Nov 1985

r I November 1985 Volume 8 No 5, Rs 2 % »¦ R I, I I I Contestants evenly matched With the November 23 elections fast approaching both candidates exude confidence. Arnavaz S. Mama Both Desai (54) and Mehta (49) are traditional Zoroastrians with a prag- Most people consider the two candi- matic, middle-of-the-road approach to Faced with the unhappy task of choosing between friends, several voters are planning Will 106 new donors be allowed to very tall claims before the election. The between friends, several are known to vote, come November 23, 1985? The image gets boosted 10 times your capa- be planning to go out,of Bombay dur- Bombay High Court holds the trump city size — not even your normal size, ing the November 23 election weekend! card in the current replay of the Bom- When you can’t accomplish, the pro­ bay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) electoral blems begin’ drama, as businessman Hector Mehta challenges sitting trustee, solicitor dates for trusteeship, a likeable pair — community problems; both are com- Eruch Desai. The Committee for Economic Revi­ val (CER) has demanded a freeze on the voting rights of the donors whose names have been added to the list after February this year. Justice Pratap, granting a temporary freeze of the register from October 1 — the date the case first came up for hearing — set October 10 as the date for a full hear­ ing. By end October, however, the case had not come up for hearing again. , n • As Parsiana took an electoral survey tO gO OUt Ot DOITlbQy Some days later Dotivala says she during the election weekend. I I honest, straightforward and mature, mitted to working on the BPP board as members of a team, with no addiction to the spotlight. In fact, admits Perviz Dotivala of the United Orthodox Graduates (which won control of the G register in thd 1981 Anjuman Committee elections), when Desai first sought her (and the UOG’s) support for reelection, she bluntly enquired, “ Ten sun kaum ni seva bajavich (what have you done for the community)’’ to earn reelection? I on October 30, both candidates pro- i received an answer in the shape of an jected confidence. Desai said he ex- QU ring me eieClIOn 18-page letter that convinced her in pected “between 100 and 150 CER \A/pp|zpnrj Desai’s favor. Much later, says Doth votes and good response from the F ________ VyUUlxm lU ._________ vala, the contents of that letter emerg- register.’’ Mehta, looking beyond the ed in the shape of a series of two arti- immediate hurdle of the election and Many voters are friendly with and have cles in the Jam-e-Jamshed—perhaps viewing the scene in the light of rec^t equal regard for both candidates. Fac- in response to questions similar to her events, thought aloud, “never mak^ ed with the unhappy task of choosing own. Barring one or two persons, theUOG’s members who met Desai and register,” has agreed to resign after the Federation, remained a prominent Mehta have decided in favor of Desai, four years if the court upholds a maxi- office-bearer. Dinshaw noted that says Dotivala. mum of two terms of seven years for CUZ affiliates tend to “get nervous As Dotivala noted, “It takes two to trustees, “is sincere in his dedication to hearing about Nargolwala (who may three years to settle down in the trus- the BPP.. .(and) has staunchly sup- not be) a bad person.. .but what is to teeship.. .and if a man is doing really ported the Federation of (Parsi Zoro- be done, that’s his image.” '• . J Z ' _’ Describing Desai as the BPP’s The decision to support Desai for a “beast of burden for legal work,” the four years if the court upholds a maxi- office-bearer. Dinshaw noted that mum of two terms of seven years for CUZ affiliates tend to ‘‘get well, just because he’s finished 10 years astrian) Anjumans of India.” (is no reason to) disqualify him. That Desai has publicly stated his intention second term was a volte face for the outspoken, ascerbic Dinshaw Mer- to retire after four years if the court upholds a ceiling of two seven-year terms for trustees, is another reason why he has the UOG’s support. Be­ sides, says Dotivala, the BPP requires an in-house solicitor. Like most others whom Parsiana questioned, Dotivala was indeed sorry to have to make the choice. She says she tried hard to persuade Mehta to differ his candidature by about six months when the next vacancy is ex­ pected, but Mehta was not amenable to the idea. Another UOG member and molder of opinion, who didn’t want his name to be published, assessed the two can- CER which refrained from endorsing community, Desai’s work has not been didates as “six of one and half a dozen former BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder’s visible either, noted a prominent law- of the other,” and hazarded the guess short lived candidacy for reelection yer. Mehta’s frank, open response to that though Mehta is comparatively against industrialist Naoroji Godrej his questioners can be seen to sway unknown to voters, he has the support even though Guzder had agreed to them in his favor. of BPP trustee Homi Ranina and abide by the court’s final decision on therefore stands a strong chance of the length of a trustee’s term, cornering the donor votes. He com­ mented further that CER support to helped Desai with the CER, it has hurt might weigh in the community’s mind Desai may alienate Desai from some of him elsewhere. Stated Cowasjee Din- is Mehta’s closeness to Homi Ranina. the donor voters. shaw, former leader of the erstwhile Ranina’s bonafides are being question- Having accused Mehta of opposing Committee of United Zoroastrians ed in some quarters today because of “the CER in its attempts to bring (CUZ), “We will support anyone (who his steadfast (some call it stubborn) about a fair electoral scheme,” the is) against the Federation.” Requested allegience to the controversial Athra- CER’s managing committee announc- to explain the reason for the dislike to- van Educational Trust (AET) — an ed in the Jam-e-Jamshed (October 27) wards the Federation, Dinshaw replied idealistic scheme that has boomerang- that it had turned down'Mehta’s re- that “the idea of the Federation was ed because Ranina, an expert on invest­ quest for support in favor of Desai, mooted by my father, so I’d be the first ment and taxation, stumbled in his although Desai “may have completed person to support it,” but not as long political calculations. 10 years.” As justification, the CER as Shiavax Nargolwala, the liberal, announcement noted that Desai “has reformist-minded president of the notes that far from Mehta toeing the spoken out against the packing of the F Delhi Anjuman and vice-president of Ranina line, as feared, Mehta will be Far from Mehta toeing the Ranina line, as feared, Mehta will be invaluable in curbing, molding and mellowing Ranina. chant, Parsi businessman and benefac­ tor, described Desai and Mehta as per­ sonal friends and said his vote will'be cast “in favor of the sitting trustee... If Hector stands next time. I’ll vote for Hector.” Merchant believes that the number of terms a trustee enjoys should depend upon his calibre and en­ dorses Desai as being one of the most “scrupulously honest” on'the present BPP board. Other community watchers note that all things being equal, people prefer a new face — a peculiarity that may work to Mehta’s advantage. And though Mehta is less known to the Even more than the CER’s allega­ tion against him of having bought If his espousal of the Federation has votes and packed the F register, what A staunch Mehta supporter however ! * j < 4 * 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 invaluable in curbing, molding and mellowing Ranina, thus enhancing Ranina’s valuable potential for com­ munity service. ' A dignified restraint has pervaded the campaigning of both candidates as is reflected in an absence of nasty, per­ sonal references in letters to the Press. A couple of letters hectoring Mehta ap­ peared in The Bombay Samachar (Oc­ tober 27): Burjor Mistry, in a series of six questions, castigated Mehta’s con­ nection with Ranina while D. Dooma- sia alleged, ‘ ‘A new practice has started 1 in our community... dinner diplo­ macy.” He was referring to a practice 2 Parsiana November 19853 ' I The Voice also quoted Desai’s state­ ment in the Janie: “It is ridiculous for Scotching any likely criticism about not spending sufficient time on com­ munity affairs, Desai noted, “So long as the (BPP^s) constitution is as at pre­ sent, honorary trustees will have to devote such time as necessary,” and added that he was in favor of one or I started by Ranina and, continued by Voice noted, “No, Mr