Jun 1986

June 1986 Volume 8 No 12 Rs 2 Minoo Shroff front-runner for trusteeship elections Opposition groups succeed in putting up lady candidates . li ii •J The expiration of the Bombay Parsi Jam-e-Jamshed — one signed by five Ms Per viz F. Dotivala to...stand as a Punchayet (BPP) trusteeship term of ladies: Jeena Duggan, Mitha D. Petit, lady candidate.” Noble is a formed Maneck Hodiwala has created the fifth Hilla Nagarwalla, Jalu Wadia and BPP trustee and Dotivala is active in vacancy on the Punchayet’s board in Shirin Wadia, another by five men community politics and a supporter of the span of the last two years. While (see page 5) — claimed that the BPP the former BPP chairman B. K. two of the vacancies were heavily con- board and the community suffered Boman-Behram. tested and two uncontested the fate of from a dearth of feminine caring and ~ the fifth seat was undecided till June sympathy. It was suggested in the responded, a letter by Shirin Wadia in 24, the last date for filing nominations. Jame that BPP chairman Dr Aspi the Jame of June 24 noted, “I have On June 23, Ms Shirin Wadia, an edu- Golwalla, whose term expires in 1988, cationist, and on June 24, Ms Me her resign to accommodate both candi Master-Moos, founder of Mazdayas- dates on the BPP’s board of trustees, nie Monasterie and a follower of the Indeed, one Ilm-e-Kshnoom mystic school of asked Shroff at the above mentioned lady who is prepared tQ^go around and * thought, filed their nominations, in meeting if he would be such a gentle- listen to the poor and the needy and addition to finance and management man as to step aside in favor of the offer them sympathy and help... 1 have consultant and vice-president of the lady. The 150-strong audience pro- decided to offer myself as a candidate Committee for Economic Revival tested strongly and Shroff responded for the vacancy...If the community A (CER),Minoo Shroff who was the first matter-of-factly, “Chivalry has not needs an honest, sincere and dedicated to announce his candidature. been ascribed to me and let me be worker, here is an opportunity for The liberal, soft-spoken Shroff is candid-I don’t want to be chivalrous.” them.” said to be acceptable to a wide cross Chibber, widowed barely two section of the community. An Anju- man Committee meeting, held at the ly prepared for an electoral fight just points on tackling the problems facing invitation of CER’s managing commit- yet and did not file her nomination. the community. As this issue of Par­ tee chairman Fali Poncha on May 27 at With Chibber’s candidacy uncer- siana was prepared prior to the the Indian Merchants’ Chamber Hall, tain, yet another letter appeared in the June 24 nomination registration dead- unanimously endorsed Shroffs can- Jame of June 20 pleading for a lady hne,Parsiana was unable to interview didature. trustee to come forward. The signator- Wadia and Master-Moos. The orthodox groups initially tried ies, Jehangir F. -Shroff, Tehmi R- The election is to be held on July 5 at to field social worker and politician Damanwalla and K. J-Bardi “earnest- the Punchayet office on Dadabhai Aloo Chibber. Two letters in the ly beseiged Dr (Ms) Nelie Noble or NaorojiRoad. Though neither of the above ladies read the urgent plea in the Jam-e- Jamshed dated June 20. I fully agree that what the board of trustees of the Chibber supporter BPP needs is not a brilliant man, buf St Chibber, widowed barely two Parsiana's interviews with Shroff months ago, says she is not emotional-- and Chibber revealed opposing view­ yet and did not file her nomination. With Chibber’s candidacy uncer- The orthodox groups initially tried ies, Jehangir F. -Shroff, Tehmi R. '4k; V t- 1 jPOLITICS AND POLICY The managerial approach Volunteers, not trustees, should head Bombay Parsi Punchayet subcommittees, says electoral candidate Minoo Shroff. Arnavaz S. Mama w “You’ve got to be a good team player, due wei^tage to factors which are im- things to its chest,” says Shroff. When but you don’t have to be a passive portant in at least arresting the decline “trustees and the administration can­ team player.” Management and finan- in our population in Bombay,”he adds, not act with speed and effectiveness, cial consultant and Committee for Economic Revival (CER) vice- president Minoo Shroff was defining Punchayet is seen as not responsive adds. a quality very essential to the job of enough to the needs of the commun- One way to involve the conununity a Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trus­ tee. In contesting the vacancy which will to change. The BPP is a welfare orga- subcommittees^ suggests Shroff. It is be created on the BPP board when ----- - Maneck Hodiwala retires on August 2, Analyzing the mood of the people, they must galvanize and avail of the Shroff says, “Even today the Parsi talent outside the organization,” he monitor the implementation of the va- more time and resources. Though “in the past some women have made very Complimenting the Punchayet staff good trustees... the contribution of a quality very essential tojhe job of enough to the needs of the commun­ ity, both in terms of timeliness and in the working of the Punchayet is to quality. The qualitative resfxjnse has make non-trustees chairmen of the _ - J nization. Given its constraint of re- time to rethink “whether the grouping sources, people who seek assistance, of the committees is proper.* Just be- 1986, dapper, grey-haired Shroff in whatever form, must be treated with cause they are historically set up, they favors a low-key, managerial approach the sympathy they deserve.” Shroff is shouldn’t continue. Needs, aspirations with support from, and acceptability sanguine that once this change is and functions change.” With the ex- to, a wide cross section of the commun- effected, the flow of funds by way of ception of strategic portfolios like ity, so that he can go back and seek donations will tend to increase. housing, employment generation, their help and cooperation. The trustees “must take stock of the medical relief, all of which require the Thou^ tipped as trusteeship mate- burning issues before the community, commitment of large financial re­ rial since a long time. Shroff has re- seriously debate and evolve a consen- sources, the rest may be safely en- mained elusively in the background, sus with colleagues regarding possible trusted to volunteers. giving rise to the notion that he was solutions, set priorities, decide on a “The battle cry for a woman trus- too mild to sustain his viewpoint in the course of action which can be effec- tee” is based on the fact that the seven face of opposition — a notion he re- tively implemented... plan ahead and men are busy, whereas women have pudiates totally. / ~ Explaining his past reticence, rious projects approved by them.” Shroff, a fastidious man, says he per- ’ sonally detests “acrimony and vilifica- for its high dedication to the task, women has bee» largely on the tion ... During the recent two elections Shroff believes that it is essential to periphery. Many women are highly the climate was more congenial, “induct the right type of talent and to motivated to do their bit for the under­ worthy of our traditions,” which led motivate it by offering emoluments privileged. They should be actively in- him to take a positive decision. and conditions of service which are volved by putting them in charge of At his elegant J.K. Organization somewhat comparable to those ob- these various subcommittees.” director’s office at Ballard Estate on taining in other well-run commercial The BPP had conscripted Shroffs June 10, 1986, after an electoral foray and social organizations,” he says. In professional expertise in 1982. “I jnust at Rustom Bang, Shroff noted an over- return, the administration should say, to the credit of the then trustees, riding community concern with hous- actively assist the trustees in their task, that that was the time when we (CER) ing and the way flats are allotted. But, by filling them in with enough back- were vehemently fighting them and Shroff says, a lot has been done in re- ground information, data and alterna- they chose me of all people!” Shroffs cent years to straighten things out by tive solutions to