Mar 1986

Jamshed Aga IZA president • MARCH 1966 PRICE RS 6 w I ,'S V ¦ y-’ x*- r ¦'¦V ' '¦^ * A ¦> '•< I L*'* i<*>‘ / 4^ ? ¦ Sportin t/t' X. J 11?-^ 1*;; J r>Ji ton ond Jasmin ethna 2 < /¦* & } 3 •5? 7 SS'S's Morch 1986 Volume 8 Number 9 EDITOR Jehangir Paltl MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Toddywalla ASSOCIATE EDITOR Niloofer Madon DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN ASSISTANTS Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernondez MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penho CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L. Arora CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Josmine Driver, Khurshid Donjwalla D,AT,A PROCESSING Rohinton Mistry OFFICE Rajendra Nayak, Madhuri Dabral, Khurshid Balsara, Patricia Lewis 1 Readers' Forum 13 Events and Personalities 16d Zoroastrians Abroad 19 The assisting anjuman by Arnavaz Mama 25 Hope in the new world 31 Behavior 41 Sports Fun(d) fair by Parinaz Toddywalla i 51 A feather in her pugree? by Niloofer Madon 55 A club for gentlemen C.M. Cursetjee 65 Business 75 Creation of employment opportunities by Darius Forbes r 79 The relevance of Zoroastrianism by John Hinnells 88a In Memoriam Cover.-Transparencies of Ago,AyrtonandArethnaby Homyar Mistry Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd al C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsan Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400 001 and printed by him al 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 Io Parsiana, G.P.O. 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 rales: 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 favor of Parsiana ¦ and posted to G.P.O. 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.A* I READ«»*^UM ¦ , •-^1 ¦^ll^'•|iUl I......... ¦'¦¦¦— niH I i I iS shirts and ties very uncomfortable; in responded angtily to this. the hot Indian climate they are impose 5 ¦- ' - sible. I lecture here in a sweater, as any , pose^, d mustadmit that they were quite reader of yfurmagazme ^ho happens justified in feeling offended that a non- Parsi or Irani should seem to presume to cjictate to their community, and at that, in strident and sometimes disres- _ ---------. ___ . u pectful ways. They also felt, 1 think, bia (tel. 280-5587), and shall be honor- the lU;. which I did not myself believe, and 1 |« ‘K Ife To be fair to those whose views I op­ pose, to be visiting New York is more than welcome to verify; 1 shall be happy to .S have Zoroastrian guests at my classes any Monday or Wednesday at Colum- ed to offer them tea and sweets, as the real business of Zoroastrian studies is 'v carried on. OR JAMES R RUSSELL New York i'fs that some of the orthodox wished, as a bloc, to disrupt their Congress. I wrote some months ago to Ms Farangis Shah- rokh (president of the Zoroastrian Center at Los Angeles) to express my regret at things said in the heat of argu­ ment, to express my misgivings in an I open and friendly way, and to seek avenues of reconciliation. It is not the job of a scholar to be ,----- , . I controversial or a preacher; but I do pression is sought tojse createtmtt believe in the Zoroastrian religion and Z-----" ' —,- ¦ I think my understanding of its princi- i.„........ --- . pal doctrines is at least supported by a AET are individuals who have their careful, scholarly reading of the texts. I ; “ ' hold these tenets as a matter of faith of conviction to express their v^ws. and shall continue to uphold them. Other members of AET, excepling its even if I am the last person on earth to chairman, may be of eminenc^in do so. At the same time, may I say that ” •my modest scholarship is at the dispo­ sal of your community? 1 have no wish to tell you how to practice your reli­ gion. I am also fully aware that reli- The ZS connection • Under the caption “Zoroastrian Stu- J dies connection” in the Position Paper / of the Athravan Educational Trust : (AET) (Parsiana, January 1986) an im- ¦ ¦' I Zoroastrian Studies (ZS) will not domi­ nate the AET show, since “members of # r:1 own freedom of thought and courage - • *¦ > .^4 Other members of AET, excepting its •’A their own respective fields of work, but their background and experience do not equip them to make any meaning- ful contribution towards religious aspects of the AET. The fact, there- fore, is that ZS is going to dominate the AET show. This is further bortte out by the fact that Ms S. Munshi, trustee ZS, whilst L commenting on an article “Addressing the AET” (Parsiana, January 1986), has expressed at some length that AET is the brainchild of ZS: “Both AET- ' and ZS are manned by personnel com­ mon to both organizations.. .the edu cation of the Zoroastrian priesthood Readers' views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor. Readers' Forum, Parsiana. G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are gions undergo reform and diversiticar subject to editing for reasons of space (jon. In stating firmly and with convic- and clarity. tion what I believe the texts say, I am - ----- - ------------ . . ' " not presuming to order anyone about; if that is what it sounds like, then I _______ hope you will have the good grace to Porus Coopedneeds to be compliment- recognize that friendship and concern A large part of the interview with Khojeste Mistree (“Mistree: grave balance” — Parsiana, October ,1985) ------- - was devoted to the strange question of falls very much within the scope and not be happy at the division and il, will tre ^nT inti’: a" whieh ZS has worked since its, incep. Republic Day receptions in the Indian Consulate; and at social or religious gatherings. The first reason for my do­ ing this is that I find the white garment a beautiful statement of the truth and iviii/.a a..M ... ----- purity of Zoroastrian thought, and der to AET’s Position Pai^r, regard-- here I stress again that 1 regard myself ing the founder of ZS, speaks Volumes.^ • - ----------------- All critics of AET have unequivocallfypy “Learning to coexist ed for his comprehensive and careful alone kindle verbaj passion, report on the Fifth North American Zoroastrian Congress (Parsiana, Octo­ ber 1985). Many harsh words were traded as emotions flared and one can- im- of the event. Suffice it to say that the organizers seem to have invited as speakers only those Zoroastrian and non-Zoroastrian scholars whose views concurred with their own. One pur­ portedly sociological study presented at the youth panel described traditio­ nalist or ritualist respondents as‘fana- _ - tical,’ as though that were a technical as a believer in the Zoroastrian reli- term. The unfairness of all this was gion, though I am not a Parsi or Irani palpable. Towards the end of the Con- by nationality and do not claim any presenting a view of Zoroastrianism in J ambit of ZS and has been a cause for \ tion.” The typical style of functioning/% of ZS has filtered down to the AET as well. The opinion expressed by Dasturjis ; Mirza and JamaspAsa in their rejoin- j stated that this ZS connection is not on*;^ ly not desirable because of its inabilitj^r - cresr7was'atUdted by one speaker as communal membership or formal con- to impart the right type of training for in version. In addition to this; 1 And the ntobeds; but ,s dangerous because , gion, though I am not a Parsi or Irani ly not desirable because of its inability; \ Parsiana Man^ 1S6B ** \.£r^ ¦Si'.V I of the faith shattering dogmas like non- them » Hindus of the same level. I was How can anyone who loves ouf reli- omnipotence of God and Prophet under the impression that we came to gion and wants to be part of lis, d«- — they want to change themselves. If freedom of choice in the broadest sense is a cardinal doctrine in Zarathushtra’s teachings — who are we to deny it to And Ms Mistry questions, “when others? And is it not a fact that con­ verts are usually more devout than per­ sons who have been born into the reli- no quality left? And what quality are gion? we talking about? In our day-to-day Jives are we any different to other people? There is no unity amongst us, we are always bickering, we cannot cepted only if both parents give their decide on one single issue. It is but consent when they are minors; if after natural that we love our own commu- reaching majority they wishr to come How can anyone who loves our reli- Zarathushtra being an ordinary thinker India because of religious persecution troy us? They do not want to change and philosopher and not a yazat as and to retain our religion. Why would stipulated in the scriptures. Mobeds we want to convert? Surely if Zara- trained with such concepts will spell thushtra were with us today, he would ruin of the religion and the communi- not have refused converts? ty. No wonder, therefore, that the ZS j..................... connection is the main bone of conten- has quantity ever preceded quality?” tion in the controversy that has raged What are we going to do when there is ------------- SOHR AC N. PATWA Laws were made. .. May I please know what Ms Shirin J. Mistry means when she refers to the stigma of a “Hhlf breed” child in “Laws were made to be followed” {Parsiana, December 1985)? I don’t nity, but that does not mean that we into the religion — we should not bar understand how a stigma can be at- are superior. them. tached to an innocent child born of Well done Joseph Peterson and the Let us have a panel of learned and parents of different religions? A child priests who admitted you to our fold. 1 wise elders to ensure that only genuine is a child — the-so called stigma is only hope there will be many more like you. adults join our fold. This should set at in the minds of people who think jt so. ” “ " ' There is no such thing as a “pure race” any more, we are all a mixture of dif- much as you do. for material gains. ferent blood. The Jewish millions survived the We are one world — how can we Ms Mistry says that Zoroastrians holocaust — because they were in mil- ever say that if onemarries out of one’s still retain their racial origins because lions! We are creating a slow holocaust religion one has married the wrong the Hindus in India would not accept of our own! man and brought shame on the family against the AET. May I suggest that there should be no forceful conversions. While child­ ren of mixed marriages should be ac- are superior. Well done Joseph Peterson and the is a child — the-so called stigma is only hope there will be many more like you. Very few of those who have condemn- rest the minds of people who feel that ed you, know about our religion as others want to become Zoroastrians much as you do. The Jewish millions survived the • v * 'f 11 it Ballard Estate Bombay-400 038. PHONE: 268211 CABLE: GRANDOTEL 3 Parsi^te March 7996 I (i ¦ f- Forever pleasant forever yours There's everything. Simply everything from a friendly welcome to a personalised service. You'll find all the comforts and luxuries of a 5 star hotel at 3 star cost, amidst the right atmosphere of grandeur. The rooms are air conditioned and equipped with telephones 4 channel T.V. and piped music. We also provide rooms to accommodate 25 to 125 persons for seminars meetings and receptions. Our restaurant offers you a wide choice of muglai, Chinese and continental dishes. Come any time. You'll love being here. We'll make you smile in everything we do. Grand Hotel s X o < *?• * J '^4* ¦? J.¦; GALLERY CHEMOULD keeps a^arge and current stock of oil paintings, graphics & water-colours of well-known and up & coming artists name and honor? It broke my heart when I read young Faranaz Irani’s note (Parsiana, De­ cember 1985, page 14) saying, “My brother and I are born of a Zoroastrian father and a non-Zoroastrian mother, but we owe our mother a tremendous sense of gratitude for helping to bring us up as good Zoroastrians. She taught us our prayers, and we have always turned to her with questions about the religion. For our family, and I speak especially for myself, not to have her share the experience of muktad days and the Gatha readings, has been diffi­ cult to accept.” Is this the excellence of a religion we are supposed to practice — to deny a good and generous human being the beauties of our religion? BHICOO .1. MANEKSHAW New Oelhi With Best Compliments From R. We also give Services in Retouching & Renovation of old paintings Valuation Framing Lamination Gallery Chemould First floor Jehangir Art Gallery Bombay 400 023 Tel: 244856 Careers with Mazda Mazda Leasing, which started just two years ago as an integrated finance and leasing company, has diversified and will soon become an industrial conglo­ merate of companies in diverse fields. It will be known as Mazda Industries and Leasing Limited (MIL). MIL will be involved in the manu­ facture of hydraulic systems with a whole range of micro power packs and valves. It will also manufacture indus­ trial controllers with electronic opera­ tions. There will be a fabrication divi­ sion which will manufacture machines used for mixing of polyols and poly­ urethane and also electronic beam radiation curing machines. MIL will also be involved in the rrianufacture of varied industrial parts made out of polyurethane. MIL will further be floating two associate companies: one will be in­ volved in manufacture of basic raw materials for polyurethane and the other for manufacture of printed cir­ cuit boards (PCBs) and CCD video cameras and surface wave filters for TV. This massive diversification and ex­ pansion will enable MIL to offer employment to a large number of trained and experienced technical per­ sonnel. Other things remainiiig equal, MIL would always like to consider eli­ gibility of qualified Zoroastrians. The entire diversification of MIL is with NOWROJEE &CO. Security Multicolour Printers Pattonji Compound, Dadoji Kondev Cross Marg, Victoria Carden, Bombay-400 027. Tel: Press 8722550, 8510617 ¦1 5 Parsiana March 19S6 German c©H^orations and this gives an excellent opportunity to its staff to get trained^in Germany. ¦t.g-. .y tr.r.*'-'>' g; ii- t For Indian Sweets & 'W lA, Dairy Products a • 3i i ’ ft ' L 3 IVI a I I, It ' : V is e I PARSI DAIRY FARM Estd. 1916 261/63, Shamaldas Gandhi Marg Bombay-400 002 Tel. NO. 313633/4 The expansion of MIL is centered near Sanjan on the border of Maha­ rashtra and Gujarat. MIL believes in encouraging Zoroastrians to move away from Bombay and settle in the land of their forefathers and prosper in a clean and healthy environment. The recent housing scheme of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet at Sanjan will be an added impetus. MIL itself will offer residential accommodation at Sanjan to senior technical personnel. MIL would like to embark upon a program of recruiting the right tech­ nical personnel and put them on train­ ing. Our requirements will be for deg­ ree or diploma holders in mechanical engineering with specialization in hydraulics (design and fabrication pre­ ferred); chemical engineers with background of plastics and polyure­ thane; and electronic engineers with specialization in industrial control sys­ tems. MIL will also be requiring field staff for marketing, sales and service. It plans to have offices at Delhi, Calcut­ ta, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Pune. There will also be need for personnel in accounts, computerization, cost mana­ gement and company law. We at MIL would like to receive ap­ plications from Zoroastrian boys and girls who meet with our broad require­ ments. MIL will prepare a data bank of these applications and endeavor to absorb as many as we possibly can. MIL also does consultancy work for clients and from this data bank it can recommend the right candidate for at­ tractive jobs in their constituent com­ panies. All applications must be mailed to: The Managing Director, Mazda Leas­ ing Limited, 317 Maker Chambers V, 221 Nariman Point, Bombay 4{X) 021 and must be superscribed with the post applied for. With compliments of NATIONAL PEROXIDE LIMITED ¦'¦4 6 Parsiana March 1986 HOMI 1). MEHTA Managing Director, Mazda Leasing Scarce sandalwood The price of good sandalwood has gone up to Rs 130 per kilogram, and is likely to increase in future. Similarly, the price of kathi is also increasing and may be unavailable after some years as our forest lands are diminishing day by day. While the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and allied associations are discussing other religious matters at meetings and•Ta«i 1 . 4 11 11 r zll LALA TOURS A WEALTH OF HOLIDAYS KASHMIR Cost: Rs. 2,425/- (II Class) Departure: Apr 16, May 5, May 13, May 21. KASHMIR DELUXE TOUR BY AIR WITH SUPERIOR HOTELS Cosfl Rs. 6,000/- Departure: May 10, May 17, May 24. SRI LANKA DELUXE TOUR BY AIR WITH SUPERIOR HOTELS Cost: Rs. 3,650/- -I- U.S. $145/- Departure: May 11, May 25. ANDAMANS BY RAIL & AIR Cost: Rs. 4,650/- Departure: May 16. SIMLA—MANALI . Cost: Rs. 2,475 (II Class) Departure: May 7. MUSSOURIE Cost: Rs. 1,555/- (II Class) Departure: May 12. NAINITAL Cost:\Rs. 1,895/- (II Class) Departure: May 5. SOUTH INDIA Cost: Rs. 2,725/- (II Class) Departure: May 8. DARJEELING Cost: Rs. 2,175/- (11 Class) Departure: May 9. NEPAL BY RAIL & AIR Cost: Rs. 2,675/- Departure: May 13. NEPAL-DARJEELING BY RAIL & AIR Cost: Rs. 4,750/- Departure: May 14. SINGAPORE SPREE Cost: Rs. 6,950/- + U.S. $50/- Rs. 4,450/- + U.S. $50/- Departures: Apr 24; May 1; 8, May 15, 22, 29; Jun 5. SINGAPORE SPECTACULAR Cost; Rs. 8,250/- + U.S. $75/- Rs. 5,950/- + U.S. $75/- Departures: May 5, 12. HOLIDAY HONGKONG Cost: Rs. 11,250/- -I- U.S. $75/- Rs. 7,250/- -I- U.S. $75/- Departures: May 8, 22, Jun 5. JAPAN & THE EAST Cost: Rs. 17,990/- + U.S. $250/- Rs. 11,990/- + U.S. $250/- Departures: Moy 5, 19. MINI EUROPE Cost: Rs. 14,950/- + U.S. $100/- Rs. 9,950/- + U.S. $100/- Departures: May 6, 13, 20, Jun 17. EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE Cost: Rs. 16,950/- + U.S. $200/- Rs. 11,950/- + U.S. $200/- Deportures: May 6, 13, 20, Jun 17. AMERICAN ADVENTURE Cost; Rs. 22,250/- + U.S. $200/- Rs. 15,250/- + U.S. $200/- Departures: May 4, 11., 18. JET AMERICA Cost: Rs. 25,950/- + U.S. $200/- Rs. 15,950/- + U.S. $200/- Departures: May 17; Jun 1. For further details contact: H.K. LALA & CO. . Capitol Cinema Bldg., Opp. New Empire Cinemo, Murzban Rood, Bombay 400001. tel: 2043006, 2045094;^045744. Coble: EDTOURS. Telex: Oli-3$BO LATO IN. Bonsilol Villa, Sobhoni Road,Colaba, Bomboy 400005. Tel; 211925. 8 Parsiana March 1966 conferences,, it is high time some solu-: tion is worked out so that we may conri tinue to get sandalwood and kathi al reasonable prices. While the younger generation of tcH day is becoming more religion con^ scious, we cannot sit tight and talk onlj of the present. According to me, unlesi suitable trees are planted right now on Zoroastrian farms, we may have tq resort to gas lit fires in the future. B.A. PAl.KHIWAI.l.A Helping hands ¦1 Our work for “Helping Hands” ii widespread as we help educate Si school and college students, give i monthly allowance to 25 widows ant have 35 paraplegic jawans on our lists. We are involved in several schemes ant our funds are all earmarked and limit- ed. We would appreciate donations td enable us to give each aged poor Zoro- astrian, Rs 100 a month. At present there are iO to 40 people on our lists. '1 Do let us know if the donation will b< continuous, or else the aged ones wiH suffer. If there is a particular person anypin wishes to sponsor, names and addr^ ses will be provided. All donation! should be made in the name of “Help­ ing Hands-Poona,” c/o No 3 Parade Ground Road, Poona Cantt. 411 001. YEZDFE .lAL PATEI Presidenl Shah Namah Qi Firdaosi Dr Bahman S. Surti of Secunderabad has been translating the Shah Namah of Firdaosi into English prose. This complete, detailed and faithful transla­ tion will enable English-speaking peo* pie to know the history, and rich herit- age and culture of Iran’s great kings' and warriors. The first volume consist-^ ing of approximately 180 pages, witH illustrations and an attractive multU color picture of Firdaosi, will be ready] before Jamshedi Nbwrooz this year. 1 Those interested in procuring a copj^ may remit Rs 50 per copy by a/c paye^ cheque.or demand draft in favor of “Central Bank of India A/c Shah_ Namah Book” and mail to Mr M.J. Giara, Dhunmai Building, 667, Lady; Jehangir Road, Dadar, Bornbay 400; 014. For outstation cheques kindly addJ bank charges Rs 10 per copy. M l. CIARAEthical religion There is a great deal of ambiguity pre­ vailing in the interpretation of the Mana). Zoroastrianism is not begging just accept without question the reli- Gathas (Yasna 30.2) by which Prophet and petitioning God for favors or for- gion of temples and rituals. Zoroas- Zarathushtra has granted us freedom giveness or of seeking vicarious salva- trianism is ethical, not magical. of thought. tion through priests. One must there- dara j. cama In the Gathas, Zarathushtra talks of how best to live the life of a house­ holder. There is no talk of death or the hereafter, no compulsive rituals of any kind. Heaven (Vuhista Ahu) or hell (Achista Ahu), is here, according to what one makes of life. Zarathushtra desired to convert people into choosing this religion of Mazda Yasna (mono­ theism), of living^o do the right,over the then prevailing religion of Deva- Yasna (polytheism). Zarathushtra has laid great stress on Vohu Mana, exhorting us to use our mature mind in all matters. His grant­ ing us freedom of thought is to enable us to choose the right religion from the wrong by thinking clearly and sanely, without illusions and traditional preju­ dices. It is therefore necessary to en­ courage the development of a pure mind which is capable of dealing with the issues of life as a whole, to enable us to respect our own noble motives. is Zoroastrianism is right living fore cultivate a discerning mind which (Asha), by right thinking (Vohu will probe into what is religion, and not giveness or of seeking vicarious salva­ tion through priests. One must there- ' * MRS. ARMAITY R. BAMANBEHRAM The first Parsee outstanding lady Professional in VIDEO SHOOTING KJ VIDEO SHOOTING |p Free Titling, Editing & y Audio-dubbings J Superior clarity in Colour & Sound recording, with special effect, music of your choice. A family memory to treasure Transferring of Super- 8 and 8 mm movies to Video Tape also done. 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Tel: 251185 11 Parsiana March 1986ki -J? .'k ¦' .j' ‘ -u -• Events and .