1927, the bank >» 11 Parsiana Odohar lP8h . ^-^1 J -?.< ¦'^j '1 'if {¦ '’i 1¦I' 'A |i ¦ BL > ' ! I ; Ki: ••V J From left: Khamhatta, Engineer and SoonawaUa. vice-chairman (alternate), Common- i wealth Association of Architects, in a , wcailll /ASSlJViailwll v»l write-up in The Times of India dated February 22, 1985.- 'i ) February 22, 1985. - The write-up deals with the ethos and aim of the convention of The In- dian Institute of Architects, held in Bangalore on February 22 and 23, . 1985, titled Architecture 2(X)0 A.D. — Indian Context, wherein Khambatta adds, “The establishment of a strong rural base would be the most effica­ cious step in arresting the erosion of our urban areas, and result in a balanc ­ ed national development.’’ Holding a diploma from the School Award for Fnoinppr of Planning and Regional Reconstruc- Award tor Engineer London, Khambatta is an asso- In recognition of continued industrial date of the Royal Institute of British progress, Jal Sorabjee Engineer, chair- Architects, the Royal Town Planning man of Universal Luggage Manufac- Institute, and the Institute of Town Aristocrat, Oscar and Champion lug- man of the Architects Regional Coun- ¦ * cil Asia (ARCASIA) and technical ad­ visor in India to United Towns Organi- the twenty-first rank with an overall Venkataraman, at the eighth Economic sation. Pans, notes his bio-data, total of 91 percent marks, notes a press release. Soonawalla ’s academic excel­ lence during his school life at Cathe- New Delhi, notes a press release, dral School and two years of junior college at Jai Hind College was recog­ nized when his name was nominated a decade increased Us sales turnot^r from India for inclusion in Interna- L------ ---- —------- ------------- - - tiona! Youth in Achievement, “which employs over 2,500 personnel, adds the adds his bio-data, is a biographical reference work release, publicizing the academic and profes- ‘..... 1 gir F. Shroff, Jehanbux J. Gandevia, medical career. Yet he also appeared Homa D. Petit, Mr Tehmtan R. Andh- for the Indian Institute of Technology yarujina, Homi P. Ranina, Bomi S. examination of 1985 when he secured Bulsara, and Soli F. Engineer. The a 121 all-India rank. secretary and chief executive is L.C. Mistry. Merit for Soonawalla dmedb^^he^Bo^rlTofli^^^^ luring'^* Company, manufacturers of Planners, India. He is also vice-chair- H* h Sccopdafy tiduGation Pune in *---'*¦**«••'** cmH r^Hamninn luo- mnn nf the Architects Re&ional Coun- June 1985, included Zahir ’ Fardoon gage, was awarded the Udyog Vibhu- Soonawalla in the merit list, securing shan by the Vice-President of India, R. _ ___________ _ _________ - practising architect and town and Industrial Development held at planner and partner in the firm Bhon- sule Khambatta since 1984, Khambatta ______ _ ____________ ........ is also a member of various govern- blishedYnBombS^ln 1975, has within ment committees and is a lecturer, _ ______- 1-___ _ -___ ¦ paper setter and examiner in various from Rs SO fakhs to Rs 34 crores, and schools and colleges of architecture. Conference of the Institute of Trade Universal Luggage which was esta- publicizing the academic and profes- “What is needed, is the development PZA’s goldeu sional successes of young people under of technological competence for in- ? 30 years of age from all over the novation, not imitation, ’’ believes Six hundred Zoroastrians assemblecl at world, ’’published by the International Engineer, who has three units in in- the Olpadvala Memorial Hall on May Biographical Centre of Cambridge, dustrially backward areas of Mahara- 5, 1985 to celebrate the golden jubilee England, notes the write-up. shtra (Satara, Paithan and Waluj) of the Parsi Zoroastrian Association Soonawalla was awarded th? Natio- which offer employment and training (PZA) of Calcutta, notes a write-up m nal Council of Educational Research to the local unskilled farmers, notes the th^May issue of Training (NCERT) scholarship of the release. Government of India for his perfor- . /. _ mance at the Std XI, All-India Na- industrialists to receive this award tional Search Examination of 1984. At which was instituted in 1985, Engineer the Indian Certificate of Secondary had earlier been awarded the Udyog Education school leaving examination Patra in 1976, and the Plex Council in 1983, Soonawalla stood first in his Award for exports of plastic moulded ’ school and scored the highest marks luggage in 1977-78 and 1978-79, the among all the Zoroastrians who ap- release adds, peared at the examination, states the release. He has represented his school at inter-school matches in swimming, badminton and cricket; and his college housing shortage, unabated pollution, in inter-collegiate swimming, badmin- deteriorating environment, are the ton, athletics and hockey. With a familial background of doc­ tors, Soonawalla intends to pursue a 30 years of age from all over the novation, not imitation. Biographical Centre of Cambridge, dustrially backward areas of Mahara- Soonawalla was awarded the Natio- which offer employment and training (PZA) of Calcutta, notes a write-up The function which began with a Amongst the first seven self-made khushalinu jashan, was followed by a industrialists to receive this award Architecture convention “Our runaway urbanism, perennial deteriorating environment, prime concern of our profession,’’ noted Rusi Khambatta, president of the Indian Institute of Architects and Old \Vrist Watches Wanted Advertiser wishes to buy OLD wrisi watches of Pre-1950 period of well known makes such as Rolex, Patek-Philippe, Cartier etc. Please send detailed list with expected prices to The Advertiser, (OLD) C/o Parsiana, H.L. Rochat & Co., Navsari Chambers, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 001. 13 Parsiana October 1985% humbandagi led by Ervad Bapuji Desai press (September 27). who has served the Parsis of Calcutta for over 50 years. / In all Sethna won three gold medals ___ for the 100 meters and the 200 meters At the function chaired by PZA’s backstroke and the 200'meters indivi- vice-president Rusi B. Gimi, felicita- dual medley. Sethha, wlft) is a science tions were offered to PZA’s president student at the St Xavier’s College, Ervad Adi Rabadi, who was recently Bombay, was captain of the boys team elected trustee of the Calcutta Zoroas- in the 85 strong Indian contingent, trian Community Religious and Cha- which won the overall championships rity Funds. Recalling the recent contro- with a medal tally of 22 gold, 45 silver, versy over the building project, Gimi and 49 bronze, beating Japan which lauded Rabadi ’s efforts to convert the collected 21 gold, 11 silver and three Olpadvala auditorium into an income- bronze medals, note newspaper re yielding multi-storeyed building, notes ports, the Navroze report. In his speech, Rabadi urged Calcut- Irani at Wimbledon ta’s Zoroastrian community of 1,400 to boldly hold debates on problems Junior national tennis champion, which periodically arise, instead of Zubin Phiroze Irani, had “his first shying away from them, states the taste of Wimbledon grass’’ notes The report. Times of India of July 4, 1985. How- Ms Bapsy A. Rabadi then released ever after winning the first set he lost the new directory of the Parsis of eas- the next two, to Belgian Junior, Alan tern India, a copy of which was gifted Meeus, in “a creditable performance, ’’ December, 1984 as also the Rajasthan adds the report. State under 18 championships at Kota. Seventeen-year-old Irani of Madras In the same month, Irani was the run- had been selected by the All-India ner-up in the All-India National Junior Lawn Tennis Association to play both Championships at £>elhi, adds his bio- to every Parsi family of Calcutta. Allahabad ’s new president Homi Dandiwala was elected the new the Asian and the European Juniors data. president-trustee of the Allahabad Par- Tennis Circuit Tournaments in Feb- Coached by Tom La Penna at the si Zoroastrian Anjuman (APZA) at its ruary arid in July respectively, notes his Village Glen Tennis and Fitness Club, annual general meeting, notes a letter bio-data sent by Mani Clubwala of Irani won the Junior Regional Touma- by Ratan H. Sagar, immediate past Madras. ment. New York state, soon after in president of the Anjuman, whose te- Closer to hpme, the All-lndia num- July 1983, adds his bio-data. nure spann ed a period of 16 years, ber one, won the Karnataka State from 1969 to 1985. Championships and the All-India KhuFShid is ilinior chaiup The .soft-spoken Sagar represented Hardcourt at Bangalore, both in the Allahabad at the Federation of Parsi under 16 events, in November last Winner of the junior girls singles title, Zoroastrian Anjumahs of India meet- year. He also won both the under 18 Khurshid Vajifdar demonstrated spee- ings throughout India and is one of it and the under 16 Maharashtra State dy court coverage to beat Jyoti Sanghi, most regular members. ’ ------ ..................- All future official correspondence should be addressed to; Homi Dandi ­ wala, president-trustee, A.P.Z.A., Be­ hind Palace Cinema, M.G. Marg, Alla ­ habad, adds the letter. Three golds for Sethna Seventeen-year-old Zal Sethna “pro­ vided a rip-roaring finale to the glorious Show by India ’’ when he broke the standing Asian record in the ' 200 meters backstroke for boys under 18, at the recehtly concluded Second Asian age-group Aquatic Champion ships, held at the Tata Electric Swimm ­ ing Pool frorn September 22 to Sep­ tember 26, 1985, notes the Indian Ex- Championships held at Nagpur in 8-11, 11-6, 12-9, at the Indian Gym- khana open Badminton Tournament held on July 1,1985, notes sports critic John Castro in a report featured in The Evening News of India, dated July 9, 1985. Castro attributes the win to a vacation spent training under coach Pramanik. \ Notes Castro, “Khurshkl ’s move- Vajifdar (above): surprising speed. Irani (right): towards a Wimbledon win. -Sethna (far right): glorious finale. (Photo courtesy Free Press Journal). s 15 Parsiana October 1985 )fc.i. • ¦ ‘-'SW I' I' I- I . ^¦ S' ¦s: ments at the Indian Gymkhana surpris ­ ed all. . .she was all the time with a skipping rope — she does a thousand skips before taking the court. If she really becomes a fitness fad Khurshid can certainly beat our all-India women players because her wristy play makes her a distinctive stroke player. .. *‘What Khurshid needs now is a lot of bending. She could do with better play at the net too” adds Castro in the write-up. Vajifdar, who has participated at the district, zone and national levels, will now enter the senior ranks, this being her last year as a junior. if I. I I ?