Aug 1986

L af' 4., W I*'"'*" ' , i ''' f August 1986 Volume 9 Number 2 • ‘,'5; •J ; <’; .4 EDITOR Jehangir Patel MANAGING EDITOR^rnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Toddywalla ASSOCIATE EDITOR Niloofer Madon DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN ASSISTANTS Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah Fernandes t MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel I ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry F ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha ' CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L Arora CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver, Khurshid Daruwalla DATA PROCESSING Rohinton Mistry OFFICE Rajendra Nayak, Madhuri Dabral, Khurshid Balsara, Patricia Lewis. S' 3 Readers'Forum 17 Events and Personalities 24 Zoroastrians Abroad 39 Reviving the Cama Madressa by Parinaz Toddywalla 46 The creative extension 48 "A compromise film" by Arnavaz Mama 50 Painting with a needle by Jeroo Irani 56 The reigning Miss India 65 Sports by Niloofer Madon 81 Recipes by Bhicoo Manekshaw 1 -1 (< >’• 86 Parsi Dharamshalas . J^_Books by Homi Rogers '1 <1 95 Comment by Partbpurz Nariman 97 InMemoriam Cover: Transparency of Mehr Jesia by Homyar Mistry Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications P^ Ltd at C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Parsiana Publications, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001 and phototypeset at Ace, Bombay 400001. 1 i. All rights reserved. Address all editorial and business correspondence to Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001. Phone:2048730. Annual inland subscription: Rs 50 for one year (12 issues); Rs 90 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates: Seamail Rs too for one year, Rs 180 for two years; Air mail Rs210 for one year, Rs.400 for two years. For U S cheques add $5 tocover bankcharges For Indian upcountry cheques»add Rs 4 for bank charges. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 orCZo H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort Bombay 400001. ' 1 'f ‘ y- READERS' FORUM i • • ¦¦¦ ¦ '5’»-_ believe that the film will be a money of the ceremonies therein. By showing spinner from which houses would be this scene (even if it is of a mock funer- constructed for poor Parsis and the al), the High Priest concerned has ; priestly class, little realizing that the done the greatest disservice to his reli- : film has already flopped. The film has gion. The film neither elevates nor in ­ little interest or appeal to members of spires but leaves one disgusted. The other communities. film. For Whom the Bell Tolls (if I re- The late president of the Time and member right) opened with the words. Talents Club, Ms Gool Shavaksha had “For those who believe, no explana- I in 1969 put up a live show on the life of tion is necessary. For those who don ’t, Zarathushtra. It was entitled The no explanation is possible. ” When one Splendoured One and was presented at produces a film on a Prophet, one the Tagore Hall. It was an inspiring should approach the work with faith performance. The present film cannot and dedication. jal vakil hold a candle to that show. It also • • • bears no comparison to films like The All the hue and cry over the film. On King of Kings and The Ten Command- Wings of Fire^ has finally died down ments. Followers of all religions saw thus proving that the strong indigna- with awe what unfolded on the screen, tion of a small number of significant In the film. Wings, the grandeur of Parsis was merely much ado about no- our religion and our Prophet is lost in thing. sermons including one in favor of the Athravan Educational Trust! No film it their privilege to be vigilant - but for can succeed where the action is made their alertness andtpresence, they be- subservient to homilies. The director lieve, the death knell of Zoroastrian- of the film actually wrote to the Advis- ism would be sounded. ory Committee members: “Films of Among these, none have made any ' any sort are personal works. No good substantial mark on the national film has ever come out of communities scene. They are not the Tatas, God- Readers' views are welcome on any controlling the final product. rejs, Shapoorji Pallonjis and Nani Pal- subject of interest to the community How one wishes Cyrus Bharucha khivalas of the community, and fortu- and should be sent to the Editor, Read- had followed the guidance of scholars nately the Zoroastrian community has ers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O.Box 892, like Dr Ali Jafarey, Dastur Nowrooz prospered more because of the latter r ¦ -------- -- " editing for reasons of space and clarity. » K » U » « < M t »»•, l» , t M » . I > ¦ ......tji »•»»»' >»?»»» I*!***- »»*»•« ’n« .i.i«»» ...(»•* jt»" H iiKi> iittl* • »> r»» »¦ *» B fiiillii!:' « w«*^ ? I.” Titr • J »• p tt • I -¦ ¦ .» ?- ¦itt u Rt Films of Some sanctimonious Parsis consider Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to Minochehr-Homji and Prof Kaikhos- rather than the former, editing for reasons of space and clarity, rov Trani. All the money invested in the film - over a crore of rupees - has public, fortunately did not get these _ /“c” gone down the drain. The alleged re- self-appointed torchbearers of the Un yvingS Oj rire fusal of Zarathushtra to accept the Parsi community any results. If good After seeing the film On Wings of Fire, sudreh and kusti on which the whole thoughts, words and deeds are the the feelings with which I came out Mazdayasni Zarathusti religion is bedrock of our religion, there was no- were of disappointment, disgust and based, his head bare, except for a thing good about the copious words sadness. That the Parsi producers, head-band, his body naked,barring a and thoughts expressed by this small director and those who donated lakhs loin cloth in prison, are scenes which group. As for going to the High Court of rupees should have accepted the im- are most revolting and blasphemous. - - age projected of Prophet Zarathushtra is unbelievable. Zarathushtra was de­ based to the extent -that shocked the conscience of the community, except portion of the film, makes it all the perhaps felt that the religion was in perhaps for the upper crust of the com- more regrettable. The eloquent words great peril, almost as if the matter was munity who know little about their re- used at the time cannot make up for comparable to the Shah Banoo case ligion and less about the stature and the shooting of certain ceremonies that was making headlines recently, greatness of their Prophet. which are intimate and sacred to Par- It is good to see that the heavens did Giants like Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, sis. not fall after people had seen the who worshipped their Prophet, no Ion- ~ . . . _ ger exist. Would anyone have dared to Khurshed Daboo ’s words that as soon fails to|understand!what was solrevolt ­ show such a film even 50 years ago? as the sachkar ceremony takes place, ing about seeing the Prophet in a loin The well-meaning and well-off ladies the bangli becomes a temple and no- cloth. As KinglVishtasp had not yet of the Time and Talents Club fondly body has the right to take photographs accepted the teachings of Zoroaster, A vain attempt to wash dirty linen in in Bombay and expecting to be heard The mock funeral scene should have when they had little to say, was not been omitted. That a High Priest of exactly a good deed. They were obses- our religion actually supervised that sed with saving Zoroastrianism and which are intimate and sacred to Par ­ sis. One remembers the late Dastur scenes shot at Doongerwadi. One also 3 Parsiana August 1986?J sm ’d since fhe King was led to bewvi^ that Zoroaster was sorceror, one cannot imagine the clothes an alleged (r sorceror would wear in prison - would he wear royal robes? The criticism of any piece of litera ­ ture or art may be cohsidered as done properly, when viewed in its total pers- S' , pective Those who see the film dispas- sionately wpuld find that for a low budget film, made at an enormous ex ­ pense of time and energy, the en ­ deavor is a commendable one which no Zoroastrian to date has attempted. * pioneering work is not ap- 5- f I- j; r; i .J ion of thd, Agbiy, _________ Horm^ ! * ” ;a was invaluable andtKe^i L : the anfeace of E Ki Oil Al p were approved by hiifi from tire reli- '•jiK; gioUs angle. Rogers has referred to the •' Pundole Adarian at Udwatfa. He must ¦ be aware of the controversy raging around it, which is now pend^in the 1 Supreirie Court. I therefore maintain 4 | that the Pelhi Agiary is the one'i^jtv S Supreiric Court. I therefore V only real Ag^i^ established anywhef^'^T in India overThe last 50 years. As regards sezdo, Delhi is a cosmo- politan city and iiideed it would be / ' cruel to prevent non-l^arsi relations and friends of the deceased from paying their last respects to the dead. There is nothing in our religion to pto- plaiided, then let it not be belittled. While it took fj^e years, if not more, for this pioneering “docu-drama ” to bring on the screen the world ’s oldest revealed religion, it took a few hours, at the most, to condemn the film, whose script had already been scruti- -nized by a number of men, most con ­ versant with the essentials of Zoroas ­ trianism. One must thank the wisdom of- .....j--..- High Court in Bombay, ,the Chief, Air Marsh^/Wg board and other bodies have been involved in deeming the the chief minister film as non objectionable.Some Parsis, down by the PaScist^^* so proud of “apro Zubin, ”behave as if N^el Terry as Zoroaster in Wings Pakistan conflict rhany yeainfeil^^ Zubin Mehta was ignorant of the con- Many distinguished Air Force office^ , tents of a ^m in which he has had a the Pundiayet office in my early days, of all communities including the then -*^ lead role. Or why not blame him too? Will the attitude towards the needy Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Arjutf^^,^ The community should be thankful never change? Singh, attended the funeral and paid that though Zubin is an international I would like to know how much it their last respects; even though the celebrity, he consented to act in the costs to present gold medals to reli- war was going on, and they were in . film, despite his busy schedule. gious scholars every year and whether charge of the Indian Air Force. THI^/ public contribution towards this award was a remarkable tribute to an is accepted. ^l!!<41eague. Could we deny them their I am sure many like nte will come final salute to the dead? I Similarly, when Piloo Mody died in;...p?: ke^ the flame of Zarthosti dharma Delhi, scores of his personal and tical friends attended the funeral cere-''- mony. Could we deny them their finab*^^ tipi WJ that though Zubin is an international f hibit this and in fact in many other ' anjumans this convention prevails. In the film On Wings of Fir^ a rtKXsk • J funeral ceremony at Doongerwadi has^f « been shown to all and sundry with the^ approval of the BPP! I c^in recall the funeral ceremony in | .'^^Jp^lhi of Mr Engineer, a pilot, 'Vi ^5^ •X S'Ji “The elusive medals’’ “The elusive medals ” (Parsiana, May forward to contribme their mite to ’86) really made sordid readfog; I When there is an awakening burning. capt r.j . katila amongst our youngsters to know more about our ancient religion, our Aka- V<11>1MU rwuuu up bars ’ display of inertia is astounding. Tn the review by Homi Rogers of N.H. The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) Dadrawala ’s booklet on the Delhi Par- should come forward to announce si Anjumim (Parsiana, June 1986), members as .members from Marclv such awards each year and present the reviewer desired further informa- 1978 onwards- This tefolution was paSr- 1 am sure many like me will come “Cafiital round-up salute to this distingpjghed, departed, member of our community? ' We have non-Parsi, spduses of Parsi •fe ‘^3 them with great fanfare at a public tion regarding the Delhi Anjuman. sed unaniihously at the 1978 annt^k?)^ gathering. Hence this letter. general meeting of the AnjUman^^ The ignorance displayed about the Rogers talks of the “triumphs and These non-Parsi spouses enjoy availability of funds to present two tribulationsof the Anjuman. ” The fo^- membership of the Anjuman exccpt-S gold medals every year is astounding, mer have been many, the latter none, ’that they are not entitled to “Going to the Punchayet to collect The Agiary was constructed in the re- Agiary, or to be buried in tifee At^U-^ the scholarships was one of the most cord time of six months and the Dhar- man ’s aramgah, or to be electiCd bS degrading and disagreeable experi- amshala has been expanded from time trustee. This experiment '’’proved * ences of my life, ” says Chubb. I was to time without having to Cross any highly successful, and the^^ptribution w amazed to read this. God help needy hurdles. Full cooperation was received of the non-Parsi spouses to the ^ctivi- Parsis who are the victims of so-chlled from the Central Government author- ties of the Anjuman has beeji'Substan-'^* charity. To me it is a dirty word and ities and the Delhi administration in tial. .-‘ J believe, me, I made my presence felt in these matters. Rogers is not correct when he any highly successful, and the,^ptribution ived of the non-Parsi spouses tSo me j^vi* J 5 Pare#an<;^i;sf 1986 xi' .J ' ’i 4 J '4% I .ts^. ... -1-^^ V : i ‘ i of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman “accept- blood whose navjote has been r — formed with the consent of both pa ­ rents. ” A resolution I"- • - - ing within the fold, children of mixed ¦; fc™edtTthT^oTse„\ “/'^::H’’I': .he election of a ladnt„;t« A. resolution 1 have been amused by tbe recent celebrate this /tXsfitrik mtroversv in the Rnmko,, T»___ 0W«on. We have the highest respect for o priests and we look after them ve well. We also send our priests to tl oyersy in the Bombay Par^j Press on the board of the Bombay Parsi Pun- moved in the annual general m'^Attn view, women trustees • of March 1978 to allow membershin of S ; the Anjuman to such persons A P’’®*’*®’”’o our own way. In majority of the members oHhe Anju • Anjuman, the elected trustees favor of this resolution, but it was not passed since a majority of not less than 15 percent of the mem- z bers present in the meeting and enti- I SSSEE t ^oiced^ajori.ysup^„ofou/A„ju- Sv"S Trisfe'e^foSedr *^^^^^ :^“o7?hSe ‘':X^r^" decision of the Our Aeiarv is cAiAhrat.r.^ „a___ ' permit the Use ‘ a Parsi mother and a non-Parsi father, such child having been duly initiated into the Zoroastrian religion by the performance of the navjote ceremony. ( f This was distinct from giving full Anju- priests and we look after them V " neighboring anjumans, vThich have . priests, to perform navjote, marria! •fll I _________ • * t u- 1, J - -------- UJIU VIllI- tled to vote was required. I do, howev- man. ‘ In the meanwhile, the Board ' Privy Council in Saklat Vs BeUa (19^) ; unanimously decided to permit the Use ' of the Delhi fire-temple by the child of ‘ a Parsi mother and a non-Parsi father, such child having been duly initiated into the Zoroastrian religion by the performance of the navjote ceremony. 5 This was distinct from giving full Anju ­ man membership to such children , t' ' - - majority of the members. 1 ¦£ 1 ( ! \ . 1 , I' t' J P ¦ 1' =. x’zi s=;.T-“ __ .. _ 5. ovviciaiVw IxCKl J- I ifinnhi ic o tiuiiai uusiees out ot which one must ber of th/- r»..im u~ “ • " '*'= “8! °f 35 ^ep- maintain the closest an'dl"Z«T, tional trustees out of which — resenting the Parsi youth of Delhi. We have adopted the convention that out of these three co-opted trustees at jecretery, Keki J. Gandhi, is a men maintain the closest and most friend contacts with all other member anji mans and we help them in all possib] ways, for example in matters < obtaining tax exemption for them. We have maintained the mo; friendly relations with the Press, part cularly the Parsi Press. It was at m instance that a convention was estat lished in the Federation to invite th Parsi Press at all the Federation meet mgs. We are particularly grateful t« Parsiana for reporting the Federatioi proceedings in a very fair and detailei manner. Perhaps few persons knov was in its infanci mo! ¦ less than . Our Agiary is celebrating its silver jubilee on December 25, 1986, fol ­ lowed by a meeting of the executive , council of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjupians of India, to which we have invited our respected Prime Minister. For the Aoiarv i celebrations, many Parsi High Priests of India have accepted our fnvLtion of ^he pF ® *..v..„vviaiup lu sucn cniiaren, as to perform the reiiainnc Parsi community, the Delhi Par that proposal did not get the requisite and to honor ceremonies si Aniuman helned f_" us with their presence. We are bringing out a brochure to si Anjuman helped it financially i small I”"-- ¦ morally in a big way. . ---- J in £ way (Rs 500 donation) anc 'S 1916 to 1986 70 Years of Quality & Service PARSI DAIRY FARM 261-63, Princess Street Bombay-400002 ia< ^.Qzis S .Parsiana August 1986L<-| 5^ NTETTR 1 JESIA Miss India 1986 Jli !¥? >.IS^ s*.. ;r V •*. •I ** ;jb- I r K M ‘ 5’" , • i tf-- < ' 2'*' ' I •*' 'S I * rV y 'I < ¦f' ' -t J 1 a’ rl r, i' 11 ' i) I;-/' i 4* i r ' j; 1 * [ V t 1 1*^ f H With Best Compliments From R. NOWROJEE &CO. Security Multicolour Printers Pallonji Compound, Padoji Kondev Cross Marg, Vk^ria Garden, Bombay-400 027. ‘ Tel: Press 8722550, 851061^ 8 Paraana 4upu?t ^986 th«^‘'<. I 1' "i ¦' ha? “reformist decisions ” have th^, . oh^e Ro^rs. lest support of the Pkrsi community in Delhi . Mr Dadrawala has not seen any “warts ” because there are none to be Dr Bahman S. Surti ’s translation of I seen! s o. nargolwala the S/mh Nawah of Firdaosi received | such an enthusiastic response that all 3 the copies of volume I were sold out 1 < within two months. Due to popular de- I WZO memben^ip mand, volume I is being reprinted. It | The contention of the Federation of will comprise of 188 pages and 16 illus- that “their voice would be drowned if anjumans i Organisation, is a self-admission that DR«^HMAN,S. SURTI Secunderabad 1^0^, UM^^v'A v V*. — -r—:- - - ¦' tf- Delhi. Mr Dadrawala has not seen any S.D. NARGOLWALA President Delhi Paisi Anjuman > member§l>ip Parsi Zoroastrian Anjummis of India trations and will be priced at Rs 55. ¦i _ _ _____ ____ / Volume II containing 310 pages with j and individuals have one illustrations is also presently under •4' vote each ” in the World Zoroastrain print and will be priced at Rs 15. Organisation, is a self-admission that Copies can be oidered through local the thinking and needs of the anju- anjumans or directly from Maraban J. mans and that of individuals are not Giara, Dhunmai Building, 667, Lady the same. Jehangir Road, Dadar, Bombay This clearly shows that the anju- 400014. Account payee cheques ot de­ mans are not representative of indi- mand drafts in favor of “Centrm Bank viduals. The voting patterns by which ’ of India — A/c Shah Nmah Book, the anjuman ’s leaders are elected, also For outstation cheques please add Rs clearly show this. 10 per Cheque for bank charges. Post- The fact is, the anjumans are drown- age charges will be extra. _ ing the voice of individuals, to whose Both volume I a^ volume II wiU be needs the anj umans are now just about available from the first week of August reawakening. To be able to hear the 1986. - marzban j . giara voice of individual Zoroastrians, and to be responsive to their needs, the _ . , World Zoroastrian Organisation Our 21/lst Scout Troop, attached to should keep -—7 conceited anjumans ’ power blocs. /We World Zcffoasfrkn Org^sa- Jehangir Road, Dadar, Bombay mand drafts in favor of “Central Bank Seeking scouts Zoroastrian ----------- . . t .. itself free of the self- The Saklat Physical Culture Institute, completes 5O.years on October 5 ,198^ _ At present j we are involved in com ' tion coflt^ to Mte the voting list of die pattern of on® individMal/one saMu* the ^oop to whem we vwll be senihng man one vote each. adi tarapore appeals and newsletters with regard to the jubilee activities. “Au epic task” But for a group of 27, whose where- abouts and addresses are not known to us, our list is nearly complete. We Rohinton Kerawala, Aspi Medhora, oze, Bobby S. Oonvala^ Behram Par- diwala, Darh» R. Antia, No^ir H. Phircxze H. Bhathena, This refers to your detailed critical re ­ view of the Shalj Namah, volume I in , English prose. It has come in time to have lost contact with Minoo Bhwn, give publicity to volume U which is ex- Rohinton Kerawala Aspi Medhora, peered to be ready by the end of July Minoo Medhora, NoshirMi^I^r- ^986 Q r^nnviiiAk Rftnrafin r a.r“ I would like to clarify that the de- scription in English, of 2^aal ’s birth to Bhathena, _ which W Homi J.I^ogeis refers, is true Jehangir B. Bhathena, Din^aw Bm- to the style of Firdaosi ’s original Per- jorjee, Romi ^rjtnjee, Phi^e sian, and not intended to compete with Desai, Maneck Fatakia, Hom tehha ” Alexander Rogers or Reuben Levy poria, Cyrus M^r, F^rokh l«ta, who have moved away from the style Adi Mehta, Minoo J. Pestonji, Sarn of Firdaosi, and reshaped the Shah Udwadia, Sarosh Udwadia, Sarosh Aama/i in their own style. Medhora, Faredoon Najnu, Kai?m My translation is a serious attempt Najmi, Zubin Najm and Jm K. at transplanting the original Persian Mehta. . into English so that any person with We request the 27 former scouts to some knowledge of Persian may, by send their addresses to ^Noshir S. substituting the Persian words for the Wadia, Scoutmas^ . 2^sC 18> English ones, convert it back into the Waverly Mansions, W S.N. Raner- original Persian epic. jee Road, Calcutta 700014. I propose to adhere to the same a.x. BATuyAM Namah in their own style. 1.., ¦ - at transplanting the original Persian Mehta, into English so that any person with substituting the Persian words for the Wadia, ] „ ...................... . original Persian epic. Scoutmaster, jee Road, Calcutta 700014. gy technique in the succeeding o»oup.D:a«fer (&),cata«. 