problems, together suggestions for toning up the financial the application of the merit rating sys- with an estimate of what support and accounting procedures of the Pun- tem which makes allotment of flats would be required, including the ac- chayet were accepted by the trustees in objective by eliminating, as far as tiv^ involvement of external agencies tpto, with the result that the publica- possible, the personal prejudices of and voluntaiy organizations.” tion of the annual accounts have been those who decide. “The system gives — - The Punchayet should not “keep speeded up. “At one stage accounts 2 Rsfsiana June 1986were in arrears for five years. Now the from charitable institutions is terribly community elders shift to smaller 83 accountsj have been audited and meager — well below subsistence towns and cities in the mofassil so that the 84 and 85 accounts will be final- level, even by the general Indian stan- city housing may be available to the monins. aayssnron, it shows that Parsi families.” Shroff concedes the Viewing Parsis as a small, highly His- given the will, direction and staff sup- urgency to evolve schemes for the persed community. Shroff favors the port, there could be marked improve- medical and financial support of the Federation of Parsi Zbroastrian Anju- system.” needy aged. mans of India as a necessary, binding views career counselhng as Shroff’s enquiries have revealed that link. “It is a community feature, that one of the prime needs of the coin- a fair number of Parsis sleep out in the we maintain our faith and traditions munity. Referring to the CER’s semi- open near agiaries,because they have wherever we are. I’ve seen single lami­ nar on self employment held last year no homes. The solution to the prob- lies maintaining it, despite adapting to and a prospective one to be held later lem, according to Shroff, lies in going the mainstream cultural ethos.” this month. Shroff says that young outside Bombay, to the thriving towns Applying the same yardstick to the people want to know what facilities of Gujarat or places like Ahmednagar, World Zoroastrian Organization op^rtunities are available. The Nagpur, etc where there are clusters of (WZO), Shroff hopes that once it is BPP, with Its res^rces, vull have to do Parsi settlements, and job opportuni- agreed that anjuman members should this (career counselling) in a far more ties are rising, intensive way. ~ “The aging of the population is _ another very serious problem. The de- help to raise"the PaKis’''ZbnoiiraU^ thTJSomZnitT pudency ratio is rising, with more low birthrate as young people would it will become an effective body. than 20 percent of the population be able to marry at an earlier age, says Pleading ignorance of the finer being over 65 years of age, which Shroff, who advocates that the Pun- aspects of religious knowledge (“I am ” acquire large plots of land at more on the sociological side”). Shroff Shroff notes that the elderly find their Viry and NaUa Sopara on the avoided any comment on the con- own pensions and fixed incomes in- periphery of Bombay where the cost of troversy about the Zubin Mehta- adequate to cope with the current in- land is still only nine or ten rupees per Khojeste Mistree, starring film On flaiionary trends. Also, the assistance square foot. He also requests that Wings of Fire. “We are a very mdi- meager — well below subsistence towns and cities in the mofassil sn that ized and audited in the next few dards, leave aside the standards of productive younger generation. months.” Says Shroff, “It shows that Parsi families.” Shroff concedes the needy aged. mans of India as a necessary, binding Shroff’s enquiries have revealed that link. “It is a community feature, that open near agiaries,because they have wherever we are. I’ve seen single fami- this month. Shroff says that young outside Bombay, to the thriving towns people want to know what facilities of Gujarat or places like Ahmednagar. have stronger representation on the Providing the community the hous- WZO board than individuals, and the ing that it desperately needs, would leadership of the organization becom- *!.» n -1 ». more responsive to the community. Pleading ignorance of the finer aspects of religious knowledge (“I am land is still only nine or ten rupees per Khojeste Mistree^ starring film On 11 I i I The BPPisa welfare organization. People who seek assistance in whatever form must be treated with the sympathy they deserve." vidualistic community, very happy to dissent! It’s good trait,” he countered. Shroff’s involvement with commun­ ity affairs dates back to 1978 when he was invited to join the Committee for the Economic Uplift of the Parsi Com­ munity set up by the Punchayet. He was actively associated with the forma­ tion of the Committee for Electoral Rights in 1979 which was instrumental in creating awareness among the Parsi$ to participate more actively in com­ munity affairs as witnessed in the Anjuman Committee elections in 1981. Along with Mani Dalal, Shroff peti­ tioned the courts in 1984 to freeze thet r I fc F register of donor members — “In Merchants’ Chamber, has participated father’s flair for finance; while Nilouf- the present democratic climate can in international conferences and semi- who has graduated from the Cater- | you buy votes?” As per the consent nars on corporate planning and lec- ing College and acquired a Cordon terms arrived at in the court. Shroff is tured at various .management institu- Bleu (London), specializes in party 5 terms arrived at in the court. Shroff is tured at various .management institu- f 'J happy that the trustees have been tions as visiting professor in manage- catering, compelled to take up electoral reform ment, accounting and corporate fi- — “That’s an achievement” — even though they haven’t gone as far as Shroff would like. Two trusteeship panics including the Indian advisory lost a trusteeship election in 1944 be- terms should be enough for anyone, board of the Chartered Bank, Shroff cause he was away, representing India ) notes Shroff in the context of the believes in “management by excep- at the famous Bretton Woods confer- j BPP’s official scheme providing for an tion” — delegating everything that can ence which created the World Bank | unlimited number of terms. As for in- be done by people who have more and the International Monetary 1 creasing the minimum amount of time and expertise and adequate au- Fund), Shroff nonetheless believes j donation qualifying for F register thority, while retaining effective con- the community’s sights must be re- tnembership from the present Rs 5,(X)0 trol. focussed towards the future, to under- ; to Rs 7,50C^ Shroff terms it a cosmetic Proud, like all Parsis, of the past (af- nance. ter all. Shroffs uncle, the late A.D. A director of more than 20 com- Shroff was the financial wizard who 1 I to Rs 7,50CI^ Shroff terms it a cosmetic Japan’s economic miracle has con- stand the needs and requirements of Change. tinned to fascinate Shroff, who is vice- A bachelor of science and a manage- president of the Indo-Japanese Asso- iTKnt accountant. Shroffs recognition elation since 1980 and chairman of the of the worth of the management move- Economic Cooperation Council of the Khent that began in the 1950s, together Indo-Japanese Association since 1983. with his grasp of economics, cata­ pulted him to the presidency of the the community’s problems, is gearing Bombay Management Association at herself, as well as friends and relatives, the age of 37. Since then he has been to the many tasks that require to be successively president of the All India done within the community h^anufacturers’Assofciation (AIMO), framework. Of their two daughters, chairman of the economic affairs and Soona, a commerce graduate with an planning subcommittee of the Indian MBA (Bombay) has inherited her Shroffs wife Villoo, now exposed to within i- the society we live in. MATRIMONIAL Extremely highly qualified Parsi, 28 years, tall, fair, handsome, with brilliant future, living in America, seeks tall, charming, attractive, educated girl in early twenties. Arriving Bombay July. Reply: Parsiana (Matrimonial) G P O BoxB92, Bombay 400001 INDIA’S HRST PELLETRON PLANT The "Pelletron"—India's first charged particle accelerator — enclosed in a steel tank, 24 metres long, 6 metres in diameter and weighing 120 tonnes wiH be housed in a specially constructed building in the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research complex. The total CivR Engineering work has been entrusted to Shapoorji PaHonji & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.,—pioneers in the construction industry—and we are proud to be associated with this ^'historic event" for the country. 