Aug 1987

f ¦ .ik V .4>- 'J ¦ / Mv w •^xi < > * 'n ; -4' ••5*. ::¦. ?? !¦ ¦> 1® i'fj •4 e 5.^^ v.'-' <' ’ • ^:. ;> V !( . 4 s ’«*•? »i » • I •i sapii »4 M I» («» Hl •«r f * <»> rH» • •«> 4 nsi »»,• .((UH.IH,),! B «>)>»»>., I MtHhH ‘Om J I* Secondly, she had no business to tie discuss the subject were branded as together the election scheme of the people deliberately planted to disturb BPP and the lease of the property of the meeting. This gave an impression <• the Tithal Sanatorium. The two are of personal vendetta against Dr Gol- ’ quite distinct and separate matters walla. Justice must not only be done ;j which have no bearing on one another, but must also seem to be done, and Mr Since the matter ofi the Tithal Sana- Katrak being a respected member of torium is at present- ’sub judice, I can- the Bar should not, in his zeal, lose not dwell on it at full length. But it will sight of the same. be sufficient to say that the property is I strongly feel: not leased at a throwaway price but •Dr Aspi Golwalla, as chairman of the quite a substantial amount is to be re- BPP, holds a responsible office and ceived every year by way of lease rent, any attack on him not only reflects on The increase in the lease amount re- the individual but on the institution cently offered by the intervenors in and his co-trustees as well. their new scheme is a pittance, as •If Dr Golwalla was singly responsible against all the benefits and facilities for all the allegations levelled against now attached to the property. Further, him, I feet the other trustees are com- th** intervenors want to enjoy these be- petent enough to realize this and take nefits and facilities free, throwing the the corrective step of passing a resolu- burden of cost, charges, expenses and tion of no-confidence in their chair ­ labor on the shoulders of the trustees, man, and it did not need Mr Ardeshir The trustees tried their utmost to Katrak and others to intervene. obtain the support and cooperation of •As the trustees have been elected the Parsi trusts, organizations and through due process of law, it follows associations for over the last decade that the community has entrusted cer- and a half, but no concrete proposal or tain duties, rights and responsibilities cooperation was offered by any Parsi to these gentlemen, in the execution of institution or individual. As such, they which certain decisions are likely to be had no other alternative but to enter favorable to some and naturally into this lease agreement on an “as is, against the interests of others. Unless where is ” basis in return for a very proved malafide one should consider substantial annual lease rent. all such decisions to be bonafide. •One has to remember that at times „ . , A 99 there may be bonafide reasons for IkatrSK S crusaae reaching settlements or compromises Let me clarify that though I was pre- which are more practical, rather than sent at the meeting called to pass a re- going in for litigation, which Mr Kat- solution against Dr Aspi Golwalla, the rak would agree is time-consuming I Readers’ views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Read­ ers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O.Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons cf space and clarity. J.D. BAMJI “Election scheme... Arnavaz Mama in her article “Elec ­ tion scheme challenged ” (Parsiana, chairman of the Bombay Parsi Pun- and not always desirable, though June 1987) writes: “The petition relied chayet (BPP), I am not the same sometimes unavoidable. on an affidavit sworn on April 6 by Amroliwalla who was allotted the Ness •In the allocation of the two premises Jehangir Bamji, who has twice offici- Baug flat which has figured in the arti- under dispute, it was reported that the ated as scrutineer at the BPP (Bombay cle, “Katrak ’s Crusade ” (Parsiana, decisions were made by all members of Parsi Punchayet) trusteeship elections, April 1987). the Wadia committee of management and is one of the trustees of the Tithal Sanatorium, currently in the news for against either of the concerned parties the BPP. Why then single out Dr Gol- having leased away the 13-acre proper ­ ty to non-Parsis at a throwaway price. ” I have not officiated only twice as a scrutineer at the BPP trusteeship elec ­ tions, but about a dozen times since them. My attitude is solely dependant landlord (in this case the BPP and the July 31, 1957, the date of the first elec- on the merits of an issue. trustees jointly, under legal advice - tion of the late Mr Eruch A. Nadir- I shah, till the election of the last trustee i ‘ Mr Minoo Shroff, as thereafter. Dr it should not be a one-sided, i (Ms)Mehroo Bengalee got a walkover, approach. Some others who wanted to 5 Parsiana August 1987 J > I spoke neither in favor of nor including the three senior trustees of viz Dr Golwalla or Mr Ardeshir Kat- walla? rak. Both gentlemen are highly re- •As regards the allegation of putting spected in their own fields and I have locks on premises on the death of the no personal axe to grind with either of sole occupant, it is only fair that the I chose to speak only to help provide not the chairman alone) endeavors to a fair discussion on the subject, so that protect his prem^s ’ from being -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- U U.. ----- ----------------------------------------Jhg gjj. he^^t^bn in swear- unilateral usurped by tresp^e^ wanted to croachers have no hesit£& Ij' u ¦3 vt j i *4 1 5 j i 'i i f f 1 -4 t J 4 4 I -ing affidavits and even go to the extent of getting themselves adopted only to secure, illegally, residential premises at the cost of the suffering brethren who have been waiting in a queue to get a roof over their heads. Such usur ­ pers are often people who can afford an ownership flat but prefer to pay a pittance to the elderly folks - the bonafide tenants. Advertisements in the Jam-e-Jamshed seeking accom ­ modation with elders will bear me out on this fact. •In view of what is stated earlier, I feel that the move by the BPP and its trus ­ tees to get an exemption for its prop ­ erties from certain provisions of the Bombay Rent Act is a step in the right direction. Trespassers and usurpers are today protected, thanks to some of the provisions of the Bombay Rent Act and the time taken in court pro ­ ceedings to evict them. This delay in eviction is to the detriment of the poor in the community who await allocation of accommodation. •There seems to be nothing wrong with the supposed “slave bond ” which, more than anything else, spells out civic rights and responsibilities. Any lawyer practising in the Small Causes Court must realize that even if it should contain anything which may sound objectionable in law, such sti ­ pulations which are ultra vires the law are null and void. Again, by no stretch of imagination can the “slave bond ” be attributed to Dr Golwalla alone, but in fact has been in existence for decades. If Mr Katrak had a genuine grie ­ vance and evidence to impeach Dr Golwalla, as an advocate it would be far more easy and practical for him to have filed a suit against Dr Golwalla rather than resorting to rhetoric and calling a public meeting attended by around 100 people out of whom an even smaller number were in fact actual voters of the E and F Registers. Dr Golwalla would then be answer ­ able to the competent court. Cool deliberation, without fear or favor, would indicate that Dr Golwalla has not misused his office as chairman of the BPP in any manner whatsoever, either individually or jointly with the other members of the board. Each of our trustees is well-placed in life, holding responsible positions and is financially very well off. To attri ­ bute motives of financial gain to any one of them is to deter good men and women from coming forward in future to devote their time to serve the com­ munity. Trusteeship of the BPP in ­ volves no monetary gain and it is wrong to presume that one seeks the office to make some money. The sta ­ tus and prestige the office offers both within and outside the community can ­ not be overlooked, and I feel our pre ­ sent trustees deserve the total backing of the community rather than the bick­ ering and abuse they face. This is a time when every single member of the community should make an effective contribution to find out ways and means to combat the three main problems of the community - the dwindling population, housing shortage in Bombay, and unemploy ­ ment. To begin with, let us all put to use all available Parsi land to provide a roof for every Zoroastrian, especially cou ­ ples contemplating marriage. This will MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) Banking: C.A.I.LB. Course (Postal) Executive Secretarial Course Private Secretarial Course ? Steno Secretarial Course Personal Assistants ’ Programme (for working stenographers) Telex Operating Telephone Operating-cum-Receptionist Techniques Shorthand and Typewriting Punch Operating and Data Entry ? Telephone Operating PLUS Electronic Typewriting and Word Processing Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400 023 Tel. 2871185 as 6 Parsiana August 1987 Ir I I in itself help solve the population editorial clarification stated, “1,000 for making the behdins drink bull ’s problem besides helping provide em ­ ployment to young Parsi talent in con ­ struction and other allied activities. PHIROZE AMROLIWALLA The diamond of... The article “The diamond of Rustom Baug ” (Parsiana, March 1987) giving coverage to the history of the Wadias account for that? I think you are influ- A famous poet once wrote; “My ' and the Rustom Baug, was highly enced by dates provided by Khojeste words go up, my thoughts remain be-. appreciated. However, we feel that one other person who stood shoulder to shoulder mazdyar Mirza on this subject? that learned mobeds and dasturs give with Ms Kumi J. Daroowala, was Ms Capt rusi j . katila lectures once a month to explain the Bapsy D. Chinoy (joint honorary , u n f meaning of various recitations to secretary), who had also worked be- Cani3 S ncW DOOKICI members of our community. To accuse hind the scenes for many years and Every generation produces its crop of the andhyarus of fraud and deceit whose significant contribution de-^ served mention. Vice President, The Rustom Baug Association ii »» years is closer. ” A few years ago, oti urine, and for advocating segregation the saijie subject, I had provided de- and apartheid, tails of our landing which were carried in Parsiana. Iranshah, the holy fire at Udvada ancient Hindus were related lan- was propitiated on Adar roj, Adar guages. Therefore, one should not be mahino, 90 YZ and the Iranshah is surprised if several of our rites and over 1,266 years old. How do you customs are in common. ; account for that? I think you are influ- It is well known that Avesta of the ancient Iranians, and Sanskrit of the Mistree who was misled by Mary low, words without thoughts never Boyce. Why not consult Dasturji Hor- heaven go.” Very true, and I suggest mazdyar Mirza on this subject? Capt RUSI J. KATILA Cama ’s new booklet I iconoclasts and Dara Cama is one of against the behdins on this account, is CYRUS BUG WADI A them. They are the dissenters and the far-fetched. non-conformists. To them, tradition has no meaning. In his booklet The in­ ner light of Zoroastrianism, Cama has coction. I remember that at my nav- branded the Avesta as Hindu scrip- jote, the dasturji clearly asked me just tures, and our method of disposal of to touch the vessel with my lips. Poss ­ ibly, it was believed generations ago. He is particularly severe on the dasturs that urine therapy is good for cleansing Accusing the mobeds of forcing the behdins to drink bull ’s urine is a con- Fifth World Congress... In the report on the Federation meet ­ ing held at Devka (“Fifth World Con ­ gress in offing ” Parsiana, May 1987), the dead as the culture of the vulture, mention was made of Dr Sam Bhacca ’s reference to another Rane addressing and the mobeds and has blasphemed the body and that ’s how the ritual the meeting after 1,300 years. An them for babbling ritualistic prayers, started. In fact, there are many Indi- (( J ,1 i -3 1 1916 to 1987 (^Years of Quality & Service PARSI DAIRY FARM 261-63, Princess Street Bombay-400002 ''j 9 Parsiana August 1987f / • i ans even today who believe in urine therapy. All religions have their own beliefs. The Christians believe that by making tic customs, is unwarranted. We are a forest which merely cause the mind to confessions before the padre, they will religious group and we can have our ramble. Hence, men of wisdom should ¦- be absolved of all their sins. The Mus- own practices as long as they do not earnestly set about knowing the true lims believe that by fasting for one interfere with the interests of the coun- nature of the self. ” month in the year, all their sins will be try. At one stage or another, doubts en- cleansed. We Parsis do not believe so. - - - We believe that the judgment on our traditions and customs, Mr Cama is in- of the Editor of The Vedanta Kesari, good and evil deeds in this world can dulging in destructive criticism and “The aspirant seeks guidance and t only be given by the Almighty after lowering the morale of the commun- help. Spiritual directors may not al- our death. ity. orP.D. slnavala The electric crematorium at Chan- danwadi in Bombay was installed to Mr Dara Cama, in his booklet The in- wean the Hindus away from the waste- ner light of Zoroastrianism, states: ful and polluting method of cremation “Our religious loyalty today stands di- ability to separate the essentials from on wooden pyres. But the Hindus are vided between the prophet ’s ethical the non-essentials. A systematic study so attached to their age-old custom Gathas and the later priestly A vesta. of spiritual literature endows the aspir- that in spite of its greater costs, they still prefer wood cremation to electric essential for a spiritual life, some decry Dara Cama for the service he renders cremation. Probably, Mr Cama does them. Many see them as optional, for the good of our community. He is not know that electricity is the most leaving the choice to the temperament justified in repeatedly reminding us expensive form of energy and if the of the individual. that Zoroaster has granted us freedom Bombay Municipal Corporation were " ’ ' - • - • - . — not to subsidize the costs of the electric Vedanta Kesari, “The study of scrip- choose what we ought to do by ma- crematorium, the cost of dying would tures is useless so long as the highest tured thinking {Vohu Mano)." be exorbitant. Truth is unknown, and it is equally Thomas a Kempis, in his book The The charge, that andhyarus have useless when the highest Truth has goaded behdins into practising seg- already been known. The scriptures regation and apartheid in our ritualis- consisting of many words are a dense By such outbursts, damning all our ter, the mind vacillates. In the words ways be readily available. At such times, guidance may be sought from proper books...One of the most im­ portant things in spiritual life is the Gathas and the later priestly Avesta. Some feel studies are absolutely ant with this ability. ” Kudos to Mr Writes Sri Sankaracharya in The of will, to ponder, reason, and learn to Truth is unknown, and it is equally Sun- n -Sand wishes all its Parsi Patrons a Happy New Year r 'll The Pleasure is all Yours . . h 'if |*W|fc^' '1 Sun n Sand'Hotel, Bombay’s leading beach resort, is only 7 kilometres aujay from the international airport Whether you are between planes, just overnight in Bombay on business or for a fun-filled holiday, we have it ALL laid out for you ? ? Airconditioned rooms with piped music * * A swimming pool with poolside snack service ? ? Superb dining — Indian, Continental and Chinese ? ? Health Club/Beauty Parlour/Barber Shop ? ? Conference/Convention facilities ? ? Beachcomber Bar serving full measure, drinks ? ? Banquet/Garden Parties seruing- up to 1500 persons Indian, Continental and Chinese AND ABOVE ALL, the magnificent Bombav Sunset in all its panoramic splendour <» z co S “ -'* ,‘K>-*''«C< *> "H': ‘V.9i ¦ "T. V J '¦ ( ¦ h. ; E i « f sh' ZoZ At (SjoTTzr^f^fe* YEARS HOUSE OF SPICES World Fame Mangal Masala Parsis favourite Dhansak Masala i Vindaloo Masala Kashmiri Masala Garlic Ginger Paste (Adu-Lasan) Fish Masala Patia Masala Tandoori Chicken Masala Curry Masala Kabab Masala Rabdi Powder Vasana Set i Pav Bhaji Masala Ready Falooda Kheema Masala Korma Masala Khambati Sambhar Parsi Dhanajeera Curry Powder Mix Masala Biryani Masala Pulav Masala Garam Masala Tea Masala Ready Pickle Masala Pani Puri Masala Navsari Kolah ’s Pickle Gajar Mewa Glucose Chutney Gorkeri Special Packing Care Taken For Our Overseas Buyers Available In UK, USA, Australia, Dubai, Muscat, Moscow, Fiji and many other cities of the world Every Parsi Must Visit Our Grant Road Shop 14 Parsiana August 1987 Matrimonial exchange We ’ the members of the WZO (World Zoroastrian Organisation) Youth Wing, are organizing an exchange to London in end September early October with the basic idea of --—¦ of this program is Mr Homi Ranina. Zoroastrian Organisation) London in end September program to :or< \ matrimony. The or^nizer I For further information please con ­ tact Burzin Khan at 240610, or Khur- shid or Havovi Dadabhoy at 314740 or 315983 Ms HAVOVI B. DADABHOY Member. WZO. Youth Wing of this J I Engineers wanted The employment bureau of the Bom­ bay Parsi Punchayet has received an inquiry from Himalaya Machinery Pvt Ltd, Baroda, a medium-sized en ­ gineering company which is on the lookout for young Parsi engineers for their marketing and design depart ­ ments as well as for the workshop. Adequate training, decent salary, and housing allowance are offered. There are vacancies for; •Marketing executives: Should be BE (Bachelor of Engineering) with around three to five years of experi ­ ence in marketing high value products. Age below 30 years. •Quality assurance engineers: Should be BE with around two to three years experience on shop floor or in quality assurance department. Age below 27 years. . . •Design engineers (electronics): Should be BE (electronics) with spe ­ cialization in power electronics and rnicro processors Should have three to four years experience in development of Servo drives and CNC controls for engineers 1 metal forming machines. Age around j 30 years. i • Design and development engineers (mechanical): Should be BE (mecha- | nical) with five years relevant experi- ? ence. ! Those interested may apply to Mr • Michael B. Machinery Pvt Ltd, Homawala, Himalaya - •, 608, GIDC . Makarpura, Industrial Area, Baroda 390010. ........ Chief Executive . Bombay Parsi Punchayet RUSrOM ANKLESARIA \ Invitation to AIDS? Half a dozen cases have come to light where young Indian brides of all com­ munities have innocently fallen victim to tfie AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) virus harbored by their sometimes equally unsuspect- Jr f 1 4 I Teena l| (I S'V IATA Approved l/j 3 Air Cargo, ff glu Clearing, Yi jjj Forwarding, Sea-Air Service. ' I i « ¦W ’•y iz Sea-Air Service, Warehousing Agents. 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay-400 023. Cable: “JUSTITIA” Telex: 2313 Phone: 2042032 BRANCHES: E.Merc House, 19/B, Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta-700 071. Phone: 444711 “Jeena House ”, 50, Hanuman Road, Connaught Circus, New Delhi-110 001. Phone: 310821 Devtha Plaza, C. 14, Residency Road, Bangalore-560 025. Phone; 26215 ADVERTS 16 Parsiana August 1987 I No.2, Lavelle Road, Bangalore-560 001. 205, Gera Chambers, Off Boat Club Road, Pune-41 1 001. Phone: 65942 No.6, Jaffar Syrang Street, Madras-600 001. Phone: 26215 ing husbands (three from the United States, and one case each from the UK, Canada and Australia). The girls and their new-born infants have now to suffer untold misery due to the sheer negligence and callousness of their husbands. One such bridegroom developed this virus through a blood transfusion received by him in the States after an accident. Others contracted it due to the promiscuous and permissive lifes ­ tyles of their student days. Parents an ­ xious to send their daughters to ‘white countries ’ must insist on an AIDS virus clearance test from the prospec ­ tive sons-in-law. Though such a move will be resisted by them, the other alternative is too frightening to con ­ template, for there is no cure for this dreaded disease. Parents must also insist on a reg ­ istered marriage in these countries, once their girls land there. Many of our girls are packed home when mar ­ riages fail to click, sometimes without their children, with little or no alimony to support them. Divorce laws in these countries entitle the wife to 50 percent of the husband ’s total assets, both moveable and immoveable. However, the marriage has to be registered in the country of residence. Unless such precautions are taken, parents may find that they have negotiated a green card to misery for their young daughters. Ms Zarin meiita Homaaji ’s miracle Behdin Homaa Behdin Jamshed is re ­ vered by many Parsis. Wrongly victi ­ mized and sentenced to death, Homaaji had predicted that his enemy, who had given false evidence against him. would be found dead on the fourth day after Homaaji ’s own death at the gallows. Does it mean that the wish of a good soul was carried out by those concerned in the spiritual world, after verifying the correctness of the complaint lodged by Homaaji? Does it not follow that the justice of God shows that He can cut short the life of Mr Evil at any time? It means that not only mobeds but behdins too can have an evolved soul. It is also clear that good souls can reach Chinvat Bridge before Chaahar- am (fourth day after death), put their case before the tribunal up there, and get the tribunal ’s justice on the fourth day itself. ms p.m. mehta New Delhi APPOINTED VALUERS OF JEWELLERY TO THE GOVERNMENTOF INDIA GA2OAR PVT. LTD. 0 Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay. Tel: 202 3666 Telegrams: “MANUSCRIPT”1 Events and Personalities eligible for marriage, there is little nians, ” and Mistree ’s discussed “The likelihood of the future prospects of breakdown of the Zoroastrian tradi ­ tion as viewed from a contemporary perspective. ” At the inaugural ceremony. Prof Shaul Shaked, from the Hebrew Uni- Divorce bill progresses All the changes sought to be intro- Parsis being affected considering that a duced in the Parsi Marriage and Di­ vorce (Amendment) Bill, 1986 were approved by the Rajya Sabha on Au ­ gust 3, 1987, notes a report in The In­ dian Post of the following day. It took temporary problems were among the sure to have a Zoroastrian high priest the Upper House more than eight months to clear the Bill which will now be discussed in the Lok Sabha before it is sent to the President of India for his according to a press release. The Con- when the high priest of Iran was in approval. ference was organized under the au- Jerusalem with the Sasanian king spices of various educational and re- Khusrau Perveez, who had conquered search institutions of Jerusalem. Representing Zoroastrians at the Parsi's average age at marriage is 34. Irano-Judaica conference The Zoroastrian religion and its con- versity of Jerusalem, said it was a plea- topics discussed at the Irano-Judaica attending a conference in Jerusalem International Conference which was after a lapse of 13 centuries. The last held in Jerusalem from June 22 to 25, occasion, he recalled, was in 614 AD The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on November 14. 