Sep 1987

I SEPTEMBER 1987 PRICE Rs 7 i; .'V.< -cs; fc£| S•¦-: I I “¦^ 8 ’*^^September 1987 Volume 10 Number 3 EDITOR Jehangir Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Toddywalla ASSOCIATE EDITOR Niloofer Madon DESIGN CONSULTANT Mini Boatwala DESIGN ASSISTANTS Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah Fernandes MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L. Arora CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver, Khurshid Daruwalla, Rohinton Daroga OFFICE Rajendra Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia Lewis, Rajalakshmi Iyer, Bakhtavar Batliwalla 3 Readers' Forum 9 Events and Personalities 13 Zoroastrians Abroad 14 Tapping youth resources by Arnavaz Mama 17 Is the agiary an industry? by Parinaz Toddywalla I 25 Verbal duelling 28 The Tithal Sanatorium hearings - phase II 31 Recognition for his ragas by Niloofer Madon 35 "This damn tumor... " 37 The unwanted woman? by Roxana Kaka 38 Milestones Cover illustration by Mickey Patel Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Parsiana Publications, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001 and phototypeset at Ace, Bombay 400001. All rights reserved. Phone: 2048730 Annual inland subscription: Rs 50 for one year (12 issues); Rs 90 fortwo years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates: Seamail Rs 100 for one year, Rs 180 for two years; Air mail Rs 250 for one year, Rs 475 for two years. For US cheques add $ 5 to cover bank charges. For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 4 for bank charges. Cheques and drafts to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 or C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort Bombay 400001. Ik READERS’ FORUM »I» i. , a . u ».. » HU referred to were the costs solely of bu- II lots and not the entire operation, owaiv wi. pietepis, as uy The economy with cremation stems Zarathushtra in the Gathas, the less The more we Zorbastrians become aware of these precepts, as taught by from the fact that, at least in Quebec tenable will be the position of those (these regulations may vary with the who would elevate inconsistent later over rial lots and not the entire operation. geography), one lot permits ashes of traditions and fossilized thinking liS-fS fcuFMli ¦ Ml MHHItHiy ; two individuals, so the lot price is cut the dynamic and profound teachings of right into half, as against burial, where our prophet. the lot retains its full cost of $ 450 to 500. My conception of fighting the Good Dr JEHAN BAGLi Fight does not entail a meek accept- New Jersey, USA of the status quo which the ortho- TTnAPPPnfnhlP cfatiic” imposing on us. For (Jii X. '¦ “' ... The Delhi Parsi Anjuman organizes its first all-India youth seminar Arnavaz S. Mama Intent that the The DPA is prepared to host 60 young people sponsored by anjumans nar is varied. The emphasis on the first outside Delhi. “We can house 65,” day is on background information - says Sethna and if more are forthcom- maharaja - minister - historian - poet- With the goal of bringing “together Travel Corporation of India and Maz- informs Sethna. Zoroastrian youth in the age-group of da Leasing have also grasped the sig- The delegates will be divided into 19 to 35 years to share ideas (and) de- nificance of the mission and will help five or six syndicates. The syndicate velop understanding, ” the Delhi Parsi with conveyance and stationery re- leaders from the host anjuman will be Anjuman (DPA) is organizing the quirements respectively. in charge of 10 to 12 out-of-towners, “First All India Zoroastrian Youth Intent that the “message goes guiding them socially, culturally and Seminar ” in New Delhi from October home ” to the community in all parts of intellectually, prodding participation 22 to 24, 1987. India, the general, who is currently from all members of the subgroup. “We want to make Parsi youth feel chairman of the India Tourism De- “More a participatory workshop than wanted by the community, ” says velopment Corporation (ITDC), spe- a seminar, ” describes Sethna, whose (Lieutenant General) Ardeshir Seth- dally allotted time, while on a brief long experience as commandant of the na, who took over as DPA president in visit to Bombay on September 15^ to various officer training colleges of the March 1987. The retired general is de- acquaint Parsiana with the purpose Indian Army is now being deployed to termined “to expose young Parsis to and scope of the Seminar. organize and awaken the community, the mainstream of India, show them The DPA is prepared to host 60 The program of the three-day Semi- what services, what enormous re ­ sources are available to them to tap. ” Those assisting the Anjuman ’s efforts include the Delhi Administra- ing, they can be housed outside the philosopher. Dr Karan Singh, will pre- tion which has contributed Rs 25,000 DPA’s Mengusi Dharamshala com- sent an overview on India and her towards the project. “Unfortunately, plex, he adds. To date, there has been youth; sociologist and coordinator of the Prime Minister may not be present a positive response from 40 but it is the Bombay Parsi Punchayet ’s coun- in Delhi at that time, ” but the Presi- expected that the number will even- selling projects. Professor Noshir dent of India may grant the delegates tually rise to at least 50. For four Kaikobad of the Tata Institute of So- an audience, Sethna informs. And the nights and five days, the delegates will cial Sciences will deliver the keynote panel of speakers include some top be the DPA’s guests - they only have address. brass from government ranks - present to reach the capital and carry light The same afternoon, Zoroastrian and retired. Parsi enterprises like the woollens as the weather will be cool, ethics will be the theme of Dastur Nav- brass from government ranks - present to reach the capital and carry light 14 Parsiana September 1987I 1 rooz Minochehr-Homji ’s speech, fol- shopping, sightseeing, perhaps a visit Shiavax Nargolwala took over as presi- lowed by family life education. The to Pragati Maidan, the site of interna- dent in 1960. “He rode that place like day will end with a visit to Delhi ’s tional fairs. a colossus for 25 years, ” says Sethna. famous son et lumiere (sound and A brochure for the Seminar is under Perhaps the only anjuman in India light) show followed by a barbecue preparation. The core papers for the where non-Zoroastrian spouses are dinner. delegates will include explanations on accepted as members, Sethna says he An “Employment Mart ” has been law, prayers and employment oppor- is trying to rope more members into planned for the next day with an emi- tunities. the DPA. He relates the satisfaction of nent Parsi entrepreneur as chief guest. The panel of speakers will include Russi Billimoria, chairman of the pub ­ lic service enterprises board which selects people seeking employment in the public sector enterprises; the de ­ fence services representative Colonel Nayak who has prepared a compute ­ rized presentation, and the director of youth services from the ministry of hu ­ man resources. The Union Public Ser ­ vices Commission, small-scale indus ­ tries, tourism and other self-employ- May, but rescheduled to late October superior and it is not an aging popula- ~ ¦ tion... We are a democratic, voluble peo- tional fairs. A brochure for the Seminar is under 1 3 tunities. The Seminar, originally planned for a newcomer from Poona whose En ­ glish wife and their children enjoyed their first ever Pateti dinner with the community this year. By an extraor ­ dinary general meeting on September 13, the DPA raised its annual subscrip ­ tion after many years, informs Sethna. Delhi ’s Parsi population, currently about 500, will “increase without doubt, ” believes Sethna. “Every top lawyer wants to practise in the Sup ­ reme Court. The quality of life is far II When you give respect, you are prepared to accept someone saying ‘no. I II ment agencies will be represented, when the Delhi climate is more com- “We hope we ’ll be able to give out fortable, is in fulfilment of “a commit- pob application) forms, etc... Say this ment from the DPA to the Federation pie. No Indian wants to be pushed . . ¦ . _ . _ • - . around, ” says Sethna, according to dia, ” Sethna told the executive council whom the western concept of manage- of the Federation at its meeting in is the stuff that ’s available. Use it. And of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of In- if not, why not? ” Sethna wants to know. The morning ’s emphasis on employ ­ ment will be followed by a panel dis- Bombay on September 5. cussion on laws governing marriage, P ~ ' adoption and inheritance with eminent Farokh Rustomji, youth trustee, have lawyer Fali Nariman heading the panel been busy organizing the show and who sagaciously incorporated Urdu which will also include ex law secretary liaising with the anjumans who have words after the Mutiny and built upon Rusi Gai. The delegates will visit the sponsored delegates. Indeed, Rustom- the Indians ’ sense of fidelity - “Sarkar President of India at Rashtrapati Bha- ji had urged the Federation members ka namak khaya." (The Indian does van (“I hope he ’ll give us a cup of in Bombay, on September 6, to host not sign a covenant-he eats salt.) The tea ”) and view a Japanese festival of such a youth congress in turn, so that symbolism touches the simple man ’s kimonos and a fashion show, courtesy Parsi youth all over the country could heart. Loyalty, according to Sethna, is Japan Air Lines. meet on an annual basis. a more individualized concept. At the last day ’s session on Excell- The traditional fidelity also incul- ence and Expectations Professor Background cates “the courage of conviction, the Kaikobad, director of the BPP’s Sethna ’s father, Meherji Sethna, who ability to say ‘no, ’ the ability to stake defense-government services project retired as a member of the Railway your right arm for what we, in our Dr (Ms) Ketayun Madon, additional Board, was the DPA’s vice-president prayers, call farvarane - I believe, ” government secretary Rasgolkar, out- when it started building the Mengusi Sethna provides a peep into army phi- standing achiever Hoshidar Press and Dharamshala. “I stayed with him from losophy. And it is based on ijjat (re- others are expected to provoke audi- 1947 to 1950,” reminisces Ardeshir. spect) - respect of the commander for ence response from the delegates - a sort of brainstorming cum cathartic (committee) meetings. (The then) commander cannot do everything, session to lay bare what young Parsis DPA president Dr S.P. Shroff was When you give respect, you are pre ­ think and feel. The syndicate leaders very ill and the construction of the pared to accept someone saying ‘no. ’” will also provide a summation of the Bhiwandiwalla Hall (in the Mengusi Reverting to community problems, . opinions and ideas that emerge from Parsi Dharamshala compound) was Sethna says, “What we should be wor- among discussions within the sub- proceeding. ” When the general re- rying about is, ‘Can we help disappear- groups. The valedictory function will turned to Delhi in the late 50s, the ing? ’ (But) the strategy for survival? I be followed by the DPA’s diwali din- atmosphere had deteriorated. He and haven ’t got the answer. ” As for the ner [“normally called fatakra (fire- his brother found themselves in oppos- problem of Parsi anjuman properties works) dinner ”], with Delhi ’s Lieute- ing factions, recalls Sethna with a in places where a substantial commun- nant Governor as chief guest, where the delegates will intermingle with the perseverance, Khusro Rustomji (then elsewhere, Sethna offers no solution; Parsi community of Delhi. Somewhere into this formidable program, the DPA expects to weave in ment does not really apply to the Indi ­ an ethos. Author of Story of a regim- Rustom Daroga, DPA secretary and ent, Sethna ’s theme is that the army - / , ; was built upon tradition by the British meet on an annual basis. 1947 to 1950,” reminisces Ardeshir. “Around 1947-48, I used to attend his men and vice versa, “because the ing factions, recalls Sethna with a shudder. “With a great deal of ity once dwelt but has now migrated briefly, the DPA president) held every- but he is emphatic that it ’s only a one together, ” he remembers. Things peripheral problem: “We spend too fell back into shape when the late much time on peripherals, ” he avers. 