Oct 1988

ft jH-i® ¦-W •ijs: Wlv'. Vx®J«a in] '1: ‘Tvt II &i? f.’v #/¦.' ¦ > tS’ -'••« v'" 4'^’. -'; % Dr Rustom Katrak Father of Indian Orthopedics j Hv'"- ’A ¦I >oS C .'I' 111 W5| ¦u: 8^s 1 .‘^.¦ .t. ife'.’ 4 "-I S;s -i. I ?*¦ ¦I* V ?v> »•;< sa (** aagi^ '( I -Sb 'M- MS •r' 1 » ¦ if; K’ H' <5; "'. iJ'-'' -JE> ¦•; i ; fc . 'll® t I '''\^' . ' > ;5®I October 1988 Volume 11 Number 4 i EDITOR Jehangir Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Toddywalla 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 9 Events and Personalities 15 Zoroastrians Abroad 20 Honoring the achievers by Arnavaz Mama 28 The cable connections by Niloofer Madon 35 The father of Indian orthopedics by Joy Fernandes 42 A gallery view by Gustasp Irani 47 Milestones Cover: Illustration by Mickey Patel Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Parsiana Publications, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. 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 CZo H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort Bombay 400001.t 1 READERS’FORUM In made by me in the article “Atash ada- Mr Chama, want to lock the stable af- rians: not for shifting ” (Parsiana, May ter the horse has bolted! 1988). My brief answers to each of them are as under: The long and short of Mr Eduljee ’s cle in Parsiana into one. Rancor and lengthy epistle is that he wants to be malice from someone I don ’t know enlightened on the “very very rare in- from Eve are astonishing! The Parsee j stances ” in which an adarian may be Voice tried to project the voice of all reluctantly shifted, and whether the right-thinking members of the com- j “spiritual power and authority ” of the munity. I challenge Ms Kalapesi to I Iranshah have been totally depleted give even one instance when The Voice I today because this holy fire has been refused to publish any “contradictory j shifted about seven times. I “Shifting ” of a consecrated fire in- I volves either relocation, or a tempor- I ary transfer from its Sanctum sanc- I torum to another room in the same priests and fire-temples were sent I building, as is thoughtlessly done to- complimentary copies. When that was I day for some flimsy reason. Some of stopped, at least one high priest and t the “very rare ” instances in which, many practising mobeds kept inquiring most reluctantly, the holy fire has to if The Voice had ceased publication! j be moved from its magnetic circuits And did Ms Kalapesi employ the ser- I are: an imminent enemy attack, a vices of a snooping satellite to find out i natural calamity which is likely to en- that “scholars ” of different hues “kept I danger the padshah, a sudden out- their distance ” from The Voice? i break of fire in the vicinity, or even the Right from the beginning. The Voice sudden death of the priest tending the made a strong impact on the commun- - fire. But on no account should the ity. Year after year, the cogent argu- Readers’ views are welcome on any subject of padshah be dethroned for senseless ments put forward created a flutter in interest to the community and should be sent purposes like painting and renovation the dovecotes of those who intended to the Editor, Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, - - .......... G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without a !^or should a man-made crisis be ere- She then jumps to the totally complete address will not be published, ated by the indifference and negli- irrelevant episode of the renovation of gence of the trustees and the priests so the Karani Agiary five years ago. She that the consecrated fire is made to is trying to paint me as the villain of languish and ultimately the building the piece. She conveniently forgets the has to be sold off! As regards the present “spiritual ItlliMlH, •IBls!:, UfJhStli;: ilM lilt I!!!:;: ' Mi ft ’ r- Ilm !** »»? Ms Kalapesi capsules two disparate, topics, The Parsee Voice and my arti- I'"' 'f'iV s' bn: iun: i&ii views ” in its four-year existence. In fact, I even published letters, at times not in good taste, without editing them! For the first two years, all our high building, as is thoughtlessly done to- complimentary copies. When that of the building housing the sacred fire to get away with harming the interests or cleaning the soot from the gumbaj. of the religion and the community. Nor should a man-made crisis be cre- The burning need... has to be sold off! hero in the dramatis personae - Mr I was quoted in “The burning need of As regards the present “spiritual ” Homi P. Ranina- at whose behest and fire- temples ” (Parsiana, August 1988) status of the holy Iranshah, only a spir- request I went to the Agiary during as saying that the community retailers itually advanced Zoroastrian can give . . should not go to non-Parsis for their the correct answer, sandalwood requirements. I' ~ What I meant was that as sandal- plains that I am not being practical and of the holy fire was a must. ” All thal wood is offered by our Parsi commun- that I am ignoring the present cir- they suggested was that if the fire had ity in^ fire-temples where only Parsis cumstances. He concludes that those to be shifted, Ervad Nadirsha Aibara, ing into account the religious signifi- crated fires are being “emotional, ” retailers should give preference to Parsis leads to fanaticism. ” I must admit that for their sandalwood requirements. ’ r .... _ " • about Parsis patronizing non-Parsis that “prevention is better than cure. ” fortunately, I am totally incapable of! when many of our own customers are This point was driven home forcefully But the most amusing part of Ms non-Parsis. samee lawyer in my article when I roundly blamed Kalapesi ’s mischievous diatribe is the “ A Inch arlariatiG ” trustees concerned for not taking finale where her logic, like that of Ms Ch. Shrvoji Marg liL Apollo Bunder Bombay 400 039. < , Tel : 2026607 2026427 2026556 ’* IJic 011-3234 IAIN IN 9 £ (a $ I 6 Parsiana October 1988Events and Personalities Benefits to khandhias nominating ” Dittia was challenged by honorary treasurer; and K. K. Sub ­ Ms Roshan D. Chinoy, a member of awala and R. K. Tavadia, members-at- “In appreciation of the very useful ser- PZASH, according to Newstime. “The large, notes a press release sent by the vices rendered (to the community) by petitioner alleged that two nomina- secretary. the khandhias and nassessalars, ” the tions, that of Dr Bahman S. Surti (a ~ Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) scholar who has recently translated the opposed for a three-year term, at their hosted an annual lunch for these em- seven volumes of the epic Shah Namah meeting on July 23, 1988, adds the re- ployees and their family members on into English prose) and Mr B.F. Dittia lease. June 26, 1988 at Cama Baug, notes a were considered by the managing com ­ press release. mittee, but only Mr Dittia ’s name was Five BPP trustees accompanied by placed before the general body of According to the latest research their wives and the Doongerwadi PZASH on July 17,1982 for election, ” undertaken by Dr James Russell, Advisory Committee members says the report. associate professor of Iranian studies attended the function. “This provided a happy occasion for cordiality, in- Mastan Rao, held that “the declara- Prophet Zarathushtra was born, not as termingling and exchange of views, ” tion of trust of PZASH does not con- is commonly held, in Amui, near Rae the release says. fer power on the managing committee in the Azarbaijan province of Iran, but As per the recommendations of the to reject one name and put up only in southern Siberia in the USSR. Doongerwadi Advisory Committee, one name before the general body for - - the khandhias and nassessalars are election, ” says a report in the Deccan spices of Zoroastrian Studies on July now provided some benefits in addi- Chronicle of August 20. “Therefore, 5, 1988, on the “Life and Times of the tion to their emoluments, notes the re- the. Court invalidated the appointment Prophet Zarathushtra, ” Russell, clad lease. These include giving: free of Mr Dittia, (a retired) IAS officer, ” in a dugli and a topi (the traditional medical aid to the employee and de- says the Chronicle. dress of a Parsi male), presented his pendant members staying with him; free educational aid to his children at order, informs Chinoy. the school, college and university levels; and accommodation at a reasonable rent, even after retirement, to those in genuine need. They have osti Anjuman will now be managed by vard University ’s Department of Near also been provided with a life insur- a newly elected committee comprising Eastern Languages and Civilizations) ' ance policy of Rs 25,000, and where ------ that is not possible due to age, a cor ­ responding benefit of Rs 2,000 per honorary secretary; A. E. Contractor, works, including a lesser-known, tenth year, up to a maximum of Rs 25,000 joint secretary; J. S. Bodhanwala, century history book of an Armenian will be ensured. The recommendation family. for hosting an annual lunch or dinner Russell presents new findings The ancient name of the Iranian for these employees also originated (Photo:. Noshir GobhaO homeland, as it appears in the A from the Committee. a Airyana Vaejah. The place, de- rri X « 1 i- i scribed in the Vendidad ’s first chapter. Trustee S election invalid is a fiat plain surrounded by hills, with The election of Bezun Dittia as a trus- a lake called Vourukasha in the mid- tec of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman die. The place is further distinguished of Secunderabad and Hyderabad * ? ' , by its long days and short nights, and ' (PZASH) six years ago has been held the phenomenon of aurora borealis invalid by the City Civil Court of •’ - - (northern lights) which prompt Russell Hyderabad, according to a report in -7 % to assume that the mentioned province dated August 20, 1988. Dit- - is at 49 degrees 20 minutes north lati- tia is the president of the Anjuman tude. The existence of a phonetically and a vice president of the Federation similar sounding lake. Balkash in mod- of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of ern south Siberia, further strengthens India. the claim. Of late, Soviet archaeolog- The action of the managing commit- ists have found Iranian relics, identi- tee of the Anjuman in “arbitrarily fied by them as remnants of the The office bearers were elected un- Were Spitamas Siberians? Committee The First Additional Judge, M. at Columbia University, New York, Delivering a lecture under the au- says the Chronicle. Dittia has filed an appeal against the new findings to an interested audience in Bombay, comprising many non- , . , . Parsis too. Russell, who recently au- Ajmer S new committee thored a 578-page tome, Zoroastrian- The affairs of the Ajmer Parsi Jarth- ism in Armenia (published by the Har- M. E. Mehta, president; S. G. Sopar- has based his new theory on a fresh iwala, vice president; F. N. Doctor, reading of the Avesta and Armenian -.-4 iSIl B 9 Parsiana October 1988I Australian officials in Kwinana (from left) Daryl Franklin and David Nelson with Indian delegation leader Dotivala Irani: dramatic displays other physical goods. ZLoroastrian Studies proposes to giaj iiuiovdy, jaiiiadpa '^^TJAxl* V. Sturdy horses), Arejataspa (possessor IndO-AUStralian exchange “archaic Dahistan culture ” of circa 2000 BC - a time around the birth of the Prophet. Further, the historical narrative of an Armenian family mentions a meet ­ ing of one family member with mobeds from Zabul (Kabul in modern Afgha ­ nistan) who proclaimed their descen- dancy from the holder of camels. Though most Parsis believe that the word “Zoroaster ” means the golden star or golden light, Russell clarified that this is a misconception that arose because of the Greeks who perceived of the Prophet primarily as an astrolo ­ ger, and interpreted his name as such, as against the Pahlavi “possessor of golden (zar) camels (ushtra).” No ­ where in the Gathas (hymns composed by Zarathushtra) is an explanation givenfor the Prophet ’s name, because, however, a practical man, as can be the First State 88 Exhibition at Darling as Russell pointed out, at the time of borne from the Gathas where he asks Harbour by Queen Elizabeth II and writing the Gathas, the people knew for “ten pregnant mares, ” camels, and the opening of the new Parliament the meanings of the words. other physical goods. House in Canberra, the release adds. Considering the number of Zoroas- Zoroastrian Studies proposes to “At Perth, Sydney and Melbourne trian names with “aspa," meaning bring out a booklet in the near future the group (was accorded) home hospi- horse, like Pourushaspa (possessor of on Russell ’s speech. Homi j. Rogers tality. This gave each one of the mem ­ gray horses). Jamaspa (possessor of ____ _________ . bers a marvellous opportunity to live ..... ' with Australians and share their way of valuable horses), and '‘ushtra" A goodwill delegation of 35 members of life, ” the release further notes, meaning “camels, ” like Frashoastra from the Indo-Australian Society and . . . _ . . , (possessor of the foremost camel), we the District Rotaract Exchange team Acquiring QCSlgll SKlllS surmise that Zarathushtra belonged to visited Australia, in April-May 1988, Visual merchandising is the field of a pastoral world, and horses and notes a press release. They enjoyed study that Nazneen Dhun Irani plans camels played an important part in the the distinction of being accorded civic to pursue at The Fashion Institute of social and economic life of the people, receptions by the Mayor of Kwinana, Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Zarathushtra christened his son (born David Nelson, and the Lord Mayor of Los Angeles, USA beginning early during the time the Prophet was seek- Fremantle, John Cattalini, notes the 1989 if she can generate the requisite ing a new path) Isatvastra, literally release. finances. Irani has been involved, on a meaning “seeking pastures, ” in a man ­ Led by District Rotaract chairman contractual basis, in the designing and ner prevalent with the times. and president of the Indo-Australian fabrication of displays for a number of The references in Armenian texts - Society, Godrej Naval Dotivala, the departmental stores in Bombay like In two such quoted by Russell in his talk other members of the team included Style, Sheetal and K. Rustom and has - and the sociological system at the Havovi Dotivala, coleader, Firoze also designed displays for companies time of the Prophet ’s coming, lead one Andhyarujina, Pilloo Wadia, Tehm- like Thomas Cook and Proline for to believe that Zarathushtra was born ton and Gulshan Dalal, Mehra Shroff, their pavilions in trade fairs abroad, in a province much to the north of Jimmy and Farida Marker, Yasmin She has designed the lobby for Christ- Iran, and the religion spread to Iran and Aban Mistry, Farrokh Mullan, mas parties at the Oberoi hotel as well, through migration (hence restricted to Firoz Shroff, Erach Mirza, Roshan “Visual presentation, once thought through migration (hence restricted to Firoz Shroff, Erach Mirza, Roshan “Visual presentation, once thought the east and northeast of Iran) and Masani, Jer Mehta, Dolat Adajania, to be merely display, now goes far ” ' ' '' . ................ "• beyond... (and) includes dramatic Among the highlights of the tour placement of merchandise, designing missionaries. In Yasna 43, Zarathushtra Gool Mistry and Mani Munsiff. talks about saoshyants (messiahs/mis- / . sionaries) who will complete and crown was a meeting with the legendary total environments and visually°pre° his mission, and Russell, in the course of cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, visits senting the merchandise to the right his lecture,quoted this stanza. Prosely-i to the Bicentennial Exhibition at Perth customer. The results of exciting visual tization, thus, was not taboo in Zoroas- and the World Expo 88 at Brisbane. presentations are undeniably higher trianism. The members of the team were in- sales volumes, ” says a write-up irom Russell also clarified in his talk that vited to march in the ANZAC Day (a the FIDM, describing the nature of the Spitama was not,, as many thought, a day for remembering the war veterans course. Pointing out that there are reverential title, but the Prophet ’s of Australia and New Zealand) Parade very few people who work along these family name. Zarathushtra himself at Kwinana and to place a wreath at lines in India and that there are no in- was a highly trained priest and per- the Martyr ’s Memorial. The delega- stitutes imparting display skills, Irani formed intricate ceremonies. He was, tion also witnessed the inauguration of told Parsiana that she felt the need to 11 Parsiana October 19885 1 ; «{- : ;i : Noted gastroenterologist Dr Framroze P. Antia, chaired the symposium on “Clinical Problems in Nutrition” organized by the Roussel Scientific Institute at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay on August 24, 1988. ii change clearance permit on the basis the Mayor ’s chamber. The Mayor, of the export orientation of the course, Chandrakant Padwal, reportedly iden- according to Irani. Those willing to tified Raote ’s voice and told the Press donate may contact her at: 67, Marine that the conversation had “nothing to Drive, flat number 4, first floor. Bom- do with current affairs. ” He declined bay 400020. to comment “on the communal con- J J x. X tent of the conversation, ” notes The . Tirandaz ana the tape Tif^es. Tirandaz was escorted back I In the Bombay Municipal Corporation home that night by 12 armed const- I (BMC) general body meeting on ables in two wireless vans, says The I September 1,1988, independent coun- Times. I cillor Rustom Tirandaz ’s claim that he “ — . - I had a tape recording which “showed noon, was presented the tape along I that the standing committee chairman, with a box of sweets on Parsi New I Mr Diwakar Raote, had tried to extort Year ’s day. However, it was only dur- I money from city traders, ” reportedly ing the meeting that Tirandaz decided I “rocked BMC,” according to The to reveal the contents of the tape, the I Times of India of the next day. The paper says. I meeting had to be “adjourned amidst ¦ pandemonium, ” the report says. Tirandaz, according to The After- The state home department is ex ­ amining the legal and political implica ­ tions of the controversial audio casset- 7 te ” and is “assessing the possibility of B taking criminal proceedings against ¦ Raote, ” says The Indian Post. I A boxer remembered ¦ In memory of boxer Munchi D. ¦ Wadia, the Maharashtra Amateur ¦ Boxing Association (MABA) was to I stage a memorial tournament at the I YMCA International Hall on August I 20, 1988, according to The Times of I India of August 14, 1988. Wadia, who W died last year at the age of 79, was the 3? first Indian to win a Western India title in 1928, thus breaking the monopoly of English boxers, says The Times. A winner of 19 trophies, Wadia re- Raote, says The Afternoon Despatch tired in 1936 after losing the semifinals ¦< • r 'll. Mi get professional training for a year in H the US. ¦ She has picked up her knowledge ¦ from practical experience. Her mother ¦ Perine, who is reportedly a leading de- ¦ corator, was her inspiration, she stated. “I have been helping my mum since I was six or seven and (with time) I started to enjoy the creative (aspect Tirandaz: “controversial cassette” of the job), ” she said. Convinced that she could “contribute to the country ’s export drive by helping to canvass orders by displaying Indian merchan- and Courier of September 5, was in the featherweight category. His disc attractively, ” 23-year-old Irani “making a bold and forthright speech trophies, reportedly worth Rs 12,000, hoped that “exposure and training in on corruption in the Corporation. Mr have been donated to the MABA foreign trends ” will give her the much- Tirandaz interrupted the speech to say which is yet to decide how to utilize needed professional touch. he had proof of Mr Raote ’s involve- them, says the report. A first class student throughout her ment in a certain episode, on tape. ” Wadia had been a motorman on the academic career and a National Merit The Indian Post of September 6 re- erstwhile Bombay-Baroda and Central Scholar, Irani has appeared for her fin- ports that Raote is believed to have India Railway (now known as the al year exams for her Master of Com- met the traders at Maharashtra Dug- Western Railway) and had also figured merce degree from the Sydenham Col- dhalaya (milk dairy) in Dadar “a year prominently as a bowler for the Rail- lege of Commerce and Economics , ago to collect funds for setting up a ways ’ cricket team. He had won a Bombay. party shakha (branch office). ” Raote, bowling prize in The Times of India The estimated budget for her course who belongs to the ruling Shiv Sena, Shield Cricket Tournament, the paper is Rs 2,66,000, towards which she has “demanded money for his organiza- adds. received Rs 50,000 from the R.D. tion, ” Tirandaz told The Times. SPOTLIGHT Sethna loan fund and letters promising The tape also reportedly had state- -------------------------------------------------- support from the Parsi Punchayet and ments relating to Hindu-Muslim riots Capt Homi Pirojsha Dandiwalla was other trusts. While she is hoping to in the town of Bhiwandi in Maharash- unanimously reelected president trus- meet one-third of the cost herself, her tra state and similar riots in Gujarat a tee of The Allahabad Parsee Zoroas- mother Perine said that they were couple of years ago. Raote, “in an trian Anjuman on August 13,1988 for trying to collect scholarships. “Other- emotional speech, denied the charge... a further period of three years, notes a wise the cost is astronomical, ” she ex- (and) dared Mr Tirandaz to prove the press release. plained. The Reserve Bank of India allegation, ” notes The Times report. has already sanctioned her foreign ex- ~ (Photo: The Afternoon Despatch and Courier) The tape also reportedly had state- The tape was heard in the evening at Compiled by Ramgopal Salakrishnan 12 Parsiana October 1988ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Zoroastrian cemetery The Rustam Guiv Foundation has suc ­ ceeded in finding a plot of land for a Zoroastrian cemetery in South Bruns ­ wick, New Jersey, states the Septem ­ ber newsletter of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York A new team of office bearers was (ZAGNY), quoting the Foundation ’s elected at the 1988 annual general Summarizing the response received trustee Dr Rostam Sarfeh. Expected meeting of the Australian Zoroastrian to the logo competition sponsored by to be ready in a month or two, on a Association (AZA) of New South cornerstone on the plot will be in ­ scribed, “Zoroastrian Cemetery - donation of Arbab Rustam Guiv.” to be researched. Facts, figures, month seem to be in short supply. “So photographs, letters, newspaper arti- far mostly parents of Sunday school cles concerning the community in children or spouses of committee Karachi and other cities of Pakistan members have volunteered. Surely the have been solicited. AZA House belongs to all of us! * rf A , , Please change your negative attitude AZ/A S new team ‘enlist, ”’ urges Manashni. the AZA’s youth section, Ms Homaxi Irani and Ms Qiana Irani write, “We have had a few good entries and lots of Wales, details the September issue of Manashni, the Association ’s newslet ­ ter. Past president (1981-83) Noshir delightful ones and choosing only one Irani returns to head the board of Of the $ 4,000 (approximately Rs directors with the AZA House exten- 56,800) available for the 1988-89 scho- sion project, immigration and charity early next year. The suggestion has larships, 60 percent was disbursed and as his immediate portfolios. Vice pres- come from the Melbourne Zorro the rest carried over to next year, in ­ forms the newsletter. Although all the Sunday school and the library; treasur- four applicants were given grants this er Rayomand Pavri will attend to bourne, Sydney and perhaps other year, the scholarship committee, com- sports and the youth; secretary Ms Vi 1- prising chairperson Ms Freny Dalal lie Meher-Homji is also in charge of and members Ms Aban Chavda, Lovji Manashni and religious functions; Hakim and Edul Bamji, has decided members-at-large Ms Jeanie Unvala The Delhi Parsi Anjuman ’s youth that as of next year, the scholarships will be exclusive to ZAGNY mem ­ bers, and only as a loan. is going to be a difficult task. ” On the cards is a jamboree camp as his immediate portfolios. Vice pres ­ ident Ms Gooloo Katrak is in charge of Youth, write Homaxi and Qiana, and it seems likely that the youth of Mel- states will get together. “Project Link ” and Ms Vahbeez Kalapesi will oversee wing is offering to help Zoroastrians AZA House maintenance and other settled abroad “in problems connected sociocultural activities while Akhtar with matrimony, adoption of children Ostowari is in charge of the Founda- (sic), legal advice... investments, joint ventures, taxation and property ” as per Ms Sanaya Nariman ’s letter of Au­ gust 8, 1988 reproduced in ZAGNY’s The ZAGNY marriage bureau has tion subcommittee, been very active in the past year, in- forms the newsletter, and chairperson tinuance of the Foundation subcom- Freny Dalal is seeking new applicants, mittee whose dissolution had been re- September newsletter. Called “Project The Association ’s community services commended by the outgoing commit- Link, ” the service aims at coordinating also included the provision of sudreh tee. “Well and good, but where are projects, research lectures, seminars tailoring for a limited period of time, the members? ” observes Irani, urging as evinced by an announcement in the volunteers to come forward to serve newsletter. on it. Information, anyone? volunteers to clean AZA House jects to help enhance development and Since 1918, the Zoroastrians of during and after Sunday school each growth in areas of your specialization Karachi have no written record although a great deal has happened Sukhia: dentistry for the handicapped The community voted for the con- and work plans with different institu ­ tions in various areas of specialization. Seeking assistance in terms of “time and talent to start programs and pro- over the past 70 years. “Our commun ­ ity, though small, had the opportunity of helping to build the city of Karachi, ” notes educationist Behram Rustomji in a letter dated July 17, 1988 published in the Informal Reli ­ gious Meetings ’ newsletter of August- • September. Rustomji