Oct 1986

''J i I I [tla i I <¦ W' *, h 1 I p i^ I & R L « s|;. "... L6 i. * ?>>? t » *< i , * K. {. r¥ « ! 1^'4 1^- :i'- .. **v» ¦ unw^October 1986 Volume 9 Number 4 * ¦f- EDITOR Jehangir Pat|l MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Toddywalla ASSOCIATE EDITOR Niloofer Madon DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN ASSISTANTS Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah Fernandes MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L. Arora CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driven, Khurshid Daruwalla OFFICE Rajendra Nayak, Madhuri Dabral, Khurshid Balsara, Patricia Lewis. 3 Readers' Forum 9 Events and Personalities 12 Zoroastrians Abroad 13 The Godrej exit by Arnavaz Mama 15 Bengalee new trustee by Parinaz Toddywalla 17 Poona elections by Niloofer Madon 18 Federation 25 Sizing up the Federation 29 The first Pars! cricket team by Vasant Raiji 34 The transforming knife by Jeroo Irani r 39 Business: Tending Atash Cover: (From top left) D.H.Patel, N.C.Bapasola and P.D.Kanga. (Below) Second Parsi team to England in 1888. Photos courtesy Tyeby Press. Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt 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. All rights reserved. Address all editorial and business correspondence to Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bom bay 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 100 for one year, Rs 180fortwoyears;Air mail Rs210for one year, Rs 400 for two years. For US cheques add $5 tocover bank charges. 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 or C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort Bombay 400001. II October 1986 Volume 9 Number 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 MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L Arora CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driven Khurshid Daruwalla OFFICE Rajendra Nayak, Madhuri Dabral, Khurshid Balsara, Patricia Lewis. 3 Readers'Forum 9 Events and Personalities 12 Zoroastrians Abroad 13 The Godrej exit by Arnavaz Mama 15 Bengalee new trustee by Parinaz Toddywalla 17 Poona elections by Niloofer Madon 18 Federation 25 Sizing up the Federation 29 The first Parsi cricket team by Vasant Raiji 34 The transforming knife by Jeroo Irani ( 39 Business: Tending Atash (¦ ¦ Cover: (From top left) D.H.Patel, N.C.Bapasola and P.D.Kanga. (Below) Second Parsi team to England in 1888. Photos courtesy Tyeby Press. *¦ Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt 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. 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 100 for one year, Rs 180 for two years; Air mail Rs210for one year, Rs 400 for two years. For US cheques add $5 tocover bank charges. 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 or C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort Bombay 400001.' 1'.-* READERS' FORUM i English language is definitely not their Old Girls ’ Association hopes to forte. adi p. shroff arrange interesting programs. The California, USA funds that these activities generate will help to equip the School with added equipment and audiovisual aids. Books, magazines, educational casset- dered yeoman service to the Parsi/ tes of plays and music will be most wel- Irani Zarthostis of India and Iran. It come for our new library. The com- carried on its multifarious activities for munity ’s help in cash and kind will go a a long period till the situation changed long way to carry the institution on the in Iran and it became difficult to con- course its visionary founder had con ­ tinue to keep the link between the ceived a hundred years ago. Zarthostis of Iran and the Parsi/Irani Zarthostis of India which was the main object for which the League was dered sufficient accomplishments for a founded in 1922. Consequently, the young woman, Ms Bachoobai A.F. role of the League in public life Moos had started the Girton School in reached a low ebb. a rented building near Grant Road We have decided to activate the Station with only 10 pupils. Until 1946, League by arranging various cultural when she passed away peacefully after and social activities with the participa- a full day ’s work, Ms Moos continued tion of Parsi/Irani Zarthostis. Accor- as the School ’s principal. The position dingly, the League arranged pilgrim then devolved on "Ms Silla Ardeshir, tours to mofussil agiaries. This year on May 9 and 10, we visited atash bahrams, the Goti Adarian at Surat years. and the Siganpore Agiary. A Ms Ardeshir gradually modernized Shahnameh competition was held on the school, updated teaching methods July 27, the prize distribution of which is slated for October 19 at Albless Iran League ’s appeal The Iran League has , in the past, ren- in an era when cooking, needlework and a subservient manner were consi- Ms Moos ’ grand-niece, who continued as honorary principal for the next 39 1 Readers' views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community Bang, and should sent to the Editor, Read ­ ers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O.Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. and introduced extra-curricular activi ­ ties. Red Cross work, elocution and dramatics, Indian dancing, choir sing ­ ing, Girl Guides and Bulbuls, the In ­ Moreover, we have decided to start Persian and Gujarati classes and teract Club and swimming classes be- would like to publish booklets such as Ten Easy Lessons on Zarthrustism. To came common features. (The latest and very popular additions to these start with, we have decided to publish activities are karate, jazz ballet and a Questions at the time of navjot. All these plans need funds. For the furtherance of our activities we appeal tions and acquitted themselves very computer course.) The students began participating in inter-school competi- Forget controversies I hope that future issues of Parsiana .. . address subjects other than the perpe- to your good selves and your trust for creditably. But more 4mportant, the tual controversy within the commun- financial assistance. A cheque may SSC results proved to be cent percent, ity. please be drawn in favor of “Iran year after year. Certainly our religion and its mem- League ’’ and forwarded to Ervad Fali To replace the derelict old building, bers afford the possibility of more con- S. Master, Honorary Secretary, Iran past pupils and the manageinent structive journalism. I share this view League, Navsari Building, 2nd floor, joined together to form the Old Girto- with several other Parsis here. For ex- 240 Dr D. Naoroji Road, Fort, Bom- nians ’ Association Property Fund ample, you may do a service to the bay 400001. whose 25-year-long project culminated community by independently resear- sir jamsetjee jejeebhoy, bart. in 1984 when the new school building, ching and writing about the outstand- President, Iran League construction of which was started in ing Zoroastrian philanthropists in Los ccntcnarv 1974, was officially opened by Mr Nani Angeles. J Lastly, and this is probably a matter With the Girton High School ’s centen- of aesthetics, please attempt to print aty due in 1988, we invite ex-students your journal in the traditional King ’s and the community to help us cele- English. I sense a tendency toward brate the event. The School children American English. Though Americans expect to hold a concert, their parents given remission, while some are taught do many things very well, using the will organize an Anand Mela and the f ‘ financial assistance. A cheque may SSC results proved to be cent percent, please be drawn in favor of “Iran League ’’ and forwarded to Ervad Fali 240 Dr D. Naoroji Road, Fort, Bom- SIR JAMSETJEE JEJEEBHOY, BART. President, Iran League Palkhivala. The School now has about 750 stu ­ dents on the rolls. The girls come from all communities and those who cannot afford even the nominal charges are free. A midday meal is supplied free to ¦* 3 Parsiana October 1986 - JI Girton School’s new building I I the poor and the undernourished Parsi ! pupils, while others are given free | books and clothes as required. ' The School ’s trustees are always under pressure to accept more pupils, but their policy is not to overcrowd the classrooms but to offer a high standard of education with as much individual | attention as possible. Nor do they I accept “donations ’ pupils. Sadly, only a few Parsi families now take advantage of the facilities offered by the School. Once there were over 90 percent Parsi pupils. Now the num- ¦ ber has dwindled to about 30 percent. I Donations to help the School will " qualify for tax concession under sec- amongst Zoroastrians, and if a Peter- sinners in the eyes of God, a concept tion 80G of the Income-tax Act, if sent son on his own happens to find our in favor of the Old Girtonians ’ Asso- religion worthy of adoption, most of us ciation Property Fund, C/o Girton will welcome him with open arms in the community. High School, Wimbridge Compound, the spirit of the Vaetha Nask. We in ­ Bombay 400007. to admit new “ 1 t V V 1 ¦A, I _ I i unknown in those times. Such an acceptance will ensure the existence of It will be such a tragedy for us all if Ms N D. SANJANA vite Sunavala and others to visit us and the Zoroastrians in North America Principal, Girton High School gajn a firsthand knowledge of what we dwindle away from the face of the 4roiinti>nt fnr ” are doing, to avoid unjust surmises. earth despite their open mind, while 1 neArgumenijor ... Sunavala asserts, “a non-Parsi wife those in India will^follow suit despite Dr P.D. Sunavala ’s allegation that my of a Parsi husband should be absorbed their closed mind. I renew Dasturji booklet. The Argument for Acceptance within the community but Antia thinks Dhalla ’s call for a conference td re ­ carries “the implication that we in In- that restricting acceptance into the solve this crisis and not let a stray court dia should open the floodgates to non- faith only through marriage is too order resolve the problem as in the Zoroastriarts ” {Parsiana, July ’85) restrictive... Such free-for-all mea- could not in any way be surmised from sures as Antia suggests could spell our my conclusion (pages 43-44). If my doomsday, ’’ a conclusion one cannot booklet has any implication, he may possibly arrive at from even a very have missed it: The Peterson navjote casual perusal of pages 43-44. I do was not a farcical rite - “an insult, quote the views of Insler and others in mockery and a cruel joke, ” as claimed this regard to bring out the real truth, or be wiped out in the next few years? by the three learned Dasturjis (Hor- but knowing the peculiar problems as Today, this is the biggest challenge in mazdyar Mirza, Kaikhusroo JamaspA- well as mentality of the Parsis vis-a-vis front of all of us whether old or young, sa and Firoze Kotwal) one of whom Iranis, I have not advocated “free-for- the obvious reason being the declining surprisingly had already accepted the all ” measures for them, not only for population. Vaetha Nask’s recommendation of their sake but for the sake of the con- ' ' “ “conversion on one ’s own desire ” as verts as well. The possibility of Peter- authentic and valid. I have simply sons studying and adopting Zoroas- 1,20,000. A community-whose religion stated what I know to be the real truth trianism entirely on their own in India is one of the most ancient is yet too which will once again be lost to the is so slight because of various factors microscopic. Even the Sikh commun- community if a wrong inference is prevailing there, that one would hard- ity, which was founded hardly four made. It is not for us here to tell the ly worry about the specter raised by centuries ago has a population around Parsis (of India) what to do, though Sunavala. they have told us enough on this sub ­ ject which is not even in harmony dorsing the acceptance of our non- with our scriptures and earlier history. Zoroastrian female spouses. However, That was the real purpose for writing his non-acceptance of our non-Zoroas- the booklet and not for opening the trian male spouses and their progeny is to mold our policies keeping the pre ­ floodgates to non - Zoroastrians as not in consonance with our prophet ’s Sunavala alleges. emphasis on the unprecedented and Contrary to what he says about my categorical equality of man and goals can be achieved unless we are taking up the cudgels to convert others woman. Even the later Pahlavi litera- prepared to sacrifice. How was our In ­ here, our attention at present is almost ture, e.g. Pahlavi Vendidad 18, dependence achieved in 1947? A sacri- entirely directed towards our own emphasizes this tradition by asserting fice by thousands of patriots. How was progeny remaining and marrying that both man and woman are equal the Sikh community formed? Hindu first decade of our century. Dr KERSEY ANTIA Illinois, USA Prosper or perish Will the Parsis live on as a community I understand that the Zoroastrian population in the world is around 5 Parsiana October 1986 \ Nevertheless, I salute him for en- 15 times that of ours. I very sincerely feel that we ourselves are responsible for this situa ­ tion. A drastic change is required in our views and policies; we might have sent situation in view. History teaches us that no majorMy next suggestion is to persuade wholesome food. Since wholesome unmarried Parsis to get married and food is becoming costly,^ we supple- Parsi girls who are already married beget children. Give the requisite faci- i „ __ S' I families sacrificed one or more of their sons for this new community. ---------------------- — „ . u - i;- Parsi girls who are already married beget children. Give the requisite faci- ment their regular diet with nourishing to non-Parsi boys should be given the lities to such couples as employment, food items through the medium of our option to admit their children into our accommodation, etc. Trust. This we have been doing for the religion. We have to convince people, P inject an idea in them to have at least lem is the increasing population^ and one more u.ii- —-—'-j -------- i " f 7 7 ~ r j- plan; Suppose we have around 15,000 family planning. But the quantitative me Centre on our feeding program to 20,000 couples between 30 and 40 effect of the growth of Zoroastrians on w, nrp. years, they should sacrifice their com- India ’s population would be negligi- forts and get one extra child than what ble. For example, an increase of may be required for a particular pa- they plan for. For this additional child 10,000 Parsis means about eight per- tient. The patient will then be given a we should be prepared to give the fol- cent increase in the total Zoroastrian nourishing food packet by us. A chart lowing compensation; population, but this would affect the • Give the lady financial assistance for population of India only by .001 per- all expanses incurred at the time of cent. The Government of India would pregnancy and delivery. surely pardon us for this as the con- • Give a fixed amount to the couple tribution of Parsis towards the de- each month for every extra child velopment of India is well-known. reared by them. This is the pattern , virafmirzan adopted in the Middle-East countries. *^’**®*‘ The Government gives additional money per child, thus encouraging pa ­ rents to have more children. • In cases where the parents are very poor, we should be prepared even to take over the child and bring it up at our own cost. Such children can also be adopted by rich childless couples. Presently, our country ’s main prob- last one decade. __ 1- --- -____________ - l 1 To further develop our original child than what they actually the consequent national philosophy of scheme, we have decided to start a Cli- day, when a qualified doctor will pre ­ scribe the type of vitamin food which will be maintained to see the progress and the time taken to improve the pa ­ tient ’s health. For this social work, we owe our thanks to Dr Inam Abdus Salam who has offered his honorary service to our Parsi community. While we believe in administering the right medicine, we feel that what _ J , the poor, ailing and needy members ol r OOQ tnerapy community require today is not It is observed from our considerable merely voluminous items to fill the experience in the Free Food Service Charitable Trust that 90 percent of the ailing members of our community suf ­ fer from various illnesses originating from weakness, caused by want of belly, but really nutritious food to im ­ prove their health. The summary is: lei the food act as medicine. SAMY ENGINEEI Active Trustee, Free Food Service Charitable Trus ’ ¦-*1 < I 6 Parsiana October 1986 With Best Compliments From: O.K.Wafers Suryodaya Mills Estate, Tardeo Main Road, Bombay-400 034 Tel. Factory; 4946473 Office: 234948/235269 Branches at: Colaba, Gowalia Tank, Dhobi Talao.