Oct 1987

PaW 1 ) i ? I 1 j I I H I. I I r, . .00^^ 5 ¦t ¦5 J »<• 4i > i; wsaEDITOR 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 uaroga OFFICE Rajendra Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia Lewis, Rajalakshmi Iyer, Bakhtavar Batliwalla October 1987 Volume 10 Number 4 3 Readers' Forum 9 Events and Personalities 15 Zoroastrians Abroad 18 BPP Youth Club by Niloofer Madon 25 Shield the field: The Dahanu movement 32 The courier concerns: Guzder and Dubash by Parinaz Toddywalla 39 Dr Hansotia: The delivering deity by Jeroo Irani 41 Milestones 43 In Memoriam Cover: Courier leaders DHL and Blue Dart 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 FFL. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort Bombay 400001. 1 Mi1 READERS’ FORUM l! ilg= !»>»»» ?mm hiHhhp t « M U » » » f I**!- - » > M Up* Ji oiinOMf tj:-; B ' lief. Nearly 100 percent of the younger is that you will be dubbed a heretic! generation are matriculates, nearly 70 Under the prevailing conditions, we percent graduates, and Karachi Parsis need not be surprised to read about spend nearly two and a half million the tribulations which the past/present rupees on the post graduate education trustees of the Tithal Sanatorium had/ of their youngsters in foreign universi- have to undergo (“A new scheme for ties. D .B. ’ ¦ - ?»»»»• ill Ki GHADiALY the Tithal Sanatorium property, ” Par- Karachi July 1987). This is the conclu ­ sion I could arrive at after going through Arnavaz Mama ’s interesting report on the Tithal tussle which may go on and on, for how many years and at what cost it is difficult to say. DARYUS PAVRI Keepers of the dead ” Tithal Sanatorium ...” You suggest a well-worked out plan, or a scheme, or recommend a blue ­ print for religious or social betterment and nine times, out of 10 you will be ­ come the target of unwarranted criti ­ cism of a handful of people. They are the ones craving publicity and they I was shocked to read the report on the seem to think that even adverse pub- nassessalars and their pathetic living licity is better than no publicity. conditions in “Keepers of the dead ” A century old infirmary is running at (Parsiana, June 1987). It is a disgrace a loss, but if you talk about selling it, for an advanced community like ours you become a revisionist. Talk about 1 ' ______ _______ : ____ implementing a meticulously worked own people; keep away from their so- our mobed sahebs, and you shall be them from entering places of worship, food to the poor and deserving, and ideas of segregation. ; ' _ ' ’ ’------ - ---------------: The official number of deaths as re­ Readers' views are welcome on any "’^ke a film depicting our corded by the Bombay Parsi Pun- subject of interest to the community prophet, some aspects of Iranian his- chayet (BPP) during the first quarter and should be sent to the Editor, Read- tory, om" rites and rituals, and the mo- of 1987 totalled 214; and the number ers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O.Box 892, rnent you make your ideas public, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to some people will proclaim from the editing for reasons of space and clarity, rooftops that our religion and com- . munity are in danger. In one o^he Parsi colonies in cen- Alternatives to...” Bomba^ i scheme prepared by their engineers of pallbearers. In your issue of June 1987, you have with a view to raise one floor on all the “ printed a letter by Phiroz Dotiwala, colony buildings, and thus accommo- lamenting the condition of Parsis in date about 60 more families. Howev- Pakistan. What I cannot understand is : ___ why Parsiana should publish statements (floor space index), the trustees were without verifying the facts. i ___________ ____ In the last three years only nine Par- vate road to the municipality in order si girls have married out of the faith to obtain the required additional FSI against 76 who have married Parsi and get the plans approved. But, in .boys. Compare these figures with stepped half a dozen faultfinders and, those of Delhi, Toronto, Los Angeles, on^r^ ----j - .y - or even Bombay and you will see the ceeded in obtaining a stay from the pallbearers either difference. The average income of a concerned authority! part-time basis. family is Pak Rs 5,000 per Again, half a dozen agiaries may be The other alternative is to abolish month, perhaps one of the highest in clustered together in an area where completely the system of pallbearers the subcontinent. A full-time mobed r -- ¦ • ; j_____; ;___ earns Pak Rs 3,000 per month; even a and bounds. But, if you plan to shift khandhia earns Pak Rs 2,000 per one of the padshahs to a suburb to ca- month plus benefits of subsidized ter to the religious needs of a sizeable housing, medical and educational re- “ I * * * f t J . Ji ? UH ¦F*1 (( V.Kiir: conditions in “Keepers of the dead ” for an advanced community like to shun an oppressed segment of our out scheme for improving the lot of called “unclean ” presence and bar sahebs, and you shall be them from entering places of worship, vilified. Start a project to give free The community should remove all you are bound to be sued in a court of law. Try to make a film depicting our of pallbearers in service, only 14. This means that such a small group disposes of almost 2.4 dead bodies per day. To overcome this problem of shortage of pallbearers, the BPP should introduce the trustees had got a social reforms to ameliorate this band The BPP should revise their month ­ ly salaries and give them provident fund facilities, offer them comfortable er, since there was no balance FSI housing, free education for their chil- ’ . ' dren, free medical help and leave pri- willing to hand over a part of their pri- vileges. Such schemes will not only im- .._x 1 . .. . , prove their economic conditions but will make them more conscious, sin­ cere and responsible to their assign ­ ments. This may also induce, some some flimsy grounds, they sue- needy members to join the band of _ , ¦ on a permanent or concerned authority! Again, half a dozen agiaries may be our population is decreasing by leaps and introduce a system of ‘self-service ’ as followed elsewhere in the country where there are no khandhias or nas- _ sessalars. One should not feel Parsi population there, the possibility ashamed to do this job. It has been 3 Parsiana October 1987BOYS’ TOWN Public School observed that due to non-availability of community members in remote places, sometimes the help of non ­ Parsis is taken to carry Parsi bodies. The latter suggestion would be more ideal and economical to the commun ­ ity in general. Looking to the present crisis, the rates fixed for the services rendered at the Doongerwadi are very reasonable, but one feels that the poor Parsis, whose family income is below Rs 800 per month or so, should either be exempted or given necessary con ­ cessions by the authorities. RATAN H. SAGAR Allahabad PERCY & KAIZAD ROADLINES PVT LTD Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excd- lent Climate — All-round Education : AU Academic Subjects —Tech ­ nical Subjects: Workshop. Tech ­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Fann ­ ing. Training in Sett-Government through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Games —Physical Train ­ ing — Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Week­ ly intensive Zoroastrian —Geeta- Koran classes — Excellent Modem Kitchen and Dining Room facilities — Airy Dormi­ tories. Moderate Fees. Freeships and Concessions to Deserving Students. Apply to — THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building. 324 Dr. D. N. Road,' Bombay 400 001. n >» The 11 days ’ controversy I have read Mr Darius Sethna ’s letter “The 11 days ’ controversy ” in the July 1987 issue of Parsiana. He has not con ­ tradicted any of my statements printed in Parsiana (January 1987) with the ex­ ception of one, namely that “a similar resolution was proposed by me (Seth- na) in 1977.” 1 stated then, and I reiterate emphatically that Mr D.N. Sethna never proposed any resolution prior to September 1985 and that this can be verified from the minutes of the committee of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE). Mr D. N. Sethna himself does not state the date of the meeting in which he proposed the resolution in 1977. Both the brothers, Darius and Zal Sethna, on the grounds of protecting “time honored customs, traditions... ” {Parsiana, July 1987) are now refusing to take a referendum of the Zoroas ­ trians of UK and Europe on this point. The only way to unite the community is to hold a referendum and publish the findings. Zoroastrians of UK and Europe, being fair-minded, will accept the decision of the community as a whole. I challenge the Sethna brothers and Mr Bailey Irani, president of the ZTFE to take the bold step for a re­ ferendum. SHAHPUR F. CAPTAIN Herts, UK Visit Lucknow The Lucknow Parsi Anjuman invites Parsi and Irani Zoroastrians to avail of its Dharamshala at Parakh Bagh, 6, Rustomji F. Bahadurjee Marg, Luck­ now. The Dharamshala consists of four independent rooms with attached bath-cum-toilet facilities. The lodging charge of Rs 10 per person per day includes electricity and 24 hours run- Transport Contractors & Fleet Owners Contractors To Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Pvt Ltd Goodyear India Limited U.P. Asbestos Limited Eastern Ceramic Limited Daily & Direct Service To Maharashtra, MP UP, Rajasthan Haryana & Delhi Chandigarh & Punjab Regd Office 111, Trapinex House 1st Floor Sholapur Street Bombay 400009 Residence 215674, 212885 Office 860913, 867531 8727831, 8518679 5 Parsiana October 1987 Als I fF .Q COMPANY fi I 'I H ii A t. Av US IATA Approved /jj Air Pamn 'th Air Cargo, Clearing, Forwarding, Sea-Air Service, Warehousing Agents. 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay-400 023. Cable: “JUSTITIA” Telex: 2313 Phone:2042032 BRANCHES: E.Merc House, 19/B, Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta-700 071. Phone:444711 “Jeena House”, 50, Hanuman Road, Connaught Circus, New Delni-110 001. Phone:310821 L\ I ning water. Ceiling fans, a new steel almirah and other essential furniture, fittings and fixtures are provided in all the rooms. Our mobed saheb, Ervad Darayus G. Bhadhe, besides his other duties, works as the manager of the Dharam- shala. He also supplies meals to the passengers. The per head boarding charges, consisting of morning and afternoon tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner will work out to approximately Rs 40 per day. For children below the age of 12, the boarding charges shall J be at half the regular rate. ’ Lucknow has a salubrious climate from October 15 to March 15. Winter is at its peak from December 15 to January 15. The Festival of Lucknow, organized by the Tourism Department of the State Government, takes place in the month of February each year. Lucknow has a number of gardens and historical places of archaeological im­ portance. The city is entirely free from industrial pollution. The Dharamshala and the Anjuman ’s residential proper ­ ty are centrally located, b.j . khodaiji President, Lucknow Parsi Anjuman Need of the hour Parsi bhai-o Anay behn-o. To you folks I cry: “See the rabbit. Get the habit, Go and multiply!” ! It JEWELLERY Well Reputed & Trusted Firm Since 1850 Selling Pure Quality Gold Ornaments And also Buying Old Ornaments & Jewellery at highest price than yours offered in Bazar •1 I Devtha Plaza, C. 14, Residency Road, Bangalore-560 025. Phone:562724 No.2, Lavelle Road, Bangalore-560 001. 205, Gera Chambers, Off Boat Club Road, Pune-411 001. Phone :63894 No.6, Jaffar Syrang Street, Madras-600 001. Phone:511215 6 Parsiana October 199? I 1/ i ' ’I ADVERTS Edited by Niloofer J. Madon HOMl A. KHARAS Appeal for Kathi funds Our Palantin Darehmeher situated at Ahmednagar was established in 1847. We have a full-time mobed employed here. Parsis from India and the world over have been impressed with our well-maintained Darehmeher. However, our Anjuman funds being limited, we have recently opened a Kathi Fund. We appeal to you to don ­ ate towards the Kathi Fund which will help us in further maintaining the holy fire burning in our Darehmeher. Donations in cheque may please be drawn in favor of the “Ahmednagar Parsi Anjuman Kathi Fund ” and for ­ warded to the Honorary Secretary, Ahmednagar Parsi Anjuman, Parsi Agiary, Daware Lane, Ahmednagar 414001, Maharashtra. ERACH K GAI Honorary Secretary, Ahmednagar Parsi Anjuman FRAMJI RUSTOMJI CHOKSEY 253 Zaveri Bazar Bombay 400002 (A/c Show-Room) Govt approved valuers Tel 325422 342638 342639 25111& Business Hours 11 am to 7 pm 11 t ¦ i# T X 3- IS ¦ co-operative society and have named it ¦ Dr Minoo Mehta Apangodhar Saha- " kari Udyogic Utpadak Sanstha, - Maryadit (Dr Minoo Mehta Industrial Production Co-operative Society for the Welfare of the Handicapped,Ltd) ; after Mehta ’s late son. u With the help of industrialists and I business houses, it is expected that the project will become fully viable and ¦ self-supporting and in due course ¦ absorb more handicapped persons and I expand its different units. For the fu- B ture, the project hopes to become a |B government recognized and approved ¦ industrial training unit. B “Now that this human experiment B has proved successful, it could be emu- B lated in other regions and serve as a model on a national level,” concludes the brochure. Any donations towards this project may be sent to the honorary president, Poona District Leprosy Committee, orthopedically Manisha, 2nd Floor, Flat No 35, 2-A i Above : cured leprosy women at the engineering unit and their benefactor, Dr Jal Mehta (left) work alongside the handicapped and the able-bodied Moledina Road, Poona 411014. socio-economically disadvantaged per­ sons in an integrated manner to break down the magnitude of the leprosy “Usher in the New Year with a little stigma. In this way “the CVTPH de- koti-kissi (hug and kiss) and a lot of monstrates the practicability of a com- revelry in true Parsi style,” invited a prehensive program of rehabilitation press release issued by Hotel Oberoi of different groups (together) as Towers. Not only Parsis, many non- against a segregated and exclusive Zoroastrians too, congregated at the approach, ” notes the project Hotel ’s Supper Club on August 24, them world class, from 14 nations, brochure. Efforts are thus made “to 1987 to enjoy the gaiety and feasting noted The Indian Post of September convert unskilled handicapped people which usually mark Pateti, the N©w 18. into ‘handicapables. ’ ” The three-year on-the-job training Pateti in style Year ’s eve. Running in the 100 meters sprint on The three-year on-the-job training Traditionally, Pateti was set September 15 in Delhi, Ayrton clock- course imparts skills required for en- for repentance and resolution to re­ ed 12.22 seconds to stand third behind gineering jobs like those of a fitter, turn to the right path, but over the Ashwini Nachappa of India and Nancy driller, welder, grinder and press- years it has become just one more Vallecia of Ecuador. operator. Training is also given in occasion for celebration. The select Ayrton informed that she would be ammonia-printing, poultry-keeping gathering of around 150 at the Supper running in the 100 meters and the 4 x and power-loom operating. Two such Club had come with a similar rnerry 100 meters women ’s relay at the South training units are situated at Kondha- intention, paying Rs 200 per head to Asian Federation Games in Calcutta wa Budruk and the third is at Bhosari revel in the enchantment of candle- slated for November 20. in Pune. light, sentimental music by George Operation handicapables ’ To impart vocational training to lep- cy and specified standards so that they cuisine. rosy patients and to help them secure are better equipped to handle stress in While the practice of organizing the employment after training, Padma the outside world, ” notes the New Year ’s eve dinner and the New Bhushan Dr Jal Mehta has introduced brochure. Year lunch has been observed at the the idea of the Common Vocational Training Project for the Handicapped gical and residential facilities free of “try to make it different and a little (CVTPH). This concept was im- cost to the trainees and also assures special each year by changing the plemented by the Poona District Lep- resettlement aid to deserving hand- menu, the entertainment, and yet re- rosy Committee, of which Mehta is the icapped persons on completion of taining the Parsi atmosphere [the ses honorary president, notes a press re- training. (ceremonial silverware used on auspi- lease. Subsequently, the trainees at the cious occasions) and the torans(gar- In this project, ex-leprosy patients light engineering unit have formed a lands) stood in mute testimony], ” ex- in Pune. “The trainees learn to cope with the and the Soft Rock Revolution, and a stress of meeting the norms of accura- choice of delectable Parsi and French are better equipped to handle stress in outside world, ” notes world, ” The CVTPH provides medical, sur- Oberoi for over a couple of years, they 12 Parsiana October 1987plained Niloufer Bilimoria, the Hotel ’s tion with the Sixth European Sympo- public relations manager. slum of Complementary Medicine, While this year the five course table adds the report. d ’hote Parsi cuisine for New Year ’s eve included lagan-nu achar. mills, Consumer activist and social worker prawn patio, kaju murghi, pulav-dal. Naval B. Vakeel has been co-opted as a */-v tbp ^avApiitive rnmminee. Slum BOMBAY ZOROASTRIANSI member to the executive committee, Indian Section of Amnesty Interna- chakki-ni kulfi or lagan-nu custard, the New Year ’s lunch at The Out- gosht and jerdaloo-ma chicken farcha,m addition to a spread of Continental, Polynesian and Indian specialities. During the festive season, the all-time Parsi favorites, chocolate fish and mava ( . Hotel ’s Pastry Shop. The select players At the State Selection Badminton ment in the Bombay area and for mdi- Tournament, emerged as the winner of the women ’s < __ Gymkhana on August 20, 1987, noted the Association, the Indian Express,ihe next day. Hufrish beat Deepti Thanekar, 12- ddek^Hufrirh brought^into play her Internal Auditors, Bombay^ rigger offered patra-ni machhi, kid tional. He is the first Parsi to be so oo . . , . . • 1_____ r___ 1.^ nnfAQ a nrftSR release. Have you registered your name with the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) for the Anjuman Committee elec­ tions? Last date for new reg­ istrants: November 30,1987. Last date for the old reg­ istrants to collect their new certificates: 15 days prior to the Anjuman (Zommittee elections in March 1988. honored, notes a press release. Soli Doctor, director of MARC (Mar ­ keting, Advertising and Research Consultancy) Services, was presented Bombay Management Association for the “most significant contribution to the professional management move- Nariman vidual professional excellence and reputation ” on May 4, 1987, notes the cakes, specially featured at the the Century Rayon Award by the T,___ . Accnpintmn tnr Parinaz Toddywalla Hufrish emertieu as uic winiivi vi nvuivu ----------------------- ./ singles finals at Bombay ’s P.J. Hindu June issue of Ambit, the publication of _~4.zw.zJ ?kzi ArmfntlATI the Indian Express,ihe next day. Hufrish beat Deepti Thanekar, 12- 11, 1-11, 11-4. “Trailing 1-4 in the de ­ vast experience and intelligent place- ments laced with controlled wrist-work ber 12, 1987. :Se"r°ewrt Shereyar D. Vakil has taken over as In the women ’s doubles, Hufrish Nariman and Shirin Garda beat Deep ti Thanekar and Niharika Taskar, 15- 5, 15-12. . . At the same me?t, the sub-junior girls’ singles title was won by Feroza Batliwalla of Pune, when she beat Preeti Nerlekar. Batliwalla subse ­ quently won the junior girls ’ singles event at the Maharashtra State Bad ­ minton Second Selection Cham ­ pionship at Latur, notes The Indian Post of August 27, 1987. SPOTLIGHT Hoshang S. Billimoria has been appointed president of the Institute of notes The Economic Times of Septem- Shereyar D. Vakil has taken over IGE (India) Ltd (earlier known as In­ ternational General Electric), notes the Business World of July 20-August 2, 1987. OUTLINES OF PARSI HISTORY Second Edition By Dastur Dr H.K. Mirza Price Rs 150 + other charges 4, Babulnath Road, Bombay 400007 Phone 8228013 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka Gifts& Air-India ’s deputy director (air safety) Captain Zal Khurshed Lalkaka, has been appointed a member of the inter­ national advisory committee of the Flight Safety Foundation, USA, notes a report in The Economic Times of August 8, 1987. Noted orthodontist Dr Keki M. Mistry has been awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine by the board of directors of Medicina Alternativa, notes the Mid-Day of August 12,1987. The degree will be ’conferred at a spe­ cial ceremony to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in conjunc- be 14 Parsiana October 1987 The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive reli^ous artefacts, executive desk sets, exclusive shell items, desi^er jewelry & spedalizing in wood & copper-enamel ^fts. __________ BOMBAY SWADESHI STORES LTD. (Mezzanine Hoor) Sir P.M. Road, Bombay-400 001 STUDIO AKAR 6T/2660ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Purchasing burial lots “For the scattering of ashes and the House, burial of bodies of all Zoroastrians, their spouses (including non- Zoroastrian spouses), their children subjects like the role of religion, the such regulations as may be determined and their parents, ” the executive com- concept of prophet, Zoroastrian his- by the committee from time to time.” mittee of the Zoroastrian Society of tory, doctrine and rituals. But “individuals with Zoroastrian Ontario (ZSO), has been empowered Notes the write-up, “We did not ancestry ” could also include present to purchase a plot of land approx- necessarily agree with everything day Muslims, Christians, Bahais, Ira- imately 50 feet by 100 feet at the Glen Khojeste said, but we listened, we ' ~ Oaks Memorial. The decision was taken at ZSO’s annual general meet- the experience.” mendation states that that particular ing (AGM) held on June 21, 1987, phrase be replaced by “any child notes a summary of the minutes of the Thirteen-year-old Xerxes Aspi Mistry whose one grandparent is a Zoroas- AGM in the September issue of the of UK was selected to play in the Brit- than. ” This would solve the problem ZSO newsletter. - - — — ... - The committee has also been “emp­ owered to pay a deposit of $ 2,000 for of The Topical. reserving such a plot of land and to make suitable arrangements for col- team. Mistry had won the under-11 lecting money from those members of and under-12 Surrey Championships resistance (and) by our apathy, our fu- the community wishing to buy a burial of 1984/85. In 1986, he won the St ture existence in Australia would be plot at $ 550 per unit and, from others James ’ Cup and became the Whitgift jeopardized. Zoroastrianism in a few wishing scattering ground privileges, a Junior School chess champion and generations would not exist as a sepa- donation of $ 100 or more per family. ” team captain. rate identity, ” Kolsawalla had noted in ZSO is merely to act as the co ­ from the 18 participants who met from or any person marred to a Zoroastrian April 17 to 26 at the Zoroastrian or any child where tyath parents are London. Conducted by Zoroastrians or any individual with Khojeste Mistree, founder of Zoroas- Zoroastrian ancestry is eligible to be a trian Studies, the seminar discussed member of the Company subject to Notes the write-up, nians and Armenians. To overcome learnt, and we were all the richer for that hurdle, one alternative recom- the experience.” ish Chess Championships slated for of Zoroastrian membership for the August this year, notes the June issue next generation ; but what after that? Another point of view suggests de ­ Playing now for Surrey County leting the “ancestry ” clause altogether. “This is the path of least the team captain. Mistry, who also plays cricket, bad- an earlier discussion on the mem- ordinating agency and will adopt the minton and table tennis, has acquired bership issue in the January Manashni. “user-pay-principle, ” adds the report, a green belt in judo, adds the write-up. Nevertheless, a 400 square foot rp. » . I The proposed benefits of having a piece of land will be purchased by the *ne AllSSlC dnnilHl small place of worship on the AZA executive committee for approximate- The Australian Zoroastrian Associa- property, its costs, etc, are being ly $ 10,000 to scatter the ashes after tion (AZA) of New South Wales has worked out. “Please note that the cremation, notes the write-up. not been able to arrive at a consensus place of worship is not an agiary (fire- as yet on its membership issue. The temple) as we have no means of creat- The $ 56,500 budget for the North bone of contention is the ambiguous ing or maintaining a consecrated fire. American Zoroastrian Congress, to be wording of the “ancestry ” clause de- It would be like a household fire which held in Toronto next year, was also fining the criteria on which admission is lit at the time of worship, ” says Kol- discussed at the AGM. The executive to the Association would be granted, sawalla, noting that donations from committee has been empowered to On the grounds of “confusion ” and AZA members as well as from well­ spend up to $ 10,000 towards the cost need for “further discussion ” the wishers abroad are most welcome, of hosting this Congress. “Every effort issue, which was scheduled on the Those who wish to donate may send (will) be made to recover this amount agenda of AZA’s annual general their contributions to Purviz Kolsawal- from delegate fees, grants from gov- meeting on August 16, was again de- la, AZA House, 196 Annangrove Road, ernment sources and private funding, ” ferred to September 13. Members are Annangrove, NSW 2154, Australia, notes the write-up. expected “to express their views and . recommendations in writing to the To add “an Aussie flavor ” to the UK seminar committee (before the new deadline). Young Zoroastrians ’activities, a wool- “Its great advantage lay in the bios- At the end of the period, a position shed bush dance has been organized soming of warm friendships, in in- paper would be prepared summarizing by the AZA on December 5, 1987 creasing the participants ’ awareness of all the viewpoints and hopefully one complete with an Australian bush their religious responsibilities and in consensus view would emerge,” notes band and a caller (one who explains ¦ * ¦ “ ...................... ¦ the steps of each dance), notes the September issue of Manashni. “An ex­ citing evening of Australian folkore awaits you. The evening starts with an a green belt in judo, adds the write-up. The Aussie annual The Australian Zoroastrian Associa- ferred to September 13. Members are expected “to express their views and recommendations in writing to the To add committee (before the new deadline). strengthening our desire to work for president Purviz Kolsawalla in the the community. ” Reporting on the 10- September issue of the Association ’s day seminar on Zoroastrianism in the newsletter, Manashni. June issue of The Topical; joint-editor Currently, admission to the AZA is _ _ Jimmy Vapiwala summarized the deli- governed by the “ancestry ” clause Aussie dinner. Then from 8 p.m. till berations and the feedback received according to which “Any Zoroastrian midnight you have the opportunity to Currently, admission to the AZA is 15 Parsiana October 1987! plus postage, the book, which includes a foreword written by maestro Zubin have a gung ho, hot dog, moonshinin ’, Zoroastrian Association of Quebec. ® - -- . • Last year, following a PGH appeal, ------------ ----- ; , a luncheon meet organized by Dr Yas- Mehta, gives recipes which use pre­ min and J anished Ghadiali of Baldwin , packaged and ^adilyjvwlaWe mgre- ...New York, was held to collect funds, column This meeting and other donations in shin wag of a time,” promises Homaxi Irani in the write-up. According to Manashni, a recent issue of Reader’s Digest, in its ( i the origin of the name of the Japanese which car, Mazda: “Although Mazda is pro- 1_____ name of the company founder, it was chosen because it is the name of the luncheon^ an God of light in the ancient Persian reli- .............. ' gion of Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda, and the positive associations of this au ­ spicious name reflects the company ’s ambition to make its products a bright tnbuted $ l,00U. light of the automobile industry. ” North American Hospital fund raising “With the purpose of collecting funds for disbursement e." ---- ------ poor and needy Zoroastrians ” at the B.D.Petit Parsee General Hospital To enable (PGH), Bombay, a fervor of fund rais ­ ing activity Zoroastrians “spread across this land of opportun- Gavashni, the newsletter of the dients, ” along .with menu selections, description of spices and other related Moreover, one dollar ot Keaaers Lngesi, m ns vuiuuu. ? non nf information ¦•Whafs behind the name- explains the year I '^Xted Ms ton, every sale made goes to the local car, Mazda: -Aitnougn iviazua is piu- vui.u«v.v. vz.. . nounced exactly the same as the family sburgh Zoroastrians, adds the report - • Planning to make this fund raising ;___ 1___ I <_____ 1 ------ " dialis held another get-together on April 19 this year, when a sum of $ 4,000 was collected in New York to which the Pittsburgh Zoroastrians con- .....