1986 by Un ­ ion Law Minister A.K. Sen. It is based on the recommendations made to the Conference were Dastur Dr Firoz Kot- Government by the trustees of the wal of the H.B. Wadia Atash Bahram, Bombay Parsi Punchayet, who sought Prof Kaikhosrov Irani of the depart- and Kotwal to update the Act which had not been modified for the last 10 years. Divorce proceedings may now be in ­ stituted more easily. Mutual consent, j cruelty of a partner, desertion for two years, conversion to another faith, and incurable unsoundness of mind or mental illness may now be cited as grounds for divorce. The court hearing of a divorce case now enjoins privacy and reduces the number of Parsi delegates to the mat ­ rimonial court from seven to five, though the jury system.continues. The right to seek alimony, initially res ­ tricted to the wives, can now be availed of by the husbands too. The minimum age for marriage - .which was previously fixed at 21 for both men and women, unless the sanc ­ tion of the parents was obtained - has now been brought down to bring it on a par with the Child Marriage Res ­ traint Act (1929) which is applicable to the rest of India. Though the sub clause providing for the consent of guardians is done away with, implying that no Parsi girl below the age of 18 and no Parsi boy below the age of 21 is the city after a seige of 18 days. Among the themes discussed at the Clockwise from below: Irani, Mistree t ment of philosophy. City College, New York, and Khojeste Mistree, founder of Zoroastrian Studies. All the three read out papers which will be published in a commemorative volume. Dastur Kotwal ’s paper gave “A brief history of the Parsi priest ­ hood, ” Irani ’s dealt with “The concep ­ tual basis for interaction between the traditions of the Jews and the Ira- »¦ i 19 Parsiana August 1987! Conference were Persian-Jewish con ­ tacts, ancient Iran and Judaism, Sasanian-Jewish history, religious con ­ tacts, and Judeo-Persian language and literature. The Conference concluded with an Avestan prayer for peace by Dastur Kotwal, adds the release. Blood donors directory In order that “no fellow Zoroastrian, young or old, rich or poor, may suc ­ cumb to a fatality for want of blood, ” the youth wing of the Committee for Economic Revival (CER) is compiling- a second, revised edition of the Zoroastrian Voluntary Blood Donors Directory, according to the CER newsletter, The Zoroastrian, of May 1987. Any Zoroastrian between the ages of 18 and 55 may register his or her name with Kersi P. Gazdar, 7/2, Rus- 1 tom Baug, Victoria Road, Byculla, Bombay 400027, giving details of [ name, age, residential address, tele- I phone numbers, and blood group. The first edition of the directory was published in October 1983 and listed over 1,000 donors who pledged them ­ selves to respond to an SOS call for blood. It has reportedly helped meet many emergency requests for blood. Religious recitals “To enable budding Zarthosti boys and girls...to know their ancient his ­ tory and culture, ” the Iran League held the Third Shahnameh Recitation I Competition at the Bai M.N. Gamadia High School for Girls on July 11, 1987, notes a press release. Participants under the age of five were the greatest attraction of the competition, added the release. The best among girls, Havovi Sidh- va, and the best among boys, Rumi Panthaki, were awarded the Late ' Homai Pali Master Running Trophy I and a cash prize of Rs 101. The winners in the girls ’ section for the five different age-groups were Yas- meen Bajan, Sherzad Khambata, Havovi Sidhva, Parizad Sidhwa and Piloo Batliwala. The winners in the boys ’ section for the three age-groups were Vistasp Sanjana, Paurusasp Kar- karia, and Rumi Panthaki. The first, second, and third winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs 51, 31, ' and 21 respectively. Ervad (Dr) Peshotan Peer was the chief judge from a panel of 11 judges and presided over the function. r 21 Parsiana August 1987 “Lift out of order again" ‘We don't want a new lift" “Call Concord" “Concord services old lifts “Concord converts them to electronic elevators" “But ours is ancient" “Our push buttons are missing" “Concord installs vandal proof self ­ illuminating touch buttons" “Our doors don't open and close" “Concord “We don't can make them have a automatic" liftman" “Concord uses the latest technology, minimum maintenance" “This calls for a celebration'' ‘‘Just call Concord^^ CONCORD ELEVATOR Telephone 2041830 2047460 CON CORD Maintained & Supplied by Zaina Electric & Mechanical Works Prospect Chambers Annexe, 2nd fl D.N. Road, Bombay 400001I,* f- t. r . « ..... "“45. •y - ¦» -. tClockwise front left): Baslawtilas: Sarosli. Sam, Hilla. Ahan. Parveen. and Armaity promoting the use of audiovisuals and I computers in education, notes the re ­ lease. Working with the Xavier Insti ­ tute of Communications, he produced an educational video program entitled Laser - the wonder light for Doordar- j shan ’s countrywide classroom broad ­ cast. Besides giving lecture demonstra- I tions (using lasers) to school and col- I lege students and teachers. Mistry has I also conducted several seminars on creativity (at the Xavier Institute of 4 Management where he is a visiting lec- S turer), teaching methods, examina- i tions and question writing, teacher I evaluation and computer literacy, I according to the release. Mistry is also head of the advisory cell of the Col ­ lege's computer department which was which is meant "primarily for the de ­ inaugurated on July 25, 1987 and As a future project, the Iran League the month being peark. proposes to organize a musical con ­ cert, notes Ervad Fall Master, honor ­ ary secretary of the Iran League. Vogue in India? "All our magazines were sold out in KJycational recognition the metropolitan areas of India within O I'---. '' C'JX/C oi a icw uap, “ '• - . Bastawala, Editor of Vogue the fieldt India, a fashion magazine launched in Says Armaity “We believe in the ex ­ cellence and originality of production and so all our materials...(are) pro ­ duced by the most sophisticated means possible." “commendable achievements in the T.A. For says Ms matter of a few days Armaity L----------- - June 1987. "We are looking forward to maximize the involvement of our readers...(and) to discover hitherto undiscovered talent and give a wide cross section of people a chance of being portrayed in our columns, further adds Armaity. Vogue India is brought out by a totally Parsi-owned group - S.Z.B. Publications - having its main office in ---- ---------------- . , Hvderabad The staff includes Aban Mathias, a prominent educationist and Bastawala. production controller. Par- Sarosh IX'ala'. legaf ^nd dia's 2«) Christian colleges to encour- "Sam Bastawala, my father, publisher age them in Professioiml^mvth and in of Vogue India, and the guiding force a S.Z.B. features editor. behind this magazine," notes Armaity in a letter of introduction. The l()6-page Mathias Award for 1986-87 has been conferred on physicist Jehangir B. Mistry, vice-principal for academic provement and professor in the phy ­ sics department at St Xavier s College, Bombay, reports a press release. The award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 1,000 along with the cita ­ tion, is given by the All India Associa ­ tion of Christian Higher Education, and was instituted in honor of Fr T. A.^ the founder of the Association. It is conferred on lecturers teaching in In- im- Misirv: innovative teaching methods velopment of educational software. ” After studying at St Xavier ’s High School and graduating in Science from ’ St Xavier ’s College, Mistry did his M.Sc in Physics from the Bombay Uni ­ versity in 1970, and has been a lecturer ¦ 1 the physics department of St Xavier ’s since then. A founder-member of the Amateui Astronomers ’ Association (Bombay), ¦ Mistry ’s other interests include photo- at St Xavier ’s School), sketching and piementation of “innovative, new painting, adds the release. methods of teaching. ” He had also Jj-ystee becomes president helped the management with the Edu ­ cational Technology Cell (ETC) which is meant to help lecturers in profes- principal of St Xavier ’s College. A doctor in laser spectroscopy from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, deeply involved in use of newer teaching methods. One of six lecturers chosen nation ­ wide for this recognition, 39-year-oM Mictrv was nominated because, in Mistry was nominated because addition to being “a very ( The 106-page inaugural issue, priced at eight rupees, includes many ---------- _ color pages and announces different teacher, he was involved in the im- contests for models, cookery experts, -i-mpnouion of “innovative, new fashion designers, etc. The magazine also carries a mini-mag, shop by mail, where one can order readymade gar ­ ments by filling in a form attached to aspiring poets. color pages and announces the magazine, and articles for the beauty conscious, aspiring poets, animal lovers, etc. The first issue also has a quiz and information on jewelry - the topic of Mistry is 22 Pars/ans August 7987 HI -- ---- good graphy, scouting (he is a scout master Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee and noted industrialist Jamshed N. Guzder la the presidentship of the Council for Fair Business Practices, notes The In­ dian Post of July 9, 1987. Continued on page 100 IS meant to neip icciuicia u. piviw „ pt Khnrakiwa- sional growth, said Fr John Misquitta, has taken over from F.T. Khorak wa sionai giuwiu, aaiu ¦ T ?Uz. ,,,-oc;d^>ntch r« nf the Council for involved ¦AZOROASTRIANS ABROAD medal for the Competition d’Art Im- presents a break-up of the members pressionist (Competition of Impress- according to sex, age, educational WZO seminar in Chicago A seminar on Zoroastrian beliefs and ionistic Art), Musee d’Argenteuil in qualifications, occupation, marital sta- ‘ traditions in ancient and modern France. tus, religion professed, the calendar times, is being planned in Chicago followed, length of stay in Australia, from November 26 to 28, 1987, notes ZAGNY’s marriage bureau, which and place of residence. Only a small an advance notice attached to the June was started in 1980, is to be reacti- number responded to the question on newsletter of the Zoroastrian Associa- vated. “The bureau will strictly be a priestly status. tion of Greater New York (ZAGNY) contact point and all information will Though the response rate to the in- The seminar, which is being be kept confidential, ” states a write-up dividual questions is detailed, the arranged with the cooperation and in ZAGNY’s June newsletter. Those overall response rate is not mentioned, financial assistance of the World interested may contact chairperson Notes Kolsawalla, “The actual re- Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), will Freny Dalal or the coordinators sponses are confidential and are stored have discussions spread over three ses- Roshan Hakim and Erach Munshi at on an IBM-PC diskette for future use sions. Aspects of Zoroastrian thought ZAGNY, Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe of the community historians. ” and tradition is the suggested topic for Mehr, 249, Weyman Avenue, New the first session which will include reli- Rochelle, New York 10805. gious literature, sacred works, the , Zoroastrian calendar, etc; the historic- Demography down Under contact point and all information will The Association has 297 adult mem ­ bers of which 145 are male and 152 female. “Like the population of Au ­ stralia, our community is slowly ag- al and mythological ages in Zoroas- “There are 155 children of our AZA ing, ” notes the survey report. Forty- trian tradition; and the inner and outer members. The number is not enough five percent of the population is above rituals. to ensure even zero population grow- the age of 40 and 32 percent are aged The second session - Zoroastrian- th...In order to ensure growth we between 31 and 40 years. ism in the ancient Indo-European would have to rely on increased num ­ tradition - will include Zoroastrianism bers coming from overseas, ” read the the general Australian population is in Greek literature; the movement to results of the social and demographic high, 86.1 percent of adult AZA mem ­ monotheism; social structure, the way survey of the members of the Austra- bers are married. As for the level of of life, and religious thought; and the lian Zoroastrian Association of New education, 60.8 percent of those who concept of creation. South Wales (AZA of NSW). In fact, answered the question are graduates The third session on contemporary 32 percent of AZA members have set- which “compares very significantly Zoroastrian life or Zoroastrian com- tied in Australia in the last five years, mitment in the North American en- according to the survey report, vironment will include a panel discus ­ sion. “This may be an opportune time to the survey analysis, undertaken by also hold a meeting of the Federation AZA president Purviz Kolsawalla, Though the rate of divorce among with the Australian population aver ­ age of under five percent. ” Nineteen Attractively presented in colored percent of graduates have postgradu- computer graphic and tabular forms, ate qualifications. The predominant profession of AZA members is that of housewife (21 of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZ AN A). Such a meeting of FEZANA will be planned if the member associations so indicate, ” adds the notice. Those interested in participating in the seminar may contact Kaikhosrpv Irani, 410 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10025 or Rohinton Rivetna, 626 West 56th Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521. An exhibition of oils, watercolors and etchings by master engraver Kaiko Moti was slated to be held from June ¦ 17 to July 18, 1987, at The Lublin Col ­ lection, Greenwich, Connecticut, notes a reporfin the ZAGNY newslet ­ ter. Moti ’s works are in the permanent collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, The Museum of Modern Art, and the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, ” notes the report. He was recently awarded the gold Greenwich, 25 Parsiana August 1987 £ E 3 r 25-- 20-• 15' 10 5 0 AGE DISTRIBUTION OF AZA ADULT MEMBERS S Male Q Female H 18-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 Over 70 Yearsr / L. ¦ f' ¦i. percent), followed by administrative and clerical (18 percent), accountancy and finance (eight percent), technical engineering (seven percent) and medi ­ cal (six percent). “As our Association ’s name sug ­ gests, 89.4 percent of our members (271 individuals) practice the Maz- dayasnie Zarthosti faith; 10.6 percent of our spouses and children profess other faiths ” - Christian (8.3 per ­ cent) Hindu (1.7 percent) and Muslim (0.7 percent). Of the 73 members who responded to the question on priests, 70 percent are behdins, 26 percent are from priestly families (athornans), and only four percent are qualified priests (maratabs). A clear majority follow the Shahenshahi calendar, as per the survey. LALA TOURS A WEALTH OF HOLIDAYS Hindu “Subsequent to the survey, the Adult Discussion Group of AZA has decided to send all the AZA members a ques ­ tionnaire, inquiring about several vital and burning issues facing the Zoroas ­ trian community in Australia, ” notes Kolsawalla. “Conducted to gather the impress ­ ions and wishes of the community members ” on social, religious and cultural issues which affect the AZA community, the questionnaire is strict ­ ly confidential and voluntary, notes Kolsawalla. “The results would be . compiled and circulated to all the members for further discussion. No ac ­ tion will be taken on the results of the survey, until the full compliance and authority is given by the community at large, ” assures the president. Of the six questions listed in the : four-page questionnaire, the first deals ! with the acceptance of the navjotes of children of inter-community mar- i riages. Questions two and three deal [ with the desirability of reciting com- t munal prayers (hambandagi) during I the muktad and ghapibar days as well [ as on Zarthost no diso (death ; anniversary of the prophet), and whether the members would be agree ­ able to take turns at saying the prayers as well as sanctifying the prayer room, etc. Question four deals with the death ceremonies - whether members wish that prayers be said before the funeral, whether behdin females can also say these prayers, whether the sagdid (viewing of the dead body by a dog) Continued on page 79 r r 27 Parsiana August 1987 Wishing all our Parses patrons A 1/ery Happy & Prosperous New Year KASHMIR WITH DELHI S AGRA Cost: Rs. 3.49(3/- (II Class), BY RAJDHANI S AIR Cost: Rs. 5,1 COZ- DELUXE TOUR BY AIR WITH SUPERIOR HOmS Cost: Rs. 6,290/- NEPAL BY RAIL & AIR Cost: Rs.3,375/- (II Class) DARJEELING-SIKKIM Cost: Rs.3,150/- (II Class) NEPAL-DARJEELING BY RAIL S AIR Cost: Rs. 5,475/- (II Class) SIMLA-MANALI Cost: Rs. 2,950/- (II Class) MUSSOURIE & NAINITAL Cost: Rs. 2,750/- (II Class) SOUTH INDIA Cost: Rs.3,475/- (II Class) RAJASTHAN Cost: Rs. 2,390/- (II Class) MOUNT ABU Cost: Rs. 995/- (II Class) GOA Cost: Rs. 825/- (Upperdeck by ship) ALSO FOREIGN TOURS BY AIR WITH FIRST CLASS HOTELS AND EXTENSIVE SIGHTSEEING BANGKOK, PATTAYA, SINGAPORE Cost: Rs. 6.990/- -(- US $ BOZ- BANGKOK, PATTAYA, PENANG, KUALA LUMPUR, GENTING HIGHLANDS, SINGAPORE Cost: Rs. 8,690 -I- US $ 80/- BANGKOK, PATTAYA, HONGKONG, SINGAPORE Cost: Rs. 10,990/- + US $ 80/- BANGKOK, PATTAYA, HONGKONG, MANILA, SINGAPORE Cost: Rs. 11,590/- + US $ 100/- BANGKOK, PATTAYA, MELBOURNE, SYONEY, SURFERS PARADISE, BRISBANE, SINGAPORE Cost: Rs. 15,990/- -h US $ 150/- CAIRO, LUXOR, NILE CRUISE, ASWAN, SHARJAH, DUBAI Cost: Rs. 13,490/- + US $ 150/- ALSO ? INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC AIR TICKETING ? PASSPORTS, VISAS AND POE ASSISTANCE ? RAILWAY TICKETS ? HOTEL BOOKINGS ? TOUR PACKAGES For further details contact: H.K. LALA & CO. • Capitol Cinema Bldg., 1st floor, Opp. New Empire Cinema, Murzban Road, Bomba Tel: 204 3006, 204 5094, 204 Telex: 011-3680 LATO IN 400 001. (744 Cable: EDTOURS, Bombay Dattaram LT 49/87 ¦/j •’J J LPOLITICS AND POLICY Election revision plea dismissed Justice H. Suresh of the Bombay High Court declines to revise his order on the BPP electoral scheme Arnavaz S. Mama I r (4 The High Court scheme envisaged amendment to the election scheme in 800 two categories of voters — those who March ’85. As stipulated in the scheme, the ¦Ahe old order must change, yielding place to (the) new in a How it all began election of Homi Ranina, the F Regis- _ society governed not by men, ter membership had reached 619 while but by bylaws and regulations ... In the When the Bombay Parsi Punchayet the number of elected members re ­ event, this motion stands dismissed. ” (BPP) was first formed, the trustees mained unchanged at 303. This is be- The remarks of Justice H. Suresh of were elected directly by the entire cause the members on the E (elected) the Bombay High Court on August 13, community. However, at some stage. Register can only be increased once in set at naught the attempt by four this practice was discontinued and the seven years. When accusations of donor (F register) members of the trustees themselves nominated candi- buying votes and demands to freeze Anjuman Committee, which elects dates as and when vacancies arose. To the F Register went unheeded, the trustees, to seek a revision of his judg- rectify this. Sir Dinshaw Petit and Committee for Electoral Rights ’ (since ment of March 6. The Judge had ear- others moved the Bombay High Court then renamed Committee for Econo- lier whittled down the voting power of in 1906 (Petit vs Jejeebhoy). The mic Revival) Ms Mani Dalal and the donors - those who had paid Rs Bombay High Court then framed an Minoo Shroff moved the High Court 5,000 to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet election scheme which has been in ex- to stay the election. As part of the (BPP) and its affiliated charities - by istence since 1910, with amendments compromise arrived at in the court, requiring the donors to elect 100 rep- occasionally added. the BPP trustees agreed to file their resentatives from among their total number aggregating around Among these, only donors of Rs had donated Rs 5,000 or more to the 50,000 and above would be able to BPP (F Register members) and 100 BPP notified the community of the vote directly for a trustee. elected members of the community, proposed changes by way of advertise- The arguments spread over three known as the Sau-nu Mandal (or E ments in Jum-e-Jamshed and The hearings, on July 31, August 5 and Au- Register) - together comprising the Bombay Samachar and, eventually, gust 12^ before the court gave its ver- Anjuman Committee which elects several individuals made submissions diet on August 13. ~ On behalf of the F Register appli- man Committee ’s E Register are cants - Hormuzd Patel, Aspi held once in seven years. Medhora, Perviz Katila and Jehangir Bamji - well-known counsel Nadir beyond 100, the High Court amend- be elected by the donors from among Modi submitted that this change of ment of 1970 permitted the number of themselves and 100 to be elected by . voting right for donors, from direct to E Register members, elected at the the rest of the community. However, indirect, had never been advertised. Anjuman Committee elections, to be anybody paying Rs 50,000 and above Modi argued, on August 5, that if increased to equal the number of would have a direct right to vote for notice was given about one thing and a donors. In 1981, when the last Anju- trustees. For every direct voter, one completely different thing comes ab- man Committee elections were held, seat would be reduced from the out, it was against the laws of natural there were 303 donor members and elected donors ’ quota. Thereby the justice. “Your order is affecting peo- the community elected an equal num- votes given to the donor members pie who did not know your order ber. Thus the Anjuman Committee would not increase beyond 100 unless would affect them. We were misled. ” consisted of 606 members. and until the number of people donat- Noted lawyer Keki Mehta of Payne - - - - - • - and Company added, “At the time of trustees. These elections to the Anju- before the High Court. man Committee ’s E Register are After hearing them all. Justice H. Suresh limited the Anjuman Commit- As the number of donors increased tee to a total of 200 members - 100 to Patel, consisted of 606 members. < On the eve of the 1984 trusteeship ing Rs 50,000 or more crossed 100. 29 Parsiana August 1987r C' notice there was no suggestion that their direct right to vote would be taken away. ” Continued Modi, “To­ day the main and only question is, these people, whose rights are affected, should they or should they not have a hearing? ” The Judge countered, “Those who had interest had come forward. How can you say there was no notice?...Gan you say that the judge isn ’t passing an order against us so we remain ab ­ sent? ” All the suggestions pivoted round the F register and everyone had notice of it, said Suresh (referring to the BPP’ s two advertisements each in Burjor Framji & Co. Licensed Plumbers Sanitary & Drainage Contractors MARINE MANSION 1ST MARINE STREET BOMBAY 400002. TELEPHONE 313207 30 Parsiana August 1987 "Your order is affecting people who did not know your order would affect them” the Jam-e-Jamshed and T/ie Bombay Samachar), adding, “How the court decided was left to the court. I saw your affidavit yesterday. It came to this: ‘We didn ’t have a notice of the judge ’s conclusions. ’ ’’ At the next hearing on August 12, Modi argued that the court ’s order was “not warranted, ” as changes and addi ­ tions to the BPP’s electoral scheme can be made only by the trustees or the Anjuman Committee. “The corollary is that they cannot be made in any other manner, ” he added. “If that is right, I have only power to accept or reject! ” noted the Judge dubiously. Modi contended that while any change sanctioned by the court would be incorporated into the scheme, any additional alteration requires the con ­ sent of the community. “In that case, what a judge says is overruled by the majority. So why go to the judge? ” his Lordship questioned, But Modi insisted that this trust affects the entire community and therefore the community will decide on the changes it wants. The judge has veto power, according to Modi, but the right to amend lies elsewhere. “If your argument is accepted, the judge is only a stamping authority! ” noted Suresh with some asperity. The Punchayet trustees were them- With Best Compliments From NATIONAL PEROXIDE LIMITEDI-:' 5^ i With Best Compliments From White Cloud Filter Pads Pvt Ltd Pioneer Manufacturers of Finest Quality machine-made Filter Pads in the Country selves split on the issue. At the first hearing, when noted attorney Atul Setalvad identified his clients as three BPP trustees - Jamshed Guzder, Jam- sheed Kanga and Minoo Shroff - advocate S.K. Cooper of Mulla and Mulla and Cragie, Blunt and Caroe who has been representing the seven trustees since the Punchayet filed its petition for amendment of the election scheme in 1985, stated, “So far as I know, I am appearing for (all) the trustees. ” Modi objected: “The same trust cannot have double representation. They must decide among themselves. ” Justice Suresh noted, “It is not proper that two counsels should appear... ” but the rest of his message was lost in the prevailing pandemonium. Cooper was heard to say, “We ’ve had no con ­ trary instructions... ” and Modi expost ­ ulated, “It ’s unseemly, strange, for trustees who come as a group to say we now want to file dissent. ” But the Judge tided over the heat of the moment by noting, “Technicalities do not matter in matters like these. ” He called for some little adjustment in the vakalatnama and ordered Setal- vad ’s clients to file their affidavit the next day. Though he decreed that the status quo would prevail until the next hearing, the fact that the BPP was in the process of distributing new donor ! t WITH COMPLIMENTS FROM NARIMAN NALLASETH ENGINEERING CO PVT LTD Leading All India ¦ - ,g Sanitary & Pluinbiii Contractors (v. 412 Gultekdi Road Pune 411037 Phone 32236 Grams Filterpads 31 Parsiana August 1987 What is ultimately sanctioned need not be what was initially submitted I I Seervai Building ‘B' 20-G,Nausher Bharucha Marg Bombay 400007 TelNos 372626/372627/375672 Telex No 1176970 NNEC IN Grams SHOWEROSE Bombay 400007 f registration certificates was a source of agitation to Modi. But Suresh did not deem it necessary to hold up the admi ­ nistration of the trust, recalling that “by November (the BPP has) got to take steps for the Anjuman Commit ­ tee elections, ” and noted that certifi ­ cates could be modified later if neces ­ sary. Setalvad contended on August 12 that clause 94 of the electoral scheme (under which the trustees are required to advertise the proposed amendments in two Gujarati newspapers), entitles the community to receive notice, of the details of the amendments proposed. But “what is ultimately sanctioned need not be what was initially submit- ¦‘fl 1 fl st ¦fl fl I- a1 t J ¦i 1 a J ted, ” he argued. Under the public donors ’ lifetime. “Today I have be ­ trust law, the court has inherent power come a liar! ” said Bardy angrily. But to alter a scheme even if the scheme the Judge held, “If the donation is a does not provide such a right, Setalvad bargain for a vote, then it is no char ­ said. “The sanctity of this scheme is ity. ” because of this court, ” he added. The Judge heard all arguments in Setalvad and the Judge relied on the detail, “lest it be said that I’m guilty of prayer in the trustees ’ original petition legalising injustice while I am expected which urged the court to accept their to remove injustice. ” proposals “with such modifications as this Hon ’ble Court may decide. ” They have to justify my own order before also argued that if the entire scheme is the parties...! don ’t claim I’m infalli- open to amendment, any right in- ble, but in my own court I’m unassail- scribed in it is also available to change, able. The remedy, if any, lies else- Cooper submitted that the dissent- where... ” ing trustees had no right to file an affi ­ davit, as according to the scheme the majority decision was binding on the entire board of trustees. Ms Jer Bardy, treasurer of the Rayomand Comrnittee of ladies, constituted by the BPP to A report on the meeting of the Anju- gather funds to implement the Pun- man Committee (the body that elects chayet ’s housing projects, claimed, in the trustees of the Bombay Parsi Pun- a personal submission, that