¦’ r| J > V I p J * I T T T T Forward march! At Mazda Leasing there is nodtherway. Mazda, an integrated hnance company, is backed by a team of highlyqualihed profe^iondlsF Precise. Meticulous. Nothing is allowed to go out of step. Mazda 's multi-fueled financial activities include: Lease Funding, Lease Management, Accounting, Administration, Hire Purchase, Venture Capital and Vendor Plans. The services extend toEguipment Selection, Counselling, Portfolio Investments, Operating Lease Plans and providing Investment Banking Services. With a full year of business operations under the belt, Mazda is how striding towards an exciting future. With the right foot forward. So join the Mazda parade. There’s a lot more to look forward to. Soon! Two of a kind A special prize was awarded to ten- year-old Tina Poonawalla, when she won the 50cc Ladies Moped Class race in the Racecrafters meet held in Poona, on June 9, 1985, “beating all the pro­ fessional lady competitors,’’ notes a cress release. Poonawalla, who was riding a “mi­ niscale Honda QR50, which is a scaled- down replica of the very powerful Honda QR250 moto-cross machine, ’’ has been riding for the last two years, encouraged by her mother Thrity, notes the Maharashtra Herald, dated June 10, 1985. Riding a similar machine, five-year- old Rustom Bharucha, “the youngest ever competitor in Indian motor cycle racing ” took part in the dirt track race organized by the Racecrafters on June 9, 1985, adds the report. Encouraged by his father, Darius, and taught by “the gre^t Ashraf Shaikh, ” Bharucha “is shaping well for the rough and tumble of motor cy ­ cling,” adds the write-up. Gherda IIA director \b P^Tsiana OcAotoet ^^85 nazDB LEBSIAGlimited IN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WITH BRITISH EQUIPMENT (LEASINCl LIMITED, (UKI Registered Office: 317 Maker Chambers V. 221 Nariman Point, Bombay 400 021. Tel: 243855 Telex: 011 6205 Grams: MAZDALEASE RAKA:627;85 Kersi M. Gherda, deputy managing di­ rector of Tata Electric Companies, Bombay, and president of the Bombay Management Association was elected to the board of directors of the Insti ­ tute of Internal Auditors, at its forty- foiirth international conference held in Sydney, notes a report in The Daily dated July 12, 1985. The Association has 29,000 members and represents the international audit ­ ing profession in government, busi ­ ness, industry and education in more than 102 countries, adds the report. Having joined the Institute ’s Bom-f J' V ‘ ¦ ‘ bay Chapter in the late 1960s, Gherda children. In 1980 they shifted their has already been chapter president and premises to Byculla when the school district director for India. He will now was given its present name. Today they serve as regional director for India for have 50 students on their roll. a period of two years, notes the write- up. There are two sectiOhs for the deaf and the deaf-blind. The students par­ ticipate in -extra curricular activities 1985 Tata scholars “k? «»«• eurythmics, swimming, sports and yoga, m addi- Thirteen Parsi students were awarded tion to their regular classroom cur- the J.N. Tata scholarships for the year riculum. Their aim is to develop the 1985, notes Dinshah K. Malegamvala, deaf and deaf-blind children into self- a director of the Trust. sufficient human beings, and integrate The Tata scholars as listed in the them into society. Trust’s press release include Ms Ismet Tehmasp Khambatta and Ms Jasmine njiaruch aniuman definition Sorab Tata (architecture); Percy B. *’ Chinoy and Jamshed N. Shroff (che- A difference of opinion in Bharuch “ ¦¦ over the accepted definition of “Bha­ ruch Parsi Anjuman ’’ has led certain : Dr Bharuch Parsis to seek a restraint order Khushroo H. Suraliwala (orthopaedic from the court against an ordinary surgery); Cyrus D. Mehta (law); Ms meeting of the anjuman which was Perveen K. Rustomfram (social work); summoned by managing trustee Eruch- and Ms Nina P. Bhote, Ms Jasmine P. sha Kapadia on February 24, 1985, sta- Irani, Ms Farida J. Sohrabji and Mj tes a public notice signed by the trus- Shiraz N. Piroshaw (psychology). mical engineering); Neville E. Nagar- walla (civil engineering); Nariman D. Batlivala (computer science); L. tees of the Bharuch Anjuman, Noshir M. Anklesaria, Dinshaw J. Dastur and Jamshed M. Gandhi. The arguments advanced by the sig- Residence for deaf-blind The residential unit of The Helen natories favor adhering to the defini- Keller Institute for the Deaf and Deaf- tion adopted in the trust deed of 1982 Blind at Borivli was inaugurated by Ms wherein Bharuch Parsi Anjuman was Mitha Shroff in May 1985 to house the interpreted as comprising Parsis stay ­ outstation children. “The security of ing in the Bharuch municipal area or this home will offer them a congenial within a radius of two miles beyond domestic environment that comple- and includes those Parsis who have ments the aims of the school and so ac­ celerates the rehabilitation program. stayed in the above defined areas for a minimum continuous period of three The children will be looked after by years. According to the notice, on (he trained personnel who can communi- basis of this definition, a voters list was cate with them and try to fulfil their published in 1982 and elections held on mental and emotional needs,’’ notes a October 1, 1983 when the present trus- brochure issued by the Institute, “This is a very new Institute as well as < tees were declared elected. At a subsequent meeting held on a pioneering one and so far the only November 27, 1983, it was decided that one of its kind in ciur country which the list of voters for 1982 be scrapped provides educational, health and medi- and the 1962 list be reinstated, which cal facilities, and residential facilities prompted the plaintiffs to move the to deaf-blind children in India, ” in- court and seek a stay order against the forms the principal Ms Beroz N. Va- resolution, the notice alleges. On Feb- cha. They were the first in India to ruary 22, 1985 a leaflet was published • adopt the method of ‘total communi- inviting registration to the voters’ list cation ’ which calls for the teaching of which provoked the above trio to serve language and speech through not only a notjce to Kapadia asking him to with- lip-reading but also speech and audi- draw his leaflet where the Bharuch tory training, gestures, sign language, Parsi Anjuman has been defined to in ­ fingerspelling, cued speech and mim- dude those who have stayed or are ing. staying within the municipal limits of When the Institute was initiated in Bharuch or within a radius of two 1977 under auspices of The Society for miles beyond. Special Education for the Deaf, there The court has yet to give a final was one deaf child and two deaf-blind judgment in this case, states the notice. tf' BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excel­ lent Climate — All-round Education: All Academic Subjects—Tech­ nical Subjects; Workshop. Tech­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Farm­ ing. Training in Sdf-Govenunent through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Games—^Physical Train ­ ing — Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Week ­ ly intensive Zoroastrian — Geeta- koran classes — Excellent Modem Kitchm and Dining Room facilities —¦ Airy Dormi­ tories. Moderate Fees. Freeships and Concessions to Deserving Students. Apply to — THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 324 Dr. D. N. Road Bombay 400 001. 17 Parsiana October 1985'J Courting votes and courts The November 23 election outcome hinges on several factors Arnavaz S. Mama the BPP if he is elect ed. Mehta who is related to BPP chair­ man Dr Aspi Golwalla, through the marriage of their children, is also reported to be close to BPP trustee Homi Ranina whose election last year threw the CER into a tizzy. Ranina, currently the BPP’s fore­ most activist, has been accused of try ­ ing to uproot all the senior trustees on the BPP board to ensure the chairman ­ ship for himself when Golwalla retires in 1988. Ranina has countered the in 16 months that the Bombay High Court has acquired star billing in the BPP electoral drama. trusteeship by default to Mehta. Desai confirmed that such a move had been aspersion in a letter to the J a me (Oc- afoot, but did not believe that Guzder tober 10, 1985) noting that even if “I would permit himself to be so exploit- would be the seniormost trustee, I ed. Guzder himself described the two would step aside and offer the chair­ candidates, one as an old colleague and nianship to Naoroji Godrej in defer- -.xi_______ _ /*__•__ 1 _ _ 1 « AFir'A fn hie acTA and mihlir* ctandino “reAzna hun kahn atvaoo (Why Challenging Desm, Ranina adds, should I come between them)!” But ’ ............ Guzder noted that “some other time, if ?uch an offer; specially since he is only I’m required, of course I’ll stand. ” With both candidates having a similar in March 1985 to freeze the F register? the BPP withdrew from the Federation political outlook, the November 23 Having filed another petition in Au- of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of In- Bombay Parsi Punchayet trusteeship gust 1985, why did they ask for ad- dia in 1978 following the holding of the elections between incumbent ^ruch journments and waste time till October Third World Zoroastrian Congress. D6sai and challenger Hector Mehta ap- 1985?” Mehta, currently a brisk 49, has dis­ pears to hang on other issues: first is For a few days the grapevine hum- played greater community involvement the question whether it is justifiable for med with rumors that ex-BPP trustee at the grass roots level: Some of the any person to continue on the board for Jamshed Guzder may enter the fray matchmaking activities of the BPP’s more than 10 years and the other is and Desai’s sympathisers were appre- matrimonial bureau were held in his whether fhose who have recently pur- hensive that such a development would home; some mobeds swear by his good chased voting rights by paying Rs ^OfX) split the CER camp and deliver the offices and expect a better liaison with to the BPP should be allowed to vote. ------------ ----------------------------------------- The High Court has tentatively fro- ThlQ iQ tho third timo zen the F (donors ’) register since Octo- ' " U 111 U L1111U ber 1, 1985 (no donors after that date will be able to vote in the present elec­ tion) following an appeal by the Com­ mittee for Economic Revival (CER). A petition asking for a freeze from Feb­ ruary 22, 1985 was pending at the time of this issue of Parsiana going to press. This is the third time in 16 months that the Bombay High Court has ac­ quired star billing in the BPP electoral drama: The first was when the CER unsuccessfully sought an injunction to postpone the June 21, 1984 election of noted tax consultant Homi Ranina; and the second was before the election of the respected industrialist Naoroji Godrej, when the register was frozen from August ’84 to February ’85. The CER’s attempts to field their own candidate having come to naught, required, of course I’ll stand interested in seeking reelection to serve (the CER offered their support to for- ’ the community. ” mer head of the country ’s atomic ener- Chairmanship Desai who claims to be confident of gy department, Homi Sethna, who dec- When Desai joined the BPP board at functioning as the chairman of the lined) they have not officially support- the age of 44, the other six trustees board (and hence does not consider it ed any candidate but their sympathies (whose approximate average age must necessary to relinquish the position to are with Desai, a partner in the noted have been 66 years) embarrassingly another) points out that Godrej has law firm of Mulla and Mulla. referred-to him as “baby trustee,” publicly stated his intention to resign One offshoot of the present petition Desai recalls. He noted at his interview from the board at the end of five