Feb 1986

February 1986 Volume 8 No 8, Rs 2 New Panday Dharamshala to open A boon to outstation Zoroastrians visiting Bombay. Parinaz Toddywalla * It is planned to lease the ground floor and basement of the new building to a commercial establishment on a After taking the cost of construction leave and licence basis. The income “With a view to giving maximum bene- tion to the manager, there will be an fits to upcoijntry Parsis visiting Bom- attendant on each of the three floors to bay for reasons of business, health, look after the needs of the passengers, marriage or pleasure, ” a new three ­ storeyed dharamshala is likely to be and maintenance into consideration, it thus generated could be used for the inaugurated in the second week of has been decided to charge Rs 12 per upkeep of the dharamshala and for March. Constructed on the site of the day, per passenger, not including tea paying the various municipal taxes, now partially demolished 110-year- and breakfast and Rs 15 per head if There are ambitious plans “to convert old Panday Dharamshala at Thakurd- occupying a self-contained room. The the terrace into a roof garden like war, the project has been undertaken rate in the old building was two rupees Hotel Heritage ” but considering that by the Seth Merwanjee Framjee Pan- per day, per passenger. Joshi specified there are two overhead tanks, the car- day Charitable Funds. The same trust that they have been forced to increase pet area is restricted. I manages the Panday Sanatorium at the rates as water tax and municipal Colaba and the Lakkar Bazar (timber assessment charges have become obli- the dharamshala building includes a ' “ ' ~ gatory at the new building. One pas- view of Bombay’s high-rise buildings “The buildi^i'will be able to accom- senger, from the old dharamshala like Kanchenjunga, Usha Kiran and modate almost'50 to 60 travellers, the building, complained of the hike in Sterling Apartments against the north same strength to which we catered pre- rates, noting that “though justified in eastern sky; on the western horizon is viously, ” said Rustom Joshi, a trustee other cities, it should not be the case the Arabian Sea in the distance as of the property. Each storey can with this dharamshala which has large sighted from the Marine Drive end; to accommodate approximately 20 occu- funds. ” Fellow passenger Piloo Patel, the north west, a train grinds to a halt pants and there are rooms of varying sizes to suit the requirements of in- Poona, countered, “for the price we southeast can be noticed the congestion dividuals and families. pay we cannot expect more. ” and traffic of the Girgaum-Chira Except for two self-contained rooms “ , on each floor which have an attached ing has plans for a central kitchen on ! to share the four common bathrooms breakfast will be provided. If a reason- on each landing. “All bathrooms have able number of passengers make a re- the same rules will hold good for'the I geyser facilities, ” noted Joshi. While quest that meals should also be sup- new dharamshala. Maximum length of beds with mattresses and linen will be plied, then the trustees may think of stay permitted will be 14 days, though supplied, Joshi clarified, “we will not extending the kitchen facilities, says extension may be granted in certain provide towels and napkins.” In addi- manager Rustom Siganporia. cases if the trustees are convinced that j s ( The panaroma from the terrace of I Colaba and the Lakkar Bazar (timb |r merchants) propierty at Grant Road. funds. ” Fellow passenger Piloo Patel, a handwriting psychologist from at Charni Road Station; and in the pay we cannot expect more. ” Though the new dharamshala build- Bazar area. A plaque affixed on the old dharam- bath, the other occupants are expected the first floor, initially only tea and shala building lists the terms and con- . ___ ditions of stay. Barring a few changes,SVi! s construction permission was granted by the municipality on the understand- ; ing that the Panday Trust agrees to a j set-back of land, in addition to re- ¦ * serving a small plot for a BEST sub- - station. ” J station. ” But this arrangement has evoked re ­ sentment from two Parsis, Limji Pan­ day, a stockbroker and Dr Homi Karapatel, a homeopath, who have levelled charges of misappropriation of funds against the trustees of the Seth Merwanjee Framjee Panday Charit ­ able Funds, notes a news item in The Daily of August 20, 1985. Reportedly, the two plaintiffs had applied to the ' Charity Commissioner of Bombay for his consent to file a suit for the removal of three trustees — Rustom Joshi, Cool R. Joshi (who has been appointed managing trustee) and Dara D. Vania , — for alleged mismanagement and breach of trust. The fourth trustee on the board is Dara R. Zaiwalla. The case is now pending with the Deputy Charity Commissioner and depending J on the outcome, either party can file a fe petition with t|ie High Court. I The other grievances listed by the I plaintiffs according to The Daily's report, are “the proposal to let out the ground floor and basement in the dha- g ramshala; not crediting to the accounts 1 of the Trust the income of over one I lakh of rupees earned from the sale I of coconuts grown in Merwan Baug I (where the Panday Sanatorium is situa- I ted); not maintaining the sanatoriam I under the Trust ’s care in a proper I manner while showing vast amounts as I having been spent on repairs; and I allowing non-Parsis to occupy rooms I in the sanatorium in flagrant breach of High roofed corridor at old dharamshala. (Photos: Homyar Mistrv) trust deed. As per a report in The Bombay there is a valid reason. There are the ladies are allotted rooms, while un- Samachar of February 9, 1986, Joshi usual prohibitions like not drinking, accompanied males are expected to en- has “denied each and every charge gambling, cooking or playing loud joy camp life on the verandah where made by his detractors. ” Though pee- music in the rooms, and other condi- almost a dozen beds are lined up. ved with the criticism levelled against tions like speaking courteously to the “ manager and debarring accommoda- better to have some rooms lying vacant luctant to reply on the basis of the mat- tion to lunatics. and making the men sleep out instead ter being sub Judice. However, during “Even while the new construction of later facing complications when they the course of the interview reference was made to “three development per ­ missions which were obtained in 1982 with the cooperation of our architect ¦¦ 9 ' ’"^41 » !•< ¦’ h i * I . .r. Bi It I. i J- W I sR almost a dozen beds are lined up. “Past experience has taught us that it is the Trust management, Joshi was re- was under progress and for six months refuse to move out, ” narrated Sigan­ thereafter ” while they were awaiting poria who has been on the job for the the No Objection Certificate (NOC) past 12 years. from the Urban Land Ceiling Depart ­ ment and the clearance certificate from operative, the remaining portion of the municipality, the trustees “conti- “the old structure will be demolished nued to provide services in the nine and on the site will be constructed a rooms at the old dharamshala build- building of residential flats to be let to ing.” As per the prevailing practice at Parsis on a leave and licence basis,” the old dhMramsh^a, only families and explained Joshi who continued, “Re- Once the new dharamshala becomes Facin^ pa^e: (Top) Frontage of new dharainshala. (Center) Self-contained room at new budding. (Bottom) New structure standing adjacent to old dharamshala. 