appeals for information to document the outstanding contribu ­ tions of the community in the period of British rule prior to 1947, as well as its involvement in the formation and de ­ velopment of Pakistan. Achievements in the fields of trade, commerce, in ­ dustry, civic amenities, social and edu ­ cational services, recreation, etc need all over India, ” Nariman has enclosed a form to be completed, giving re ­ levant data on individuals and fami ­ lies. “In future when you visit India, we would like you to spare us a little time to share your expertise and know ­ ledge with relevant others here, ” re ­ quests Nariman. Dentistry for disabled A 24-page illustrated booklet entitled Preventive Dental Measures for the Handicapped Children has been au ­ thored by Dr Rumi Sukhia of Karachi. With 18 color plates and a bilingual text in English and Urdu, the publica ­ tion had been appreciated by the late president of Pakistan, Gen Zia-ul- Haq, as well as by Britain's Princess 15 Parsiana October 1988Diana who is patron of the Deaf and Andre Deutsch, London, on August Elltertainer-gymnast Dumb Association of the UK. Sukhia, a member of the Zoroastrian Dentists ’ „ „ _ , _ Organisation, teaches the techniques psychology, Bombay-born Desai is puppy fat replaced by a wiry frame, ” is . international gymnast Kharmayne Ghadiali in The Sunday Times of July 10,1988. The headgirl of St Margaret ’s 25. A University of Chicago graduate in “Big eyes fringed with thick lashes, the of brushing and flossing and other currently working there towards his how Janice Seah describes 12-year-old aspects of dental health, and demons- masters degree in creative writing. trates how the handicapped child Zornastrian'^ could be induced to participate. UlOeSl Z^OFOaSirian . The l,(XX)-copy edition was pub- Bombay-born engineer-restaurateur primary school, Ghadiali is a high lished by courtesy of the Rotary Club Rustom Wadia and his Dutch “angel academic scorer who comperes Sing- of Karachi Midtown in 1987-88 and is of a wife ” Gladys celebrated their six- apore TV’s English language program offered for free distribution to parents tieth wedding anniversary in New for children. Matchmates, with vivacity of handicapped children, welfare cen- York on July 7. Probably the oldest and aplomb. ters and workshops for the handicap- Zoroastrian citizen of the United Ghadiali stole the spotlight at the ped, notes Sukhia in a letter. Copies States, 89-year-old Wadia recalls, in a age of three at a storytelling competi- are available with the author at ‘Gol- letter, his entry into the New World in tion wherein her sister Natasha partici- zar, ’ Abdullah Haroon Road, Karachi January_1923 - a cold hazy day when pated. Outraged at being considered 3, Pakistan. ’ ' ' A tale within a tale Chicago-based Boman Desai ’s first novel - The memory of elephants - has been published by Andre Deutsch. Priced at $ 11.95 (approximately Rs 251), the book is an “excursion into personal and tribal memory, ” as noted responsible for all my reviewer Prabhu Guptara on the world - • ¦ service of the British Broadcasting smartly attired in an English-tailored me, I tell myself, ‘That ’s their problem. Corporation (BBC). Desai ’s techni- suit and speaking flawless English, the a x* x wnrIH vww que, said Guptara, “is the Indian one incnpptnr rnnvincpd Aruhi on worm view of a tale within a tale within a tale. ” Homi, a lovelorn Indian scientist, tries to hang on to a vanished love affair by the use of a machine he has invented which can reach the brain ’s memory cells, thereby reliving his love. But something goes amiss and gineer, he initially worked with a num- report datelined Karachi, June 5, for- Homi sees not only his own life but ber of engineering concerns. Wadia warded by a Parsiana subscriber. The that of others of the family and several metamorphosed into a restaurateur competition, which had 75 artists rep ­ ancestors. The technique permits the with the acquisition of the Ceylon In- resenting over 50 countries, was held author to make sorties into other times dia Inn - the oldest Indian restaurant on May 16,1988. The winners benefit- and places. The book was released by in America, notes Louise Guinther in ted by a 75-day guest program com- the Bayside Times of July 14. The 50- prising 30 days of traveling in the Un ­ year term as restaurant owner ended ited States, viewing the art pieces of when Wadia sold the Inn two years different galleries plus 45 days ’ work- ago, informs Guinther. the SS Rotterdam docked at Hoboken; too young to take part, the irrepressi- “I was the only Indian passenger ble child “stormed up to the mike ” among hundreds of European immig- and, after berating the audience, laun- rants with not a scrap of legal docu- ched into a narration of the Aesop ment for entry. . .(except) a letter from fable. The lion and the mouse, narrates my wealthy uncle that he was sending Seah. Since then Ghadiali has made it his nephew to America to study elec- on TV in a variety of school produc- trical engineering and would be totally tions and dances. ¦* ' ” r expenses “I have gained in confidence, ” Gha- ... Coming out of the first class section, diali told Seah. “Now if people laugh at expenses 5 suit and speaking flawless English, the immigration inspector was convinced that I was not one of the hungry. Representing Pakistan at a world com- oppressed masses seeking to better his petition held at the Museum of Mod- lot in this land of liberty and opportun- ern Art in New York, Jimmy Engineer ity. And thus began my life in America was among the 15 artists selected, 65 years ago... ” notes a newspaper clipping of an After graduating as an electrical en- Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Desai: recalling tribal memories Right: Wadia and Gladys - 60 years of bliss ¦W; ing in an artists ’ colony. 16 Parsiana October 1988 ?Organized by the Fund for Artists served the Zoroastrian community and Colonies (FAC), an American orga- the Iranian nation for over 40 years, nization, 450 slides and reproductions adds the newsletter. sent in by artists from all over the world were viewed by a selection panel. The panel “used a careful scor ­ ing system in evaluating art work on Chopin, Debussy, Ravel and Rach- the basis of their artistic merit alone. ” maninoff were marked by “brilliant Engineer was selected to represent fingerwork and accuracy, ” notes Man- Pakistan at the competition by the US ashni (August ’88), the newsletter of consulate in Karachi. The six slides he the Australian Zoroastrian Associa- contributed included three paintings tion (AZA) ofNew South Wales (NSW), on 1947 events of the Pakistan Move- — - ment, two landscapes and one still life, adds the report. Outstanding service Member of the California State Assembly, Doris Allen, Congressman among 280 who auditioned globally, Robert Dornan, Senator Ed Royce adds the report. and the Agency for Volunteer Service have recognized and appreciated Ms age of 11 and won a scholarship to Farangis Sh'ahrokh ’s services to the study music in Moscow in 1975. Gra- Retired Senior Volunteers Program, duating with distinction, he has siqce The citation refers to “five years of been studying at the Royal Academy outstanding service to the community of Music, London. Winner of the All ­ as a senior volunteer, ” informs The India Beethoven Competition, Pavri Zoroastrian, newsletter of the Califor ­ nia Zoroastrian Center in its issue of June-July 1988. President of the Cen ­ ter ’s board of trustees, Shahrokh has ii Brilliant fingerwork ” Pianist Pali Pavri ’s renditions from The 28-year-old, Bombay-bom vir ­ tuoso was participating in the Fourth International Piano Competition at the NSW Conservatorium of Music at Sydney where he was selected as one of 40 “impressive ” pianists from Old Crockery Cutlery & Glassware wanted Single pieces or sets plates, bowls, jugs, vases, bottles, glasses, etc Pavri began at the keyboard at the has given solo recitals in many coun ­ tries, informs the newsletter. Compiled by Arnavaz S. Mama Please reply to GPO Box No 402 Bombay 400001 MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: ? ? Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) * Banking: C.A.I.I.B. Course (Postal) ? Executive Secretarial Course ? Private Secretarial Course ? Steno Secretarial Course * Personal Assistants ’ Programme (for working stenographers) ? Telex Operating ? Telephone Operating ? Telephone Operating-cum-Receptionist Techniques Shorthand and Typewriting Punch Operating and Data Entry PLUS Electronic Typewriting and Word Processing Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400 023 Tel. 2871185 Q0 -A. 19 Parsiana October 1988AWARDS 8^ >\ Aeh' MOftilW;; I Oi ^§5 •S ¦ M g Wig he recipients ranged in age from octogenarians to a nine-year-old motorcycle champion. The 35 awardees were the first batch to be hon ­ ored with awards for excellence insti ­ tuted by the Federation of Parsi Zoroas ­ trian Anjumans of India. Gathered at the J.J. Modi Hall of the K.R. Cama Oriental Institute (KRCOI) in Bornbay on September 3, 1988, the house rose in silent tribute to the late Dastur Navrooz Minochehr-Homji who was conferred the award posthumously. . Several of the recipients donated the I cash award to Bombay Parsi Punchayet I (BPP) charities. Bombay sheriff Jehan- I gir Nicholson ’s offer to donate double ¦ the cash amount accompanying his cita- I tion led to a moment of amused embar- I rassment until BPP chief executive Rus- I tom Anklesaria, the evening ’s master of ¦ ceremonies, informed him that for those I who receive a “special mention ” (the > second prize) there was no cash award. I Responded Nicholson gallantly, “None- ¦ theless Rs 2,001 it shall be. ” I Achievements in eight fields of en- ' deavor, for the years 1986 and 1987, were recognized. Consisting of a shield, a citation (framed by Prof Khurshed Sheriar and read by KRCOI honorary secretary Ms Homai Modi) and Rs 1,000 in cash, the awards under each category were financed from donations of Rs 10,000 each. Thus the social and community service award has been funded by the Federation in memory of its architect, the late fc. ¦¦ .. .... - 3, r I 'I Thirty-five Indian Zoroastrians who have excelled in various fields were honored by the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India i'“ i ,--1 >*6- - 20 Parsiana October 1988 la.and a silver at the 1986 Asiad. A special mention in sports for 1986 was earned by sprinter and Arjuna Awardee Adill e S um a r i walla; by cricketer and Arjuna Awardee Ms Di- ana Edulj ee; 1987 national weight lift ­ ing champion Neville Daroga; swim ­ mer and India ’s goalkeeper in water polo at the Women ’s World Cham ­ pionships in France, 17-year-old Far- naz Engin eer. total courage and spirit of adventure, one achieves what one sets out to achieve" Shiavax Nargolwala; for sports by Ms Daisy Jamshed Irani of Jamshedpur; Only when one has for education, research, science and *- technology by the Mazda Foundation; for adventure by the Surat Parsi Pun- chayet (SPP); for excellence in the performing and fine arts by the Jimmy and Shirin Guzder Trust; for students by ex SPP president Maneck Gheyara in memory of his uncle Dhanjishah; for study of Zoroastrian history, cul- _________________________________ ture and the scriptures by the BPP, Judo black belt Cawas Billimoria with BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder in 1930 with the Zoroastrian Culture won the 1987 award, which was re ­ contributing Rs 1,000 for a second League, the substantial international ceived by his father as Cawas was in prize on this occasion only; for small recognition he gained, including the Delhi awaiting clearance for Seoul, scale entrepreneurship by the Pirojsha Olympics award in 1983, and his pub- Noting that Cawas was anxious to ack- Godrej Foundation. The last category lications on athletics. nowledge his gratitude to Dossu Gan- also had a second permanent award The now gray, but still spry, Pardi- dhi who had helped him throughout from the donation of Rs 5,000 by in- vala recalled with emotion his youth at his career, Billimoria also sent his dustriaUst Rusi Engineer. Other out- the Petit Boys ’ Orphanage, then lo- son ’s “heartfelt greetings to [Tata Iron standing achievers received a “special cated in Lalbaug: “Whatever I am, it ’s and Steel Company (TISCO) chair ­ mention ” - a citation with a smaller the training I received at that institu- man] Russi Mody and (president) trophy but no cash award. tion, ” reminisced Pardivala, detailing Sharukh Sabavala, They ’ve been be- Floored by a vast number of his gratitude to the Tata trusts and hind him throughout. ” nominations under the sports categ- others who had helped him along the Special awardees for 1987 included . ory, the selection committee - consist- way. Handing over the cash envelope squash champion ^le rwan Da ruvala ing of three BPP trustees, three Fed- to Federation president and BPP (away in Malaysia / Singapore to take eration vice presidents with co-opted chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla, Pardivala part in an international squash touma- knowledgeable persons in each field - instructed, “Take it and use it for any ment, as noted Anklesaria); sprinter compromised by having two awardees good cause of the