'Xf > •E •f ¦'C i Early model of the ambulance used by the Parsi Ambulance Division Above: Dilapidated school building at . . Umersadi Kotlar in K j Pulsar District. r- ¦ - ’ r*' ' * School in shambles Located in a rural village called Umer ­ sadi .Kotlar in Bulsar District, the Bai Pirojbai Dhanjibhoy Umrigar Ver ­ nacular School was built by Sorabji Ukerji Umrigar and was handed over to the Pardi local board authorities on June 3,1927. The school which has 274 students out of which 80 percent com ­ prise adivasi children, is today on the verge of collapse. On a visit, I was shocked to find that in one big room four classes were being held with students huddled in ’ j four corners facing their respective blackboards. The walls had huge , cracks, the tiling \^s in a very deplor- . m able state and worse, the main wooden beam on which the roof rests, had been ravaged by white ants. ilW On questioning, the lady principal Ms S. Desai replied, “Last year one room had to be closed down because the wall and roof may cave in any moment... The government is giving . j us money for free midday meals but not for any repairs. ” One of the teachers who happens to be teaching there for the past 10 years replied, “Repeated verbal and written , requests to the gram, taluka and zil- la punchayets for building a toilet in the school premises for the benefit of lady teachers, has fallen on deaf ears. .. Here nobody seems interested. ” 1^^ Being located in a rural area, collec- I tion of funds has become a very diffi- I cult proposition. The Lions Club of “ Pardi has taken the responsibility of rebuilding the school to restore its past works shoulder to shoulder with the caste or creed. However, donations in glory. I would like to appeal to all Ambulance Brigade, was formed on whatever form are accepted with generous donors to help the Lions January 5,1913, 73 years ago, both the grateful thanks. - - - ¦ ; ¦ • ¦ ¦ ¦ • J- It is the Brigade ’s practice to meet Back in 1901, the late Dr Cawasjee every Sunday morning for an hour, '_ when lectures in first aid and home more adivasi tribal children in the fu- __this project _ by training a group of 25 nursing are delivered. Practical train- mre. Parsi youths. He delivered lectures in ing in different activities of the orga- For further information contact: first aid, home nursing and home nization is also imparted. Neville Fulwadiwala, 38, Tata Blocks, hygiene. The knowledge gained by Very akin to the defence services, Parel Tank Road, Bombay 400012 or these youths stood them in good stead members are promoted from the rank ’¦ of corporal, sergeant, officer to super- The members of^both the Ambu- intendent. lance and the Nursing Divisions are * ,1» ’ 9 <2>J Al V '-a fel' * F t b Club in its endeavor and efforts to re- first of their kind in India, construct the school, so that its dedi- Lv.^ ......—------------------ --------- j-- cated teachers could accommodate E. Dadachanji had started work on The President, Lions Club of Pardi, in the actual working of the division. Tal-Zilla Pardi, District Bulsar, Gu ­ jarat. NEVILLE FULWADIWALA Lions Club of Pardi __ 2 '¦ ¦ ; Outstanding examples of courage volunteers in the strict sense of the, and dedication were the late Associate word. ______________________________ Officer Commanding Brother Gustad- So much for SO many Until the year 1921, the Parsi ji Guzdar and Private Jamshed Navder The Parsi Ambulance Division of the Ambulance Division was the only in- who felLmartyrs during the communal St John Ambulance Brigade has com- stitution which was equipped with a riots of 1946. These noble acts were ernment of Bombay and the London Since its inception, the Division has Headquarters of the St John Ambu- In view of the services rendered -by pleted 82 years of humanitarian ser- horse ambulance and a motor ambu- posthumously recognized by the Gov- vice. The Parsi Ambulance Division lance, opened its doors “to succor those in !----------------, , . need of help ” on April 1, 1904, and been offering free services to the lance Brigade (Overseas), the Parsi Nursing Division, which general public without distinction of I . n Parsiana August 1986» 0*. the members of the Ambulance and gins. Upon return, this can be carried Nursing Divisions, they were aptly re- out by various means including articles warded by the Government in 1928. for publications, conferences, talks. The then Governor of Bombay, Lord slide show presentations or volunteer Willingdon, donated a plot of land services, as needed in a given com- where presently the headquarters of munity. this Division stands. This was built in You are, therefore, invited as gar, Poona 411 013. From fire to combustion Some excerpts from an article on com ­ bustion research by Mark Zussman in the Science Digest (1982) might in ­ terest readers of Parsiana. Under the pressure of diminishing fuel resources and skyrocketing bills. rebirth. For well over 2,000 years, from Heraclitus, 200 years before Aristotle, through the eighteenth century, fire enjoyed perhaps the place of honor in the scientific world view. Heraclitus saw fire as the original and fun ­ damental principle. Aristotle saw it as the noblest of the four elements — su- this Division stands. This was built in you are, tneretore, invited as a 1933 from funds raised by the mem- community, organization, individual bers. to assist a participant by arranging a At present the Division has three commitment and sponsoring them by a ambulance vans of which one was don- contribution of money which extends ated by the Lotus Trust in 1978 and the to a minimum of Rs 1,500. Donations other two donated by the Time and may be sent to the undersigned at K.P. Talents Club in 1985 and 1986 respec- Tower 1, flat number 602, Fatimana- tively. gar, Poona 411 013 Apart from the 24-hour regular Poona ambulance service the Division also arranges exhibitions, eye camps, blood donation drives, medical lectures, medical check-ups, sick bed requisites, etc, for the benefit of the public. We sincerely appeal to all Zoroas ­ trian youths to enroll as members, and help serve humanity. For further details, contact Parsi the scientific study of fire is enjoying a Ambulance Division (St John Ambu ­ lance Brigade), Lady Willingdon Building, No 1, M.G. Road, Opp Met ­ ro Cinema, Bombay 400 001. C.B. PATEL Superintendent, Parsi Nursing Division M R. MISTRY Superintendent, Parsi Ambulance Division Need for commitment I am a cadet of the National Cadet perior to earth, air and water. Corps attached to the Second Mahar ­ ashtra Girls Batallion, NCC, Poona. After a long training I was selected to plained by the release from burning represent our state at the Republic matter of a hypothetical substance cal- Day Camp held in Delhi and was led phlogiston, fire was the leading awarded the Cherry Blossom Cup for item on the agenda of chemistry. And the best turned out cadet of Maharash- th^n,fire was kind of eclipsed, tra. In this Camp, youth exchange was fashion in, the past decade an open competition for which I was through the back door, so to speak, selected. This exchange is held be- tween the NCC (India) and the Cana- y 7 ! -1 0 In the eighteenth century, when sci ­ entists thought that fire could be ex- Fire research has come back into but Fire itself is hardly spoken of in the laboratory. It is no longer a scientific da World Youth Organization which is term. Science today prefers the word, a non-governmental organization. The combustion. Fire is the province of in- Indo-Canadian Youth Exchange Prog- surance agents and municipal safety ram is a non-formal education prog ­ ram. The program is designed to en ­ able the participant to develop a better understanding of the sociological, eco- dazzling, awe inspiring, dangerous, nomic and cultural differences be- omnipresent — has all but vanished tween developed and developing na- from the modern world. Combustion tions. — the workhorse of our energy pro ­ In order to give focus to the spirit of duction — is omnipresent but con- sharing and contribution, each cealed in furnaces, boilers and prospective participant is asked to internal-combustion automobile en- make a commitment to a number of community group organizations and individuals before the exchange be- doubt destined someday to be as much officials and all those people who think of it as a hazard. Fire, as our ancestors knew it — APPOINTED VALUERS OF JEWELLERY TO THE GOVERNMENTOF INDIA GAXDAR PVT. LTD. ti Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay. Tel: 202 3666 Telegrams: “MANUSCRIPT *» gines. Combustion as a workhorse is no 13 Parsiana August 1988.sjiwutrw •-flB-:.- r I f 41 A ” i c * 4 *•5' k i ¦ T ,v V J* With compliments of Starlite Electrical Works Electrical Engineers & Contractors FERN HOUSE 13, BEST MARG BOMBAY400039 Tel: 241496 a museum piece, as the candle flame today is a decoration, or as the wind ­ mill is an exotic power source. P.D. SUNAVALA Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Argument for... ” On reading Kersey Antia ’s Argwznenr for Acceptance and the rejoinder to it [Antia’s ‘Acceptance’: a Zoroastrian ‘Ahrmogih’ (Heresy)] by the three doyens, Dasturjis Hormazdyar Mirza, Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa and Firoze Kotwal, I am prompted to quote hereunder the religion of Farvardin Yasht (93 - 94) and Aiwisruthrem Gah (paras 7 and 9) and also the hymns of universal brotherhood and caste equality sung by Zoroaster himself in his Gathas (43-1 and 49-7). According to Zoroaster, the best gift we can make to another is that of religion; Zoroaster ’s emissaries used to go far and wide to preach his mes ­ sage and seek converts. One of the five fundamentals of Zoroastrianism is caste equality, yet we Parsis practice apartheid, to main ­ tain the purity of our blood. As a con ­ sequence, our community is dying of inanition on account of the extreme paucity of its numerical strength. Here, let us emulate the Hindus, who overcame this same obstacle by con ­ verting the Bhils and Santhals into a separate arm of Hinduism. We Parsis may similarly convert others to be ­ come Zoroastrians, not Parsis, and thus enable our church to flourish in numerical strength. Zoroaster was not a sectarian saint but a world teacher, and casteism, sect- ism and groupism were not his teachings. In Zoroaster ’s church (place of congregation) everybody was welcome, whether he was an Aryan or a Turanian. To restrict Zoroastrianism to Parsis is to retard our Prophet ’s message and dwarf his stature as a world teacher. dara j .d . cama Two Mazda Yasna groups Our Parsi priests say that Mazda- Yasna as practiced in the form of rites and ceremonials today, was prevalent before Zoroaster ’s advent on the scene of religion. The world known Madda- Yasna was promulgated by Zarathush ­ tra which is known as Mazda-Yasna- Zarathushtri. Will some knowledge ­ able readers of your columns disting ­ uish between the two Mazda-Yasnas? R.D.DASTOOR i 14 Parsiana August 1986* WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM B.R.T. LIMITED Neville House J.N. Heredia Marg Ballard Estate Bombay 400038 1 J•> - 5- I Events and Personalities New colony Navsari chairman is Homi Ranina and manag- The conference which was held in ing director, Homi Mehta) and Vitta Seoul, South Korea in June, attracted The first building of a “large and im- Mazda Limited, (whose.chairmanship 150 representatives, with 20 invitees posing ” Parsi colony, being con- Deboo has retained and whose manag- structed at Navsari by Mazda Estates ing director is Yezdi Master). Having and Finance Private Limited, was in- already made a name for itself as augurated by noted industrialist and promoter in the corporate private sec- dignity and humanization ” and also Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee. Jam- tor, Mazda Estates is “now creating a took part in the working group dealing shed Guzder, on July 30, 1986, notes a reputation for itself as builders, ” states press release. the press release. The colony will comprise six, nine storeyed buildings (the tallest in Nav- BPP’s SChool counselling sari) with 156 flats in all, of which 36 have already been sold on ownership to Zoroastrians. Guzder in his inauguration speech program on career guidance held by “dwelt at leqgth ” on the acute housing the school counselling service of the problem facing the Parsi community Bombay Parsi Punchayet, notes a rams to promote peace and social jus- and suggested that retired couples press release issued by the BPP chief tice. Among the many projects under ­ move to such places as Navsari so as to executive, Rustom Anklesaria. taken by the Association is the one to alleviate the problem of housing in Bombay by leaving their flats to their the ninth and tenth standard students (former name for Burma, Cambodia, children of marriageable age. He was of the Byramjee Jejeebhoy High Laos, Malay peninsula, Thailand and also gratified to note that whilst the Parsi population was on a decline else ­ where, it was steadily increasing in Navsari as a result of Avan Baug, built employment in their respective profes- pate at a conference held at Banga ­ by Shapoorji Jokhi, the Hong Kong sions. ” The professions included com- lore, the theme of which was “Reli- philanthropist, and the present own- puter programing, medicine, accoun- gious harmony: problems and possibi- ership colony built by Mazda Estates, fancy, paramedical professions, en- lities, ” sponsored by the Council for notes the write-up. gineering and hotel industry. Students the World ’s Religions in New York, Furnished with all modern ameni- were also informed about the sources adds the release. Dhalla, who was in ­ ties, the planning of the colony has of financial assistance available for vited to represent the Zoroastrian been entrusted to well-known pursuit of these studies, notes the re- view, presented a paper on “Interreli- architect Hafeez Contractor, and lease. gious dialogue: the Zoroastrian pers- noted RCC specialist Behram Unwala of Bombay who has offered his ser ­ vices as structural consultant. Pervez counselling service intends to organize Bomanshaw Kakalia, managing direc ­ tor of Beck Engineering, building con- the BPP release. presented the coveted fellowship of tractors, is providing personal supervi- . the Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi, sion and guidance, adds the report. Dhalla at rcllglOUS mectS at a function held at the Jehangir Art Mazda Estates and Finance Private The only Zoroastrian to attend the Gallery in Bombay on June 18, 1986 Limited is the first venture floated by Third Assembly of the Asian Confer- where his latest works were displayed the well-known Navsari industrialist - - - — Dara K. Deboo. This company has was Dr Homi Dhalla, notes a press re- painter of modern Indian art was pre- since floated Mazda Leasing (whose lease sent by Ms Piloo D. Khambatta. sented a copper inscription, a shawl from India. Dhalla participated in the commis ­ sion on “The promotion of human with “Renewal and co-existehce be ­ tween followers of religion. ” He also , recited Zoroastrian prayers at one ses- ’ sion, notes the pre^s release. In the Seoul D eMar at ion, drawn up ’ by the delegates, a Center for Peace .yf: “It is significant to note that a number of students showed keen interest in pa ­ ramedical professions ” at a two-day Education in Seoul was mooted. The ACRP has many chapters in Asia which undertake concrete prog- executive, Rustom Anklesaria. At the seminar, which was held for rehabilitate the refugees of Indochina School, twelve specialists from diffe- Vietnam) in 1977. rent professions “acquainted the stu ­ dents with the scope of training and again the only Zoroastrian to partici- In the same month, Dhalla was once 5 40 ? i ; * V S'”* s'-! s 17 Parsiana August 1986 pursuit of these studies, notes the re- Coordinated by Ms Homai Billimor- pective, ” states the report, ia and Ms Diana Marfatia, the school Chavda felicitated similar courses in other schools, notes Veteran painter Shiavax Chavda was the BPP release. Dhalla at religious meets ence on Religion and Peace (ACRP) in a tribute show. The 72-year-old was Dr Homi Dhalla, notes a press re ­ 3g 1 >¦ I 3¦ 51 (' *" ¦ 1^5 f (Above left) Kapadia: pmmoting martial arts (Center) Pastakia: for the conduct of judo (Right) Chavda with his recent work. Painting and Rs 20,000, notes a report in the of June 2, 1986. Mid-Day of June 20, 1986. The award has inspired him to bring His tribute show of colored pat- together under one roof the various terns, in semi-abstract forms, are very disciplines of karate all over the coun- different from the early Chavdas, try and to form an all-India karate fed- notes a report in the Indian Express of eration, states the report. Kapadia June 23. “He has in fact gradually left adds, “This way, a unified body at the that phase of figurative drawings and national, state and district level, for JFI Sporting Code and Rules, The like those on display, ” adds the report, that Indian karatekas can compete in Born in Navsar-i on June 18, 1914, the Olympics and Asian Games in the Chavda, after getting a diploma from years to come. ” the J.J. School of Art, Bombay in 1935, studied at the Slade School of JlldO report Art, London and later at Paris. Notes “It has been my consistent opinion art critic Dnyaneshwar Nadkarni of that Indian judo must not be allowed Chavda ’s early paintings, “One was to become top-heavy...except after a Sydenham Judo Society at Sydenham carried away by the grace and pliancy very long time gap and after a long College in 1971 and in 1972 repre- of his line. He was especially adep\ at record of contribution, ” notes the sented Maharashtra at the National projecting dancers and musicians. . .His secretary of the Judo Federation of In- Judo Championships where he created . colors were always pleasant. Even dia ’s (JFI) Technical Council, Khur- a national record for the fastest bout in o when he later turned to abstraction, shed N. Pastakia, who is to present a the Nationals at six seconds, which was one sees him using some of the most report on the norms for gradations broken by one of his own students in attractive colors on the palette...The higher than the third dan at the next very fact that a vast number of young executive committee meeting of the artists attended his investiture cere- JFI. mony shows how widely respected he is among the art community. ” Chhatrapati for Kapadia Karate champion Shihan Vispy Kapa- tournament committee of the Indian nized by the Correspondence Chess dia has been awarded the Shiv Chhat- Olympic Association for the conduct Association of India at Bikaner, notes rapati Award by the State of Mahar- of judo in theNational Games of India, the Chess Bulletin of April 1986. A de- ashtra for promoting martial arts in the held in Delhi in 1985, and has orga- ntal surgeon, professor and head of state. The award was presented by the nized the conduct of the National Judo the department of oral diagnosis and wife of the Governor of Maharashtra Championships, and been the chief radiology at the Government Dental Ms Shankar Dayal Sharma. Happy official thereat since 1976, notes his College and Hospital at Bombay, the that the state government has at last bio data. 31-year-old Fulbright scholar has pub- recognized karate as a sport, Kapadia A chartered accountant by profes- lished 72 research papers and is the au- will donate his Rs 5,000 cash prize to sion, Pastakia is author of various thor of the book Color Atlas - Oral any state-run charity, notes a report in technical publications of the JFI like Diseases. The Afternoon Despatch and Courier The National Grading Syllabus, The IS concentrated on expressive designs the promotion of karate, will ensure National Diploma in Officiating Sys­ tem and Syllabus, and is instrilctor, trustee and member of a variety of f judo associations. Having started judo in 1963 at the Sj? Kampala Judo Club, Uganda, Pasta- pl kia became an instructor of the Club at the age of 16. He started the f Ml 19 Parsiana August 1986 1977, notes his bio data. Dentist’s hat trick A third dan black belt himself For the third year in succession, Dr (which makes him the third highest Aspi Surveyor emerged winner of the judoka in India), Pastakia was 1983-84 Correspondence Chess Cham- appointed member of the four-man pionship (concluded in 1985) orga- Surveyor is also a university examin- f* _ ____ __ ____ .......... jff ^¦t^ssgaPBSffiJi Jj J if >! JI Ms'-,: - 1^ ’ ’ f Happy Mew Year f W/th Best Regards From f? J J; I 1 *¦ 5 : ¦ I i IJ- r fi '• 1 i f. k f F § • II.'' I J 1 • M/s. Framji Rustamji Choksey (Partner Sorabji Edulji Cooper) GOLD SMITH & ART JEWELLERS (Approved Valuers by Govt, of India for Jewellery) E^TD 1850 Shop: 253, Sheikh Memon Street, Bombay-400 002 Telephone Mos: 325422 342638 342639 er at the bachelor and masters ’ levd in dentistry, at the universities of Bom ­ bay, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Nagpur, Hyderabad and Aurangabad, appointed dental college inspector of the Dental Council of India, and is advisor to the Gujarat and Maharash ­ tra Public Service Commission, notes his bio data. A keen social worker, dramatist and scout. Surveyor, is the author of 10 plays, and has produced, directed and acted in several, notes his bio data. Bessemer medal for JRD The British Institute of Metals ’ pre ­ mier prize — the Bessemer gold medal - has been awarded to noted industrial ­ ist, J.R.D. Tata who received it from the Institute ’s president. Sir Hugh Ford, on May 21, notes The Times of India report dated May 22, 1986. Presented to Tata for his prominent position on India ’s industrial scene, the 50-millimeter solid gold medal is awarded annually for a paper of spe­ cial merit, an original practical inven ­ tion in the mechanical or chemical pro ­ cess employed in the manufacture of iron and steel, or in recognition of ma ­ jor contributions to the iron and steel industry, notes the report. AstavanVs new look Astavani, the newsletter of The Zoroastrian Community Development Institute (ZCDI), has been upgraded into a journal and will now carry arti ­ cles pertaining to all aspects of Zoroas ­ trian culture, especially the modern socioeconomic problems of the com ­ munity, notes a foreword in the first issue of Astavani (as a journal) dated April-June 1986. The 10-page issue consists of articles on religion, socioeconomic problems, people and commerce. An important activity of the ZCDI is the Trust Advisory Service (TAS) set up in 1984, whose main objects are: “to disseminate useful information on laws, rulings and judgments pertaining to public trusts, to assist the trustees of interested trusts in improving the man ­ agement of the trusts and augmenta ­ tion of their resources, and to assist the trustees in solving any other prob ­ lems regarding the trusts which may fall within the scope and capabilities of the service, ” notes the first issue of the TAS Newsletter, the leaflet qf the Trust Advisory Service. TAS has also compiled a compute- and White Cloud Filter Pads Private Limited 412, Gultekdi Road, Poona-411037 ¦w- Pioneer Makers of quality Fil ­ ter Pads untouched by hand and manufactured for the first time in the country on an <- imported completely automa ­ tic pad Forming Line. A complete range of Filter Media from coarse through medium to sterilising grades made available equivalent to the finest imported quality. Serving the vital Pharmaceuti ­ cal, Beverage, Chemical, Cosmetic aod other sensitive industries in the country for their entire filtration. Beverage, 20 Parsiana August 1986 J"-" * IMITATED BY MANY DUPLICATED BY NONE PHONE: 411078 GRAM: FILTER PAD i ¦'pS- ¥ rized directory which contains data on International Academy of Aviation a#3 the corpus, annual income and ex- and Space Medicine. He is the first In- penditure, names of trustees and the dian to be elected to both these f. ;« - objects of various Zoroastrian trusts in bodies. Bombay, notes the newsletter. To help TAS in its activities, an Jamshed Lam of the Taj chain of advisory panel of experts has been hotels has been promoted to director, set up comprising Homi Ranina (taxa- facilities, planning and coordination, tion), H. N. Wania (accountancy), and will now be in charge of customer M.P. Bharucha (law) and M. Mistry and service facilities for the entire (construction). chain which spans 18 hotels. Before his , 1 new assignment, Lam was general Tata scholars manager of the Taj Mahal Hotel, Of the twelve Parsi students awarded Bombay, the J.N. Tata Endowment scholarships this year to study abroad, seven have Stating that he was “struck by a very opted for engineering, notes a press strong force of inspiration, ” painter release issued the Endowment Behram R. Rana, began to paint a can- 1 director. Dinshah K. Malegamvala. ’ " The students are: Jimmy E. Antia painting 18 of them. “Based mainly on 1 (chemical engineering, LFniversity of colors and designs, ” these paintings . Cincinnati), Vispi H. Bulsara (mecha- are to be exhibited from September 8 I nical engineering, Cornell University), to 14 at the Kamalnayan Bajaj Art | Mehernosh R. Choksy (mechanical Gallery, Nariman Point, Bombay. I engineering, George Washington Uni- This is Rana ’s third one-man show, | versity), Vistasp Karbhai (civil en- notes a press release. I gineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic In- I stitute), Kaivan Munshi (civil en- Khurshid Vajifdar won the ladies sing- I gineering, Rice University), Adarbad les badminton finals at the Colgate I J. Master (industrial engineering, Palmolive sponsored Bandra Gymkha- 1 State University of New York)^ na Open Badminton Championships, I Shahroukh Mistry (life sciences. Uni- on July 5, 1986. She beat opponent I versity of Tennessee), Ms Niloufer Sushma Khandekar with a score of I Mody (psychology. State University of 11-7, 11-5, notes a Mid-Day report of I New York), Kaikhushru A. Parakh July 13, 1986. I (molecular biology, USA), Kaizad P. I Sunavala (chemical engineering, Uni- (Right) I versity of Idaho), Ms Pervin K. Shroff Rana with his painting on Lord I (business administration, Columbia Ganesh: “force of inspiration” I University) and Ms Anahita R. Seth Meher Heroyce Moos (far right) gave a slide-show-cum-talk on the North Eastern States of (food science and management, King ’s India at a meeting organized by the National Institute of Personal Secretaries (NIPS) and College, London), adds the release. '' '' " • '¦ Sir J. J.’s statue The students and staff of the Sir J.J. Girls ’ and Boys ’ High School current ­ ly supervize the weekly cleaning of Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy ’s statue opposite the Bhikha Behram Kuva (towards Oval Maidan), Bombay. This statue of the first baronet, who was the founder of many institutions and a man of “unusual foresight and vision, ” was shifted from its original site at Malabar Hill to its present posi ­ tion, notes a report in The Daily of July 16. SPOTLIGHT ' Eminent physician Dr Rusi H. Dastur was recently elected fellow of the US­ based aerospace medical association. I In 1982, he had been elected to the I 'i gA i ( 4 23 Parsiaha A ugus t 1986 vas on Lord Ganesh and ended up '.' 