Sep 1988

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S fev >• ¦PT6MB1 bi '‘Sr;; .-•¦ I ixiI ! f I I I September 1988 Volume 11 Number 3 I EDITOR Jehangir Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR ParinazToddywalla ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah Fernandes, Pauline Ferreira MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ; ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L Arora CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver, Khurshid Daruwalla, Rohinton Daroga OFFICE Rajendra Nayak, Khurshid Panthaky, Patricia Lewis, Rajalakshmi Iyer, Bakhtavar Batliwalla 3 Readers' Forum 8 Events and Personalities 14 Zoroastrians Abroad 18 International scholars' meet I i 25 BPP trusteeship candidate Dotivala by Arnavaz Mama 29 Golwaila exonerated. I i 33 An artist and a gentleman by Geeta Doctor 38 The delights from Dinshaw's by Dilnavaz Bhagwagar 40 Milestones 42 In Memoriam Cover: Transparency by Mala Mukerjee Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications P^ Ltd at C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Parsiana Publications, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Phototypesetting, Ace; color processing. Comart Lithographers; and black and white processing, Shilpart. All rights reserved. Phone: 2048730 Annual inland subscription: Rs 50 for one year (12 issues); Rs 90 for two years (24' issues). Foreign subscription rates: Seamail Rs 100 for one year, Rs 180 for two years; Air mail Rs 250 for one year, Rs 475 for two years. For US cheques add $5 to cover bank charges. For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 4 for bank charges. Cheques and drafts to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 or C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort Bombay 400001. IREADERS’ FORUM pill»i PUIH Mint* OlH*' iiii::: Mioi nttx nKKIH Iff ¦i:?. laiVli, Mil £ r fir •^SS***! * fj;: lit i; elected to remain in Iran are not at liberty to present a true description, but we who live in freedom are not raphics was sent to us by the Anjuma^i obliged, surely, to accept at face value Zartoshtian Tehran vide a letter statements written at gunpoint. addressed to the Iranian Zoroastrian There were about 30,000 Zoroas- Anjuman of India. Located in Bom- trians in Iran on the eve of the 1979 bay, Parsiana is not equipped to com- catastrophe. Since then, thousands mentonthecensusfiguresof Iran. Itis have fled. Because conditions are even a possibility that members of other worse for Baha ’is than for other reli- minority religious faiths make claims gious minorities, many claim to be “ Zoroastrians, in order to avoid, in some cases. These inflated figures serve the cynical wrote to the Tehran Anjuman asking purposes of Khomeini, creating the for the earlier census figures and they utterly false impression that Zoroas- have stated in their reply that at the trians are thriving in Iran. Your uncri- time of the last census in 1976, “reli- tical publication of these figures, gion had not been taken into consid- which was immediately picked up by eration. ” the major Bombay dailies, seems to me rather irresponsible. to be no coercive pressures on Kushesh. The news about Iran ’s demog- to be Zoroastrians. But unless we are in a position to verify it is so, we would summary execution, only be indulging in speculation. We Thus we cannot conclude whether 90,891 reflects an increase or a de ­ crease in the number of Zoroastrians Ali Jafarey recently reviewed my in Iran. As Dr Russell does not cite the book, Zoroastrianism in Armenia, in source of his information for the num- his California publication. The ber of Zoroastrians on the eve of the Zoroastrian. In a review of his review, ’79 catastrophe, we assume the figure as it were, you cite one line, to the is conjecture, effect that my book is a good answer to ~ ' those who think Zoroastrianism was a Zoroastrianism in Armenia was de- ______________ religion confined to Iranians. A scho- rived from The Zoroastrian (April'and to the Editor, Readers' Forum, Parsiana, larly monograph is something more May 1988) wherein (on page 11) are ' ------ -__________ • I “Books received. ” The first California publication, The reference to Dr Russell ’s book Readers* views are weicoine on any subfect of Interest to the community and should be sent G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are than an ornament to contemporary listed polemics. sentence of the 10-line paragraph clarity. Unsigned letters or those without a — ... ........ . complete addrees will not be published. subject to editing for reasons of space and polemics. r»larllu IlnalnrsAzI lirttiirn luUkAtti * _ If you read my book, you will dis- spells out the names of the publica- cover that I devote some attention to “ the question of whether Armenians Micronroeontinn Iron regarded in the Parthian and Parsiana and the third and last sent- iVllsrepreseniing Iran Sasanian periods as Iranian. There is In Parsiana (April 1988), you pub- substantial evidence that they were, lished an article “The view in Iran ” suggesting that Zoroastrians have no came to regard themselves as a sepa- problems in Iran today. In “More rate nation. There were some good Zoroastrians in Iran than India ” {Par- points in Dr Jafarey ’s review, and it is siana, July 1988) you printed without deplorable that you have selected the much point in reproducing it in Par- siana as copies of The Zoroastrian are Dr JAMES R. RUSSELL Circulated complimentarily to all Par- Associate Professor of Iranian Studies Columbia University tion, author and publisher. The second sentence is the one paraphrased in ence refers to the author ’s professional standing. There is no “review ” of the and that subsequently the Armenians book, as such, in the newsletter I re ­ ferred to. Even assuming there was a longer review, there would not have been comment an Iranian Government sta- one misrepresentation to reprint in tistic indicating that the Zoroastrian your magazine. population of Iran is nearly three times what it was before the 1979 revolution. In my view, both pieces are misleading Amavaz Mama replies and damaging. Since 1979, I have met literally basis of an interview with Mehraban dozens of Iranian Zoroastrians - many Kushesh, a managing committee mem ­ in the past month in Bombay - who ber of the Anjuman Zartoshtian boys in the war with Iraq. ” The figure have fled their homeland at enormous Tehran. Kushesh repeated substantial- is much more than that. risk and expense because of religious ly the same information to the Federa- The Zoroastrian community in Iran persecution. Their narratives, I assure tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of has distributed, through the Anjuman, you, make harrowing reading. Of India at its executive council meeting 30 million rials (about 38 lakh rupees) course, those Zoroastrians who have in Ukai in early April. There seemed and not 300 million rials (about 60 mil- siana subscribers in India. “The view in Iran” “The view in Iran ” was written on the I refer to “The view in Iran ” (Par­ siana, April 1988) wherein it is stated that “The community has lost nine The Zoroastrian community in Iran 3 Parsiana September 1988lion rupees) to the war funds. Regarding availability of a large plot of land in Tehran for constmcting a very big atash bahram, I would like to mention that there are laws governing the building of houses of worship by minority communities. The Bahman Hospital in Yazd was not founded by the Jahanian family. Five decades ago, it was founded from the funds of the late Bahman Khadico- la Koochabioki. The Jahanian family established another hospital in Yazd, nearly 20 years ago, known as the Godarz Hospital. Regarding intercommunity mar ­ riages, though rare, there are some rules and regulations (governing the *±£-2 s?wr -• .9 'i J - . f u iig m u ' w .i " ¦' ,___ _ . w* -/WgaaaflBB acceptance of non-Zoroastrian spouses) Dadabhoy Naoroji (left) which the interviewee should have Newly built agiary in Vyara been aware of. Dr«HAHPOOR NARiMANiZADEH that the reformers were completely Banoobai and Shavaksha Dotiwalla, “ineffective. ” This is far from the truth and my late sister. Perin. and needs to be corrected. In 1851 (not 1861) the Rahnumae Poona >> B.S. DOTIWALLA * ‘Distinguished men... ’ ’ “More Zoroastrians in... It was surprising to read in Parsiana Mazdayasnan Sabha was founded by (July 1988) that there are more Dr Dadabhoy Naoroji, a great and re- I was interested to read “Disting- Zoroastrians in Iran than there are in ligious man, the likes of whom it is uished men of science ” (Parsiana, India. Is this because the population of hard to find today. Its aims and objects May 1988) and note the contributions young and females is greater there as are “to remove from Zoroastrians, su- made by Parsis to science in India, indicated by the census figures of the perstitions, beliefs, unbecoming and Since your source of information was Islamic Republic of Iran? harmful customs and usages which from the year book of the Indian A recent article by Paul O’Duscoll may have crept in from other religions National Science Academy, 1984, may in The Observer, London, showed how and which may be followed in the I bring you up-to-date as regards the the Hebrew immigration associations name of the Zoroastrian religion but later Parsi Fellows? had helped persecuted Jews to flee which are contrary to the principles of “ from Iran. The same article mentioned that religion, and to spread amongst Fellow in 1985. He is chairman emer- that the “Greek and Syrian Christian Zoroastrians correct knowledge about itus, Tata Chemicals Ltd; director, communities have all but disappeared, the pristine pure teachings of Prophet Tata Industries Ltd and The Tata Oil The Zoroastrians remain, partly be- Zarathushtra by means of talks, lec- Mills Co Ltd; chairman, Tata Sons cause they have nowhere to go, while tures, discourses, articles, books, pub- Ltd, The Indian Hotels Co Ltd, Tata the Baha ’is shroud themselves in an lications and social and cultural func- A.G.; and Tata International A.G.; Islamic veil following the systematic tions. Any adverse remark or objec- on the governing board. Family Plan ­ destruction of their community. ” ¦ “ ~ ~ ~ Can anyone offer an explanation? Ms S. N. NANPORIA Zoroastrisn renaissance hundred and thirty-seventh anni- Fellowship Council, The J.R.D; Tata The article “A Zoroastrian renaiss- versary when the hall was packed with Trust and Jamshedji Tata Trust; on the governing council, Tata Institute Ms HOMAi FRAMROZE BODE of Fundamental Research; and on the ,7 . ,, managing council. National Centre for Vyara vignette tjie performing Arts. Dr Noshir Hormusji Wadia (born siana, July 1988) was really informa- 1925) was made a Fellow in 1986. Spe- J.R.D. Tata (bom 1904) was made a tional criticism of any religion shall not ning Foundation, The J.N. Tata En- be permitted. ” dowment for the Higher Education of On August 3, 1988 the Rahnumae Indians, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Lady Mazdayasnan Sabha celebrated its one Tata Memorial Trust, Homi Bhabha hundred and thirty-seventh ance ” {Parsiana, July 1988) tells us ab- admirers and supporters, out our community in North America and the Sixth North American Zoroas- . trian Congress held there recently. a This gives us very interesting informa- The article “Vyara vignette ” (Por ­ tion which we deeply appreciate. At the above conference, Mr tive, but I find that there was a small cializing in clinical neurology, he is Khojeste Mistree, in his address error. director of neurology, Jaslok Hospital “Adopting Zoroastrian Tradition in ~ ----- . _ the New World Environment, ” is tings for the Vyara agiary was not neurologist (for life) to the J.J. Group alleged to have stated that the Rahnu- borne by Shavaksha Dotiwalla, but by of Hospitals and Grant Medical Col- mae Mazdayasnan Sabha is “a body of me, his son