Jamshed chayet) held by the BPP on July 2, Guzder, one of the dissenting trustees, 1987 will be carried in the September had personally assured the Committee issue of Parsiana. that the voting right of those who don ­ ate Rs 5,000 would endure for the He then went on to note, “I do not Wanted A copy of the play Mamai ni Musafri Please write stating price expected, to The Advertiser (Books) GPOBox892 Bombay 400001 Announcement With best compiiments from OUTLINES OF PARSI HISTORY Second Edition By Dastur Dr H.K. Mirza Price Rs 150 + other charges 4, Babulnath Road, Bombay 400007 Phone 8228013 M/s M.Pallorvi&Co Private Limited Industrial painting and coating, anti-corrosion water-proofing and construction contractors 87, Abdul Rehman Street Bombay 4(XXX)3 Tel: 324150/330306 Telex: O11-75871 MPEL IN Cable: “PALLONJIM n 4 32 Parsiana August 1987WELFARE Working wonders Arnavaz S. Mama J Teenager Khursheed Khurody has demonstrated that ? social work can be satisfying and enjoyable The teenager in denims and T-shirt way they could knock off.” helped the malis (gardeners) dig pits On schedule the next day, 50 round the Doongerwadi car park, youngsters planted 100 saplings all chatted convivially with the driver of over Doongerwadi, under the watchful the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) eye of young horticulturist Parvez hearse, smiled brightly at the mour- Cama. The plants had been supplied ners in saris and daglis driving in for by “dad ” Noshir Khurody to cover up the funerals on a hot and sweaty June the barren patches emerging around afternoon. “My friends and I are going the dokhmas. The enthusiastic though to plant some trees here tomorrow, ” tired band then went on to plant 50 Khursheed Khurody explained her in- more in the environs of Saher Agiary congruous presence in the hallowed at Breach Candy. place which Parsi youngsters never fre- The fast growing, strong, shady vari- quent, unless bereaved. Rustom Mehta, manager of the matched to the pits which were lined Doongerwadi, agreed to provide her with white ant repellant powder to en- with two malis to ready the pits for the sure their survival and thereby, hope- 100 saplings due to be planted the next fully, the nurturing of new generations day, but she felt it would not work, of vultures. Just prior to this rigorous so she says she “went and spoke to all outdoor activity, the kids had enter- the 12 malis and told them it would get tained the patients of the four major (Top) Khiirody done only if all 12 of them and I work wards of the B.D. Petit Parsee Gener- j together. They ! and said no one had spoken to them one and a half hour. ' . like this. But they said they did not I ¦ " ' ¦ ¦ to all the Parsi bungalows on Malabar them are school children, generally She was “keen to collect musicians and Hill and asked for tools. Not one gave! middle-class, with an impressive list of have a concert, ” but gave up because The mali of the Infant Cathedral ‘things to do.’ of “apathy among the youth. ” School gave us all his tools and we A 19-year-old with a yen for orga- Khurody ’s inbuilt fondness for were able to get on with the work. ” As nization, Khurody completed her beautiful buildings is one reason for Khurody pitched in, the Doongerwadi schooling in the UK where, she says, her involvement with the Parsee malis protested, “It is not a lady ’s she was taught to think. After six rest- General Hospital. But it ’s such a kaam (job).” “But I insisted on work- less months in Bombay, disappointed “dull, dreary, sober place. There ’s no ing, and seeing me work, there was no “with the city and other children, ” the sense of humor anywhere except The fast growing, strong, shady vari ­ eties of trees were carefully chosen. I [ i i r ;*•- ’"to 4, B - * w Planting trees at Doongerwadi were very cooperative al Hospital with music and dancing for music, ballet, swimming and horse rid ­ ing enthusiast says, “I’m very unsoci- t The kids are self-propelled. No one able. I didn ’t find a single person I have enough tools. So I went in the car is more than 25 years old. Most of really liked at the Willingdon Club. ” A 19-year-old with a yen for orga- 35 Parsiana August 1987be patient and tolerant towards sys- ¦ t were hopelessly old- me at once...! was made to sit at the fashioned. I hope this will change in head of the table with the president the near future as Parsis are a well and asked if I’d had any legal experi- educated and cultured race. We must ence... ” Khurody described lhe en- modernize our working systems to en- % counter in an article in The Bombay sure greater efficiency. ” Samachar. “Next I was asked whether I could manage to give a short speech been promised five TVs and four trol- cliide Ms Zenobia Yezdi Daruwalla of Sterling Electricals, Ms Arnavaz plained my background, my work for Jehangir Dubash of Rogers, solicitor the hospital, and why TV sets were Ms Katie Freddie Mehta, building con- essential in preference to tape recor- tractor Pallon Mistry and Sir Dorab ders. I was amazed as to how attentive Tata Trust, courtesy J.R.D. Tata, the committee (members) were and Architect Darius Batliwala donated even more amazed that they gave me the trolleys. so much time and showed me so much warmth. The experience was quite a nized, Khurody took her faithful band delight. As soon as I finished, a deci- to the Parsi ward of the J.J. Hospital, sion was taken. For the first time in the The doctors - Adi Nazir, Farokh history of the Hospital, they agreed to Udvadia and others - have assured her that those patients don ’t really need “The next few weeks weren ’t such a doctors. “They ’re old and aban- pleasure as, between the decision of doned...Physically they could be dis- the committee and the formal letter charged tomorrow, but mentally they that had finally to be issued, I spent have deteriorated, rotted away. ” An three weeks trying to understand the exception is Marzban Ichhaporia with wheels of bureaucracy. I was forced to continued on page 67 among the doctors! Everyone walks around as though the world is coming to an end! ” says Khurody, who be ­ lieves that “the patients deteriorate mentally there, even if they get physi ­ cally better. ” Determined to liven up things for the patients in the general wards, Khurody and crew decided to put up an Easter concert. They went armed with posters, but found there was men sitting round a huge table, look ­ ing terribly important and all staring at terns that I 1 By the end of July, Khurody had and state my case. I was thrilled, for I leys for the hospital. Her donors in- was prepared for this...I talked non ­ esuch a rigmarole; no one was willing stop for at least four minutes and ex- to take the responsibility ” for permit ­ ting the posters to be put up. When at last they got around the authorities, permission was granted on condition that the posters would be removed the next day! Guided by her experience with the patients and convinced of their need for entertainment, Khurody hit upon the idea of providing each ward with a television set. Initially the administra ­ tion was averse to the idea believing accept TV sets... that tape recorders were mote suit ­ able. So Khurody approached Din- shaw Petit, the president of the man ­ aging committee, who invited her to the next committee meeting. “I en ­ tered a little room filled with about 18 '5i With work at the PGH thus orga- ) PROTECTION & INTELLIGENCE SERVICES Ahura Mazda Agencies (Manpower Consultants) Federal Trade Agencies 250, Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel 261926 H.P. Enterprises (Courier Services throughout India) 2501/1, Bazar Gate Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel 267178 Partner Mr. Dady P. Hataria Consultant & Adviser Mr. Jal B. Contractor Deputy Commissioner of Police (Retd.) of Federal Trade Agencies Tel: Res. 822-1581 ! .1 J J ¦¦1 J J 37 Parsiana August 1987 Li I Sweet Medicine Khursheed Khurody's group has brought entertainment and cheer to the patients at the Parsee General Hospital Havovi Dubash At the B.D. Petit Parsee General Hos- . pital in Bombay, on a Saturday morn ­ ing in July, I followed a group of young people from ward- to ward, as they sang to the patients to the accom ­ paniment of three guitars and two tam ­ bourines. It wasn ’t the best selection of songs - Brown girl in the ring, She’ll be coming down the mountain, Sunday morning, Bombay meri hai, Oh Suzan­ na and Que sera sera, among others - but they were songs which every pa ­ tient knew, and even the youngest member of the group, nine-year-old Mahzeevar Dallas, could sing gustily. False starts, discordant chords, forgot ­ ten words, at times a virtual cacophony, could not diminish the en ­ joyment of the patients in the general wards who have begun to look forward to these Saturday morning sessions, as they sing along, clap, tap their feet and sway, legs in traction shaking danger ­ ously! In the female ward where the musi ­ cians receive an uproarious welcome, old Banoo Irani, flat on her back in traction, thumped a against her elbow, then forearm, then palm, then back to elbow. The nurses joined in, and the doctors waited in ­ dulgently until the concert concluded. Then, the four straw hats were ro ­ tated, the tambourines changed hands, the music-stand proclaiming ‘Sweet Medicine ’ was picked up, a whistle • blew, and a single file of 25 young peo ­ ple, mostly Zoroastrians, from diffe ­ rent schools and colleges, marched out. “God bless you, ’’ the patients cal ­ led, “Come again, ” “One more song. ” Sometimes little bits of choco- H late are produced from under a pillow, , sometimes a crate of soft drinks is pre- | sented to the minstrels. I Youngsters entertaining patients in the I general ward (Photos: Havovi Dubash) I times tambourine * JI J A 39 Parsiana August 1987-I#- r. c/ IS wondering how to brighten up that dis ­ mal place. She has planted 100 sa ­ plings in the premises of the Towers of Silence and she drives around in her white Ambassador every day, checks ing out the well-being of her saplings and working out their mortality rate. She has been soliciting funds for the painting of benches at the Towers of Silence. She has noticed the need for dustbins to collect the empty eau de cologne bottles that litter the place, discarded by the pallbearers after they have sprinkled the cologne on the bodies. She has noticed some agiaries that need new signboards...and, as she sees what is too familiar to most of us to see, requests trickle in. Like a re ­ quest to do something about the empty flowerbeds outside the Vatcha Agiary in Fountain. To green a little flowerbed, probably not more than two feet square, is not a request that could have been made to the Bombay ta Mody, who is the group ’s ‘musical Parsi Punchayet - steeped as it is in *'4' WIbIMeIe " ¦ 'Id Khurody (behind the music stand) with her loyal supporters As Sweet Medicine performed in They were joined later by some oi the male ward on the first floor, an old Khursheed ’s friends, including Anahi- woman in a mathubanu (white cotton scarf) sat swinging her legs to the director, ’ Naresh Shah and Indrajit problems of greater magnitude, like music on one of the benches in the cor ­ ridor where thousands of people have as students from the Byramjee Jee- waited, and slept, and conferred in tre- jeebhoy Parsi Charitable Institution. pidation. Somber, these corridors and By the last weekend of July they were that would be entertained at a tea- these wards have been, where the vigil joined by students from the Girton meeting of the Time and Talents Club, of one relative or friend ends with the School and Panday School. What we are witnessing is the arrival of another. No young voices Khursheed was at both these awakening of a belief within these have sung Bridge over troubled water schools, enlisting support for her young people that there are many in these corridors before, no young movement. At the Girton School, they things within their sphere of influence, boys have played the unmistakable gave her roses. The roses were, I sup ­ guitar riffs of Jethro Tull ’s Locomotive pose, in appreciation of all the little breath on these stairways. As I trailed Sweet Medicine, Dolly and having noticed, done something Dhondi caught at my sleeve and said, about. Besides entertaining the pa- “Will you play one song in a private tients at the Parsee General, she room? ” She led Sumit Kanabar and Maresh Shah into her father ’s room, and they played for him John Denver ’s Annie’s song. Dolly clapped at the end every general ward. She went, with gust for the US, where she will study of it, but the old man only lay there, many of her supporters, to the office pre-medical sciences, and her little Then Dolly asked for Daisy, Daisy, of J.R.D. Tata, to appeal, successful- movement here might well collapse, her father ’s favorite song, sung many ly, for the donation of a TV: Sir The spirit she has generated amongst times in the years past to his eldest Dorabji Tata Trust contributed a color her friends might well dissipate, daughter, Daisy. So the boys played set. They ended up singing for Tata Though she plans to organize the Daisy, Daisy and four Girl Guides and his colleagues at Bombay House, from the Alexandra Girls English In- • stitution sang it, and Dolly joined in. __ jiC.5fSfc,»kfl»___ Sundaram on two more guitars, as well housing, and dwindling numbers, allocation of trust funds, electioneer ­ ing and politicking, nor is it a request Khursheed was at both these and that the services they are render ­ ing are important to the tone of the things that Khursheed has noticed, community. Of course, it might not last, it might not amount to anything more than a summer interlude. For Khursheed - attended a committee meeting at the pink of shoes and pink of socks, pink Hospital and successfully made out a of shorts, pink of shirt and cheek, .and case for the installation of TV sets in pink with enthusiasm - leaves in Au- volunteers into small groups that will individually be in charge of the Parsee General Hospital, the J.J. Hospital ’s Parsi Ward, the maintenance of the jeebhoy School, teaching the boys a Doongerwadi, the maintenance of new song or two every week. She has agiaries, the breeding of vultures in lectured to the girls of Alexandra collaboration with the Bombay Natu ­ ral History Society, and even the In an attempt to extend Sweet Medi ­ cine ’s repertoire, Khurody gives sing- and the old man raised himself on his ing lessons at the Byramjee Jee- bed at the end and smiled a thank-you. Sweet Medicine started out this sumiher with just Sumit and his guitar, and Khursheed Khurody, fresh out of School on the virtues of singing songs Stowe School in England, singing at the Hospital instead of folding breeding of young Zoroastrians them- along. It was Khursheed ’s idea to swabs and darning holes in the Parsee selves, the future of her movement is cheer up the patients she saw in the wards when she was at the Parsee work sessions. She has been to the J.J. General herself for a tonsils operation. swabs and darning holes in the Parsee General ’s bedsheets during their social still uncertain. So far, no one has volunteered to take on her self- Hospital ’s Parsi Ward and is currently imposed responsibilities. 40 Rarsiana August 1987Above (left) Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher Right: Shabana Azmi Below (from left) Vijaya Mehta, Azmi, Shah, Malati Vaidya-Tambe and Karanjia Bottom: Shah and Kalapesi ¦ ii 5;«. 'OS fl f f sf; 15^1 J [u; (Photos: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints) m I o 42 Parsiana August 1987\ CINEMA Shooting Pestoryee Made for the television screen, the star-studded film, directed by Vijaya Mehta, features Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher and Kiran Thakur Singh Homi J. Rogers Pestonjee is the story of two friends (Naseeruddin Shah), an The decision to make a film on Par- Jam-e-Jamshed. Wada sis was not conscious, avers Mehta, The Parsi has always been an impor- wielding the megaphone, is an attempt his other short stories {Two Mistakes tant fixture of Hindi commerical cine- to present the community for the first and Man in Quest of Gold Mine) are ma: most movies have a junior artiste time “with all its endearing qualities, also being made into films. (a polite term for an extra) dressed in a idiosyncracies, and foibles, ” quotes an Parsi dagli cackling away “dikra... ” apparently excited Burjor Karanjia, - Piroj or driving a ramshackle vintage car one-time editor of Filmfare and now accountant in Nusserwanji and Com- with an expression aimed at makmg editor of Screen, on whose short story, the viewer laugh, or the now standard The Cost of Dying, the film is based. Piloo Wadia and her look-alikes plead ­ ing with the hero for a pappi (kiss on reason, thrilled that a short story writ- men for pasting a poster on a ‘No Entry ’ the cheek). Why, all extras in Bom- ten by him over 30 years ago (it was board); and Pestonjee, better known bay's Bollywood,as its scribes refer to first published in The Illustrated Week- as Pesi (Anupam Kher), a gentleman it, have a wardrobe consisting of one ly in the issue dated September 8, of leisure whose estate at Daman is doctor's coat, one suit, one inspector ’s 1957) is being made into a full-length under litigation, and who lives amidst uniform, one goonda (villain) outfit, feature film by Vijaya Mehta-the first statues and chandeliers on dimi- and one Parsi outfit. on the Parsi community, if one dis- nishing family wealth and by selling So, when word got around that Vi- counts Khatta Meetha, which was an insurance for the Good Luck Insur- jaya Mehta, fresh from her directorial adaptation of a Turkish movie and the ance Company and stories {Mehra-ni successes of Rao Saheb (it won the American Yours, Mine and Ours. Musibat and Sasuji-no Santaap) to the best film award at the Manheim Film Festival), and teleplays Wada sis was not conscious, avers Mehta, Jeroo Badshah (Shabana Azmi) is Chirebandi and Hamidabai Ki Kothi. but came about as a result of her meet- the girl from Aden (30-plus, and yet was planning to start shooting a movie ings with Karanjia, during one of unmarried, like several Parsis) who is on Parsis,with a talented star cast in- which he presented her with a collec- shown to both the friends on separate eluding Naseeruddin Shah, four times tion of his published works. “I read occasions by Tehmina (Mehra Vakil) a National Award winner Shabana them, and found this particular one kajwali (match-maker). She iS en- Azmi, Anupam Kher, the actor who most endearing, since it reflected a set gaged to Pestonjee, as he says ‘Yes ’ rose to meteoric heights with his of values embedded in the community, first. He is not aware, at any stage, maiden performance in Saaransh, and I love to direct plays and films with that his friend has also seen the same his equally-gifted and vivacious wife, different milieus, and on going girl, and liked her. The dramatic con- • Kiran Thakur Singh, ripples of interest through Karanjia ’s works, 1 felt that 1 frontation between the two friends re- were generated. should do a filiji on a community suits from the silent love that Piroj A certain image of the Parsis has which 1 have known and loved (Vijaya continues to nurse for Jeroo who, as persisted, says Vijaya Mehta, “and is married to Farrokh, a Parsi, for over the story progresses, turns out to be while Parsis are fun loving, and know 20 years), and have a lot of respect for, quite a shrew. She drives her husband how to laugh at themselves, their grea- presenting them in their true light. ” into the arms of Soona (Kiran Thakur ter qualities have not been projected; For Karanjia, like H.R.F. Keating Singh), his lawyer in the litigation case their qualities of generosity, philan- (known for his detective stories revolv- and mother of his child - a child de- thropy, and the wish to do things right, ing around Inspector Ghote), recogni- nied to him by Jeroo. Piroj, however, being particular. ” Pestonjee, a Ran- tion from the film world has come in continues to view Soona with scorn gayatan production with Vijaya Mehta late - but in ample measure, as two of and derision - till he visits her after she pany, and as true a Parsi as they come (the film opens with him looking angri- Karanjia is visibly, and not without ly at a child, and a little later berating reason, thrilled that a short story writ- ’ ’ ~ 43 Parsiana August 19871 bears the cost of Pestonjee ’s funeral I expenses, which Jeroo pleads off with I a hysterical outburst: “Hearse bulane I ke liye paise lagte hain...chotese choti I bungli ke liye bhi paisa dena parta | hain...ne dastur mobed kai mofat mein nai aate...ghar mein kuch bhi nahin hain... (The hearse costs money...you have to pay even for the smallest bung ­ li...and dastur-mobeds don ’t give hon ­ orary service...there ’s no money in the house). ” Pestonjee is a point of view film. Piroj is the narrator: he analyses the events and passes judgment. Through his point of view, the Parsi ethos and the set of values held by the commun ­ ity are presented. Piroj reflects the general thinking of the community - its mores and its myriad moods. Naseeruddin Shah,who plays this pivot ­ al role, strives to bring out the nuances where they mingled with her Parsi being directed by bai, as they fondly by soaking himself in the Parsi ambi- - • • - ence. He is present for the shootings have helped most in giving “texture While the lead quartet is non-Parsi hours before the shot, quietly studying and color ” to their performance is (“I am not aware of any Parsi actor or the atmosphere of the Parsi home, the Mehta ’s practice, since her theater actress who could give me as sensitive • picture frames, and the pieces of furni- days, of working out detailed biog- a performance, ” says Mehta, justify- ture. “It ’s probably because I am a raphies of the characters for the actors ing her choice), Parsi actors are doing slow learner, ” he says unassumingly, to study. “The actors must know what important character roles. Rusi Seth- Dressed in a white shirt and white they have been doing for the part of na, a stage veteran who has acted in many Adi Marzban plays way back in the ’50s and ’60s, plays Burjor, Pesi ’s ; his nephew. Rooky Though Mehta ’s unusual technique Dadachandji, whose performance in ( X t il -4^' •1 -V* Pesi kyoo? Paisa vaisa kai nai Pesi ke paas. Sab Homi leke baitha hai. (She must be thirty? At that age, who would she get in Aden? But why Pesi? He has ,.no money. It ’s all with Homi.) ’’ The pronunciation is Parsi-ish, and the cast, with whom Mehta started work in mid-May, has had to work on intonation too. “They have all shown a tremendous amount of determination. Their involvement is total. They share my respect for the characters, ” beams Mehta. The admiration is mutual. For Kher, it is round two with Mehta, hav ­ ing starred in her earlier movie Rao Saheb. But for the others, it is the first working with Mehta. r,- „ ,. ,, Yet, like Kher, they have given block Dina Hakim (left) with Vltava Mehta . . . -r- j • r - dates and even sacrificed their profes- munity at two of Mehta ’s ptirties sional fee to have the privilege of friends. But, of course, what must call her. have helped most in giving “texture pant, folded at the bottom, Shah has their life that is not being filmed, so trimmed his hair to give himself a that from the first second on screen, typical Parsi haircut, and walks with a they appear as human beings. ” neighbor; slight stoop. The physical resemblance —2*' -------- ' ' ¦ and gait are so striking that Shah could calls for a lot of planning and study Biloxi Blues is currently drawing rave pass for a Parsi. “Probably my ances- before the actual shooting starts, it not reviews, plays his son Vispy, “Pesi ’s tors being from Afghanistan helps, ” only ensures swift shooting the ex- tittle friend, ” a cricket enthusiast who Shah says with a smile when com- pects to ‘can ’ the movie (complete attends Cathedral and John Connon plimented. filming) within 40 days], but also per- School. Rusi and his wife Mary (also in Like him, Azmi and Kher (shooting mits her and the cast to remain relaxed the cast), who teaches speech and dra of the scenes with Kiran Thakur Singh on the sets. She seems to do little ma at Queen Mary ’s, Azmi ’s alma ma- had not commenced at the time of ‘directing, ’ and yet, as a result of the ter, speak adoringly of their nephew writing this story) too have slipped rehearsals conducted where the shoot- Rooky. He had played, we learn, the into their roles, and physically resem- ing script is explained in great detail, boy Zarathushtra in Gool Savaksha ’s ble Parsis. Azmi, with an air of mock- the actual filming requires very few Life of Zarathushtra. Dady Sarkari, a despondency, moves around the sets ‘takes. ’ thespian of the Parsi stage, plays introducing herself, with her bob hair- Mehta started work on Pestonjee in Bomanji Badshah, Jeroo ’s (Azmi ’s) cut complete with a curl, and a rich earnest around late February^arly father, while Vera Sorabjee, yet lace-bordered sari. She has been March. She fleshed out Karanjia ’s another stage actress,transforms her- watching and meeting many Parsis, at story, “breathed soul into it, ” as she self with ease from a smart, middle- Mehta ’s instance, so as to bring out wanted to make it representative of aged Parsi lady to Jeroo ’s old fui that “finer fiber ” in her performance, how Parsis live. Yet, as Karanjia (aunt) complete with a kor-wali sari, Kher visited the Ripon Club where, in- points out, she did not maim or maul red sapats (slippers) and a tightly- cidentally, some scenes are also to be his original concept, and all changes shot, to meet a character Mehta spot- were made only with his approval. The ted, who might be like Pestonjee. s Though they have not modelled to 14 long meetings, ” says Karanjia. wrapped mathubanu. “We are elated to be on the pro ­ screenplay was written jointly “over 13 ject, ” enthuse the Sethnas who, like themselves on any particular charac- “First, she wrote it in Hindi, then I ters, the cast has imbibed the Parsipa- said the