-1 wa:, Contractor, on behalf of the Pitt- Zoroastrian association. The books may be ordered from Nergis Unwalla, 45 Carlton Avenue, North wishing to contribute to the cause should contact Dr (Ms) Yasmin Gha- diali, 2686, Belcher Street, Baldwin, of medicine to the New York 11510. ; “the working mother or busy housewife to cook a gourmet annual event, the Gha- Marlton, N.J. 08053, USA. Gymnastics champ Seventh standard student Ty Tikari emerged the all round Northern Cali ­ fornia champion in Class III gymnas- y'atha, the newsletter of the Zarthoshti Anjuman of Northern California. Tikari, who practises 12 to 15 hours i each week, stood first in the parallel bars and the pommel horse, and second in the floor events, and has j been subsequently promoted to Class II. Tikari has also received two school awards, the Presidential Academic Fit- j ness Award and the Principal ’s Award ' ParsH for the o utstanding student. ______ 'onipiled by Niloofcr J. Madon. Zoroastrians tics, notes the September issue of d iClVVl VJi lUiJ undeitaken by the meal in the shortest possible time of North America has Nergish Karanjia and Nergis^ i.F„«e“7eha;: ESCof 5,0^ caned -a of New Jersey have compiled a cook- Indian Cooking. Priced at US $ 9.95 c MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: * Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) ? Banking: C.A.I.I.B. Course (Postal) ? Executive Secretarial Course ? Private Secretarial Course ? Steno Secretarial Course ? Personal Assistants ’ Programme (for working stenographers) ? Telex Operating ? Telephone Operating ? Telephone Operating-cum-Receptionist Techniques ? Shorthand and Typewriting ? Punch Operating and Data Entry ? Executive Secretarial Course ? Private Secretarial Course PLUS Electronic Typewriting and Word Processing Enquiie aV. Sir J. J. College of Commerce “ 14, Nanabhoy Lane, llutatmaChowk Bombay 400 023 Tel. 2871185 w i6 Parsiana October 1987YOUTH 1 i '1^ ¦ — t needed a lot of coaxing but finally a small group of boys and girls came forward to regale their audience with an enthusiastic, if a little off-key rendition of My bonnie lies over the ocean. Members of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet ’s (BPP) Youth Club had just begun their monthly meeting on the evening of Thursday, September 17. Earlier, one harassed-looking, but always courteous boy, had gone around patiently asking everyone they names, attendance register in hand, while another had been busy distriby- ing the newly printed identity cayls. All this activity was accomplished under the watchful eye of Dr (Ms) Ketayun R.A.J. Madon, coordinayr of the first ever BPP Programme for the Sir Mancherji Hall at I diyy/ayis , around patiently asking everyone they names, attendance register in hand, while another had been busy distribut ­ ing the newly printed identity cayls. All this activity was accomplished ir Ketayun Youth the five-week summer vacation scheme, held at the Sir Mancherji Khareghat Hall at Bombay s Khareghat Colony, for students who had just completed their tenth stan ­ dard of school. The Youth Club is, m fact the outcome of this Programme, as only the participants of the vacation scheme can be members of the Club, 58 of the .126 youths are members. The evening continued with a ques­ tion and answer session on the various books read by the participants and with individual extempore speeches on various topics chosen by ^adon^ By the time all 58 members put forth their views, it was 8.30 p.m. and time to dis- P^The Club meets once a month at the Khareghat Colony hall where plans for action are outlined. After careful eva- all 58 members put forth their 1 Fifty-eight participants of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet s Holiday Programme for Youth have grouped together to involve themselves in community activities Niloofer J. Madon te rt 1. J sfi ^'K / ! 'it ’l s ¦ < ? 'S BPP Youth Club (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee, the Hohday ' __ ____ frnm Anni Kbareghat Colony h^ where plans for action are outhned. earrful e™ y S Tto Z 9 Here chosen to be that sufficient progress has been made . y p,„g„mme listed^ds hospital aides, study .‘*5® j^uvely tenth standard aims: to | Pioupo ______ entertainment group 8 P . an enthusias- Parsi yoi -s,;; the guidance of the matron th^ey are ot beginning they "'e- learning to roll bandages an e whatever they wanted to do^ aptiTudBand different interests, to cheer patients. mi,«zprp not auite serious and did apUtude anu The study group u - help younger students m tial areas - — of coaching. The c_____ the patients at Hospital and also organizes e«ert^- ment programs t------- monthly Club meeting helps to coor- three activities were chosen to ____; - 1 "*¦ and the entertainment group " field ofinterest. The hospit- me implemented - groups i 1 ‘ their own al aides have been to Parsee < tic but a the B.D. Petit the necessary tn is encouraged to __ ¦ in their residen- with a,cademic work - a sort entertainment group sings to the Parsee General for tTe Club itself. The 18 Parsiana October 1987 transition we were hop ­ “In the beginning they were 1 provide interaction among Parsi youth of various interests ami identify leaders amongsi rs of the community, kin and enthusiasm about th« and religious tenet the teenagers culture, customs of the community and to impart voca tional choices open t- — They were not quite , Kuuw whcxl ,v:.3 involved. Then, as started the Programme, they real- slowly the enormity of the you Participants were to various levels o guided throug] LiiiiiK MK,” says Mador •ies of 10 talks on th aer ies which incladed •‘everythta not know what was we t____ their heart and soul into the whole n;„„„i,oi,r.Hnmii t "“ThJ'brainchild of BPP trustee Dr could think of. Minochehr-Homji t Navrooz D. 1-—- psychological testing by Ms Pen“The parents were happy that there *____ ______ , __ ___ r was something worthwhile their chil- tion of the trustees, the guidance of dreri could do — get a chance to learn leTaria and the help of the entire staff their holidays. However, Madon BPP’s student counsellors Diana Mar- fatia and Kamal Shroff, the coopera- the BPP chief executive Rustom Ank- something ” instead of whiling away lesaria and the help of the entire staff their holidays. However, Madon was of the BPP, she would never have emphatic that “the Programme was Adarianwala, the sessions also in­ cluded leadership training, awareness of drug abuse, career guidance in com ­ puters, catering and hotel manage ­ ment, defence services, and mass com ­ munications followed by mock inter­ views, and success stories narrated by been able to manage, the BPP trustees themselves. Visits to Principals of various schools, espe- the National Defence Academy, the cially the Parsi managed ones, were Pharmacy College at Worli, the Bom ­ bay University ’s Kalina campus a..J the Godrej factory at Vikhroli were A^thrSday^trip to Sanjan, Bordi, the BPP employed volunteers to go involvement by the parents,especwlly A inrcc uay uip iv joi.jau, , . ____ H/prp nmarams soeciallv not something where we wanted to take care of them (the participants) for a few weeks during the holidays, and leave them. We wanted to encourage students to really grow and to involve themselves in community activity. ” Vet, know^ about the Programme because Madon wished that there was greater ......... _ __ _______ _ :... ¦ ¦ from door to door to register students since there were programs specially ill UIV Y«11V/V*O *—O-------------------------- r , . . form was given to each flat at each family life education, parental gui- given to the Programme in the Parsi people too. ’ Press. As a result there were 126 partici- Principals of various schools, espe- contacted, so as to enable them to in- and troduce the scheme to their students. The participants themselves came to I || fe Members of the Youth Club (facing page) enjoying the singing session (above) at a monthly meeting (Alongside) Madon: involving youth in community activity Golvad, Udvada, Navsari and Surat was I- because one of the participants fell • seriously ill on the way. The last day of the Programme were two k I in the various colonies (one registration planned for them, which included form was given to each flat at each family life education, parental gui- baug) and from the extensive publicity dance and one lecture on “Parents are Though most of the participants seemed to have been “pushed ” into M.., 7^ J H ' ‘The parents were happy that there was something worthwhile their children could do and learn, ” instead of whiling away their holidays ii ¦f .1 the Programme by their parents, aunts or uncles, almost all agreed that it had helped them in some way or another. One boy merely joined up becaue it was something to do during the long summer vacations, and though some ­ times lectures tended to get boring (because different people have diffe- SSS had » be Zn from'.he'Oolvad Homes ramme on ,he whole. A girl was grate- ® . r.n __ u,. ODD fmm fill that the Profiramnie enabled her to Mhow and Navsari). Moreover, there make more friends and overcome her I'he last day oi me rrograiiuuc were two observers each from Bombay shyness. This would also started off with a mtwc/ii at the Vatcha and Karachi. There was no form of eh- adjusting better to college life, she ;:X"d w\tr„Xd “rta ’.htpZ "‘There were a few complaints too. ;rnTnda' ’co^ntributory Sinner. . , -me .on a flmt come fimt One^ feh « -P- while another moaned that he had no could have proper holiday as such because the Programme, being so varied, took up J ¦S' ‘Art ijX, ¦ tt ¦ pants, seven ofwhom were from out of ' rent interests), he enjoyed the Prog- a. . x-.! 1»T______ _______________________________ A rrirl wac oratp- SiailMII lilfV iXWl** - ------------ ---- l_l J U 4. run by the BPP and one each from ful that the Programme enabled her to observers each from Bombay shyness. This would also help her in mination, explained Madon? whoever said, registered was included in the Prog- T?. ramme on a first come fl-st — All this activity took one month of basis. “We had to refuse a lot of peo- intense planning to accomplish, notes i Madon, and acknowledges that with- There was no way we out the help of her two assistants, the < . pie, which was rather unfortunate. £2.. 