-t^. ’-t —T '1 Personalities ’3 .'J A bungli forOahanu For the convenience of Zoroastrians in and around Dahanu, the new Daulat Darbari, were followed by a ghambar. Merwan Irani Bungli was inaugurated by chief guest Meherwan Aspandiar A hall fOF Vadodara Irani on December 17, 1985, notes a The Parsi Medical Association, which press release dated January 14, 1986, press release. ' " ..... - - - The Bungli and the six-acre aramgah Bombay, trouped to Vadodara to pre- which it services were the brain child­ ren of the late agriculturist of Dahanu, Merwan Khodadad Irani who bought struction activity of the Shri Parsi Pan- and willed the land to the Shapur Mer- chayat, Vadodara. A souvenir publish- wan Khodadad Aramgah Trust for the ed on the occasion raised monetary the new Bungli. Floral tributes to the support for the project, trustees of the aramgah Trust, archi­ tect Noshir Sagar and contractor Gafur The Panchayat is planning to con­ struct a hall in the ^i Hirabai Com­ pound of the Parsi Dharamshala to provide facilities for holding various social and cultural functions, notes a ' consists of practicing Parsi doctors of issued by its president Shavak F. Patel. The proposed hall, with an estimated sent its current hit Pappa Panva Nika- cost of five lakh rupees, plans to serve lia on March 1, 1986, in aid of the con- the needs of one and all in the city of Vadodara, and wjll have “facilities such as a modern kitchen with attached storeroom, and rest rooms with b'ath- rooms and toilets,” adds the release. The remaining amount needed for construction, “will be collected from other sources, by the Shri Parsi Pan­ chayat, Vadodara,” adds the write-up. For further information contact: The President, Shri Parsi Panchayat, Post Office Road, Fatehgunj, Vado­ dara 390002. •?« ** /¦ ’ 4 -.i •I. r ¦iyi' Religious celebrations Scholars and speakers discussed the ex­ oteric (outer) and esoteric (inner) (Left) Bungli at Dahanu ( I purpose. The Trust was named after his late son. The Bungli was inaugurated on the second death anniversary of Merwan who is interred in the aramgah, beside his wife Daulat, after whom the bungli is named. The function, attended by about 400 people, began with a jashan which was followed by a speech given by the chief guest. Irani extolled the part played by Manijehand Minoo Dinshaw Irani, daughter and son-in-law of the late philanthropist, as also his grand-dau- .ghter Tenaz Jamshed Raise who built 13 Parsiana March 1966 fOWBIK aspects of Zoroastrianism as they met to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the • pgfno: Ftweli appredHtiM Bai Dhunmai and Cawasji Dadabhai . * Dar-e-Meher, Bangalore. . The three-day celebrations commen­ ced at the Dar-e-Meher on January 24, 1986 with a jashan led by Dastur Hor- mazdiar Noshirwan Dastur, high priest of the Deccan and Poona, Dastur Dr Hormazdiar Mirza of Udwada, Ervad Nadirshah Unvalla, panthaky of the agiary, and seven others joined in the jashan, noted a write-up sent by Un­ valla who has served the adaran for the past 52 years. After felicitating the stalwarts of the Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman, Dastur Hor­ mazdiar Noshirwan highlighted the main tenets of Zoroastrianism. Businessman Hector Mehta, chief guest on the occasion, spoke about the community’s secular affairs, sum­ marizing the efforts made by indivi­ duals and institutions towards the bet­ terment of Parsis throughout India. On the religious front, Dastur Mirza birth and the purpose of his advent in- outside the Lady Jehangir Kothari Me- stressed on the physical and the accom­ panying spiritual deities of all nature’s creations; Kshnumist,Ervad K.N. Das­ toor of the Council of Vigilant Parsis (COVP) pointed to the inadequacy of Meher Master-Moos, founder of Maz- Cardin, commissioned dancer Astad the human mind to understand the dayasnie Monasterie. Deboo, to choreograph a piece for the truths of nature; Adi F. Doctor, editor. The Parsee Voice, explained the cir- LV w • ii 15 fiarsiana March 19S6 ' f. •¦ 1 Ma If- s IfiiS cumstances preceding Zarathushtra’s quet at a specially constructed mandap to the physical realms. At the question- morial Hall. answer session, queries ranging from food habits to reincarnation were an­ swered by Mirza, Dastoor, Doctor and Internationally famed couturier, Pierre Deboo for Paris >3 fS; 'a rv ’ n> ,|S The finale of the celebrations was a prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Ballet, cultural program followed by a ban- Madame Maya Plisetskaia, which was scheduled for presentation at the Espace Cardin in Paris on February 24, 1986, noted The Times of India news > report. Called Passage of Life, the 15-minute piece included a touch of In­ dian dance in the form of abhinaya or facial expressions, noted the report. Deboo himself was to present his work Fusion, comprising five dances, at the same show in Paris which was advertised for repeat performances through the week, adds the write-up. Having choreographed sequences , for the film On Wings of Fire ffor- merly 4 Quest for Zarathushtra), Deboo says in the report that his com­ bination of modern and traditional dance forms has not been appreciated , | by Indian audiences, “There is never any feedback in India and it is still dif- ficult to find a sponsor for my pro- -.J grams,” he adds. 2 Deboo, with his accompanying tech- _ 'S nical crew comprising Ratan Bath boi and Fall Unwalla (set design), Sam -43 w 1 Members of the Bombay Parsee Asso­ ciation, grouped at the base of Dadabhai biaoroji’s statue, after garlanding the statues of all the freedom fighters in Bombay, to celebrate the centenary of the Indian National Congress: vice-pre- I sidents Rusi Gandhi and Vispi Dastur, I Don Mody and president Jehangir I Shroff. ^1 Kerawalla (lights) and Noshir Daru- walla (sound), left for Moscovy to rehearse with Plisetskaia for two weeks.'5- i!1 'll I every April the college conducts a wala taught “Urine analysis arid body three-day continuing education prO- J 1 1 fluids.” She also lectured on “Patho- London award for Dalal logy in developing countries at the Ms Katayun Dalal and Dr Ranu Vani- University of Maryland, Johns Hop- kar, of the M.S. University of Ba- kins, Franklin Square Hospital and gists, scientists and teachers, and in- roda’s English department, are among other (institutes),” notes a press release eludes audiovisual presentations, states the winners of the 1985 English-Ian- received on January 6. A result of this the release, guage competition organized annually visit is an exchange program between by the English-speaking Union of the University of Maryland,department cal laboratory besides serving in an Commonwealth in London, notes a re- of medical technology, and the Sophia honorary capacity with the Lady port in The Times of India of Decern- College, which she represents. “We Jehangir Health Unit at Gamadia Col- ber 6, 1985. Co-authors of the paper “Coping there and we have laid plans for an ex- with cultures: An arialysis of culture citing 1986 schedule with them,” says transfer in second language acquisi­ tion,” Dalal and Vanikar received their award from the Duke of Edinburgh, on December 3, 1985, at Buckingham of Medical Technology, North Caro- Palace, notes the report. Their visit lina. Mowdawala worked as a full-time was sponsored by the University medical technologist at the Watts Hos- her bio-data. Grants Commission, the University of pital Laboratories for three years after Baroda and the British Council, adds which she returned to Bombay in 1974, the write-up. Up medical technology Invited to teach and participate in the undergraduate level and by 1978, with International Teachers Exchange Pro- the help of the college principal and dous scope in ^today’s corporate “ . - -- world,” the Youth Wing of the Com- _______________________________________________mittee for Economic Revival (CER) in- Sun-N-Sand wishes all its Parsi Patrons a Happy Jamshedi Navroze ( I before going on to Paris, noted a press technologist Ms Ruzbeh K Mowda- release. gram in clinical analysis where around 180 delegates participate. The program includes lectures by eminent patnolo- Mowdawala runs her own pathologi- have already had our first visitor from ony, Bombay since 1978. Secretary of the Association of Medical Technolo­ gists since its inception in 1981, Mow­ dawala has conducted several laborato­ ries at medical camps organized by the Mowdawala in the release. A post-graduate in medical techno­ logy from the Watts Hospital School Lion and Rotary clubs, the Maharash­ tra State Women’s Council, A.K. Munshi Yojna and many others, adds CER’s new course adds the write-up. “To encourage Zoroastrian youths In 1976 Mowdawala was asked to who have completed their graduation teach at Sophia College, Bombay at the to enter into the lucrative field of com­ pany secretaries, which has tremen- gram at Essex Community College, director, started a post graduate dip- Maryland, USA,last summer, medical loma in clinical analysis. Moreover, T The Pleasure Is all Yours . . Sun n Sand Hotel, Bombai/’s leading beach resort/ is only 7 kilometres auxiy from the international airport Whether ix>u are between planes, just ouernight in Bombay on business or for a fun-filled holiday, we have it ALL laid out for you ? ? Airconditioned rooms with piped music ¦kit A swimming pool with poolside snack service kit Superb dining — Indian, Continental and Chinese ? ? Hmith Club/Beauty Parlour/Barber Shop ? ? Conference/Convention facilities it it Beexheomber Bar seruii^ full measure drinks it ? Banquet/Garden Parties serving tq) to|I500 persons AND ABOVE ALL, the magnificent Bombay Sunset in all its panoramic splendour APM-SNS-81 d:i ’’j '•'I i I ’ I ^‘2 »< M t ’’^1 q •i-t •.'EJ J ¥ -I '.'I S v” T m’ V ^id lUi' /' '‘n ZQROASTRlANS ABROAD Heritage,” Dr Farhang Mehr discussed books and to funding agencies. Participant or life membership is Zoroastrianism. Groups or corpora- Facilitating research researcher engaged in the study of fhe'Center"'™ Lroastrian Research ties” and Dr Ah Jatarey ’A^rican'residen^: participant$>0an. rates, with approximation r^oTTheCZRbulletin^ 1993, which will commemorate the fr^ of charge to members. Interested first World Parliament of Religions readers may^ write to The Center for which was held in conjunction with the Zoroastrian Research,_ Membership Chicago Wodd Faujn^ . . OCiviwa, 801 ---- Bloomington, Indiana 47401, USA. The interreligious spirit “Designed to serve the needs of the Zoroastrianism and related topics,” (CZR) has begun publication of a buh letin to disseminate news of its activi­ ties as well as developments in Zoroas­ trian scholarship. The six-page inaugural number in­ cludes a^calendar for future events, general announcements of forth- 2,440) coming lectures, recent events in Zoroastrian study, descriptions of cur­ rent ICSCtXlVI., ...-- -1^----- - _ The Center is listing researchers in Zoroastrianism to develop an inter­ national network of scholars with a search data, notes the bulletin. The Center also maintains a i------------- . rary of relevant books, journals and Wp^ld s articles in order to facilitate reviews of various literature on Zoroastrianism. “Participants in the CZR network notify us (--- . oftprints of articles for our files.”' and panel discussions, operates a com­ puter assisted bibliographical survey (CABS), and offers manuscript evalua- research, notes and queries. nt or life membership is “Iranian Polity,” Dr Homi Dhalla ?idividulb interested in referred to “The Zoroastrtan Mora lism Groups or corpora- imperative: its relevance in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centu- • " and Dr Ali Jafarey described ¦ ¦’ at the annually and life Assembly whose theme was “Recover- -; yhe meet was part of an interfaith U6)"su7Rrni)andS2(X)(Rs effort leading to tl-------- ’ / the centennial of readers may write to “This meet created a stimulating Zoroastrianism to develop an inter­ national network of scholars with a view to encourage the „„ Zoroastrianism were research lib- presented at the Assembly < 600 religious leaders and scholars from over 85 nations took part f by the International Religious Founda- cated to fostering world peace, the East Tenth Street, “This meet createa a hiibumuw . environment for interchange among | zations on a global scale. The discus- f sions 1-------- religious leaders, scholars ai^ organi- focused on interreligious dia-? ,11 WVB V ----------------- at me msschu., of the logue; spiritual discipline and prac-j Religions where more than tices; the encounter with j • via.o f.—.1 poverty a«d human rights; family hfej Sponsored and learning. The question raised wasj oftheiTpubhcaUonsandsend tion, a non-profit organization dedi- . tprmisoi ariicics ivi wu. ...VO.”' _ *^°aThdd from November 15 prayer and meditation in the varied The CZR which sponsors symposia, New Jersey, USA, ditions of world religions. Through!^ Hicr'iiccinnQ. onerates a com- to 21 in iVlcAtc , j’ ._ ___ vnforroiioimK; cni ILnDJ/, aiiu wiivio *****»***w tion services to publishers of academic spoke about ‘How can religious traditions contri-i bute to the realization of world peace?’ ; “Each day the Assembly began witlu and meditation in the varied tfL notes a Dress release the conference the interreligious spiriC notes a press rei^ was culturally expressed through art,> ‘The Zarathushtrian poetry, religious chant and dance. Dastur Navrooz Minochehr-Homji With Best Compliments from SOHRAB TOURS & TRAVELS 55/6, Gultekdi, Salisbury Park, Pune 411 001 Tel: 64670 & 64671. Tlx: 145-418 4 I ¦ J fft POLITICS AND POLICY The assisting anjuman Iranian Zoroastrian Anjunnan president, Jamshed Aga, talks of the Irani community in India and Iran. Arnavaz S.Mama “More people are coming here, but tect’s office on Pherozeshah Mehta come to India for higher education, basically as a stopgap. Prosperity in * — =¦-’-----•••¦’'* i-u.,,, e—:i;----- 1----------- Iran is bound to return. In the mean­ time, saga vahalans (relatives) can help.” Burly, bespectacled Jamshed Burjor ordering the customary cups of tea, quire. “If they come on tourist visas, Aga was referring to the influx of Irani Aga proceeded to introduce Anjuman the change in status required becomes Zoroastrians into India. Incumbent secretary and treasurer Sohrab Elavia even more difficult,” says Aga. president of the Iranian Zoroastrian who had been conscripted to answer Anjuman, Bombay, Aga — who ad- queries pertaining to the Anjuman. mits to 70 years but does not show — - ¦ them — was elected to the office when minority in Iran, says Aga, and as reli- regarding the strength of the Iranian business magnate and longtime stal- gious education is compulsory, he community in Bombay: “It’s any- wart Noshir Irani passed away sudden- notes that 3,000 children are studying body’s guess,” they claim. Poona and ly in early 1985, after 11 years at the the Zoroastrian religion in that coun- Bangalore are the two other places helm. try, “their knowledge greater than where Iranis have settled in India, as An architect and senior partner in most of us here in Bombay.” also Dahnu and Golvad where they are However, being a nation at war, the occupied in the cultivation of fruit or Road on February 12, 1986. Bantering- Thus families make repeated efforts to ly offering Parsiana a variety of alco- seek shelter with relatives in India. One holic beverages, including Iranian result is that residential visas are be- wine, at the unlikely noon hour before coming increasingly difficult to ac- Since the Anjuman has no system of annual subscription, Aga and Elavia The Zoroastrians are a respected are reluctant to even hazard a figure Shapoorjee N. Chandabhoy and Com- . . pany, Aga sat relaxed behind the wide education system is disturbed with the chards. desk piled with a variety of journals result that those who have relations and" files in his old-fashioned archi- Aga: no discrimination (Photos: Homyar Mistry) 19 Parsiana March 1986 The Jamshedi Nowrooz celebrations and contacts in India are anxious to on March 21, which “the Iranian Con­ sul always attends,” is the only official function and preparations are in swing. The Anjuman enjoys a demi-official status in matters pertaining to Iran and I is in regular correspondence with its I counterparts there, using a Persian " script typewriter for the purpose, says J Elavia. Thus when the Anjuman Zar- r toshtian Tehran decided to invite t four athravans and one behdin from - Bombay for a fully paid three-week I tour of Iran, it requested the Iranian I Zoroastrian Anjuman to convey its in- I vitations and undertake all the pre- I departure formalities at this end. Some I of the original invitees had other plans, so substitutions were effected on the basis of advice from here, notes Aga. The Anjuman is currently on the look­ out for an Iranian boy lost in India, in­ forms Aga, who adds that his Anju­ man has requested the Tehran Anju­ man to be on the lookout in Iran for the missing son of an Iranian Zoroas­ trian family of Bombay. The Anjuman’s assets include Rs 50 lakh.s in securities, out of which about a K I' I Rii Is" I ^5 -J •^t * A”! -i I s 'W .'(J'*/ 7" reft'?'. .. * a I' 1 ! i dharamshala which is thfi best inj •• ¦ munificence of the late Gustasp dadad of Bombay — one of the twd multimillionaire brothers who built al| ’ i’t 4 1 I > I* 'F APPOINTED VALUERS OP JEWELLERY TO THE disputed land at Palghar in Maharash­ tra which constitute the financial back­ bone of the Anjuman. Aga explains that of the original 2p00 acres donated by Jamshed Khodoram Nassabadi, sometime in the late 1920s, the Anju­ man gifted a part to the Bhudan move­ ment and t---- ------- . Maharashtra Government in a settle­ ment which the latter eventually refus­ ed to honor. “We grow grass there and sell it in two lots by tender. On a small have now rtortinn wp are srowins chicoos but ran 1---- . neither Elavia nor I have sampled them under a power of attorney, any,” he laughed. “It’s a wadi with a dadad of Bombay — one of the twj multimillionaire brothers who built all the Khodadad Circle buildings aq Dadar... I “All that has been built for Zoroas-| trians in Iran was built from Zoroas-l cede*d anoth^”part to the trian contributions in India. The capij ’ - tai is now blocked there. Once admi j bungalow and a well, and a full-time manager on site. A neighboring Irani !V’ OF cultivator keeps an eye over the premi- V 1 ^hat we esta- INDIA •' I [ii ;t :! GAZDAR PVT. LTD. a t r’’' « * « I Itl I i/t ml, ti P ffl ’ jn I 1 ;:'. * ts '"i 1 -'.1^ . f 5 fl it t' j 1 tl et I'- 4 I If f,. Bib. -.y iS' Ml' MJ it ui t) 5 J t Vi 8 ?iii iwi'' h^, r [¦ s T nistered from Bombay by the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman, the properties J been transferred to the Teh- Irani Anjuman which manage! -SE: Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay. Tel: 202 3666 Telegrams: MANUSCRIPT’ (( blish our ownership rights under the local punchayet rules.” The property is said to net an annual income of about five lakhs of rupees. The dispute arose when the land ceil­ ing act came into force in 1962. While charitable bodies like the Anjuman are exempt from its provisions, the act re­ quired that any land beyond the stipu- lated ceiling should be possession of such an organization. It is said that the Anjuman’s Palghar property was occupied at the time by a third party. Hence the Maharashtra Government instituted acquisition pro­ ceedings against the Anjuman. But the Anjuman claimed that it had a running legal battle against the occupant which _ predated the promulgation of the act | and petitioned the High Court. We I won in the High Court,” says Aga, the | Divisional Bench having upheld the ? Anjuman’s appeal on April 6, 1984. I However, the Government has moved _ portraits the Suoreme Court which on February Elavia al Anjuman s office. fo"raiis HF985\^™emUt*ed the appeal to be fil- president Dr Adprbad Iran. « I 1, H Irnni nverheaa. ed, says Aga. The Anjuman also owns a tenanted building opposite the Adenwala Agiary, and three plots at Lonavla. The building was gifted by the late Pes- plois by'J^arirant'‘'bSsmen 'of Sng'i; proportion to the popula.i Bombay sTy the Anjuman-s office- - “We don’t want to start dtsert Bomoay, . y nating between the two groups, s« According to people. Marker reviv- Aga. There is no provision for ho ed Zoroastrianism in Iran. The value in^ ... of his properties there would be in mil- lions,” said Aga. Among other proper- 1 ties gifted by Indian Parsis to their Irani co-religionists are a school in ' Markerabad (a locality in Yezd), a 20 Parsiana March 1986 in the actual « 'IBs — =1 ¦ M "usi Noshir Irani overhead. In India, the Anjuman gives doles about 500 individuals and pays colle fees for 150 students. The majority the recipients are Parsis, the assistar Aga. There is no provision for ho The Anjuman’s other activities elude the organization of an elocuti competition for Zoroastrian youth z educational and vocational help to community in the form of contributto the BPP’s vocational and educa­ tional guidance bureaux, the Golvad homes for girls and boys, etc. Medical aid is provided via donations to Parsi hospitals, dispensaries and convales­ cent homes. Other donations cover assorted community institutions. Aga notes that the Anjuman “can plan for new projects only if the (Pal- ghar) land is free. We can’t venture now.” An immediate priority would be hos­ tel accommodation for students. Some Irani students were dishoused when the N.M. Sett Trust’s hostel on Mody Street in Bombay’s Fort area had to be vacated on the orders of those trustees, says Aga. In Iran as in India, Zoroastrian priests are in woefully short supply, says Aga. “In India there are no Kad- mi (Irani) priests left. The Shahenshahi (Parsi) priests learn and recite Kadmi prayers,” he adds. The Anjuman is associated with the BPP’s mobed ame­ lioration scheme which aims to provide subsidies and fringe benefits to mobeds in the low income group (those earning less than Rs 600). But unlike some . other trusts,the Iranian Anjuman does not add to the BPP kitty. “We say, ‘Give us the names, we’ll help directly.’ Accordingly, the working group of mobeds provides the names of 50 to 60 low income mobeds” to the Anjuman, explains Elavia. Aga, who is assisted in the discharge of his duties by four vice-presidents — currently Zal Erani, Aspandiar Azar- mi, Aspy Irany and Dara Devlaliwala — recalls his association with the An­ juman “ever since the 1930s” when his father, Burjor Aga, was president. “1 regularly attended working committee meetings which 5yere then held weekly.” Aga admits that “for some years 1 lost interest.” Then suddenly about five years ago he returned to the fold and was “straight away made vice-president and, after Noshir Irani’s death, they made me president.” Aga, a photography buff who enjoys reading philosophy, his wife Shirin, elder son Naozer and family live to­ gether in Bombay. Naozer, who is in the electronics business is currently busy setting up an electronics compo­ nents factory with foreign collabora­ tion in Goa. The second son Vistasp who began his career as an architect has settled in the United States; having happily ceded architecture in favor of the bakery business... the community tradition continues. Supplied & Erected By:- ZAINA ELECTRIC MECHANIC WORKS Prospect Chambers Annexe, 2nd floor D N Road Bombay 400 001 23 Parsiana March J9B6 . the community C0N CORD CieVATOR HEIGHT OF EFFICIENCY Latest and the most rigid Technology of the World, Micro Processor Control Panel Lifts, Single Speed, Two Speed, Collective, Duplex, Simplex, Electronic Auto Doors, Feather touch Elegant looking self luminated Button Panels with Arrows in L.E.D. & position Indicator in digital. Specialist in Modernization. Tel: 25 18 30 Gram: Nirupama iS: -4^*• * I . A' RELIGION - Hope in the New World J ? I I I 0 i; The relevance of Zarathushtra's message is Otten lost in a sea of rituals an(d suspicion, says Cyrus Pangborn Arnavaz S. Mama born. But in order to be able to do this, “priests must be trained broadly as everybody else, {especially in the) so- V'.. J ? t I 1985. Pangborn voiced concern that there are no Zoroastrian priests syste­ matically trained to understand and apply the principles of ethics — the ciology and psychology of religion, rules of conduct that determine human They must be prepared to make it a duty — in the context of twentieth cen­ tury existence. Ideally, such conduct should follow from an understanding of Zoroastrian theology which is the Zoroastrian concept of the relationship religious ideas, plan educational between God, man and the universe. “My personal ethic is grounded in (Christian) theology. Zoroastrian ethics are grounded in the Zoroastrian about what they do and why, socialize concept of the good earth (a material and share concern with non-Zoroa- entity) as a creation of Ahura Maz­ da,” as against the philosophy of some “What is religion’s real place in our other religions which separate the lives? How should our religion shape material as a lower form of creation why he does not think it possible here: our lives out in the world?” Dr Cyrus from the spiritual, or higher form. In Pangborn, professor of theology at contrast, says Pangborn, Zoroastrian- theology. full-time vocation so that they can dis­ cuss issues with well-educated and (so­ cially tolerant) pofsons, conduct rituals and sermons, provide explanations for 1 cour­ ses for the youth and generally expose the Zoroastrian community to larger civic affairs. They should be articulate strians on equal footing. . .Khojeste Mistree had quite a gopd bit of this vi­ sion,” notes Pangborn, ere he explains ¦--I 1 } . i '“1 ,1 1 .... “One thing happened with Zoro­ astrians in India. They adopted as a Rutgers University, USA, was defining ism inculcates reverential care of all rule what started as practical strategy the purpose of religion, specifically in creations of Ahura Mazda. — nonproselytism. They were a mino- the context of Zoroastrian communi­ ties settled in North America where he into an expanding package of fasti- possibility that they might find their feels there’s a “very good chance of se- dious requirements that assume over- own people stray!ng.'T'his led them to cond generation Zoroastrians.” bearing importance, not only eclipsing define specifically what to believe and ' The spry Pangborn, now in semi re- the original idea which the rituals were how to worship, and resulted in their tirement, was on one more trip to India meant to symbolize, but preventing the suspecting any deviation because it which he had first visited as a Fulbright meaningful application of Zoroastrian might imply watering down the tradi- scholar in 1960. This time he was re- ideals to our workaday lives. Religions newing acquaintances and taking stock grapple with the problems of war and of changes in the Zoroastrian commu- peace, of the inequalities of economic nity so as to be ready with an update of distribution. But, with one or two aca- some chapters of Zoroastrianism — a demicexceptions,nooneamongZoro- beleagueredfaith (the book he publish- astrians today is prepared to study tial beliefs resulted in the religion beinc ed in 1982 as a result of post doctoral Zarathushtra’s message and extend it almost entirely composed of symbolic . . ... . rituals to be repeated and preserved, without explanation or argument. “The Paragna ceremony, for example. But this philosophy has degenerated rity, living unto themselves, alert to the tion. During the British era, religion was treated as an encapsulated treasure to which they brought no change, no evolution.” The fear of a minority be­ ing les.s capable of protecting its essen- research) as and when a new edition is to apply to the social and personal prO- needed. blems of the late twentieth century. With grey-blue eyes intent or twink- says Pangborn. ling but always friendly, the small- Such an application of the basic phi-, would be (termed) magic in the west.” built, utterly casual professor answered losophy of a religion to the circumstan- (The Paragna ceremony which is held questions in his attic room at the Ascot ces prevailing today, is normally ex-' in preparation for higher liturgical ce- Hotel in Colaba on November 13, pected from the priests, notes Pang- remonies like the Yasna, Visparad and ¦25 Parsiana March 1986 ¦( 1 5 )*>* The North American ZoroastriansB could enter the fire-temples.” The are exposing their children to the com-ft 5 [1 j Iw- Vendidad, requires a ritually pure ed the dokhmas in 1966 and anybody priest to make several visits to the fire­ temple’s compound, says Pangborn in grey-blue eyes twinkled behind the rim- munity’s traditions and concepts of life his book, to collect well water, a date- palm leaf, a pomegranate twig, and milk from an unblemished goat. These, together with the various vessels, metal wires, strands of hair from a perfect finds “North Americans free of hang- children. They have explained various white bull, and haoma twigs, are to be purified by ritual actions and conse­ crated by simultaneous recitation of tionally to the problem: “If we want torical background. They are perhaps^ prescribed Avestan texts). Such emphasis on detail, to the ex­ clusion of the wider issues that rule the world, finally leads to the religion los­ ing all signiUcance to the daily life of thusiastic and free to find the things trians people, explains Pangborn. The preoc- that work. Most people follow the cupation with detail deprives the priest chanting of the text with an English situation that is long persisting, they | of the time and the opportunity to ob- translation so that everyone, down to have the chance to assess absolute ne-J serve and study the social changes that junior high school children, can under- cessities of maintaining an identity. On ft are under way. Society, in its turn, stand.” Pangborn talks of “duties in the other hand, what are the more® brushes aside such minute exactitude your home, community, temple — the functional things (which may not fit in-ft which becornes irrelevant to its chang- things a conscientious person would to the new circumstances of life in ft. ed existence, he adds. do” — and contrasts them with the at- North America)? And what are the i In contrast, Pangborn cites the deve- titude implicit among Kshnumists (or- things that lie in between that are op- lopment of the Zoroastrian community thodox Zoroastrians with mystical tional, some of which they might em-< in Iran, after it attained a measure of leanings) for instance, who are “trying brace and sortie not ...? I don’t thinkj respectability in the late nineteenth to find hidden meanings for a special they’re about to agree that these! century. Public life ceased to be on the elite. (This is nothing but) the avoid- answers should eome from India, Iran] defensive and Zoroastrians in Iran made many changes. “They abandon- les.s spectacles as Pangborn added, in a way that would be difficult for theft • “They didn’t think that my look would children to forget, according to Pang-ft pollute the fire.” born. “They have begun carrying ft It is in this context that Pangborn through graded education for theirft. ups.’’ Community leaders there. Pang- seasonal rituals, the meanings of every- » born says, have applied themselves ra- thing that they do,and provided a his- ft our children to appreciate our religion, short, at the moment, of people who ft. how do we do it?” The result is mani- can explore with some depth critical ft fest in “syllabi, weekend retreats, sum- questions such as explanations for the mer camps, etc. They are all very en- ethic that has characterized Zoroas- Since they are “no longer bound in a ance of hard tasks and hard decisions or the European or English conimuni-ft that must be made in society.” ties.” Br Thousands of families are re-discovering the time-tested qualities of cioveoii in w Promise isn't it time you discovered it too? ;i iS J I' 4: , J I Promise Si' wM ’- iliM k V >¦ ¦i •Helps prevent tooth decay •Refreshes the mouth •Prevents bad breath international Cow Meoai winners Healthier teeth and gums. Fresher ixeath. ¦ 2b Parsiana March 1986 "V\fcnder wh/nd:^ r I ,¦^3 ¦K^ jA A Baisara Product ¦ JI -V'-.<^?5^:' V'. ^1’ ••¦* -4 OK 55r^ v*^-^- i Since Pangborn arrived in Bombay comes about when you begin to use the just before the convening of the execu- language of the peopl^and the thought tive council meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of In­ dia on November 9 and 10, 1985 the scholar-commentator on twentieth cen­ tury Zoroastrians was invited to attend ordained as a Christian priest. Pang- and present a resume of the Fifth born was then a doctoral student, his North American Zoroastrian Congress thesis, “Free churches and social ac (NAZC) which had recently concluded tion,’’ attesting to his concern that reli in Los Angeles where also he had been gion must be the motivational force in invited to participate. Pangborn consi everyday life not in an antique, ri dered the NAZC “a lively affair, the tualistic, sense, but in an up-to-date ra delegates committed, enthusiastic and tional sense. Looking for a research prepared, with the courage of their field that would be stimulating. Pang- convictions.” Of the Federation meet born first arrived in India in 1962-63 as ing, Pangbom dbnfided, “1 missed a Fulbright scholar to research the something in translation: they speak Ramakrishna Order and its social im- English English here!” Nevertheless Pangborn was impress­ ed by the “mutually supportive” felt the need for intellectual renewal, stance of the Federation delegates and he didn’t want to go into the Rama- the fact that they were concerned with krishna Mission again. Delving into many worthwhile projects, although available literature on Zoroastrianism, his overriding impression was one of Pangborn discovered that there was “respect for trusts and real estate and the need to preserve them.” But the Fe­ deration meeting underlined what except for intellectually very heavy Pangborn considers the main problem with the community: the bifurcation of responsibilities with “religious changes in 1971 when the Shah was celebrating (being) the bailiwick of priests (and) the two thousandth anniversary of the lay people (being concerned) with rule of Cyrus the Great. It proved to be worldly affairs such as housing, educa- a “propitious year to go to Iran with tion, job training, counselling. They the name Cyrus!” Pangborn is named don’t ask for priests’ judgment in these after his great-grandfather, whose matters and though there may be reli- name was culled, from the Bible where gious and ethical considerations in- Emperor Cyrus the Great of Persia is volved, the priests have no say. On the remembered as the man who freed the other hand, there may be changes re- Jews from captivity in Babylon and quired among priests but priestly train- helped them to rebuild their temples ing is too restrictive (to enable them to make the necessary reforms).” Pangborn contrasts “this lack of in- process becomes explicit.’’ Pangborn’s interest in Zoroastria­ nism was roused when he heard about it from an Irani scientist who had been With Compliments of JEENA 1 everyday life COMPANY pact When, a few years later Pangborn “almost nothing good and appealing for college students on Zoroastrianism tomes ’-’ Pangborn went to Iran the first time Contemporary Parsis’ “tremendous tendency to be pugnacious” and to harbor “suspicions that a person has teraction” between the priests and the hidden personal motives” was unfor- laity with the structure of Protestan­ tism which “depends on the laity and the clergy speaking one another’s lan­ guage. The result is that the clergy can­ not go far astray without being called to order by the laity ... The laity can get the benefit of the insight of the cler­ gy as teachers and explainers of life ” Even the Catholic church in Italy and with “the challenge of finding a niche Spain decided in 1950 that Mass should and livelihood in the New World (where be said in the language of the people traditional) priestly competence is not “It didn’t sound beautiful, poetical, available,” they are thinking for them- rhythmical, but they’re getting used to selves. Pangborn i.s optimistic of their it... Ultimately people hanker for continued survival in North America: meaning. They want to know what’s being said and think about it worship should concern itself with the they are not getting swallowed” in the needs of the nitty-gritty of life which American mainstream. tunate, noted Pangborn and made it very difficult for anybody to break away from controversy and proceed with constructive innovatipns. 4n contrast, Pangborn noted how hard the Zoroastrians of North Ame­ rica are trying “to develop stability as organized community groups.’’ Faced “If they are organizing new associa- Ritual tipns — Phoenix, Detroit, Chusan — V Parsiana March 1^ -1 'J. / -V? j -¦4 ) 'i# 5 1' 1; 1 iJ i IATA Approved Air Cargo, Clearing, Forwarding & Warehousing Agents 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay 400 023. Cable: “JUSTITIA” Telexf 2313 Phone: 312032 ' BRANCHES: E. Merc House, 19/B, Shakespeare Sa rani, Calcutta 700 071. Phone: 444711 “Jcena House”, 50, Hanuman Road, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110 001. Phone: 310821 Devtha Plaza, C. 14, Residency Road, Bangalore 560.025. Phone: 26215 No. 26, 26, 24, 2nd floor. Harbour Approach Road, Vishakapatnam 530 001. Phone: 65942 205, Gera Chambers, Off Boat Club Road, Pune 411 001. Phone: 65942 No. 6, Jaffar Syrang Street, Madras 600 001. Phone: 26215 I I a, f '1^ /J ’ li ’S 1 I “J y'i t 3 r "¦'''BEHAVIOR J < -9 When families breakup .. An unhappy childhood is one of the prime reasons for breakdown in relationships. Shera Dastoor Edited text of a sif^ech addressed to the executive council of the Federation of ine love, where parents seek knowledge and 1 have seen Christian mothers Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India in November, 1985. Sufficient love for the child — genu- who are overprotective and dominant on how to bring up their child, over- equally rigid. Most women tend to be look minor faults or correct them in a that way, if given a chance. So maybe, gentle way — would help to break the it is in the nature of woman to be a lit- vicious circle of loveless upbringing tie dominant, because she has been My mother-in-law always used to say that marriage is a mousetrap. It’s easy leading to a loveless marriage and a suppressed so long, to get in, but difficult to get out. But new generation of unstable children. The case of Ratu and Silloo (ficti- nowadays, it looks as though the mousetrap has quite a wide exit and it’s vorce, alcoholism, mental illness, cri- overprotection. The man came to The easy to get out as the high divorce rate minal behavior and the personality of Samaritans (a social service counselling testifies. There exist a number of rea- " ' - . - sons for this. The stability of marriage depends on _______ ______ reasonableness of both partners. Early nal needs include the need for love, quite a clever man. His ^ctory appre- upbringing often results in attitudes that inhibit h rational, adult approach . ...... ......... to the problems of living together. The be inculcated, changing nature of our culture is an­ other source of disharmony, in the sense that we Parsis are such a mixed lot; we don’t know whether we are really Indian; we don’t know where we problems. really belong. Then there are vast eco­ nomic differences between the haves Overprotection and the have-nots. The poor are very Parsi mothers are well-known for over­ poor; the middle class is struggling; protection. The child may be pam- and there are too many problems — all pered, given the best of food and cloth- of which results in our temperament being highly strung. But, of course, there are very many more communities dom to take any decisions. Later on also a hypochondriac (a person with that are as highly strung as the Parsis. ' ' new generation of unstable children. Death of one parent, disease, di- tious names) illustrates the perils of vorce, alcoholism, mental illness, cri- the parents, all these not only influence agency). He had < sleep disorder, he personality growth but determine the was restless, and absented himself emotional needs of children. Emotio- from work. He was a good worker; mutual aid, protection and self-esteem, ciated his work, but he would not go to which must be satisfied if values are to work, he would just sit at home and —------------- stare into space. He was very accident No values are inculcated in broken prone. In anger he would injure his legs homes. Early upbringing, where the so that he could absent himself from child is overprotected or rejected, is work. Once he fell down and hurt his faulty and generates psychological head. His job required him to climb a ladder and fetch certain instruments, but he became afraid of climbing. Irregularity and absenteeism led to pay cuts and his wife had to supple­ ment the family income. From time to time he would reach a pitch of excite­ ment when he would Jjurn furniture and clothes with his cigarette. He was ing, but no liberty to do anything, no freedom to choose a career, no free- when the child breaks down, the imagined ailments). The wife described mother always complains “Etlu badhu their home as a pharmacy, and even al kidhu taubi. (I did so much but it work, he had a pill ready for anyone did not avail)” They keep badgering who needed it. His wife was desperate. Her sex life was totally unsatisfactory and degrading to her. It emerged that Ratu was the last of eight children and the only son. So the Parsi girls know their privileges; they mother had doted on him, and did Values What family consellors aim for is rea­ sonableness; for the couple to be rea­ sonable, not quarreling in the presence guilt, anxiety What is more, the child- of children and reasonable enough to ren become dependent on the mother realize that they have problems and for everything, need guidance. Marriage counselling is r ' ' ' . „ , necessary not to produce an ideal situa- may not know their obligations. Often, everything possible. He was thorough- tion but to bring about a reasonable the gjrls are more educated, hold better ly spoilt, but he was not allbwed to acceptance. It depends on whether the jobs than the boys and earn more and make any choice, not even of his wife ----------- > — the mother chose a wife for him. I saw him for two years and tried to keep the marriage going. Finally under But I have seen Gujarati mothers pentothal therapy (drug used in psy- (I did so much but the children, rousing anger, hatred. husband and wife really want a mar- thus wear the pants and have a lot to riage which is, if not perfect, reason- say about everything. When all this ably comfortable, for the sake of the happens,the children are neglected, children and for themselves. 31 Parsiana March J986 I 1 - ' 1 f..t irr'iiTT;., t. iHiii I 3 I l; f .f T' s* J j II w si' < chotherapy) he said, “What! A wife, with poor breasts! All my sisters were full breasted!’’ Silloo was very intelli­ gent, very petite, very nice to look at, but not full breasted as his sisters were. He had never really liked her, but mother knew best, so he married her. They quarreled endlessly. He gave his whole pay to his mother. The mother had the nerve to break down their bed­ room door and replace it with a cur­ tain. Lack of privacy irked Silloo. Moreover, she was neglected. On festi­ val days, all the presents would go to the sisters and the mother. Ratu was a man who could not adapt to sexuality thing — to know that you are some- at ail. J ¦ 111 I. f results of rejection in childhood.. The complaining of loss of weight, restlessness and was very de­ pressed. This man couldn’t go to work for fear of falling down and dying on ____________ JVV1IVU *•« --------------- ---------------- ---- man came complaining of loss of weight, restlessness and was very de­ pressed. This man couldn’t go to work , for fear of falling down and dying on allowed to make any the road. His father and his uncle had choice, not even of his wife — the mnthpr rhose a wife the dark, he was locked ma dark room iTlUU IWI VI lUoc a to be for him. He was thoroughly spoilt, but not died of heart attack. His mother mar ried twice and his foster father was very crude, very rejecting. When he was about five years old and afraid of body, that you are loved, that your and told that this was the way to b< strong. The poor boy could not accepi that at all; he wanted to kill himself , This man had a very lovely wifi whose father had rejected her. Hei father had remarried so she was sen Doay, iiidi yvu aiv iwvuy •***¦ i u cu parents love you; and self-esteem is away to the grandmother s house. Sh Dpipptinn what every aivuuwnv, >..we> — - ---------------- , . . Kejectio criminal, dropout lacks. Children by a parent, what it is to see a fathe VIIIIV13III v»» mv - ------- ’’**» --x!