•1 Events and Personalities The unsung patriot Advocating a chair for national in ­ tegration in the University of Bombay when repression was rife, jail terms return, said noted homeopath Dr and annual Bhikhwji Cama memorial and deportations the order of the day. Sarosh Wadia. But from the ship she lectures. Minorities Commission mem- She considered armed conflict as justi- went straight to the B.D. Petit Parsee her Homi J. H.Taleyarkhan paid stir- fied and had celebrated the fiftieth General Hospital where she died ring tribute to the “high priestess of anniversary of the 1857 war as the First September 12, 1936 - unknown, un ­ Indian nationalism and Florence War of Indian Independence. Thus sung, a decade before India ’s Inde- Nightingale of India. ’’ <’ .. . . - - • Speaking at the combined function Gangadhar Tilak and Subash Chandra held by the K.R. Cama Oriental Insti- Bose, tute and the Rahnumae Mazdayasnan Sabha at the Cama Library hall on the unfurlment of the Indian national to work among plague victims in Bom- September 24, 1986 to celebrate the flag - her own creation - at the social- bay and to nurse the dying brother one hundred and twenty-fifth birth ist meet in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907 who had disapproved and spurned her. anniversary of Bhikhaiji Cama, where, as noted Progressive Group Industrialist Sohrab Godrej recalled Taleyarkhan noted that Madame president Ms Perviz Dotivala, she de- that Cama had “never failed to spdak Cama, the first person to have a vision manded - and got - “a standing ova- of Hindu-Muslim unity ” and added of complete independence for India, tion to the flag. ” that Cama had wanted to be buried at went from place to place propagating the idea, which is why not much is Cama fled Britain to establish herself Wadia noted that Cama ’s famous flag known within India of what she did. now lies in Poona with Tilak ’s heirs Quoting free India ’s first governor and suggested that it be enshrined in general C. Rajagopalachary, Taleyar- the national archives. khan spoke of the “brave and tena- The seven-member panel of speak- cious part Cama played when patriot- ers, which included Dastur Dr Hor- ism was sedition and not a paying con- mazdyar Mirza and Ms Aban Minbat- cern ”. tivala, spoke variously about Cama ’s Nee Patel, Bhikhaiji Cama was born contribution to the Indian freedom to wealth and position. The daughter- stuggle, each one valiantly respecting in-law of famous Indologist K.R. the seven-minute time limit set by the Cama, her marriage to his son, Rus- organizers, thus contributing to an in ­ tom, fell prey to their antithetical char- teresting, inforrhative evening, acters: he was conservative, she re ­ volutionary. In 1902 she separated Studio highlights from him and “exiled herself in Eng- The new furniture gleams as photo ­ land so that her activities could be un- graphed faces look down from the fettered by any restrictions of the Brit- wall: Indira Gandhi in a gara, Rajiv ish government in India, ” observed re- ^amu: unfettered tn British restrictions Sonia Gandhi, wedding photo ­ tired judge and ex Bombay Parsi Pun- graphs, babies, industrial plants and chayet (BPP) trustee Jal Vimadalal in Paris, her circle of friends including vintage motorcars highlight the work who presided in the absence of BPP Italian patriot Giuseppe Mazzini and Homyar Mistry undertakes, chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla and of Russian novelist Maxim Gorki. Called Homz Prints, the new Tar- Cama Institute ’s vice-president Sir “There was not a single revolutionary deo office of Parsiana friend and Jamsetji Jejeebhoy who were called in Europe (then a hotbed of revolu- photographer Homyar Mistry makes away to an official function organized tion) who did not know her, ” noted good use of every available space to by the University of Bombay. Dotivala. The French government re- accommodate the front office, the Cama ’s political career was kindled sisted British calls to extradict her, un- dark room leading into the enlarger by Dadabhoy Naoroji and she fol- til, broken in health, she yearned to room (“the cockpit of the entire lowed his teachings to a great extent, return to Bombay. Philanthropist Sir office, ” according to Homyar) and the Naoroji fought for Indian Independ- Cowasji Jehangir and freedom fighter ence within the British Parliament, and social worker Burjorji Bharucha Cama fought without. Hers was a time were responsible for enabling her to she was said to be a forerunner of Bal pendence. “ - — - . _ . . _ President of the Rahnumae Maz- dayasnan Sabha Jal Vakil spoke of the A high point of Cama ’s career was warm humanist qualities that led her With the onset of World War I, the Pere-Lachaise cemetery in Paris. Cama: unfettered by British restrictions 9 Parsiana October 1986 I - j 1 Jl .jcropping and drying machine room from where a narrow and steep stair ­ case leads onto the mezzanine studio i.;- housing the JVC video cassette recor ­ der and television as Mistry also undertakes video shooting. Homz Prints also holds the agency for the “1- hour colortronics film lab. ” Having undertaken everything “from ocean to sky, ” Homyar talks of his 1982 Asian Games yachting assign ­ ment which gave him a lot of publicity. A keen mountaineer, he has also cre ­ ated an audiovisual tribute to his “first love, ” the mountains. With clients that include the India Tobacco Company, Herbertsons, Godrej, Dippy ’s and Signature magazine. Mistry says he is currently making a video documentary on Phiroze Dastur, the optometrists. A qualified 1 " Homyar took to photography on a valid. Ironically presiding over port and presented several prizes for Mistry with a video camera in his new studio . . ... textile designer, the 1660s in his play The Imaginary In- lucky programs. If only they could ' - .', ' - , ’an have included in the souvenir a little trekking holiday, after which one of evening of mirth at the expense of the background information about the phy competition and later published Dr Darab Jussawalla, as veteran thes ­ pian Naseeruddin Shah led a versatile magazine. This success ignited his in- caste to stage a brilliant revival of the SPOTLIGHT terest in photography and he studied old classic in aid of the Rayomand the subject under Rustom B. Behli- Committee ’s fund raising drive on The German Democratic Republic ’s homji who is now a course coordinator September 19, 1986 at the Birla Star of People ’s Friendship Award was for Pathfinders, the research division Matushri Sabhagar. presented to Rusi K. Karanjia, Editor of Lintas. “Then for a short time I Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) of The Daily and Blitz publications, worked with' Pankaj Shah, a profes- chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla who pres- and the first person outside of the sional photographer, ’’ but as Homyar ided, remarked that “people get ner- GDR to receive the country ’s highest notes with a grin, “I always wanted to vous when a BPP trustee begins to honor, notes The Free Press Journal of be on my own, so I fled from there! ” speak. ” He complimented the ladies September 17, 1986. and started out on his own. on the 12 lakh rupees that they had Operating from home was getting already collected and contributed to “To give prominence to professionals difficult for Homyar. “My first dark development at Godrej Bang and in laying down policies, ” noted indus- room was under the dining table. ” A noted that the next building of 40 flats trialist Ratan Tata has been appointed long table cloth covering the table would be earmarked for those waiting chairman of Air-India ’s new manage- would be weighed down. But all this to get married. Comprised of out- ment board, notes The Times of India could only be done after 9 pm. Soon standing community socialites, the all- report of September 20. Rusi Modi his father ’s godown (his father has a ladies Committee has been collecting chairman of the Tata Iron and Steel tinned provisions business) took the funds for the BPP’s housing construe- Company has been included on the management board of Irtdian Airlines. his frames was selected for a photogra- medicos were Dr Aspi Golwalla and playwright and the sparkling English A.,.. - J ” ¦ translation that was so ably put'across! on the back cover of an in-house the subject under Rustom B. Behli- Committee ’s fund raising drive on The German Democratic Republic ’s homp who is now a course coordinator September 19, 1986 at the Birla Star of People ’s Friendship Award was of Lintas. “Then for a short time I p ¦ - • - - > - worked with' Pankaj Shah, a profes- chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla who pres- sional photographer, ’’ but as Homyar ided, remarked that “people get ner- place of the dining table “the first step tion activity since 1978. to being totally independent... The Committee ’s vice chairman Ms “When business swells, it ’s always Naju Bhabha, introducing Jussawalla, better to do it ' channels...How long could I continue few well-worded sentences,remarked, from my residence? I can ’t bring the “He really belongs to that threatened Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs, Maharashtra State Board, notes the parents. ’’ Today, though he has two call ‘the gentleman. ’ ’’ Matching Business India of August 25- assistants. Anil Salvi and Kishore Bhabha ’s suave brevity Jussawalla September 5, 1986. Tamble, who help at the new premis- noted, “The chief guest should be seen es, Homyar is nevertheless grateful and not heard! ” that, “support is still coming from the family. ’’ Dnrfnrc in fhp dnpL mittee ’s entertainment subcommittee, versity. Sethna has received similar OCIO S in me UOCK proposing a vote of thanks, announced honors from other Indian Universities “Once you put on the doctor ’s dress, that the gross collection that day was including the Indian Institute of Tech ­ all the nonsense you talk becomes wis- over two lakh rupees. The ladies had nology (IIT) and the Bombay Uni- dom, ” noted French satirist Moliere in gathered substantial advertising sup- versity, adds the report. Rusi N. Engineer, managing director by proper the evening ’s chief guest, with just a of Industrial Boilers Pvt Ltd has been elected vice chairman of the National clients home and it was taxing to my species, the fast-dwindling breed we Matching Business India An honorary doctorate was conferred Ms Homai Modi, the energetic on noted nuclear scientist- Dr Homi N. chairperson of the Rayomand Com- Sethna by the Benaras Hindu LFni-' mittee ’s entertainment subcommittee, proposing a vote of thanks, announced honors from other Indian Universities 11 Parsiana October f986 i J * s 1 aJ\ I ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD I 1 Ji ^1 No segregation Mehr, Sarfeh apologised to non- dividual contributions towards Zoroastrian spouses everywhere “if project, notes the newsletter. “Read and try to comprehend your the statement in the newsletter has Gathas',' advised Dr Rostam Sarfeh, _______ president of the board of trustees of that this statement is against the cago, Dastur Meherji Meherjir; offended any persons. I assure you On a three-day sponsored visit to < the Rustam Guiv Trust, in a letter wishes of-the donor Arbab Rustam High Priest of Navsari, gave a tall dated August 26, 1986 to Sabar Bal- Guiv, ” he added. the history and heritage of Zor Sara, Editor of the newsletter of the "" ' ¦ -- - Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO). Sarfeh was protesting the “special re- q?e^£ ” published in the July issue of request to present photocopies to all ity to meet the Zoroastrians of Ch . ,. J non. the non-Zoroastrian spouses. go and to participate in their o Zoroastrian spouses from attending ____ ..r>_ ____ .. functions. dated jKugust 26, 1986 to Sabar Bal- Guiv, ” he added. f ' ' Copies of Sarfeh ’s letter have been trians at the Chicago E)arbe Mehi mailed to various Zoroastrian associa- August 17, 1986, notes the newslel tions in North America and UK with a The visit gave the Dastur an oppor the^ZSO newsletter, dissuading non- the non-Zoroastrian spouses. Zoroastrian spouses from attending . . . the five-day muktad ceremonies at the tfiploma in Zoroastnanism Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr of Ontar ­ io in order to maintain “harmony and “We intend starting a one-year diplo- So that the congregation may par ma on Zoroastrianism, particularly pate and fully comprehend the jas unity in the community ” (see also geared for Zoroastrians, ” notes Pro- prayers, five booklets on the jas Parsiana,November 1985). lessor John R. Hinnells of the Depart- prayers and one booklet on the A Stating that this attitude has to be ment of Comparative Religion, Uni- Nyaish have been compiled by Ro cured as one cures a disease like drug versity of Manchester, UK, in a letter ton and Roshan Rivetna for Z addiction, Sarfeh says, “In the 17 dated July 27, 1986. The course will notes the newsletter. The small 1 chapters of the Divine Messages you include ancient and modern history, and-a-half by eight-and-a-half- cannot find a single phrase or rhyme Pahlavi and Avestan. booklets, contain prayer texts on which would indicate partiality. “Life in our department is thriving, ” side with a translation on the oppc Actually Zoroaster praises the persons reports the professor. Dr (Ms) Shirin- page. The texts and'translations 1 who teach and promulgate his Divine banoo Kutar has endowed a research been taken from My Prayer G Songs. ” -1 ¦. ¦ ................. -- Sarfeh then goes on to cite concrete examples from the Gathas as when “in Yasna 46-13, Zarathushtra declares. Pahlavi and Avestan. “Life in our department is thriving, ” scholarship in the department, in published by Dastur Navrooz memory of her husband,the late Das- Minochehr-Homji, adds the tur Sohrab Kutar. Dr Alan Williams of Those who wish to purchase the%t the University of Sussex has been lets may write to ZAC, 8615 Mead ‘Those amongst men who spread His transferred to the Department of brook Drive, Hinsdale, Illinois 6( teachings, Ahura Mazda will grant Comparative Religion, University of or contact Rivetna on 325- 5383. them spiritual life and benevolence of Manchester, “thus doubling our vohu mananghai (cosmic or super con- strength on Zoroastrianism, ” adds The revised second edition of the b sciousness). ’In 33-1, he declares, ‘The Hinnells and notesthat Manchester on religious instruction. The Mes. ratush (spiritual leader) brings his mes- University has agreed to fund a full- of Zarathushtra published by the ( sages to the righteous as well as the ’ ’ ’ ' " wicked. ’ So the messages are for all mankind, even the dragvatae, " con ­ cludes Sarfeh. Contrasting the example of the of America. Christians who spend millions of dol- lars on propagating their dogmas Refugee fund throughout the world, Sarfeh notes, / " ' ’ ' - - - “Amongst billions of world popula- been started by the Zoroastrian Asso- - ciation < ' ' ' ' (ZAC) to render assistance to time research assistant for his work on fornia Zoroastrian Center, is Zoroastrians in Britain as also a re ­ search visit to Zoroastrian communi ­ ties in Singapore, Australia and parts religion. available. The book briefly descr the basic principles of the Zoroast Zarathushtra ’s teachi Zoroastriah festivals, rituals and tory, the influence of Zoroastriar on other religions,and the Zoroast A Refugee and Immigrant Fund has calendars. The book, which is - . . . illustrated, is priced at five dollars tion, we have dwindled to one hun- ciation of Metropolitan Chicago postage and handling and is avail dred thousand, and we have chosen a (ZAC) to render assistance to re- ' route to annihilation...(But) enough is fugees, especially those from Iran, enough, we will not let that happen notes ZAC’s September newsletter. any more. We are the followers of C ’ Zarathushtra and our religious book is Mehroo Patel of Chicago who from Bahram Shahzadi, 6527, Hoyne No 2N, Chicago, Illinois 6( (Tel; 312-262-8923). Room for improvement In an attempt to increase participa at community functions, the Aus lian Zoroastrian Association (Ai ler, a friend, somebody who helps of New South Wales, circulated qi *' ___ 7-.... ,:.L ..............-- land of opportunity, and become self- ,” - or in ­ Citing the example of Minu and » ex- the Gathas. You can carry on with tended warm hospitality to two young muktad the way you want it with your Zoroastrian refugees for a month, the corrobprators, at your homes, but not newsletter invites sponsors - “an enab- in community worshiping places. ” 1 " ‘ \ Then, on behalf of tl^ Rustam Guiv them settle down in this wonderful Foundation of Ontario and the trus- I ’ ___2 tees of the Mehraban Guiv Darbe sufficient as soon as possible. tionnaires in April 1986 on how to prove community functions. Howe continued on pagt 12 Parsiana October 1986.V' .rtics, I-; E fe--' SA ¦*5 The Godrej exit Arnavaz S. Mama Waves of surprise and disbelief riffled Panday Sanatorium who was unable coon. Godrej ’s contention is that the through the community at the news of to do so. moment an application is handed in, Naoroji Godrej ’s sudden departure Godrej noted that the BPP was writ- its status according to the merit rating from the Bombay Parsi Punchayet ’s ing to those students the Punchayet system should be established and the (BPP) board of trustees on October 1, has helped with scholarships, asking applicant informed, on the spot, how 1986. Lack of an official announce- them to make donations, in return,to many points he gets and thus, where ment from the BfRp increased the fog the BPP’s building fund. If recipients he stands vis-a-vis getting a flat. “Once surrounding the event. of Rs 5,000 or more were being asked he knows he has say 35 points, he can Contacted on the phone, BPP chair- to donate, then why should not benefi- keep tabs and ask questions if another man Dr Aspi Golwalla claimed to be claries of flats worth Rs 3.5 lakhs each gets a flat with less than 35 points, ” “taken aback ”while another trustee similarly be so requested? says Godrej , “It will keep everyone on stated that the reason for Godrej ’s res- - • - ignation stemmed from a remark made chayet claims to be following the Com- ' by BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder at a mittee for Economic Revival ’s merit The truncated trusteeship term board meeting held three weeks ear- rating system (whereby applications appears to have aborted many of God- lier, pertaining to donations officially were supposed to be rated impartially, rej ’s ideas for the Punchayet: asked for and accepted by the Godrej according to need, by a responsible As a solution to the problem of dis- Foundation from those to whom hous- non-Punchayet assessor) in reality a affection in the community, rumors ing had been allotted by Godrej. system of patronage Survives, as cer- and smear campaigns, Godrej hadsug- Godrej ’s arrival on the Parsi politic- tain trustees jack up points arbitrarily gested a system of “open house ” on al scene in November 1984, to contest - for example one trustee notched up a fixed days of the month where all the seat due to be vacated by Jamshed particular application by 16 points, seven trustees and the main office Guzder in February 1985 at the end of adds the silver-haired, cotton-clad ty- bearers of the Punchayet administra- his first 10-year tenure, had resulted in Guzder withdrawing from the contest, even though he had earlier announced his desire to continue on the board. Guzder returned unopposed to the board in January 1986 when BPP trus ­ tee Jal Vimadalal resigned a year and a half before his first term ended. At Godrej Bang, the source of the feud, BPP land has been developed by donors such as Godrej , who then have the benefit of allotting 50 percent of the flats to beneficiaries of their choice. Naoroji Godrej noted that whoever is allotted a flat is requested to donate in the region of Rs 40,000 to the Pun ­ chayet ’s building fund - not im ­ mediately, but as and when they feel able to do so - and most have re ­ sponded willingly. “Where can you get such a place for Rs 40,000?” he queries and adds, “I have done this openly. I thought the whole world knew it. Whatever money comes in is given back to the BPP - where do they think the money comes from? ” Not that everyone pays, says Godrej , citing the example of one allottee from the Godfej also says that while the Pun-' their toes. ” As a solution to the present of dis- Naoroji Godrej speaks of the reasons behind his resignation from the BPP board of trustees. I I '’i? * r 1' 1 •s •i'J <1 ’•s'* •? -= .