3 15 Parsiana September 1987r rw’; ’ ' ¦>'< Tjr. T, • ; i- LAW Is the agiary an industry The Surat Labour Court's judgment, equating an agiary with an industry and a priest with a workman, has been challenged in the Gujarat High Court Parinaz Toddywaila For 18 years he served as a priest at a Federation “fight any attempt to clas- line of thinking that there must have fire-temple in Surat, managed by the sify an agiary as an industry, ” and existed a relationship of master and Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Charity Fund, assured its support till justice is sought servant to classify him as a workman At the time of his resignation in 1968, in the highest court. At the same time, under the Industrial Disputes Act of Ervad Jahabux Faramroz Dastur was the Federation also recommended that 1947. being paid a monthly emolument of Rs if the appeal case is successful, the re- In his article Is agiary an industry? 180. Nearly 12 years later, in 1979, he vised legal judgment, denouncing the serialized in three installments in The approached the Surat Labour Court to agiary as an industry, should not be Bombay Samachar issues of Novem- seek justice in the form of overtime, quoted by the agiaries to exploit the ber 1985, Vakil had written, “The leave encashment and gratuity com- mobeds, but on moral grounds, “a de- function of a mobed in an agiary is pensation. The Court, in its decree of cent salary should be awarded to all strictly of a religious character...It may August 31, 1985 arrived at a decision mobeds subject to availability of re- involve incidental functions pertaining which could have far-reaching reper- sources. ” to management or administration of cussions on the entire Parsi commun- To oppose the Labour Court ’s ver- the affairs of the agiary...he normally ity: Dastur, a priest, was equated with diet, BOihbay ’s eminent lawyer and supplements his earnings by offering a workman, and the agiary, with an onetime Bombay Parsi Punchayet prayers on behalf of his clients... Here industry. _______ ________________________ the mobed does not act as an em- The order of L. J. Say ad, the presid- "THci f I inntion a ployee. His relationship with his ing officer of the Labour Court, was • lit? I Ul ICUUi 1 (J I a clients is that of a spiritual guide - he challenged by the two defendants: the rnobsd in AH A Cl IA TV IS acts as an intermediary between the di- Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Charity Fund, . .. , vine and the mortal. ” Surat Fire Temple and Alahibaug StTICtly OT A TGligiOUS While acknowledging that as the Fund; and Jhal ivtinochair Contractor, phflTAPtpr hp APtQ Ione priest in an agiary Dastur ’s duties the secretary of the Surat Fire Temple av.* 4.^i ... Ho ablo would be too taxing, Dastur Kaikhus- andAiahib^gEund. Ajter nearly two as AH intermediary roo Jamasp Asa, of the Anjuman years, the appeal ease was admitted in +ho Hiv/ino Atash Bahram, Bombay, is convinced the High Gujarat .at Ahmeda- DeiWeen me Olvirie that “our (priestly) profession doesn ’t , ~ arid the mortep* demand taking recourse to law. ” The Katpitia, £^Ief executive bif the Surat ' ____________ - norm in most agiaries is to employ a Parsi Punchayet, minimum of two priests who could Goncethed about the impiications of trustee Shiavax R. Vakil volunteered perform their duties alternately, giving the Labour Court ’s judj^iiteiit, the his services free of charge because he respite to each other. Not inclined to Federation of^^ jparsi 2oro^tiianj Anju- “wanted to preserve the species (of look upon a priest as a workman, mans of Ihdiav at its executive cpitimit- priests). ” Though admitting that a JamaspAsa stated that the average tee meeting bn September 6, ; 1987, priest deserved all benefits arid could time taken to perform the boi cere- unanimoUsiy resolved m adbpt the be considered an employee since he mony each time varies from 30 to 45 prq^sai» put forward by itjs jpint hon- received a monthly wage. Vakil re- , minutes, and the remaining time could orary se^etary Keki Gandhijtbat the fused to follow Sayad ’s subsequent be utilized by the priest to earn addi- I ! The function of a challenged by the two defendants: the mobed in an agiary is Sir Jamsetjee JejOebhoy Chanty Fund, . ¦ xi r r • ' Surat Fire Ternpfe and Alahibaug StTICtly of a religious Fund; and J|tai Mihobhair Contractor, the secreta^ t)if the SiifUt Fire Temple and Alahib^hg ^und* After nearly two years, the ajjpbi^ ease was- admitted in the High C^Uit of Gujarat .at Ahmeda- ’ bad on Jui?!^ IQS'?, informed Soli character...he acts as an intermediary between the divine f I ' and the mortal ^7 Parsiana Septarriber 1987 .-^1 s* * A, % 1 -7-; I «’ 8 '? 'J f *5 I ij 1 Si1 •>"“ I I k r A difference of interpretation and opinion ... that the collection/derivation of in- isolated or single little assistant or come constitutes business. Every attendant. ” Trust (unless it is insolvent or bank- To determine whether an activity could be considered an industry, a footnote to the definition of indus ­ try, as delineated in the Industrial rupt) will have some assets which organizations Disputes Act, 1947, summarizes the would bear income and the same under three general guidelines as: systematic i ’ ’ ' “ ' efforts for the production of goods ject of the Trust. ” or material services, direct coopera ­ tion between capital and labor, and capability of being owned or trans ­ ferred. Profit is not considered the main criterion. To ascertain whether an em- rendered by a domestic in a person- meet the needs of {he indigent who ployee would be covered under the al manner, and, in the case of pro- cannot afford to buy them at the definition of a workman, the Act is fessionals, where the principal prevalent market rates. The third specific: any person employed in an capital involved would be only the class includes establishments industry, doing “skilled or unskil- intellectual or educational expertise oriented towards a humane mission led, manual, supervisory, technical brought to the job, would not be which is fulfilled by men who work or clerical work on hire or reward, ” identified as industries. not because they are paid wages, whether the terms of employment “ are spelt out or not. Even an em ­ ployee whose services have been terminated could be considered a workman. Quoting the Supreme Court deci- prepare darans (a type of un- Citing the Bangalore , Water sion in the Bangalore Water Works leavened bread, an important com- Works judgment. Vakil continued case, L.J. Sayad, the presiding ponent of ritual offerings) and sell to assert his point: “Not that the officer of the Labour Court at Surat, held that the respondent Trust (Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Charity Fund, Surat Fire Temple and Alahibaug the Agiary quoted the Bangalore is no economic relationship such as "" ' ' ¦¦¦ ¦ ' is found in trade or business be ­ tween the head who employs and sidered an industry: “(It) is not be- the others who emotively flock to Generally, socio-eco-charitable ; can be classified would bear income and the same under three broad divisions, would be applied towards the ob- emphasized Vakil. In the first inst ­ ance, the profits of the organization Said Vakil, “If all the words used are utilized for altruistic objects. In are given their widest meaning, all the second category, the organiza- services and all callings would come tion does not make profits but the within the purview of the defini- resultant goods and services are tion. ” According to him, services made available at low or no cost to em- includes identified as industries. Referring to the Court ’s verdict, but because they share the passion Vakil stressed that the Agiary could for the cause and derive job satis- have come under the definition of faction from their contribution, an industry had there been five em- “The first two are industries, but ployees at the agiary engaged to not the third, ” declared Vakil, prepare darans (a type of un- them to neighboring agiaries, but presence of charitable impulse ex- not under the present circumstances, tricates the institution from the de- On the same issue, the trustees of finition (of industry) but that there Fund) is an industry because it has Water Works case to support their some assets - the Alahibaug prop- stand that the agiary cannot be con- erty which was rented out and some fixed deposit investments drawing cause the employee does not make render service. In one sense, there interest - from which income is de- a contribution, nor because the pro ­ rived by the Trust. Displeased with fession is too high to be classified as the reasoning, Shiavax Vakil, noted a trade or industry with its commer- lawyer and former Bombay Parsi cial connotations but because there ployment but voluntary participa- Punchayet trustee, had then com- is nothing like organized labor in tion in the production, inspired by mented, “It is totally outrageous such employment. The image of in- lofty ideals, (irrespective) of re- where a Trust derives any income dustry or even quasi-industry is one muneration, service conditions and from any property settled under it of the plurality of workmen, not an the like. ” are no employers and employees but crusaders all. In another sense, there is no wage basis for the em- the normal eight hours of work that an sandalwood to the officiating priest). To assess whether a priest is under- employee is expected to contribute tional money if necessary. Refusing to excuse the materialistic spirit among the present-day clergy, paid or exploited, a comprehensive under the stipulations of the Shops and JamaspAsa referred to the exploita- picture needs to be taken, opined Rus- Establishments Act, he was made to . tion of the earlier generation of priests tom Anklesaria, chief executive of the work for 14 hours. and stated, “But they were contented. Bombay P^rsi Punchayet. The loca- They would supplement their income tion of the agiary, its clientele, the free in his last two years of employment, by undertaking other jobs like watch time at the mobed ’s disposal, his side Dastur counted his hours of service as repairing, sudreh stitching, etc. ” Even income, etc would make a substantial extending from 6am to 7pm during in the case under dispute, JamaspAsa difference in arriving at a decision, felt that the scales could turn drastical- Anklesaria elaborated, ly if it could be ascertained who was the recipient of the ashodad money Overtime As the only priest serving the Agiary which time he had to perform the boi for the four gehs plus the other regular work, and one hour of work during the midnight boi in the fifth geh. Claiming (offered by the laity together with the Dastur had contended that instead of compensation for his overtime con- 19 Parsiana September 1987 <1 '>! 'V’l(¦ tribution at twice the regular wage business, undertaking, manufacture or ary confirmed the employer-employee rate, he demanded Rs 28,266 in repa- calling of employers and includes any relationship, his recitation of prayers ration, but the Labour-Court awarded calling, service, employment, handi- on behalf of his individual clients, and him Rs 18,990 at the rate of one and a craft or industrial occupation, or the sale of sandalwood and divas, half times the regular wage. Addi- vocation of workmen. ” would suggest that it is a commercial ' tionally, a sum of Rs 378 was granted ~ as leave encashment due to him, plus approach of the courts which is usually vice, said Ranina who parried, “You Rs 100 as litigation costs. The appli ­ cant ’s plea for gratuity was refused be ­ cause it did not fall within the purview of the Labour Court to make that deci ­ sion. The judge was generous with his de ­ cision on the grounds that the priest ’s monthly pay of Rs 180 was too mea ­ ger, that he was not assured of any re ­ tirement benefits and that under these circumstances he could hardly be ex ­ pected to sustain himself and his fami ­ ly. of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and a In their appeal, the trustees of the Relying on the definition of industry founder member of the controversial Agiary - Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy, as spelt out in the Industrial Disputes Athravan Educational Trust, was not Nanabhoy B. Jeejeebhoy, Kawasjee Act, 1947, and on the Supreme Court surprised that the sympathies of the F. Vakeel, Jamsetjee J.R.B. Jee- judgment given in the Bangalore Wa- Labour Tribunal lay with the under- jeebhoy. Noshir R.N.S. Jamsetjee, ter Works case, considered an author- paid priest. According to him, if a hos- Rustom J. Jejeebhoy, Burjor H. itative citation on this subject, Sayad pital could be deemed an industry on Antia, Jamshed B. Aga, Fali P. Sar- held that an agiary could be equated the basis of a recent legal decision, so kari and Dr Homi N. Sethna - argued with an industry. Under the Industrial could an agiary, applying the same ~ Disputes Act, the comprehensive de- reasoning, finition of industry applies to “any craft vocation of workmen. ” Taking into consideration the liberal establishment rendering religious ser- can ’t expect that just because a priest is in the service of God, he should not charge a commercial wage. Doctors too are in service of God but they charge a lot of money. You find any number of mobeds offering to serve fire-temples outside India because they are assured of better wages and a better life. No longer can one expect to find priests, like in the days of yore, who would willingly perform the ijash- pro employee, Homi Ranina, trustee ne ceremony for four annas. ” of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and a "If the cost of kathi can go up, so can the cost of labor over which there is no control" that Dastur, as a boiwalla priest, was responsible for prayers at only certain While Dastur ’s regular monthly sal- predetermined hours. To support their With Best Compliments From: O.K.Wafers Suryodaya Mills Estate, Tardeo Main Road, Bombay-400 034 Tel. Factory: 4946473 Office: 234948/235269 Branches at: Colaba, Gowalia Tank, Dhobi Talao. 