Desai, the ‘din cobwebs blotting the election scene.” Mehta of inviting voters .for discus- and the noise’ before a BPP trustee Before getting to the nitty-gritty of sions over dinner. Doomasia requested election in the 70s were infinitely worse electioneering, however, Desai absolv- “a legal luminary to advise whether than what they are today." this dinner diplomacy can be called - corruptive or.. .unethical.” The orthodox Parsee Voice edited by any man to criticize the work of an- Adi Doctor, in its issue of August ’85 other, till he has adorned himself by his took Desai to task for his article “Pre- own performance in that particular sent day election scene,” published field,” and countered, “This is quaint in Jam-e-Jamshed (August 24, 1985). logic, at least as far as the office of a and the community are essential for Desai had praised the electoral scene 10 BPP trustee is concerned. Unless one is any (Punchayet) plan to succeed.” years ago in contrast to the prevailing given a chance to become a trustee, one and noted, “There were not then how can he himself prove that he is a many aspirants for office, and the time capable one?” was, when gentlemen of the commu­ nity had to be coaxed to offer them- Campaigning styles selves as candidates for the post of a Earlier, Parsiana had observed the two trustee, leave aside starting the election candidates in action: campaign nearly six months in advance Desai at Malcolm Bang: Anjuman two full-time trustees. of an election. Where was the din, and Committee member Homi Talati intro- At the end of his brief speech (during where was the noise?” duced Desai to the 22 voters gathered which the voter guests were refreshed Commented The Parsee Voice, in his living room — the Talati home in with dry fruit, lassi and beer) Desai in- “Surely 10 years is not that long a Malcolm Baug (Jogeshwari) is the tra- vited suggestions, noting that it would period to be afflicted with lapsus ditional meeting ground for aspiring be his endeavor to accept those best memoriae, particularly for a dapper trustees and Anjuman Committee suited to the community. Among the and trim 54-year-old, like you?” and members of Malcolm Baug, Panthaky rapid-fire questions, one wanted to quoted from an early 1976 issue of Par- Baug and the neighborhood. If Desai know the cost of the election to the siana describing Desai’s own election: had any qualms, he was not showing Punchayet (Rs 10,000 under normal “With the sears of the last election still them. The fair, chubby-cheeked, conditions, said Desai); another sought to heal, no one wanted another divisive safari-clad lawyer looked younger than his opinion regarding getting enough battle for the trusteeship seat.” The his 54 years as he set out “to clear any mobeds, to which Desai quoted the ed himself of any future charge of courting publicity by noting that Par­ siana was present at its own request. Then, advising the gathering that “no one trustee in isolation” can be praised or blamed for any developments, Desai noted, “The cooperation of the board Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B.Cursetjee's Sons (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. Darabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay - 400 038. Grams: 'DEADWEIGHT' Phone: 260021 (4 Lines) (Dock Office: 262230) Telex: 5824 DBCB IN Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Mangalore, Bhavnagar, Bedi-port, Navlakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla. Also sole Government.Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhavnagar. 3 Parsiana November 198bFederation’s scheme for paramobeds, soon as the questions petered off. equally particular to “make it clear, adding, “None of us on the hoard have Minoo Siodia who is said to be an old I’m not connected with the AET in any a religious background or expertise... hand at. organizing these meetings at way.” While admitting that “this invite the dasturs for advice... ” “Has Malcolm Bang, noted that this was the Trust should have come into existence such a committee of dasturs been best turnout of voters he had witnes- slightly differently.. .involved all the formed?” persisted the questioner. It sed, while Ms Perin Marker, a CER different institutions (and established) was an awkward moment for E>esai supporter on the F register, confided total dialogue with the dasturs and who parried, “The BPP can only sug- that the majority in Malcolm Bang mobeds,” Mehta was at pains to note gest as akabars.. .we have no agiary favored Desai, noting colloquially, that with “the type of people in com- under our jurisdiction except Godavra.” The grilling spanned the BPP’s mob- ed amelioration scheme, the disposal of excess agiaries, the buying of votes, the AET, the non-Parsi driver of the doongerwadi hearse, on all of which Desai was on slippery ground as the voters questioned the decisions arrived "'navi gilli, navo daav (a new entrant mand (he referred here to Ranina and Naoroji Godrej),” the powers “would not be misused... Our community reacts far more than others do. We react sharply... I’m told there are cer­ tain improvements on the way,” assur­ ed Mehta. But Mehta stopped short of defending the AET’s unfortunate stance vis-a-vis the K.R. Cama Orien­ tal Institute (The AET used the Cama Institute as its registered address without the Institute’s permission). “I entirely sympathize with the Cama In­ stitute,” he admitted frankly. Although a few questions were put to Mehta on the Parsi Lying-in Hospi- Desai noted frankly that were it not tai, plans for inculcating young boys If a man is doing really well, just because he's at by a board of seven members. But finished 10 yOaTS (iS then somebody asked, “Are you in . favor of adult franchise?” and Desai, nO TCaSOn tO) no longer hemmed in by his commit- ? • I ¦ r ? • / z ment to collective responsibility, was QISQUailTy nim. off the hook. Defending the present scheme with modifications necessitated means starting all over again)... we by the passage of time, Desai held hard prefer older incumbents.” to the indirect election system. Voicing a dearly held opinion, Desai told the for the support of his wife Coomi (who into mobedi, etc, the formal speech voters, “Look at the fate of the other was initially lukewarm to the idea), he was brief and questions from the organizations where adult franchise would not have hazarded a second house, limited. BPP trustee Homi prevails... there are second thoughts term at trusteeship. The statuesque Ranina who had been expected at the even on the national level...” Coomi, a one-time secretary imBritish meeting could not make it and Mehta The reactivation of the tower of sil- Airways, provides efficient back- noted that voters may expect a letter ence in Andheri was a subject close to ground support and has diligently from Ranina instead. As the gathering this gathering of suburban voters and taught herself the main concerns of dissolved into small groups avidly dis- they urged Desai to examine the possi- each group of voters so that Desai is cussing the issues of the moment — the bility in the light of more and more prepared to meet them with a fair guess Gibbs Road scheme, the CER accusa- Zoroastrians settling in the suburbs; at individual identity. Coomi’s unfor- tion of packing the F register, the ques- but Desai noted that the Andheri tunate fall that resulted in a broken tion of his opponent’s second term — dokhma was managed by an indepen- kneecap on October 27, has deprived Mehta’s humor, captivating frankness dent trust. Desai of his most valuable aide. and honesty of purpose made visible The most bedevilled subject was the allotment of flats. Ms Jeroo Ichaporia, Mehta at Bandra: The windy afternoon ai) F register voter from Andheri, set had settled into a still, humid evening issued a whip, presumably barring the ball rolling by stating flatly that “at as voters in the Bandra-Santa Cruz CER support to him: “Can you under­ election time everyone promises that area gathered on the terrace of the Ot- stand a certain section not wanting to only the needy will be given flats...” ters Club in Bandra to meet Hector and meet me?” he asked. She alleged shady deals and charged Daisy Mehta. The evening’s hostess. Wife Daisy, who is actively associat- that once on the board, the trustees principal Homai Mehta of the J. J. Col- ed with the BPP’s doongerwadi, were quick to forget such promises. Desai began by noting, “I will not Mehtas as “very close to the com- nial bureau subcommittees, maintain- promise that everything that we do is munity.. .keen i ’ ' ' ‘ 100 percent correct” and went on to Zoroastrians” and