3- "ep:. 'Vj<‘ ? ¦I i- ¦’• I 4> H ¦'¦¥J Cymroza Art Gallery. Others (from left): Firoza Godrej of Cymroza, Zarine Commis­ sariat of NIPS and Jagdish Tytler, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation. 4 ¦! :W ‘t ¦ S3 s « . Ik '--a ¦ I i i® B’ 1^ ZOROASWXi^'Ai^S^b ’ W'- '-4’ ' It ’ W'i Mehr for Westminster < - Seven-hundred guests took part in had a dream of having .- T,, t • c A, o . the celebrations when the Honorable themselves. A few join. T Az Westminster was the chief formed an organization — Zarathushtra and the chanting of guest. The symbolic lighting of the 7------ * ’ . priests, the California Zoroastrian flame ...................... a center fc A few joined hands - Californi Zoroastrian Center — and began wit t /Ct •f ¦ flame was followed with talks by Ms their socio-religious activities in ¦¦ Fajangis Shahrokh, president of the small rented housr Rustam and Trust tarn Guiv Dar-e Mehr in Westminster, south California, on March 23, 1986. “Two young girls and two young boys dressed in white, each with a lighted candle in hand, emerged from /--yz--T^ o- z ------ " rented nouse ii GZC, Dr Rostam Sarfeh, president, Westminster...The Rustam Gui Rustam Guiv Foundation and Trust Foundation and Trust whei and Dr Ardeshir Anoshiravani, repre- approached...provided the Cente sentative of the Rustam Guiv Dar-e with the funds to purchase the land Trust. Eleven persons were then Other philanthropists came up witl > generous donations for the construe - ¦ tion. These and many more hand ’”>nute fnm^Cro55roarf5 of Civilization have helped us to have our drean r-i. cometrue. ” 1 Sarfeh stated in his address, “Witl ¦ the cooperation and selfless efforts o man report. a group of Zoroastrians in Nortl 1 L v- 'j 1 m her Speech Shahrokh noted, “The America, particularly southern Cali we have been able to fulfi ;n another wish of that great philanthrop ist and true Zoroastrian, Arbab Rus tarn Guiv... ” He went on to describi the ways of a true Zoroastrian and th< life of the Arbab. He noted, “The _ —Ju story of Arbab ’s donations in USzA small community of some 50 people started with the establishment of the New Rochelle Darbeh Mehr. ” The Arbab had then noted, “In this vasi continent with communities and fatii|j| lies thinly spread out, we need mijtg than one Darbeh Mehr. ” In his report on the construction ol the Dar-e Mehr, Dr Ardeshir Anoshir- avani, member of the Dar-e Mehr's construction committee said, “Today, by the symbolic lighting of the sacred flame, we proclaim our love, warmth, permanence and victory in adjusting to a new land...Keki Amaria was Dar-e Mehr's consultant architect, and Iraj The jashan ceremony and the audience at the Westminster Dur-e Mehr’s inauguration ? 7 ’" from Mehr Trust. Eleven persons were then t?' ^he prayer room) felicitated for their social and religious I south — services to the community. A 20- [ Woa^ed four priests and handed minute film Crossroads of Civilization them tBte candles. The priests went to —Iran was followed by an Iranian folk i i- bea«t>fully shining brass dance directed by Fariba Pirghaibi and »! (afringan) and lit the fire, re- a “hearty ” dinner, notes The Zoroas- turned the csndles and joined the trian renort turned the candles and joined the other chanting priests standing in a fire bluing bright, the priests began freedom, has at last found a place'^in With * t?l »•»?*-« a' fcIT-.' a.1 • 1 1 /» z. . ___ with ‘The Sacred Flame ’ and ‘Health ’ liturgies. ” So described was the inau- this land of freedom. There are over 5,000 Zoroastrians in North America, guration ceremony of the Dar-e-Mehr and southern California has the largest m the March issue of The Zoroastrian, -------- - ' the newsletter of the California Zoroas ­ trian Center. W concentration." She described, how “Six years ago a 24 Parsiana August 1986 A 'I»¦»* f- - r Mavandadi acted as a general contrac ­ tor and supervized every step of the building...! have never witnessed such dedication, selflessness and enthu ­ siasm for helping others and doing the work of God. He further added, “Zoroastrians call their places of worship and gathering Dar-e Mehr — the door to love and warmth. ” Built as a religious, educational and social center for Zoroastrians of south ­ ern California, the 8,000-square,foot Dar-e Mehr complex, will house the California Zoroastrian Center and Kaikhosrow Shahrokh Library. It also houses a huge main hall called the Morvarid Hall (named after the wife of the late ArbabXjuiv) with a capacity for 500 persons, a prayer room, three large classrooms, a kitchen, an office and living quarters, notes The Zoroas­ trian report. North American federation A convention to finalize the draft of the constitution of the proposed Fed­ eration of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA), was held at Chicago from May 24 to 26, 1986. The constitution ’s first draft was writ ­ ten by Rohinton Rivetna, immediate past president of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago, as directed ht the Fifth North Amer ­ ican Zoroastrian Congress in Los Angeles in 1985. Of the 17 Zoroastrian associations in LFSA and Canada, nine were repre ­ sented in person and each of the re ­ maining eight sent in written com ­ ments, notes the report. The nine associations and their representatives were: Zoroastrian Association of Alberta represented by Firdosh Mehta, California Zoroastrian Center by Furrokh and Naju Dastur, Zoroas ­ trian Association of Metropolitan Chi ­ cago by Rohinton Rivetna, 2Loroas- trian Association of Houston by Kaemarz Dotiwala, Zoroastrian Asso ­ ciation of Manitoba by Hushtasp and Pervize Bhumgara, Zc- oastrian Asso ­ ciation of Greater : New York by Kaikhosrov and Peroja Irani, Zoroas ­ trian Society of Ontario by Homi Minocher-Homji' and Sam Vesuna, ZLoroastrian Association of Pennsylva ­ nia by Dina Me Intyre .and Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washing ­ ton by Rohinton Tengra. The constitution is summarized thus: Only participating associations can be members of the Federation,with f'V ‘1 -1 hK.' TJ Parsiana August 1986 We Very Proudly introduce the Very Latest of the Elevators the COMCORD ELEVATOR to enhance the face lift of your new Flats in Residential, Commercial Se Industrial areas and to ensure you of our unfailing service. We MAMUFACTURE:- Single Speed, Two Speed, COLLECTIVE, DUPLEX, SIMPLEX, Electronic Auto doors. Electronic Feather Touch, Self luminated Elegant Looking Button Panels. Supplied fit Erected By:- ZAIMA ELECTRIC fie MECflAMIC WORKS Prospect Chambers Annexe, 2nd floor, D.n. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel:20418 30 204 74 60 dram: nirupama 4 CON CORD ELEVATOR t fe w s Ld1‘ ¦A ’J ‘•-A ‘If By November 15, 1986, the final Roshan Patel, Dara Rivetna, Dinsod , Roshan Rivetna, Ervad ing members, with no rights except to either accepted or rejected by the Bahram Shahzadi and Behnaz Shahza- ... rr., ------•-. di. Head priest, Ervad Dr Kersey Antia " voting rights. Others not qualifying for membership may become correspond- draft of the constitution should be Rivetna, receive various literature from the member associations. Those associa- Federation. The number of votes assigned to each member association &3 J ' L •v Nd « 4 A £ - i tions who approve the constitution be ­ come founder members and those who and immediate past president Rohin- Morning and Evening Tea. Ask for special concession offer for larger conferences. I * >! 5®’ (V fr-.'- . fey ¦ I entirely on a voluntary basis through a . democratically elected executive com- j jEuittee, ” NOLZA, among its oth«r activities, has had l^go sessions, Whistdrives, video films, three com* ? munity dinners and picnics. Notes the monochrome monitor and a full-width I printer, adds the newsletter. I The operating costs of the system, I which is housed in the ZAC library, I will be raised by offering computer I classes to interested ZAC members. A I special vote of thanks was given to the I “Pre Teen Children Group who don- I ated their entire receipts from the I Halloween party organized by them. ” I Religion emblem for Canada I A Religion in Life emblem for Zoroas- I trians, will now bei officially distri- I buted by the Girl Guides and Boy I Scouts movement^n Canada, notes the I May newsletter of the Zoroastrian I Society of Ontario (ZSO). I The badge, consisting of the fravashi I emblem, embroidered in gold on a I white background, is awarded to any I scout or guide completing the religious I course on Zoroastrianism. “Our chil- I dren will wear these badges with pride 1 and keep their religion and their 1 identity in this vast new land we now 1 call home, ” notes Putli Mirza/in* 1 charge of ZSO’s religious instruetibfi * group, in the newsletter. This badge I was already available in the USA in I 1983, due to the efforts of the Zoroas ­ trian Association of Greater New York. The idea of conducting religious classes for the Zoroastrian children of Ontario, took root in July 1977, when the religious subcommittee, chaired by Minoo Treasurywala, drew up a draft outline “to conduct the religious clas ­ ses.” Based on the children ’s reactions and understanding of th? course, the draft was revised several times, adds the report. . ] It was then sent to various Zoroas ­ trian Associations, later to the Mon ­ treal Congress, and finally to Ottawa in October 1985 for approval. The _ acceptance came through in April suicide, ” it implored the University to graphs recording different events in 1986, “after years of dedicated work “secure a reprieve ” for this prestigious Mehta ’s life was also displayed. ¦ ¦ ¦' Those who spoke on the occasion were Shehriyar Irani, president of ** <* F report, the year ’s activities concluded with a Well-attended “educatmnal cum social function ” on May 11, 1986, to celebrate the birth centenary of the late Jamshed Nusserwanji Mehta, said* to be “the maker of modern Karachi. ” 'h 1 j W “His real greatness was embodied in V himself, his wonderful personality, his I universal love and compassion, and J above aQ his dKaartning simplicity and humility, ” notes a Ufe sketch of Jam- i ' shed Husserwanji Mehta of modern Karachi ” North London Zoroastrian Asso ­ ciation (NOLZA) when they eete;' brated Mehta ’s birth centenary oft , ¦ (Left) The late Jamshed Mehta ¦ (Below) Members of NOLZA. (Front row, ¦ a^condfrom left) Madon, Mehani and * i*!r * “the maker issued by the fl fc: •a £<.. ft 6 j w l*n I ¦^1 Dubbing the move as “intellectual May 11,1986. An exhibition of photo* ¥ secure a reprieve ” for this prestigious Mehta ’s life was also displayed, by the late Putli Byramjee, ” states the research study, “attracting world-wide ” newsletter. scholarship. ” I^ the field of education, NOLZA NOLZA, Cyrus Mehta, a scion of the NOLZA’s annual report nom^-„-- , The North London Zoroastrian Asso- represent them at one of the working on the life of the great man. Professor elation (NOLZA) has sent a strongly parties charged with preparing drafts Curshed Wadia, and Faridoon Madon, worded resolution to the University for the multi-faith Handbook for vice-president of NOLZA. Grants Committee over its reported Teachers. This working party is en- Mehta was born in a well-to-do closure of the postgraduate course on trusted with revising the old syllabus family of Karachi on January 7, 1886. Zoroastrianism at the School of Orien ­ tal and African Studies, University of Education Act, notes the report. the Karachi Municipal Corporation ip London, notes NOLZA’s fourth Describing itself as “a family which capacity he served for 12 years, ¦ annual report, 1985-86. oriented community organization, run notes his life sketch. He turned NOLZA’s fourth 31 Parsiana August 1966 < the held ot education, nulza jnulza , cyrus jvienia, a scion or me grated member Tina Mehta to Mehta family of Karachi who spoke I on religious education under the 1944 In 1918 he was elected a councillor of 4’ 'li vl5'- *» Karachi into a well-planned, modern gious matters. The seminary would be 1986 (Parsiana, July The 32-page xeroxed edition was privately printed for the members of the Australian Zoroastrian Associa ­ tion (AZA) of New South Wales, notes Meher-Homji in a press release, t Compiled from articles taken from various journals, including Cricketer trian Society of British Columbia, led and Sydney Morning Herald (Austra- the children ’s parade inaugurating the lia), Wisden Cricket Monthly and The celebration of Vancouver city ’s first Cricket Statistician (England), Sport- city for which he earned the name a natural corollary to a Darbe Mehr, ” 1986). “maker of modern Karachi. ” notes the March issue of Gavashni, the , An ardent nationalist, known to newsletter of the Zoroastrian Associa- both Gandhiji and Jinnah, Mehta pre- tion of Quebec. ferred to work for the Home Rule ppnfpnarv narade Lea^e Movement of Dr Annie Be- v^enienary paraoe > sant with whom he was in close contact The Zoroastrian children of Vancouv- as member of the Theosophical Socie- er, under the banner of the Zoroas- ty, said Cyrus Mehta. " " ” ' “Jamshed Nusserwanji - as he came to be called in his later life - gave -------------- — . . t j- ’ j others not only all the riches of his centenary on April 6, 1986, notes a sweek, Times of India, The Illustrated purse but all the wealth of his soul, ’ i living a life of self-denial, love and sac ­ rifice, ” notes the write-up. He expired groups presented folklore and songs on August 1, 195^. The late judge Christmas Hum ­ press release. Weekly of India and Kaiser-e-Hind At the end of the parade, ethnic (India), the booklet gives profiles on famous Parsi cricketers like Nari Con ­ tractor, Farokh Engineer, Dr Kanga, trian Children ’s Choir leading all other Rusi Surti and Polly Umrigar, and re- phreys in his book Via Tokyo, said of communities, adds the release. serves nine pages for Zoroastrian him, “If ever a man was Christ-like, it So popular were the Zoroastrian cricket in Australia. is he. He is, I gather a Parsi, but he is children that they were invited once Meher-Homji himself has written more than that. He is an example to all again to open the Peace Week in Van- two successful books on cricket, men, of what a man may be. ” couver on April 19, 1986, concludes edits two newsletters (including Mrni- the press release. ashni of the AZA) and writes columns Zoroastrian seminary . . in publications both in Australia and “The Zoroastrian Association of Chi- Book On Parsi Crickct India, notes the release. cago, invites thoughts and suggestions “The booklet is neither a Who ’s Who The book priced at $ 2.50 (approx- for the establishment of a Zoroastrian seminary, where priests can pursue an interesting collection, ” notes Au- on stage, with Roda Pavri ’s Zoroas- So popular were the Zoroastrian children that they were invited once again to open the Peace Week in Van ­ couver on J \ the press release. Book on Parsi cricket “The booklet is neither a Who ’s Who . nor a histbry of Parsi cricket. It is just imately Rs 22) plus postage, is avail- : ' ____ ¦ A... able from Kersi Mfeher-Homji, 3, Dal- higher learning and train to be leaders stralia ’s Kersi Meher-Homji who has las Place, St Ives, NSW 2075, Austra- . and teachers of our community in reli- recently compiled Parsee cricket lia. Sun-n-Sand wishes all its Parsi Patrons a Happy New Year _ > 6 OB > SanA [ iU- fi AND ABOVE ALL, the magnificent Bombav Sunset in alt its panoramic splendour S S-' ¦i kW 4 w J. I I . t' i, General Manager: Minoo D. Katpitia. fbim, fhcima, fcfa, arsh. dhma (England) 33 Parsiana August 1986'’“t [ I 1 k Computing growth growth of the Almoayyed Inter- Murphy, who is unable, from birth, to national Group is customer satisfac- either walk or lift her arms. Perforce, Having carved a footaote in Bahrain ’s tion. The fact that the group inspires Murphy had to live at a Worcester commercial history and revolutionized customer confidence is manifest in a nursing home and confine her friends the computer market in the country, series of contracts, one of which re- to visiting hours. Now with the new according to the Khaleej Times, a lates to a Bahrain-based international invention, wherein it is possible for her sa ^3 Bahrain publication, Paterasp Nirum- bank that had the company install to dial a number in case of emergency, vala is ready for another coup. Wang computers not only in its offices Murphy lives in a private home with As vicc'-chairman of the Almoayyed in Bahrain,but London and Singapore friends, notes the write-up by Kimber- International Group which he helped as well. “That is our hallmark: acorn- ly S. Newton. to launch, Nirumvala has established plete and dedicated involvement. Our The instrument needs little muscle his product as the market leader in a need based approach has kept us in use. To take the telephone off the country where computer technology good stead, ” says Nirumvala. hook electronically, a switch has to be was almost bursting at its seams, states n* • • hit with a pencil which could be held in the report. The market was ripe with a Dialling invention the mouth. At once the device lights few popular computer companies hav- People with sensory problems and up and numbers from one to 10 come ing marked their presence. Nirumvala, spinal cord injuries had a great need up on the screen, one at a time. When along with hist partner Farouk for technology to help them live nor- the necessary number wanted appears, Almoayyed, launched Wang products mal lives, noted Adil N. Dastur, a a switch has to be pushed which will which today claim 70 percent of the graduate in electrical engineering from stoye it in memory. Numbers are repe- market share, reports the paper. the Worcester Polytechnic Institute ated ccntinuously till the full tele- “If Wang as a product assured quali- (WPI), who has recently invented, phone number is stored. The person ty, Almoayyed as a company extended along with colleague James A. listens and talks through head phones, an extensive range of support facili- MeWeeney, a machine to answer, dial Even to take a ringing phone off the ties, ” continues the article. In order to and hang up a telephone. The inven- hook and to later disconnect it, one augment its services, subsidiary com- tion made front page news in the merely has to hit a switch, notes the panics were established within the Worcester Telegram dated July 10, report. group, each functioning independent- 1986. Dastur got the idea when a fall from ly, yet fulfilling corporate goals. The device, the size of a dictionary, a roof in 1983 put him in St Vincent ’s A major factor that has contributed was made especially for Ms Donna M. Hospital and Bbston University t * - ’'I MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do SO we offer you Diploma Course in Business Management (Oral/Postal) lMC ? Banking: G.A.I.I.B. Course (Postal) ? Executive Secretarial Course ? Private Secretarial Course Steno Secretarial Course ik Telephone Operating if Personal Assistants’ Programme (working stenographers) if Telephone Operating-Cum-Receptionist Techniques ik Shorthand & Typewriting if Punch Operating Telex Operating ? E.D.P. Concepts & Cobol Programming -A- Computer Exposure & Basic Programmihg Enquire at as ,A, ! *** *5 Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400 001. Tel: 251185 35 Parsiana August 1986 t:-~^^-‘^''T--~Vf^-- ^j'?-'' *¦ i'- r f? Medical Center for four months and experience to help individuals with di­ left him a paraplegic, says the write- abetes learn about their meal plan, up; states The Tribune. Diabetes is be- “He did an excellent job, ” notes lieved to be the third leading cause of Wilhelm H. Eggimann, associate pro- death in the US and the leading cause fessor of electrical engineering at WPI, ' ...................... of the invention for which Dastur re ­ ceived a distinction class . Dastur is now looking out for a job bread, meat, vegetables? fruit and fat in electrical engineering, but wishes to — help accomplish this with assistance design and work on a voice-activated from Kulkarni and other specially immediate future, however, he has to may select a nutritious fun lunch based get in touch with Murphy who now on the individual meal pattern, wants a desk speaker so she doesn ’t /____21.