same thing in Parsi Gujarati, nu from personal observation of the as a Parsi would say it, ” and then it They agreed to play the roles on being terested in Parsis, ” says Shah), and by varaski hogi ne? Is umar mein Aden not a burlesque or a comedy, but a . . „ ' ’ ' serious attempt to look at the Parsis as other Parsis, had sought a clarification from Mehta that the film would not portray the community as buffoons. community (“I’ve always been in- was synthesized. A sample: “Tees assured that what was envisaged was closely studying members of the com- mein kon milne vala hai?Pun tan bee 44 Parsiana August 1987 (« I has been done at Dina Hakim ’s house 5 on Hornby Road (as Karanjia still pre- “ fers to call Dadabhai Naoroji Road), the main thoroughfare in downtown Bombay. Hakim, who was approached through a cousin of hers known to Far ­ rokh Mehta, consented, extending the fullest cooperation. Hakim ’s long rec ­ tangular hall filled with ornate objets d’art, typical Parsi porcelain pieces and impressive statues, is an archetyp- al Parsi house. At one end is the ubi- S' quitous piano, which Jeroo plays. ¦ Azmi has been taking piano lessons, I though she confesses that her nephew ¦ picks up tunes faster than her. “But at ¦ least I will be able to simulate play- fl ing, ’’ she grins. I As shooting gets under way, the hall I gets cluttered with modern cinematic I equipment, lights and rolling cameras On the sets of ‘Pestonjee ’ ¦» / Aware that shooting at Doongerwa- ¦ they are. After On Wings of Fire , the the final sign that life was extinct. In a community has been wary of its pro- tiny procession we followed J.P. (PeS- jection on celluloid. Even now, Mary tonjee in the film) to the Tower, where Sethna quietly expresses her inner fear the birds took over. ’’] Despite the that the Council of Vigilant Parsis stronger visual impact of the funeral, (“who are they, anyway? ’’) should not Mehta settled for the uthamna cere- bear down upon poor Pestonjee for mony (performed on the third day af- wearing a sudreh, which Kher, like ter death). Here too, out of reverence Shah, dons with consummate ease, for the beliefs of the community, and freely moves about in on the sets. Mehta has composed a long shot of the Mehta, however, foresees no such prayers being said, and no non-Parsi problems. “I do not like to pry into (barring herself) will be allowed within people ’s private beliefs; what right do 25 feet of the ‘mock uthamna. ’ I have? ’’ she counters, when asked " whether Pestonjee could stir up a hor- di itself would mean applying to the net ’s nest for its true-to-life portrayal trustees of the property, whose wings of the community. “My film, hence, have been singed by Fire, Mehta has should not offend anyone. It is not a shot the ceremony at an unusual loca- documentation of Parsi customs - tion: the grounds of her old school, St which fascinate me with their close Columba ’s at Gowalia Tank. The standing in juxtaposition with old-time similarities to Hindu rituals - but a school compound, which is shaded by chandeliers and large, well-padded story of human relationships. ’’ Spur- giant elms and has a solitary pea-hen sofas and chairs. Hakim ’s house is red by respect for a community ’s be- strutting about, has a tranquil air. For tailor-made to Mehta ’s requirements, liefs and practices, Mehta has purpose- over a week, Mehta has camped in the showing an upper middle-class Parsi ly diluted the thrust of Karanjia ’s ori- school ’s Omega wing which she has family in the late ’50s and early ’60s, ginal story, which took a cynical view furnished with resplendent sofa sets the period in which Karanjia wrote his of the heavy cost of dying in the com- from her own house. Mehta has trans- story, and which Mehta has retained munity. Instead, the screenplay brings formed other parts of the school to re- for the setting of the film. “The deci- out the conflicting relationships be- semble the Doongerwadi bungli and sion to make it a period piece was in ­ tween the main characters, culminat- Piroj ’s house in Bombay (with her tentional, ’’Mehtaconfirms. “Theatti- ing in the enlightenment of Piroj , as he sofas, an antique clock and picture tudes reflected in Karanjia ’s work begins to understand the true natures frames). On the other hand, the sets of don ’t hold water today. The story of Jeroo and of Soona. the company guest house in Bhusaval could not fit into modern idiom: think- So as not to offend anyone ’s sensibi- - where Piroj gets himself transferred ing has changed considerably during lities, Mehta even dispensed with the and stays with his Man Friday, (named the past 30 years. Then, for example, paidast (funeral) ceremony mentioned what else, but Chagan) are totally de- it was not people who got married, but in the story [ “a chained dog was personalized, bereft of all Parsi arti- families, ” Mehta elucidates. brought near the body, as is our cus- facts and trappings. With a hawk ’s eye for detail Mehta, tom, and its steady stare was taken as Another large chunk of the shooting along with her art director Roshan Vf.- All Parsiana August 1987•s 'r (self-colored interwoven And ever since then, it has been “si- Chinese design saris), kada-batatas lence - sound - camera - take ” as the (big white dots on a black background) actors, who have stayed overnight at and- chinai chirmins (a kind of cloth Hakim ’s place on many an occasion to from China, worn with Swiss khakha- interwoven Kalapesi, has recreated the period, khyals Kalapesi, the chairperson of the Crafts “ ' Council of India, was known to Mehta from her theater days, and brings to her new role her rich and varied ex ­ perience in theater and her knowledge kors, or borders embroidered in of the arts. Kalapesi professes little - ¦ ¦ difficulty in striking the authentic note: “After all, ” she says with an air of quiet dignity, “we had lived through stick, ” to ensure total authenticity, the times, and well remember how it was then. ” The Parsi actors have also helped, by sharing their experiences, and bringing in their own costumes and period jewelry. Azmi ’s engage ­ ment sari, for example, was the one Sorabjee (playing her/wz) wore for her wedding. And the ladies attending freely consults the Parsis on the sets, Jeroo and Pestonjee ’s engagement and makes fervent pleas like “On ceremony, shot in Hakim ’s hall, had all decked up in their garas (embroi ­ dered Chinese silk saris) and kasbi kor (broad border embroidered with jari on net or Chinese satin) saris, selected from their own collections by 1987 (roj Marespand, mah Bahman). in Zoroastrianism, “in its pristine Kalapesi. A week later, the same ladies are in their black saris (at that time, women wore black at funerals, and only a few younger ladies wore white) for shooting the uthamna. “No one sari is similar to the other, ” Kalapesi asserts as she points out to the ladies, seated draped in their French knots). Kalapesi ’s standing in ­ structions include “no nylons, ” and celluloid, “dark shades of lipstick, or no lip- though Mehta claims to have taken some artistic licence, as “authenticity has to be seen. ” While Kalapesi has the last word on pugrees versus phetas, or Parsi pegs versus cold drinks (“remember, there was prohibition at this time ”), Mehta which side of the groom does your bride stand? ” and '"poorab disha kahan (where ’s the East)? ” when per ­ forming the moorat (inauguration) at Hakim ’s place on Sunday, July 19, own Gifts& “breathe in the Parsi atmosphere, ” start emoting, and Mehta cans in what could well be yet another classic on Karanjia, who is a staunch believer Pestonjee attempts to present the community "with all its endearing qualities, idiosyncracies, and foibles f z Breaking away from the tradition of form, ” as he stresses, has written a tale filmi moorats, Mehta launched Peston- " jee with a Parsi sagan (auspicious cere ­ mony), presenting members of the unit with a nariyal (coconut) and par- bidyu (envelope containing money - National Film Development Corpora- probably the signing amount) as they tion has loaned eight lakhs of rupees), stood on a patla (stool) facing the east. a.. 2 .-L.—----------- that has come a long way from the Rs 500 it fetched him for his labor of “over two months, ” to a film project budgeted at Rs 12 lakhs (of which the The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive reli^ous artefacts, executive desk sets, exclusive shell items, designer jewelry & specializing in wood & copper-enamel gifts. BOMBAY SWADESHI STORES LTD. piezzanine Floor) Sir PM Road, Bombay-400 001 STUDIO AKAR 6T/2660 J and slated for release as a telefilm. But the issue at stake - the cost of dying - has changed little over the past three decades. While Mehta ruefully con ­ cedes that experimental (or realist) cinema has yet to find takers, and that production costs can be offset and mass exposure achieved only if the film is screened on Doordarshan, Pes- tonjee, judging by the inputs, is a film that deserves to be widely seen. Not only by the non-Parsis, who, it is to be hoped will then better understand the community with all its idiosyncracies, but also by the community itself. Leading institutions could consider holding charity shows with a view to augmenting their funds and, in the process, providing the film with a reg ­ ular commercial release. Mehta ’s un ­ canny observations on the community, and the sensitive portrayals by non- Parsi award-winning and trendsetting stars, could possibly provide an answer to Burns ’ prayer, “Would some power the giftie gie us/To see oursels as others see us, ” by holding up a mirror to the community. What better gift than that could we ask for in the New Year? Sal Mubarak, Pestonjee. 48 Parsiana August 1987 IliiliiiiiiiiiliiliiihHIjlllilliiilllliliiliHiiiilill ••• ? I I I spate a thought Spread the word. Come, help this worthy cause. Where it all began... Sanjan was the place where the Zoroastrians first landed in India. It was here that our forefathers earned their first respite after leaving Iran. They braved a long and tempestuous journey at sea. They, of course, willingly embraced these challenges because they were all on one single mission. To zealously defend and protect our religion. And though the oldest Holy Fire is now enshrined in our Atashbehram at Udvada, there is no fire burning at Sanjan — the place where our Pilgrim Fathers first arrived. Sanjan was j "written in the stars... ” In the text called “The Tale of Sanjan ” (1600 AC), it is said that the Zoroastrians, seeking a new land of religious freedom, set sail from the ; island of Div on a star gazer ’s advice. While they were at sea, a storm ble^xi up and the small boats were in ; danger. They prayed for Ahura Mazda ’s help and vowed that, if they, reached land safely, they would — as a thanksgiving — build a splendid fire temple. Their prayers were answered and they came safely ashore in 936 AC at a spot that they named Sanjan after a town in Iran. ; ifi. - BUSINESS a ,ii Parinaz Toddywalla /Surmounting /hurdles to /travelling for /over 25vears, TCI is /determined that India remain on the world tourism map •ii' if 4 t-tff 1 * ¦ J I ; W 4’ Echoing her father ’s sentiments, Meh- The fool wanders, the wise man travels outbound tours, TCI’s closest com- Echoing hei ; father s sentiments Men- - goes an old saying. But no descrip- petitors are Sind Oriental Travel Com- er says. We have always go: the tio^n is offered for the one who makes pany (SOTC) and Raj Travels, in- terest of the passenger at hearL If a others travel- the experience and wis- forms Meher. Viewing competition as person is interested m visiting S nga- dom which go into the formation of a “good” since it “keeps everyone on pore, we wou d advise him. You can travel agency and the adventure and their toes, ” Meher noted confidently, also take a hah at Bangkok because t grit needed ^o be ranked as the best “We are national and accessible, is en route and will not hike the air . trnvpl aaencv in the country. The We ’ve got an edge over the others. fare. Travel Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd, Just as reasons for going abroad After each group tour, passengers (Trii _ fnLd 9S vears aeo bv the could vary from business calls, attend- are asked to fill in a s^yice form to ' Ske- food, aicommodation, sight- Parikh-owned Lee and Muirhead (In ­ dia) Pvt Ltd, and the Kotak-owned N. Jamnadas and Co - is all set to jour ­ ney even further. _ ________ ___ ___ t “We are national and accessible, the country. The We ’ve got an edge over the others. Just as reasons for going abroad fTCU - formed 25 years ago by the could vary from business calls, attend- are asKeo to iiii in a service lui n iv merger of the tour departments of the ance at trade fairs, holidays, visiting gauge their response to TCI s faci^^itie Kateara-owned Jeena and Co, the relatives, or medical treatment, so also like food, accommodation sight- Parikh-owned Lee and Muirhead (In- would service requirements differ "In seeing courtesy *e Iviu” a travel agency requiring personalized guide, etc. Over the years, tne evaiua service, it is impossible to satisfy our tion has served as positive reinforce ­ clients 100 percent, ” pointed out ment to TCI though Meher admits that “ TCn orese'nt average of organizing Nari ’s younger brother Adi Katgara, there have been a few minor grouses foJr mS a w^erSXen Xpared also a director of TCI, adding, like: ‘We were not allowed inside the bv director Nari Katgara to four a “though this is what we try to achieve, Louvre on a particular holiday or by director iNari Raigara lo lo ____:r IptCvnu ‘The hote room was not ready (if 1 brother Adi Katgara, there have been a few minor grouses _ ’ or ‘The hotel room was not ready (if they reached before time) ’ or that ‘The ‘s“urr As"r-e-por7ed-in handle of ,he airbag supplied by TCI in the^ Indian TCI’s silver jubilee brochure, 75 broke. ’With a laugh Meher added I uiuce,..H --- • am planning to attach a label on the ned bV*over 900 staff members, assist bags stating: ‘Will only hold one kilo- year which was the case in the early days of Jeena and Co. The 45-crore turnover agency is emphasis on cruises Ocean, exploring unknown tourist destinations in India, and catering to inbound air charters from as an agency. But if a principal lets you down, there is nothing you can do in a offices in India and eight abroad, man- more inbound air cnaners ironi 1731611618'reach their destinations, gram weight. Europe, Japan and the USA. This • “ year , TCI tours will entice Indian travellers to the USSR, Southeast Asia, Africa, USA, Europe and the UK, among other destinations. “A lot of people are under the misconception ¦ ' that TCI offers only package tours, ” clarified Ms Meher Bhandara who is in charge of media and publicitv. Refer ­ ring to the simultaneous release of f TCI’s different advertisements, Meher admitted, “Perhaps the public finds it confusing. ” The sole agents in India for Greyhound, Eurail and Britrail among TCI directors Nari (left) and Adi Katgara I o al ¦ s 5 ¦ f f I J • 9 ! I. 53 Parsiana August 1987 1, '“'i fi ¦4 4 1 ' ¦j 1 ji' 11 4f i: 4 il ! 4 5-! 1 if !i II tri 4 J 1 11! rTourists on Jeena’s trip to Europe, Berlin 1937 1 i .1^ SSf. I V I “cute, ” Meher indirectly acknow- I ledges philosopher Seneca ’s words: I “He that would make his travels de- I lightful must first make himself de- I lightful. ” Such delightful Parsis have I accompanied TCI on many enterpris- I ing ventures. In fact Jehangir Katgara, I father of Adi and Nari, organized his I first inland tour in 1925 at the behest I of family and friends who urged him to I take them along to all the new and ex- j citing places he visited. Jehangir was j then the proprietor of Jeena and Co, a I clearing, warehousing and freight for- I warding agency which had been estab- I lished as an indenting office in 1900 by his father Pallonji and his partner Jam- shedji Dastoor. The first tour conducted by Jehangir Meher recounted an anecdote of an marked the entry of Indians into a do­ main which was the exclusive preroga ­ tive of the foreigners. The success of the internal tours gave him the confi ­ dence to organize tours to Europe, ». y Their tour leaders have to undergo a accepted, noted Nari with a sigh of res- special orientation course before being ignation. deputed the responsibility of handling clients. “Since the cost of the air pas ­ sage is borne by the travel agency, the plane ticket to London and would glamorous to many people. We prefer to ensure that she got a window seat, sending our own staff whom we can ¦ hold responsible. The leader is sup ­ posed to know what to do if one of the tour members is caught shoplifting green socks in Italy (the incident and dow seat: ""Ghabrat thai tau kaach Paris exhibition the color green are still vivid in Meh- er ’s memory); what to do if a passport or ticket is lost; if a tour member falls ill or dies. ” Viewing Parsis as “fun-loving tour ­ ists, ” Meher called them “adventurous and liberal. We enjoy having them be ­ cause they are unique, ” Meher trailed old Parsi lady who had booked her , - . — - ----- - — ———.—“w* .. V...»,1 re- idea of working as a tour escort sounds peatedly keep reminding TCI officials glamorous to many people. We prefer to ensure that she got a window seat. ____ sending our own staff whom we can When it was explained that she would Japan, Ceylon, and the Far East.^A need to make this request at the air- preserved copy of a 50-year-old pam- port, she was not placated. Finally, she phlet announced “Jeena ’s conducted revealed the reason for wanting a win- 1937 tour to see the coronation and the -------------------- 1 - two greatest events nichche kari sakai (If I feel airsick I of the year ” at a cost of Rs 2,400 to can lower the glass)! ” On another occasion, a Parsi gentle ­ man who had spent many hours plan- /\iso popular m tne 193Us was ning his itinerary to best utilize his another of Jeena ’s ventures - Exhibi- Eurail pass was handed his tickets and bid farewell. Absent-mindedly he re- revealed the reason for wanting a win- 3,000 for a 55-day cruise and Rs 3,700 to 4,300 for a 97-day cruise. Also popular in the 1930s off, the cleft in her chin deepening to quired: “At which station do I board accentuate her smile. Adi remarked, “They are great travellers - always looking for bargains. ” Nari, who has been longest on the travel scene, noted, “They are adaptable. They may | not speak the language, yet you find I them mixing with Italians, Swiss...al- ! ways proud of their own religion when travelling. With whatever little know- j ledge I have, even I promote it. They are not exclusive, that is why the i Zoroastrians abroad are faring well. But if they were to work closer, think- )87 ing of the community first and the per- )|| sonality next, organizations abroad H would make a greater impact. ” While H talking to Parsiana, Nari received a H telephone call from a Parsi who, after m years of travelling,had realized that the S birthdate on the passport was wrongly recorded and sought Nari ’s advice. The counsel will perhaps not be tion Trains, better known as Shops on Wheels, which plied from October turned to the TCI counter and en- through March, and carried indige- the train, VT or Bombay Central? ” Describing these customers Bhandara: recounting tourist tales :w8 54 Parsiana August 1987 as nous goods from all over the country for exhibition and sale. During the Second World War the frequency of the tours abated for a while. In 1950 Jeena handled its first group of tourists to India, and today TCI is recognized as the largest inbound tour operator, I notes the silver jubilee brochure. Also helping the senior Katgaras on TCI are Nari ’s son Jehangir and Adi’s son Pallan. More involved with Jeena are Nari ’s sons Sam and Cyrus, and Adi’s son Homi. Says Meher, “There is enough work to keep all the family members occupied. ” Originally, cruises were organized on the old Peninsular and Oriental (P&O) Liners. After the formation of TCI, ships like the M.V. Akbar were chartered to accommodate around 500 Indian tourists to the Far East - Singa ­ pore, Colombo, Penang and Kuala continued on page 63 x' o s 33 2 t.1 ’^'5 ¦;ii The Soya Strategy After introducing Great Shake as a fun drink, Noble Soya now plans to promote it as a health food .'1 '.J 'J. Parinaz Toddywalla i ( The tiny taste buds lining the tongue more involved with the technical pro- Ihi when Great Shake was launched enjoy a veto power in all matters of duction of the foods,unlike his brother there. The technology for eliminating 1 food purchases, overruling the cost Adi who is concerned with the market- h f __ ___ _____________ ___________ ___________ , __ ( presentation of the food item or its never possible to agree on ‘the right Co Ltd of Japan, who control AO per ­ taste ’fof any food product. ” cent of the world ’s soya beverage mar- Before the advent of the strawberry ket. But the Noble product, priced this chalky flavor was imparted to No- factof, the body’s metabolic needs, the ing aspect, was convinced that “It is ble Soya by their collaborators, Kibun L acceptability among friends. A latively new experience for these taste cells were the flavored soya drinks, and the mango seasons, the drink, in higher than the earlier soya drink, was Great ^Shake, introduced early this its three flavors — strawberry,mango, not accepted in Delhi. “Once the image I year to the Indian consumer market by and chocolate — was introduced first is down for a product (as was created Noble Soya House Limited. to the Hyderabad market in end by the previously introduced soya This new concept in instant soya February. Within two months the tet- milk) it continues that way, ” explained foods is marketed by Godrej Soaps rapacks, priced at three rupees each, Adi. Experimentation on the formulae I • which, for the first time, joined hands were on the shelves at Poona, Delhi, ---- ---------" "-------------- ‘-------------- with the Bhiwandiwallas and the Bhopal and Indore, and eventually in Sheths of Great Eastern Shipping to Bombay. After the monsoon lull, the enter the public market. Adi Godrej, rest of India will be included on the formulae for typically Indian flavors. , chairman of Noble Soya and director sales map of Great Shake, of Godrej Soaps remarked, “Indians ~ ‘ ' seem to have a preference for sweet tage industries are unable to control things. Our test surveys indicated that the chalky appearance and flavor people would like the soya drink to be which are the natural residue of the sweeter. Even with tea, they like lots conversion process when milk is ex- , of sugar, so we had to enhance the traded from the beans.One such soya t' I 1 re- Soya drinks manufactured by cot- -1 '11 j; ti for different flavors remains an ongo ­ ing process for Noble Soya ’s research team because Kibun cannot help with •'Jj -! 11 1^1 I 1 i S7 Parsiana August 1987 'I 'ii IMlI ria ' ‘ si » i t f V 1,1, Iff I M - I H] ij 1 i 3( H li ''I I'i * t 3 3 1 S'i 4 1t I 11 J I t fl* ¦F i s Is’ 3 r '1 h fl r I- example has still not allowed flavored, ? colored margarine. ” 1 For those looking for a thirst tjuen- j cher in the soya drinks instead of a • '. soya milk is considered an ideal substi- of the feedback received. Nadir tute. “You often hear parents coi^' '' I ne dudh sadtu nathi (milk does not agree with the child ’s ----- , . . a lactose intolerance meal substitute, a new drink with grea- Reluctant to give a regional break ­ up Or ----------- ------- . . asserted, “The response was very good plaining bacnna in Hyderabad, good in Bombay and ( " " " X'h “which"is"c?oi' ’;o Ddhi" t?e ’p"ro; proS'thm ^Tag-ueT^ ’to Mpercent ter juice content and fewe, , soya nut- garh, which IS Close lo i^e n , p Indian population - yet they rients may soon be available. Those * -- . « •»! __ lx ^4-0 mifnfirtnal up in Hyderabad, good in Bombay and 1____ „ . garh, which is close to Delhi, the pro ­ duct was well received, he added.- Judging from the per capita con ­ don ’t want to discontinue the milk consuming it solely for its nutritional ¦ • " regretted Adi. While 90 per- quality may look forward to a plain, unflavored soya drink, perhaps under a different brand name, which will sumption. Great Shake is believed to feeds, ” regretted Adi. Whi e 9U per- have made a three to four percent dent cent of the Mongoloid population sut- mate “ Id"' AX^^trapacks, ’ atei E^pea'iis- taXnii'f oi,ly\o ’.Se highlight .he health aspect of a soya Frooti which holds the largest share, «««„ Great Shake is the second choice, according to the chairman of Noble . . Soya. The entry of Great Shake and Adi gave a comparative analysis. Amul ’s chocolate and elaichi flavored stress mo milk shakes into the consumer i-------- being almost simultaneous, competi ­ tion was 1 ‘ S’tSS.^Shakr^nd 7ilgh.' sn'a'ck matke. tesponse always de^nds on dian population is getting increasingly more people to try it if the Godrej " ¦ ¦----- ' name is there. ” Initial TV announcements of Great , _____ Shake coincided with the concluding the Indian episodes of the Godrej sponsored popular TV serial, Buniyaad, thereby . 1 • _ tt'-r'i __ Godrej doesn ’t manage the work on a iM.i -t.u. -_____ ___ day-to-day basis, the marketing and offer a wider choice distribution is looked after by Godrej Soaps. Technically, I am a non- _ _____ ___ ” ^VT-\1 ainpH AHi, “The soya project was not initiated by fers from lactose intolerance, the extent of 10 percent. “Spray dried beverage, soya milk powder could be economi- cally competitive with cow’s milk, ” "We perhaps need to stress more on market the health angle, ” acknowledged Adi. s “Getting products out on time is < “Not m^y new companies succeed in < ? .1 r»an 1 very important, ” pointed out Nadir. doing that. But bigger companies can more easily overcome the problems lllv llCcliLll CXllglV, TT J simultaneous compeii- “Our product gives nutrition without and hence are able to work on sche- rife Claiming to be ahead of negatives. The drink is very filling. A dule. ” Initially playing down the Go - real Shake followed up its fun couple of Great Shakes is almost like a rejI ¦nyolveme'tt. Nadir ja'd. The I ,i * i. j ¦ ¦ * I* ’’ t I health conscious — Parsis perhaps a little more than average. We are on the learning slope as to how to present new health products to t' ^^Wdh^a^fourth. flavor — American tapping a vast '^iewejsWp. ‘Thou^gh ice-cream — already out in the mar ­ ket, experimentation with others, like I coffee, will soon <----- --- ------ I to the selective consumer. But the re- ’ _ ___ j confinement. Nadir, in a forthright lO ine beiCVUVC uuuauiiivi. --- r-- - - .