described how voters partook of the buffet dinner. . describe how persistent rumors about many of those present inevitably recal- Querried on the constitutionality of undercover payments had led to the led bumping into Mehta in an agiary. hosting dinners for the electorate, decision that the full board of the Pun- Mehta referred to the independent Mehta turned a disbelieving gaze upon chayet must rule on flat allocations, community trusts with which he is Parsiana: “When people come all the This is now done along the CER’s associated like the Dhunmai Cawasji way to meet you and you serve a few merit rating system which, said Desai, High School in Khandala, the Kooka snacks, are you buying them? Did I though “very good, is not foolproof” Charities, the Mody Sanatorium in buy the interview with Parsiana as there are applications which do not Lonavala, the Parsi Lying-in Hospital because I offered you a sandwich? fit any of the categories. j ............. ‘ 1 ____ Polite but businesslike, Desai bid a in Andheri and spoke of the work be- by expecting them to vote for short, friendly farewell and was off as ing undertaken. But Mehta was almost because they have dined here?” inroads. Mehta alleges that the CER has Wife Daisy, who is actively associat- iege of Commerce, introduced the Parukh Dharamshalla and matrimo- socialites... devout ed a low but friendly profile as the and the M.F. Cama Athofnan Institute Would I not be insulting these people • me 5 Parsiana November 1985Addressing the AET A bitter dispute has arisen over the address of the beleagured Athravan Educational Trust. Arnavaz S. Mama Institute building as the AET’s office. In their reply dated June 26, 1985 Mistree and Panthaky, stating themsel­ ves to be both ZS and AET trustees, The newly formed Athravan Educa- agreement is between the trustees of tional Trust (AET) has become the the K.R. Cama Oriental Institute and cause of contention between the K.R. Cama Oriental Institute and Zoroas­ trian Studies. ZS, which functions from a small of- in the possession of your secretary.” factor and noted: “We see the religious fice on the ground floor of the Cama When on March 23, 1984 Mistree education of the priesthood to be very Institute building, has allowed its ad- again wrote to the Institute’s trustees much within the ambit of Zoroastrian dress to be used by the AET without requesting more space and thanking Studies (ZS), as well as perhaps within the permission of the Cama Institute them “for being such wonderful land­ trustees. On being challenged by the lords,” the Institute’s reply of May 10, Institute, ZS has pleaded the four com­ mon trustees on the boards of the AET and the ZS as an excuse, and has in­ voked the provisions of the Rent Act. The three institutions — all purport­ edly involved in the study and propaga­ tion of Zoroastrian theology and ideals — seem headed for an ugly legal battle. The long correspondence was pub­ lished by The Bombay Samachar of October 13, and the Jam-e-Jamshed of October 16. The picture that emerges is that the Cama’s trustees, being touch­ ed by an appeal from ZS founder (and later AET founder trustee) Khojeste Mistree to the Institute’s president Adi Chinoy, decided to offer the budding that “the ZS is not registered under the us, the undersigned until such time as Zoroastrian Studies is institutionaliz­ ed... One key of our office will be left pleaded the AET’s goal as a mitigating in the possession of your secretary.” When on March 23, 1984 Mistree again wrote to the Institute’s trustees the overall vision of the founding fathers of the K.R. Cama Institute.” Surprisingly, in the light of later developments, the ZS letter continued, “In fact, the original seed of this priests’ project was sown from a dis­ cussion held between Dasturji Dr JamaspAsa and one of the signatories, in 1981. Our work with the priesthood represents, therefore, but the matura­ tion of our shared concern.” (On August 10, 1985 the AET trustees jolt­ ed the community by publicly malign­ ing Dastur JamaspAsa as having hin­ dered the betterment of mobeds.) Refusing to buy this, the Cama trus­ tees wrote a strong letter to the AET trustees “to please remove the impres- _ _ ,________ _ sion created by your wrong state­ preacher temporary accommodation Society’s Registration Act, 1860, the ments” and demanded that the AET from which to function. Mistree in his Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, or not only stop using the Cania Institute letter dated December 24, 1979 men- under any other law” and added, address but publish the rectification in tioned the disappointing result of his “There is no landlord/tenant relation- the Gujarati dailies and noted that a search “for a long while.. .for suitable ship existing between our Institute and copy of the letter was being forwarded office accommodation” and spelt out Zoroastrian Studies.” to the Charity Commissioner. his “request to your august body... May 11, 1985 marked the public Addressing themselves to Mistree Our requirements are a quiet room around 200 sq ft for which we are will­ ing to pay a reasonable rent. Further­ more,” Mistree noted, “we are prepar- . ed to legally relinquish our tenancy munity’s financial support for itsj)ro- rights, if any, in case you wish to ‘ ' ' " “ ” 1984 declining the request, observed There is no lancdiorcd/tenant relationship existing between our Institute an(d Zoroastrian Stu(dies. / ! f I Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, or under any other law” and added, “There is no landlord/tenant relation­ ship existing between our Institute and Zoroastrian Studies.” May 11, 1985 marked the public launching of the AET as an institution and Panthaky, the Cama’s joint secre­ dedicated to revitalizing the Zoroas- taries noted that “the premises have trian priesthood. The brochures distri- been granted to you in your personal buted on the occasion sought the com- individual capacities” and reminded individual capacities” and reminded them that it was agreed in 1980 that “any office bearer of the Institute will repossess the premises.” priests, and gave its address as the be permitted access to your office at The Cama replied on January 24, Cama Institute Building. The Cama’s any time.” The letter noted that if the 1980, offering a room “on temporary three joint secretaries protested in their AET continued to use the address, the basis...on certain terms and condi- L - *' ‘ tions.” After a meeting with the thaky: “Please see to it that the Cama’s president and secretaries, premises are used only by Zoroastrian Mistree and Shernaz Panthaky (present- Studies and by nobody else. ’ ’ A simul- ly a trustee of the ZS and the AET) taneous letter to the AET trustees re­ confirmed the deal, stating, “The <. ject to educate and nurture Parsi The Cama replied on January 24, 7 Parsiana November 1985 letter of May 21 to Mistree and Pan- Cama trustees would “revoke the per­ mission given to you to use a portion... of the Institute building.” Challenging the Institute in their rep­ ly of September 10, 1985 Mistree and continued on page 11 quested them to desist from using theREADERS' FORUM Readers' views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. ‘Ranina’s repeat.. My attention has been drawn to the following extract in Parsiana (Septem­ ber 1985). “In the context of the repeated amendments to the Gibbs Road scheme because of legal implications, someone referred to the lawyers on the BPP’s board of trustees and enquired, . ‘Was Eruch Desai not doing any legal advising?’ While refraining from com­ ment on the specific question, Ranina noted, ‘Justice Vimadalal has been of fremendous help to us in regard to rent control.’ ’’ The innuendo is quite obvious. In the above connection, I can do no bet­ ter than send to you the copies of the following correspondence exchanged between me and Mr Ranina. Mr Ranina has specifically mention­ ed in his letter to me of October 7, 1985 that there is misreporting. Please now issue a clarification in the next issue of Parsiana in light of the above corres­ pondence so that the members of our community may know the correct posi­ tion. I B. DESAI Desai’s two letters Dear Homi I was surprised and saddened to learn from our colleagues at the last board meeting of the trustees held on thir­ teenth instant, after you left for the day at about 6.15 pm, that in answer to some queries raised from the audience at the public meeting which you ad­ dressed recently, with regard to the performance of the legal trustees on the board, you replied to the effect that “so far as the performance of my col­ league Mr Eruch Desai i.s concern­ ed, since he is my colleague, I do not want to make any comments, but so far as Mr Justice Vimadalal is concern­ ed, he is making valuable contributions from the angle of the Bombay Rent Act.’’ The innuendo is quite obvious. I am sure the above version is not correct and you will be pleased to agree with me, that such statement made by a trustee about his own colleague tar­ nishes the image of the dignified office of a trustee. If, however, any such statement to the above effect was made at the meeting, I shall thank you to let me know, on what basis such observa­ tions have been made by you, and on basis of which record of the Parsi Pun­ chayet. I have no doubt in expecting that you do read carefully the files that are sent to you showing the respective contributions of Mr Vimadalal and myself inter alia to the legal matters of the Trust. I shall be obliged for an early reply. With regards. August 16, 1985 Dear Homi I invite your attention to my letter to you of August 16, 1985 and the subse­ quent meeting on the same evening at the place of residence of Dr Aspi Gol- walla when besides other trustees and the chief executive, Mr Nani Palkhi- vala was also present. In the previous telephonic conversa­ tion subsequent to my letter and also at the above meeting you were pleased to confirm that you had been misquoted, the version given in my letter was not correct and it was arranged that you would also be sending over to me the tape containing the record in respect of the proceedings of the concerned meet­ ing for me to verify the truth. However this has not been done to date. My attention has now been drawn to the issue of Parsiana (September 1985, which refers to the incident). (It is the) same version as I indicated in my letter to you of August 16, 1985 and which you were pleased to men­ tion, was not correct. Now that it has appeared in print, 1 think, in fairness to the truth and the principles that we espouse as trustees of this dignified in­ stitution, you should get the matter cla­ rified at an early date with Parsiana. Please do extend to me the courtesy of a reply. With regards. September 28, 19X5 Ranina’s reply Dear Eruch 1 refer to your letter of September 28, 1985. I did not reply to you earlier as I wanted to speak to Ms Arnavaz Mama of Parsiana. I met her this morning and I informed her about the mis­ reporting in Parsiana (September 1985). I showed her the questions which were put to me, specially the one pertaining to the legal work which a trustee is required to do and the contri­ bution of Mr Vimadalal who was refer­ red to in the question itself. I have requested Ms Mama to clarify the matter in the next issue of Par­ siana. October 7, 198.5 Ranina’s letter to Parsiana I enclose herewith my clarification to be published along with the letters of Mr Eruch B. Desai. October 28, 1985 At the end of my speech on July 24, 1985,one of the questions raised was, “What is the type of legal work which a punchayet trustee is required to do and what is the contribution of Justice 9 Parsiana November 1986I r 1 i [ ! k J I 4 Vimadalal?” To this question, my ans­ wer was that the main type of legal work pertained to tenancy law matters, since most of the litigation of the Pun- chayet was under the rent control law. I further mentioned that Justice Vima­ dalal was most helpful in these matters. The answer, as given in the report, pertains to the aforesaid question and not to the Gibbs Road scheme. Parsiana stands by its reportage of the meeting. — Editor In human terms With reference to Mr V.M. Crishna’s enquiry (Parsiana, October 1985), Prof Rooshikumar Pandya’s report on the subject of drug addiction has been duty considered by the trustees of the Bom­ bay Parsi Punchayet. Chairman Dr Aspi Gotwalla has further discussed the matter with Mr Russell Pinto of Sevadhan (a residential home for treat­ ing drug addicts) and the subject is receiving active attention from the trustees. Prof Rooshikumar Pandya’s report does not contain any cost estimate. In the course of a month.the trustees will take a final decision after considering the proposals of Mr Pinto as well as those of Prof Rooshikumar Pandya. We would like to clarify that Prof Rooshikumar Pandya was addressed a letter of thanks by the chairman on Ju­ ly 26, 1985. R.K. ANKLESARIA Chief Executive, Bombay Parsi Punchayet continued from page 7 Panthaky asserted their rights as ‘‘monthly tenants,” stated, “It was no part of our agreement with the trustees that the premises in our possession were to be occupied ‘temporarily’ as alleged by you,” and observed, “As monthly tenants it would be our right to allow whomsoever we choose to use iy agree with the writer’s views that if the premises with us so long as we do we are not able to look after our fires, we are not fit to call ourselves Zoroas­ trians. Only two days back the noted ZS scholar Khojeste Mistree was in Kara­ chi to lecture on the Fifth North Ame­ rican Zoroastrian Congress. During the course of his lecture he said we should be proud of ourselves because we have 100 percent literacy in our community. But then has modern edu­ cation taken us so far away from our religion that we go to such lengths as extinguishing sacred fires and keeping the doors of agiaries closed to the pub­ lic? DARIUS SOLAN Karachi Sodawaterwalla strife... fii tussle between three trustees and the priests bedevils the functioning of the Sodawaterwalla Agiary (Parsiana, July 1985). It burned me to read the article. Another feature in the Readers’ Forum of the same issue, ‘Karanj fire extin­ guished,’ really pained me. 1 thorough- not offend the provision of the Rent see the religious education of the priesthood to be very nnuch within the annbit of ZS. 11 ! • I HI II III H hI I 'I Rayomand’s get together The Rayomand Committec,comprising ladies appointed by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet for collecting funds for housing, has been doing yeoman ser­ vice to the community. 1 So far two buildings of 10 flats each i have been constructed off Napean Sea j Road and occupied. ' In order to raise further funds for the next building, various fund raising drives are being organized. The next project is a ‘Fun and Food Get-Together’ from November 29 to December 1, 1985 at Byramjee Jeejee-,, bhoy School, opposite Charni Road Station,from 4 pm to 9 pm. There will be a children’s fancy dress competi- : tion, Homi Tavadia’s Masti Tofan, a 1 fashion show and a musical evening along with games, food and other sur- ! prises. homai modi ' Export problem Recently, with the help of my friends Mr Bejon Desai, Ms Roshan Guzder and Ervad Bapuji Desai, 1 had released two cassettes of Parsi Zoroastrian pra­ yers with translated songs in English and Gujarati. These cassettes have be­ come quite popular and I am still get­ ting orders for the same. Regarding orders from places within India, I have managed to fix a reason­ able price, but orders from abroad can­ not be entertained. Whereas the actual price of one cassette is Rs 20, the pack­ ing and postage alone would cost Rs 75, which means that a cassette of Rs 20 will cost Rs 95 to a buyer from abroad. If someone could suggest a solution to this problem as to how these casset­ tes can be sent abroad at a reasonable price, they may write to the undersign­ ed at: 16, Akrur Dutta Lane, Calcutta 700 012. The main aim behind this pro­ ject is propagating Zoroastrian prayers without making any profit. VISTASP BALSARA Calcutta Persian poetry Persian poetry is very rich in its beauty and philosophy. Parsiana should pub­ lish two lines from Firdousi, Sadi or Hafiz in every issue. The lines will up­ lift the readers. DR HOMI A. VARIAVA Act.” With a defiant flourish the letter concludes, ‘‘We can only say that since we are monthly tenants, there is no question of your trustees withdrawing or revoking so-called permission given to us to use the portion of the floor of the Institute building.” In response to the Institute’s hono­ rary legal advisor Adi Daruwalla’s let­ ter to ZS and AET notifying the revo­ cation of the leave and licence granted to Mistree and Panthaky, Mulla and Mulla solicitor Burjor Antia replied that caveats have been filed in the Bombay City Civil Court and the Small Causes Court and notices served. On October 4, 1985 Daruwalla noted, “My clients will in due course file an ejectment suit...” Concluding the recital of what it called“this malodorous affair,” The Bombay Samachar reminisced, ‘‘We Parsi Zoroastrians take pride that we always work for noble ends but our greater pride and glory are in the fact that we have always believed in using good and