^ „ ___ have to wear earphones, adds the recently teamed with the Hyperten- newspaper. --—«-------- ¦ • " — A longer life Take a personal audit and resolve to with diabetes, the report stated, eat and live a longer and healthier .............. life, ” says Ms Karmeen Kulkarni, reg- i- ¦ ’• • • in food and nutrition who was quoted March -86*^ as the Nationa? Nutrition recently in the US daily. The Salt Lake Month with the slogan: “Good Nutri- Tribune. • - - - - Kulkarm, who is a clinical dietician gan focuses on the wisdom of eating Tomatoes,'chopped in large pieces (¦ tI “®_*^*abetes Treatment Center at properly and exercising moderately to Tomato paste (V4 cup) Holy Cross Hospital, participated in a i—- ’—i-' j - < , _ _ program which incorporated practical out the year. experience to help individuals with di- Suggested recipes for diabetic tients and “everyone interested in ing the healthy, delicious way: ” Waldorf salad B new cases of adult blindness. The Apples chopped (2 small) B buffet lunches, including foods from Celery chopped (2 stalks) V the diabetic food exchange list — milk, ................. in electrical engineering, but wishes to — help accomplish this with assistance design and work on a voice-activated from Kulkarni and other specially ___ ___ _ computer for the handicapped. For the trained staff members. Each patient Nutmeg (Vs tsp) get in touch with Murphy who now on the individual meal pattern. ’ •-----'t According to Kulkarni, the Center nutmeg; toss dressing lightly with Raisins (1/4 cup) Walnuts chopped (4) Sour cream (or yogurt) (1/4 cup) Low-calorie mayonnaise (2 tbsp) Combine apples, celery, raisins ai nuts. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise an I a] sen i *. 1 ., J ' 'i .S'. d I L-j ple mixture. Chill. Makes four ings at 154 calories per serving. sion Program at the Bureau of Chronic Disease, State Health Department, to present gourmet cooking tips for those Ratatouille Onion sliced (1 large) Zucchini sliced f4 medium) (Not av a^^ . A- -xi. ° ------.'----------------- -------------- able in India . May be substituted istered dietician with a masters degree karni supported the ’ designation of vegetable marrow.) With other fellow members of the American Diabetic Association, Kul- tion — Feel the Difference. ” The slo ­ gan focuses on the wisdom of eating s> 17 - attend the Madhavdas Amarsev academic vX 198S 86^ i first joined on the staff of the MFCAI, .i School, a 10-minute walk fX the withT there were 72 students. In 1969,when I Madressa, for their SSC education, promoted the raV mrnunity and resigned to take over as panthaky of ,’4 Fortunately, this school has facilities unpleasant controversies Sodawaterwala Agiary, there were for instruction in two languages - En- S the iLtX XaBv the°i"'?'^ ^2. While the glish and Gujarati, enabling the two unanimouslv decided tr> trustees optimum capacity in such a residential boys from Ahmedabad to study in the Nadirsha Aibara as ioint^iX-^V^r institution would be 80 to 90 students, Gujarati medium. Each afternoon the the MFCAI at he s ° ^e 50 to 60.” boys have to imbibe religious training businessman Dinshau/ accommodate his new responsibil- and after an evening divided between ex-student Hormuzdiar "',,,1.1 of the KmlniA?"' ' or the Karam Agiary at Cusrow Baug, Aibara, whose daily schedule com ­ mences at 4 a.m. , utilizes his four-hour rest period in the afternoons to pay a visit to the MFCAI. The Cama Madressa ’s second joint principal Kaikhusroo Daruwalla has been teaching at the Institute for the 1 Si [ ing from the language used. The chim- inrr fr. /?. I—,11 ,; i; z- ¦ XT-**’ *>, I 1 I «,go- 2 was denied to Parsiana by the trustees. founded, subsequent enrolment of seven new '.L_t now these sentiments are accompanied by a this educational underutilized. The progressive decline in the num- Permission to photograph the Institute 1927 when the Institute was f__. The only difference being that boys, bringing up the total to nine. Previously associated with 11 thk '’I helplessness at the though/of MFCA? arsenrorTehglous TXueSr institution being from 1954 to 1969 when over 140 stu- SX-- "LT unanimou^y de<^^to prompted the raking up of many past the Sodawaterwala Agiary there unpleasant controversies cor.rrcctcd * with the Institute. Finally the trustees tkr:. K/ftT/^AT 1 '---------------dUClIgLll WOI the MFCAI, at the suggestion of To accommodate his businessman Dinshaw Merchant and ex-student Hormuzdiar Turel, in- the MFC Al trust boardAdvertise ­ ments in the Jam-e-Jamshed of April 4 playtime and homework, dinner and formed Muncherji Cama, presently prayers, the boys turn ih for the day at t*'" . .F . . Y 9.30 p.m. The portals of the grand edifice,built and 9, carrying Aibara ’s photoeVanh m the shape of the alphabetical letter and summarizing the inceXes M,still evoke feelings of grandeur and -o . , . awe as they must have aroused in offered by the Institute, receiyed uy LUC insiuuie, received a spurt of enquiries from parents apd the 39 Parsiana August J986 •'S •fiJ ^as ifelj 1 same thing was done many years back last 47 years. Though a behdin, he was same thing was done many years back In the appointment of trustees, pre ­ appointed principal in 1978 and has also, though I’m not sure of that, ference is given to members of the over the years witnessed the declining When we assured the interested pa- Cama family, explained Muncherji interest shown in the Institute. Refer- ... . . ~ ring to the few qualified navars pro ­ duced by the Madressa, Daruwalla ciation) we have seven new students the Camas don ’t wish to be appointed, noted, “Shortage of priests is a prob- this year. ” then outsiders are taken, Cama con- lem faced by all communities." Though not making any direct refer- tinned. At the time of the scrapping of Noncommittally accepting that the ence to the controversy regarding the the SSC course, the acting president of discontinuation of the SSC course at Institute ’s 1978 educational policy the trust board was Kaikhusroo H.Ca- the Madressa in 1978 did contribute to which received much publicity in The ma, Muncherji Cama ’s maternal un- a decline in the strength of the stu- Bombay Samachar, Cama reiterated, cle. Not having any sons, he was suc- dents there, Aibara feels that the stu- “It was the then managing committee ceeded by J.H.Cama ’s son-in-law. Sir dent response did not pick up despite (which is an advisory body to the trust Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy (seventh the SSC course being reintroduced in board) which recommended the scrap- baronet), the present president. The 1980-81 because of two chief factors: ping of the SSC course ”ln addition to other trustees of the Cama Athornan The Cama Madreflta at Andheri being the trustees, Cama listed the then Institute are Khurshed Cama, Naoroji relatively isolated as compared to the managing committee members: Das- Gamadia. Rustom Jejeebhoy, Farrokh Dadar Madressa which is situated in tur Firoze Kotwal, Dastur Nowrooz Cama and Rustom Lalkaka. the heart of a Parsi locale, parents find Minochehr-Homji, Ervad Nader The condition of the MFCAI was Dadar more convenient; and since the Turel, Dr Homi Dhalla, Dara Mar- brought to public attention early this functioning of the Dadar Madressa is shall. Prof Khurshed Sheriar, Prof year when a letter, written by Naoroji dependent on community donations as Maneck Kanga and Dasturs Hormaz- Gamadia and Ratan Lalkaka in their , compared to the Cama Institute which dyar Mirza and Kaikhusroo JamaspA- personal capacity, requested Dasturs I is managed from a corpus of Rs 25 to sa. (The last two resigned because they Mirza and JamaspAsa to suggest a 28 lakhs donated by the Camas, there did not support the move to exclude scheme to attract young boys to the is a certain difference in the approach secular education from the Institute.) priestly calling and turn them intofulL to these two institutes. JamaspAsa however states that Turel, time practicing moltfds who ’ll be “re- “Unutilized space - an invitation to Dhalla and Dr Peshotan Peer replaced spected members of our community. ” encroachment, and ... surplus funds himself and Mirza on the managing Making oblique references tO ‘the (attracting) various organizations with committee. While the founder Mer- Athravan Educational Trust (the their tailor made schemes to utilize the wanji Cama had started with only the newly formed association for the ame- (MFCAl) fuhds, ” are the two areas mobedi amelioration course and not lioration of priests, whose trust deed where the assets of the Institute could secular education, it was the idea of his has come under heavy criticism), the become problems, noted Peshotan successor Jehangir H.Cama that a two Dasturs implicated its chairman Nargolwala who has been taking con- mobed should also be well-educated. Dr Kotwal for being “instrumental ” in siderable interest in the problems of Therefore the SSC course was intro- formulating a new scheme for the In- the priesthood, in his letter to the trus- duced. stitute which was “a total failure...this tees of the MFCAI. Hormazdyar Dal ­ al of the Zoroastrian Community De­ velopment Institute wrote in the Jam- e-Jamshed of June 14 of the need “to have a full-time experienced and dedi­ cated husband and wife team to look after (the emotional needs of) these boys at this adolescent stage. ” There is not enough stress on physical and in ­ tellectual exercises to broaden the horizons of the boys, said Dalal. The Dadar Madressa which had 45 stu ­ dents on its rolls in December 1985, according to Knowledgiate, the Mad- ressa ’s bi-annual publication, is func ­ tioning under the supervision of its principal Ervad Rustom Panthaki and his wife,Jalamai. Muncherji Cama, representing the Cama family on the trust board of the Institute, was of the view, “Parents felt that the continuous changing of syllabus would be detrimental to their wards. We scrapped the SSC course, then reintroduced it...I believe the rents that the change would never Cama who is of Cama descent from occur, (and because of Aibara ’s asso- both his maternal and paternal side. If •i i i 1 »* I i MRS. ARMAITY R. BAMANBEHRAM The first Parsee outstanding lady R K: J Professional in VIDEO SHOOTING RpM Free Titling, Editing & Audio-dubbing. Superior clarity in Colour or & 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. Free Demonstration cassette to Judge our Professional work For Weddings, Navjotes, Parties and Functions Contact: Resi. Tel. No. 8226074 No. 6, Khareghat Colony, Hughes Road, Bombay;:400 007. j >>* \ i 41 Rszsiana^ufiiust 1986 ' J # £ ‘1 i " !? a * I - 2 1.' 'i* j o s'! I f' ‘S I ^4. h p I* j J^l¦Ml !! 1 .1 n iri LALA TOURS. A WEALTH OF HOLIDAYS. (5^ * * 5 ‘I * ; jt. i; I '¦ i-i I* >1 1 J . f! 1 ;i I h ! KASHMIR Cost: Rs. 2.425/. Ill Class) Departure: Oct. 10, Nov. 3 NAINITAL Cost: Rs. 1,895/-(II Class) Departure: Nov. 4 KASHMIR BY SUpIrFAST TRAINS AND SUPER DELUXE BUSES WITH TWIN ACCOMMODATION Cost: Rs. 4,250/- (II Class A.C.) Rs. 4,150/-(I Class) Departure: O6t. 13, Nov. 6 SOUTH INDIA Cost: Rs. 2,895/- (II Class) Departure; Oct. 29 RAJASTHAN Cost: Rs. 1,950/-(II Class) Departure: Dec. 19 KASHMIR DELUXE TOUR BY AIR WITH SUPERIOR HOTELS Cost: Rs. 6,200/- Departure: Oct. 14, Nov. 8 ANDAMANS By Rail & Air Cost: Rs. 4,650/- (II Class) Departure: Nov. 4 NEPAL Cost: Rs. 2,850/- (II Class) Departure: Oct. 31 DARJEELING Cost: Rs. 2,350/- (II Class) Departure: Nov. 6 NEPAL-DARJEELING Cost; Rs. 4,850/-(II Class) Departure: Oct. 31 SIMLA-MANILA Cost: Rs. 2,575/-(11 Class) Departure: Nov. 3 .42 Paraiana August Isas GOA Cost: Rs. 725/- (Upper Deck by Ship) Departure; Dec. 22, Dec. 28 ALSO FOREIGN TOURS BY AIR WITH FIRST CLASS HOTELS TO; SINGAPORE HONGKONG BANGKOK MANILA MALAYSIA • For further details contact: H K.LALA &CO. • Capitol Cinema Bldg., Opp. New Empire Cinema, Murzbari Road, Bombay 400 001. Tet: 204 3006, 204 5094, 204 5744 CablefEDTOURS Telex; 011-3680 LATO IN • Bansilal Villa, Sobhani Road, Colaba, Bombay 400 005. scheme was revised three times during B the course of one fateful morning in ® 1977.” Mirza and JamaspAsa recom- ® mended that the Madressa be con-® verted into a regular day school , where R additionally the aspiring navars could ® be given training in the priestly profes- « sion. “Mixing together will provide the® athornans and behdins with a realiza- fi tion of each other, leading to a mutual ® respect and better understanding - ¦ something that is best fostered from ¦ childhood, ” said the two Dasturs. S Denying that he was “the chief ® architect reponsible for scrapping the ¦ SSC scheme, ” Kotwal referred to his ® letter of December 10, 1976 wherein I he had warned that not a single good B student may opt for the new course fl and that new enrolments could suffer, fl He further says fhat he had advised, I “continue the present setup and pre-fl vent the Institute ’s utter collapse fl which I am afraid might come if we ¦ stop the SSC course. ” I Quoting relevant extracts from the ¦ managing committee meeting held on February 6,^1978 wherein it had been minuted that Kotwal had “framed ” and later “amended ” the Mobedi Oriented Course of Seven Years, Muncherji Cama wrote in The Bom­ bay Samachar of March 23, “At nd? point of time during the deliberations^ of the managing committee did Dastur Kotwal voice his dissent. ” Jejeebhoy, however, in an interview with Parsiana on July 9, supported Kotwal: “He was ¦ not very willing to implement the course. He had said ‘try it, see if you succeed, otherwise you can go back to ‘ the old course. ’” Jejeebhoy reasoned, “We spend two lakhs of rupees annually on this Institute. We thought ; that the Institute would not serve its J purpose if we continue producing stu- i dents who go in for banking and en- ! gineering and not mobedi. Though we S were warned, we thought that even if we produce only one qualified student 1 who would practice mobedi, it would : be worth the change in syllabus...Nothing came of it. ” De­ spite reintroductiOn of the SSC course, student response did not pick up until 1986. In the meanwhile, the trustees have change Dattaram>LT4l/86 given a part of the vacant plot sur ­ rounding the Madressa to the Tata 1 Cooperative Housing Society who will develop the land, subject to the approval of the MFCAI trust, under a short term lease, informed Muncherji ICama. While five buildings are ready itiend that on behalf of the new school jeebhoy. All students at the Madre'ssa H for occupation, the remaining seven to an application for grants be made get free clothes arid books The cost of eight are under construction. Since 10 whilst keeping it exclusively for Farsi's, the navjote expenses and the navar*- percent of the flats have to be reserved Cama opines that the move may not be maratab training ceremonies are borne for scheduled castes, “we said we successful with the Parsi parents ’pen- by the MFCAI. To entice students, a would build one separate building for chant for admitting their children in sum of Rs 150 per month is collected ’in them to take care of the reserved convent schools and seeing the trend the bank in the name of the student till quota, leaving the rest for exclusive use by Parsis, ” said Jejeebhoy. When the Tatas appliedfor the No Objection tan. As yet, the trustees have not practices mobedi. At the end of 30 to Certificate three to four years back, reached any final decisidri regarding 35 years, he gets Rs 55,000 in hand. To permission was granted by the Bom- the formation or functioning of the the athravans (ordained priests) and bay Municipal Corporation on the proposed school. ostas (born of priestly families) settled understanding that the Institute build- Though the conversion to a cosmo- abroad and especially in Iran, an ing be “reserved for education. ” This politan school may require an amend- appeal has been made to enrol their ¦ means that the trustees are under an ment of the existing trust deed, so far children at the MFCAI. In Iran, many obligation to accommodate a regular no alteration has been made. A public non-ordained priests from the ’athor- day school whiclf will impart SSC notice in the Jame of June 11, signed nan families perform religious cerC ’ education in one wing, while the Mad- by the Deputy Charity Commissioner monies, observed Aibara. “It would ressa will continue to operate in the of Bombay, announcing that recon- be ideal if such interested persoris second wing. “Though it is not our structed records had been filed as the could send their children for religious idea, we will be forced to do it. Within earlier records of the MFCAI and the training here, ” he said. a couple of years we will have to start M.M.Cama Education Fund had been Pleased with the student response “damaged ” and were “not available, ” which has picked up from two to nine. successful with the Parsi parents ’ pen- by the MFC Al. To entice students. convent schools and seeing the trend the bank in the name of the student till in other Parsi founded schools which he completes his navar-maratab and had perforce to be made cosmopoli- thereafter for 15 to 20 years While he ------------------------------------------.J reached any final decisidn regarding 35 years, he gets Rs 55,()()() in hand. To the formation or functioning of the the athravans (ordained priests) and Though the conversion to a cosmo- abroad and especially in Iran ment of the existing trust deed, so far children at the MFCAI. In Iran, many day school whiclf will impart SSC notice in the Jame of June 11, signed nan families perform religious cere- ressa will continue to operate in the of Bombay, announcing that idea, we will be forced to do it. Within earlier records of the MFCAI and the training here, ” he said. ' a couple of years we will have to start M.M.Cama Education Fund had been Pleased with the student response with renovation. For our own boys it “damaged ” and were “not available, ” which has picked up from two to nine, will be ideal because instead of going raised doubts in the minds of the com- the administrators are confident that to the Madhavdas Amarsey School, munity. On behalf of the Athornan next year - their diamond jubilee - which they presently attend each Mandal, its chairman Jehangir Shroff there will be a better response if they morning, they will be full-time on the protested against any likely change of start advertising from January, Which Cama premises. The school will be clause or deliberate amendment “for will^Ve them suitaMfe time to get their very convenient for the residents of the benefit of the present trustees and students admitted at the Madhavdas the new housing colony, also. ” its committee. ” The letter noted, “the Amarsey School for their SSC train ­ trust deed was made with the object ing. “Because of Aibara ’s reputation that it should only be beneficial to the and as ex students of the Institute athravans and that clause should not would prefer to enrol their children (in Trust, Naoroji Godrej, Homi Ranina, the words ‘cosmopolitan ’ of 'sarva" being better student response are high- Firoze Kotwal, Limji Nanabhoy and janik ’ or otherwise. ” This prompted er, ” said Cama. Khojeste Mistree, came forward to Jejeebhoy to issue a clarification in the “Let ’s not stop with Merwanji ’s help in the formation of the school, Jame of June 21, “no clause or clauses objective ...of producing mobeds, of there was a difference of opinion and no words are added, changed or among the MFCAI trustees. “Some of - amended, nor there is any change in ity, ” advised Jejeebhoy. our trustees who preferred the path of the objects of the trust deed.” teach them mobedi, but ultimately ” least resistance felt that we should “Since we can ’t compel anyone to says Cama, “their employment is in hand over the project, to the AET. A do mobedi, for the present we are the hands of the community...how few of us, including myself, suggested offering financial incentives, in addi- they remunerate them and how they that we should do everything possible tion to free education, ” said Je- treat them. ” by ourselves. We felt that the AET “ might cash in on this.'Since we didn ’t want to have any voting on this prop ­ osal, it was finally settled that we could take the help of some of the AET trus ­ tees like (industrialist) Godrej who has considerable experience in the running of their schools at Vikhroli, and other educationists. Even on our own trust board, we have educationists like Je­ jeebhoy and Naoroji Gamadia, ” said Cama. Opening of a regular school might necessitate admitting non Zoro ­ astrians there, because only then can a school qualify for government grants. Though some advisors recom- munity. On behalf of the Athornan next year - their diamond jubilee - morning, they will be full-time on the protested againsLany likely change of start advertising from January, Wliich Cama premises. The school will be clause or deliberate amendment “for will^Ve them suitaMfe tirne to get their very convenient for the residents of the benefit of the present trustees and students admitted at the Madhavdas the new housing colony, also, ” --------- > • - - • - ---- ¦ They first plan to start with a prim ­ ary school, and if it is a success, pro ­ ceed further. 'When some of the trus ­ ses of the Athravan Educational be changed or amended by inserting their alma mater), the chances of there Firoze Kotwal, Limji Nanabhoy and janik ’ or otherwise. ” This prompted er, ” said Cama. “Let ’s not stop with Merwanji ’s which there is a dearth in the commun- ‘We can 43 Parsiana August 1986 fe '1 €1 'sfes 1,5 I’ •'H 4.3 ¦i. •¦¦ib •* 'M '^J 'rM ’’¥"1 'v«l S fl *'8 ¦%’ Gifts& I Friendly Gift Shop for iiJI handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 253443 & 252730 1 'f ¦ •& •i!‘« i 'fo ¦’. i •."R; ’?^4 V ¦' J -Jn. % 3 > #''' I i 1 ¦ pf-' I, 3 > .‘j 5 % fi ¦- / i ^ 'iust wish the community wo- act more like Zoroastrians Xand less like Parsisl ” Cvrus Bharucha ’s wistful comment summed up his four-yeai experience makine On Wings of Fire - a docu drama styled as “a film odyssey^across <1 SOO vears '' Bharucha s evident ex hSi^ on July 14,1986. three we^ after Se film ’s premier, was proof lai he had not expected the be quite the emotional roller ctauiv. /tUz. lion of the court case (the and less like Parsbl a docu- ¦sss-^ Bharucha ’s evident ex- ms piciiiivi, --- r- he had not expected the enough that project to 1 coaster it became. The tension of the court case (the Bombay High Court rejected the peti Sn to prevent public screening of the XU Sutil certain scenes^were , ex- nuneed) had been replaced by rehet tinged with disillusion - “I think I ve been through an av'*" ’ during the last two film was 1-' battle getting -- ^did Bharucha anticipate awful lot, especially ic laoi vtVO weeks before the released. (It was) such a long ¦Ing the film Nor .