23 Parsiana September 1987 j 'J’S A -i.r, r^{5Tf» -w*!, ^1 ' ^ r'> 1 fc 1 frfl . I'l r t)! 1' •4 I'i i-l Ik p li p 1 H- 11 ¦ t 'I f ’• i I J’-? J-* !' t- J stand that during Dastur ’s alleged 14 repairs of an agiary, and on katki (logs I - • ‘ - - “ ; - . - ... . .. X. between, they declared, “The respon- the laity supports the escalating cost of mand and supply position vis-a-vis the dent ’s residence was just opposite the kathi, so also would the laity be forced priests will be critical. ” Being in grea- Agiary and the respondent was run- to make a personal decision in the case ter demand, they will invariably com- ning his flour mill. ” of priests: either discontinue the mand a higher wage. “This is an im- The law for overtime should not priests ’ service or pay more. “Ulti- portant law of nature which nobody apply to priests because their render- mately a harsher burden may be cast can defeat. If the cost of kathi can go ing of intermittent service does not on the poorer section who are general- up, so can the cost of tabor over which warrant it, opined Vakil. Most Parsi ly more religious minded. ” priests are good cooks, asserted Vakil, and suggested that they use their spare fault of the laity too, because “the time to market their home-made eats more they keep giving, the more the which would be a sellout in the fast priests want to take. ” growing field of catering, or else en ­ courage their wives to spin kusti wool. But Ranina believed that the Vakil asserted, quoting facts: “The Judge ’s contention was not entirely price of wood today is the same as that erroneous, “for even if the mobed was of sandalwood 40 years ago. My not performing ceremonies in the agi- appeal to Parsis to substitute sandal- ary all through the 13 hours, his pre- wood is going in vain. The custom of sence in the agiary was necessary to offering sandalwood was not an accept sandalwood, etc from the de- ancient Iranian tradition but was bor- votees. ” The judgment, if upheld by the High Court, could have a bearing on the beings have luck, so also do agiaries. Stand that during Dastur ’s alleged 14 repairs of an agiary, and on AratW (logs As Rariina, perceives the situation, hours of service he had hree spells in of wood for the sacred fire). ” Just as “In the next five to 10 years, the de- According to JamaspAta, it is the An agiary ’s present major expendi ­ ture - kathi - needs to be reviewed, "Even if a mobed does not perform ceremonies in the agiary all through the 13 hours, his presence in the agiary is necessary 11 I i 'J 1 r if' ’'l** J? L itii- * I i 1 J .S'- k. 11 tj 1 ft ?il • S- ¦’ Ii: ,, rowed from Hinduism. ” Vakil continued, “Just as human there is no control. Once the priests .” are paid higher wages, more athornans other priests in the Zoroastrian fold. In the eyes of Vakil, priests are a rare, will take to the priestly calling volun- other employees working in an agiary, fast-dying species. “I have believed in tarily and there may be no further use and ultimately the laity who would the general law of nature: what can ’t for the paramobeds. So indirectly this have to bear the financial burden of adapt itself will have to be destroyed, ” would work out for the betterment of providing the priests with a higher sta- added Vakil. If unable to afford the priests without any one feeling the ndard of living. Explained Ranina, “In services of a priest, the trustees of an need to approach the courts. ” the case of most agiaries, the trustees agiary should opt for amalgamation Reverting to the main topic. Vakil may not be in a position to pay over- where three to four fires could be referred to the attitude of certain com- time benefits. Today, the largest ex- housed in different rooms of a single mercially minded individuals from penditure is on the maintenance and building. among the community and enquired, “Do Christians-Muslims-Hindus have trade unionism? Have any of them ever gone to court to establish their rights? I may not be alive, but the plight at the Doongerwadi and the Parsee General Hospital, where trade unionism has crept in, will soon be no ­ ticeable. ” Though Keki Gandhi was fearful of one man (Dastur) “affecting the views and the religious sentiments of the en ­ tire community, ” JamaspAsa was san ­ guine: “No good priest would be influ ­ enced by this priest ’s action. ” He then quoted the Pahlavi text Dadestan-i- Denig to summarize the qualities re ­ quired of a good priest: “He should be a man of pure disposition and assured wisdom, a minder of the religion, one possessing pure and just thoughts and wise deeds, who possesses a clean body and a tongue worthy of good, who has learnt the scriptures by heart, who has performed ablutions and ' proper rites, and who has given undi ­ vided attention to the ceremonial and recites them faultlessly. ” Gifts& 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* (Mezzanine Floor) Sir PM Road, Bombay-400 001 STUDIO AKAR 6T/2660 24 Parsiana September 1987POLITICS AND POLICY Property disputes were the focus of the Anjuman Committee meeting called by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustees Verbal duelling Arnavaz S. Mama. Poncha ’s escalate. Poncha ’s questioning amounted to a cross-examination of Golwalla and Desai who, being the senior trustees, also officiate on the Wadia Bangs ’ Committee of Manage ­ ment. Referring to a rumor that the Pun ­ chayet was the richer by a two lakh rupee donation from Dr Bhonsale, Poncha asked pointedly whether any trustee had visited the site. No one had. He claimed that the area, which Golwalla said was about 550 square feet was actually more than 1,000 square feet and therefore worth Rs 20 lakhs, reckoned at the rate of Rs 2,000 Verbal sparring bouts over the alloca ­ tion of a dispensary in Jer Bang dominated the Anjuman Committee meeting called by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees at Sir Jivanji Modi Hall of the K.R. Cama Oriental Institute on July 2, 1987. Prior to the meeting, letters and editorials in the Parsi Press raised queries on why there was no agenda for the meeting and even whether BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla should preside or not in light of feisty advo ­ cate Ardeshir Katrak ’s charges in a public meeting at the Sethna Agiary Hall on March 31. Irate F Register (donor) members, R.N. and N.N. Wadia Trusts, which per square foot,of which the landlord ’s who had lost their direct right to vote looks after Jer Baug, transferred the one-third share should have been for trustees on account of Bombay tenancy from Dr Zunwerkar to Dr Ra- seven lakh rupees. He further pre- High Court Judge H. Suresh ’s amend- jan Bhonsale (son of former Mahar- sented Golwalla with three photos ments to the election scheme, also ashtra Chief Minister Babasaheb which he averred showed that the pre- came prepared to espouse their cause, Bhonsale) in 1986. The BPP has been mises were clearly subdivisible. (Sub ­ while those in favor of the scheme repeatedly criticized in the Press, sequently Desai, in a letter to the were armed with replies. mainly by office-bearers of the Com- Press, verified the area to be 580 Golwalla welcomed the Anjuman mittee for Economic Revival (CER), square feet to which Poncha replied Committee members, noting that the for having inducted another non-Parsi that he had been referring to the super new election scheme called upon the when Parsi doctors could have benefit- built-up area.) “Dina Patel has re ­ trustees to meet the Anjuman Com- mittee members at least once a year. He informed the gathering that prior subdividing the tenancy between her her? ” asked Poncha. to the meeting, the BPP’s solicitors, and Bhonsale. Golwalla; “Dina Patel can file a suit. ” Mulla and Mulla and Cragie, Blunt F . . and Caroe had received a legal notice trustee Eruch Desai on the basis that from Payne and Company, solicitors the matter had been thoroughly dis- for four F Register members who had cussed in the Press and that “the cor- ted from the use of the premises, and ceived a notice of ejection from Bhon- for not making Patel a legal tenant by sale...How is the BPP going to protect Paymaster was interrupted by BPP Poncha: “By successive Rent Act amendments, was she a legal tenant or not? ” Golwalla: “She never made an ap- filed a plea in'the Bombay High Court diality in which we are meeting should plication. ” ¦ ¦ ...................... ... ' ¦ ’ ” ’ i: “You are not replying. ” Desai: “This point has been discussed threadbare. At the time of the trans ­ fer, there was no application from Dina Patel. It ’s up to the trustees to to review Justice Suresh ’s revised elec- not be vitiated. (The matter) might go Poncha tion scheme. The notice stated that as to court. I am not trying to shut any the disputed election scheme was sub discussions but there are many more jud ?e, no discussion on the merits or important points that need to be dis- ’ demerits of the scheme could be per- cussed. (Let us) proceed with more mined. healthy aspects. ” Immediately, CER’s make her a direct tenant. It might The meeting began on a sour note Fali Poncha was on his feet: “Mr mean opening a Pandora ’s L„.. when E (elected) Register member Chairman, this is an attempt to shut Burjor Paymaster brought up the topic the issue. ” of the Jer Baug dispensary of Dr (Ms) F—-------- ) Poncha ’s insistence that the trustees Dina Patel. A practising gynecologist, admit that they had “blundered, ” and Patel has been a subtenant of Dr that they could have avoided the N.R. Zunwerkar since 1955. The whole long rigmarole by “a little of it... ” Committee of Management for the ordinary care, ” allowed the episode to (’ mean opening a Pandora ’s box ...You know that eviction notice is not eviction...! don ’t see any threat to Dina Patel...The application wasn ’t there when the matter was considered. The trustees are not expected to think (In a subsequent letter to the Jam^e- 25 Parsiana September 1987 1 j f - .. -.-...ailiii ___h.H ' I J: is! it Ha iili- .1! ’ 1 ; ; I ijj t ¦ 1 J ’i'F ¦It it lii- titii' ’¦If;! [. I tt t ist 'is 1 I' '|t: L- It '« >• CI, t if'"' is ft Jamshed of August 16, Patel clarified “It is not an emotional issue...It has to that I do not mean Mr Eruch Desai - that the BPP had not informed her be tackled on the basis of rules, regula- and their senior counsel Mr K.S. that they were transferring Dr Zun- tions and procedures. ” The delays Cooper before taking a decision in this werkar ’s portion of the premises to Dr were “not for lack of effort on our regard? If not, why not? If yes, what is Bhonsale. “If I am not aware that such part. We are trying our best, ” Kanga the advice tendered? ” Initially, Desai a transfer is being planned, how can I added. Golwalla informed the gather- sought refuge in the confidentiality of make any application? ” she queried.) ing that sufficient FSI (floor space in- board meetings, then admitted that Paymaster, v»ho had appealed for dex) would be available for a new the advice had not been sought be- the allotted three, lamented, “My five two Irani families shift to Godrej minutes have been taken by the trus- Baug. tees! ” By then a restive Jal Ollia, a prolific writer of letters to the Parsi Press, complained, “No one has collected our written questions. ” Ollia reiter ­ ated a demand he had earlier made in the Press for an agenda for the meet ­ ing. He also questioned Golwalla ’s right .to chair it. Asserted Golwalla, “The meeting has been called by the BPP. I am chairman of the BPP and I have every right to chair the meeting. ” Ollia then referred to the Katrak ipeeting saying, “Many feel that the accusations may be correct. ” An up ­ roarious 1-------- ------ --- ------- . . ¦ , . . r»r»r> drowned Ollia, and Desai noted, these flats were built as transit accom- The CER had furnished the BPP a “You may think we have called this modation to accommodate the top string of 20 questions