2 Parsiana February 19B6 i ( It ?¦ i 4 f ^.1 } H. B ,3^^ 3 Parsiana February 1986 ’¦*, ®S^ 4 i’ >1 ¦ i ;^4BS»<; IK f- CJ^ 4W exhausting their resources and then appealing to the public for funds. We have paid Rs 75,000 as deposit to the municipality against possible misuse of the basement. Naturally we want re ­ turns on our investment... To cite one example of how conservative we are with the Trust funds, we made special efforts whereby the cement controller gave us permission for 3,200 bags of levy cement and this has benefited our Trust by Rs 75,000. “1 am the son of Burjor Joshi, the Potato King of India, and am involved with the Panday properties because of my wife Gool who is the great grand ­ daughter of Merwanjee N. Panday. I have been neglecting the maintenance of my own estates (being preoccupied with the Panday Trust). My father-in- law made me promise him on his deathbed, not once, but twice that I would never resign as trustee of Pan­ day Charities... It is very easy to criti ­ cize, but difficult to provide accommo ­ dation for the community. Parsi, thy name is charity. ’ The old saying can no longer be applied to present-day Parsis who seem to have substituted, for their motto, ‘I must devour chairty. ”’ M.K. Kelkar for our sanatorium pro- ........ perty at Colaba, the dharamshala at Thakurdwar and the Lakkar Bazar property at Grant Road where there . are 80 tenants. OL' “Before redevelopment of any of ¦1^ our three properties could be dreamt * of, the trustees gave notices to all occu­ pants of the Panday Sanatorium. Some 35 illegal occupants joined hands under the leadership of Burjor Engineer, took the trustees to court and pleaded that the trustees could not deoccupy them without due process of law, and got an order to that effect. This has vir­ tually brought about a halt in the deve ­ lopment of the Colaba property. “The trustees then thought of re ­ developing the dharamshala property. After taking permission from the Cha­ rity Commissioner and passing of plans for the construction of a three ­ storeyed building, the work commen ­ ced. Construction work began in March ’84 and by May ’85 the struc ­ ture was complete. “Our reason for leasing the ground floor and basement to a commercial enterprise is because we want our pro­ jects to be self-financing. We don ’t want to be like other Parsi trusts. » i i t !I i I READERS' FORUM 1 From Malthus to Mirza Mehr, who chaired the Fourth World tion meeting that he feared it might be Zoroastrian Congress when delibera- construed as interference when the pre- tions on the subject of WZO member- sident of the Allahabad Parsi Zoroas- ship were conducted. From your trian Anjuman (APZA) requested him report, we note with interest that to write to Mr Dossa Ghandhi. whereas all the discussions at the ratan h . sagar Fourth World Zoroastrian Congress Ex-Presidem — Trustee, apza have been edited by Ms Homai Mody and Mr Aspie Moddie, strangely, Mr J.N. Guzder has taken on himself the Mr Homi J. Rogers ’ review of Dastur special task of handling the discussions H.K. Mirza’s book (Parsiana, August on the World Zoroastrian Organiza­ tion. May we ask why? The WZO will continue to function with Dastur Dr Mirza, globally for the benefit of the commu ­ nity generally and Zoroastrians of tially address or speak and write about goodwill and anjumans the world over our Dasturs. should join happily in this unifying enterprise as many have done already, only a very highly educated and cultur ­ ed person but also the highest Dastur of the Iranshah, the fire of which was kindled by Sant Neryosang Dhaval on the Sanjan Hill 1^65 years ago, five 1985) seems to have been penned in great anger as if he had an axe to grind As Parsis we must learn to reveren- Dastur Dr Hormazdyar Mirza is not {¦ h S.F. CAPTAIN Vice-President, WZO, London I Federation’s new lease... This is to clarify a report on the Bazam years after we landed on the Sanjan Fund of Allahabad in “The Federa- coast (716 AD or 85 YZ). Dastur Mirza tion ’s new lease of life ” {Parsiana, is Dhaval ’s direct descendant. December 1985). Mr Rogers ought to know that he Accofding to a resolution passed at a owes his existence as Parsi (for that general meeting of Bazme Jashne Roze matter all Parsis do) to Dastur Mirza’s Behram at Allahabad on February 14, forefather, the great saint. I am sure Mr Rogers did not mean to Readers' views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, 1952, the Bazam Fund — the amount Readers* Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. of Rs 12,364 — was sent to the BPP comment the way he did and for that Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are with necessary requests for utilization matter a word of regret would be suffi- subject to editing for reasons of space of the interests accrued. This money cient. This will inculcate a lot of res ­ and clarity. vvas not meant for the benefit of the pect for our Zoroastrian priests which ¦ Ghandhi Daremeher. is generally lacking and is the root In 1984-85 on specific instructions cause of the exodus from this profes- from the BPP for relieving the Bazme ’s sion, besides the general poverty. Even Federation opts for. . . Fund, the general body meeting was today, most Parsis speak of our priests We are appalled to read the comments convened for an amicable settlement in jest or in contemptuous terms. This purported to have been made by Mr after proper rapprochement with the must change if we want to attract the J.N. Guzder in “Federation opts for present heir, Mr Dossa Ghandhi. The progeny of mobeds to active priest ­ reservation ” {Parsiana, August 1985, affidavits of agreement signed by the hood and only persons like Mr Rogers page 98). To call the World Zoroas­ trian Organization (WZO) “farcical ” and “a hoax” is quite extraordinary proprietor of the Ghandhi Daremeher, and disgraceful, and in so saying Mr J.N. Guzder has demeaned himself. Isn’t it strange that Mr Guzder should by the notary at Allahabad. In res- tended by me towards Dastur Mirza cable WZO, London and come all the ponse to this the BPP agreed to release while reviewing the book authored by way to London for a meeting on August 25,1985 with such an organiza­ tion? WZO is a reality and is function ­ ing with dignity for the greater benefit report that the BPP feels that it will not guage used by me in my review. How- of the community. be prudent for the custodian to part ever, nowhere in his letter does he pin- We would also like to point out that with the money without a mandate, point any statement(s) that he finds the proposition made by WZO is in line However I fully endorse the view ex- abusive or vituperative. with the summing up by Dr Farhang pressed by Dr Golwalla in the Federa- president-trustee, Dr Ratan H. Sagar can do it. Will Mr Rogers rise to the oc- and Mr Dossa Ghandhi as managing casion? , < API K..I. KATII A were finally sent to the BPP for neces- Homi Rogers replies sary action, after being duly certified Nothing malicious or vindictive was in­ the funds of Rs 71,657.64 vide their let- him. I am sorry to learn that Capt ter of May 16, 1985. Katila feels that 1 have been irreverent I am surprised to learn from your to Dastur Mirza by the type of lan- Contrary to what Capt Katila feels, I 5 Parsiana February 1966 iI have the greatest personal respect for a child with a non-Parsi surname. That ____ ___ 1_ _ Dastur Mirza, and many other athra- we can accept. But 1 warn you dear co- community — if we were liberated we