__, ... search team feels a certain amount of executive chairman, explained Adi. ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 “The soya project was not initiated by coniincinciii. naun, Ill « XKZX vilx.jj.A J • 1 manner, pointed out, “The food laws us. Since we had never been involved in India are quite restrictive. ” Then, in a public limited company and m the correcting his adjective he said, production of readily consumable food “Quite archaic...emulsifiers and things products, we thought it would be in- like that which the Japanese would teresting. ” The corporate office of No- not nprmilted to: India for ble Soya is housed in the administra- in India are quite restrictive. ” Then, correcting 1 in a public limited company and in the use, we are not permitted to; India for ble Soya is Experimenting with flavors for soya foods (Right) Noble Soya plant at Mandideep Hk with protein. ” Indicating that soya has H 43 percent protein content (as com- H pared to 30 percent in cheese, 25 per- cent in dais, 18 percent in meat, and 13 H percent in eggs), a good amount of - fats, and yet “its oil contains no —— cholesterol, ” the legume is projected as an ideal food. Healthwise, soya consumption is be ­ lieved to be ideal for those complain ­ ing of heart problems and diabetes. As explained by Adi, non-vegetarian pro- h tein foods are usually at a disadvan- B tage when compared to soya because ¦ they have a high fat content . For grow- ¦ ing children who have an aversion to ¦ the saturated fats found in milk, I i 51 58 Parsiana August 1987 3 ITT-tive office building of Godrej Soaps at been successful. ” Nadir, who has been creased by 75 percent in ’85-’86, creat- their complex at Vikhroli. a director of Godrej for the past nine ing a processing capacity of 21 lakh When Noble Soya functions at full years after finishing his master ’s de- tonnes as against the 1990 target of capacity in 1988, they hope to achieve gree in chemical engineering from 14.4 lakh tonnes. The turbulence has their targetted turnover of Rs 20 Stanford University and his MBA not yet engulfed Noble Soya because, crores. By then they should be market- (master of business administration) as explained by M.P.'Mansinghka, for- ing the new soya drinks, soup mixes, and perhaps soya ice-cream, soya paneer and bean curd (an analogue of household, he would have “probably which manufacture value-added ex ­ cheese but of a softer variety) which been a scientist though I wouldn ’t be truded soya products and food pro ­ feature in their long-term plans. Soya surprised if my brother (Adi) had been ducts will be able to keep their heads granules and soya dog foods may also an entrepreneur. ” above water as they have to buy in ton- materialize. Presently, a staff of around 80 coordinates the production noted, “Among Parsis, the percentage activities of Noble Soya at their of entrepreneurs would be very high, stated that Noble Soya ’s annual re ­ mechanized plant at Mandideep in There is an even distribution in the quirements of raw materials have Madhya Pradesh. (Eighty percent of different professions, yet you still see a already been met and theirs being a India ’s soya crop is reportedly culti- lot of successful Parsi entrepreneurs, value-added product whose cost factor vated in Madhya Pradesh.) Alfa-Laval The old large Parsi firms are doing goes up not because of the raw mate- Food and Dairy International, well. Even the small firms are healthy, rial but because of extraneous factors Sweden, Tetra Pak Development Ltd, growing, and vibrant, ” observed Adi like packaging technology, deprecia- Switzerland, and Vulcan-Laval Ltd, Pune assisted Noble Soya in the erec ­ tion and commissioning of the plant at Mandideep from where the aseptically Technology, packaged soya drinks are loaded on to trucks to be carried to the different nomy is not in very good health, value-added wheat product, the latter ; • distribution centers. Though the long-term outlook is still was considered a high value-added “India is a high problems-high good, the economy was much better a product. The drought would have opportunities market. You have to live year and a half ago. There is a demand greater repercussions on low value- with one to benefit from the other, ” recession; the stock market is depress- added products like Soya oil, soya Nadir ’s cheerful countenance reflected ed. ” He was not overly concerned ab- meal, etc. his optimism. Regarding arrival of out the fall in the share prices of Noble Parsis on the Indian business scene to- Soya from Rs 42 to Rs 25 for a scrip are dependent on natural conditions, day. Nadir opined, “Even today there bearing the face value of Rs 10: “This the success of Noble Soya ’s value- are Parsi entrepreneurs who have is not unusual because the value had added soya products would be corre- started out. But most are on the look- gone up to exaggerated amounts even lated to their marketing strategy and out for a low risk environment and feel before production had started. ” Noble the consumers ’ receptivity. Noticing happy there...Parsis have always been Soya ’s first public issue of Rs 26.4 mil- the regular joggers and keep-fit ex- more of professionals than business- lion had been oversubscribed by 20 ercisers mostly in the 20 to 30 age ­ men. The nineteenth century saw times, notes their first annual report, group, and sometimes in the older more businessmen because there we- ren ’t many other communities (ventur- soya industry is under threat. Drought is quite positive that after a decade or ing out). There is a lot of reward but conditions have led to a marginal de- two the “present food and drink.habits some people think it ’s not desirable to cline in the year ’s soya crop as com- of Indians will change considerably. ” launch small-scale industries. In Eng- pared to last year ’s, noted a report in This belief gives the Noble Soya prom ­ land and America it is the small com- India Today of June 30. But the reper- oters the confidence that their nutri- panies which create more jobs...In cussions were felt more adversely be- tious soya foods will appeal to weight whatever field. Parsis have always cause the soya processing units in- and health-conscious buyers. I I I i' . .1 [ ' J ; • '4-1 a from Harvard University, admits that, mer president of Soyabean Processors had he not been born into the Godrej Association: “The soya companies Giving a wider perspective, Adi nes and sell in kilos. ” Elaborating on the subject, Adi who has completed his master ’s in en- tion, labor and interest, the Noble gineering and industrial management House is not unduly affected. Adi from the Massachusetts Institute of drew an analogy between chappatis ~ ‘ (unleavened bread) and noodles to ex- As viewed by Adi, “The Indian eco- plain that while the former was a low While the prospects of the soya crop The nineteenth century saw times, notes their first annual report. The prosperity once enjoyed by the group when afflicted by problems, Adi 61 Parsiana August 1987 VIDEO SHOOTING The First Parsee Outstanding Lady Armaity R. Bamanbehram Free colourful scroll titles with beautiful effects. Latest equipment and many other facilities. Guarantees Video Shooting with professional touch. Audio-dubbing music of your choice. Demonstration tape at home service to judge our professional quality and superior work. No sub contracting. Colour photography at reasonable rates. Transferring of super 8 mm movies is also done. For Wedding, Navjote, Parties and other functions. Res : 822 6074 No. 6, Khareghat Colony, Hughes Road, Bombay 400007. ¦< -I ¦¦ J’Up '1 ¦ 3 I •'Mi ¦ 'il ¦i !,h. ¦ •¦CM j if: -I ¦f! 'U' a;; I ‘U ii fijh ¦ 0 « ' '"iU ¦ ¦¦ j ¦:-SI continued from page 54 encouraged, TCI, in the early. ’60s, Lumpur. TCI’s chartered cruises have operated a hotel in Gangtok, Sikkim, now been discontinued. A new division of the company, TCI Besides handling normal tourist Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, later man- ‘Whenever a decision is to be put off, a committee is formed. ” The summon- now been discontinued. A new division of the company, TCI ing of meetings without planning an Besides handling normal tourist Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, later man- agenda seems to irk Adi, "ApunS kai traffic, TCI has different departments aged one resort at the Lakshadweep kam dhandho che ke nahi (Do we not • looking after special interest tours, islands and another at Balrampur. have other work to-attend to)? ” Every adventure tours, incentive tours, edu- Their Andaman Beach Resort, built in minor decision affecting tourism needs cational travel, and international con- P"" ' ' ' ’ _____ _ gresses and conventions. Earning tourists to the Andamans from 200 to and finance ministries, which looking after special interest tours, islands and another at Balrampur. ----- , -2_- Their Andaman Beach Resort, built in 1978, helped increase the number of the prior sanction of the health, home — --------- ------------ , ------ 1 means around 12 crores of rupees in foreign 5,000. Recalls Adi, “We were in the that action can be postponed inde- exchange in 1985-86 (as notes their sil- red for several years before it started finitely, explained Adi. Showing a way ver jubilee brochure), TCI and its paying off.” They had even planned a out, he advised, “There should be a . ................. . _ , hotel in Sri Lanka, “but fortunately National Tourism Council as the apex closest competitor in inbound travel, j • SITA World Travel, are the only two withdrew just before the (ethnic) trou- body entrusted with the responsibility organizations in India permitted mem- bles started. ” By the turn of the de- of taking travel and trading deei- bership of the International Congress cade, TCI plans to operate 14 more sions... and Convention Association. Bids to hotels and resorts throughout India, host a convention have to be made — - years in advance, especially when around one and a half million tourists there is arduous lobbying among the visit India annually sound dubious to prospective host countries. If the bid is Adi, who estimates the number of availed of. Giving a concrete example, Nari, who was the founder president million. In the Government calcula- of the Travel Agents Association of tions, there is a lot of duplication be ­ cause even people returning home to The Government ’s, claims that “Though tourism is the largest fore ­ ign exchange earner, it is not recog ­ nized as an industry. ’’ This means that concessions and benefits cannot be accepted, a minimum of three years of genuine tourists to be hardly half a prior planning is essential: to issue in ­ vitations, to make travel and hotel re- tions, there is a lot of duplication be- India,went on at length about the diffi- servations, and to help the foreigners cause even people returning home to culties encountered by TCI whilst im- “to see India through Indian eyes. ” As their families for holidays are included porting coaches to India. Said Nari, Meher put it, “Many people don ’t in the tally. “We were granted a license only after realize that India is among the most Both Adi and Nari continue to serve a very long time. Next, the coaches beautiful countries of the world. ” on various Government advisory com- didn ’t seem to meet the Regional To tap India ’s unknown scenic spots .............................. “ where tourism had hitherto not been Both Adi and Nari continue to serve on various Government advisory com­ mittees. Disappointed with the Gov- Transport Office ’s specifications. We ernment ’s way of functioning, Adi said, were not permitted to operate (them) Kermani Transport Service Truck Owners & Contractors H.O. & Admn. Office: Guru Himmat ‘A’ Wing, Dr. MasrnrenXas Road,Mazgaon, Bombay 400 010. Booking Office: Opp. Jakeria Masjid, 7-C, Dhobi Street, Bombay 400 003. Phone: H.O. 872-3333,851-2715 Bkg. 320271-72. Branches: Delivery Godown: B-Anjirwadi, Mount Road, Mazagaon, Bombay 400 010, Phone: 872-5002 Thane: (1) Chitalsar, Manpada, S.V. Road, Next to Tatwadyan Vidhyapeeth, Phone:, 594823 (2) Puma Village, Thana Bhiwandi Road, Near Uttam Roadways Vapl:Near R.T.O. Check Post, G.I.D.C. Phone; 887 Valsad: Kamla Nehru Road, Phone: 2284 Billimora: Gohar Baug Road, Phone: 2493 Navsari: Opp. Central Bank, Phone: 4008/4009 Delivery Godown: Zaveri Sadak, Phone: 1601 Udhna: Road No. 2 Phone: 88611-12 Surat: Delhi Gate, Dangi Sheri, Phone: 29995 — 35428 Delivery Godown: Ring Road, Near Surat Textile Market. Phone: 24026 63 Parsiana August 1987 ¦y ¦? if I 1 11 i*- !!¦» <)¦ ft IP ‘iiir •j 'i i, 4 I h ¦( i( 'i ijj ,i| "I f <1 ill - / "if ' 11’ bJ N*’ ’4 3; -M 'Wi-& j„r oflifeandproper.yis.opp™n.yfor -ng When the directors of TCI were ¦ ’ -'.the career prospects of handbag which "has aspirants with a wanderlust, Adi re- to join the travel profession, ” but to avoid misunderstanding, added with a ’ He later amended his •‘There ’s tremendous scope if willing to stand on your own for one year. ” But the last straw lui jays the authorities are overdoing i. in India.Tbere areJ^S mission when a 1-------- . , needed to be substituted with an im­ ported component. Infrastructure to promote tourism m India is sadly lacking, opine the two brothers whose over 25 years of ex ­ perience in the travel line has been recognized v ---- ------ Grand Order of European - Organisers. They are the only Indians should be. to be so ‘ beaches, better hotels; not all kinds of . restrictions, ” Nari emphasized, the honorary broken windowpane jokers hanging ' “ - around at the airport asked to assess "for security. A 1 iHil been cleared by the metallic detector is not Cviiv.w*.- — — — sonal inspection they emuZ “not because I don ’t want any bui competition. ” He later amended his the travel ime nab ucti. What is th . everv- version: “There ’s tremendous scope if with membership of the sad. f.“‘‘Pj gp, ,|,e people who you are willing to stand on your own -rl feet and not depend on Government .•honored. “We need better re- better entertainment, bett Nari, the first Indian to be conferred ' V lifp membership of the tried to bring up ¦ •’ Nari emphasized, tne nonoraiy lite memoersnip . .v,,. "Aomkare good, but compared to the Paciflc , JravH ^As^^ta wh'h internationS sTand«ds°Ho?eliers India to woA on a “constoent long- — —- ,p^ willing ,0 remain ^\hr^^=Sd™m:^ ” Questioning the Government ’s poll- Amertcan Soctety 3„d a.e reluctant to leave Bombay, cy of not permitting certain bridges Irrespective of services “Actually, any intelligent, growing and waterfalls to be photographed, tude, P Tagencies man would have a future m tourism Adi felt it was “one of the stupidest all its trans- because as world tourism .increases, things. Does the Government realize that with satellites, the advanced coun- considered safe enough. On per- ... ,.e. 2 toilet article, a ‘What is 1 version: Nari facilities the rates are term tourism plan. ” more involved with the activities pf the , ‘the land price is high.' This is whe- the Government should come in. Questioning the Governments poli ­ cy of not permitting certain oace with the services and waterfalls to be photogyap / ; aeencies overseas, Adi felt it was one c_ . things. Does the Government realize that with satellites, the advanced coun ­ tries could have easy access to all these landmarks? ” Though acknowledging that satety Sitting at the Jeena office. Nan re- “In our small outfit we ’ve -? Parsis but they are not willing to shoulder responsibility. Very happy with the bonus they re ­ ceive, Parsis don ’t feel bad abou^^su- clerks fw thie rest of their hves. They like to leave office on the stroke of 5, and are reluctant to leave Bombay^^ would have a future in tourism, India will automatically ready for tourism. We American Society of Travel Agents. ceX brides irrespective of „r;hr:;u7;d7si actions in the next two years. e Nari only knows that opening of a training institute prob- L.ri.m. We ably in Bombay, to coach students m “India is not read, the finer aspects of tourism and the op- just talk about it. •‘s 8 •’’3 1^1 1 The Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank Limited (Estd 1927) Head Office; 16, Horniman Circle, Fort, Bombay Celebrates its DIAMOND JUBILEE Year Certified ‘A’ Class Bank under Audit Classification 11: Hbi f*. SI P|! Ji « An Institution where your Investments are Safe 8,45,000/- 59,21,000/- 11'08^000/- Rs Rs Rs 3,56,07,000/- Rs attractive rates of interest ^'1 Paid-up Capital Reserve Fund & Other Reserves Deposits Advances - All types of Deposit Accounts opened at - Interest at 1% offered more than Nationalised Banks -- invested in Z.B. Deposit Re-investment Certificate Scheme ' muWpiVti double the amount you invest within just 78 months P C Safe Deposit Vault Locker factltties avajable _ For your convenience, we have a branch of the Bank at H ?. - Interest at — Your money i 1 . . - Safe Deposit ” Colony, Tardeo, Bombay Contact us for your Banking needs Mr L.C. Mistry (Secretary & Chief Executive) : within just 78 months Vault Locker facilities available ” Iff i r'iii Mr N S. Pochkhanawala Mr N.B. Jeejeebhoy (Chairman) (Vice-Chairman) (Vice-Chairman) 64 Parsiana August 1987 Mr L.C. Mistrys . M J continued from page 37 tors who come are all old people. ” both legs amputated - one lost in an Khurody asks why the ward is so accident while working for the bedraggled. “With permission from building and the lady, “so delightful, so sparkly-eyed and bright. ” Driver in ­ troduced her to the BPP’s two school counsellors Kamal Shroff - and gave her an oppor- f* ¦* I both legs amputated - one lost in an Mukund Iron and Steel Company, the the dean, we could paint and repair received one artificial leg and with a a week. ” Appalled by the lethargy, tunity to address the boys, mariy ot second one on the way, Ichhaporia, apathy and bureaucracy in the com- whom opted for the Doongerwadi and who holds a diploma in mechanical munity, Khurody says, “nothing gets PGH projects, and electrical engineering, is ready to done because no one is willing to take ¦ take on any desk work. Khurody is an- responsibility. .. xious to help Ichhaporia reestablish ‘ “ llllllOVll 111 U JV>V> UlIM ----------------- ----- -------------- J A r-l ¦ TZU .1 ’ Up the question with whosoever could young people. They have lots of bright renowned Aarey Dairy, Khurody s 1 _ ij 1_________ ______________ ____ _ ic nprh'.tnc For the rest of the J.J.’s Parsi pa ­ tients, Khurody is looking for an occu ­ pational therapist who would spend time with them once or twice a week. Sister Alice, who is in charge of the ward, is “a wonder, ” and social work ­ er Ms Mani Siganporia has organized youngsters aren ’t taken seriously, they sessalar ’s help and weekly culinary delights over t'..... ’.. ----- 2--------------- ' L _ • ¦ to tea touched her deeply. Khurody has proved that youngsters can be very effective at social work, if ___ J-- J “someone who is be Relieved. As ^Sister Sc5iool, armed with an introduction young, one of them and not an older from BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla, person. They must have fun together, and was enraptured — by the beautiful That's the only way to yield results. Diana Marfatia and second sacrificed to gangrene. Having the ward. Schools can visit them once second one on the way, Ichhaporia, apathy and bureaucracy in the com- whom opted for the Doongerwadi and Commitment is a family watchword for Khurody. Granddaughter of Dara “Everything about Parsis is so old Khurody, Bombay ’s dairy commis ­ sioner to whom the city owes the world himself in a job and persistently brings and slow. There ’s need to encourage community consciousness is perhaps inherited from her mother Roshan, nee Kharegat. Her maternal grand- It is Khurody ’s contention that father Dr Rustom Kharegat was a BPP “Parsis are just not willing to give way to the young. They treat us like babies! Everything is an instruction...When volved in building the PGH. A nas- ____ ____ - ___—1 '-J, ' , ' > remembrance of how Dr ihinkiheir ideas are not valid, so why Rustom Kharegat used to invite them the years for those forgotten ones; but bother! ” the impact of the youngsters singing As her horizon widened, Khurody and dancing (for their own pleasure went to meet Ms Roshan Driver, prin- and the patients ’ entertainment), had cipal of the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy the motivator is to be seen to ----------- . — ------ ¦ Alice observed, “When were they vi ­ sited by children before? The few visi- ideas. We could have variety programs with just two rupee tickets, organize projects and practical activities... ” trustee in charge of Doongerwadi and his father, Merwanji Kharegat, was in- ' 1 I- M' i- '!L I 1 ii S.i: ,'l ;v-r- eEE t ¦fr -S’ ¦ '* -J ljf. I Li’ t0i Mini rF fed f^teen folet 145, Marine Drive, Bombay 400 020 INDIA-Jel. No. 22 22 94 67 Parsiana August 1987 View the ‘Queen ’s Necklace ’ from Sea Green Hotel 'fj ‘H n i-ii i I, tH' ** . 5 • a « '.ii’ ', 4 !(' Located in the aristocratic area of Bombay’s famed Marine Drive commanding a magnificient view of the Arabian Sea. YET, in the heart of the city's busiest commercial/Shc'pping and Entertainment areas. Hotel facilities include-. Airconditioned and Non-airconditioned rooms with attached baths. Piped music and telephone in every room. And service that is personalised yet impeccable.. All this at the most affordable price. 1 H 0 f H r ¦ pH oh .i| b f: ¦ sje I. «»i.' hi t-Hf- 'hl 1 APM/SG/85 .'Hr B r RELIGION (I w A s the body of a Parsi officer call, his wife hurried to meet him at community supported me and from of the Indian Air Force is lo- the airport. He rushed home impa- that day non-Parsis have been admit- wered into the ground, an tiently, crossing her on the way, saw ted to the aramgah during funeral ser- —• lAF squadron flying over- his child and shot himself. Ex DPA vices. ” Navroze Baug, near Khan Market •ul head dips in salute and high-ranking president Khushroo Rustomji recalled I’ " officers of all communities pay silent the tragic happenings: “At the funeral (about 20 minutes ’ drive from the tribute beside the grave. The scenario a large number of Kalyaniwalla ’s lAF dharamshala-agiary complex at Baha- belongs to the Navroze Baug aramgah, comrades wanted to be present. (Delhi dur Shah Zafar Marg), now comprises New Delhi, circa 1958. Dar-e-Meher ’s panthaky, the late two and a half acres of trees and flow- The event marked the Delhi Parsi Daraius) Bagli said, ‘We can ’t allow it. ’ ers — an expansion arranged by the Anjuman ’s (DPA) initial step on the I took the stand that the boy’s friends late Shiavax Nargolwala, who suc- pragmatic path it has chosen to tread, should not be kept out and the lAF ceeded Rustomji as president of the And it succeeded because of strong paid this remarkable tribute... ” DPA. At one stage the anjuman was men at the helm and loyal support from the community ’s grass roots. A depressed Nozer Kalyaniwalla re- had died several years before, Rus- to be arranged at the Parsi cemetery in turned from Jodhpur where he had tomji was faced with numerous de- Agra. But now there is no such fear' failed in an lAF course. Receiving his bates and objections. “But the entire thanks to another adjoining plot hav- While Kalyaniwalla was laid to rest, worried about burial space and had coincidentally, next to his brother who wondered if future burials would need Ibmbs that tell a tale The Delhi Parsi Anjuman has converted personal tragedies into community milestones Arnavaz S. Mama 69 Parsiana August 1987 I I ¦ i’i I W iil ¦ iP; if 1 1?. t I fM fl' nt 3 9 1.1 'fj ti 'if f r ying been promised to the anjuman due ma«Se to bid them adieu. the agiary, out of regard for Nargolwa- to Nargolwala ’s perseverence shortly Normally, a private Matador van la and the deceased, decided to seek, before his tragic death last year. driven by a Parsi conveys the deceased long distance, the advice of Rustomji Explaining the DPA’s stand, Rus- to the cemetery, courtesy Travel Cor- Panthaki, principal of the Athornan tomji says, “Problems of Parsis out- j ..................... ..... ' ~ ~ ‘‘ 2 ____—______ ____ side Bombay are different. They liye There the body is prepared for the bay. Panthaki reportedly gave a posi- among people who are not coreligion- r--'-'-- ¦-------- «¦ • • - - - — - ists. They have friends, even relations, who are non-Parsis and we cannot say .officiating, says Dhun, though the agi- they can ’t be part and parcel of the ary ’s Phiroze Balsara normally per- Kapadia family having disposed of the in the interests of Parsi cohesion and the bereaved family. Dhun "herself burying the ashes at the aramgah that is,there should be no restriction helps with bathing and preparing a hasn ’t risen yet for formal considera- on the children of mixed marriages female body. The corpse is coffined by tion of the DPA, says Dhun. coming into the fold...We will be the boys of the community under Visiting the aramgah once a week, broadening the base of the community Dick’s supervision after the geh sarna Bagli is in close touch with problems as if we do that. ’’ is over. they arise there. One that requires ex ­ Despite Rustomji ’s views and those After the coffin is lowered into the treme tact on the part of the DPA trus- of Nargolwala who continued Delhi ’s j ' ................... liberal tradition, even today, non-Parsi spouses do not have the right of burial at Navroze Baug. The aramgah is financed by 25 per ­ cent of the earnings of Delhi ’s Mengu- si Dharamshala, says its manageress transplanting at the new grave. "" " - - ¦ After three years, the foundation is done all over again. About four feet of ma4Se to bid them adieu. Normally, a private Matador van ____________ , driven by a Parsi conveys the deceased long distance, the advice of Rustomji " . . ' " " ’ , ... - - ______ J poration of India ’s Behram Dumasia. Boarding Madressa at Dadar, Bom- • sachkar by members of the community tive response and Cawas and Kersi — Keki Dick is always one of those Amroliwala performed the geh sarna ' „ . ' J the next morning, notes Dhun. The they can ’t be part and parcel of the ary ’s Phiroze Balsara normally per- Kapadia family having disposed of the community. I would go a little further forms the job, assisted by boys from ashes on its own, the question of j_ .1-. ---- -r . .... ¦ - that is,there should be no restriction helps with bathing and preparing coming into the fold...We will be the boys of the community under broadening the base of the community Dick’s supervision after the geh sarna ft ••1 *1! J Ms Dhun Bagli, widow of the late Ervad Daraius Bagli.The geh sarna is . normally conducted at the bungli at earth are dug out and a base of bricks Navroze Baug. Only on exceptional and cement laid, over which the mar- occasions is it held at the Bhiwandi- walla Hall adjoining the dharamshala. Bagli recalls only two such occasions — the funerals of her husbnd Daraius adds, and of Shiavax Nargolwala, both of whom were held in very high esteem by the community which turned out en Grave of ex DPA president Nargolwula is over. After the coffin is lowered into the grave, the mourners sprinkle handfuls tees is the frequent intrusions by the of mud. The earth is then piled in and juggi (hutment) dwellers of the vicin- for a week, the grave remains like a ity, who steal bricks from the wall, etc. mound and the mali (gardener) waters The community prefers to deal with it every day, notes Bagli, who gets seedlings ready at the dharamshala for 31 I : au -'1 i t ¦ Si ¦ ¦I Li 71 Parsiana August 1987 f 1 >f{ K it ble tombstone is set, informs Bagli. Any hastier attempt at capping the grave would result in its sinking, she K- ¦’i’i 1 aiSt ¦ 1 I ¦ The graves are laid in a row, thp dead taking their place in chronologfc- al order. Sometimes, however, some people believe there should be an ex ­ ception . “When Daraius died, his brother wanted a special place for him. (Then DPA president) Shiavax Nar- Bagli: in touch with aramgah problems golwala was amenable but I said ‘no. ’ ¦ Daraius was a strict disciplinarian. He them directly, avoiding any reference would have turned down such a re- to the police. quest from anyone and I felt he 1’ " wouldn ’t like (being made an excep- kerchief-sized cemetery that adjoins tion), ’’ recalls Dhun. A similar plea the dharamshala, and whose 40 graves was made when Shiavax died, and reflect the movements of the commun- Dhun is glad that the trustees ’ major- ity in the area between 1879 and 1928. id i-t n Navroze Baug is a far cry from the p •1} J' -•U’'i I Si I, ity vote decided in ftvor of abiding by They came from Panipat, Ghaziabad the democratic tratiition. and Hodal as well as Delhi to lay their The geh sarna ceremony is con ­ ducted at Navroze Baug even for those J opting for cremation, the body being death rate has caught up with the DPA too. In contrast to less than one death a year as can be discerned at the old site, DPA secretary Rustom Daroga notes that the Delhi community now records an annual average of 10 deaths. Even so, thanks to the fore- of performing the ceremony, so “Nar- sight of its leaders, it has been pro- subsequently taken to the electric cre ­ matorium. The question arose when Minoo Kapadia died in 1985, express ­ ing a strong desire for cremation. The mobeds at the DPA’s Kaikhushru Pal ­ lonji Katrak Dar-e-Meher were chatty '-1 beloved, many of them babies, to rest. Since then, the rising community 11 4 <1 di' ir golwala said. I’ll not force the vided with a beautiful, quiet, tree- mobeds. 