Dec 1985

f I I '«»Si II December 1985 Volume 8 Number 6 I 1 t I 1 » s ( t EDITOR Jehangir Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Toddywalta ASSOCIATE EDITOR Niloofer Madon DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN ASSISTANTS Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Billimoria ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L. Arora CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver, Khurshid Daruwalla DATA PROCESSING Rohinton Mistry OFFICE Rajendra Nayok, Madhuri Dabral 3 Readers' Forum 8 Events and Personalities 13 Zoroastrians Abroad 16 The Federation's new lease of life by Arnavaz Mama 22 News Analysis 25 "A unifying force" by Arnavaz Mama 28 "Laws were made to be followed. . ." by Shirin Misiry ------- ;--------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------ 31 Shooting ahead by Niloofer Madon 33 Books 37 A high profile by Jyoti Punwani 44 In Memoriam Cover: Sealing the ballot box Transparency by Homyar Mistry Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H.L. Rochat, Novsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Na yak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 001 and printed by him at Parsiana Publications, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400 001, and phototypeset at TRIACE, Bombay 400 005. All rights reserved. Address all editorial and business correspondence to Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400 001. 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 add $4 to cover bank charges. For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 3 for bank charges. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favour of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400 001 or C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 ,A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 001.I* I I 1 1 b READERS' FORUM removal from our building nor does it up as a ZS project. Hence I considered appear that they have done so, as there your above mentioned clause six irrele- is still an Athravan Educational Trust vant to the argument. board outside the premises of Zoroas ­ trian Studies. I would have been happier if the “many such discrepancies running right through (the) article ” had been spelt out. It might have enabled me to answer the charge of “prejudice ” to our mutual satisfaction. I HOMAI N. MODI CAPT H.J.M. DESAI Jt. Hon. Secretaries, The K.R. Cama OrientalTnstitute I was saddened by Arnavaz Mama ’s ar ­ ticle ‘Addressing the AET’ {Parsiana, November 1985). It seems Arnavaz got Argument for acceptance all her information from the K.R. Cama Institute without even bothering In his review of Kersey Antia ’s The to consult us, for our point of view, argument for acceptance: a reply to the For instance, our letter dated February three high priests, {Parsiana, August 29, 1980 clearly states the terms of 1985) Homi J. Rogers attributes to ¦ agreement between us and the trustees Antia the assertion that: of (the) K.R. Cama Oriental Institute, yet she has conveniently forgotten to Zoroastrianism was practiced, as can quote clause six of the letter which sta- be borne out by the facts mentioned by tes, “That we at Zoroastrian Studies Marco Polo in his diary...the Mon ­ will be allowed to operate our projects gols then believed in the Supreme God and fulfil our objectives with no inter- of Heaven whom they knew by the ference in our work from the managing name of Khormazda, and to whom committee of the K.R. Cama Oriental they daily offered prayers with a fire Institute. ” Is this not significant to the before them on which they burnt in- very topic she is discussing, in view of cense. ” the fact, that it is the K.R. Cama trus- ' The passage to which Rogers, refers tees who have interfered with a ZS in- is quoted by Antia from S. J. Bulsara ’s “The religion of Zarathushtra among ject is central to the aims and'objects of non-Iranian nations ” {J CO I, 35, ZS? There are many such discrepancies 1942): running right through her article. It is this sort of prejudiced and one-sided valuable references to the religious journalism that, in my opinion, reflects observances of the Mongols in China, poorly upon the intellectual honesty of He says that they believed in the Sup- the writer. reme God of Heaven whom they knew by the name of Khormazda, and to Founder, '73 and Founder-Trusiee A FT whom they daily Offered prayers with fire before them on which they burnt incense, ,, ” Without giving an extensive account — and me — on two counts. Regarding of the complex manuscript history of the source material, it might be perti* Marco Polo ’s book, suffice it to say nent to state that the article was based that Marco Polo wrote no diary; Rusti- Readers' views are welcome on any spired trust, like AET, whose first pro- subject of interest to the community . .. .. j<.-- ...-r 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. “...at the court of Kublai Khan, nations ” Marco Polo ... has made several Addressing the AET Our attention has been drawn to your article, ‘Addressing the AET’ {Par- Arnavaz Mama replies siana, November 1985), wherein the Khojeste Mistree has faulted my article Editor ’s remark states, “According to reliable sources, the Athravan Educa ­ tional Trust has decided to shift its of ­ fice from the K.R. Cama Institute. The entirely on the reports that appeared in chello (or Rusticiano) of Pisa recorded Bombay Samachar of October 27 sta- The Bombay Samachar and Jam-e- Polo ’s reminiscences while both were tes that the new office is to be located Jamshed, and was meant to inform our in prison in Genoa, embroidering these at Noble Chambers in Bombay ’s Fort readers in other parts of India and with the stuff of chivalric romances, area. ” abroad of matters exercising Parsis Both men apparently collaborated in As several people now seem to be here in Bombay; the K.R. Cama Insti- some later revisions, and Polo may under the impression that the Athravan tute was not directly approached and, have continued to revise the text until Educational Trust is no longer in the therefore, neither was ZS his death. The passages relating to the premises of the K.R. Cama Oriental Institute, and are making inquiries from us pertaining to the same, we would like you to note that so far we distributed at its inaugural, 1 could theque Nationale) but only in Ramu- have received no intimation of their find no mention that the AET was set sio ’s version which was compiled from KHOIESTE P. MISTREE Secondly, on examining the Athra- worship of the Supreme God of Hea- van Educational Trust ’s (AET) trust ven do not occur in the best' manu- deed, and the fund-raising brochure scripts (e.g., MSFr. 1116 of theBiblio- 3 Parsiana December 1985 ¦ > 1B i various sources around the middle of figure of him in his house, made of felt have a curious habit of both gaining in the sixteenth century. The name Khor- and cloth; and they also make in the authority and altering in content, the mazda appears in no manuscript, but same manner images of his wife and further removed they become from was perhaps taken by Bulsara from a children. ’’ (vol. I, pp. 256-57). their sources. It is a good idea for both note in Yule ’s translation of Polo ’s “As we have said before, these peo- authors and reviewers to do a little work: “The Supreme Good Spirit appears gods, each has a tablet fixed high up on to have been called by the Mongols the wall of his chamber, on which is Tengri (Heaven), and Khormuzda, and inscribed a name which represents the is identified by Schmidt with the Per- Most High and Heavenly God; and Homi Rogers replies sian Hormuzd. ’’ (Sir Henry Yule, ed. before this they pay daily worship^of- I am indeed thankful to Simmons for and trans.. The Book of Ser Marco fering incense from a thurible, raising putting the record straight, and do Polo, third edition, revised by Henri their hands aloft, and gnashing their whole-heartedly agree with him that Cordier, in two volumes, London: John Murray, 1903, vol. 1, pg. 257, “As we have said before, these peo ­ ple are Idolaters, and as regards their research before going to press. H. MICHAEL SIMMONS Director, ('enter lor Zoroastrian Research Indiana, U.S.A. i teeth three times, praying Him to grant quotations gain in authority and get them health of mind and body; but of altered in content with the passage of n. 1). Him they ask naught else. And below time. I am sorry for having given the The relevant passages from Marco on the ground there is a figure which impression (which I gather, I have) that Polo are given in Yule ’s translation they call Natigai, which is the god of Zoroastrianism was practiced in Chi- with the material unique to Ramusio things terrestrial. To him they give a na, because Marco Polo says so. Antia set in brackets: wife and children, and they worship has devoted well over two-and-a-half “This is the fashion of their religion, him in the same manner, with incense, pages to establish his findings on the (They say there is a Most High God of and gnashing of teeth, and lifting up of practice of Zoroastrianism in China, Heaven, whom they worship daily with hands; and of him they ask seasonable and I would refer Simmons to the thurible and incense, but they pray to weather, and the fruits of the earth, study. Him only for health of mind and body, children, and so forth.) ’’ (vol. 1, pg. But) they have (also) a certain (other) 456). god of theirs called Natigay, and they say he is the god of the earth, who wat ­ ches over their children, cattle and Polo, they hardly support the assertion practiced at Kublai Khan ’s court. Idol croR^. They show him great worship that Zoroastrianism was practiced at worship is castigated by the Zoroas- and honor, and every man hath a the court of Kublai Khan. Quotations trian religion. Mention is made of, for f' However, I would like to state that on the basis of the passage referred to Even if we accept that the bracketed by Simmons, we cannot totally dis- passages represent the words of Marco claim the fact that Zoroastrianism was MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do SO we offer you 'i 5 I 1 it Diploma Course in Business Management (Oral/Postal) IMG it Banking: C.A.I.I.B. Course (Postal) ? Executive Secretarial Course ? Private Secretarial Course it Steno Secretarial Course it Telephone Operating Personal Assistants’ Programme (working stenographers) it Telephone Operating-Cum-Receptionist Techniques ? Shorthand & Typewriting ? Punch Operating ? Telex Operating ? E.D.P. Concepts & Cobol Programming it Computer Exposure & Basic Programming Enquire at 4 Q0 .A. D Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400 001. Tel: 251185 4 Parsiana December 1985example, the Peshdadian hero Ker- Is Cod all-pOWCrfttI? shasp ’s campaign to China to demolish idols. It does not say to conquer the Over the last few years. Western land, and hence it can be assumed that scholars have been trying to feed us it was a religious crusade, to bring the with ideas about Ahura Mazda not be- Chinese Zoroastrians back to the right ing almighty and Ahriman being his path. However, bearing in mind the equal and opposite. James R. Russell is religious and social conditions in one of them, China, it is not improbable that later C . . n I With Compliments of 7‘ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ...... Coming from a family of yoz- civilizations reverted to idol-worship, dathregars, I was sent to a madressa to while continuing to profess the Zoro- be trained as one. My maternal grand- astrian faith, as manifested by the wor- father was a teacher and hundreds of ship of Ahura Mazda with incense — a children must have learnt a lot about very Parsi custom. our religion and history from him. As regards Natigay or Natigai, it Zoroastfian teachings and beliefs are could be a corruption of Vouru-Gao- based on one principle, i.e. Ahura As regards Natigay or Natigai, it yaoiti, the Lord of Wide Pastures, Mazda is almighty and all-powerful, whom we worship while reciting the Ahriman or evil exists in every creation Khorshed Nyaish, and whom the idol- of God, side by side with good. There worshipping Chinese worshipped by is no separate existence of Ahriman giving a human form. However, even if who is waiting to pounce on you or be Natigai has no connection with Zoro- mischievous like a naughty school boy. astrianism (though the faith is basically Good and evil are conceptual and have agrarian), and is a local demi-god wor- no separate existence and our religion, shipped by the people for their material as I know it, teaches us only to dif- needs, it is, I feel, improper to discard ferentiate between the two and to take Antia ’s contention on this ground, the path of righteousness. Besides, who Many Parsis in India today, for exam- can say what is evil and what is good? pie, pray to Sai Baba of Shirdi and The human race is divided into so other Indian deities, but do not hence many groups or castes that what is evil cease to believe in Ahura Mazda. for one is not so for the other. If new The paragraph submitted by Sim- scholars cannot understand so simple a mons, in my view, does not demolish doctrine, we can only pity them. They Antia ’s evidence. Paradoxically en- are confused and are trying to confuse ough, it seems to strengthen it by pro- others. viding some further parallels. The most common evil in a human being, in fact in all God ’s creation, is anger. If we overcome anger, we have succeeded in destroying evil and achieving good.. Another theory being propagated re- HOMI J. R(X3ERS Twenty years and... Not having kept in touch with Parsi demographic patterns in recent times 1 cently is about death being the handi- could not help but feel shocked and sad work of the devil or that it is evil, at the speed at which the community is Death and birth being so intrinsically shrinking (* Twenty years and there- interlinked, by the same logic, birth after, ’ /’<7r5zo«t7,Aughst 1985). Is this can also be the work of a devil especial- the spin-off of secularism and demo- ly to be born in such a bad world. If cracy, ' I wonder, when everyone is birth is the work of a devil,then death ground into a common particle of in- at any age is most welcome and can be articulate matter? In the circumstance I the work of good forces only. Death is do not know which is better to adniire, as inevitable for humans as it is for any the resolute stand not to allow change creation of God. If none died, the exhibited by the die-hards in the com- world would not be worth inhabiting munity or the gallows humor of those and then it could well be termed the act . who have accepted the decline of the of a devil. Parsis as a fait.accompli. My own grandfather, who died at a Reading Bhicoo Manekshaw ’s “Re- ripe old age having achieved everything cipes for the New Year dinner ” {Par- in his life, ordained that his death siana. August 1985), 1 could not help should be celebrated and not mourned paraphrasing Eliot ’s “This is the way a community ends, not with a bang but a burp! ” (.il ETA IMX roR Madras famous line: and his pa id us I should be accompanied by a band playing music. The western scholars have a typical western materialistic approach. Many of the works (interpretations) of the 5 Pars/ana December 198b 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: 26215I It past few centuries quoted by them are tan i.e. the one who is managing his af- haps the West in general, contradictory (may not even be authen- fairs single handedly. By his ninety- ‘ tic). A book written even 500 years ago third name he is known to be Ahu i.e. by anyone who thought himself know- existence itself, the only reality, ledgeable on religion does not become It is about time we define this very popular phrase ‘reformist Zoroas ­ trians ’ in the true context in which it is meant. gospel or true in the sense that such a dara. j. cam a To me a reformist Zoroastrian person wrote what he deemed was right identifies with: at that point of time, in the same man- a mosaue in Udwada? ¦•The one who accepts inter-marriage, ner as western scholars are doing to- and therefore encourages, propagates, jjay There is a mosque coming up at the advocates and participates, directly or head of the main street leading to the indirectly in the concept of mixed mar- Iranshah in Udwada. Previously, while riages. In regard to Professor J.R. Russell ’s the Parsis used to occupy the houses •The one who demands as of right to letter, ‘Is God all-powerful? ’ {Parsiana, lining the main streets of Udwada, the perform the navjote ceremony of his July 1985) allow me to say that I have other communities used to occupy the ‘half cast ’ children or grandchildren, not read anything so anomalous as back lanes. These non-Parsis have now and having found a suitable priest suc- when Russell says that though God acquired huge fortunes from their ceeds in doing so. (Ahura Mazda) is most powerful. He is Middle-East connections and are inte- •The one who in his/her wisdom feels not all-powerful. rested in buying off the houses from that there is no need for the sudreh Russell ought to know that Ahura the Parsis. Whereas previously there kusti, and would rather pray in English Mazda, the creator, is the only reality was a large Parsi population in Ud- as he/she does not understand Avesta. of the Gatha, having no equals along- wada, now there are hardly a few left, •The one who would rather use orange side, or lesser gods around Him, or a and all are aged. If something concrete squash in place of the sacred nirang devil in opposition that His omnipot- is not done fast, these houses will be during the nahan ceremonies. ence could be challenged. Russell lost to other communities and the Iran- •The one who feels that people of ought to also know that Zoroastrian shah will be surrounded by non-Parsis. other religions should be conyerted/ac- duality is not devil versus God but evil The big industrial houses should buy cepted to the Zoroastrian religion. *¦¦¦¦¦¦ My request to these ‘reformist Zoro ­ astrians ’ is to declare their true objecti ­ ves, and for the good of the Zoroas ­ trian community, divorce themselves by forming a cult of their own, giving it a totally separate identity. However, the formation of world anjumans. ner as western scholars are doing to- CAPT. R.J. KATILA DARA. J. CAM A duality is not devil versus God but evil {ahri or angra) versus good (spenta). \ over large tracts of land at Udwada man is not a robot wedded to either and make Udwada into a Parsi Vada. good or evil. Man is granted freedom z.m. zend of thought and only lack or less of good is evil thus far. Vestedinterests Reform Zoroastrian bodies I was one of the founder members and a life member of The World Zoroas- bodies — anjumans, associations, trian Organization (WZO), formed in organizations, federations, confedera- have personified and described ahri- man and angra mainyu as demons, to scare the gullible community. Man is responsible for all the trou- _ , . bles around him through his misbeha- the U.K., from which I have now re- tions — all will prove to be totally use- vior, having drifted away from right- signed. I strongly feel that this Organi- less if we allow the degradation of our eousness. zation does not truly represent the houses of worship and our priesthood It needs also to be said that death is Zoroastrians all over the world. The as currently experienced. not evil but is evolutionary. Death of WZO however, does play a very impor- History has proven, that if a race, the physical body paves the way for the tant part in trying to obtain political community or religion has to be elimi- rebirth of the soul, for its further pro- identity for the recently displaced Irani nated, the houses of worship and the gress towards ultimate salvation — Zoroastrians, and also serves the needs priesthood are wiped out first, the rest frasho kereti. of a very small minority of the ‘refor- just crumble. Russell must have heard Zoroaster mist Zoroastrians ’in the U.K. and per ­ say in the Gatha, “I only know Thee, all others I dismiss from my mind. ” In Kem na mazda we pray to God, ‘‘May the evil (not devil) perish. ” We also pray in Sarosh Baj, ‘‘I declare myself to be the follower of Zarathush- tra, opposed to evil (not devil), acting in accordance with the law of Ahura Mazda. ” How Zoroastrianism regards the omnipotence of Ahura Mazda could be better assessed from some of the namesi attributed to him in the A vesta. By his, second name he is known as Harvesp- tavan i.e. omnipotent. By his thirty ­ fifth name, he is known to be Taronish i.e. the enemy of evil (not devil). By his fiftieth name he is known to be Aekh- l-RVAD D.N. SETHNA Middlesex 1 Parsiana December 1985 Gifts& 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 |W«gig|OF’ I' 1 li i ,L r Events and Personalities Dar-e-Meher’s diamond Mirza spoke of the two parts of the In addition to the Dar-e-Meher and Yasna 30 where Zarathushtra speaks of again, Mirza noted how in the Meher Yasht,,\ht word Akar (which is akin to of land on Bellary Road; the Palia Artgra—dark, negative) is used in the Block built in the agiary compound. sense of chastiser and the phrase that is there used, “Thou art Akar as well as Vahishta." To the universal quest for an answer to the problem of evil, Mirza admitted with scholastic humility that there are 1967 at the initiative of Sidhwa and the theories but “no satisfactory solu ­ tion. .. According to Zoroastrianism, life here is imperfect, intellect imper ­ fect ... will not be able to solve the pro- constructing a housing complex by “spiritual powers are lying dor- demolishing the old B.J. Entee Dha- mant ... it is our duty to cultivate these The diamond jubilee celebrations of ramshala at Benson Cross Road and spiritual powers for the benefit of man- the Bai Dhunmai and Cawasji Dada- rebuilding a three-storey structure, us- kind. ” bhai Dar-e-Meher at Bangalore are ing the ground floor for a new dharam- scheduled from January 24 to 26, 1986, shala and the upper floors for owner- Avesta—the oldest part being the Ga- when the chief minister of Karnataka, ship flats, did not materialize as many thas of Zarathushtra and the rest which Ramakrishna Hegde will be the guest Parsis withdrew their deposits from is the composition of Zarathushtra ’s of honor, notes a press release issued this scheme, informs Sidhwa. disciples and followers, and discussed by Behram Sidhwa, president of The Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian Anju- the dharamshala, the other assets of the twin spirits at the beginning of ma- man. The three-day program will in- the Bangalore Anjuman are the Lady terial creation and Yasna 45 where the elude speeches on religious subjects, an Jehangir Kothari Memorial Hall and two are distinguished in terms of ex ­ open forum (question-answer session the Hall Annexe where the members panding and contracting forces. Then on topics pertaining to the religion), congregate for auspicious occasions; cultural programs, an audiovisual pre- the Tower of Silence on a 15-acre plot sentation, and a thanksgiving jashan. “Although our Dar-e-Meher is nam ­ ed after Bai Dhunmai and Seth Cawas- which is now rented to a commercial ji Dadabhai, there were other noble establishment and the income utilized Zoroastrians of Bangalore who were for the Agiary Maintenance Fund; and associated with the establishment of a block of flats rented to middle class this sacred building, ” noted a write-up Zoroastrians which were constructed in by Bahdur Saher , in the souvenir brought out on the golden jubilee occa- present panthaki of the Dar-e-Meher, sion of the Dar-e-Meher. Credit has Ervad Nadirshaw Pestonji Unwalla. been given to Kaikhushroo Belgaum- walla whose idea of a Dar-e-Meher in ­ spired Meherwanji Merchant to avail of the assistance of Fredoonji Dhala and Hormasji Marker in collecting enough. One must make others good I nearly Rs 50,000 by 1924. Since the and virtuous. ” Dastur Dr Hormazdyar I amount collected permitted a reserve Mirza was emphasizing the activist / of only Rs 15,000 in the coffers of the ethic of Zoroastrianism in the course | maintenance fund, the trustees delayed of his lecture, “Zoroastrian dualism — construction until Dinshaw Cawasji of ethical and physical, ” on November Khandala donated Rs 15,000 towards 11, the one hundred and fifty-fifth the cost of construction in memory of birth anniversary of Khurshedji Rus- . his parents. On January 27, 1926 {roj tomji Cama at the K.R. Cama Oriental g Ardibehesht, mah Sherevar) the Dar-e- Meher was consecrated with Ervad Pestonji Unwalla of Udwada as its first the context of the fight between “the panthaki. During the last 10 years, the Banga ­ lore Anjuman has successfully deve- Bangalore Dar-e-Meher loped 12 acres of land around the dokhma on Bellary Road by planting fruit trees and plants to yield income, wrote Sidhwa. Their second project of BilUmoria and Nergish Palkhivala Ignorance: moral defect “To be good and virtuous is not Institute ’s library hall. Referring to Zoroastrian duties in better and the bad, ” Mirza said our Far right:Nanabhoy Jejeebhoy inaugu­ rating the Rayomand fete. (From left): Rustom Ari kiesaria. Modi, Gulestan 8 Parsiana December 1965_ 8blem ’’ and concluded, “live life with Joint honorary secretary Capt H. everywhere. faith in God. ’’ J.M. Desai read the report of the Insti- An hour of skits was the highlight ot The evening ’s chairman,. Dr Fredie tute and Ms Homai Mody, the other the first night. A fashion show and a A. Mehta of Tata Sons noted “the joint honorary secretary, announced musical evening comprised the agenda complete breakdown of the sense of the prize winners of the Cama Insti- for the next two days. confidence that our forefathers had in tute ’s many competitions with Ms Keti our religion, ’’ and referred with much F. Mehta giving away the prizes. Ram- Chinoy who was too ill to attend, with and discipline. The fashion show the following night had no such problem and the disco night on December 1 drew a crowd of ISOnoted Homai Modi, Rayo covery. Eat, drink.. .and build That first evening the electricity load ....... __________ _________ _______ „___ _________r ________ seemed more than fhe building ’s old chagrin to the community ’s “insurance yar Karanjia of the Dadar Athornan wiring could bear and Homi Tavadia- policy ’’ of placating other deities in Madressa swept away the maximum Nader Nariman ’s series of little acts — their homes while proclaiming themsel- number of prizes and the Cama Rotat- presented sans props or footlights on ves Zoroastrians. It is “not the youn- ing Shield. The Rustom P. Masani Elo- an antiquated stage in the second floor ger generation that has left the reli- cution Trophy was bagged by Wilson hall — were drawing to an end, when gion...the delinquents are the se- College, while the Cama Institute ’s lib- the whole building was plunged into niors, ’’ he qualified. rarian, Ms Arnavaz Chubb, was awar- darkness. While candles and torches Labelling the conversion controversy ded the research scholarship for the were whisked around in attempts to “facile, inappropriate and false, ’’ Parsi student scoring the highest marks restore electric supply, the audience Mehta asked, “If the fire has gone out at the MA exams of Bombay Univer- gamely chorused a few familiar re- of our life, who will convert whom? ’’ sity. frains. Then, as a measure of bright- and claimed that nine out of 10 non- Vice-president of the Institute, Je- ness was restored on the ground floor, Zoroastrian fathers he had met were hangir Shroff, presided over the func- people slowly shuffled down the ma- firmly of the opinion that the child tion in the absence of president Adi jestic stairway, with restraint, courtesy should follow the father ’s religion. C ' ' ” Complimenting Mirza ’s “vast com- the speakers wishing him an early re ­ mand over Zoroastrian metaphysics, ’’ Mehta spoke of the need for a “spiri ­ tual renaissance ’’ and said, “We want people like Dastur Mirza to educate As the Rayomand Committee ladies mand ’s managing committee member, us. ’’ know, feed the Parsis well, and rake in Mehta, in his concluding remarks the dough! Which is what they did at If paraphrasing Mirza, said, “Evil is their ‘Fund and food get-together ’ on VOlony elections here; it must be recognized. (Life can. November 29, 30 and December 1. The The hundred and forty-second anniver- be) a meaningful essay in survival only result is approximately over one lakh sary of Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Dare- if one sees evil and fights it. ’’ Mehta of rupees in the kitty and a few steps meher, Pune, was celebrated on Octo- then quoted Tagore ’s version of Zoro- closer to their goal of a third building ber 26, 1985, by the Tenants Welfare astrian scripture: “In Zoroastrian to house underprivileged Parsis at Go- Association of Pune s Dr Mody Colo- theology, ignorance is not a mental de- drej Baug. ny, notes a press release issued by Per ­ fect, it ’s a moral defect because one ’s The Byramji Jejeebhoy School op- vez Avari, president of the Associa- capacity to distinguish between good posite Charni Road Station, Bombay, tion. The occasion was slated to be ce- and evil (is) impaired. . .knowledge is was the venue. There were stalls ot lebrated with a jashan and a religious central to the exercise of virtue, of mo- clothing, embroidery and games, but lecture by Kaikhushroo Dastur, fol- rality. ’’ the sight and aroma of good food was lowed by a dinner and dance.ft i X • ^3 J’' ; ¦¦ M g The year-old Tenants Welfare Asso- i ciation has 69 members on its roll, I though the Colony itself has 84 tene- I ments and 250 resident Zoroastrians, I notes Avari. At its first annual general I meeting held on July 11, 1985 “a new I managing committee was elected for a I period of three years ... voter turnout I t)eing 70 percent, ” notes the release. | The new committee members are: pre ­ sident Pervez K. Avari, vice-president ' Soli Daruwalla, treasurer Pesi Kaka, joint-secretaries Viraf Bhomisa and Savak Mistry and members Ms Hilla From left:Antia, Batlivala and Master-Moss Avari and Rumy Gandevia. The first year of the Association was Austria, spent in carrying out urgent repairs to the Colony, as well as cleaning up its special permission, to visit the Royal in hypnosis, executive stress and avia ­ own and surrounding grounds, states Copenhagen Library, where the 600- tion medicine, the annual report of the Association, year-old Vendidad manuscript is pre- Apart from these amenities the Asso- served, states the write-up. ciation also organized religious lectures and social gatherings, including a Batlivala honored The directors of the fourth European ture and on stress management at con- Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine ferences in India and abroad. Batli- Symposium and World Symposium on vala ’s articles have been published in Moratherapy and Laser Therapy, con- newspapers, magazines and profes- ferred on acupuncturist Dr Sam Edulji sional journals, notes his bio-data. Batlivala the degree of Doctor of Medi ­ cine and Doctor of Philosophy, at its convocation ceremony held at Copen- of Acupuncture (London), Batlivala In Copenhagen she was allowed, on has received certificates and diplomas dance and a picnic, during the course of the year, adds the report. \ member of various professional bodies, including a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health, London, and the Acupuncture Foundation of India, Batlivala has read papers on acupunc- PhD for Master-Moos The UNO Pax Mundi Society of Alter ­ native Medicine, based in Alma Ata, USSR, awarded an honorary doctorate ane ana uoctor oi rniiosopny, at its ivfodal fnr Antia to Meher K. Master-Moos on Septem- convocation ceremony held at Copen- * ivieuai lor AniM ber 1, 1985, notes a press release. The hagen on September 1, 1985, notes a For his outstanding contributions to press release. the metallurgical profession — indus- “The world symposium deliberated try, education and research — Dr Dara on several new techniques to improve P. Antia was awarded the Tata Gold venue was the International Medical Conference on Acupuncture and Alter ­ native Medicine held in Copenhagen, _______ _ where Master-Moos presented a paper, the art of healing and holistic medi- Medal on November 14, at Jamshed- The rainbow colors of light — you cine, to allay human pain and suffer- pur, notes a press release issued by The and your health ” and gave a talk on ing, using natural and traditional medi- Indian Institute of Metals. The Meda^ Kirlian photography of the human cine as alternatives, ” explains Batli- established in 1980 in the name of aura as a diagnostic method for acu- vala. He further adds, “On the back- J.R.D. Tata, honors a distinguished puncture, and on Ilm e Khshnoom (the drop of the upsurge of today ’s health personality actively connected with esoteric interpretation of Zoroastria- care costs, natural and traditional me- metallurgical industries, adds the re- nism), adds the release. “The only lady from the orient ” to tive and most of all an economical / ft _ ft- be thus honored,Master-Moos received mode of therapy, no less an hojistic management consultant, " exercise. ” awarded the first Syed Husain Zaheer Batlivala, who at present has a pri- Medal of The Indian National Science vate acupuncture practice, is also ho- Academy in 1980 for his contribution dicine appear to be safe, simple, effec- lease. Antia, presently an industrial and , was also the PhD in recognition of her English translations highlighting the scientific knowledge contained in the Zoroas- trian religion as taught by the late Beh- norary acupuncturist to the B.D. Petit to engineering and technology, and the ramshah Nowroji Shroff, founder of Parsee General Hospital, Masina Hos- Platinum Medal instituted by’ The In- Ilm e Khshnoom. pital, the Lady Hirabai Jehangir Heal- dian Institute of Metals, in 1967, for Master-Moos then proceeded on a th Unit and to the Inlaks Hospital, establishing and organizing The Indian three-month lecture tour of Europe, notes his bio-data. Apart from this, he Institute of Metals, notes the press re- when, as an invitee of the World Zoro- ' ................................ astrian Organization, London, she de ­ livered a series of four lectures on the _______ history of Iran, Zoroastrian religious of India and is a panel medical practi- metallurgy and metal physics from ceremonies, present day social prob- tioner of Air India, Indian Airlines, MIT Cambridge, USA, Antia served lems of the Parsis and the Zoroastrian General and Life Insurance,and autho- the Government of India (1945-50) on College project in Sanjan. She was also rised medical attendant to the Civil De- the Non-Ferrous Metals Panel. “Al- invited to give several lectures in Ger- " " .................... many, and to meet scholars of Avesta and oriental studies at Germany and is also consultant medical officer to lease. Glaxo Laboratories (India) Ltd as also to the International Airports Authority University, and doctor of science in A graduate of the Banaras Hindu fence Service of India, adds the write- most all recommendations made by up- Antia. . .have since been implemented An MBBS (Bombay) and a Bachelor by the Government, ” notes the release. ! 