-’4 k I"? Sp’- long battle with the censors, ^or ** -- ----------- the definition from the Britannica (to them) a Jadav Rana joking t 1— iw Bharucha, the most enforced by the Board Producer-' reviews i B. the controversies surroundir On Wings of Fire. 48 Parsiana August 1986 1: -I .Top: At a family function the late Indira Gandhi wearing a gara (Courtesy Chandan Patel) Text: Jeroo Irani Photographs: Homyar Mistryis f .. *•' t I Above: Bhurui.hu I Left: Zuralhushlru in the court ofKirtg I Vishlaspa I Below: Zaraihushiru's firs! encounter with I his prospective bride Havovi I Inset: Zoroaslrians reaching the shores of I Guiurat J Facing page: Praying for the recovery of I Vishtaspa’s horse JPhotQ*: Jarrish«d N. MarzWn, Photogerilc) I? Vj J?' t p L* - -K •s J 5 JTRADITION Painting with a tteedie The unknown and unsung Chinese embroiderers could not have guessed that theirgaras would become prized collector's items. I She had inherited from her grand- veining of the leaves, the arrangement century-and-a-half later. As en- mother a large palette of embroidered of one stamen inside the other, birds in dangered as the community with which C*-'------- -" ' . ....................... • ... 100-year-old heirlooms captured in figures, their gossamer folds, the colors of the elements and nature and fire. Against the glowing back ­ ground flowed a perfection of embroi ­ dered natural forms - ; ers where one could sec the delicate veining of the leaves, the arrangement century-and-a-half Chinese silk sans (garas). The 70 to graceful flight, Chinese pagodas and they have become closely identified, the gara in mint condition is eomman- The unknown and unsung Chinese ding fabulous prices - as much as Rs embroiderers, who had lavished such 40,(XX) at the upper end and Rs 4,000 devotion and skill on the six yards of at the lower end pure Chinese silk, could not have spokesman of one of the select sari stemmed flow- guessed that their work would become shops that stock garas. -- ----- ; a prized collector's item, over a "nie last 10 years have in fact seen a the sky, sea a according to a » I 50 P<»rSfana Aupus? 1986 X: '.’Sf /i E .i 1 t Miss India Mehr Jesia modelling a gara in redandin black (facingpage). II I resurgence of interest in this antique almost of haute couture, “Garas are li all began II) years ago tor the wraparound. So much so that new classified as antiques because they are ebullient Ms Daver when she could garas that seek to perpetuate the in- not being made anymore." says Ms not salvage her grandmother ’s ex- tricacy and beauty of the old designs Roshan Kalapesi, a designer for the quisite gara. “So I decided to make a cost just a little less than the antique theater, former president of the presti- ones. gious Crafts Council of India and Ms Piroja Narielwala who has been founder patron of the Vishwa Karigar, embroidering saris for the last 39 who has behind her, years of research pie, that orders began to trickle in. years, some of which have been de- in Indian crafts and embroidery, voted to salvaging old garas and Kalapesi, who was the first person to embroidering new ones, feels that those in good condition will appreciate in value. She cites an example: “When I first started completing the corners United Slates, says that when the ex (the corner of the sari that is tucked in at the back w'hen worn Parsi style was Institute, the gara that she had worn. Some cut up their garas to make caps, not embroidered in some garas) for my attracted as much attention as the ex- blouses and even dressing gowns. I clients, it cost Rj75. Today if costs hibition. want to increase awareness of the fact Rs 400 to Rs 50T). For, in this business Ms Naju Daver who has been dupli- that the gara is meant to lx: preserved! every stitch is money. ” eating traditional gara designs on pure Towards this end. Daver had an ex- Narielwala relates another telling and synthetic silks and other materials hibition of her collection in January anecdote of a friend who wished to sell as a hobby, relates a similar last. "So great was the response, that a gara. A potential buyer phoned and story. At a recent city wedding a new people came forward with their own asked him to describe the gara and gara that she had embroidered for the priceless saris so that I could copy the name the price, 'I'he deal was clinched bride ’s mother was the focus of aiten- design. ” Another exhibition is slated on the phone (though the price was in tion, rather than the bride's sari, for October, when garas can be bought five figures) and without the caller Friends chided the mother for wearing off the rack. ever having set eyes on the sari! an old gara rather than a new sari for Buying a new gara. Daver feels, is like purchasing jewellery which can be handed down to the next generation as an heirloom. It can last for anotherSOO Antiqiies Having acquired an exclusive aura. I t almost of haute couture, “Garas are classified as antiques because they are not being made anymore." says Ms new one with the same design. ” So fas ­ cinated were her non Parsi clients by the design that she proffered as a sam- “However, till recently many in the Parsi community were unaware of the gara's value, ” she states. “1 know of Parsis disposing off their garas to the compile I'he Costumes of India collec ­ tion which was exhibited in the museums of Europe. Australia and the jaripuranawala at throwaway prices - al Rs 40. Today the same people are hibition was held at the Smithsonian coming to me to buy new' garas... Institute, the gara that she had worn, attracted as much attention as the ex ­ which Ms Naju Daver who has been dupli ­ cating traditional gara designs on pure a bride ’s mother was the focus of atten ­ tion, rather than the bride's sari. an old gara rather than a new sari for the occasion. “It's a compliment to us that they couldn ’t tell that it was a new gara, ” adds Daver. 4 With Best Compliments from SOHRAB TOURS & TRAVBLS 55/6, Gultekdi, Salisbury Park, Pune 411 001 Tel: 64670 & 64671. Tlx: 145-418 &3 Parsiana Angus! ISSfi L . Kt TTS- S?round' ’^Sn^"®'^ ’" this antique' almost of haute garas that seek to perpetuate the in not antiques because they are ebullient Ms Daver trieacy and beauty of the old JLig" Roshan Lhn "' “’T"'¦” ”<>• he^ pandmother's T lust a little less than the antique SuhSs^r^' Ms Piroja Narielwala who has been foundeS^Xonrffte VIA '"k’ “** S"elienVby embroidering sans for the last 39 who has^behind her vm hangar the design that she proffered as a sam- S to" ’sa°vaX''''old''' ’--^" >"¦ those in good condition will appreciate jn CL- I first started completing the - couture, * so that new classified; not being made anymore, ivis Roshan Kalapesi, a designer for the . -------- : presti ­ gious Crafts Council of India and Garas are It all began 10 years in- ago tor the when she could quisite gara. “So I decided to make antique theater^former president of the • f . ----- founder patron of the Vishwu KariX^ cmated were her non Parsi clients by sans for the last 39 whn Bqc *^^wa Karigar, the design , F which have in her,years of research pie, that orders beean in Indian crafts and embroiderv «w«,7 viuep negan R'aior^zs,,; z. However, till recently many in the arsi community were unaware of the gara ’s value, ” she states. “I know of • . , - ¦ garas to the janpuranawala at throwaway prices - a. .he back when won, p"a;sT;;;r™ “ FSuuTheX ^^Te^^^ur every sthch s Mue; ”'" "ho '¦‘>5 been dupli- S the «(the fact .is =-.-XS5 ??»=;&;: SS HHTE? £SSFF= fiSsT PT “'.hTn X" TaT “ ever hfving set eyeTTlhe "’'"‘¦'t *“ wearing „fj be bough. Antiques Having acquired an exclusive ’1 ¦. V t; Parsi community were unaware of the ’c ” oKz-a iL-r -< compile TAe Costumes of India coWec- Xeul'o'jE^ropeXSha ’ ^ndtt >’-P<^»tago¥;heTr c^^ners United States, says that when the ex- in hibition was held at the Smithsonian .nson,egaras)form'; aScied a^'mVch\7e'„ta11" Ms Naju paver who has been dupli ­ cating traditional gara designs --------- those in good condition will in^yalue. She cites an example: “When z , ------- uiC COiiici (the corner of the sari that is tucked i hobby, relates garas to the blouses and even that the gara is meant to be as a hobby, relates a wedding a new s mother was the focus of atten- i’s sari, wearing off the rack ’ a 1 name the price The deal "was^dinr'I^H embroidered for the ’¦.*£2«SS5 an old gara rather than a new sari for the occasion. “It ’s a compliment to us that they couldn ’t tell that i ‘ gara, ” adds Daver. priceless saris so that I could own copy the caller Friepds chided the mother for the occasion. “It ’s a conroSm to'us ^els, is ................. iJ^Vn^ ^kejw^asmg jewel^ whW e^n be handed down to the next ^neration as aura, Buying _ K j® well^y whieli , . , — 1,^--- w«.ivxi aa an heirloom. It can It^Tpr another 3(X) i- .a f?, I With Best Compliments from SOHRAB TOURS & TRAVELS 'S' fs «- B fe'I' i * 141 i ' a 53 Parsiana August 1986 I 1 '‘3 r w i.•» . J ¦¦ I'" ¦.•¦!•. '¦ > ? ¦ - years, she says. Daver displays a near- gaaj, paaj, crepe, ghat^ etc) with a the piece was that each figure was JmF 1 VFAn** __________ j .. T-k > poses it against a new one in which the ty of synthetics (with fast colors) and / • ' 1 . 52! <¦ ¦ .-2K S w .A’’ < - »A^ ?'i*^ ¦ ( i i- ¦ » Photos: (above) Homyar Mistry (top) courtesy Femina 56 Parsiana August 1986 The reigning Miss India Traipsing into the jetsetting league after a traditional Parsi upbringing was a heady climb for Mehr Jesia. Jeroo Irani The 16 contestants pirouetted and past few highly charged months. • twirled, staging grand entries and ex- ~~ 1 _ Z Z ZZ____ its. One of them was the five-fool- test, Mehr had to fly to Panama which nine-inch lithe, sari clad Mehr Jesia left her little time for preparations, whose perfectly shaped head finally She luckily found a mentor in designer bore the Miss India crown on June 7, Xerxes Bhathena who designed her this year. As she catwalked sinuously full wardrobe to match the razzmatazz up and down the ramp, Mehr swept world that she would be vaulting into the applauding audience off its feet. “I was thrilled about winning, ’’ says would have doilfc without his help, ” I the 17-year-old Parsi beauty queen she admits. I when we meet her at her quiet sub- “ I urban home in Dadar on August 4. Two weeks after the Miss India con- in Panama. “I .don ’t know what I The one-and-a-half month Panama experience she describes as “beautiful. . ? The prizes that went with the crown - I was lucky to have the opportunity at color TV, cooking range, grill and such a young age, ” she notes. In Pana- Other miscellaneous items, lie around ma most of the time was spent practic- I', unopened. It was Mehr ’s father Homi, ing the three dances that the contes- Air-India inflight supervisor, tants had to put up on the final day. “Wherever we went, we were being says Mehr. i an mother Vera and married sister Avan who suggested that she take part. “My photographed, ” says Mehr. The family was most encouraging, ” she photographs would then appear in the adds. On the insistence of commercial media the next day and would be photographer, Farokh Jassawalla of closely monitored by the judges who Carnival who was in charge of the could evaluate Miss Universe on the photography at the Miss India contest, basis of personality, deportment, etc, Mehr finally decided to take the rather than just appearance. One of plunge. the cardinal rules wa^ that none could Wearing a simple blue dress, her assist the contestants with their glowing face completely devoid of makeup or hair, barring the time they makeup, Mehr had just returned from had to go on stage, says Mehr, whose Panama where the Miss Universe gloss has acquired an added sheen as a I pageant had been held. She is riveting result of the experience. I as she flows in and out of the room, I her lustrous hair cascading to a little the bevy of beauties, most of whom I below her shoulders, forming a black would have given Venus de Milo an I aureole round her face. Mehr answers inferiority complex, Mehr describes I questions with remarkable savoir the camaraderie that developed I faire occasionally betraying her ex- amongst the 77 participants... “so I treme youth by giggling spontaneous- much so that we wanted the other girl I ly. Traipsing into the jetsetting league to win. ” The age limit being 17 to 25, I after a traditional Parsi upbringing can there was general consternation when I be quite a heady climb. But the experi- a tearful Miss Yugoslavia (a 16-and-a- S ence has not transformed her into a half-year-old girl) was disqualified for temperamental prima donna. In fact being underage. she seems totally unaffected by the One of the youngest girls amongst savoir the Despite the rarified atmosphere'5 .. . ¦ i' I where the »rls w«e treated almost -------- -- ------------------------ ------- - „ »..e.e ..opes u like movie stars, There was no time fanning out below the knees. In addi- psychology and thereafter to feel nervous, ” laughs Mehr whose ’ favorite pastime is \ friends ... Everyone was so friendly and helpful, ” she adds. Needless to say that the Miss India competition was nowhere in the mega- ______ ________ __________ _ voltage range of the Miss Universe dates back to Emperor Akbar ’s time, spectacular. For the latter, the stakes It are much higher. The winner Miss / ..... ...... ....... ........ Venezuela not only walked away with king, he could not marry her.^Ever a diamond choker but also a quarter since, the dance that she danced has worn over pants, with the lower half Sophia where she hopes to major in to feel nervous, ” laughs Mehr whose 1 ™—..e pastime is “collecting jewellery which snaked around her neck, arms, waist and glowed from her ed snooker at the national level, lovely head to her twinkling toes. ’’ ' - There is a story behind the costume, explains Mehr who says that the outfit badminton and throwb ’all. However^ snooker is her abiding love and she worn by a dancing girl whom practices morning and evening at the tion Mehr was weighed down with two years to be a teacher. Athletically inclined, Mehr has play ­ reaching the semifinals this year. She also enjoys swimming, and playing snooker is her abiding love and she ) was ’ Akbar fell in love with. Being the badar Gymkhana. As for her future plans, Mehr dis- ¦ - - ------------- ----------..,.3 misses the idea of acting in Hindi films motorbike, a been called the Amrapalli, as also the which she describes as ^^ekdum stu- makeup for five years, amongst other left the audience and the judges things. To bag ^Jiese, the girls had to goggle-eyed,Miss Panama won theBest exhibit their charms in an < ’ ” ‘ gown, their national costume and in a Miss Brazil and Miss Chile. swimming suit. (The latter was given speedboat, clothes for one year, style of her dress. Though the costume pid. ” Getting rich quickly by acting in a TV serial is equally abhorrent to her. - - r - A religious girl, marriage is on the evenmg National Costuine prize, followed by cards in the distant future, she admits k th "th • •• L L ‘ The youthful beauty queen refutes -vx. aoivvu iv uisuivsc me sccrci oi by the authorities who had identical the old adage that beauty does not go her good looks, she looks nonplussed- ones m three different colors.) For the with brains. Nurturing a long held t „ i„t —j t___ national costume, Mehr shied away ambition to be a Montessori school from the traditional gagra choli, and teacher, Mehr has quit Bombay ’s wore the amrapalli on the advice of Sophia College in order to study pri- Bhathena. “It had never been worn, vately, enabling her to accommodate before at the contest, ” says Mehr. J----- - j "• - - Similar to the one worn by Rekha in the film Utsav, the turquoise blue and chance, ! might as well, gold outfit had a strapless bodice to be ' shyly. When asked to disclose the secret of her modelling contracts. “! do not en ­ joy modelling, but since ! have the she notes. After a year, Mehr will go back to part in. “I guess I exercise a lot and I rarely wear any makeup. ” Aren ’t beauty contests, where women are evaluated in terms of their vital statistics, an anachronism in the twentieth century? “It ’s all a game for me, ” she laughs. “Even when I was in Panama,! didn ’t feel it was such a big thing ! was taking Choice of Cultural Feast & High Adventure U.S.S.R. HORIZONS 3 ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMMES OF 15 DAYS EACH 26 JULY: MOSCOW. TALLINN. LENINGARD, TBILISI, BAKU. 23 AUGUST: MOSCOW, LENINGARD. TASHKENT, SAMARKAND. BUKHARA. YEREVAN. 06 SEPT: MOSCOW, LENINGARD, TALLINN. RIGA, YALTA, SOCHI. I Visits to Museums, Art Galleries, 1 Cathedrals, Parks and for entertainment Ballet, Circus and Theatre. . RETURN VIA PARIS OR LONDON Z I i; ' ¦ J - " 3 ’*^1 B S'! INTOURIST AGENT 59 Parsiana August 1986 AFRICAN SAFARI A fabulous opportunity to view The "Beautiful People in their natural habitats. VISITING NAIROBI. TREE TOPS INYERII, SAMBURU. NANYUKI. NYAHIRURU FALLS. NAKURU. MASAI. MARAJLMBOSELI. MT. KILIMANJARO ANO RETURN VIA LONDON. w Subject to RB! Approval. F. T.S. passengers only Common features: ? Accommodation in Arst Class Hotels on Twin-sharing basis. ? All meals including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. ? Travel. Sightseeing and Excursion by air. rail and deluxe coach, ASIATIC TRAVEL SERVICE The House of Travel 12 Murzban Road. Fort. Bombay 400 001. Tel: 2048151 G-3 Konark Apartments. 175. Dhole PatU Road. Pune 411 001 Phone: 68401767934/ 66455 APM/ATS/86 "I 'I ^f* I‘^ntinued from.pt^ise48 - India before (and) therefore not used to the roles and regulations here, ” the ybiing producers had used the Indian national anthem with it, conceiving of the two as among the founding fathers of the Indian nation. In fact, not hav ­ ing the score, coproducer Meherji ' Madan “went through all the trouble to write out the notes for the players. ” The Censor Board took objection and though Bharucha says he could have fought for it - “the anthem can be used in documentaries, it seems ” - in the interests of expediting the movie ’s re ­ lease, he bowed to the Board: there was no time to go into case histories. But Bhanicha^as more than a good word for the Censor Board. Consider ­ ing the badgering it received from the community in the form of appeals, re ­ quests and demands, Bharucha feels Tata involved with poetry, music and rupee budget to which Zoroast ri^ the Board was “tremendous ” in terms thoughts of death. The tons of spare of the help and cooperation it offered footage on Tata is to be donated to sponded with enthusiasm, especially to the film ’s producers and the com- 1* ...................... “ ‘ munity. There were two Parsis on the < Board when it originally passed the together for them. ” committee of scholars (Dr Kaikhosrov -'i-^; film as predominantly educational - Bharucha credits Singapore ’s Dadi Irani, Dr Farhang Mehr, Dr Ali poet Adil Jussawalla and Ms Coomi Balsara with having bailed Wings out Jafarey, Dastur Nowrooz Minochehr- ' appeals, a revisory committee was reached the editing and cutting stage: to okay the script. Then began appointed to which, COVP member Balsara ’s “$60,000 was the invest- series of controversies and financial' and Editor of The Parsee Voice, Adi ment that spearheaded the others. I shortfalls that dogged Wings and Bhar- \ Doctor waife invited along with Ms doubt if the others would have fol- Roshan Kalapesi. “They made about a lowed (without Balsara ’s lead). ” As an ___.x. dozen calls (to various other promin- apologia for the film space allotted to Bharucha says he “got trapped with ent Parsis) but people were too busy. ” Balsara, Bharucha noted, “He did scholars for financial reasons, ” ex- j Wings’ limited one-week engage- speak in a positive light about doing plaining that rich Iranis in the US hM ¦ IHII quacy of ‘‘35 Parsis hanging aroiu^ Hl like thousands of Jews ” as Cyrus, the SB Achaemenian King, freed the slaves after conquering Babylon, Bharucha , attributes it to an acute constraiiU of Bj resources. Wings cost its producers ab- |H out $750,000 to 800,000 including Rs 34,00,000 raised by the Oriental Merit- / Bh age Trust (OHT) chaired by noted jur- Bh ist Nani Palkhivala. Says Bharucha of the OHT contribution, “It was a phe- IS nomenal amount raised in charity, but --------------------- .? r, j ly no money at all. ” ‘ Sb'> in terms of making a film, it ’s absolute- -i Originally conceived as a > 1 documentary, titled X Quest for a MF I • aocumentary, titieo A truest /or ' ..,, ' " . , , Zflraz/iws/i/ra, to educate Zoroastrians Ma«a:rmmdwhomtheftlmrevolve, The scenes he shot of J.R.D.Tata propagate a knowledge of ZarathiMh- were among those that went through tra ’s teachings in the western wor^, most easily, says Bharucha who found the project had begun with a 40-lal^ - f communities all over the world had re- --------_____ ________ _______________ _ ______ ___ _ ___ _ _____ them,says Bhamcha, adding, “If Tatas since international celebrity Zubin .'jH can raise a couple of lakhs, I’d put it Mehta agreed to star in the movie. A 1—2—committee of scholars (Dr Kaikhosrov Bharucha credits Singapore ’s Dadi Irani, Dr Farhang Mehr, Dr Ali « 1 -¦ Chinoy. In response to the COVP’s of financial doldrums when it had Homji and Dr Jehan Bagli) was iet up aninASilG a rpt/ienn/ series of controversies and financiai: '^ S appointed to which, COVP member Balsara ’s ) 1 ucha to the end. Looking at events in retrospect He did scholars for financial reasons, ” ex- In the final analysis, the largest sing- ment at Sterling theater drew substan- something for the priests. We could promised him substantial contribution tial viewer response - especially from use him, being independent, not if he accepted the scholars ’ suggestions J other communities - and, it is claimed, Khojeste Mistree because of his AET and played up the glory of Iran. did “very well at the box office. ” Says (Athravan Educational Trust) According to Bharucha, the use of 3 Bharucha, the theater is contracted to affiliation... He sponsored the premier fire, the death ceremony, the ritual*/'^ Twentieth Century Fox and Cocoon, and the dinner; he wr.ote to Delhi, to and even the sudreh and kusti were 4 Fox ’s big money spinner, was sche- the ministers (to expedite the Film repugnant to the Iranis who therefore | duled to open there. Hence W/zigj was Censor Board ’s certificate); honestly, reneged on the promised finance. Said “3 allowed just one week. Bharucha hedidalot...