earlier. BPP meeting because of the events of the floor tenants of BPP buildings in trustee Homi Ranina ventured to past few weeks, ” but added that such Dadar which had FSI to spare, “answer all of them...as fast as I can. ” was not the case. “Why has Golwalla However, the trustees were having From his responses it emerged that the not filed a defamatory suit against Kat- second thoughts about providing tran- Gibbs Road project has yielded a sur- rak? ” demanded Ollia. Referring to sit accommodation after a homeless plus of six crore 75 lakh rupees. The the Katrak meeting as illegal, an indig- family, provided such a facility on cost of construction amounted to two nant Golwalla replied, “We are not humanitarian grounds in Mahim for crore 75 lakh rupees at the rate of Rs expected to reply to each and every six months, was refusing to vacate un- 275 per square foot. Since January question. ” Ollia, with increasing irrita- less the Punchayet provided perma- 1987 the Punchayet had money in its bility, clamored, “My questions are nent alternative accommodation, Gol- coffers said Ranina and the surplus there; you haven ’t collected them! ” walla said. was being used for construction at He was calmed somewhat by BPP trus- Despite Golwalla ’s earlier Godrej Baug which is expected to be tee Jamshed Guzder quietly walking announcement, well-known lawyer completed by 1990. The BPP is now up to the edge of the stage to receive and CER member Rusi Sethna then considering appointing other contrac- them posed five questions to the trustees ab- tors there (besides the Godrej Found- Some members of the Anjuman out the revised election scheme, re- ation) to speed up the work, he added. Committee reminded Golwalla of questing a ‘yes ’ or ‘no ’ reply. Sethna Ranina blamed the delay in con- their questions, sent in advance, and stated that the questions did not per- structing cheaper housing at Panthaki the topic of housing construction at tain to the merits or demerits of the Baug and Bharucha Baug on the Panthaki Baug came up. Poncha scheme. “Keki Mehta (of Payne and generally slow pace of bureaucratic wanted to know how “one man was Company) is quite welcome to haul me and legal proceedings. Godrej Baug able to thwart the Bombay Parsi Pun- up for contempt of court, ” he added, rents are high because of the cost of chayet. ” He was referring to P.D. Jilla Sethna ’s five questions pertained to development of virgin land as well as whose claim to ownership of a part of the internal division amongst trustees the high municipal rents in a generally Panthaki Baug had led to legal entang- over Justice Suresh ’s scheme. He first affluent neighborhood. However, 20 lements for the BPP 4nd consequent wanted to know whether the majority well-off families from the older baugs delays in the building program. Pon- of the trustees would accept the judg- have volunteered to shift to Godrej cha suggested taking a delegation of ment, should the court revise its ear- Baug and the older flats have been several hundred Parsis to pressurize Her decision, especially in regard to allotted to those on the waiting list, the authorities but BPP trustee Jam- the F Register members ’ curtailed vot- The BPP’s annual income from in- sheed Kanga, a member of the Indian ing rights. “Yes, ” replied Golwalla, vestments has now reached Rs 86 .................. j ” lakhs as against 57 lakhs in 1984 while Continued Sethna, “Have the trus- the corpus has increased from six crore Continued on page\29 make any application? ” she queried.) ing that sufficient FSI (floor space five minutes speaking tim*e*as against building at Khareghat Colony after cause it was “not a legal issue. ” ¦ * ...................... • Sethna asked why, if the majority of the trustees were not in favor of the court ’s decision, did they not approach the court themselves instead of throw ­ ing in their lot with the members of the F Register who had moved the court. “We accepted the scheme in terms of the Judge ’s directions. We have the right to change our mind, ” countered Desai. “The respective counsels will make representations. Let the court decide, ” he added. But Sethna re ­ plied, “You are obliged to support the scheme because you have accepted what the Judge gave. Act morally, Nariman Mehta raised the issue of coherently, consistently and don ’t let BPP flats built in Dadar which were collateral issues influence your judg- protest from the house not occupied. Golwalla explained that ment, ” he advised. ___ - - • ’ these flats were built as transit accom- i.„j a. "Dina Patel has received a notice of ejection from Bhonsale...How is the BPP going to protect her?" Administrative Service who had just “by a four to three majority. ” come in after a cabinet meeting of the C----------- Government of Maharashtra, noted, tees consulted their solicitors - and by 26 Parsiana September 1987y TRUSTS The Tithal Sanatorium hearings - phase II The Bulsar Anjuman offers to take over the administration of the Sanatorium even as legal representatives prepare to cross-examine witnesses Arnavaz S. Mama I st 5^' 'I J than for a sanatorium, requires a cy nu was specifically earmarked for the __ :__ . maintenance of this Sanatorium. Das- The Charity Commissioner" however tur says this property fetched Rs declared that he will decide on all the 80,000 in 1982 when it was sold, and issues together, after the hearings are that he wrote on June 5, 1987 to Shir- ovej- _______________________________ inbai Narielwala, who was stated to The trustees - Jehangir Bamji in have received the money, to confirm person and Ms Shirinbai Narielwala the report, but she has not replied. Z,. 7..--'. --r ____ _ -7 “Your Honor, if I am wrong in this advocate M.V. Purandare - contend allegation, she should deny it. She is one of the trustees before you. If the tain the Sanatorium and that “aliena- money is not there. I’ll not press (the tion ” (lease) of the land is the only point) but this Honorable Court must way out. Moreover, they claim that know. (In the light of) Vipin Shah s Shah has spent substantially to guard money, expenses out of his pocket, I (Rs *60,600 in the past six months tions. ” Dastur also alleged that a alone, Shah told the Commissioner) group of persons had donated more and they refuse to consider any prop- than three lakh rupees to the trustees not reimburse Shah ’s expenses. have returned the money to the donors This was one of their reasons for in 1986. In the context of Shah ’s expenses, Dastur quoted the trustees ’ resolution . --Z ______ - - - - • 1 ira7e7he"sanatoriui^ ha*d offered the' trust Rs" 1,85,000 per that Vipin Shah (may ^develop and erty “ for residential use by Parsi and expenses till the final lease docu- Zoroastrians. The scheme envisaged ment is entered into. ” Added Dastur, two acres for the use of the rebuilt “This is a business risk because he will - ___ earn a lot, ” and questioned, “Should Bamji*is worried that delays due to he have been permitted entry before - result in the loss of the Charity Commissioner ’s permis- Z-- ¦ sion was obtained?...Is it proper? Is ment or government acquisition. Shah the Charity Commissioner ’s permis- has said he “will not protect the prop- sion only a rubber stamp? ” An earlier erty for an indefinite period; I cannot resolution of May 6, 1985 had noted • _ -______; ” that there were structures on the prop- The opponents are out to disprove erty, which contradicted Bamji ’s writ- the trustees ’ contention that the Trust ten submission that there were no _____ __ _ _ _____ I structures in 1985, said Dastur. “Since a desperate bid to generate*^ funds, the buildings were pulled down in the They claim that by the will of the late course of Shah ’s development of the The acting Charity Commissioner has _ upheld opposing counsel Kaikhusroo pres application to the High Court. Dastur ’s demand to call witnesses in - the Tithal Sanatorium case despite the Sanatorium trustees ’ resistance. In a parallel development, the Bul ­ sar Parsi Anjuman Trust (BPAT) has ------- a- -—-j- . . u ' x r filed an application to join the case as person and Ms Shirinbai Narielwala the report, but she has not replied, a third party and volunteered to take and Dr Rustom Patel represented by over the management of the Sanator- i-----------.... .. --------- ium Trust, construct two buildings and that the Trust has no money to main- run the Sanatorium as per the require ­ ments of its settlor. The Committee for Economic Re ­ vival (CER) had also made a bid to ------ ------------------------------, - - • tt . , zu intervene in the case but the Charity the property against encroachment request J Commissioner ruled against it, sug ­ gesting that the socio-economic body instead join forces with the opponents, cou ----------------------------- r--r . \ Merwan and Benafshay Irani. Howev- osal regarding the property that does m 1984 or so The trustees are said to er, no CER representative has atten ­ ded subsequent hearings. The trustees had completed all for- turning down the proposal of Bulsar malities and were awaiting acting businessman Adi Contractor pre- . . Charity Commissioner M.M. Tule ’s sented by Dastur in July. Contractor of July 10,1985: “It is further resolved permission to lease the Sanatorium had offered the trust Rs 1,85,000 per that Vipin Shah (may develop and land when the Iranis intervened in the annum to develop 13 acres of the ^op- guard the proP^rty)^ at^ case last February. The Iranis are opposing the trustees ’ bid to lease 14 acres of the Tithal Sanatorium proper ­ ty to Jain builder Vipin Shah for 99 Sanatorium, years at an annual rent of Rs 1,70,111. P Shah expects to develop the property the litigation may for the residential use of non-Parsis as the property, either due to encroach^ per the application for permission to lease filed by the trustees. Eight Sana ­ torium blocks for Parsis would be pro ­ vided on.the remaining one acre of be^r the cost... land. Dastur had urged the Charity Com ­ missioner to rule upon two basic is constrained to lease the property m issues, namely that the trust deed pre- * ••• x. land and that the use of thg^ land, other Dhunjishaw Patel, a property in Daha- property, Dastur urged, Cannot this a 28 Parsiana September 1987r I'. Honorable Authority ask what Shah . I VERBAL DUELLING... ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD... has done with the debris? With iron Continued from page 26 Continued from page 13 64 lakh rupees to 12 crore three lakh five Gahs and the 12 months of the rupees. The Punchayet is “flush with calendar. An explanation of the “how funds ” for the first time in its history and why ” of prayer was followed by a and looking for land, Ranina said, recitation of the kusti and other adding that 126 residential and four prayers and a mock marriage cere- commercial flats are under litigation. Ranina ’s list of figures led to a long, acrimonious debate with his erstwhile rival, Poncha, until Guzder played the Religious Instruction Group,and Jaloo girders, good wood, pumps on the wells, the furniture?...My point is, what has happened to it? ” The opponents ’ advocate also con ­ tends that apart from B.K. Boman- Behram who died in January 1986, there were two other trustees - Hor- musji Charna and Firoz Darabsha - on the board of the Trust until some time in 1986, when the mamlatdar ’s record peacemaker once more by recalling Cooper, the producer and director of of rights notes the resignation of the antecedants of the Gibbs Road and the show, w^re assisted by teachers Darabsha. It is acknowledged that Godrej Baug projects - the brainchil- Marook Sidhwa, Gustad Panthaky, Charna is demised, although the exact dren of the Committee for the Econo- Roshan Byramjee and Firdosh Bul- date is unknown. No application re- ----- - - garding the appointment or the res ­ ignation of Darabsha has been filed had comprised professionals from before the Charity Commissioner - a serious violation according to Dastur. Whether Darabsha was indeed a trus- by the Punchayet. tee when the board unanimously re- - ¦ - solved to lease the property to Shah, is police Jal Contractor complimented to use their own imagination and crea- the point Dastur is seeking to estab- Golwalla and the Punchayet for having tive ideas in composing a poem based lish. The trustees ’ counsel however settled out of court with Ms Vimla on their learning and understanding of continues to maintain that there were no other trustees on the board of the Trust. The trustees and Shah seek to dis ­ miss Dastur ’s arguments as “wild family. Contractor professed to Jimmy Nava and Carl Jafrabad (age 11 allegations. ” They have been stonew- guarantee that no funds had been re- to 13) and Neville Panthaki and ailing any question of Shirinbai Nariel- ceived by Golwalla