morally immaculate means to achieve these ends.” Asked the Jam- e-Jamsheci, ‘‘These days does it pay to be kind and sympathetic? ... What price the very basis of Zoroastrianism — good thoughts, good wopJsv good deeds?” < According to reliable sources, the AET has decided to shift its office from the K.R. Cama Institute. The Bombay Samachar of October 27 states that the new office is to be located at Noble Chambers in Bombay’s Fort area. —Editor I I i i I H III H i H I Hi H I i li ill i I I 11 Parsiana November 1986 \ UEvents and Personalities Madhav Apartments, Kastur Park, Shimpoli Road, Borivli (west), Bom- Bilimoru’s new trustees Madhav Apartments, Kastur Park, departments for 34 years, retiring as Shimpoli Road, Borivli (west). Bom- financial advisor to the Ministry of Ex- Four new trustees were elected to the bay 400 092. ternal Affairs at the age of 58, notes Bilimora Parsi Anjuman, under the the journal. direction of the Gujarat High Court, Maroolwnln’« fwpnlv.Fitth president of the DPA, Nargol- on September 29, 1985, notes a press « • wala’s achievements include “building release issued by Manek Medora, a Shiavax Dinshaw Nargolwala complet- a firm infrastructure for the commu- newly elected trustee'of the Anjuman. Elected for a period of seven years, the new trustees are: Pesi Doctor, retir­ ed assistant commissioner of police, any president of any Parsi anjuman in recreation center and an aramgah,” Piroj Dandivalla, retired assistant col- India,” notes the July issue of Dipan- notes sociologist Ava Khullar, in an ar- lector of customs and excise, Dorab S. jali, the half-yearly journal of the tide in Dipanjali, titled “Tribute to a Tata, businessman and Maneck Me- DPA, edited by Novy Kapadia. Patriarch.” She further adds, “A lea- dora, senior executive of Godrej. At the felicitation function organiz- der’s success is measured by his capa- Others on the board include Rustomji Billimoria, managing trustee and trus­ tee on the board for over 20 years, Dadiba Sanjana and Furrokh Vasania, adds the release. Billimoria’s term as managing trustee expired on Septem­ ber 30. A new managing trustee will be elected from those already on the variety entertainment program. board, notes the release. Born on June 5, 1915, Nargolwala is “We hope not only to straighten out a retired ICS officer, a qualified char- the affairs of the Anjuman but will work with all sincerity and dedication to revive the prosperity of the Parsis in Bilimora,” adds Medora in the release. Nargolwala’s twenty-fifth ed 25 years as president of the Delhi nity’s well-being, which included an at- Parsi Anjuman (DPA) on May 22, tractive agiary, a dharamshala, which 1985, “a record perhaps unequaled by is the pride of dharamshalas in India, a any president of any Parsi anjuman in India,” notes the July issue of Dipan- At the felicitation function organiz- <’ ed on the occasion, Nargolwala was city to think clearly, have the convic- welcomed with the traditional achoo tion of his beliefs and the persistence to michoo and a chorus song, followed by transform these ideas into reality... speakers ‘‘who had nothing but words Nargolwala has these in ample mea- of praise for the president,” notes the Dipanjali. Momentos were then pre­ sented to the president, followed by a sure.” tered accountant and a graduate from the London School of Economics, spe­ cializing in economics, industry, bank­ ing and international trade. Nargol- wala has served in various government Nargolwala:huilt 't'irni infrastructure' BPP financial assistance The Bombay Parsi Punchayet is offer­ ing financial assistance to those per­ sons appearing for the All-lndia Civil Services and Defence Services Exami­ nations in 1986, notes a press release | issued by the BPP chief executive, R.K. Anklesaria. I Admission difficulties ‘‘Of late getting admission in reputed schools in and around Borivli has be­ come a herculean task. . .(A few fami­ lies) had to ultimately retract their abode from Borivli, back into town and seek refuge in sanatoriums,” notes the July newsletter of the Borivli and Suburban Zoroastrian Association. And this, inspite of the ‘‘assistance of our vice-president, Mr Mulla who, through his contacts with the Lions Club, managed to help a few.” Keeping this in mind, the association is thinking of making a joint effort to get their children admitted into good schools, under the leadership of Mulla, “an experienced educationist,” notes the write-up. People who wish to help, should write to: N.G. Paghdiwalla, B/2 a 12 Parsiana November 1985Financial help will be offered to those who “have a first class or higher second class degree, including those with similar academic record (who) are appearing for the final graduation exa­ minations in early 1986.” The finance is to help coach candidates for the exa­ minations. Only “can^dates consider­ ed most suitable will be sponsored,” notes the release. Applications are also invited from those who wish to join the defence ser­ vices and would like to undertake pre­ examination training. Those interested are requested to contact R.K. Anklesaria, chief execu­ tive, Parsi Punchayet, Bombay, along with an application and a copy of their mark sheet by November 15, 1985. A/s / reny Pader. direelor of i'eera Tanneries Pvt. Ltd. Bombay, which received the Best P.xport Performance . \ ward for the Atirangahad region and the state of Maharashtra, is receiving a silver ptaqne from Sudhakar Rao Naik, Minister for Industry, Maharashtra. Her husband, Darab C. Pader, managing director of the company, also ret eivetl a silver idaipie at the ceremottv. I i F I £ I wen rat, note.s The DaHv (September. 1, 1985). Re.sponsible for the design and con- On the other hand. The Times of In- struction of the plutonium plant at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center at siana reader Adi B. Dubash states, Trombay, and the uranium milt at “The new Tibet tourism corporation Jaduguda in Bihar, Sethna, as chair- sees traditional sky burials as a big at- man of the Atomic Energy Commis- traction in its plans to bring in tens of. sion, also carried out the peaceful Similar funeral rites “The mortal remains of virtually all Tibetans” are cut into pieces and fed to vultures in “a dawn funeral rite dating back centuries,” notes London’s Daily the sites unless they get special permis- Te!egraph of June, 1985. sion. Picture-taking and vulture-hunt- Tibetans believe that this mode of ing near the sites were also banned.” burial will ensure the reincarnation of the soul. “Only criminals and victims dia report of July 3, 1985 sent by Par­ eti contagious diseases are interred so that their kind will become extinct,” adds the report. Bus loads of tourists who come to w itness the event have led Tibetan thousands of visitors. It aims to build a nuclear underground explosion in undertakers to complain against the special hillside platform so that the for- 1974, “which established India as a lack of privacy at their funerals. In fact eigners can watch the rites through world nuclear power,” note newspaper at one point, “five undertakers became telescopes.” reports. so angry at being gawked at as they dis- Sethna is also associated with the membered two corpses, that they brief- AwardK fnr ^pfhna Institute of Fundamental Re­ ly abandoned their grisly task to hurl /^WarOS lOr dCIIHia search, the Tata Memorial Centre and stones at a bus load of tourists from Hong Kong,” notes the Daily Tele­ graph report. “The problem with onlookers was that they tended to scare the vultures off... If the vultures, usually about 50, become too frightened to swoop, or if they leave any of the body, it is con­ sidered a bad omen and the remains must be disposed of instantly, ‘to free Sethna was selected in recognition of Hellenic Society of Dental Research at the soul,’” adds the write-up. his “distinguished contribution to the Athens, Greece, was awarded the . However, reports on the outcome of development of science and scientific ‘coveted’ Greek Medal and made the complaints lodged are contradic- institutions in India, especially in the honorary member of the Hellenic tory. An Associated Press August field of atomic energy.” Society of Dental Research, notes a report states, “The authorities in Recipient of many China’s Tibet Autonomous Region awards including the Padma Vibhu- have banned visitors from watching shan in 1975, Sethna was also awarded, organized by the Greek Ministry of Tibetan sky burials... A public notice on August 31, 1985, the Vishwa-Guja- Culture and Science and the Ministry in Tibet’s daily newspaper said, that rati Award for distinguished services of Health