10 Parsiana December 1985ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD 1 A conference on the beliefs, traditions perty ($143,000) is $20,000 more than and language of ancient Zoroastrian the available funds ($124,000). Mana- From trust to foundation The proposal to transfer the ownership Iran, was slated to be held on Novem- shni notes that as the donation for the of the Darbe Mehr property of the ber 9, 1985 at ZAGNY’s Darbe Mehr, Darb^Mehr from the Arbab Rustam Zoroastrian Association of Greater notes the Cictober newsletter. New York (ZAGNY) from the Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian a talk by Professor K.D. Irani on ‘The has requested community members, Temple to the Rustam Guiv Founda- nature of Zarathushtra ’s thought, its Darbe-Mehr from the Arbab Rustam Guiv Foundation in New York has not Planned for the morning session was yet arrived, the foundation committee Temple to the Rustam Guiv Founda- nature of Zarathushtra ’s thought, its “to make a one-time donation of $200 lion of New York was to be put to vote background and impact, ’ and another minimum ... call it charity or call it du- on December 15, 1985 at the Darbe by Professor Louis G. Heller on ‘The ty, but please give something to show Mehr itself, announced ZAGNY’s Oc- language of ancient Iran — a branch of support and solidarity. ’’ tober newsletter. The transfer can only take place if agreed to by the members of the Zoro- ed to include a film and two lectures: December 15, 1985 at the Darbe by Professor Louis G. Heller on ‘The ty, but please give something to show In the meanwhile, the Association it ­ self is going into fund raising. A garage sale was slated to be held on December astrian community of New York in Professor Jacob Stern to speak on ‘The 1, the proceeds of which “will go for whom the ownership presently vests, Greek and Roman view of the religion the purchase of our building, ’’ notes states the newsletter. of Persia, ’ and Dastur N.D. Mino- Manashni. A food stall at the Divali “It has been reported to us by Dr chehr-Homji on ‘The religious tradi- Mela, organized by the Indo-Austra- Rostam Sarfeh (retired physician and tions of Zoroastrian Iran. ’ lian Cultural Society was also held for head of the Rustam Guiv Trust in Cali- the same purpose on November 24, fornia) and others, that the Guiv fami- B Darbe Mehr where volunteers were to cook Parsi- ly is disturbed that the property is own-Zoroastrian delicacies and mind the ed by the Trust and not by the Guiv'^^he Zoroastrian Association of British stalls, adds the newsletter. family through their organization Columbia has purchased a small chur- which is the Arbab Rustam Guiv Foun- ch, “which looks more like an agiary in The constitution of the Zoroastrian dation of New York ... It is claimed India, ’’ writes Jamshed Pavri of Van- Association of New South Wales de- by Dr Rostam Sarfeh and dthers that couver. Though November 15, 1985 fines a Zoroastrian as “a person who the late Arbab Rustam Guiv intended was the anticipated date for possession is a believer or a follower of the reli- that the property should remain with of the property, which is to be called gion as propounded by our prophet his charitable trust and that in the rush the Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe Mehr Zarathushtra, who has not only signi- of events in 1976, when the property — Zoroastrian House of British Col- fied his willingness to be initiated into was purchased, it was by mistake titled umbia, the official inauguration may the Zoroastrian religion, but has been in the name of the Trust. On the other be in March 1986, “^hen Madam so initiated in accordance with the hand, there are individuals involved in Morvarid Guiv is likely to come, ’’adds practice(s) followed by the Zoroas- the purchase of the property who claim Pavri. trians. ’’ that for certain specific tax and other Honorary membership “shall be reasons, the property was, under legal Financing the Darbc-Mchr conferred on distinguished personages ¦ ' ’ ' . .. including non-Zoroastrians, who may Within three to four months “we will or may not be residents of Australia, be the proud owners of a beautiful pro- by a majority vote of the general body perty that will put us on the map of at an extraordinary general meeting or the Indo-European language family. ’ The post-lunch session was schedul- Manashni. K food stall at the Divali Darbe Mehr '¦ advice, titled in the name of the Trust, ’’adds the write-up. The newsletter recommends six con ­ ditions subject to which the transfer be approved: ZAGNY get a new five-year Sydney, Australia, ’’ notes the October annual general meeting, for good and lease on the Darbe Mehr property, with successive options to renew for five years at a time; all taxes levied on the South Wales, property be paid by the Guiv Foynda- tion (hitherto the property, being own ­ ed by a religious organization, had with a good frontage of lawn and company. ’’ been tax exempt); a written agreement trees. ’’ The property,to be used as a Associate membership, will be con- from the Guiv Foundation guarantee ­ ing that $5,000 per year will be paid to ZAGNY for maintenance and repair of the property; ZAGNY to have appro ­ priate representation on the Trust which will own the property; the at ­ torney general of the State of New Manashni, the newsletter of the Aus- sufficient reason. Such members shall tralian Zoroastrian Association of New neither pay membership dues nor will they be entitled to vote at any of the The five-acre plot at 196 Annan- meetings of the company but will be grove Road, Annangrove, is “level, kept informed of the affairs of the trees. ’’ The property,to be used as a Associate membership, will be con- community center, has a four-bedroom ferred on a person who may or may not house in reasonably good condition, be a Zoroastrian but who supports Zo- “The property is zoned Urban Deve- roastrian principles and who has con- lopment IC which means, we believe, tributed to the welfare of the Zoroas- that the (city) council will not be averse trians of Australia. “Such members to our building on that land at a later shall pay membership dues ... but will stage, ’’ notes president Dr Bohian; not be entitled to vote at any of the York approves the transfer: and all the Kalapesi, at a special general body meetings of the company. However, necessary documents are signed i si • meeting held on October 4. they will be kept informed of the af- multaneously. meeting held on October 4. The snag is that the price of this pro- fairs of the company. I 13 Parsiana December ¦A r.t i These definitions along with other “looks forward to working with them with the fragrance of flowers, sukhad clauses were printed in the June issue in establishing our Darbemeher. . .and and loban. Divas glittered; the.smoke i of the Association ’s newsletter. Ma- also in other activities for the good of from the afargan rose upward and the nashni. all Zoroastrians, ” adds the ZANC twilight, filtering through the stained newsletter. ’ glass windows, filled the room with a charisma and an aura of warmth that only one feels oneself and cannot share with others. However, through all this “There exists an active and growing beautiful experience, I missed the pre- of Zoroastrians in the St Louis sence of my mother. My brother and I 1 P-'h' The ratio of the Zoroastrian popula ­ tion to that of the rest of the country is Louis ZOFOaStrianS the same in Sydney as it is in India, notes the May 1985 issue of Manashni, the newsletter of The Australian Zo- group ------------------- roastrian Association of New South area. .. 15 family units, with 30 adults are born of a Zoroastnan father and a Wales, edited by Kersi Meher-Homji. and about 20 children, ” notes the non-Zoroastrian mother, but we owe “There are about 300 Zoroastrians newsletter of the Zoroastrian Associa- her a tremendous sense of gratitude for in Sydney, that is, one Zoro among tion of Metropolitan Chicago (ZAC) helping to bring us up as good Zoroas- 10,000 Sydneysiders (Sydney popula- posted in August 1985. trians. She taught us our daily prayers, tion being 3 million). There are about The group “has been looking at and we have always turned to her with 75,000 Zoroastrians in India (with a ways to become more active and in- questions about the religion. As far as population of 750 million) an identical volved with Zoroastrian affairs (and the ZSO community is concerned she ratio of MO 000' ” adds the newslet- has) ... expressed interest to be put on has always volunteered her services and ter. ’ the mailing list (of) newsletters (from) played an important part in commu- other organizations in the USA, Cana- nity functions. For our family, and I da and abroad, ” notes the write-up. speak especially for myself, not to have Zoroastrian organizations are re- her share the experience of the muktad quested to put this group on their mail- days and the Gatha readings, has been • «• * 1 »1_ _ ___ __ M z-1 • f'f'i »-«• a 1 ? ? ZX ’’ and about 20 children, ” notes the non-Zoroastrian mother, but we owe tion of Metropolitan Chicago (ZAC) helping to bring us up as good Zoroas- _ :: . l"?;. trians. She taught us our daily prayers. The group" “has been looking at and we have always turned to her with ways to become more active and in- questions about the religion. As far as 'll i H' “Manashni has aroused varied res ­ ponse among our readers; from very interesting ” to “too long, ” from “too .. . _ . effusive ” to “getting too serious ” and ing list or provide them with other as- difficult to accept, “becoming more like a magazine than sistance. Those interested may contact a newsletter, ” notes Editor Kersi 1 ‘ . Meher-Homji, in the July issue. But Drive, Ballwin MO 63011. Meher-Homii was baffled by an Aussie 1 certainly different but sexist. "’why newsletter, includes two other associa- mavazir, telephone; Mehraban Ho- Manashni? Why not Woman-ashni or Person-ashni? ” I Meheryar Rivetna, 16520 Forest Pine The ZSO’s activities have been distri- “ .1.^, Z.Z3 . buted among its sub-committees which _______ ___ J___ _ ______ In the meanwhile, a further update are chaired by: Homi Homji, religion girl ’s comments on it: “Pretty good, in the September issue of the ZAC and long-term planning; Ms Naju Ho- tions, Detroit and Phoenix, which need maie, house and garden; Ms Katy children ’s education material and other Khambatta, membership; Darayus Di­ general literature. vecha, investment; Ms Yasmin Bhaya, Mailings to Detroit may be sent to wintario grants activities; Ms Rati Mis ­ Dr Burjor Gandhi, 460 Saddle Lane, try, entertainment; Yezdi^ Mailings to Phoenix may be address- agiary. The seniors, and the wintario s "I 1 ¦¦ t i 1 t 1 If New California Association The latest Zoroastrian Association in Grosse Point Woods, Michigan 48236. rary andJectures; and Kobad Zarolia, the USA is the Zarthoshti Anjuman of I..„--- - --------------------- . . Northern California (ZANC), incorpo- ed to Phiroze Rivetna, 5241 South program and games sub-committees rated as a non profit corporation, and Redfield Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona are still unmanned, notes the ZSO centered in Newark, California. 85254. newsletter. Committee members include presi ­ dent M. Bhujwala, vice-president D. ZSO ITluktad update Captain, secretary J. Makujina, trea ­ surer R. Vasania, helped by two other committee members, notes the August issue of ZANC News. - -------- - -------- . • . The first issue of ZANC News, ticularly want to... thank those, non- community to attend, tree o, cost, published and edited by Darius Cap- Zoroastrian spouses and their children notes the ZSO newsletter. tain, contains four pages of club an- who have by their absence at the Darbe nouncements, information on indivi-) Mehr at ’ this particular time, helped Forty-nine certificates were present ­ dual members, new arrivals into the foster and maintain peace and har- ed by the ZSO to the students who fold, and the celebration of auspicious mony. Let us all applaud their gene- completed various levels of the religion occasions. rous understanding of the situation, ” class syllabus, notes the ZSO’s July The newsletter also mentions ano- notes president Dhun Bhaya intheOc- newsletter. In all, 105 children partici ­ ther organization — the Persian Zo- tober newsletter of the Zoroastrian pated in the classes with several opting ¦ — •. for a two-year course for which they Faranaz Irani, a member of the ZSO will be eligible for certificates next Professor Willard G. Oxtoby who will teach Zoroastrianism as a credit course “The observance of the five holy days, at the University of Toronto, from and the muktad ceremonies went off, January to April 1986, has “gracious- as usual, very smoothly ... I would par- ly’’ invited members of the Zoroastrian roastrian Organization (PZO), whose Society of Ontario, new office-bearers are Parviz Varja- F-------- , vand, president, Jamshid Soroosh and who attended one of the evening stums year. Ms Govhar Meherafshani, vice-presi- and readings of verses from the Gat has “The atash dadgah room was filled runs a hairdressing and beauty salon in dents, Farshid Salamati, secretary and writes from a different perspective^ Cyrus JranU who along^with his wile, Rostam Farsi, treasurer. ZANC * T-- L ’ 14 Parsiana December 1985Toronto is giving “troubled women a chance to live their lives with a new style, ” notes the August iss.ue of the ZSO newsletter. Every Tuesday morning, Irani gives his time to “Sistering ” — a drop-in center for women who are homeless, lonely, alcoholic, mentally or physical ­ ly ill _ “(where). . .with his usual good humour and friendly disposition and hair care advice, (he) makes them feel comfortable and at ease while he creates hair cuts and styles to suit them, and make them happy, ” adds the newsletter. 1 ¦ T T T T I Latin to Farsi machine A new instrument for converting La ­ tin letters to Farsi (Persian) has been manufactured by the engineering unit of the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The instrument which is a good aid for organizations using the interna ­ tional telex network, is able to convert Latin texts to Farsi at a speed of 50 to 1200 bauds (characters per second) in the shortest possible time. Ke/trinletl front Mid-Day. Seineiiiher 4. /985 1 1^ i F i A star’s trek Hollywood actress, Persis Khambatta is aspiring for the part of Ms Indira Gandhi, in a forthcoming US television serial to be made on the life of the late Prime Minister, note newspaper reports. According to Khambatta, had known Ms Gandhi since I was 15, and I believe in the role. I feel I have all the qualities of this woman. ” After a first failed marriage, which lasted six months, Khambatta, who “shot to fame ” as Ilia in the TV serial Star Trek, now says, “I believe in ar ­ ranged marriages ” and is looking out for a “nice Parsi boy. ” f f. u Medal for Khursigara A promising young Karachi artist Jim ­ my Engineer has been awarded the Pre ­ sident ’s Pride of Performance Medal in Art, states the June issue of Manashni. A book illustrating Engineer ’s talent has also been printed by the Iqbal Aca ­ demy of Pakistan and his 16 by 12 inch mural, entitled “Cultural Aspects of Pakistan ” hangs in the departure lounge at the Karachi Airport, adds the newsletter. Forward march! At Mazda Leasing there is no other way. Mazda, an integrated finance company, is backed by a team of highly qualified professionals. Precise. Meticulous. Nothing is allowed to go out of step. Mazda’s multi-faceted financial activities include: Lease Funding, Lease Management, Accounting, Administration, Hire Purchase, Venture Capital and Vendor Plans. The services extend to Equipment Selection, Counsellinq, Portfolio Investments, Opprating Lease Plans and providing Investment Banking Services. With a full year of business operations under the belt, Mazda is now 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! AnazoB LEBSUIGlimited IN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WITH BRITISH EQUIPMENT (LEASINCl LIMITED, (UK) Registered Office; 317 Maker Chambers V, 221 Nariman Point, Bombay 400 021. Tel: 243855 Telex: 011 6205 Crams: MAZDALEASE flAKA!62 7:85 i 15 Parsiana December 1985r? S II ¦¦«,t« POLITICS AND POLICY 1 ? j 1, '-j The Federation’s new lease of life 1 BPP trustee Naoroji Godrej's acceptance of the Federation portfolio, preempted another attempt to force the BPP to opt out. ¦i t Arnavaz S. Mama ..by 1 r i i >’ '1 fit IIJ ¦; A standing ovation greeted Bombay tained (in practice) since the inception mind to rejoin the Federation, and nei- — . ~ 1---------X—X— —1 according to its ther had the Ahmedabad Anjuman, Golwalla welcomed the two new mem ­ ber anjumans present — Navsari repre- deration ’s rules and regulations. A se- sented by noted businessman Dara Deboo and Kutch by well-known hom ­ eopath Dr Sarosh Wadia. BPP trustee Homi Ranina who had reportedly agreed to attend as an ob ­ server had written to the Federation re ­ gretting his inability to attend as he was called away out of town, informed Gandhi. A data bank to study the problems of family life — specifically married women and children — is to be created with an initial grant of Rs 10,(X)0 from xhe Federation ’s Women and Child ­ ren ’s Fund. The establishment of pro ­ fessionally attested data would “help ¦ 4- 3 Parsi Punchayet trustee and eminent of the Federation, industrialist Naoroji Godrej as he joint honorary secretary Keki Gandhi, agreed to serve on the Federation of will now be explicitly stated in the Fe- Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, thus ensuring the BPP presence on the all-India body. Godrej, who had hi­ therto steered clear of the Federation, had initially stated that he would at ­ tend the meeting of the executive coun ­ cil of the Federation as an observer. His decision came in the nick of time, as nine days later BPP trustee and arch-rival of the Federation, Jal Vimadalal put to vote a resolution for the BPP to withdraw from the Federa ­ tion. The resolution was defeated by one vote with BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla, Eruch Desai, Jamsheed Kan- ga and Godrej voting against the BPP —--------------------------------- - -j.xjnr withdrawing and Maneck Hodiwala, cond clause will prevent the Federation us to do correct planning, noted Prof Vimadalal and Homi Ranina voting in favor of the resolution. Despite his liberal views, Godrej is support. an individual who commands respect population are not in favor, the repre- from every facet of community opi- sentation would not carry weight, ” . , nion. His assent to represent the BPP conceded Federation vice-president by the Federation and undertaken by on the Federation because “there are and president of the Delhi Parsi An- the BPP — now include a family coun- uuuicicuv selling project for an initial period of The delegates were particularly hap- two years at an annual cost of Rs Navsar? which joined the Federation at counselling project which has been ex- this meeting. Navsari is not only a tended for two more years at an annual Navsari is not only a champion of orthodoxy but one of the few increasing Parsi communities in India. from making any representation to the Noshir Kaikobad, an ex United Na- central government without the BPP’s tions consultant on social welfare and If 80 percent of the Parsi currently the convener of the BPP’s school counselling project? Social service programs — inspired on the Federation because “there are and president of the Delhi Parsi An- enough safeguards, ” was the most gra- juman, Shiavax Nargolwala^ tifving event of the two-day meet held The delegates ” “*« » ......... ... ...„..—_.