___ __ CAO o mr%fnp comparisons is another awkward way who grow up without self-esteem are i nf hrineine UP a child. The rejection of maladjusted adults, perpetuating in <----- .. children occurs when parents are not their marriage, in their work lite, the seen anything. The gran m _____rtf thpir rhilHhoori When these old and always scolded her the gem ration gap was far too gre^at. Thus sh ...V ........—-¦ _____ thought nothing of telling me, in h« revives memorTes of ’their relationship husband’s presence, “Why are you tri ing to help him? I don’t love him. Both* ovei;o?e”ct'ion 'and rejection * w‘th slch unhappy emotional bad An^ interesting "case illustrates the grounds, the. relationship bet^ alcoholic, every drug ad- had never known what it is to be loyei Criticism or the making of unfavorable Cv/ll lUUl lOVI B.J - -- - . of bringing up a child. The rejection of maladjusted adults, perpetuating in ® . ____M . 1 ________!______^UrtiP iiIa fni^ capable of loving or respecting one . another, in an t E common courtesy is lacking. The par­ ents say just anything to one another, and then they tend to reject children. L--J result in lowering the child’s self­ esteem. Self-esteem is a very great » V fl It respecting a mother, to see a niothe caring Tor the father. She had neve lllVll lll«l 1 *»» 7 - ___________ tragedy of their childhood. When these old and always scolded her environment where children reach adulthood and enter matrimony, the intimacy of marriage with theii parents, and all the old ran- habits and interests are revived. Binaca Toothbrush. Its safe "rounded bristle tips' do not tear the gums. I'i 3’' I -• <’¦ 'iiJi IF > Ji h Ji Ordina^ >bri8tlBti|M that tear the gum& The Binaca family of toothbrushes - there's one for everyone. Binaea Junior^ Binaca Batov Binaca Standard Binaea Adult Deiuxa litj Eli' J h ? Binaca 1 # ? 1 - ii 32 Parsiana March 19S6 Binaca Angular Deluxe CiEJA India's largest selling toothbrushmi w .i I.-’ b-j-! hl ft 'J! t “1 b'' r 1' j i' I I Sr ‘ as . I J'S 'I ’I >6- schism d __ _ . . , , ^ns to (H logical, and socio-economic needs of a mother’s house with tfie children, a family and breakdowns strike in these the husband drives the wife out. 1 very fields — biological, sociological Success in counselling may be gtn and psychological. ged by the number of concessions tra The biological causes of marital are made as the marriage becon| breakdown relates to health and sex. •-.iF- husband and wife was cold and distant Trouble spots The second sit^ Neither having known love, neither Marriage fulfils the biological, psycho- separation, when tl could accept love and neither could give love. very fields — biological, sociological and psychological. Parental models Children must have a model to look up to: My father was so and so, my moth­ er was somebody worthwhile. The lack Thyroid, goiters, diabetes, hyper of a parental model can perpetuate tension, tumors of the uterus or abdo emotional disturbance for generations minal complaints can undermine mar as we learnt from the case of one riage. There are many who break down more comfortable; the couple is all secure in the knowledge of where to S when faced with difficulties. It | depends on the people that come, hcl willing they are to solve their problenl in health because of the stress of living Most couples come for counsellil when their marriage is about to brea down irretrievably Of every 10 sul cases, counselling enables two or thil to continue with the marriage, thouffl they may not live ‘happily ever afteil Counsellors talk to the in laws and tq children and try to bring about I family reunion. It may take weeks q we learnt from the case of one alcoholic client. His great grandfather was an illegitimate child brought up in together, a convent where he got the physical necessities of life but not parental love He turned ^ut to be very brutal and an alcoholic ^d his marriage broke up His son, the grandfather of my client, was also an alcoholic. My client’s father did not work. The mother was an over religious woman. They had a son — our alcoholic client — who had eight daughters, every daughter being a criminal type of person. Five of them _ were criminals — stealing, bootlegging They don’t talk to one another — they things in quite a different light | one or two were even convicted; quarrel over the least thing, bickering __________________ ,_j three were alcoholics. All this was the endlessly. What is unfortunate and Dr Shera Dastoor is a practicing p.sychii outcome of there being no parental very important is that the children wit model. ness the quarrels. Whenever there is a marriage break down, there is also sexual incompatibi lity. People just don’t think alike. Many lack the knowledge that a woman’s sexual response is quite dif­ ferent from a man’s sexual response; the ignorance results in discord. One type of broken marriage pre- yearsbeforeanythingissettled Marriai sents a skewed relationship, where two counselling is not easy Family counse people just don’t see eye to eye despite ling is not easy You have to chanj living under the same roof for years, entire attitudes and make people si trist and diPfctor of The Samaritans, I social service cotinselling agency. | With the Comphments TATA ENTERPRISES 34 Parsiana March 1986 -F-'I ' ! The ultimate rehabilitation An ex-addict describes the torments of drug addiction and the long haul to normalcy. Russell Pinto Edited text of a speech delivered at the exe­ cutive council meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India in November 1985. wiiai DUO was going through. But a Drug addiction is a sickness, a disease few years later, I did. 1 have an killing the people who loved him the this. Let’s go and have a dose and most. At that time I couldn’t understand what Bob was going through. But finish with it.” After a big dose Bob accelerated his motorcycle and smash­ ed himself into the first BEST bus on Colabacauseway. When Bob regained consciousness in hospital he refused medicine, food, water, but the doctors managed to feed him intravenously. The first chance that Bob got, he slit his wrists and neck and bled to deaths This is the emotio­ nal sickness that 1 am talking about. But apart from being emotionally sick, the addict’s whole mental attitude gets warped. He begins to think sick, to . *• think that life must be one big high, that there must be no problems, no dif­ ficulties, no lows, no depression in life. The moment an addict gets depressed, he wants to escape. There are no words ] in the addict’s vocabulary like effort or J patience. Everything must come quick. j The addict’s whole way of thinking is j warped by envy and self-pity. j But above all these sicknesses there is j something known as a spiritual sick­ ness. Not only does the addict degene- I rate into a life of theft,^heating, lying, j but 1 remember, as in my own case, j a perfectly normal life without drugs, mg, waiting for me to come home, anger within. I used to think, “If this is I but an addict becomes normal only Sometimes for three or four days, she the God whom you all talk about, a when he gets the drug into his system, would not eat, or sleep, but wait for me God of love, how can He allow me to But much more than the physical * “ emotional and mental trauma that the like leprosy, cancer or tuberculosis and 82-year-old father and a 76-year-old a drug addict is nothing but a sick per- mother and I don’t come from an af- son. fluent family. But these people had We often hear remarks condemning given their lives so that I may have a drug addicts as immoral people, as thieves, liars and cheats. But the more I deal with this subject, the surer I am that everybody so afflicted behaves in exactly the same manner, whether they be 13 or 14,or 55 or 57 years old. Most other sicknesses are either of the body or of the mind, of the emotion or the spirit. But this is one sickness that affects the total being — the whole per­ sonality becomes sick. Aspects An addict is sick physically, when he gets what are known as withdrawal symptoms when denied the drug. He gets terrible pain through his body, terrible headaches, backaches, cramps in all his joints, vomiting; and the ofily future; and I was slowly but surely kill­ way to relieve this pain is to have ing them. My mother used to sit crying another dose of the drug. One can live until three or four o’clock in the morn- , ing, waiting for me to come home. would not eat, or sleep, but wait for me ’ iv/vtj ilVfVv vdll Atv ctllUW illC to return. I remember her words very reach such depths of degradation?” ‘‘Dliccall T «I1 4-L-^ money that you have spent (at times Characteristics Rs 1 ,(XX) a day only on drugs — I had Some of the characteristics Of drug even sold her wedding ring), but I can’t addiction, as observed through thou- see my son die in front of my eyes.” I knew that I was the cause of such misery to a woman who loved me so skkness and the physical pain is the clearly: “Russell, I don’t mind all the addict goes through. The case of my friend. Bob illustrates what emotional and mental pain can be. Every morning Bob and I used to go -to Colaba, buy our injections, take our injections, col- ____ _____ __________ lect the stock forjhe day and then go much and I wanted to change and I did aloud whether there was any hope for reached Bob’s state.'’ us. He wanted to change this life-style but did not know where to go. What was really kill.ng him. was tha. he was ha« io die" Ito h aLZeS^ 35 Parsiana March 1966 our own ways. Bob often wondered not know where to go. That’s when I One morning when Bob and I went sands of cases all over the world, is that it is, first, a progressive sickness. You may start anywhere, with any drug, but you are always going to get worse. You may start with ganja, charas, tablets, uppers, downers, whatever, but it’s not , going to end there. The second trait of to Colaba,he burst out crying: “I know this sickness is that it is always ter-Ub- di Si*. r K I- • I I' BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 1 r jv Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excel- lent Climate — AU-round Education : All Academic Subjects —Tech­ nical Subjects: Workshop. Tech ­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance. Carpentry & Farm­ ing. Training in Self-Governmenl through Elected Boys’ Office bearers. Games —Physical Train- jpg — Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Week­ ly intensive Zoroastrian — Geeta- Koran classes — Excellent Modem Kitchen and Dining Room facilities — Airy Dormi ­ tories. Moderate Fees. Freeships and Concessions to Deserving Students. L pl r 3- Apply to — THE MANAGING trustee P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST within the child. 1 remember the ca^ of a boy whose father was in the Gulfl He used .to write to his father every I in premature death or permanent con- U falher would be ho"-- B“l wh^u , like diabetes. You can ..ever cure dia- father came home, social and busines. betes but can keep it dormant and lead a perfectly normal life. The only solu­ tion for addicts is total abstinence from all mind changing and mood altering duty, more substances, from all intoxicants. mental institution. We of a boy whose father was in the Gulf^ father came------ , . _ engagements took up most of his He hardly had two to three days witi his son — perhaps out of a sense ofl —? than wanting to be with! and enjoy, his son. | The double standards that you anc^ portray in our lives is another cause w drug addiction. We teach children a 1<| of moral dos and don’ts, but in 018 our own businesses, wj and children sd I Cooks Building, 324 Dr. D. N. Road Bombay 400 001. Oduscs ' It is very easy to point a finger, but the more I deal with these cases, the less surprised 1 am that these boys and girls own lives, in have reached where they have reached. Many of them have not got that one commodity, so essential for us to grow 1 Wha,'10 years ago we would H give them that love in their childhood, considered I remember the story of Patrick, a day dismissed in the phrase every French boy whose father had married body’s doing it, so what. j for the fourth time, his mother for the 4 | ^^'ilim'n'X’ be'srSu^ ?“e'’"s we put, consciously J rXce Ewry vacation a beautiful subconsciously on today’s youthJ Be™ time some excuse was made and Pal- so ’1^'='=''’ “ “"^XtXs anapj rick was sent off on this holiday. was no exception. Sometmies, an dpj« ke first day when a friend and 1 rently normal family Produce" a d J visited him in hospital, we held his addict. But if you look furthe , yj hand and Patrick cried for more than will find no communication, no depfl 15 minutes- but they were tears of joy. in that family. 1 am not J He saT‘‘You knL, Russell, for the blame on the family. Much of t« first time in my ’ ‘ I means ----------- I means to have a father and what it means to have a brother. Today for the family, one can I first time in my L... I love and you can be sure I the same person again.” j Another reason for drug addiction is the absence of a father figure. This is a I very big reason, especially in Bombay. I The fathers feel that they are \. I hard so that their children may get the I best. But what boys and girls require j is not the monetary comforts; they re- I quire the father’s personal involvement I and personal interest, the father spend- j ing time, being there with them. Be­ cause all of us want to look up to some- I one. All of us get, in some mysterious I way, a s----- - 1 security in our I figure is i----- J develops a whole realm of insecurity practice the reverse this clearly. The general decline in moral value and principles have also played thei son or 36 Parsiana March 1906 considered 10 times before doing, is ti remember the story of Patrick, a . whose father had married body’s doing it, so what, for the fourth time, his mother for the 4 * Dnn z’vnc'i hi II ¦ made and Fat­ was no me in my life’1 know'what it blame and a lot of responsibiltty n to have a family. 1 know what it mains with the person y. when there are two children in ti take advantage of tl ruulci . I iwi IS*.....J,------- 1|„:_ C.,r i h'm* ¦ - i' i -¦'IS J ! Iv^iS ? Jk' <V V . i. 0-Xv >- ir" ** - good riding skills,good equipment can tion starts, each one retreats within make all the difference. himself and everyone is on his own. .... _ _____ ____ However not everyone is able to get Readily admitting to the pleasure of continue cycling. “After a few more a foreign bike. Arethna is lucky in that being adjudged the best sportswoman her father is employed in the airlines, at the Delhi National Games, Arethna The others, according to her, buy their recalls another not so happy incident, bikes when they tak^ part in competi- After practicing hard to participate at tions outside the country. Prawing a quick sketch of a racing cycle with its out-turned handle. Are- .......„___ _ thna knowledgeably explained why Punjab. She was quite disappointed, such a handle is necessary. Speeding on The scheduled five-day games, how- a cycle means that a cyclist faces a lot of wind, and therefore has to fight more resistance, losing on timing, that her father made, in not allowing things as they come along. At least for handle, one bends low down thereby make all the difference. However not everyone is able to get her father is employed in the airlines. many years,” she stated. Arethna herself does not wish to years 1’11 leave. I don’t want to do it all my life. 1 want to enjoy myself.” At the moment, late night parties and pic- _ nics are out, on account of hpr rigorous the National Gariies to be held in 1982 training schedule, and any time which at Ludhiana, her father asked her not she gets off from there, she must spend studying. However, “You can’t have everything!” she adds, philoso­ phically trying to convince herself. In fact, Arethna has no wish to think into the future and is happy to do However wUh a^igh seat and a low her to go. " the'lmmeSe'VuturZshe Ano^^^^ handle, one bends low down thereby Noting that her nearest rival at the has to go for training in April for the cutting the wind. Arethna finds this National Games is the Manipuri girl next Asian Games to be held in Sep- position very comfortable and adds, ------. “Once you get used to that, you don’t she does not know bow tough the op­ to go, owing to the tense situation in ever, ended in three days, and she feels now that it was a “sensible” decision Noting that her nearest rival at the has to go for training in April for the Medha Devi, Arethna says that usually tern be r in Seoul.'But even that isfar , . . , ,, . .. away, considering that immediately want to go back (to the normal post- position will be, as female competitors after the interview she had to take her tion).” ‘ " Arethna carries two bicycles for every competition she takes part in — away, considering that immediately tion).” keep changing every few years — “men little cousin for a spin on her new Ind / -r v*vzaa kJBlv VUIXV-Q V 111 U . one for practice and one for the races are more (XJnsistent as they go on for Suzuki! Giving an encouraging hand: Arerhfia with father Rohinton. themselves. Therefore efficient pack- vl ing becomes all important when she is on tour. Even though she has special bags made for the bikes, only the cycle 1 frame goes in, the eight wheels and 5 chains have to be carried separately, so I that when they travel by train, exclaims I Arethna, “there is no place for us to I sit!” I Shoe,s too are important to a cyclist, I in that they have a wooden cleat at- I tached to the sole which provide the ne- I cessary grip. F Seemingly never having had any weight problem, Arethna is very off- ‘ hand about her diet and says she does not pay much attention to it. However I she has been asked to put on weight. At I five feet two and a half inches, Arethna I weighs 47 kilos, noting that she loses a I lot of v.'eight during the severe training I camps. I For every competition, a manager, a ' coach and a mechanic will be included in the already large team of cyclists. Friendliness and camaraderie exist dur­ ing training and pre-competition days, but adds Arethna, once the competi- Bi •w5»» > Hr** I at’ ¦ In the early days of Arethna's cycling, the whole family practiced together every morning. 43 Parsiana March 19^ rfi-Mdf-i 14I .<>» ¦'''IWW^' *?¦ yx^'a* «•> .-a . .’<.i<' ' 1 '¦:- 'xwa>' -'^ '^vr 7 ¦>-¦'* ( t »»»'¦&¦ ? •- '^1 E"^'O r- r « f if. •w<‘ Xii 3h t' ’^s- ¦«*' I ¦ ->5^: >*'' S'X’^'. ?4' 'K' ¦ - i* .'-^ip^ .:’ —'* 'i". *» -¦;;¦ '^vrron: u! practice I'/ ; sessions :'/J. /Below) Adilinx meriats to her colleciion , Photographs: Hornvar Mistry ^i3» a I rr :^’ «a k S;’ Spirited sprinter Having broken a national women's record, runner Zenia Ayrton is to participate in the Junior World Cup at Athens next year. Niloofer J. Madon «* “If P.T. Usha is the queen of Indian vind gives special attention to all his 30 so that they may observe the start and athletics, then Zenia can lay claim to be athletes, and though he is “not very finish, and improve their own style, the princess/’ had noted The Times of strict, at the same time he sees that Moreover, notes Ayrton, after each India report, complimenting 13-year- everyone does their schedule; and all race her coach points out her weak and old athlete Zenia Bomi Ayrton on her that,’’ says Ayrton. strong points, thereby ensuring that breaking two women’s records at the Greater Bombay Amateur Athletic As- eighth standard student of the Convent sociation’s (GBAAA) annual cham- of Jesus and Mary, Fort, trains every pidnships, held in Bombay last Decern- day under the National Institute of success came in 1980 at the Konkan her. Sports (NIS) qualified coach, after Cultural Meet. Since then she has been Seated amidst an assortment of school hours from 3.30 to 6.30 pm. winning the 100 and 200 meter races in plants in the long balcony of the Ayr- Both indoor and outdoor training is the Konkan, GBAAA, YMCA and ton home off Colaba Causeway on given either at the St. Mary’s Gym- inter-school meets... graduating from January .25, 1986 (the hail was taken khana, Byculla or at the. University under-10 to under-12 and then to Together with 30 other athletes the she betters her performance in future. Competing in major athletic events for the past five years, Ayrton’s first over by Zenia’s brother Jawahar, who Stadium, Marine Lines, where, says under-14 age-groups. Ayrton also A ..,..4^^ 4l«^ r^*4^>4 l—. 4^1.^^,.4 1— ^^>4 4U>. \ was keenly ijtratching the cricket match Ayrton^ “I’m the fastest in my section, takes part in most of the Zoroastrian on TV), five-foot-five-inch Zenia so I run with the boys, to improve my meets which are so frequent in Bom- seemed to be all legs. Prominent cheek- timing.’’ bay, as she is “proud to be a Parsi.’’ bones and serious eyes highlighted a Though the athlete’s main events are Not that her short career as athlete delicate face, framed by short curly the 100 and 200 meters, she has also has been a bed of roses. Last year when hair, strands of which persisted over been practicing at the hurdles, shotput she took part in high Jumps in a school the forehead. and discus because her school, which meet, Ayrton broke her right shoulder. Running in the under-15 category at she represents at various meets, “needs Earlier she had broken her elbow and the GBAAA meet, Ayrton’s 100 meters points for the overall championship.’’ before that, had cracked her collar timing of 12.3 seconds beat Olympic Her coach however is not in favor of bone! “Now everything is all right,’’ runner-up P.T. Usha’s under-16 mark her taking part in too many events, so she says thankfully-. of 12.5 seconds. Her 200 meters timing of 25.6 seconds was only five-tenths of Though the athlete’s main events are &- a second away from the state mark. All the hard training however does not interfere with Ayrton’s school work, for, as she notQS, “I’m a first- class student.’’ After training every day, she studies at home for an hour, her homework having been completed during the lunch break at school f Ayrton has many plans of her own, “I plan to do very well after graduating Asked if she will now ainn for the nationals; Ayrton said seriously, I plan to go further from school. Then I will really concen- than that. And though she says she was “very, very happy’ ’ to receive the Murphy and Lifebuoy trophies for her outstanding \ performance, she adds raatter-of-fact- ly, “I went to aim for the record!’’ (A week after the interview, Ayrton broke the National School Games timing in the 200 meters and clocked 25.4 se- ' , r , ,, trate on running. School takes up a bit conds.) tnan th9t. too much time,’’ she says ruefully. Her recent entry into the spotlight ' Asked if she will now aim for the na- should not come as a surprise for she henceforth Ayrton will concentrate on- tionals, Ayrton said seriously, “I plan trains under coach V. Balagovind, ly on the 100 and 200, notes her to go further than that.’’ At Hissar, “the foremost coach in India today, mother. Haryana, where she took part in the who has trained athletes like Adille - - - Sumariwala (the fastest man in In­ dia),’’ says Ayrton’s mother Arnavaz. or 220 meters during her practice ses- race for the Junior World Gup to be Zenia herself notes, “It is mainly sions so that the coach is satisfied with held in Athens in 1987 which is a nae^t because of his training that l have been her timing and stamina. Athletes are coveted break for Zenia. In March able to break these records.” Balago- given video cassettes of various meets continued onpage85 11 I 9 Training for the 100 and 200 meter first Junior Nationals from January 10 races means that Ayrton must run 110 to 12, she qualified in the 200 meters or 220 meters during her practice ses- race for the Junior World Gup to be 46 ParsianQ March 1S66 IFUND RAISING FUN(D) FAIR The Winter Fair organized at Dadar is a novel and profitable way to raise funds for the community. Parinaz Toddywalla “What is new will capture, and what Bombay at both the Winter Fairs, Jesia will capture will bring in new people,” cautions other associations and anju- emphasized Ms h^ithoo Jesia, the main mans which might want to raise funds f • ....... - .... - - - - - Memorial Trust’s major fund raising great unless the fair is very systemati- bay from January 10 to 19, 1986 at the has to be a first class administrator and Dadar Parsee Colony Gymkhana should be capable of making others toe grounds, the Fair was planned after a the line. lapse of three years because Jesia fear- ed that were it to become an annual af- contributing to the success of the Fairs pect shown to the sectional heads f \ volunteers, who would li- sured that all differences were ami- treshness. terallv eat and drink at thp Fair rdnrino /.oki., teers working in two shifts every even­ ing from 4.30 to 7.30 and from 7.30 to 1- ¦¦ ir., ... , .. . M ---------------- -------- 11. Our volunteers were in the age­ organizer of the Mancherji Edalji Joshi along similar lines, “The gamble is too group 7 to 70! Though they’re volun- Memorial Trust’s major fund raising great unless the fair is very systemati- teers, they were disciplined enough to venture, the Winter Fair. Held at Bom- cally organized. One of the organizers take orders also. They didn’t question authority. Each group working under a sectional head, wanted to contribute its . best. There may have been minor dis- T^® most important factor crepancies but the autonomy andTes- Jair. “it ,would lose its charm and would be the volunteers, who would li- sured\hat* all ^fferencer^^^ freshness. terally eat and drink at the Fair (during cably resolved. Though there was a very good turn- the 10 days) because practically no one out from the cosmopolitan crowds of cooked at home. We had 250 volun- rf a “All the volunteers knew exactly what their duties were. Even if I hadn’t ¦ -i *'3 *4 been present, no one would have miss­ ed me. I was almost like a mukkadam (supervisor).” Yet the aftereffects of Jesia’s fatigue, built up over the prepa­ ratory period, had not subsided even 13 days after the closing date of the Above left: Morris, Dr Ratan Doctor and Jesia with Dutt at the mike. Above: Narsang, Jesia, Mistry, Dutt and Jimi Jesia visit the stalls. Left: Layout of Winter Fair ’86. 47 Parsiana March 1906 'J I r }(' <¦ > ¦ corded cassettes, not exceeding 10 se- “Everyone was very helpful. The conds, would be played thrice every r Fair, considering that Jesia had almost mense help, acknowledged Jesia. forgotten the appointment granted to ‘ . Parsiana on January 31, but salvaged main thing was involvement. Whether evening on all 10 days of the Fair at a the situation very gracefully. it was the architect Anil Thakkar, cost of Rs 650. “Actually it is not just 10 days of publicity-in-charge Aspi Vasania, The amusement park which was work but months and months of prepa- sound recorder Sam Poonawalla or manned by the organizers themselves, ration. In the initial stages there would contractor Fall Pavri and Sons, you had provided for eight to 10 games of be just five or six of us working late in- never felt you were dealing with out- skill like bearding the lion and chatty to the night. Actually it’s my husband siders,” said Jesia, referring to the breaking (which test the aim of the Jimi who is very very pro Parsi and non-mercenary attitude of the profes- player) but they were very particular Colony conscious, but I get the publi- Vasania, > sionals. “Credit should also go to: Jal that they didn’t want any of the gamb- Mistry of Mistry Transport for provid- ling games. There were of course the . r. . r ing water free of cost at the Fair and usual favorites like the giant wheel and Atter the reputation also looking after the sale of tickets merry-gO-round. we had built up we procuring the exemptions requir- The highlight of every evening was had to liVfe up to the H.P Enterprises for managing the se^ r-' riiritv sn well: and Marzhan Narsant expectations of the public. _ . ----------------- -------------------------- Dutt was the chief guest, it was a ja- for the evening. The presence of most city,” Jesia plays down her impor- shan that set the ball rolling. Prayers of the film personalities was due to the ¦ “ ........................................ ¦ .00. 00 — • J Dr Rusi Soonawala, the gynaecologist favored by many screen actresses, in­ formed Jesia. Mahyar Dastoor was in 11 I f and procuring the exemptions requir­ ed; Jal Contractor and Dadi Hataria of the stage show, offered to sponsors at a “ * rate of Rs 11,500 per night on a week curity so well; and Marzban Narsang day and Rs 15,(XX) per night on week- and Farrokh Sidhwa for their assis- ends. To attract the public, different tance in all aspects.” film stars were invited to preside over On the inaugural day when Sunil the competitions and shows planned Dutt was the chief guest, it was a ja- VILJ9 JVOIO vaaM* ..aa>„ V* *«aa a^aaaaa^. a ----- ------------ ----------------|----------------- tance. In fact, it is the Jesias’ residence ;by Rustpm Panthaki, principal of the good offices of former colony resident address at Mancherji Joshi Colony, Dadar Athornan Madressa, were a dai- Dadar, which is given as the official ly feature at the Fair. address of the Trust which functions For easier coordination and manage- under the chairmanship of solicitor ment, the Fair was divided into three charge of the superb presentation of Sohrab Morris. parts: stalls, amusement park and thestageshowswhileTirandazprovid- Planning a brochure is the first of se- sponsored shows. One hundred and ten ed the lively compering. veral steps involved in planning a fair, stalls of 100 square feet each and two [ ¦ " ¦ ¦¦ ------ " ¦ ¦ » “As a gimmick we distributed 8,{XX) With the help of Aspi Vasania of Afco pavilions of 200 and 300 square feet free tickets to children of neighboring Advertising'who designed the brochure area respectively, were offered to busi- schools under 10 years of age. We and also looked after the general ad- ness houses at rates varying from Rs knew for sure that no child under 10 vertising, the organizers tried to convey 3,0(X) to Rs 5,300 where consumer pro- would be allowed to come alone. Thus, the message that the ’86 Fair would be ducts and eats were sold. Some of the our ticket sales were ensured, “Your fair with a touch of class,” as participants were industrial houses like confided. against the ’83 Fair which came to be Hindustan Lever, Godrej Soaps, Gifts The contests included the regular identified as “An affair to remember.” and Krafts, Century, Stanrose and res- ones like Bonny Baby, Fancy Dress for Once the brochure is printed it is im- taurants like Fariyas, Nataraj and portant to approach the right people. Snowman. It was through their per- With the reputation built up after the sonal contacts and newspaper adver- success of the last Fair and recommen- tisements that stalls were booked. To dations made by “some friends or induce the stall keepers to put in their some friend’s friend,” they managed best performance, a prize for the best to interest business houses to partici- stall was announced on the last day, on pate in the Fair by booking stalls or the basis of ratings given by indepen­ sponsoring a night. Once it was decided that the venue of Fair during the 10 days, the Fair would be the 55,000 square feet area at the Dadar Parsee Colony different stalls, provision for furniture Gymkhana grounds which is within and electrical points was also made, easy access of not only the Colony Par- Though general security round-the­ sis but also of Gujaratis, South Indians clock was arranged at the Fair, indivi­ and Christians of the neighboring loca- dual stall security was provided at an _ lities, there was municipal approval to additional cost of Rs 50 per guard for Disco King and Disco Queen and Beat be obtained and umpteen number of li- an eight-hour shift. Group Contest where participation by cences — estate, building, stalls, ban- Keeping in mind the needs of the ad- Parsis and non-Parsis alike, brought in ners and posters. The cooperation of vertisers, the organizers had also re- pleasing rewards. When viewing the municipal commissioner Jamsheed served space for display of publicity video recording of the Winter Fair, Kanga, councillor Rustom Tiranda^ banners at rates varying from Rs 750 to Jesia seemed to relive the experiences who is a resident of Dadar Colony and 1,500 depending on the location, and of the Fair. “We had a record atten- other municipal authorities was of im- had arranged for jingles where prere- continued on page 85 Jesia One of the organizers has to b a first cl^ass administrator and dent assessors who had frequented the ghOUld bO Capable Of making others toe the line." Depending on the requirements of Keeping in mind the needs of the ad- 11 A children, Princess and Prince Charm­ ing, Disco Dandya, Winter Queen, 49 Parsiana March 1986 ¦5 ¦i 5 iC fl fl I I 3 I i 1 f1’ ** - "*i^3 TRADITION ! A feather in her pugree? The vanishing pugree is making a comeback thanks to Gulshan Kolah. Niloofer J. Modon a pug- In the course of an interview at her home in Cusrow Baug on February 15, expecting^her first J "more of a hobby.” But since she gets orders for the headgear, her father advised her not to refuse them. Displayed on a low table along the . opposite wall and on big boxes in the middle of the room were pugrees — old and new. Pugree-making involves a lot of effort, says Kolah. “Normally we take the size of the person’s head” and make the pugree according to his hei­ ght and build. The pugree, made with a white dotted black cotton cloth and cardboard, is generally, short for tall people and tall for short people. A sketch of the pugree is first made on the cloth, the cardboard and" the in­ ner black satin lining, which after be­ ing cut, are shaped on a wooden mold which approximates the shape of the final pugree in a few standard sizes. (Kolah had made the molds after a lot of trial and error.) After being shaped, the cardboard and cloth are stuck with a special refined glue. ree and was surprised when -U turned ,986. ’ expecting her first pugree for her child in May) and a pair of embroidered cr»trio«n^ 2c.:cd with long black hair, framing a else who only "“Tince October "last wL ^that m u considers pugree. m2_2 pugrees, her husband-to-be started making ougrees” for nth Arc more of a hobby.” But since rear a Toni at thnir ,.10,4, says Kolah thers, she gets orders for the headaear Tiaw maker and tailoring instructor had frnm^ P»6*vv-.iiakiiig iicAi year sne made a trom the late Nariman Pugreewalla, < ---------- * pugree- her to make one for him. And out well.” This was in 1984. The pugree-making next year she made the last of the professional'^Pril someone asked made threatened to wear a topi at their wed- s 8 Kolah: ”a lot of work ittMntvoH” w ''Wj Kolah: ”a lot of work " 4 involved” ' ^otos:HomyarMistryii^ w •2'1"ii' I®?"”- 4 ! With compliments of 4 V I Starlite Electrical Works I 'I Electrical Engineers & Contractors 'j rt. FERN HOUSE 13, BEST MARG BOMBAY400039 Tel: 241496 52 Parsiana March 1986 Polishing is only done after the pug- ree is otherwise fully ready. Were it done before molding, the polish would crack when the cardboard is folded, ex­ plained Kolah patiently. At least five coats of polish are ap­ plied with an interval of 24 hours bet­ ween each coat to let the polish dry properly. Therefore polishing itself can take six to seven days. Molding too is not easy: “sometimes it comes in one There are some people who order new pugrees inspite of having old ones since they wear them regularly to various functions. I ! / 9 go, at others you have to keep on try­ ing till it’s perfect,’’ says the enterpris­ ing lady. Completed pugrees are then wrapped in tissue paper and packed in WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM b.r.t. limited Neville House J.N. Heredia Marg Ballard Estate specially made cardboard boxes, ready Rombav 400038 for the customers to take away. 9 Because there is a lot of work involv- j ed, and since she must also look after | the dressmaking and the house, Kolah needs about a month to make a pugree. The client’s head measurement is es­ sential and a sample of the style wanted is an added help. But, says Kolah, not everyone has a clear idea of what they want and what would suit them; that is when she gives her own advice and sug­ gestions. Her clients are mainly bridegrooms, Kolah says, but, “there are some peo­ ple who order new pugrees inspite of having old ones since they wear them regularly to various functions.’’ Though there were different catego­ ries of pugrees traditionally, Kolah is only vaguely aware of them and notes that pugrees can only differ in height and width. Not knowing the real significance of the gaping hole on top of the pugree, Kolah notes that she has some cus­ tomers who want the hole closed be­ cause they wish their heads to be com­ pletely covered during religious cere­ monies. A pugree, if not kept carefully wrap­ ped in mulmul and in the bOx, as Kolah advises, can lose shape easily. Though continued on page 87 (1- “A club for gentlemen Cursetjee M. Cursetjee re.minisces on the early days of Bonnbay's first Parsi club 99 Cursetjee M. Cursetjee If my recollection errs not, it was in dulge in tol-tappa and gup-sup, play unhonored and unsung. There was Anno Christi 1884 that the erstwhile cards for mild stakes, roundly batter such another club also, worth keeping famous Ripon Club was founded by the chopat board, enjoy swadeshi on record, the Elphinstone Club, high Pherozeshah M. Mehta, to celebrate music such as a tabalchi and sarangee- the advent just about then of local valla procured and by way of piece-de- self government amongst us, during resistance, conspired to have an occa- up four pairs of stairs, somewhere in Parsi Bazaar Street, where the mem­ bers were Jamshetji Tata, Tain-toin the Governor-Generalship of the Earl sional nautch by nam-chines — more Wadia, S.S. Bengalee, D.F. Karaka, of Ripon and the Club was therefore or less reputed or reputable — then P.H. Dastoor, Nowrojee Fardoonji, named after him. Pherozeshah was reckoned the acme and ne plus ultra of Merwanji Seth and a few such other then well established in practice as a social divertisement or enjoyment. old stagers whosf names escape me. member of the Bombay Bar, which he Another such contemporary club This club claimed to be of a bettep class joined on his return from England in was chiefly patronized by the then and category than the others above- 1868. akbari magnate Dady Dubash, and on mentioned. Though not very different He soonshowed the stuff and mettle the demise of that worthy patron, it as regards any distinct aim, purpose or he was made of by taking the undisput- has frittered out of existence unwept. il ed lead in every matter, measure and movement of public value and import­ ance, civil or political or professional. I came to know him when we were “eat­ ing dinners” in Lincoln’s Inn and ever since for over 40 years became fast friends. In those far off days there used to be no clubs worth the name, such as one knows and understands them now. There existed then only the still famous Byculla Club, where Britishers foregathered for personal comfort and social amenities and the mere ‘native’ without distinction was and still is tabooed and kept outside the gates of the earthly paradise and all things con­ sidered, rightly too. It should, however, be mentioned that there were then a few small cote­ ries of young Parsis and old, such as the Excelcior, which was managed and carried on by a Parsi caterer named Nasarvan Jellyvalla, where the presid­ ing genius was Nanabhoy B. Jeejee- bhoy and where Parsi young hot- bloods and fly-by-nights like Kakoo Wadia, Behloo Seervai, M.N. Banaji, Dady Limji, Bhicaji Dalal and sundry others of like kidney met once a week or so of an evening to eat dinners, in­ object, more or less perhaps a superior sort of eating-house, with chopat and cards thrown in and a more or less in-, tellectual concourse and sociability, opening about 5 pm and all going to roost soon after the 9 pm gun-fire. Bombay city used to be favoured then by time-guns. Here I must not omit mentioning another such and perhaps more inter­ esting confrererie of even a much ear­ lier date, composed mainly of a dozen or so of old and elderly Parsis, of a somewhat lower social status, who had their club — a low roofed shanty (cal­ led) the Chopat Club, pure and simple, also known as Appa Club, situated on the Masan-kantha, not far from the Borah Kabarastan, facing the em­ browned waters of the Backbay and amidst a coral of coconut trees. That was a time when Queen’s Road existed not and no railway ran to Colaba, and never a thought or dream even of either. The old chaps met of an even­ ing, battered hilariously and ad lib the chopat board, disposed of bhajias, kabobs and kickshaws Of sorts, dhan- dar 'vn. right Alaibaug style, all copious­ ly washed down with date-tree toddy taken at the gharia-mouth, “and so 55 Parsiana March 1986’•rv - >> betimes to bed,” as old Pepys would say. 1 remember having had a sight of the unique club’s premises when quite a small boy when sometimes passing by to visit Cowasji Banaji Atash Bah­ ram, within hail of it. Those jolly old good fellows of the days that are no more with the rest of their confrater­ nity (such as 1 have touched upon above) have disappeared and gone the way of all flesh and their places know them no more. Peace to their souls in the upper or nether world, whichever way they have winged their flight. The club life of those ancient days, such as 1 have touched upon above, you may be sure, was of anything but a high-toned, elevated or purposeful cha­ racter. The usual evening’s program there used to be for members on arriv­ ing to doff their dagli and paghri, some even dispensing with their silk trousers, but not without leaving thin cotton trousers on, invest their toes into slip­ pers and be at ease, gossip and pass the ! news of the day, discuss scandals, play ' cards or chopat, make themselves hila­ rious over mild liquering up, go in for < and guzzle a Brobdignian, feed Parsi style, a drummer and fiddler discours­ ing music sweet or otherwise, aiding digestion and by ten or half-past dis­ perse and go home to roost or whereso­ ever individual penchant may call them to. Pherozeshah ^s we know was greatly looked up to and his company eagerly sought after; so after much persuasion , and pressing and being of a remarkably companionable temperament he was induced to become a member of the s Excelcior Occasionally 1 went there as a guest. I Pherozeshah’s genius and his fine i sense of the fitness of things soon im- i proved as it were the Excelcior out of existence. He conceived the idea of fourth floors, well and suitably fitted what a club should be for gentlemen, up and furnished. The lower floor for set about it and took the necessary pre- sitting, reading and card rooms, the liminary steps and founded the Ripon upper for billiards and dining hall, toi- Club for Parsis in Bombay, on the best let rooms and a bed room or two on the modern western lines, at once a strik- top to accommodate any upcountry ing novelty in Parsi social life. His member, temporarily in Bombay. With scheme and plan for a club in Bombay good management the Ripon Club was was at once acclaimed and approved of soon in full swing and came to be re- and most Parsis of good and respect- cognized as an admirable institution of able social standing flocked to become its sort for the better class of Parsis, members. educated, respectable and profes- Rules were framed under Pheroze- sional, with a strong bent in the direc­ shah’s guiding hand, a strong mahag- tion of rational politics. __ __ -J Later on, the Hornby Road accom- :3 1 1 W • ?. il' p- ing committee appointed and thus Later on, the Hornby Road accom- came to be launched amidst general ac- modation became insufficient, and the clamation the Ripon Club, with Sir locality became- unpleasantly noisy, Jamshedjee Jejeebhoy, Bart. (Maneck- though the tramway then was un- jee) as the first president; the indispen- known, and pom-pom-pom and rattle sable Pherozeshah Mehta (P.M.M. for of the automobile was not ever dreamt short) as honorary secretary and later of. The open lands on the Apollo Bun- on with J.C. Cama, the first Parsi soli- der site were then just coming into the citor trained in London as his joint. It hands of the ubiquitous builder, is deserving of record here that the first Jehangir Cowasji Jehangir (now Sir three presidents of the club in succes- and Bart) was the first to build there a sion were the baronets of Mazagaon fine three-storied house, on the Apollo Castle, all thorough gentlenien, digni- Bunder Road, facing the large open fied, courteous, sociable. It is a matter Government land t^en vacant on the of regret which many members feel West and overlooking the harbour on that the traditional line of presidents the East. Muncherjee C. Murzban has not been continued by the election Khan Bahadur, etc., etc., was the ar- of the present Sir J. J. Bart, on the ill- chitect, and the three stories of the new conceived objection of “the atrocious building called the Readymoney Build­ crime of