Bommie. This contribu- lege, Bombay. reformers, ” that it has “reduced the tion to the Vyara Songadh Anjuman Dr Vispy Minocher Meher-Homji practice of rituals to a minimum ” and was in memory of my late parents (born 1932) was accepted as a Fellow error. The expenditure on the electrical fit- and Research Centre; and consultant 5 Parsiana September 1988 \1 Recognized for their contribution to science (from left): Wadia, Meher-Homji and Tata ¦}, ¦ »* ' mi ted ego, and in fact soar to the heights of universal brotherhood. Dr NEELA SITARAM The gift of the eye In response to my offer, the Times Eye Research Foundation has appointed me to work as a volunteer to motivate people for eye donations. I am doing this work in memory of my late pa ­ rents. There are lakhs of blind people in man to sacrifice his worldly interests to India who can be cured if eyes are don- serve religion. Brig n.b. grant ated to them. Persons deisirous of donating eyes, those in need of eyes or those who in 1988. A research botanist at the Aiiv cumpsiSMUiutic pricsi have regained their vision after being French Institute, Meher-Homji spe- Dasturji Navrooz Minochehr-Homji donated eyes, doctors who are willing cializes in ecology, biogeography and would come regularly to give lectures to remove eyes from the deceased or bioclimatology. at our school. Being a non- perform grafting operations free of It is most likely that Mr J.R.D. Tata Zoroastrian, I was not supposed to cost, volunteers who would like to must have been made an Honorary attend his talks, but at the same time work on this scheme in thpir neighbor- Fellow in view of his close association no one prevented me. Out of sheer hood, social workers already in the with and support to science and scien- curiosity and since the majority of my field, and interested sponsors may tific endeavor. Dr (Ms) p.n. wadia classmates had to attend, I too sat contact me at: X-99/16, Godrej Quar ­ ts A J. .. ,, through his talks. ters, Vikhroli (East), Bombay 400079. A new QireCllOn... Even as a child, I was captivated by It would help if priests and scholars In your cover story on Mr B.K. Karan- jia, “A new direction to films ” {Par­ siana, June 1988) a printer ’s devil fantastic, logical and yet simple analy- seems to have crept in. The first full-length feature film in Parsi Gujarati being financed by the whether we were Zoroastrians or not. abroad. Any useful data, research National Film Development Corpora- - - -- tion is based on a story by Cyrus Mis­ try and not Cyrus Merchant. The film environment where there was constant ceived. is being produced by Vajra Films and parochialism and bias, here was one directed by me. pervez merwanji person, and that too a priest, who had P |. . . transcended these petty discrimina- We have read Mr Zal Sethna ’s com- KeilglOn to serve msn tions and had a secular and universal ment in ‘‘WZO relocated ” {Parsiana, Zoroastrianism is the only religion I approach. January 1988). know which has no rituals, no dogmas. My admiration for him grew much Mr Sethna has made statements no penance and no fasting. The rituals more when one day, he started talking concerning amounts owed - by The which the Parsis in India observe are of the Bhagwad Geeta and explained World Zoroastrian Organisation only those of the country which gave the relevant stanzas explicitly. This (WZO) to the Zoroastrian Trust them shelter. kindled my interest in Vedanta, and in Funds of Europe (ZTFE) - which are It is a religion of happiness and fact it was Dasturji who ignited within totally untrue. WZO did not owe any- laughter which expects its followers to me that quest to seek and realize one ’s thing to the ZTFE and this was made eat, drink, create wealth and always be true nature. amply clear to Mr Sethna by Mr merry. Its foundation, however, rests ~ on the three pillars of good thoughts, he was inaugurating a Geeta gnana WZO at the last annual general meet ­ good words and good deeds, bound yagna (seminar where the knowledge ing held in October,. 1987. together by a bond which stipulates of the Geeta is expounded). Once Neither Mr Sethna, ti PERVEZ MERWANJI Pune “The compassionate priest” through his talks. Even as a child, I was captivated by this great man, in his impeccable white of different religions were to give their clothes, his towering personality, his views on eye donation. In future, I would like to publish a sis, and his most loving and kind na- handbook on eye donations - listing ture to us children, irrespective of activities carried out in India and In fact, it was this last aspect of Das- work, news, views, suggestions, find- turji that attracted me the most. In an ings, reports, etc will be gladly re- V.J. MULADWALLA WZO relocated ” My admiration for him grew much true nature. Years later, I heard Dasturji when Dinyar J. Modi, honorary treasurer of together by a bond which stipulates of the Geeta is expounded). Once Neither Mr Sethna, treasurer of that happiness comes only to those again, he captivated the spell-bound ZTFE, nor his successors have ever who give happiness to others. audience with his melodious Sanskrit written any letter to the WZO commit- The Zoroastrian faith is a religion recitals and inspired everyone by his tee or sent any invoice to WZO con- only of the living, by the living, and for enlightening talks. cerning this alleged outstanding the living. It believes that religion was made to serve man, but that man was clear indication that the paths may be not created to serve religion. Religion many but the goal is only one and must therefore bend to accommodate hence one should get out from the the needs of man. So long as he serves shackles of ‘my ’ community, ‘my ’ reli- his fellowmen, there is no need for gion, ‘my ’ place of worship, ‘my ’ li- Dasturji ’s very life and works are a amount referred to by Mr Sethna. S.F. CAPTAIN Joint Honorary Secretary The World 2Loroastrian Organisation Edited by Arnavaz S. Mama 6 Parsiana September 1988Events and Personalities fifdvs Tifhnl Ipflcp executive council meeting of the Fed- Ahmedabad, according to a letter VOUri suiys xiuim wrtsc eration of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans from Porus Karanjawalla who is The 99-year lease of the 14-acre Tithal of India on September 4 in Bombay associated with the project. Sanatorium land in Gujarat to builder and acquainted them with the High The publication would be bringing Vipin Shah has been stayed by Justice Court order. The Federation will ex- “news and information on Parsis, their Daud of the Bombay High Court. The amine the possibility of joining Irani in doings, their achievements and their lease had been sanctioned by the char- fighting the suit. aspiration^ with special reference to ity commissioner M. M. Tule after According to the terms of the lease, those m Gujarat, but not excludmg prolonged hearings-in April 1988. the Tithal trust would receive an . those all over the world, notes acom- Senior advocates Bomi Zaiwalla and annual rent of Rs 1,70,000 (to begin a munique from Hamajor, explaining Eruch Kotwal, instructed by solicitor year after the final agreement) for 14 the need for such a newsletter. ; 2__ 2. ___ - - Parsika requests Parsis in different according to Irani ’s statement at the towns and cities to send news items. Federation meeting, would be in the contributions and information of in- region of five crore rupees. The lease terest to Parsi readers. Those who agreement provides for the construe- wish to communicate may write to tion of eight blocks of 450 sq ft each on Noshir Dabu, Gandhi Block, Parsi one acre of land for the continued use Sanatorium, Ashram Road, Ahmeda- of the Sanatorium ’s beneficiaries. The bad 380009 or Porus Karanjawalla, 6, construction cost of seven lakh rupees, Udyan Flats, Near St Xavier s School, with six percent interest, would be ad- Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380052 or justed against the lease rent over the Ms Shirinavroze Kanga, A-6, Anal ye3fs Apartments, Gulbai Tekra, Ahmeda- bad 380015. Parsika from Gujarat Panika, a newsletter in English and Coaching in computers Gujarati “for the Parsis of Gujarat, ” “In this modem age of technological has been launched by Hamajor from advance (where the) knowledge of ............. .......... aspirations, with special reference to According to the terms of the lease, those in Gujarat, but not excluding the Tithal trust would receive an . those all over the world, ” notes a com- Sorab Morris of Little and Company acres of land. The value of this land, contended, on behalf of petitioners J «} consiruviiuii vudi ui acvcii iais.ii lupvo, v/wj<*** * *««.«, * --------------------- with six percent interest, would be ad- Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380052 or _ J “ Five generations of the Vajifdar family (from left) Dhanmai Jehangirji Vajifdar (aged 93); daughter Mani Keki Katrak (aged 70); granddaughter Mary Hoshi Mody (aged 44); great great grandson Zehaan (aged 18 months) and great granddaughter Farida Yazdi Guard (aged 23) Merwan Irani: in the interest of Tithal land Merwan and Benafshay Irani, that the trustees (Jehangir Bamji, Shirinbai Narielwala and Dr Rustom Patel) have violated the objectives of the tmst whose property is meant for the use of g convalescing poor and middle-class J Parsi Zoroastrians. No sale or lease of the property for the housing of non- f' Parsis is envisioned in the trust deed, nor have the trustees applied for a cy i • O pres to enable a change in the use of ¦ J the property, they pointed out. Justice Daud has, moreover, stayed Shah who claimed to have already sub ­ let plots, from any alienation or de ­ velopment of the land until the peti ­ tion is disposed of. Irani addressed the gathering at the 8 Parsiana September 1988Tata students of merit abroad. Among Parsis, five students have shi Jail (international relations, Mar- computer science...has become a ne- do an advanced course which the Pun- be: Tanaz Amalsadvala (veterinary cessity, ” the trustees of the Bombay chayet offered to organize, adds the science, Louisiana State University), Parsi Punchayet(BPP), at the instance release. Dorab Bhagwagar (polymer science, of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian rp . mowSf Pennsylvania State University), Ana- Anjumans of India, organized a com- * SluaeillS 01 merll Mody (molecular biology, Uni- puter training program from May 2 to Eighteen of the 121 students selected versity of San Francisco) and Dr June 11, 1988, notes a press release. by the J.N. Tata Endowment for the Kurush Paghdiwalla (advanced train- The coaching, at an approximate Higher Education of Indians are Par- ing in internal endoscopy, Kiel, West cost of Rs 22,500, was given to 39 Parsi sis, notes a press release issued by Din- Germany). students (20 boys and 19 girls) through shah Malegamvala, director of the En- There are also other branches of Megabyte Computer Agency and dowment. The students selected for study which will be pursued by stu- Sarosh Computer Consultants. Ms Sil- the academic year 1988-89, will dents: Jeroo Billimoria (non-profit loo Commissariat, prindpal of Panday pursue their masters, doctoral and management. State University of New Girls ’ High School, and Ramesh post-doctoral studies and research York), Ziya Ghandy (textile design, Mirakhur, a computer expert of N. S. abroad. Manchester Polytechnic, UK), Hutok- Guzder and Company, helped in im- Among Parsis, five students have shi Jail (international relations, Mar- plementing and organizing the prog- opted for engineering: Adil Billimoria quette University, Wisconsin), Percy ram, adds the release. (chemical engineering. University of Pithawala (architecture, USA) and The candidates were selected on the Lowell), Kerman Deboo (electrical Cyrus Taraporewala (MBA, Cornell basis of an admission test. The batch engineering. University of Michigan), University). comprised students, who had Neville Gai (electrical