4 June 1986 In 1964 at the inauguration of the massive ik project, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the late Dr. Homi Bhabha one of the world ’s leading nuclear physicists said: "A building of this complexity and quality is due to the combined efforts of many people.... I must, however, mention particularly the principal contractors, Messrs. Shapoorji PaHonJi e International Who’s dalwood casket) recalling her achieve- ernment and even availed of the Smith Who, 1986-87, have included a biog- ments and commitment to the cause of Hundt Scholarship, notes the release. The first lady to be invited onto the board of trustees of the Surat Parsi i I j i * raphical sketch of Kershasp Tehmur- education. While Girish Vakil, chair­ asp Satarawala, presently the Indian man of the Surat Education Society, ambassador to Mexico, Guatemala presided over the function. Dr Ratan Punchayet, Ghadiali now holds the and San Salvador, notes a press re- Marshall, as the chief guest, unveiled a position of a senior member on the lease issued by D.R. Edibanu of portrait of Ghadiali which will adorn board which controls various- social Poona, dated March 19. the walls of the school, states the re- welfare and educational institutions. The erstwhile governor of the Pun- lease. notes the handout. jab was awarded the Padma Bhushan Ghadiali served as vice-president of in 1983, when he was lieutenant gov- the Surat Corporation School Board, Turcl for nUClCUF IHCet ernor of Goa, Daman and Diu. The president of the Headmaster’s Asso- coordinator of the ninth Asian Games, ciation of Surat, and member of sever- and the Non-Aligned Summit Meeting al advisory boards like the Social Wei- ________________ __________ held in 1983, Satarawala has been fare Advisory Board, the Primary France, and to talk on radioisotopes advisor to the governments of Gu- Education Board, and the Advisory and actinides at a symposium at Lund, jarat, Orissa and Jammu and Kashmir, Boards of the Wadia Women’s College Sweden slated for June secretary of the Family Planning Asso- and Government Polytechnic for notes a press release. With post-doctoral research experi­ ence of 16 years, Turel has “received Ghadiali served as vice-president of ;^r (Ms) Zarin Tufel, !(f to an international Nuclear chemist, has been invitei meet on nuclear chemistry at Orleans, i J i f advisor to the governments of Gu- Education Board, and the Advisory / '. , Boards of the Wadia Women’s College 1986, elation. Wild Life Preservation and Girls. In 1968-69 she was awarded the Environmental Planning, notes the re­ lease. Educated at Billimoria School, Pan- India, states the write-up. neutron activation and its application chgani, Wadia College, Poona and Completing her schooling from the in the fields of analytical chemistry. Government College, Lahore, the 70- I.P. Mission High School for Girls in medicine, agriculture, environmental year-old Indian administrator is also a Surat, Ghadiali studied for a bache- fellow of Nuffield College, London, lor’s degree in teaching and a master’s Satarawala served in the Indian Army degree in arts. At the San Francisco (1940-46), and in the Indian Adminis­ trative Service (1947-75). Until 1967, he had held civil service executive and secretarial appointments in the old Bombay State and served the Central Government as district magistrate, de­ puty joint secretary, ministries of de­ fence, commerce and industries, and as secretary of Gujarat’s department of mines and power^ states the biog­ raphical sketch. Farewell to educationist “For her meritorious services to the Singapuri Girls High School and through it to the educational sector of Gujarat,” a special farewell function was organized in honor of retiring principal Ms Dina R. Ghadiali on January 18,1986, notes a press release President’s Medal for the best teacher of the country by the Government of recognition for her work in the field of India, states the write-up. Completing her schooling from the in the fields of analytical chemistry. pollution, etc,” notes her bio data. Turel was instrumental in discover­ ing an economically exploitable ore of State College, she studied the methods the rare element, rhenium, in India, (Left) M^arshall unveiling a portrait of Ghadiali (Below) Satarawala: administrator and diplomat 9 ParsianaJune 1986 < I ! I '¦ in/ I t / ! s r'- b umn (Kijrtt '1''? I iu \ ’ f I MUST H/IVE WIZED OFF WHILST R6AWN5..,. WHEN I WOKE UP — MY SHIRT WAS GON B! " ll c I* i 0 't I and has undertaken various projects on the aquatic environment in and around Bombay, sponsored by the De­ partment of Science and Technology, Government of India. The Govern­ ment of Maharashtra sponsored her studies on the various micronutrients in the soils of Maharashtra on the basis of which she prepared a contour map and established a data bank. Turel has also undertaken various projects on cancer, sponsored by the Tata Memo­ rial Hospital, Bombay, and the Lady Tata Memorial Trust. Her laboratory participated in an in­ ternational project, sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, which involved neut­ ron activation analysis of some trace elements found in the diet of eight to 11-year-old children from a rural area to students appearing for the MSc and sudreh stitching and kusti weaving in Maharashtra, adds the write-up. In MPhil degrees in chemistry, for the classes, arranging lectures on religious 1982, Turel was selected as a visiting past nine years, notes her bio data. and allied subjects by Indian as well as professor under the Indo-US exchange _ foreign scholars as also holding cultu- program, where she visited various ^UtlrCllS HOI CllOllgtl ral programs and seminars on Iranian nuclear laboratories in the US, deli- Ripon Club has banned its members and Zoroastrian subjects. We are also vered talks and carried out research at from moving about on the club premis- keen to encourage a comparative the University of Maryland, adds the es “improperly clad” in sudrehs. A study of religions|fnotes the write-up. report. notice to this effect dated May 21, Towards this end, members of the Having 49 research publications to 1986, has been circulated to all club community are requested to donate to her credit, Turel is affiliated to a large members by the club’s honorary whatever extent. number of technical and non-technical secretary Manek Medora. The Athoman Boarding Madressa organizations and is a founder member Speculating on the air-conditioned which was established on November 9, of The Indian Association of Nuclear life-style that the members of the club 1919, has 45 students who are given Chemists and Allied Scientists, and may be used to, the honorary secretary full-fledged training on rituals, phi- the International Association of notes in the circular that that does not losophy, ancient Iranian history and Elementologists. automatically permit members to be the A vesta language. Students are also Recently she has taldsn charge of the improperly attired. Requesting them given academic education up to the newly constructed nuclear chemistry to refrain from the practice in future, SSC in the English medium. All laboratory at the Institute of Science, the notice adds that defaulting mem- boarding, lodging, education and training is given free of charge. Moreover, those students who wish to graduate in Avesta - Pahlavi are having played a vital role in its con- bers are “liable to disciplinary action.” struction, equipping, commissioning . >< j and functioning, states the release. Annexe lor JVladreSSn The laboratory’s modem sophisticated “Since the existing building cannot allowed to stay on at the Madressa and nuclear measuring equipment has accommodate more students nor can it are sponsored