or the Punchayet Armaity Homavazir (age 14 to 16) - wala appearing in the court, pleading in this deal. Contractor suggested that were awarded trophies, and the other her advanced age. Dastur, on his part, hints at issuing a summons. The Bulsar Anjuman ’s initial ap- mic Uplift of Parsi Zoroastrians. The Committee, established in 1978, va- '• mony. An exhibition organized on the occasion dealt with religion in art. Putli Mirza, the chairperson of the 5 ¦' Sara. Later, a poetry competition orga ­ nized on the day had 21 children parti- rious fields, Guzder said, and its idea cipating, noted Dina Austin reporting had been accepted and implemented on that session. Divided into three , . age-groups between eight and 16 Retired assistant commissioner of years, the “children were encouraged Sharma who is said to have occupied Zoroastrianism, ” notes Austin. Win- two flats in Ness Baug. Thereby the ners and runners-up in each of the Punchayet had been able to retrieve three categories - Xerxes Panthakee one of the flats for the use of a Parsi and Teenaz Patel (age eight to 10), Contractor professed guarantee that no funds had been re- I in this deal. Contractor suggested that the BPP settle with all the so-called competitors were given a certificate of trespassers in the 126 cases filed by them instead of pursuing the long and expensive process of litigation. “Bring about a settlement; finish the cases. The BPP funds will be higher - at least one crore rupees more! ” he advised. The trustees however do not feel they can adopt the approach suggested by Gearing up for the forthcoming North Contractor on a general basis and Kanga noted, “Such a scheme will en ­ courage trespassing on a larger scale. One hundred and twenty six cases will plication dated September 28, 1987, go to 1,000,” he said, signed by its managing trustee Rusi Shroff, supporting the intervenors, was handed in by the Anjuman ’s secretary Percy Kajanwalla. Kajan- concluded the meeting at the 8.30 pm walla ’s letter of January 12, 1985 deadline he had earlier prescribed, addressed to Hormazdyar Dalal of the ’ Zoroastrian Community Development with Anjuman Committee members Institute is an important annexure to and some non-members who had the intervenors ’ brief. The Bulsar Anjuman ’s current offer, submitted on October 8, 1987 proposes to cultivate Dr Aspi Golwalla, Eruch Desai, Jam ­ orchards on the six acres of the Trust ’s sheed Kanga, Homi Ranina, Jamshed agricultural holding, to generate Guzder, Minoo Shroff and Dr (Ms) funds. Moreover, the BPAT is willing Mehroo Bengalee. The Press was rep- to accept any other stipulations made resented by The Bombay Samachar, by the Charity Commissioner. Jam-e-Jamshed and Parsiana. Delays due to the litigation nnay result in the loss of the property merit for their enthusiastic participa ­ tion. “We hope to have the poems avail ­ able in a booklet for the North Amer ­ ican Zoroastrian Congress of 1988 at Toronto, ” notes the report. "r V 29 Parsiana September 1987 American Zoroastrian Congress to be held in Toronto from April 1 to 3, 1988, the ZSO, in its newsletter, in ­ vites members to share their “homes and hospitality ” with the delegates at Although a few speakers did seek the Congress, the floor, and it seemed that many questions remained unasked, Golwalla Coi Niloofcr J. Madon Sir Jivanji Modi Hall was nearly full asked permission to attend. The BPP was represented by all seven trustees: oy* OF PM By Pric/ C? /¦ ,, Qj / Co I o ’ * . A A, S’ o ’ << A - 'fj 1 ¦*,1 'a ¦-(?! I'Cr !<* V ¦J* .’fcMUSIC Recognition for his ragas Whether singing for the Hindi films, giving stage performances or tutoring upcoming artistes, Pandit Firoz Dastur's speciality has always been vocal Hindustani classical music Niloofer J. Madon ¦ -4 “Naturally, when you get recognition names of various ragas into every line attending the annual gathering mark- for work wherein you ’ve put your of his face. The hushed serenity of the ing the death anniversary of his guru whole life, you feel happy, ” says noted room remained unperturbed by the Sawai Gandharva, and in Miraj, at vocalist Pandit Firoz Dastur who was hustle and bustle of congested Charni that of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, recently awarded the Sangeet Natak Road below. “You can ’t explain, ” says Dastur of Akademi Award, 1986 for his con ­ tribution to Hindustani classical music. (Fully financed by the Government of and regularly attends the all-India coming one with the music. India, the Sangeet Natak Akademi is a music conferences and seminars. Ev- Dastur also remembers the time in national body primarily concerned ery year he makes it a point to be pre- Baroda, when he was “off color and with the preservation and promotion sent at the mammoth Sangeet Samme- off mood, ” resulting in a very dis- of various forms of tribal, folk and Ian in Pune, which marks the death appointed audience. Dastur is still not classical performing arts. The annual anniversary of his guru, Sawai Gan- quite able to fathom it. “Usually, the awards carry a cash prize of Rs 10,000 dharva. mood comes, ” he says. “When you and a citation, and are given to emi- “I usually like the minor scale, kom- accept a program, the responsibility is nent artistes in various fields. The al swaras - ragas that are more emo- there. It is very rare that you do not function, which usually lasts for three tional, with more pathos, ” says Das- get into the mood. That was only to four days to felicitate about 30 tur. The jacket of one of Dastur ’s awardees, was held this year at Bhu- three cassettes produced notes: “The baneshwar in Orissa). For all his 67 years, the kurta- pajama clad vocalist is spry and well fundamentally a romantic outpouring, kept. Of medium build, Dastur has a Pandit Dastur fills the present render- “Practice is the only thing. Yes, other thin, expressive face which exudes an air of gentleness along with a certain • firmness and aloofness - humorous at nevertheless pure Kirana, strictly in a cold goes in its own good time. I’ve times, reserved at others. His austere ­ ly furnished living room betrayed no founder. ” [Various styles or schools of signs of an artiste ’s presence in its singing are termed gharanas. The tween his public concerts, teaching midst, except for an old-time gra- Kirana gharana is characterized by singing at the Bombay University ’s mophone which occupied one part of shanta (serenity) and bhakti (religious- music department, and giving private the room. A picture of the yoga expert devotional renditions.] lessons at his home. Efficiently jug- lyengar, in a seemingly tangled yogic - position, hung on the wall, and a por ­ trait of the singer, sketched by one of merfibers when he truly enjoyed sing- in the night, ” is for him “practice in his admirers, adroitly introduced the ing on stage: in Pune, when he was itself. ” Dastur has sung in front of many an those experiences. “You are not con- audience both in India and abroad, scious, you lose consciousness, ” be- once. ” Asked how he takes care of his all- gara thumri, which has been immortal- important voice, Dastur, looking at ized by Ustad Abdul Karim Khan is the cigarette in his hand, notes with a grin, “I smoke! ” but adds seriously. ing with an emotive quality that cap- artistes are very careful in their diet tures its very essence...His gayaki is and things but it is my experience that keeping with the traditions set by its tried a few things but it ’s no use. ” Today, Dastur divides his time be- Delving into the past, Dastur says gling these three activities “from eight that there were two occasions he re- o ’clock in the morning till eight o ’clock 31 Parsiana September 1987 J i i! - i -It II“I f t) vii B fr fi II 1 I * *1 4 'i ,1 ’i 1 ,l 1 ! ’1 1 I ft t •* '' r i: hl ‘f X '4> f¦*< If Sv ¦] Have you ever looked at the energy crisis ds an opportunity ? >x«K-»«w-; %x» ^-^w5 :.->K^*'44>>t< ’ v'* •**-« Ps' i>‘> X ''»3 Rather than look at the energy crisis as a crisis, we decided to look at it as an opportunity. 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THERMAX PRIVATE LIMITED,THERMAX HOUSE, 4 BOMBAY PUNE ROAD, SHIVAJINAGAR, PUNE 411005. ir THERMAX Rediffusion/T/2336Rb ribThe seniormost teacher in the music department, Dastur joined the Bom ­ bay University in 1969. At present there are four gurus, each from diffe ­ rent gharanas, teaching students their individual styles, though students are allowed to choose the gharana they wish. Started originally as a two-year diploma course, the University nOw offers a three-year degree. A teacher is allotted eight students, each of whom is taught for half an hour every day, and though the course includes both lectures and practical, Dastur himself teaches just the practicals. “Because of the several media, peo ­ ple khas karine (especially) Maharash ­ trians, are taking to classical music in great numbers. But the younger gen ­ eration is more ambitious and wants to come up quicker onto the platform, not like in the older days, ” says Das ­ tur. Nevertheless, many of Dastur ’s pupils are now singers themselves and perform on stage, better known among them being Ms Sudha Divekar, A.K. Abhyankar, Ms Dhanashree Pundit and Ms Vrinda Munkad, Asked whether he had any Parsi stu ­ dents, Dastur recalled that two boys had approached him for lessons, but while one finally took up the sitar, the other “who really had talent and could have done it ” took up his father ’s busi ­ ness, which left him no time to concen ­ trate on singing, “That is the problem with the Parsi community, ” noted Dastur sadly. He admits, however, “Taking up a career in music is, to my mind, taking a chance in these days, unless one is right into it from a tender age and has the aptitude and sound grounding. Just music as a career is rather risky. ” Having been in the field of classical singing for 56 years, Dastur says it is all due to his father Bejonji Dastur, who was “extremely fond of classical music ... He saw talent in me and en ­ couraged me. He was fond of singing natya sangeet (songs from dramas) though he had never learnt (that). ’ Since the time 1 was seven to eight years old he used to teach me these songs and he saw I had the gift. ” In 1932, J.B.H. Wadia, the doyen of Indian cinema, and founder of Wadia Movietone, wanted an actor who was able to sing just one song in his film Lal-e-Yaman (“because there were no playback singers in those days, ” ex ­ plains Dastur) but after hearing Das- Dastur fright) receiving the award from the then vice-president of India, R. Venkataraman tur, he increased the role of the singer to incorporate new scenes and new songs. The movie was a success and for four years after that, Dastur worked as an actor in Wadia ’s company. [Born as Ferdoon Dastur on September 30, 1919 (nicknamed Freddy by his family and friends) Dastur acquired the Mus ­ lim name, Firoz, for the films. Firoz is also the name of one of Dastur ’s four brothers, who expired in 1983.] “Soon I began to receive offers from many other producers even though I continued to work for Wadia Movietone...! used to love acting, but I was never interested in film music, only classical music. I only sang clas ­ sical songs. ” During his 13-year career in films, Dastur acted in 17, the last of which, Gul-e-Bakauli was directed by Rustomji Mody, the elder brother of noted actor Sohrab Mody. “After the (Second World) War, huge handsome-looking Punjabis in ­ vaded the film world and they found me physically... ” Dastur shrugged, groping for the right word to explain why he left the world of films. “My approach to music was just my love for it. 1 had no idea what career would come out of it...Though in my film days I was the highest paid artiste, after I was out of the film line I did have hard days also. But at that time my father was a billiard champion and used to run a billiard saloon, and my other brothers (Dastur is the youngest of five brothers) were earning. ” Later, on the advice of Wadia, Das ­ tur learnt from Sawai Gandharva, the celebrated pupil of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, the doyen of the Kirana gharana. “For three-and-a-half years, from Monday to Friday, I used to learn from guruji who would come to my house, ” noted Dastur, adding that the one hour daily session would ex ­ tend to two or three hours, depending on Gandharva ’s mood! The classes started somewhat un-. conventionally. When asked to sing, so as to enable the guru to assess his voice, the student sang a film song based on the Bhairavi raga. The tutor was obviously impressed, for he im ­ mediately started Dastur on that raga - one which is usually taught much la ­ ter as the student progresses, and which is sung to mark the end of a re ­ cital. Says Dastur of his guru, “For his presentation