-J 1 13 Parsiana October 1986{ i 1} 1 h Li f- J i SI ’ tion could face and answer whatever sidential properties, Godrej felt that under the scheme now receive their 1 charges and or requests the commun- repairs on an ad hoc basis were hardly AET instruction in Godrej Bhavan, | ity chose to make. This would obviate the answer, but required a systematic Godrej was full of praise for the young| the individual audiences the trustees overhaul of a certain number of build- Zoroastrian Studies (ZS) personnel, ! grant and help to miiiimize the allega- ings as a continuing process in each speaking of their dedication and bard| tions made behind peoples ’ backs, bang, undertaken by its own perma- work with no hope of financial returns, 1 Apparently, Godrej ’s idea reportedly nent team under the supervision of the even in the face of community dis-| did not receive much support. concerned tenants. approval. To undermine those who do^ Even before Godrej joined the BPP ' „ . , in 1985, trustee Homi Ranina had tional Trust ’s (AET) trustee (“Tell me announced Godrej ’s willingness to put why is it wrong to educate young chayet ’s disposal. Hitherto, only the religion? Why is Huzan Kharas not fit at the Sir Mancherji Khareghat Hall,J BPP’s matrimonial bureau has availed to be managing trustee? Because she is Bombay on August 30 and 31, 1986; of the offer. The bewildering profu- young? Because she is a woman? ”) Godrej had mentioned his intention of ' sion of Punchayet accounts have not Godrej is conscious that the attack on setting up a school for above average yet been iSbmpleted to the stage where two high priests, Dasturs Kaikhusroo children of all communities - Parsis in-; they can be computerized. Though JamaspAsa and Hormazdyar Mirza, u... Godrej is no longer on the Punchayet, by his fellow trustees at a p - he says he will honor his offer though meeeting in Dadar on August 10,1985 he can no longer “ask ” f " ' accounts to be entrusted to him. Regarding the maintenance of re- tions made behind peoples ’ backs, bang, undertaken by its own perma- concerned tenants. i-^r- -------------------------- Though a loyal Athravan Educa- such good work does not bode well for j _ _ ... .. community, he says. ......... __ _ J At a meeting of the Federation of; his Company ’s computers at the Pim- mobeds in English and comparative Parsi :^rc^trian Anjumans^of India BPP’s matrimonial bureau has availed to be managing trustee? Because she is , eluded. He now reiterated his inten-i public tion to follow it through, once the land; ' ¦) at Vikhroli is released from the Land for the was a grave error and he has tendered Ceiling Act for the purpose. Though ¦ not quite decided on his stand vis-a-vis ger a BPP trustee, Godrej said that hl he feels he is able to contribute to the| welfare of the community, he may continue to serve upon the Federation if so requested. For year's, everyone had tried to in ­ duct the soft-spoken business magnate onto the BPP board. An acknow ­ ledged liberal, his work for the com- his personal apologies to the dasturs on their behalf. Noting that the priests the Federation, now that he is no Ion- MRS. ARMAITY R. BAMANBEHRAM The first Parsee outstanding lady Professional in VIDEO SHOOTING Free Titling, Editing & Audio-dubbing. '•XI Superior clarity in Colour & Sound recording, with special effect, music of your choice. A family memory to treasure Transferring of Super- 8 and 8 mm movies to Video Tape also done. 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. t Gifts&l The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive gifts and Zoroastrian artefacts Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd Sir P.M. Road, Bombay 400 (X)l Tel: 253443 & 252730 14 Parsiana October 1986 munity generated enthusiastic supper^ from all shades of opinion, though h^ himself refers to his assent as “a mo ­ ment of weakness ” under pressure from such community barons as Nani Palkhivala, Neville Wadia and Shiavax Vakil. An aura of political design had however hovered over the event as Godrej had insisted on standing only for the seat due to be vacated by BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder whose term was drawing to a close, despite Guz- der ’s known desire to continue for a| second term. *70 accommodate both, ; BPP trustee Jamsheed Kanga had| offered to resign. Kanga ’s gesture hadl been turned down by Godrej who saysl he had publicly agreed to contest Guz-| der ’s seat and hence did not consider itJ worth withdrawing from that contest^ and entering the fray again at a later stage. But the occasion may perhaps have tinged later events. Despite his wealth and position, the small-built, elfin figure has his feet firmly planted on the ground. Was it right for him to have thus walked off the BPP when the community needs leadership so badly? “What makes you think I’m going to live for ever? ” he smiles deprecatingly.*4 Vice-chancellor is new BPP trustee Parinaz Toddywalla “The trustees (of the Bombay Parsi looking for a banu (lady) trustee, are Punchayet) should be like a team of you willing? ’ I replied, T’ve no objec- experts with expe^jtise in each of their tion. - portfolios. There should be distribu- 1' tion of portfolios so that everyone community affairs, asked Bengalee to need not meddle with everything. ” Dr submit a paragraph detailing what she Mehroo Bengalee, vice-chancellor of would, like to focus on during her te- f-- -------- " • • ’ ’ • — • - person offering to contest the BPP ject closest to her heart, Bengalee said 1 • ’ ¦_ " - - - Godrej ’s sudden resignation, had a de ­ finite set of views to optimize the trus ­ tees ’ services to the community. According to her, the seven trustees Bengalee agreed to put her signature knowledgeable people with loving knew it the announcement had come care, concern and commitment to the in the Press. Prior to the announce- community; not naam ke vaaste (in ment I had told (chairman) Aspi (Gol- name only). ’*’ walla), ‘I hope it ’s okay ’ to which he Not feeling the need to attend all the said ‘Good you ’ve accepted. ’ After board meetings, Bengalee adds, “I’ll that I don ’t know whether it ’s right, or insist on one aspect (portfolio): pro- wrong (to have accepted). ” viding the right perspective to the Not sure where her support lay, representatives waiting for an hoiir), youth, beginning from an early age till Bengalee noted, “I’m not really an- and on the second occasion on Octo- they are about to settle down in life, xious to be elected. If there ’s going to ber 18 made repeated pleas of “Please Our children should be so thoroughly be a contest, I may give a second hurry up,” Bengalee was confident occupied that there is not one hour thought (to my nomination). Unless that she could work “even more than free in their routine. A schedule to Dasturji is very keen, I am not going 10 to 12 hours a week which is the work within the community is not pro ­ vided for them. ” Since she first showed a willingness pockets and vested interests, I’d be the night. to occupy the trusteeship seat, Ben- last person to get involved. ” wrist watch kept on her-table in the galee says she has felt, “I should give In the Press announcement Ben- sparsely furnished office overlooking more time for our own children. From galee had indicated that she would be the flora on the University premises, this position I can be useful. ” Giving able to spare 10 hours a week in the the short, rotund, curly-haired, 55- the background of what prompted her service of the Punchayet. Though Ben- year-old vice-chancellor in a simply cut to contest, Bengalee noted, “When galee was unable to keep her first colorful dress rushed through the i Dasturji Minochehr-Homji called one appointment with Parsiana on Octo- hour-long interview with an apologetic Sunday afternoon to say, ‘We are ber 15 (after keeping the magazine ’s smile. Whether dictating a commenda ­ tion certificate to her secretary, discus ­ sing some organizational points with the registrar in Marathi, or chatting politely over the phone with the dele ­ gates who had come to participate in the Indian Congress of Social Science hosted by Bombay University, Ben ­ galee seemed to know her moves. Discussions on the disoriented youth and the educational institutions Shortly thereafter Dinshaw Merchant, a businessman active in need not meddle with everything. ” Dr submit a paragraph detailing what she Mehroo Bengalee, vice-chancellor of would, like to focus on during her te- the Bombay University and the only nure as trustee. Warming to the sub- 7 ¦ _ ¦ “~7 ; ' . 1 trusteeship seat vacated by Naoroji she would work for the youth, educa- " ....... tional trusts and the problems they face, and help in the establishment of a medical-engineering institute. should be like a “real assembly of to the above paragraph and “before I f *>!' I i -i' L ' "i di i d .*¦ 2 X S ' I *1 to press for the seat. We ’ll see who ’s minimum I had mentioned, because I comingforward...If there are different am used to working from morn to Frequently glancing at the last person to get involved. In the Press announcement Ben- sparsely furnished office overlooking Dr Mehroo Bengalee was the only one to announce her candidature for the Bombay Parsi Punchayet trusteeship seat vacated by Naoroji Godrej. 15 Parsiana October 1986 ".1 5 / .7 /¦$¦ s- f? 1 Z . ’ ! ¦« . - fe i -J' j 5'1 rf“* I ‘ I 'J 1 c E t- Ki h '' w , '!¦ '- F r 1 hl ’ hi MJ T r I t-j h r 4; of the community brought an extra dignitaries like Nani Palkhivala, Naval don ’t begin my day with prayer, ' sparkle to Bengalee ’s eyes: “Pa«« g p xz» vii — 4.1.- — ,!.¦----- -— l • . have established such wonderful edu- sponsibility of two students each so Dhunmai Cawasji School in Khandala the advice and influence of those out- and the Batha and Billimoria Schools standing members of the community, jb Panchgani. We should work to- wards a system where it would be con- in the case of both these groups. ” La- 'Pareis Tata and S.R. Vakil were given the re- thing seems to be amiss. It ’s b . ’ *7 ‘ ' —L ... an obsession. If you don ’t pra^ ^titutioM like the that the youngsters could benefit from feel incomplete. ” She then citei , .. . . « - . cent occurrence when she had . ,. off for Pune at 4 am in the m “We used to maintain follow-up action along with another colleague. sidered an asset to be part of a Parsi ter, this activity was taken over by the Bengalee started showing sig ----------- ----------------------- ----------- ---- Committee for Economic Revival irritation when her companion s< The system of "baap ne paise, trust ne paise sikhvanu should be clamped down. ning to pray bn the outward joi Committee for Economic Revival irritation when her companion _ (CER) un 22_____ 2 Up to SSC, the child ’s education is nutrition, to the results of giving un- ______ , the parents ’ responsibility, she says, due importance to careers when you find Gujaratis After that, financial aid for further may end up spending more due to neg- education should be considered as a lect at home. Besides, talks should be repayable loan. The system of ‘baap given to couples before marriage on non-Zoroastrian that University education is futile for elders could interact... those not academically inclined, espe- “Even if you concentrate on one dally when it is not self-supporting. If group - the youth - the whole com- sufficiently motivated, students should munity will be taken care of as the find employment in a chosen field problems of the aging community will where there is the possibility of gaining be automatically lifted, ” she empha- work experience and simultaneously sized. raising the required money to support Today, parents often voice a com- their higher education. plaint that it is difficult to wake up The problem of a brain drain arises children in the morning, mentioned because of less opportunity. If the Bengalee. “But we, as children, never youth are absorbed in our community faced this problem. We were never establishments, there won ’t be this woken up, but got up by ourselves problem, says Bengalee. She then re- with the fragrance of incense and the ferred to the two leadership training chanting of prayers. Such old customs programs conducted under her gui- should be revived, ” she added. continues to lecture MPhil sti dance for Parsi students who had pas- Describing herself as “a choost and coach PhD students at the sed the SSC and HSC examinations, (staunch) Parsi ” and a “conservative ” bay University. Maintaining he The 10-day program started with two rather than be mistaken for a reformist Guide ties, Bengalee admits, “I hours of religious intruction each day - a suggestion she promptly turned lot to that - character tr ainin g, where students from elitist schools like down with a “chhi ” - Bengalee is not pendence, team spirit, feeling fc Cathedral and John Connon and Cam- favorable to the presence of non-Parsis door ventures. ” She still retail pion were taught the importance of the at the geh sarna. “Hu to mad thai jau membership of the Rotary, Eas sudreh-kusti and certain basic prayers. (I would go mad)... Even in the case of trict and the Bombay Adult Edu They were made to feel that they were the film (On Wings of Fire), jem tern Association. Bengalee enjoys d the future leaders of the community. TV per joi (it was an effort to see it ing public lectures, solving educa A survey of Parsi establishments and through). ” With a strict religious up- problems and counselling stu entrepreneurs was done by those en- bringing Bengalee, who observes the Though unable to find much tim< rolled on the program. Outstanding tariqats to this day, noted frankly, “If I continued on pt /./ There are mor social workers among Parsis, th any other community. Butt Parsi ego is als( stronger. t r 16 Parsiana October 1986Poona polls scheduled With the uncontested election of the 75-member Anjuman Committee, a new board of trustees is to be elected on November 27. J Niloofer J. Madon The members of the Poona Parsee the donor register (those who donate Pudumjee Hall on October 16. The Panchayat (PPP) are gearing up for Rs 5,000 and above), register A(those meeting turned out to be a tame affair the election of the new seven-member who donate Rs 1,000 or more to the as predicted by trustee Marzban board of trustees, to be held on Panchayat), register B (those who give Kaikobad earlier, since this was the November 27, 1986. The elections Rs 300 for life membership or Rs 100 last meeting of the outgoing board, come in wake of a new 75-member and annual fees of Rs 8 for ordinary The 45-minute evening meeting Anjuman Committee, who occupied membership), register C (life members dealt largely with formalities with office without having to contest an who give Rs 300 and ordinary mem- some discussions on housing allot- election as the total number of candi- bers who pay annual fees of Rs 15) and ments, availability of kustis and dates from the various registers equal- register D (those who give Rs, 150 for whether the language should be refer- led the number of seats available. The life membership or pay annual dues of red to as Gujarati bhasha or as Gu­ jarati only. (“Gujarati bhasha bolvu The outgoing board of trustees held correct nathi lagtu. Gujarateech bolvu their last annual general meeting at the continued on page 38 .^es, to be held on Panchayat), register B (those who give Kaikobad earlier, since this was the 1986. The elections Rs 300 for life membershin or Rs 100 last mpptino nf the nntonina hnard and annual fees of Rs 8 for ordinary who give Rs 300 and ordinary mem- some discussions on housing allot- bers who pay annual fees of Rs 15) and ments, availability of kustis and register D (those who give Rs, 150 for whether the language should be refer- Anjuman Committee elections had Rs 5 for ordinary membership), been slated for October 26, but after' “ ... - some candidates were persuaded to withdraw their nominations, the PPP was spared the expense of hosting an election. However, now with nine nominations withdrawn there is, in fact, a vacancy of two in the A regis ­ ter, “but t^ese can be filled later, ” assures the amiable Panchayat admi ­ nistrative officer, Ms Dhan Mehta. Anjuman Committee elections are held every five years and comprise k candidates from five registers, namely: Alongside (from left) K. Irani, Marolia, Grant, M. Irani, Kaikobad, Kamdin and Dinshaw at the annual meet. Below right: Mehta (second from right) getting members to register their names Below: Honorary treasurer Rustom Dubash (left) with Avari. 