(inanycase)itwassome- Bharucha, “They ne~er thought the 1 hoped to be able “to work it out soOn thing we had to do for that invest- day would come when we ’d see it a and bring it back. ” Efforts were also ment. ” finished! ” 4 afoot to release the movie in Delhi, In the final analysis, the largest sing- The controversy regarding the script Poona and Hyderabad, he said, le investment ($105,000) came began with a reference to “Sir Jamsetji J Abroad, the screening of Wings was from a German Jew - Leanard Tata to which the Bombay Parsi Pub*-4| being handled by the On Wings of Fire Gamer -who contributed because he chayet (BPP) objected (Tata had sur-* ' a Partnership which is basically trying to felt that Cyrus the Great had done so rendered the titular honor as a mark of 3 sell it to TV. Though Bharucha aver- much for the Jews, it was time some- solidarity with the national move- !a red that there was a strong possibility one did something for the Zoroas- ment). ” says Bhamcha. A micrpa diw ^ of Wings being screened on Indian trians. of the script by a BPP trustee le^to|l TV, he could offer no time schedule - Viewing the film detachedly, Bhar- stoppage of shooting and according to 3 the court case had deterred enthusias- ucha acknowledged, “It lacked Bharucha ’s reckoning, a loss of one -j| tic sales work in India. (Wings was emotion...A compromise film is a lakh mpees to the producers, thus n^- 9 televised as a late night show on Au- compromise film - it ’s never going to lifying the BPP’s one lakh donation H gust 25 as a New Year offering to the satisfy. ” from the cosmopolitan Daver Trust, j community from Doordarshan.) Well aware of the dramatic inade- The scholars did not visualize i| I .'l£^ •L 61 Parsiana At^^uat 1^ 'iff bt I i^^'Humble, eventually found i^'place in Vigilantes was the “rubbish ” uttered Zarathushtra as a miracfe don ’t want to show Zarathushtra as the credits. Says Bharucha* “Bill by'^their lawyer"in couil^despite Farhan^g Mehr). Besides^ Zarathush- situation^ He was paid at certain annoyed him most was their claim that 7 “77 ‘ ¦ J j-g. teigscopic lenses had been used to horses andso he mamed to be paid. ’’ Humble, who was shoot scenes of the Towers of Silence, to have finished the script in June By way of defence against the accusa- as a locale despite notices there pros ­ cribing the use of cameras, Bharucha — —--------- - - —..... ^«1 camer- is Svengali, ” said Bharucha quoting Dr didn ’t walk out because of fhe money Doctor having seen the film. What tra ’s father ’s name, Pourushaspa, stages. Only the final amount 1 would know a lot about curing horses, it was believed. All this was brought into the second draft of the script, said financial situation prevented time- Bharucha. Yet, “when they (the scho- bound production schedules. It was ____ ,,, v«..i.viao ui lars) saw the second screening, they “not until March ’85 that we knew that noted'that tlirindian Newsreel objected to it. (But) this was written the final money would come in, ” con- as had been allowed there in 1984 to for their satisfaction, not mine! ” tinned Bharucha. Adi Marzban was in- cover the funeral of noted cine artiste. The concept of evil, graphically con- volved with Humble from the begin- Sohrab Modi. “There is nothing in the veyed in the film as the absence of ning of the venture. The only scene doctrine that says no filming can be light, for which Bharucha was faulted Marzban didn ’t have anything to do done, ” says Bharucha, referring to the by the Vigilantes, was almost wholly with was the one of Dr Wilson berat- BPP’s handbook on ’ Doongerwadi, worked out by Ijjani and Bagli from an ing the Parsis. Much criticism has been Dorn Moraes ’ Bombay published by argument by the noted Greek philo- levelled against it as being a totally far- Time 'uiKi Life Publications and Sir sopher, Plato, says Bharucha. He deal presentation. Counters Bhar- Jivanjl Modi ’s Customs and Practices . -y noted that Dastur Minochehr-Homji ucha, “If (the critics) had been at the of the Parsis for further support. “The had attended meetings of the scholars (Fifth) North American Zoroastrian doctrinal reason (why non-Parsis may in the US and had held on to a copy of Congress in Los Angeles in August ’85 not attend the funeral ceremony) is be- the script for a month before returning they would have seen (very similar cause the Parsis are armored against it without a single comment, and was scenes in real life). ” Bharucha also nasu (evil) by their sudreh, the non therefore upset at Minochehr-Homji ’s alluded to a Vigilante supporter in the Parsis are not. It has nothing to do and Farhang Mehr ’s subsequent critic- Bombay High Court who riled mem- ism of the film because he felt he had bers of the opposition group while the case was in progress and threatened castigated in the I^rsi Press (for exam- “This is no exaggeration - it ’s there, in tion of the Bronze Age) left Bhatucha the community! ” -- Bharucha ’s main grouse against the 83, opted out when the uncertain tion that Wings had used Doongerwadi r» M r>MZ-««rvl — J __ __ « .a a . Bharucha also nasu (evil) by their sudreh, the t: 'I’ and Farhang Mehr ’s subsequent critic- Bombay High Court who riled mem- with secret ceremonies... ” ism of the film because he felt he had bers of the opposition group while the But the so-called directorial flaws gone out of his way to welcome them case was in progress and threatened castigated in the Parsi Press (for exam- onto the panel of scholars and had them with his umbrella when rebuffed, pie, the use of ste^l props in a delinea- spent $ 50,000 on conveying, lodging “This is no exaggeration - it ’s there, in tion of the Bronze Age) left Bhatucha and paying the scholars. the community! ” cold: “They used stainless steel blades ¦ The original scriptwriter, William Bharucha ’s main grouse against the in Ben Hur. I never heard anyone criti- WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM MESSRS M. PALLONJI & CO PRIVATE LIMITED Leading Painting, Corrosion &Water Proofing Contractors , Abdul Rehman Street Bombay 400003 Tele: 324150/330306 Telegram: "PALLONJIM" Telex: MPCL: 011-75871 63 Parsiana August 1986 Ml f A '¦<7" V'l <¦ '^¦5-2' (k S' c S;‘ ' cizing Ben Hur for it! ” al flaws in the script, Bharucha claims, Tf I brought my scholars in, I would _______________ make intellectual mincemeat out of that the Persians wore them (the CO VP members who sued because of the caravan trade, Bharucha in court). I’d take them on T’ * ’ ( I — --------- —— w «.z i. kXAw X VV* W LCCl LLfl) IIllK'ri anytime, if they allow us a chance to problems the producers faced. “Perse- already. I want to eo home hflVP. fl vmcp prlopwicpk ’’’T'kci - --------- ] __ 1_ tT7 ® “1 “The nearest costume wte could get * sue the Vigilantes for ’ causing B^W to was Babylonian. So we had to make mental anguish and wasting his time. an educated ^ess. The chances were Now that it was all over, Bharucha 1 r. similar styles shrugged, “I would have (moved the 1 said court) had this been America. As it is Bhaju^a referring to some of the I’ve wasted too much time here have a voice edgewise... ’’The Vigi- polis was recreated to scale. We were New York. nome home to lantes relied heavily on Firdausi ’s very accurate in what we did,” main- famous epic, the Shah Namah, for his- tains Bharucha, who was both torical authenticity while Bharucha “amused and offended ” when a critic brushed it aside as “only a piece of likened the set to the old Blue Nile fiction! ” Bharucha says he was taken to task because Vishtaspa ’s soldiers were not wearing a sudreh. They weren ’t wear ­ ing a sudreh because they weren ’t the community, Zoroastrians, Ike adds. According to Bharucha, the kusti antedates Zarathushtra, but the sudreh evolved ‘ dwindling “a7a7(while) now wishes to revive thenT on a com- drehthatweknow_..alotof constant quarreling goes on and mercial basis. In these days of mass Sassanian on...its very discouraging. Zoroas- production, the assertion of one ’s indi- rr*,°d --^I’.° what Zarathush- triamsm is a wonderful religion, one of viduality and creativity can only result ch have been a the great pieces of thinking of all time, in a work of art “that^never ages ” in Zarathushtra in the agiaries is of b/everyone"'... ” gara, for example, even if you take it ^‘^haemenian. While the screening of Wings had out after 10 years it will stilfbe beauti- he adds. Bharucha says, someone even been hanging fire upon the verdict of ful. ” * ^‘’’"hay High Court, an irate Displayedgaras and design samples> Zarathushtra look like Christ?! Bharucha had mentioned his desire to nnrte>v\i restaurant that flourished at New Marine Lines, Bombay, some 15 to 20 years ago! continued from page 55 once every wedding season, advise ex ­ perts. Though the Parsi community has not recaptured its trade links with Chi ­ na (which resulted in garas being embroidered for the women of the — , , - ±wx lllV VWlllvn VJl LllC Foreseeing a very sad future for community), the craft is being revived I'V'h 11 Tl 1 t'T Z O *•! w *_ /~11 • ..»»¦« . Bharucha says he can “see no leadership emerging, no young people coming up as entrep ­ reneurs or ¦ - • - in China, states Kalapesi. In some re ­ mote corner of that country, the arti ­ sans must have kept their skills alive, captains of industry. The she adds, and the Chinese government now wishes to revive them goes on and mercial basis. In these days of on... it ’s triamsm is a wonderful religion, one of viduality and creativity can only result . . the great pieces of thinking of all time, in a uf an ihai never philosophy that should be accepted the words of Narielwala. “tike the While the screening of Wings had been hanging fire upon the verdict of ful. •r i J ¦V Bharucha had mentioned his desire to Courtesy Naju Daver. TIME. TRADITION. TATAS. We move with the Times.Technologlcally. We maintain our Tradition. Honesty. Integrity. Industry. Because of this we are what we TATAS are. S.’S INDUSTRIAL PERFUMES LIMITED Makers of Perfumeiry Compounds, Aroma Chemicals, Isolates, Resinoids, Pharmaceutical Intermediates. Hay Bunder Road, Sewree, Bombay 400 033 Tele: 8511001/3/4 Grams: INDPBRF 64 Parsiana August 1996 I 1*’r *? r - I I t SPORTS A match for cricket 4 Arjuna awardee, cricketer Diana Eduiji talks about jiff women's cricket in India. Niloofer J. Madon Io “It was long overdue. ” Woman cricke- lived-in room - overflows with cricket t ter Diana Frai^ Eduiji was referring trophies, photographs and momen- to the Arjuna Award for 1983 which toes, belying the small plaque hanging . was presented to her in February 1986 on the front door which states: “God [ by the President of India, Giani Zail bless this lousy apartment. ” ! Singh. (The Arjuna Award is pre- Representing India since 1975, : sented to sports people who have given Eduiji was appointed captbin for good performances during the preced- the Second World Cup, played in In- ing three years at national and interna- dia in 1978. She has, along with the tional events, with excellence during team, played in Australia, New Zea- the year for which the award is given, land, England, West Indies, USA and ¦iii the year for which the award is given, land, England, West Indies, USA and Qualities of leadership and discipline Holland, and has been adjudged the U? are essential requisites for the Arjuna player of the series against Australia | Bl I L - ' awardee.) Eduiji elaborated, “For (1975), New Zealand (1976) and Eng- four years, the Bombay Women ’s land (1981). Moreover, as she notes Cricket Association has been recom- proudly, “I am the only player (repre- ’ mending my case for the Arjuna... I senting India since 1978) who has not | don ’t know whether it reached the been dropped (from the national I ministry or not... So the instant joy team) yet. ” I wasn ’t there. I did feel great but not as great as I would have at the first attempt itself. ” Dressed in a blue and white checked number of wickets in test cricker(104 since 1981) joined the Club, which skirt and a white blouse with matching j- 1.. _ ‘ piping, a gold asho farohar hanging cricket when she started playing with a ing. from her neck, ace bowler and captain broken stick and ball along with the The Albees Club had members of the Indian women ’s team, Eduiji servants ’ children, and later with the enough to form three teams which sat, legs stretched out, clutching a pil- older boys at Badhwar Park (the staff could play among themselves. Yet it low, relaxed on the sofa at her resi- " ' " ......... dence at Cuffe Parade. The five-foot- five-inch left arm spin bowler has a strong face and penetrating eyes, house) and never used to pay attention tournament was played with four Eduiji constantly held a handkerchief to her studies. There were always com- teams competing. Today, 22 teams in front of her mouth to hide her four plaints from school, ” notes Diana ’s play in the national tournament, rep ­ missing front teeth. Playing for the mother, Dhun Eduiji, who is visibly resenting practically all the states, first time with a season ball, Diana was proud and happy for the youngest of notes Eduiji. The other tournament hit by a fast delivery from a six-foot her three daughters. bowler resulting in a fractured jaw, f — ' ____ wired fot six weeks. Referring to the late her interest into constructive ______,____ j, ______________ boy who was responsible, Diana says training .came in 1979, when Ms Aloo after only a year in'college to seriously with a smile that now every time they Bamjee started conducting nets for take up a career in cricket. The deci ­ meet, the first thing he ever asks is, girls at the Cricket Club of India, call- sion received an added thrust when, in my dentures on ” but at home she pre ­ fers to be without them. Home abounds i memories of an achiever. The hall - a Karachi where she works as an execu- The first Indian woman test cricke- H||||HV ter to take a catch and capture a wick- et, and who has taken the highest tive assistant at the Sheraton Hotel in 28 tests), Eduiji made her debut in gave them the first real taste of train- broken stick and ball along with the servants ’ children, and later with the enough to form three teams which quarters for senior railway officials at was only in 1973, when the Women ’s Cuffe Parade). “She was very naughty Cricket Association was formed, that as a child - all the time outside (the the first national '^vomen ’s cricket Eduiji constantly held a handkerchief to her studies. There were always com- teams competing. Today, 22 teams missing fronj teeth. Playing for the mother, Dhun Eduiji, who is visibly resenting practically all the states, hit by a fast delivery from a six-foot her three daughters. which is inter-zonal is played for the , For Diana, the opportunity to trans- Rani Jhansi Trophy. ' ----------- J In 1976, Eduiji gave up her studies — V r --- --- - ---------------------------J J V »V with a smile that now every time they Bamjee started conducting nets for take up a career in cricket. The deci- ‘How are your teeth? ’ I now play with ing it the Albees Cricket Club. Both the same year, she got a job in the Diana and her sister Behroze (at one Western Railways as a junior clerk, time also part of the Indian women ’s and where she is presently as officer in the happy cricket team, but now residing in superintendent in the claims depart- m,.. . T,—, . .------ , —,-------- --------- ment. 5 1 65 Parsiana August 1986¦ Edulji made her debut in cricket when she started playing L with a broken stick and ball f along with the servants'children. ii' i. I.; “1 • . i i'i } 1"* '^ij I A 4 g * , yi ¦¦ <»F '!^U te-'T 1 1 I ¦ w I »? x 8 Edulji talks enthusiastically of her under-15 or under-17 boys ’ team match temperament. Once that is employers at the railways, especially (“boys tend to have more physical achieved, Edulji is confident that “we minister, Madhavrao strength. .. you have to play them with are capable of beating any side in the Scindia, who has, according to Diana, extra care, ” notes Diana) as also at the world. ” done a lot for sports people, in the practice sessions of the men ’s Indian moreover, me rive^ffrJe i™,? ’r' ."T Women ’s Cricket Association of India given tree travel, pocket allowances rst:... - - and most important, free kits; leave honor for practice and for tournaments is no and ‘ vm wumeu s problem either, Edulji has been able cricket, I have the upper hand al ­ to convince Scindia and has at last formed the Western Railway women ’s cricket team, which recently won the and experience ”^which is helpinrher first Inter-Railway Women ’s Cricket p - • - - i_• \ . —..... •'—a.,u v»i aiiu IS small, uui ii is a oeginnine. As WP cTn V °"\y '^^y match practice as the two main prob- long as a beginning is made, the foture " women ’s cricket, Edulji generation will benefit. The alterna- \ winning, she adds. notes pointedly that whereas a men ’s • - Edulji trains at the annual camps cricket match between Australia and held at Delhi, under the supervision of New Zealand is reported in India, coaches trained at the National Insti- women ’s teams, playing each other in „,ui me ucsuc tute of Sports. The camp consists of India itself,receive no publicity. Maga- administration of wumcii\ Lrickei' in three sessions a day: physical training zme write-ups and TV exposure would India, Edulji wants to join the trom 6 to 8 am; batting and bowling at p'' '• — ----- -- J the nets from 9 to 11.30 am; and field ­ ing practice from 4 to 6 pm, says Diana who adds, “practice sessions at the camps are real hard. They take every- develop what is called the match tern- thing you ’ve got. ” Some girls come perament. Notes Edulji, “If in every back from the camps and resume train- «. ' mg but Edulji only trains a week or three one-day games... it would raise noted ruefully, not a single school has wn p nrp a mirnamonf o., the Standard of crickct a lot, (bccause) responded. As the joint secretary of ciation, Edulji has plans to make ’ women ’s cricket a regular feature «t are capable of beating any side in the * * 9? However, tournaments are few be ­ cause funds are limited. Moreover, the the various state associations lack these sessions, effective coordination, says Edulji. “going back then to women ’s Players cannot fund their own games .. ¦ as pay scales are meager. (Women get ways, ’ noted Edulji who thinks that Rs 200 per day for a test match and Rs hjs mainly her “natural talent 100 for a one-day game). But, notes "’ r • ” ’ ’ ' ¦ . Diana, “This figure may look small Identifying lack of publicity and of and is small, but it is a beginning. As ¦’iS& h •1^ five is to offer good prize money which encourages a player to put in better ’ work. ” With the desire to smoothen out the ’ women ’s cricket in - , * --7 ----------------J- ------- . i go a long way m making women ’s Women ’s Cricket Association of India cricket more popular, she says. - - - Moreover, women cricketers need to play more tournaments annually to popular, you have to start at the school level ,” says Edulji who has offered her services free of charge to train students season say we have three matches and of any school, if interested. But, she and help in pushing the game forward. ' “If women ’s cricket is to become ’5'^ two before a tournament, and tries to avoid playing matches then, to elimin ­ ate the risk of injury. Practice also involves bowling to the S' SJ Parsiana August 1986 you cannot, for one moment,.relax as the Bombay Women ’s Cricket Asso- you are always facing the"game, ” thus improving the team ’s fielding and ¦I5 i i I Get Good Value ForVour Money Visit Railway Refreshment Room (Railway Hotel) Chaml Road Junction ? Permit Room Beer Parlour TV-VIDEO FREE SNACKS the Bombay High Schools Sports Association. Eduiji did not know of any Parsi women cricketers but talked about Calcutta ’s Shirin Contractor (now Kiash), the only Indian woman who represented India in three games — hockey, basket ball and cricket. Diana ’s long career in cricket has not been without its moments, both encouraging and embarrassing. Re­ calling the first test match which she played against West Indies in Patna in 1976 and which India won, Eduiji notes: “I hit the winning shot. A crowd of 30,000 was watching in the stadium and the drive from the sta ­ dium to the hotel, which usually takes 15 minutes, took us one-and-a-half hours. The crowd refused to let us go! This was right in the beginning of my career and I’ll always remember it. ” An embarrassing memory pertains to a party given by the High Commis ­ sion in New Zealand. Eduiji and her team mates went shopping, and forgot that the sun in New Zealand sets late. When they finally landed at the party, some guests were already leaving. The moment did not pass without com ­ ment, much to the team ’s embarrass ­ ment, but it was “quickly forgotten, ” notes Diana. Throughout her career, Diana ’s family has stood by her, giving her en ­ couragement and support. Dad, Fram Eduiji, who retired as a members, secretary in thp Railway Service Com ­ mission, is now into the office accom ­ modation business along with his son- in-law, Jackie Vaswani (husband of eldest daughter Farida). Notes Diana ’s mother, Dhun, “It gives us great happiness to see her rising and having a name of her own, ” and adds, prob ­ ably expressing the wishes of many in the country, “I would like her to go higher and higher and break more re ­ cords - and we feel she will do it. ” Diana says she ’s not interested in niarriage... “Somehow I feel I am hap ­ pier this way. ”Her mother says, she is “just interested in cricket and her work, especially after forming the rail ­ way team. ” Even though she is now 30 (born: January 26, 1956) Diana will continue in cricket as long as she can. “I will never get fed up. I will keep on playing as long as I am selected (on the Indian team). If not, I will play in domestic tournaments... ” With Compliments of JEENA & COMPANY IATA Approved Air Cargo. Clearing, Forwarding & Warehousing Agents 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay 400 023. Cable: *JUSTITIA” Telex: 2313 Phone: 312032 BRANCHES: E. Merc House, 19/B, Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta 700 071. Phone: 444711 “Jeena House' , 50, Hanuman Road, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110 001. Phone: 310821 Devtha Plaza, C. 14, Residency Road, Bangalore 560 025. Phone: 26215 No. 26, 26, 24, 2nd floor. Harbour Approach Road, Vishakapatnam 530 001. Phone: 65942 205, Gera Chambers, Off Boat Club Road, Pune 411 001. Phone: 65942 No. 6, Jaffar Syrang Street, Madras 600 001. Phone: 26215 i' I j I 1 141 j 69 Parsiana August 1986 IIf T I CARRYING WEIGHT feet-eteveft-ana ‘•fl^*half, Daroga has >. i w. L lb I clean good looks and egnaes himself with confidence. A smaM face, with small eyes and a thin moustache, is crowned with military short hair, the body well-built but not fat. “I was damn happy when I became the national champion for the first time, ” says 27-year-old Daroga, six times national champion since 1978. (In 1982, when the IX Asian Games were held in New Delhi there were two national sports events.) He has also been seven times inter-railway champion, at which time he repre ­ sented the Western Railway, where he works as head clerk. He recalled however, that luck has not always been on his side. At the nr^"3,1 was fed u|) nothing chcked till now, ” says Daroga in 1981, Vispy, much to his consterna- f .U T - 2"’T- 7’ " ¦ receive the award, tion, failed to lift the last weight ter some months I went back...Sports mnct Ptoizja _ iii . . . ' is a sort of addiction...Some people give Up, but soon come back. ” Weight lifter Vispy Keki Daroga, who was re- ______ , ____ __ cently presented the Arjuna Award the Commonwealth Weight Lifting --------------------------------------------New Giani Zail^ Delhi in Zealand, he won a bronze medal, and eligibleifor the honor. Contrary to the layman ’s concept of Arjuna Award winner 4 Vispy Daroga talks of the ups and downs of a” a? the strenuous sport of weight lifting. Niloofer J.Madon H and wanted to give up training, but af- 1 >W' ‘---------------------- ’f'li <’1 Si* P < ’J fi fl I I#' ? h' sk »? ” > i i .yX- and adds that to receive the award, f " " ' __ .