1 will do it, ’’’ recalls Bagli. laden resting place in India ’s historic Her son Cawas, now the panthaky at capital. 1 111 a 11LAW BPP challenges tenant ownership act Faced with an order for land acquisition, the Punchayet questions the rationale of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act of 1986 Arnavaz S. Mama for Cooperative Despite two letters from Mulla and executive engineer ’s letter approved, “after due verification and scrutiny, ” their proposal “to move the state gov ­ ernment to acquire the land together Faced with the prospect of losing Cell for Cooperative Housing not received a copy of Singh and seven buildings and a cottage from Societies of the Bombay Housing and Machado ’s application to the Bombay Contractor Baug, Mahim, to a tenants ’ Area Development Board. Informing Housing and Area Development cooperative housing society under the the BPP that the occupants of ‘Palm- Board. Maharashtra Housing and Area De- lands ’ (the prior name of the older sec- “ velopment (second amendment) Act tion of Contractor Baug), had submit- Mulla Craigie Blunt and Caroe, on be- of 1986, the trustees of the Bombay ted a proposal to form a cooperative half of the BPP, requesting time to Parsi Punchayet have challenged the housing society with the intention of consider their position, and without validity of the Act in the Bombay High acquiring the concerned land, the ex- any further reference to the Pun- Court. Admitting the Punchayet ’s ecutive engineer asked for a list of chayet, an order was passed by the ex ­ petition on February 25, 1987, Mr Jus- opcupants as on October 1, 1986, ecutive engineer on January 8, 1987 tice S.P. Bharucha stayed the prop- along with the gross rent paid by each and a copy endorsed to the BPP. osed acquisition until the final disposal of them and the area in occupation of Addressed to Singh and Machado, the of the petition. The five respondents the building. A copy of the letter was cited by the BPP are the State of endorsed to Harjit Singh and Maurice Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Hous- Machado, “chief promoters of Palm ­ ing and Area Development Authority, lands Co-operative Housing Society. ” the executive engineer. Repairs and However, even when the petition was with the existing building thereon No Reconstruction Cell for Cooperative filed on February 6,1987, the BPP had 37 E-F-G-H etc known as Contractor Housing Societies of the Bombay Housing and Area Development Board, and Harjit Singh and Maurice IH Machado, residents of Contractor ,' * Baug. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Hh Development Act (MHADA) as amended in 1986, empowers the gov- ernment body constituted under the Act to acquire buildings built before September 1, 1940 if 70 percent of the occupants are willing to form a coop- erative society and buy it off the own- er. The stipulated rate of compensa- tion is 100 times the rent. The first intimation that the BPP re- ^B ceivedjOf the proposed move by some ^B of its tenants at Contractor Baug,was ^B by way of a letter dated October 13, ^B 1986 from K.V. Kan a de, executive ^B engineer. Repairs and Reconstruction H ¦> 72 Parsiana August 1987t; i E i r Charitable institutions are sought to be deprived of their income and paid a penalty amount by way of compensation t i 9 9 ,--f,, J - f. J I. ' i 'i 1- j ; ’f f - ' ill 'rt 'ar.t *'l{ '1 -J! 1; 1 Some of the disputed ‘Palmlands’ buildings at Contractor Baug: Two- storeyed structures on top and at right, round building just within the gate ! (above) and the ground floor cottage on facing page Baug in Ward C/N for the cooperative list of tenants with an indication 1958, says Rustom Anklesaria, chief housing society proposed to be formed against the names of “five persons who executive of the BPP. Of the remaip- by occupants thereof in the interest of are trespassers against whom suits are ing, six are three-storeyed buildings better preservation of the building or pending in the Bombay courts. ” and three four-storeyed, three having for reconstruction of a new building in Admeasuring about 1,133.07 square been constructed in the last three or lieu of the old one. ” The executive en- meters, the Contractor Baug property four years. gineer further asked the addressees to consists of 17 buildings apart from Buildings A, B, C and D are in one deposit a pay order for Rs 66,126 pump rooms, suction tanks, a Bombay row at one end of the Baug; E, F and (being approximately 30 percent of the Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) G in a cluster at another end; the rents f amount required to be paid to the substation etc. The seven buildings range between Rs 39 and Rs 155. The j owner if the land is acquired ). The under question consisting of ground cottage lies in the heart of the proper- ' ~ .” and three four-storeyed, three having Admeasuring about 1,133.07 square been constructed in the last three or BPP’s solicitors notified the executive and two upper storeys were built prior ty, in the middle of the common re ­ engineer, on January 30, of the Pun- to 1940 and were previously known as creation ground. The petition notes chayet ’s decision to file a writ petition Palmlands A to G. Also under dispute that the cottage was earmarked for de ­ in the High Court challenging the is a ground floor cottage. These old molition, with plans for an additional proposed acquisition. Forwarded tenanted structures were bequeathed floor on Palmlands C, to accommo- along with the notice was a copy of the to the BPP by Navajbai Contractor in date its occupants, approved by the 73 Parsiana August 1987 E I 1 t 1 r‘ '{ f 1 4 ;.i ¦J tPp. t ¦ L vires the Constitution of India. Repair and Reconstruction Act of To prove that the authorities have 1969 and the Maharashtra Housing failed to “apply their mind ” before and Area Development Act of 1976 signing the order of January 8, the was to repair the dilapidated buildings BPP argues that the eight structures do or to reconstruct them simply because Municipality on November 8, 1983, “but no work has been started because of the uncooperative and obstruction ­ ist attitude of the occupants of the cot ­ tage- ” Repair cess on the seven buildings not constitute a unit, and that to allow the landlords were, unable to repair (payable under the Maharashtra the occupants to form a cooperative their buildings due to freezing of rents Housing and Area Development Act society would destroy the integrity of as on September 1, 1940 under the of 1976) totalled Rs 72,223 between “ ~ ~ " April 1,1977 and September 30, 1986, the BPP brief, does the disputed Act The petition notes that by levying -the BPP contribution to which contemplate a housing society of more cess under MHADA (1976), “the gov- amounted to Rs 20,889. “With this, it than one building. Moreover, the Act ernment undertook the responsibility was solely the responsibility of (the requires that the acquisition be made of repairing buildings. However, the Maharashtra Housing and Area De ­ velopment Authority and of the execu ­ tive engineer. Repairs and Recon ­ struction Cell) to arrange for the re ­ pairs of the said buildings and the tenants could have even made an ap- able to the facts of the case. ” The Pun- tions to the State Assembly and the plication for obtaining a No Objection chayet further contends that an order Lok Sabha, the Congress (I) candidate Certificate (NOC) for the purpose of passed without due verification and Mr Murli Deora contested the election repairs. They did not take any such without giving both sides a hearing is steps, ” notes the petition. The BPP petition consists of two parts. On the one hand it seeks to de ­ monstrate that the order of the execu ­ tive engineer is illegal and contrary to context of legislation regarding hous ­ ing- in Bombay since 1939. For exam- Contractor Baug. Nor, according to Bombay Rent Act. the BPP brief, does the disputed Act either for the better preservation of administration of the Act in the city of the building or for its reconstruction, Bombay has been a dismal which are mutually exclusive proposi- failure...Though the Government was tions. In the order of January 8, “there unable to discharge its obligations is no indication which factor is applic- under the 1976 Act, in the 1985 elec- able to the facts of the case. ” The Pun- on a populist issue that , on his being elected, the properties of the landlords would be taken and handed over to the contrary to the demands of natural jus ­ tice. The petition placed MHADA tenants at a compensation of 100 (second amendment of 1986) in the months rent. It is in this background that the bill of 1985 was introduced on . the provisions of MHADA, and on the ing- in Bombay since 1939. For exam- the last day of the monsoon session of other, that MHADA itself is ultra pie, the aim of the Bombay Building the assembly and subsequently the With Compliments From 1 1 •4 -I 1 1, - ( 14 II i DINSHAW SHAPOORJI & CO 414/3 Kasarwadi, Bombay-Poona Road, Pimpri, Poona-411 018 Branch Office: Bombay Grams: Phone: Telex No: Poona Grams: Phone: Pimpri Phones: Telex No: 92-C, Mohamedali Road, Bombay-400 003 “Motor Truck 323977 or 339718 011 76597 DS A IN Truck ’’ Poona 62052 87033, 83055, 83056 046 204.DIN IN TRANSPORT CONTRACTORS TRANSPORTERS OF HEAVY MACHINERY, LUXURY COACH & STAFF BUS OPERATORS (, ( »> 75 Parsiana August 1987 t i I' t 15 ^'1 1 ' h '¦ 1^ 11 i d i If tS'; ¦j« 4 It allows trespassers the same rights or Maharashua of .he K)\a^ "o-Pi-s;;.hereby,p.^2 chapter VIIIA to the Act which is entitled “Acquisition of cessed prop- A.?__________ r*T r^mi- chapter VIIIA to the 1976 Act which is entitled “Acquisition of cessed prop ­ erties by cooperative societies of occu- P The recital to the Act declares tha^ its provisions to t -------- and control to occupiers serve the common good” dilution of'india. Although by the in ­ clusion of these words the Act claims the protection of Article 39 of the DA minatory because it aoes nui the total area covered by the Bombay Municipal Corporation, let alone the whole of Maharashtra. It treats un- transfer ownership is “to sub- - words of serve the common gowu • Article 39, clauses B and C of the Con ­ stitution of India. Although by the in ­ clusion of these words the Act claims the protection of Article 39 th Constitution, the petition faults MHA- (second amendment) as discri- oT\rklv tn because it does not apply to subserving the _ J sought to be deprived of their and paid a penalty amount by • 4 * .1.__.^11 tions are „-„.;:7„-d.h;„es.y'. ”More'over,.he ^o.ne in their being unable to achieve their objectives and which will be contrary to the common good.” The petition further accuses the Act of being violative of the Constitution of India, as “the method of calculating The Act allows trespassers the same rights as to the common good.” The petition further accuses the Act of being violative of the Constitution VI VVIX15 e__U„lAf no t t ipnitimatetenants the market value in...areas covered y ley IUI 1 la LO i Bombay is based on the under the label of returns of 1940 and not 1986 with z^nnllniQrc " thprpbv 3,000 percent erosion of the rupee occupiers, ineiuuy compensation olacing "a premium payable r' V? ,___Moreov on dishonesty the market value in...areas covered by to the owner is illusory. Moreover, unutilized FSI (floor space index) would be taken over by the society without paying any compensa- distinction between therefore seeks that the .r < « ___ A kAino vdtMative of the provisions of the Con- Municipal Corporation, let alone the wnoic VI —...... - , u,,iiH- owners- “ there are sevciai equals equally by covering which charge nominal rents such as Re ings constructed prior to , j^^onth ...Depriving charitable in- :isssS= ssssS s=aEi=3 - covered under the distribution the sun. Act makes no ------ . . owners; “There are several institutions ’• ixw * y in a state of dilapidation ( that date are not Act. High Court declare the Act as t^mg violative of the provisions of the Con ­ stitution of India, and that, pending ns lllK OIJU ----------1---- - ¦ the enforcement of the order ot *1 U’l 8 -1- n ' JI 1' !j *1 ¦ Owners Parsiana August 1987 With the Compliments of P.S. KUKA Chairman 1 k I’-i; It')' goodwill theatres pvt ltd Owners NOVELTY CINEMA (THEATRE MAGNIFICENT) CINE PROPERTIES & FINANCE PVT LTD Owners DREAMLAND CINEMA Rendezvous of the EliteI continued from page 21 should be performed, whether the body should be anointed with nirang, and whether members would be will ­ ing to recite prayers before the funeral ceremony if called to do so. Question five deals with the method of disposal of the body - cremation, burial, flying the body to India or Sydney, ” a Youth Group was formed Pakistan for dokhmenashini, or some other method to be specified. Accor ­ dingly, question six asks members whether they would like the AZA to purchase burial plots for its members or have a rose garden wherein to dis ­ perse the ashes after cremation. Tailing the questionnaire Kolsawal- la, in his appeal, notes, “Do not be inhibited by what has happened in the past or what happens in other coun ­ tries. Our circumstances are different and call for a fresh approach. ” Nonetheless, Kolsawalla has himself trianism over here. If members or added a personal disclaimer to the first question, stating: “1, as an individual am against any form of conversion into our community. ” Voicing his objection to this dis- donate such books, please accept claimer, Eruch Nanavati, in a letter to those for our library; we will pay the Kersi Meher-Homji, Editor of Man­ ashni. writes, “The questionnaire is supposed to be strictly confidential and is meant to obtain independent views from all those to whom it has able (burial) lots, using each and every been sent...He has caused serious damage to the impartiality attached to the questionnaire, not to mention the confidentiality of the document. ” Kolsawalla, in his reply, explains: “Our newsletter is sent to Zoroas- Columbia (BC), undertaken by Jam- trians throughout the world and is re ­ printed in several Zoroastrian publica ­ tions... While the members in Austra ­ lia are mature and understanding, Columbia, for which 15 burial lots there is a large and vocal section of our community in India and overseas who are staunchly orthodox and the opin ­ ion inquired (about) in question one would be considered heretical. In the past, unfortunately, such members of our community have attacked and vilified individuals who have raised such issues, attacks on their family... I consider conducting questionnaires for the community (at a considerable cost of where) in Canada, where burial lots or my time) a pleasant duty, but my prim ­ ary responsibility is to my family. ” is not a secular charity, the donations it receives from its members and well- wishers are not tax exempt, notes the president in the June issue of Man­ ashni. “To give new dimensions to the static energies in the Zoroastrian youth of on May 2, when the youth planned to go on a picnic to Bobbin Head on May 17,followed by a “Big Ball, ” on May 19, notes Havovi in the Youth Page of the June Manashni. “Entrance (to the party) is three dollars per head. Put your money in an envelope and write on it the name you want our youth group to have, ” she adds. An appeal for books for the AZA lib ­ rary in the June '87 Manashni reads: "We are short of literature on Zoroas- their friends want to donate such books to our library, we will be grate ­ ful to receive them. Or when you go overseas and meet people who wish to postage. ” Scarce burial plots “Unless we make discreet use of avail- lot in proper order as the need arises, we will have nothing left for our chil ­ dren ’s children of whom we speak all the time, ” reads a study report on Zoroastrian burial grounds in British shed Pavri of Vancouver, Canada. Between the years 1971 and 1987 there have been 26 deaths in British were used (the lots can be reused after a sufficient number of years elapse af ­ ter the burial). Taking into considera ­ tion the annual two percent increase in population growth (there are about 500 Zoroastrians in BC) and approx- personally imately four deaths a year, Pavri esti ­ mates that in the next 60 years British including Columbia will use up all its existing 179 burial lots. Adds Pavri, “Chances are that Zoroastrians dying (else- The AZA has been granted lax exemp ­ tion on the income earned by it, and therefore the tax paid earlier will be refunded. However, since the AZA facilities are not available, might wish to be buried in Vancouver, BC. So far. one (body) has come from Vienna, and (another) from Winnipeg, Man ­ itoba. ” In Canada, as far as Zoroastrian bu ­ rial lots are concerned, there are 179 in 73 Parsiana August 1987 BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excel ­ lent Climate — All-round Education : All Academic Subjects —Tech ­ nical Subjects: Workshop. Tech ­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Farm ­ ing. Training in Self-Government through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Gaines —^Physical Train ­ ing — Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Week ­ ly intensive Zoroastrian -*Geeta- Koran classes — Excellent Modem Kitchen and Dining Room facilities — Airy Dormi ­ tories. Moderate Fees. Freeships and Concessions to Deserving Students. Apply to— \ THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building. 324 Dr. D. N. Road, Bombay 400 001. i I tf ¦¦1 t J iJ i '(1 1*; ¦j ‘ tHii ih;' W’ 11 4 |9I I i I 'I ' -111Vancouver, two in Calgary, two in social activities were organized during the year, in addition to the regular Vancouver, two in Calgary, two in The late registration fees which in ­ Edmonton and 12 in Montreal, known elude two lunches, one dinner, re- to Pavri. Space being limited, Pavri freshments and a barbecue, are $40 Zoroastrian Fellowship Sunday - an notes that lots may be available from per adult and $15 for those between open forum for informal exchange of the 32 burial grounds in the Valley View the ages of seven and 12 years. Those cemeteries throughout Canada, “which below the age of seven can attend free permit transfer of lots of equal value, if of charge, the need arises. ” ~ Youth Congress update “Unity among Zoroastrian Youth thru and discussions which will last from 9 humata, good thoughts; hukhta, good am to 5.30 pm. On Sunday, apart from words; havarashta, good deeds; ” is to the discussions, there will be a youth vice-president of NOLZA. be the central theme of the First North American Zoroastrian Youth Con ­ gress to be held from September 5 and a dance party on Sunday evening, through September 7, 1987. “Sightseeing, and a barbecue beach The Congress, sponsored by the party will follow the Congress on NOLZA’s activities, adds the report. Zoroastrian Association of California, September 7, 1987,” notes the invita- “ " is organized in cooperation with the youth committee of the California Zoroastrian Center and is to be held at the Center ’s Rustam Guiv Dar-e Mehr, Westminster. “The age limit for scheduled speak ­ ers is restricted between 18 to 40 years, but general participation is encour ­ aged. There will be a special workshop annual report (1986-87) of the Asso- for teenagers, ” notes chairperson ciation. Meher Amalsad in the invitation. “Various educational, cultural and viewpoints on matters of topical in ­ terest to the community (and) for ­ mal lectures by distinguished speakers invited by the Association (resulting The program for the three days is; registration at 8 am followed by the in) a reservoir of new ideas for the for- benediction, opening address speeches ward planning of activities according to the needs of the community, ” notes the report sent by Faridoon Madon, workshop. Furthermore, there is to be a cultural show on Saturday evening Celebrations of important Zoroas ­ trian religious days, and social activi ­ ties like whist drives, bingo sessions and an annual outing were all part of Due to efforts by NOLZ A mem ­ bers, “for the first time in the history of school education in the UK,” the Zoroastrian religion has been included in the religious education curriculum under the 1944 Education Act. NOL- tion. London activities By amending its constitution the North London Zoroastrian Association (NOLZA) has extended its area of op- ZA also sponsored Dr C.N. Wadia as eration and established a London-wide associate membership, notes the fifth a governor of the Haringey College for a period of three years. NOLZA’s advisory and information service helped a lady, long settled in the UK,to register as a British citizen. With Best Compliments from PENOSH TRANSPC«T (The Name that carries Weight) 94-A, M.G. Road, Pune 411001 Phone 64670, 64671 81 Parsiana August 1987 I I I I 0 I B !i i >1r fire in the religion, and the different company. His ships, plying from Hong religious rites and, in its list of illust- '' ' ' rious Parsis, includes Rajiv Gandhi. According to the article by Diogo in its name. “This company still exists tween Persia and Bombay,the Parsis of (as the) Star Ferry Company, ” notes Bombay transferred their business to the write-up. ¦ " 1 A noted Parsi personality in Hong Kong was Hormusjee Navrojee Mody, led Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy ventured to who made possible the foundation of firm in Bombay for which reason he which he was knighted, was conferred with the title of baronet by the British. 