and rendering I couldn ’t compare anyone to Sawai Gandharva. Different ragas I learnt from my two other teachers. ” Dastur had his prim ­ ary training from K.D. Jaokar and la ­ ter from Pandit Balkrishnabuwa Kapi- lashwari. If a radio concert can be regarded as a public recital, Dastur first performed for All India Radio in 1939. (Dastur has been a regular AIR artist for 28 years.) He also had the opportunity to sing before private audiences orga ­ nized by Sawai Gandharva. However, Dastur ’s first major concert was at the All India Music Conference in Karachi, in 1939, where he got the opportunity to sing along with estab ­ lished artistes like Sawai Gandharva, Gangubai Hangal and Faiyaz Khan. Notes Dastur of his entry into the world of music, “I have always been well-accepted by audiences - maybe due to my sound training and ability - and I was always accepted as a good artiste by every top-notcher (in the field). ” Dastur, a bachelor and a vegetarian, is also interested in chess and repairing mechanical objects, especially watch- He has read the works of philo ­ sopher J. Krishnamurti and acknow ­ ledges that his outlook on life has undergone a significant change as a re ­ sult of Krishnamurti ’s influence. Says noted critic Gurudev Sharan, in his mammoth three serial article on Dastur in The Economic Times, September 26, October 3 and 10, 1982;“Dastur is content with concen ­ trating on the spirit of his chosen raga and does it with distinction. Sweetness is the keynote of his music and an un ­ canny, tranquil grace marks its unfold ­ ing. In his case we can truly say that his music reflects his personality. ” es. ¦¦r 1. I ¦I J Ij I i I 33 Parsiana September 19871 L A t, ! PEOPLE This damn tumor. Despite timely financial aid from the community,the outcome of Meher Jal's fight against illness is still not determined Parinaz Toddywalla the third vertebra for the third time in the course of 12 months, needed to be excised by the surgeon ’s knife at Bom- The inconveniences of the journey on the return flight to Bombay on Janu ­ ary 31, 1987 could not dim Meher Jal ’s eagerness. The 26-year-old Bombay bay ’s Bhatia Hospital in April this resident, whose illness had necessi ­ tated a fund-raising drive in the com ­ munity, was looking forward to being reunited with her family, and especial ­ ly her one-and-a-half-year-old son Pashan. She had not seen her baby for the past five months while she was in the United States undergoing two op ­ erations for the removal of a tumor. But the happiness was transient, for, a short while after her return to Bom ­ bay, Meher recognized the old symp ­ toms again. “Though I was not ex ­ erting, pain in the lower back region had started again. I first tried to re ­ lieve it with hot water bags and pain ­ killers, but when it became ekdam (ex ­ cessively) severe I would have to sit through the night instead of lying ter the third operation I was very de ­ down. Our family physician advised pressed because I did not regain any mother is confined to the bed, little that I should be re-examined by Dr sensation in my legs. ” She had lost in- Pashan keeps aloof, maintaining a re- Suresh Vengsarkar, who diagnosed terest in reading, though earlier she spectable distance from her hospital the cause of the pain to be arising from was regarded as a bookworm. bed, except when he gets so carried compression of the nerves. ” Since the fourth month of her pre ­ gnancy, Meher had suffered acute despondency seems to be lifting as her Parsiana visited Meher on July 7, back pain due to an aneurysmal bone physiotherapy sessions with Zenobia Pashan was determined to wear his cyst. After the birth of her baby boy, unsuccessful attempts were made to operate on Meher in India, and to physiotherapy was started on the re- Meher turn on the bed. In a rare mo- arrest the growth of the tumor with commendation of oncologist Dr Darab ment of visible frustration, she cried cobalt ray treatment. Consultations Jussawala. out to her family members, “Will you ’ with eminent surgeons indicated that '" * - - - ........................ - - her condition was “getting critical and reading light romantic stories to divert with a wan smile which momentarily lit there are chances of getting paralyzed if foreign treatment is denied, ” Meher had written in her appeal of June ’86 work and cable TV programs until ex- little one, he will grow up to be a spoilt addressed to the readers of Parsiana hau,stion forces her to take a break, child. ” and philanthropic community orga- Meher ’s ears are constantly on the Meher ’s back complications started nizations, many of whom financially alert for the sound of the slamming of at the age of 24 when, as a mother-to- helped Meher ’s family. The tumor, which had recurred on year. In 1986 doctors in India had advised Meher to undergo surgery at the Sloane Kettering Memorial Hos ­ pital in New York. However, this year Dr Vengsarkar - rated among the best surgeons in India - felt the urgent need change in his medical advice. Pain to remove the tumor in Bombay when keeps her unwanted company for the Meher ’s legs started getting paralyzed greater part of the day until the daily and her bowel movements were res- bedtime pain relieving injections are tricted. A biopsy of the kidney-tray given. sized tumor showed it to be malignant, which was not the case in the two ear- movements of her toddler son, Pashan lier operations in the States. It was - the name means ‘bright and intelli- noticed that the cancer cells were gent, ’ she informs - Meher would spreading to the second vertebra also, periodically enquire of her mother Sil- Meher revealed the incision marks on loo Aderbad, “Is he sleeping in the the left side of her frail skeletal body, center of the bed? ” or “Have you and the memories made her add, “Af- made him wear his shoes? ” Unable to understand why his Indirectly keeping a vigil on the was regarded as a bookworm. Advised total bed rest for three away with his own activities that he months after the operation, Meher ’s does not realize where he is. When Katrak, also of Rustom Baug, show grandma ’s “tappals (chappals) ” as she some progress in her right leg. The and the maidservant were helping Jussawala. Meher now spends her hours in bed, all please go out of the room? ” Then, her attention from the realities of life, up her attractive, delicate features, she and listlessly watching national net- continued, “If I am not strict with the Meher ’s ears are constantly on the a car door, which could signify a home be, she started experiencing agonizing visit by Dr VengSarkar, and a possible backaches. Initially dismissing it as a 35 Parsiana September 1987 sV 'i 4 • 1' I' i' t I_ ; my departure, they had a khushalinu appeal solicking funds to help defray (thanksgiving) jashan followed by a . ¦ party in my honor... ekdam gher ni kani joi (made me feel totally at home). ” After Meher ’s return, they have been enquiring regularly about and Daisy Presswalla, donors abroad, and the community ’s interest in her welfare, are also fondly acknow- lakhs of rupees in response to the Meher ’s medical costs. Meher feels be- possible correlative of pregnancy, or the after-effects of a bike accident, Meher tried to ignore the pain. Soon it started immobilizing her, compelling holden to her benefactors because her absence from her office,Colour- i _ Chem. Though she was not willing to been auic lu iiiaiiag,v, ----- ------ "‘Tlu ° \ 7 i? v be X-raved during the period of her family maintains a notebook, listing her progress. The assistance of Paruk UV zx & r z _______ ______ Pr<>ccwQlln rlnnnr<; abroad. without their help “I would not have been able to manage, ” she says. The 1- I’ i; Hi jin ¦11 u I 11 ')l ¦ ¦If f i'l l J r il a C ! Unable to understand why his mother is confined to the bed, little Pashan keeps aloof from Meher X- donors who generously contributed to ­ wards the medical expenses. Recalls her mother, “Some would come perso ­ nally to our doorstep; many sent us ledged. financial help by post. We received a very good responsq* from the residents of Rustom Baug. ”’i ------------------ Presently residirig with her parents hospitals: At the Sloane, on the night at Rustom Baug, Meher looks forward prior to the operation, after all the to her husband Hoshang ’s evening routine tests, a doctor would come and visits. He is able to spend full days explain the surgical procedure to her, with her only on holidays as he is em- showing her the dummy operation on ployed in the inspectorate of central the video to put her at ease. The post ­ excise from where he had to absent operative care, where she was handled himself for five months to accompany so gently and considerately in contrast Meher to the States, ^very night to the occasional rough treatment Hoshang returns to the paying guest meted out to patients in India, really accommodation where he and Meher impressed her. used to reside until her condition ne- Believing that the root of her prob- cessitated dependence on another per- lem had been eradicated, Meher is son. Meher ’s mother, who was former- naturally disappointed with .Dr Veng- ; :_i a Tata Textiles\show- sarkar ’s verdict in Bombay. While she room, has now given up her job to waits to see if the third operation and look after Meher and her grandson, the prescribed bed rest will help im- Comparing the medical attention in the States with that received in India, Meher relives her visits to the various pregnancy, the persistence of the pains after Pashan ’s birth forced her to seek medical advice. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Parvez Hakim and neurosurgeon ly working in Dr Gajendra Sinh considered the op- i prAtion too complicated to be man- 1^^^^., unv. • * aged in India as the tumor was located While the mother is constantly by her prove her condition, Meher reminisces in a very rare position. Dr K.V. bedside in the daytime, at night Meh- of her life as a teenager when she was Chaubal was the only one willing to er ’s father and Pashan sleep m the dating Hoshang. Her vivacious, u operate in India, Meher remembers, same bedroom. 5 loving, party-enjoymg personality nev- So taking the majority opinion, they Meher is grateful that her family er expected that her frolicking dreams decided to operate on Meher in the members eentlv nurse her, even toler- would be shattered so soon. In the ear- States, informed her mother. Next came the hurdle of raising fi­ nance. A deposit of $6,000 had to be paid in advance against C----- :----- cost of the operation. ------- , In the first operation, performed by was holding on to her daughter s legs Dr Ralph Marcove, the diseased ver- as she settled into a more comfortable tebra was reached by cutting open position , the sound of the doorbell di- Meher from the front. The bone graft, verted her attention to the mam door, wiring and cement had to be kept in With a feeling of inadequacy Meher place by wearing a fiber brace. After got upset, “Look here first, then look seven radiation sittings, the graft at the door. ’’ In response, the mother to recontact the surgeon after a time face. . ¦ ¦ Seeing her family s kindness bedside in the daytime, at night Meh ­ er ’s father and Pashan sleep in the same bedroom. ' Meher is grateful that her family members gently nurse her, even toler- ------ ating her occasional rudeness when the ly stages of her pregnancy Meher had pain gets too unbearable. She needs __ _________ help to change her position on the bed the estimated and to meet all her other physical needs. Once, when Meher ’s mother place by wearing a started crumbling, so Meher was asked only had a look of empathy on her lapse. When immedTate regrowth “of Seeing her family ’s kmdriess re- this damn tumor ” - the only time she minds Meher of her^ used strong words - i-------------- second operation in the States, urgent messages were t — Arrangements had to more money to be credited to the Hos ­ pital, because without a <’ . Hospital is not expected to accept surgical case, explained Meher. Friends, community ir.c~b?i different trusts donated nearly seven Many sent us financial help by post and some would personally de iver it at our doorstep / / f 9 necessitated a Yasmin and Jamshed Ghadially, who " t housed Meher and Hoshang at their sent to her parents. Long 1------------------- be made for without expecting anything m return. deposit the for the guest room, would have dinner in our room 1 ' . them in the dining room; Yasmin, members .and being a dentist, would change my dres- - c- „ sings herself; and finally, on the eve of others for everything. a 36 Parsiana September 1987 Island residence for five months planned to resume her job after her new born settled down with a hve-in Wlllivut S.AUVVUH5 v*<***^ - --------------------------- 4.U “In fact, they bought a TV especially maid, “not expecting my mother to LVM..., give up hers for my sake. But, for the knowing I couldn ’t join present, Meher would be content if give up hers for my sake. ” But, for the she could walk around with a stick. “I feel I am so young...and dependent onI; WELFARE ¦•4 The unwanted woman? Despite the Bombay Parsi Punchayet's efforts to locate her family, Nergish still remains unidentified 1 Roxana H. Kaka “It ’s a mystery; we don ’t know (who through sign language with a few unin- The following morning, the panth- she is and where she ’s from), ’’said Ms telligible words thrown in. When aky of the Agiary, Ervad Ratanshaw GooJ Tata, joint secretary of the Bom- asked in Gujarati, the only language Panthaky, phoned Mithoo Jesia and bay Parsi Punchayet (BPP). She was she seems to understand, "'Mummy sought her help. Hurrying over to the referring to the unidentified woman, kah cheT' (where is your mother?), Agiary, Jesia first tried to question the assumed dumb, found wandering the Nergish puts both her palms under her girl. On failing to elicit any answer, streets of the Mancherji Joshi Colony ear and tilts her head to one side, as if Jesia handed her a pen and paper, at Dadar on the night of June 15. to say that her mother is sleeping or is hoping that she would convey her The woman, who is in her early twen- presumably dead. And when asked ab- antecedents or some other information ties and who responds to the name ‘Ner- out her father, Nergish hits herself on in that manner. But all the girl pro- gish, ’is lodged at the Parukh Dharam- her hand. One gets the message that duced were illegible scribblings, and shalla for the elderly at Khareghat Col- he hits her, notes Tata. they gave up their attempts as futile, ony. The home is run by the BPP. After Nergish ’s arrival at the Dhar- When Panthaky and Jesia took the Living in a dormitory with the other amshalla, Tata ’s next step was to in- girl inside the Agiary, she seemed to Dharamshalla inmates, Nergish “is form the police. She wrote to the recognize the photograph of the like a small child; she has temper tan- Assistant Commissioner of Police, but prophet, for “she rushed over to it and trums, ” said Tata, while talking to the police could gather no information bowed, ’’ recounts Jesia. This seemed Parsiana on August 20, 1987. “When about either Nergish ’s home or her to indicate that she was a Parsi. she came, she had no sense of personal family. Thereafter the BPP contacted Nerpsh was found in a bad physical hygiene. ’’ If anyone tried to correct all the Irani bakeries on Lamington condition. Her legs, reported Jesia,were her, she would fly into a rage and tear Road because, according to Tata, the swollen and festering, so Dr Behram up her clothes and the bedsheets, girl looks like an Irani. However, no- ” ' Now, however, she has “calmed down body identified young Nergish. and has adjusted well. She knows she ’ „ . is being loved and she is really happy meet Nergish at the Parukh Dharam- As they weren ’t sure what to do there, ” noted Tata with a smile. Hav- shalla, the BPP declined it on the next, Jesia phoned the BPP who, she to say that her mother is sleeping or is hoping that she would convey her After Nergish ’s arrival at the Dhar- Bunshaw, a Dadar colony doctor, was summoned to examine her. He reported- and has adjusted well. She knows she When Parsiana sought permission to ly found her undernourished, is being loved and she is really happy meet Nergish at the Parukh Dharam- ing become more hygienic, Nergish grounds that no purpose would be says, was very helpful. After receiving has learnt to take care of the clothes served since the woman was dumb and BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla ’s per ­ given to her by the BPP. in no condition to grant an interview, mission to take charge of the case. Once Nergish settled down in the According to Ms Mithoo Jesia, a so- Nergish was lodged at the Parukh Dharamshalla, she was examined by cial worker who resides in the Dadar Dharamshalla on Hughes Road, an ENT specialist, a psychiatrist, and colony, Nergish was first spotted by a where she has been ever since. - the Dharamshalla ’s doctor, Minoo N. group of boys sitting on the railings of When asked what was in store for Tata. The BPP also plans to have Ner- the garden at Khareghat Road. On Nergish, Tata said that they planned to gish take an IQ test, says Gool Tata. asking her who she was looking for, put her in another institution, because A voracious eater, Nergish demands and from where she had come or “the Dharamshalla, being reserved for food by banging her plate on the table wanted to go, they discovered that she the old and destitute, she would not be at any hour of the day and,when repri- was unable to speak intelligibly. Since allowed to stay there for a long time. ” manded by the kitchen staff for this it was around 11 pm, they felt that it This would probably mean a shift to behavior,is satisfied with a biscuit or wasn ’t safe for her to be out on the Asha Daan, Mother Teresas Home two from one of the inmates, explained road alone. So, Sarosh Ichchaporia for sick destitutes and handicapped Tata, giving a picture of Nergish ’s adjustments to Dharamshalla life. The girl might have been speaking just a stone ’s throw away, the doors fondness for her? Says Tata with a sigh normally at one time and may have of thb Agiary being closed at that of resignation, “The sisters of mercy lost the power of speech due to sho- hour, the boys left her on the veran- (Missionaries of Charity) are always ck, says Tata. Nergish communicates dah, where she spent the night. there to look after her. ” and Kaikobad Irani took the girl to the children, at Byculla. And what about R.N. Rustom Framna Agiary which is the people who have developed a 4- ¦j i '1 ¦I 37 Parsiana September 1987'¦r- ¦' r; I I pi I I fl ¦ 9 I : I I i-i 8 i/ IL MILESTONES The data on births, marriages the 94 Parsis who died in Bom- and deaths has been compiled bay. The next most important from information provided by killers were pneumonia various anjumans in India and (claiming 15), diseases of the abroad, courts and hospitals, brain and nerves (10), hyper ­ Sheriyar Dehmirr, August 28 A girl to Dilnavaz and Farokh Raisi-, August 31 400012; August 4 Coomi Rustomji Mody (80), Evergreen, Dadiseth rT , J , V—...... o —— Chowpatty, 400007; August 4 abroad, courts and hospitals, brain and nerves (10), hyper- Married Dina Hormusji Shaw (33), The list of marriages from the tension (eight), and old age BiZimoria, daughter of Kwality Hse, Kemps Corner, Bombay High Court may only and debility (eight). Others Zarine and Jehangir Cumballa Hill, 400036; be received in October. succumbed to cancer, kidney . . _ . The information gathered is failure, gastroenteritis and not always uniform. For exam- jaundice. Diabetes, arthritis pie, the list of Bombay deaths and an accident claimed one pertains overwhelmingly to victim each. A 33-day-old those who were consigned to baby girl and two persons in the dokhmas (in this issue we f ' ‘ ' have the first listing of a Bom- community. This breakdown of the causes of death is limited to August 1 Server Mehwan Irani (71), Devidas Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; August 1 Sorabji Dorabji Balsara (72), 15, Wadia Bldg, Old only accepts information for Khareghat Colony, Hughes . ' - • ---- J Rd, 400007; August 2 from an anjuman, renowned Khorshed Rustomji Battivalla (80), 618, Jam-e-Jamshed Rd, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; August 2 were gastroenteritis and Zarine and Jehangir Bilimoria, and Tarique Ansari, August 4 son of Rukya and Khalid Ansari, August 7 Died Sorabji Rustomji Engineer their 30s were also lost to the (80), residing at Rawalpindiwalla Bldg, B Block, 4th Fl, 400004; on bay case where the body was cremated), and there too, though the addresses were Bombay as Parsiana has re ­ known, the names of the fami- ceived no information on the ly members were not. From subject from other anjumans. other anjumans we have In order to ensure the au- gathered names of family thenticity of the data, Parsiana members but no addresses. < ' The information largely per- publication if it is received tains to the preceding month, f yet in the case of outstation Parsi institution, court or gov- anjumans we have incorpo- ernment authority, rated news of happenings which may be considered mated, dated. Marriages of inter ­ community couples as well as ly with the information, children born of such unions, are listed. The data is being presented city-wise, the events being veracity of the report would be listed in the city where they required. We occurred, in chronological and alphabetical order. Heart disease claimed 31 of have of BOMBAY Born A girl, Tahmineh, to Zinnia and Mehernoosh Khajotia on May 21, 1987, sister to Taronish and Arish A boy to Khurshid and Borni Mistry, August 4 A girl to Bakhtavar and Parvez Mistry, August 9 A girl to Benaz and Cyrus Bajina; August 10 A boy to Nursha and Phiroze Dadachanji', August 10 A girl to Zarin and Khushroo Pithavala', August 10 A boy to Behroze and Jimmy Khof, August 13 A girl to Daisy and Pavan Kumar Tiwarr, August 15 38 Parsiana September 1987 When a deceased is cre- would Meherwanji Gustadji appreciate if the family mem ­ bers could approach us direct- Parsiana Siganporia (73), 15/17, Patel Hse, Nawab Tank Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; August 2 Piroja Minocher Antia (82), No 15, Wadia Bldg, Aderji Pallonji Taraporevalla (86), Cozy Bldg, Gowalia Tank Rd, 400036; August 4 Khorshed Homi Dalal (66), 266, Patel Bldg, Girgaum, 400004; August 5 Shirin Manekji Engineer (80), A-1, Jamshed Mansion, Tardeo Rd, 400007; August 5 Homai Kaikhushru Irani (75), A-7, Vanashri, L.T. Rd, Borivli (W), 400092; August 5 Khorshed Adeshir Makhania (77), 703, Menka, J.P. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; August 5 Homai Cawashaw Billimoria (86), 601 Cumballa Crest, 42 Pedder Rd, 400026; August 6 Soli Maneckshaw Dotiwalla (58), Block A, Shanti Mahal, S.V.Rd, Borivli (W), 400092; August 6 Soli Jamshedji Marfatia (74), Dosibai Home, Behind Masina Hospital, Byculfa, 400027; August 6 Mani Framroze Mody (84), Keval Mahal, Flat No A/9, 64 Marine Drive, 400020; August 6 If readers have any informa ­ tion they would like published, some proof to ensure the Khareghat Colony, Hughes Rd, 400007; August 3 Jehangir Meherwan Ary ana (79), Khorshed Villa, Murbad Rd, Kalyan; August 3 Goolbanu Kekee Balsara (83), Jal Kaikhusru Press (70), Fariyas, C-1-143, Cumballa Hill, A. Kranti Marg, 400036; August 3 Cooverji Cawasji Damania (68), 275, Batliwala Bldg, Zoroastrian Colony, Tardeo Rd, 400007; August 3 Roshan Kaiki Medhora (65), 14, Station Terrace, Sleater Rd, 400007; August 3 Jal Nusserwanji Billimoria (78), Ripon Bldg, 2nd Fl, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; August 4 Freny Burjor Dhalla (73), 83, Goolrukh, Worli Sea Face, 400025; August 4 Kolamai Darabshaw Elavia (78), F.D. Petit Sanatorium, Room No 8, Warden Rd, 400036; August 4 Jahangir Byramji Master (70), M/7, Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, Dadi Jamshedji Karanjia (71), are sure our readers will appreciate this re ­ quirement and cooperate with us. A girl to Delna and Persis Banaji', August 17 A boy to Meher and Noshervan Jehangir-, August 19 A girl to Bepsy and Kersi Kutar, August 20 A girl to Lilly and Yezdi Motiwala-, August 20 A girl to Goolrukh and Vispi Buhariwala-, August 21 A girl to Shiraz and Marzban Italia-, August 25 A boy to Nargis and Gave Palkiwala-, August 26 A boy to Hutoksi and Farokh Pare/; August 27 A boy, Jim, to Lalerookh and Jimmy Sarbh-, August 27 A boy to Dilnavaz and Kama Hse, 36 Mangalore St, 400038; August 6 Jamshedji Furdoonji Billimoria (71), Sainara, Flat No 42,17 Cuffe Parade, 400005; August 7 Banu Nusserwanji Elavia (75), A-5 Rustom Baug, Byculla, 400027; August 7 Perin Rustomji Kapadia (72), Shalimar, Marine Drive, 400020; August 7 Piroja Cawasji Khambatta (85), Tardeo Terrace, 239 Tardeo Rd, 400007; August 7 Hoshi Pestonji Thanewatla (49), 19 Jam-e-Jamshed Bldg, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; August 7 Meherjee Savaksha Daruwalla (67), 33/P, Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; August 8 ...Unwalla Bldg, Marzban Colony, 10 Gilder Lane, 400008; Augusts Cyrus Jal Daver (33), 91-A Miramar, Napean Sea Rd, 400036; August 9 Bachan Kaikhushroo Jassawalla (76), 613, Dinshaw August 18 Bldg, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; August 9 Unidentified person (around 50); August 9 Pirojshaw Edulji Kolah (83), 168 Pardiwala Bldg, Bora Baz^r St, Fort, 400001; August 10 Tehmina Minocher Lalkaka (90), Concorde Apts, Bandra, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; 