Parsi community. ” — - for 1986 and one for 1987 with 10 ~ others receiving a special mention. . _ . __ Anklesaria began by calling the 1986 Tarapo re - being in Seoul for the 1988 veteran athleteTehanbax Kapadia who sports awardee Jal Pard ivala - the Olympics, was represented by his represented India at the Seventh athletics pioneer and perennial sports- father. Tarapore, ah Indian Navy World Veteran Athletics meet in Mel ­ man who has enthused generations of officer who was awarded the Vishist youngsters. The citation referred to his Seva Medal in 1983, won a gold medal Shields on display (below) at the beginning as a physical culture teacher iii yachting in the 1982 Asian Games awards’ presentation (left) Zenia Ay rton awaiting clearance, for The second 1986 sports awardee - Seoul; weight lifter Vispy Daroga; cyc- India ’s yachting champion Lt Farokh list Kerman Framna and 82-year-old(In all photos, identification begins with the person at left) Clockwise from top left: Bodhanwalld and Pardivala (sports); Sethna and Sumariwalla (sports); Dr Sam Bhacca and Neville Daroga (sports); Golwalla and Farnaz Engineer (sports); Bodhanwalla and Ayrton (sports); Eruch Desai and Kapadia (sports) ;Bhacca and Jal Master (adventure); Guzder and Nicholson (adventure); Bhacca and Madan (student) and Bhacca and Balsara (student) Photos of the awards presentations: Asian Photos bourne, Australia, arriving fourth in the 100-meter and 2(M)-meter events for the 80 to 84-year age-group. The star of the sports category, however, was young Rustom Pa tel who began his motorcycle racing cateer at the age of six in 1986 - “the youngest partici ­ pant in all the motocross cham ­ pionships held so far, ” noted the cita ­ tion. Nicholso n, the oldest motorcar racer in India, affectionately presented the citation to the youngest motorcycle racer. “From October ’84 to February ’87, he conducted the first ever military campaign, in the icy regions of Siachen glacier named ‘Operation Meghdoot ’ which was a unique operation, never attempted in the annals of military his ­ tory earlier, ” notes the scroll of honor for the adventure award for 1986 pre ­ sented to Brig Jal Ma ster. “Let us hope you will be a general soon (and that) your example will be emulated by other Parsi youth, ” added Ankle ­ saria. Indian Grand Prix racer Farad Bhathena earned a special mention in the adventure category for 1986. Bhathena was represented by his grandmother as he was away taking part in the National Great Desert Himalaya ‘Raid, ’ as informed Federa ­ tion vice president and president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman Lt Gen Adi Sethna. Nicholson, the oldest driver to have participated and finished in the “3,000 km Himalayan Rally of 1987 which was one of the toughest, roughest and most strenuous motoring events in the world (was) awarded the Best Sportsman ’s trophy, ” noted the special mention citation for 1987. In his acknowledgement Nicholson world (was) 22 Parsiana October 1988I said, “Only when one has total cour- Sangli, with first class honors; Zubin mention for 1986. The award for 1987 age and spirit of adyenture one Ditt ia, an Andhra Pradesh merit scho- was presented to kirtankar Parvez achieves , what one sets out to lar currently studying at the Indian In- Katrak who “has lived up to his m^o achieve. Referring to the risks of the stitute of Technology, Powai, received of...service, devotion and char- road, Nicholson narrated how his a special mention. ity...(and) given away thousands of Maruti Gypsy rolled and stood on its Ms Nergish Nargolwala presented rupees to Parsi and cosmopolitan char ­ side against the mountain. On the the Shiavax Nargolwala award for so- ities. ” Handing over the cash award to other side of the road there was a fall cial and community service to Prof Golwalla to use for the housing fund of 3,000 ft. “These things unnerve a Noshir Kaikob ad - received by Ankle- for the Parsis, Katrak noted with satis- person but if one can eschew fear, one sana on behalf of the ailing professor, faction, “This is the recognition elders can eschew most things, ” he added. The citation records Kaikobad ’s 25- like us require. ” The Dhanjishah Gheyara memorial year tenure with the Tata Institute of Nuclear chemist Dr (Ms) Zarine award for postgraduates was awarded Social Sciences and the training prog- Turel whose research includes the role to Ms Feroza Ma dan for securing first rams for community development and of trace elements in the cancers and rank in the master of arts examination social welfare that he conducted for tumors of the brain and breast; Dr in economics at the Madras University Nepal, Afghanistan and Bangladesh (Ms) Mahtab Bamji whose chief con- in 1986. Kairu^ Balsar a received the personnel. A United Nations consul- tributiorT'^bs ~ the development of award for standing first in all the eight tant.and deputy director to the Gov- biochemical tests for the early detec ­ semester examinations of the bache- ernment of India ’s ministry of com- tion of vitamin deficiency with special lors course in mechanical engineering munity development, Kaikobad has reference to vitamins B2 and B6 (and) at the Manipal Institute of Technolo- been the conceiver of all the social ser- to the understanding of the health gy, graduating with first class honors in vice programs framed by the Federa- 1986. Fir daus Bhathe na earned a spe- tion and implemented by the BPP. Clockwise from top left: Bhacca cial mention for standing first at the Kaikobad is recovering from a heart and Dittia (student); Roshan all-India level in the Indian Certificate attack followed by a stroke. Master and Nargolwala of Secondary Education (ICSE) ex- Psychiatrist Dr (Ms) Ros han Ma ster (community service); Katrak and amination of March 1986. The educa ­ tion awardee for 1987 was Zubin Tara- porevala who graduated in civil en- Equal Opportunities for the Hand- Jamsheed Kanga and Hansotia (scie- Psychiatrist Dr (Ms) Ros han Mas ter (community service); Katrak and who earned the Diwan Memorial Nargolwala (community service); Award of the National Society for Minoo Shroff and Tur el (science); gineering from Walchand College, icapped in 1984, received a special ncej;HomiRanina and Bamjyscience) 23 Parsiana October 1988¦ risks of oral and injectable hormonal Engineer “from an entrep ­ contraceptives in malnourished .reneur to an entrepreneur. ” women; ” and Dr (Ms) Mehro^ango- Astad Deboo who “has been able to tia for her “pioneering work on eva- achieve a versatile fusion...by combin- luation and treatment ” of infertility ing Kathakali with modern dance and m vitro fertilization (test-tube forms, ” and Ms Pen^az Masani “the babies), earned special mention. Han- first woman ghazal singer to win a gold sotia acknowledged the citation on be- ‘ disc, ” respectively received the 1986 half of her colleagues and team mem- K and 1987 awards for the performing bers and noted, “It would not have arts. “The bulbul of the Parsi com- been possible without the constant munity, ” as Anklesaria described support from my family and friends. ” Masani, considered herself “greatly The 1986 award to Minqchehr- honored, ” and pledged, “Whenever Homj i recalled how he had “devoted humble services are required, I will his entire life to teaching and always be ready with my music and preaching and helped in motivating ghazals. ” our community to our ancient faith... The idea of publicly honoring out- His weekly religious classes were ex- standing achievements of members of the community had been planted by young. Me participated in religious ° •> Federation vice president Homi seminars and conferences both in In- the world ” to do so. Bodhanwalla at the Federation ’s ex- dia and abroad and his interpretations The Godrej entrepreneurship award ecutive council meeting in Madras in of Zoroastrianism were highly valued was presented by Golwalla to G.K. July 1985. Accepted in principle, the by the scholars of other religions. ” F ’’ _____ ’ - Reining in her obvious emotion, his who began by repairing and servicing widow Nergigh Minochehr-Homji air conditioners and refrigerators ana in is Rusi Engineer “from reneur to an entrepreneur. Golwalla addressing the function the world ” to do so. The Godrej entrepreneurship award ecutive council meeting in Madras in Panthak i. a 34-year-old entrepreneur Federation was involved in defining ,.,i 1 u.. 1 ijjg fields of endeavor and providing a I conceptual and financial form to the Reining in her obvious emotion, his who began by repairing and servicing the fields of endeavor and providing widow Nergigh Minochehr-Homji air conditioners and refrigerators and f ' _ - 2___ i______ _ _ thanked the trustees of the Petit Fasli went on to protriote Air Command In- project when Shiavax Nargolwala, one Atash Kadeh as also of the Tata and dia Limited, today the largest manu- of the scheme ’s ardent supporters, met Wadia trusts and the BPP who “saw he facturer of split air conditioning sys- with a fatal accident in July 1986. “The was doing his duties well, ” and re- terns in India, notes the citation. Spe- task of choosing the winners has not turned the cash award to Golwalla to cial mention for 1986 and 1987 was been uniformly easy and we must pay use “for the care of aged priests with- earned by Rustom Bharucha, “a a tribute to many meritorious ladies out a roof over their heads. ” When pioneer in the design andThahufacture and gentlemen who do not figure in Anklesaria informed the gathering of medical electronic instruments in our list today, who have striven to ex- that the BPP spends Rs 80,000 annual- India, ” and Narima n Mogre lia whose cel in one endeavor or another. After ly on the amelioration of the priests, organization, Zoro Garments, has won all, all excellence is equally difficult, ” Hansotia spontaneously pledged an export awards for the past several years, noted Golwalla. He further suggested additional Rs 5,000 to Ms Minochehr- The awards were presented by that literature, as a category, be in- Homji ’s donation. Dastur Dr Horm azdyar Mir za who “has the distinction of being the teacher and guide for PhD students for •all the present-day Avestan scholars in India, ” received the second prize don ­ ated by Guzder while Dr Bahman Sur- ti received the 1987 trophy forlfiSTb- year “labor of love ” in translating the complete Shah Namah into English prose - “the first and only person in were First row (from left): Tarapore (sports); Eduljee (sports); Billimoria (sports); Daruvala (sports) and Patel (sports) Second row (from left): Vispi Daroga (sports); Framna (sports); Bhathena (adventure); Kaikobad (community service)fand late Minochehr-Homji (study of Zoroastrianism) 26 Parsiana October 1988-'71 I Clockwise from top left: Kongo, we would have had to come in at num- about films for Screen, Bulletin and other ber three. (Ichhaporia entered the fray newspapers, and wants to carry on the in August, this year.) Three would be ner Rohinton Kapadia. While Kapadia writing career, still operates from the Colony, since January this year Tamboli has shifted to two is difficult. ” Reluctant to state the A vision of cable and satellite operations In its simplest form, cable television SAT I-B). Here, instead of Delhi can be described as a video shared Doordarshan acting as the receiving by the community. The programs station, a private parabolic or dish selected by the owner of the cable antenna will receive live transmis- company can be viewed by the sub- sions from the satellites of different The bid for satellite television was first made by five-star hotels scribers via cables extending from countries, the central video to their own tele- 11. vision sets at home. The programs are almost always which wanted to relay programs for foreign (usually those from the the benefit of their guests. But they USA and the UK), and include were not quite successful. In recent movies (old and new), short serials times however, the telecommunica- (including those on wild life and na- tions department has relaxed its ture), and the ever-popular soap stance for the import of the equip- operas like Dallas, Dynasty, Falcon ment needed to set up such a Crest, Howard’s Way, etc. And, facility. with a couple of Hindi movies and Introducing satellite television to Pakistani plays thrown in for good residential buildings in Bombay is measure, you can go through the Rajkumar Ghuwalewala who has entire gamut of emotions - drama, set up his first dish antenna, atop comedy, suspense, horror - every the Sealord building at Cuffe Para ­ week on your TV screen. Usually de, at an initial cost of six lakh starting at around 7 p.m., this even- rupees. At present, the Sealord re- ing entertainment goes on till about sidents receive live telecasts in a fore- 11, with a few owners stopping the ign language from China, and the cable programs between 9 and 9.30 World Net News, live from the USA. so that their members can watch C _ prime-time serials on Doordar- will be expected to contribute about shan ’s national network. Rs 250 per month. This monthly fee The operators, members of six to will make available not only the 24- seven libraries, select programs af- hour live programs, but also two ter reading reviews in books and channels of the usual cable video magazines. The cassette is