and Social Security, Dr Mir- the regional government, which comes which consists of Rs 5,000, along with za read a paper on economics in the under the control of the Chinese Com- a copper plaque, an award citation, planning of implants. He also partici- munist Party, has banned visitors from and a traditional momento from Guja- pated in the round table discussion in Awards for Sethna Dr Homi Sethna, eminent nuclear the Indian Institute of Technology. At scientist and former chairman of the present he is chairman of the Tata Oil Atomic Energy Commission, was awarded the Dadabhai Naoroji Memo- rial Prize lor 1984, in September. The Greek Medal for Mirza Bombay morninger. The Datly (Sep­ tember 10, 1985), quoted M.S. Gore, Dr Firoze Dara Mirza, the principal chairman of the IXidabhai Naoroji speaker at the Second International Memorial Prize Fund who noted that Hellenic Congress organized by the Mills (TOMCO), add the reports. I ' I 13 Parsiana November 1i)8b Recipient of prestigious press release. At the Congress, which was jointly i iIf India and hopefully towards winning international recognition (by the Inter­ national Judo Federation) for our young judokas,’’ notes the write-up. Currently, the six-foot four-inch Bil- limoria is training for the National Games to be held in New Delhi, in November this year. Mirzatprincipai speaker (Far right) Rustomjitdenta! centers dental implantology arid in the live dental implant operations don^ on se­ veral patients on September 17, adds the release. Among •the topics discussed was a F newly discovered chemical substance called caridex which, when applied on the decaying part of the tooth, leaves - _ Junior Cricketer ’84 -’85 behind a clean area for necessary fil- tinctive says the report, is the fact lings, and so does away with the much that only eight (persons) are chosen Fifteen-year-old Zubin Bharucha of dreaded dental drill. ftom all over the world.” Bombay was adjudged the Junior Cric- Adajania’s first stint in the jury will keter of the Year for 1984-85 by the ~ > Bombay Cricket Association, and was commence in Seoul, South Korea on awarded the Shantibhai Sheth Trophy, November 1 this year. Member of the Association Inter­ nationale de Boxe Amateur (the inter­ national controlling body for the sport) Bombay and the West Zone in the Adajania was also on the jury for the under-15 cricket matches, “possesses Asian Championships which recently in abundance (the) intrinsic qualities concluded at Bangkok, adds the re- SI I' t...... tinctive” says the report, “is the fact Also, decayed teeth can now be res- tored by the use of “acid etch bonding be at the Fourth World Cup^lated to and light cured composite resins. How- ever, crowning is still the ideal method for a durable restoration of a badly decayed and broken tooth.” Further­ more, permanent dental implants surgi­ cally fixed in the jaw bones are an alternative to dentures for those per­ sons who have lost some or all of their teeth. Propier use of antibiotics and port, drug therapy as well as the use of laser beams in dentistry, were also discus- Billimoriu’s bluck belt sed. A diplomate of the International College of Oral Implantology in New York, USA, Dr Mirza has been practising dental implantology for the past 25 years. notes the Afternoon Despatch and Courier of June 6, 1985. Bharucha, who has represented that are necessary in the making of a good opening batsman,’’ notes sports critic Sudeep Sonawane, in Mid-Day. The first year junior college student of Podar College is “an astute judge of Cawas Billimoria, national judo cham- the ball,’’ has “marvelous” timing and pion for the year 1984-85, has received has an “uncanny ability to pierce the the ‘Shodan’ (an internationally recog- field,” adds Sonawane. nized black belt) and a licence to teach Bharucha, a self confessed traditio- nized black belt) and a licence to teach Bharucha, a self confessed traditio- judo from the famed Kodokan Insti- nal cricketer, “owes a lot to his coach tute, Japan, the birthplace of judo, Vasant Amladi” and, notes the write- where he was training until recently, states a press release. This training in Japan was made rucha.” up, “the followers of the game are go­ ing to hear and see a lot of Zubin Bha- Surgeon commodore Dentist Rusi J. Rustomji was promot- ed to the rank of surgeon commodore possible thanks to assistance from and reappointed dental advisor to the companies such as Hindustan Lever, jgjj. Mehta endowment Indian Navy, and officer-in-charge, of India and other individuals and the Naval Dental Centre on INHS trusts. Asvini, notes a July press release. The 55-year-old surgeon commo- . . .. , _ , dore who has specialized in dental moria “plans to run judo classes m pal Corporation, the Mayor s Fund prosthetics (the surgical and dental spe­ cialities concerned with the artificial replacement of missing components) from the Armed Forces Medical Col- - , lege, Pune, was commissioned in the m the project... A few seats, will be Fund Committee, in Jam-e-Jamshed " —, In commemoration of the services of An ex-student of Sensei Pervez Mis- Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, who was four try and Sensei N. T. Bangera, Billi- times president of the Bombay Munici- Bombay in conjunction with Pervez Committee has resolved to create a Rs 10 Mistry at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy lakh endowment, to help victims of Parsee Charitable (BJPC) school... natural calamities, notes an appeal The police have already shown interest issued by members of the Mayor’s armed forces in 1954 in the rank of reserved for poor and deserving stu- (April 16, 1985). lieutenant and has been the command- dents who will be taught free of The appeal, signed by SalebhoyAb- ing officer of various dental centers in charge,’’ adds the release. dul Kader, Jamsheed Kanga and Man- India. Rustomji was promoted to the rank of surgeon captain in October 1979. dents who will be taught free of charge,” adds the release. These “classes will go a long way to- mohansingh Bedi, notes that since its wards raising the standard of judo in inception 28 years ago, the Mayor’s Adajania on world jury The first Indian to be selected to a jury panel for World Cup boxing is Aspi Adajania, honorary secretary of the Indian Amateur ^xing Federation, notes The Times of India report. “What makes the appointment dis- (Far left) Adajania: among the chosen eight (Center) Dotivalatlea- dership and involve­ ment Dotivaiatorganizing youth projects 14 Parsiana November 1986f ¦¦ IF \ 1 1 I; 1 i;* i and seminars but also takes tours abroad and within India, adds the write-up. President of the United Orthodox Graduates which swept the graduates’ electoral register in the last Bombay Parsi Punchayet Anjuman Committee elections, Dolivala is also associated with the community newsletter The Par- see Voice and is a member of the jury at the Parsi Chief Matrimonial Court in Bombay, notes the write-up. I Award for Zonta Club In recognition of its outstanding achi­ evements in furthering the goals of “growth and progress through per­ sonal involvement,” the Zonta Club of Bombay III, “under the leadership of Ms Havovi G. Dotivala” won the Zon- ____________________________________ ta International Founders Award for The Tata Iron and Steel Company’s incoming chairman RusiMody receiving a bouquet at 1984-85, notes a press release issued by the Company’s annual general meeting on August 13. 1985. (Photo: The Daily).________ the club. A branch of the international wo- fund has disbursed over 56 lakhs for sonality and leadership development men’s social work organization, the the victims, and to further increase programs, environmental projects, Zonta Club of Bombay III “is the only their efforts^have appealed to the peo- employment schemes, seminars, con- Zonta Club in district XVII Area I ' pie to donate generously towards this ferences, youth festivals, photographic comprising India, Sri Lanka and Ban­ endowment. Donations may be sent by exhibitions, fashion shows, hand glid- gladesh, to receive this unique distinc- cash or by cheque drawn in favor of ing training courses, and treking expe- tion,” adds the release. Mayor’s Fund Committee and ear­ marked for Sir Pherozeshah Mehta En- bio-data. Chnlinnmnll dowment. Recently appointed director of the Shahnamah competition As a beginning, the committee Maharashtra Tourism Development “With a view to revive our ancient Ira- wishes to compile and publish a memo- Corporation (MTDC), Dotivala has nian history (and) to bring about an rial volume on the life and work of volunteered to personally look into the awareness of the lofty teachings of our Mehta, which will be released at a spe­ cial function to mark the occasion, adds the write-up. S 1^’ ! 