years, before the High Court was a contro- that chairmanship of the BPP’s com- Thus Ranina would lose only one year versy between Mehta, a successful mittees — and thus a chance for effec- of BPP supremacy, he says, businessman, and the CER, over five leadership — came his way after Both Desai and Mehta are cam- Mehta’s stand on the voting rights of nine years of serving as a trustee. Thus paigning actively, with Desai restrict- the donors. the current penchant for shorter, more ing his meetings to the Anjuman Com- “The CER are aware that before effective terms, seems unfair. Desai mittee voters and Mehta spreading his every election the interest of the people notes he has preserved his indepen- message to both the voters and the is aroused in community matters,” dence even against the dictates of an community at large. How the Anju- noted Mehta in a letter to the conserva- autocrat like ex-chairman B.K. man Committee will interpret the mes- tive Gujarati daily Jam-e-Jamshed. Boman-Behram who steam-rollered sages of both candidates will be known “Why did the CER not file a petition everyone else into submission as when on election day, November 23. the other as a friend, and noted, ^o his age and public standing." ------ ------------------------- - .. ..J wonder whether Desai. . .would make 18 Parsiana October 1985if ’ iK K 5 *5 ii ¦ T J**' 5*“ s a 1 j Learning to coexist The Fifth North American Zoroastrian Congress confirmed the emergence of the traditional and liberal groups. Porus Cooper Los Angeles, California — “Please be little change is needed to preserve the ’ ' " , ’ community as they know it. At best, the Congress became a bat- — even the scheduled coffee breaks were sometimes challenged — the Fifth Congress reached agreement on several ------- -- items. about halfway through its often rau- these undecided. •It set up a “task force on immigra- cous deliberations. He was too late. On one side was a decidedly reformist tion’’ to help Zoroastrians in political His appeal elicited something akin to a panel of speakers, at least one of whom peril and economic need find refuge in sigh from the audience. i ‘ ’ • • • .... If the Congress, held at the Univer- I sal Sheraton Hotel here from August were the forces of orthodoxy, mar- 30 to September 2, did not quite shalled on the Congress floor by Kho- _________ ________________ bepome a showcase for fanaticism — jeste Mistree, the charismatic preacher panel of speakers was comprised only " ... of “liberals ’’by adopting a mechanism to ensure a better mix of viewpoints at jovial, and please do not be fanatics, ” a young speaker implored the Fifth North American Zoroastrian Congress tiefield for the hearts and minds of these Undecided. On one side was a decidedly reformist unequivocally endorsed both accep- North America. About $1,6(X) (of the tance and conversion. On the other $50,(XX) goal) was raised for the pur ­ pose in the first flush of enthusiasm. •It appeased those who felt the invited some of the antagonists broke bread from Bombay who attended as a repre- together — it did confirm the emergen ­ ce of two well-defined, well-organized and antithetical elements in the Angeles associations. Zoroastrian community in North Ame­ rica. The two still co-exist, but like thun- ram, and the American Iranist, Dr North America), a federal organization derclouds: when they come together, James Russell, flanking him, Mistree created in 1977 at the Chicago Congress they are liable to produce lightning intervened repeatedly to counter sug- and neglected since, it did decide to ex­ flashes and thunderclaps, even in sun ­ ny California. The theme of the Congress was, “Preservation of the Zoroastrian iden ­ tity through adaptation to changing en ­ vironments. ” TheFifth Congress, how- tree’s interview), both sides received Among the items: a fund- “to help ever, confirmed what has been ap- generous applause. needy Zoroastrians everywhere; ” an parent for a while — the community. At its worst, the Congress became a international Zoroastrian youth ex­ made up here of many nationalities, is stage for acting out grudges indigenous change program; an effort to standar- not even agreed on what the Zoroas- to California and esoteric to outsiders, dize rituals and ceremonies: formation trian identity is. The Congress marked a further wid ­ ening of the gap between those who turned out to be a member of his fami- ?d Nations ’ recognition of Zoroastria- . nism. All of these decisions were made in tension between the host Zoroastrian the special sessions of the organization in sentative of the Zoroastrian Associa­ tion of California, one of two rival Los future congresses (See Mistree’s inter ­ view). With Dastur Dr Firoze Kotwal, High •And while it virtually buried UZANA , Priest of Bombay ’s Wadia Atash Bah- (United Zoroastrian Associations of gestions from the officially invited plore yet another idea for a federation, speakers that the religion’s rituals were It also adopted an ambitious agenda open to amendment. While there were for future community action — too some questions about Russell’s wear- ambitious, even according to some ing a dagli and topi (see Khojeste Mis- who went along with it. tree’s interview), both sides received It also adopted an ambitious agenda At its worst, the Congress became a international Zoroastrian youth to California and esoteric to outsiders. For instance, the unnamed target of of corporations to assist Zoroastrian one reformist’s charges of bigotry small businesses; and seeking the Unit- want to take their religious cues from ly, active in the orthodox camp, the core community in Bombay, and Throughout, too, there was palpable those, like Rostam Sarfeh of the Arbab 1 . . _ ____ Rustam Guiv Trust, who do not accept Center ’s Dr Ali Jafarey, who mode- representatives and are vulnerable to Bombay ’s primacy and “want to be rated some of the proceedings, and the the delegates’ mutual suspicions. How free’’ to make their own rules. rival Zoroastrian Association ’s Ta- fragile the support for the agenda was. In the middle, many observers say, 1 lies the largest group of all, brooding dience. and undecided on how much or how rival Zoroastrian Association ’s Ta- 1 _ „___ ___ hamtan Aresh, who sat in the au- became clear when the representatives of some of the largest groups. New In spite of so much contentiousness York, Chicago and Washington among 20 Parsiana October 1965 1 I ¦K J / ? 4 •'I #' them, entered a caveat in the minutes of the session, refusing to be bound by any of the decisions. Pointedly, while everyone endorsed the immigration panel, though with varying degrees of enthusiasm, none of the largest groups volunteered to serve on it. Noshir Jesung, the man picked to head it, represented a small non-profit foundation. A representative from Washington with experience in immi­ gration law said the project neglected legal realities. Others said it would ' have been wiser to set up one central organization to tackle the entire agen- I da. Both in the open Congress and in the closed sessions, however, proposals for a central body drew strenuous opposi­ tion on the ground that such a body would become an instrument for un ­ wanted liturgical changes. Russell, his anger showing, disputed the very notion that a central body was needed. He termed such proposals a surrender to the assimilationist pressu ­ res of North America. Speaking later to Parsiana, a mem­ ber of the Zoroastrian Center, Califor­ nia, which hosted the Congress, cha­ racterized the immigration task force as a “bone ” tossed out by the rival Zo­ roastrian Association of California to pick up allies. Some of those who res­ ponded representecLphantom organiza ­ tions, he said, echoing several of his colleagues. He predicted that the task force would accomplish nothing. The Zo­ roastrian Center and , the London- based World Zoroastrian Organiza ­ tion, he said, are more experienced in aiding refugees, and have already as­ sisted a number of them in acquiring residency in the West. Hijacking The Congress opened on an ill-humor ­ ed note. The program said, “Friday, August 30, 5 to 6.30 pm — first session of the representatives of North Ame­ rican Zoroastrian organizations meet­ ing to discuss main issues taken up by previous four congresses and to write the agenda for the action to be taken on them.” Before any of this was taken up how ­ ever, a number of delegates objected to the host organization ’s representative, Darius Irani assuming chairmanship of the proceedings. After much argu ­ ment, a vote was taken among the re­ presentatives of the 17 organizations 21 Parsiana October 198b ¦ ¦ 'i present. Irani was duly elected chair­ man — by one vote. In private, after the conclusion of the Congress, some members of the > Zoroastrian Center claimed that among Irani ’s opponents were those who led non-existent groups. “The Congress was hijacked, ” said one of the hosts. “It became a charade,” said, another. Both said they did not chal­ lenge anyone ’s credentials because that could have disrupted the event. Russell, however, suggested that the Congress was hijacked by its organi ­ zers even before it opened. In support of his contention he cited the refus^ of the hosts to include him on the invited panel of speakers. Spokesmen for the Zoroastrian Center said Russell had failed to respond promptly to their in ­ quiries, and in fact had said he was not sure he could attend the Congress. The agenda proposed by the Zoroas­ trian Center was next to draw fire. First, it grew from nine items to 21 (23 by some counts). Then, as the sche­ duled closing hour of 6.30 went by, the representatives argued abodt how best to bring the items down again to a manageable number. The task, even ­ tually, was assigned for homework. In the wrangling over the agenda, a theme emerged that, with variations, was to be repeated several times in the days to come and that, in retrospect, constituted a clear warning of things to come in the open sessions of the Con ­ gress. The argument went thus: The agen ­ da was more relevant to the life of the community than the academic lectures slated for delivery in the public sessions of the Congress. “I’ve heard the same speakers many times,” said Aresh of the Zoroastrian Association of Califor­ nia. ‘ ‘How many more congresses must we have, to solve problems?” Aresh and several others urged that the spee­ ches be scrapped and the public ses­ sions of the Congress be devoted to dis­ cussing matters on the agenda. What lay behind their desire to alter the program became clear as the public sessions opened: This group, labeling itself “traditionalist, ” protested that the official panel of speakers represent ­ ed only the “liberal ” point of view on religious matters. Clockwise from top left: Zemenszky, Antia, BagU, Kotwal, Jesung, C. Irani, Dotiwalla, a section of the audience, Aresh, kivetna, H. Minocher-Homji, Russell and Pangborn. ,; J '3 s^ ’1' .? I •J •t !S '•J V \ * ‘I’Il (ff( UK 5th N-.hTH f.X"/. .