1 J 1___ — ------ coped with all, ” she adds. 19 Parsiana October 1987all his time! But if there was one thing only challenges. We are just going to almost all the participants enjoyed, it was the talks on religion given by Das- ¦ > mer camp. Parsis have a number of do it better than before. ” Professor dharamshalas in different places which Noshir Kaikobad, convener of the are disused. This will prove cheaper ? tur Minochehr-Homji. They all agreed BPP school and family counselling and the need of the city children to get they learnt things they did not know programs, agrees: “Every program has out (of the congested city environ- about their faith. some sort of rawness, but you have to ment) will also be served. ” In turn, Minochehr-Homji noted of improve upon it all the time...as you However, it is Kaikobad ’s opinion ¦ ¦ that older, college going students should be given adequate training in group orientation and on how to run the Club and discover interests and channelize them through appropriate means. Kaikobad also suggested com ­ prehensive programs to encourage en­ trepreneurship amongst the youth and family life education, wherein pre­ marital and post-marital counselling is imparted. “There is so much of talent that needs to be nurtured and helped, ” says Madon, “Children need guidance and the opportunity...We ’d like more people in various fields to come for- school students. I would suggest that financially but also by giving them some sort of rawness, but you have to ment) will also be served, improve upon it all the time...as you the participants: “By and large, they go on working, unmet needs arise, were receptive; many were taking down notes. It was unusual to find almost 100 teenagers attending a course in religion...If every year there is a refresher course, it would not only be desirable but commendable, in view of the abysmal ignorance of the religion in our community...There were a score of questions from the floor which revealed their yearning for knowledge. ” Happy with the way things turned out, Madon reminisces: “Towards the end, they did not want to leave. A majority wanted to meet once a month. ” And so the BPP Youth Club was born. Flushed with the success of this ini ­ tial Programme, the BPP wishes to There were a score of questions from the floor which revealed their yearning for religious knowledge “ “Mind you, this is not a youth prog ­ ram. Youth are 18 years and above. This one was primarily geared towards ward and sponsor participants, not just school students. I would suggest that financially but also by giving them such programs be held in different vacation jobs and making them parts of the city” so as to influence a ' " make it an annual feature. Says greater number of persons...The prog- Madon, “There were no problems, ram can also take the shape of a sum- apprentices which will generate a sense of involvement of the estab ­ lished with the young. ” of involvement of the estab- With the Compliments of P.S. KUKA Chairman ¦ J GOODWILL THEATRES PVT LTD Owners NOVELTY CINEMA (THEATRE MAGNIFICENT) CINE PROPERTIES & FINANCE PVT LTD Owners DREAMLAND CINEMA Rendezvous of the Elite 21 Parsiana October 1987I ,r ENVIRONMENT Bl- ¦ 'i « 1 i-tl ?! Fearing that the proposed thermal plant near Dahanu mould contaminate the yield of their crops, the Irani settlers are opposing the project The prospect of eating chikoos which are contaminated, drinking coconut water which is toxic or inhaling the perfume of spider lilies which have a residue of soot would be repulsive to any cultivator. The residents of Daha ­ nu fear this fate may await their orchards if the 2,000 megawatt (MW) thermal power station, to be operated ______ ___ by the Bombay Suburban Electric adivasis well-employed%*nd thTbeach Supply (BSES), is installed in the and greenery should induce the Gov- vicmity of Dahanu. ernment to develop it as a tourist re- Ihe new coal-operated plant is s 'Hl__ 1.1„ meant to help meet the increasing de- 120 kilometers from Bombay mand of Bombay ’s suburban popula- - ----- ----------- tion, but the Dahanu community is re­ luctant to sacrifice its ecology in the interest of Bombay ’s electricity. The threat of the proposed plant was suffi- Shield the field Parinaz Toddywalla regular, the local teacher at the J.B. Petit School in . ........... " ' ' ' ' ' ' Bombay, and secretary of VOW re­ calls, “Our youth was spent in karja (debt). We have had our share of diffi- t Hi 1 a ¦s s S’! ¦ ¦ .5, • t t \ 7 V llUU dXlOXw VrX — ion . distance of barely culties in the past but so far we have Though and DTEPG claim to be political bodies, their views on this _ _______ _ „„vv vv^uniuuicu issue are supported by the other local to Dahanu ’s progress in several ways: - . J a school, college, hospital, »• 'r r* ’^eetmg convened last month in Daha- bridge, dam, power house ’ running t^n^ ’"o^'vation for the setting up of nu, the representatives of all these bakeries, hotels like the Pearline and two organizations in Dahanu, both groups demanded a reason for the au- “ ^rhthorities selecting Dahanu which has uaugmci-m-iaw leamj; ana also m- .foTo"women^VOw ‘ and.?jDZ ’ for the volving themselves in social work like , ^"^en (VUW) and the Daha- proposed thermal plant instead of nu Taluka Environmental Protection Group (DTEPG) have both resolved like Mokhada anT*JavhVr"whe^^^^^ two organizations in Dahanu, both never approached the government for any concessions. ” The Irani citizens have contributed groups of Dahanu. At a joint public building Royal (managed by a mother-in-law - daughter-in-law team); and also in- ... * - running a lepers’ colony, a school for going to the hinterland of Maharashtra the deaf and dumb, and working for s and Javhar where the the uplift of the blind Realizing that i thermal power unit persistent droughts have ruled out all agriculture is not giving them the ex- which will bring in its wake indus- possibility of agriculture. pected yields, mfny of Sir. have triahzation and concomitant pollution Tackling the problem with mission- started branching^ into allied . .m a predominantly agricultural area. ary zeal, the Iranis of Dahanu are businesses like mlnufaSuring food products, water pipes or drills, running garages, dealing in power tillers, and I Tackling the problem with mission- started ary zeal, the Iranis of Dahanu “fT u • u uftiivunuioi aiva. etiy zcdi, tnc iranis oi Dahanu are Uananu is the only green belt be- trying to invoke the aid of the State tween the Maharashtra Industrial De- Government The eeneral imnrp«inn P-Jarapor ,ha, .he Iranis oAh"™e1„XTr; IS: Gujarat Industnal Develop- well-off and can look after themselves members of VOW claim “The Orga- ment Corporation at yapi asserts is not disputed by them but they also nisation is not fighting the battle for s^crl arv^o^DTTpc'X^ ***? in times of financial con- itself. We are educated and diversi- secretary or ulhrCi who, after a 12- r---- — • ¦ year stay in England, decided to settle down in Dahanu and guide the i _________________ ______ _ M.vivai dents with her knowledge of law. “The to the banks. ” As M^ Kety Rustom Government. The general impression straints they have known periods of fied; we can sell and move out at anv constantly paying off debts, first to resi- the local moneylenders and thereafter I, a time. This is a fight for the adivasis - roti ki ladai (a battle for sustenance) - and for the nation. ” 25 Parsiana October 198'/ iiu I t 1 . ! i -’f i l;?‘ •i 't'iChairman of the local Mission Hos- pital. Soli Irani, who has been in Dahanu since 1947 when he was asked to help out with the maintenance of his wife’s property, says, “Not all children in a family should be made to take up agriculture. ” Happy that such a small Irani community in Dahanu has fielded five doctors and six engineers, he opines that while some members of H the family should stay behind in Daha- nu, others should move out. If the thermal plant arrives, the appreciation in the land value “will give us a chance to be crorepattis (better than mil­ lionaires) but it would mean the ruin of gardens that we love. ” Trying to cajole, convince and coerce the relevant authorities to with ­ draw their plans, the DTEPG submit ­ ted a memorandum to the Govern ­ ment. Based on the homework done by the Group, they have elaborated: “In a thermal power station of 2,000 MW capacity using 8 million tons of coal per year, about 2.4 million tons of ash is produced occupying an area of 0.5 square kilometer and a height of five meters... (It would also release and fight it out, but if (the plant mater- program. ” into) the atmosphere about 100 tons of ializes and cultivation then proves) un- India ’s noted environmentalist Dr sulphur per day as oxides (and bring profitable,we may have to move to in- Rashmi Mayur has reportedly stated, about) acid rain... dispersion in top dustry. ” He is a very respected figure “I would certainly not recommend set­ soil ” and destroy the fishing industry in Dahanu for his initiative in setting ting up a 2,000 MW plant in a pre- with the discharge of hot water and ash up a lepers’ colony there and looking dominantly agricultural area like into the sea. after their welfare. Mervan ’s grand- Dahanu because no pollution control The Dahanu citizenry ’s struggle father had humble beginnings, running measures are foolproof, even if they against this threat to environment in- < ' * J ~ volves money, and for the present, the family in Bombay, but he was enter- Iranis are organizing fund raising din- prising enough to start afresh in Daha- ners, get-togethers, sale of tickets, etc nu when informed of openings here. 1- -1— ------- — .kL The Rs 600-crore plant will use coal Fighting for their environment: Nergis Jrani (far left) and Kety Rustom Adenwalla Sanatorium (below): in disrepair '10 ! i i! I The thermal plant will give us a chance to be crorepattis but it would mean the ruin of gardens that we love" 11 by K.V. Chaubal, the managing direc ­ tor of BSES, as reported in the Bom­ bay magazine (August 7-21, 1987), Dahanu was selected because they re­ quired “a site in western Maharashtra ...to feed the power into our own grid and not into the state grid. ” This site would also avoid transportation of coal on the suburban railway sector, he had said, and then attempted to convince the Dahanu residents, “We will en­ force all anti-pollution measures and' also take up a massive tree planting il ii }{ .1? H' Hi I iiii! biy 1 ¦ .1 a victoria for the prestigious Cama are strictly implemented. ” ’ " The Bombay Industries Association is backing the BSES.project and as ex- , pressed by one of their spokesmen, to show their united stand on this issue The Rs 600-crore plant will use coal “The need of the hour is to see that the and to augment the collection through instead of oil or gas as the per unit BSES project gets off the ground. It is donations. As Mervan A. Irani puts it, expenditure would be the lowest with primarily due to an efficiently man- “At first we have got to unitedly try coal. According to a statement issued aged utility like the BSES that Greater Bombay is relatively free from uncer­ tainty on the power front which dogs other large cities like Calcutta. ” I Jhe Dahanu denizens keep repeat ­ ing that the location of the plant is on 2,000 acres of marshy wasteland own ­ ed by the Central Government, earlier considered ideal for prawn culture by I the fisheries department. In 1980, a portion of this land had been leased out to local parties for salt panning at an abysmal amount of Rs4.60per acre per year for which the Government is now offering compensation at the rate of Rs 20,000 per acre, assert the Daha ­ nu activists. I Another cause for agitation is the I eighty-crore rupee Surya Canal Project I awaiting completion , which was initial- ‘JSh’W. 27 Parsiana October 1987 iR i ' I I 9 'I ii Hh 1 Ji.i! 'i ';iq I Hi li I ti iii •M;ly meant to provide water for agri ­ cultural use to tribals. The possibility of the water being diverted for use at the thermal plant and its surrounding industries, will defeat the Govern ­ ment’s purpose, points out a lady member of VOW. The local industrialists are the only ones who have feigned indifference to the BSES project, notes the report in Bombay. Neither wishing to “oppose it nor support it,” was the stand taken by the secretary of the Dahanu Indus ­ tries Association. Among the newest agriculturally in­ clined arrivals on the scene is Noshir Irani who, after graduating in agricul ­ ture, migrated from Delhi to Dahanu, via Bombay. Previously unhappy in the midst of Bombay ’s pollution, he said he would consider another move if the thermal plant materialized in Dahanu. Surveying his property from the rooftop. Noshir, a bachelor, seemed to enjoy basking in his well- maintained acres of fertile land. Another youth with tenacious hold on his land is Marazban Hormuzji. prising spirit and as employers. The original settlers at Dahanu were two Parsi families - the Vakils and the Patels - who were mainly into agricul ­ ture. Next came three or four Iranis who bought some parts of the Parsi- owned land and developed it. After the first handful of settlers came to Dahanu, they “then invited the jamai (son-in-law), the salo (brother-in- law)... and so it went on. ” As the families started inter-marrying the size of the community grew and today most Iranis seem to have common ancestors if you stay on the scene long enough to hear the sagai (relationship). In the early part of the century, Dahanu was “very undeveloped, ” re- ,'W • 4. I 1 bS? - Hf I ih lii c ¦t kr- ¦" Above (from left): Soli Irani, Mervan Irani and Rustom Rubhac Top: Zarthost Mubaraki The Iranis of this region are very well- off but they have also known periods of indebtedness members Boman Faroodi who came to Dahanu in 1928 after working as a waiter-cum-cook in one of the Irani restaurants in Bombay. (Though a Complacent with his rows of chikoo very successful agriculturist in Dahanu ; trees, he sees no reason to diversify, today, memories of his persecution in j believing that if one owns land, one Iran are too strong - as a young lad he must concentrate both energy and re- fled Yazd as a stowaway and made his fled Yazd as a stowaway and made his way from Karachi to Bombay as a Before zooming off on his motorbike stableboy - to permit him to revisit .he does however concede that chikoo Iran,despite not having met his sisters trees require constant nurturing only again or ever seen their grandchil- got its electric supply and had reached some stage of civilization, that Faroodi sent for his wife. Today, the fourth generation of his family is literally, en- Roots in Dahanu joying the fruits of his labor. Despite Numbering barely 1,O(X) among Daha- his age, every afternoon sees him mak- nu municipality s count of 50,(MX), Ira- ing his rounds of the wadis (orchards), nis command respect for their enter- Sometimes he is surprised that the sources to get the maximum returns. as a .he does however concede that chikoo Iran,despite not having met his sisters in the early years. Once they are well- dren.) It was only later, when Dahanu matured, the choice before a cultivator is either business, social work or prem­ ature retirement. I same adivasis who had to be taught how to plow the land, now refuse to work unless provided with automated equipment. The families based in Dahanu look forward to company and visitors. Any new face constitutes'a change from the rustic routine. Newcomers are always given a cheerful welcome by the loud and boisterous ethnic group which, with its characteristic humor, politely refers to itself as “wild ” and bluntly as “junglee.” The constant rubbing of shoulders with the same people does occasionally get exasperating, and as one Irani put it, “The closer the rela ­ tive, the greater the likelihood of fric­ tion. ” Yet, for any altruistic mission the Iranis adopt a united stand. They vie with each other to donate for a cause that affects the well-being of the com ­ munity. In 1940 they gave their mite towards the construction of an agiary in Dahanu. Since Dahanu does not have its own dokhma but utilizes the facilities of the one at Davier, recently the Dahanu re­ sidents contributed towards the b,uild- ing costs of a wall round the Davier dokhma, informed Zarthost Mubar ­ aki, president of the Dahanu Road Zoroastrian Agriary Trust Fund which has approximately 500 members on its rolls and an elected board of six trus­ tees governing the affairs of the anju ­ man. The anjuman also manages a chawl and from the rentals of the ¦ tenements the anjuman ’s current financial condi ­ tion is secure, feels Mubaraki, but the future, uncertain. Giving education grants to poor children is also among their regular activities. Their social functions like weddings and navjotes T 'P -j '1 r-l itx' iJH -Tit ¦i’li Tj HH' nii’ ' i'' Jri r •’t! 29 Parsiana October 1987 Irt lx 'V^I i are invariably held at the H.K. Hall at Dahanu, donated for community use. There is also an Adenwalla Sanator- mw ium on the seaface which is in a state VOW with rtvlrtivfsTJ ’ The commun- ..Map.iamy vumcs naiuraiiy to '7 presently in the process them and the word “thank-you ” is dis- of filing protests against the latrines which have been constructed on the ---- ---------- --------- - -------- ----------------- beach, opposite the Sanatorium, for THp OAhPinil use by the hutment colony which has . . sprung up along the way. community is The down-to-earth approach of the rpll IPtAnt tp car'rif Irani women of Dahanu has taken Cid AT TO SaCriTICO its ecology in the interest of Bombay's electricity ings every Saturday to discuss issues of where the child i importance to the local community. They like to view themselves as • -............ 