'I 1 i N ditions into the Himalayas, notes her Dotivala’s youth activities To commemorate the International Year of the Youth (1985) Ms Perviz F. Dotivala, associated with youth activi­ ties all over the country, has organized a cycle trail cum youth rally to be held on November 14, 1985, where youths from all over India will cycle towards Delhi, meeting their counterparts on the way, notes a press release. Founder and president of the 4000- • member Youth Hostels Association of Maharashtra, Dotivala has also repre­ sented India, along with the then union communications minister. Ram Nivas Mirdha at the golden jubilee celebra­ tions of the International Youth Hostels Federation in Holland in 1982, notes her bio-data. Among the many youth projects undertaken by her, are the youth per­ company’s publications and publicity ancient Zoroastrian religion,” the campaigns. She is also vice-president Dadar Zoroastrian Committee held its of the International Tourism Council first open Shahnamati and fourth open which not only organizes conferences elocution competitions on June 30 and Hillimoria:licence to teach .? Be 4F 15 Parsiana November 751S5 » h July 7, 1985 respectively, notes a press release. Thirty-nine students who took part in the Shahnamah competition recited episodes from the Shahnamah while the 63 participants of the elocution competition chose their piece from a range of religious subjects, adds the release. The ‘prize distribution held on July 15, 1985 at the Rustom Framna Agi ary, Dadar, was presided over by Fe- roze Sholapurwalla and his wife, and started with a jashan ceremony in memory of the late Ardeshir B. Homa- vazir, founder president of the Dadar Jashan Committee. Prizes were given out by Ms Sholapurwalla to Ms Naaz- nin Hodiwalla and Ms Havovi Sidhwa, winners of the Shahnamah and elocu­ tion competitions respectively, adds the release. !i Ji t ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD vestigations with the authorities con­ cerned for allowing the ZSO to use tlK of the much river and the land for this purpose. 1 1 lian Zoroastrian Association of New South Wales, fell through due to the consuming task of presenting develop­ ment plans to the city council for ap­ proval, states the July Manashni. The purchasing committee has there- nual general meeting, we would like to obtain the general body’s views on ‘Quest’ premiere The gala premiere . awaited, controversial film On Wings adds the report. Zarathushtra) was slated to be held on October 2, 1985 at the Ziegfeld Thea­ tre, New York. L Zubin Mehta, and actors Nigel Terry and Paul Shelley, the film has been was narrated by 1985 Tony Award winner for Best Actor, Derek Jacobi. The pro­ ceeds of the premiere were t~ -- - the organization. United Way of New varyrite? Balsara in a brief for the architects,” notes a York Cny. notes the invitatton to the m«tee_oZSO. Wn.e^_BaUara^^ Report in the June Mnnustaj ..Ro-Sh;/ '’’jhe flhn was supposed to be preeed- “‘V i ed by a reception and followed by a dinner at New York’s Raga Restau­ rant. Tickets were priced at $50 for the ’o reception and film and at $100 for the now J. .lilted to 1^held on “AJW m™bers pre^m a. >he_a™uaj me back into office,” writes Sabar Bal- nual general meeting, we would like to ;, New torK. editor of the newsletter of the obtain the general body s views on Starring the famed music conductor , o„,grio, who whether we should proceed in purchas- w“ire this year after a 10-year ing the land.^_.«f.hou, wamng fcr Stint as editor. Ten years ago. Dr Jamshed Maval- to benefit walla invited Balsara to join as secre­ tary and editor on the executive com­ mittee of the ZSO. Writes Balsara in the June issue. me back into office,” writes Sabar Bal- general approval from the council, says the report. Be that as it may, “community in­ volvement is needed now in developing a brief for the architects," I ! I I I; h ..the editorship the building will have a main hall, cap­ able of expansion, car parking for 80 cars, a prayer room, a library, two meeting rooms and a small office, arne- nities of a kitchen, toilets, changing rooms, storage and a stage, an outdoor area for recreation and a children’s nism all over the world.” playground, a facade to “some Zoroastrian symbolism, and the best edited landscaped gardens, “bearing in mind the surrounding area and low mainten- grew on me and to this day 1 have brought out a newsletter regqlarly, and have enjoyed it too! The newsletter has become a household name not on- . .but I I reception ana nun miu -— -- reception, film and dinner, according ly among our ZSO cmrai y. to the invitation. H nism all over the world. Editor of one of the most regularly published and amongst t------- las made to non- Zoroastrian newsletters, Balsara notes , SdXTr children in the July issue, “I had looked for- anoe needs,” adds the report. iiidiuB ward to slipping away quietly into the for the five holy annals and archives of the ZSO, hut in- yMZA’s platinum stead it was a resurrection, overwhelm­ ing and a trifle emotional.. .So, for _ ____ _ 7 1 am back, and shall, as 1 have for the past 10 years, do my best as long as 1 can.” Not wanted A special request was made to non- Zoroastrian spouses —...----- — “to refrain from attending the prayers in the prayer room 1— --------- days (of muktad) for the sake of main­ taining harmony and unity in the com- . munity,” notes the Zoroastrian Society better or for worse luuuAwj, oc I havp fnr tn of Ontario s July newsletter. A decision to this effect was made at the last annual general meeting of the ZSO, which has further decided that a Incorporation delay request be made to the tru«e« of the , government cutbacks on Rustam Guiv f,” the incorporation of the Aus- .Sse MC m ^ight mjnth^f precincts of the Atash Dadgah. adds ...................... .... • the write-up. After incorporation, the president Dinshaw B. Avari, the president of the • Ve'":fr“tTht :^;"mX:": 'nominate and elect Softheashesorthe^ ^n “^emo'^of-the founders, the builders o%Tzlo n^islX^ Son of New South Wales, adds .^the —’ of the Assoc.at.on, The decision was taken at the annual the report. variety entertainment that fol­ general inerting of the Zoroastrian fancy-dress item pre­ Society of Ontario held on June 23, The d^eal for^the pu^c _ a^ by the children, and an inter- 1985. 1J u II tn hiiilt for the conve- Parsi colony competition of Zoroas- “The .executive hah was «be bu follow this matter up and oegin in- “The records of the last 75 years pro­ ve, that in spite of problems and diffi­ culties, the objectives of the (Young Men’s Zoroastrian Association of Ka­ rachi, Pakistan).. .have been fulfilled and till date the traditions have been maintained,” notes a press release issued by Godrej D. Sidhwa and Homi D. Ghadially, joint honorary secreta- i. ai.«xx ___________ ries of the Association, on the occasion South* Wales has been delayed by six of its platinum jubilee. ” ' - The platinum jubilee celebrations I were inaugurated on July 3,1985 at the Hormusjee Katrak Hall, Karachi, with extraordinary general Association, in the chair. A platinum jubilee memorial plaque was unveiled on the occasion and dedicated “to the “Due to government cutbacks on tralian Zoroastrian Association of New the July issue of Manashni. The deal for the purchase of a five-acre plot of land, on which a community committee would hall was to be built for the conve­ nience of the members of the Austra- 17 Parsiana November 19S6 ii Future programs lined up for the celebrations include conferences, con­ certs, competitions and exhibitions, adds the release. The YMZA, founded by Dinshaw Nadirshaw Kabraji was formed on July 3, 1910 under the chairmanship of Dastur Dr Dhalla to “diffuse secular, ethical and religious knowledge and cultivate elocutionary and debating powers by means of lectures, debates and readings on literary subjects.” The Association also aims at promoting goodwill in the Parsi community by means of social gatherings, entertain­ ment and other such functions, notes the write-up. in Erani (extreine right) with son Zarir, wife A ban and daughters Delna and Huzana. 