‘.Ml RICAN .r president John F. Kennedy, Dotiwalla says: “The torch in Houston has pass­ ed on to a new generation of Zoroas­ trians, tempered by a free but tough life, disciplined by our faith, proud of •% our ancient heritage and unwilling to see or support the slow unravelling of those essential values which have made this community great” Delegates from Montreal, Mani ­ toba, Dallas and the Zoroastrian Asso­ ciation of California second Doti- walla ’s sentiments. Each complains that “traditionalists ” are not repre­ sented on the official panel of spea­ kers. One of them warns that the Con ­ gress is “not authorized to tamper with our customs.” To those who share such suspicions, the first of the listed speakers. Dr Kersey H. Antia, is as a red cape to a bull. To both his friends and his foes. Dolly Dastoor of the Quebec Asso- Antia, a psychologist by profession, is defined by one action: He was one of J/ A The Youth Forum in session (AU photos of the Congress hy Porus Cooper). The counter-argument carried the proclamation is read out. The mayor day, however. It went thus: if 34 repre- of Los Angeles has declared August 31 sentatives (two from each group) and September 1 “Zoroastrian Days. ” found it so difficult to agree on an agenda, on a chairman, on how to de- ciation which had organized the Fourth signate alternative delegates, and on Congress in Montreal more than two the mobeds who performed the 1983 how long to continue the agenda meet- years ago, reports on its aftermath, ing, imagine what would happen if the forum was enlarged to include all of such subjects as conversion, she says, the estimated 500 people attending the But, she adds, “The opinions of a few Congress. people are not enough to guide the ac­ tions of the community. ” She recom- A Congress diary: mends a sample poll of the entire Zo- Saturday, August 31: The Congress of- roastrian population on the continent, ficially opens. In his benediction, Das- A sample poll of sorts follows. Each tur Navrooz Minochehr-Homji, High of the official representatives speaks America is not India, he cautions. Priest of the Fasli Atash Kadeh, Bom- brietly to the Congress. Some claim Children who are born Zoroastrian bay, summons the aid of “the cosmic merely to bring greetings from their here will not necessarily remain Zo- principle of truth” and “the redeeming various cities. The Congress will come power of good deeds,” and tells the to know them as “liberals. ” Others gathering: “I have full faith in the faith reyeal their orthodox sentiments right common understanding about what that keeps me from disruption. ” The dastur is perhaps unaware that a few seats removed from his on the dais is a man who, in the delegates’ prelimi­ nary meeting the evening before, had claimed to represent the association from Austiri, Texas, but now claims to represent the group from San Fran ­ cisco. He had arrived early to occupy the seat, and no importunings will make him leave it. He explains that he be- . longs to both Texas and California. If this causes no overt “disruption ” of the Congress, it is only because the two men who represented San Francisco Houston. “We are for conversion, the evening before refrain from pro­ testing publicly. Welcome addresses follow — by the Zoroastrians who have strayed from host group’s president Ms Farangis the path of Asha,” he adds. There is Shahrokh, and by Ms Dhunmai Dalat more applause, though doubtless not chairperson of the ad hoc committee in from the same people, charge of organizing the Congress. A A poll of scholars had been taken on navjote of American engineer Joseph Peterson. His paper is titled: “The need for a central socio-religious body for North America.” To his opponents his title reads, “The need to make Ker­ sey Antia pope.” Antia warns that the absence of such a central body threatens the com­ munity ’s survival on this continent. roastrian, he says. “It is imperative that we reach some Zoroastrian ideology really is or ought to be and pass it on to our children in a way that will be appealing to them and not confusing to them,” he urges. A central body could do that, and more, such as publishing books, putting com­ munity data in computers, and getting the youth together. . * “Given our preference for robust in ­ dividualism, ” he concedes, “it may not be. . .easy. . .to lay down the con ­ stitution of such a body. ” He invites the participation of the traditionalists in writing it. Sweet reasonableness does not help -him. The question session dissolves in- Dotiwalla says, laying a trap. Many to pandemonium. Typical of the ques- fall for it and applaud. “Of those away. They will be known as “tradi­ tionalists. ” No clear majority emerges. Firing the opening salvo for the tra­ ditionalists is Kaemarz Dotiwalla of The mayor of Los Angeles declared August 31 and September 1 Zbroastrian Days. 11 Copying the rhetoric of former U.S, tioners is Russell. There is “no prece­ dent for a central Zoroastrian organi ­ zation and no reason why the world Zoroastrian community should accept it,” the professor from New York’s Columbia University declares. 23 Parsiami OcKihnr lPP!it X i As for laying down a Zoroastrian -------—...................... - -------- -— It is a tactical error. He is promptly I ideology, “How dare anyone presume PrODOSalS fOr a accused by the traditionalists of trying to amend the Khordeh Avesta?” asks - to use UZANA as a tool to foist his re- Russell. central body drew formist vision on the community. The moderator, Jafarey, tries to cur- . . Sunday, September 1: Dr Carl von tail Russell’s remarks and becomes the strenuous opposition Zemenszky, anthropologist at Phila- target of invective from some in the au ­ dience. Still others rush to Jafarey ’s defense. “We have to stay away from slogans, ” counsels one of them. Antia warns, perhaps fatefully: “This may be the last Congress where we meet as one if we do not behave.” Comic relief ar­ rives in the shape of a questioner who wants to know if the computerized ; data envisaged by Antia will be stored on mainframe computers or personal computers. fe'. Proposals for a central body drew 'f; delphia’s St Joseph’s University, speaks of “the everlasting actuality of ^rathushtra ’s message,” but ills his explicit endorsement of both accep- tance and conversion that creates a stir: “To my knowledge, the Zarathush- trian religion had to start somewhere. It had to be a missionary religion to become an imperial religion.” Too much is said of the morality of Zarathushtra ’s message, Zemenszky says after interpreting several of the Overheard at lunch: “Call it the Fi^ need is that of redefining the vocation yasnas; not enough is said of the pro- th Zoroastrian Circus.” of the priesthood,” he says. “The pri- phet’s “intellectual endeavor. ” After lunch, the professorial, often ests should be not only ritualists but He calls “the teachings of Zarathu- jesting Dr Kaikhosrov Irani, head of exemplary teachers... of the lay com- shtra, as revealed in the Holy Ga- ¦ the philosophy department at New munity... ” He hopes for the day thas... the only organized body of reli- York’s City College, considerably ligh- when women and non-athravans will gious tenets still in active existence to- f tens the air . He speaks of “the philoso- be permitted to become priests. day which by its very truth seeking es- phy of Zoroastrianism and its rele­ vance in the contemporary world. ” “The fundamental religious act in in the Zoroastrian priesthood. Ano- rizes... freedom of thought and honest Zoroastrianism is the acceptance of the ther, however, says that liberalization scientific inquiry. ” (core) doctrine,” he says. “Failure to of traditions had caused the decline of on the ground that such a body would become an instrument for unwanted liturgical changes. 1 One man gets up to respond that he sence and relentless determination to hopes to live long enough to see women pursue this endeavor actually autho- (core) doctrine,” he says. “Failure to of traditions had caused the decline of Dastur Kotwal gets up to praise understand this often leads to Zoroas- Christianity and Judaism in recent de- Zemenszky for “bringing out the beau- trianism being construed as a set of cades with the youth of these two faiths ty of the Gathas,” but obliquely dis- magical or propitiatory practices.” The rituals, he says, are “derivative” ‘ from the core doctrine of‘‘one of the letter Gavashni and former coordi- the Iranian people to instill spiritualism ¦ 1 L most profoundly reflective and philo- nator of UZANA, couples his appeal in their old Mazdayasni religion. ’ for the revival of that federation with a Another speaker from the floor is If Antia had said that rituals are plea “to scratch the encrustations of more blunt: However much beauty the “derivative,” the traditionalists would the millennia and try to look at the professor sees in the Gathas, he has no have protested that he was plotting to kernel of the message of Zarathosht.” right to force himself into someone do away with rituals. Irani receives on ­ ly polite questions on such things as the nature of evil in Zoroastrianism. Irani has the disarming habit of telling his listeners that they don’t have to. agree with him. Dr Cyrus Pangborn, author of Zo­ roastrianism, a beleaguered faith, is next, speaking with the outsider’s diffi­ dence. The retired professor of religion , at New Jersey’s Rutgers Uhiversity o^ i u fers “strategies” for revitalizing Zoro- I -astrianism and gaining it more wid^- 1. pread recognition. He wishes more Zoroastrians would * ’ take up Zoroastrian scholarship in the universities. He wishes Zoroastrian priests would be educated beyond the i “linguistics ” of the religion. “The first seeking the certainties offered by cults, putes his conversion theory by saying Dr Jehan Bagli, editor of the news- that the Almighty sent Zarathushtra to I [ sophical prophets of humanity. ” r v: F Left: C. Irani, Prof and Ms K. Irani with Dastur Minochehr-Hontji in the rpar. Right: Ms Morvarid Giiiv.' 25 Parsiana October 1985. *-• ¦ ^'5 4^ ¦ TO ‘ S' /U *•*¦« . w t 3' W' I 4 i li V'l,¦V s' ’4- i fe'-' Ki • Vi p (V r \ WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS |N/s.N.PalloiMi &Co. Pvt. Ltd. Leading Painting, Corrosion & Water Proofing Contractor 87, Abdul Rehman Street, BOMBAY-400 003. Tei 324150/330306 Telegram: “PALLONJIM” Telex: MPCL: 011-5771 26 Parsiana October i9B6 ..'..LI. Z_.____with emotion to permit dispassionate I certainly won ’t knock the conclusions. Ihevitably,^ the fewest ing fanatics. ¦ On a lark, and .entirely unscientifi- else’s house. To which Zemenszky re­ plies: ‘‘1 door of a person who won ’t admit number of respondents admitted to be- me.” ““ ““ The buzz over conversion spills over - . into the next session, curtailing discus- cally, Parsiana categorizes the speakers (fanatic?) or liberal (radical?) or lean ­ ing either way. The result is a virtual tie — and virtually meaningless, agrees . Bagli of Gavashni, who is sitting near- in the youth forum as conservative sion of a'proposal with practical impli­ cations for the future of the commu ­ nity in North America. Toronto’s Homi Minocher-Honiji, who served both the United Nations and the for- _ mer government of Iran, offers a plan by, except perhaps to prove that the for the organization of the community -------'* — locally, regionally and continental ­ ly. His plan is replete with detail. He recommends a study of the rea- This may be the last Congress where we meet as one, if we do not behave. // 9 9 parents ’ imprint is still fresh on the children’s minds. Only some future survey will esta­ blish if the quarrels of the adults at the Congress have left a new imprint on impressionable minds. One youth finds cause for optimism in the outpouring of passions at the Congress, ft simply proves, he says, that enough people care about the religion to ensure its sur ­ vival on this continent. The adults see it differently. To the Zoroastrian Center’s Jafarey, the Con ­ gress marks a crushing victory for “the - ¦ , " ” J ' *' ‘t marks the revival of “the traditiona- sons for UZANA’s failure but has progressives.” To Khojeste Mistree, it come to some conclusions himself. marks the revival of “the traditiona- “We often make themistake of lists.’’ In India, he says, he has been credited with setting fek reformism 20 years: Clearly, he would love to re- i I «s» h (•: 1- (¦ 1 1 I f i- i I I building qur institutional structures at the bighef levels without first preparing supportive ground level structures for promoting public participation and de­ mocratic decision-making which are so essential to harmonize our thinking, ” he says. “Therefore, the upper struc ­ tures tend to remain weak and unsup- _ . . ported and collapse under the strain of formist themes. A short film and conflict or become redundant. ” a children’s pageant on Zarathushtra ’s Familiar misgivings are expressed teachings are presented. from the floor, but then by a show of Some in the banquet hall take one hands the Congress rededicates itself to last look around. Living in isolated pursuing the idea of a federation. In pockets on this vast continent, they are the representatives ’ session the next' not accustomed to seeing so many fel- morning, after more misgivings are ex- low-Zoroastrians in one rpom. That pressed and allayed, the idea is slated sight alone makes the Congress worth- | for discussion at a mid-congress con- while, one says'- . f ference to be held in Chicago. The highlight of the concluding ses* sion is the “yopth forum.” The results of an opinion survey of California Zoroastrian youth, undertaken by the youth committee, of the Zoroastrian Center, are presented. Sixty-three Zoroastrians, all aged between 18 and 35, were interviewed apd categorized by “characteristics” such as “Familiar with true teachings of Zoroastrian religion;” “Enthusias ­ tic and optimistic about Zoroastrian I society;” and “Fanatic in religion...” The categories strike many of the lis- 1 teners as couched in terms too loaded peat that performance in North Ame­ rica. At the banquet that follows, the key ­ note speaker, Cushrow Irani of The Statesman, a well-known Calcutta bas ­ ed newspaper, echoes many of the re- Some in the banquet hall take one I fii i i 3 ' Cooper: an award-winninn erlinrrial writer for The Courier-Post in New Jersey, who ‘ writes for Parsiana on intportant occasions, on an honorary basis. 3 j ISS'tv’ \ J '4 I T’ ’ I' *•' Misfree: grave imbalance Traditionalist Khojeste Mistree charges that the Congress was biased in favour of the liberalists. Now, interestingly, if he had taken the view that the organizers would have liked him to take, he would have been the darling of the audience. But by vir­ tue of the fact that he has taken the tra ­ ditional viewpoint, which with great conviction he believes in ... I think one has to compliment him for taking a stand rather than just sit- tiol. on the fence. r b I f does he have prescribing to the com­ munity? It’s a very unfair way of framing your question. He is not prescribing any ­ thing. We have to recognize Prof Rus ­ sell as being one of the most brilliant young Iranists in North America to­ day. Here is a man who is conversant in probably 20 languages by now. He cer- Khojeste Mistree came to the Fifth mously as far as 1 know (in their agen- tainly deeply cares for the religion; is North American Zdroastrian Congress da meeting). steeped in the doctrine of the faith; has in Los Angeles as a delegate from the read numerous texts; translated nume- Zoroastrian Association of California, So you have not seen any recouping, rous texts on our faith — so I think a group at odds with the organizers of from your point of view, as the Con- he’s in a very qualified position tp the Congress, the Zoroastrian Center, gress went on? You were indeed called voice his opinions. California. Responding repeatedly to the formally invited speakers. Mistree quickly became the standard-bearer for the self-styled “traditionalists ” at the Congress. He articulated not only their reli­ gious conservatism but also their grie­ vance that none of their number was represented on the official panel of speakers. He spoke to Parsiana as the Congress was drawing to a close. iJ What is your view of the Congress, especially with regard to the balancing of views you sought, now that it is nearly over? The views are certainly not balanced. Mislrec: exercisi/i.a caiiiion. I fVhdt do you make of his wearing the I dagli. I’ve heard comments that if he I wants Jews to be Jews and Zoroas- I trians to be Zoroastrians, why is he I wearing something that may mislead I those who see him? I Dress doesn’t convey that much. For I example, you and I wear a shirt and I trousers; that doesn’t mean that we i have become Anglo-Saxon. , - -------------------------- h speaker after speaker is being officially given 20 minutes to speak, and it’s only I from the floor that we traditionalists L have voiced our comment, and that too I. in many cases it has been muscled. < One cannot answer in an intelligent. 0 But the dagli is more characteristic of a people in their talks come out with, Firoze Kotwal and Prof James Russell. Anglo-Saxon. ; terly unsatisfactory. as being balanced. t intellectual way something that these up to comment, as were others tike Dr Parsi than shirt and trousers are of an people in their talks come out with, Firoze Kotwal and Prof James Russell. Anglo-Saxon. and so, from that point of view, it’s ut- If one gives a few minutes, generally Yes, just as a person might enjoy . from three to five, from time to time, Parsi food.. .doesn’t make him a Par­ in a Congress that, say, has 20 hours of si. It just happens that a dress is Did you anticipate this? Was there a discussion — and we are given literally something that you can visibly see. \ siege mentality that you brought into one hour in the 20, it doesn’t strike me this Congress? No, I don’t.believe we brought in a siege mentality. Our mentality is one of Didn’t the organizers increasingly ac- absolute fairplay. But what has emerg- < ed is that the organizers have entertain- sent as the Congress went along? ed one specific viewpoint. Whatever I think that the organizers have realiz- • people might think — it might have ed that there has been a very grave im- Does he wear it on other occasions? been accidental, I don’t know — but balance. I would like to give them the Yes, he’s worn it in India. .. the net result is a very, very definite benefit of the doubt that, perhaps, in < emphasis. Only one viewpoint is being view of the circumstances they are try- I mean, when he is not with Zoroas- talked about, and that has resulted in ing to reconcile two diametrically op- trians. what you ’ve seen over the past two posed viewpoints ... Yes, he’s worn it at Columbia Univer- days. sity meetings. It’s his formal attire as It’s now felt by the delegates, who ’ve James Russell,, of Columbia University far as I know, been meeting in closed session, and this —he has become a figure of some con- is one of the topics (representation of a troversy here. He is an outsider,ds he Will you be'leaving the Congress disap- variety of views) ... adopted unani- himself would put it; what business pointed? 11 What statement, if any, do you think he’s making by wearing the dagli and topi? commodate the viewpoint you repre- I think he probably finds it very com- ' ¦* X fortable. ’ ''Al 1'4 'IE V" n 3 I I X It Parsiana Odnher zil’ V J ,* «!/ "i. Vies'"' 'W <‘^’5 I’U be leaving not disappointed as issues the moderates and traditionalists account the other point of view. 1 u oc icaviujs uvv MA tc;- xb ’.: ‘o I think it’s worth noting that in the bahmee the situation much more than 1 six or nine topics that (the organizers _ wtwn I hndi listed (on the nronosed agenda) ‘ ** V ¦ \ 1 ' anticipated when 1 got here. When I had) listed (on the proposed agenda) " " only one came, you know, the standar ­ dization of reli^ous education. The so- called controversial issues didn ’t fea­ ture in the agenda list voted yesterday by the delegates (in one of the sessions closed to the public). In fact, the list that did emerge, I think, really speaks for the silent majority, and that list cer­ tainly doesn’t include conversion, it certainly doesn’t include the chopping .To me, it’s a very important indication that it is not a one-way scene of the liberals — when they choose to be democratic — taking over. They haven ’t. The dele­ gate meeting proved that. What I find very sad really is that like this. What zers, (I thought) we would have a among those who are leading the des- ; ___ tiny of our community in this country. In that sense, I am very happy that very few seem to be full-time experts religious fate of our community on the th North American Zoroastrian Con- quoting the last speaker, who didn t gress. I think for the sixth one, wher- L - ever it’s held, I’m fairly confident that made sweeping statements wanting to the organizers will definitely take into change things? For the first time perhaps in years, the traditionalists have raised their voice, much more perhaps and changing of ntuals. . . than (at) the Fourth Congress. I ! much as, once again, feeling somewhat have got together and have ^en able to pessimistic that the equation in Ame- 1 rica is not being balanced between the « forces that advocate change and the came here, looking at the list of spea- forces that want to preserve tradition. My regret, if you like, is that in this great, free society that you all live in, the least one would expect is the voic­ ing of both viewpoints, and then let our fellow Zoroastrians decide for themselves. But we have not had a fair presentation of facts. i Judging superficially, from the crowd response... Crowd response is six of one and half ­ dozen of the other... The liberal point of view is very well (presented) and through their (being a) well-orga ­ nized group they ’ve been able to ma- kers and the background of the organi- neuver congresses 1.— ----- ------ , . _ . you ’ve seen here is that there is a very tough time. big delegation from California, parti- In that th*, cularly from the Iranian Zoroastrian for the first time perhaps in years, the on the religion. Are we to decide the Center — which professes to follow the traditionalists have raised their voice religious fate of our community on the teachings of Asho Zarathushtra at the much more perhaps than (at) the Four- opinions of lay people, psychiatrists expense of all else as far as I can see — th North American Zoroastrian Con- quoting the last speaker, who didn t and their supporters are here in nbm- gress. I think for the sixth one, wher- give a smgle textual reference, yet ber. In spite of that, I think on many t ! For Pure Diamonds !