-2, L” one must have been on the national which would have won him a bronze, scene for at least three years, and win an international medal for the country. In 1981, when he represented India at for 1983-84 by the President of India Championships at Auckland, February, talks of his renewed enthu ­ siasm for the sport he loves. I was due this award in 1981...but an overly ntuscular weight lifter, Daro* Bs 4 •4^ M. J. > » .V ’f ’ *¦??¦ J Says Daroga, “There is an off day...no matter how much you try, you can ’t (quite succeed)...Concentration is the biggest (necessity)... a fraction of a second here or there and the weight is going to come dftwn. I think concen ­ tration is important in everything, ’’ he a^dds. Loss of concentration can also be the cause of injury, and to Vispy that seems to be a familiar word.Once, when trying to improve his squat, he k '•* ¦1 a 70 Parsiana August 1986 V ”5 k Daroga (above) training at the gym and (left) with his award. (Photos; Homyar Mistry) •i.I r p i injured his knee, and his doctor in events according to their body and red, the opposite. Depending on advised him to take total rest. Though weight, he notes. Whereas Daroga the average opinion of the three, the it still aches, says Daroga, “If you himself participates in the 90 to 100 kg lift is either accepted or rejected , want to come up, you ’have to take it in category, his brother Neville, (who is notes Daroga. your stride. I can ’t afford to take rest also the current national weight lifting Two months before every camp, (from training). ’’ *'---- x . _ ............... Daroga trains four times a week at the Bal Vyayam Mandir, the gymna ­ sium at Nana Chowk, where during weights, ’’says Daroga and adds with a formance. When'^you train you waste the off season, he concentrates on im- laugh, “I don ’t intend to increase (my energy (so you) should have a suffi- proving his “power, ” by exercising weight) now, it ’s too much! ” cient diet, ” says Vispy. Otherwise his particular muscles. Training for com- Though the weight lifting team as a normal diet reads: three to four eggs, a petitions is given at the coaching whole should not exceed 10 partici- glass of milk, and the usual food pre ­ camps at the National Institute of pants plus three reserves, contestants pared at home. Sports, Patiala, where morning and of each weight category participate in- Not being “a spectator sport, ” evening sessions involve improving dependently of each other and medals weight lifting is not popular in India both, technique and power, and the. too are won in each. he says. “It can get boring since the lifts themselveS| There are two types of Olympic lifts, stage remains empty for a long time Training must continue even after says Daroga, the snatch, which in- between competitors. ” Moreover, he the weight lifter has given up compel- volves lifting the weight straight off the explains, “Due to lack of publicity, ing, for lack of exercise can make the ground and above the head and the people are quite ignorant about it. ’’ body flabby. One must give up train- clean and jerk, which involves lifting He adds, however, that in the south, ing very slowly or else keep on exercis- the weight from the ground onto the people have a greater knowledge of ing throughout one ’s life, advises collar and then above the head, weightlifting. In fact, at the 1982 Daroga, because, “It ’s a good thing. It Snatch, which is the more difficult of National Games at Ernakulam will keep your health. ” the two, is always done first because (Cochin) the weight lifting events drew More interested in talking about the “then you are fresh, ” notes Daroga. a crowd of 10,000 people, notes Daro- game rather than himself, Daroga ex- During the games, three judges ga. plains enthusiastically its various tech- ’ flash their opinions on each individual According to him, only the Indian nical aspects, patiently answe+ing ev- lift via three lights (one for each Railways and the Defence Services e,n- ery question. Weight lifters participate judge), white light denoting a good lift courage weight lifters. Recalling an in- also the current national weight lifting Two months before every camp, champion) opts for the 110+ category: Daroga ’s daily diet would consist of six *‘If you piit on weight, you can lift eggs, 300 gms of meat and a liter of more. More muscle means more milk. “Diet helps increase the per- "1 7. >i With Best Cdmplimerhs From ’¦1 •W I PETROSIL OIL COMPANY LIMITED Pioneers in High Technology, High Performance Motor Oils 3, Dinsha Wacha Road Bombay 400020 Grams: ORANGEDISC Tlx: 3520 Phone: 2^0^18 (Licensees of GULF OIL CORPORATION,U.S A) 73 Parsiana August 1986 -I ¦S I Tlx: 3520 ¦ «> a '.'i . I] t ¦’¥ I \ 1F 1 RJfff- terview he gave for a job at a leading the World Railways Meet, national company, Daroga says the in- - - * ... terviewer advised him; ’‘“ Why don ’t you st-ft playing viickci? You have a good no doubt the brothers were encour- Games “We^were height, you can become a fast bowler. ’ aged to take up sport by their father brother Neville fwftiohf ’ liftir,;?;S ’L’:instructor at the Katrak and Dar ’a : us got positions. ” In the 1981 national company, Daroga says the Neville works as a guard in the Central Rail ­ way. No doubt the brothers V_____„„ ___ aged to take up sport by their father brother NeviUe Talking about Parsis in weight lift ­ ing, Daroga notes proudly, that in, ^he Commonwealth five Parsis (Vispy, Jazeel Mehta, Gev Akolawalla) and all mother Dolly, of whom Vispy no^; Saifonal G^am^sV'^S^y. NeX ‘a"d - start playing cricket? You have a good height; you can become a fast bowler. ’ That too when I i / . i-r.. y , 7" ’— -—vawau. ——r’’•a'a TTao cywiia lusuucior ai me KatraK (weight lifting) champion! ” adds Dar- Marwadi Vidyalaya school and their five of oga indignantly. ¦ In the Railways , sportsmen have such perks as a half day off for train ­ ing, 20 to 30 days leave for competi- ____ ___ ! tions, first class rail passes for travell- Ketay^n ” (who is’second i mg to and from the competition site, and out of turn promotion facilities. In ‘ fact, notes Daroga happily, “After =7W“.!aiS was also a weight lifter has been the Visovwon his fir^ w^' coaching. Another option is to Maharashtra State Champion 13 times oetkfoa a^ the lifting com- venture into gent ’s tailoring. “It all de- and was runner-up at naS Da o^of .eve,.(Rusi,whoisfoyearscdenhan SSn'! ’’’ ,, game as yet, Daroga says, “I was in- improving, terested in winning and getting fame. **'" Il is incredible, lifting weights above your head, ” and adds with satisfac ­ tion, “Not everyone can do that! ” k “My mummy was a bit scared (due to Jazeel Mehta became the constant injuries) but she also ... r sister According to Darog^ “Parsfs cln"S- ... — very good weieht lifters now settled in Calcutta) was never because...we are a strong race and its much interested m weight lifting but in our blood ’’ “never objected, ” he adds. Accompanying his elder brother Rusi to the i Chowk, Vispy started by lifting small the administration en- in line and national cham ­ pions in their respective categories. come Daroga notes that once he gives up. 'moetitive weieht liftino nz^„izi weights himself. Soon his mentor, L. because he feels there is a lot of poll- B. Salvan. p.ntp.rprl him "fr^r i— ...j_ . .• « - _ - . a surprise . B. Salyan , entered him for the Novices T competition, your interest (in the . yiyy, has now given up weight lifting event) will definitely increase. Slowly r' and works at the Central Bank of In- slowly, I went \n improvTng; fe dia. ) Vispy s younger brother Neville improving... ” until he became the It f is also the current national weight lift- i ................. • „ juiiivFi viicmiuiuu in iy/o ana g champion and represents India at the national senior champion in 1978. and works at the Central Bank of In ­ i’’ is also the current national weight lift- national junior champion in 1976 and IF ONLY YOUR FINGER HAD BRISTLES... You d be able to clean even the back of your teeth, where decav strike X 3?' Bhicoo J.Manekshaw and deep fry. Pour a little of the eggs onto the cutlet and sprinkle hot oil onto the cutlet with a spoon. This will form ^frills. ’ Flip oveCthe cutlet and pour a little egg on top, and again sprinkle hot oil on top and fry till a golden brown. (The heat should be ad- , justed to keep the cutlets golden brown yet cooked through.) Repeat until all cutlets are cooked. Note: The secret of making ‘frills ’ according to my mother-in-law ’s in ­ structions is to use freshly beaten eggs (so you do not break the eggs all together), and to use fresh oil. It is therefore suggested that you use a small karai, make two cutlets at a time and change the oil after making about .. , , four cutlets. One can strain the oil and i-ETS HAVE GLUCOSB Bl SCOT PER &HARUCHI AKURl reuse it in making curries, etc. ’ ’V ;1 i '“iaM '¦ Xj-' 1 I 81 Pars«na 4ugu$r 1986 F X 4^K- 7 % ' Tomato gravy Tomatoes (2 kg) father threw up his hands in exaspera- TAJA KHARA BOOMLAS Garlic (5 cloves) it was < ? (1^-inch piece) eggs! And it is certain that if a French Chilli powder (1 tsp) chef were to create a dish like this, the Green chillies (2) world would have gone gaga over it! Onions chopped (2) Try it at your next party. Oil (75 g) Sugar to taste Eggs (12) Lime juice Khari biscuits fresh and crisp (’/z kg) Salt to taste Oil (3 tbsp) Green peas boiled (*/4 kg) Onions sliced and lightly browned (2 Potato wafers as garnish (200 g) large) 1 Chop tomatoes. Grind garlic and Coriander leaves chopped (2 tbsp) ginger with green chillies. Heat oil and Creen chillies seeded and chopped (4) [ saute onions till light brown. Add i ground masala wj(h chilli powder. I Saute for about two minutes, then add tion when my poor Keki fooa said that You must have eaten taja tarela boom- it was one of the best ways of eating las, but have you ever tried making Xnn it ic r*/»rtairt tliof xi____ t.i ’’¦Ji k^hiX pans,preferably Teflon coated L? and liquidize. Sieve, (non stick). Slightly break up the bis ­ Add sugar, salt and hme juice to taste, cuits (do not completely cruSi them). Add green peas. Make the gravy well Mix with browned onions, coriander in advance and gently heat it while the them khara served with vagharela chavall Boomlas large and fresh (1 dozen, cleaned and cut into two) Onions finely sliced (2 large) Tomatoes chopped (2) Til oil (2 tbsp) Salt to taste Coriander leaves chopped (2 tbsp) Potato sali, fine (as garnish) For ground masala: Salt to taste Cloves (2) Chilli powder as needed /^-mch piece) Ginger (l ‘/2-inch piece) Use one large or two medium sized Garlic (6 cloves) ™ I Coriander seeds (1 dsp) ¦ Cumin seeds (1 tsp) , __ Green chillies (3) Mix with browned onions, coriander Black peppercorns (4) r ’jej ¦i ‘.5 * ¦? • 7 leaves and green chillies. Heat oil and Turmeric powder (1 tsp) . Lower heat, add onions and lightly brown. Add Va cup water and cook till onions are mushy. Add ------ — .J three minutes. Add tomatoes and the cutlets are being fried. spread biscuit mixture on top. Make a platter. Spoon 12 depressions and break an egg in f - v J ""‘h each. Lower heat, sprinkle salt and ______ ____ ____ wa ers round the edge of platter. chilli powder on eggs. Cover with a lid ground masala and same ” for 'two^'to kWARi 'RICPHT' DCD cMnA minutes. Addiomatoes and the AMAKI BibLOT PERENDA Place carefully on a platter. Makes boomlas with'/z cup water. Cook gent- It sounds quite mad, does it not? My eight servings. ly till the boomlas are done. Sprinkle Put the cutlets on < ’ over the gravy and garnish with potato •'Cd I?- '<1 * S.u ii^^Necklai B 83 Parsiana August 1986 ’¦a i ¦W n 14 A*. f ' Located in the aristocratic area of Bombay’s famed Marine Drive commanding a magnificient view of the Arabian Sea. YET, in the heart of the city’s busiest commercial/Shopping and Entertainment areas. Hotel facilities include: Airconditioned and Non-airconditioned rooms with attached baths. Piped music and telephone in every room. And service that is personalised yet impeccable. All th is at the most affordable price. fea .drcen ^alet 145, AAarine Drive, Bombay 400 020 INDIA-Tel. No. 22 22 94 H 0 H Li Li ff M APM/SG/86 1 8 s B 3 ¦’S' .#'4 w¦, ‘'V ‘ V p. felt >-'fe I ’ I V L j * * ! ^4 « "i tl t* 'I a « A- iS ’I ill V' with coriander leaves. Serve with bring to the boil. Simmer for about CUSTARD NA CUTLETS vagharela chaval covered with fine five minutes, stirring all the time. Add Custard potato sali. green garlic, coriander and green chil- Full cream milk (V2 Itr) Note: Just shake the pan by holding it lies and serve with white rice or val nee Eggs (3) in both your handsjdo not use a spoon dar nee kheechri. as the boomlas may break. Salt to taste Butter (50 g) Reduce milk by V3. Cool. Beat eggs well and mix with milk. Add salt to taste. Grease baking tin (8 inch X 8 j inch X 1 inch) with butter and pour j custard into it. Bake in a medium oven (300°F) till well set (about 20 to 25 mi- J nutes). Cool completely. With a sharp < knife cut custard into 2-inch squares. VALNEE DAR NEE KHEECHRI Sprouted val (200 g) Old basmati rice (300 g) Pure ghee (4 tbsp) Cloves (8) Cinnamon (P/2-inch piece) White cardamoms (4 to 6) Red chillies (3 to 4) Sultanas (60 g) Spring onions sliced (4 to 6) Turmeric powder (11/2 tsp) Onions sliced (2) Buy readymade sprouted val,or sprout Green chillies (2) it yourself and remove skin.. Wash Garlic (2 cloves) rice and remove all starch and soak for Ginger (V2-inch piece) i 20 minutes. Remove rice from water Coriander leaves (2 tbsp) and drain for 20 minutes. Cumin seeds (lA tsp) Heat ghee in a pan, add garam Flour (1 tsp) masala, red chillies and onions. Salt Brown. Add sultanas and cook till Grind chillies, ginger, garlic, coriander they swell. Add val and rice and fry for leaves and cumin seeds. Mix with flour a minute. Add salt, turmeric powder and a pincl^of salt,and coat the custard VAtSARI KUDHI Sour curds (500 g) Fine rice flour (1 dsp) Ghee (75 g) Onion finely sliced (1) Green chillies chopped (4 to 5) Green garlic chopped (4 to 5) Coriander leaves chopped (1 tbsp) Fenugreek(methi) seeds(l tsp) For finely^round masala; Cardamoms (4) Cinnamon (1-inch piece) Cloves (3) Black peppercorns (4) Ginger (2-inch piece) Garlic (6 to 8 cloves) Poppy seeds(1 dsp) Coriander seeds (1 tbsp) Cumin seeds (2 tsp) Turmeric powder (1 tsp) Red chillies (6) Beat curds well with rice flour and a and boiling water till it reaches P/2 pieces with-it. Beat eggs. Coat cutlets cup of water. Heat ghee in a pan. inch above the rice. Bring to the boil first with bread crumbs and then dip in Brown onion and add fenugreek and cook till the water is practically eggs and deep fry in hot oil. Drain and seeds. Saute till brown. Add ground absorbed. Cover and finish on dum or serve. mashla and saute for 1 to 2 minutes put in a preheated oven (350°F) for 20 Note: This dish needs careful handiirrg^ only. Add curd mixture and slowly minutes. Serve with kudhi. but it is worth the effort. A.* Coating Bread crumbs as needed Eggs (2) For Pure Diamonds •¦’J 1 JEWELLERS If hi ii'i 1 ‘ 1 84 Parsiana August 1986 324. GRANT ROAD. BOMBAY 400007. TELEPHONE: 371403 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA^7’i "i*’ - V r,. ‘7^'^ ' n 11 't. Parsi dharamshalas r hl' .i’i ’’I 1 With the rising cost of hotel accommodation, dharamshalas can offer an economical alternative. tl^ J » I 1 r i'll ill t t ? : f , ( f 1 1 J '/i. ^i, s^'. '1^ J ) I 1 1 As' religio-social centers, dharamsha- travellers, quarters half as good here, of Parsi dharamshalas. This list has las or rest homes were built for the would be highly acceptable and though been compiled from information given donor ’s own community only, which and Suburban Zoroastrian Association too was an excellent thing in itself, it and supplemented by Ms Tehmi Grant mi gh t afford a good example for other of Poona and Dr Sam Bhacca of Surat, communities to follow. ” As some of the dharamshalas may offer For the benefit of our readers who restricted services, it is advisable to ________ __ _ _ ___ " " write to the managers in advance and sala, meaning house, 'build'ing^ amshala facilities in different parts of to verify the status of the dharamsha hall, large room or portico. Almost all I * Parsi dharamshalas were funded by private donations rather than by public subscription. After the first known Parsi dharamshala was built in Surat (M.K. Sethna Dharamshala) in 1761, the greatest period of construction activity was from 1840 onwards. The Petits erected four dharamshalas, the Jejeebhoys, three, and the Wadias, > two. The amenities offered by the dhar ­ amshalas in the nineteenth ’ century were very commendable as indicated by a news report in The Times of India quoting Mr Reid’s speech at the inau- , guration of the Nowrosji Pestonji Vakil Dharamshala in Ahmedabad in ! December 1893: “Even to European weary traveller in places of pilgrimage, this institution was meant for the in the July ’85 newsletter of the Borivli They were^ften utilized by those ren ­ dered destitute in times of disaster and by the students who visited the cities to appear for their examinations. The term dharamshala has its roots in Sanskrit: dharam, meaning religior^ may be interested in availing of dhar- India, we are reproducing below a list las. «» ¦ * - gj WN ¦ a A ' , n ! ¦ <>¦ ’'X', '¦ ! i J 86 Parsiana August 1986 "Even to European travellers, quarters half as good, would be highly accept­ able. ” Parsi dharqmshalas at Allahabad (above), Bombay and Gujarat (right) and Madras (facing page). ¦h; I ! fc. AGRA Parsi Dharamshala, Pratap Pura, Aq AHMEDABAD Parsi Dharamshala, Behind Relief Cinema, Ahmedabad. AKO LA Parsi Agiary, Opp Municipal Veterinary Dispensary, Akola. ALLAHABAD Allahabad Dharamshala, 7, Canning Road (M.G. Road), Allahabad. BADNERA Parsi Agiary, Station Road, Badnera. BANGALORE Entee Dharamshala, Benson Cross Road, Kanpur. Bangalore. . ......... .. BARODA l.Parsee Seervai Dharamshala, Post Office Road, Fategunj, Baroda 390002. 2.Parsee Dharamshala, Shahi Gunj, Baroda. BELGAUM^ Parsi Dhardmshala, Parsi Agiary Compound, Lodge Road, Beiqaum 590001. BHAVNAGAR Parsi Agiary, Navapura, Bhavnaqi BHUSAVAL Parsi Dharamshala, Maharashtra Electricity Board Office Building, Bhusaval. d c r.1 Quiitiionum, i.,/o me rrir Tata Bagh, Bazar Street, Bilimora 396321 Batha Hi^h School, Panchqani DistBulsar. --------- ® BOMBAY _____ unuYui Panday Dharamshala, Opp Banaji Atash (Near Bus Stop), Poona4ri 0^^^^ Bahram,Thakurdwar, Bombay 400002 “ ‘ ¦--- BULSAR Bejon Bagh, Bunder Road,Bulsar. CALCUTTA Parsee Dharamshala, 9 Bow Street, Near Fire Temple, Secunderabad SOOOOS.' Bow Bazar Street, Calcutta 700012 DELHI Mengusi Dharamshala, Near Delhi Gate, Bahadur Jaffar Marg, New Delhi 110002. DEOLALI 1 .Daruwalla Sanatorium, Bhagu Road, Deolali. 2.Bahadurii Sanatorium, Lam Road, Deolali. 3.Neturwala Rest House, Parsi Agiary Compound, Lam Road, Deolali. DHULLA Parsi Dharamshala, Jail Road, Dhulla. ra. lar. tn Parsiana August 19S6 RS continued from page 36 Garlic minced (V2 tsp) Sweet basil (2 tsp) (Not available in India) Oregano (ajmo) (1 tsp) Black pepper (Vi tsp) Fresh Parmesan cheese (optional) In a large saucepan, combine onion, zucchini, green or red pepper, egg ­ plant, tomatoes, tomato paste, pars ­ ley, garlic, basil, oregano and pepper. If desired, sprinkle with fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring fre ­ quently, until vegetables are crisp ­ tender. Reduce heat; cover and sim ­ mer for 10 minutes. Remove cover and simmer until liquid has evaporated and mixture has thickened. Makes six serv ­ ings at 79 calories per serving. Baked sole with shrimp and asparagus Shrimp uncooked (4 large) Sole fillets (3 ounces each) (4) Asparagus tips, steamed to crisp ten ­ der (4) Fresh dill sprigs (£uva ni bhaji) Fresh lemon juice Paprika * Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Shell, clean and remove sand vein in shrimp; butterfry. Place a shrimp in center of each sole fillet. Put an asparagus tip on top of the shrimp; roll sole,jelly-roll style. Secure with a wooden pick, if needed. Place fish rolls in baking dish; sprinkle with fresh dill and paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until fish flakes. Makes four servings at 170 calories a serving. Rum custard Eggs (2) Egg whites (2) Milk, evaporated and skimmed (1 cup) ' Nonfat milk (1 cup) Fructose (1 tbsp) (May be substituted by glucose) Rum flavoring (IMt tsp) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat eggs and egg whites slightly in a bowl; add evaporated skimmed milk, nonfat milk, fructose and rum flavoring; mix well. Pour into four custard cups. Place in a baking -V ¦ • - -- ( C™ tard cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center of custard, comes out clean. Makes four servings at 132 calories per serving. IGATPURI Parsee Agiari, Station Road, Iqatpuri INDORE Parsi Dharamshala, Behind Chhavni Police Station, Chhavni, Indore. JABALPUR Parsi Rest House, 321 NapierTown, Jabalpur. JALNA Parsi Agiary, Main Road, Jalna. JAMNAGAR Parsi Agiary, Town Hall, Jamnagi KANPUR Parsi Dharamshala, 63/6 Mall Road, KHANDALA 1 .Jehangir Marazban Sanatorium, Khandala. 2.Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy Sanatorium, Khandala. MADRAS Parsi Anjuman Baug, 76 West Mada Church Street, Royapuram, Madras 600013. NAGPUR Parsi Dharamshala, Opp Gandhi Sagar, Nagpur. NAVSARI 1 .Sorab Baug, Mota Folia, Navsari. 2.Jamshed Baug, Malesar, Navsari. PANCHGANI Batha Sanatorium, C/o The Principal, POONA Pjjdamjee Dharamshala, Bhavani Peth, RAJKOT Par§i Agiary, Opp Fulchap Press, Rajkot. SECUNDERABAD Chinoy Parsi Dharamshala, Opp Parsi SHOLAPUR Parsi Dharamshala, Camp Sholapur. SURAT Pestonji Ookadji Dharamshala, Next to Parsi Library, Muglisara, Surat. UDVADA 1 .Wadia's Dharamshala, Opp Railway Station, Udvada 396170. * 2.Sodawaterwalla Dharamshala, Station water halfway up cus- Road,Udvada 396180. . 3.Sir J.J. Dharamshala, Udvada 396180 URAN Umrigar Fire Temple, Mora Bunder, Uran, Post Dist Kolaba 400702. lar. oven to J Jl i • c •5 ».'J * 1 * ! ' '4 M &!¦ ¦w 8 1 1 « 1.3 ¦* '4^ ’v » ! I i i BOOKS 5 * Argument against acceptance Three high priests reply to Dr Kersey Antia's treatise on conversion, labelling it a heresy. Homi J. Rogers Antia’s ‘Acceptance’: y4 Zoroastrian ‘Ahrmogih’ (Heresy) by Hormazdyar K. Mirza, Kaikhusroo M. JamaspAsa, Fipfze M. Kotwal. Pp 18. With the publication of Ahrmogih amply borne out in the 7asa-me- both the reply monographs,*^misrepre- r-r.r.„oro.r,., „„ A.