17 Parsiana October 198b 4 S-'.1 I 1 n ¦ R f5 h h If J Ji ’ - i -si '' ¦d >t, » 1 * 'll T' u Rf -ft 5 b. *51 fti ll Ji I I 14' I I /I 'r H N ine annual awards to recognize community excellence in educa ­ tional, social, political and tion and ex-president of the Surat Par- si Punchayet (SPP) Maneck Gheyara, “the only surviving founder member cultural fields have been instituted by of the Federation, ” began on a somber the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian note with silent and verbal tributes to Anjumans of India at the instance of the late Shiavax Nargolwala. Only one Federation vice-president and member guest speaker - Dr (Ms) Mehroo Ben- of the Jamshedpur Anjuman Homi galee, vice-chancellor of Bombay Uni- Bodhanwalla. versify - had been invited in deference Expected to be financed by a one- to Lucknow ’s Boman Khodaiji ’s and time donation of Rs 10,000 each from others ’ comments in Poona and else- anjumans and individuals, the awards where that members did not have the will hopefully fill the void of commun ­ ity awareness of individual distinction, felt the executive council assembled at the Sir Mancherji Khareghat Hall, Bombay, on August 30 and 31,1986. Meeting in the shadow of vice- president and Federation architect Shiavax Nargolwala ’s sudden death in a road accident, the executive council also willingly agreed to accept a Nar ­ golwala proposal it had vehemently opposed earlier: a managing commit- opportunity to speak, as a large slice of available time was devoted to the for the first time, according to Golwal ­ la, the Jam-e-Jamshed had sent its rep ­ resentative The bonhomie that prevailed round the large rectangular table, covered with new striped sheets, occasionally tended to become somewhat noisy as delegates conversed among them ­ selves, drowning the main debate. Reservation A meeting of the BPP trustees with Maharashtra chief minister S.B.Cha- van, to urge the government to consid- I In pursuit of e The Federation's newly instituted awards tee of office-bearers to carry through sqi ^he staQo for coHnnHUnity recoQnition the councils mandates. The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) Of I fid IvIcJ Ucl I aChiOVGITlGntS. trustees are expected to approach the chief minister of Maharashtra with a request for discretionary allotment of seats in medical and engineering col- I leges for Parsi youth on the basis of the I community ’s history of service to the I nation. I The women and children fund, now I amounting to Rs 65,000 will be re- I named the Shiavax D. Nargolwala ¦ fund for women and children. , Dr (Ms) Ketayun Madon, who has completed her PhD in career gui­ dance, has been appointed director of the BPP’s project to increase commun ­ ity participation in government and defense services by of way career guidance and free coaching for the I open competitive entrance examinat - I ions. I An attractive booklet summarizing the deliberations of the Fourth World guest speakers. Zoroastrian Congress has been pub- lished. Though no follow-up action has been instituted, the Congress surplus occupied, the Punchayet ’s newest trus- of Rs 1,25,000 has been accredited to tee, Minoo Shroff, attended as a spe- the Federation by the BPP. cial invitee. As Federation president With the admission of the Bardoli and BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla Zarthosti Anjuman, total membership noted, “At one time there were only of the Federation rose to 53. The four members from the BPP on the Bharuch Parsi Punchayet is now a full- council. Now Shroff is on the waiting fledged member, but is yet to attend list as all vacancies are filled! ” an executive council meeting. Another special invitee attending and The meeting, which took a slightly participating in the council ’s delibera- delayed start as the council awaited tions was Homi Taleyarkhan, member onetime vice-president of the Federa- of the Minorities Commission. And, 4 ¦y ¦< ’F 18 Parsiana October 1986 J 4-^; I The BPP’s five seats on the Federa ­ tion ’s executive council being fully er discretionary allotment of medical and engineering college seats to the community, is pending the preparation of a detailed note contrasting the com ­ munity ’s high profile during the Free- Top left: Bodhanwalla Above: Golwalla (left) and Gandhi Facing page: Top: meeting in progress Right: Taleyarkhan with Kaikobad (bespectacled) Far right: Surat delegates (from left) Bhacca, Gheyara, Modi and Katpitia, with Tata in the foreground s 1 1 I adom Struggle, with its currently dimi ­ nished role. _ Community elders are trying to fee professional colleges, financed by view be impressed upon the public by who secure 75 to 90 percent marks and dustrialists, is also being considered, i ’ ' . In return, the students could sign a ment) is creating a new backward bond to serve fof three to five years BPP trustee Naoroji Godrej sug- ’ a ‘S I topic was revived for active considera- South zone vice-president Bejan tion. Simultaneously, entry into high Dittia suggested that the Parsi point of - - . ---- -------r ---------- ............ ,--------- y solve the problem of Parsi students community organizations and Parsi in- letters in the Press, noting “in sorrow ""7 nfK _ J • rather than in anger that (the govern- yet fail to secure entry into profession- In return, the students could sign a ment) is creating a new backward al colleges. bond to serve fof three to five years class. ” Hitherto, the Federation has been BPP trustee Naoroji Godrej sug- With the logical emphasis on com- fitfully considering the prospect of set- gested instead the institution of a munity sponsored education, the ting up a Parsi medical college and school for above average children of council reverted once again to the shying at the high costs and other Parsi and other communities to groom problem of providing loans and grants problems envisaged. In light of vice- them into an elite who would have no to Parsi students who go abroad for chancellor Mehroo Bengalee ’s enthu- problem getting into colleges of their postgraduate studies, 60 percent of siastic support for the project, the choice. whom never return, half the number marrying outside the community. Thus both the money and the talent is lost to the community. To dissuade youngsters, who thus ArnavazS Mama from taking such a. decision, the delegates suggested that a clause be incorporated whereby the money donated as grant be automatically con- |hhh|||||H||hmh|h|^h|||b verted into a repayable loan if the be- neficiary decides to marry outside the community and settle abroad; but Fed- eration joint honorary secretary Eruch Desai sought to provide the delegates H a better perspectiA^; “The BPP dis- burses (on an average) Rs 5,006 as grant and Rs 5,000 as loan to each stu- dent. If a person decides to stay ^t)road, is he going to change his deci- sion on the basis of a condition for a paltry sum of Rs 5,000?...We should recommend only what is feasible. ” South zone vice-president Bejan '•? ¦'B s If-ii xcellence •i I i k • * J I. Lv. ’j? II 1*^ a S® t * sm . I a tt-: ' I ' ® «!» 4^' Jr i! sSf- ¦'1^ J, 1 I «¦ Awards Introducing annual awards covering almost every aspect of human en ­ deavor, Jamshedpur ’s Homi Bodhan- walla exclaimed, “We see pictures (of achievers) in Parsiana; the govern ­ ment has recognized them; but what have we done? ” The awards are meant to honor performers of all-India stand ­ ing (in sports, small-scale entrep ­ reneurship, education and research. 19 Parsiana October 1986 iti¦1' 1? I u. . <1 . ¦ I i fl ; 1 J : •t h'' I oovou KNO>N7 sssSsSial SBWl ¦L. Bias? S°s^ 1 OWfiWM. w:ss«:hU*b CA'*^ ^3^ Free Food Service Charitable Trust Throws Light on The Bahrot Cave The above booklet, on the importance and informations of the Ancient Bahrot Cave can be obtained exclusively on donation from FREE FOOD SERVICE CHARITABLE TRUST, Crown Bldg., Uranwalla Street, Grant Road, Bombay 400 007. 20 Parsiana October 1986 professional competence in engineer ­ ing, medicine, etc, the performing and fine arts, social and community service and study of Zoroastrian history and culture) to be selected by a jury con ­ sisting of two BPP trustees, the vice- presidents of the east zone and of the west zones A and B. For each indi ­ vidual award the panel is expected to co-opt one or two eminent practition ­ ers in the respective fields of en ­ deavor. The awards would be financed from .j the interest accruing on a capital of Rs | 10,000 under each head, consisting of ¦ a trophy-cum-cash prize. The Federa ­ tion itself will finance the S.D. Nargol ­ wala Award for social and community ; service in memory of its foremost i champion. Other awards are expected ¦ to be donated by various individuals i and anjumans. Nominations for the awards, to be invited from member anjumans as well 3 as individuals, may even be made by the selecting jury to prevent deserving candidates j|om being bypassed by de ­ fault. Congratulating Bodhanwalla,Tehmi Grant of the Poona Parsee Pan- chayat (PPP) described how each year f —'_____„:: Poona on the occasion of the Avan ro/^' jashan. “It ’s just a wooden plaque with a farohar ” costing around Rs 50, but “the recognition is much appreci ­ ated. ” At the other end of the spec ­ trum BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder suggested a Rs 10,000 cash prize to each winner - “I’m sure we can find i donors. After all, it goes out of tax and j doesn ’t cost so much. ” But Bodhan ­ walla felt “something given to (the awardee) which he can display, ” car- \ ried more weight. the PPP honors six to 10 individuals in' ’* % Managing committee A committee of numbering 15 members, has been set up as the Federation ’s follow-up machinery with decision making pow ­ er to cope with emergencies. Shiavax Nargolwala ’s suggestion to set up a managing committee of office ­ bearers at the Poona meeting last February had been effectively stonewalled by the executive council which had envisaged the managing committee as usurping its functions. Now, missing Nargolwala ’s effective follow-up measures and finding the de ­ bate on reservation not breaking any continued on page 46 office-bearers, Jis. ^*3 4 s f I * I -* FEDERATION GUEST SPEAKER Learn to earn Niloofer J. Madon ¦ I •a “What I am pleading for is the necessir Briefly outlining the new education policy, ty of making every boy or girl employ- _ ' . . able at the age of 18. What are we doing towards this respect? ” Guest speaker at the meeting of the Federa ­ tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India held in Bombay on August 30, 1986, Dr (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee, first woman vice-chancellor of Bombay University, reiterated her stand taken II at the Fourth World Zoroastrian Con ­ gress in 1985. Speaking on “strengthening educa- tional and career facilities, ” Bengalee "• • talked of today ’s youth as “self- disruptive, restless, fun loving and lacking maturity...They feel they can aspire to the better things in life...alone...They aspire always to have a four-figure salary rather than really working hard and coming up the ladder. ” Partly blaming the parents for such a situation she added, “We Parsis do not really care for our children as much as we do for all children about us. ”' Pa ­ rents are constantly out of doors run ­ ning after facilities for their children, amassing wealth, which in future they may bequeath to them. Parsis still con- --------------„ sider a degree important, “and if the tion of the new education policy who need remedial learning. Parental child wishes to go in for vocational which, as Bengalee explained, envis- £ j-- ----- courses, the parents are upset, ” noted ages general education from standard I and discussions are equally important, 5^: Bengalee. But not every child is in- to VIII after which 50 percent of the noted the vice-chancellor who adyo- terested in acquiring a degree and this syllabus “will be work oriented, and cated the establishflflbnt of reading lack of interest leads to a disinterest in tailor-made for early entry into the studies, she noted. employment market. ” “What is being taught at the BA/ By way of encouraging communica- _ BCom level is not much more than tion skills, a bi-lingual program - the of entrepreneurs. Cable TV, already rw what they studied in high medium of instruction and the regional an institution in the bangs, should also school...Today, students pick up all language - is stressed instead of the provide educational films for “every the information they need from cheap three-language formula currently fol- minute of the child ’s time is very pre ­ guides - 30 percent of the curriculum is lowed. Only at a later stage will a third cious. ” picked up in two to three language be introduced, which in the Only five to 10 percent of the chil- _ weeks. . .Between the ages of 16/18 and case of Maharashtra, would be Hindi if dren should go in for higher education. 21/22 we allow our-children to drift the medium of instruction is English. The rest should be made apprentices *’ and waste their time and effort in The general science courses will where they can learn a trade firsthand, worthless activity. This is when they emphasize environmental, life and so- “After one or two years of vocational take up evils like smoking, drugs,etc. cial sciences. The imagination and training, one can enter and grow with Only five to 10 percent of the students creativity of students will be developed that field and become entrepreneurs, ” (attend lectures) , others may be found through creative crafts and through an adds Bengalee . For those in vocational in the wayside canteens and cafes, awareness of the Indian cultural ethos, training who wish to study further, < the Bombay University vice-chancellor Dr Mehroo Bengalee talked of reestablishing the old apprenticeship system of learning. I 4 Ij I a S*4 21. Rars/ana Gcfofcer 7986 S To aid national integration and in- I crease sensitivity, the policy aims at I developing love and. compassion by ih- S volving students with children, the -¦ r aged, the handicapped and the en- ¦ vironment. One-third of the curricu- > H lum will be devoted to socially useful, productive work through crafts and skills from standa^ I onwards , thus in ­ culcating work ethics and work values - to help students “to be ready fdr the ¦ work situation in the twenty-first cen- / tury. ” Awareness of nutritious food, • sports and yoga will develop healthy , minds and bodies. < Are Parsi families ready for this vocational training as opposed to the .-J insistence on degrees? In a paper she about distributed to the members of the Fed ­ eration^ Bengalee suggested that the 1 S? m3 f '/S Bengalee: “child’s time is precious” Photo: Homyar Mistry And we have not done anything this. ” _ __ The Govemipent of India is trying community conduct coaching classes to solve the problem with the introduc- for gifted children as also for those- - .j; guidance programs in the form of films i .tij to VIII after which 50 percent of the noted the vice-chancellor who advo- room facilities -in each colony, well ~ stocked with educational and career ¦ literature including the success stories vI ¦a 's ’ ‘'-J? i=4>e f njrjf i> " t 'P' J I w Bengalee suggested earn-while-you- bags...(and) will it now be eight plus nure! ” A long, table-thumping ap- learn schemes and urged the Federa- two plus two? ” plause followed the quick agreement tion ’s executive council to publish a directory of Parsi establishments that the school curriculum would re- which would be willing to rope in the children as apprentices. On the professional front, Bengalee suggests forming a chain of profession ­ als who would also be willing to take on apprentices. Notes Bengalee, “If a child asks to be a surgeon, put him with a surgeon - an example of the . , , elder taking care of the younger. ” It is into the employment ; important, according to Bengalee, to „ * force children into the rigors of work- I T1 d I L. ing for six Ao eight hours in a work ] situation. The vice-chancellor then main 10 plus two but after the eighth another source of concern: 1 t Bengalee was quick to assure Kanga to help. To indicate the intensity of the com ­ petition that children must face, Ben ­ galee quoted statistics: “In Maharash ­ tra, out of every hundred students who enter the first standard, eight come out of SSC...and yet you have two lakh students appearing for SSC examina ­ tions. ’’ Complimenting the “pragmatic vice- chancellor ” Homi Taleyarkhan, mem ­ ber of the Minorities Commission, spoke of the extent of poverty in the ing for six Ao eight hours in a work ; Parsi community and referred to ___ 1__ 7„_ ____ _ _______________--------- -- -o—.- __ ____________ ______ _ ________ : “It is im- added on an encouraging note, “We standard, 50 percent of the curriculum portant that maximum attention be He also cited the importance of a data While Bejan Dittia of Secunderabad bank which would indicate the total The new education policy is work oriented and tailor- made for early entry still have some basic characteristics by would be work oriented. There would paid to technological literacy, which we outshine other communities therefore be no extra work as such. - resourcefulness, boldness, charity — if we can build on these, we can build and Hyderabad cited the example of a needs, strengths and weaknesses of the our youth again. In the question and answer session medical college even though he se ­ that followed, Bombay Parsi Pun- cured 85 percent marks, BPP trustee er of the BPP’s school counselling chayet (BPP) trustee Jamsheed Kanga Jamshed Guzder wanted to know if it program, cautioned that the problems voiced a grave reservation: “Do you was feasible to build a medical college and solutions needed careful planning mean to say that children will be bur- attached to the Parsi General Hospit- and diagnosis^, and suggested that a dened with more work? As it is, little al. Bengalee was enthusiastic: “Please small study group be appointed under children carry these huge gunny do it within the three years of my te- Bengalee. boy who couldn ’t get adniission into a community. Professor Noshir Kaikobad, conven- i ‘A te : W .sS-v ’*/ * w'' -.1 B. S' 1 1 # For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 22 Parsiana October 1986 324. GRANT ROAD. BOMBAY 400BG7. TELEPHONE: 3714S3 APPOINTED valuers BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA I •Tj ' ¦v' ’ 1 .1 “;i^: ¦ '1> to ¦ >• '4' <>¦ - V * V Sizing up the Federation thei™cpsnot%lXTheS look forward to attending the meetings. X4 f. ' -ij •i Parinaz Toddywalla Do the smaller anjlmans have a voice on the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India or is it only the ma ­ jor anjumans such as Bombay and De- ; Ihi? To ascertain the views of the smal- rt J-- • representatives at the recent executive August 30 and 31,1986 at the Sir Man- cherji Khareghat Hall in Bombay. The Federation is like an informa- s tion and contact house, ” according to i Mehta, vice-president of the ' Ahmednagar Parsi Anjuman. “It ’s like working on a job, attending a soe- , Knowledge (tai' better your perform ­ ance <— ‘1--" ¦ ' ' • - Punchayet takes okay because they do have more prob ­ lems. But I’ve also suggested that the smaller anjumans to express their views, ” continued Mehta. Supporting Mehta ’s stand, Shavak Patel of Baroda said, “All this in- forniation - on the amendments in the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, the Indian Succession Act as applicable to Parsis, and the laws regarding charit ­ able trusts - we would not have got unless we had come here, as our anju ­ man is limited in scope. ” Grateful to the larger anjumans for their advice and funds, Patel was especially appre ­ ciative of the cooperation lent by the Federation ’s vice-president Maneck Gheyara at the time of their land being acquired by the government and the construction of their dharamshala. Credit was also given to Dr Aspi Gol ­ walla, president of the Federation, Who used his good offices with the Par- Medical Amateurs ’ Association and ^t them to stage a fund-raising play in f^roda which brought in Rs 2,50,000. i Patel did not grudge the extra time ler anjumans, Parsiana spoke to 10 problem representatives at the recent executive tvun meetings on said. chejjj^Khareghat Hall in Bombay, tion and contact house if'- __ _ Ahmednagar Parsi Anjuman. on that job). If the Bombay Parsi certain amount of time be reserved for the smaller anjumans to express their views, ” continued Mehta. Supporting Mehta ’s stand, Shavak Patel of Baroda said, “All this in- forniation - on the amendments in the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, the Indian Succession Act as applicable to Parsis, and the laws regarding charit ­ able trusts - we would not have got unless we had come here, as our anju ­ man is limited in scope. ” Grateful to the larger anjumans for their advice and funds, Patel was especially appre ­ ciative of the cooperation lent by the 2B Parsidna October tdse I spent at the meetings to discpss the larger anjumans. The small anjumans also face, c------- face, the same problems as the big an^mans are he.p solve our o™ prob,e,„,- he pTr:;;uli;r„lX"SraX “S‘‘''- eSisis SISS S its functioning for the ormay complaint that small anjumans" are C7------IMl lllC first time, “Though I had heard the we move in a planned manner we ’ll i . 