being a young man.” ing were specially fixed up to suit and Rustam K.R. Cama and I were accommodate the Ripon, and in due among the first elected members. I am time we moved into our spacious new not quite sure which of us, he or I, can quarters where the dining hall could claim to be at this day the doyen of the seat two hundred members. club. 1 believe however, that it is Sir Dinshaw Wacha who is the oldest sur- was well and fitly provided for. There viving ex-member. The first club house was a first class chef, Lobo, with a stood (if I mistake not) on the Hornby capable staff under him and above all. Road, in the Nabob’s building, facing with indisputed sway, was J.C. Cama, the West, there were no high buildings as culinary superintendent He was a then obstructing the view over the mai- gourmet and gourmand if ever was rol- dan and towards the sea. led into one and what h? knew not of We had the entire second, third and the mysteries of the cuisine was not were From the first start the inner man v W ¦3*^ 5 SI S7 Paisiana March 1986* 51'1 worth knowing. The epicurean maxim, measure of local self government— Jamshedji A Dalal, Dr A. P. Cama, good grub good club, was kept upper- that is to say — government by the M.C. Murzban, Nusserwanji J. Ready- most in mind, the club on the instant people, for the people in the shape of money (if not a wit himself was the thus acquiring a well deserved reputa- city and district municipalities. As the ready cause of wit or witticism in tion for its excellent dinners and tiffins Ripon came into being, the earlier im- others), Ponchaji S. Ponchaji and in all Parsi-dom. Our J.C. Cama be- palpable clublets “hid their diminished several others climbed in with my views sides looking over the menus, was in- heads.” At the birth of the club I was and we started weekly common dinners deed a great acquisition to the club in resident in Ahmedabad, taking how- held every Thursday. These were con- many ways. His cheery face with hook- ever advantage of the amenities offered vened by the issue of a circular, on ed mustache still looks on us from the by the club during flying visits to Bom- which members desiring to be present club wall. And so the Ripon went on, bay, noting how things were proceed- entered their names and the names of vigorous, progressive and popular. After some years at the Apollo Bun- was transferred to Bombay and as resi- der, the locality becoming over-built dent member was elected a member of and guests, often more, promoting and found inconveniently out of the the club’s managing committee and kindly communion and good fellow­ way for members engaged and doing shortly after, its chairman, continuing ship, something too for the “good of business in the Heart of the Fort, it was as such by repeated re-election till with- the house.” resolved to move into quarters more suitably situated. The N.M. Wadia trustees were then building a big house was not quite such as it should be. Davar, Dady M. Jeejeebhoy and others on the Esplanade Road facing the Uni- Members seemed to have got into the I arranged to have an occasional musi- versity Gardens and the Rajabai Clock habit of dropping in of an evening, cal or dramatic evening, with piano- Tower. They agreed to rent to the club played cards or billiards, now and then forte playing .. .songs, dramatic reci- the two upper floors, fitting up the dined solo or in small parties of five or tations, etc., all which we were able to same according to the club’s require- six, and by nine-thirty or so disappear- provide now and then with the help of ments and so in due time the club mov- ed, and lights were out. I therefore got some of the members of the Bombay ed into its present quarters, admirably together gradually a sufficient number A.D.C. (Amateur Dramatic Club) 1 and conveniently situated and there it of members to come more and more had then lately’started. Our weekly stands this day. together to know one another more in- common dinners, as may be accepted. So arose in Bombay the first Parsi timately, thus promoting general became attractive and popular, adding Club, as something new and novel, and friendliness and goodwill amongst us not a little to the gaiety and vivacity of distinct frpm all that had gone before which was and should be the- aim of the Ripon. I seldom missed these plea- and on the well-established modern club life. Sorabji Patel, a host in him- western lines, and Pherozeshah fitly self, Pherozeshah, Rustam Cama, ing and progressing till 1886, when I guests. In this way, once a week we came together, some 40 or 50 members in these few years or so. To add to our enjoyment of these It soon struck me that our club life common dinners with the help of J.E. sant evenings. In due course the next thing or mat- named it after the Marquis of Ripon, D.E. Wacha, J.E. Davar, Dinsha ter that drew my attention was that the to whom India owes the introduction Batha, Framji Panday, Dady M. Jee- Ripon being exclusively for Parsis, we , were apt to become unsatisfactorily communal, so that some move to help to counteract this isolation as it were, was both necessary and desirable. It was clear that in effect membership of the Ri- pon was confined to Parsis and may be 5 properly so, but there was no rule nor res­ triction against the introductioh of some desirable foreign element in the way of members inviting as guests non- Parsis. So after sounding Pberozeshah and others who thought it a good move, I boldly took the plunge. I was expecting some opposition of'course, though nothing to what did take^^place. To me it was quite clear that a fair in- o-r^^vm'quite clear that a fmr in- and establishment of the great liberal jeebhoy, Framji Mirza, J.C. Cama, I ^'5 .s*?; J d ciact^ Ct ICUl 111** >•IL I J I I 4 V ib li.* S’ ¦! e- ' 1 I I i !¦ s- I LI ’ It ? ' 1 ' * t ' ’ f The Ripon being exclusively for Parsis, we were apt to become unsatisfactorily communal so that some move to help counteract this isolation was necessary Macfarlane and Skipsey, Solicitors). Amiruddin Tyabji, C.H. Setalvad, Sig- the walnuts. These dinners were mutl Pherozeshah, Wacha, Sorabji Patel nor Pedroza, Dr Kirtikar, Bal Mun- appreciated and were held regularly tii and many others, I had sounded, gave gesh Wagle, N. G. Chandawarkar, the lamented death of Pherozeshtd them a cordial and courteous welcome. W. A. Chambers and other such highly Mehta who was always the life and sou I noticed a few eyes cocked up cross- desirable non-Parsis ordinarily as of these interesting non-communa wise here and there, with whispering guests at our weekly Thursday dinners gatherings. -jgfind mcamuring. The dinner however, and this innovation I introduced was _ About this time the club suffer© passed off agreeably and pleasantly as found to be all round most agreeable great loss by the death at short inter was to be expected, With such excellent and satisfactory in the best interest of vals of Sorabji F. Patel and Jamshedj and desirable company as were my the club. The moving requisitionists Cama. The former was a most charm guests, the first non-Parsis at the Parsi gradually were out of it, and were in no ing personality, old with the old ant led r t ii I I i Ripon Club table. Facta est acta, way missed. No time was lost, the whispers rose to a growl and ended in a protest to the set in motion by me for more cordial of men, most kindly and .considerah^ committee against what was considered social relations with our sister commu- and the most perfect and most delight^ my unconstitutional action, lodged by nities, came about some years later, ful of club-goers. From the surviving the self-constituted constitutional law- which deserves some passing notice, members subscribing, we have exccW yers, Rustom Patel and Hormusji Plea- just to show how perverse some people lent portents of these worthies on our der. of the Small Causes Court, arcades can be. A certain number of plutocrat club walls to keep their memories green ambo. For reasons, which need not be Parsis, never reckoned nor recognized amongst,us. entered into here, I had not been a per- as particularly orthodox, started a new After we had moved into our present sona grata with these worthies. The club as a rival to the Ripon, calling it quarters on Esplanade Road, I obtain- mknaging committee did not consider The Asian, skied up in the heights of ed through the kind offices of Sir ll me in the wrong. Green’s. It is a club for Parsis only, Bennett, a fine engraved portrait of tfU The next step against me, was a re- though the name given it is a clear mis- Marquis of Ripon with his autograph, quisition for a special general meeting nomer, and its special rule is not to ad- It is suitably hung up to the right-hand to consider and decide the matter. As mit any non-Parsi even as a guest in it. of the main entrance. It is a very excel- indeed the ancient custom prevailed This emphatic distinction is by way of lent likeness and it is most fitting to that where there are two or 20 Parsis ill-considered narrow-minded spite have it on our club wall, as a constant met together there was bound to be a against the Byculla and the Royal reminder of one of our most important divergence of opinion, a split and con- Yacht Clubs. Well so far en passant; Governors General. Another impor tention. Our Ripon Club was no excep- '‘revenons a nos moutons. ” tant measure the Ripon has kept itself tion. However good the ointment there is sure to be a fly in it. Lo! and behold ment and acquittal took place when we club “Public dinners” as a matter of me arraigned before a club tribunal of were still in our original quarters on great distinction, in honour of gentle- the special general meeting, which duly Hornby Road. After the club was men rightly distinguished for great and convened, came off in due course^ The established in our more spacious quar- valuable services in India’s best inter­ matter or point for disposal had excit- ters in Readymoney Building, I started ests. In this connection I took a leading ed considerable stir and interest. The another useful reform in the matter of part in getting up such club dinners in members mustered strong and in force, club life, with the. object of broadening honour of men like H.H. Sayajirao It was indeed a field day for the Ripon, and better discussing our views on cur- Gaekwar of Baroda, Sir Sankaran It escapes me who was in the chair. rent political and civic as well as social Nair, Sir Thomas Bennett, Sir Jugg- Sorabji Patel, if I remember righ^ topics. After consulting Pherozeshah dish Bose and Right Hon’ble jSrinivasa took the chair. A proposition was mov- Mehta who was as it were the Grand Sastri, P.C., Lord Sinha, Sir R.C. ed to prevent such an infringement as Turk or Great Mogul of the club, I in- Datt. On these occasions which may was assumed of the club constitution, augurated monthly dinners called the well be described as events of consider- it be ruled that no non-Parsi be invited “Friends in Council” at which mem- able political value, a large number of as a guest. A large majority voted bers of other communities were invited our local officials and public men were against this resolution. I carried the as guests of the club for the informal invited and the function has always day, and it came to pass that the mem- exchange of views and opinions on all been carried out with great eclat and bers were able to invite from time to matters of importance in a friendly time men like Badruddin Tyabji, manner, over or during the wine and young with the young. As to Jamshi One queer result of this movement ji C. Cama, he was the most amiabl "revenons a nos moutons. ” The interesting event of my arraign- well in front with, has been to give the success. In 1915, the club met with a great 60 Parsiana March ige^ ••0J ** , i.4 L Burjov Framji & Co. Licensed Plumbers Sanitary & Drainage Contractors MARINE MANSION IST MARINE STREH BOMBAY 400002. THEPHONE: 313207 63 Pargiana March 1986 A fair intermingling amongst us with members of the other communities, of Europeans especially, was bound to improve the tone and amenity of our club. misfortune in the comparatively early death of its eminent founder Sir Phe­ rozeshah M. Mehta, K.C.I.E., perhaps India’s most remarkable and conspic­ uous of eminent public men. A crowd­ ed meeting of members was held in the club to express its deep sense of the very serious loss the club suffered by his death. Resolutions were passed to express the club’s high regard, esteem and veneration, the serious loss the Ripon suffered by this sad event and it has, it seems to me, not yet quite re­ covered from it. A large amount was subscribed on the spot to place a memorial bust of its founder in the club. I was commissioned to see to the matter. The bust, which is an object of spe­ cial notice in our Club Hall, was ob­ tained by me ffom Italy and is the work of an Italian sculptor. I sent to the ar­ tist Sir Pherozeshah’s coat of velvet collar, his necktie with the gold pin he usually wore and his turban, along with several recent photographs. The result we see is, as generally admitted, a very excellent likeness. I really cannot miss recording here the latest club function, in which it has been my good fortune to take part. 1 refer to the unveiling of a life-like and life-size portrait in oils of our most energetic and mercurial former joint honorary secretary Rustam Cama, for his many varied services to the club. This is a well-deserved honour done to him,to sit serenely and look down upon us from his decorated niche in the wall, whilst he is with us in the flesh. ' '« 3 SELVEL FOR EFFECTIVE OUTDOOR ADVERTISING THROUjGHOUT INDIA With Best Compliments from: SELVEL PUBLICITY & CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD. Ravindra Mansion Annexe, 194, Dinshaw Vatcha Road, 4th Floor, Bombay-400 020. Tel Nos: 2026512, 2027560. ,-j?^ *5 Reprinted from A Hundred Years of Ripon Club 1884-1984. Cursetjee Munockjee Cur­ setjee was the first Indian to be admitted to Oxford University. Called to the Bar,he spent 8! years fiyhtiny for the right. ^1, * 'SV r BUSINESS 7 ’*/ * •«/ k *• T Exporting in style With foresight and acumen, Nariman Mogrelia's Zoro Garments has emerged as a major exporter. “When starting a business, an entre­ preneur should be capable of finding fedi^Z'thrZd"''"adymade garments and fabrics. Zofo eerng the need to turn to family Kilpauk residence in Madras on Dresses, Zoro Fashions Zoro Inter funds,’’ asserted Nariman Moerelia December iQS-t tssca rasmons, zoro inter- don’co^idUnZ^hlk Mogrelia ^fer^d to his previous t^iSher ^th the' founding Comp^any Group of Companies in Madras which X°'L?ncT^Xer o? SaXit^ r^se'Ih?zrro"Grr’''^fV^^ =y;xx.=.T" ExSSSS should learn a lesson from one of the able to nourish and flourish the busi- prosperous communities of India i which believes ‘Loko naa paise dhan- L. dha karta avarvu joie; aapraa paise to only dikraao bhi dhandha kari sake’ (We should know how to harness public wealth for our business enterprises; even our children would know how to do business using family resources).’’ “Zoro Garments was built upon a lot of problems and frustrations, per- < ¦ • ¦ had was a lot of liabilities. I had to look after a lot of people and there was no surplus finance in the family. Hav­ ing started my career as an officer with Bank of India, banks were willing to give all the credit I wanted. I was able to see' the writing on the wall that India would be a future garment exporter. So with my entire saving of Rs 25,000 and borrowed capital of Rs 25,000, I bought over a closed down readymade Parinaz Toddywalla garment factory in 1972 and converted floated four other companies engaged .. r- ¦ , ¦ —° private limited company,’’ in the manufacture and exnnrt nf 1 resources without recalled rotund Mogrelia at his select ’ . and export of on funds. : residence in Madras December 26, 1985. Mogrelia referred to his j work experience — one year stints — as finance officer of India United C. Ramon and Comipany, London, and general manager of Coromandel , 4 subsidiary of undertaken Tata Textiles in Madras. He left the comp- one of the largest industrial estates in the country. At the entrance to their factory cum -.‘.'’Le were stacked large bales of ness the way I like.’’ In those days India used to export office J garments like boiler suits and readymade garments. Mogrelia shares his office with his wife Mahbanu whom he considers his “extended arm, supporting all my activities.’’ (Prior to marriage, Mahbanu ran a beauty par- trousers to the Middle East, bringing in about Rs 12 crores of foreign ex­ change, recalled Mogrelia. “Today the garment export industry earns Rs 1,000 crores and forms India’s second high- lor at Ah’medabad)? Whife In one cor­ est foreign exchange earnings after engineering, not taking the diamond ner the telex machine kept ticking away, on the opposite side garments in flashing colors and varying sizes were sonal and businesswise.. .Whatever 1 industry into consideration ” -------- _ _n f , ..... ... , • .......... ..........O------- - vaijlll5 3iz,cs WCIC In the last 14 years Mogrelia has hung up for display. Being a Saturday ! J->i 13«S, •. corn (*'3rnieni s 't X L '’ u 65 Parsiana March 1986 d '- ? ' ' \' 3 fc - ’’ f J J I # morning, their nine-year-old son Polad kept making periodic appearances after running small errands assigned by his parents. On the factory premises, production I work commenced on one long table I where reams of clotlj. (150 to 200 I sheets) were meticulously layered. I Mogrelia described how, depending on I the requirements of a particular con­ signment, four to six paper drafts of different sizes are laid out on the material. An operator then uses an electric machine to cut the material according to the design. A greater portion of the carpet was covered by rows of sewing chines worked by women who each performing a specialized job in the chain of linked duties, be it attach­ ing sleeves or making buttonholes In the further corner of this large room, «, men were busy ironing the garments * Mo^relia: trade connections area ma- were ' “Sfi 4>I * I r allotted to the established exporters B Mogrelia felt that there is very negli­ gible scope for newcomers. Finding himself in “a particularly happy situa­ tion,” thanks to his entry into the busi­ ness at the right time, he is now plan­ ning to diversify, but hasn’t made his final decision. “It’s all too immature ... maybe leasing or pharmaceuticals or tea.” As the first elected chairman of the Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPG), New Delhi in 1979-80 and then again in 1985-86, Mogrelia ex­ plained that it is a quasi government Mogrelia and wife ^ahhanu scanning the finished garments. which monitors and regulates foreign trade of over Rs 1,000 crores with sophisticated machines. On an- UK and USA. A few departmental and formulates measures for promot- other table some experienced eyes were stores in USA and UK with whom the ing further exports. Referring to his minutely scrutinizing the garments to Zoro Group has transacted directly are appointment as chairman of the Quota = check whether any buttons or stitches Macys, Sears Roebuck, John Lewis, Advisory Committee of the AEPC for .5 were missing. The ironed garments Hennes and Mauritz AB, Selfridges the last three years, Mogrelia added, | were then sorted and numbered ac- and Ahlen; and Holmes, mentioned “Parsis are always well accepted. cording to size, packed in polythene Mogrelia. ¦ That’s a big advantage for our commu- bags and piled in cartons. The Zoro Group has trade cohnec- nity. Compared to the modern day f As Mahbanu explained, from Jan- tions with 15 countries including USA, maharajas. I’m a small man; yet they | uary to April is their busiest period UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, elect me.” Mogrelia has also been no- .1 when they have to meet a demand of France, Japan, Australia, Austria and minated to several technical expert 1 four to five lakh pieces in four months. Holland. Business is of a cyclical committees in his field of specidliza- | Then comes a time when the demand nature and they have to keep in mind tion. ? tapers down to 30,000 pieces a month the foreign climate and tastes, which Though formerly Mogrelia was a after which the feverish cycle starts all differ from country to country. “Work visiting professor in marketing and i over again. On an average, they pro- starts almost a year in advance. We sales management at a mimhAr nf instj. duce 250 garments a day, from these design the fabric and send it to the tutes in Bombay and Madras, he now <1 premises. clients for their approval who then sug- devotes a considerable amount of time I In addition to “our 300 employees gest a rough sketch (for the dress pat- planning monthly activities for the who produce one crore worth of tern) to which we add our workman- Madras Parsi Association of which he ' J goods, our garments are stitched by 25 ship, and come out with the style. The has recenlty been elected president for j to 30 other job contractors, but we samples are then tested; if approved, a three-year term. “1 am there to 1 have our quality control stations at they book an order with us,” Mogrelia bridge the gap between the young and ' these units. This kind of arrangement explained. the old — sometimes 1 get praise, and . j provides better flexibility against prob- The successful garment exporter at- at other times joothias (criticism).” ,'fl lems which arise when labor is concen- tributes his success to systematic hard The acceptance of both praise and cri- trated in one factory,” noted the prac- work-“l don’t believe in donkey’s ticism has enabled 46-year-old Mogre- tical entrepreneur. work — Khuda ni maherbani (God’s lia to be a success even though he start- Mogrelia is relieved to have a grace)” and correct timing for plung- ed his business career after a critical spokeswoman in his wife Mahbanu, ing into the garment export business, who is fluent in Tamil, considering that some workers don’t understand any other language. Referring to the output of his workers, Mogrelia announced that for the last several years they have been the Export Award winners of Ambattuf ludu<ial Estate Maaufae- turers Association for the highest ex­ port performance. Some of the Company’s regular cus­ tomers are well-known importers — Campus, India Garments, Damon and Van Hussein — using their owii brand labels. Garments with famous design­ ers’ labels like Moustache and Emma- nualle are supplied by them to EEC, c** 