vans. It is because of this that I started religionists, “the writing is on the certainly would not need to change this my review by mentioning Dastur Mir- wall. ’’ Read, think, digest and lastly unfair law. Our lawyers should take up za’s title (head priest of Udwada), and do something about it. ' noted that if Mirza felt that the long ­ term existence of the community is in whose navjote was performed in the danger, it is “really disturbing. ’’ If I USA by a bold Parsi priest, which 1 do had scant regard for Dastur Mirza, I not whole-heartedly support; but these CER SCIllilldr would not have taken his observation Americanized Parsi priests will defini- A one-day seminar on youth^nd self- seriously, and proceeded to nail the tely perform navjotes of children of employment, a pilot project in the field coffin of what 1 consider a substandard • Parsi ladies married to non-Parsi Ame- of career guidance, was organized by work. 1 have similarly, in my conclud- rican citizens who are broad-minded the CER — Youth Wing. The proceed ­ ing paragraph, commended the wide and willing to make their children ings were open to members of all com- reading and personal experiences Das- Zoroastrians. munities and of all ages, so that the tur Mirza has to his credit. We are about to enter the twenty- resulting 290 delegates comprised a Howevei;^ what is important is that first century. Let us think ahead. We varied lot of people. no scholar should be relegated to an claim that our Prime Minister is a Parsi The question that flows through armchair status. Least of all, Dastur who even resembles his father Firoze everybody ’s mind is, “so what was it Mirza, whose ancestors, as put forth Gandhi in features and behavior. I am actually like? ’’ The answer to that is by Capt Katila, strove hard to keep the sure even now, if he so wishes, Parsi mixed. The organization was effective, religion alive, at times which were even priests, will fall over each other to per- Despite an initial delay in starting, the 1 ’ ’¦ ¦ ¦ it, therefore, wrong of a reviewer to ex ­ pect a person of Dastur Mirza’s erudi- r r. bhai hi na tion and family background, not to adopt an ostrich-like approach to the oCSt WOman journalist religion ’s problems? I would like to reiterate that no malice or disrespect was intended by matchstick on his wife ’’ (K.S. Pavri’s each delegate a chance to air his/her me in the first place. However, if in- I ~ ' advertently the same has seeped its way Parsi husbands are more liberal with in myfeview, and if an apology in print their wives than many husbands in the .. __ _______ , would serve to inculcate respect for our world (although this is debatable) and the seminar far too communal in ap- priests, and correct any damage done that a Parsi woman has social freedom, proach. According to Parmindar Singh to Dastur Mirza and other priests of Does Pavrf realize that whether the Thappar, a student of St Xavier ’s Col ­ our community, this rejoinder ma.y be woman is a Parsi or not she is a human lege, Bombay, “The atmosphere was treated so. being and therefore must have the claustrophobic and most speakers too ripnrivino larlioe*’ same rights as the man? There is no de- parochial. ’’Unfortunately, this caused LTcpriviiig iduie.b. nying the fact that the Parsi law of in- a number of people to leave midway. Many Zoroastrian ladies married to heritance is unjust to women as was ex- Secondly, the ironic question that non-Parsis would like to impart Zoro- plained in a write-up by Shahnaz lurks in one ’s mind, is: in a seminar on astrianism to their children and have Anklesaria which Pavri has apparently youth employment, where was the their navjote performed. Unfortunate- only glossed over. youth? “Another thought, ’’ says Jam- ly our priests are not willing to perform According to Pavri, asking for basic shed Deboo, a student delegate, “is this sacred ceremony on the so-called rights “if stretched too far, would not that the life stories related were mainly “durvand ” child. be in the interest of any community! ’’ of success. They did not provide a total Who gives the child religious in- Is this not stretching the M.C.P.’s (male picture of struggles against evils like struction? Who takes the child to the chauvinist pig’s) ego too far? Accor- corruption and bureaucracy. Some of agiary or the atash bahram? Who pre- ding to Pavri then, a Parsi man should the less successful entrepreneurs should pares the child for the navjote? Almost get two-third of his parents ’ inheri- be invited to provide a view of both always the mother. Very seldom the tance (if they die without a will) and sides of the coin.’’ father, who is busy working, earning a only one-third can go to his dearly be- livelihood or is not interested in his loved sister, own religion except for wearing the sudreh-kusti. _ _ __ Why deprive a Zoroastrian lady intelligent Parsi woman. Matida na available, financial requirements, etc.) from teaching Zoroastrianism to her matha per kai seenghra nathi oogia by the organizers or each speaker ’s own child whose non-Parsi father (Men are not special — they have “no paper could have been circulated for Today there is only one Peterson We are a biased, narrow-minded this issue and help change this law. BHICOO MANEKSHAW New Del hr more hostile than the present clime. Is form his navjote, just because his seminar ended on time, and business father was a Parsi. proceedings were conducted in a for­ mal, yet friendly manner. Frequent question-answer sessions provided for immediate clarifications of one ’s We all know that “no Parsi man will doubts and the questionnaires circulat- ever dream of using kerosene and a ed at the selhinar ’s completion gave letter in Parsiana, July 1985) and that views for improvements of future semi- I nars. Several non-Parsi delegates found - All speakers provided useful practi ­ cal tips on their respective careers. Men must realize that they will not These should either have been tabulat- get anywhere by trying to ridicule the ed (i.e. specific qualifications, courses from teaching Zoroastrianism to her matha per kai seenghra nathi oogia by the organizers or each speaker ’s doesn ’t object to it but willingly con- horns upon their heads ’’). Full marks handy future reference. sents to it? to Shahnaz. Carry on your excellent Lastly, most of the vocations chosen The Bombay Parsi Punchayet may work and all intelligent women are for discussion were socially accepted, not agree to extend its charities to such behind you. established and with two exceptions. 