engineering. Apart from the technological sub ­ appeared for their eighth or ninth Polytechnic University, Brooklyn), jects, the Endowment has, this year, standard exams, from seven schools: Ardeshir Sholapurwalla (mechanical found three “very strong groups ” in Cowasjee Jehangir High School, Gir- engineering. University of Massachus- management, medical specialization ton High School, Panday Girls ’ High sets) and Yezdi Soonavala (mechanic- and architecture. “Further, a group of School, Petit Girls ’ High School, Ben- al engineering, Clemson University). well-qualified young girls (have been) galee Girls ’ High School, Jamsetjee The fields of medicine or psychology selectedwho,outofasenseofdedica- Jejeebhoy Girls ’High School and the will interest: Jasmine Cooper (occupa- tion, have volunteered to opt for Byramjee Jejeebhoy Parsi Charitable tional therapy, McGill University, careers which are not so remunera- Institution. Canada), Anahita Lord (school coun- tive ” such as social work, vocational At the prize distribution function selling and guidance for the hearing therapy and working with the hand ­ held on July 5, 1988 at the Muncherji impaired, Gallaudet University, icapped, the release notes. Khareghat Hall, all the participants Washington), Jasmine Sidhwa (occu- This year, 43 students came from were given certificates, and six of the pational therapy. State University of lower income groups with a monthly best performers were given gift New York, Buffalo) and Tinaz income of less than Rs 3,000, 18 of vouchers. In his presidential address, Vevaina (clinical psychology and them having a monthly income of less BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder exhorted psychotherapy, Boston City Hospital), than Rs 1,000. Forty-three scholars the students who were interested, to Specializing in science subjects will have been awarded substantial finan- GaHaudet specializing in science subjects will have been awarded substantial finan ­ cial assistance from universities abroad amounting to $ 6,34,168 (approx ­ imately Rs 88,78,352). “It is the con ­ stant endeavor of the Tata Endow ­ ment to reach out to the brilliant, but At the one-day seminar on “Investments beyond Dalal Street” organized by Firuzgar Investments and Financial Consultancy Pvt Ltd on June II, 1988: (from left) Fali Poncha, Mahendra Kampani, Jamshed Guzder, Berjis Desai and Kersi Limathwalla. Homi Ranina (standing) inaugurated the seminar. 1 i i I * /¦ 9 Parsiana September 1988i Anti-apartheid exhibit: a serigraph of Mandela (left) by the artist Mickey Patel (below) (Photos: Gopal Shetty/ Mid-Day} the underprivileged youth of India, ” further adds the release. The J.N. Tata Endowment was established 96 years ago by Jamsetji Tata. Since then it has been annually assisting about 110 to 120 Indian graduates with a distinctive academic record to go abroad for higher studies. “Oppression opposed ” “If I had my fast to live again Stop I’d fast for Nelson Mandela Stop and Winnie Mandela Stop ” Together with a reclining Mahatma Gandhi, these words form Gandhi’s telegram, one of the 10 serigraphs by well-known graphic artist and cartoonist Mickey Patel. The serigraphs were produced for “Oppression opposed, ” an exhibi- ¦ tion dedicated to the jailed South Afri- i can black leader Nelson Mandela, de- I scribed in the invitation to the exhibi- j tion as “the symbol of hope and cour ­ age of the oppressed peoples of the world. ” The exhibition, which was in sym­ pathy with the Artists against Apar- does not squeeze his acknowledged ter covering a protest by the Students ’ theid movement, was held at Gallery mold of style to fit his present sub- Federation of India (SFI) at Mantra- Chemould, Bombay, from July 18 to ject... He sometimes conceives a laya (the state government ’s ministe- August 5, 1988. The opening date wordless image, and at other times un- rial offices) in Bombay on August 12, coincided with Mandela ’s seventieth ites verse and symbol from social his- 1988, were beaten up by policemen, birthday and the closing date with the tory. Above all, he uses his expressive according to The Times of India of the completion of his 25 years in jail, line, humorous in itself, to enrich his next day. The photographers were tak- Simultaneously displayed in Calcutta, message or register a sad protest, ” ing pictures of the education minister ’s the exhibition was a part of a series of wrote Premila Kurrien in The Indian cabin after the students had stormed in activities worldwide to mark the “Free Post of July 19. The Times of India of and broken furniture there, says The Nelson Mandela ” campaign. July 22 said: “The injustice of apar- ~ Patel, in an interview with the Mid- theid, the violence done to the dignity Day of July 26, said that he had been of the individual who is victi- in touch with people from South Afri- mized..\comes through with great im- the hands of the police, says the paper, ca since the 1960s. Initially starting on pact in graphics. ” The others who received lathi blows some illustrations of Mandela for the To enable visitors to send their from the police were P.M. Shirodkar Delhi College of Art, he was soon birthday messages of support to Man- of The Times of India, Pradeep Chan ­ working on 20 drawings. Finally this dela, scrolls of paper were put up on dra of Indian Express, Raju Kakde of had to be cut down to 10 because of the wall and seven such sheets were Loksatta, Prakash Deshmukh of the high cost of printing the serf- filled, according to Khorshed Gandhy Mumbai Sakai and Piyush Ra\Val of graphs. of Gallery Chemould. These sheets, Janmabhoomi, according to the re- The serigraphs, a juxtaposition of the organizers - Kekoo and Khorshed ports in The Times and The Daily. quotes with visuals, feature, among Gandhy - hope, will be smuggled into ~ others, Martin Luther King, Fidel Cas- Mandela ’s cell. . tro, Ch6 Guevara and Mandela. The proceeds from the sale of the serf- groups of students to view the exhibi- capitation fee system. When the graphs, after covering costs, are to go tion. “School children have become education minister, Kamal Kishore to the African National Congress. The more aware of what ’s happening, ” Kadam refused a meeting with them full set of serigraphs costs Rs 5,000, Khorshed said. “They have realized and withdrew into his ante chamber, while a single one costs Rs 700 what a great freedom fighter Mandela “the activists started raising slogans, ” (framed) and Rs 600 (unframed). is and how (one) has to suffer for according to the Indian Express of Au- While reviewing the exhibition, the (one ’s) freedom. ” gust 13. The Free Press Journal of the daily newspapers commented on the p, , same day notes that it was then that artist ’s ability to portray the relevant VOpS 0631 Up prCSSmeil the police were summoned to control ideology: “What is nice is that Patel Four news photographers and a repor- the students. When the police started Times. Hoshi Jal, chief photographer of The Indian Post, suffered the most at The activists of the SFI were re ­ portedly demanding unemployment Several schools reportedly sent allowance and a complete ban on the Cops beat up pressmen 11 Parsiana September 1988After 10 minutes of such vigorous dragging out the students^ a Member that her “technical prowess was back- of the Legislative Council and Con- ed by a sensitive response, ” said The ministrations, Mody was sated and gress-I whip, Tejsingh Rao Bhonsale, Indian Post of August 17. “The com- Ratan was released. Whether Ratan ’s who was present there, reportedly said, prehensive technique and complete enthusiastic actions meant that the “Push out the journalists first. ” control over the instrument (made it massage had any other message is not The police then reportedly turned on seem) as if she were playing directly on yet known. In any case, with Ratan the journalists and beat them up, the strings! ” exclaimed the review in administering salve to Modi ’s snatched their cameras and confis- The Afternoon. bothered back, nobody can say that cated their film rolls. “Though the Kalianwala, according to the press there is not enough backslapping or at journalists pleaded that they were not release, had trained in Bombay under least backscratching on the Tata boards. ~ - - - - Reprinted from Business India, July 11-24, 1988 Zia’s college teacher the agitators and were only covering Ms Shanti Seldon and had won several the (protest), the policemen did not awards and prizes. In recognition of defer, ” the Journal adds. her talent, in 1985, she was awarded a Several students were also injured in six-year scholarship by the USSR gov- General Zia-ul-Haq, the late President the attack. Two women demonstra- emment to study in the Conservatory, of Pakistan had been tutored by Eruch tors, Armaity Irani and Mariam Boot- says the release. While in Moscow, Rustom Kapadia, according to an arti- wala were allegedly slapped by an Kalianwala had been reportedly cle in the Indian Express of August 25, officer, pulled by the hair and pushed selected to play in several concerts, in- 1988. into police vans, according to The eluding the one to commemorate the Times. Another activist Raju Khotwad three hundredth birth anniversary of had told General Zia that “he was not reportedly had his left arm fractured in Scarlatti. She had also played at a con- an ideal history student. ” This was a the beating. Fifty-two students were placed under arrest on charges of “rioting, assaulting public servants (policemen) and damaging the minis ­ ter ’s cabin, ” adds The Times. After the incident, some of the jour ­ nalists involved, including Jal who, according to The Times, still had a bleeding nose, met the chief minister, Sharad Pawar, minister of state for home, Vilas Sawant and Kadam. The ministers reportedly apologized for the incident and promised an inquiry by the Additional Commissioner of Bom ­ bay Police, according to The Indian f ; , ¦ / Post. The photographers involved had -- f .............. not got back their film rolls the next cert by the young students of the Con- remark that General Zia remembered day , despite promises to the effect by servatory at the invitation of the Brit- and when he became President of the chief minister, reports The After- ish ambassador in Moscow, Sir Brian Pakistan, he reportedly wrote to noon Despatch and Courier of August Cartlede, the release adds. Kapadia: “I didn ’t read history then 13. . , . , > but I make history now. ” ThrJHir L-omt YoU SCrdtch my back, I... General Zia, according to the arti- inntty holds the key — ® - - - In an “absorbing recital ” at the Patkar moments when directors engage in a and deeply religious ” during his years Hall, Bombay on August 10, 1988, round of you-scratch-my-back-I-massage- at St Stephen ’s College in Delhi from Bombay-born Thritty Kalianwala yours is well-known. Though activity of 1942 to 1945. After he took over the showed “makings of a great pianist, ” this sort is usually discreetly confined to office of President, he made it a point said The Afternoon Despatch and boardrooms, ever so often such closet to call on his former teacher every Courier of August 16. Kalianwala, cosiness slips into the open. time he visited India. . presently a student at the world- Recently, Russi Mody felt itchy just When his former teachers were in- renowned Tchaikovsky Conservatory after the TISCO (Tata Iron and Steel vited to Pakistan, General Zia was al- of Music in Moscow, has been placed Company) board meeting. Squirming ways an excellent host. “He broke under the direction of Prof Mme Lud- uncomfortably in his chair, Mody ex- protocol to see off his teachers when milla Roshena, according to a press re- ercised his chairmanly rights over his they left, and opened the door (of) the lease. fellow board member Ratan Tata and car that was to carry Mr Kapadia, ” the The recital, which featured works by arched his back out to be scratched, article says. General Zia