4- !4 tVasa-j r Left column: Baldawala, Marker and Dandiwalla Right column: Taraporvala, Deboo I who has been regularly attending the Federation meetings. “At the mo ­ ment, the intentions but there are repetitions... If the smaller anjumans want to be heard, they must speak out. Somehow they are remaining quiet. ” Supporting Marker in his complaint Captain Homi Dandi- * -------------* -••«nuMuu X aiisj Zoroastrian Anjuman nbted, “Though , . , . --------------C5 “ gV/uJ J job, progress is at a snail ’s pace. At the last three meetings, the agenda has practically been the same. We are wasting time on arguments which could be avoided. (Federation secret ­ ary Keki Gandhi had at one time sum ­ med up the attitude of the participat ­ ing members: “We discuss, we debate we forget. ”) This time, there were no concrete results. The Federation focusses on larger anjumans and peo ­ ple like (politician Homi) Taleyar- khan. The Federation should devote more time to us because it is the smal ­ ler anjumans which have more prob ­ lems because of limited manpower. When the last session of the afternoon (on the second day of the two-day pro ­ ceedings) was devoted to asked to hurry up.” Participating in ¦ the Federation Taraporvala, honorary secretary of the meetings. “At the --- J are very sound, there are considerable be heard, they must speak out. Supporting Marker in his complaint of repetitions. Captain Homi Dandi ­ walla, president of the Allahabad Parsi < Zoroastrian Anjuman nbted, “Though the Federation is doing a very good us, we were meeting for the first time, Rustom Si 4-- -^1 •i' •'i'- •' 8 1^ Ii-* ^ti. W- i-. L "1*** ? ¦* J ft'. Lucknow Parsee Anjuman suggested, “We should be more precise in our dis ­ cussions. Specific problems should not Nanded Parsi Anjuman. V.l„„ be dwelt on at too much length. The Nanded was encountering internal dis- chairman should be more firm. Yester ­ day (the first day of the meet), Bom ­ bay, Poona and Surat dominated the main show. Time permitting, smaller anjumans should get a chance to air their specific views. ” Dara Deboo of Navsari explained the other point of view: “It ’s because no problems are brought forward by the smaller anjumans that the discus- 7., i;; b-i'' ’¥ * 4’ t 4 'i 'j 1 J' -t T‘ It to be covered, said Kety Mewawalla, J art host i Anjuman. “The Federation vice-president and treasurer of the is there to coordinate the activities of When all the anjumans and to look mto the interests of the community, ” he said. “Federation get-togethers help solve problems in every field - defunct anjumans, jobs, student welfare, mobed problem. It gives equal import ­ ance to all, ” stated Minochaher Bhar ­ ucha, trustee of the Bhavnagar Parsi Anjuman who has been regular at all Federation meetings. "'Bau first class ” was the rating given to the Federation by Bharucha, a sentiment echoed in various degrees of intensity by the other anjumans. Those who voiced their grouse on the time factor and the domination by the larger anjumans also had a solu ­ tion to offer: Let the smaller anju ­ mans, who wish to discuss their prob ­ lems, give an intimation of the points Parsi Anjuman Many anjumans especially in Gujarat are not comfortable in English usage, a factor which deters sions tend to concentrate on the larger thi^m fmm a+tonrlinn anjumans. ” While the question of the ' " a tttJI lUII ly egg or the chjcken coming first re- the meetings, mamed unanswered. Deboo touched _____ —______________ _ ________ another point, highlighting the fact that many anjumans, especially in Gu- putes, the new set of office-bearers usage. They are unable to follow the back on the Federation in times of cri- re- jarat, are not comfortable in English had the consolation that they could fall usage, piey are unable to follow the back on the Federation in times of cri- ___„, x.x mv pv/iina proceedings at the Federation meet- sis. Fortunately their differences were they would like to cover and accor- J M rvn n«4- V* a aI _____ t «•. . « • . _ . * factor which deters them from attend- tion by the Federation unnecessary, ing the meetings. ’ ’ ’ * ’ Representatives of smaller anju- may have to stay away from Federa- anjumans, ” remarked Nariman Bai ­ tion meetings when long distances are sara, trustee of the Saronda Parsi • J , , . *»'**|' TTVUIU VX./ V W* , dllVl ClV'VVJl ** mgs and the circulars sent to them, a solved internally, rendering interven- dingly time should be allotted to them. . . -- -------------- ----------—J, It was also suggested that the Federa- ing the meetings. admitted Mewawalla. tion help to alleviate poverty in the . “At the Federation meetings, there community, and extend the BPP’s mans who are not well-off financially is no distinction between small and big matrimonial bureau service to the re- mnv nuvp fr\ ctov aivou F»-z-\»vn a—:.,—a,— ,. 99 ___________ 1 _ _i -kt • . . . ? , , moter regions where there are known to be dwindling Parsi settlements. With Best Compliments From Mazda Foods & Drinks Private Limited Makers of “FAVORA*’ Flavouring Essences, Food Colours, Fruit Crushes, Syrup etc. A Venture of Mazda Estates & Finance Pvt Ltd., Regd. Office: 2, Girdhar Nivas, 15/17, Shahid Bhagatsingh Road, Golaba, Bombay —400 005 26 Parsiana October 1988 W' •j I J !r 4BL'-' F I SPORTS The First Parsi Team In England 1886 11 S : -T Undeterred by the superior performance of the English cricket teams, the Parsi cricketers bravely * battled with the ball. "la 1 vl ' ‘I Vasant Raiji ?r»'i According to a reliable source Parsi schoolboys were receiving instructions in cricket as far back as "" the boys grew up they formed the first in 1878. Parsi club in Bombay in 1848 and cal ­ led it the Oriental Cricket Club. In 1876, A.B. Patel, who was actively in- Parsee Cricket Club and succeeded in arranging a match with the Bombay C " ‘ ¦ - ¦ - pean) the following year. The Parsis When the news about the attempts for long shown themselves superior to came Jcnown in that country, The Lon- ! re were defeated by 63 runs but that did French sense of the word, by simply not deter Patel from working on the looking on. There are, nevertheless, 1839.^When idea of taking a Parsi team to England exceptions to the rule, and in the Bom- ‘ bay Presidency the Parsis, who have When the news about the attempts for long shown themselves superior to to bring a Parsi team to En^and be- the prejudices with Vhich other Indian races are more or less fettered, have come out quite strong as cricketers. Before long, it is rumored , a Parsi eleven will visit our shores for the pur ­ pose of contending with us on our na- volved J^n Pars£ cricket, started the don Graphic of August 10, 1878 -- ..i ported; “It is not everywhere, howev- - - 7 er, that John Bull finds any of the na- Gymkhana '(then exclusively Euro- fives inclined to join in the sport; they _____________ i„ii _ . rr,, T, generally content to ‘assist, ’ in the tive turf. We have already received 5t' 29 ParsianaOctoberl986 ¦ 1 Si - Iio s '-I 5$’ 'iM'v I ‘‘-J '-is I '^4 I r-n 1 ‘i’ti 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 several severe drubbings in the cricket tourists. Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, pres- field from our Australian cousins, iding at the function, extolled the perhaps next we are destined to be pluck, courage and perseverance of knocked (cricketically) into a cocked the Parsi cricketers in his farewell hat by the descendants of the fire wor- address: “I, gentlemen, remember the shippers of Persia. ” time, about a quarter of a century ago. Unfortunately, the project fell when our co-religionists first took to through because of a dispute between cricketing. Those days are quite fresh Patel and K.N. Kabraji leading to a i libel suit. However, good sense pre- one of the very first who was engaged vailed and the dispute was amicably in this game. This fact was unknown to settled by the intervention of their fame, and I am particularly glad to mutual friends. Despite the initial set- make a public announcement this back and unpleasant experience, Patel evening that it was in the maidan out- would not abandon his dream of tak- side the ramparts that the pioneers of ing Parsi cricketers to the home of cricket, proud of their bats and cricket. With perseverance and the stumps which were made by a native support of B.B. Baria and Dr D.H. carpenter, had begun to play. Since Patel arrangements were made for a ’ Parsi team to visit England in 1886. C.W. Alcock, the secretary of the Sur ­ rey Cricket Club, was requested to be ___________________ _______ the agent of the team, a task which he training among the natives of the soil, performed very ably. ' Before the team left for England, R I’ ¦ engaged as a coach. It was not possible in my mind from the fact of my being one of the very first who was engaged “Jeena House ”, 50, Hanuman Road, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110 OQl. 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 then the game has flourished among us and here I may mention, it has re ­ ceived a very great impetus from one who was anxious to introduce physical the late Sir Alexander Grant. The days of my exploits on the cricket field have Henderson, a Surrey professional was long since passed away, but to this day engaged as a coach. It was not possible there is no more agreeable sight to me for Henderson to do much with the in Bombay, ^hile passing down Espla- material placed at his disposal within nade Road, than that of the whole the short period of three weeks maidan overspread by a lot of enthu- allowed to him. He found it hard to siastic Parsi and Hindu cricketers, make his older pupils unlearn the keenly and eagerly engaged in this wrong technique which they had learnt manly game, in their younger days. One thing he taught the Parsis and that was forward play. Nevertheless, the future genera ­ tion of Parsi cricketers derived benefit from his instructions. The team which visited England in 1886 was by no means representative of the best Parsi talent available in the to Jerusalem to worship at country. The team was not ‘selected ’ s ’ ’_________ ,1.. ___ -- but made up of cricket enthusiasts who England to do homage to the English were willing to pay for their own ex- < ’ ’ penses of the tour. It must be said to the credit of these pioneering cricke ­ ters that the wealthier amongst them paid more than those not so fortunate who paid according to their mite. The composition of the team was as under: Dr D.H. Patel (captain), B.B. Baria, J.M. Morenas, A.R. Limboowalla,M. Framji, M.P. Banaji, S.N. Bhedwar, A.C. Major, P.C. Major, J. Pochkha- navala, S. Bejonji, S.H. Harvar, D.D. Khambatta, P.D. Dastur and B.P. Balia. The last three named were from __ __ _______ Karachi (now in Pakistan), Morenas play against Lord Sheffield ’s team. “I may say that the object of the team in going to England is a very modest one. Cricket, as you know, is the national game of England. It has taken root among the Parsi commun ­ ity, and as artists go to Italy to do hom ­ age to the great masters, as pilgrims go to Jerusalem to worship at a shrine...so now the Parsis are going to cricketers, to learn something of that noble and manly pastime in the very country which is Rs chosen home. “Parsi cricketers have gone over many parts of India and played a num ­ ber of matches with representatives of other nationalities, but whether they are bowling or batting, gaining or los ­ ing, they have always distinguished themselves by their pluck, courage and perseverance. ” The sea voyage took a little over three weeks and on May 24, 1886 the Parsis were at the Sheffield Park to from Baroda and the rest were from They were most cordially received by "7- the noble host who entertained them On April 17, 1886, a few days before to lunch. As no play was possible on the team sailed for England, a dinner the first day due to rain, one of the party was organized in honor of the Parsi players drank nothing but cham- Bombay. 30 Parsiana October 19861 r / pagne in honor of his first match. Alfred Shaw, who made cricket his ­ tory by bowling the first ball ever bowled in Test cricket (Australia ver ­ sus England 1876-77), played for Lord Sheffield ’s team but did not bowl out of kindness. The host team batted first and scored 142 to which the Parsis ’ re ­ ply was a meager 46. Following on, they fared better with 53 for 4. Fram- ji ’s bowling created a favorable im ­ pression on Shaw and umpire Mayc ­ roft, and Limboovala ’s wicket-keeping attracted much of the spectators ’ attention. The second fixture of the tour was against the M.C.8. at Lord ’s. At the request of the tourists, who were keen to meet the champion on the cricket field, W.G. Grace played in this match. Lord Harris was also invited to play but could not take part in the game with them, ” observed a British beaten 61, hitting all round the wicket game because of his parliamentary en- journal in its comments on the tour, gagements. Rain delayed the start un ­ til half-past three and by stumps the the tour, a special mention must be them all. ” At the end orthe match the Englishmen had scored 200 runs for made of the last match played at visitors were entertained at a garden the loss of five wickets - an average of Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great party arranged in their honor, just 70 runs an hour. W.G. Grace Park against Prince Christian Victor ’s I opened the innings for the home team XII. The match was arranged at the observed: “The Parsi fraternity is the most intelligent as well as the rnost loyal of the races scattered over our Indian possessions. For some years past the Parsis have given substantial proof of their affection for our nation ­ al game, and striven hard, in spite of great climatic disadvantages to them ­ selves with great credit on the cricket field. “Their ¦ '»•••. -SzSr t ail. .... jfi 5*; ! I si s 8 I I si Lord’s Pavilion: Parsi batting “failed miserably” in 1886 shots for which he had acquired the Before concluding the account of reputation as “the longest hitter of In a feature on th^ tour Cricket Chat and scored 65 including two fours, 10 threes, one two and 25 singles. He was caught by Balia off Major ’s bowl ­ ing. Major with 5 for 91 was the most successful Parsi bowler. Parsi batting failed miserably against the bowling of Grace, J. Robertson and Walker and they could score only 23 runs in the first innings and 66 in the second, los ­ ing the match by an innings and 224 ""' ' “Their visit to England was runs. Between them the Parsi batsmen avowedly undertaken with an educa- recorded nine ducks. Morenas was the express desire of Queen Victoria. Dr tional object. The difficulties neces- top scorer in both the innings with 10 Patel and his men were highly pleased sarily to be surmounted before such a and 28 not out. with the hospitable welcome accorded trip could have been carried out must Most of the matches that followed to them. Carriages \vere received by have been immense, and Englishmen were one-sided. Parsis getting the . drubbing. Six times were Parsis dismis ­ sed under 50 in a completed innings, their lowest score of the tour being. 19 his brother Prince Albert took part in heavy as well as costly tour. Though against Werneth Cricket Club at Old- the game and at lunch Prince Christian not successful on the cricket field, as ham. Their highest total for an innings proposed “the health of the Parsi they hardly expected to be, the Parsi was 212 against United Services at cricketers ” and praised their pluck in team have the satisfaction of knowing Portsmouth, in reply to the home undertaking such an arduous trip in that they have the respect of English team ’s score of 577. Altogether 12 cen- order to acquire a better knowledge of cricketers of every class, by the pluck turies were scored by English players, the English national game. In reply Dr they displayed in the face of con- " ' ’ ~ tinuous reverses, as well as the esteem their appreciation of the warm wel- of all with whom they came into con- come they had received from every tact by their modesty of demeanor as quarter throughout the tour. In the well as their social qualities generally. One of the Parsi players drank nothing but champagne in honor of his first match. to England His Royal Highness Prince Christian cannot fail thoroughly to appreciate as well as the Princess, to whom they the motives which inddCed Dr Patel were introduced. Prince Christian and and his comrades to attempt such a whereas no Parsi batsman made a Patel expressed, on behalf of his team, three-figure score. Of the 28 matches. Parsis lost 19, drew 8 and won one, their solitary vic ­ tory being against Normanhurst in a royal game Prince Christian scored 24 It is no exaggeration to say that the one-day game. “It was a great pity and and Prince Albert 11 (not out) and visit of the Parsi team will stand out general disappointment that the Parsis C.I. Thornton, the famous hitter, was conspicuously as one of the most could not succeed in finding any single bowled for a duck by Framji. In the pleasant memories of English cricke ­ eleven, weak enough to play a proper second innings Thornton scored an un- ters of the present generation. ” 31 Parsiana October 1986 I I' I I E I I I:-. •pxIj! V J' ‘M */ n !«- •; I ¦’ii ? 1 1 t| 5*2 i * y ¦ I: Dr Patel expressed the feelings of his team about the tour in a letter to the Press in which he said: “The Parsi cricket team, who left England by the mail of the August 12, have desired me as their captain, to acknowledge the many kindnesses and friendly en ­ couragements they have received at the hands of the people of this coun ­ try. We are grateful for our welcome ______________ ......... ........ ,,uv„ an i„, vn and the manner in which the British feelings of affection for the country the history of Indian ticket nobility and public have wished us sue- ” cess. It is invidious to particularize any of the clubs with whom we have play ­ ed; all have studied our comfort and convenience, but we cannot help ex ­ pressing ourselves as highly flattered at the reception we received at Cumberland Lodge at the hands of their Royal Highness Prince and Prin ­ cess Christian, and also at Sheffield Park by the Earl of Sheffield, the din ­ ner given us a,t Lord ’s by the M.C.C., and many similar honors as we pro ­ ceeded on our tour. The hearty and sympathetic welcome we have met with, we are not likely to forget for many years. “The coming over of a Parsi cricket team to England at the expense of time and considerable outlay is a re ­ markable feature in the history of this country, and marks a new era in the annals of this noble game. We have taken to it but recently, and any skill in it we can boast we have acquired from seeing Englishmen play cricket in In ­ dia. But in order to obtain a thorough insight into the game, coupled with a desire to see this great country, espe ­ cially at the time of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, we determined on our trip over here. It was not with any object of gaining victories that we made the voyage to England, but we desired to pay homage to the center and home of a noble game, and we desired to learn some useful lessons in its play. We have never aspired to pass as good cricketers here; all our defeats were expected and in every case we succeeded in getting the opposing team out, though in Bombay we feared that sometimes we should not be able to accomplish even this modest measure of success. We have had our difficulties, mainly owing to our ignor ­ ance and inexperience of this country, and also to our coming over rather late, but we wish the British public to know that we leave their hospitable shores with a profoundly favorable im ­ pression. “In once more saying farewell we Grace. “During this season a team of cannot resist expressing our sincere Parsi cricketers paid us a visit, but met thanks for the flattering honors that with very little success, even against have been simply showered down on second and third-rate clubs, ’’ observes us by all classes. .. Our best thanks are Grace in his book W. G: Cricketing Re- also due to Mr Alcock for his kind ------- advice and valuable services all along our tour. The Press, again, has been the most authentic book on crickerre- ing the shores of England with strong describing such an important evTnt in miniscences. It is matter of regret that Wisden, very good to us. In short, we are leav- cords, devoted just one paragraph in 1 •A zv A 1 ? *1* .n.1 .~] _ — _ 2 _ _ _1. *1* *¦ • and its people. ” The team failed to impress W.G. Concluding instalment to appear in December. Re ­ printed with permission from India's Hambledon Men. Cricket Chat’s thumbnail sketches Pestonji Dinshaw Dastur (Karachi): with a puzzling delivery, and was at Proved himself to be the best bats- times very effective. Batted well at man of the team. His highest score times, but somewhat impatient and was 89 against the North Riding of at times rash. Yorkshire, at Middlesbro ’. A keen Sorabji Bejonji (Bombay): Former ­ and hardworking cricketer. ly the captain of Mars Cricket Ardeshir Cursetjee Major (Bom- Club, Bombay, and once the cham- bay): A very useful medium pace pion Parsi cricketer. Used to score bowler, though he proved expen- heavily in important matches, and sive. A neat bat, but was rather un- could take any place in the field lucky in India. His 97 against the with credit. Is now out of form and United Services at Portsmouth was practice. the highest score of the tour. Bamanji B. Baria (Bombay): Of the Dhanjishaw H. Patel (Bombay): Elphinstone Cricket Club, formerly The captain of the team, ‘ ' ,Z____ president of the Elphinstone Crick- Cricket Club of Bombay. Had at • V vice- captain and treasurer, Zoroastrian et Club of Bombay. Very successful one time few, if any, superiors in India, having won prizes in all the among Parsis as an all-round cricke- prize matches, with one exception, ter. A neat bat in his day and used in which he took part. His 110 in to bowl with judgment. Now out of one of these fixtures is the highest practice. score made by a Parsi cricketer in Ardeshir R. Li m boo wall a (Bom- any important match. A useful fast bay): Of the Parsee Cricket Club, underhand bowler and good fielder. Bombay, used to bat and bowl well. Jamsetji M. Morenas (Baroda): A His wicket-keeping here, though very neat bat, plays in good style, not up to the best English standard, and cuts and drives well. Opened was on the whole creditable. well with two capital innings at Mancherjee P. Banaji (Bombay): Lord ’s and the Oval, but was un- Of the Elphinstone Club of Bom- able afterwards to do himself justice bay. A very useful wicket-keeper, a owing to an injured finger. Consi- good bat, but somewhat impatient, dered to be the best bat in the team. Fields well and a safe catch. Burjorji P. Balia (Karachi): Batted Sorabji Harvar (Bombay): Of the in good form and could hit too, Zoroastrian Cricket Club, Bombay, though not able to show his real abi- An excellent fielder, and a fair bat, lities in England. but a bad judge of a run. Shapurjee N. Bhedwar (Bombay): Jamasji Pochkhanavala (Bombay): A prominent member of the A good fielder, too impatient as a Elphinstone Cricket Club of Bom- bat. bay. An underhand bowler with a Perozshaw C. Major (Bombay): A peculiar delivery. Was at times very good bat, but very nervous. successful, the best bowler in the Muncherji Framji (Bombay): An team. A sharp point. excellent fielder, used to bat well in Dinshaw D. Khambatta (Karachi): Bombay, and a useful fast over-arm An effective left underhand bowler bowler. Of the Elphinstone Club of Bom- 32 Parsiana October 1986/ f<\^ ¦ -> f \ K'"' •- y-1 1^ I continued from page 12 Zoroastrian Research (CZR), will be newspaper of the University. The en- I “only 14 individuals bothered to re- held at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in try by Geoffrey Gainer, a fifth year i turn the questionnaire... A majority, Atlanta, Georgia, notes a press release architecture major, was adjudged the j when asked at private meetings, said issued by the CZR. best. ? the committee was doing a good job The five papers to be read at the Rustomjee ’s on the whole, Homji, Editor of the AZA newsletter, Michael M. J. Fischer of Rice Universi- of vivid and contrasting colors, took Manashni, in a report. ty; Relationship of liturgy to ritual ac- him more than one-and-a-half months From the alternatives offered, most tions in Yasna 11 by David Strophlet to execute, adds the report. respondents chose a pot luck, where Flattery of Emeryville, California; i The five papers to be read at the Rustomjee ’s colored-pencil-on- notes Kersi Meher- session are: Yasna as ritual process by vellum mural, employing a wide range “ ” " ; Along with the mural, Rustomjee food was to be brought by participants Keeping the waters dry: The semiotics submitted a four-page essay to explain and a barbeque at their community of fire and water in the Yasna by Wil- the thought behind his design in which center, as ways of improving commun- liam R. Darrow of Williams College; he noted that “since the Tech draws its 4 ity involvement. Only one respondent The Zoroastrian ritual and cosmology students from all over the country and wanted games at functions. Other sug- by Gernot L. Windfuhr of the Uni- the world, it can be seen as a commun- gestions recommended were: Have versity of Michigan; and The concept ity within a community with a status different themes^for different func- of priesthood in Zoroastrianism by quo of peaceful coexistence. ” The de- tions, have several food stalls so that Willard G. Oxtoby of the University of sign therefore has squares interacting members are given the choice to either Toronto. The respondent will be Das- with each other, each square having its cook or buy the food, invest money to tur Firoze Kotwal of the Wadiaji own color. The four dominant squares ¦ ¦ * * ’ ’ ¦ " ¦ " “ ¦"- ’1 because the “natak is a must, ” music will be followed by a panel discussion, the center, getting more dense,, de- f| by talented juniors, have a baby-sitter and leave all kids in one room, etc. ers in advance or who need more in- Twenty-three contestants aimed at Members also suggested having guest formation may write to H. Michael brightening a hall and calling attention speakers, bingo nights and cooking Simmons, Center for Zoroastrian Re- totheVTU office.Therewerenores- competitions or demonstrations. search, 801 East Tenth Street, trictions on the theme, but the artwork Though the membership of the Bloomington, Indiana 47401 or call had to be five by^ll inches, easily AZA is now 427, only 140 attended him on (812)332-3228. transferable, colorful and not too com- AZA’s last function, notes Meher- \___ ._______._____ ____ plicated, adds the write-up. _ *' ' A certificate of merit and an oil adds: “This survey will help identify The second place in the Design Con- paint set were presented to Rustomjee members ’ preferences but I do not be- test ’86 organized by the art committee as award, “for his visually aesthetic de- lieve that it will guarantee a better of the Virginia Tech Union (VTU), sign, ” noted Ann Bakula, chairperson turnout at the functions. Sure, some " - have complaints about the entertain ­ ment, or the food and some complain about everything. ” Irani suggests more concrete ideas. He notes that some members of the managing committee should have dis ­ cussions with a cross section of the members of the community to identify their reasons for not attending. It should be recognized, he adds, that entertainment and food should cater to all members who come from cultur ­ ally different backgrounds. An enter ­ tainment subcommittee could be formed to inject new ideas into func ­ tions, and duplication or overlapping of functions should be avoided. s •¦t b" r J ' J - • • f buy a marquee and a portable stage Atash Bahram, Bombay, whose talk merge into one as the colors unite in . . ... . .« . . • « -r I I Readers who wish to have the pap- scribes the report, ers in advance or who need more in- “ I Homji and respondent Noshir Irani Award winning mural ? ------ -- - - - - — I < f ! t Rustomjee: interaction of squares of the VTU Art Committee. Twenty-one-year-old lists music, trekking and sports amongst his hobbies. As part of the Bombay Gymkhana seniors rugby football team he had played in the Bombay Cup, Poona Cup and the All- India and South Asia Rugby Tourna ­ ments from 1981 to 1984, notes his bio ­ data. Rustomjee UK Scrabble champ Britain ’s national champion at Scrab ­ ble, the popular word game, is 27- year-old Viraf Mehta, who reads dic ­ tionaries just for fun, notes the Fed Newsletter quoting a Reuter report in London ’s daily newspaper. The States­ man of June 24, 1986. A personnel manager by profes ­ sion, Mehta fended off 100 other com ­ petitors to win the nineteenth National Scrabble Championship with 1,843 points. Says the champ in the The Consultation on rituals The seventy-seventh annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion, to be held from November 22 to 25, 1986, will include a consultation on Zoroastrianism, the theme of which is was claimed by Naval B. Rustomjee, a Statesman report, “I am fascinated by ‘Ritual in Zoroastrian tradition. ’ first year student of architecture at the words and find that reading and re- Slated for November 24, 1986, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and reading the dictionary is a great way to consultation, to be chaired by H. State University, USA, notes a write- improve my vocabulary and know- Michael Simmons of the Center for up in the Collegiate Times, the student ledge. ” 33 Parsiana October 1986 - ‘ i ,t •i a J * M • »« il I*- «’’ •Si *3 '1-;#: ¦;** 1 HEALTH 3 The 'i; 'i; transforming knife V Jeroo Irani I ^1, i Like the Indian film star who under- tic Surgeons, and has under his belt a goes an elaborate facelift, the men and seemingly unending string of appoinf- women of Central Africa Polynesia tattoo their faces and bodies, enlarge their lips artificially rooms at Bombay ’s Warden Road, and lengthen their necks with special where patients with various maladies rings to improve their physical appear ­ ance. The ancient search for physical perfection knows no geographical bar ­ riers and around 1,500 to 2,000 plastic surgeons from all over the world will eradicating as far as possible the rav- continue the quest when they converge ages of leprosy and cancer, setting in New Delhi in March 1987 for the IX right congenital defects where nature International Congress. “This is the first time that the Con gress will be held in an Asian coun ­ try, ” says 64-year-old Dr Noshir Antia, the recently elected president economy, one must understand the of the International Confederation of market forces, ” says the surgeon, re ­ Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ferring to the lucrative field of aesthe- who is also president of the Congress, tic or cosmetic surgery, which comes I “Amongst the questions that we will under the general purview of plastic raise at the Congress is ‘Can a plastic surgery. Including facelifts, reshaping surgeon prevent deformities (which of noses, shaping floppy ears and flab- are the result of poverty and disease) by thighs, lifti^ a pendent bosom or Poverty is produced by our Indian and international elite - two exploiters sit- I ting on the shoulders of our poor. I Should not a plastic surgeon question I the economics of producing deformi ­ ties? ” The venue of the Congress is J moreover appropriate. For the oldest 1 discovered record of skin grafts dates I back 2,500 years to India. The Vedas talk of nasal plastic surgery, for cutting surgery is cosmetic surgery, says Dr I off the nose was a common form of Antia, “for there, disfiguring diseases I punishment in those times, explains, have been eliminated to a considerable the surgeon. Naturally, the victims extent. Cancer too is detected in the i then sought the aid of so-called early stages, so there is no major de ­ surgeons. In fact, the Indian method formity. Many a patient undergoes for reconstruction of deformed or mis- surgery because hr or she wishes to s sing noses - cutting off a strip of skin look younger. In the West, they feel I from the forehead to reconstruct a new that after 40 they will be out of the I nose - is still in use today. running, ” he adds. ~ The proverbial older woman who and ments and awards. Sitting in his sparse consulting file in and out, demanding routine, un ­ usual, and often time-consuming surgery, he waves his “magic wand ” over the diseased and the deformed; has gone grievously wrong. Floppy ears and long noses “If medicine is practiced in a market instead of merely correcting them? ’ enlarging a small one, cosmetic surgery involves any part of the face or body which can be coaxed gently back to perfection. Hence, not only does cosmetic surgery bring in money, it also involves considerable skill. For nature can no longer have it all her own way and the skillful plastic surgeon can probably improve on Mother Nature herself. In the US, 80 percent of plastic ft 5 The soft-spoken, bespectacled Parsi Dr Nnqhir Anti a surgeon wears his formidable reputa- wants to look young and beautiful to L/l INUol I IL a tion lightly as almost reluctantly he hold her lover ’s affections is as com- will preside over the proffers his bio-data running into four mon as the formerly lovely one who pages. Honorary surgeon to the Presi- cannot grow old gracefully. “I think dent of India and the Governor of age and wisdom go together in our cul- Maharashtra, he is also an honorary ture and to possess a wrinkled face is consultant to the Tata Department of hence sometimes considered an advan- Plastic Surgery and the J.J. Group of tage, ” feels Dr Antia, though many of Hospitals, honorary fellow of the his patients would not agree. Also American College of Surgeons, mem- there are those who feel a sense of in- ber and past president of the Associa- feriority because of a real or imaginary tion of Plastic Surgeons of India, mem- defect. “‘My nose is too long, ’ they ber of the British Association of Plas- say. In such cases, the complex is too ninth international plastic surgeons' congress to be held in New Delhi in March '87. 34 Parsiana October 1986 i I ¥ 3 ¦¦.i 1 1 : s•J-T Antia examining a patient deep-rooted so that even after the op ­ eration they are not satisfied. ” 5 s § s U) 3) Giving nature a hand Improving on what nature has bes ­ towed is determined to a large extent by society, says the surgeon. For the concept of beauty has changed greatly with the times and varies with the different races. For example, amongst certain primitive people, deformity came to be regarded as a sign of beau ­ ty and a scarred face was considered an asset. ‘‘For the Mongoloid race, a flat nose is considered normal, but often it is the^dominant culture that imposes its view. For instance, after his patient might be their features to look like Americans, lip, cleft palate, webbed fingers or profession. ” " A L , clubfeet who has suffered the mur- Though Parsis dominate the medical Who are Dr Antia s patients? Some mured jibes and asides of other chil- profession, particularly in Bombay p nrawn Trnm /«niin*nr’c xalJfza. k - .i. _ i , « ’ u • , - . ----------------*— —--VZXXX -.A- are several Parsi plastic undergo a substantial amount of with say an umbilical hernia, in which surgeons, not many are in training rncmpfip cnraprv hxz xizotz ________ i________ j- i r , tx , . . J. to help and a shrewd psychologist. For personally would help a bright young ’'7 ke a two-year-old man of any community, including a altering with a congenital defect such as a hare- Parsi, if he wished to enter the medical says the surgeon. clubfeet who has suffered the Though Parsis dominate the medical ar^drawn from ^he country s elite who dren. Or he or she may be a newborn and there cosrnetic surgery by way of facelifts, case he passes immediately from the However, he has a fair amount of Parsi etc. But they form only a small percen- hands of the obstetrician to the plastic patients. ‘‘There are no problems that tage and only a third of Dr Antia ’s surgeon. are peculiar to the community except work IS devoted to cosmetic surgery. Talking about his love and commit- perhaps the large nose ” he laughs What happens to be a major problem ment to research. Dr Antia expands ‘‘The pattern of disease in out com- in India is leprosy which has, in its < ’ ............. vice-like grip, four million sufferers, g _ _ __ _______ , ‘‘Out of this, 10 percent are disfi- find out problems and simplify surgeon. ; .. . Talking about his love and commit- perhaps the large nose, ” he^ laughs. on the role of the specialist. ‘‘He must munity is similar to that of the West, ” go out to the frontiers, research and he says. ‘‘We have a low infant mortal- ' new ity rate and virtually no TB, though I J 7, Ax* I’ll V./ v IX ilk./ X U Hi Ar Ugii X I ’ Antia who is deeply knowledge and technology and pass it have treated a few Parsi leprosy pa- ''ol/ed with the Foundation for on to his general surgical colleagues, tients at Breach Candy Hospital ” he Medical Research, a laboratory for He should resist the temptation to adds. le^osy research. mystify things. ” For instance, during When not mending faces and wag- Translating his commitment into ac- China ’s Cultural Revolution, Chair- ing a ceaseless battle to alleviate hu- hon. Dr Antia has worked in a small man Mao wrought a health revolution, man suffering. Dr Antia is a family institute outside Poona in near primi- says Dr Antia. Doctors were made to man. He travels a great deal and cap ­ tive conditions, ‘‘without any assis- fan out to the villages and teach people tures it all on film which is then meti- tants, autoclaves or anaesthetists. We how to look after themselves. ‘‘If our culously preserved His wife Arnie is would just boil the instruments in a medical men did that, they would honorary secretary of the Society for ftazidz and get another patient to assist, know more about conditions here. In the Education of the Crippled. His son Unlike neuro or thoracic surgery for India, we feel it is not convenient to Rustom, doing his PhD in cellular and example, the vast majority of plastic live in the villages. Our villages need molecular biology, and his daughter surgery cases can be performed most water, food, electricity, and basic Avan, her MS in marine biology are adequately in a basic general surgery health services. Can we sit here and both studying in the USA. theater with the addition of 15 fine in- say ‘Nutrition is not my speciality and The word ‘‘plastic ” is derived from struments and without atraumatic su- plastic surgery is my field? ”’ the Greek word, ‘‘to mold ” says Dr tures and disposable syringes. This P---- -------------- ir ------ r.. * .