by philanthropic mem- been acquired with grants from the provide an opportunity to expand our bers of the community, states the re­ State-Government, the Committee of activities, we have decided to under- port. Basic Research in Nuclear Sciences, take a project of constructing an ex- A boy from an athoman family en- and the Department of Atomic Ener- tension to the existing building,” notes ters the madressa at the age of six and gy, India, states the release. an article on the Athornan Boarding - - Having obtained her BSc and MSc Madressa, Dadar, in the third issue of equipping, commissioning is trained for a period of 10 years. “Our ultimate goal is to educate the degrees from the Gujarat University, their bi-annual publication, Know- young priests in such a manner as to Turel did her PhD in nuclear chemis- ledgiate sent by the Madressa princip- help them to attain that high status try at the Institute of Science, Bom- al, Ervad Rustom Panthaki. Apart which was enjoyed by the priests dur­ bay. Married to neurochemist Dr from providing residential accom- ing the Sassanian period,” notes an Rustom J. Turel, with two young chil- modation for teachers and students article in Knowledgiate. dren, Turel occupies the K.C. Mahin- pursuing higher studies, the annexe dra Chair of Nuclear Chemistry, is will include a community hall, library, professor and head of the nuclear che- reading rooms and gymnasium facili- Anyone wishing to have a copy of the magazine and/or donate towards the new Madressa annexe may write mistry division of the Institute of Sci- ties. to: The Athoman Boarding Madressa, -------,--------------J,----------------------- „---------- .• “The project, when completed, will Plot number 651-52, Firdosi Road, MSc and PhD degree students of Bom-- also give us the opportunity for con- Mancherji Joshi Parsi Colony, Dadar, bay University, and delivers lectures ducting navjote and religious classes, Bombay 400014. ence, Bombay, is a research guide for 11 Riraism 1986 i i: "l '5? ! > ] ii f tr ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Australian center room-cum-library and the amenities, money to collect this substantial notes a foundation committee report amount. However, Katrak added, “The current building will be suitable The report adds that US $ 60,000, for some of our activities (only)...Our promised by the Arbab Rustam Guiv intention is to build a larger hall on Trust, have been deposited in the this site. This is likely to cost $ 180,000 Westpac Bank but it remains under or more. If the Guiv Trust is prepared the control of the Trust and would be to pay the entire construction cost of released on the condition that the cen- the building, we would be very happy ter be n2fmed “Morvarid and Rustam to call the center, ‘Morvarid and Guiv Darbe Mehr;” and that two rep- Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe Mehr.’” A resentatives nominated by the Guiv reply to this letter is now awaited. Trust be on the AZA’s executive board. A donation of $ 60,000 by the Osto- However, in a letter dated Decern- wari family of Sydney, gave a major ber 5,1985 to Dr Rostam Sarfeh of the boost to the fund raising efforts of the j nil- [ “We are all indeed proud to jointly in the January issue of Manashni. own a piece of Australia for our very ~ own usage. This will enhance our sta­ bility, unity and leave a mark of us Zoroastrians on Australian soil for generations to come,” noted Dr Bo­ man Kalapesi, president of the Austra­ lian Zoroastrian Association of New South Wales (AZA of NSW) in a brochure published on the occasion of the inaugffral jashan ceremony of the AZA House - the newly bought com­ munity center of the Association. The jashan performed by five Guiv Trust, Katrak, as president of the AZA, notes the foundation committee mobeds on February 9, 1986, in the presence of 300 Zoroastrians was fol­ lowed by a hambandagi, and welcome addresses by Dr Boman Kalapesi and _ Dr Peshotan Katrak, chairman of the Katrak noted that a large sum, nearly been held monthly at the residence of foundation committee and chief hon­ orary mobed of NSW. Later, all pre­ sent partook of chasni and ghambar. The building project had been laun­ ched at the Association’s Jamshedi Navroze function on March 18, 1978. After eight years of “frustration,” the AZA acquired a five-acre property on December 17,1985 at 196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW. The foundation committee which was responsible for acquiring the prop­ erty on behalf of the Zoroastrian com­ munity, included chairman Dr Pesho­ tan Katrak, secretary Ms Sherna Kot- wal, treasurer Ms Dinaaz Lentin, and I committee members Kaikhosrow I Ostowari, Daraius Battiwalla, Ms I Arnavaz Minbattiwalla and Dr Toos I Sachinwalla, notes the brochure. “The I vision and hard work of pioneering I members Farrokh Mistree (now in the I USA), Ernani Giambuzzi, Minoo Bat- I liwalla, Purviz Kolsawalla - among I others - were also acknowledged,” ¦ notes a press release issued by Kersi I Meher-Homji,Editor of Manashni, the I newsletter of the Association. I “The acquisition of this five-acre I propjerty is the first stage. Our ulti- I mate aim is to build a hall which would I be targe enough for all our gather- j ings,” noted Katrak. In the meanwhile, alterations to the j existing house are to be undertaken, j whereby internal walls are to be knocked down so as to create a small meeting hall, a prayer room, a meeting | foundation committee, noted that the report in the brochure, which adds, second condition was totally unaccept- “Our current building will be used reg­ able and inappropriate to the AZA. ularly for the monthly Sunday school Regarding the first condition of name, for our youngsters. This activity has $ 150,000, was collected from the Jangoo and Jeanie Unvala for over AZA members themselves and so the eight years now... The Zoroastrian suggested name would be unfair to community*(of Australia) owes a large those who had put in their time and debt of gratitude to (them).” 1* 12 Parsiana June 1986 I(¦ I '¦i nas, J. Pochkhanavala and S. Bejonji from Bombay, and B. Bala, P.D. Das- tur and D.D. Khambata from Karachi. An Englishman named Alcock was the manager of the side, writes Meher- Homji. BC Darbe Mehr “It is the duty of every one of us that this Darbe Mehr... should be used to its fullest extent and supported finan­ cially and with religious and social acti­ vities. The quality of the Darbe Mehr will depend not upon its beauty but upon the people who will use it,” noted Jamshed Pavri, past president of the Zoroastrian Society of British Col­ umbia, when the new Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe Mehr House of British Columbia, was offi­ cially inaugurated by Ms Morvarid Guiv, wife of the late Arbab, on March 26, 1986. It was only after “three frustrating years” that the trustees of the Darbe Mehr eventually found an existing property, consisting of two inter­ connected buildings: one to be used as a place of worship, and the other for social gatherings, seminars, discus­ sions, religious classes, a library, etc, (, said Pavri. He gave full credit for the (Top) Darbe Mehr at Vancouver and ed audience!” notes Kersi Meher- project to Mehraban Zartoshty, chair- (above)Pavri conducting children’s choir at Homji of Australia. Dr Grace was not man of the Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe z/ie inauguration pleased, as he grumbled to the umpire: Mehr and Piroja Amrolia, the honor- (Above right) Shroff: Local initiative “The spectators have come to see me ary secretary of the Association. bowl, not these upstarts from Bombay (Facingpage) Jashan at the inauguration of .and Karachi hit me for fours.” Zoroastrian On the occasion a silver replica of ,, . - , ' —“ .XA,xw* XV,XXX.,. the Darbe Mehr (made in Bombay) OwAustrahmcommuMyhou^e (above) presented to Madam Morvarid /e/0 Australian Zoroastrians enacting England was mooted in 1877, but it Guiv on behalf of the Zoroastrian pn Cricket 3 further nine years (April 17, community of Vancouver. Others who 1886) before it became a reality. The spoke at the inauguration were team was in no way a selected one, Keikhosrow Guiv, nephew of the late being composed of a number of