presented his Haydn, Schumann, Beethoven, Scar- Ratan obligingly snapped out a pen teacher with four prize carpets as a Kapadia, according to the Express, Kalianwala (left): instrumental control Mody (center) and Tata: conveying a message with a massage? fl You scratch my back, I... That board meetings are just merry cle, was “very quiet, not very bright Recently, Russi Mody felt itchy just latti and Rachmaninoff, was organized (no, he does not keep a backscratcher parting gift, notes the article, under the auspices of the Time and Ta- handy) and proceeded to do Mody ’s lents Club. Kalianwala ’s music showed back with gusto. Compiled by Ramgopal Balakrishnan 13 Parsiana September i988ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD FEZANA’s survey also sought to be gauged. Opinions were also to be deter- Whether the Federation of Zoroas- mined on a Canada-US free trade de- trian Associations of North America velopment (FEZANA) should undertake the role businesses. of an “honest broker ” to form a World adults need short or long-term jobs in Federation of Zoroastrian Associa- government, professions or business. by Parvez Marshall, a former AZA president and a foundation committee member, stresses that “each and every Zoroastrian member of the AZA in NSW should Zoroastrian consider and provide new candidates for election to the management and __________ ______ foundation committees. ” These, he tions is the forty-ninth of 50 queries and also whether training/assistance/ says, should be people who are^eci- contained in the questionnaire circu- i / ‘ * lated by FEZANA’s coordination and businesses were some of the economic planning committee to its member considerations on which North Amer- associations which were required to ican Zoroastrians were polled, glean the community ’s opinions and F 1 ' ~ gestion had to be rated on a score of important to warrant a survey. Dissolution resolution SllaUlC ). Reproduced by the ZAC (Zoroas- In order to improve management, re- trian Association of Metropolitan Chi- duce paperwork and save time, the cago) newsletter and soliciting one re- four outgoing members of the Austra- included topics on religion and cul- of New South Wales ’ foundation com- ture, social and community develop- mittee have suggested the conunittee ’s ment, community welfare and gui- dissolution as a separate body and its between Whether employment is required in Zoroastrian sive, devoted to the AZA cause, hard ­ working, assertive, efficient and cost- conscious, with “hands-on ” abilities. _ _ __________\ I Respondents were at liberty to sug- The youth section of the newsletter in- responses at the grassroots. Each sug- gest items they considered sufficiently vites young Zoroastrians to devise a * • letterhead/logo for their new associa- (highly desirable) to four (not de- p.." launched. Any one of rMnliifmn suggested names for the asso ­ ciation - Vaat Cheet, Chit Chat, Ashni, YAZ (Young Australian Zoroastrians), The Young and the sponse per family, the questionnaire lian Zoroastrian Association (AZA) Restless - may^be incorporated into ture, social and community develop- mittee have suggested the conunittee ’s dance, youth, education, economic amalgamation with the management announced at the Pateti function on and miscellaneous issues. committee, notes the July issue of the August 28. The winner of the first To gauge the community ’s reaction AZA newsletter, Manashni. Dated prize will see his logo being used by towards ways and means of promoting June 5, the resolution, proposed by the young association and receive a “acceptance ” within the community, Ernani Giambuzzi, Parvez Marshall, ’’ the growth in numbers, and to avoid Mithi Daver and Noshir Sachinwalla, the rapid decline, the respondents attributes the need for this step to va- were asked to rate the following op- rious problems that have arisen mainly tions: the acceptance of non- as a result of the incorporation of the Zoroastrian spouses, children of AZA. They state that the foundation mixed marriages or adopted children, committee has become subordinate to teaching known by humanity to lead to retrieval of ex-Zoroastrians, and new the management committee and is un- total awareness, notes the subscrip ­ conversions. Those not in favor were able to function independently: it now tion form of Mazdayasna: The World entitled to state “no. ” has no treasurer of its own, it is unable High Light- a bilingual monthly news- Other questions on religion included to fill its seven positions, and it is func- letter published by The International the integration of Fasli / Kadmi / tioning merely as a fund-raising body. Mazdayasnan Order based in Eugene, Shehenshahi ceremonies with uni- The resolution will be put to vote at Oregon. formity of dates for celebrating holy the Association ’s annual general meet- The organization holds an open dis- days and the need to ensure continuity ingon August?, and if it is carried, the cussion every Saturday at seven of trained mobeds / paramobeds in foundation committee will be dis- o’clock, notes the newsletter. In a North America. solved, notes Manashni. A new man- series of articles Mazdayasna attempts On the social and community de- agement committee could then carry to spread Zarathushtra s message in velopment front, FEZANA asked the out the work. “The proposed new the context of life in 1988. The Mah community if it favors active promo- committee ’s composition should be in- Farvardin issue (March-April) con- tion of Zoroastrian marriages and creased from seven to nine or 11 mem- tains a monograph on Zarathushtra to higher birth rates and whether it seeks bers, from which a group should be celebrate Khordadsal, the prophet s more information about available mat- responsible for fund-raising, ” adds the birthday. Another article on Ahura rimonial partners throughout North resolution. If the resolution is defe- Mazda defines godhead in terms like America. The requirement of welfare ated, the foundation committee will first cause, infinity, love, wisdoni, assistance for stabilizing new immig- continue to function, and five new omnipotence, omnipresence, intelli- rants and needy Zoroastrians, com- members will be elected to it. gence,justice,etc.'niere isalso anin- munity housing (chawls and multistor- Whatever the outcome, the AZA terpretation of Asha as a conscious ied apartments) and baby-sitters was “needs energetic go-getters. ” A letter choice for physical and spiritual prog- committee, notes the July issue of the 14 Parsiana September 1988 the black and white logo. With August 20 as the closing date, the result of the competition was scheduled to be token gift of $ 20. The runners-up will receive consolation prizes of $ 15 and $ 10, adds the newsletter. Mazdayasnan Order “Mazdayasna... is the ancient spiritualress: “When all efforts are devoted to- ty. Other directors at large: Ms Dil- community. Oriental scholar Dr Irach wards perfection, all imperfections in shad Antia, Ervad Behram Daboo, Ms J.S. Taraporewala ’s birth centenary was human beings wiU eventually dis- Shireen Daboo, Cyrus Grant, Ervad also observed in 1984, notes/the rei»rt. appear ” Neriosang Karanjia, Adil Kelawala, The main assets of the Institute Explaining the inspiration of Hosi Mehta, Keikhosrow Mobed, Dr rose from Pakistan Rs 23^000 in 1983 prophets who have generally sought to (Ms) Mehroo Patel, Ms Roshan Patel, to Pakistan Rs 531,(XW m 1987, reform the existing religious Dara Rivetna, Ms Dinsoo Rivetna and according to the Institute s report and fr am ework corrupted by circumstance Ms Roshan Rivetna, their audited statements of accounts, or ignorance, the newsletter ’s second The ZAC Darbe Mehr trustees for The main cause of this growth of issue in the article “Mazdayasna, a 1988-90 are Kayomarsh Mehta, Bomi fundshasbeenthedonationsbychy- way of life, ” notes, “Though most of Damkevala and Aspy Daboo. The itable trusts and pri\^te indi^du^s, these men (the prophets) would prob- ZAC trustees for the 1988-92 term are which total Pakistan Rs 132^. The ably not want to admit it, the source of Noshir Daruwalla, Dara Rivetna and largest donation of Rs W,000 came the trouble often lies less in religious Rohinton Rivetna. The chairpersons from the trustees of the Hommie and laxity than in the fact that the old sys- and co-chairpersons of the various Jamshed Nusserwanjee Chantable tern has not been kept up-to-date with committees are: executive - Trust. The other donore were Sir major social and historical develop- Kayomarsh Mehta, Bomi Damkevala; Jehangir Kothan Trust, the Ruttonjee ments...Most of these men would community relations - Ms Mehroo and Cooverbai Collector (^antable probably be surprised at the unex- Patel, Hosi Mehta; religion - Trust, and Mehrwan J. Shroff and his pected developments their embryonic Neriosang Karanjia, Ms Aban wife. ideas can take on in the future. ” Vazifdar; education - Kayomarsh The suggestion offered to the Parsi Mehta, Pesi Vazifdar; program - Ms and Zarathushti community in New Roshan Patel, Ms Parvin Mobed; The new community directory of the Jersey regarding the fatal mugging of membership and fund-raising - Zoroastrian Association of Houston Navroze Mody by the Dotbusters last Keikhosrow Mobed, Ms Dilshad An- (ZAH) was distributed at the Navroze October is: Be united and act accord- t . „ ing to Zarathushtra ’s teaching, .. Be youth and children - Ms Dinsoo Rivet ­ strong and (do) not let other people na, Hosi Mehta; senior citizens — Ms tAk p. Advantage of you as we have seen Rusliaii Patel, Ms Shtrccn ------------------ -------- - in the case of the Dotbusters. If they prayer room - Pesi Vazifdar, Ms Jer ing fund^ have a gang, you should have one too. L , If they kill one of yours then Minoo Press, Bomi Damkewala; lib- (sic) one of them. Don ’t be dependent rary - Aspy Daboo, Adil Kelawala; sions. Among the 120 family entries, on the police and government because computer - Minu Patel, Cyrus Grant; the most common professions are en- they are not going to do anything for security - Keikhosrow Mobed, gineering (28), and business (11). The yoij ” Behram Daboo; supplies - Ms Roshan list also includes accountants, stu- The Mazdayasnan Faith Calendar, Engineer, Ms Shireen Daboo; grounds dents, doctors and secretaries, with a compiled by Sarvar Mobed Parthava, and garden - Rumi Jamsetjee, Ms sprinkling of nurses, travel agents, accompanied the first issue of the Dinsoo Rivetna; building maintenance architects, and sales and marketing newsletter. It includes line illustrations - Aspy Daboo, Adil Kelawala; equip- people. _ r - . like the one where a variety of ethnic ment maintenance - Yezdi Engineer, The ZAH’s Navroze function began representatives are grouped under the Kersi Choksey. with a fashion show with a difference, benign gaze of Zarathushtra. Each day increase youth g ’-oup. This por- of the month bears a translation of the Karachi tUIldS mcrcaSC trayed the community s changing cos- attribute it embodies. From 1982 to 1987, the number of pat- tumes from the time of the Zoroas- rons of the Dastur Dr Dhalla Memo- trians landing in India up to the pre- ZAC’s new board rial institute, Karachi increased from sent day. “First came the mobed in his At the annual general meeting of the 12 to 13, life members from 3 to 5, /ama-picZi/ion and pugrce anI1.' • B „ ***• I ’i * 35 Parsiana September 1988 \ it ?»