• • ’ shows that one can do enormous world. Dr Antia nevertheless feels often been described s. things with very little if there is the strongly about certain community What qualities must a plastic drive, whereas where there are facili- i------ j . ties, very often little is done. tigurement due to filariasis and burns when there are already far too many surgeon with a special technique and IS another problem, he says, while the medical colleges in the country. ‘‘A plastic surgery is a part of general hazards of modern living provide the Parsi should compete with others, and surgery. General surgery is a part of surgeon with ample material to work stand on merit without crutches. As it medicine and medicine is a part of the ; nn hv wav nf ind.wtriai onri is, in my uncle ’s time 80 percent of the social system, ” he says. “If I have students at the Grant Medical College contributed anything to medicine, it is were Parsis. In my time, the figure had because I have viewed things in a come down to 20 percent. Today, you wider perspective than taught in our —'--i one or two Parsis . I medical colleges. ” china ’s Cultural Revolution, Chair- ing a ceaseless battle to alleviate hu ­ man Mao wrought a health revolution, says Dr Antia. Doctors were made to ___ _________ ______ fan out to the villages and teach people tures it all on film which is then meti- . .X ---------------- ---- ------- is a medical men did that, they would honorary secretary of the Society for _..X . . " ¦ - - - , gpjj Dis- say ‘Nutrition is not my speciality and plastic surgery is my field? ’” ____ ______ Describing himself as a citizen of the Antia, hence plastic surgeons have 1 as sculptors. .--1; surgeon issues. He does not feel a separate possess? ‘‘Commonsense, ” he answers medical college for Parsis is necessary swiftly. ‘‘A plastic surgeon is a general hazards of modern living provide the Parsi should compete with others, and on by way of industrial and road acci ­ dents. The plastic surgeon has to be more than a skillful surgeon. He has also to __________ __ be ah understanding man with a desire will hardly find “If I have I 37 Parsiana October 1986S. B' ¦ ; A ¦> ; i'p' ' ; I ¦ 1-^ . ''i time. ” Kaikobad were noncommittal as to It was also resolved at the same whether they would stand, while Per ­ meeting that at least two months prior vez Avari, an industrial engineer at to the date of expiry of the Anjuman Telco and active in community affairs, Committee, a list of voters along with intends to contest, the addresses of those enrolled on the R as continued from page 17 Panchayat property - either donated, shaw and Dr Rustom N. Marolia bas che. ”) Members also objected to gifted or acquired - was to be de- elected in their place. The other trus- elections being held on a Sunday as 40 veloped by constructing “houses, tene- tees include Minoo Irani, Marzban to 60 percent of the Parsis in Poona are ments, apartments, residential col- Kaikobad, Ms Tehmi Grant and Din- employed in industry , where the week- onies with shopping and other essen- shaw Anklesaria. ly holiday is Thursday. But president tial amenities including consulting The groups contesting the trus- Minoo Irani noted that one could easi- rooms, dispensaries for medical practi- teeship elections in November had ly take leave for “this important tioners, etc...and to sell, let out and still to put forth their candidates at the duty. ” otherwise deal with such properties as time of going to press (October 22). Of The brevity of the annual meeting the trustees may deem fit from time to the present trustees, both Irani and seemed to catch some members by sur ­ prise, until Kaikobad noted jocularly, “And now that there is no dinner, peo ­ ple can go! ” After the meeting, members chatted amongst themselves with one lady sug- the addresses of those enrolled on the Avari ’s campaign will focus on gesting attnonthly contribution of two donor as well as the A,B,C and D reg- evolving a new managerial strategy for rupees, by every Parsi in Poona, to- isters “will have to be prominently dis- coping with community requirements, wards the Panchayat funds. Another played on the Panchayat office notice Avari and his group also intend to in ­ opined that even for this paltry sum boards. A member, to be eligible to volve the Anjuman Committee in the the Parsis will make a fuss, especially if vote, must have paid all arrears of sub- various Panchayat projects. The prob- they have to donate it to the Pan- scription fees up to date...at least six lems faced by the Parsis in Poona are chayat. “They must first earn the re- months prior to the date of the Anju- not just the job of the seven trustees, spect of the people ” by doing some- man Committee elections. ” (Because says Avari, “They also have to attend thing constructive, she added. of this new resolution, 135 members of to their own jobs. ” the Panchayat, out of a total of 932, According to Avari it is difficult to Annual report would not have been eligible to vote at get people to stand for trusteeship The annual report for ’85 was recently the Anjuman Committee elections this elections but even if “good ” people circulated wherein mention is made of year.) stand, theffe should be a mix of profes- two resolutions passed on May 16,’85. The year also saw three trustees - sionals who have a knowledge of eco- “In order to provide residential Erach Chindy, Noshir Kamdin and Ms nomics, law, etc, and two “from well-to- accommodation to the poor and the Homai Pudumjee - resign from the do families or well-known personalities needy middle - class Parsi and Irani board of trustees, and three new mem- with pull and influence and money to g^ Zoroastrians, ” it was resolved that any bers - Kersasp Irani, Minoo F. Din- around. ” 4^ ip.' IVit/i the Compliments of P.S. KUKA Chairman GOODWILL THEATRES PVT LTD Owners NOVELTY CINEMA (THEATRE MAGNIFICENT) CINE PROPERTIES & FINANCE PVT LTD Owners DREAMLAND CINEMA Rendezvous of the Elite 38 Parsiana October 1386i j 1 ¦ I I J. BUSINESS Parinaz Toddywalla I "a got a bad name. But contrary to what crystal form, is ideal for use in the most people seem to think, scientific manufacture of nitroglycerine based leasing is a good way of raising fi- explosives, in the chemical and textile nance. You must be choosy about your industries. “The market response is clients, ” he said. Their clients include excellent, ” he continued. Their buyers Sony Orson, Hindustan Lever, Kelvi- include Tamil Nadu Explosives, Noble 1' nator, McDowell and ----- - j Machine Tools. “Most of our custom ­ ers are blue chip companies giving us business at good rates, ” i gineer. The Atash Group has created an think of over extending ourselves in too many fields. We are on the tip of the iceberg, ” Engineer sounds cau ­ tion. He then refers to the franchise agreement signed with Parle, whereby Atash will exercise exclusive manufac ­ turing rights for the fruit drinks Frooti and ’appy in Delhi, UP and Rajasthan. “We ’re proudest of our Frooti pro ­ ject, ” admits Engineer while sipping from the Frooti tetrapack. “It ’s excel ­ lent, there ’s quick generation, and the gestation period for this project is ex ­ tremely smaff. The highly mechanized, aseptic packaging (contributes to its success). We will be in the market by January. We ’ve got a strong team of dedicated, motivated personnel-^ pushing themselves, ” he informs. “Presently Atash is a baby which needs to be nurtured. Yet one day -it will grow into a giant. We have our goals and dreams to be a 100-crore company. I hope we can create some kind of legacy for Atash in terms of a McDowell Lohia Explochem, national ordnance factor ­ ies, cement factories and coal mines. “We are now considering entry into noted En- consumer products. But the possibility here itself is so vast that we shouldn ’t Tending Atash I With a flame for their logo and “Kind- A tach ph?^irm?^n ling the flame of enterprise ” as their motto, Atash seemed to be the right Cyrus Engineer choice of name for their Company. .11 r .1 / Says Cyrus Engineer, the chairman of talks oT the group s Atash Leasing and Industries, “We were looking for a name which would symbolize what Zoroastrianism stands for. Atash is meant to remind us that ammonium nitrate complex on 18 we are Zoroastrians first. Our obliga- acres of prime industrial land at Patal- tions will be stronger...to live up to the ganga in Raigad District. The two good name and reputation. For us it ’s name and ideals of hard work and hon- plants manufacturing prills, granules a mission, ” reiterates the Company ’s esty which characterize the Parsi com- and crystals have a total production chairman. munity. When values are crumbling, capacity of 25,000 tonnes per annum “Our shareholders should feel that shareholders have faith in Parsi com- with storage facilities for 1,000 tonnes with closed eyes they can invest with panics and it ’s our hope that we won ’t of finished product, notes their attrac- us, ” says Engineer. Atash Leasing and let them down. ” lively designed brochure. Says En- Industries Ltd went public in Decem- In his mid-40 ’s and greying at the gineer, “There was no quality prilled ber ’85 offering 23,71,500 equity temples, the well-built Engineer, material manufactured by anyone in shares of Rs 10 each. Engineer be- attired in a beige suit, was at work by the country. There were two produc- lieves, “Your shareholders are your 9.30 am on September 8, 1986 in his ers who were very inadequate. It ’s a guns and ammunition. The general in ­ office at Jehangir Villa on Wodehouse new field and a new explosive for In- vesting public does have confidence in Road, in Bombay. dia. ” The Atash prill is a unique form us. The value of our shares is steady “Atash is more than a leasing com- of ammonium nitrate, by itself a ferti- between Rs 40 and 45, though we ’ve pany, ” reminded Engineer. (The lizer, but when mixed with fuel oil and never supported our shares. On the Atash Group of Industries undertakes subject to high initiation tempera- public issue and share market side, our leasing operations, .... -- ammonium nitrate chemicals and is considering entry into consumer pro ­ ducts especially since their franchise troduced by them, is used for blasting work has been his brainchild agreement with Parle has been final- in hydel works, foundations of dams “ ~ ized.) “The term ‘leasing ’ does not and buildings and certain mining op- different reasons for going public...We make people happy. It ’s unjustifiably erations. Atash 88 (‘NG’) in superfine thought that if we wanted Atash to be business plans. 39 Parsiana October 1986 motivated manufactures tures, attains explosive properties and vice-chairman Nusli Davar has put in a serves as a blasting agent. Atash 99, lot of work. His respect in the share the superfine ammonium granules in- market is second to hone. Much of the According to Engineer, “There arevehicle of growth, we would have to you have to pay a price for these the tune of two crores. Our problem is a vehicle 01 growin, we wouiu ndvc vu yuu uaw w «* r**''*' BO public. In addition, avenues of fi- advantages..., ” something Engineer is not selling but producing, acknow- nance and professionalization, not not willing to do in the case of his ledges Engineer. available to a private company were open before us. It ’s not a one-man show though even a public company held. forward. It is important to realize that Atash claims to have done well and are oWactly. When he started manufac- the ownership no longer vests with offering their shareholders “at least 17 ture of carbon dioxide m Thana in you. The directors can ’t afford to be percent dividend. We are very hopeful 1962, it was not by^choice but threads autocratic, as professionals don ’t want for next year too. ” On the leasing side, of destiny. ..” their freedom to be tampered with. Atash has signed nine-and-a-half crore En^neer, There should be a willingness to '-.x,./....." ----- , .,.2.1 - : ' ----- xu * fl- change the ethos and discipline — lean crores of rupees already disbursed, warned by an astrologer^ that “¥“^8 more on others like your staff and Their ammonium nitrate plants have ' ' _ " “ ; shareholders and less on yourself. But manufactured granules and crystals to Engineer ’s entire education was at De ­ ll ____________ ______________ J _______ I "I have always been a manufactur- Dioxide, which will remain closely ing man. I enjoy setting up plants. I • -J_______________________________ am happiest when I am in the factory In their first year of functioning and with men, ” says Engineer matter- maiden venture, Bombay Carbon longer vests with offering their shareholders “at least 17 ture of carbon dioxide in Thana in ® 1 1 WTT - ________ 1_________ mm Kir Kiif Son of Air Marshal Aspy xxc.x x.x..,... ___________________ X. Cyrus respected his worth of buriness, with five-and-a-half mother ’s fears when she was Tore- crores < was not the right career for her son. ¦f .TTS I n L F- Engineer: “willingness to change Left: Atash plant at Patalganga Far left: bore holes being filled with Atash prills. •j ¦ Ihi. An ex-student of St Columbus S School from where he completed his I Cambridge education with a thirty- I seventh all-India ranking, he later stu ­ died at St Stephen ’s College where he i graduated with honors in physics, i Though his admission at the Imperial I College of Engineering in England was f confirmed, due to several factors En ­ gineer preferred not to study abroad. “In 1962, before the Indo-China War, the Government was trying to encourage entry into business, thought I could go into the manufac ­ ture of polyurethane. But since that project was not financially feasible, I picked up knowledge of manufacture , of carbon dioxide from one of my father ’s cousins, and borrowing Rs 50,000 from my father ’s provident fund, I started business. ” 41 Parsiana October 1986WSK-r •i** -' < I * »!'; f- ' '.1 i A; -•d •l . 1> fr ) ' J .4 J ''¦v-j I f*y I i l» As chairman of the Bombay Carbon she used to run a beauty and health activities: collecting stamps on classic- Dioxide Gas Corporation, Engineer care center but now she is fully dedi- al India and the colonial British enjoys his exclusive ownership rights cated to the house. ” Their 22-year-old period, and hobby farming “when I in his Company which is today India ’s son Shahroukh has joined the father get time with my family. largest carbon dioxide gas manufactur- on the Frooti project after completing “There are adversities and setbacks er. With units in Chembur and in business all the time. The real test of Rasayani, the Company is the major ; a businessman is to prove how quickly supplier of carbon dioxide gas and dry • - - ice to Air-India, Telco, Parle, Muk- and Iron, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, etc, notes a report in the Mid- Day of September 20, 1985. With the introduction of India ’s first cryogenic carbon dioxide tankers, manufactured .u.. .v by Bombay Carbon Dioxide, there is dreams to be a 100- In November 1985 it did a 180 degree believed to be substantial foreign ex- ' ‘ ................ change siting for the country. To ex ­ plain the Company ’s unique position, an example has been cited of Brown and Root International Inc, engineers his business administration course in ing. For a small project, you will see 50 for the South Bassein Hazira pipeline, the States. Daughter Tayunaz, study- people rushing in to volunteer to do which used to send its ships to Singa- ing at St Xavier ’s College, helps the the job. pore for refuelling carbon dioxide gas. father at the Bombay Carbon Dioxide “We have a brave, honest Govern- Since the innovation of Bombay Car- office but is keen on doing a project on ment and I would feel very sorry if we bon Dioxide ’s tankers, the refilling the stock market. Youngest son don ’t give them a chance. In India, so- work is now undertaken by them. Rohnish, a five-year-old “keeps us cial objectives have to be met, and the “I have come up the hard way. Until very active, ” Engineer adds with a Government faces a difficult task of 1970 I used to type my own letters. In smile. Though Engineer has not had playing a dual role. The Government the early days, my wife Ketayun did her bit to keep us going. An ex-model. "Presently Atash is a hlmself to changed clr- baby wich needs to be nurtured. Yet...we have our goals and cumstances. While the business com ­ munity is not behaving itself, (the Government crackdown has caused businessmen to lose their confidence). I think the Government missed its chance last year to propel us forward. tr i IH' i?p pi I-' . li' k f ? •' I I - '.ii I i s ttu., J.., crore company. (change in) thinking. The investment climate which was booming last year has dropped this year. Yet,an average Indian continues to be very enterpris- for the South Bassein Hazira pipeline, the States. Daughter Tayunaz, study- people rushing in to volunteer to do pore for refuelling carbon dioxide gas. father at the Bombay Carbon Dioxide office but is keen on doing a project on ment and I would feel very sorry if we Rohnish, a five-year-old “keeps us cial objectives have to be met, and the “much spare time in the last two has to m^ntain a political balance years, ” he lists among his recreational sheet. India has a great future... ” With the Best Compliments of lit 42 Parsiana October 1986 INGERSOLL-RAND (INDIA] LIMITED Manufacturers of Air & Gas Compressors * Rock Brill Equipment * Vacuum PumpsBOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a PubUc School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Exed- lent Climate — Ali-mpnd Education : X AU Acadonic Subjecta —Tech ­ nical Subjects: Workshop. Tech ­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Fann ­ ing. Training in Sdf-Goveniment through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Gomes —Physical Train ­ ing — Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Week ­ ly intensive Zoroastrian —Geeta- koran classes — Excellent Modem Kitchen and Dining Romn facilities — Airy Dormi- tories. Moderate Fees. Freeships and Concessions to Deserv ing Students. Apply to — THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 324 Dr. D. N. Road, Bombay 400 001. continued from page 16 she loves writing books and reading. Newsletters carrying information on Zoroastrian pockets and their activi ­ ties in different parts of the world com ­ prise her reading material on journeys to and from Vidyanagari, the Uni ­ versity campus at Kalina. She regular ­ ly receives Parsiana and Jam-e- Jamshed but “It ’s only on Sundays that I read through the whole Jame and enjoy the few controversies (therein), ” she states. Though unfamiliar with the working of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) and the BPP’s electoral re ­ form scheme, Bengalee had a brief ac ­ quaintance with the Federation of Par ­ si Zoroastrian Anjumans of India when she was invited as the guest- speaker at the last executive council meeting in Bombay on August 30, 1986 (see “Learn to earn, ” page 21). “As a community we are breaking and breaking so fast... Social service should be geared toward the entire community. There are more social workers among Parsis, than in any other community. But the Parsi ego (is also stronger). Some are committed to service ’ others do it for naam (name) J and yet others for the additional in- 4^ I 1! . fC' 5 s> t ¦ > }* B B I ! 