1- and AWen; and Holmes, mentioned al Though formerly Mogrelia was a bl Parsi^na March 1986 i 4^ warning, “Your capacity may run ‘ J As 75 percent of the export quota is short of your ambition!” The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd • sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 00) Tel: 253443 & 252730 Gifts&i 3g ^3 '3Expanding vision g The family concern of Phiroze Dastoor and Company is rapidly growing under p the aegis of Daryus Panthaky. - I n I” I Parinaz Toddywalla V w. •-U ,,3} Mm firm. ‘‘The retail outlets are prestige the business started growing. In 1961 he began manufacturing contact lenses because of which he came to be known a.s the ‘‘father of contact lenses in .In- ‘‘We make everything by ourselves dia.” His laboratory then,could only cater to the requirements of four to ‘‘Nearly 50 percent of Parsis need vis­ ual aids and a fairly large proportion issues because our existing distribution have weak eyesight,” observed Daryus centers take our manufactured pro- Panthaky, proprietor of Phiroze Das- ducts to different corners of India, toor and Company, one of the lead- ‘ , ing opticians in the country. Sitting in (from manufacturing contact lenses bis consulting room at Fountain on and solutions to designing spectacles) five opticians. Panthaky added, ‘‘It December 13, 1985 with several sets of which is the main reason for our suc- eyes peering over him — not an optical cess... There is a difference between illusion, but an eye chart on the wall — Panthaky noted that the cause of weak sight was ‘‘mainly because of heredi­ tary and environmental -conditions, especially progressive myopia (short­ sightedness) which has a strong heredi­ tary factor.” Since the establishment of their first optometric practice at Flora Fountain in 1904, Phiroze Dastoor and Com­ pany have set up practices at Santa Cruz, Napean Sea Road and Dadar in the last two years. Plans are under con­ sideration to expand to the suburbs of Chembur and Ghatkopar and, further afield to Pune and Delhi. ‘‘We are a leading chain of optometric centers in India today... Each of the suburbs of Bombay is a distinct entity and the only for three generations. The founder, way you can sell to the suburban popu­ lace is by providing local services which is today the main aim of the Com­ pany,” Panthaky explained. He now has his brother Khushroo helping him with the sales and administration of the was a pilot project on a very small scale.” In 1963 he took to manufactur­ ing contact lens accessories under the selling and dispensing glasses just as there is a difference between selling brand name of Consol Products to and fitting contact lenses,” stated Pan­ thaky to explain the growing demand for their products and services. ‘‘When Phiroze Dastoor and Co was established in 1904, there used to be a choice of just three or four frames — two for men and two for women — which were imported. Up to the early taking interest in the optometric field, ’50s, Parsis were the only people in this field who had made a substantial con­ tribution. A few Parsis dropped out, charge of the firm. Panthaky admits, but the ones who’ve carried on their ‘‘I’m here not by design. When I was business are at the top today. It’s only working in the laboratory behind this in the last 25 or 30 years that the pro- shop, 1 liked what I saw.” After com- fession has really expanded. The firm has been with the family College, Bombay, Panthaky proceeded to London to study physiological op­ tics at the City University. Under the parent body of Phiroze M. Dastoor and Co are six subsidia­ ries, each of which contributes to an in-, dividual facet in the ophthalmic field. facilitate wearers of hard contact len­ ses. A designer of lenses, Sam Das­ toor’s contribution to the ophthalmic field was recognized when he was invit­ ed to present papers at national and in­ ternational conferences. Panthaky, Sam’s nephew started gradually became enmeshed in the pro­ fession, and by May 1981 had to take shop, 1 liked what I saw. pleting his Inter Science from Khalsa Phiroze Dastoor, and his nephew, Khurshed looked after the practice till 1941 when Khurshed’s son Dr Sam Dastoor took charge. It was during the late Sam Dastoor’s proprietorship for over 30 years that The Company employs a substantial * H- S I 69 Parsiana March 1996: _ - ‘''*z ¦ A few Parsis (droppecd out of optometric practice. But the ones who've carrieid on their business are at the , top tocday. 11 I 9 iSi il- 1 '/ 1 - >r Ji X Optomelric center at Napeun Sea Road: a prestige issue (Photos: Homyar Mistry) trained work foi^e. Their contact len­ ses are exported to Germany, Greece, U.K., Middle East and Sri Lanka. A large portion of their manufactur­ ing work is done at the Royal Indus­ trial Estate at Wadala. Referring to his production work, Panthaky highlight­ ed, “We are one of a handful of con­ tact lens manufacturers all over India journals and basically keeping in touch is never going to replace another. It’s and one of just two plastic ophthalmic with the profession abroad,” Pan- just one more armament that a practi- lens manufacturers in Bombay.” thaky ensures that he keeps pace with tioner has, to be able to treat his pa- Describing himself as an “ophthal- technological developments. “Most of dents. Contact lenses are not more mic optician,” Panthaky explained the people working in our laboratory popular than spectacles. They are used briefly the five fields of specialization are also exposed to foreign training.” in eye care: a manufacturing optician Panthaky has presented papers at seve- deals primarily with the production ral national and international meets in- clients considering they comprise 25 to work; a dispensing optician is concern- eluding those organized by the British 30 percent of his total clientele in Bom- ed with the distribution of ophthalmic Contact Lens Manufacturers Associa- bay, Panthaky replied, “Let me search products and services; an ophthalmic tion and the National Eye Research for an adjective. Perfectionists? Fussy? optician is responsible for fitting the Foundation (USA) Parsis demand that they be totally lens to the eye, checking its suitability; an ophthalmic surgeon rectifies eye developments which they have intro- ask for something which you’d want to defects surgically; and an ophthalmic duced for their clients, Panthaky nam- consultant diagnoses eye problems. Panthaky devotes a fixed number of weight, lower refractive index, recom- large rural population, Panthaky rea- hours on working days to each of his mended for cataract patients) and anti- soned that a greater need for spectacles four practices for the fitting of contact reflection coated lens (enhances vision, arose in cities. '"Lakhta, vachta nahi lenses. “1 never give appointments, reduces glare and ghost images, recom- avre tau chasma ni soo jaroor (if they What’s the sense if 1 can’t keep them? mended for those needing high power- are not literate, where arises the need Roughly I’d take 10 to 20 minutes per ed visual aids). “Technological ad- for spectacles)?” client, but then an interview like this vancement could only be there if lay- (humorously hinting at the passage of men are more quality conscious. There ed, “when the Lions have their eye time and for wasting the time of his are so many fallacies about optics that camps in the rural areas, as a form of clients queued outside, waiting to be educating them is a herculean task,” he social service we distribute free specta- admitted on a first come, first served added. cles there. We also dispense lenses in basis) can throw the schedule out of gear... When I’m not in Bombay, tute 99 percent of the lenses dispensed, the municipal hospitals of Bombay.” contact lens fitting is at a standstill while in India they were introduced on- “Not interested in any publicity,” for cosmetic and medical reasons.” When asked how he viewed Parsis as Among the recent technological satisfied. In a way it is not wrong to ed plastic ophthalmic lens (light in have in any case.” Comparing the urbanites to India’s Then on a more serious note he add- “In the USA, plastic lenses consti- the ophthalmic departments in some of contact lens fitting is at a standstill while in India they were introduced on- “Not interested in any publicity,” because it’s a personalized service ly five years back and there are already Panthaky is satisfied with the firm’s where people may not like a substi- misconceptions like ‘It will spoil the reputation, earned by customers pass- tute.” However, his experienced staff eyes,’ ‘They scratch easily,’ ‘They ing on a good word in their favor. Ask- of optometrists who-have been with generate heat.’ It is difficult to con- ed about diversification of interests, him over the years provide customer vince people in India because they are Panthaky reflected, “We’ve reached service all through the year — recom- not willing to learn. And again, you’re the limit... Not being a professionally mending use of particular frames or outnumbered by people who would managed public company but only a looking into routine checking of eyes, rather not give these types of lenses. group of dedicated individuals, it’s dif- By travelling abroad “once every “Each innovation in optics is appli- ficult even doing what we are at present two or three months, looking through cable to some segment of patients. One without compromising on quality.”' rather not give these types of lenses. “Each innovation in optics is appli- 71 Parsiana March 1986 K ' ' f ‘¦'^r *. 'll V I •6 ? i-1 BUSINESS 1 Capital entrees report. the Navsari Parsee Anjuman, started After a long lapse of time, the past few After Completion of the new project, his legal career in 1974, in Navsari (the months have seen a fervor of business the Company would be the most only city in India with a growing Parsi ,, - population) and established his com­ pany Mazda Estates and Finance in 1982. The Company undertakes deve­ lopment of industrial estates, housing projects and independent bungalow report. After Completion of the new project, --fl'* activity within the Parsi community, sophisticated and the first of its kind in Pharmaceuticals and leasing are the the country, notes the write-up, add- chosen fields of four companies which ing, that the plant was flexible enough have currently taken advantage of the “to tailor-make its product for the re- favorable business climate in India and quirements of the consumer, enabling have successfully entered the public the Company to offer a wide product schemes in and around Navsari as also capital market. mix of different strengths and grades.” commercial development of properties in Bombay. Deboo also wishes to ex­ ploit the commercial possibilities of the < mix of different strengths and grades.” The Company, which has a sophisti­ cated research and development divi­ sion, further intends to manufacture underdeveloped pockets of Gujarat, notes the release. Atash Leasing The public issue of Atash Leasing and Industries Limited (previously known vital organic intermediates and to enter as Atash Patalganga Chemicals Private the drug market with the production of Limited) has been “oversubscribed salicylic acid and asprin, explained 26.39 times. Three lakh, thirty- vice-chairman Nusli R. Davar, in an Adding to the recent boom in financing eight thousand, six hundred and update on the Company in the Finan- companies is Ahura Finance, promot- twenty-four valid applications were cia! Express of December 13. ed by Behrooz Noshir Kermani, editor received for 6,25,82,800 shares of Rs and publisher of Investments Today, 10 each “resulting in a record collec- Vitta Mazda Limited notes a report in the Financial Express tion of Rs 31.29 crores,” notes an an- • --^___ ________________ nouncement in The Times of India of based leasing and finance company entering the capit^ market ’ with February 26, 1986. floated in November 1985 — proposes equity issue of Rs 10 lakhs, proposes to The Company yvhich entered the to enter the capital market in the first undertake leasing, hire ourchase. bill capital market on December 18, last year, intends #¦ ‘J <-•' The FAI, which registers all world books on taxation. He is on the board ®®’’osports including power- of several companies and is chairman I R n Tata i,. J I Minister Rajiv Gandhi on November 19 at New Delhi, notes the report. chayet, Ranina is the author of several ces and co-chairman of the Bombay Management, adds the write-up. * Wr With best compliments from Gharda Chemicals Private Limited Manufacturers of ISOPROTURON (Wheat Weedicide) QUINAPYRAMINE (Veterinary Drug) QUINOXALINOL AND ORTHO PHENYLENE DIAMINE (Pesticide - Intermediates) Tol- (West),Bombay 400050 Tel. 6426852, 6422173, 6422230 Telex; 011-71658 GCPL IN 73 Parsiana March 1966 a; ni «.w « 2 fFOURTH WORLD CONGRESS PAPERS Creation of employment opportunities I i ! The community must be quality conscious rather than traditional in Its motivation. Darius Forbest / For the second group of our youth ren to missionary-run institutions and ] even pay high fees as a sacrifice for who are unable to concentrate on ad- such an opportunity. vanced studies, suitable vocational If the Federation (of Parsi Zoroas- training skills should be promoted and trian Anjumans of India) would con- developed, sider providing funds for assisting such 1 existing institutions to pay their tea- ever we have need for a carpenter, an '< chers and educationists more, it would electrician, a plumber, or a mason, it’s ------- -—------------------------------------- help to improve the skills and stan- a hard task to find one who has real Poona today, after Bombay, has the dards of such institutions and attract skill and is professionally trained..Two largest concentration of the Zoroas- members of our community in greater well-known centres in Poona — St. Jo- trian community — of Parsis and numbers. seph’s Technical Training Institute and Where there is more than one such Queen Mary’s Technical School, come Edited and abridged from D. Forbes's paper entitled "Creation of employ­ ment opportunities" presented at the Fourth World Zoroastrian Congress under the topic "Review of the pre-, vailing conditions in Zoroastrian com­ munities in different parts of the It is common knowledge that when- Iranis due (p its environment, salubri­ ous climate and proximity to Bombay, community educational institution, to my mind where organized practical Being a comparatively recent Indus- there should be an endeavor for each to training is provided and unlike the trially develop^ city, Poona offers develop expertise in particular fields Government ITIs it takes pride in the modem, clean and more conducive which lay the foundation for the stu- product turned out. Telco have one of work opportunities which Zoroastrians dents’ future careers; for example ac- the finest equipped apprentice shops, in particular are desirous of having. Since it has always been a centre for education, it is likely to continue to provide the basic infrastructure in education and future careers for youth in a growing economy. Let us concentrate on that segment of our community which is less for­ tunate in having the resources for ad­ vanced and better education. It inclu­ des those who have the intelligence and desire for advanced or technological studies; and the rest, who need skills to enable them to earn a livelihood. For the former, Poona has a number of educational institutions, founded by countancy, commerce, science in spe- organized centres and perhaps a cer- our conununity forefathers, who had cialized fields as biotech, specialized tificate to use for their advancement. < the vision and desire to assist the com- engineering technologies, etc. This will Our community members are also - munity. Because of the comparatively provide the scope and choice for the in- more inclined to need such aids as J poor response from Zoroastrians, dividual to suit his or her aptitudes, transportation and accommodation ‘ these institutions are compelled to fill The Federation may study and provide whilst on training. -a vacancies from other communities, each such community institution with 1 This develops into a vicious circle, as the aids and equipment for promoting able clean and conducive dharamshabs / due to the poor response from the com- such skills of learning, e.g. computers, (better to term them as Punchayet munity, the standard drops and this laboratory equipment, research aid Guest Houses) and a subsidized -'I further detracts from its appeal. Thus equipment, electro-medical equipment, transportation expense, it-may well Zoroastrians prefer to send their child- etc. help to gather a larger youth group fOr Our ladies may be persuaded to assist community projects with the same zeal with which they pursue their coffee morning projects. but mainly for its prospective emplo- yees. In our own organization, we have ? a small vocational training centre for teaching carpentry, welding, PCB soldering, fitting, etc. and over the last decade have trained around 400 jobless youths who daily turn up on my door- / step in search of employment. Strange as it may sound, when we provide such centres for training our community youth, we cannot easily find them to make use of such centres. This is certainly not encouraging. It is possible that our community is more choosy and that they would like better | 75 Parsiana March 1906 ft ft It li If the local punchayet makes avail- ;4W II i* A. WWW easily but commerce and arts graduates tion of Anand-Gram may be utilized require assistance. by us in our venture. Dairy farming There are a few Zoroastrian in- could be another project which the available to manage and organize such utilize the services of reliable persons for. centres. Paid employees will hardly be with known antecedents. Those with Road transportation is at the the answer. I believe we have enough skills in carpentry, welding, etc. should threshold of massive growth in the next members in our community who have be provided facilities to start their own decade. This will call for many more the energy and the skill to provide dedi- business and the punchayet should cir- automobile repair mechanics with bet- cated management, more particularly culate such lists to members of our ter equipped workshops. Both the Fiat our ladies^ who may be persuaded to community, in Poona and Bombay, and the Ambassador cars will continue the same determination and zeal with lop contacts for promoting business. which they pursue their coffee morning The Federation may also assist the and Premiers will gladly provide tech- pr^ects. ... local punchayets to set up hunarshallas nical training to our youth if they show Having generated the availability of specializing in such skills. I recall there interest. The new makes of vehicles 1 others with techni- was one such in Bombay, three or four now finding their way into our markets cal skills, the next task is to provide a decades ago, which was flourishing also adds to the opportunity to have The dying business r .1 r 'I* OMV. pivjvvvo van lui V....V .V. wa. jaua. iw wv viiauuviitfcu OT me once tamiliar human skins and some financial sup- into such training centres and for the 'Irani Restaurarits' c;hnillH hp rP\/i\/pH fnr thought must become self-supporting, cash loans, equipment may be provid- o uuiu uc icvivcu lUi it will not be a liability to the com- ed on a hire purchase basis by the pun- the benefit of our munlty. chayets or other community trusts who community. placement service. The local punchayet such project at Aland! in Poona is the promote fast food centres in suitable trustees who are highly respected Anand-Gram — a forty acre plot using localities in the city. The success of senior citizens of our community, have nearly 100 members to cultivate vege- such centres located in Bombay lends the right contacts and locus standi to tables and other farm products which to the encouragement of similar pro­ provide this service. Normally, youths are consumed by them and also mar- jects for Poona. A well run eating with technical skills find jobs fairly keted. The expertise of this organiza- place will always be in demand and the dying business of the once familiar ‘Irani Restaurants’ should be revived for the benefit of our community. First hand training in culinary art may be got through existing centres such as the Sir Ratan Tata Institute, Patuck Insti­ tute and Fariyas Hotel which our com­ munity members operate. Our forefathers have left us some of the finest hospitals, which due to lack of continuing interest by our communi­ ty, have lost their eminent status and deteriorated in hygiene and upkeep. Our community elders should concer­ tedly work to provide motivation to our young girls whilst still in school to take up the nursing profession and to have our community hospitals pay the nurses a higher wage to improve the standard of the hospitals. In conclusion, I may state that there is no dearth of projects and schemes. What we need is the will of the spon­ sors to make a success of whatever we work on and to select able,dedicated managers for our community institu­ tions. our community’s advancement. None of these schemes will progress require assistance. by us in our venture. Dairy farming or succeed unless there are dedicated There are a few Zoroastrian in- could be another project which the senior members of our community dustrial enterprises, who would gladly community local punchayet may aim "--- -------------------*- — - - - - centres. Paid employees will hardly be with known antecedents. Those with ter equipped workshops. Both the Fiat assist such community projects with This will help such businesses to deve- to need service and repairs over the the same determination and zeal with lop contacts for promoting business. next few years and Hindustan Motors which they pursue their coffee morning was one such in Bombay, three or four now finding their way into our markets and doing excellent work until perhaps more garages where users may get skil- those who were its dedicated managers led and honest service. It is the right passed away. All such projects call for time for our youth to be channelized port. If it’s clearly understood that any community to guide and set them up in expertise once started with care and well-equipped workshops. Instead of it will not be a liability to the com- ed on a hire purchase basis by the pun- munity. With encouragement, farm produce have unutilized funds. can provide yet another employment Another promising and useful pro­ opportunity. An ideal example of one ject would be for the community to Another promising and useful pro- IF2ai1.Il “s - % I - t. 1 ft * IJ J -J I 4 '^L n Parsiana March 1966 , I i ¦ ii ¦j I ti 'M ?’I?il FOURTH WORLD CONGRESS PAPERS The relevance of Zoroastrianism The theory and practice of human rights in Zoroastrianism. John R. Hinnells Edited and abridged from John R. Hin- < ' _ _ _ _ nells' paper entitled "The theory and welfare of man the gods are pleased hope for a sunlit existence hereafter, practice of human rights in Zoroas­ trianism" presented at the Fourth ror many religions tne mortal life is a i______ World Zoroastrian Congress under period of bondage — an apprehensive their own thoughtsr words and deeds, the topic "The relevance of Zoroas- . . _ trianism in the modern world." creation. One text declares that by the only the wealthy and powerful could and the demons vanquished. Whereas Zoroaster, in contrast, stressed that all for many religions the mortal life is men are to be judged after death by stage in the life of the soul — in Zoro- and that these alone determined man’s astrianism it is a unique, challenging eternal destiny. The implication - - was period where the whole man, body and religiously revolutionary — namely first jto take a doctrinal and political happiness. Such an exalted doctrine of weighed the evil went to heaven, what- ever their station in life had been.Con- . - — versely, for those in whose life evil crucial issues of the modern world in pect other men — their rights and their deeds predominated — however rich all continents, Zoroastrianism has a integrity. and mighty they may be — went to vital message and example to set before --- others. The starting point for an under- mentally, the Zoroastrian concept of standing of Zoroastrian teaching on righteousness goes back to the Indo- this subject is with the point that it, Iranian concepts of rta and anrta — more than any other religion, has taken order and chaos. That which is ___ , . seriously the belief that God is the “good” in traditional Zoroastrian lowmen. The emphasis on justice be- came a characteristic feature of Iran recognized by other nations. The , ¦ exam­ ple, tells a story concerning Cambyses’ determination to ensure justice in his lists among the characteristic products realm. The story may seem harsh to V v.