1___ . liam .lardine as his agent in Canton, his sepulchres in the cemetery is that the firm being known as Jardine, Mathe- ated their civilization and employed son and Company which still exists^in article which Another ship chandler of repute in was Pestonjee C Information on immigration matters was also circulated, states the report. Parsis in Indian parade The Federation of India Associations Fernandes, when trade declined be- in Hong Kongjmd is popularly known (FIA), Chicago was to sponsor an In- 1----- _ dia Day Parade on August 15, notes a 1 press release issued by FIA president, China and settled in Canton and Porus Dadabhoy. Parsis were invited Macau. In 1779 a 16-year-old Parsij:al- to participate with a float or in tradi- 1-------------, . . -. tional daglis and saris, adds the write- Canton after successfully founding a the University of Hong Kong, for up firm in Bombay for which reason he which he was knighted. was conferred with the title of baronet The Parsi cemetery, begun in 1829, History of Macau Parsis bv the British. stiil remains in Macau. Notes the arti- "The colony of Parsis (settled in Bom ­ bay, Thana and Surat) gave their ser ­ vices to the Portuguese, who appreci- them as intermediaries in different Hong Kong today, notes the article, capacities, ” notes an <------- appeared in Portuguese in one of the Macau Macau newspapers. The English trans- lation of The Parsees - Recognised as Portuguese Intermediaries was sent to ' Parsiana by Jim Master of Hong Kong. The article includes the history of the Parsis in Macau (recapitulated ¦ since their time in Iran), makes refer ­ ences to the A vesta, the importance of Kong where he started a transport Kong to Kowloon, were peculiar in that each incorporated the word ‘star ’ ¦J ^19 * 1 1 I E. In 1822, Jejeebhoy nominated Wil- de, “One interesting aspect of the dates were in conformity with the Gregorian calendar, and also accord ­ ing to the old calendar of Persia. ” The article further quotes from a let- Cowasjee ter dated November 4, 1843, written Darabsha Sethna whose ships made by an American lady, Rebecca Chase regular trips between Macau and In- Kinsman residing in Macau, in which dia, notes the author. she said: “Of all the people, those I With “the foundation of Hong Kong admire most are the Parsis. There are in 1841, most of the Parsis gradually many here and some are very rich, went over to the British colony." Their national costume is strange but Dorabjee Nowrojee. who began as a gracious - and many of them are merchant in Macau, migrated to Hong beautiful and have an athletic appear ­ ance." iJ 'p With Compliments From PETROSIL OIL COMPANY LIMITED Apeejay House 3, Dinsha Wacha Road Bombay 400020 ‘GULF’-ENGINE OILS - WORLD’S FIRST CHOICE, MAKE IT YOURS Gram ORANGEDISC Tel 220818 Tlx 3520 (LICENSEES OF GULF OIL CORPORATION. PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A.) 83 Parsiana August 1987 11 'U' 1 I fl I .5t[ p! i if i jtP ) 1! j,H I lil h 'll ¦ jil .‘/fip- FOOD A s the Sehensai Navroze Yazdegir- di 1357 approaches I am asked by Parsiana for an article on food to whet the Parsi appetite. Well this time the ambrosia is going to be different, and I hope that you will enjoy the menu. Bon appetit! MENU Yoghurt cocktail £ Cold tomato soup . Potted crab * Rolled chicken with Pesto mayonnaise Vegetable millesfeuilles Chick pea salad Tomato and onion salad Black fruit fool with almond short ­ bread Brandy snaps with ginger ice cream and poached peaches (All recipes serve six persons) YOGHURT COCKTAIL Yoghurt and curd are made from diffe ­ rent bacilli. We can use curd instead of yoghurt. Firm curd (V^? kg - well drained) Fresh peaches (3 - peeled and diced and kept in a little lime juice to pre ­ vent discoloration) Grapes (200 gms-seedless or seeded , peeled) Oranges (3 - peeled, with pips and pith removed) Sweet limes (3 - cleaned the same way as the oranges) Bananas (3 - peeled and diced) Papaya (100 gms - peeled and diced) Salt Sugar Lime juice Tabasco ( all to taste) Cream (2 tbs - optional) Garnish: Cherries and fresh mint leaves Peel all fruit and keep in a little lime juice. Beat curd till smooth - it should have no lumps. Add cream. Mix in all fruit. Add seasoning to taste. Serve in chilled cocktail glasses, garnished with a tinned cherry and a mint leaf. Note: The curd with fruit should be well chilled before being put into chil ­ led glasses. 3^- This Parsi New Yeor, banish mealtime monotony with some of these exotic recipes /is ACOLD BUFFET Bhicoo Manekshaw fi /y t' ICED TOMATO SOUP Ripe tomatoes (1 kg - chopped) Sugar (1 tbsp) Salt (2 tsps) Onion (1 medium - chopped) Carrot (1 medium - grated) ^Celery (2 sticks - chopped) Juice of 1 large lime Garlic (3 cloves - crushed) Cream (200 gms) Garnish: Thinly sliced cucumber Liquidize all ingredients till smooth. Strain, and chill very thoroughly. Serve in chilled soup bowls with cream swirled into each bowl with a teaspoon to give a marbled effect. Garnish with cucumber slices. POTTED CRAB Crabs (2 kg) Melted butter (as required) Clarified butter (ghee - as required) Seasoning Salt Pepper Mace Nutmeg Dash of chilli powder Lime juice Wash the crabs thoroughly and boil for 15 minutes. Cool in the same water. Crack shell and extract all meat. Keep the claw meat separately from the body meat. Season well. Pack body and claw meat in layers in individual ramekin pots. Smooth and press down. Pour melted butter to just cover the meat. Stand pots in a bain man (double boiler). Cook in a slow oven (gas mark 2, 310°F) for 30 minutes. Chill and serve. If not to be eaten im­ mediately, seal with clarified butter and store in refrigerator. ROLLED CHICKEN WITH PESTO MAYONNAISE Chicken (1 large — about 1'A kg- make sure that there is no tear in the skin of the chicken) Salt Pepper Fresh bread crumbs (1 cup) Parsley and rosemary (2 tbsps - chop ­ ped) I' if i' .i? I it ;S $ 1 I r B ^9; ¦0 H )li I 85 Parsiana August 1987 -h,r Cream (3 tbsps) necessary. Remove from tin and place for another 5 minutes till crisp. Cooi Juice of 1 lime on a j Garlic (2 cloves - crushed) with a heavy weight and keep in the Onion (1 tbsp - finely chopped) fridge overnight. Slice chicken when Ham (4 thin slices) thoroughly chilled and serve with Pes- Red capsicum (2 - thinly shredded to Mayonnaise, and blanched) Pesto mayonnaise Salami (6 to 8 thin slices) Thick mayonnaise (l ‘/2 cup) Eggs (3 or 4 - hard-boiled) Pesto Butter (60 gms) Basil leaves (20 - tulsi will do) Chicken stock made from chicken Garlic (4 large cloves - crushed) bones (-’.I cup) 1 To bone chicken, place the washec 1---------- , . . and wiped bird on a wooden board. Can also use a strong Cheddar) Flour (2 tbsps) chest side down. The first cut is made Olive oil (45 to 60 gms) Soda bicarbonate ('/2 tsp) with a short sharp knife from the back Salt Olive oil (as required) of the neck down the center of back- Put the basil leaves, salt, garlic and Onions (2 medium-thinly sliced) bone. Start boning from the left side of pinenuts into a mortar and crush gent- Garlic (3 to 4 cloves-crushed) the wing joint. The knife should be ly with the pestle. Add cheese, and the Parsley (chopped) kept firmly against the bone the whole oil drop by drop, mixing with the pes- time and the flesh worked away in tie all the while. The sauce should be a short clean cuts, keeping the fingers of thick smooth pulp. Add to mayon- the left hand well under the flap of the naise, mix well, chill and serve with meat, lifting and peeling it gently back the chicken, from the blade of the knife and dis ­ jointing bones as they come. This is VEGETABLE MILLESFEUILLES plate, put another plate on top To make the millesfeuilles, place a strip of pastry on a serving platter, spread with a layer of filling. Place another strip of pastry on top and a second layer of filling. Cover with the third strip of pastry. Put a thin layer of filling on the sides of the millesfeuilles and press on crushed cornflakes. Serve at room temperature. Pinenuts (chilgosa - 75 gms.toasted) Parmesan cheese (^4 cup - grated Can also use a strong cheddar) CHICK PEA SALAD Chick peas (Kabuli channa - '/2 kg ) Juice of 2 limes, or vinegar Soak chick peas overnight with flour and water. Next day put in a pan, add bicarbonate of soda, bring to the boil and skim well. Strain. Put chick peas in a pan with fresh water and cook till they are soft and the skin be- - continued till the thigh bone is reached Puff pastry (*/2 kg) gins to break, or pressure cook. Strain and the bone is removed, with the Cornflakes (crushed) and while still hot, stir in enough olive knife pushing back the flesh. Remove Vegetable filling oil to coat. Add onions, garlic, pars- this bone and carry on to the drum- Mixed steamed vegetables (300 gms - ley, lime juice, salt and freshly ground Note: To keep the authenticity of this dish, olive oil is a must. Use the water in which the peas were soaked and boiled as a base for vegetable soup. knife pushing back the flesh. Remove Vegetable filling stick, pushing back the flesh until the cauliflower, carrot, green peas, turnip) black pepper, bone is separated from it. Carry on till Cabbage (50 gms - chopped) v, , you reach the breastbone, then stop Celery (2 sticks - chopped) and start at the back, this time from Pickled onions (2 tbsps - chopped) the right side, and keep deboning as Pickled gherkins (1 tbsp) you did the left side. When you reach Olives (2 tbsps - chopped) the breastbone take great care not to Mayonnaise (1 cup) cut the flesh - cut a bit of the soft Puree steamed vegetables and mix breastbone with the flesh, rather than with rest of the ingredients. Chill. Roll TOMATO AND ONION SALAD Elizabeth David is an outstanding cookery writer of our time. Her con- Cut open the skin. out pastry 12 inches by 12 inches and tribution to the gastronomic arts in Lay the boned chicken skin side cut three long strips of 4 inches each. Britain was recognized with the award down on the board. Push legs back Place on wet baking sheet and prick of the first ever Andre Simon Memo- into the body. Beat the flesh with a pastry. Brush with egg and bake in hot rial Prize, the OBE, Chevalier of the vvet mallet or the back of a knife, preheated oven (400°F) for 10 to 15 Order Du Merite Agricole and the Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix minutes. Turn pastry over and bake Glenfiddich Writer of the Year together the breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary and onion. Moisten with cream and lime juice. Spread smoothly over the chicken. Then put a layer of ham on top, a layer of shredded capsi- y ’’'ti ^41 J •f ii cum and a layer of salami. Trim the ' ends of the hard boiled eggs so that they set firmly together, and place I them down the center of the bird. Roll H up the chicken, tucking in the ends to L form a smooth roll. Tie with string at H ‘/2 inch intervals. Rub with butter and V place in a roasting tin. Roast for one hour or more in an oven preheated to 350' F. After the first 15 minutes, pour half cup chicken stock over the rolled chicken. Baste every 15 minutes, adding more stock if 87 Parsiana August 1987 0.0 F J Cl A * ru jiI -I 1 Italy, and H' 1 1 1 Award, honorary doctorate of the University of Essex and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Her books make excellent reading and hav^e superb regional recipes of France, Spain, Italy, and the Mediterranean. She says in her latest book Omelette and a glass of wine, that one of the freshest simple salads that she has had was in Spain, made with the “large ridged tomatoes cored with a little sharp knife, cut round roughly into sections, thrown into a shallow bowl, mixed with thickly sliced raw on ­ ions, with salt, olive oil and wine vine ­ gar as the only seasoning. ’’ (We could use lime juice instead of wine vinegar, with a dash of red wine.) All along the coast of Spain it was called just ensala- da, sometimes with olives, cucumber slices, and cos lettuce well arranged. I feel there is a great need for us to savor simple dishes and to serve them at parties, keeping just one or two heavy dishes. 4'^ /(¦ BLACK FRUIT FOOL This recipe, which was popular 300 years ago in the days of the Stuarts, is also from Elizabeth David ’s book. Also called ‘Black Tart Stuff ’, it was a puree of dried prunes, raisins and cur ­ rants cooked in wine and used as a fill ­ ing for tarts and pies. Large prunes (14 kg) Raisins (250 gms) Currants (100 gms) Red wine ('/2 pint) or Port (’/4 pint) Put washed prunes in an earthenware oven dish with wine or port and enough water to cover. Cover the dish and put in a preheated very slow oven (gas mark ’4, 290°F) for 2 to 3 hours until the prunes are well swollen, com­ pletely soft, and have absorbed most of the liquid. During the last hour of the cooking of the prunes, put in the oven the washed and seeded raisins and currants with just enough water to cover. Stone prunes and liquidize them with the raisins and currants with any remaining liquid left in the dishes. The texture should be like smooth, slightly liquid mashed potato. You may need to add a little wine. Add a dash of salt to bring out the flavor. The flavor of this dish depends on the qual ­ ity of the ingredients,so get the best. You may need to add a little sugar and lime juice along with the wine. Chill very thoroughly and serve in chilled champagne glasses with almond short ­ bread. Almond Shortbread Plain flotir (100 gms) Butter (100 gms) Castor sugar (60 gms) Almonds (40 gms, ground) Rice flour (fine - 20 gms) Salt (a pinch) Line a baking sheet with two thicknes ­ ses of greaseproof paper. Sift flour, salt and rice flour together. Work but ­ ter and sugar together until blended, but not oily. Add ground almonds to the flour and gradually add to butter mixture, working till the dough is of the consistency of short crust pastry. Pat out with hand or roll into a round, >/4 inch thick. Place on a butter paper- lined tray. Crimp round the edge with two fingers and a thumb, prick center with a fork. With a sharp knife, mark the pastry half way down, then into quarters, and then into eighths. Bake in a preheated oven (gas mark 4, 350°F) for 15 minutes. Do not allow the shortbread to turn brown. It should be a pale brown. Cover with greaseproof paper towards the end to ;H:i f 1" O.K.Wafers Suryodaya Mills Estate, Tardeo Main Road, Bombay-400 034 f Tel. Factory: 4946473 Office: 234948/235269 Branches at: Colaha, Gowalia Tank, Dhobi Talao. .j ¦i f'ti P 4 ¦ 88 Parsiana August 1987prevent excessive browning. Allow to cool in the tin, then cut into sections. RATAN SURVEYOR SCO (Engineers, Contractors & RCC Specialists) Builders of Repute For Construction Works Of Good Quality Piramal Mansion Dr Dadabhoy Naoroji Road Fort Bombay 400001 Phone 269670 BRANDY SNAPS WITH GINGER ICE CREAM AND POACHED PEACHES Brandy Snaps Butter (100 gms) Demerara (brown sugar - 100 gms) Golden syrup (100 gms) Salt (a pinch) Flour (100 gms) Dried ginger powder (1 level tsp) Lime juice (1 tsp) Vanilla essence (a few drops) Place butter, sugar and syrup in a pan, heat gently until butter and sugar are melted. Cook slightly. Add sifted flour, salt and ginger into the mixture. Stir well, add lime and essence. Put a teaspoon at a time, 4 inches apart, on a well greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven (gas mark 3 to 4, 325 to 340°F) for 8 minutes. Leave biscuits on tin for a few minutes to stiffen slightly. Now, working fast, remove the biscuits with a sharp knife and quickly roll them on the handle of a wooden spoon or on cornet molds. When hard, gently ease them off, and store in an airtight tin. Ginger Ice Cream Egg yolks (4 large) Brown sugar (% cup) Ground glace ginger (2 tbsp) Ground dried ginger (1 tsp) Milk (1 cup) Cream (P/2 cup) Beat egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl. When thick, add powdered and pureed ginger. Heat milk and add to egg mixture, beating all the while. Cook custard on low heat till it coats the back of a wooden spoon. Cool and refrigerate. When chilled, add semi ­ whipped cream and churn in an ice ­ cream churner, or freeze. Poached Peaches Sugar (1 cup) Water (2 cups) Juice of 1 lime Fresh ginger (1 tbsp - slivered) Peaches or pears (6) Put sugar and water in a pan and cook over low heat until sugar has melted. Add rind of lime and bring to the boil, allow to simmer. Peel peaches or pears and lower gently in syrup and poach gently for 20 minutes, turning fre ­ quently. Cool and refrigerate. To assemble Fill cornets with ice cream. Place a peach or pear on a plate with the cor ­ net of ice cream. Serve immediately. , I f 91 Parsiana August 1987 With best Compliments from CROSS-SEAS LEASING & INVESTMENT CO PVT LTD Room No 40,4th floor Bombay Mutual Annexe Rustom Sidhwa Marg Fort Bombay 400001 '•I ¦I ' I j { 1 I ji 3 I! !¦ i ;ilK- f 1 BOOKS Landscape artist In his sixth collection of verse, Daruwalla ’s themes range from Indian landscapes to Oxford and poet Ted Roethke Landscapes by Keki N. Daruwalla.Published by Oxford University Press 1987;Pp 72; Price Rs 30. Geeta Doctor He turns the heat on when he wants makes steam-pipes and the ; greenhouse hum. - The Father-florist From this cloistered greenhouse atmosphere of his childhood, Roethke is portrayed as moving out in search of something, until one day he breaks down mentally and physically, but is it a collapse or an escape? A II pasts are full of losses so was his. He recalled father's face through glass-window coffin. Hare­ guilts, shames, moles scurried as he moved in. That night he walked into the woods alone, where he encountered light for a firefly-moment, or so he thought. Is Daruwalla recalling his own rela ­ tions with his father, one wonders, or to Oxford ” and so forth. In Skopje: The Earthquake City he tells us (please don ’t miss the alliteration), got lost in Turk-town, in the kebab smells and taped tambour music, till we came across a skinned goat that stank to Struga - ah well/ Ah well indeed, these little bits of does he talk about his methods also It ’s unfair I know, but when I started reading Keki Daruwalla ’s sixth collec ­ tion of verse entitled Landscapes, I thought of Policeman Plod from Enid Blyton ’s Noddy books. Is this the usual knee-jerk resistance that Daruwalla has had to face on account of his being a policeman who touristic angst and microchip biogra- when he ends this segment with the stanza; A poem like a river moves from dark to light, a flow his river was to find. The ice-filmed waters in him cracked. He came out shivering wet but whole; he needed love, he needed time. - Breakdown The last poem dedicated to Roeth ­ ke, The Season of Light, both defines also writes poetry, I wondered? Or phy we can very well do without, plain envy at the persistence of the poet, a trade where the survival rate is spare? Or a feeling of disquiet at the solemnity with which Daruwalla backwards: the four poems that are stamps out his verse? In the early parts dedicated to Ted Roethke, the Amer- of the volume, at any rate, Daruwalla ican poet, have a quiet authority. Even appears to have got himself an image though Daruwalla feels obliged to processor which methodically chews pump his would-be readers with a page full of biographical detail that will en ­ able them to better appreciate the re ­ ferences he makes to the compulsions that drove Roethke, each of his poems the poet ’s journey and celebrates his encapsulates a particular watershed in fulfillment in the love of a woman, the poet ’s life with charm and feeling. Yet to judge Daruwalla in this man ­ ner only is to be deeply unkind. I real ­ ize this wh^n I begin to read the book up and spews out strips of poetry. He goes to the seaside and discovers: The sea pants, the islands smoulder, the sun is an egg yolk frying in the sky. This is sturdy undergraduate stuff or It is as though, turned away from him- Daruwalla uses the imagery of a ship, lost at sea, finding its course, again, the conceit of a hungry copywriter, not self, Daruwalla ’s imagination, free of and all his love , of the sea, and the its scab-picking tendencies, rises and beatingofthesails,andthewindAvhip- . pj^g senses can be felt in this like-minded spirit. The poems work as poem: a form of meditation on Roethke, an the controlled art of one of our most i serious poets. This might be part of the takes wing in communion with another problem: he has become a self- conscious artist in love with the syll ­ ables of his own words. Describing his impressionistic re-working of another . experience of flying from Santa Cruz artist ’s soul. There is an ease and rich- to Heathrow he begins, “The flight is ness of allusive detail that brings the smooth... ” and a little later, “The poet to life for us in just a few stanzas, pilot interrupts; his voice smooth as In the first one he describes Roethke ’s moselle over the public address. ” Too father who, the note tells us, owned smooth by half, one feels with irrita- one of the largest green-houses in tion. These were the sort of insights America: that went into the memoirs of Indians who visited England in the forties, breathlessly retailed in chapters that begin, “I visit London, one of the largest green-houses in 93 Parsiana August 7987 I make a trip The Father-florist holds the key; he makes the rose and orchid pulse, he brings a flush to canna’s cheek, quickens mildew, moss and scum. He ran his passions up the mast. A breeze that came to Dante once and left him stricken, came to him. It found him vulnerable, bare. Her hair took on the blaze of light, wind took the colour of her hair. Reading these poems leads me to re ­ discover the Daruwalla of the wide open spaces who can write: / want things on a large scale: amplitudes, a sense of space and light, the great yellow eye of the train ¦1>0* r lighting up the distances of the lesson from a past mistake, simply Zoroaster. “In fact, ” writes Cama, , .. forget the mistake and you will forge “there is no religion because of the -TM.- . fahe-o}f on a passing remark ahead smoothly ”) in a collection that mobeds, for they are so steeped in the This IS the poet who takes on nature <----- *-------x- . ------ ¦ . .... in the raw, who seeks to hunt with the wolf and hawk, scouring the bleak countryside with words, engraving a bread will give life; the flower a reason one which cannot but fascinate* mistake and you will forge “there is no religion because of the encompasses Chinese proverbs (“If misuse of religion that they have you have two pennies left, spend one seriously abused all our secular reli ­ on a loaf and one on a flower. The 1 I gious ideals. ” Cama ’s vituperation, however, is not based as soundly on facts as he wants the reader to believe. His prim ­ ary assertion,that “there can be only one scripture for us Parsis, and that is it ”), and wisdom from the minds of it is true that the Gathas show us the L.A. Seneca, philosopher-statesman way to develop internally through the of ancient Rome, to contemporaries purification and perfection of the naturopath Dr J.M. Jussawala. meaning. It is a familiar landscape, but for living ”), a quote from the Zoroas ­ trian Yasna (“Blessed is the hand that works and blessed is the mind that wills it. Life is elevated when vigorous ________________ ,___ ___ and honest work is associated with the Prophet ’s Gatha',' is riddled. While it ”), and wisdom from the minds of it is true that the Gathas show us the L.A. Seneca, philosopher-statesman way to develop internally through the of ancient Rome, to contemporaries purification and perfection of the like business magnate J.R.D. Tata and ethical side of our nature, the Avesta, naturopath Dr J.M. Jussawala. imbued more with “penance, prayers Well-bound, and complete with a and ceremonies, ” is an equally neces- built-in bookmark and aplastic jacket, sary scripture, to help ordinary (that the handbook is heartily recom- is, the not so spiritually endowed) rnended. An index of first lines, mortals to combat evil. It is the ac- “physical ” euide-book. com- A humata almanac Homi J. Rogers One a Day and you've won a day! Compiled ' and published by Homi Kharas, 140 Cumballa alphabetically arranged, further Hill, Bombay 400026. Price Rs 9. “physical ” plementing the “spiritual ” one, and the two cannot be separated in under ­ standing our religion. Similarly, while Cama quoted the invocation "'Namo ve gathao ashoi nish (salutations to the Gathas which teach us to live righteously) in the Avesta, to buttress his claim that the latter is a later publication to the Gathas, and J our priests, he omits to mention that in Yasna 71.18, the prophet says, “He VVU.5C-UUUK laiu uul uy iviiaras, oi z,oroastrian priesthood has been en- praises and adores not only the practical and useful thoughts to help meshed in controversy for over the last Gathas, but the whole Avesta " The come, their everyday difficulties. Three hundred and sixty-six good ____ ________ _ ____ _ thoughts have been assembled in this mirched by the decision of a group of of their words, syntax and grammar, little pocket-sized handbook - one for Parsis to set up a Trust for their better- that there is little evidence to prove every day of the year. Many of the mentmoble motives that lay shrouded the antiquity of one set of writings quotes are action-oriented (Emerson: in not-so-noble words, and even more over the other. “You cannot do a kindness too soon, questionable results. This year, tilting for you never know how soon it will be the scales against the white pugrees, __________ _________ too late ”) and, as Kharas says in his and nullifying the sympathy wave ere- strengthened by the illustration of introduction, “lend themselves to ated by the formation of the Athravan some 12 similar sounding and similar adoption by your subconscious mind. ” Educational Trust (AET),_ comes a meaning Avesta and Sanskrit words Many seek to build your self- controversial little booklet,'T/ze (Yasna - Yagna, Soama - Hoama) confidence which, with the vicissitudes Light of Zoroastrianism by the enfant The Vedas have been written over a of life, could be occasionally at a low terrible, Dara Cama. long period of time, and while some ( Human beings are at their best when Cama has always been a priest- are pre-Gathic (though our staunch . the challenge of life encourages the basher. Twenty years ago in his book- orthodoxes would not like to agree to use of their physical and mental facul- let We Parsis, Our Prophet and Our that), others are of the same period as ties ”). Yet others provide assistance in Priests he put forth the view that “our Zoroaster, while yet others are post ­ dealing with subordinates (Goethe: present day priests do not seem to Zoroaster. Does the profusion of 5mi- Encouragement after censure is as have any knowledge and experience of lar sounding words hence justify the the sun after a shower ”), family mem- God...they are pregnant with pagan- claim? Each text may have been influ- bers and friends (“Real hearty, heal- ism, and what they produce is perver- enced by the other, belonging to the thy smiles bring down blood pressure sion. ” Two decades later, he avers his large Aryan race; but a “made in In- and make for long life ”). Kharas himself contributes precious nuggets (“Having learnt the for subverting the true religion ot (Ahura - Asura, Dasyu - Dakhyu, Ao centuates its value. guide-book, Vitamin pills now come as quotes, courtesy Homi Kharas, adman, t;-ek- ker and shutterbug. One a Day is a collection of quota ­ tions picked up by Kharas over a period of 21 years, in the course of “di­ verse reading and listening. ” It is not, however, an anthology compiled from anthologies of good thoughts and quotations; it is a carefully planned course-book laid out by Kharas, of Zoroastrian priesthood has been Cama ’s inner(p)light The Inner Light of Zoroastrianism by Dara ’ One ‘manufactured ’ by Cama Pp* 35 niviitG monti/vn fl-* people avoid, and probably even over ­ two summers in Bombay, with the pro- language of the Gathas and that of the tagonists themselves being silent wit- other parts of the Avesta show such nesses. Last year, the priests were bes- remarkable similarity in the structure little pocket-sized handbook - one for Parsis to set up a Trust for their better- Equally flawed is the argument that the Avesta is a book written in India, priest- are pre-Gathic (though our staunch let We Parsis, Our Prophet and Our that), others are of the same period as present day priests do not seem to Zoroaster. Does the profusion of simi- _____ _______ J_____ —J God...they are pregnant with pagan- claim? Each text may have been influ- ____ , ____ o—c ...J sion. ” Two decades later, he avers his large Aryan race; but a “made in In- earlier claim with an even greater dia ” Avesta ...? And how would some vehemence, soundly berating the clan Cama like to explain the antonyms 95 Parsiana August 1987•1 J 'H 1- i -I j f condition in which the holy beast is 1 cite just two)? And for the record, “their very name andhyarus is adopted kept, from their Hindu counterparts called adhyarus" is a misrepresentation of fact. The AvestahZPersian word for priests is athravan (“one who tends the fire ”), and appears in Hormazd Yasht, uan.u... x.......