1 an exclamation mark. Offering hospitality comes naturally to 'H I't Irani women of Dahanu has taken even its menfolk by surprise. When the ration officers in Dahanu allegedly : tried to swindle some locals, the women immediately reported them to the police. When the employer of a _ balloon factory refused to contribute towards an adivasi employee ’s medical bills, which were mounting every year I--------- r . ... the gases in the factory, the ladies their children I ' ¦ owner with the intention of making Even their involvement with VOW, missed as a formality or frivolity. Most families are overtly concerned becauseofthehealthhazardsposedby about giving the^ education to the gases in the factory, the ladies their children. While there is an En- made a representation to the factory glish medium convent school in Daha- him cough up the money, r • • ¦ - - J- • JI Kzi 11,V viiiiu 3 cuuk^auoii 1 Which IS dismissed by some as just a side Dahanu. ” While one spouse bow-wow IS taken seriously by pervizes the wadis at Dahanu While there is an En- most members who have weekly meet- nu, there are some couples who would ^rather sacrifice their family life in the used to interests of the child ’s education out- ; su- ------ at Dahanu, the other spouse resides in the city/town (as you -- -------- is schooling, the family coming together only on weekends. Since most families had contributed towards the costs of the agiary, they also have a special affinity to this in­ stitution. “The women more than the men,” believes Soli Irani whose wife, presently in the States, sends him writ­ ten instructions “Zre Behram roj-e ai karvanu, ne bija roj-e su (stipulating rituals which need to be performed on certain fixed days). ” There are two full- time priests tending the agiary in Dahanu and when work demands, priests from Udwada are summoned for additional help. “Muktad time-e tau agiary ma chalvani jaga nai hoi (At muktad time, there is no room to walk in the agiary), ” he reported. Just as the Iranis have implicit faith in their agiary, they have faith in the nature of man (no locks are found on bungalows in Dahanu or Golvad), and in their own abilities which in the Per­ sian words of Rustom Rubhac (who --- run a training center for the blind until he was incapacitated) re­ flects a typical agrarian philosophy; "Koshte umidi, nakoshte, cha-umidi I sow, so shall you reap). ” 'i;il i'l ' >•• HC f jp :il it' li if it M J jf '*f,^ ;i,t r fa irww.li; Tata Housing. Building magnificent new ideas in housing comfort. In keeping with their spirit of innovation. Tata Housing has designed a wholly different concept in living — a concept ' 1^' •f): r repres 9nts comfort at tts nx)st luxurious, spacious i'i 1-i ¦H s ^3 El® tvj O 31 Parsiana October 1987 Ml .1 •-.13 z jv/ apartments, splendid views* peaceful surroundings and excellent amenities. Beautifying and enhancing the quality of Irv m ig — the F guiding philosophy of Tata Housing. tJ i d •I'-A .. .... * .1 '.L.' I. Tata Housing Development Co. Ltd. D-20. Dhanrq'Mahal 2ndFloof . Ch, Shivaji Marg Apollo Bunder Bombo'/400 039 Tel: 2026607 2026427 2026556 IIX.- 011-3234 IAN IN I y-i’l* 8 £ (B I I. •iX'f .i i'l* H- •fnt'- ::r BUSINESS * l!' jj The couner concerns The course of India's two top courier companies, DHL and Blue Dart, is respectively charted by Parsi helmsmen Cyrus Guzderand Khushroo Dubash Parinaz Toddywalla ii I f" 1: i n: , I I- i i i‘i A patient at the Bombay Hospital ’s in- abroad for approval. Continued Guz- three years that more and more people tensive care unit was prescribed a der, “Once you generate business you have started using it.” course of injections not available in In- realize the usefulness of couriers and DHL claims to have access to the dia. Frantic calls were made to a friend in Singapore to urgently dispatch the cycle of frequency. injections using DHL Worldwide Ex- “In the banking sphere, couriers fessionals) “virtually guaranteeing press’ courier network. Then started have contributed to a small revolution door-to-door service in 48 hours, or 72 the persistent doubts in the minds of in India, ” Guzder admits with a smile, hours at the most if the destination is a the family members: Had the medicine “Checks reach their destinations so city on the west coast of America. ” been labelled properly? Was it head- fast that they are bouncing. ” Cycles of DHL-India is a division of Airfreight, ing for the right destination? Would it three to six weeks have been reduced a family concern which started out as a reach the patient in time? to three to six days causing some dis- freight forwarding firm and subse- To allay their fears, DHL’s Bombay tress to the payer. But it is improving quently diversified into travelling (In­ office was contacted to ascertain the the financial liquidity of the banking dtravels) and couriering. Today they “status ” (position in transit) of the system and “helping others to realize relate with DHL-Worldwide not as a parcel. With the help of the POD that ‘all money has a cost. ’ If you en- subsidiary, but on a principal-to- (proof of delivery) number, the injec- cash faster, the gains are greater, set- principal basis, tions were traced and tracked for the ting off even the cost of the courier customer who left the Ballard Pier office, secure in the knowledge that the injections would soon be delivered at the Hospital. This story unfolded it­ self on September 16, when Parsiana was waiting to interview the managing director of DHL-India Cyrus J. Guz­ der. “There is no alternative to a courier sometimes, ” was Guzder ’s verdict be ­ fore he proceeded to elaborate on this subject. “The courier industry is inter­ nationally used for moving technical service itself, drawings, samples, and documents which have to be received in the ori ­ ginal format, be they bills of lading, the pioneering courier company in the export business cannot work without Hong Kong.“It has more or less taken percent...In domestic (transactions), .... « • TZl __ MA Ia a a* AA M 1.^ 1«« I 1 of the founding partners of Blue of its tie-up with the internationally re­ nowned Federal Express courier ser­ vice which, if judged by its turnover. realize the usefulness of couriers and soon both parties get used to a greater world ’s largest network (750 offices in 162 countries manned by 15,000 pro ­ In the banking sphere, couriers fessionals) Almost all the courier companies in India are reluctant to divulge their suc­ cess figures. It is roughly projected that 1987-88 will see them doing busi ­ ness to the tune of Rs 25 to 30 crores. Guzder is confident that 55 to 60 per­ cent of the India-originating interna ­ tional courier business will be assured for DHL. Dubash, who rates Blue Dart as being the second largest courier com ­ pany in India, was of the view, “No ­ body knows who ’s number one (in couriers), who ’s where and what ’s the The courier industry in India is only market share. ” While admitting that it around 10 years old, though DHL, as would be very difficult to be precise, ¦ ' ; he expects the market share of his fnvoices, bank checks or tenders. The worfd, started'its services in 1969 from company to be “nothing less than 30 we’re number one. ”Blue Dart is proud The faster you can move information and material, the better your chance to be ahead of competition /1 » 7 samples which have to precede major off in India, ” notes Khushroo Dubash, (shipment) or-ders. ” He then cited two one < " ' '' ” _ . ' - illustrations of the townships of Mora- Dart, “but it has a long way to go be- dabad (known for electroplated nickel fore maturity. The phenomenon is not _ __ _ _ 2 Ll._-l_l 1 S-- —- ' ' ' that people would be rated as the largest in the weaving) which utilize the courier ser- have woken to it now, thanks to the world, feels Dubash. vir'oc when cpnHino their snmnles media build-uD. It’s onlv in the last The courier market in India for in- silverware) and Bhadohi (for carpet new, but what is new is ’______—C, 1-1-1___ 111 vices when sending their samples media build-up. It’s only in the last 32 Parsiana October 1967I I [ ternational transactions is divided among seven to eight companies, and in the domestic field among 20 to 25 companies with more joining in. Dubash estimates. “Judging by the number of new en­ trants, the courier industry seems to be thriving...The only thing they are doing is pushing down the prices which is very good for the consumer. ..” Guz­ der provided an insight before assert ­ ing, “We don ’t see our primary line as domestic courier service.” Hence, the tion and material, the better your of India which operates within the mushrooming of new courier firms in chance to be ahead of competition, framework of the Air Cargo Agents the domestic market has been unable Throughout the world as trade and Association of India (AC A Al): “We to infringe on their position as market commerce develops, the pressures of played a vital part in getting the minis- leaders in India. competition impose a need to be more try of communications to specify that Describing the competition among efficient in communication, ” notes the revised Postal Act will recognize the courier companies as “fierce,” Guzder. “Overall, the courier business the rights of the courier companies, in­ Dubash sighs, “The only people who is an extremely small fraction of the eluding permission to carry letters on are losing out are the couriers them- total communication set-up,” tL_ ' ” selves.” Illustrating the heavy pre- largest being posts and telephones, fol- mium on speed and efficiency. Dubash lowed by telex and electronics. Both very complicated process. “Its nitty- said, “There was a time in domestic Guzder and Dubash are of a similar gritty involves a lot of hassles. ” There couriers when we would promise the view when they say that they would is the problem of combining routes, client delivery ‘tomorrow or day- rather charge a little extra for their ser- sorting the parcels (known as “man- after, ’ then it improved to ‘tomorrow sometime, ’ then ‘tomorrow 10.30,’ and now even ‘same day ’ service if it is just an irritant, between regular destinations like Bombay and Delhi. ” every additional 500 gms. To regular and volume shippers, discount rates are applicable. On international routes, the basic minimum is Rs 300 for the first 500 gms, and Rs 100 for every subsequent 500 gms. While car ­ riage of personal mail, cash, antiques, contraband, hazardous chemicals, etc are prohibited to couriers, the revised Postal Act has permitted certain re­ laxation in the rules, announced Guz- “The faster you can move informa- der, chairman of the Courier Council the international routes. ” Operating a courier business is a ! • j-i i J I iL 5.Hy "V: I ¦ 33 Parsiana October 1987 vices and ensure efficiency of com- ifesting and bagging ” in courier jar ­ munication. To them the price war is gon), reaching them to the transfer point and “hub ” (central sorting and Courier facilities are very expensive coordination office in each major when compared to the Indian postal city), customs documentation proce ­ rates. On domestic routes, most dure and other formalities. To empha- courier companies charge a minimum size this point, Guzder compared tfie Rs 50 for the first 500 grams (gms), couriers to the angadias who have and thereafter at the rate of Rs 20 for been operating between two given des- Top: Guzder (left) and Dubash Alongside and below: Courier operations call for speed and efficiency tinations in India “for donkey ’s years. But ask them to include some new routes and extend their grid and they will be at a loss. ” As Dubash sums up ,1' } Hf; ..rt'. HH' r 1 ! ¦ ^! ' iJ“The courier business calls for a lot of Satellite Facsimile Service for its inter­ money and a lot of organizational abil- national operations. Both DHL and ity.” Blue Dart offer on-board courier When people have deadlines to (OBC) facilities which means that at meet, that is the time they summon the the airports the parcel is checked in as aid of a courier company. On