• -wt: .i •| Sb%* *' i| my paintings is oblique. It comes Above'.Sabavala with wife Shirin (Photo: Mala Mukerjee) Facing page: Sabavala’s paintings The Predator ftop/ Figure on a f Petrified Trees — II (Photos; Rajdatt Arts) windswept beach fcezi/er), andAmerican artists. “Eventually, from this study I went erty, have etched themselves in his natural that these are some of the characteristics that will distinguish my work, but I don ’t see that as a dis ­ advantage, ” he maintains. When someone asks him why the birds that fly out have a strange air of menace in his current series, he replies that for a Zoroastrian, who lays out his dead in the Towers of Silence, a bird cannot but hold a powerful fascination. The bird panels mark a new phase as Saba ­ vala turns to working in textures, using only his brush. Some of the other “There are private aspects of a person which unless you can represent very powerfully, become puerte” “At Heatherley, they had a very So it was a release for several young the different parts of the Deccan special way of approaching the stu- American artists. plateau where his family owned prop ­ dents. One stream was -academic and “Eventually, from this study I went erty, have etched themselves in his you had a man from Slade whose name to the cubist, Andre Lhote, which was memory and form a part of the texture was Frederick Whiting. He was an again a totally different experience. I of his work. Like every Indian, he h^s absolute classicist, so he would give his chose Lhote because I had read and a great hunger for a deeper philo- lecture and expect you to understand understood cubism as an intellectual, sophical meaning to life. and follow academe, artistic academe, but I couldn ’t practice it. So I went to He also recalls that a certain amount As opposed to him we had a person him and said, ‘Maitre, would you of the Zoroastrian heritage, the sense I called McNab who was then part of the accept me? ’ and he said, ‘Why should of ritual and ceremony that was part of Euston group, that was the modem I? You ’re not a cubist painter; you his childhood, is deep within him. “I group, and he would give his lecture know nothing about this. ’ He was one come from a very cosmopolitan com- bang opposite of what the other man of the last great cubist painters and a munity, the Zoroastrian community in had to say. So this was a trial period, a strict disciplinarian. He was not in- India, and my training has tended to- bit confusing till you settled with the terested in painters or paintings of wards the cosmopolitan, so it ’s but two streams of thought. They watch ­ ed, they didn ’t force you; they watch ­ ed what was the natural inclination of the student - did he veer toward the classic or did he turn to the modem school? ” After this he went on to Paris while Shirin returned to India, and again one cannot help but quote his description of his student life at Paris. “The ate ­ liers were lovely, ” he says with emph ­ asis on the last word. “They set up the subject. The man would come on a Monday and he would see to the set- other disciplines, so from him, it was a paintings have the close circular ting up of the theme, whether it was a legitimate question. It was difficult for rhythm of a floor swept with cowdung, still-life he wanted you to work at or me to explain that intellectually I had but he only smiles when I say this, the human figure. Then you would be understood but physically I couldn ’t “I am not a mainstream artist, ” con- left without any instmctions till the do it, and I finally had to plead, fesses Sabavala. One does not know end of the day. It was a long working ‘Please accept me because I come from whether he says this with a certain day; you worked till the light lasted. India which is thousands of miles away stubborn pride, for it requires a diffe- And he would come back towards the and this is probably the only chance I rent type of rebellion not to conform end of the week, Friday afternoon say, have of learning in Europe. ’ So he was to any of the popular movements or and give his criticism in front of every- magnanimous enough to understand, fashions of the time. In a painting enti- body. Everybody listened to every- and accepted me. I found him brilliant tied Windswept one can sense what he body else ’s criticism but he ’d go to - an absolutely brilliant scholar and means. The colors are used in the each person individually and where teacher. Much of Paris could come to manner of an impressionist and yet the necessary he would take the brush his lecture for a fee. You did not have backbone of the work is cubist. The from your hand and make the correc- to be a painter; you could be a profes- figure itself stands alone on a deserted tions. This was the school that was sional: a doctor, an engineer,who was beach, or rock front, tossed by the purely impressionistic, so you learnt to interested in the arts,could come and wind, the outer garments blown to study the light, the atmosphere in a listen to his lecture while the students shreds; and yet there is a certain de ­ painting, more than the form. sat in front. ” Sabavala felt that this fiance. “The age range of the students was a way of art appreciation that kept The painting that I like be'st in the could be anything from 16 to 60. So alive the link between the artist and series is the one that Sabavala has cal- you had the advantage of having a tot- the rest of the society, and wished that led Mirage but which he says he may al beginner on one side and perhaps on this could happen in India too. have really liked to call Real-Unreal. It the other side, an affirmed painter Sabavala is often asked whether his is a mysterious landscape that reveals who needed a model. He did not ex- Western training has cut him off from half-built forms, perhaps in a desert, pect correction, he was merely work- his roots, the Indian tradition that is perhaps as a reflection in the clouds, ing. We all moved around looking at now such an important ingredient of Nothing is defined and yet there is a one another ’s work, and chatted. It what is called “Indianness. ” He is clear sense of recognition that the was a lovely atmosphere. Again, careful in his reply. Of course he can- painting explores a dream state that perhaps I was merely lucky. A whole not reflect the Hindu pantheon of gods sometimes happens when one is flying generation of young American artists and goddesses, or the ritual and the in the air into the sunrise. He has were able to pour into Paris as a result festivals, and he does not even try to orchestrated the faintest melodies of of the Marshall Aid scheme that gave capture this, but he feels very strongly colors, in pale shell pinks, faint blues them the money to come and study for that the land itself is a part of him. The and greens. It ’s joyous, it ’s myste- the first time in Europe after the war. landscape, the light, the memory of rious, it ’s a Sabavala. ( 36 Parsiana September 1988Young Zoroastrian Questioning Asphandiar Dorab Moddie r I i This I ask you, tell me truly. Lord, Who am I? Where do I stand today. As a born Zoroastrian In other sweeping cultures. In which I must swim Or be sunk? Living Gathic essence with regal tolerance. Like great Cyrus with exiled Jews in Babylon? Trailing through mists of history? How shall I “reverently pay you homage, ’’ In archaic language not understood. With ritual half meaningful? What can I make my very own. From the pure essence of your religion? From which clear springs can I drink Of spirituality and Science, today’s Asha, Midst mind-boggling science mysteries. In the spiritual drought of our times? Our leaders lecture, not lead; Our priests live in bygone worlds. To whom shall we turn For today’s Zoroastrian renewal. When status quo and self-righteousness rule. In place of your large Righteousness? Long centuries ago. Lord, You bore Zarathushtra’s Persistent questioning. About heaven, earth, the ways of men; And you gave him Light. They want shallow unity. No meaningful questions, now. We are small, divided, dispersed. Yet seeking the bread of life. How to find Self and coherence. Without lifeless uniformity? How shall we overcome Sham externals, with Vohuman, Man for man, making creative Our elders are smug prisoners Of a receding past, not future-missiled; They frown on change in a changing age; Changes overtaking future survival. Demographic, cultural, economic: Our generation’s strange new worlds. Unlike any past. Fill our lacuna. Lord. How shall we find true voice In our confused time? With your clear, strong spirit To fire this flotsam, With the spark which once lit Forgotten empires, Spitama-inspired; With spring’s fresh renewal For Modern Mazdayasnaism. choices? Who then will give us renewal. Lord? Who, like Vistasp, enlarges and spreads. Contemporary Zoroastrianism? Who limits and diminishes An already dim legacy (Interpretations of the inner feelings of Zoroastrian youth over many years in many places from the North Zone Con­ ference, New Delhi, 1976 to the First North American Zoroastrian Youth Congress, 1987, and the First All-India Zoroastrian Youth Seminar, Delhi, ’87.) Gifts& Dastur Minochehr-Homji ’s birth anniversary The late scholar-priest Dastur Nav ­ rooz Minochehr-Homji ’s seventy-sixth birth anniversary will be observed at the Jivanji Modi Hall of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute on October 14, 1988 at 6.30 p.m. At the function, to be jointly organized by the Rustom Baug Association and the Sorabji Framji Titina Religious Trust, tributes will be paid to the former high priest of the Fasli Atash Kadeh. In addition, a framed oil portrait of Minochehr- Homji (36 X 26 inches) by artist J. P. Irani will be unveiled and placed in the Library Hall of the Institute where he served as joint honorary secretary for several years. The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive ^fts. raliginus artefacts, executive desk sets, exclusive shell items, designer jewelry & spedali^ng in wo^ & copper-enamel gifts. BOMBAY SWADESHI STORES LTD. (Mezzanine Floor) Sir P.M. Road, Bombay-400 001 STUDIO AKAR 6T/2660 37 Parsiana September 1988BUSINESS THE DELIGHTS FROM Advertisements of Dinshaw ’s ice ­ cream have only recently hit the screen on prime time TV, but for generations of Nagpurians, no summer evening stroll, birthday party or wedding re ­ ception was complete without Din ­ shaw ’s ice-cream. Of course it hasn ’t been choco-chips all the way! Starting with three buffa ­ loes and moving up to a three-crore rupee annual turnover, the road has been uphill. Dinshaw, after whom the famous ice-cream is named, was one of the four children of Bhikaji Rana. An itinerant actor from Navsari, Bhikaji travelled the colorful state of Gujarat, regaling audiences along the way with his repertoire of ribald songs and stor ­ ies. He lived in his world of make- believe and the more mundane aspects of life, like wife and children, were left very much to themselves. Bhikaji died young and Dinshaw, with his younger brother and sisters, grew up in Nav ­ sari, cared for by their masi (mother ’s sister). With little formal education but a strong sense of survival, young Din- * shaw, still in his teens, joined Bran ­ dons, the famous railway caterers. Working his way up to manager,^he ‘ was earning a princely sum of Rs 40 per month. But the dapper Dinshaw, fond of his Imperial Leather soaps, ' shaving creams and white gaberdine suits, found it hard to make two ends meet. At about this time it was decided that Dinshaw should be married off. Masi vetted the list of prospective brides and settled upon a good, kind, hardworking young girl from Navsari itself. Alas, even the best laid plans of masi could go awry - Dinshaw went to see one sister but fell in love with and married the other, Piroja! With the spirit of enterprise strong in them, the young couple decided to move out of Navsari in search of With a three-crore rupee annual turnover, Dinshaw ’s, Nagpur ’s reputed ice-cream concern, is reaching out to wider markets Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar >« * - ri* i greener pastures. During his cross ­ country travels on the Bengal-Nagpur Railway, Dinshaw had liked the little town of Nagpur. It was cheaper than Bombay, it had a large Parsi popula ­ tion connected with Jamsetji Tata ’s Empress Mills, and the people were warm and welcoming. And so it was that Dinshaw and Piroja Rana came to Nagpur in the ’20s, with very little money, but armed with lots of guts and determination. While