6 Parsiana February 1986largely commercial. But how about ly 1985) it is clear that Ahura Mazda novel avenues awaiting exploration — tests humans to the extent to which like photography, catering, the social they are able to strive against demons sciences or psychology, the arts or the by following the religious tenets. His research sciences? These had no place omnipresence and omniscience are not in the day ’s proceedings — yet, gang- disputed even by Russell. These ing from the response given to the com- “demons ” and the like are allowed by puter presentation by Adi Cooper, it Ahura Mazda as per his plan. He is was obvious that youngsters are look ­ ing for occupation away from hum­ drum clerical work and are ready for new challenges. A thought-provoking seminar would palmistry, numerology, clairvoyance, be meaningless without adequate fol- etc. have made it possible to predict the low-up machinery. As per several sug­ gestions, the CER has consented to serve as an i new entrepreneurs to established ones in varied fields, giving young people the first all-important push in life ’s ini­ tial fight. Also, more such seminars should be organized for students just out of school and their parents, in order to open before them vistas of fresh occu­ pations so that parents do not push their kids into the first “secure ” voca­ tion available. \n hi rzin misiry also present at the time of death of every human. Therefore death can never be called temporary victory of the “demon. ” Reference to astrology, exact time of death. There were originally 1001 names of intermediary, introducing Ahura Mazda and subsequently Adar- Marespand reduced them to 101 names as he thought it fit for the changing times. The truncated number of God ’s names since the last 1800 years cannot be considered of recent origin as suggested by Khojeste Mis­ tree. In all ijashni ceremonies, the 101 names of Ahura Mazda have been recited from times immemorial. “Har- ves-pa-tavaan ” is the third word mean- Is God all-powerful? Dr J.R. Russell in his letter (Parsiana, July 1985) gives different happenings Dokhitienashini unhygienic (death, physical impurity, lying, Dara J.D. Cama has quoted, from a violence) which are a world Parsi Punchayet correspondence No R phenomenon and affect all the 925 dated October 25, 1967, Dastur religions of the world and not only Dabu and S.R. Vakil in defence of his Zoroastrianism. Thus all the religions contention that the present method of of the world also have to admit that disposal of dead Parsis is unhygienic God is not omnipotent as per Russell ’s (Parsiana, May 1985). The Dadar line of thinking. The whole world, Jashan Committee has published a therefore, should not believe in God,as book Dokhmenashini and Khurshed God has not been able to control the Nagirashni, justifying this method of “objective evil ” for the last innume- disposal of dead Parsis as ecologically rable years of existence of this world, sound with opinions of Western scho- Also all religions state that at the Final lars (who have visited the dokhma Judgment, God takes into account a sites) as well as local Parsi savants, lifetime ’s thoughts, words and deeds K.S. Pavri has written a lengthy arti- — good and bad. It is therefore clear de in Jani-e-Jamshed of September 21, that the proposal of Russell to the ef- 1985 describing his personal experience feet that God is not all-powerful leads inside a dokhma. Bombay Parsi Pun- ' chayet chairman Dr Aspi F. Golwalla K.S. Pavri has written a lengthy arti- to absurdity and wrong conclusions. chayet chairman Dr Aspi F. Golwalla It is not understood why Russell is was also a signatory of a letter dated following our religion, as stated by him September 29, 1973 from six BPP trus- in his other lectures. Weak-minded tees which opposed the views of S.R. Parsis may even convert themselves to Vakil who entered the dokhma. Dastur other religions as these religions clearly Khurshed S. Daboo’s articles on Dokh- state that God is all-powerful. This is menashini printed in Jam-e-Jamshed the sly way of getting-Parsis converted of September 25, 1973, May 26, 1974 to other religions. NAmnAMBm-x and June 29, 1974 have been extracted in the Jashan Committee book. They do not substantiate Dara Gama ’s viewpoint. NAJOO A. MEHTA Coimbatore With reference to J.R. Russell ’s letter ‘Is God all-powerful? ’ (Parsiana, Ju- MANI K. PAI I 1 7 Parsiana February 1986 A hundred years ago Indian students in England. In the letter I wrote to you about five months ago, giving some account of the career of Pandit Shyamji Krish- navarma, of Balliol College at this University, I stated that he had re ­ cently passed an extremely credit ­ able examination in Divinity (in­ cluding the four Gospels in the origi ­ nal Greek). I added that this was the first instance on record of a non­ Christian student successfully sur­ mounting difficulties which to Asia­ tic minds, nurtured in a wholly diffe ­ rent atmosphere, have hitherto ap­ peared insuperable. Will you allow me to express my regret that in mak­ ing this statement I unintentionally did some injustice to C.M.Cursetjee, who took his degree in 1867? That gentleman informs me that being a non-Christian he had the option of taking up two extra classical authors instead of the Divinity course, but that he selected the latter entirely from a wish to study and understand a system of religion that has obtain ­ ed so vast a hold on the civilized world. Without doubt all honour is due to Cursetjee for this largeness of mind. At the same time, without detracting from his merits, I venture to point out that his case is not quite parallel. He came to England at an earlier age than Shyamji and was^o a much gre ­ ater degree anglicized in his ideas and opinions. He was not pro­ foundly versed in his own sacred lan ­ guage and sacred books, and being a Parsi, was not fenced around by iron barriers of caste, and prohibited under appalling penalties from leaving the land of the Aryans to seek interchange of thought and social contact with English Mlecchas in their own country. .. Monier Williams Balliol College, Oxford Reprinted from The Times of India, ! !• i i 11 I 1 iZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Dastur Kutar award “To encourage children of Zoroas­ trians permanently settled in the Uni­ ted Kingdom, to take up the profession of medicine, ” a fund has been estab ­ lished in the memory of Dastur Dr Sohrab Hormasji Kutar with a capital of £ 5,000, notes a special announce ­ ment in the June newsletter of The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) received in Bombay on Decem ­ ber 28, 1985. The Fund, intituled by Dr (Ms) Shirinbanoo S. Kutar, wife of the late Dastur and, like him a medical practi ­ tioner, is entrusted to the ZTFE com ­ mittee which “is charged with the dis ­ tribution of the income from the en ­ dowment for Zoroastrian students felt being “rendered unserviceable by and the chairman of Hart ’s road safety meeting the condition of the endow- someone cutting it wilfully, ” notes a committee and has been appointed ment, on their successfully passing the report in the ZTFE newsletter. The deputy traffic commissioner for the second and final M.B. examinations. ” committee has therefore spent about southeast by the department of trans ­ Students are therefore requested to £5(X) to repair the table once more. To port, adds the write-up. apply to the Fund if eligible, adds the prevent such misuse in future, access announcement. . ¦ c J W 83 . J . • K i < I ¦V ? •jT I (Left) County Councillor Jessavala with wife Anne. (Rifiht) Hakhshuvt^iving the best The billiard table at Zoroastrian House present he is the deputy vice chairman was once again a vandal ’s victim, the of the county ’s education committee A keen cricket and table tennis to the billiard room has been restric- player, Jessavala Slso organized youth ted to members of the Billiards Club, exchange trips during 1985 to coincide “To facilitate the dispersement of and a special sub-committee compri- with the International Youth Year, ashes after cremation, the Association sing Soli Master, Hoshang Khambatta has planned a rose garden at the and Darius Sethna instituted, adds the ted in India, left for the UK nearly 30 Brookwood Cemetery grounds, ’’notes write-up. years ago, and “went into engjneer- the ZTFE newsletter of October 1985. , ing,” notes a press release issued by his A Commemorative Wall will surround Jessavala’s political triumph cousin Jer Jussawala. He is married to the garden, where memoriams by the Independent candidate for the county Anne, an Englishwoman, and has two deceased family may be inscribed on a standard plaque, adds the write-up. Rates will be decided after the project defeating his nearest rival by 2,600 is complete. votes. This was Britain ’s biggest ma ­ jority for a four cornered fight which named director of the new cardio- The School of Oriental Studies, Lon- included the Labour, Liberal and Con- vascular department at the Dameron don, holds post-graduate courses on Zoroastrianism at a cost of £700. However these are in danger of being newspaper, terminated due to lack of students, notes the ZTFE newsletter. Those in- umph” Jessavala, was invited to join terested in joining the course may con- the Queen at a Buckingham Palace gar- tact Ms Beroze M. Mody, honorary den party, which was “undoubtedly have a support system that is indispen- secretary, at Zoroastrian House, 88 the highlight of my political career, ” Compayne Gardens, London NW6 notes Jessavala in the report. 