—. .. J, , A report on the Fourth World Zo- against by noted lawyer and former other communities can get higher per- ¦ Today there are qualified Parsis . I vcjiLagc ui avaio avaiiauiv iwi vrpv>i without gOVOrn mOnt competition is further aggravated by capitation colleges. While in Mahara- i ,¦'3 f 4 jobs. Tomorrow there will be Parsis without qualifications. What is the way out? 9 9 shtra there are high fee technical col ­ leges, there are no such colleges in An ­ dhra Pradesh. Hyderabad-Secundera ­ bad ’s Bejan Dittia, the co-opted mem-' ber from the south zone, was perturbed by the delay in implementing the deci ­ sion on reservation as Parsi boys from Andhra Pradesh are required to go to ment, for posterity, an account of the various Parsi settlements in India. The judgment of the Labour Tribu- facts. Let ’s not spoil our case by rush- ... , . . . . I If agiary as an industry* will he appflialed some Ideas gleaned in his.research: roastrian Gongress which was held in BPP trustee Shiavax Vakil who will centage, why not the Parsis? If you Bombay last January, has been compil- fight the case at his own expense, in- want the child to go for medicine or en- ed as a record for posterity and is ex-, formed Golwalla. gineering, have the child change from pected to be published around Christ- According to the judgment, mobeds the Cambridge course to SSC,” where mas 1985. The cost of printing 1600 employed in an agiary will be governed it is easier to score high percentages, copies — for distribution to each dele- by the same regulations and be eligible Gore also suggested to Gandhi that gate and anjumspi — is estimated at Rs for the same benefits as employees in money normally given for foreign edu- 50,000 and is expected to be recovered an industry. . cation be diverted for local education by a few prestigious advertisements, Golwalla apologized as the meeting and industrialists be persuaded to reported chairman of the Congress and began 15 minutes late: “It happens on- sponsor students who could sign a ser- Federation joint treasurer Jamshed ly in Bombay, ” he noted wryly. Before vice bond in return. Guzder. starting on its deliberations,the council While Boman Khodaiji, president of The problem of salvaging communi- observed a minute ’s silence in memory the Lucknow Parsi Anjuman noted ty property raised the question of the of two Federation stalwarts who had that the Uttar Pradesh Minorities Federation ’s legal rights vis-a-vis those recently expired: Sq Ldr Jamshid Ita- Commission run.s a 10-month tuition 1 of neighboring anjumans and led to a lia, southern vice-president since the course at nominal fees for minority . review of the possible methods of ap- Federation ’s inception, and Burjor Ka- students, the BPP’s chief executive, proach — via the charity commis-' vina, president of the Ankleshwar An- Rustom Anklesaria, noted that the sioner, the administration or the law juman. BPP’s offer to coach promising stu- courts. Emphasizing the Federation ’s “two dents for competitive government ex- A delegation of high priests and ar- important goals... to encourage and aminations is open to the all-India cheologists under the leadership of promote increased contact between community. But Anklesaria suggested Dastur Dr Hormuzdyar Mirza is ex- Parsi Zoroastrians and to study and that Parsis should also consider giving pected to go to Uzbekistan in the USSR solve (their) problems, ” Golwalla set financial help to students aiming at to examine the recently unearthed fire- the mood of “oneness in a changing lower cadres of government service, temple there, informed Nargolwala. environment ” and reminded the ga- BPP trustee and Federation joint secre- 17 Parsiana December i985 I. '..i J * * Si 1 .1 t jS . Jr ¦ 'Vi ( '¦J •t! • 1 ! i I V ¦) iJ ! i ¦ r 1 crores of rupees towardsme project. - income tax authorities as to how the The rule requires five free beds per money was spent. ___ _______ _ _____ ____;___ ; 2 ¦ ' I Mani Clubwala of Madras suggested andP*isee~General Hospitals, together that the money be used for the benefit though the level of with the other community ’s hospital, of deprived Parsi children of Vesu vil- of rupees towatrd^ the project. - tary Eruch Desai concurred with Ank- lesaria who stated that “the Parsi com ­ munity stands on par with any educa- student and the combination of Masina tionally and financially prosperous j community, ” even vl.v, J-f - ----------------- —..... — prosperity may have declined in the would provide 500 beds. The two Parsi lage (near Surat, Gujarat) but Maneck past 20 to 30 years, and strongly sug- hospitals have enough land and Maha- Gheyara, Federation vice-presiderit 6CSICU Uiau ».v L state which allows the and president of the Surat Parsi Pun- Madras decision on seeking limited re- establishment of private medical colle- chayet S Parkis arid Dr R. Pai, of the Kastur- inmates. These children can go to these institutions. ” “If we only use the interest, the money will be very little; so we should use the capital also, ’ ’ said Shiavax Nar- Parsis are a lazy lot golwala and suggested that a part of not to know their rights. geSted that the Federation stick to the rashtra is one servation and seek the data required to ges. The climate in pelhi is favorable running ^phana^es which are short of implement it. t„ ------ -------------- Why is the community ’s status dec- ba Medical College at Manipal has vo- lining? Member of the high-powered lunteered his help^ noted Kanga as he Minorities Panel Aloo Chibber said, “Parsis are a lazy lot,not to know their rights. ” Another reason was the com ­ munity ’s withdrawal from the coun ­ try ’s political life. As noted Ankle- saria, “The democratic concept gives the upper hand to the political wing of government. ” That by ignoring poli ­ tics, Parsis have opted for the back- -------„ . woods, was a point repeatedly made by ject. “When you convert a hospital in- specific problems of children or tamily Ankles ’aria, Chibber, Jamsheed Kanga to a medical college, your standards go life with the help of the Tata Institute and others. up. .. Twenty Parsis in medical college (of Social Sciences) or Baroda Univer- Noting deprecatingly that the “ge- every year would solve our problem, ” sity. (It would mean) no more than an nius of Parsis for politics is confined to noted Kanga, especially in the context investment of Rs 10,000.” politics within the community, ” Dittia of the Suprenie Court decision to j-’--—- emerged a strong proponent of reserva- ’ ' * <- - - »-« tion. “To what extent have various public sector corporations implement- side the state, ed the recommendation of the Minori- '' ties Commission to have minorities on ------------- their selection boards? ” questioned Bombay there is no dearth of cadavers up? ” and mooted a small committee to Dittia and noted, “The figures are for dissection, which was one of the consider each case for spending the poor and will be poorer. Today there objections to the scheme. However, money. “If we wait for deliberations are qualified Parsis without govern- Golwalla noted, the BPP are only the of this meeting to expend these funds, ment jobs. Tomorrow there will be custodians of the Parsee General Hos- we will not be able to expend them. ” Parsis without qualifications. What is pital whose independent management Gandhipresentedthecaseina diffe- the way out? ” Dittia demanded “jus- board may not be amenable to the rent light: “If we try to espouse indivi- tice for Parsi students with 60 to 70 scheme. Besides, Golwalla opined, dual cases, these would be under the percent marks, ” and urged “the chair- “Parsi patients won ’t want to be exa- aegis of individual anjumans. ” man to address a letter to the Prime mined by students. ” In Golwalla ’s esti- Nargolwala, whose imagination was Minister pointing out what is happen- . . ing to Parsis. ..inform the PM that of rupees as the setting up of the phar- balked at Desai ’s suggestion of a com- Parsis are not on selection boards. ’.’ macology, pathology and other depart- mittee and demanded a vote, but the BPP trustee and Bombay ’s munici- ments would cost a lot of money. situation was saved by Anklesaria who pal commissioner Jamsheed Kanga, While on the subject of hospitals, noted that Nargolwala s and Desai s speaking with' “personal knowledge of Kanga referred to the dismal condition concepts were not contradictory and the trauma Parsi families undergo to of patients in the J.J. Hospital ’s Parsi cited the example of the BPP which get their kids into medical college, ” Ward and said, “We must try to im- can run projects as well as help indivi- noted, “In the past we only gave and prove their lot before doing anything duals because it has funds: “A small never asked, but that should not be a else. ” Kanga also informed the gather- data bank would help. . .a committee disqualification. The first two public ing that a separate ward was an ano- consisting of the chairman, vice presi- hospitals in Bombay were started by maly as doctors did not have the time dents and secretaries can be left to * .... make their own decisions, within a limited amount, ” and went on to sug- Women and Children ’s Fund gest that each anjuman contribute a How to spend the Rs 34,000 collected small annual amount to the fund, e.g. in the Fund so far, provoked a lively 20 percent of income. _ medical college, Kanga noted that a debate. As the 80G tax exemption must 11 the money be used for marriage coun ­ selling work. Taking his cue from Nargolwala, Professor Noshir Kaikobad noted, “The community is always talking of catalogued the advantages of the pro- lack of data. . .make a study of the ! ! > Noting that “contributions had not throw 15 percent of seats in public me- been to th.e desired extent, ’’ Desai sug- dical colleges open to people from out- gested that each delegate use his ener- • 1__ ; . gies to collect funds. He then queried: On being invited to give his opinion “Should we have a project for the on the matter, Golwalla noted that in Fund or use it as each demand comes “Parsi patients won ’t want to be exa- toaddress a letter to the Prime mined by students. ’’In Golwalla ’sesti ­ mate the project would involve a crore fired by the idea of the data bank. macology, pathology and other depart- mittee and demanded a vote, but the ments would cost a lot of money. s ------- . While on the subject of hospitals, noted that Nargolwala ’s and Desai ’s Parsis. Today if we had 20 percent to visit patients there, seats (in the affiliated colleges) for Par ­ si students with reasonably good mar ­ ks, ” it would be enough. Arguing the case for the establishment of a Parsi , . . medical college, Kanga noted that a debate. As the 80G tax exemption must Nargolwala countered, “The main private trust of another minority com- be renewed this December, Gandhi was objective is to collect from individuals, :^nunity is prepared to give two to three anxious to have a good answer for the because individuals will get tax exemp- 18 f^’arsiana December 198b? 1 tion. ” Nargolwala, however, promised the children equally ... undermine the coaching have been progressing and a donation of Rs 5,000 on behalf of the sanctity of the family. ” camps have been held with trained Delhi Anjuman. Desai promised to get Rs 10,000 through his contacts before singly common problem in the commu- of students in maths, said Kaikobad. the next meeting and Gheyara donated nity — one that has impelled the BPP Tests are taken before and after the Rs 5,000 on behalf of Surat. to set up the marriage and family coun- camp to note the change in the levels of ’ Nargolwala also appealed to Godrej selling project under noted psychiatrist proficiency. to donate and throughout the two-day and social- worker Dr Shera Dastur. meet, speakers persistently turned to Godrej for donations for various pro- family relationships became evident The report presented to the BPP by Dr jects, causing Homi Palsetia of the when the school counselling program Rooshikumar Pandya referred to at the Saronda Par si Jarthosti Anjuman to got underway a year ago. Set up be- executive council ’s Madras meeting in comment Bejee wakhat even nahi avse cause of increasing scholastic back- July, did not contain any cost estimate, (he won ’t come next time). Godrej met wardness among Parsi students, the noted the BPP’s chief executive Rus- the requests with good humor. program revealed that “school pro- tom Anklesaria. Russell Pinto ’s Seva Kaikobad ’s data bank was unani- blems have their roots In the faulty at- Dhan, on the other hand, has been mously approved and a committee, titude of the teacher, in the faulty established in the field for over five comprising Golwalla, Nargolwala, method of teaching and the disturbing years with plans for a new campus. It is Guzder, Desai, Anklesaria, Kaikobad, home environment, ” noted Kaikobad. expected that the running cost of one Dr Sam Bhacca, Surat ’s president de- — - signate, and Dinshaw Anklesaria of drug addiction was underlined by guest met by an Indo-German agency and Poona, set up to consider individual speaker Russell Pinto, the reformed the BPP may give one lakh towards cases requiring less than Rs 5,000. addict who founded Seva Dhan. Pinto Seva Dhan ’s total capital requirements noted, “If you visit the families (of of six lakhs to buy the land, said Counselling drug addicts) you ’ll find the reason Anklesaria. The arrangement remains “When family breakup becomes in- why the boys and girls have reached to be confirmed. Underlining the most evitable, it provides the raw material where they have reached. Their mo- difficult aspect of treating addicts, for human drama. . .little girls asking thers and fathers couldn ’t give th^m Anklesaria noted, “The addict must be whether they should opt for the cus- love, ” and again, “Drug addiction willing to participate; without coopera- tody of the court... Mother ’s boy starts before you start taking drugs. ” friend and father ’s girl friend bother Kaikobad was describing an increa- volunteers coaching a limited number The crippling impact of stressful Drugs That family disharmony can lead to lakh thirty-five thousand rupees will be Group counselling and remedial tion, no one can do anything. ” Noting that a large number of col- INDIA’S nnST PELLETRON PLANT The "Pelletron" —India's first charged particle accelerator- enclosed in a steel tank, 24 metres long, 6 metres in diameter and weighing 120 tonnes will be housed in a specially constructed building in the lata Institute of Fundamental Research complex. 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Telex: 011 -2124; Tel.; 2026614. 2020228,2020762lege students in Bombay are addicts, Job opportunities past had been the toddy shops, the land Golwalla referred to a special cell set The discussion on job opportunities being largely rnaintamedjor the tod^dy borated"thar^each' college^would be results of the s^eminar on self employ- sustenance. Whatever agriculture was represented by one or two students ment sponsored by the Committee for undertaken was based on the availabi- whose duty and responsibility is to pre- Economic Revival (CER), farming and lity of cheap lalwr. ......... vent drug addiction and to create a entrepreneurial opportunities in the voluntary force so that peddlers do not hintenand. get a foothold in their territory. Gan- F.. . j ___ ’ ’ ¦ ' ’ ’ ' ’ ’ ¦¦¦¦' —, Balsara of the Balsara group had ad- should ’^ron to these committees to Guzder noted that major interest was vertised,wanting to farm out projects to learn how they function. evinced in computers and electronics, small manufacturers, with all facilities resulting in the establishment of a com- provided. Those who volunteered now have big factories of their own, but un ­ fortunately not a single Parsi volunteered. Lucknow ’s Khodaiji informed the gathering of the working of the Uttar Pradesh Minorities Finance Develop ­ ment Corporation — set up with a cor ­ pus of five crore rupees — which not only provides the 15 percent margin money normally required to be met by the entrepreneur, but an interest sub ­ sidy “so that the burden of interest will not exceed 7.5 percent. ’’ He suggested that such an organization set up in Bombay would go a long way to help the community. But Kanga, while lege students in Bombay are addicts. Job opportunities UP by*Bombay UniversitT Gandhi ela- travelled along three routes — the palms wi ’th a little mixed farming for ment sponsored by the Committee for undertaken was based on the availabi- Referring to the “immense possibili ­ ties for (setting up) industry in the _ ' - ¦ ‘ Providing a synopsis of the CER mofussil, ” Kanga related how Aspi dhi suggested that Parsi students seminar which he had chaired in June, Balsara of the Balsara group had ad- Scholarships Due to a misunderstanding, the Com ­ mittee of Educational Trusts has not considered the Federation ’s recom ­ mendation made in Madras that appli ­ cations for educational grants should incorporate a clause suggesting the recipient voluntarily contribute to the trusts. The committee was under the impression that the Federation wanted the recipients of scholarships to return the money 'once they were well settled. The committee, consisting of repre ­ sentatives from several trusts giving loans and grants for higher education, • which functions along with the BPP, had noted that its help covered only a puter course with thrice weekly classes agreeing, noted that the general im- small fraction of the total requirements in theory in the Sir J. J. School building pression is that Parsis in Bombay are for a student ’s education abroad. The and practical demonstrations on the very affluent, and enquired. Can you The director general of UNESCO has noted that the Federation could become a UNESCO member as it represents a large enough majority. a small fraction of the total requirements in theory in the Sir J. J. School building pression is that Parsis in Bombay are for a student ’s education abroad. The and practical demonstrations on the very affluent, and enquired, Can you rest of the money is borrowed by the computers of the Associated Cement organize something there and invite student on interest, Wzhich must neces ­ sarily be returned first. It takes about 10 years for a person to establish him ­ self and the community did not want to be harsh, noted Anklesaria. Gandhi clarified that the Federa- ___ ___ tion ’s recommendation only involved Ajay Duo, former managing director cessions available in backward areas - - - - - • • ¦ ¦¦ " 1 '3 ¦ “ ¦ . to rough it out. Anklesaria noted that The discussion on farming revealed a the BPP had decided to give Rs 5,000 dichotomy between the romantic and to any youth wanting to start out in realistic approach to the subject. Ro- any small business like a snack cart for Companies (ACC). Guzder also noted Parsi boys? There ’s a tremendous com- that he had been receiving letters from munication gap between the facilities technical and administrative professio- available and interested people. ” _ nals and was trying to marry their ' ' ¦ While Kanga decried the Parsi mutual interests. A small committee dependence on soft, white collar jobs, had also been formed to liaise with Khodaiji spoke of the substantial con- adding a line to the scholarship forms of the Maharashtra Small Scale Indus- where people must be prepared initially requesting the recipients to contribute trial Development Corporation. to rough it out. Anklesaria nested that to the funds. “If funds do not increase — • (to keep pace with increasing costs), you will be financing less and less peo- pie. Those who ’ve benefited should be mantic memories of ancient grandeur instance, but “uneducated and less made aware of their duty to help pos- prompted Shiavax Nargolwala: “We educated boys feel shy to do this. ’’ terity. . .invite contributions of their started as farmers and should not give However, the pressure of circumstance own volition. ” up farming. ” Brother Peshotan sug- has broken the psychological barrier in Noshir Dadrawala of the Zoroas- gested that Parsi lands in Vesu be given Navsari, he noted, and Parsis are trian Community Development Insti- out to younger people to cultivate,and known to be plying rickshaws there, tute (ZCDI) who attended the meeting Mehernosh Mehta of Ahmednagar as an invitee, informed the gathering suggested poul^y farming. • that the ZCDI’s trust advisory project f . " „ , ’ , had revealed over 200 educational pointed to the pitfalls: Agriculture is a man ’s president, Capt Homi Dandiwa- trusts which were “underutilized, de- losing proposition if the land itself is Ila, reiterated the Anjuman ’s two en- funct or semidefunct. ” Dadrawala not good enough; a back breaking job during problems: no mobeds and en- noted that there was a substantial com- where city bred nine-to-fivers were at a croachment on the aramgah land whe- munication gap between the trusts and discount; needing large resources to in- re buffaloes, owned by local farmers, the potential beneficiaries who were vest and to hold in reserve for climatic are tethered to the wall and sheds built not aware of the existence of these variations. Putting the subject in histo- to cover them. Allahabad ’s third prob- irusts, and called upon the Federation rical perspective, Gheyara noted how lem concerned the bazam fund lying in to create such awareness. the economic base of rural Parsis in the continued on page 40 Individual anjumans But Kanga, Gheyara and Anklesaria Allahabad Parsi Zoroastrian Anju- 1, I; ?i 21 Parsiana December 1985f ii .