then programs [divided either by lan- brought home, the quality of the guage (Hindi or English) or by type print checked, and, if found good, of program], as well as Delhi ’s own reserved at the library. The ensuing local programs (not the national month ’s program is chalked out in network). The 24-hour programs, advance. Before screening, the cas ­ sette is tested out a second time. The concept of satellite television “Whether it is TV serials or movies, thrillers and comedies rule the tastes of our clients” On an average, the subscribers however, will be shown only on a single channel. The various chan ­ nels will only be seen in the control is very similar to the one used by room, after which the operator will Doordarshan to telecast live prog- show the chosen programs on a rams via the Indian Satellite (IN- single channel. subscribers has “just crossed 50.” While Dadyburjor is entirely in charge of the programming, Sarosh looks after sales and operations - talk ­ ing to prospective clients, giving the cable connections, etc. Dadyburjor, working for his master ’s degree in management studies, attends evening classes at the Bajaj Institute after put ­ ting in a full day ’s work as accounts executive at Dazzal Advertising. Hav ­ ing started out in the field of music recording, Daruwalla is now a profes ­ sional videographer (he has done a short course in videography at Singa ­ pore). Apart from covering the usual weddings and navjotes, Daruwalla has made videos on sports education for a company, and short commercials for exhibitions and fetes. To encourage interest in community activities, Daruwalla and Dadyburjor, assisted by Rayomand Daver, have started making their own video prog ­ rams to telecast on their cable net ­ work. The first such program was screened on July 17 this year and showed the highlights of one day ’s play at the Zoroastrian Monsoon Games Festival. These one to two-hour long cassettes take around 20 hours to make and cost Rs 2,000,says Daruwal ­ la. Already, Cusrow Baug and Mal ­ colm Baug have shown an interest in them and wish to relay them on their own cable TV. Apart from covering sports events, exhibitions and fairs, 30 Parsiana October 1988 Ithey also propose to introduce educa- Hoshang, “They are also happy, and usually be at home by 6 p.m. (the start- tional and religious programs. we are also happy. ” ing time). It was a novelty feature Cable television has also found its then. But after that, when the craze way into other Parsi colonies: at Mai- Consumer favorites for it dies down, it finds its own colm Baug, Jogeshwari, it is run by According to Elavia, two-episode equilibrium. Now if there is a good we are also happy. ” Porus Tarapore; at Dalal Estate, by movies, commonly called “television film, they ’ll stay at home, but at the Rusi Karanjia; at Gamadia Colony, by bestsellers, ” are a favorite among his same time, when we have the all-Parsis Rohinton Kapadia; at Cama Park, by members. And apart from the usual volleyball and (other tournaments) Sam Cooper. soap operas, short serials like Knight being played at the Colony, you ’ll find In the meanwhile, Hoshang Con- Rider, Miami Vice, A-Team, and more people there, rather than watch ­ tractor and his brothers Firoze and Three’s Company are preferred. Ela- ing the cable TV. So each person Rohinton of Tarachand and Company, via is also keen on showing education- knows what is more important. ” the noted general store on Sleater al programs like National Geographic Road, wish to start a cable video movies. That’s Incredible,You Ask for Will cable TV lose its popularity? thereabouts. A feasibility survey has It, and the Guinness Book of Records While cable television has become a yet to be conducted, though the one to his 58 subscribers. familiar phenomenon in Bombay, a done at Tata Colony at Tardeo re- Tamboli sees a definite trend in new form of home entertainment is ceived a poor response, says Hoshang. program likes and dislikes. He points making waves in the metropolis - 24- Though they already have the know- out that while initially the members hour live programs via satellite from how (thanks to a friend), and their wanted more action films and Hindi places as diverse as USA, UK, USSR, shop itself boasts a video library, movies, they tired of them and have China, Japan, Europe and the Middle Hoshang says that for the project to be reverted to liking the “best stuff ’ that East. economically viable, they will have to Tamboli has to offer. A pertinent question arises: Is satel- start with at least 50 members. He says “Whether it is TV serials or movies, lite TV legal and, for that matter, is the most tedious part of setting up a thrillers and comedies rule (the tastes cable TV itself legal? Legalities in ­ cable TV is the survey which is ex- of our clients), ” says Dadyburjor. volved in cable and satellite TV are tremely time-consuming because you “Movies made on excellent books are moot points as there are no regulations have to tell every family what cable liked by most people because they to that effect, notes one of the cable TV is all about. Laying out the cables have read the books... ” There is re- is very easy, he says. The Contractors portedly quite a huge base for Hindi Tamboli sees a definite trend in “Whether it is TV serials or movies. 1 company owners, a retired advocate. “There is nothing in the law against it, plan to operate from one of their cus- movies. While some enjoy viewing but just now it is a totally new concept tomers ’ houses, preferably from that them, others say that “it is nice to have so the government has not formed any of a retired person who, as time prog- Hindi movies because then at least rules. In foreign countries they have a resses, could be taught to operate the they can go out on those two days! ” licensing system and in course of time programs himself, and in return earn some income and be entitled to free TV calls for adjustment. “Initially, all program viewing. In this way, says the children playing outside would he continues. And if satellite television does suc ­ ceed, what will become of the numer ­ ous small-time cable video companies? Says Aspi Tamboli: “I don ’t know anything about it. I don ’t even want to think about it. ” Nonetheless he opines, “It is a step forward from cable video. First, TV was affected by cable video, now cable video will be affected by it. Doesn ’t make a difference; TV goes on and cable video will'go on, ” because the rates for the satellite TV will be exorbitant. There is never an end to any busi ­ ness, avers Rajkumar Ghuwalewala who introduced satellite television to a residential building on Cuffe Parade. He further clarifies, “People are still dragging goods on handcarts (despite other means of transport being avail ­ able) so I don ’t see it (satellite TV) affecting the other cable companies... Anything new (in the market) will al ­ ways find its way, somehow or the other... (After all) entertainment is a tricky business! ” licensing system and in course of time According to Dadyburjor, the cable the Indian government will also frame a law and we will have to abide by it, ” Gifts& Hie Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive religious artefacts, executive desk sets, exclusive shell items, designer jewelry & specializing in wood & copper-enamel gifts. BOMBAY SWADESHI STORES LTD. (Mezzanine Floor) Sir PM Road, Bombay-400 001 STUDIO AKAR 6T/2660 J 32 Parsiana October 1988 ir MEDICINE COVER STORY i I x s 1 t Ij It i i I 4 ¦w'l ' ' ‘Si* •^44^’ 4 i *« J. i'iiVS. 4* fl i!: j-ii 1 .. -I ^4-: A a ». I' • w 11 I The father . of Indian & orthopedics J-T-l AM VK'f ” 1*" 9- 1 ’’h ;¦ <- * .. pa.c . ..::n ?f-*- B -;-’tifr- ;.: J XiuGuCii j.'H .'?rSt Dr Rustom Katrak, the first Indian to practise orthopedic surgery in the country, was responsible for Indian hospitals setting up orthopedic wards I 4 I Hu s LM t iA: 61 Joy Fernandes “This meeting of the staff and students of the Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital expresses its pro ­ found sorrow at the sad demise of Dr R.J. Katrak, ex-honorary orthopedic surgeon, Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital. This meeting further offers its condolences to the members of the bereaved family. ” Dated December 14, 1987, six days after Dr Rustom . Jamshedji Katrak ’s death, the condolence resolution'was no different from those that have marked the deaths of generations of physicians and surgeons. The man it mourned, however, was different - he was India ’s first practising orthopedic surgeon. Before Katrak, when specialization was unknown and even openly dis ­ couraged, orthopedic cases in India had been treated by general surgeons. In nineteenth century England, the work of Hugh Owen Thomas and, la ­ ter, Sir Robert Jones had dispelled some of the ignorance which en ­ veloped such cases, but the idea of a '•"I fl-j, i«tl: BV. ‘'..f/.str in]?. 'Si J-''st;.”, .lib .'UKHKJiir jf1 E*' W ¦’b ’pgyji^W w< / fi ft z p r A s *•1^5 "i k!surgeon who exclusively practised the master ’s course in orthopedic culosis of the bones and joints, and orthopedics was one which had not yet surgery which earned the degree rickets. Wadia, adds Masalawalla, reached the Indian medical scene. MCh(Orth) - Megister Chirurgiee (the may have also been the first hospital in In fact, India did have a doctor - Latin equivalent for master of surgery) India to have had a separate bone S.M. Kini from Madras - who had a in orthopedics - at Liverpool, Katrak tuberculosis ward, under Katrak ’s master ’s degree in orthopedic surgery went to England in 1932 on a scho- care. Here he was instrumental in from the University of Liverpool, but larship from the Wadia Trust. “The starting a workshop to make ap- he continued to practise general understanding was that he would work pliances like calipers and crutches for surgery. Talking of the time when Kat- at the Wadia Hospital for Children helping crippled children — something rak had just begun practising, when he returned, ” says Kumbhani. very new at the time. orthopedic surgeon Dr Keki S. Masa- In 1934 he got his fellowship, and was “He was particularly good m the lawalla (a colleague of Katrak ’s at the accepted at Liverpool for his conservative treatment of clubfoot, ” L.X.. —1 . says: “General surgeons had no con- students, (depending on) your experi- cutaneous soft tissue release, wherein were given a manual, supposed to read jx _J ¦«>Un# Z4't*Avr\ tures were, by and large, treated with plasters, for the doctors were given no specialized training in the area. The result, says consulting orthopedic surgeon Dr S.J. Kumbhani who had worked with Katrak at the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital, was a significant number of malunions where the bone would unite in a deformed manner or would not unite at all, rendering the limb useless. And, of course, no cor ­ rection of congenital abnormalities was possible. All this would change with Katrak ’s advent upon the medical scene. After graduating from Grant Medical Col ­ lege, Bombay, in 1927, he worked as Dr Katrak on a holiday with Dossan house surgeon, registrar and senior re- J.J. group of hospitals. And then he sought MacMurrey ’s MCh(Orth) - Megister Chirurgiee (the may have also been the first hospital in from the University of Liverpool, but larship from the Wadia Trust. surgery. Talking of the time when Kat- at the Wadia Hospital for Children helping crippled children something orthopedic surgeon Dr Keki S. Masa- In 1934 he got his fellowship, and was “He was particularly good in the lawalla (a colleague of Katrak ’s at the accepted at Liverpool for his conservative treatment of clubfoot, ” B.D. Petit Parsee General Hospital) MCh(Orth). “They admitted only 15 recalls Vora. “It is known as sub- says* “General surgeons had no con- students, (depending on) your experi- cutaneous soft tissue release, wherein cept of fracture treatment. (They) ence in that branch, ” points out Vora. you cut the tight structures blindly, were given a manual, supposed to read It was at Liverpool that Katrak met through a small cut in the skin. Other it, and do what (they) liked. ” Frac- Prof (Dr) T.P. MacMurrey, the noted surgeons generally use an open opera- • - tion with an incision from four to six inches long. I don ’t know anyone who does this nowadays. ” Utilizing this technique, Katrak could treat the chil ­ dren as outpatients, instead of requir ­ ing them to be hospitalized for a week to 10 days. A very gentle person, Katrak “used to have a rapport with children which is very difficult for most people, ” notes Kumbhani. “You could see his face light up (when) children (were around). ” His skill as a pediatric surgeon received recognition in 1938 when he was appointed as overall in charge of pediatric surgical work at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Hospital of the J.J. group of hospitals. “He was prom- sident medical officer at Grant and the orthopedic surgeon. Katrak reportedly ised an appointment as orthopedic ____ .1____ 1— ___ o- “ “ advice on surgeon, but the government never made a decision that was to change the whether he should practise general gave it to him, ” remembers Masala ­ course of his entire life, and the lives surgery or concentrate only on walla. Hints of the difficulties and of thousands of others. He decided to orthopedics. opposition and humiliation that Kat- specialize in orthopedic surgery. MacMurrey ’s counsel to specialize rak faced at J.J. are confirmed by No one is quite sure about the fac- in orthopedics was accepted by Kat- Kumbhani. “They didn ’t give him an tors that led him to this decision. Dr rak, but when he returned to India in orthopedic unit. They treated him like general hospitals had neither a post for the junior general surgeons, he alleges, and to Katrak as a “bonesetter. ” onnopeoicb was uic line v^wiicicuy lie 4u.