3RU. Jessavala, who was born and educa- of Fleet, UK, Keki Jessavala, won the children. County Council.elections in July 1985 Mending hearts Dr Shahroukh Bakhshay has been n servative parties, noted the Fleet and Hospital, Stockton, California, notes District Courier, a UK based daily an article in the October issue of Dameron Digest, aw publication of Following this “overwhelming tri- Dameron Hospital. “When you have a cardiovascular surgery program in a hospital, you sable to patients. If the heart should stop during even the most routine “Already I have had people asking admittance or surgery, a team is on me when I am going to stand for Par- hand that is trained to deal with the Zoroastrians- in the United Kingdom liament. When I have learned enough situation right on the spot. There is no are having difficulty in purchasing from my experiences on local councils, sandalwood due to export restrictions, notes the ZTFE newsletter. “The Asso- Jessavala in the report, ciation would be grateful if anyone arriving from India or Pakistan would stranger to the corridors of power, ” bring sandalwood pieces, tachho and notes the newspaper, adding that he practice in Stockton since 1978, studied loban. Cost of goods will be reim ­ bursed, ” adds the write-up. need to move the patient to another I will hopefully become an MP” notes hospital for specialized care, ” says Dr Bakhshay in the article, noting the Forty-nine-year-old Jessavala “is no need for such a department. Bakhshay, who has his own private has served on both Hampshire and at St Xavier ’s College, Bombay and Hart District Councils, for 14 years. At later did his internship at Grant Medi- t I ! “ i i H i I I" f 9 Parsiana February 1986F f J ?. I I However, the culmination of Bakh- nia, last November. The session was cal College. He then “began 10 years of intensive surgical study and practice shay’s dreams, came when he worked initiated, organized and chaired by in the United States under a series of with the famed heart surgeon Dr Den- H. Michael Simmons, director of the internationally known and acclaimed ton Cooley, at the Texas Heart Insti- Center for Zoroastrian Research, pioneers in the field of heart surgery, ” adds the write-up. In 1968, he started his surgical resi- surgery acceptable, the man who train- Irani of City College, New York. dency at Providence Medical Center in ed the majority of heart surgeons in the Seattle, receiving a fellowship in car­ diovascular surgery under the tutelage of Dr Lester Sauvage, a leading heart spending the extra years in refining his versity, was based on the preliminary surgeon in northwest USA, says the speciality, because, “I didn ’t want to findings of the survey he had con- Digest. Of his time with Sauvage, come out of medical school with just ducted recently on Zoroastrian com- Bakhshay says, “I always wanted to be one viewpoint. I wanted to learn from munities outside India. “Although it a cardiovascular specialist, but after all the masters and retain the best from was a preliminary exposition, it dis- working so closely with Dr Sauvage, I their collective minds... All the doctors closed several interesting connections knew I would be committed to mend- I studied with were the best in their between social variables and socio-rdi- ing hearts for the rest of my life. ” fields, but each had a different view- gious attitudes, ” notes Irani in the Bakhshay then started a two-year point, a different technique... My release. formal training in cardiovascular sur- patients are getting the best of Che A detailed commentary by Dr Far- gery in 1973, under another internatio- best. ” hang Mehr of Boston University fol- nal authority and pioneer, Frances Robiscek, and later took a fellowship skater and teacher, Bakhshay has two important questions regarding infe ­ at Rush Medical School in Chicago and daughters, Perrine and Shirin, adds the rences from the survey and their impli- worked with Dr Ormond Julian, an- article. cations for the various communities. ” other pioneer. Dr Hassan Najafy, who . . Mehr, suggested some correlations is chairman of the American Board of Aoroastriail Consultation among the dispersed communities, so Thorascic Surgery, and Dr Hooshang For the first time, the American Aca- as to better define critical attitudes Javid, who Invented the Javid Shunt (a demy of Religion held a consultation within them, adds Irani. mechanism which maintains circula- (presentation with discussion) on con- tion to the brain while carotid or artery temporary Zoroastrianism, at its an- surgery is bejng performed). tute. “Cooley, ” says Bakhshay in the Bloomington, Indiana, notes a press article, “is the man who made heart release issued by Prof Kaikhosrov D. Four papers were presented at the world. ” convention. A report and analysis by Bakhshay says he has no regrets in Prof John Hinnells of Manchester Uni- 1 Cl patients are getting the best of Che best. ” Married to Dympna, a master ice lowed Hinnells ’ presentation, “raising article. Irani himself presented a paper on “Strands of belief and practice in con- nual convention at Anaheim, Califor- temporary Zoroastrianism ” discussing 7^ Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors DarabshawB.Cursetjee's Sons (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. Darabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay - 400 038. Grams; 'DEADWEIGHT' Phone; 260021 (4 Lines) (Dock Office: 262230) Telex: 5824 DBCB IN Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Mangalore, Bhavnagar, Bedi-port, Navlakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla. Also sole Government.Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhavnagar. 