¦ JEWELLERS 324. GRANT ROAD, BOMBAY 400007. TELEPHONE: 371483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 28 Parsiana OctQber 1985E Are you a full-time scholar? Yes, I am a full-time teacher of the reli­ gion. It’s for others to judge whether I’m a scholar. I Dalal ’s duty I / ’ve heard people say that your theories are racist? People can say what they want to. 1 suppose that’s the beauty of living in a As chairperson of the ad hoc commit- free society. All I’m doing is asking tee of the Fifth North American Zo- Everyone agreed the Congress was efficiently run. roastrian Center approached me on se­ veral occasions. 1 thought it over and people to exercise caution, particularly roastrian Congress, Dhunmai Dalal, decided (to accept). No matter what from an ethnic point of view, on mat- 47, and mother of two boys in their the factions happened to^ be in Los ters which I believe can affect the very 20s, was the conductor of an orchestra life of our community. I feel that our community is a very precious one, and we need to preserve it, recognizing the fact that of course change does occur, but change for the sake of change is not something I ad­ vocate. 47, and mother of two boys in their the factions happened to be in Los of volunteers who organized the event, would bring everyone together. I If the music that emerged from the con- thought that if 1 was chosen, it was my duty to do it. ( . •iil IhMM Is there any change you do advocate? Anything that needs to be changed? A lot needs to be changed, and those measures we are already taking. For example the priority in our religion to­ day is religious education. This is why we started Zoroastrian Studies seven years ago. Through education comes informed opinion, and through in ­ formed opinion I believe that one can be a better Zoroastrian. Likewise, we have made a very big project, the Athravan Educational Trust, which deals with the education and economic uplift of the priests. Now if that isn’t a significant change. I’d like to know what is. IM M ¦ Dalal: orchestrating the t 'ongress. Some say here that you. Dr Kotwal and gress hall was often discordant, it James Russell were actually brought in wasn ’t her fault. She was not in charge as a disruptive factor, that you are part of what people said or how they said it. O/* Q plot, *------------- ' *' r t. Those who say that need (to have) their the Congress opened. Most of those at- brains examined. Dasturji Kotwal has tending the Congress, however, could neither clapped nor uttered a t------ . . word during the proceedings and to say they spent in Los Angeles. As they Why yon? 1 can ’t answer that fully. I think, perhaps, because I had the time to do it. 1 was willing, and perhaps the most important thing was that I would get all Zoroastrians involved in it. There are two (groups) in Los Ange ­ les (the Zoroastrian Center and the Zoroastrian Association). In recent months the two have not been working in great harmony. 1 had been on the committee of the Association. 1 was still a member of the Association, and maybe that could have helped. IVhat were the logistics of getting 500 people together? Without the cooperation and help of both professionals and amateurs (nam ­ ing several here) this would not have been possible. 1 had never even been to a congress before. What’s the first thing you had to do? Naturally^her job started long before a committee — the ad hoc committee, which I am chairperson of. I had to choose people who would be of real Cti lliiSl LClIUlllK me vuilgivoo, HvnvTVi, r single only judge her effort by the few days help. 1 could not look just to friends ¦ , who were available. For example, I SSSUS drone’s: bolh those X-weretaggt^ thought Of Firoee DordL He’s m .the tive influence is clearly m bad taste. “liberals and the self-styled trftdi- With regards to James (Russell) and tionalists ’’ seemed to agree on one myself, neither of us are here to be dis- thing: The Congress was a very effi- ruptive. We would like to believe that ciently run event. The needs (and many have come here very much in the of the wants) of the visitors were pro- .... ¦ 1 the other hand, if we are trampled stopped more or less on time. Ms upon, in terms of what others have to Dalal ’s reward was a standing ovation say J tiivxi viiv vMixvu V* ——— - - — — — - —¦ those stands have been extremely mild, of the Congress. She spoke to Parsiana If it means that my views are views earlier that afternoon, that some members of the audience don’t accept, then that’s their problem. How did you happen to be assigned Center)., not mine this task? gress was the Zoroastnan Center, it - - ... .r, was only fair to acknowledge and work travel business; he was the one who in ­ troduced us to the Sheraton Hotel. When we first came here and had an in ­ terview with the manager, we were very fortunate to find that his secretary was Behroze Edulji, a Parsi from Bombay. She has been terrific. Through her we have just about got all our hotel arran- then one takes a stand, and even at the banquet which marked the end gements none. " Most of the committee were recom­ mended to me'by Ms Farangis Shah- rokh (president of the Zoroastrian . Since the host of the Con- “liberals ’’ and the self-styled “tr&di- With regards to James (Russell) and tionalists ’’ seemed to agree on one myself, neither of us are here to be dis- thing: The Congress was a very effi- ruptive. We would like to believe that ciently run event. The needs (and many . we have come here very much in the of the wants) of the visitors were pro­ spirit of wanting to share and learn. On mptly attended to; things started and P.C. The members on the board of the Zo- r.'¦ 29 Parsiana October 198b -.1 I 1*1 I I ' I 1 a •I. * f I A tii' p'f I ' 'I 1 I’ s t ^¦i with the recommended people, and I ters. We went around looking for a site think it worked out very well. Dr (Ali) Jafarey (a trustee of the Center) consulted with me all the time it, the dates had to be decided. The on writing to speakers and representa ­ tives (of the various associations). He A congress is a forunn for discussion and how could you control every single ¦person? And how do you know what is controversial?" / i were more critical about the Zoroas­ trian Center holding the Congress a year ago than they are today. -------- - - - Today, they might say that, oh well, first thing we thought of was that it- all the speakers are liberals, but befol-e was very important that the youth at- they knew who the speakers were they tened the Congress. So we decided that were critical as to whether the Center we must hold it during school and col- was valid enough to hold the Congress lege vacations. -------------------------------------- or whether UZANA (United Zoroas­ trian Associations of North America — a federal body set up at an earlier and we chose the Universal Sheraton. As soon as we decided where to hold What has it cost to host the Congress? Not as much as people may imagine, congress) was legal. For instance, we hosted the dinner for the representatives (of various Zoroas- Technically, who asked the Zoroas- trian groups). We always wanted to trian Center to hold the Congress? give one dinner to the representatives, ‘' so we knew that that was an outright cost. Then we had to consider costs like And VZANA probably died at this air fare and hotel stay of the invited .. speakers. Well, we don’t know, but it’s the body I’m a bit vague on the figures but we that has been holding the congresses. It was more knowledgeable on whom to sort ot budgeted about $10,000 for the started at a congress, at the first or se- approach in this field than 1 was. whole Congress. cond one, I think. (UZANA sent) a letter to the presi- How were the speakers Jor the Con- Will all of the cost be recovered? dent of the Zoroastrian Center. I sent a gress picked? 1 think so. We had to book 150 nights copy of it to the secretaries of the Zo- Between Ms Shahrokh and Dr Jafarey, or 74 rooms to get all these rooms (the roastrian Association. They questioned and maybe other members of the Zo- large banquet halls in which the main certain things (about UZANA’s autho- roastrian Center board, they chose congress and the delegates’ sessions rity) and they also asked that they most of the speakers. There was a little were held) free of charge. (Otherwise) would like a congress where there discussion over the keynote speaker be- we would have had to pay $3,000 to would be no controversy. cause the keynote speaker was a little $4,000 a day for them. I said, well, we ’d love that, but that different. The Congress speakers are So we booked a guaranteed number it was not up to us, because a congress all North American; they are mainly of rooms,'which later on were paid for is a forum for discussion and how academics. by the guests. We even offered a chea- could you control every single person? Since 1 had not attended any con- per alternative in a motel down the And how do you know what is contro- gress before, unfortunately I was not street. versial? capable of choosing the speakers, hav- Well — maybe I shouldn ’t say it— ing not heard too many myself. What would you change if you had to well, I did not want the Association to UZANA. What would you change if you had to well, I did not want the Association to do it again? feel in any way that suddenly the Gen- So the ad hoc committee had nothing I was very nervous when it started, but ter was getting the limelight, and there- to do with picking the speakers? it has been so successful. Now I’m fore, 1 incorporated several people The speakers in the invitation were not relaxed, and 1 see everyone here, and from the Association onto the youth picked by the ad hoc committee. They they are all participating. Some are committee. Then we got a lot of friends were picked by the board (of the Zo- critical of the organizers, but I don’t who are not on the ad hoc committee roastrian Center). (Ms Shahrokh and think they are more critical than they but helped in their own capacity. Dr Jafarey) consulted other academics; were a year ago. I think some people they have attended other congresses. P.C. When did you start preparing for the Congress? A year ago. 1 remember in September 1984, when Dastur Minochehr-Homji was in Los Angeles, and he had given a lecture, Tahamtan Aresh and the Va- ghaiwallas (of the Zoroastrian Associa­ tion of California) were there, and I had informed them that I had been asked to organize the X?ongress, that 1 had accepted and would they coope­ rate, and especially would they have their youth help us. Within a week or so 1 sent out let- f&fts& I The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 253443 & 252730 30 Parsiana October 1986 ! I i»i 1 J • ( ¦'ft’’ t I w Ki A gift turns platinum A review of the Madras Anjuman ’s activities on the occasion of the Dar-e-Meher ’s seventy-fifth year. Parinaz Toddywalla fervour from the pious-minded brations, vaguely remembered the con- Itwasonthedeathof a 13-year-oldson ous fervour from the pious-minded brations, vaguely rememperea me con- that Phiroj Muncherji Clubwala built a Zoroastrians of the Madras Anjuman. secrarionj^ t^e taro being brought^ by memorial in the form of a Dar-e-Meher ‘ 71---------- — j r.