a job in the Mills would have been the end of the rainbow for most Parsi men, it was not Dinshaw ’s cup of tea. They invested their life ’s savings in three buffaloes and started vending milk. It was a tough life that started at 4 a.m. every morning. After building up some savings, they decided to start a provision store in Sadar, the main street of the town. For lack of enough capital, however, this venture was short-lived. The dairy business was more stable and, with time, the buffa ­ loes multiplied. Together, husband and wife milked the cows, cleaned the stables and delivered the milk from house to house. They were intent on ::: A A. nouse ro nouse. iney were mieni on saving every paisa they could towards their dream of owning land where they could graze their cattle, build their home and send for Dinshaw ’s younger brother and sisters (still in Navsari) for whom he always harbored* a great affection and a sense of responsibility. In 1925 they bought one-and-a-half acres of land on the outskirts of the city in a jungle area called Borgaon. It was cheaper to buy land outside the city, and the grass and jungle provided I natural fodder. This land cost Dinshaw I Rs 200 and it took him six months to I repay the money to his more prosper- I OUS brother-in-law Burjor Sukhara I who was working in the Empress ¦ Mills. Being far from the city, they ¦ worked much harder and much longer, ¦ had the burden of a loan to repay, lar- ¦ ger maintenance inputs and a bigger 38 Parsiana September 1988ft A 4 i* f » '. ’ 4 i'- Dinshaw Rana (Right) Dinshaw’s ice-cream parlor in Nagpur ^4 vors were added and disposable cups F replaced the stemmed glass ones. t By 1969, Dinshaw ’s had shifted from their small parlor of 30 years to newer, grander, glass-fronted premis- , es. Dinshaw was growing old. His eldest son Sam had quietly taken over much of the burden of the business. Once again, another friend of the family, Rusi Bhote, a government officer in the food and marketing divi ­ sion, suggested that they go in for Larsen and Toubro ’s Rs 50,000 pas ­ teurization plant. Sam placed the order without consulting his father. That angered Dinshaw. For four years family to support. eyes and recreate the sounds, sights father and son did not speak to each It was a hand-to-mouth existence, and smells of that place: small square other. Even after relations were res- fraught with constant calamity. One tables with green checked tablecloths, tored, the scar remained. morning at 4 a.m., while drawing wa- the faint buzz of appreciative flies pro- In 1985 Dinshaw died. But the ter to bathe the buffaloes, Dinshaw ’s viding a background to the churning of memory of that hardworking gutsy younger brother Eruch fell into a well, the ice-cream in its wooden molds, the pioneer lives on. His name is embla- He stayed afloat for four hours till he distinctive smell of milk and vanilla zoned on refrigerated trucks, delivery was discovered and fished out, barely essence, little waiter-boys in short vans and 25 outlets across Nagpur and alive. On another occasion, Piroja sad- pants darting between the tables with another two dozen shops all over ly parted with the last of her little the stemmed glass cups on tin trays. Vidarbha, Marathwada and parts of jewelry to be pawned for the much- And, always in a khaki shirt and baggy Madhya Pradesh. TV advertisements needed money. On reaching the pawn- pants was the omnipresent Dinshaw, that cost Rs 36,000 for every 20-second broker, they found that the pendant eagle-eyed and alert, shouting orders, spot, tempt one with 25 flavors, from had fallen out of Dinshaw ’s pocket! Whilst collecting money, he would dis- the ordinary to the exotic. Nagpurians, Undaunted, the family battled along cuss prices, dissect politics and dis- particularly the Parsis, glow with prop- with the dairy, building up a good burse advice, all with great vigor and rietary pride every time they see the clientele. It was at this time that a Bri- much humor. These very qualities, Dinshaw ’s advertisement. This ice- tisher, fresh from England and having probably saw him through a tragedy... cream empire,equipped with sophisti- heard of the birth of commercial ice- One summer in the late ’40s, Din- cated imported machines, is run by cream in 1925, suggested to Dinshaw shaw ’s youngest son Jimmy, not yet Dinshaw ’s son Sam and Dinshaw ’s that they try freezing some of their sur- five years old and as curious as any brother ’s son Jimmy (named after his plus milk after adding sugar and fla- kitten, leaned over a caldron of boiling cousin). Sam, the elder of the two by voring. The idea appealed to the milk to see what was cooking. He lost many years, keeps a fatherly, supervis- young entrepreneur, particularly be- his balance and fell into the scalding ory eye on the business. The dyn am - cause of the scorching heat of the Nag- milk. Jimmy lost his life, yet, the in- ism and the innovation come from the pur summers. Thus was born the first domitable spirit and courage of the young Jimmy who outwardly main- cup of Dinshaw ’s ice-cream. family made them carry on with their tains a low profile. Piroja would preside over caldrons business. They were not an unfeeling Exuding a quiet confidence, Jimmy of boiling milk, stirring and sipping till family; they were a strong family. attributes the success of Dinshaw ’s ice- she perfected three flavors — pista. Around 1955, Keki Captain, a cream to the spirit of enterprise and vanilla and strawberry. From 1933 to friend of the family, having heard of standards of hard work and fair trade 1940 the ice-cream business was sea- the Blue Star automatic electric ice- practice set by his uncle and followed sonal, limiting itself to three months in cream maker, costing Rs 5,000, sug- by his successors. For every rupee the summer. Gradually, tastes and gested that Dinshaw ’s go in for it. Din- earned they plow back 70 paise into concepts changed, and people disco- shaw was reluctant. For one thing, the the business. vered that they liked this sweet, iced price was exorbitant. For another, the Though generous and charitable in . delicacy and could eat it without harm idea of leaving the quality of the ice- the true Zoroastrian tradition, they throughout the year. Dinshaw ’s ice- cream to a machine, rather than being are wary of employing Parsis “because cream became popular for all seasons, directly in control of it, made him un- Parsis expect preferential treatment As children it was the high point of easy. However, he was persuaded to and are allergic to hard work and long our lives to be taken for a treat to Din- take the risk. Operation Blue Star hours. ” Jimmy feels that the present shaw ’s. We would spend agonizing proved very profitable. From a small, scene lacks sufficient Parsi industrial- hojtrs deciding which of the three fla- hand-driven concern, Dinshaw ’s be- ists and entrepreneurs because Parsis vors to choOse from and then invari- came a modern, mechanized business, are timid and unable to take risks and ably settle on “tun anna na tun gola (a Following the Blue Star came deep quick, bold decisions. A bitter truth to sample of each for three annas). ” To- freezers to store the ice-cream, allow- swallow at the end of a sweet and deli- day, 40 years later, I can still close my ing for expansion of capacity. New fla- cious ice-cream session. the ice-cream in its wooden molds, the pioneer lives on. His name is embla- of boiling milk, stirring and sipping till family; they were a strong family. . ~ , Around 1955, Keki Captain, 39 Parsiana September 1988MILESTONES The data on births, marriages A boy to Freny and Jimmy and deaths has been compiled Daruwalla-, August 12 from information supplied by A girl to Dinaz and Minocr anjumans in India and abroad, Todywalla; August 12 courts and hospitals. It must be A girl to Jasmine and Darius pointed out that this informa- Buhariwalla; August 15 don is not always complete or consistent. Of the 91 Parsis who died in A boy to Meher and Farrokh Bombay, 23 succumbed to Behrana-, August 16 heart disease, while old age, . ....................... ’ lung disease and pneumonia A boy to Kamal and Pervez Gandhi-, August 15 A boy to Shalini and Kersi Billimoria-, August 17 claimed 12 victims each. The Aboy toArznifyandA/ad/r other killers were kidney failure Pardiwala -, August 25 (six), brain disease, hyperten- A girl to Ketty and Hormuz sion and diabetes (four each) Ghadially-, August 30 and septicemia (three). Liver disease, cancer and skull frac ­ ture claimed two victims each. Isolated cases of hemorrhage, blood disease and asthma were also registered. Two stiUbom in ­ fants were lost to the community. In die breakup of deaths accord ­ ing to illnesses, it must be noted that in some cases, especially in those of the very old, death is Married Roxane Pervez Meherji and Nevil Sikander Malao of Ahmedabad; July 19 Jer Soli Laher and Behram Kaikshroo Irani-, August 8 Navaz Minoo Behramkamdin and Kersi Jamshed Gazdar -, August 9 Rubina Fall Gheyara of often due to a combination of Jamshedpur and Behram several diseases. Darab Bodhanwala of If readers have any informa- Jamshedpur; August 28 tion they would like published, Nergish Khurshed Surti and some proof to ensure the verac- Dinyar Kaikhushroo Marolia-, ity of the report would be re- August 29 quired. We are sure our readers would appreciate this require ­ ment and cooperate with us. BANGALORE Died Furrokh S. Bamji (JI), husband of Shireen, and father of Jahanara Hazari, Xerxes and Zarir on July 5, 1988 BOMBAY Born A girl to Yasmin and Percy Kharas-, July 9 A girl to Beroze and Ronny Mehta-, July 29 A boy to Pervin and Farokh Anklesaria-, August 1 A girl to Pervin and Percy Arsiwala-, August 2 A boy to Nina and Noshir Elavia-, August 5 A boy to Shahnaaz and Adil Irani-, August 6 A girl to Pheroza and Rustom Modi-, August 7 A boy to Armaity and Ziaulah Eshraghi-, August 8 A boy to Kamal and Cyrus Daruwalla-, August 10 Died Firozshaw Rustomji Contractor (96), residing at Munshi Chmbs, 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba, 400005; July 31 Dosamai Bomanjee Mistry (70), C-24, Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; July 31 Dinbai Vicaji Taraporewala (90), Nicholson Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo Rd, 400034; July 31 Rohinton i)rachshaw Bengali (63), 511, Kanak Vihar, Adenwala Rd, Matunga, 400019; August 1 Tehmina Parviz Rabady (72), Ardeshir Mans, Buddha Temple St, Parel, 400012; August 1 Maneck Nusserwanji Bharucha (85), 802-B, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; August 2 Perin Dhanjishaw Mistry (92), 382-B, Pawvalla Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; August Jehanbux Framroze Dadrawala (87), Plot 22, 142/3, Kandivli (W), 400067; August 3 2 40 Parsiana September 1988 Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; Perin Dadabhoy Soonawalla (75), Silverene, 32,Altamount August 9 Rd, 400026; August 3 Rustom Pocha (78), Damahi Homi Dhunjishaw Segrewalla Est, 6/14, Navpada, Thana, (55), 4/5, A.H. Wadia 400601; August 10 Baug, Parel Tank Rd, • 400033; August 4 Shapurji Dadabhai Billimoria (78), Hormuzed Farm, Fadvel, via Billimora, 396540; August 5 Mitha Aderbad Irani (72), Hormuz Baug, Irani Rd, Dahanu, 401601; August 5 Banubai Dhanjishah Katrak (88), 31, Central Court, Motlibai St, Agripada, 400011; August 5 Noshir Kaikhusro Kharadi (56), Gul Sohrab Bldg, Khetwadi, 7th Lane, 400004; August 5 Freni Keki Rabadi (57), 752, Dr Jal Vakil Bldg, Dr Ghanti Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; August 5 Framroze Sorab Mehta (74), Dilkush, 40, B.G. Kher Marg, Malabar Hill, 400006; August 6 Gool Jamshed Vajifdar (62), 6, Malegamwala Bldg No 2, Mahim, 400016; August 6 Dadiba Pirojshah Amroliwala Augus£ 13 (88), 759, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; August 7 Hormusji Shapurji Dastoor (68), 276-D, Princess St, 400002; August 7 Goolbai Dorabji Kolah (91), Petit Widows ’ Chawl, 133, Mody St, Fort, 400001; August 7 Piroja Mayor Irani (82), Taher Manzil, Agiary Lane, Grant Rd, 400007; August 8 Jamshed Maneckshaw Pochkhanawala (86), A/2, Cuffe Castle, Cuffe Parade, 400005; August 8 Rustom Behram Afagh (Irani) (75), A/14, Tata Co-op Hsg Soc, Parel, 400012; August 9 Pestonji Cursetjee Boyce (86), Opp Commissioner ’s Bglw, Belgaum, 590001; August 9 Keki Framroze Palsetia (75), 4, Bagwalla Mans, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; August 9 Burjor Vikaji Patel (61), 46-A/201, Manish Nagar, J.P. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; August 9 Soonamai Hosanji Santok (62), 692, Dinsha Master Rd, Bahadur Pirojshaw Engineer (Patel) (69), Palm Spring, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, 400005; August 11 Ketayun Sarosh Sanjana (33), Ishwar Mans, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, 400004; August 11 Tehmina Hormasji Engineer (95), A-1, Tata Clny, Parel, 400012; August 12 Noshirwan Merwan Irani (JS), 31/C, Manish Nagar, Andheri (W), 400058; August 12 Aderbad Meherjee Khambatta (66), 14-B, Carter Rd, Bandra, 400050; August 12 Female child of Lily and Xerceses Marker (stillborn), E-48, Jer Baug, Byculla, 400027; August 12 Homai Dorab Driver (65) , 273, Dr S.S. Rao Rd, Room 11, Lalbaug, 400012; August 13 Piroja Bhikhaji Kamakhan (78), E/56, Parsi Clny, S.V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; Kersi Fakirji Siganporia (52), 8, S.B.I. Ishwar Soc, Azad Rd, Vile Parle (E), 400057; August 13 Villoo Behram Dalal (83), 92, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; August 14 Jerbai Ardeshir Irani (76), Ardeshir Mans, 41, Station Rd, 400054; August 14 Katty Jamasp Irani (56), 16/3, Wadia Charitable Bldg, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; August 14 Homai Rustomjee Panthaky (65), 28, Daruwala Bldg, Dhobitalao Lane, 400002; August 14 Rustom Munchershaw Contractor (80), J-11, Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; August 15 Tehmurasp Dinshaw Havewalla (80), Yogita Co-op Hsg Soc, 6, Daulat Nagar, Borivli (E), 400066; August 15 Banoobai Pirojsha Lath (76), 3/11, C.J. Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400034; August 15 Perin Jamshed Parakh (90), B-11, Ness Baug, Nana Chowk, 400007; August 16R- ? Shapurji Maneckji Daruwalla (72), Bana Bldg, Khetwadi 11th Lane, 400004;,August 17 Hirabai Jamasji Fatakia (86), 20/5, Wadia Blocks, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; August 17 Bomansha Jamshedji Khambatta (63), P-32, Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; August 17 Soli Cooverji Billimoria (16), D Block, Shapur Baug, V.P. Rd, 400004; August 18 Manekbai Jehangir Damania (74), B-10, Mistry Bldg, Dr Shirodkar Rd, 400012; August 18 Bachamai Darabshaw Elavia (84), H/30, Cusrow Baug, Colaba, 400039; August 18 Filly Sorabji Elavia (36), 1 / 10, Sir Ratan Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; August 18 Dhanjishaw Hirjibhai Olpadwalla (84), B/404, Simla Hse, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; August 18 Bachamai Jehangir Balsara (88), 13/5, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, 400027; August 19 Dinshawji Nasserwanji Daruwalla (92), Satya Bham Niwas, Kasinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; August 19 Tehmina Maneckshaw Daver (88), 22, Sushehi Krishna, Bandra Reel, 400050; August 19 Nergesh Kerman Desai (74), 302, Parishram, 40, Pali Hill, Bandra, 400050; August 19 Boman Behramji Dubash (60), Zubeda Bldg, Agiary Lane, Balaram St, 400007; August 19 Minocher Faramroze Laher (85), Khan Block, Zoroastrian Bldg, Parel, 400012; August 19 Minoo B. Battiwala (86), 31, Swama, Chapel Rd, Santa Cruz (W), 400055; August 20 (87), B/16, Jer Baug, Maneck Meherjibhai Engineer Byculla, 400027; August 26 (90), Dr Dossibai Home, Masina Hosp Comp, 400027; August 21 . Baby of Behnaz and Nariman August 27 Kolah (stillborn). Main Rd, Small Daman, Daman, 396210; August 21 Mehramai Minocher Patel (70), 275-E, Old Chinoy Bldg, Tardeo Rd, 400007; August 21 Piroja Jamshed Patel (78), 7, Indus Court, A Rd, Churchgate, 400020; August 21 Rd, Andheri (E), 400093; Piroja Dhunjishaw August 28 Poonawalla (84), 53, Bakhtawar, N. Dabholkar Rd, 400006; August 21 Noshir Burjorji Daruwalla (57), F/7, Shapur Baug, V.P. Rd, 400004; August 22 Ardeshir M. Irani (84), Bhedwar Bldg, Khan Est, Mahim, 400016; August 22 Rustomji Jamshedji Bativala {11}, B Block, Shireen Mans, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; August 23 Ratanshaw Cowasji Buhariwalla (74), 10, Gool Mhl, A/11, Sleater Rd, 400007; August 23 Dhan Vispi Dalal (67), Breach Candy Apt, B. Desai Rd, 400026; August 23 Banoo Perozshaw Sethna (90), 301, Zeba Villa, Sherly Rajan Rd, Bandra, 400050; August 23 Aloo Ardeshir Surti (85), Vishnu Mhl, D Rd, Marine Drive, 400020; August 23 Shirin Navalshaw Velati (81), 9, Baimahal, Wadia St, Tardeo Rd, 400034; August 23 Alamai Jalejar Bhamgara (80), Sagar Kunj, J.P. Rd, Opp Central Bank, Versova, 400061; August 24 Faramroze J. Siganporia (75), 92, Elcid, 13-A, Ridge Rd, 400006; August 24 Aranvaz Kaikhusroo Khan (92), 44, Makani Manor, 16, Pedder Rd, 400026; August 25 Rustomji Jamshedji Panthaky (88), 16, Vijay Niwas, Sleater Rd, 400007; August 25 Darabshaw Framroze Sanjana (75), CZo 245, Dev Bhuvan, Dr C.H. St, Dhobitalao, 400002; August 25 Dinsha D. Shrojf(10}, 174, Kusum Vijay Hse, Mody St, Fort, 400001; August 25 Minocher Manakji Karma Dady Pirozeshaw Daruwala (63), Namdar Hse, 89, Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; August 29 Minoo Ratanshaw Lavangia (64), Room 13, Doctor Bldg, Shapoorji Bharucha Baug, Andheri (W), 400058; August 29 Homai Jehangirji Madan (69), Narialwalla Agiary, Naigaum Rd, Dadar, 400014; August 30 Rashidbanoo Sorabji Oomrigar (92), 607-A, Daulat Manzil, Dadar, 400014; August 30 Feroze Sohrab Wadia (63), Capri, Manav Mandir Rd, 400006; August 30 Yasmin Fardoon Panthaki (22), Albless Widows ’ Chawl, Gilder Lane, Tardeo, 400007; August 31 Mani Nariman Sahukar (83), 53-A, Sangeet, Hill Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; August 31 CALCUTTA Born A girl, Roxanne, to Perveen and Xerxes Vesuwala’ , July 20 Died Hilla Shapurji Guzder’, 41 Parsiana September 1988 Aimai Dinshaji Dastoor (92), 721-A, Choksey Bldg, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; Aloo Kaikhushroo Divecha (^3), Bhiwandiwalla Charitable Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; August 28 Manijeh Darabshaw Elavia {lb), 5/12, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; August 28 Nevel Mistry (76), D-9, Malini Apts, Mahakali Caves August 6 Soonamai Bahmanshaw Batliwalla’ , August 9 Najamai Ardeshir Bilimoria-, August 10 Rustom Khodadad Oshidar, August 27 Alamai Enichshaw Songadwalla’ , August 30 KARACHI Bom A girl to Havovi and Zis Birdi’ , May 31 A girl to Anita and Nadir Contractor, July 18 A boy to Dinaz and Percy Dastur, August 1 Died Gool Kersi Parekh (82), July 29 MHOW Born A boy, Zubin, to Rati and Maneck Tantra’ , August 1 SECUNDERABAD Died Firoza J. Guzdar (88); May 31 Framroze H. J ilia (59); June 2 Jal K. Daver (47); June 28 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka EXCLUSIVE SAREES Indulge yourself in luxury with one of a kind creations of Hand Fainted Sequined Embroidered Sarees designed by Mrs Perin Screwvala the designer with experience and flair Readymades available and orders undertaken Contact Tel 367084 803, Cumballa Ctest 42, Redder Road Bombay 400026IN MEMORIAM JAL'S JUSTICE z O 2 -< 5 2 2) Died: Jal Rustamji Vimadalal, 73, for ­ mer trustee of the Bombay Parsi Pun ­ chayet (BPP) and retired judge of the the Maharashtra Law Journal of April the priestly class, etc. Bombay and Andhra Pradesh High 1977, Vimadalal had declared, “It is Courts, on July 26, 1988 at the B.D. Petit Parsee General Hospital in Bom ­ bay, following cardiac arrest. He had brought to the Bombay has been a very pleasant punishment and ability. ” Referring to “Justice High Court “his experience at the Bar indeed. I have had the privilege of Jal, ” the board of trustees of the Surat aiid also his experience as judge in the having been a judge at a very critical Parsi Punchayet appreciated the city civil court. He was well-known for period in our nation ’s history... ” Ack- “valuable guidance ” he had rendered his keenness and anxiety to uphold nowledging his. shortcomings as “im- to them while he was trustee of the and preserve rights of individuals as patience, and at times, my brusque- BPP. against the State... My colleagues here ness, ” Vimadalal said, “That impati- ......................... in the Bench still remember his sense of humor. .. Both during his office as a judge and thereafter (Vimadalal) had been called upon to hold more than courtesy, informal manners and lively January 1986, 18 months before his one inquiry... ” Chief Justice Chitta- temper, ” the farewell message com- term was due to expire. He was also tosh Mookerjee spoke on Vimadalal ’s mended his “great learning, prodi- against trustees being reelected for a eventful career at a reference made by gious memory, patient hearing, meti- second tenure, and the principle of the Bombay High Court on August 2. culous grasp of the vital points of a parity amongst elected representatives “He was a judge whom no one could case with no digressions allowed... ” ignore, ” said the advocate-general A. S. Bobde. “He had a complete control ment, Vimadalal felt that after working lead to drying up of the BPP funds. He over the proceedings and made notes “all one ’s life for oneself...one should was an arch critic of the Federa- of arguments in detail...his judgments work for the poor... I propose to plunge tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of are noted not only for law but also for into honorary work in Bombay. ” India on the grounds that any work their diction, ” he continued. “He was always courteous to the members of of trustees of the BPP in July 1977. In managed by the BPP itself. the Bar...had a strict sense of disci- appreciation of his eight-and-a-half- At its recent executive council meet- pline...(but) not a word of moral in ­ dignation appeared in his judgment, ” remembered government pleader J. A. marking, “His knowledge on this sub- silence in Vimadalal ’s memory, citing Barday. ject (religion) was very helpful in the amongst other things his contribution “During the years of the emergency, deliberations of the trustees in all mat- towards amending the Parsi Marriage he demonstrated his fearlessness and ters... Mr Vimadalal was also in- and Divorce Act. independence by giving judgments strumental in the trustees taking in- which were not palatable to the pow ­ ers that be, ” recalled K. S. Cooper, and books on Zoroastrianism. ” With Bombay Zoroastrian Jashan Commit ­ president of the Bombay Bar Associa- his legal background, he was “also tee, Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of tion. This led to a vindictive govern- very helpful in dealing with all legal Secunderabad and Hyderabad, ment ordering his transfer to the Andhra matters specially pertaining to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Pradesh High Court, barely eight months scheme for election of trustees, adop- Corporation and Royal Western India before he was due to retire. tion bill and the Parsi Marriage and Turf Club - with which Vimadalal was Replying to the farewell message Divorce Act. ” He also served on the affiliated, also sent condolence mes- presented by the Andhra Pradesh BPP subcommittees on housing, High Court and which is reprinted in mofussil anjumans, amelioration of In a separate resolution passed by an open secret that my being sent here the chief executive and staff of the wa& intended for obvious reasons to be BPP, Vimadalal was described as “a in the nature of a punishment, but it person of exceptionally high integrity Citing his displeasure at the group- ence however was, let me assure you, ism amongst his co-trustees in voting an