receiving the personal luggage of the courier a call, the company makes it a point to who accompanies the baggage, collect the item in the next hour be ­ cause further delay could mean the board courier system, and the necessi- loss of a customer who is in a hurry, ty for its introduction to India, Dubash Next the contents of the parcel are gives a brief explanation, “After a checked; re-packed and re-labelled bomb blast at the Madras Airport, the and then dispatched to the hub where it would be sorted along with the other consignments and, depending on its destination, kept in the corresponding ­ ly labelled master bag. The entire ship ­ ment may be heading for that particu ­ lar destination, if it is a major city, or re-directed in lots to a neighboring township if the courier company has a branch there. After that it just means delivering it to the addressee. There are s------- -------- along the way to ensure that all con- aircrafts on regular routes, and the de ­ lay in granting of licences.” That the government has framed a policy to liberalize the economy, Guzder does not dispute, but the criticism is that it “is not fast enough or far-reaching enough. The government ’s decision ­ making for the industrial sector is ago ­ nizingly slow. ” “The courier field in India has wit­ nessed a real growth in the domestic market but you don ’t hear of very many Parsis, ” Guzder shrugged his shoulders. According to Dubash, “It is an expanding industry and there should be a lot of opportunities as time moves on. ” But he also sounds a warn ­ ing: “If I had to start today, I wouldn ’t. The kind of investments it would require today far exceeds what was required three years back. ” In Guzder ’s opinion, “Upcoming Par ­ si entrepreneurs would stand a chance of creating new empires if they were willing to work with new technology in (unconventional) areas.My only regret is that we don ’t see enough Parsis com ­ ing into business at the entrepreneurial level...They are well-educated, adapt- decent service to their clients, ” they able, with exceptional talent and enjoy a good reputation in the world of fi­ nance, banking, industry and gov ­ ernment...The era of the big Parsi empires has long since passed away. ” Guzder himself opted for his family business, Airfreight,in 1968 after a stint at the Industrial Credit and Invest­ ment Corporation of India. Cyrus took over as managing director of Air­ freight from his father Jamshed Guz­ der who is also a trustee of the Bom ­ bay Parsi Punchayet. Forty-two-year- old Guzder has even served as chair- OBCs? Why can ’t there be separate man of the Travel Agents Association conveyer belts for the couriers? ” With - - ‘ respect to the customs officials, Guz- Relating the antecedents of the on The courier phenomenon is not new... only people have woken to it now / / z / several checks and cross-checks authorities imposed the “cooling sys­ tem rule” which meant that before signments are heading for the right permitting any parcel to be carried on ¦¦ ¦ ¦ an aircraft, it was obligatory to keep it in their warehouse for 24 hours. ” To circumvent this delay, and to provide a destination. If there is any mix-up, it would involve re-routing the parcel. All the major courier companies feel the need to better their services and keep abreast with the latest started the OBCs. advancements in technology to ensure Guzder is disappointed that Indian loyalty from their customers. DHL Airlines is not gearing up its services to clients are assured of insurance facili- meet the needs of the couriers. He ties, for within India they are covered says, “International airlines are in- by the Airfreight insurance scheme, creasingly interested in looking for and outside India by the DHL banner, business from couriers, but the same In Bombay, Blue Dart has introduced cannot be said of Indian Airlines. ” In­ wireless vans which maintain contacts dian Airlines reportedly levy a security with the main office and the men on check charge on the OBCs and require the street, thereby coordinating collec- them to check in four hours before de- tion and delivery work at record parture. Ouerried Guzder, “Why can ’t speed. In the next six months. Blue there be a separate counter for the Dart hopes to introduce Cosmos com- « «"¦- *— puters in India “which will revolutio ­ nize the courier services here. ” Once-a courier takes custody of the parcel an der has a good word, “They are sup- Guzder is disappointed that Indian of India - Western Region Commit ­ tee, as director of the Universal Fed ­ eration of Travel Agents’ Associa- entry would be made on the Cosmos portive, extremely accommodating tions, and as president ot the Air car- ................ ' ’ ” go Agents Association of India. A faculty member of many institutes, Guzder lectures on subjects connected with travel and tourism management. Holding a master ’s degree in Oriental Studies from the Trinity College, Cambridge University, London, Guz­ der is also active on the Indian Herit­ age Society and the Bombay Natural History Society, and was recently appointed member of the National Commission on Urbanisation, consti ­ tuted by the Prime Minister of India. Dubash very magnanimously credits party. DHL already has access to the eminent to permit operation of private Guzder for my being what 1 am toaay computer which, with its international and forward looking. ” network, would then be able to answer any enquiries at any point of time, ...__________________________ ’ ' Status of the parcel in transit. This con- unhappy at the growth rate. DHL’s Tracking Information System are no threat to their major business which uses the laser-optics scanning which is carriage of letters.” All in all, technology. The telephone and telex Guzder perceives the industry as en- services in India falling short of de- countering “tremendous problems in mand. Blue Dart even has plans for the Indian environment principally re­ facsimile machines which could trans- lated to the poor reach of the tele- mit entire documents and thus provide phone and telex, the uneven services advance intimation to the receiving of the airlines, the refusal of the gov- Though the “present government is supportive of courier business, ” Guz- anywhere in the world, regarding the der feels that the postal department is ------ —'------- “The venience would be comparable to postal service should realize that we which is carriage of letters.” All in all. r T 'fi 'I .-t -•I. I T. 35 Parsiana October 1987*• J I (at the age of 33).” After his gradua ­ tion in physics and mathematics from St Xavier ’s College,Bombay, Dubash started his career as a salesman at Goodlass Nerolac. On hearing of a vacancy at Airfreight ’s courier division he joined there and contributed to ­ wards its progress from “a very new to a very big outfit. Then I felt my work was over. ” After retiring from DHL as station manager, six months later he started Blue Dart in collaboration with Clyde Cooper and Tushar Jani. They originally had a tie-up with Geico Ex­ press, and when Geico was bought over by Federal Express, Blue Dart with its staff of 850 automatically came under this mammoth organization coordinating the movements of its per­ sonnel in over 80 countries of the world. Though Blue Dart is undecided whether it should diversify into the travel business at some future date, for the present it is only determined on “concentrating its total energies on couriers. ” Airfreight ’s immediate plans too seem to be revolving round “strengthening and expanding the courier business ” by introducing new products to the air cargo business, con ­ centrating on domestic courier expan ­ sion, and expanding the computer net­ work within the country. Subsequent ­ ly, they would like to open more offices abroad to promote tourism to India. Just as DHL takes pride in announc ­ ing that they are appointed official air couriers for international meets like the Reliance Cup 1987 and Envirotech ’88, Federal Express counters with the news that they have been appointed couriers for the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. While both these organiza ­ tions are in no hurry to hatch any other plans, they are more involved in the dispatch of their present commit ­ ments. ----------------------- ---------------- Are you in it ? 'iNe are bringing out a book of bio-data ’s. Not of just the prominent and eminent only (although there are plenty of those) but also of a lot of the \\ rest of us. Men and women in all \\ walks of life. In all parts of the world \\ So that we can know our \ \ co-religionists better. The diversity of \ skills we have in the community. The ' variety of careers we pursue. Already over 400 people are in. If we haven’t contacted you already you please contact us. Urgently! Because we are getting ready to go to press. We request your bio-data and a small donation. Write or phone us immediately for details. Zoroastrian Community Development Institute C/o. Parsee Vegetarian & Temperance Society, Noble Chambers, 30-B, 4th floor, Parsee Bazar Street, Bombay-400 001 .Tel: 287-0795 Airfreight ’s 37 Parsiana October 1987 r\ Sardar Dastur Schools Poona Require for our boys ’ school a well qualified and experienced principal. Salary shall be commensurate with seniority and experience. Accommodation with very attractive perquisites provided . Applications with recent photograph & testimonials may be forwarded immediately addressed to The President, Sardar Dastur Schools Trust 2 Lt Col Tarapore Road, Poona 411001 VIDEO SHOOTING The First Parsee Outstanding Lady Armaity R. Bamanbehram Free colourful scroll titles with beautiful effects. Latest equipment and many other facilities. Guarantees Video Shooting with professional touch. Audio-dubbing music of your choice. Demonstration tape at home service to judge our professional quality and superior work. No sub contracting. Colour photography at reasonable rates. Transferring of super 8 mm movies is also done. For Wedding, Navjote, Parties and other functions. Res : 822 6074 No. 6, Khareghat Colony, Hughes Road, Bombay 400007. f fii '•it it I "11 I •jt •Vi ilv I’i '4 .!?iMEDICINE The delivering deity Gynecologist Dr Mehroo Hansotia, who helped deliver India's second test-tube baby, talks of the options available to infertile couples Jeroo Irani #'• ¦ 1 “Even today, in vitro fertilization, ments in the UK, the bio data states which enjoys a 20 percent success Bringing hope and succor to infertile medical journals and past appoint- couples who for several years have i____ 1 1 gone from one obstetrician to another that Hansotia is a Fellow of the Royal rate, ” according to Hansotia, can be seeking a magical cure is Dr (Ms) College of Obstetricians and Gynaeco- fraught, with danger. “Things can go Mehroo Hansotia, consultant obstetri- logists and Fellow of the International wrong at any stage. Treatment can be cian and gynecologist who specializes College of Surgeons. interrupted and the patient apprised of in the evaluation and treatment of in- While one of the more certain ways the fact that her progress is not satis- fertility. Working quietly in her Fertil- of achieving parenthood is by adop- factory. ” Sometimes the egg is not fer­ ity Clinic for the last 20 years, run tion, “most couples prefer to have a tilized or it does not grow. At other jointly with Dr Sadhana Desai, Dr child from their own genetic pool, ” times, everything goes right and yet Hansotia shares her achievements with a research scholar, two technical assis ­ tants in the laboratory and the entire team in the operation theater. Nine people actively work in the clinic and there are several others who assist. As baby ”) for the last two years, a result of the team effort one patient successfully delivered a test-tube baby the help of a small model of a woman ’s tility. Though one of her IVF patients in November 1986, two months after i ' ’ ... . the birth of Harsha, India ’s first scien­ tifically documented test-tube baby. As we interview her in her clinic, brimming with pregnant mothers-to- be and anxious husbands, the obstetri- embryo is transferred to the wife’s cated and the patient runs the ex- cian exudes an air of brisk efficiency uterus where, with luck, it implants pected risks of anaesthesia and also and a warm bedside manner. Clad in and develops normally. overstimulation of the ovaries, reveals an elegant blue sari, the carefully coif ­ fed hair and tinted glasses give her the appearance of being a senior executive in a multinational rather than someone produced more than 3,000 babies A variation of in vitro fertilization - for whom the most amazing physical world-wide. However, doctors gener- appropriately called GIFT (Gamete and emotional adventure of giving ' ...... birth is routine. , Publicity shy and wary of journal- they turn to experts. Obviously, ly obtained eggs are deposited directly ists, she reluctantly proffers her leng- women over 30 have less time to lose, into the mother ’s fallopian tube. With thy and impressive bio data. Listing IVF is not advised after 40, states Han- luck, fertilization then takes place. At her degrees, her articles published in sotia. present, the Fertility Clinic has two states Hansotia who started work on the whole procedure is haunted by the infertile couples 20 years ago. Howev- specter of sudden failure. Therefore, er, she has been working on in vitro the patient who copes best is usually fertilization (IVF, the result being someone who is realistic, aware of the more generally known as “test-tube relatively low success rate yet wishes to leave no avenue unexplored in Hansotia describes the method with trying to resolve the problem of infer- reproductive organs. In this proce- aborted, one prospective mother is dure, she explains, a mature egg is sur- looking forward to the birth of her gically retrieved from the wife and fer- test-tube baby. . tilized with her husband ’s sperm in a laboratory