400050; August 10 Sam Dadabhoy Mehta (49), Wassiamall Bldg, D Block, Grant Rd, 400007; August 10 Nargez Boman Printer (76); Magnum Bungalow, Unit No 3, Andheri, 400058; August 10 (Irani) (65), 4/10, Tata Mills Ardeshir Hormusji Palkhiwalla (86), Rock View, Raghavji Rd, Gowalia Tank, 400036; August 11 Goolbanoo Sorab Azarmi (70), Ruby Terrace, Room 8, 37 Colaba Rd, 400005; August 695 Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi 12 Colony, Dadar, 400014; Dinshawji Jamshedji Bahdurji August 21 (95), 32/B, Sterling Apts , Dina Meherji Mistry (87), Pedder Rd, 400026; August 12 Vijay Kusum Bldg, Old Modi Banoo Bapuji Lalkaka (90), St, Fort, 400001; August 22 Sea-gull, 601 Sherly Rajan Rd, Kaikhushroo Dhunjibhoy Bandra, 400050; August 12 Aban Behram Engineer (38), Kings Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parel, 400012, August 14 Dilshad Boman Mahva (61), Aziz Bldg, 135 Tardeo Rd, 400034; August 14 Perin Rusi Master (51), Crystal Mota Mans, Room 6, Tardeo, Colony, Soonawalla Agiary Marg, Mahim 400016; August 14 Mamai Hirjibhoy Dubash (83), C-4, Cusrow Baug, S.B.Rd, Colaba, 400039; August 15 Ratanbai Dinshawji Surveyor (92), Nazir Hse, Kemps Corner, 400026; August 15 Homi Jehangir Saklatwala (56), C/o Nicholson Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo Rd, 400034; Dastoor Bungalow, Naigaum, August 16 Jehangir Framji Charna (88), Wadia Bldg, 254 Princess St, 400002; August 17 Hormasji Dossabhoy Vesuna (73), 676, Faredun Terrace, Wadala, 400031; August 17 Aloo Burjorji Antia (71), Silver Oaks, 45-A, Bhulabhai Desai Rd, 400026; August 18 Rusi Edelji Garda (80); Bhikhamai Peshotan Sanjana (89), B/3, New Khareghat Colony, Babulnath Rd, 400007; August 18 Rohinton Kaikhushroo Vakil (65), No 15, Khareghat Colony, Hughes Rd, 400007, August 18 Mehra Rustam Joshi (86), 762 August 19 Motamai Rustomji Bangali (81), Cama Bldg, Marzban Colony, Gilder Lane, 400008; August 20 Sorab Rustom Dilawarnijad Co-op Hsg Soc, Parel, 400012; August 21 Rustomji Burjorji Fitter (68), Sir Ratan Tata Colony, No 1/ 11, Tardeo, 400034; August 21 Sheramai Burjorjee Patel (80), St, Fort, 400001; August 22 Mody (96), 18, Abbas Bldg, Jalbhoy St, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, 400004; August 22 Jal Framroz Bamji (84), 14, Wadia St, Bhandari Bldg, Tardeo, 400034; August 23 Phiroz Rustom Moghal (64), ( 400007; August 23 Koomi Homee Nowrojee (60), 781, M,J.Rd, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; August 23 Rustomji Edulji Patel (85), 41/ 47, Copper Smith Rd, Dockyard Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; August 23 Dossabhai Bhikhaji Sarkari (70), G-7, Nowroze Bang, Lalbaug, 400012; August 23 Meher Pestonji Dhondy (83), Cross Rd, Dadar, 400014; August 24 Sorabji Darasha Bharucha (67), Spencer Lodge, New Kantwadi Rd, Bandra, Dahanu Rd; August 29 400050; August 25 Female baby of Farida Kersi Shavakshaw Cawasji Italia Daruwalla (33 days) , 301 £80), B/31, Pipewalla Bldg, 4th Krishna, 167 Sher-e-Punjab " * ’ Co-op Hsg Soc, Mahakali Rd, Andheri (E), 400093; August 30 Adi Dosabhai Karani (55), 185 Firdos Bldg, Lamington Rd, 400007; August 30 Vispee Framroze Spencer (5A), Irani Bldg, 36 Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; August 30 Coomi Dorabji Vesuna (66), Sir Ratan Tata Colony, 1/7, Tardeo Rd, 400034; August 30 Sam Byramji Tukina (85), D/ 3, Dalal Estate, Lamington Rd, 400008; August 31 Pasta Lane, Colaba, 400005; August 25 J er Kaikhushru Major (79), P- 17, Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; August 25 Adal Bomanji Parakh (72), Sanghi Hse, 94 Napean Sea Rd, 400006; August 25 (cremated) Ratamai Ratanshaw Doctor (83), N-5 Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; August 26 Burjor Shavakshaw Toorkey (79), 44 Perry Rd, Bandra, 400050; August 26 Tehmina Kaikhushroo Ghodawala (91), D-3/5 Khira Nagar, S.V.Rd, Santacruz, 400054; August 27 Bomanji VirafPavri (80), 102 Dadiseth Agiary Lane, 400002; August 27 Hirabai Kaikhushroo Sarkari (71), Readymoney Bldg, Parsi Colony, Dadar 400014; August 27 Dadi Jehangir Vacha (70), Cuffe Castle, Cuffe Parade, 400005; August 27 Banoo Rustomji Vesuna (87), Readymoney Bldg, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; August 27 Dinabai Kaiyoji Bhesadia (86), C/o Mr Panthaky, Presswala Bldg, Grant Rd 400007; August 28 Aspendiar K. Irani (95), Irani Bldg, 2/F Dhuswadi, Dhobitalao, 400002; August 28 Sapurji Marvan Irani (85), 30, Todiwalla Bldg, Sun Mill Rd, Lower Parel, 400013; August 28 Fali Hormasji Sumariwalla (58), Jam-e-Jamshed Bldg, Flat 11, Dadar, 400014; August 28 Minocher Manekji Cooper (75), Parsi Punchayet Staff Quarters, Doongerwadi, 400006; August 29 Rustomji Cawasji Framji (69), 39, Shivlal Motilal Bldg, Lamington Rd, 400008; August 29 Faredoon Hormusji Irani (74), Dev Chaya, H.K. Marg, ! CALCUTTA Died Adi Mancherji Khursigara (59), brother of Homi, Hosi, Dina Katrak and the late Mehroo Bhoori and Jehangir; August 17 CHICAGO Born A boy, Cyrus, to Khorshed and Marazban Vandrewalw, July 19 IPSWICH Born A boy, Farhad, to Indira and Darius Anklesaria\ August 3 KARACHI Died Jamshed D. Taraporewala (64); July 9 DosabhoyN. Cooper (88); July 18 ZalS.D. Contractor (76); July 29 POONA Died Dinbai Dinshaw Bharucha (84) ; August 3 Perin Keki Nicholsaon (73); August 16 Shirin Sorab Irani (73); August 29 Pilamai Tehmurasp Cooper (85); August 28 Dinbai Dhanjisha Meherji (77); August 30 Compiled by Arnavaz S. Mama 39 Parsiana Sep tember 1987I"' i t ! . I tablish truth, honesty and integrity,and right path ordained by Ahura Mazda - the possess these qualities and who have liberate your people from ignorance. Continued from page 6 tablish truth, honesty and integrity,and right path ordained by Ahura Mazda - ployed to make it impossible for place at the helm of affairs those who the path of righteousness. As a King, Shahpur Captain to remain in the possess these qualities and who have liberate your people from ignorance, chair In sheer disgust, Mr Captain served us faithfully with love, devotion superstitions, deity worship and sacri- resigned as president and, later on, as and intelligence for years on end. fice of blood, and uplift them for the committee member. His resignation rumi sethna cause of humanity This was the lame was followed by the resignations of Dr horse that prophet Zarathrtust cured (Ms) Shirinbanoo Kutar, Dr Godaf- and not a lame animal. reed Irani, Ms Prochi Colabavala and Compromise Ill , ^hoSL’^usa myself. On reading “A compromise film I was witness to the animosity shown (Parsiana^ August 1986) by Arnavaz Jj| Jjg pjaQQ festival Shahpur Captain and feel that the observation on the film: community should be ashamed for It is a poor piece — no acting, no allowing the committee to let the photography. It is neither a film no^ a and intelligence for years on end. RUMI SETHNA Surrey, UK >» “A compromise film myself. On reading “A compromise film ’’ 1 ------------------------------ - . bv three committee members towards Mama, here are a few points of . A. • « <'1.1 . i1_ — I_______ __ xl—_ xLk n. 4^1 1 vm • community should be ashamed for affairs of our Association reach this documentary; just a poor sorry state. ’ , _ . . I did my utmost to repair the dam- entire Zarthusti community, age caused by the behavior of some members of the committee, butev- me, L ---- ---- — -------------- .. . ery effort of mine was thwarted. I too with a sudreh-kusti by his parents then resigned from the committee. When 150 odd members asked for a special general meeting to pass a vote take them off. of no confidence in the then commit- U* z~~......? tee (of which I was a member), the sudreh, a badyan (short shirt) as worn committee decided to save its skin by by our mobeds, and a pugree-like cap. legal means, at the expense of the 1Z - 7 hard-earned cash of the Association, practices, and dissatisfied with the rather than meet the members openly, elders who could not The committee ’s September 5, ! Shahpur Captain had overruled the ock as ( , committee and dictated that it appoint tated in all solemnity -- not like him as a t as shameful and disgraceful. The state ­ ments contained in that circular are -- ------r ----- ---------- - ------ . . , . ¦ - n,. totally untrue. Many who attended the been shown m all the grandeur and ress of students. The first prize for the special general meetings held on splendor befitting the dignity and hv Ak' September 14, 1986 and January 18, prosperity of ancient Iran. London-Bombay) donated by Air- 1987 and the annual general meeting Zarathrtust never called for fire India. held ’on November 30, 1986 went (physical) or did any tricks as depicted . Pyformance experience to cope home in sheer disgust at the behavior in the film. The real fire Zarathrtust with the problems of public recitals of those on the stage and many of the carried was the fire of his divine wis- .r. <>£ nnfnni.liHr s;..rroiind- members. The Association in the UK is a In celebration of 40 years of service to Poona ’s music lovers. The Poona Music Society has announced an All __________ , __ „ tableau India Piano Festival/Competition to be vivant injuring the pious feelings of the held in Poona from October 14 to 17, ¦ • . 1987. The correct depiction, according to i The concept of a music festival as me, is that Zarathrtust was invested opposed to a competition is a new one when he was around 10 years old, with individuals rather than as competitors, clear instructions that he should never Thus average students who seriously .x.T. apply themselves to their music, as He grew up wearing a knee-length well as those who are exceptionally . I talented, have the opportunity to par^ . ticipate. The five basic advantages of ' Much constrained by false religious participation are: ' 1 3 • Motivation to work towards a his finished performance, and to be evalu- ____ —t answer his tmisned periormance, anu lo uc cvaiu- dated que7ies, ’he^ serforth to find Truth in ated by a qualified individual other -______________than one ’s teacher. • Goals established and measured on individual merit as opposed to com- trustee can only be described tic swinging his head to and fro as petitive eliminations. Prizes at the fes-. - filmed. tival in the three categories - seniors. King Vishtaspa ’s court should have intermediates, juniors - signify prog- 's circular <____ , , 1986 stating that Mount Rae Vant - not a scraggy hill- depicted in the film. He medi- November 30, 1986 went (physical) or did any tricks as depicted ___ ______ ________ under pressure of unfamiliar surround- dom. After gruelling tests, Zarathrtust ings and the acquisition of self- was proclaimed pyghatnber, the mes- confidence. SMi^reiwoVrbody, and the main aim senger of Ahura Mazda. . Communication between young ; There arises no question of some pianists working towards similar goals. • • .p T-i— musical horizon is " • \ or of him%eing shamed and impris- broadened by hearing others ’ inter- only be achieved through oned and eating like one demented. i - • When Zarathrtust is shown curing a of other players. ............................ mes- between of the committee has been, and always ------ . . • u f should be, to hold the community bones being discovered from his abode The student s together, despite differences of views, or Gx ^,^...6,-------------------- r- - - ._ . This can only be achieved through oned and eating like one demented. pretations and recognizing the tale tolerance. Until recently, the com- When Zarathrtust is shown curing a of other players. munitv in the UK was united, happy lame horse, it reveals ignorance. Our • Graded repertoire that allows all stu- and prosperous. By injecting the poll- pristine prophet had vehemently de- dents an opportunity to progress in an tics of religion, the peace and harmony cried any such hocus pocus miracles, orderly manner. of ,he eoLunity ta London has been How then could he himself perform Those mterested m funher deta. destroyed. There are no good such magic? All these were fabrica- may write to. The Honorary Secret thoughts good words and good deeds tions to impress the ignorant laity, ary. The Poona Music Society, 372 If n.it in There never was a lame horse and no 1-2 North Mam Road, Koregaon Park, of the community in London has been How then could he himselt perform destroyed. There are no j in this. If this is what is carried out m the name of religion, then I aih ashamed to be a Zoroastrian. - . If unity, as prevailed previously, has hold oh King! You are riding a lame to be reestablished, then we musit rees- f y'' ” good such magic? All these were fabrica- There never was a lame horse and no such incident actually happened. Poona 411001. Zarathrtust told King Vishtaspa, “Be- Ms ROX^a d, anklesaria horse, you are going away from the Edited by NUooferJ. Madon 40 Parsiana September 1987