« u«u«xu, But though this was a period of diffi- couid correct abnormalities caused by machines were not available in India culty, his time at the J.J. H^pital was congenital defects and by disease). ” Kumbhani remarks, “After he did general surgery he found there was a lot of orthopedic work that was neg ­ lected in India and he felt that spe ­ cialization in that field would be be ­ neficial to the masses. ” And Katrak ’s niece, physiotherapist Ms Jasmine Ira ­ ni thinks that it was the late Dr Rus- — ------------- _ ™ v tom N. Cooper, a surgeon at K.E.M., pital in the whole of India to have an cause nothing could be done. Then he who influenced him. orthopedic unit, ” claims Kumbhani. started correcting congenital abnorma- Since at that time an FRCS (Fellow In those early days, Katrak worked lities and within six months the ward of the Royal College of Surgeons) de- alone; treating cases of polio, con- was full and there were even patients gree was necessary for admission to genital defects such as clubfoot, tuber- on the floor. ” No one is quite sure about the fac- 4 » 4 concentrate only on walla. Hints of the difficulties and L. N. Vora, honorary orthopedic 1936, he discovered that most of the alaborer, ” he says indignantly. One of surgeon at K.E.M. Hospital and a col- general hospitals had neither a post for the junior general surgeons, he alleges, league of his, says, “He used to love an orthopedic surgeon nor any inten- used to refer to himself as a surgeon children a lot so he thought tion of creating one for him. “He was —-- - ” orthopedics was the line (whereby he quite frustrated, ” says Irani. “X-ray and at the J. J. Hospital they said, ‘You not completely unfruitful. Trained in can ’t do the orthopedic work without specialized techniques, Katrak was the facilities . ” ’ able to treat pediatric orthopedic cases At Wadia Hospital, however, he that had previously been hopeless. was appointed as consulting “He used to tell me, ” recalls Irani, orthopedic surgeon in 1936 and in the “that when he came to J.J. there were same year he became an orthopedic just three or four patients in a ward surgeon at the Parsee General Hospit- that could have accommodated 25 or al. Wadia thus became “the first hos- 30. No one brought in newborns be- as 36 Parsiana October 1988The management at J.J. continued to refuse him any other orthopedic work, and in 1942 Katrak left them to join K.E.M. Hospital as a consultant orthopedic surgeon. The dean of the Hospital, Dr Jivraj Mehta, had invited him to start a full-fledged orthopedic department. He would have a ward of his own, but the general surgeons would also be free to treat fracture cases. Fortunately, senior surgeons Cooper and Dr A.P. Baliga believed that orthopedic surgeons could pro ­ vide superior care. These surgeons “were men of vision, ” notes Masala- walla, “and they virtually put their foot down on general surgeons treat ­ ing orthopedic cases. As a result, by usage if not by law. Dr Katrak was soon treating all orthopedic and frac- ture cases at K.E.M.” But even there, he had to continue fighting for more facilities. Space was the most urgent need, for the new de ­ partment had been allotted just two rooms in what is now the Hospital ’s X-ray department. (The present Orthopaedic Centre, located opposite ------ the Tata Memorial Hospital, is a much the Bombay University convocation more recent development.) Sdon after Katrak ’s appointment at K.E.M., ................... Mehta completed his period of als, Katrak also had his private prac- . deanship. Taking over as chief minis- tice. “In the early days/ ’ says Kuin- siodierapy^ ter in the newly created state of Gu- L , - „ iarat Mehta was, however, deter- go to Poona at weekends to operate, mined to support the establishment of From 1946 onwards, he operated on orthopedic units. According to Kum- bhani, Katrak guided him in starting orthopedic departments in various hospitals and medical colleges in Gu- '“K‘was''wWk ’'he ‘^as working at BX’s'Nu'reing “Home"' AHhov^hhe who was an eminent surgeon and had K Im that he SegaTtraMng o®ther could have earned a lot more as a already .mt,ated reconstruct,ve voune doctors in orthopedic surgery, g---- ': The late Dr A.K. Talwalkar, Dr K.T. policy of handling only orthopedic Dholakia, Dr K.S. Masalawalla and surgery. Dr M. Pandit are some of those who I: -------- trained under him as assistant association with occupational therapy siiropons Talwalkar worked as assis- and physiotherapy began. The 1948-49 . ;. , . ,• • „ tant orthopedic surgeon in the early polio epidemic had brought into was a pioneer in this aspect, heh^mg davs of the^new department at K.E.M. dramatic focus the need for phy- that no one person was fully com^- before he was ^admitted to the siotherapy. Cases which had seemed tent to trealtthe patient. He said we MChfOrthl course at Liverpool. “I hopeless, improved when put under should work as a team Shahani, asked Dr Katrak if there was anything the care of a physiotherapist. Children occupational therapist Ms MiraS^aha- to learn or to see after working with who had never been expected to walk ni and physiotherapist Ms Daulat D fn? fiv vears ’’ anrhis Lnest again, did. It was a time of all sorts of tur, all remember Katrak as a surgeon advice was “Ta^walkar go there is a lot exciting discoveries about rehabilita- who often came to their departments .ion *and restorative medicine. >sec patents « lecture Biven in 1968 When he returned K.E.M.’s training school and center cases. He never felt, Ihis is my ae from England he was given his own for occupational therapy (which uses a partment, that is theirs, recalls Das- =2.sx,"’™. = ......... j I * s ?i € • -H 38 Parsiana October 1988 *, was the first occupational therapy de ­ partment in South-East Asia and when a World Health Organisation team of experts toured India at the invitation of the government a few years later, it helped them decide to set up a phy- • • * program at bhani, “he and Dr R.N. Cooper would K.E.M. and G.S. Medical College. ” “They were sister professions and both were necessary for rehabilitation, ” Prof Manik Shahani, head of Katrak (with hat in hand) proceeds to receive his bachelor’s degree at In addition to his work at the hospit- tice. go to Poona at weekends to operate. ” patients at Dr Bacha ’s Memorial Belle says Vue Nursing Home on Queen ’s Road K.E.M.’s physiotherapy department, and on European patients at Breach Another reason they chose K.E.M., Candy Hospital, according to Major he feels, is that the head of the Ratan Bacha, administrator of Dr orthopedic department was Katrak Candy Hospital, according to Major he feels, is general surgeon, he stuck firmly to his surgery. ..----- Ji, jn the years that followed, Katrak J and his assistants worked closely with it'^was in the 1950s that Katrak ’s these departments. “He felt that they were important components of mod ­ ern medicine, ” explains Shahani. “He was a pioneer in this aspect, believing assistant association with occupational therapy uses atowards medicine by his uncle Dr Edulji Madon, she adds. A bachelor, Katrak is reported to have told his niece that he was “wedded to his pro ­ fession. ” And Vora says, “He once told me he was so involved in his work that he had no time to get married, and then afterwards it was too late. ” Katrak ’s colleagues and family mem ­ bers speak of him as a warm, generous and a very gentle man who was also very retiring. “I have never heard him raise his voice, ” notes Shahani, further qualifying, “He was gentle with every- hospitals started sary and he was sure that other one. He treated you like family and he One of the junior general surgeons used to refer to himself as a surgeon and to Katrak as a “bone-setter' retired they would receive notes and teachers. Starting 1966, the BOS has Madon after their mother ’s death and phone calls enquiring about the prog- also held one lecture - Dr Katrak Ora- their father ’s subsequent remarriage, ress of patients he had.recommended. tion - in his honor every November at He had four half brothers and two half After an extension of service, Katrak the annual Western India Regional sisters; his brothers, Manecksha, retired from K.E.M. in 1957, from the Orthopaedic Conference. For this, the Faramroz, Burjore and Edulji, and Parsee General in 1959, and from BOS selects a senior person of long- one sister, Mehra are still alive. Wadia in 1969. standing experience from anywhere in As a youth, his attention turned first Appointed examiner for the master India who has done original work in to law. “He wanted to be an advocate of surgery course, and before that for any aspect of orthopedic surgery. so he did his BA,” explains Irani. “But the MBBS course in orthopedics at As a surgeon, Katrak belonged to then he found that he might have to. the Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta and the conservative school. He would not tell lies for his clients ’ sake, so he did Madras Universities, Katrak was also operate until it was absolutely neces- his BSc. ” He may have been directed an inspector for the Indian Medical ~ Council, entrusted with the task of checking that the facilities in use were good enough for orthopedic training and surgery. Katrak was the first recognized pro ­ fessor of orthopedics at the Bombay University, according to Kumbhani. He also taught at the G.S. Medical College. In fact, asserts Kumbhani, it was indirectly due to Katrak that the Bombay University started a post ­ graduate degree course in orthopedics in 1952-53. Seeing his work at the K.E.M., other orthopedic departments. This enabled methods of treatment like rest, weight didn ’t stand upon his dignity even in students desirous of enrolling for the correction, plastering and physiother- the formal hospital surroundings. And MS(Orth) course to fulfill the eligibility apy had not succeeded. “Despite he never discriminated according to criteria of holding the post of registrar being fully qualified, ” Shahani points social class, religion or political lean ­ er houseman, and working with a rec- out, “he was not a knife-thirsty ings. The poorest of the poor got the ognized teacher in a medical school, surgeon. He was primarily dedicated same attention from him. ” “He was also the only recognized PhD to human beings, to patients, rather Katrak lived with his sister Dossan, guide in India, ” recalls Kumbhani, than to his skill. ” His reluctance to also unmarried, to whom he was be- adding, “Major General L.K. Anan- operate was based on his concern for lieved to have been greatly attached, thanarayana, a senior consultant in the patient ’s safety. “In his time, “He was broken down after she died in surgery to the armed forces, did his surgery, metallurgy, anesthesia and re- 1984,” says Irani. In his later years he thesis under Dr Katrak. ” According to habilitation were not as developed suffered from severe cervical spondy- records obtained from Dr Gawande, technologically as (they are) today, losis, heart trouble and leukoderma, secretary to the Bombay Orthopaedic and surgery could be a risky undertak- The last, says Masalawalla, made him Society (BOS), in 1962 Katrak became ing, ” explains Vora. “What we have rather withdrawn for he was a sensitive an advisor to the board of manage- today, he didn ’t have then; for exam- man and feared he would be made fun ment at the Mahatma Gandhi Memo- pie, metal plates had to be imported, of. Katrak ’s interests, he adds, in ­ rial Hospital, Parel and when the Lok- You placed an order and got them af- eluded music, poetry and reading. “In manya Tilak Medical College was ter a year. Today we have materials the last days of his life he became very started in the late 1960s, he became a manufactured in India. ” religious, ” recalls Kumbhani. “He did professor there for the MS(Orth) course. In 1963, Katrak received a unique out new modes of treatment if con- honor: he was elected an honorary fel- vinced of their efficacy. For example, led the father of Indian orthopedics low of the British Orthopaedic Asso- he started operating on cases of spinal because of his pioneering efforts in the ciation. He was the first Indian to re- tuberculosis - a radical measure - field. His contribution was summed up ceive such recognition, and this event when new techniques were introduced at the 1966 Dr Katrak Oration when led to the founding of the BOS, the by Chinese surgeons. Dr B. Mukopadhaya said: “Bombay first regional orthopedic society in In- owes its preeminence in the field of dia, of which he became the president. Man behind the mask orthopedics to Dr Katrak who, alone “We got together to felicitate him. Born to Jamshedji Rustomji Katrak - and singlehanded, with