dish. After conception, the rates, the procedure is highly compli- Apart from disappointing success Louise Brown, the first of these test- the obstetrician. IVF can end in mis­ tube babies was born in England in carriage and costs, moreover, are 1978. Since then IVF has reportedly high. produced more than 3,000 babies ally advise a young couple who want a Intra Fallopian Transfer) is a proce- baby to try for at least a year before dure in which the sperm, and surgical- 39 Parsiana October 1987 I-I .fl 'i' ¦¦fl ¦ Ji i ' r j! ¦'¦11 ifongoing GIFT pregnancies while one patient aborted. In addition to facilities for perform ­ ing the IVF and GIFT procedures, the Fertility Clinic, reportedly comparable to similar clinics abroad, offers ultra sound examination, hormone tests and even has a sperm bank, says Hansotia. Bristling at the oft-levied charge of running counter to the Government ’s Family Planning Programme, Hanso ­ tia says, “The aim of the Family Plan ­ ning Programme is to have a happy family with one or two children which is what we strive to do. We are not inducing women to have five chil ­ dren. ” Questioned about the small families and low fertility in the Parsi commun ­ ity, Hansotia says she is not too sure that the* condition is a typical charac ­ teristic of the community. The mental makeup of the Parsi couple is to have small families, she observes. “Whether the couple can afford to or not, they rarely want more than one or two children. Even if they are in a position to enjoy most material com ­ forts, it is very difficult to convince a Parsi mother to have three pregnan ­ cies, though sometimes I have sue- families. ceeded. ” Hansotia has also noticed a higher incidence of fibroids (benign tumors that occur in the uterine wall) and endometriosis (internal bleeding during menstruation) in the commun ­ ity. This may be due to late marriages and delayed pregnancies. Painless delivery Till about 50 years ago, childbirth was an event for women to be anxious ab ­ out and often to fear. Today, for a variety of reasons, pregnancy and childbirth have become safer for the mother and child. “Of 100 women who deliver, 90 require little help. Ten have problems where the skill of an obstetrician is tested, ” states Hanso ­ tia. Women today are much more knowledgeable and aware of what can go wrong and what facilities are avail ­ able to obliterate the pain. “This knowledge makes the woman of today softer, less tolerant of pain, ” explains Hansotia. Because we are so accustomed to controlling what our bodies do - stifl­ ing yawns and coughs, smiling when we would rather scream - it can be a shock to the first-time mother to find herself lying in a labor room at the mercy of a fiercely independent uter­ us. To help the woman to give birth in dignity and comfort, painless delivery is possible by means of the increasingly used epidural anaesthesia and other techniques. “However, painless deliv ­ ery is not for everyone, ” states Hanso- tia. If the labor is long, difficult or if the mother cannot bear the pain, it should be offered, states the obstetri ­ cian. “Every individual case should be decided at the time of labor and the option should be given when necessary and without hesitation. ” The obstetrician believes that for many women giving birth is the fulfill­ ment of a strong driving force. In this she shares the woman ’s satisfaction and has never felt any regrets about her choice of profession. Starting her day at 7 am, Hansotia works “as long as required. ” She manages to juggle the demands of her job with those of her home and her husband Dara. She travels abroad for conferences and to address and present papers at interna ­ tional scientific meetings, but takes time off for a three-week holiday once in two years. “I have a demanding job but it gives me immense satisfaction to complete a family, ” she says. With the Best Compliments of Id INGERSOLL*RAND [INDIA] LIMITED Manufacturers of Air & Gas Compressors * Rock Drill Equipment * Vacuum Pumps 40 Parsiana October 1987Ml r MILESTONES A Anklesaria-, September 24 A boy to Molly and Mehernosh Gar, September 25 A boy to Maharukh and Kaikobad Irani-, September 26 A girl to Binaifer and Yazad Karanjia-, September 26 (nine), A boy to Denaz and Zarir cancer The data on births, marriages occurred, in chronological and and deaths has been compiled alphabetical order, from information provided by various anjumans in India and the 85 Parsis who died in Bom- abroad, courts and hospitals, bay. The next most important With regard to the list of killers were debility and old marriages, the Acting Chief age (claiming 11), cardio re­ Justice of the Bombay High spiratory Court has granted Parsiana pneumonia (seven), cancer Siganporia-, September 27 the permission to publish the (five), hypertension (five) and A boy to Ruby and Kaikobad names of the marrying parties blood diseases (five). Others and of their parents, and the succumbed to diabetes. Par ­ dates of the marriages, as kinson ’s disease, kidney fai- stated in the Register of Parsi lure and tuberculosis. Hepatic September 28 Marriages. We shall publish coma, gangrene, hernia etc the data as soon as we get it in claimed isolated victims. A 30- hand. The information gathered is not always uniform. For exam- ity. pie, the list of Bombay deaths This breakdown of the pertains overwhelmingly to causes of death is limited to those who were consigned to the dokhmas and there too, though the addresses were subject from other anjumans. known, the names of the fami- In order to ensure the au- ly members were not. From thenticity of the data, Parsiana other anjumans we gathered names of family publication if it is received (80), K Villa, Malcolm Bang, members but no addresses. The information largely per- Parsi institution, court or gov- tains to the preceding month, ernment authority, yet in the case of outstation anjumans we have incorpo- mated, Parsiana would rated news of happenings appreciate if the family mem- which may be considered bers could approach us direct- dated. ly with the information. Marriages of inter- If readers have any informa ­ community couples as well as tion they would like published, children born of such unions, are listed. The data is being presented required. We are sure our read ­ city-wise, the events being listed in the city where they Heart disease claimed 22 of arrest Bokdawalla-, September 28 A girl to Shernaz and Rohinton Sanjana', of year-old man and a newborn were also lost to the commun- This breakdown of the A girl to Siloo and Minoo Taraporewalla-, September 28 A boy to Madhavi and Rumi Unwalla ; September 28 A girl to Armin and Hoshang Vatchha-, September 29 Bombay as Parsiana has re­ ceived no information on the Burjorji Sorabji Dalal {80), residing at Firdaus, 185 Lamington Rd, 400007; August 31 have only accepts information for Hormasji Merhwanji Solai Died inter- BOMBAY Born • A girl to Prochi and Minoo Bharucha on Septemberl,1987 A girl to Jasmine and A di Dastur; September 2 A. boy to Dhun and Sarosh Contractor-, September 6 A girl to Ruby and Feroze Patch; September 6 A boy to Farida and Sam Dastoor-, September 11 A boy to Vahabiz B. Pardiwala; September 11 41 Parsiana October 1987 Poonawalla (78), 16-A Pedder Road, 400026; September 2 Daulatmai Dinshajee Seervai {90), 204 Old Sitaram Bldg, Princess St, 400002; September 3 Khorshed Shahpurji Bhavnagri (64), 22-B Cusrow Bang, Colaba, 400039; September 4 Ardeshir Dhanjibhai Gandhi (80), Bhiwandiwalla Terrace, Dhobi Talao, 400002; September 4 Nergis Faramroze Kerawala (80), 622 Palia Mans, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; September 4 Najoo Minoo Khariwala (64), Philomina, 640-A Khareghat Rd, Parsi Cqlony, Dadar, 400014; September 4 Minocher Cawasji Ranji (80), F.S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34 Hughes Rd, 400007; September 4 Nariman Burjorji Chhapgar (50), Dr Engineer Bldg, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; September 5 Amy Jimmy Hakim (78), C/o '1 ' tj I f I . .i I f: I; from an anjuman, renowned Jogeshwari (W), 400102; August 31 Rashid Behram Badshah (60), Piroshaw Bldg, Gowalia Tank, Mr D.D. Avasia, Wadia Hse, 400036; September 1 Ardeshir Kekobad Katrak (62), Bona Kasa Bldg, Sir P.M. Mehta Rd, 400001; September 1 Noshir Navroji Master (72), Petit Block No 3,BalaramSt, Grant Rd, 400007; September 1 Najamai Dhunjishah Mehta (84), Yusuf Mans, Khetwadi Back Rd, 400004; September 1 September 5 Nadir Rustomji Patel (74), 13/2 Bomansha Hormusji AmroJia Godrej Staff Quarters, Hill Side, Vikhroli (W), 400079; September 1 Hormusji Fakirji Sagar (79), Type II, 10-D Tata Hsg Colony, Mahul Rd, FCIPO, 400074; September 1 Tehmina Jamshedji Dubash (84), Alpaiwalla Bldg, Station Rd, Mahim, 400016; September 2 Rustomji Hormusji Master (72), C/o Himalaya Drug Co, Worli, 400018 and Sethna Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; September 2 Meherbanoo Hormasji When a deceased is cre­ mated, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be ers will appreciate this require­ ment and cooperate with us. 22 N.S. Patkar Marg, 400007; September 5 Mehroo Jehangir Shroff {10), Bombay Native Dispensary Bldg No 3, Chandanwadi, 400002; September 5 Tehmina Darabshah Siganporia (12), 6 Malegamvala Bldg, Marzban Colony, Gilder Lane, Off Lamington Rd, 400008; - ¦f- ¦ V ¦ I ' r A girl to Farida and Mehernosh Daruwalw, September 17 A boy to Kamal and Parviz Dotiwala-, September 17 A boy to Zarine and Mahiyar Sadri-, September 19 A boy to Tanaz and Phiroz Irani-, September 21 A girl to Jasmine and Filly Elavia-, September 22 A girl to Sadhna and Farhang Zandian; September 22 A girl to Hira and Tehemtan (78), Talati Bldg, Khetwadi Back Rd, 400004; September 7 Hormaz Framroze Godiwalla (78), 13-B Sai Niketan, 345 Mount Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; September 7 Alamai Munchersha Kapadia (86), Widows ’ Chawl, D Block, Room 16, Nowroze Bang, Lalbaug, 400012; September 7 Padam Noshir Kapadia {03), Mon Repos, 637 M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; September 7 Dr Minocher Bomanji Mody {KI), Aryan Mahal, 43-C Rd, i'I-',’/ v' 4^ 1 Shirin Nassarwanji Kotwal (84), F.S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34 Hughes Rd, 400007; September 15 Shirinbai Jehangir Unwala (SI), Harbour View, Mathar Pakhadi Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; September 16 Soli Meherwanji Aria (60), Khatri Estate, 163 Lamington Rd, 400007; September 17 Kekshru B. Dubhash (82), Noor Mahal, Tardeo, 400034; September 17 Khorshed Jamshed Karva (72), F-13 Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; September 17 Goolcher Minocher Kooka (78), Sagar Resham, Byramji Jeejibhoy Rd, Bandstand, Bandra, 400050; September 17 Gool Dara Mistry (61), 610 Daruwala Block, Dadar, 400014; September 17 Dina Framroze Pastakia (78), A-3 Gool Mahal, Sleater Rd, 400007; September 17 Shirin Edulji Bengali (79), 14 Contractor Bldg, Near Victoria Garden, Byculla, 400027; September 18 Manijeh Burjorji Nariman (77), 639 Rati Manzil, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; September 18 Shirin Rustomji Bhamgara (78), Bldg 1, 8 Dhunbai Wadi, I Vile Parle (W), 400056; September 19 Male child (4 days) of Dhun R. Kotwal, Railway Quarters, Mazagaon, 400010; September 19 Putlamai Navroji Wadia (84), '! 1 J Churchgate, 400020; September 7 Tehmina Sarosh Lala (78), 511-C Davar Bldg, Adenwalla Rd, Matunga, 400019; September 8 Hillabai Jahingir Asburner (78), Dossibai Charity Home, Masina Hospital, Byculla, 400027; September 9 Ruttonbai Nariman Bulsara (82), M-45 Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; September 9 Piroja Jalejar Chinoy (92), 4- 11 Rustom Bang, Byculla, 400027; September 9 Bhikhamai Rustomji Mody (84), C-18 Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; September 10 Khorshedbanoo Dossabhai Bhagwagar (90), 696-A Parsi Punchayet Block, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; September 11 Fall Sawakshaw Chothia (69), 18213 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Olney, Maryland, USA; interred September 11 Phiroze Sorab Kharas (62), Pitru Chhaya, 4 Dr K. Nawrangi Marg, New Gamdevi, 400007; September 11 Sorabji Kawasji Pithawala (85), Abbas Bldg, Jalbhoy St, Grant Rd, 400004; September 11 Burjor Kaikhushroo Bharucha (89), Ahura Bldg, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; September 12 Piroja Bomanji Contractor (95), 10/2 Sunita Bldg, Cuffe Parade, 400005; September 13 Tehmina Edulji Mistry (97), 20 Parukh Dhman^halla, Mistry Bldg, Khareghat Colony, Hughes Rd, 400007; September 13 Dhanmai K. Pochkhanawala (72), 79 Lucky Mans, Ghogha St, Fort, 400001; September 13 Manek Kavasji Saklatvala (80), Ness Baug, C Block, Nana Chowk, 400007; September 13 Jamshed Nusserwanji Anklesaria (51), Gowaha Tank Bldg, C Block, Gowalia Tank, 400036; September 14 Sorab Manekshaw Balsara (65), Tapia Bldg, A Block, New Charni Rd Junction, 400004; September 14 Piroja Boman Bam (71), Kavarana Bldg, Dadar Cross Rd, Dadar, 400014; September 15 Hughes Rd , 400007; September 19 Kersasp Shapurji Mehta (11), 629 A. Homavazir Rd, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; September 20 Shavak Hormusji Tata (78), Jenkin Hse, Block 1, Henry Rd, 400039; September 20 Navazbai Dorabji Vesuwalla (82),Hirabai Petit Bldg, Room 71, Opp Grant Rd Station, 400007; September 20 Eruchshaw Ardeshir Karkaria (90), A-14 Shapur Baug, V.P. Rd, 400004; September 21 Bttckhtyar Jamshedji Anklesaria (76), Meher Mans, Forjett St, 400036; September 22 Sorabji Rustomji Mistry (69), P-3 Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; September 22 Goolbai Kaikhushroo Patel (86), A-2 Khalakdina Terrace, August Kranti Marg, 400036; September 22 Keki Khurshedji Pavri (62), Mani Bhavan, 273 Thakurdwar Rd, 400002; September 23 Jalejar Darabshaw Ragina (73), M-25 Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; September 23 Homi Ardeshir Bulsara (65), Tejpal Bldg, A-8 Pan Lane, Off Hughes Rd, 400007; September 24 Piroja Hirjibhai Dalal (83), 6 Sunrise Bldg, 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba, 400005; September 24 Cooverbai Pallonji Daruwala . (98) 7-A Hormusz Baug Bldg, Mehta, grandson to Nergis Tol Mohta and A nn an( Kashinath Rd, 400034; September 24 Naval Dorabji Oomrigar (81), 520 Sirvai Hse, J. Shankersett Rd, 400002; September 24 Nusserwanji P. Geewalla (90), 17-B Shapur Baug, V.P. Rd, 400004; September 25 Perinbanoo Nariman Mehta (84), Meherbai Wadia Bldg, 275-K Zoroastrian Colony, 400007; September 25 Rati Bahadur Mistry (61), 189- A Khajina Mahal, 3rd Fl, S.V. Rd, Andheri, 400058; September 25 Jimmy Sorab Vania (30), 786 Readymoney Bldg, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; September 25 Nariman Burjorji Khambhatta (58), Haradwalla Bldg, Room 13, Opp Grant Rd Station, 400007; September 26 Behramsha Nusserwanji Wadia (85), 27 Contractor Chawl, Sussex Rd, Byculla, 400027; September 26 Khusroo Cawasji Wadia (86), 2 Babulnath Rd, 400007; September 26 Manek Ratansha Daruwalla (73), Mistry Bldg,M.P.A Lane, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; September 27 SherooJal Dalal (64), Bacha Mans, Gilder Lane, Off Lamington Rd, 400008; September 28 Ratansha Shavaksha Kuka (69), 683, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014: September 28 Meherbanu Kaikhushroo Mistry (92), Khalakdina Terrace, Gowalia Tank, 400036; September 28 Jehangir Ardeshir Dadabhoy (71), Shalimar Apts, Cumballa Hill, 400026; September 29 Banoobai Rustomji Kharas (98), B-3 Ionic, Next to Telephone Bhavan, Colaba, 400005; September 29 Dhun Jehangir Marshall (61), Aquamarine, 15 N. Gamadia Rd, 400026; September 29 Eruch D. Tavadia (74), Golwalla Bldg, Khetwadi Sth Lane, 400004; September 29 Peshotan Cawasji Modi (19), Kaka Bldg, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; September 30 CALCUTTA Born A boy to Firoza and Burjor and Jai Mehta and Aloo and Minoo Olpadwala-, September 30 Died Soonamae Shavaksha Netarwalla (96); September 16 Jehangir R. Mehta (94), son of late R.D. Mehta and brother of Naja Vakeel; September 17 Sarosh Ardeshir Lal (62), daughter of late Avabai and Ardeshir Lal and mother of Shehnaz Firdausi Mazda; September 18 KARACHI Died Rustam Nadirshaw Patel (76); August 3 Shirin Jivanji Udvadia (93); August 3 Shirin Pestanji Daruwala (67); August 15 Bachamai Dhunjisha Sachinwalla (IS)-, August 25 Sakarbai Dadabhoy Jangalwala (71); September 7 Nariman Behramji Birdie (13)-, September 13 Jalamai Navroze Haveliwala (85); September 20 Motamai Gustadji Driver (87); September 30 SECUNDERABAD Died Jamshid Hormusji Chinoy (72), husband of Roshan, father of Hormusji and Soonita, late Bapooji, brother of Adi and late Rashid and father-in-law of Ketayun and Rustom; September 12 Compiled by Arnavaz S. Mama. 42 Parsiana October 1987IN MEMORIAM Died: Dr Minocher Bomanji Mody, 87, India ’s leading general physician and cardiologist who was appointed medical consultant to two former Indi ­ an Presidents, Dr Sarvapalli Radhak- rishnan and Dr Zakir Hussain, on September 7, 1987 in Bombay, follow ­ ing a pulmonary clot. In appreciation of Mody ’s “out ­ standing service to the Parsi commun ­ ity and the country, ” the trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet passed a condolence resolution at their board meeting on September 8. Recalling his involvement with the B.D. Petit Parsee General Hospital and the Bahadurji Sanatorium at Deolali, the resolution noted, “He was a great humanitarian and many poor patients had taken advantage of his generos ­ ity-” Wrote Dr Sam Bhacca, president of the Surat Parsi Punchayet, of Mody, “He was equally well-known amongst the Parsis residing outside Bombay and when a physician of Bombay was to be consulted, they would at once remember the one and only good Dr Minocher Mody. ” At a condolence meeting convened by the Parsee General Hospital, vice- patients on the ground floor (from the rtFA 01 LJ y-l Ik X ..J.. 1 — - \ 1 . < « tuberculosis patients and the Golvad Rural Boys ’ and Girls ’ Homes were also commended. As outstanding medical man of the year, Mody was conferred the Dhan- vantari Award in 1977. At the first in­ ternational conference on surgery in the tropics, Mody was among the select few to be awarded a silver medallion in appreciation of his con ­ tribution. At the Lederle ’s Conference on Antibiotics in USA, convened in 1954, Mody was deputed as the only representative from India. Navsari-born Mody had studied at Elphinstone School and Grant Medic ­ al College from where he graduated in medicine. Blessed with a prolific mem­ ory, Mody could memorize facts at just one reading. With the help of a generous loan from an uncle, Mody was able to graduate as a doctor and thus fulfil the wish of his father who though very interested in medicine, did not get a chance to be a qualified doctor due to adverse circumstances. Revealing this was his daughter Dr Katie Sethna, a psychiatrist who,like her eminent physician brother Keko- bad,acquired a keen interest in medi- . . „ « . J- -.J * . °-------------- ................. cine from her parents. Mody ’s wife president Homa Petit described Mody lower income group) and the second Piroja is also a medical practitioner as a kind and considerate doctor who floor (from the higher income and was, until a year ago, serving as a could win over any heart, according to group). ” When he would go on his physician. Minocher and Piroja were co-students at the Grant Medical Col ­ lege, says Sethna. The medical messiah ¦ ?f 't ” -)» kind and considerate doctor who floor (from the higher income When he would g ___ a report in the Jam-e-Jamshed of rounds at the Parsee General, he September 20. “Success did not would always start with the free pa- change him, ” Petit put it in a nutshell, tients to ensure that they were not neg- Narrated Noshir Dadrawala in the Mody helped popularize the Parsee lected in the last-minute rush. /azzieof September 19, “(In cricket) he General Hospital among the commun- If the patient ’s condition demanded u.ui ti.v ity members and during his 45 years of a home visit by a doctor, Mody would Grant Medical College owed the inter­ service there, he contributed to the in- - ------......................................................................................... stitution ’s medical and administrative betterment, said Dr Homi Mehta, joint honorary secretary of the Hospit- a home visit to a poor patient a*nd in- al, who was a year junior to Mody < . - . . -__ when studying at the Grant Medical behind some money with which the pa- go on his physician. Minocher and Piroja September 20. “Success did not would always start with the free pa- -II tients to ensure that they were not neg- If the patient ’s condition demanded was such a good wicket keeper that the invariably go out of his way, irrespec- collegiate shield to his excellent wicket tive of the financial returns. And there keeping. In 1927 he was selected wick- are instances related, of Mody paying et keeper for the Parsi quadrangular ’ . . ¦ team, ” an offer he had to decline in stead of charging his fees would leave favor of higher studies in England. - - \ ' ------ J He subsequently qualified as a doc- f • tient could buy the medicine. Mody tor from London University, and on Referring to his gentle tempera- was also affiliated to the Bombay Hos- his first attempt was admitted to the 1. ment, eminent surgeon Dr Tehemton pital, the J.J. Hospital and the G.T. Royal College of Physicians and Udwadia was appreciative of Mody ’s Hospital. “His punctuality in his Surgeons. help to upcoming medicos who studied (home) visits, (at the) consulting under him, while reputed physician Dr i , 3 Farokh Udwadia made mention of his other (great) asset, ” wrote an and with the help of his wonderful Mody s genuine interest in his pa- admirer in the Jam-e-Jamshed. memory, he was always counted upon tients. Said Farokh, Dr Mody would His untiring service for the Baha- to give definite references to his stu- make no discrimination between his durji Sanatorium at Deolali for the dents and colleagues, ” Mody made it a point to keep up-to- rooms and (at the) public hospitals was date “with all recent medical literature _ ’ wrote an admirer in the Jam-e-Jamshed. His untiring service for the Baha- ¦« 43 Parsiana October 1987 it was re- / / i-r counted. His car is believed to have age, he was neither able to practise officer at Bombay Dyeing,^ eulogized contained a small library of medical medicine nor enjoy a life of retire- books and journals and till recently, rnent, says his daughter. As Sethna re- when his eyes started failing, he was members, in his younger days he used _ . . , always found reading in the car for he to profess atheism, though he always him for his genuine compassion, in- never believed in wasting a single mi­ nute.” His preoccupation with medicine to the exclusion of all other interests a-religious phase, proved to be a stumbling block to- I „ . - wards the end when, due to advancing Dr Cavas Bilimoria, chief medical in a condolence message to the family: “Although his prowess as a physician was legendary, I will always remember tegrity, and, above all, for his fantastic Mody is survived by his wife Piroja, son Dr Kekobad, and daughters Vira believed in morality; but as he grew older he talked about God and refused humility. ..” to admit that he had passed through an Summarizing Mody ’s personality, Bhathena and Dr Katie Sethna. Parinaz Toddywalla .1 ! ; ! i 1 ‘ ¦ •i J < I I Shades of a ’Colour'ful man was portrayed in Rang Vishwa (the the youngest of seven children. Pa- house journal of Colour-Chem) of rakh ’s upbringing was influenced by March-April 1980 at the time of his re- his father who was in the police ser- tirement. During his 12-year tenure as vice. His early schooling was at St managing director of Colour-Chem, Joseph ’s at Dharwar and his second- Parakh guided the establishment of a ary education at the Billimoria High second factory at Roha,the setting up School in Panchgani. He studied at the of a research and development center, Karnatak College in Dharwar and and initiated international operations, later at the Wilson College in Bombay notes a press release issued by the from where he graduated in economics Company. and history. After graduating in eco- When he came on the Colour-Chem nomics from the University of Lon- scene in 1968, the Company, a re- don, Parakh returned to India and be- latively small joint venture manufac- gan his career with the Central Bank luring pigments and binders, had seen of India. He later joined the Tata three successive years of declining pro- Group which he served in different fits, but Parakh soon transformed it capacities before retiring as managing into a “healthy, professionally man ­ aged and dynamic ” enterprise, notes vision were*” due to his ability “to see bridge, poetry and languages. Having further than the tip of his nose. ” studied Persian, he would avail of any “He always had time for everyone, opportune moment to recite Persian from a watchman ’s son to an office col- couplets, recalls his wife Rhoda. He league ’s family, ” remembers his was also fond of animals and, at one daughter Mary Behlihomji. stage, the family looked after six dogs Parakh ’s camaraderie and sense of and six puppies. humor were evinced at a farewell func- Though Parakh had opted to be cre- tion, hosted by the staff, on his retire- mated, according to the family, he was ment from Colour-Chem. Responding “deeply religious and a staunch to the valedictory speeches, Parakh Zoroastrian in his own way. His began in Marathi, “You may not fol- death on New Year ’s day Caused con- low my English and I cannot under- sternation to the family because not __ .... V . 1 ____ ____tn some time for the audience to resettle the after-death ceremonies at his resi- before he could continue his address in dence in lieu of the Doongerwadi. A Hindi, noted a report in Rang Vishwa. follower of Satya Sai Baba since 1970, As founder-chairman of the Central his spiritual-philosophical bent of Society for the Education of the Deaf mind led him to the guru, explains which runs a school and a teachers ’ Mary who says, “When there is a training institute at Agripada, Bom- teacher whose instructions you can fol ­ bay, Parakh invested his savings to buy low, you learn more about your own who till today are charged not more of India. He later joined the Tata Group which he served in different director of Voltas. His interests included outdoor life, the write-up. His planning and distant photography, western classical music, . ¦ ¦ L . TT„..:^g studied Persian, he would avail of any opportune moment to recite Persian iw the valedictory speeches, Parakh Zoroastrian in his own way. began in Marathi, “You may not fol- death on New Year ’s day Caused con- r Aua. uuiiM.i,, .... low my English and I cannot under- sternation to the family because not managing director of Voltas Ltd stand my own Marathi... ” It took many priests were willing to perform _ . ° °_ ... 1 _ XL-_______... lx. thf. aftf.r-Hpath re.rp.m nines at his resi- Died; Adal Bomanji Parakh, 72, for ­ mer 1 „ and Colour-Chem, and founder ­ chairman of the Central Society for the Education of the Deaf, on August 25, 1987 in Bombay following cardiac arrest. “A man recognized as a forward ­ looking leader, self-confident and practical... a seeker after perfection; a man whose honesty and integrity com- and daughter Mary Behlihonrji and smile,” was how Parakh ’s personality Born in Manmad, in Maharashtra, Roshan Fambunda. Society for the Education of the Deaf mind led him to the guru, explains which runs a school and a teachers ’ Mary who says, training institute at Agripada, Bom- t------- premises to house the deaf students religion. ” who till today are charged not more He is survived by his wife Rhoda 44 Parsiana October 1987