impatience to do justice... ” on important matters concerning the Appreciating the judge ’s “unfailing Punchayet, Vimadalal had resigned in and donor members of the electoral As announced at the time of his retire- college because he feared that it might Soon thereafter, he joined the board that it was undertaking could easily be appreciation of his eight-and-a-half- year tenure on the board, the trustees ing in Bombay on September 4, 1988, passed a resolution on July 26, re- the Federation observed a moment ’s Several other organizations - The terest in the preparation of cassettes K.R. Cama Oriental Institute, The and 42 Parsiana September 1988k sages to the family. College and in law from the Govern- prosecutor paid their tributes. After his withdrawal from the BPP, ment Law College. He had represent- Ofttimes, he was appointed as a Vimadalal continued to render legal ed his college in inter-collegiate tennis, single-member commission - by the assistance to anyone who came to his badminton and cricket tournaments, and Central government, the Reserve door. He was lately revising the fourth had even won the singles and doubles Bank of India and the Maharashtra edition of his popular book What a titles in the first Western India Open government -- to enquire into certain Parsee Should Know which is re- Badminton Championships. He was a charges and disputes. His Taloja.Com- portedly out of print. Among the other founder member of the Cricket Club mission report (which held the publications to his credit are A Book of India and a former vice president of architect responsible for the collapse of Daily Prayers (Zoroastrian - with the Parsee Gymkhana, notes his curri- of a factory in Thane district) was in explanatory notes). Seven Discourses culum vitae. fact published in the Press after his de- (on Zoroastrianism) and a book for Vimadalal is said to have received mise, though it had been submitted students on the law of negotiable in- his early legal training in the chambers seven months earlier. struments. of Sir Noshirwan Engineer and Sir An ordained navar, the scholar- Teaching Contract Act at the Jamshedji Kanga, both former advo- judge had made a comprehensive Sydenham and Government Law Col- cates-general of Bombay. He was a study of the religion, inspired by his leges, Vimadalal was a popular profes- qualified advocate of the Bombay father Rustamji (Bapi) and uncle sor who “used to teach sincerely... his High Court and senior advocate of the Jehangir Vimadalal. In his book What lectures were absorbing and we used Supreme Court. “His forte as a lawyer a Parsee Should Know, Vimadalal has to see that in any case we attended was the art of cross-examination, ” written, “The true follower of those lectures, ” recalls M.L. Dudhat, opined Cooper. His judicial career Zarathushtra is one who leads a ba- president of the Western India Advo- started with his appointment as judge lanced life and who, understanding its cates ’ Association. He was also the at the Bombay City Civil and Sessions true mission, goes through it in all its chairman of the board of examiners Court in 1958. Five years later he was fullness with a smile of satisfaction on for the LL.B, examination of the elevated to the post of principal judge, his lips and a feeling of contentment in Bombay University, notes his bio This court made a reference to Vima- his heart at the wealth of experience it Having schooled at Cathedral and the principal judge S.A. Kirtikar, the ’ ”• his heart at the wealth of experience it data. dalal on August 3, when in addition to yields. ” Having schooled at Cathedral and the principal judge S.A. Kirtikar, the He is survived by his wife Hilla, and Bharda New High Schools, Vimadalal president of the Bar Association, the daughters Parvin Darius Anklesaria A STEELY FAITH “S graduated in arts from the Elphinstone government pleader and the public and Kamal Sarvin Warden, storehouse of books in his collection will be distributed to the Dadar Athor- nan Madressa, and the Zoroastrian associations in Canada and Australia. Though he had performed navjotes of chidren of Zoroastrian fathers and non-Zoroastrian mothers, Bamji was ¦ not interested in controversial matters, ' says Mehta. ||to His wife Shireen reminisces of an in- fl cident in Calcutta when an agiary fl there was on the verge of closure after the death of its varagyo (sacred white Died: Furrokh S. Bamji, 77, former the Bangalore Anjuman back into the bull). When asked to salvage the situa- president of the Bangalore Parsee Federation fold, Dadi Mistry, trustee tion, Bamji got friends to pay toward? Association, and export manager of of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman, com- the purchase of. another varoQyo, and Tata Exports and Tata Iron and Steel mented on Bamji ’s “progressive na- himself paid for the nirangdin cere- Company (TISCO), on July 5,1988 in ture and his firm faith ” in expounding mony and the conveyance fares of two Bangalore, following an attack of gas- the teachings of Zoroastrianism to dasturs from Bombay who officiated at troenteritis. members of the community and their the ceremony. “Social work came to Actively involved with the Federa- non-Zoroastrian spouses. him naturally, ” informs Mehta. • tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of He was very interested in educating It was in Calcutta that Bamji started India in its early days, Bamji used to the Zoroastrian youth in religious mat- his career with TISCO as assistant sec ­ then edit its six-monthly religious pub- ters, mentions his sister Dr Dogdo tion officer. Later, he worked in the lication Rah-e-Asha. Remembering Mehta. In Bangalore, he used to con- branch offices at Lahore, Jullundur Bamji ’s contribution to the aJl-India duct religious classes where he would and Kanpur. He would often speak body, the delegates at the Federation ’s impart the knowledge he had attained with nostalgia of those days when they executive council meeting in Bombay from making a comparative study of had to go from door-to-door, creating on September 4, 1988 observed a mo- religions. She remembers an un- a market for steel. He had served as ment ’s silence in his memory. While finished chart on his study desk, in- manager of the shipping and clearing chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla appreci- dicating that till the last day religious department, TISCO, export manager ated Bamji ’s efforts in trying to bring issues kept him occupied. The vast of Tata Exports and TISCO, manager. He was very interested in educating ters, mentions his sister Dr Dogdo tion officer. Later, he worked in the 43 Parsiana September 1988 5f I. loved life to the ultimate, ” summa- import division of Tata Inc in New York, and finally as manager, Tata rizes his son. Exports in Calcutta. A past master of several Freemaso- During his tenure with TISCO, his nic lodges in India, Bamji was also the During his tenure with TISCO, his services were twice loaned to the Gov- past president of the Lions Club of ernment of India: from 1942-45 he Calcutta, initiating several charitable worked as deputy controller of purch- projects, ase for the directorate general of munitions production; and again from ’48 to ’54 as assistant iron and steel Xerxes and Zarir. controller. A double graduate in mechanical and electrical engineering from the Purdue University, USA, Bamji work ­ ed for a year with Siemens Brothers at Woolwich, UK, before joining Tatas. His years of study abroad coinciding with the depression period, he often had to work as a liftman and tableboy to finance his education. “As a young boy he was very creative ” in the field of science. Once, his handmade, matchbox-sized gadget, which could be operated as a radio, won the first prize in the science talent section of a After lying in a semi comatose state alert, and ready with a list of all those fete, informs Mehta. for the last nine days of her life, Ms who had taken an interest in her well- His sons Xerxes and Zarir, now set- Meher Hoshang Jal, on whose behalf being. But gradually the heavy drug- tied in Canada and Australia respec- fund-raising efforts were launched in ging took its toll, tively, had been taught their navar the community, finally succumbed to prayers by Bamji himself. “He was a cancer on July 7, 1988. disciplinarian, ” remembers Zarir, , “meticulous, methodical, neat and Colour-Chem had been confined to last phase she could hardly be recog- perfectly presentable at all times, even the bed for over a year since the doctor nized, says a family member. Rather if he came down for breakfast when who had operated on her spinal col- than prescribe further medicine, doc ­ holidaying at a friend ’s place. ” His up- umn did not want to risk the tumor tors felt that more suffering should not bringing was such that “you must nev- recurring a fourth time. But this time, be imposed on her. In her moments of er loll in bed, lying idle. Once you the disease spread internally to the brief consciousness, she reportedly were awake, you must jump out of lungs. Externally, it was the bed sores sent for her family and former col- bed, ” Zarir relives his father ’s train- that aggravated her condition. leagues of Colour-Chem just to tell ing. Commenting on his father ’s quick “ temper and subtle sense of humor, nowledge to her friends, “Paralysis Zarir admits, “As children we used to would have been preferable to bearing erupted in the early stages of her pre ­ fear him, as we grew older we started this pain. ” Yet, for the sake of her gnancy in 1984, and thereafter, Meher to respect him and it is only in the last three-year-old son Pashan, Jal wanted had been residing with her parents, few years that we learnt to love him. ” to live. As she listlessly admitted to She had told her family, “Hu sari The eldest of five sons and four her mother Silloo Aderbad, “It is only thaini hiya thi javas (I will get well and daughters, “Furrokh was always there for Pashan ’s sake that I am suffering. ” leave this place). ” Towards, the end, to support the family in good times as In fact, even from the bed, she would she would constantly ask for her well as in distress, ” notes Mehta. The select her son ’s attire for the day and in- medical reports. When she sensed that family still admire his determination in directly keep a vigil over his movements, time was running out, she requested regaining his mobility in time for his daughter ’s wedding in 1962, barely six months after he met with a serious car five months in the care of her parents death. She was keen that Pashan, who accident when both his legs, an arm while she, escorted by her husband was staying with her, settle down with and his jaw were fractured. Hoshang, was undergoing treatment in her husband and in-laws. An avid photographer, Bamji would the United States. The expenditure on Adjusting to the new set-up, yet climb up a mountain in the early morn- the two surgeries abroad was possible missing his mother ’s presence, Pashan, ing and wait with infinite patience till thanks to the largesse shown by the according to his grandmother, looks at the hues of the sunrise could be cap- community which had responded to Meher ’s photograph and enquires af- tured on the camera, remembers her appeal for funds. ter her. Zarir. A “globe-trotter ” who had toured all the continents, Bamji Meher last year, she was mentally written by Pannaz ToddywaUa He is survived by his wife Shireen, daughter Jahanara Hazari, and sons LEFT THE pain BEHIND * J I - S* 44 Parsiana September 1988 After two blood transfusions and regular pain relief injections, and be- The 27-year-old former employee of cause of her inability to eat, during the The agonizing pain made her ack- them, “I love you. ” Ever since her back problem When Pashan was barely 13 months that she be shifted to her in-laws ’ resi- old, Jal was forced to leave him for dence, barely a month before her At the time of Parsiana interviewing