Arbab and Mehraban Zartoshty, To celebrate 100 years since the first cricket-loving Parsis who could afford states the release. team of 14 Parsi cricketers left India to pay their own expenses. It was pure- < ' ' ' ' ” ¦ ' ¦ ¦ of Sydney enacted a 40-minute play on Meher-Homji in the Australian pub- team of 14 Parsi cricketers left India to pay their own expenses. It was pure- The function included a jashan per- on a tour of England, the Zoroastrians ly an educational venture,” writes formed by Ervads Jehangir Panthaky of Sydney enacted a 40-minute play on Meher-Homji in the Australian pub- ............................................................. Navroze, notes Sportsweek (April 16- lication, Wisden Cricket Monthly of cricket team from India or Asia to tour that country. Called Aapri Cricket - Hastovari of a total of 28 rnatches played, the Arbab Rustam Guiv. (Our cricket - of course) the play, visiting team won one, drew eight and scripted and directed by Maggie Irani, lost 19. Yet they were so popular that The London local had a cast of 18 and “was perhaps uni- they were invited by Queen Victoria to “Recently we had an excellent display que in the annals of stage drama, play a match at the prestigious Wind- on the Zoroastrian religion, at the exhi- There was actual cricket played on sor Great Park! bition organized by the Harrow Inter­ stage, climaxing with Jamshed ji More- The team consisted of Dr D. H. Faith Council and the Local Borough nas, a Parsi batsman, hooking the Patel (captain), .A.R. Limboovala Council,” notes a press release datea legendary Dr W.G. Grace for three (wicket keeper), M. Framji, M.P. March 24 sent by Ms Thrity Shroff, fours in an over - the red ball actually Banaji, S.N. Bhedwar, A.C. Major, chairperson of the Harrow Zoroastrian racing towards the startled but delight- P. Major, S.H. Harwar, J.M. More- Group, London. “A lot of school 22, 1986). This was in fact the first May 1986. and Arda-e-Viraf Minocher-homji and an entertainment program by Roda Pavri’s Zoroastrian Children’s Choir, The play was a success. Yet the which sang three songs, one of which cricket tour of England was not! Out was specially composed for the late (Our cricket - of course) the play, visiting team won one, drew eight and had a cast of 18 and “was perhaps uni- they were invited by Queen Victoria to There was actual cricket played on sor Great Park! The team consisted of Dr D. H. 13 ParsianaJune 1986 't J:¦ 1 children took an active interest in find- secretary, and social events secretaries dation in communal properties like an- . ' “ , juman baugs and other charitable flats, nine couples have settled in Karachi and have either found their own acco- Monthly classes on Zoroastrian his- mmodation or live in rented premises'. recorded in Karachi in 1985. on ing out about Zoroastrianism, and Ms Sheroo Irani, Ms Hilloo Daruwala, were quite fascinated,” she states, add- Rusi Bhedwar and Homi Dordi, states ing that the display organized by Ms the Group’s leaflet. Naju Dastur, “is making the rounds of the local libraries for the general pub- tory and religion, discussion groups on three couples have settled outside lie,” after which, it will be hired out to the problems faced in the practice of Karachi but within Pakistan and five interested persons as an educational religion, and classes for navjote pra- have settled abroad.No divorces were pack. yers are some of the activities under- Registered with the local council, the taken by the Group. Generating funds Harrow Zoroastrian Group, started in through subscriptions and jumble Older members of a group of German January 1985, lists among its four sales, it welcomes support in the form Zoroastrians known as the Mazdasnan aims: establishing a link between the of information and books on the reli- Society, still wear the sudreh kusti on local community and the larger organi- gion, notes Shroff. ceremonial occasions, notes a report in zations; providing an opportunity for the January/February newsletter of the informed discn|sions on different Karachi S demography IRM Trust Fund. Taken from My Tra- facets of the community; cultivating an The demographic data of Karachi Par- vels Through Europe — 1985, by Ms attitude of positive understanding and sis does not list a single birth in 1985 Meher Master-Moos, the report notes expression of Zoroastrian beliefs and but gives the number of deaths as 47 that this society practices Zoroastrian- traditions; and stimulating local initia- (26 males and 21 females). However ism, sings Avestan prayers translated tives and social contacts, facilitating this number is eight less than the pre- into German hymns with music and leisure time activities, and providing vious year, notes a report in the Jan- gives special importance to Avan assistance and expertise in professional uary/February issue of Xanothra Ardevisur-Anahita. These staunch fields, notes a leaflet issued by the Ahure Mazdao, the newsletter issued vegetarians run fortnightly courses on Group. by the Informal Religious Meetings the religion which are attended by 60 to The committee members for 1986-87 (IRM) Trust Fund, Karachi. 100 people, adds the newsletter. are honorary president, councillor Ms Moreover 41 navjotes and 26 marria- Meher Master-Moos, who delivered Zerbanoo Gifford, chairperson Ms ges were enumerated. The average age three lectures to^he German Zoroas- Thrity Shroff, joint honorary treasu- of marriage was about 28 for boys and trians, notes that “a group of Iranian rers Jehangir Irani and Ms Piloo 25 for girls. Nine couples have settled Zoroastrians from Kerman in Iran, Desai who is also the membership in Karachi and have found accommo- migrated west into Europe over one Moreover 41 navjotes and 26 marria- ¦w Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B.Cursetjee's Sons (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. Darabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay - 400 038. Grams:'DEADWEIGHT' Telex: 5824 DBCB IN Phone: 260021 (4 Lines) (Dock Office: 262230) Also associates at Calcutta, Vlshakhapatnom, Kakinada, Mangalora, ‘ Bhavnogor, Bedi-port, Navlokhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla. Also sole Government.Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhavnagar. 18./MmJkm 1908! I I 1 ! thousand years ago and settled in their three sons, notes Houston in the Bavaria, Saxony and Thuringia... interview. They continued to remain Mazdasnans . until about the twelfth century AD ” RellglOUS CduCSltlOll fund when the Christian influence swept A Zoroastrian Religious Education donors who have contributed five through Northern Europe. However, Fund has been established wherein it is thousand dollars and above will be in the nineteenth century when Dr hoped that Zoroastrians of North called to establish the constitution and Hannish started propagating the Maz- America, Canada, Europe and Austra- bylaws for the management of the dasnan religion,“descendants of some lia will participate. The Fund, which is Fund. Advice and guidance would be of these people flocked back into this tax exempt, wishes to create a means of sought from the leaders of the commu- ancient faith,” adds the write-up. communication between Zoroastrians nity even if no donations were received The Society’s headquarters at Eder- on these continents; engage one or two from them, adds the letter. tai are situated “in the midst of a beau- fully paid mobeds to devote their entire tiful countryside of lakes, hills and time to performing religious duties in RltUUlS joumsl forests. The structure includes a large distant areas; to help towards training The bi-annual. Journal of Ritual Stu- lecture hall, dining hall, kitchens and mobeds and assistant mobeds; and to dies^ sponsored by the University of offices on tile ground floor and resi- spread the message of Zarathushtra Pittsburgh’s Department of Religious dential accommodation for about 100 and acquaint westerners with those spi- Studies, will begin publicafion in the persons on the first and second floors, ritual teachings, notes a letter written summer of 1986, notes the February states the write-up. by Dr Rostam Sarfeh of California, issue of the bulletin of the Center for C fh * f* h’ f president of the board of trustees of Zoroastrian Research (CZR). “It soli- vatneriZdtlOn cniel the Rustam Guiv Trust and Rustam cits articles, reviews, correspondence. Appointed director of the Cardiac Guiv Foundation of New York, who discussion, announcements and notes Catherization Division of the newly clarifies that this Fund is distinct from from scholars in any discipline that formed cardiovascular department of the Guiv Trust. treats ritual in any of its various the Dameron Hospital, Stockton, “A capital of five lakh to one mil- forms,” adds the bulletin, noting that California, Dr Fram Buhari and his lion dollars is thought to be required;” submissions should be sent to Ron Gri- team provide new coronary care tech- $15,060 have been donated in memory mes, General^Editor, Department Of niques, especially coronary artery of Parviz Sarfeh and $50,000 pledged Religious Studies, University of Pitts- angioplasty, better known as the “bal- by a Vancouver philanthropist, notes burgh, 2604, CL, Pittsburgh, PA loon treatment” notes Lori Houston in the letter. Any person willing to donate 15260. A year’s subscription (for two the Dameron Digest (December 1985). more than one lakh dollars, could have issues) is $15 for individuals and $25 Cardfae catherization is the diagno- the Fund named after him, adds the for institutions in North America. For- sis of heart disease through the use of a letter. eign subscriptions are $20 plus $5 for dye injected into the coronary artery. To earn income from the capital, the airmail. Checks and money orders via a tube. In angioplasty, another money has been invested in Govern- should be sent in US dollars to Asso- smaller tube is threaded through the ment Security Bonds through Merrill date Editor Fred Clothey at the above first tube and fed up to the obstruction Lynch and Company of Lajolla.Dona- address. (usually a deposit of fat or cholester- tions of one hundred dollars and above ol). The end of the tube is then in- should be sent to William Joslyn, Zoroastrianism, is to be included in the flated which literally “squashes” the manager, Merrill Lynch and Com- Asian Religious Studies Information obstruction back into the artery wall, pany, 7825, Fay Avenue, Lajolla, Cali- (ARSI), a bibliographical periodical, according to Buhari. fornia 92037, USA. Donations of less issued by the State University of New Viewed as an alternative to bypass than a hundred dollars should be sent York’s Institute for Advanced Studies surgery, angioplasty has certain advan- to the treasurer, California Zoroas- of World Religious at Stony Brook, tages: no massive scar and the patient trian Center, 1814 South Bayless The bi-annual journal will begin publi- is up and about within two days as Street, Anaheim, California 92802, cation this year, notes the CZR bulle- against a three-month rehabilitation USA. tin. It has been decided that no withdra­ wal from the capital be allowed until the sum matures to at least one lakh dollars, after which a meeting of all the persons on the first and second floors, obstruction back into the artery wall. period in case of bypass surgery, adds the article. Those with multiple artery obstructions however are not eligible for the treatment. If during the course of the treatment the artery is dam­ aged, immediate surgery is necessary. Hence a team of surgeons always stands by in case of emergency, adds the write-up. The Aden born, British educated Buhari has been practicing in Stockton since 1976, notes the write-up. The 40- year-old physician who is “a big fan of professional football,” also likes plea­ sure Cruising with his wife Behrose and 16 ParsianaJune /986 “A capital of five lakh to one mil- forms,” adds the bulletin, noting that Gifts&i The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 253443 & 252730 ( iEDUCATION ii Children don’t have anything to hold on to With young parents giving prioritiesto career advancement,they have no time to ingrain "Parsi culture" in the children, says Dr Mehroo Bengalee, Bombay University's first lady vice-chancellor. Parinaz Toddywalla ^Today s Parsi youth are too bogged they need to perform their share of bers in certain affluent buildings) the down with fashion and seem to be household duties also. In the Indian youth could liaise with Zoroastrians moving away (from our culture). With both parents working, our homes have almost become boarding houses. We re forgetting our good old customs have time for their children, with the learn some craft or (something useful) and spirituality, and lack information result that the children don’t have any- from video programs,” said Bengalee, on how to guide the young into right thing to hold on to.” At Parsi bangs where concentrations work areas.” The first lady vice- Then shifting her focus from the of “200 to 400 Zoroastrian families re- chancellor in the history of the 128- family to the educational institution, side in close proximity,” Bengalee sug- year-old Bombay University, Dr Bengalee queried, “Where are the gested the planning of group activities Mehroo Bengalee’s concern for the Parsi educational institutions today? like music, arts, games, handicrafts, declming intellectual standard and loss Though the institute may bear the cooking, etc to occupy the young of Zoroastrian culture, seemed to pro- - ----------------------- j ... -- .. - - ® voke her strong outbursts on this sub- 9 clined, community resources should be generated to educate those genuinely interested in intellectii^ pursuits like research and post-graduate programs. ” Parents and students should not give undue weightage to degree courses. If a student does not have an aptitude for theoretical studies, a specialized tech­ nical course would render him more productive, according to Bengalee. “Instead of postponing career deci­ sions until graduation, with proper one-year orientation courses we hope to make the students economically vi­ able sooner,” said the academician. Ideally every boy and girl should be employable at 18 years of age, she feels. In favor of granting autonomy to “identified” colleges because many good institutions suffer when, instead of using modern methods, they have to fall back on traditional ways, Bengalee acknowledged, “With 178 institutions falling within the purview of the Bom­ bay University... we’ve outgrown our system.” Quite resolute that she’d like to take stringent fceasures to discour­ age the practice of giving and accept­ ing capitation fees, Bengalee reasons that if students don’t get admission on another s suffering, devotion, loyalty, editions respectively. She has also con- merit, they don’t need to get in. fervor for religion - all ingrained in us structed a personality test called Soon after the Bombay University’s as Parsi culture - is now lost,” Ben- Youth Adjustment Analyzer. image was blemished with the MD galee lamented. Bengalee has a doctorate degree in marks scandal - when there was an Associated with Prof Noshir Kaiko- psychology. Master of Arts in econo- alleged alteration in marks to pass a bad’s school counselling and family mics, Master of Education in statistics medical student, a daughter of a chief counselling projects undertaken at the and vocational guidance, postgraduate minister — the authorities looked for a behest of the Federation of Parsi diploma in guidance and counselling, non-political candidate for the vice- Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, Ben- Gousellors Trainers’ Certificate from chancellor’s post. “I believe I was galee feels it would be ideal if clinics Michigan State University and diplo- appointed because I am completely could be opened in Parsi residential mate in professional counselling. In- non-political, non-communal and areas instead of educational institu- temational Academy of Professional mainly because I am a woman. The tions where there may be few Parsi Counselling and Psychotherapy, Ken- recommendation of three names by students. “If greater stress is laid on tucky, USA. She has been invited to the three-member selection team vocational counselling, I think Parsis present papers at several international (comprising Justice M. Hidayatullah, would benefit more. The spirit of en- conferences and