11 Parsiana February 1986 ¦t1 T T T T 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 Eguipment Selection, Counselling, Portfolio Investments, Operating 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! ICBSUKlimited IN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WITH BRITISH EQUIPMENT (LEASING I LIMITED, (UKl Registered Office: 317 Maker Chambers V, 221 Nariman Point. Bombay 400 021. Tel: 243855 Telex: 011 6205 Crams; MAZDALEASE « RAKA:627:85 I i Zoroastrian the “theological conception of the Gathas, the Bundahishn, the Yashts, and the Vendidad, which coexist in the scheme of the religious life of the com­ munity, ” states the write-up. As Columbia University ’s Prof James Russell could not attend the consultation, his paper describing the ritual of Muskkel-Asan (Behram Yazad as trouble-shooter) was read in his absence. Russell described the cir­ cumstances under which he had obser ­ ved the performance of the ritual which consists of relating and enacting a story. The Academy, which has an inter ­ national membership of about 5,000, holds consultations on various reli ­ gions of the world, and on various theological and historical aspects of the more prevalent religions. More consul ­ tations on Zoroastrianism may be ex ­ pected, says Irani. Houston elections The Zoroastrian Association of Houston has unanimously reelected Khurshed Naval Wadia as its chairman for a two-year Term. The election was held in December, 1985. The committee includes treasurer Bomi Gazder, recorder Adil Maval- valla and members Homee Davier- walla, Kaemerz Dotiwalla, Sarosh Col ­ lector and Nargesh Sethna, notes the 1985 directory of the Association. The 15-page directory lists 115 members giving the name, address, telephone number and profession of each. Started in 1975, the Association is looking out for five acres of land on which to build their own community center which, according to Wadia, may * ; cost anything between $5,(XX) to $6,tXX). Wadia is “pretty sure ” of col ­ lecting the amounL because “several people give donations on a monthly basis.” Towards this aim, the Associa­ tion organized a dinner/dance on Christmas eve, where tickets were $50 a couple, says Wadia. The Association, apart from orga­ nizing sports events and picnics, also runs a Sunday school. The school which is conducted by professor Far­ rokh P. Mistree, is held at the residence of Arnavaz H. Sethna, notes Wadia. ZANC elections Along with its annual ghambar func­ tion, the Zarthoshti Anjuman of Nor­ thern California (ZANC) held its elec ­ tions for a new board of directors and ! •. tf * h N ¦ i' 12 Parsiana February 1966(Left) Erani:. developing good study skills ('Eight) Khambatta: first Parsi in 100 years served for three years as department head at the Indian Learning Center after taking a masters degree in special education from the Northern State College, notes the report. However, after moving to Aberdeen, Erani applied for a job with the assis­ tant superintendent in the Aberdeen Public School District. After two years of teaching gifted students there, Erani received her masters degree in adminis ­ tration and applied for the job of prin- trustees on November 16, 1985, notes come your relevant articles and sugges- cipal. the December issue of ZANC News, the official newsletter of the Associa­ tion, edited by Darius Captain. The new president of ZANC is un- St. Delafrooz, Vali Asr Ave, Farther president for the year 1985-86, Bomi P. contested candidate Darius Captain, from three way of Dr. Beheshti, Teh- Khambatta, is considered to be “the first Vice-president Erach Tarapore, trus- ran, Iran. Parsi president of the Karachi Gym- tees Farokh Cooper, Dhun Engineer . , khana in the last 100 years, ” notes the and Espi Sanjana and secretary Firoze EduCStioniSt Eraill Karachi-based newspaper Parsi Sansar Doctor also came uncontested to the Now a US citizen, Aban Homi Erani ane Lok Sevak of October 26, 1985. board, notes the newsletter. was selected from among 35 appli- Of a total 1,111 votes cast (the gym- Treasurer Mahiyar Irani, and direc- cants, for appointment as principal of khana’s permanent membership num- tors Dinyar Lashkari, Jimmy Maku- the Simmons Elementary School, in bers 2,206), Khambalta secured a jina and Bejan Malbari were elected by Aberdeen, USA, informs Ms Nerges record 676 votes — more than double a substantial majority, as per the news- Erani of Steelage. that of his nearest rival, Murtaza Sid- letter ’s breakdown of votes. In an interview with American news diqui, adds the rep^t. writer Mike Gast, Erani is quoted as The new ichiss tci wanting to “push up the reading and USA fellowship fOr Wania A monthly publication Tehissta (an writing skills of the students here... “In recognition of his yeoman services Avestan word meaning knowledge or I’ve found that there is a lack of those in the field of ophthalmology and his wisdom, Tchissta i.s the name of the skills in the whole school district, constant pursuit in its advancement, ” ’ angel presiding over religious know- Children here just do not have the de- Dr Jamshed H. Wania of Pakistan was ledge) has been revived by the Soran sire to write. .. The discipline needed awarded the Fellowship of the Ameri- Sorushian Foundation of Tehran, to develop good study skills and work can College of Surgeons (FACS), notes notes a press release. habits is not as good as it could be, ” Parsi Sansar, a Karachi newspaper. Revived in October 1985, the Persian notes Erani. Wania is the only Pakistani ophthal- language journal is being published by Parviz Malakpour, the only Zoroas- philosophy, with psychology and edu- pients to win this honor, and is “the trian member of the Irani Majlis (par- cation as subsidiary subjects. A two- li. , liament). The journal contains general year teacher ’s training course fol- f r I tions for books on Iranian studies. ” . . For subscription and information Karachi Gym prCSldCIlt contact Hormozd Sorushian at No. 5, Karachi Gymkhana ’s newly elected In an interview with American news writer Mike Gast, Erani is quoted as habits is not as good as it could be, ” Born in India, Erani graduated in mologist among almost 1,500 reci- only Pakistani to have an.operation named after him, known as Wania’s articles and information, together with lowed, after which she taught in India Operation, ” notes the report, studies in ancient Iranian history and for a few years, notes the report. Holding important positions in va- Zoroastrian civilization and can be Six years ago, Aban, her husband rious capacities in 10 institutions, subscribed to at the rate of Irani Rials Homi and children Khuzana, Zarir and Wania is also president elect of the 4000 (Rs 520) for 10 issues, notes the Delna migrated to the USA, and settled Ophthalmological Society of Pakistan, write-up. The Soran Sorushian Foundation, set up in memory of Soran Sorushian, a student of aerospace engineering at the Arizona State University, USA who passed away in October 1984 in an accident, was formed “to fulfil his thirst for learning and zest for life, ” in­ forms the release issued by Soran’s father Hormazd Sorushian, founder of the Trust. “The Foundation also aims at fund ­ ing the publication of one or two books per annum and is willing to fund re ­ search in Iranology, ” notes Hormozd Sorushian, who adds, “we shall wel- in Pierre, South Dakota where she adds the write-up. 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 13 Parsiana February T9d6 1 ( HI ¦ L'(HEALTH The Mahim Association ’s little pavi­ lion at one end of the field off Chotani Road, Mahim was ahum with activity. A banner on the compound gate wel ­ comed local Zoroastrians to a dental camp. In the only room, hastily con­ verted into an auditorium, young par­ ents and their children were packed on adds, folding chairs, tables and a cot. The The Zoroastrian windows were dosed for clearer ______ _ „ , viewing of the slides projected on a opted for work in the < ' " Dentists Organization makeshift screen as the Zoroastrian camps. Eight were ready with expertise . , , Dentists Organization ’s (ZDO) secre- . ’ ’ ’ “ IS holdupg < ” ~ ._____ I . , . falls of unhealthy dental practices, denial camps to raise “^mg the sUdes to appropriately under- haal+h consequences of inade- neaitn awareness. qnate demal care. Arnn%/n-> c ZDO president Dr Cyrus Daruwala orthodontic treatment provided there Arnavaz S.Mama contrasted the trend towards healthier • ' ^^ere teeth and gums in the advanced coun- tries with the conditions prevailing in <• *1, r ' ---------- ••vzn.vii viiaijjc 1& ICVICU community by the end of pending upon the family income the century, Daruwala says the ZDO t:_ anu UUIISCIUUS OI preventive dentistry the value of what they receive. If everv- to the peoole in the form nf SnnH^v thino .