• 0. sr y p ' I if I. j J J ,ii •?'¦>¦ li- i'b ! NEWS ANALYSIS The independent voters The election demonstrated that ultimately the BPP trusteeship voters could not be pulled by third party strings. The Parsi electorate has announced tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of once more that it will not willingly per ­ mit the creation of power groups on the Bombay Parsi Punchayet ’s board of trustees. Thus, it may be interpreted healthy margin of victory for Desai, that Eruch Desai won the contest with u,, -> an nnc,:-. ...nnnrtarc Hector Mehta (356 votes to 246) on November 23, not because Mehta was in any way an inferior individual but because, in the community ’s percep ­ tion, Mehta was stamped as a confede ­ rate of BPP trustee Homi Ranina. In tes began the day by modestly sitting June ’84, Fall Poncha had suffered a close to the side walls ofj^he building ’s for ° Economic Revival had optimistically spread to the center Thus an interval of a few silent seconds followed BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla ’s announcement at 6.50 The margin of victory in both these pm, “Mr Desai has won, ’’ ere the mot- ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ; voting ceased at 5 pm, trustee involved and/or his organiza- registered a response. tion. Ranina ’s triumph by 176 votes Calculations went awry because no dent, Jamsheed Kanga. Likewise, sit- the community ’s disenchantment with at a time when the community seems to as an individual by his frank responses India), thus demonstrating their dis ­ pleasure at some of Ranina ’s policies. Few people had anticipated such a Indeed, by 2.30 pm Desai ’s supporters seemed downcast and Dinshaw Mehta of the CER — the most vociferous of Hector Mehta ’s antagonists — was gloomily predicting Mehta ’s triumph. While the supporters of both Candida- LL.LT,? - ' "" ' ‘ close to the side walls of the building ’s similar fate, being the candidate of the outer foyer, by 3 pm Meht£s camp Committee 1«. ------------ - - (CER) whose president, Jamsheed and seemed well ensconced. Kanga, was already a BPP trustee — ' and Ranina had walked in with a subs ­ tantial majority. '............ . . elections could also be considered a ley crowd, that had been hanging gauge of the unpopularity of the sitting around since tion7 Ranina ’s triumph by 176 votes Calculations went awry because no was a rebuff to the CFR and its presi- one could really anticipate the extent of dent, Jamsheed Kanga. Likewise, sit- the community ’s disenchantment with ting trustee Desai ’s margin of 110 votes^ Ranina. Mehta had endeared himself at a time when the community seems to as an individual by his frank responses favor no more than two five-year terms at voter meetings, while Desai ’s formal per trustee, may be interpreted as an manner and tendency to speak in terms indictment of Ranina ’s political mis- of principles and theories, rather than calculations vis-a-vis the Athravan the concrete issues involved, could not Educational Trust (AET) of which he provide the base for mass support. But is a founder trustee. Desai ’s explanation ot his commitment Another similarity between the two to the majority decisions of the BPP elections is that the CER itself had split board and fo a need to maintain the on Poncha ’s candidature, with many confidentiality of the board ’s proceed- members supporting Ranina ’s cam- mgs, contrasted favorably against re- paign. This time, many of Ranina ’s c... , ------ ' " - - supporters campaigned actively for other members of the board. Desai and not for Mehta. Many ortho- ’.’. '..IL ct Pi": dox groups which had come together election and the acute suspense preced- under Ranina ’s banner, this time pre- ing Jamshed Guzder ’s withdrawal ferred to vote for Desai (for example, from the 1985 election were lacking on BPP trustee Maneck Hodiwala and ex this occasion^ the dignity and decorum trustee 1-------------- . . . .... differences with Desai on the issue of with the community. The public debate the BPP’s membership of the Federa- before Ranina ’s election had provided A determined voter reaches the election scene. the community with clear-cut profiles of both candidates. The Godrej elec ­ tion had been fought entirely backstage sitting trustee Jamshed Guzder an ­ nounced his withdrawal from the con ­ test on the last day for candidates to file their nominations. While the com ­ munity as a whole was happy that the liberal minded Naoroji Godrej had ac ­ cepted BPP trusteeship, there was an undercurrent of regret at Guzder ’s dis- ..igo, _ ____________J ..............- comfiture and a lurking suspicion that ; cent criticism of fellow trustees by Godrej had been made to fight an- d _____ _ ___ _ other ’s vendetta (Guzder ’s ex business | While the drama of Ranina ’s 1984 colleagues were allegedly responsible ; for Godrej ’s insistence on contesting ¦ only Guzder ’s vacancy on the BPP board). This time, the candidates displayed Nelie Noble, despite their policy of both candidates registered strongly strong similarities. Both were mdepen- —..................... dent, moderate, rational and conside ­ rate. It was the involvement of other H Parsiana December 1985 as I i rI X t t- sitting trustees which provided the ac- • tion. While Desai noted that “the fight is not between me and Hector (Mehta); it ’s between me and Ranina, ’’ it was well-known that Ranina was not the only trustee involved. Kanga had been known to ring up people to solicit support for Desai. Nor is this the only occasion for such partisanship by members of the board. One spectacular example was of Dr Nelie Noble who reportedly tried her utmost to push Jimmy Shroff against Jamshed Guzder in 1974; Guzder and Kanga campaign ­ ed on behalf of Poncha against Ranina in 1984; Ranina was said to be the prime mover in the strategy that scotched Guzder ’s ambition for a se­ cond term in February ’85. As noted The Bombay Samachar on December 1, 1985, a “code of conduct for the trustees has been long overdue. It is not as if canvassing by the sitting trus ­ tees has been done during this election only. It has been done earlier and the present tussle and differences on the board of trustees are mainly due to that. ’’ In the event, the Punchayet adminis ­ tration emerged as the real star of the show. The smoothness and speed with which all formalities were accomplish ­ ed contrasted refreshingly against the prolonged pandemonium that had reigned, for nearly two hours, on June 23, 1984. On that occasion, the election of Pesi Jagus as the day ’s president (The electoral scheme requires that a • member of the anjuman committee be elected to function as president for the day. He is then the man in charge of the election of the trustee) had almost triggered a riot as electors struggled for air within small, noisy confines, where charges and counter charges from the supporters of the two contestants drowned the voice of reasonable peo- continued on page 3S 23 Parsiana December 19^ I (Left/.seating of ballot box under the supervision of Kavarana, Bamji and Sheriyar (Below):Desai (spectacled) listening to / friendly counsel ¦.^ (From left) Ranina and Mehta: welcoming voters (Photos: Homyar Mistry) *5^1 4 * ’^1 JI Jr ¦ yU J 4 '.f f ^*1 I v*" )l 'Sr Wj -fl 5£3^ ’MI 4 B VVe .iS; ¦ • : 1 6 “^unifying force” Desai says his ability to muster support from mutually antagonistic groups led to victory Arnavaz S. Mama ’7 ’ I ‘ll-l , • li yi **¦ <-4 1 wife Coomi sustained a bad fall on Oc ­ tober 27. The concomitant trauma of on guard. . .and I’ve paid for it. fXr 'fcw people hospiUlization and surgery badly rat- ------------- k- /(Vni^Desai himself were%nfi- tied the small family (their only child . . I attribute my victory to their through. Indeed, his Hormuzdiar is but three years old). . s Sdte hZ by early after- Until then Coomi had been the kingpin force although it was a hell of a task to noon on the election day - as voter during the cam- after voter effusively greeted the Meh- “Without different groups with diffe- z» L_„_Ux: mO f rent schools of thought supporting me, I it would have bedn difficult in today ’s S world ... I attribute my victory to their s II .P V8i' ' r 14 collective support. It was a matter of pride and pleasure to act as a unifying ... .;¦ 1__ 11 -_£* — Xnnir \keep them alT pleased during the cam ­ paign. ” Eruch Desai looked older as he pon ­ dered on the factors leading to his re ­ election for a second term of trustee ­ ship (against challenger Hector Mehta) at a time \---------- to favor new blood in the Bombay was Parsi Punchayet of Desai ’s electioneering strategy. One result of the accident, according to Desai, is that at subsequent feelings the election day — as voter ¦ tas — and had even neglected to pro- the winner. Flowers for teai, in his terii who may have mslaid ‘hen uesai, IS lllttl auud^MUviiu Desai consistently forgot to offer hour of tiiumph, were gallantly pro- original voting certificate, despite car- 1 took what tying them with him. The Impact of that neglect was felt On the day of the llbl vlidiiviigvi xivvfcv* T* / • I J u ** when the community' seemed vided by the oPPositio '“f ’k' M Xow S^Ues ’^ti grated Uetion^hen supporters who could S’ Harsi runcnayct. A week after the ackno g hk simnorters not produce their certificates were ? November 23 poll, the of voters) may talk to debarred from voting. The BPP admi ­ nistration had stopped issuing duplica ­ tes 48 hours earlier, as per the decision Chy blue of a perfunctory shave. The s'mugy- ^^1’- Jymate decision on Desai says he “never encouraged any. tension was still evident, with Desai s original keenness overcast by fatigue, an impression accentuated by the pat- - c..^ _____ - . " desk in Desai ’s Mulla and Mulla and grouPS Craigie Blunt and Caroe office, at the' hurly-burly of the campaign and , the piled up professional work, was < also proudly littered with letters of congratulations — some from indivi ­ duals who had professed anti-Desai leanings earlier. ¦ With pardonable pride Desai quoted from the letter before him as he sought to articulate his reasons for winTiing: “...modesty, magnanimity and the ability to judge and deal with each issue on merit, irrespective of who rais ­ ed the issue, who favors or opposes it. It is these qualities that have served you f in good stead and will get you the res ­ pect of all right thinking individuals. ” • (Having read out the above portion, Desai evaluated the sentiment, then , disclaimed ‘magnanimity. ’ “I’m too small a person for that, ” he noted.) Desai says his tendency to trust peo ­ ple has woirked to his detriment: “I trust too many people, too soon, take 1 them at their word. I should be more "not to worry. (The voters) may talk to the others, but the vote will be mine. ” Desai, who masterminded his own 1 listened to different of the BPP board. t what to speak was my own*. Bombay ’s Flora Fountain, witness to tha, - the piled up professional work, congratulations — some from indivi- / ¦ t Desai borne aloft by jubilant supporters (Photo:Homyar Mistry) f s j 25 Parsiana December 1986 j s 51 '¦^'51 h ¦st: ¦' 4" '4? If I ¦ .4= ’'I- A A. ¦ *>’ i 'W 'o ¦Desai was also emphatically “not in rations where the favor of (Other) sitting trustees act,yely ” and adds. did boomerang in some quarters, ’’ as pa^ign aTa^nst the alleged packing of the campaigning for. only daTk tee not to talk at random , ’ ’ F register which alienated certain peo- date which he^term^dth ly essential not to disclose who pie Desai ’s uneasy equilibrium bet- cloud m the sunshine ot ^^o- ween independent and contentious tiom his priorities pie from putting their best foot for- groups resulted in “phone calls noting p,,nchavet after the reelection, ward. ’’ As an example Desai cited (that) someone or the other is with- on^^^rted “Pri^^^^^^^ considerable personal embarrassment drawing support. . .(It was) a hell of a Desj^et incumbent, Desai he experienced because every word and job keeping the reins in control, Ds-OCll v/.tv J---__- * last day he received phone calls regard ­ ing one group antagonizing another, huwtvui, -------------- . campaigning staff; “My workers were c..„.--- for. or against a candi ­ an date,' Vvi,**.*. - ----------- ,1x1 cloud in the sunshine of the last elec- c»ai ? ----- , . ,, Desai who declared that even on the says he will conti Adarbad (the building of ownership last day he received phone calls regard- mg. _ senior- flats constructed by the BPP at Hug es ing one group antagonizing another. A °«ai Road) was leaked to the concerned par- However, Desai was all praise for his meQ„|„alla. Desai ty. campaigning stall: '*’1'TJ, no'.p, ,hat the tradition of the chair- dedicated, wonderful. .1 rea^ valued .aniormost trus- seasoned people whose guidance tee ^can U time c. ------- chairmanship, feelers had been sent to me. 1 was ' ing. Although Desai is the next jenioj- most trustee on t.._ ------ BPP trustee Maneck Hodiwala who ---- ------- . belongs to the BPP lobby campaigning [heir support. (Among them were) ™nsnip ----broken."it depmd's'on who against the Federation of Parsi Zoroas- some seasoned people whose guidance trustees are ’’ and reveals, “At the trian Anjumans of India, had quiet y was most welcome." he "“‘^‘^Xlla ’s elevation to the sat by Desai, a Federation stalwart. Even while claiming that his oppo- time through the greater part of the election nent. Hector Mehta, "had more time chairmanshiprS the chairmanship but day. Questioned about Hodiwala s and was better equipped. ” Desai was me. I was ollered 'he^ 1 oesai noted. “1 never pressu- all praise for Mehta: "Must give credit opposed i as “.1™'*'° rizc my views on anybody. It rebounds ,0 Hector that he conducted the elec Desai concede 1he^.tarnian ha^ Hodiwala ” to be able tion campaign like a gentleman. . He, devote much more non-partisan support, his family, everybody was very gra- his cp rogues 1„ ,he course of the interview, a mid- cious. ” Desai hopes that the cordia Uy \ ” pb ect d,e.aged Parsi man burst m against he of “this election will be a trend setter for future elections. ’’ Mehta ’s supporters however did not receive the same accolade. Desai was particularly rueful about “the false canard ’’ allegedly planted by the op ­ that the tradition of the chair- be broken. It depends on who . 6 - * - • of Golwalla ’s elevation to the ‘The chairman has to devote much more time than the rest ot his colleagues. ’’ On the subject of the new election his colleagues. ’’ _ Desai favors Rs 15,000 as the scheme, minimum position, about Desai having received c an assignment outside India and so ' would not be able to attend the Pun- chavet; about a pact between himself and the CER: and about not attending t... ....... , he termed “complete falsehood. ” assignment outside India and so hayet; about a pact between himself the Punchayet board meetings, which 'XnSTo Quaii'tVfor vol- advic-c of Desai ’s peon. Apologising mZiights (as against ’he present Rs Tor thrusting himselt m, the man^noted 5 (XKl^and the Rs 7,500 recommended how happy he was t„ bv the trustees). Desai also feels that -d w,, there should be no limit to the number of terms a trustee may serve, “It a man is good, he ’s good...leave it to the electorate, ’’ says Desai. Desnite these personal views, Desai is prepared to “fall in with the majority. ’’ A stickler for maintaining the conti- deiitial character of Punchayet delibe- IS -- i to hear of Desai ’s reelection and wanted to coriyey his mpted Desai to read out another letter which said, “1 am aware of all the good work you ’re doing for us and all *“ ¦ 1. _ —... <-o ¦ 1 o for hearing our problems, congratulations personally! This pro ­ mpted Desai to read out another letter which said, “1 am aware of all the good work you ’re doing for us and all the precious time you keep available for hearing our problems, as a kind of proof — and guarantee tor future good behavior. CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS the article “The Federation opts for “Events and Personalities- column be^tween Hom, Rantna and reservation ” August 1985) <'’“7“"“;, 500^1 JaUa According to the CER, the Charity Minoo Belgamvala has been erro- men s u . Universal Lug- Commissioner had given permission to neously described as president of tl)e left, Tht move the City Civil Court to postpone Madras Parsi Association instead of as gage, J al Engineer is at ng . ,he election but the CER deliberately president of the Madras Parsi Zar- • chose to drop that line of action in thosti Anjuman. favor of getting the BPP trustees to The Jal Phiroj Clubwala Dar-e- move for amendment of the entire elec- , Meher was inadvertently referred to as tion scheme. the Clubwala family ’s agiary. The war- ownership vests with the Madras Parsi “Addressing the AET’’ (Parsiana, Zarthost! Anjuman. The late Phiroj M November ’85, pg 11) the Athravan Clubwala had donated the principal “Courting votes and Educational Trust-Zoroastrian Studies amount for the construction of the n par ,, , October ’85; pg 18) lawyer was mistakenly referred to as aeiarv in memory of his son Jal. • vour , t . , , !!.,,;«»• Anti “ in- Ficiadng-lawyer at that point of time, the June 21, 1984 was Jehangir Mistry. crauuH upto “Events and