„„ .1 senting certain quotes in letter and spirit by presenting only a part of it, or interpolating it in a manner to suit his which the Prophet only purified. The Antia ’s study, however, seems to fact that Zoroastrians of today have have indulged in too many liberties of ‘ Antia ’s study, however, seems to not ceased to be Mazda worshippers is misquoting texts, and, as proved by I, 3 (Heresy), the conversion controversy Avenghe Mazda prayer, where we has come around full circle. Antia ’s pledge ourselves to be Mazdayasnians, Argument for Acceptance, drafted as a Mazdayasnian Zoroastrians (“maz- ___ ,_____ j,___ _ ____ reply to the stand held by the three dayasno ahmi, mazdayasno zarathusb- contention. It is to the credit of the high priests of Bombay that conver- trish”). sion is not allowed by the faith, has In a similarly telling style, the au- been counter-challenged by the same thors correct the generally held im- three Dasturs, in this tightly-worded, pfession that the non-conversion poli- succinct, nouncing Antia ’s argument heresy. Ahrmogih. attempts to “expose the the hospitable shores of Gujarat°The being like a substhute for their'own specious reasoning of Antia ” ; ’ ' - - “show the^ fallacy and illusiveness of allowed by the faith, then the Persian and studies of like-minded priSror the arguments used ” by him in his kings would have proselytized their conservatives down the times. work, which was reviewed in these col- subjects, rather than free them from Ahrmogih is a reasonably well- umns in August 1985. To the credit of captivity, and allow them to rebuild constructed, well-thought out reply. It ' Mirza-JamaspAsa-Kotwal, it must be ------- •• ¦ mentioned at the very outset, that the three venerable Dasturs have put forth __ ______ _______ ___________ a logical, well-balanced argument sails, as in the above cases. But, if read terpretation in a lucid style, "which, (though not necessarily a counter- as a reply to Antia ’s argument - which surprisingly, is lacking in the ZS book^ argument) that on many occasions it is meant to be - one finds that the let. Dispassionately,the triad have put steals the carpet away from under triad have very cleverly skirted the forth their case once again. If read by Antia ’s feet, without being dramatic or issues raised by Antia, and have only itself, that is, without reading Antia ’s passionate. Ahrmogih’s strength lies in reasserted their earlier stand, without work, it would well establish the fact the fact, that unlike the Zoroastrian replying to many of Antia ’s argu- that Zoroastrianism 4loes not preach Studies (ZS) reply (reviewed later), ments, whose work they have passed or practice proselytization. Read as a it does not strive at any point of time off as a “superfluous study ” to which reply, it could re- ‘convert ’ some refor- to be more loyal than the king, but “no scholarly credibility can be mists, and definitely motivate the constantly endeavors to discover - and attached. ” If this is the case, the read- more discerning readers to drink deep help the reader to discover — the truth er would have appreciated a more at the Pierian spring. in a rational and logical manner. comprehensive reply to Antia ’s nine- It is a welcome step that three head- Take, for example, the simple de- -- ‘ ‘ - - molition of the case of King Vishtasp ’s ‘conversion ’ - a favorite of the pro ­ conversion lobby - which, incidentally had pre-empted the Dasturs ’argument controversial issue. But, the thought was skimmed over by the ZS reply. 1 ____ ................................................................ The Dasturs argue that Vishtasp was larly, in their zeal to vindicate the is forbading. For, is it right, at a never ‘converted ’(in the strictest sense Achaemenians, the triad have left a lot time when the community has been of the word), as before the advent of of evidence, mustered up by Antia in cruelly reduced in numbers, and faces Zoroaster on the Iranian scene, the re- his study, unanswered, basing their a further onslaught with mixed mar- hgion practised by the Iranians was a own reply on massive quotes from riages and a low birth rate, to equate ’ 4? corrupted form of Mazda worship, Mary Boyce alone. advocacy of conversion with heresy? In a similarly telling style, the au- 18-page monograph de- as a Dasturs that while correcting the dis­ tortions and misrepresentations they have not indulged in similar piffle, over-reliance on Boyce .1 i pages pfession that the non-conversion poli- tjut, an _ cy of Parsis in India is an influence of (approximately four of the 18 the Hindu milieu, and - • - - - But, the Hindu milieu, and a part of the comprise of quofts from her) seems to promise given, when seeking refuge on wean off the strength from the- reply, ¥ f 7^ and Dasturs contend that if conversion was personal knowledge of the religion, ts o /i-f H0NE: 313207 < i S! i '1^i,"*:,! i',-t JiftlHBgtfc • 4 4 'Criticism rife, understanding rare* Propagandists of conversion are distorting facts to suit their own convenience, says the reviewer. A * 1 &>> j ’fia Faribourz Nariman 'ii ' In this world, it is not uncommon “to lawyers, economists and newspaper the Zoroastrian faith. ” see one person lacking an eye, another columnists. And yet Vakil depicts a ear, and a third a leg, ” and others Antia so as to make him stand tall, . who have lost ^‘the tongue, or the particularly when compared with the nose, or the head. ” But “men who Dasturs who are qualified to speak tear Zoroastrianism apart, better- Criticism of ZS is rife; understand ­ ing rare. When rationalism, human ­ ism, theosophism, etc are trying to * i 4-^- i! nose, or the head. ” But “men who ] lack everything except that they have with authority. In other words,' the champions of our tradition than the too much of one thing — men who are learned solicitor opts for comparison nothing more than a big eye, or a big though comparability does not exist, mouth, or a big belly, or something “ else big ” constitute, perhaps, a phe ­ nomenon as amazing as it is despic ­ able. The quotes are from Nietzsche (Thus Spake Zarathustra, ch. XLII) may mistake the same as a mark of with its limited resources, came out to who, in his inimitable style, calls such scholarship. place Antih before the community men “reversed cripples. ” Reversed “ . - ................. cripples are to be found in all com ­ munities including the Parsis. The decided to come out with an appropri- Argument for Acceptance — a reply ate rejoinder. The booklet examines fo the three high priests by Dr Kersey the hackneyed pro-conversion argu- ' in the booklet, truths to which the re ­ Antia with .^foreword by S.R. Vakil is ments (eg ‘universal religion ’which is versed cripples (mostly specialists in a case in point. meant for ‘all mankind ’etc) and clear- one secular field or the other) have It may be recalled that the heter- ly indicates how certain things are wil- long been strangers. In general, the ' odox have always been clamoring for fully distorted to suit the propagan- ~ conversion and, as if to appear as their <” " " savior, Kersey Antia performed the al example of Antia ’s “method ” of “navjote ” of a Christian called Joseph quoting is mentioned. According to Peterson! Dasturs Hormazdyar Mirza, Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa and Firoze Kotwal performed their duty and con- tentions rfiay be omitted without giv- Acceptance demned this in Conversion: a myth ex- ing any indication of the omission! On The author regrets that not a word is- ' ’ ploded (Parsiana, August 1983), later page 7 examples are given to show mentioned about Vakil ’s foreword' published in the form of a booklet. But how Antia refers to the opinions of wherein, with malicious relish, Antia ’s Antia came out with his pamphlet and some “illustrious Parsis ” who, inciden- “singular moral couraige ” is applauded (Shiavax) Vakil speaks about “the in- tally, “are not specialists in the field of while the invaluable guidance of the evitable conclusion that Zoroastrian- Iranian studies. ” Dasturs is brushed aside widi the help ism ordained conversion ” in the fore- On pages 13 and 14 we read about of sophistry. ‘ word. In Addenda 1, Antia testifies, as Antia ’s outbursts against rituals and It would be itt the fitness of things if ' , it were, that the pamphlet is published ZS’s counter to the same: “If rituals the Bombay Parsi Punchayet or some mainly with a view to satisfy or pacify are so unimportant, why all the vast other institution or individual having the frustrated Zoroastrian youth hoopla about Peterson having to the interest of Zoroastrianism and the (evidently of North America) who undergo a proper navjote/vohujote Parsis at heart, would arrange to pub ­ want their alien spouses to be recog ­ nized as Zoroastrians; and it follows, that once this is achieved, the offspring temples? ” of such marriages can' also be regarded as Zoroastrians. _________________________________ Conversion is basically a religious succinctly rebutted. It has been shown Abridged and edited from a review bv issue but, to disprove what the high that such “reforms must be a capitula- Faribourz Nariman, a scholar from the priests maintain, Antia points out the tion to foreign ways or alien pressures, orthodox school of thought and an ex- contfasting opinions of politicians, outside the precedent and tradition of member of the Council of Vigilant Parsis., 95 Parsiana August 1986 Dasturs cannot be found. And when the Dasturs were attacked by someone more concerned with the stylistic pecu- ’O True, Antia has also “quoted ” a num- i ber of illustrious Iranists, but no useful liarities of the Parsis of North America purpose is served by these “quota- rather than with doctrinal truths and tions ” ealcept that some gullible ones communal necessity, ZS, and only ZS, Zoroastrian Studies (ZS), guided by with all his contradictions, iriaccur- the indefatigable Khojeste Mistree, {« I acies, instabilities irrelevance and in ­ anities. ' » '' Many truths have been boldly st3te«^ ‘ •• ¦Si. Dasturs ’ critics are adequately ex- , dists of conversion. On page 5, a typic- posed. Some of the dangers underlying - - the catastrophic pro-conversicm move- ’ ” ment have been frankly and pb^rlbt- = J this “nrethod, ” that part of the quQted ly pointed out and the conclusion ar- '>» sentence which goes against pne ’s con- rived at is that Antia ’s Argument iot is no argument at ail. «i Iranian studies. On pages 13 and 14 we read about of sophistry. Antia ’s outbursts against rituals and I ceremony, as it were? Why the fuss lish hundreds of copies of this ZS pub-^ about allowing others into fire- lication for free distribution and thus / ’ show the reversed cripples their prop ­ er place. On page 30, Antia ’s denigrating re ­ marks about Sassanian mobeds are that such “reforms must be a capitula- 4* Jm w J if.! .>w ¦ INMEMORIAM * r i ! - ?3- Herart as amission 1 1 i 4d den Death series exemplified man ’s last struggle before death, a theme which preoccupied me during a certain period of time. Similarly,! feel that my present series. The Monsoon, is a logical continuation of the Time Cycle series, since the monsoon is the lifecy ­ cle of India, ” said Pochkhanawala in April 1984 in an interview with Namaskar magazine. “An early association which was to manifest itself in her work was fire - ‘the only source of artistic expression ’ in Zoroastrianism, she said. She attri ­ buted the energy in her pieces and the 32-foot high metal Flame to this focal point of the religion forced upon her, notes Ayesha Kagal in the Sunday Re­ view of The Times of India of June 15, 1986. She was equally fascinated and inspired by the sea, sky and space. Bored with the teaching and curricu ­ lum at the J.J. School of Art, in her early youth, Pochkhanawala, a com ­ merce graduate, got a job as a show window designer yith Air-India. This gave her her first opportunity to go to Europe where she visited all the famous museums, cathedrals and col ­ lections of art and was more impressed by the historic sculptures than the painting and frescoes. On her return to India, she tried her hand at sculpture. After being preoccupied with carving for a short while, under the advice of Pansare, a senior sculptor, Pochkha ­ nawala started working with metal. Encouraged by the Gokuldas family, J, she started working in their factory I; and became one with their average workers, cutting and welding with them without inhibitions, stated a re ­ port in The Times of India of July 11. ... , _ Once while sculpting ’a large welded properly. I hope the Nehru Centre will figure, the factory workers asked her !jt pQct them the piece and she found that they had garlanded it and used it in their puja. Another steel and stone r ------ in a viewers to see how her private garden was deified by the garde- _2 years ner as a modem day Shiva and Pafva- - and changing ti.One of the most moving responses , themes, using varied techniques and to her work was from a deaf bov who a wide range of material - gazed raptly at her Kathakali dancer and began spontaneously dancing around the exhibition hall, noted 77ie ¦up. ‘^eyainic. “‘The strongest aspect of her work is My choice of material has often that she evolved on her own. Unlike • ex- most Indian sculptors, her work is tru- V »9 \ 4 •^-S < <1 “i > ¦’^ ‘Her sharp intellect blended with keen sensitivity matured her talent in a dis­ tinctive direction. It helped her fashion many a sculpture of conspi ­ cuous artistic merit - which stood out for their striking aesthetic content, technical dejcterity and originality. Pil- loo Ratan Pochkhanawala will live through her work which occupy a place of honor in the current phase of our sculptural tradition. ” So noted a resolution passed at a condolence meeting convened for Pilloo Pochkha ­ nawala on June 29, 1986, under the joint auspices of 14 Indian organiza ­ tions connected with art. At the func- — don arranged at the Nehru Centre at Pochkhanawala with her creations (Above) Bombay where her last major public Stone Age to Space (Photo: Dev Beneval) commission Stone Age to Space lay uninaugurated, a wreath was placedon (Tyres) too, have not been mainta ined her 30-foot high monumental cre ­ ation. Though an official inauguration was deserves. ” denied to. her during her lifetime, Pochkhanawala,who died of cancer on June 7, 1986 at the age of 63,accepted which enabled the indifference shown to her. sculp- i ‘ tures. She noted in an interview with through . Bombay magazine (June 7-21,1986), “There are too i- ------ sculptures in Bombay and not enough wood and stone, cement and steel at least give the sculpture the care it In 1984, Gallery Chemould orga- ______x--v —- *—-*.^* «iiu nized a retrospective of her sculptures sculpture, Atomic Couple, placed ! work had eyolved over 32 I different ‘‘’L. , Ji 'i ' ‘ 'J? w *! 4 I of creative pieces. Unlike Delhi, Bom- dripped lead and terracotta, alumi- tuuunu me c ay unfortunately neglects its sculp- nium alloy and bronze, copper and Times write-up ture. All my sculptures too have met ------- - with a bad fate - the one at Haji Ali . 5 has clothes drying on it, while my been determined by the particular CE.\T perience I wished to project. The Sud- ly self-discovered and personal, ” notes sculpture at Doordarshan and CEAT 97 Parsiana August 1986Tarapor: contribution to cricket Bhabha: On important government posts I,'it he was popularly known, was “a kin- dhearted godfather of artists and musi ­ cians and dancers, ” wrote noted art critic Dnyaneshwar Nadkarni in the Financial Express of June 22, 1986. When the former residence of Bhu- labhai Desai was donated by his wife for use in cultural activities, upcoming artists would approach Batliwala, who was incharge of the cultural center, to rent them a studio at a nominal fee of rupee one per day and the artists would be fined a similar fee on the day they remained absent, notes the Financial Express write-up. Sitarist j her mentor, Pansare. ’Unlike her con- with “ ” d 1,.. ,1___ temporaries, she is also respected for fields of the economy and asTom- not suffering “from the trauma of exp- ’ ’ osure to the West. ” Theater was one of Pochkhanawa- la ’s special loves and using thermocole ________ ____ she worked on a number of sets includ- lege, held several important* p^ts ing The Book of Job and The Splen- ' ' doured One based on Zarathushtra ’s life. “Pilloo did indeed treat her art as a mission — but without making a noise __ ________ about it. In fact what distinguished her Havana in 1947. In addition, he was behavior throughout her life was a chairman, Indian Banks Association sense of dignity. And it was her sense from 1955 to 1961, chairman National of humor that m^de this quality unpre- Shipping Board and vice-chairman “distinction through various merce minister. ” Bhabha,who did his postgraduation in commerce from Sydenham College, and was also fellow of St Xavier ’s Col- both in the government and the pri ­ vate sector . He was the union minister of works, mines and power in 1946,and led the Indian trade delega ­ tion to the World Trade Conference at r 1 tentious and human, ” wrote art critic Central Bank of India. This apart from Dnyaneshwar Nadkarni in The Sunday promoting several large sized Observer of June 15. I ;__ ZZ.l.l ______ _ __ _ Known for her integrity, Pochkha- Parke Davis (India Ltd), Warner Hin- nawala had once said, “I haven ’t re- dustan Ltd and E. Merck India Ltd, ceived any recognition only because I amongst others. am too independent and I don ’t buzz P* " \____ „ ...................... / people ’s noses...I am Amy, son Homi and daughter Rati F. time I have cooled down it is too late ... I would be very satisfied if even ‘ ‘ Godfather of artists’ ’ a stray spark from my welding could Died: Soli Batliwala, 81, patron of In ­ IF I 1 J com ­ panies £uch as Kelvinator of India Ltd, dustan Ltd and E. Merck India Ltd, Bhabha js survived^by his wife Dr School of Music from these premises u .• J painters like Gaitonde, Prafulla Dahanukar and Sadwelkar got their inspiration in art from the same venue. A close associate of Bhulabhai De­ sai, Batliwala,who was a divorcee, be ­ lieved: “Life is like music. It must be er, on June 11, 1986 at Breach Candy composed by ear, feeling and instinct Hospital, Bombay, following a pro- and not by rule. ” - A practicing communist who be- “Bathwala is always considered with came disillusioned with the movement affection and gratitude by hundreds of during the Indian independence strug- artists all over the country whom he gle, Batliwala was sentenced to nearly . .- , ' D ' in about 17 prisons in the country, re ­ union commerce minister in the In- 2 passed at .. vhv Indiun Ejt. few ui juiic iz meeting on June 22, under the From 1948 to 1951 he served in the and chairman of Spencer and Co Ltd joint auspices of The Federation of Indian Diplomatic Corps at Switzer- land, Austria and Italy. “As a student of Elphinstone Col- the Bombay Tamil Sangham. lege, he was known for his fiery Managing trustee of Bombay ’s Bhu- speeches and students ’ union activi- too blunt and hot tempered and by the Forbes a Godfather of artists burn a hole into the almost blank dian art and culture and freedom fight- chapter of contemporary Indian sculpture... ’* _____ Pochkhanawala is survived by her longed illness, daughter Meher and brother Dorab Framroze Adenwalla. I 'if Batliwala: “lent dignity” to Indian culture 1 Ravi Shankar started his Kinnar A practicing communist who be- affection^and gratitude by hundreds of during the Indian independence strug- u • r>. uk -jx encouraged and given platforms eight years of rigorous imprisonment and thus brought to the forefront, ” in about 17 prisons in the country, re- „ :"L*‘ noted a resolution passed at a condo- called the Indian Express of June 12. Of many distinctions since 1952, of a heart attack while on a Cultural Organizations of Bombay, private visit to London on June 29, The Bhulabhai Memorial Institute and 1986. In a condolence message. Prime »»• • . „ _ ... ® „ -----------o—o —o jjiiu- duvvkiitj aiiu siuuciiLs union aciivi- A ‘abhai Memorial Institute - “the hub ties. He also took part in dramas and and said that Bhabha served the nation of cultural activities ”-Soli mama, as ' in those years, took female roles also. 99 Parsiana August 1986 ¦E ¦ i, s’ ' If I U i’’ h- I, mentioned dance critic Sunil Kothari in his reminiscences of the man. Sturdy and always clad in immacu- game as “tremendous and honest...He Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as I late white, Batliwala “became an in- 1......................... stitution and lent the metropolis of of India as if it was his second child. Bombay a certain dignity and pride in matters of culture, ” summarized cricket. A slow left arm spinner and found him in the Poona Club library or Kothari. with a straight bat that strengthened on the veranda watching a cricket - _ , 1 „ . the batting tail, he first emerged into match, ” writes his wife in a letter to Managed cricket aiiairs the limelight when he captained the Parsiana. “He swam every evening at Died; Keki K. Tarapor, 76, former Elphinstone College cricket team for the Poona Club swimming pool and secretary of the Cricket Club of India three years, noted Talyarkhan. In 1939, spent the rest of the evening on the (CCI), following serious injuries in a he was awarded the Dr M.Pavri ’s lawns of the Club. This was his routine road accident at Poona, on June 15, Cricket Silver Jubilee gold medal for till the last days of his life. ” 1986. best bowling performance, a trophy Tarapor is survived by his wife ' “He was one of those hearty...type that the family still treasures. His only Bridget and son Kurush. His friend, Ratilal Khushaldas de- to England, West Indies and Austra- 1 scribes Tarapor ’s contribution to the lia. In 1984, he served on the Board of I loved and worked for the Cricket Club executive secretary for a year. ..........In April 1985 he moved with his wife Tarapor ’s life was interwoven with Bridget to Poona. “Every morning i J i I' H' ' r- 'I of Parsis, l^for one, always fancy as test appearance was in a single game being more at home on the veranda of against the West Indian team in 1948. a maidan club than in the closer and Tarapor also captained for some years more stifling confines of an air- the Bombay team in the Ranji conditioned office, ” wrote popular Trophy tournaments. sports columnist, A.F.S. Talyarkhan "" in the Blitz of June 28. “His passing away has been a served her well as an administrator tremendous loss to Indian cricket in and manager. He was the first paid general andBombay cricket in particu- secretary of the Cricket Club of India, lar, ” wrote famous cricketer Polly which he served for 27 years, from Umrigar in a condolence letter to where he retired in 1982. He was also Tarapor ’s family. manager* of the Indian cricket teams However, if Tarapor failed to repre ­ sent his country again as a player, he Shiavax Nargolwala An obituary on Shiavax Nargolwa ­ la, president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman and vice-president of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrain Anjumans of India, who died in a car accident on August 6,1986, will be carried in the September issue of Parsiana. * : i I s h 'b i' J^iccntinefl arv I cleanin? machines f 1923-1986 Sixty-three yeors of clean service! DIANA-ECLIPSE For aU your carpet and upholstery cleaning. ? HoNand Houm, Colaba Causeway, Bombay. Tel: 2(»06T9 ? ''Farag*'27, Peddar Road, 100 Parsiana August 1986 Jkijtira ^nierptise Manufacturers of Printed Packaging Materials Corrugated Boxes, Plastic Carrier Bags, Plastic Containers 10/4, Rustom Baug, Byculla, Bombay-400027 Tel. 8722885