™ r. „ and gifted it to the Parsis of Madras in by and constructed under the personal munity dinner when 150 to 200 Zoroas- 1910. Seventy-five years later, Parsis supervision of Hormusji Nowroji. .. ‘ from Madras, Bangalore, Secundera- president of the Madras Parsi Anju- bad, Shahabad, Vizag, Bombay, Poo­ na, Bhavnagar, Allahabad, Delhi, Jamshedpur and Calcutta assembled to on the foundation stone of the Dar-e- participate in the platinum jubilee cele­ brations of the Jal Phiroj Clubwala While the celebrations were in pro- in the year 1910, Dastur Kaikobad forts of the Madras Parsi Panchayat gress at the Phiroj Clubwala Memorial Adarbad Nosherwan, then High Priest had proved inconsequential despite Hall on July 19, 20 and 21, 1985, the of Poona,officiated the ceremonies by their starting a Mobed Fund in 1887, object of the celebrations, standing iso- virtue of the Jal Phiroj Clubwala Dar- receiving generous donations from Sir lated a few blocks away on West Mada e-Meher falling under the ecclesiastical D.M. Petit and the then president So- Church Street, looked resplendent with jurisdiction of the High Priest of rabji Framji, and purchasing a jMot of the turquoise blue illumination out- Poona. Ms Freany Grant, who was -----« lining its structure against the overcast among the four to enjoy the rare dis- sky. Situated in the Parsi locality of tinction of being present at the conse- Royapuram, the agiary evokes religi- cration and the platinum jubilee cele- ‘‘The sacred building was designed road from Poona and enjoying a com- trians were present. J_______ __________________ Though it was the loss of his young man who laid the foundation stone on son Jal, and the consequent inability to February 6,1909” reads the inscription have the death rites performed in Mad­ ras that inspired the establishment of Meher. the Dar-e-Meher, the Parsis of Madras At the consecration of the Dar-e- were relieved that their dream had Dar-e-Meher. Meher on roj Marespand, mah Bahram finally materialized. Until the ef- at the Phiroj Clubwala Memorial Adarbad Nosherwan, then High Priest had proved inconsequential despite na, land (which was later realized to be too close to the aramgah), notes a write-up in the platinum jubilee brochure. Phiroj Clubwala offered to con- 32 Parsiang October 1986struct the Dar-e-Meher building, on condition that the Anjuman collect a minimum of Rs 30,000 for its mainte ­ nance, notes the write-up. The owner ­ ship of the Dar-e-Meher is vested with the Madras Anjuman and according to the trust deed, the control of the Dar-e- Meher is entrusted to a Trust Board comprising five trustees. The present board of trustees include: chairman Minoo Belgamvala who is also presi­ dent of the Madras Anjuman, hono ­ rary secretary Erachshaw Driver, here­ ditary trustee of the Dar-e-Meher, Je- hangir Clubwala, Arjasp Tarapore- wala and Russi Dastur. Since 1983 the atash adarian is being tended by pan- thaki Jehangir Dastur with the assis­ tance of mobed Jehangir Bharda. There also stands in the compound organization of the agiary, a residential block for started by Ms Mary Clubwala Jadhav, the attending priests, gifted by Phiroj noted social worker of Madras. Clubwala. On the retirement of Ervad —. . . Dosabhai Pavri after four years of ser- cond day ’s program which was consi- mans of India, he advised, “We must’ vice as mobed, Ervad Hormasji Adarji dered to be the most important, due to try and minimize our differences and Gai became the first panthaki of the the significance of the roj and mah and be a cohesive community if we are to Dar-e-Meher in 1910. He was followed the presence of the Governor of Tamil make any impact.’’ Golwalla ’s address by three generations of the Daji family, Nadu, S.L. Khurana who was all praise was followed by an elocution competi- Ervad Rustomji Pestonji, his son Teh- for the Parsis. “1 hope the community tion when 20 youngsters from Madras murasp and grandson Peshotan. will plunge anew to further their in- spoke on subjects connected with the Among those who have a tremen- volvement in the affairs of the coun- life and teachings of Zarathushtra. All the three dinners were planned in the open air grounds adjacent to the Phiroj Clubwala Memorial Hall leav­ ing the final arrangements to the mercy of the Madras monsoons. Though for­ tunately it did not rain, tfie indoor bad ­ minton court was spruced for the occa­ sion, just in case.... cleared for a welcome change in the scene — the staging of a tableau on The Parsis — In India ’5 life and part of it depicting the advent of Parsis in In ­ dia and their adaptability over the cen ­ turies. Scripted by the Madras Parsi Association ’s secretary Ms Mani Club ­ wala and directed by Noshir Ratnagar the production was a joint effort by the members of the Madras Anjuman. The tableau ended with the community ’s universal favourite song Chhaiye home Zarthosti. The third day of the celebrations was under the auspices of the Madras Parsi Association when the chief guest for the evening was BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla who regaled the audience catered by the Guild of Service, an with his various experiences while con- for destitute women ducting the viva voce examinations of medical students. Ending on a serious note after detailing the work of the The largest attendance was at the se- Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anju- cond day ’s program which was consi- mans of India, he advised, “We must* Only rarely do they feel that they are nnissing out on sonnething as when one Parsi connplained, "You know, makhma! ni sapaat is not available here. z z dous attachment to the adarian is Pe- try,” were his parting words of encou- shotan Daji who after serving the ragement. Earlier, Minoo Belgamvala, agiary for 60 years, retired as panthaki president of the Anjuman since 1967, in 1983. After basking in the atash ada- who accorded a welcome to the distin- rian ’s aura, he was reluctant to resign guished gathering, explained the pur- when he couldn ’t find an assistant pan- pose of the celebrations: “It has pre- thaki. “1 have been present at the sented us with an opportunity to take silver, golden, diamond and platinum stock of ourselves.” jubilees of the Dar-e-Meher... given my life-long service. I still love the sent shawls and/or plaques to the 16 From Panehayat to Anjnman place. I think of it. ... . .... “I have performed about a 100 wed ­ dings and many more navjotes ... made a comparative study of religions and delivered lectures in English and Gujarati on auspicious occasions. I have got modern ideas, and believe that we have to move with the times.” After the Governor was made to pre- dignitaries on the dais, the stage was The Madras Parsi Zarthosti Anjuman Mani Clubwala with Zavera Shahuna at the venue of the celebrations. 4 *511^ Festivities The first day ’s program was almost a warm-up session which started with a group photograph, followed by a ja- shan led by Dastur Hormazdiar No- shirwan Dastur, High Priest of Poona, who later addressed the gathering. For almost an hour Dr S.R. Wadia lec­ tured the audience on Firdousi Toosi and his Shahnama and showed slides of his visit to Iran during the late Shah’s regime. The members then set­ tled down to a simple vegetarian dinner isO ¦p' 33 Parsiana October 198b ’ / ’ * J ¦f*3I (! ¦i .-'J 1 4' i got its name in 1900, being previously dents. The Anjuman owns 15 flats and shoot of the parent anjuman was form­ known as the Madras Parsi Panchayat. three cottages which are rented to edin 1930 to promote sports and social As recorded in the brochure: Zoroastrians on rents varying from Rs activities among the members of the It was in 1876 that the Parsi residents 10 to Rs 400 per month. The dharam- Madras Anjuman. Before World War of Madras formed themselves into an shala which was in a state of disrepair, II, members used to meet daily at the association known as the Madras Parsi has only recently been renovated Phiroj Clubwala Memorial Hall, a Panchayat. The advent of the first Par- thanks to the efforts of Rusi Ginwalla, building purchased specially for this sis in Madras dates back to 1795 when the Anjuman ’s secretary, whose co- purpose in memory of the Madras An- Heerjibhai M. Kharas came on a mis- operation at all odd hours is counted juman ’s greatest philanthropist, Phiroj Sion from the Raja of Coorg. He was upon due to the proximity of his resi- Clubwala. This memorial, it was hoped Mobed Ruttondaroo, Mobed Jam- i lias uiiiy icvciiuy Dccn renovaicu r'niroj ciUDwaiH Memorial Hall, a thanks to the efforts of Rusi Ginwalla, building purchased specially for this operation at all odd hours is counted juman ’s greatest philanthropist, Phiroj accompanied by Framji^ Rudibaina, dence to the Anjuman properties. The would “provide a rendezvous for*re- shedji Aderbadan, Sohrab Mehta, Bhi- nished rooms with attached baths. vities of the Association are restricted ccaji Botu and Jamasji. They purchas- Many of the upcountry visitors who to meetings thrice a week at the Hall ed a plot of land in the Royapuram had come to attend the platinum jubi- where members get together for a game locality of Madras and settled there, lee celebrations ,were housed at the of their choice — badminton, tennis. The subsequent year, Jamasji died and dharamshala, presently under the billiards or cards. The original struc- was buried near their residence. Soon management of Mr and Ms Amrolia ture having deteriorated, it was demoli- after, Kharas bought an adjoining plot who were also in charge of the catering shed and built anew in 1*980. The plati- of land and built a dokhma. As per an- “----------- ¦* ‘ .’1. ’’ ’ ¦ ¦ ¦ cient custom, the first body to be plac- hosted by the Anjuman. ed in a dokhma should be either of a very young child or an aged person, but since there was neither such death. The Madras Parsi Association, an off- the bodies of subsequent Parsis were also buried and the dokhma dismantl ­ ed. As the Parsi settlers in Madras kept increasing, they kept purchasing more land on lease and by 1814 they owned about 32 plots of land. The present assets of the Anjuman include the burial ground, a block for after death ceremonies, a dharamshala, manager ’s quarters and a building for Parsi resi- (Top left) Tableau scene depicting arrival of Parsis in India (Top right) Daji: served agiary for 60 years Governor Khurana presenting plaque to Taraporewala as (from left) J. Tarapore, Dastur Hormuzdiar, Belgamvala, Je- hangir Dastur and Grant look on dharamshala now comprises four fur- creation purposes,” Presently the acti- nished rooms with attached baths. * ____________ ________ Many of the upcountry visitors who to meetings thrice a week at the Hall at the second day ’s dinner which was num jubilee celebrations of the Dar-e- Meher were held at the new Phiroj Clubwala Memorial Hall. The first secretary of the Madras Parsi Association was the “enthusias- Madras Association f » ¦ fi. ’’i ¦ S 'i' 35 Parsiana October IPfib .P .00 < i' .j^e .'’’*• .a *s. •’*t>^r3 [ i ”!i'’’T ™ (.l-^j^ kW i '’••••¦-I f«1 ’^“»? r ’*r.’ ’¦stoCfrl '' "5.. .’^5! -^s. -a^ ‘<:s W; 5^j W5-!<^' f. ?Sgs |yN«<; ^5 - 8 pw rf-fe' hou^ M»iM 1)9 ; rfltt.oon «)nimB,.^,„ '^1 ffl tel***' ¦'¦‘^ &L‘'i’'''ThoUi tolyj Jr’S) I dfl^ j among the ': * i’ slw^W thhMa^ was fQ9 pr^ formcd, . of the - book V plimen the Fe was Noshir"' /?r' -- 1 ea* .. .