-o r__ ________ Filling community’s cavities in gum diseases,says Turner. “How­ ever the incidence of tooth decay (cavi­ ties) which was once low in our coun­ try, has been going up while elsewhere in the world the rate has been decli ­ ning. Sad to say, there are too many cavities among Parsi children, ’’ he Of the ZDO’s total strength of 70 members, a panel of 17 doctors have community camps. Eight were ready with expertise and advice on December 8, 1985 at the _____ , a practicing orthodontist who also serves Mahim pavilion. Dr Sorab Javeri rJlilc nr imhAolfhtr ___ • .... ’ the community every Wednesday mor ­ ning at the Lady Jehangir Health Unit at Gamadia Colony spoke about the ¦f • 7:? ; it . at very nominal rates. “Most of the material required is imported and pro- ,1 . . ....... ..... o ™ vided by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet fifth charge is levied de- the century, ’’ Daruwala says the ZDO to the people in the form of Sunday thing*' ’ir done "free? morning programs featuring an audio- - visu^ on oral health a free dental ............ ............. . ..e™> o, un.eren, i u children who are rewarded types of dental malformations reouir- J With hygiene kits (a toothbrush and '------ “ ’ ’ - ' toothpaste) and a dental health com ­ petition for children under 10 years, featuring prizes for the top four sets of teeth. The kits and prizes are by cour­ tesy of Hindustan Ciba Geigy Ltd. India, as a country, leads the world Ranina, Randena, Turner and Javeri:inculcating proper dental hygiene. (LefH Turner with natient-froo _____.... . . • i urner , ---------, so that people ar^aware and conscious of . no one ’ gives a damn. ’’ Referring to the needs of different ing orthodontic care, Javeri noted that all cases cannot be treated by remov ­ able appliances (braces), though they are cheaper. The fixed appliances (semi permanent contraptions fixed by-the dentist for specified periods of time) result in a better finish, as the coopera- wZzZ, patient.free checkups (PhoIos^H^rM^tryr' I 14 Parsiana February 1906 a ¦ Sj * 15’ Wl w * sgB J. ' I ¦K tion of the child is ensured. The fixed appliances are not manufactured local ­ ly, according to Javeri and though they involve more work on the part of the dentist, the end result is often more gratifying. India has recently reached the stage decay. “Fluoride, ” says Turner, The ZDO is about 30 years old, in- where the population is able to satisfy “helps the body to recreate new ena- forms Dr Dinshaw Sohrabjee, chair- its high desire for sugary consumables, mel. The importance of fluoride tooth ­ man of the preventive dentistry prog- says Homi Randeria, advertising and paste in reducing the incidence of den- ram. “In between it had almost died marketing manager, of Hindustan tai decay has been well documented the off, but it has now come up again Ciba Geigy, one of the main sponsors world over. ” (since about 1981).” According to Soh- helping the Indian Dental Association The fiuoridization of water supply rabjee, the organization ’s first aim has (IDA) in achieving its goal of total oral has led to a dramatic improvement in been to help Parsi dental students. The hygiene by 20(X) AD. The ZDO’s drive dental health abroad. But even metro- second aim is to help the community in towards community betterment is an politan India cannot hope for this faci- general and the poorer bangs in parti- offshoot of the nationwide drive of the lity for a long time to come as it in- cular. To that en^ the ZDO is basically IDA, says Randeria. volves heavy investment in specialized practicing preventive dentistry at vari- The awareness of the detrimental plants — unthinkable in a country OUS Parsi colonies, the idea being to effect of frequent sugar consumption where the very distribution of drinking come back after a year to see what needs to be inculcated. It ’s not con- water is well below par. One way round follow-up is required. It ’s not all sumption of sugar which causes dental the problem is the use of fluoride tab ­ smooth sailing “There are a lot of pro- problems but the style of consumption, lets by children, but Searle India, who hibitions, ” says Sohrabjee. You have for example sucking sweets over long introduced them some time ago, dis- to “convince the baug people of the periods of time. According to Turner, continued production when demand need (for the camps) before you can get giving a child a packet of glucose bis- failed to measure up, informed Rande- them to agree. They all think you’re cuits to munch on intermittently,is ask- ria. Hence, the only fluoride product ing for trouble. Residual sugar in the readily available to the consumer, is mouth is consumed by bacteria, result- fluoride toothpaste, ing in acids which dissolve tooth enamel and lead to cavities. The dentists were at pains to decry Turner, “Just wash the fallen tooth the tendency to substitute the tooth- and report to the dentist at the earliest brush with a finger, which fails to re- with the tooth held under the tongue or move the plaque — sticky colonies of preserved in a bowl of water — a liquid bacteria which form on teeth as a mat- environment is essential for the preser- ter of course. Plaque if not removed in vation of the tooth. ” Turner noted time by regular brushing (with a soft that though silver fillings are the time brush with rounded bristles — a hard honored thing, composite resins (tooth brush can damage gums and teeth) and colored filling materials) are being in­ flossing (lengths of a special, tough creasingly used. Apart from being less nylon thread are held tightly to scrape expensive, the resins eliminate possible plaque off sides of teeth) hardens into hazards of mercury which is used along tartar which in turn leads to swelling with silver. Though they are not as and bleeding of the gums. long lasting as silver, the resins are When plaque is not regularly re- aesthetically superior as they are not moved, the bacteria attack the gums., obvious as are the silver fillings which causing them to swell and bleed — a show as black patches among the teeth, condition known as gingivitis in dental jargon. “Bleeding gums is the first sign rect the mistaken belief that the den- of gum disease, ” says Turner. “Go to tist ’s functions ended with the preser- your dentist immediately. Don’t wait vation or extraction of teeth. Any oral for the gums to hurt — by that time it abnormality, like an ulcer that does not is too late. ” For the second stage of heal in 15 days,must be shown to the peridontitis (pyorrhea) is then reached, dentist who, “knowing the normal, when the bones encircling the teeth are can detect the abnormal ” easily. Thus affected and the gums are full of pus, he notes. The present dental technology em- alcohol consumption, nutritional defi- phasizes the virtues of “fluoride which ciency or chronic irritation, would be has been known to reinforce tooth ena- recognized and treated early, with mel, naturally mend damaged enamel greater probability of complete re- and even reverse the process of tooth covery. ORAL