--------- y, our modern ears, and we do not know man is unique. By nature man was observance of the law, virtuous action whether it is true, but what is signifi- created immortal, perfect. Mankind is and human justice. In contrast, it says, unique in creation. Though evil pro- an evil religion produces untruth, vio- Your religion was one of, if not, the soul, can find spiritual fulfilment and that everyone whose good deeds' out­ stand on the subject of human rights, man necessarily means that it is an Since human rights is one of the most essential part of religious duty to res- What then is the righteous way for hell. Equal religious rights for all, or man to treat his fellowman? Funda- the democratizing of religion, was just one contribution, but an important one made by Zoroaster. If God is just in his dealings with man, so too must man be with his fel- Good Creator of man and the world, teaching is that which is ordered, har- All that is good — light, life, beauty, monious, which leads to life and well­ health and peace is the creation of being in society. Evil, on the other Greek historian, Herodotus,* for Ahura Mazda. All that is evil — death, hand, is characterized by destruction, darkness, suffering and violence is the chaos and violence. Denkard Book 111 product of Angra Mainyu. f Within this polarity in existence, of the Good Religion — generosity, - — ¦------------1---------— J --------------------- ---- —..—u TUKW V/1 HIV IdVT, VlllUVIUO aVllUH created immortal, perfect. Mankind is and human justice. In contrast, it says, unique in creation. Though evil pro- an evil religion produces untruth, vio- duced a counter to all other creations: I _ 2____________ _ ____ _________________ ____ against life^ it produced death; against teaching, religion and justice are fre- Cambyses heard a judge had accepted health — disease; against peace — vio- <-----..... lence; it could find no equal or coun- < terpart to man. In various texts man is counterpart of the Lord Ohrmazd. described as God’s hamkar, his fellow- "' ¦ j worker. Another text declares that man becomes that of Ohrmazd.” has fire as his essence and that man’s '?* 2^1_____ ___ :________ humanity is his salvation and his tice for all, regardless of social stand- adornment. Elsewhere it is said that ing, goes back to the prophet himself, man is created better than the stars or In pre-Zoroastrian times, the general the fire or anything else in the spiritual cant is that it illustrates Herodotus’ conviction that in Iran the king was lence and tyranny. In Zoroastrian noted for his passion for justice. When quently and explicitly identified. For a bribe he had him flayed, “all his skin was torn off and cut into strips and the strips stretched across the seat of the When a just man acts, then his action chair on which he (the judge) used to - — - y- -- . —•• ’ sit in court. Cambyses thenappoint- The religious emphasis on equal jus- ed his son to be judge in his place, and told him not to forget what his chair was made of when he gave his judge­ ments.” A severe, but unforgettable ancient belief appears to have been that lesson in implementing justice. example, it is said “the just man is the 13 Parsiana March 1986 I 3 fl £¦ I h I It f 1 I;. 1 ¦1 1.1 J t ¦11 '^1 •I lai ¦*> '3^ Kuij^hip WM in ancient Iran a rcli- sar again,“The idea that the king of the resettling uprooted people and commu- gious institution, or as the Sasanian day should seek help for the common nities exiled by previous conquerors, High Priest Tansar put it; “’Church people from the superfluity of the not only permitting them to return Md State were bom of one womb, wealthy is a religious principle and home but even giving them funds to re­ join^ together and never to be sunder- clearly justified in reason.’’ In another build their temples. One such race he ed.’’ The great kings regularly empha- passage he states“The king is the sym- helped in this way was the Jews. It sized that they were kings because bol of order between peasant and made such an impression on them that Ahura Mazda had chosen them.Darius, knight.’’ Justice, in Iranian thought, one of their prophets, Isaiahj hailed for example, stressed that he was cho- could be expected, indeed demanded of Cyrus as the chosen anointed one from sen by i^ura Ma^a because he con- even the most evil king. So in the Shah- God, the Messiah. No other non-Jew ducted himself in righteousness, and an nama the wicked ruler Dahak is con- has ever been acclaimed in this fashion, essential ingr^ent in this royal right- fronted by the challenge: “You may But it is not a unique example of eousness was justice for all men. In one have a dragon’s form, but you are a Jewish appreciation of Iranian toler- inscription he says: By the favor of king and it is your duty to give me jus- ance. The Jewish historian, josephus, Ahura Mazda 1 am of such a sort that I tice.’’ speaks of Darius and Xerxes being am a friend to f^ht, I am not a friend The justice given by a king was not “exceedingly friendly to the Jews’’ and to wrong. It is not my desire that the just for Zoroastrians, but for all. Few the Mishnah laid down that a picture weak man should have wrong done to emperors in history have had such a of the Persian capital of Susa be affix- him by the mighty; nor is it my reputation for tolerance of other reli- ed on the East gate of the temple to re­ desire, that the mighty man should gions as Cyrus the Great, the founder mind Jews of their deliverance and the have wrong done to him by the weak, of the Persian Empire. In an inscrip- tolerance of the Achaemenids. What is right, that is my desire.’’ tion on what is known as the Cyrus And this tolerance was not restricted The duty of the king is consistently Cylinder he presented himself as “the only to Babylonians and Jews. The sWn to be to establish justice between king of Babylon.. .whose rule (the Sasanian monarch Hormizd IV, in the all sections of society. The Menog i gods) Bel and Nebo love, whom they sixth century, decreed that Christians Xrad 15.14 ff. states; Good govern- want as king... My numerous troops and other groups should not be perse- ment is that which maintains and walked around in Babylon in peace, I cuted: “Even as our royal throne can- directs a province flourishing, the poor did not allow anyone to terrorize any not stand upon it§ two front legs with- untroubled, and the law and custom place... I strove for peace in Babylon out the back ones, so also our govern- trae. . . .it causes friendliness and and in all other sacred cities.’’Cyrus ment cannot stand and be secure if we pleading for the poor.’’ To quote Tan- then goes on to refer to his policy of incense the Christians and the adhe- directs a province flourishing, the poor did not allow anyone to terrorize any not stand upon it§ two front legs with- true... .it J 1 j J '3 1 ¦'••fl SERSON j Electrolytic Cai>acltors For All Electronic Applications From 12 VDC To 350 VDC I i Manufactungn: Serson Imiiistries Pvt. Ltd. Pfmpri PJi'.P.O., Poona-lt. CaUe: EtelifoilPooiia>18. Phoiie: 82379 iX Parsiana March 19B6»»• rents of other religions who are not of of this can be seen in the inscriptions of they have been allowed to preserve our faith. Cease, therefore, to harass the high priest Kartir and of the mighty traditions without any pressure to con- the Christians, but exert yourselves monarch Khusrau. Another facet of form or adapt. In a paper on human diligently in doing'good works, so that the subject of human rights would be rights in Zoroastrianism it is only just the Christians and the adherents of other religions seeing that may praise you for it.” Similar in tolerance to this royal proclamation is the theological pronouncement in Dk VI: “A Jew is not wicked merely on account of his Jewish faith and followers of other bad religions are (likewise) not wicked merely on account of their bad reli­ gion.” This is an interesting quotation „„„ iiumou ui umtu, uui precisely because the author makes pOWePful COUld hODG also in tolerance and recognition of the clear his rejection of the religions for , .. .......... - - which he preadies tolerance. Thus, tOF 9 SUPlIlt GXIStenCG in royal proclamations, in theological ? r, treatises and in foreign reports, there is uQPGSTlGT. ample testimony to the belief in, and -------------- practice of, justice for all, care for the of human rights in different countries, poor and tolerance of other religions, r ’ ______ There is, of course, much more that ween the thousand years of persecution ieh< * w 1 I to compare the Zoroastrian experience and proper to pay tribute to the coun­ try which has consistently recognized the rights of what is now the world’s largest Zoroastrian population. Perhaps I might end on a rather im­ pertinent note and express the hope that Zoroastrians may live up to the ideals of their own religion not only with regard to tolerance and recogni­ tion of the human rights of others, but The general ancient belief appears to have been that only the wealthy and rights of fellow Zoroastrians. Freedom of speech and the recognition of an­ other’s point of view matter within a religion just as it does in a wider socie­ ty. Zoroastrianism does face special difficulties in the 1980s—declining For example, the stark contrast bet- numbers, a wider geographical disper- sion than at any other time in the reli- _ .. - - . --------------- -- gion’s history, and a host of other pro- Zoroastrians have lived up to these viously referred to in books and lectu- blems you are identifying in this Con- ideals. When kings are inspired by reli- 1 • .. . . J - __ _____ wx gious ideals their rule can be uplift^, tolerance experienced by Parsis here in respect and affection for your trai^ But when religion and kingship are in- India. No other nation, in my opinion, tions, appeal to y5u to face those pro­ tertwined and a monarch seeks to im- 1 ¦¦¦ _____ _______ pose one teaching, then orthodoxy be- acceptance or given the same freedom the .weak and tolerance for others could be said on this subject. Not all faced in Iran, with what I have pre- res, as the unparalleled experience of gress. Can I as an outsider, with a deep India. No other nation, in my opinion, tions, appeal to y5u to face those pro- would have shown the same degree of blems with the love for justice, care for comes idendfied with loyalty and con- to religious exiles. It is not simply that which has characterised your fore- .......“* ‘ ’ .............., fathers? versely,her/fmiiu.Sept. 27,28 1883 ¦T I V ¦11^ a The gap in the crown of the pugree is Adenwalla pugree — four and three ing the head and for removing the quarter inches high. A slightly bigger skullcup. However, according to (the . ..¦ late) pugree-maker Nariman Pugree- ree, is the Desai pugree. The Punegar walla, the gap is of recent origin. Ori- pugree is slightly larger than the Desai, ginally the whole head was kept cover- But the commonest one is that which ed as a mark of respect. suits the face. The making of the client’s first pug- Aside from protecting the head from ree was preceded with a sagan. A wed- the vagaries of nature, the pugree serv­ ed to cover baldness, increase height, distinguish individuals and improve posture. On the other hand, a fetah — the bhoy, made of 10 yards of cloth, is pre- I 1 - _ _ . one, but similar to the Adenwalla pug- I H The making of the client’s first pug- ding dinner and a bottle of wine were sent to the pugree-maker on the occa­ sion of the client’s marriage. The pugree of Sir Jamsetjee Jejee- other Parsi headgear — made of felt, is served in a showcase at the Jejeebhoy rnore durable, lighter and less expen- Dadabhoy Agiary, Bombay. sive. It is stated to have originated in China where it was known as khokhas. Reprinted from Por5/ I IN MEMORiAM 1 A legend in filmmaking tellectual, literary, social and political pursuits,” noted the Screen write-up. A post graduate in Avesta-Pahlavi from St Xavier’s College, Wadia later Died: J.B.H. Wadia, 84, noted film his contribution “to the growth and graduated in law. After working as producer, director and screenplay wri- development of the Indian cinema” ter popularly known as “King of Wadia was awarded a gold medal by assistant officer in the Central Bank of India, Wadia practiced as an advocate in the Small Causes Court of Bombay. Coming in contact with M.N. Roy, Wadia was inspired to be a Royist. He became a founder member of Roy’s Radical Democratic Party of India and was also associated with the Radical Humanist Movement. The Govern­ ment of India awarded him an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his anti-fascist activities during the World War II years. The Screen article referred to JBH’s erudition. “JBH wrote and spoke on radical humanism, cultural freedom, education, Indian music, English lite­ rature, ancient Indian heritage, Indian and foreign films.” JBH had published a book of his poems in English, called Dreams, which were recited at meet­ ings and soirees in London. He wrote another book of poems in Gujarati called Nanakdi Naav (A small boat). Wadia is survived by his wife Hilla, son Vinci and daughter Haidee Meier. "¦i ' J 1 stunts” on January 4, 1986 in Bombay after several complications including prostate cancer. Associated with almost 100 films. Jamshed BomanjtHormusji Wadia — stion of the shipbuilding Wadia family — was recognized as a man of many moods who “could be very erudite while making simple entertainers,” noted a write-up in The Times of India of January 5, 1986. “He enjoyed ‘highbrow’ cinema and saw no dif­ ference between the ‘artistic’ and the ‘commercial.’ For him, a film was either ‘good’ or ‘bad.’” As a pioneering filmmaker who esta­ blished himself in the industry in the late ’20s which were the closing years of the silent film era, Wadia had a lot of firsts to his credit, noted a write-up in Screen of June, 1985. Among his films: The court dancer was the first Indian film to be produced simultan­ eously in three languages — English, Hindi and Bengali; Nov Javan was the first Hindi film to be made without a the late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, , single song at a time when Hindi films noted the Screen report. Only his bro- Cama Institute S Chief used to have 10 to 15 songs; Ekta was ther Homi Wadia, was considered his Died: Adi N. Chinoy, 71, president of the first to be produced in Sindhi. equal as far as “skill and speed at the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute A Congressman who actively partici- movie making” was concerned, noted pated in the second Civil Disobedience The Times of India report. Movement, Wadia’s political leanings influenced the themes of his films also. Jai Bharat was the first Hindi feature formed in India in 1937, Wadia con- film whose theme was Hindu-Muslim tinned to take active interest in the film unity; All under heaven by force and industry’s affairs and was an office- He’s in the Navy were the first Indian bearer at: Indian Motion Picture Socie- documentaries to focus on the Red ty, Indian Motion Picture Producers Chinese aggression on Tibet and India Association, Film Producers Guild of and the hostile attempts during the India and the Film Federation of India. World War II years. Under the banner He was the industry’s representative on of Wadia Movietone he made 70 fea- several Film Censor Boards and other ture films, 20 documentaries, a news- committees appointed by the Govern- reel and a series of short films of musi­ cal value, where impromptu concerts featured singers and instrumentalists. Being knowledgeable in music, Wadia always personally looked after and film appreciation at the Film Insti- the music of his films. Re-editing was also his forte. Wadia wrote about 100 screen plays including thrillers, socials, devotionals, mvthologicals, etc. For A founder member of the Film Society of Bombay, the first to be ever ment of India and also honorary chair­ man to the first Film Advisory Board of the Government of India. Wadia us­ ed to lecture on screenplay direction tute at Poona as well as examine papers in screenplay writing. “In between his all-demanding film work, he snatched time to devote to in- -^1, 88e Parsiana March 1996‘AV ¥ I < t I 'S 1 I' eIu H ft '( itlj « ¦t at-- W h’r THINGS OUR MOTHERS TAUGHT US 3 Breaking glass: bad By others, good ^you're un-jinxed) Mirror’s a sevener Like famine or flood Blood’s always an augur Falling stars, neighing horses at wishing: 4 millionaire! The one-eyed hex, until by a one-eyed matched ('Two is the «zh7’—Gath-ha> Walking barefoot: barren cattle Garbage: a cleaning of Augean stables Sweeping at sunset: paupery So too peacock tails (Saraswati's no Laxmi) Shed snake-skin’s money So is House No. 8 (with marital disharmony) Cut nails: your jinn’s abroad Revolving needles catch thieves, frauds When held over an Avesta Tolled bells, lizards’ tongues herald truth-tellers Old shoes ward an evil eye or lots of collyrium... Never douse an open flame Or piss in running water Or by trees at night (lest your Trinity be caught) Never Jump over another’s knees Nor pass salt to friends (They’ll enemy) Nor roses, pickles to women menstruating (Who wilt all except when seated on metal) 'Taro’ cures the itches For bad dreams: carry iron to bed For the dead: more words than tears Vigil—lamps keep ghosts from returning There’s a message in every crow’s calling Never walk over chalk, red lead Broken eggs, peppers green or red Strewn at a crossing on new moon: Guaranteed life-long crippling or madness Parsi wizards, Burma-br^ Are led by darkest spirits Ahura’s name enlightens Chant lustily, clap thrice (devils flee) Pomegranate leaves under teeth at dying Resurrection’s guaranteed Keep dogs around, cats at bay Do not eat of the cow (She’s your mother) Laugh not At the first moon when the elephant god’s born: Cows and horses in New York’s zoos (And Hindu Homes for the Disabled) Where’s the elephant-god’s stable? (KRCOl) and office-bearer of oth< social welfare and cultural movements J on December 5, 1985 in Bombay. At a condolence meeting held und^ the joint auspices of the KRCOl anW the India Iran Cultural Society qi| January 10, 1986, a resolution notedt . Chinoy’s “yeoman and valuable serv& it a ? I I Di. w [itU ii' Ui ¦J f,'.' H I So mothers sow up thrice ' Chance life, death, the in-between Flourish In a grand de— —Sign 8Sb Parsians March 19S6 ces’’ to the KRCOl for almost 2|y years, spending 11 years as its pres^ dent; and to the India Iran Cultu^ Society since its inception, first as tret^ surer and later as vice-president. fl “Bombay has lost an eminent citizenl and a dedicated social worker who has| for over four decades served selflessly| several welfare organizations of| repute,’’ noted an appreciation draw up by the joint honorary secretaries the KRCOl, Homai N. Modi and Hor»^ mazdiar J.M. Desai. Further referenc^ was made to Chinoy’s gentle, sel^^ effacing and unassuming ways and to the warmth and friendship which exuded. “His ability to maintain teami spirit and get the best out of those whom he worked with, will be greatly missed by the organizations which he i was privileged to serve in various capa- cities.” The Progressive Groups convened I -1 ¦4 meeting on January 8, 1986 when 14 eminent Parsis spoke on Chinoy’s.con­ tribution for the welfare of the com- i munity. The resolution described him as “a stalwart and pioneer of The Pro- < gressive Group and a champion of the downtrodden.” Chinoy was a trustee of the J.J. Charities and the Guild of Service, Bombay branch. He was also the president of the Rahnumae Mazda- yasnan Sabha since 1980. Keenly interested in civic affairs of the city. Chinoy assisted a committee set up at the mayor’s behest to ensure provision of civic amenities to the resi-; dents of Bombay. He also used to assist in the collection of funds for ar-, my jawans. A commerce graduate from Bom- ; bay’s Sydenham College, Chinoy join- j ed the stock exchange as partner of i Chinoy and Company, share brokers, along with his brothers, Keki and Pali. He also assisted the late K.R.P. Shroff in the planning of the new stock ex­ change building, popularly known asd Jeejeebhoy Towers. i Chinoy is survived by his wife Ner-^ j 1 5 J