Personalities August 1985) (Parsiana, October 85, pg 13)- HbO merit student Zahir Soonawalla is at left, and chairman of Universal Lug- gagejal Engineer is at right. rX', ¦ S' iV.. ownership vests with the Madras Parsi Zarthosti Anjuman. The late Phiroj Clubwala had donated the principal III'-' agiary, in memory of his son Jal. Cantions of two photographs (right) were inadvertently interchanged in the junction to postpone /I ' t three of “Courting votes and 'menXned tha?.he Burjor Antia. We are informed the of. 26 Parsiana December 1985I COMMENT *1 '>¦**** f I T j. “taws were made to be followed An examination of conversion from the traditional viewpoint. ,5 if Shirin J.. AAistry Today you seek to accept only those who ‘wish ’ it — tomorrow, some zea ­ lots may go evangelical Avesta thump ­ ii'' “If there be just one, lone crusader fi­ ghting for what is right, he then consti ­ tutes a majority of one. ” - - It doesn ’t matter who said these ing. Foresight was granted to Jamasp words; AS a practising Zoroastrian, dnly, but everyone of God ’s finest fallowing the path of Asha — I think aeation has been given Boman — the that right would only he served by good mind — the ability to think and fighting what is ‘not right, ’ Perhaps after much thought, the ability to act. __ :L_ J" ‘ Remember, there were more Jews and ancient^faith, will bring forth that Christians killed by the Crusaders than any the Saracen could be held guilty of. A non-Zoroastrian is no less impor ­ tant in the eyes of God than a Zoroas ­ trian is. Sy not converting, you in rto X if'; i' the whole question of conversion to our i___ , jolt that seems to be lacking in a com ­ munity betome indolent and self-satis ­ fied, satiated and content. We do not deny anybody the privi- . . - . lege of following the Zoroastrian path way deny( anyone the right to v^rshtp but if n that. ” dence on the morning of October 30, . ’ During the long ashirwad ceremony 1985, because once the marriage season of 40 to 45 minutes, Bamanbehram will starts, every evening is spent working gHH take shots of the boy ’s family, the on video assignments. girl ’s family, the people on the stage Trying to express her views in ’ a I and then, to break the monotony, a sometimes chaotic atmosphere created ¦ panorama of the audience, their ex- by small pattering feet, arguments, I pressions and mannerisms. “I tell the quarrels and umpteen questions — all I party to stand near the gate, (to wel- achieved by her three small children I come the guests) and I take their close- who refer to their mother as Armaity I “P®' ’ ’ mote natural the people and to their father as Rashid — VAV I I are, the more lively a picture you get Bamanbehram acknowledged that her .J ¦ ¦' • more loudly a child technique is very simple. Realizing that video tapes are valued as “family trea ­ sures, ” she ensures that shooting is done “in such a way that it does not get boring. It is such a thing that it should be in the original (not calling forth any editing from the photographer). The party is much more happy when they hear themselves speak, and each and every detail (is captured). ” Bamanbehram ’s video assignments start early, at four o ’clock in the even ­ ings, when she first goes to the house of her client, before proceeding to the baug or hotel where the celebrations Hanninhehraiii (qhove left) with actress Poonam Dhillon and thelow) with hns- hand Pa'ihid. 1 31 Parsiana December 1985 I' I il ji 4 Ji The more natural the people are, the more lively a picture you get. . ." 11 prays, ” better will be the impact on the final film. However, shooting is not always un ­ obtrusive as when a hapless person is suddenly caught unawares, his leg tangled in stubborn wire, or as when an overly modest person hides his face, turning it away from the camera, or when there is a short circuit. Such things don ’t bother Bamanbehram for she always comes well equipped for just such an emergency. Bamanbehram is inevitably the last to leave a function. This, she considers a necessary service to the client. Yet,f ram wanted to go in for catering (“She is the best cook on earth, ” notes her husband proudly) but has given up the idea, after her marriage. A student of Bengalee Girls High School where she won many certifica^ tes and cups in-badminton, tennis and cooking, Bamanbehram has done a secretarial course, but did not pursue that field. Asked about public reaction to her shooting, Bamanbehram notes that “people give me much more respect, especially the old ones; they say, ‘you The Bamanbehrams met actor and school. Adil, Nazneen and TV personality Jalal Aga who was Shooting is not always unobtrusive as when a hapless person is suddenly caught unawares, his leg tangled in stubborn wire. the evening for Bamanbehram does not end at the function itself, for as she puts it, “After every function, whether it is late or not, I must see the gist of my work. ’’ And then, there are the final touches: dubbing where neces ­ sary, titles to be incorporated (which she writes before a function takes place), music to be chosen ... All this takes just a week during the marriage season while in the “offseason it is the next day. ’’ Bamanbehram ’s interest was spark- ,__ 1... esneciaiiv uic uiu uuw, mvj wcU^knowf ^'‘disM^r ’ ^photographer, Bamanbehram is awake at 6.30 am, for are doing a great thing - a nice job. ’ ’’ ^e Warded SS BamSam. she has her children to look after and The Bamanbehrams met actor and Appnmnanvine him on all his video send off to school. Adil, Nazneen and TV personality Jalal Aga who was ^oSs L fn assistant, Bamanbeh- Maneck are well aware of the fact that “very happy ’’ and “astonished to see ram ouicklv learnt all the techniques their parents are busy, and must go off a lady shooting a video film at at u - SfseJf^ and was soori able to take up to work in the evenings. But. “they tion. He expressed the desire o use video shooting as a professional. She never cry like other children do. We them for his TV serials which if they now prides herself on her work, its cla- just say we are going to the office. ” materialize, could mean a ig re ritv and quality. “My hand is very This understanding comes from know- the Bamanbehrams. mvcAif Tn inff that whatever time their mother has Bamanbehram enjoys her professio- have a steady hand is very important .(still) 1 never use a stand, only my them in shoulder. . .(and) 1 only need a break out to play, buying them some games to change the battery, that ’s all. ” Whatever time she goes to sleep, she has her children to look after and “Mv hand is very This understanding comes from know- the Bamanbehrams. s;ead7and “l“7 proud of myse f. To ing that whatever time their mother has Bamanbehram enjoys her profess.^ steady ana m prouo y „j haverome up their homework, taking them very fast. .. Now 1 have such a J’S schedule with my work and children Qr toys. that I don ’t find time (to do anything There was a time when Bamanbeh- else). ” j!. I For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS t i 324. GRANT ROAD, BOMBAY 400 007. TELEPHONE: 371483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 32 Parsiana December 1986F’ BOOKS 'Ci I Marshalling resources A biography capitulating the rise of J.N. Marshall and his Company. Homi J. Rogers in-law whether she would prefer to stay with him, and then proceeding to show her his huge collection of crockery, Parsi enterprises in the big bad world cutlery, crystal and glass^wre), jome of industty are few and far between. Yet the handful that are, thrive in healthy conditions, and unfailingly in ­ corporate the tenets of Zoroastrianism: diligence, honesty, and love for fellow humans. ------ . , . Apart from the Tatas, Wadias and has sometimes had destiny playing r.ndreis who have built UP a large em- cruel tricks on him. Much of the mate- J.N. Marshall: a man of destiny by Bejon N. Desai, pp 125. trivial (the seating arrangement at the dining table at JN’s .parents ’ place), and quite a few, as desired, inspira ­ tional. J.N. Marshall, a man of destiny, as Desai terms him in the book ’s sub-title, day remained most unshaken. ence displayed by Marshall in over ­ coming these setbacks, and stresses the power of prayer. “He prayed! As usual! His faith in prayer has even to- i ¦ 4 •I 4 ai ¦.(i, 'Xr I 1 Godrejs who have built up a large em ­ pire from a conglomeration of compa ­ nies and enjoy a very high reputation in India and the world, a few entrepre ­ neurs have carved a niche for themsel ­ ves on 1------- ----------- their factories in Pune, a city which is fast transforming itself from a pen ­ sioner ’s paradise into a cauldron of corporate activity. One of the pioneers of industrializa ­ tion in Pune is octogenarian Jeejibhoy Nanabhoy Marshall who heads the J.N. Marshall Group of Companies which commenced manufacturing acti ­ vities on an 11-acre site at Kasarwadi, 12 kms outside Pune, some three deca ­ des ago. Today the Marshall Group nerfOTCe 0376 UD the 1 non npnnip and has an “ I textile machine agency. As unshaken, probably, as his will to innovate, to seek new pastures: an- riafthat could inspire and instil a spirit other strong virtue which the younger for facing the odds, comes from the generation could well emulate. The troughs in Marshall ’s life. In 1937, for Marshall Group (now aWy managed by example, Marshall took a beating at 1— --------- , <¦# for facing the odds, comes from the generation could well emulate. The ------ ------------- - .......................................... '---------------------------------------------------------- 1 ve carveu a luvnc IV. u.v.i.ov.- — -________________ - his children, including his son-in-law, India ’s industrial map, with the share bazar, and was down by Rs who heads the flagship) is currently — . ... r. - • -----------— —..xx. ....Ar iQ sottware development, and plans to export soft ­ ware systems. The roads from Kasar ­ wadi are paved with gold. But the roads to it have been macadamized with the cliched blood, sweat and tears. The story of J.N. Marshall is, however, no rags to riches saga. He was born in a fairly well-to-do family, originally hailing from Cambay (Khambat). The family ran a prospe ­ rous trading firm, and after JN’s birth, 1“ 1 non jinH has an 1^^' ' prospered even further by importing XaLa.es .urnov^r driver RS 200 teXtite machinG St“one Bejon Desai, principal of Boys ’ aOenCy. judicious move of selling 1 .OW tons of Town Public School, Nasik, profiles --- ------------------------------- -------------- coal, when its prices had reached an all- this Grand Old Man of Pune, in a by his sub-broker. In 1950, after nego- time high, during the^ absence of his color plates), with the hope that some sets in the severe cold (—18 °C) of the was away recuperating in Dumas. Hav- generators (costing a total of around ing out of the partnership with one lakh rupees), when his clients, who Maneckjee in 1924 when the cod mar- had not paid any advance against their ket collapsed, Marshall took his first order, backed out of the commitment independent steps in the agency line by book details the tenacity and the pati- ta ’s (the son of Sir Homi and Lady 31,000, primarily because of a mistake committing resources Starve(d of business because of Gandhiji's call to boycott British goods, Marshall Town Public School, Nasik, profiles ’ 125-page book (illustrated with seven tiating a successful deal for generating brother (and partner) Maneckjee, who color plates), with the hope that some sets in the severe cold (—18 °C) of the was away recuperating in Dumas. Hav- of the many events may “inspire a few USA, Marshall was left with six unsold ing tasted succes^in business,^nd youngsters to be like JN (as Marshall is fondly called by his friends and family members). ” The book, is studded with events ------,--------------------------- . . from Marsha ’s life: some nonsensical as the power situation improved. The willingly accepting friend Russa Meh- (JN querying his would-be daughter- 1-------------------- .. - , 33 Parsiana December 1985 1 11; I 4 "• ¦¦¦fl : 1 •7fr The ‘rite’ous path A manual on religious ceremonies and customs to interest navars and behdins. 1 I ¦: I' Mehta) offer of selling textile machi ­ nery in Ahmedabad for a 2.5 percent commission. However, starved of busi ­ ness because of Gandhiji ’s call to boy ­ cott British goods, Marshall perforce gave up the agency. But he had learnt his lessons in selling and servicing — lessons which were to stand him in good stead throughout his life, as he ..................... tn nV nvpt the aeencies of Skoda AEG. Discourses on Zoroastrianism by Ervad Godrej their Significance for the OCCaSlOn. ® , * - ninfkniirii CtHhuzO PllhllchpH hv tHc aUtHOf at TUa fllA nsivi Spirax Manufacturing Co., etc., whose products he pushed with enormous i u speed and tremendous success. Because The importance of rites and rituals in Unfortunately, the latter is dealt with of his virtues of hard work, sincerity, understanding and appreciating reli- all too summarily, within just two and perseverance, coupled with the de- gion have come to be sadly neglected in pages. The Parsi marriage ceremony, tt suvvcaa MaiQlicil t-.: “±?”¦ however, is dealt with excellently as of various foreign duals while writing paeans about the Sidhwa translates the admoniti^s I The book also describes the navjote, Karachi, Pakistan. Second Edition: 1985. pp 135. navar-maratab ceremonies. Dinshawji Sidhwa. Published by the author at termination to be a success, Marshall modern times. Many prominent indiyi- companies over the years, including the philosophy of a particular religion, ( Acquire wealth by good means. D prestigious Cambridge Instruments Li- 1 mited, a company founded by the rituals, fomenting in the process, family of Charles Darwin. Today, in s „ ... .< - addition to its many agency lines, the gy. Marshall Group of Companies is a L , leading manufacturer and supplier of roads in the psyche of writers and thin- engineering products, energy manage ­ ment systems and other high techno ­ logy electronic instrumentation. J.N. Marshall: a man of destiny is an attempt to chronicle the life and times strode over six decades of financial and consigned to the tinderbox of amnesia, mas, are also covered in th^book. The technological activity. Marshall is no Godrej or Tata: his industrial empire did not rise from the suppressed fires in of patriotism; nor is he a Pochkhana- wala, the financial genius, who found ­ ed the Central Bank because of his in ­ nate desire to be equal with his British and customs, masters. Marshall is, as Desai portrays him, an individual spurred with en- have ignored — if not debunked — not cooperate with the ill-informed. In i-* —- T-_____ ¦ no way annoy your mother. ..”) and surge towards theology without litur- benedictions (“May Ahura Mazda bes ­ tow upon you ... purity through Aban .. .pure justice through Meher. . .con ­ stant delight through Ram. ..”) con- a Of late, similar trends have made in ­ I kers of the Zoroastrian faith. While ferred on the marital couple by the of- reams are written on the concept of ficiating priests. dualism-monotheism in the religion, or Two other ceremonies, which could the cosmic principle of order, justice possibly be only of scholastic interest and righteousness (Asha), the ritual to today ’s Zoroastrian, namely.the industrial colossus who has practices and the customs have been consecration of fire temples and dokh- Discourses on Zoroastrianism by Er- ‘discourses ’ (so captioned because the vad Godrej Sidhwa, honorary lecturer book is a collection of speeches deliver- Zoroastrian theology and ancient ed by the author) also include a chapter Iranian history (in Pakistan), aims to on ancient Iranian literature (which, assist students of the religion in under- incidentally, stretches down to present standing a few Zoroastrian ceremonies Sidhwa ’s book, however, is not writ- by Khojeste Mistree and Meher Mas- 111111, ail iiiuxVivxxxtxx o^xxx«x.,x. ...X.. ten as an impassioned appeal to draw ter-Moos), and the three forgotten reli- thusiasm to succeed in the hustle-bustle our thinkers out of their lofty ivory Manichaeism and of business, rising above political towers, and reveal to them some hi- changes and economic fluctuations, therto unknown philosophies of Zoro- opening windows when doors closed, j------------ , Marshall ’s lobbying with the changing religious practices. The book, for the Zoroastrianism, the book has little to governments in India to preserve ki main part, concerns itself with describ- commend on grounds of originality, business interests, is a more relevant ing ceremonies and customs, so as to Sidhwa offers no new insight, nor lesson for today ’s generation than the familiarize the layman with them. The raises any unconventional viewpoint, idealism which ignited and built enter- ceremonies, delineated within the slen- The discourses are faithful to the cus ­ prises at the turn of the century. der framework of 135 pages, include toms of Zoroastrianisrn as written For the biography of an individual the funeral ceremonies (geh-sarna, about by Sir Jivanji Modi, from whom who is thus more identifiable to uthamna, chahrum, and the prayers the author has borrowed heavily, and ' today ’s youth than the other greats, thereafter, for the advancement of the other learned authors. The cut-and-dry Desai ’s style and tone leave much to be soul), the inner liturgies (yazishna, text, never striking a single false note (a desired. The book does not ever cap- visparad, vendidad and baj), the outer positive strength of the book), is high- ture the moods of the man, nor in- liturgies (afringan, farokhshi and lighted by the occasional flashes of in- volves the reader to sympathize in his satum) and the jashan. The description spired writing (the marriage ceremony, sorrows, or exhilarate at his triumphs, of the ceremonies are fairly detailed, Mazdakism) and the fetchingly-telling Errors in grammar and choice of and the book could serve as an excel- sketches, especially of the jashan and words abound. For example, a chapter lent manual to an initiate (navar), as yazishna ceremony layout by Dadi recapitulating Marshall ’s achievements well as a behdin who wishes to be Surti. is titled “Let us recuperate. ’’ Alack! aware and fully conscious of the pray- All Johnsons cannot have Boswells. times, and makes a mention of reli ­ gious literature produced in Bombay Mazdakism. Though an excellent read for one astrianism, as manifested through its uninitiated to customs and practices in main part, concerns itself with describ- commend on grounds of originality. ers being recited by the mobed, and Homi J. Rogers J 35 Parsiana December 1985 I'M A high profile Bapsi Sidhwa talks about the Parsi community in Pakistan. j Jyoti Punwani F ¦¦ Bapsi Sidhwa ’s first novel. The Cro« Eaters (Orient Longman), a loving satire on Parsis, wasn ’t exactly wel ­ comed by the Parsis themselves who though much more accused her of having given out all the it b“'- ' secrets of the community. Set in La- . ,, bore at the turn of the century the there.