— -----j where Ahura Mazda is depicted as performed the functions of saying, “I am of the name of the best (tenders of the sacred fire). The j athravan, ” and in the Farvardin Yasht, statement, unaccompanied by any < where reference is made to the dates, suspends credibility. Cama simi- prophet being an athravan. larly waters down his case by refer- Yet another stumbling block in Cama ’s blueprint for ‘ . Andhyaru ’ is his deduction that the Cama ’s work also suffers due to cer ­ tain statements being made without i any proper substantiation. “Many years ago, ” Cama states, “in our atash ] bahram at Navsari, Hindu brahmins j With compliments of Starlite Electrical Works Electrical Engineers & Contractors 'i ences to esoteric ceremonies like geti ‘Operation kharid (wherein mobeds reserve a seat for their behdins in heaven), or the in ­ sistence of mobeds that priestly obse ­ quies for the dead must be undertaken for 57 years from their demise, rather than focus on more realistic ways in which some priests exploit the behdins, like recommending a Vendi- dad on the night after uthamna, or organizing a bhujaylo siroja (where four daraans - dry, unleavened bread — are placed, instead of one.) I ha ­ ven ’t heard of any family where prayers for their dead are recited for 57 years at the instance of their mobeds. On the contrary, during the last muktad, the common complaint in Bombay was that the panthakis had (albino bull) is venerated and started to return the karasias (metal elapsed, since they had no mobeds to continue the prayers any longer - a Desf^ite its shortcomings, Gama ’s Priests can be faulted not because they support the A vesta, but because they are proponents of offering chapta chapat and meva malida some FERN HOUSE 13, BEST MARG BOMBAY400039 Tel: 241496 varacyo (albino Duiij is veneraieu aiiu swucu iv 7 J nirang (its urine) drunk because the flower vases) after five years had Hindus worship its cousin, the cow, and drink its mutra. While Cama ’s . . statement sequentially appears in the fact negating Cama ’s stand. booklet in such a manner as to con- Despite its shortcomings, Gama s vince any reader of its veracity, the booklet, which is neatly laid out in fact is that the bull (quite distinct from clean types, is worth a read. Cama has the cow), known as gawyodad, was an engaging style. Quaintly archaic considered the prototype of human (“for priestly bhanter-ghanter around beings in ancient Iran, even in pre- fire, in each agiary ten thousand Zoroastrian times, and continued to ruoees we monthly burn... in our be venerated by religions in the Mid­ dle East, as can L_ ----- ----- , sculptures of the Assyrians, Chal ­ deans, Babylonians and Persians. Priests can be faulted not because humor: “I would prefer to travel across they support the Avesta, but because the Chinvad Pool relying on my own they are proponents of offering chapta three-wheeler built upon my humata, chapat and meva malida (traditional hukhata, huvrashta, rather than get sweets offered in rituals). The religion into the public carriers of our priests. ’’ And finally, the carrot at the end of Cama ’s stick (though Cama, in all fair ­ vince any reader of its veracity, the booklet, which is neatly laid out in engaging style. Quaintly archaic fire, in each agiary ten thousand rupees we monthly burn... ............ citadel at Udvada, thousands everyday be seen from the we burn ”) at times, it is devastatingly blunt at others. And merged with the vitriol are large dollops of earthy deans, Babylonians and Persians. they support the Avesta, but because the Chinvad Pool relying on my chapat and meva malida (traditional hukhata, huvrashta, ratjier than get is not Hindu because priests enjoin us I to have muktad like the Hindu shrad- , „ . dha (annual remembrance of the ness, waves it at the very beginning). . «______ _ r- ..... ........“If mir rlprov ran nrove me ¦‘If however our clergy can prove me wrong...I am prepared to offer the Parsi Punchayet Rs 50,000 towards dead), but because a few unscrupulous clergymen are to be found in both reli ­ gions. The practice of venerating a lievell to possess disinfectant prop- Mobeds ” (note, not the AET). Any erties) is not to be denigrated, but a takers? kind thought need be spared for the Homi J. Rogers varacyS and drinking its urine-(be- their proposed Amelioration Fund tor .. . __ ___ __KAy-iKzarlc” fnnt thp AFTV AnV 96 Parsiana August 19873 Si £ »¦>— MILESTONES ¦i I The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information provided by various anjumans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. The list of marriages from the Bombay High Court may only be received in September. The information gathered is not always uniform. For exam ­ ple, the list of Bombay deaths includes only those who were consigned to the dokhmas, and there too, though the addresses were known, the names of the family members were not. From other anju ­ mans we have gathered names of family members but no addresses. The information largely pertains to the preced ­ ing month, yet in the case of outstation anjumans we have incorporated news of happen ­ ings which may be considered dated. Marriages of inter-commu ­ nity couples as well as children born of such unions, are listed. Heart disease claimed 20 of the 106 Parsis who died in Bombay. The next most im­ portant killers were debility and old age (claiming 18), pneumonia (10), cancer (six). ADEN Died Rusi Pirojshaw Jesia (61), of 11, Shapurji Bharucha Baug, Andheri,^W) Bombay; July 11 I BOMBAY Born A girl to Seema and Mahiar Irani; July 1 A boy to Phiroza and Mehernosh Irani; July 2 A girl to Zarin and Noshir Lala; July 4 A boy to Hufrish and Rohinton Barucha; July 10 A girl to Pervin and Noshir Goda; July 20 A boy to Zarin and Irshad Moolobhai; July 25 A boy to Zenobia and Farokh Unwala; July 29 Died Dosabhai Jamshedji Jussawala (75), residing at Gamadia Bldg, 226 Gamadia Colony, and kidney failure (four), diabetes (three) and tuberculosis (three). There were three Par ­ si men who succumbed to acci ­ dents and one to murder. Bronchitis, encephalitis, Par ­ kinson ’s disease, jaundice, etc claimed isolated victims. Two newborns, one toddler and an 11-year-old were also lost to the community. This breakdown of the causes of death is limited to Bombay as Parsiana has received no in ­ formation on the subject from other anjumans. The data is being presented city-wise, the events being listed in the city where they occurred in chronological and alphabetical order. In order to ensure the auth ­ enticity of the data, Parsiana only accepts information for publication if it is received from an anjuman, renowned Parsi institution, court or gov ­ ernment authority. If readers have any informa ­ tion they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our read ­ ers will appreciate this req ­ uirement and cooperate with us. Tardeo, 400007, on June 30 Nozer Ardeshir Lent in (73), 11/298, Bakul Highway Co-op Hsg Soc Ltd, New MTC Colony , Bandra ,400051; June 30 Jehangir Pirojsliah Pavri (88), 811/60, Jam-e-Jamshed Bldg, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; June 30 Phiroze Dorabji Cooper (71), A/8, Godrej Baug, Off Napean Sea Rd, 400026; July 1 Jalbhai Boman Patel (75), 162- A, Batliwala Agiary Compound, Tardeo, 400034; July 1 Bomanji Edulji Wadia (79), 15 Lakdawala Bldg, Khetwadi 5th Lane, 400004; July 1 Homai Ardeshir Bomanji (72), 16/A, Sagar Sangeet, Colaba, 400005; July 2‘ Dadi Burjor Bharucha (35), Wilson Bldg, Pasta Road, Dadar, 400014; July 3 Jamshed Ratanshah Davar (71), Patel Bldg, Room 14, Forjett St, 400036, July 3 Nargish Soli Wadia (75), Malegamwala Bldg, 23 Station Rd, Mahim, 400016; July 3 Doshanbanoo Minocheher Mhow (87), B/4, Rustom Baug, Byculla, 400027; July 4 Homai Edulji Bisney (78), D- 2, Shapur Baug, V.R Rd, 400004; July 5 Mehroo Padumji Palia (62), Mazda Salt Works, Dhangadhra, 363310; July 5 Nariman Dinshahji Dordi (74), D/14, Panchai Nagar, Navdhar Vasai Rd, Dist Thane; July 6 Burjor Faramji (91), Daruwala House, 145 Lamington Rd, 400007; July 6 Homi Pirojshah Variava (66), Old Khan Bldg, Chikalwadi, Tardeo, 400007; July 6 Nariman Pirojshah Daruwala (68), 6, Jam-e-Jamshed Charity Bldg, Dadar 400014; July 7 Phili Hormuzji Kavarana (78), 11 Khareghat Colony, Hughes Rd, 400007; July 7 Jal Jehangir Mistry (52), Bhatia Society Bldg, C Block, Princess St, 400002, July 7 Minochaher Faramji Buhariwala (74), 3/7, Dhunbai Wadi, Dadabhai Rd, Vile Parle (W), 400056; July 8 Noshir Pirojshaw Ghista (85), Ashley Hse, Opp Colaba Post Office, 400005; July 8 Jer Rustomji Govadia (75), Dr Freny Cama Hostel, Gamadia Colony, Tardeo, 400007; July 8 Jehangirji Burjorji Wadia (80), Motlibai Wadia Bldg, Chikalwadi, 400007; July 8 Pesi Darabshaw Dhabar (62), Dhun Bldg, 1st Floor, Dadar Cross Rd, 400014; July 9 Darabshaw Jamshedji Bamboat (83), 98, Crawford Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 10 Freny Ardeshir Dalal (84), B- 51, Twin Towers, Veer Savarkar Marg, Prabhadevi, 400025; July 10 Roshan Faredoon Desai (70), Malegamwala Bldg, No 2, Station Rd, Mahim, 400016; July 10 Goolcheher Kaikhushroo Kotwal (84), Hongkongwala Cooper Bldg, Room 13, 9th Lane, Khetwadi; July JO Rusi Bomanji Mistry (68), 315/ A, Grant Rd, 400007; July 10 Freny Adi Shroff (72), Nusserwanji Tata Bldg No 1, Tata Colony, Bandra, 400050; July 10 Minoo Shapurji Bhathela (72), 95, Eruch Villa, Prof Almeida Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 11 Dinoo (Dinaz) Manekshah Pavri (74), Happy Home, Forjett Cross St, Gowalia Tank, 400036; July 11 Ratanshah Hormusji Engineer (76), C-33, Dulabh Bhavan, Jalbhai St, Charni Rd Junction, 400004; July 12 Gool Naval Kotwal (82), Soona Mansion, 301 Tardeo Rd, 400007; July 12 Mehroo Darabshaw Machliwala (65), A/6, Jer Baug, Byculla, 400027; July 12 Shirin Nariman Master (83), B-18, Shapur Baug, V.P. Rd, 400004; July 12 Behramji Kavasji Sadri (82), Unwalla Bldg, Marazban Colony, Gilder Lane, 400008; July 12 Ardeshir Edulji Shroff (19), 46, Dinabai Sethna Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 12 Kaikhushroo Hormusji Chikhliwala (83), 12, Windsor Chambers, Cawasji Patel St, Fort, 400001; July 13 Pesi Jehangir Owner (56), Mohamadi Minar, Khetwadi, 14th Lane, 400004; July 14 Piroja Sorabji Billimoria (80), 46, Vijay Wadi, Girgaum Rd, 400002; July 16 Behram Zend Irani (83), 76/ 83, Prabhuwadi, Bhiwandi, Dist Thane; July 16 Keki Hormusji Parbhu (57), Dhun Villa, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; July 16 Mehramai Rustomji Santok (84), Paul and Wadia Bldg, 7/ C Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; July 16 Hoshang Burjor Busla (50), D-16, Jer Baug, Byculla, 400027; July 17 Dhunmai Minocher Katrak (81), 645, Najoo Villa, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; July 17 Shera Limji Batliboi (86), 21, 1 ' ti* 97 Parsiana August 1987r '2^- cleaning rtiacHinei •’ 1923-1987 Sixty-four years of clean service! DIANA-ECLIPSE For all your carpet and upholstery cleaning, ? Holland House, Colaba Causeway, Bombay. Tel: 2020619 ? "Parag" 27, Peddar Road. THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES The Iranian names of boys and girls along with their meanings which originally appeared in Parsiana have now been reprinted in an attractive 24-page booklet. The book, which is priced at Rs 15 is available on sale at: Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Behind Reserve Bank of India, Fort, Bombay 400001. Faredoon and Burjor Sandalwood Shop, Princess Street. Union Press, 13, Homji Street, Bombay 400001. Dubash Bldg, Old Khareghat Colony, Hughes Rd, 4()(MX)7; July 18 Dr Riistom Faramroz Hakim (54), Sleater House, Sleater Rd, 4(XXX)7; July 18 Banoo Faramji Karai (69). B- 5, Popular Apts, 4 Bungalows, Andheri (W), 4(XX)58; July 18 Hilla Jehangir Master (97), 576, J. Shankarsheth Rd, 400(X)2; July 18 Rata Manek Shikari (67), Gool Mahal, 'B' Block, Sleater Rd, 490007; July 18 Ardeshir Edalji Naniya (88), A-10, Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; July 19 Hoshang Bejonji Damri (82), Engineer Bldg, Sleater Rd, 4(X)007; July 20 Khiishrow Rustomji Dhalla (48), Vakil House, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Colony Dadar, 400014; July 20 Najamai Manchersha Katki (74),C/oJ.N. Bharucha, U-7/ 5 Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; July 20 Rashid Gitstad Masdayasna (72),TataHsgSoc,2-B/4, Parel, 4(X)012; July 20 Ereny Kaikhushroo Modi (87), Abbas Bldg, Jalbhai St, Grant Rd,400004; July 20 Adil Ratanshan Randelia (23), 300, Mistry Bldg, Frere Rd, Fort, 400001; July 20 Burjor Ardeshir Chehna (73), 3/5, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; July 21 Banoo Phiroze Dhondy (69), J-6, Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; July 21 Piroja Bhimjibhai Jussawala (76), N/24, Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; July 21 Freny Phiroze Mehta (56), Desire, Prof Almeida Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 21 Freny Rusi Pavri (74), H-B Gnat Vikrant Hsg Soc. Santacruz, 400054; July 21 Keki (Kaikhushroo) Dhanjisha Shroff (75), N.M. Wadia Charity Block No 5, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; July 21 Coomi Cawasji Trombaywala (74), Dosibai Home, Masina Hospital Cmpd, Byculla, 400027; July 21 Manijeh Jamshedji Vesuna (92), Vijay Niwas, Plot No 5, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 21 Unnamed baby, daughter of Soli Keki Damania, Mistry Bldg, Captain Colony, Tardeo; July 22 Meherbai Hormusji Poonawala (98), 8(),’^/A, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 22 Dlniivmii Jehangirji Baria (85). Wadia Bldg, Room No 3, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 23 Bhikhoo Nosliir Hiramanek (15). Yusuf Manzil, Byculla Bridge, 400008; July 23 Hilla Sohrabji Karbhari (65). Kashikunj, Waterfield Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 23 Dinbai Bahmanshah Sidhwa (^)5). Golf Links No 1, Union Park, Pali Rd, Khar(W), 400052; July 23 Burjor Cawasji Tangra (51), U-5/5, Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; July 23 Erudishaw Behramji Bhesania (84), 1')^. Family House, Jam- e-Jamshed Rd, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; July 24 Dara Minocher Madon (63), Captain House, Nana Chowk, 400007; July 24 Ai'a Kaikhushroo Mody (15). 620, Jam-e-Jamshed Rd, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; July 24 Boinanji Naoroji Vakil (94), Adenwala Mansion, Chowpatty Sea Face, 400007; July 24 Hormiisji Ratanji Gandhi (88), 595, J. Shankersheth Road, 4thFl,400(X)2;July25 Melieri Pestonji Kapadia (81), M/55, Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; July 25 Banoobai Sohrabji Pardiwala (81), 4/50, Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; July 25 Phiruzi Dinyar Dinshah Avasia (1), 51, Wadia Hse, 22 Hughes Rd, Khareghat Colony, 400007; July 26 Banoobai Meherjibhai Batliwala (87), Godhan Bldg, Procter St, Grant Rd, 400007; July 26 Pirojsha Dinshaji Chiniwala (76), 17/C, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, 400027; July 26 Jerbanoo Horimtsji Dalal (83), E/13, 3rd Fl, Central Bank Co­ op Soc, Vile Parle (W), 400056; July 26 Eruchshah Pestonji Kapadia (87), Jawalkar Mans, 1st Fl, 280 Sopariwala Rd, Parel, 400012; July 26 Unnamed baby, son of Homi Nariman Mobed, Chandrakani Mans, Uranwala St, Grant Rd, 400097; July 26 Pilton Nusserwanji Khurshigara (77), 31, Ragi Bungalow, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; July 27 98 Parsiana August 1987Savakshuh Cawasji Mirza (87), 14, Hill Range Apts, Pali Malla Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 27 Earamroze Naoroji Enwala (69), Gold Coin, 12/A, Haji Ali, Tardeo, 400034; July 27 Mohta Jamshedji Batliwala (76), 3/4, Rustom Baug, Byculla, 400027; July 28 Manekbai Ardeshir Chargeman (87), 31/23, Swadeshi Mill Chawl, Sion- Chunabhati, Kurla, 400022; July 28 Dinbai Hormusji Daruwala (79), 27, Old Khareghat Colony, Hughes Road, 400007; July 28 Dinoo Dadiba Munshi (53), 18/C, Gilder Lane, Marazban Colony, 400008; July 28 Alu Kzukhushroo Toddywala (72), 3, Readymoney Bldg, 2nd Fl, Sir Ratan Tata Colony, Tardeo, 400034; July 28 Hira Eruchshah Udwadia (83), 12/A, Shapur Baug, V.P.Rd, 400004; July 28 Nicole Homi Rabadi (11), 12, Jal Darshan Apts, Napean Sea Road, 400006; July 29 Mohta Ardeshir Amroliwala (87), 2/8, A.H. Wadiii Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; July 30 Behram Edulj'i Dadachanji (97), Alexandra Hse, Alexandra Rd, New Gamdevi, 400007;July 30 Khorshed Pirojshah Davierwala (79), 1-202, Vishal Apts, S.V.Rd, Andheri (E), 400069; July 30 Maid Sohrabji Fatakia (68), 95/A, Jiten Co-op Soc, Flat 210, J.P.Rd, Andheri, 40(X)58; July 30 Tehmina Edidji Godiwala (80), H-20, Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, 400012;July 30 Hirabai Darabshaw Guzder (79),C/oN.T. Bamji, Lady Meherbai Tata Bldg, Flat 12, Tata Blocks, Bandra, 4(K)050; July 30 Rustom Naoroji Mistry (86), 785-C, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 4{X)() 14, July 31 Ratanbai Hormusji Bharucha (83), No 18, Santa Apt ‘A,’ Bandra, 400050;July 31 Rustomji Cawasji Katnik (70), 15 Khareghat Colony, Hughes Rd, 400007; July 31 of Shirinbai and Rustomji Bhesania, and sister of Bomi ; July 3 Ardeshir Rustomji Kaka (85). husband of Dolat, and father of Sam, Freny and Aban; July 28 DELHI Died Niloiifer Billinioria (26), daughter of Frenny and Russi Billimoria and sister of Raiomond; July 19 KARACHI Died Aloomai Kavasji Sopariwala (89); May 6 Hilla (Bhikhai) Burjorji Colebewala (82); May 18 Rusi Edulji Mana (68); May 18 Parviz Dinshaw Patel (^9); May 28 Minocher Behram Torkay (5); May 30 Minocher Pestanji Dastur (86); June 5 Rustam Jamshed Irani (91); June 8 Eruchshaw Bejonji Vakharia (95); June 11 Dolly Nariman Dastur (59); June 12 Lowji P.Golwalla (80); June 29 Soonamai D. Khursigara (87); June 29 ONTARIO Married Pheerozah Boyce and Pheroze Vania; May 23 Died Jerbai Sorabji Kotwal, mother of Darius, Homai, Nozer and Pervin; July 6 Khorshed Dinshaw Balsara mother of Dr Russi, Sabar and the late Homai Janmahomed; mother-ih-law of Moti Russi Balsara, and grandmother of Khorshed and Navroze; July 15 POONA Died Maneck Hormuzji Agha (60); July 3 Dinshaw Bejonji Chandabhov (47); July 9 Dhan Ardeshir Hathikhanavala (85); July 10 Dogdo Dorabji Naegaumwala (92); July 10 Ratanbai Cursetji Kaikobad (98); July 26 t o CM 53 CD (C h- < X o Promise Toothpastel-^f nowwins/~w international f recognition \1 with the Y prestigious t MONDE \ SELEaiON^ GOLD MEDAL Competing with international j brands at the 17th Monde I Selection held in Amsterdam, I Promise won on the basis j of outstanding quality and effectiveness in use. I! - K: V i CALCUTTA Died Dhunmai Medhora (67), widow of Ardeshir, daughter WASHINGTON Born A boy, Zubin,to Farida and Tehmtbn Mistry ; June 1987 99 ParsianaAugost J987 SY 4AV' ,\sr.''“ CVB'"' kVJ^ xoo'W' k k PgPi^ c BALSARA—True to the promise of quality made 55 years ago•1 •U t* ' I 1 r I' Above (from left) Guzder: fair business Grant: woman’s status Bativala: fixing teeth (Right) Moos: tempts tourists was also given to 22 deaf boys and girls at Kanheri Caves in collaboration with the Explorer and Adventure Society. “To upgrade educational, social and vocational opportunities for the deaf and to make them self-supportive, productive and well-balanced indi ­ viduals, ” the RMSD organizes courses like computer programing, accountan ­ cy, book-keeping, first-aid, etc for deaf students, notes a press release. Launched in March 1985, the Socie ­ ty is a tax-exempt voluntary organiza ­ tion. The Society got its first break when Maegaware Computers helped it to start a computer training program for deaf students because “this field in ­ volves very little talking and hearing and the students, being quite intelli- 4 f J.' k 1' squash and flying, for which he holds a private pilot ’s licence. Grant ’s new position Past president and trustee of the Poona Parsee Panchayat Ms Tehmi ---- —- — . . Grant has been elected president of gent, can cope with it, explains Pavri. , w w » • T XxT— X 4" A t“O O A A 1 I * the National Council of Women in In ­ dia for the next term (1987 to 1990), notes a press release. ....... . ........... - - The Council, with its 17 branches for whorn^ and five affiliate societies, “is dedi ­ cated to the upliftment of women and children all over India. ” As president of the Council, Grant annual report. It is estimated that there are 35 mil ­ lion deaf in India, out of which 15 to 20 million are deaf school-going children^ schools. According to a survey, it is found that only four to five percent re ­ ceive education, notes the Society s Continued from page 22 aUSmmrttee^oV \hc"International recently attended the World Congress jp Italy - - of Women in Moscow. Inaugurated by J the Soviet Party Secretary, Mikhail The traditional Parsi d/iansa/c has been mic Development Council. A director Gorbachov, the Congress was of 20 large companies and chairman of attended by over 2,300 wornen from \ w 1 1 • * ____ 1C/:: r<»rvrAc#infinCT 3Sil oraa- Past president of the Indian Nation- of Women in Moscow. Inaugurated by Chamber of Commerce, Guzder is the president of the Maharashtra Econo ­ mic Development Council. A director Gorbachov, Boots Co (India) Ltd, Guzder is a trus ­ tee of 17 public charitable trusts, states a Jam-e-Jamshed report. Painless substitute A painless and convenient substitute for dentures - implantology - has been brought to India by Dr Firdaus P. , Bativala, notes The Bombay Samachar Association, adds the release, of July 12, 1987. The method entails jeaf “fixing single or multiple artificial teeth right into the bone structure, ” says Bativala. ------ r r . , i:/rh?S;?M “mS 3, for houses, and educational Tns.ituti™^^ Boards exams, USA, Bativala is qual- the Deaf(RMSD). The souvenir was ified to practise in 14 states of that released at the presentation ceremony country ------------------- has done about 20 to 30 implants. A graduate in dental surgery f----- the Nair Hospital, Bativala went on to presen.eu lo ...e ...v .v., .............. Bharucha has been Prosthetic Dentistry m the USA. ary secretary oi “ J; secretarial division, notes the sujeons ”^^™”^™ BaS ”'a wee ’k’s tmtarng in rocWimbing, Glindiapubtotion Business «cvi» surgcuiis ruiiYz, a _ __nnti.rp hktnrv and camome Aoril-June 87. the Congress was “successfully ” introduced, along with other culinary delights of India, to the Italians by Ms Meher Moos, manager. Government of India Tourist Office for Mediterranean countries, notes the Mid-D ay of July 21, 1987 .The all-time Parsi favorite has been taken to “with 156 countries representing 350 orga ­ nizations. Grant has also been active in the Poona Women ’s Council for over two decades. She is at present its managing --------- •• ,,.4 .i. trustee. Grant is also the president of much relish by the Italians, adds the the Poona Parsi Dramateurs and a report. w;i„„ trustee of the University Women ’s “Give me a ear and I will give you a voice ” appeals a deaf child to its hear- After his return to India, he in March this year, when the Roshni Memorial Trophy and the Dr (Miss) from Mani Gamat ’s Memorial Trophy were presented to the two best deaf stu- “We are working towards an ulti- Moos, who is stationed in Milan, was visiting India in July to hold offi­ cial discussions with the department of tourism. Her work entails the respon ­ sibility of arranging tours, maintaining contact with the travel agents, tour operators, the Press, large business and promoting India through various photo exhibitions, travel fairs, food festivals, films, and audiovisuals. SPOTLIGHT Rustom P. we are wuiKnig luwaiuo «ii * i__ j mate goal - to establish a business-aid Glindia in charge of the personnd and __J_________________ z4«i/~m QFirl ffmrii R« l^nUS* ary i , . „ • dental mother of the late Roshm Payri. __ _____Phiroz and Dhun Bativala, Firdaus ’ other interests include playing and secretarial division, notes the trekking, nature history and camping April-June ’87. 100 Parsiana August 1937