1 -I Seventh ZAGNY directory The seventh edition of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) directory for 1985 lists 307 members/non-members of the Associa­ tion. Aside from listing the names, ad­ dresses, telephone numbers, family community, added the announcement, members, countries of origin and pro­ fession, the 90-page directory also in­ cludes the names of non-Zoroastrian scholars and Zoroastrian associations throughout the world. Edited and published by Faroke theme of the 1986 Katrak lectures to be Gandhi and Dinaz Langrana, the dir<c- delivered by Professor John R. Hin- tory “continues to be a very useful nells of the University of Manchester, source of information to our readers,” at the Oriental Institute, Oxford. The trianism outside Iran” by John R. Hin- states ZAGNY president Ivy Gandhi. vey conducted on this subject were ex- heim Hilton, Anaheim, California, pected from Hinnells in the morning notes a press release issued by the Cen- session, followed by an open forum to ter for Zoroastrian Research, Indiana, discuss problems of the Zoroastrian USA. H. Michael Simmons of the Center for Zoroastrian Research will preside over the consultation, the theme of which will be “Boundaries of commu­ nity: contemporary Zoroastrianism in 1986 Katrak lectures “An ancient religion in modern exile: contemporary Zoroastrianism ” is the diaspora.” Talks scheduled for the consultation include: “An ancient religion in modern exile: contemporary Zoroas- lectures will be held every Monday nells of the University of Manchester; from January 27 to March 10, 1986, at “Strands of belief in contemporary , “ZAGNY’s first youth camp was a tre- 5 pm, notes Hinnells in a letter dated Zoroastrianism” by Dr K.D. Irani of mendous success,” notes the August October 15, 1985. City College, New York and “Vere- newsletter of the Zoroastrian Associa- The lectures, in order of delivery, thragna the trouble-shooter: Muskil tion of Greater New York. will be: Asan Bahram Yazad amongst the Par- Fourteen participants, between the Introduction: Zoroastrianism enters sis,” by James R. Russell of Columbia ages of 16-23, spent two days and the twentieth century; University. Farhang Mehr of the Cen- riights at ZAGNY’s Darbe-Mehr. Am- Zoroastrians in independent ‘Hindu’ ter for International Relations, Boston ong the highlights were a lecture by India: the Parsis of Bombay; University, will take part in the discus- Professor Kaikhosrov Irani, and a Zoroastrians under Muslim rule: Kara- sions. video presentation on Zoroastrianism, chi Parsis since Partition; For further information please con- adds the newsletter. Zoroastrians in the Chinese setting: tact the Center for Zoroastrian Re- Other activities organized by the par- Hong Kong Parsis since the Pacific search, 801 East Tenth Street, Bloom- ticipants themselves included games. War; ington, Indiana 47401, USA. swimming, a trip to New York, cook­ ing, eating together, socializing — all Britain; of which “often went on until the early Zoroastrians in the ‘New World’: com- morning hours,” adds the report. munities in Canada and the USA; Conclusion: the experience of exile. The lectures, in order of delivery, thragna the trouble-shooter: Muskil will be: Zoroastrians under Muslim rule: Kara- Zoroastrians in post-war ‘Christian’ Erani’s Rolling Rider A bicycle seat called the Rolling Rider, “providing additional support and balance for the cyclist” has been in­ vented by -Homi Erani, design engi­ neer, states a report in Newsweek A consultation on Zoroastrianism will magazine (July 25, 1983). ¦ The three-piece seat comprises “a American Academy of Religion from hollow vinyl horn that protrudes from ‘Contemporary Zoroastrianism ar- ound the world” was the theme of a Zoroastrian consultation conference slated to be held with Pro­ fessor John Hinnells on September 15, al ZAGNY’s Darbe-Mehr, noted its be held at the annual meeting of the August newsletter. Preliminary findings of a recent sur- November 23 to 26, 1985 at the Ana- the seat pads horizontally between the -r 18 Parsiarfa November 1986r 'Oder’s legs... (and) two spring- fiounted cylindrical parts,. each ot Vhich rotates independently to help prevent chafing on the inside of the feer’s thighs,” adds the report. ^However, though the “Rolling Rider ^8Bt is suitable for casual riding or " IRring, at 27 ounces it is probably too ' heavy for serious racers. The designer (therefore) is developing a lightweight • competition version,” states News­ week. . . Apart from the-Rolling Rider, Erani, ^also holds an Indian patent for a ‘revolutionary diesel type engine, lays a press release. Settled in USA for the past five iears, Erani is a graduate engineer from the Golverhampton College, UK. f ^is past experiences include twelve L years at Steelage Industries, Bombay (fouhded by his parents Keki and Ner- ges K. Erani) and a five year stint at the shroff: producing documentaries. Carlton Hotel, Kodaikanal. At present he is design engineer for the K.O. Lee monitor, printer, £o. in Aberdeen, adds the release, ^rani’s wife Aban, is currently study- r-'-’^,.,Jng for her double-masters in special i education and elementary school admi­ nistration at the Northern College, ^SA, and works as a teacher in the see gifted Students Program, notes f-* Release. , states News- cameXo the USA as farm labor in 1899. to the present times when the new gene­ ration is completely Americanized and “cannot relate to the older Indians who hang out together and don’t want to mix with Americans,” notes the arti- ClCa Shroff initially worked on a doctoral degree in English literature at the University of California (UCLA) but later switched to critical theory in film. relate to the older Indians L % ft- Shroff initially worked on a doctoral degree in English literature at the University of California (UCLA) but later switched to critical theory in film. Her first project was an eight-minute film titled Expectations, “which show- ¦ ed the stereotypes with which an Indian ^^ft girl arrives in the US and the stereo- types through which she is initially M viewed,” adds the write-up. She sold M this film to the International Students Orientation Center, UCLA, which en- couraged her to take up production. 1 She then began her second project it •} Sweet Jail: Sikhs of Yuba City, notes the write-up. Though finances proved to be a problem, Shroff was able to are daunting. Students often have to leave midway to work and collect eno- all over, would have the vision to fore- - ‘ the tremendous impact of such a the system and wodW u7h monei’ta their fllms, thereby d^ . doTshouidb^^de payable to ZAC, laying their graduation, notes the arti- B^a^^XisSyi^^r^r B.s; from films. Shroff has won ^t?egree in hotel-motel-restaurant mana- computer a^^^ Caldwell, three poetry prizes at the UCLA and gemenf Zarir who is in the tenth grade; surer Minoo Pjess, Kurnitz Award for creative writing, ' iTDelna who is in the seventh, conclu- Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60195. des the release. ‘Uncle Nowruz’ University, adds the write-up. ' . Computer for ZAC influence of Christian tradition on Dubush receives fellowship , H “ZAC wishes to purchase a personal ZoroasOne of the nine music critics in the S j * computer for the purpose of storing Jiu^ tL'zoroastrian, the newslet- USA and Canada to receive a fellow- < and imparting religious literature, iss oroastrian Center of Cali- ship to the Summer Institute of the L V notes the August newsletter of the Zo- Navroze celebra- Music Critics Association Je Unit- j roastrian Association of Mefiopoli^ Iranian ed States, was Ms Feroza Dubash La- t Chicago. “Programs stored in the S,„ta Claus) distributed bonne notes The Times of India, July nit- gifts among the children! ^ Wecipient of the Cleveland Music School Settlement’s Hinds Fellowship in piano accompaniment. Dubash, a former western music critic of The ^TnU-^ ^ikhs of Times of India, was also awarded a I faculty pedagogy grant from the Cleve- Council, notes the Born in Bombay, Dubash studied the piano from the Trinity College of Music, London, and completed her M.A. from the Cleveland Institute of Music, concludes the report. .les^ 'V t} n r roastrian - ------------ , • , Chicago. ‘‘Programs stored in i computer could be used for one-to-one instruction or be copied and transmit­ ted on diskettes to various organiza- . tions. In future, with modern provi- Shroff S CthlllC films cSer^'elecfiSa^^^ the Filmmaker Beheroze Shroff’s docu- . Ill lUlUlV, WiK* r , such information can be ex- XSer.''^re”booTs and oSr pre- menta^ titled Swe« Ja cious JXuvalKw world Cinema: TOrd SfL.ndtooffersncb tept,- December 30, 1984. This documentary film, made on a ‘ -- , the history of the Sikhs of Utah who adds the vivuo 4**»*vw**v— ------------- r* 4. so doing, ZAC would become^the first organization <--------- service for the Zoroastrian commu­ nity,” notes the write-up. The total cost of a suitable IBM-XT the cost of the computer itself, a color 19 Parsiana November 1985 I