^^ And ,t has huge un'verstties.^^ novel traces the fortunes of Faredoon Junglewalla from the time he arrives in Lahore from a village in all his belongings in a I------------ he dies, a leader of the community, 30 women years later. “Not having lived so much among my own club life because of says Sidhwa, it has become a status ¦ ’. “It ’s tike young girls here knalmosit Middle^ Eastern atmosphere, craving to get into a san; there they an almost Miao ophisticated. But can ’t wait to start wearing a burqah. “It ’s tike young girls here i; there they Ic intellectual However, not all women wear it — working women don ’t, and ...V,... educated women from the upper- class do so only when they go to their siiHhwa the bulk of them being in villages. Sidhwa, tne duik oi e middle-class also frowns upon -- almost the only approved fields for women (journalism is domi ­ nated by women), secretarial jobs, nur ­ sing, air-hostesses — all ot this is therefore are Christians, the biggest Parsis, says Sidhwa, are largely un ­ affected by this conservatism — almost all the women work, even those who don ’t need to. They are influenced only as far as their dress is concerned — in movement to taVe Lahore, hardly any Parsi women wear dresses, though in Karachi they do. They celebrate Id, etc, but remain as find distinct a community as they have st has maintained its flavour — all the poets can be found many There are just 110 Parsis in Lahore, says ! many ii nearnves m r’ .u^-have The middle-class also frowns upon Punjab w..h Karach, -about 4,000. But they have bullock-cart, till such a high profile (“the sam^e on all the committees ) that writing are people find it difficult to believe that 11._ _ _ M uiw ”, because most of the men go Because of the migration, there is some . . with Muslim boys, but minority in Pakistan, no longer considered a w... According to Sidhwa, the communi- “There have ty has become even more conservative in these matters than it used to be. We the community outwards during my mother ’s time, and there is one even now; but it ’s just started, and we f— — . Bombay is the stumbling block. ” The always been. Lahore “ifl" h^r "lifi, and Parsi Panehaya, in Pakistan has to everywhere, says S.dhwa. They 11 nhgrated from there to Houston, Tex- ... ............ ¦" ‘ as, just one-and-a-half years back, to over the years . , _ s.i rvx,H;no nil nver Sidhwa has been active in “Well, from what I’ve heard, my pa- 1---------- - rents had a lot of Hindu friends before Lahore m 1957; today you hardly see « ‘W* V' _________________J-;-™ tknf ” Vorv fpw rnl- community, 1 have a they ’re so few, and deling every ^d T of fois is great affection for it, and feel it has a year, because rnost o e disapproved of. Most of the nurses fot of charming traits, ” says Sidhwa. abroad for educat.^^^"" d.saPP^^^ “The book was written with a great I------------ deal of affection. ” The title refers to inter-marriage the Urdu / Punjabi phrase for those then the girl is who talk too much — it has nothing to Parsi, °fjicially. do with the Tower of Silence, as rnany Parsis misunderstood. ‘ - ------ —- been no writers in the Parsi communi ­ ty otherwise they ’d have been used to “There was a strong some fun at their own expense. - ------------- - have a tradition of laughing at oursel ­ ves —all our plays do so. ” Born in Karachi, Sidhwa has lived m migrated from there to Houston, Tex- teach creative writing at Rice Universi- become more • '^4 adapt to their environment, but keep their individuality. You meet them in defer to that in Bombay. Generally, Pakistani society has conservative over the last Lahore or Bombay or the US-- you - Sidhwa, and much < ' find them cracking the same jokes, be- Sidhwa has been active in women ’s issues in Pakistan. She was on the Pa-r«tio"n; of course there aren ’t any any womendo,ng that, very--'- JXle women^'shrt's ‘;isrr:pm- left now. Lahore used to be called the leges are co e u ’ . . „ sented Punjab at a women ’s confe- Paris of the East; now it ’s a preny dull move m set up a X in the Soviet Union in 1975. the and conservative city. It is a Muslim women. Pur middle class start of the International Decade for society, you know, so there ’s segrega- strictly, and among the middle-class, siari oi u.e “Well, from what I’ve heard, my pa- Partition. “1 remember cycling all over _ _____any women doing that. ” Very few col- be called the leges are co-educational, and there is a to set up a university entirely for 37 Parsiana December 1985if '!'¦ 1. ' f k f-l '.r i f H 1 I'! <¦ ti 1 causing some people to be dismayed at such “dereliction of duty, ” ^specially members. They note that the principle phere a lot. Right now, Pakistan has a .vice n,Joy« t« tn™ of ra^iryTeing “‘sa7sidh; ^sL Khutshed lheriyar, as the wa. “The groups see that untoward dent of the election and Ms SiIIto f Ranina-Poncha and fhe acts are not passed, that the mullahs Kavarana and Jehangir Bamji as the j elections should be pub- don ’t get carried away in their Islami- two scrutineers, as Provided by the D«ai Mem zation zeal. In Ayub Khan ’s time, a lot electora “"“Xhem^^^ and D registers who elect the E register, of family laws were passed, which gracefully may be able to elicit their explanations the for defaulting as representatives of the anjuman committee. The personal qualities of the contes ­ tants came to the fore when the results were announced. Desai, with wife Coomi ill at home, had maintained a low profile throughout the day. His supporters had come to the conclusion that there would be no jubilation. Thus no one from Desai ’s side had any flo- Women, which saw a lot of committees continued from page 23 and action groups come up in Pakis- pie. tan. That was also the time Bhutto was “ * - — Learning from that experience, the on the part of the elected E register in power, and he liberalized the atmos- Punchayet had provided ample sittmg phere a lot. Right now, Pakistan has a space ir. :t: fl^rtton strong women ’s movement, much of of Jai Hind College vice principal. Pro- auk/iie ______oc thp nrPRi- in its inner foyer for the election .luv, fessor Khurshed Sheriyar, as the presi ­ that untoward dent of the election and of Ms Silloo Kavarana and Jehangir Bamji as the two scrutineers, as provided by the Parsis are the same first floor foyer with the ballot boxes in everywhere. They'll adapt to their environment, but keep their individuality." / / made it difficult for a man to marry again, to divorce, so we have to see that these safeguards aren ’t tampered tion day was with. We have been quite successful. For instance, there was a recent case where a blind maidservant had become ed to voters on pregnant, and the mullahs wanted her whipped. There were a lot of protests; the village women gheraoed the mullahs. But despite the anti-woman trend in personal laws, Sidhwa feels that it is still much easier for a man in the West to divorce his wife than a Muslim in mg Pakistan, because of familial and social pressures, and the second wife doesn ’t get much sympathy. But like in India, women t she says. Sidhwas second book (actually writ ­ ten first) is about women in Pakistan, very well there. It ’s based on a true in ­ cident which she heard about in the Karakoram Mountains, which are practically ruled by the Pathan trtbals, and where a woman is regarded as a “precious commodity. ” Hearing that incident is what made her start writing. The image of Indian women in Pa- kistan, Sujj — ----- strong thanks to Ms Gandhi! She,her- i self, feels that an Indian man expects ¦ more subservience from his wife than a ¦ Pakistani. The woman there exercises E more pow'er within the zsnana, she I says. I rex! amt photORr^ph reprinted with permission troiii ¦ The Sunday Observer. January 13. 1985. ¦ of the election — attendants with vot ­ ing lists, etc — had been set up on t..- ... . ... 1------ an adjoining room, whence yoters were led down a rear stairway to avoid bot- tienecks Congratulated at the end of the day for the Punchayet ’s remarkable ar ­ rangements, Golwalla noted. This time both contestants were so reason- able, they readily agreed to all our sug- gestions. ” But due credit must go to victory. Without hesita- the administration. Mehta congratulated his erstwhile The decision not to issue duplicate on Menm co^g certificates to F register voters on elec- __ P d„., —3 enforced by the board on November 23, although in recent tirnes duplicate certificates have been provid ­ ed ... ?"> election day without a fuss. Nor had the voters been effective ­ ly apprised of this decision. There were therefore cases of people who could not exercise their right to vote. Par­ siana noticed one determined couple however who made a second trip, hav- i..g unearthed their certificate-, and Desai related how solicitor Jangoo Gagrat cast his vote two minutes before closing time because he came in ­ meant for himself. Wife Daisy and their supporters did likewise. It was a worthy gesture; and it rang true. Per ­ haps sincerity and sportsmanship may once again become fashionable in Parsi politics ... Hector Mehta declined a post-election _ ____C..’ to Parsiana; Because of alle­ gations made against him in a section of the community press, Mehta prefer­ red to maintain silence. He was parti­ cularly disheartened by the tone of the attacks against the management of cer- 'ih7rrarTp;^u7heipi«s: hjscerUn^ehad „ ten tirst) is aooui womai m rarvrov«.., members voted, as did 396 of the F boards. called r/ie Br/t/e, and has been received register ’s 702 (nine votes were i very well there. It ’s based on a true in- y{\rpangements for smooth electioneering r ’l? Only 215 of the E register ’s 295 111 1 Texi says Sidhwa, is considered Jf- Li I i ' 3Q Parsiana December 1985- I i - continued from page 21 blem especially as the Surat Parsi Pun- within the community as in the case of the custody of the BPP. chayet feeds 350 persons daily. Maneck the Tithal sanatorium property which It was said that when the Gandhi Gheyara noted that the SPP may be is under a private trust whose chairman family who founded the agiary in Alla- forced.to close the Nariman Home for is ex-BPP chairman, B.K. Boman-Beh- habad offered it to the anjuman there, the aged which currently houses 80 in- ram. The vast property, now in a state the anjuman asked the family for mates, if the SPP loses the pending of decay, was in the process of being money to maintain it. Thus the bazam case where the staff is demanding dis- sold off to a Jain trust when the Guja- fund was founded, but a subsequent proportionate benefits. rat Government requisitioned it. The fall-out between the trustees of the an- Government order has been held bay juman and the Gandhi family led the The Poona Parsee Punchayet has 40 by a court injunction filed by the Surat Gan dhis to entrust the fund to BPP acres of vacant land near doongerwadi Parsi Punchayet (SPP). custody. which can be used for constructing Another case, also reported by the While the Allahabad anjuman now homes for poor Parsis, informed SPP is of the unfrequented Hazira wanted the fund returned to it, Desai, Kersasp Irani and requested the BPP sanatorium. The community does not on behalf of the BPP, noted that it trustees for help and guidance in the use it and thanks to orthodox ideas, would not be prudent for the custodian program. Irani sought knowhow on does not permit it to be rented out, to part with the money without a man- matters of finance, taxation, etc. although an industrial organization has date which would only be forthcoming approached the punchayet with a when the anjuman trustees established Defunct anjumans handsome rent. In the meantime, so- a rapprochement with the Gandhis. “The Federation is interested in seeing cial workers in the area are demanding Dandiwalla requested chairman Gol- community assets recycled, not lost that they be permitted to use the sana- walla to write to Dossu Gandhi and forever. ” The aim as stated by Kanga torium as a school, as there is no Desai noted that the BPP would be seemed clear and straight-forward. Yet school in Hazira. To retrieve the pro- happy to mediate. Golwalla however the delegates were confounded by a perty once a school takes over, will be feared it might be construed as inter- maze of political, legal and technical almost impossible, notes Gheyara. ference. difficulties. Even the original documents pertain- Community properties are encroach- ing to the Diu dokhma and agiary are Speaking on behalf of the Iranian ed upon — physically and/or legally — proving elusive, although the Federa- Zoroastrian Anjuman, Peshotan Nar- as i. 7’ , ' ", . . " " ' *** ' ’ golwala noted that young people had rat, Ghadak, Khadakvasla, Cambay, protected monuments under the Ar- been inducted on the Anjuman ’s Mahableshwar, etc. In the majority of cheological Survey of India (ASI). Des ­ managing committee. Seventy percent cases, title deeds are not available and pite the continued interest of two go ­ of the Anjuman ’s annual income of community representatives must dig vernors of Goa and much tenacity and five lakh rupees is spent on relief ap- for data from various rural administra- leg work on the part of Minochaher plications from Parsis and 30 percent tive authorities like tehsildars, patwaris Bharucha of Bhavnagar, the matter is on Iranis, he noted. etc who may prefer to suppress the de- still pending. It is proposed that the sired information, especi^ly when in Barot caves also be placed under ASI Navsari ’s Parsi population . is now Gheyara ’s words “multimillionaires aegis so that a decent road may make 3,500 and is expected to reach 4,5{K> by and industrialists are the encroachers. ” for easier pilgrimage to the place where 1986, said its representative Dara De ­ boo. Two thousand applications were received for Ava Bang ’s 250 flats slated for occupation in December ’85. Many Parsis from Africa have resettled there, said Deboo. Including this new con ­ struction, flats in Ava Bang, a housing colony created by the philanthropy of Shapoorji Jokhi of Navsari and Hong ­ kong, now total 500, said Deboo. Two cosmopolitan hospitals run by Parsis have Parsi wards which provide free .. _ food and bed to poor patients. As the agreed to take on the task of unearth- property for some other property else- hospitals were originally Parsi institu- ing data on a job work basis, it was where. It was Guzder ’s opinion that tions subsequently converted to cosmo- Anklesaria ’s contention that physical Pestonji be advised to appoint two politan use, the district courts had de- encroachment be tackled across the other trustees and Nargolwala suggest- creed that the interest from the original board, ceding one-third to the encroa- ed Rustom Daroga of Delhi and Guz- corpus be used to this end, noted De- cher and salvaging two-thirds for the der himself, “bothbeing very mobile. ” boo. An infirmary caters to the com- community, instead of instituting legal What then of mismanaged trusts — munity ’s destitutes. Education and proceedings. And Kanga noted, “Peo- those where the trustees are old, infirm employment were two problem areas pie have lost all belief in the sanctity of or just plain uninterested in the set- identified by Deboo. law. Liquidate whatever can be sold. ” tlor ’s wishes? While Gandhi, the Fede- Far more daunting for some delega- ration ’s activist secretary, demanded tes was the prospect of confrontations fresh clauses in the charter to permit money to maintain it. Thus the bazam case where the staff is demanding dis- at Diu, Nizamabad, Saranpur, Su- tion is trying to get both proclaimed. While two persons are said to have the Iranshah was sheltered during years of turmoil in Gujarat. In Srinagar where only one Parsi family remains, the aged Behram Pes- tonji is “worried his son will be isolat ­ ed, ” noted Guzder. The cantonment property, which had featured in earlier meetings of the executive council as a good place for a dharamshala for Par ­ sis, has now been declared'a security area by the army. Kanga suggested that the army be requested to exchange this The Federation should proceed as a counselling force rather than as a reformer Surat is facing an acute labor pro- 40 Parsiana December 1985 1 !r —lies according to Congress chairman ¦ ' t his own companies had donated Rs 10,000 although the rates were Rs 3,500 for color and Rs 1,500 for black and white advertisements and invited . JUltj, ------* “Can ’t the report be reduced so that it costs less? Rs 50,000 is a lot of money, ” noted Godrej. Anklesaria of Poona remonstrated, “It ’s going a chastiser, mis poim ui view wao oup- ...................tn mofussil round the world. Why only one name portedby Clubwala who noted, “other preempt mobeds g „ (per industry)? The community should trustees don ’t like interference. (They) agianes. _ serve »the have the chance... ” and was sup- get the idea that the Federation ywgero While a mobed wi J , .. . norted bv Clubwala who asked, puchaavva maagcch (wants to appro- Allahabad third Ham-band paivaste (Bound together priate the properties). ” Anklesaria on Delhi has staked its ctom to^a t _ !hc other hand, making a distmefon mobed ot age Wi?h the Lav hom that motto?" between anjnm_an and trust noted he « ™ services Gandhi, justifying Guzder ’s stand, “sacredness of an anjuman ” which aim of seen g 10 to 15 declared, “We want the report to look must be won over, as against the pro- for the Anjuma^or lO^o 15 dec a perty of a trust which is not properly years. a^g __________ _ small number of prestigious adverti- managed. While the delegates worried about legalities and niceties, Nargolwala. by complications. Take the bull by the 1 _ ___ __ -1 z-lzx if the Federadon "to ask for tightening 25.MO towards the Delhi Dharamshaia. ^SeTcuS STLiL that of community trusts, ” joint secretary Desai attempted “to sound a warning Srlin ’KterX L'e c"<;v-er; only 40 nrobeds fron, t^ _ ______________ ment. Any application to the charity lowest ruSeT'sTpetrent Godrej, J.N. MarAaU, etc to join. l —herepor.be reduced sot the Federation to proceed as a counsel- r ---- ling force rather than as a reformer or re ------- a chastiser. His point of view was sup- t' iounu a wtiiiiiiie Mobeds , the Federation) The BPP’s mobed amelioration sch- erne covers rest by other trusts. These figures were revealed in an answer to the Federa ­ tion ’s fears that the BPP scheme may to the Federa- mofussil round the world. Why only one don-t like interference. (They) agtos^ chancy. Allahabad Anjuman is yet to be tound, Delhi has staked its claim to a third puchaavva maagech (wants to appro- nrintp the nrooerties) .” Anklesaria on — --- , . . distinction mobed, preferably a family man bet People have lost all While the delegates worried about legalities and niceties, Nmgulwald, ¦ . counselled; “Don ’tgo by law, don t go bgllgf |n th© SanCTliy of law. Liquidate whatever can be sold..." horns and just do it. I Dharamshala Golwalla, who had been keenly plan ­ ning and working towards establishing a dharamshala in Bombay on the plot of a dilapidated building in Khareghat ever money and was sup- 'Jl y f J 1 i sers, just to meet the cost of the report. It ’s a matter of discretion, no question of asking others to come to our aid. ” But Clubwala-persisted, “The names could all be on one page ” and was sup ­ ported by Godrej. Video tapes of the Congress are available for an outright Rs 450 noted Guzder, who also confirmed that the Congress had netted one and a half wc 11 paj lakh rupees which had been “deposited leave travel with the BPP in the name of the Fede ­ ration at best interest rates. ” is wanted, we ’ll pay. ” Colony, said he was informed by noted Food, housing, j._ lawyer and ex BPP trustee Shiavax allowance and medical benems are o,^ Vakil that the new Panday Dhararn- shala at < shortly. Due to money, the BPP agreed not to dupli ­ cate the facilities. Referring to the Panday Dharam- shala ’s construction and facilities, Gol ­ walla noted that against an average ex ­ pected demand from 30 guests, accom ­ modation was available for 50 and* kit ­ chen and dining facilities had been in ­ corporated. The plot at Khareghat Col ­ ony would now be used for building ownership flats. LsL'.be sjw -nwa m st ” Gandhi maintained that “a dha- it''' — ramshala in Bombay was more the con- £ongress cern c. ------- funds should come from outside Bom ­ bay ” and expressed a doubt that a: at the new ranaay umu«m- fered. With three priests on Delhi ’s Charni Road would be ready payroll, it .s expectedeach mobed WZO international body of Due to shortage of land and will be really working only three or to the nPP not to dupli- lour days a we^. Fe^ermion,_^pro,rac,ed^, dharamshala but no mobed, said Dr trian Organization with the London based World Zoroas- have not brought totals 15, there is a daremeher and a L'?”h"”Sa' ’“pa;amXd:'ket tL ihe";; rwo'-insdtutions any clos« The «re burning, but no ceremonies are WZO’s charter treats ,nd,v dual and nerformed A similar situation prevails anjuman members as equals, havi g Sawar and Rajkot, said Wadm. one vote each_. Thts means^one pe^n The Ahmednagar Anjuman with 6U- 80, mostly self-employed members, has now acquired a good priest with a ruefully noted school going son who is also a priest. Gandhi maintained that “a dha- . \x\va- X. •- TV - ... t ¦GanSfii maiwaweo vwav enjoys the same voting right as a body (such as the BPP which represents over 50,000 Parsis), a proposition staunchly opposed by the Federation. The Federation’s recurring com ­ plaint of letters and suggestions re ­ maining unanswered by the WZO.^was maining unanswered'by Trie of Parsiroutside Bombay. .. Funding the publication of a report on - - — . the Fourth World Zoroastnan Con- ac- gress through select prestigious adver ­ tisements (only one per industry) was the BPP “not to drop the idea of a Cowasji Jehangir had donated Rs maining unanswered by the WZO,^was maining unanswe^^^^^ Ihe W7X), repeated once again by Guzder, chair ­ man of the Federation ’s subcommittee negotiating with the WZO. Having at ­ tended the Pateti jashan in London on August 24, Guzder is said to have ask ­ ed the WZO officials the reason for their silence. Their reply as reported by Guzder; “We don ’t think we should ____ ’ Guzder noted that they are not prepared to grasp our hand. .. 41 Parsiana December 1985t as things stand, if things change, we “I strongly feel that the chapter shall reconsider. ” ¦t J 1! (they have) something to hide. ” Guz- closed... der says he told them that “neither the * Punchayet nor the Federation can lay should now be closed, ” said Nargol- down rules. All the associations of the wala and by way of emphasis added, world should have a say. You can ’t be ‘ , . . the arbiter. ” Then, addressing the the Federation if the Federation be- India and Iranis wanting to migrate, as council, Guzder concluded that the comes a member of the WZO.” alsoParsiZoroastriansoflndianori- “best we can offer is; we go our way, - --• you go yours. ” While Mani Clubwala pleaded, me itai mv .. .ui.wv.w.. ...... ---- -------------------- “Don ’t close the subject ... matters coalescing force. For all you know the Nargolwala reported that one such can change, ” Nargolwala presented his WZO may want to join us! ” Parsi Zoroastrian had been regranted findings on the subject: the WZO’s an ­ nual returns were overdue by tour to five years; the director general of ed to espouse the opposing viewpoint, the United Nations ’ Educational, Sci- C,_. ..I ’ ................... " entific < (UNESCO) has noted that the WZO anjumans or ask for UNESCO mem ­ does not fulfil all conditions required bership, will (be discussed) later, for UNESCO membership while the We ’ve tried for mor^ than two years Iranian visas “The Delhi Anjuman may opt out of Visa problems affect Irani students in Gandhi suggested that the Federa- gin who had accepted Irani citizenship tion “admit associate members from under the Shah and now wish to regain the rest of the world. . .function as a their original Indian nationality. While ij WZO may want to join us! ” The quip failed to mollify either Indian citizenship, Gandhi noted that Nargolwala, or Clubwala who continu- __________ , Gandhi noted, “Whether the Federa- capitation colleges is also not a pro- and Cultural Organization tion should open (its) doors to other blem, Gandhi noted, it «the Home ¦ Ministry gives a no objection certifi ­ cate. rhe Federation ’s joint treasurer ______ ___ , - --- ... - Peshotan Nargolwala clarified that federation could become a UNESCO (for an acceptable plank to join the [rani students face no difficulty in member as it represents a large enough WZO). We ’re not asking individual an- majority despite belonging to one jumans who are already WZO mem ­ country. Nargolwala, himself a com- I mittee member of WZO, alleged a split this date cannot continue the negotia- nian Zoroastrian Anjuman. The pro ­ in the organization and complained tions. ” Desai suggested that no action blem arises only when they seek admis- that the WZO’s minutes and reports be taken on the matter, but Nargolwala sionincentralgovernmentadminister- were not forthcoming. “The managing c ------- ------------ committee meets with four to five order: “The Federation, having exa ­ members (of a total of 31). What they mined the possibility and made all pos- decide, how they decide, nothing is dis- ;--------------- no Irani student had contacted him in recent months. Their admission into Bombay ’s arts, science or commerce ____ colleges if they ’ve landed in Bombay "bers to resign. But the Federation at and filed their papers through the Ira- carried the resolution on a point of ed technical institutions. Jamshed Guzder related the instance of a Parsi Zoroastrian who married an sible efforts, will not becotne a member Iranian girl while he was working there -i ri ¦ H L ¦ . i ;i f; 11 With the Best Compliments of III INGERSOLL-RAND (INDIA] LIMITED Manufacturers of Air & Gas Compressors « Rock Drill Equipment * Vacuum Pumps I . 42 Parsiana December 1985.1 „ 2 from Tehmi Grant of Dar-e-Meher was named and invited Poona. It ’s the duty of every man (to those present — “whether, you are a V. _ _______ _ _ ____ -- -- - member of the Federation or not ” — (who would like to take over) he should for the council meeting and festivities in Delhi from December 25 to 31. Nar ­ golwala stated that all the high priests . but the wife ’s passport was confiscated tion came and she was not allowed to accompany T------- him to Bombay. She escaped from Iran find) a successor. If. there is anyone to Pakistan. Thanks to the Federa- ( .............. ' tion ’s liaison, the girl was granted refu- work with me ... ” see status by the UN. Thereafter the Nargolwala: “No, no. ..” „ ....................... . ? Indian Government issued the lady an Kanga: “It ’s only fair that we JouW of o entry visa into Bombay with the fur- support Keki by taking over ‘ ther proviso that she ’d be allowed to God ..” stay if she furnished sufficient proof. Niirgolwala: ling their gratitude to IAS officer Bomi Hirji who has helped fellow Zoroas ­ trians through such crises. . Thank the Prime Minister would attend a spe ­ cial function. “Not God. Delhi Parsi The delegates were unanimous in tab- Anjuman. ” Those attending the meeting were: iircuv vg ---- ----- Mehernosh Mehta of Ahmednagar; Office-bearers Capt Homi Dandiwalla of Allahabad; Bejan Dittia, the co-opted member Minochaher Bharucha of Bhavnagar; from the south zone, was proposed to Aspi Golwalla, Eruch Desai, Jamsheed fill the south zone vice-presidency, va- Kanga, Naoroji Godrej Peshotan Nar- cant since the demise of Sq Leader golwala, Rustom Anklesaria, pool Bombay; Shiavax Nargolwala, Keki Gandhi, Rustom Daroga and Nergish Nargolwala of Delhi; Jamshed Guzder of Gandevi; Aspi Irani of Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman; Phiroze Karan- jia of Karanj; Dr Sarosh Wadia of Kut- ch; Boman Khodaiji of Lucknow; Mani Clubwala of Madras; Gp Capt Dhunjishaw Marker of Mhow; Keki Bala of Nagpur and Kamthi; ‘Dara Deboo of Navsari; Marazban Kaiko ­ bad, K.M. Irani and Dinshaw Ankle ­ saria of Poona; Homi Palsetia and , , Managing committee What began as a debate on the esta- vum - ------- -- ----- ci------- tt- -i u <¦ blishment of a managing committee, Jamshid Italia. Gandhi however ob- Tataand ^Noshijw^^ KaikoMd^^^ ended as a mutual back patting session. The managing committee which would comprise the Federation ’s office bearers and meet from time to time to implement and frame policy, subject to the council ’s ratification, was fiercely attacked in Madras, and effectively sidetracked in Bombay. Nargolwala argued that the manag ­ ing committee would be able to discuss and formalize propositions, but Ankle ­ saria suggested “If you mean busi ­ ness, have a full-time secretary ... a full-time independent machinery is re- lui mv vj. —--------- — , , , quired for results. ” While Gandhi said objection, Nargolwala agreed to allow Dittia, Noshir Nagarwala and Cyrus quiicu IWI ic3uiL.y _______ ;______ fhz. Irani nf Sppiinderflhad and Hvderabad; laiiuii vuuid affwiJ appointment and proceeded to appoint Maneck Gheyara, Dr Sam Bhacca, “(There ’s) greater Mani Glubwala as coopted member Davar Kavasji Modi, Dr Mmocher ' ... Contractor, Soli Katpitia and Faram Lakdawalla of Surat; Soonu Vesuna of Vesu; Dr Bahadur Jokhi and Cawas “This Federation has given status, vacated, ” Nargolwala snapped ginger- Jokhi of Vyara, Homi Mehta of Zai security to smaller anjumans ... (There ly, “No need to teach ^your grand ­ now (we ’re) beginning to realize what It was confirmed that the next meet- ........ .. - or you are doing. . .If Keki (Gandhi) did ing of the executive council will be Cyrus Pangborn, Ms Aloo Chibber Dr not belong to a company (Machine hosted by the Poona Parsee Punchayet Shera Dastui and Russell Pinto. The Tools India) that allows him to do this on February 22 and 23, 1986, although press was represented by The Bombay work, you ’d have to close the Federa- PPP president Marazban Kaikobad Samaehar and Parsiana. Federation ’s "The genius of Parsis for politics is confined to politics within the connmunity. 11 served that it was up to the anjumans of the south zone to send nominations -- x. o jd- for the post. Grudgingly conceding the Nariman Balsara of Saronda; Bejan objec«r.oTMr-.rme rhTsouth ’zo^/anjuman: to ratify the .rani of Secunderabad and ^erabad; iir'f’J * *' It, — X M/ln /•bzTi lx ¦ _ n AV 7 0 III III rl 11 x1 f t xl secretary if the Federation could afford i it, Kanga noted, ------ ------------ — _ need for each and every anjuman to from the south zone in place of Dittia. strengthen its own secretariat. ” As the When Gandhi suggested that “coop ­ discussion hotted up, Clubwala noted: tion (be effected) after the seat is _ ____ __________ _ ______ — • , “No need to teach your grand- is) a lot of criticism ’ of the BPP but mother to suck her thumb! ” now (we ’re) beginning to realize what It was confirmed that the next meet- y W* 4*1 W v<*^***{5 • • • *« --------------/- i-xl* not belong to a company (Machine hosted by the Poona Parsee Punchayei Bordi and Noshir Dadrawala of Zoroastrian Community Development Institute. The guest speakers were Prof 1 3 :I J The Council heartily endorsed noted, “We ’ll welcome you anytime, in February or July. ” While the second meeting of ’86 may tion. Clubwala ’s sentiment and acknowledg ­ ed Keki Gandhi ’s personal contribu- . 'tion to the Federation as al§o that of be hosted by the Surat ParM Puncha- Gandhi ’s employer. The Federation ’s : . . . ' ' h ’ ’’ ~~ mailing address is that of Machine failed to enthuse the Federation s Tools India where Gandhi is company secretary. Gandhi was quick to disclaim credit for a one-man Federation: “There ’s a ----------- — • lady sitting in Vizag translating the 25 years in December 86, Nargolwala English newsletters into Gujarati ... informed the council of the Delhi An- the new anjuman from Navsari has juman ’s plans to jjpgrade the fire jnto taken on the job of stencilling and dis- ' ‘ tributing the Gujarati newsletters... (some of) the information on reserva- 43 Parsiana December 1985 yet, its proposed venue at Devka has office-bearers who would prefer to congregate in Surat itself. Noting that the Kaikhushru Pallonji Katrak Dar-e-Meher will be completing informed the council of the Delhi An- an adaran in fulfilment of a promise made to Ms Shirinbai Katrak, the ma ­ jor donor after whose husband the Old Wrist Watches Wanted Advertiser wishes to buy OLD wrist 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.I i! 1 ii 5-1 IN MEMORIAM Jamshedji: leadership for paints Irani: industrial accomplishments shana and Sirdar for his “meritorious services to the community. ” “An outstanding sportsman ” since his college days, Irani was the president of the Mysore Sports Club for 26 years and revived the Mysore Race Club Ltd taking over as chairman and senior steward for 15 years. The eldest child of Khudamurad and Motibai, Irani “called himself a fata ­ list, believing that an unseen hand shapes human destiny, ” wrote Raian. He studied at the Ferguson and Wadia Colleges at Pune and could converse in Gujarati, Marathi, English, Persian, Dari, Urdu and a little bit of Kannada, notes the release. Irani ’s wife,Sheila, is a social worker who has been nominated for two terms as a member of the Mysore Legislative Council. She is presently on the senate of the University of Mysore. Irani also leaves behind his daughter Morvarid and sons Raian and Kairus. members of the family (two uncles and two brothers) while His Highness the Irani’s Ideal Died: Farrokh Khudamurad Irani, 64, Maharaja Sri Jayachamaraja Wadeyar founder of Ideal Jawa, the first auto- also consented to be on the board of Died: Jal Jamshedji, 74, founder of mobile factory in Karnataka; at Bom- directors, ” states a write-up from the Noble Paints,^ “one of the first indige ­ bay ’s Breach Candy Hospital on Octo- family. nous paint manufactories in India, ” on ber 24, 1985 following liver and kidney Irani also founded Yezdi Distilleries October 21, 1985 in Bombay following complications. in Mysore. heart complications. In a condolence message sent by the Chairman of the Mysore Chamber Jamshedji was credited with provid- Karnataka chief minister Ramakrishna of Commerce for 21 years and a Rota- ing the leadership for introducing Hegde, Irani ’s death was described as a rian, Irani ’s philanthropic activities in- paints like Fyretard, Polycote and Uni ­ great loss to the industrial fraternity eluded chairing the Holdsworth Me- versal Basic Stainer on the Indian since he was one of those responsible morial (Mission) Hospital, serving the scene, notes a write-up. After Indepen- for the industrialization of Mysore. _ — Ideal Jawa, which employs nearly and being appointed as senate member ned. Noble Paints was appointed “sup- 2,500 workers and 160 distributors all of the Mysore University for two pliers of paints and distempers ” to the over India, manufactures over five terms. He was also president of the first three Presidents of India. lakh Yezdi motorcycles every year. Company-managed Physically Handi- “Asachild,JalJamshedjiwasfasci- “ After the Second World War, Irani capped Trust and the Ideal Jawa Rota- nated with nature ’s colors... and as- and his uncle R.S. Irani were represen- ry School Trust, mentions the write- pired to be a color chemist combining tatives for leading English and Cze- up. the aesthetics of color with science ” choslovak motorcycles in India at their When public celebrations of the Das- noted a press release issued on the oc- concern Ideal Motors at Bombay and sera festival were discontinued by the casion of Noble ’s golden jubilee. He at Poona, and all along it had been the Government of Mysore, a committee founded the Company in 1934 at Reay young Irani ’s dream to start in this of citizens headed by Irani, continued Road, with only 10 workers and three country, with foreign collaboration, a the festival for three years in the late staff members, notes a press release, motorcycle factory. The driving ambi- 1970s till its revival by the State, recall- His stress on research and development tion of himself and his uncle in this ed his son Raian. helped the Company grow. regard eventually fructified when they Irani ’s social accomplishments won' Presently Noble ’s have a work force founded Ideal Jawa (India) Pvt Ltd at him the distinction “of being inducted of 90 employees.and operate from their Mysore in 1960, the first automobile into the Order of Kentucky Colonels factory on a 10-acre plot of land at factory in the State, and the first major by the Governor of Kentucky State, ” New Bombay. industry in Mysore city (which was noted the release. The late Maharaja of then scheduled as a backward Indus- Mysore, Jayachamaraja Wadeyar con- Dinyar and daughters Villy, Roshan, trial area). His co-directors were all ferred on Irani the titles of Rajasabhu- Meheroo and Dinoo. Colorful life Irani also founded Yezdi Distilleries October 21, 1985 in Bombay following in Mysore. Chairman of the Mysore Chamber Mysore City Improvement Trust Board dence when import of paints was ban- He is survived by his wife Kati, son 44 Parsiana December 1965