committees on educa- Justice B. Lentin and Tarkateerth trepreneurship should be instilled tion, counselling and career guidance. Laxmansastri Joshi) and the final since school days.” Viewing the coun- Prior to her appointment as vice- selection by the Governor of Mahar- selling programs as “very worthwhile” chancellor, Bengalee was professor ashtra, must have been on the basis of especially with trainee counsellors and head, department of education at my being an academician with 30 years being roped in, Bengalee voiced, “I the Bombay University for two years, of experience with the Bombay Uni- don’t know whether it is filtering to For 28 years she was professor of versity.” lower income groups.” psychology and in charge of the coun- Bengalee’s career in education Author of 12 books on subjects re- selling department at the St Xavier’s started by chance, she confessed. Af- lated to counselling, career guidance Institute of Education. A recognized ter passing the prestigious Union Pub- and psychology, Bengalee s most re- guide for PhD students in education, he Services Commission examination, cent book is Guidance and Counsell- Bengalee feels that higher education she expected to be recruited as an ing. Certain books like Introduction to should be self-supporting. “Students officer at the Reserve Bank of India. the World of Work and Vyavasi should feel that they are getting a re- “But since the RBI had yet to formu- Duniyano Parichaya (Introduction to turn on their investments. Instead of late a policy for recruiting lady offic- the World of Careers) have been pub- using scarce state resources for stu- lished in their eleventh and seventh dents who are not academically in- i ! H h conferences and committees on educa- Justice B. Lentin and Tarkateerth i ers, I was not willing to wait... and here I am.” s H J It 19 ParsianaJune t9861 BOOKS An epic task Bahman Surti publishes the first volume of his prose translation of the Shah Namah Homi J. Rogers Shah Namah of Firdaosi in English prose - Volume I by Dr B^ihman Sohrab Surti. Pub­ lished by the author in March 1986 from 37 Saro- jini Devi Road, Secunderabad 500003 (Andhra Pradesh). Pp 160. Price: Rs 50. five and significant parts of the origin­ al, while summarizing other chapters to maintain continuity in narration. To this small batch of books, we now have an addition in Dr Bahman Surti’s translation. It is, as claimed by him in Ijis preface, the first detailed, faithful translation in English prose, as Dr Surti has not summarized the stor­ ies, and has adhered to the chapters as Firdaosi had written them. A retired medical practitioner from Secunderabad (he is a qualified ob­ stetrician and gynecologist), Surti has been working on the translation single­ handedly since 1971, even at the ex­ pense, as he informs in the preface, of lation was undertaken only in 1774, nearly *800 years after it was first writ­ ten, and the first total rendering, in the mid-eighteenth century by Jules Mohl neglecting his family members. On and Barbier de Maynard in French, failing to find a publisher for seven under the patronage of the French years, he decided to publish it himself, government. with the help of Marzban J. Giara of Thereafter, many incidents from the Bombay (the book is available from Shah Namah have been rendered into Giara’s residence at 667 Lady Jehangir English poems and ballads, the most Road, Dadar, Bombay 4(X)014.and the fajnous being Matthew Arnold’s Rus- Kaiser-E-Hind Press, 300 Perin Nari- tam and Sohrab. But the entire epic man Street, Bombay 4(X)(M)1) who “The homes that are the dwellings of today Will sink ’neath shower and sunshine to decay But storm and rain shall never mar what I Have built - the palace of my poetry.” WARNER has not been translated into English undertook the re^onsibility of getting very often. The Warner brothers — it printed and correcting the proofs. ' ... volume of their combined efforts is out. It covers 171 chapters of Surti: “faithful” translation (Right) At the official launching of Surti’s Shah Namah translation are (from left) Jehangir Shroff, Meher Master-Moos and Sarosh Wadia The Shah Nam ah - the book of Kings — has vindicated the faith of its poet, Abul Kavim-i-Mansur, more popular­ ly known by his pen name of Firdaosi. An epic of as great proportion as the Iliad and the Odyssey of Greece, or the Ramayana and Mahabharata of In­ dia, though much current in compari­ son to the others (haying been written in the late tenth century), it is a work of over 60,000 couplets, of which 55, 693 are yet extant. It has inspired poets and philosophers, and many gen­ erations who have heard the story in the oral tradition. The first ever trans- 21 Parsiana June 1966 Arthur and Edmund — rendered the total tome in English verse, even adhering to the same rhyme and meter the Shah Namah, starting with the as in the original Persian (as can be mandatory praises to God, the borne out by the example at the be- Prophet (Mohammed), and the Sultan ginning of the review) in 1906. A year Mahmud of Ghazni who, delighted later, Alexander Rogers translated it with Firdaosi’s style and language, into poetry (the more dramatic parts) handed over the ancient chronicles of and prose. More recently, in 1967, Persia for versification, promising to UNESCO published under its Persian pay a gold miskal for every couplet Heritage series, a prose translation by composed. Reuben Levy, but even this book, like ~ Rogers’, selected the most representa- history of Iran from the myths of Crea- The volume under review traces the '3? *r ! tion, through the times of King sion stood weeping before the child, Kayumars (the first man to rule the i Hooshang (he is ere- hero, that the son borne to him by his ing volumes, the author could consider dited with the discovery of fire), beautiful wife was hoary-headed.” these incorporations. Tahmuras and Jamsheed, who is said A definite asset of the book is its The Shah Nam ah, like all epics is a to have lived for 700 years before transliteration of proper names and great read. It has the same endearing "feting hls death at the hands of the Persian Words in phonetic ^English to quality of the Greek tales the modern . ------------------------—I generation grew up with,- in the abs- nemesis in Fareedoon. The Shah pronounce Parsi i ’ ' ' ----- Jamsheed not between Fareedoon s sons, and the Eerach, not EraCh or Iraj, as the west- - _ , colored jacket) would also have been none having the spirit to tell Sam, the welcome. Probably, in the forthcom- beautiful wife was hoary-headed.” A definite asset of the book is its : proper names and great read. It has the same endearing evil Zahhaak, who m turn met his enable the modern reader to know and generation grew up with, in the abs- Mmesis in Fareedoon. The Shah pronounce Parsi names correctly ence of a book that informed them of Namah then covers the fratricidal wars (note; Jamsheed not j..^ r, - - - emergence of Meenochehr, during ern translators put itj.'Yet "another ii^“le7s““em"hralItog*"thl*rTf * J^^^^ ? 1 ^k’^f X J®?*"®’ for Medea or Paris-Helen. Rustam, com- Zaal, the father of the legendary Per- t!._ _ ____ 1 .wiv »»iui mo auvcmuics oi J • '^*“®** g*''® f**® reader an dragons and roping demons, is second emperor, the luckless and ill-fated idea of the extent of the Persian -- - Kaikaaoos Rustam stormed the de- ...voi iviv.^ii wwiui mon kingdom of Maazandaraan, artd (including Rogers’) translations, where affinity Jamshed, their own culture. The romance of Zaal-Rudaabah or Bizan-Manizeh is the geographical identifications under- plete with his adventures of slaying foVon xvlaizA -a. — — — -J — _] « • a to no Hercules. And the capricious, empire, ambiguous in most foreign covetous Kaikaaoos bears a close J . , V t • , - ---------- o—0—“ z “*••*“*»•»*''**", "BBWBkz to the Greek kins battle with Iran’s Haamavaran is not identified as Assy- Agamemnon. Surti’s translation has ti^aditional foe Turan, climaxing (or, na, or Rum as Byzantine. filled the lacuna by re-introducing Per- A fk /k-^ anti-chmaxmg) in the It would have been appreciated if, sian lore at an affordable price. It may ko^Hc Tk extending the same scholarly study, lack Rogers’ evocativeness, Warner’s volume ends on this Surti had provided the reader with imagery (any translation from poetry occasional footnotes, or short prefixes to prose wopiH^ r.r i k.