HEALTH India has recently reached the stage decay. The awareness of the detrimental plants — unthinkable in a country rr j The incidence of tooth decay has beqn going up. There are too many cavities among Parsi children." / / New techniques >lso help to preserve teeth normally lost in accidents..Says •< I trying to get something out of them! Once they know, they cooperate (but) waking them up is difficult. ” The ZDO is desirous of keeping it ­ self in the professional forefront. To maintain continuous education for its members, the organization holds scien ­ tific symposia twice a year “so that Zoroastrian dentists will remain know­ ledgeable and responsible. ” There are plans to hold a World Zoroastrian Dental Congress in Bombay in Jan­ uary, 1988. “We are trying to get Zoroastrian dentists from all over the world to come and share their know­ ledge with us.” Also on the anvil are plans to collect enough money to undertake therapeutic dentistry for the community, perhaps set up a proper treatment center at the B.D. Petit Par- see General Hospital. An ideal, if the resources are available, is to shepherd Turner was particularly keen to cor- oral cancer, which may result from tobacco chewing or beedi smoking, continued on page 18 17 Parsiana February 1966Ij IN MEMORiAM ¦I PZASH’s pilot Died: Jamshid Dinsha Italia, 78, vice- president of the Federation of Parsi chairman of many companies. two books: Parsi Charity Relief and Zoroastrian Anjumans of India and He was instrumental in introducing Communal Amelioration and Laa- president of the Parsi Zoroastrian An- the Rotary Club to Hyderabad and chaareeno atkav athva oonnatti ne juman of Secunderabad and Hydera- gradually spreading its activities maarge (Prevention of helplessness or bad (PZASH) on September 20, 1985 throughout Andhra Pradesh. He took on the path to progress). after being confined to bed for almost an active interest in education and was a month, in Hyderabad. < ' ‘ j___ “Squadron Leader Italia (retired) Hanumanth Rao Girls ’ High School. served our Anjuman for a total num- I “ ber of 23 years, joining as a member of son Dr Farid, and daughters Yasmin ’ FILLING COMMUNITY’S ... one student at a time through dentistry by ensuring his capitation fee. The ZDO’s program, which began nalized, he joined his father in business r ‘ . 1,1 ,1___ and has since been the director and organizations enabled him to author Bulsara ’s experience with charitable He is survived by his son Dr Soli and on the board of governors of Madapati daughter Silloo Albless. Italia is survived by his wife Aimai, continued from page 17 Hl I ’’’ I f the Anjuman^anaging committee and Sehnaz and Femida. later became trustee/president of our Anjuman. He rendered yeoman service Serving trusts and charities to the community in general and the Died: Dr Jal Feerose Bulsara, 86, for- with its first camp at Navroze Baug in Anjuman in particular by his dynamic mer secretary of the Bombay Parsi 1984, has a committed champion in interest in the welfare of our commu- Punchayet Funds and Properties and BPP trustee Homi Ranina. Raninawas nity, ” noted a write-up in the Anju- Bombay’s onetime deputy municipal requested to inaugurate the Navroze man ’s newsletter of November 4, 1985. commissioner on November 13, 1985, Baug camp on the basis that “the The executive council of the Federa- at Bombay. youngest trustee would be the most tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of During his tenure in the Parsi Pun- energetic. ’’ The dentists are enthused India honored Italia ’s memory at the chayet office, Bulsara brought about by “his very keen interest, ’’ and regu- Bombay meeting on November 9. “many administrative changes in the lar flow of suggestions. Ranina himself Federation vice-president Shiavax Nar- set-up of the welfare department, ’’ believes that mSre camps are necessary golwala described Italia as “a staunch noted a resolution passed by the BPP to raise the level of consciousness of supporter of the Federation. When the trustees at a board meeting on Novem- Parsi parents on this subject. Federation was in danger of breaking ber 19, 1985. Ranina, who considered it the up, Italic stood like the Rock of Gib­ raltar and prevented the break-up of as joint secretary and worked in that parents ’’ to inculcate proper dental the Federation. In him, we have lost an capacity for 10 years after which he hygiene among the young, lauded the honest, upright man, a man sincerely took over as secretary to the Trust on dentists ’ endeavors for community devoted to the cause of the commu- August 1, 1940. The Industrial Insti- betterment and hoped their example nity. ” tute for Men at Tardeo was started in would be followed by other medical At a special general body meeting 1934 on Bulsara ’s recommendation, specialists. He specifically appealed to convened on September 26, 1985 to stated the resolution. On being ap- community ophthalmologists to under ­ condole the death of its president, the pointed as deputy municipal commis- take “regular eye camps in the colonies Anjuman members recalled Italia ’s sioner of Bombay, Bulsara resigned as there are many children with eye dedication and help to the community from the BPP in early 1941. problems. Even general practitioners at all times, especially while he was pre- “Dr Bulsara was an eminent urban could give free service to the commu- sident of the Anjuman for eight years, sociologist, a recognized authority on nity. Cardiac failures could start with He was also the president of the Bai local self government and visiting pro- hypertension. Routine blood pressure Maneckbai Nusserwanji Chinoy Fire fessor at various British universities, ’’ and blood sugar checkups could avoid Temple Endowment Trust Fund at noted a resolution passed at a condo- complications... They are simple Hyderabad. lence meeting organized by the Maha- things, but important. If done, a lot of After completing his schooling in In- rashtra State Branch of the Indian ailments could be avoided. ’’ dia, Italia proceeded to Birmingham, Council of Social Welfare, Bombay England, to complete his BCom. Civic Trust and the Nirmala Niketan the Bai A.F. Petit Girls ’ High School While in England “he developed a pas- College of Social Work. in Bandra, on February 23, 1986. The sion for flying and joined the Royal In- Bulsara acquired his MA, LLB 17 dental surgeons subscribing to the dian Airforce as a pilot during the Se- degrees before proceeding to London preventive dentistry program include: cond World War. He was mentioned in for his doctorate. For several years he Dinshaw Sohrabjee, Cyrus Daruwala, despatches during the war and rose to served the United Nations Organiza- Keki Mistry, Ratan Doctor, Sam Sahu- the rank of squadron leader, ’’notes a tion as an officer on special duty with kar, Framroze Antia, S.B. Master, write-up on Italia sent by PZASH. At headquarters at Bangkok. He was also Dinshaw Boga, Porus Turner, Sorab the instance of his father, it is reported, a founder member of the Civic Trust in Javeri, Xerces Umrigar, Fali Driver, Italia left the Air Force and joined Bombay and in the latter part of his life Daisy Marolia, Behroze Hiramanek, Deccan Airways as its financial con- was associated with several social wel- Zenobia Bhathena, Farokh Bharucha troller. When the airlines were natio- fare institutions and charitable trusts, and Aspy Surveyor. Bulsara joined the office of the BPP “moral obligation and duty of the The next camp is due to be held at j 18 Parsiana February 1996