^inw I can ’t lediMn MmiB svote ed, “ ..t» ’ i , \ •’ SO ‘ '¦ '* ’^.i * ’i' 'O o *-. 1 s^g ss sl W in r rui tt'-i ¦ ?s -- *?.*€. ii^ ii; 37/%^ sd^.^i^SSi ''' ' *' s > x> .¦:! J«*¦q A ’’e - ft 1I r Star reportii^ Prochi Badshah, Editor of Stardust, talks of her combined role as journalist, wife and mother., ... Parinaz Toddywalla . “It is so irritating when people ask bylines —like Neeta’s Natter oj Court rest.” Easily accessible^^^^^^^H**^, ‘ | ’How can you be a film journalist all Martial. Even though I may write five leagues appkrendy keep -1 your Hfe?* But come on yaar, they’re articles for a particular issue, I won ’t the latest developments in 1 ; not all that bad. When you^cpme to the carry a byline on all the five articles.’’ fice—the arrival of a parcel from wh^^' 1 jounmlistic part, it’s the same as what Honestly admitting that she’s “not ever, the final stage of an artwork for J you would have in a political maga- introduced many changes, only taken a which she had some su ggestioh's tn of- J zine, only the personalities involved are more human angle, put ourselves in the fer, the latest masala On some film, p ; cBfferent.’’Ms Prochi Badshah, Editor star’s shoes,” Badshah clarified, star... of Stardust, which claims to be the “We’re a fan magazine^ not serious. It was her interest in writing and I most well-read fan magazine in the We are not ^trying to change the m- boredom pt a clgijcal job at Godrej and .1 w(»*ld, (drculadmE 1,60,000) chatted dustry or inwove Tty df the th^7|»^^|^?^>to take up 1 while sitting curled on an armchair in films, and we make no bones id^Hat tfe boring. " the visitors’ room on September 11, fact.’’ She views Showtime, a sister l^t al^ what dse can »B.^om. 1^5 td the magazine ’s new ofHce pre- publication from the Lana Group, as do? I used to attend law lectures#.tha;' mises at Esperanca at Colaba. DressKl focussing on more serious issues con- morning and wanted to do something i ' in h®r workaday salwar kameez with cerning the film industry. in the evenings so I started with a jour- 1 a trace of make-up nor any sugges- “We at Stardust pay no attention to nalism course at the Xavier Institute of J ; tion of painted nails, Badshah admit- the factor of designation. Ours is a Communications. ’* Having left the ^ j .. ted that she doesn’t conform to the im- yery democratic outlook. ’’ Badshah course half-way after being accepted I agf of “a true editor’s editor.” She then added, “I’m Editor, printer and by Stardust as trainee, she s^|®,,;“The * narratedhem^^sk^r Kumar Gaurav tea- publisher ” and seemed to savor the only thing Xavier’s did wan'^.j^e me, ses hb!; ttmt she should have been Edi- sound of these unfamiliar words which, a chance to meet Busybee (Bdnram j tor of CbandtuMnia (a children ’s ma- were obviously not used too often in Gwitractor). I diought this (job at gaane) instead of a glossy like Star- ho* context. was ntmt: of a thurung, dust. “I prefer beipg a journalist than an ground than any journalism course. < Stardu^ was. “the first of its kind Editor,’’ .she confessed. “1 like being Prior to working with S/urdus/, while I- whiedt st^ed the trend of gossip jour- on the field. But that means I have to was at Podar College I ijsed to mter- * nalism in India. We got our inspiration combine my editorial responsibilities view chotta-mattu a from P/io/opAty» a Hollywood fan ma*- with writing which is my-main inte- ¦ gazine, which was subsequently discon- ¦ __________ ____ ¦ th earn some extra * tinned. Before S/ardusr th^e were IZiinonr S’ Film Fare and Star di Sityle on the IxUlTiar baUfaV newsstands which had maintained the toacoc hor that oho hnage of film stars as demigods. We '¦ <>• 1“ ’ ** should be the Editor Badshah bnefed. of Chandamarna (a i,^^- jounmlistic part, it’s the same as what S^^f* i •> *< Kumar Gaurav teases her that she B;"- In her seventh y^ at Stardust and second year as E^tor, Badshah says, r •i_i z • \ **ln Stardust it’s die format and style CniiClren S mSOSZin©) S; which are important. The people are 1'^. not important. The Editor is always be- /¦ hind the scene. Rather than the edito- ' rial board, the readers, comprising the Indian cinema viewers, will associate .1 more with the columns, {^tides’ aind instead of a glossy . magazine like 5 Stardust. pocket mor^. Hehex people like Am- jad Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Ra- jesh Khanna 1 used to know sinoathose days. ‘*I can deal with stars better. . My nim stars are much better people com­ pared to the general public... Most stars speak very good English. The tan ­ trums and traumas of stars are over- . played, so when you come face-to-face with them, it’s not all that bad,” re­ veals Badshah. A familiar figure, known to almost all the celebrities in the Him industry, there are some with is pt^icularfy friendly like '?^ 30 /^fsians October t9B6 * w ?e'., ^^3 t4. go to bmh these places and no one has victions' at the time of her marria ge (to i ’'J ’t-:» ' j^^ammi Aunty and Mani Aunty (the community, he had to grant her per- you ’ve grown wit|i aii your life. It*s » middle-aged RaiK^ sistcars) the former mission'^ also. I don’t think my father belief How can yn« nay that once y«u ; being a chafach^ actress and playing has forgiven me.... become a wife you cease to be true to -¦'I side roles, and the latter being a dress “I was told that after my marriage I your religion?’’ Radiyha h explaine d her -r J designer who is respected for her fash- wouldn ’t be allowed Into the Bre- point of view. ion creations. Other Parsis who are temple or the Towers of Silence. But I “To a great extent, « w nman »g mn- connected with the film world in vari- go to both these places and no one has victions- at the time of her marriage (to > OUS capacities are: Sarosh Mody who ever stopped me. After my daughter a non-Parsi) depends oif how a person I ed with riot^ actor Sai.jeev Kumm sin- (¦ _____________ _ and film journalist Farida Balsara notice that I realized that some of the thalci Agiary ^wy dw i cama frAm a .(4 ward? “If you ’re going to ask me whe- I specializes in make-up (being associat- was born, the priests came and per- has been introduced to the religion. I ed withnoted actor Saijeev Kumar sin- formed my mz/iffn ceremony. It was on- stayed at a Parsi colony (Tata Colony . . when my sister brought it to my at Bandra) and would go to tl» Pgn- whom Badshah alrtidst considers her Parsis had stopped saying ‘hello’to us Parsi ^^hool (LB. ^Vachcha), wd S-’T:-h-- butit didn ’t matter to me. ¦ ther I accepted her because she is a Par- _ __„„„ si, then the answer is ‘no, ’ She came in self, I’ve not changed in an y way. Bet- on her own merit” v.____ „>« F^ing relatively rd^ed after the religion comes first; < 200-page Stardust annual had been sent to press; Badshah explained how her working hours sometimes stretch' from 7 am to 2 am. She considers her­ self very fortunate in having an under ­ standing hushgn^bMl^ who 19 a pro- ; . fessiou4.'|lll^^Hh^«^'**^h. fact we me( m tie understands. If I’m #ome late. I’ll get sympathy. At formed my nahan ceremony. It was on- stayed at a Pinsi colony (Tata Colony but it didn ’t matter to me. thanks to my parents I had a strong '3 thought, I’m still my- religious inclination in me. _ . . “I’m not a religious fanatic. I’m ween my husband and my religion, my loyal tomyself. I’ve taught my daHgh- 3 — «„*, u something ter dur prayc^ because 1 believe that a standing husb4in^b«I^a^^ who a pro- * times 1 have to work even on Sundays. But there me occasions when it can be very traumatic when he complains that I’m neglecting our daughter Nazneen and then I feel I’m in a worse dilemma because I’m already aware of the fact I and feeling guilty about it.’’ Like m(»t " young working mothers, Badshah ’s daily routine includes leaving Nazneen at her mother’s place every morning i and picking her up every evening. " She’s happy that her parents recon ­ ciled themselves (after a vi^eek of sulk- , ing) to the fact that though Taiyeb is a j Muslim, he’s the right man for her. 1 “The day tlwy accepted him, they accepted him totally . I could not have j gone ahead with the marriage arid dis- j appointed them. We are a very close- j knit family. To me their permission I was very important. Remember I was 1 25 then,itt 1980. I’ll never forget the j day my father said ‘yes ’, but on the eon- j ditipn that I didn’t become a Muslim. I For me, the question never arose^ My I • dad had said, ‘I want you to be there I when I die.’ Though at that time I I thought he was just being melodra- 1 made, today, when I is mother I I realize his ‘no ’ was not a matter pf be- I ing stubborn but being logical and I practical. My father thought it was like I a slap on his face. Subsequently when I my; sister wanted to marry outside the I ’ 1 Sedsfiah with daughter Netaeen. 39 Par$i^ October t985 f •a.'* '' ' -ed 2», *i' - z» J *5® !|i. ¥ r ^4, $ ^i' S. f-i 1^' C' LK J ing to sndreh-kusti. It’s ttay should to ;?Tnito sdiushneni ?myeh .thought my urgu- :S^'S!^’wo^ ’t At the toe of.her P^_2. \j\le are not trying to change the industry or improve the quality of the . .... films and \we make ^^gi'SZrtWtoh.ve.toex^™- no bones about the rjiS'"*..'KS taoi'i_____ changed to Parveen because to them a break. 1 write fw Soc/e/y or leans iookuir --- --r prochi suggested connotations of _ (other publicatioM from the mother as if to suggest that a fathCT a (soft-and not the abhrwiate Despite her tasy wnt- version of PoutoW^.to^»^^, ing schedule sh^to‘?=y'^“™“ from the father s sloe, j , wisdom). 1 explanieo lo . < fnr ~ ,, the mid to enter in- after being known by a interview “boring old bawas. “It’s time people tor 25 years, if someone from his tami w child should have ^frio/S^Balhah «npSato4; her navjote performed means me. “My daughter goes priests it’s going to a around telling lot to problems _ in-laws my everyone! ‘My mumnj daddy is a Muslim and 1 m a Parsi, child can pray, 2 titti her than I do. He could have taught her about his rehgioir^J^ hasn ’t. He’s forgotten to say he’s very blase. That’s what all men Tlwy have got their compartmen- • **“ . » fafllAr’s lObt I do. He could have " his religion but he are. . . talized lifestyle: ‘This is a^ but there is no L—t has to do. “It’s not that I m conversion. It’s nice ___ J father’s job? limit to what a mother advocating total to feel exclusive. S5Twtor,'(Parn)mo.h^s_^d Xould be aBowed into to ^se it means ' 'VU aaaw looking down bn If there are no hangups to enter tte communUy? “It’s time people started taking in- ««t,nX^on.K ’snotonlya iw •v 11 for 25 years, if someone Bad- shah remembers the insistent prgs^ from her iii-li»*wWBSt^W«* the blood of a slaughtered goat. 1 wm adamant. No way was-1 8O*»8 ghter an animal to bless too fond of animids for that, kind P sacrifice My husband knpiys that XTm ad^ant it’s better to give toe,. I don ’t la. — ,, gjjice their first Arrival as she didn ’t have I ', I't 40 Steamship agents - master stevedores dubashes — ligh^ra^ ^4.:oo'c Darabshaw Sons (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. Darahshaw House; Ballard Road A'offiee; 262230) Phone; 26002/ (4 L/nes? Also aSs'SQciates contractors Colcutto BhovnogoFr r”-- - _ Also sole Goyern^.enrLandhw co~ Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhavnagar. A". ?> ’’v V 1' ^7 I ¦> ft.« *