-;.fi„. u... While the translation is faithful to shedding some added insight to the then, these traditional foe Turan, climaxing (or, ria, or Rum as Byzantine. ™zB-A ?-1 \ would have been appreciated if. occasional footnotes, or short prefixes to prose would), or Levy’s bristle; but - . .. . .. 1 J are out-of-print books now. And with the exception of War- . - - , ner, not as complete too. One looks trations (this volume has eight line forward to th* other volumes, which. the text, and Surti offers no personal, tales, and even on the original style interpretation, or alteration, his style and language of the epic. A few illus- — and at many times, choice of words t__ ___ „„„ ivzBrrcuu iw ui, umci vuiumcs wnicn desired. “The drawings of kings and warriors on its judging fronT thV materSr covered Shah Namah IS not a mass of dry, dead- end pages, in addition to a multi- here, should number at least four wood and dehydrated facts, but a liv­ ing historical document pulsating with the life,«breathed into it by Firdaosi, in his inimitable language, style and vigor of narration,” writes Blitz’sEditor R.K. Karanjia in his foreword. Sadly enough, this fire is missing. The trans­ lation is not just in prose — it is pro­ saic. The English-knowing world, and the western mind to whom the book is targetted, would have appreciated the The Delhi Parsi Anjuman: A Profile by Noshir rendering to be tinged with archaisms Homi Dadrawala with a foreword by ShiavaxNar- to create and convey the right atmos­ phere. Compare, for example, Surti’s ver- interpretation, or alteration, his style and language of the epic. A few illus- end pages, in addition to a multi- (apital round-up A booklet details the highlights of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman . members of the Delhi Parsi commun­ ity and to safeguard their interests.” Dadrawala’s booklet traces the activi­ ties of the DPA in meeting its objec- golwala, Pp 19 + iv. Delhi — India’s political capital since __ ___________ ____ ____ _ _ X rz * I -LT 1912 is a city steeped in history, and tives, many a times by cutting past the c " ° paradoxically tapes of bureaucracy and/or ortho- ourti: In due course she cbnceived enough, for the Parsi community and gave birth to a lovely boy whose there, limited to just around 300 fami- skin was as white as silver, but the lies., the exact converse holds true, amazing part was that the hair of his Noshir Dadrawala while profiling the head was absolutely white, just as in P " ‘ " ¦ * • -------- - an old man. Nobody carried this news i___ ____ _______ to Saam for a week since everyone was which has bound the afraid to tell him that he had (sic) baby.” Levy: “When the child was severed from his mother his face was as beauti­ ful as the sun, but his hair was entirely white, and for a whole week, because ...________ __ ____ of his strange appearance, news of his president, Nowroji Rustomjf Kapadia, birth was not brought to his father - Sam. Those who lived in the inner quarters of that noble warrior’s man- r ---------’ I---------------- in due course she cbnceived enough, for the Parsi community doxy. Prominent among these bold steps is the one taken by the Anjuman in 1978 to admit non-Parsi spouses of Parsi -------- VBA w kJ VZl. MXOl Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA), the pre- members on its membership roster. It mier Parsi organization in the city was as a result of this measure that the --- - -1-J community Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) — the a senile together, explores the various facets of bastion of the old guard Parsis — with- this paradox. drew from the Federation of Parsi The pPA was formed in 1925 (there Zoroastrian Anjumans of India which, being, in as late as 1912, just “some 30 along with the DPA, it had helped to to 40 Parsis residing in Delhi”), and its establish in 1971. A considerable por- epnstitution was drafted by its first tion (nearly 25 percent) of the booklet > deals with the Federation controversy. with the primary object of providing Though not, as revolutionary, some “facilities for religious, social, intellec- other activities undertaken by the tual and other material benefits to Anjuman outlined here, include the 22 ParsianaJune 1986I maintenance of Parsi < ' J _____ —— (aramgahs) at Delhi, Simla and stands out from his text — restricted to ting\>f sezdo (final salute to IhTdead Hathras, and the establishment of the .... . ... .. - . Mengusi Parsi Dharamshala in 1951. i ____ _______ ____ What is creditable is that there appear parted by the DPA to its many activi- relations aFme time ofbu^^a^ to be no hassles, and unity and har- ”-----------7' , ’ ’ ' I.,.,; mony seem to be maintained between Athravan Educational Trust (AET) mfxeTwood who^ na^^^ the Anjuman members, trustees and was formed to give mobeds a fair pack- performed with the consent of both government authorities. This is in marked contrast to the scene in Bom­ bay, for example, where even renova­ tion of a sanatorium causes a furore. ,, _____ _________ ___ ___ „„„ The Delhi Parsi Anjuman also set Similarly, since 1962, it has been pub- and continues to be,the reaction of the up Delhi’s one and only Kaikhusru lishing a newsletter and bringing out community in Delhi to them. P^llonji Katrak Dar-e-Meher in 1961, books, so as to disseminate knowledge The profile hence remains a which according to Shiavax Nargolwa- of the religion — a form of propaga- straightforward narration of the Anju- la. Its president Tor the last 25 years, tion only recently taken up seriously man’s activities, its aims and policies “is the one and only new Agiary estab- by other Parsi organizations in the It is a manual which other Anjumans lished anywhere in India over the last country and abroad. or Parsi-unifying bodies elsewhere in 50 years,’’ a fact no longer true, Dadrawala’s profile of the DPA, India and the world could look up to though, with the establishment of the however, reads more like a prospectus for information and instruction Yet Pundole Adarian at Udwada. What is than r ’ ’ " ...... t however important to remember is : that the task must have involved con- __ __ ______ ________ _ i- t siderable liaising with the government, pulls no punches, pats no backs. He tive strength. For the profile* achievement is hence laudable. cemeteries Agiary or Dharamshala. But what adopted by the Anjuman of (i) permit- kimio onzl _____ a__! ..a.___I .t. t a framework of just 19 small pages — after the satchkar or preparation for innovativeness and zeal im- the last rites) by non-Parsi friends and “ . ¦¦ ¦ - -I________ ______ Jor example, much before the accepting within the fold, children of was formed to give mobeds a fair pack- performed with the consent of both et for their services, the DPA had im- parents, are not even mentioned by plemented the same (including medic- Dadrawala. The reader is thus dep- al benefits, provident fund and gratui- rived of the knowledge of how these ty) for the priests tending its Agiary. acts were permitted, and what was, up Delhi’s one and only Kaikhusru lishing a newsletter and bringing^out community in DelhiTo them''" " tion only recently taken up seriously man’s activities, its aims and policies. IMJ DztMMa _ .*.1. . V.* *_ « «¦« .« «> Dadrawala^s profile of the DPA, India and the world could look up to a work that would recreate for like the paradoxical nature of the city the reader the triumph and tribula- vis-a-vis the community, what could be tions of the Anjuman. Dadrawala termed as a major weakness, is a posi- ”0 secrets, and, rightly temed, offers a*^side view that but for the Federation controversy, could leave the reader mde/(7i}iWy im- Dadrawala does, not detail the hur- doesn’t provide any details on such pressed, for he sets no warts. dies crossed for the setting up of the matters. The two reformist decisions H.J.R. doesn’t provide any details on such pressed, for he sets no warts. 1 With the Best Compliments of Ift INGERSOLL-RAND (INDIA) LIMITED Manufacturers of Air & Gas Compressors * Rock Drill RQuipment Vacuum Pumps * 23 Ranaians June Idas