1 i r I' J i 1 I continued from page 20 new J . _ . secretary Keki Gandhi demanded a __ _____________ ____ _ ± vuvianwH jiau «j caicu ns foUow-up machinery, favor. Bharucha had conveyed to the negotiations with th*e'*LondonZbased BPP trus^e Jarnsheed Kanga sug- executive council at the Poona meet- body by demanding 90 percent weight- gested a subcommittee of the execu- ing that the enquiry officer had age for association members but di- tive council comparable to the Wadia advised him to compromise and sell luted it in subsequent stages to 66.6 committee of management (a subcom- the land to the occupiers. percent. The WZO has stuck to its inittee of the BPP managing the va- While Gandhi had advocated mov- offer of 50-50 representation on the nous Wadia bangs) with executive ing the collector or the court for red- managing committee with the chair ­ powers, Its decisions being subject to ress, Gheyara and the SPP chief ex- manship fluctuating between the two ratification by the executive council, ecutive Sorab Katpitia had felt that the groups in turn. On the general body Delhi s Dadi Mistry, Bodhanwalla, effort was doomed in the absence of the one vote per member formula re- Dittia and BPP chief executive Rus- documentary evidence ’. mained constant. Thus there has been tom Anklesana spoke up in favor of a It was now noted that the en- no essential change in their offer since subcommittee with emergency deci- croachers had offered to pay at the January 1985. sion making power, thus reversing the rate of one rupee per meter. The offer Federation members feel that the original executive couAcil stand. would be accepted in light of the abs- WZO should ideally send in a compre- ence of documents. The execution of a hensive package of proposals in adv- enable Katpitia ance of their negotiating team. The r.1 ............................ Federation is unhappy that WZO office-bearers comprise only UK- Vacating encroached property is based Zoroastrians and that the man- one side of the problem. The other is aging committee meetings are so con- to prevent the process from becoming ducted that all its members cannot par- . forefathers for cultivation by old Parsi the WZO will continue to enrol new ground. Federation honorary residents and that they have filed a ' claim for registering the land in their ones. The Federation had opened its executive council at the Poona meet- body by demanding 90 percent weight ­ ing that the enquiry officer had age for association members but di ­ committee of management (a subcom- the land to the occupiers. While Gandhi had advocated mov ­ ing the collector or the court for red- ____ ________ __ _ __ ress, Gheyara and the SPP chief ex- manship fluctuating between the two ecutive Sorab Katpitia had felt that the l - ___ - - -1- effort was doomed in the absence of the one vote per member formula re- It was now noted that the en- rate of one rupee per meter. The offer would be accepted in light of the abs- . ence of documents. The execution of a hensive package of proposals in adv- Defunct anjumans j------- ___ Nineteen thousand square meters of and Bharucha to"^ complete the deal rocky land in Diu, occupied by local now awaited Desai ’s legal approval, people since the last four generations, ” ' may be sold. The Diu property records have ______________________ __ __u..iw..ivmuviavaiuiui eluded the Federation despite devoted repetitive. The encroachers “will dcrpare7n^its “fuVctio^^^^ and consistent action by Mmochaher throw a fence out in 24 hours, ” noted discord is the Federation ’s request for Bharucha of Bhavnagar who has Gheyara, and Kanga suggested that information^egarding the status of in ­ chased them from Dm to Goa to Da- Parsi industrial organizations, like dividual members which has been con- man without avail. The encroachers claim that the land was given to their 2 (Al|ura Enterprise Manufacturers of Printed Packaging Materials Corrugated Boxes, Plastic Carrier Bags, Plastic Containers 2 10/4, Rustom Baug,Byculla, Bombay - 400027 Tel.8722885 46 Parsiana October 1986 Parsi industrial organizations, like dividual members which has been Mazda' Industries and Leasing should sistently parried by the WZO. be involved in using and protecting the Although the consensus of the Fed- vacated land. eration delegates is to “save the ex- Taleyarkhan suggested that the Fed- isting body because it ’s a fait accom-^ eration advice the Minorities Commis- pli ” as noted Desai, he added that he^- sion about defunct anjuman properties had received no pertinent response and asked for statistics. He was aghast from the WZO to the point he had to learn their figure - “about forty. ” It raised in February. was agreed that the Federation would Appealing for “a little more pati- bear the cost of employing a person ence, ” Mistry stated that the WZO’s with some knowledge of “esoteric re- annual general meeting was scheduled venue lore, ” to follow up on reports of to be held on September 7, 1986 when defunct anjuman properties. new people were expected to take office. “ here. ” In December ’86 they ’ll be wzo The World Zoroastrian Organisation ’s (WZO) India representative Dadi Iranian visas Mistry has assured the executive coun- The presence of politician-diplomat cil that the WZO will present a new Homi Taleyarkhan who has replaced proposal in writing by mid October de- Noshir Santook on the Minorities tailing the concessions its managing Commission, inspired Kanga to view committee is willing to make to facili- the problem of Zoroastrian refugees tate the Federation ’s membership of from Iran in a new light: “If we pre- theWZO. sent it as a problem of the Zoroastrian Mistry was placating the members community, that there are very few who were increasingly apprehensive Zoroastrians left in Iran, then we and critical of the WZO not giving might be able to bring it within the fold adequate weightage to the views of ofthe Minorities Commission. ” Kanga anjumans on its managing committee added that cases of older Pakistani and general body. As matters stand, Zoroastrians who wish to migrate to individuals and anjumans each have a India, the youth having left to settle single vote apiece. By Mistry ’s reckon- elsewhere, are viewed sympathetically ing there are 2000 individual members by the Indian government. (versus a handful of associations) and Zoroastrians who wish to migrate to elsewhere, are viewed sympathetically Increasing numbers of Irani Zoroas-- I X / i Above: Mistry (left) with Guzder Left: Dittia and Kanga (at the mike) Our assurance that we're never going to form another body is luring the WZO into a false sense of security." from the community, noted its conven ­ er Professor Noshir Kaikobad. Remedial education at a cost of Rs 200 per head per month is being ex ­ tended to seven children with superior IQ but low achievement. Although it has achieved positive results with only two participants, Kaikobad advocated that the project be regularized. On the vocational/career guidance frontJKaikobad informed the delegates trians are 'said to be interested in plication on the Government of India ’s that vocational guidance tests had re ­ accepting Indian citizenship. But their perception of the community, Nargol- vealed substantial student interest in main thrust is to send the children here wala had agreed to sound out the con- paramedical careers and attendance for study and thus enable the girls to cerned authorities. had been 100 percent whenever held, grow up in a Zoroastrian milieu with a Accordingly, a 10-page annexure to Students of certain colleges get extra better chance of finding Zoroastrian the Federation minutes contained, weightage for admission into the IITs spouses and of the boys to continue along with categories, etc of UNESCO (Indian Institutes of Technology), in- their education without being inter- membership, the copy of a letter from formed Kanga who suggested that the rupted by military duties. Nargolwala delineating the gist of his vocational guidance bureau liaise with meeting with joint secretary Dalit college professors to ascertain this UNESCO Lahiri of the ministry of external point in the interest of Parsi youth. He The argument for joining the United affairs in which he noted that Lahiri also noted that there was a sudden Nations ’ Educational Scientific and had assured him that “the Govern- shortage of pilots in the civil aviation Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has ment of India would have no objection industry - “a rare opportunity for Par- gained fresh ground since the stalling to such an application being made. ” si boys with a fairly good scholastic of the long negotiations with the But Taleyarkhan continued to oppose background, good health and good WZO. The strongest votary of the the move on the ground that it would personality. The opportunity may not Federation seeking an affiliate mem- “bring our community into disrepute last long. ” bership of the cultural wing of UN- as being sectarian. ” In the absence of a Although 20 cases are in hand for ESCO had been Shiavax Nargolwala balance sheet of advantages and dis- family counselling, Kaikobad under- who was keen that Federation repre- advantages of joining UNESCO, the lined the need for creating confidence sentatives attend such of the world matter was shelved until the next among those who need help: “When body ’s meetings at which “problems of meeting. you marry, you marry a personality, ethnic communities or of refugees are But in a marriage you have to live with discussed. ” Nargolwala had also anti- Counselling a character... Hum, turn aur voh (the cipated that the Federation might be With two more schools - the Lady En- menage a trois) goes down to the nas- able to benefit from UNESCO’s funds gineer and the Panday School joining sessalar level, ” and requires much tact for its research projects. the school counselling service and a re- However, in deference to a reserva- quest for inclusion from a third - the the fissures, noted Kaikobad. tion voiced by Adi Rabadi of Calcutta Girton Girls ’ High School - the pro ­ regarding the impact of such an ap- ject is beginning to generate demand The new building of Seva Dhan, the Accordingly, a 10-page annexure to Students of certain colleges get extra on the part of the counsellor to cement -i J 'T‘ ¦34 -I 1 ¦ X? j 1 47 Parsiana October 1986is r* 1] Hi ¦> [F ¦ 1 ii; 'I, Hi I 1' I institution for the amelioration of drug us now, ” noted Taraporvala. ted to let two more correspondents addicts founded by ex addict Russell •Shavak Patel of Baroda thanked BPP attend. (However at the next BPP Pinto, will be pledged with the BPP up trustees Golwalla and Godrej for ear- Press Conference held on October 11, to the extent of its loan of one lakh marking two lakh rupees for the con- 1986, the invitation again specified rupees. A Punchayet nominee will also struction of a community hall in the only two representatives could be invited to attend the institute ’s dharamshala compound there. The attend.) The cost of travel to the va- management committee meetings, large, well located site will thus be rious destinations where the Federa- Moreover, as Anklesaria informed the rented out to other communities to tion meets are held is borne by Par- council, until two years after relocat- generate funds for future projects. The siana. The host anjuman provides ing at its new complex in Goa where it Anjuman has itself collected Rs board and lodging for all outstation has acquired larger accommodation at 4,30,000. delegates including the Press. less cost, free treatment will be avail- •In Navsari the 300 new flats in Avan •Invitations and tentative dates for the able to deserving Parsi youth if for- Bang have attracted middle and lower next four meetings of the executive warded by the BPP. middle-class families and now. the de- council have already been set. After mand is for admission to educational the next meeting, due to be held in Individual anjumans institutions. Most of the new families Delhi on December 27 and 28 im- The Delhi B^rsi Anjuman (DPA) has are from Bombay, and many commute mediately following the Delhi Dar-e- decided to carry through the project of daily to the metropolis, highlighting Meher ’s silver jubilee celebrations on celebration of their Dar-e-Meher ’s problems of local employment. Deboo December 25 and 26, 1986 the council twenty-fifth anniversary in December requested the big industrial houses to will reconvene in Devka on March 28 and simultaneously host the next ex- set up enterprises in Navsari. and 29, 1987 at the invitation of the ecutive council meeting as Nargolwala •In Jamshedpur, where the Anjuman Surat Parsi Punchayet and in Jamshed- had desired. With three full-time is “now faced with wealth tax prob- pur in the winter of 1987. Bombay will mobeds already on its payroll, Delhi is lems, ” there is a dwindling population host the second meeting of 1987. currently engaged in constructing four as no young people are coming in and residential quarters for them. the children all go abroad, noted Homi Those attending the meeting were: The BPP had intended to donate Rs Bodhanwalla. Currently numbering Merwan Mehta of Ahmednagar; Homi 40,000 towards this cost of construe- 650 members, the Anjuman has an Dandiwalla and Ms Shireen Dandiwal- tion, said Golwalla, adding that the agiary, an aramgah, residential blocks la of Allahabad; Hoshang Baldawala BPP trustees had now agreed to con- and a hostel building. of Bardoli; Shavak Patel of Baroda tribute Rs 1,30,000 instead, as origi- Minochaher Bharucha and Ms Banoo nally requested by Nargolwala, out of Miscellaneous news Bharucha of BhavnagarjDr Aspi Gol- respeot for his memory. •The three-year period during which walla, Eruch Desai, Jamsheed Kanga, -^ •Ahmednagar ’s mobed, a very satis- the Federation ’s total income has been Naoroji Godrej , Jamshed Guzder, ^ factory priest, needs to go on a exempt from tax is drawing to a close, Minoo Shroff, Peshotan Nargolwala, month ’s leave and no one is available notified Gandhi. At the end of the Rustom Anklesaria, Ms Gool Tata, to take over during the time. period the organization benefitting Noshir Kaikobad and Dr (Ms) •While the Bhavnagar Anjuman, under the clause must submit a report Ketayun Madon of Bombay; Zarthost numbering 110 persons including chil- on its activities and make a new ap- Moharakai of Dahanu; Zal Nowsher- dren, report no pressing problems ex- plication but according to current wanji, Keki Gandhi, Rustom Daroga, cept for the Parsi club ’s land which is thinking in the Income Tax depart- Dadi Mistry, Noshir Captain, Ms Fari- encroached. Thana ’s Parsi population ment the section may be scrapped da Variava, Rusi Engineer, F. Rus- is slowly increasing. Now numbering altogether, informed Gandhi. tomji, Homi Taleyarkhan and Ms 260, the Anjuman has an adaran and a •With the demise of Shiavax Nargol- K.Z. Nowsherwanji of Delhi; Homi doongerwadi which is operational, and wala, Zal Nowsherwanji, the acting Bodhanwalla of Jamshedpur; Pheroze holds six to eight functions a year, president of the DPA has been nomin- Karanjia of Karanj; Dr Sarosh Wadia Anjuman land measuring 24,000 ated vice-president of the Federation ’s^ of Kutch; Rustom Taraporvala of square feet, which was once on the north zone. The north zone anjumans Lucknow; Dhunjishaw Marker of outskirts of the town, is now part of it. need to ratify the federal vice- Mhow; Kety Mevawalla of Nanded; “Thana has the highest potential for presidency. Dara Deboo of Navsari; Ms Tehmi increasing population, ” noted Rustom •For the first time at a Federation Grant of Poona; Nariman Balsara and Cursetji with 40,000 square feet of meet, Parsiana was requested by the Homi Palsetia of Saronda; Bejon Dit- land attached to the agiary available BPP to restrict its representatives to tia, Noshir Nagarwala and Cyrus Irani for building. two. Due to the length of the meeting of Secunderabad and Hyderabad; Dr •Referring to his anjuman as a “small and the talks by the guest speakers, Sam Bhacca, Maneck Gheyara, Soli one trying to be self-sufficient, ” Rus- the journalists take turns in covering Katpitia and Davar Kavasji Modi of tom Taraporvala noted that Lucknow the proceedings. Also photographs Surat; Rustom Cursetji and Pervez has the only full-time mobed in all and other related stories are under- Bhesania of Thana; Soonu Vesuna of Uttar Pradesh. The Anjuman is seek- taken such as the articles on the Mad- Vesu; and Firoze Patel and Navel Mul ­ ing to generate a corpus of four to five ras and Poona anjumans and in this la of Zai Bordi. .The Press was repre- lakh rupees through donations “as de- issue, the piece on the views of the sented by Jam-e-Jamshed, The Bom- sperately needed repairs, costing near- smaller anjumans. bay Samachar, Mahila Weekly and ly Rs 1,50,000 will leave no funds with Subsequently Parsiano was permit- Parsiana. j 48 Parsiana October 1986 L