indomitable then decided that since we had already an employee of the Bombay Municipal spirit and indefatigable labor, built the gathered under one pretext we should Corporation - and his wife Jerbai on firm foundation on which the post ­ continue it, ” explains Vora. When the November 23, 1899, Rustom and his World War II (Indian) orthopedic Society began a postgraduate lecture older sister Dossan were brought up surgeons have built an impressive edi- course in 1965, he was one of the by their maternal uncle Jamshedji fice. ” But even though Katrak was a con- a lot of religious reading, the Jiistory of servative surgeon, he was willing to try the Parsis, etc. ” In orthopedic circles, Katrak is cal- 40 Parsiana October 1988ART A gallery view Gustasp Irani They gazed at the people milling out ­ side on Princess Street. The Chemould Frames shop was empty. Suddenly his companion, Roshan Kalapesi, who was later to become the chairperson of the Arts Council of India, pointed to a man striding down the road. “My un ­ cle, ” she declared. The two ran out to greet him. They held on to him physi ­ cally as they pleaded with him to come inside. Grudgingly he conceded. He was one of the few, very few, to have visited one of Bombay ’s first art ex ­ hibitions. Recalling the incident about 35 years later, the owner of the shop, , Keicoo Gandhy, admits, “Not even a chaliu (bird) visited us (then). ” The highlight of that show was the sale of a painting by M.F. Husain ti ­ tled Doll’s Wedding for the exorbitant price of Rs 300. (At that time Husain ’s paintings sold for Rs 50.) The buyer was Wayne Hartwell of the United States Information Service who later parted with the painting to a Chicago collector. Presently the painting hangs in the personal collection of a Middle East art dealer; his purchase price - $ 35,000 (approximately Rs 5,00,000). Husain has come a long way since that exhibition. Modern Indian art has come a long way. Kekoo Gandhy and his wife Khorshed have come a long way too. As they prepare for the ex ­ hibition to celebrate the 25 years of Gallery Chemould at the Jehangir Art Gallery premises, impatient buyers troop up to the first floor where the Gallery is located to see the paintings before they are even hung up on the walls. They groan as they are informed that works they have fancied are either sold or booked. The phone jingles. “Hello? ” says the charming Khorshed Gandhy as she smooths down her graying hair. “Sor ­ ry, ” she says, “he ’s already sold. ” She grimaces as she listens to the caller ’s next query. “I’m afraid, she ’s sold too. ” When she speaks again, her voice is cheerier: “Yes, I can book him for you. Will you be coming to see the painting? Okay, see you at the opening then. ” In the background, painter Ms Veena Bhargava, who has flown in from Calcutta, is working on her large canvas, restoring transit damage that only her artist ’s eye can detect. The Times of India photographer is click ­ ing Kekoo Gandhy. A Femina repor ­ ter has spirited away his wife for an interview. On September 13, 1988 the week ­ long exhibition opens in the main hall of the Jehangir Art Gallery. Fifty ­ seven works by 17 artists are on dis ­ play. “Our selection has been of a few senior artists, the second generation and the youngfer ones with their emerging talent, ” the invitation ex ­ plains. The Gandhys regret that more artists ’ works could not be repre ­ sented. “It ’s a pity that so many are missing. We shared so much; I can ’t imagine not sharing this occasion with them, ” Kekoo says ruefully. In their 25 years. Gallery Chemould has exhi ­ bited the works of 125 artists at their premises which can accommodate ab ­ out 20 to 30 canvases at one time. Ear ­ lier the exhibitions ran for about two weeks, now they run for four to six weeks. “We owe it to the artists to give them more time, ” Kekoo explains. “When we started out, our exhibi ­ tions were more modest and even the canvases were smaller, but our enthu ­ siasm and faith in modern Indian art has never flagged, ” Khorshed observed in her inauguration speech. Kekoo, in contrast to his normal effu ­ sive self, was brief, very brief. He con- flagged, 42 Parsiana October 1988J i X ^si ¦ rrsf/' *5L .t I ¦ I, For over 25 years Kekoo and Khorshed Gandhy of Gallery Chemould have promoted the cause of art and of numerous artists, known and unknown » Gallery Chemould’s celebration in 1988 (from left): Kekoo, Khorshed, Mulk Raj Anand and Shirin (Left) Gandhy family members at the Frames shop’s silver jubilee in 1966 i h' i/J "1 I 1 «<• f fl Sponsoring galleries arrange every ­ thing - publicity, liaison with the Press, issuing of invitations and the hang ­ ing up of the displays - unlike the rental galleries. “And we are accused of being com ­ mercial! ” Kekoo protests. He points out that they have put up shows of artists they believed in and have not sold even a single painting. But he is quick to quell misunderstandings - this is not a comment on the artist ’s worth. He singles out Homi Patel as an exam ­ ple. “He will be the Van Gogh of Indi ­ an art - recognized (in the future). If you listen to me, you will buy his paintings now. ” Kekoo defines a distinctive painting in the words of Swami Muktananda: “A great painting is such that what ought to be there gets effortlessly transferred on the canvas, spon ­ taneously and without being cont ­ rived. The purity of the artist ’s life is terms of the artist and the customer, reflected in his work. ” If all art is ev- We have got to help them both de- aluated by this criterion, one cannot velop and grow. ” Clad in a simple go wrong, notes Kekoo who has shirt, pant and tie, the ebullient Kekoo never received any formal training is most loquacious when talking about in art. He hastens to add that art his magnificent obsession - art. He appreciation is subjective, a question makes a distinction between sponsor- of personal feelings. “The heart do ­ ing galleries like Chemould and rental cides; the color, the spacing, the tex- • «!, r ” t: f i;. .Ml fessed that he had reams of pages co ­ vered with notes on whom to thank galleries which lease out space to any- ture, everything is instinctively right, but he was not inclined to go through one who can pay the price. “If you can The result, ‘Ah, that ’s it. ’ ” with the exercise. “We understand afford it you may hire out the hall and The journey through time with the . each other perfectly. ” That perhaps have an exhibition of matchsticks for mercurial Kekoo is fascinating, rip ­ summed up the mood of the evening - all they care, ” says Kekoo. “They are pling with the sparkle of personalities understanding - an understanding be- not professional galleries, they are and events. It all started out with an tween the artists, connoisseurs of art, shops, their involvement with the automobile breakdown. The vehicle art collectors and the general public, artist and the exhibition is zero. ” The belonged to one Roger Van Danmme, with the Gandhys and their Gallery criterion by which sponsoring galleries the manager of a Begium-based im- Chemould playing the role of catalyst, function is talent and talent alone, port-export firm in Bombay. Kekoo ’s “A sponsoring gallery does not They are concerned about the artists ’ father Minocher, now 92, stopped to function on the basis of good returns progress because they work on a per- assist and soon the two men became alone, ” Kekoo points out during an in- centage basis (25 to 33 percent of the good friends. A little later World War terview prior to the exhibition, “but in sales returns accrue to the gallery). II broke out in Europe and the Belgian 43 Parsiana October 1988 LKekoo ’s deepening involvement with ably, most would be of his artist ­ modern Indian art. Langhammer, who friends who would compensate by had fled his native Vienna to protect leaving behind their unsold paintings, his Jewish wife from the wrath of Hit- “Now of course those paintings are ler ’s invading armies, became the art worth more than we ever guessed director of The Times of India. He then, ” Kekoo acknowledges, conducted art classes at his residence ~ on Sundays. Here he schooled the forgotten the Gandhys. They would young Husains, Aras, Razas, Chavdas pay their debt to the family in more and others in the basics of drawing and specific terms too. Jehangir Art Gal- drafting, but never altered their natu- lery was built in 1952 on land donated by the Prince of Wales Museum au- Kekoo was introduced to Langham- thorities and with funds provided by mer by a friend and once he was under Sir Cowasji Jehangir who named the the influence of the “loving bully ” as building after his son who died in a A painting of Kekoo’s children Adil and Rashna (left) by Langhammer Kekoo (gesticulating) in conversation with Chavda (left) at an exhibition found himself jobless, his links with his parent company being broken. Kekoo, then, had been cut off from his studies in economics at Cambridge. The re ­ sources were pooled. Van Danmme had learnt the art of molding frames from his father who was a master fram- ral style, er in Europe and Gandhy senior offered to finance a project on the con ­ dition that his son Kekoo be taught the trade. The Chemould Frame Factory he called him, things were never quite road accident in London. (This, in- was established at Marol. But as the War stretched out, wood became a scarce commodity and were it not for Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Factory would have had to down its shutters for good. The commander in chief of the Allied forces in the east had formed a unit of Italian prisoners of war, called the Murart Unit, and en ­ trusted them with the task of supplying hold exhibitions at the shop, Husain ’s Art Gallery thought it necessary to decorative paintings to the armed being the first. Raza, Ara, Hebbar and have a sponsoring gallery on their pre ­ forces fighting in the area. They CJiavda were the first of many to dis- mises, they invited Kekoo to do the turned to the Chemould Frame Fac- play their works here. job. In 1965, the Gandhys were roped tory to meet their orders, and supplied it with the precious wood it needed to keep going. Kekoo digs out an old al level bodies sprang up as a result, patched-up painting of the Murart the artists moved on to fill in the posi- Unit, with a self-portrait of Giovani tions created. While Kekoo involved Pinto, a member of Murart, in the up- himself more with the art movement in The art world, however, had not i the same again. Langhammer sent his cidentally, was the fourth gift to the students to have their paintings framed city by the same family, each genera- and hung up on the walls of the Che- tion having endowed it with a land ­ mould Frames shop which was estab- mark. Cowasji Jehangir ’s father had lished at Princess Street and from here built C.J. Hall, his grandfather, the the artists made their first sales - to Elphinstone College building and his people who came not for the paintings great grandfather, the Bombay Uni- but to have their personal memories versify convocation hall.) In 1963, framed. The next logical step was to when the authorities of the Jehangir play their works here. As the art movement gathered in again, this time by the Lalit Kala momentum, and city, state and nation ­ Akademi, the premier art body in the country, to manage and coordinate the first major exhibition of Indian artists outside the country. The exhibi ­ tion titled “Art now in India ” was in- per right hand corner reproducing the India, sometimes to the chagrin of the augurated by Queen Elizabeth II in same work. Another Giovani Pinto ........................ ... . - . - -• . painting hangs on the walls of the Cricket Club of India. If it was Mountbatten who helped the Chemould Frame Factory survive the War years, it was Walter Lan- rest of his family, it was his brother London. Since then the Gandhys have Russy who looked after the Factory given Indian artists the international and its production. But it was not smooth sailing. Kekoo recalls the time each year when the family would sit down to calculate ghammer who was responsible for and write off the bad debts. Invari- exposure they seek by organizing 16 exhibitions abroad: in America, Lon ­ don, the major art centers in Europe and even one in Tehran. Today, Gallery Chemould has bran- 44 Parsiana October 1988ches in Delhi (Cottage Industries varnish materials, paints, oils. ” Re- of her work was the sculpture atop the Emporium, Janpath) and Calcutta cently he restored a painting by the Nehru Centre, Bombay, done while (Queens Mansion, Park Street). The famous Parsi painter Maneckshaw fighting cancer. “She lived those last Gandhys pride themselves on an even Fakirjee Pithavala. The work was a painful days of her life to see the work greater contribution to the art world - portrait - Sir Ratan Tata in a bowler completed - a tribute to Parsi women ’s the establishment of new galleries in hat and cane tucked under his arm — grit and courage, ” Kekoo observes; different parts of India by people who which hangs on the walls of the Tata were formerly employees of Gallery Palace, Bombay. Chemould. ~ ' When the question of the future of past memories and Kekoo recalls the Bhikha “If you want a portrait of modern Parsi art, take a photograph of Shiavax The mention of Pithavala triggers Chavda and me holding hands at the ” ¦ I Behram Kuva, ” Kekoo Gallery Chemould comes up, the Gan- other great Parsi painter of the past laughs. He singles out Chavda ’s dhys introduce their daughter Shireen century, Rustomji Bomanji, whose sketches for special mention; as being (see box). The responsibility of work- works are treasured items in the Prince probably the very best in the land, ing with the artists of today and tomor- of Wales Museum collection in Bom- ‘ . ing with the artists of today and tomor- of Wales Museum collection in Bom- Another great talent is Homi PateL row will eventually lie with her. Their bay. Both Pithavala and Bomanji were Unrecognized and alone he struggles son Adil and his wife Annaita are in masters of the Western academic on from his little flat at Grant Road charge of the frame factory. They have school but their subjects reflected their but Gandhy has immense faith in the two other daughters, both settled roots in the Parsi community. man. Jehangir Sabavala is probably abroad: Rashna in Switzerland and ----- - - ~ Behroze in London. Meanwhile, Kekoo has channeled Davierwalla who died some time ago. and a good price. ” his efforts in restoring older works. Probably the greatest contemporary Then there is the doctor who is also “It ’s only natural, ” he explains, “My Indian sculptress was Pilloo Pochkha- a poet, a dramatist and an artist, the Belgian partner taught me to handle nawala who died in 1986. The pinnacle “multitalented ” Gieve Patel. Another Other Parsi artists were painter the most famous of the Parsi artists to- Jehangir Lalkaka and sculpto ’’ Adi day. “He commands a lot of respect The people’s gallery Recently, children from three Bangladesh, trying to get art to schools, J.B. Petit High School for percolate to the lowest rung of the Girls, Bombay International School social ladder. As children are most and New Habils High School receptive to anything new, the availed of an invitation to partici- Chappel Art Gallery has channeled pate in art appreciation workshops, its efforts in abundance here. Now, Established artists, who partici- when exhibitions are held, they pated in the exhibition to mark Gal- don ’t have to send out invitations, lery Chemould ’s 25 years at the Instead, schools phone in to book Jehangir Art Gallery, explained the the two daily slots and established subtleties of the paintings on dis- artists gladly give their time free to play, their texture, the color com- share their knowledge with the chil- binations, the techniques used by dren. the artists, the materials, and gener ­ ally what to look for in a painting. The person responsible for this sees no reason why it should remain innovation is Shireen, the bright- that way. “Even in the West, most eyed daughter of Kekoo and Khor- people are uncomfortable in gallery shed Gandhy. Shireen, who gradu- situations, ” Shireen notes. “They ated in psychology from Sophia feel they are being watched, that College in 1987, has recently re- they are doing something wrong, turned from London where she that there are some gallery ethics attended a _ “ “ course in art administration at City secret is that there are none. A per ­ University. Her most fruitful expo- son should be able to enter a gallery sure was her internship with the and do what he fancies, be enlight- White Chappel Art Gallery, located ened, inspired or whatever, just as in the heart of the poor EasT End of in a dark auditorium of a theater he London, as against the more may lie back, uninhibited and be fashionable addresses other galler- entertained, stirred or probably ies boast of. Here, the Gallery even bored to sleep. reached out to the people living in “ — • • the locality, mainly people from awakening. “Art is elitist and the prerogative of the rich, ” observes Shireen, and year-long diploma that they don ’t know about. ” The Sleep? No, not now. This is a new Patel making a name for himself in art circles is Mickey Patel. “This man is bound to make history, ” Gandhy de ­ clares. Mickey has recently done a series of 10 serigraphs in honor of Nel ­ son Mandela of South African fame and the proceeds from the sale are to be given to the African National Con ­ gress. This gesture has sparked the artists of Calcutta to donate a painting each to the same cause. “Something big is going to come of this. Mickey has started something that is going to become a worldwide movement. ” In the course of the interview, an honorary secretary of a Rotary Club drops by to inquire after Kekoo ’s health. Kekoo is still recovering from an accident and moves around with the aid of a cane. Yet, he urges the Rotary to do something to aid the art move ­ ment in honor of Mandela. Kekoo ’s physical movements may have been curbed, but his spirit is indomitable. From where does he draw his in ­ spiration? Not surprisingly, from Jam- setji Tata. Kekoo quotes from letters the great man wrote to his sons: “Understand the true concept of char ­ ity. Build your hospitals and institutes for the benefit of the poor and weak, but don ’t limit your vision to this... Pick the very best of the land, with no regard to caste, creed or religion and give them the opportunity to reach their full potential. This is the greatest service and charity you can practice. ” By this definition, the Gandhys have led lives of charity. 46 Parsiana October 1988Sidhwa Bldg, Princess St, 400002; September 1 Keki Rustomji Motafram (72), 64, Belle-View, 85, Warden Rd, 400036; September 1 Framroz Eduljee Tavadia (88), Matru-Chaya, (Mota Mans), Grant Rd, 400007; September 1 Farouk Jehangir Dotivala Kerman Wadia', September 18 (66), 51-C, Darshan Apt, A girl to Farzana and ’ ‘ ~ ' Goodarz Bastani', September 20 A boy to Nilufer and Aspi Dastoor; September 22 A boy to Amavaz and Shahzad Kerawala', A girl to Maharukh and Cyrus Kotwal', September 12 A girl to Mahin and Behram The data on births, marriages Bahakhan', September 14 and deaths has been compiled A girl to Zenobia and Milan from information provided by Patel', September 14 various newsletters and anju- A boy to Margo and Firdaus mans in India and abroad. Vakil; September 16 courts and hospitals. It must A girl to Farida and Hosedar be pointed out that this in- Daver; September 18 formation is not always com- A boy to Bakhtavar and plete or consistent. Heart disease claimed 20 of the 84 Parsis who died in Bom ­ bay. Pneumonia, cancer and lung disease claimed 10 victims each. The other killers were old age (nine), kidney failure (eight), blotxl disease, diabetes and hypertension (three each) September 23 and brain disease (two). Iso ­ lated cases of septicemia, Par ­ kinson ’s disease, gastroenter ­ itis, liver disease, dehydration Katgara', September 28 and head injury were also reg- ~ istered. A four-year-old and a thirty-four-year-old were lost to the community. In the breakup of deaths September 29 according to illnesses, it must be noted that in some cases, espe ­ cially in those of the very old, death is often due to a combina ­ tion of several diseases. If readers have any informa- Rubina Fali Gheyara of tion they would like published, Jamshedpur and Behram some proof to ensure the veracity Darab Bodhan wala -, of the report would be required. August 28 We are sure our readers would Prochi Marzban Hakim and appreciate this requirement and Dinshah Sohrabji cooperate with us. Nagporewalw, August 29 Roshan Merwanji Hawaldar of Burhanpur (MP) and Pervez Faramroze Patel', September 4 Arnavaz Meherwan Irani and Eruch Faredoon Irani', September 15 Coomi Cyrus Mithaiwalla and Adi Homi Gazdar; September 25 MILESTONES C-18-13, Jeevan Dhara, Mandapeshwar, 400103; September 7 Pilamai Adi Gai (75), Petit Widows ’ Chawl, Thakurdwar, 400002; September 7 Dolly Dhanjishaw Godiwalla (68), B-3, Shapur Baug, V.P. Rd, 400004; September 7 Villo Jimmy Patel (39), 1, Baria Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; September 7 Tehmina Manekji Workingboxwalla (60), \9IA, Jeevan Sudha, H. 80 Mount Pleasant Rd, 400006; September 2 Putlan Sohrab Nentin (83), Peace Haven, Malcolm Baug, Jahulane, Andheri (W), Jogeshwari, 400102; September 2 Meherbai Rustomji Vasania (87), Shirin Manzil, 4, EMnbai Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; September 2 BOMBAY Born A girl to Rukhshana and Reshad Chesson on September 1, 1988 A girl to Parizad and Firoze Damania', September 1 A boy to Hutoxi and Cyrus Dubash', September 1 A girl to Rati and Soli Kanga', September 1 Twins (girls) to Roshni and Jamshed Sadri', September 3 A boy to Phiroza and Percy Siganporia', September 4 A boy to Dilnavaz and Rohinton Balsarw, September 5 A girl to Hufrish and Vispi Balaporia', September 9 Twins (girl and boy) to Behnaz and Sharukh Tara', September 9 A girl to Dinaz and Hormazdiar Santoke', September 11 A girl to Banoo and Farokh Mobedji; September 25 A boy to Pervin and Homyar Hoshang Rumi Engineer (4), 501, Kiran Towers, 45, Pali Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; September 3 Minoo Kaikoshru Rustomji (72), 42, Shangrilla Bldg, Opp Colaba Post Office, 400005; September 3 Homai Darabshaw Bharucha (72), 9, Minty Chmbs, Dhuswadi, Dhobitalao, 400002; September 4 Siloo Rusi Kapadia (66), Mon-Repos, 637, M. Joshi Rd, Dadar, 400014; September 4 Eruchshaw Pallonji Mandriwalla (72), Willson Bldg, Near Chitra Cinema, Dadar, 400014; September 4 Banoobai Nariman Shroff • (68), 17, Banaji Mans, Fort, 400001; September 4 Nargis Homi Damania (60), 36, Universal Apts, East St, Pune 411001; September 5 Hormusji Maneckji Patel (81), 1/4, Mallegamwala Bldg, Mahim, 400016; September 5 Faredoon Hormusji PestonJamasp (90^ 250, Shroff Hse, Perin Nariman St, Fort, 400001; September 5 Freny Jimmy Engineer (68), Amy Villa, 675, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 6 Pirosha Mancherji Joshi (78), Keki Hse, 659, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 6 Phiroze Framroze Mistry (64), 18, Nomani Manzil, Victoria Gardens, Byculla, 400027; September 6 Rustom Dadabhoy Digeria (86), C/o P.N. Khan. A boy to Farzana and Rustam Irani', September 29 A girl to Farzana and Rayomand Mistry, Married Feroza Hirji Chaiwalla of Pune and Dinyar Rusi Contractor, June 9 Died Jehangir Hormasji Bhoot (86), residing at B-41, Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 400007; August 31 Coomi Dhunjishaw Dubash (67), 3/6, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; August 31 Amy Homi Homavazir (58), 9, Patel Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; August 31 Dhanjisha Rustomji Dolasa (84), l-A/12, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Parel, 400012; September 1 Framroze S. Mehta (70), 281, 400058; September 7 Bahadur Jamshedji Arethwala (56), J-24, Avan Baug, Malesar, Navsari 396445; September 8 Homi Boman Contractor (85), Bana Bldg, Grant Rd, 400008; September 8 Darasha Shavaxsha Daver (68), Appa Baug Est, 41, M. Karve Rd, 400002; September 8 Ardeshir Jamshed Irani (65), 217/C, K.T. Nagar, Phase 1, Vasai Rd (W) 401202; September 8 Dossabhoy Rustomji Nagpurwalla (75), B. Jinwala Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; September 8 Piloo Minoo Sarkari (65), Albless Bldg, Thakurdwar, 400002; September 8 Dinshaw Cawasji Sumariwalla (90), C-20, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; September 8 Nergish Eruch Bapasola (57), 10, Setalvad Rd, 400036; September 9 A di Homi Jokhi (34), Crasto Bldg, 294, Dr C.H. St, Dhobitalao, 400002; September 9 Motibai S. Lalinwalla (88), ll-A/2, Tata Clny, Tardep, 400034; September 9 Kersi Cawasji Press (69), Rekha Sadan, 747, Parsi Clny, Dadar 400014; September 9 Kaikobad Rustomji Bharucha (82), L-10, Shapurji Bharucha Baug, Andheri (W), 400058; September 10 Goolan Kapadia (80), Dossibai Home, Masina Hosp Comp, Byculla, 400027; September 10 Minocher Dossabhoy Patel (87), Room 44, Hirabai Petit Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; September 10 Bhikoo Nasserwanji Engineer 47 Parsiana October 1988(64), Bachubai Mans, 614, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 11 Eruch Kaikhushroo Guard (73), Chandrakant Mans, Grant Rd, 400007; September 11 Burjor Khu 'shedji Kapadia (84), H/14, CuSrow Bang, S.B. Rd, 410039; September 12 Soli Faramroze Daboo (58), R/7, Cusrow Bang, S.B. Rd, 400039; September 13 Jamshed Jivanji Khambata (78), 1, Lady Dorab Tata Bldg, Tata Blocks, S.V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; September 13 Mani Byramji Mobedjina (78), 598-B, Wadia Bldg, Girgaum Rd, 400002; September 13 Noshir Manchersha Mistry (63),. C/o B.B. Engineer, 2, Marine Chmbs, Marine Lines, 400020; September 15 Banoo Minoo Unwala (78), A-20, Cusrow Bang, S.B. Rd, 400039; September 15 Khorshed Khurshedji Ghyara (64), Chotani Bldg, Proctor Rd, 400007; September 16 Merwan Faredoon Herati (73), Room 9, Kassam Mitha Bldg, Naigaum Cross Rd, Dadar, 400014; September 16 Rustomjee Behramjee Lakdawalla (76), 44-E, Batliwalla Villa, Sleater Rd, 400007; September 17 Dhunmai Firoze Mistry (71), A/5, Clifton Co-op Soc, Juhu Rd, 400049; September 17 Nurges Pestonji Golvala (86), Hormaz Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; September 18 Banoobai Beheramjee Sakkai (71), 323/2, Madhubun, Kochin St, Fort, 400001; September 18 Soli Pestonji Wadia (70), 605/606, Mahawir Apts, J.P. Rd, Versova, Andheri (W), 400058; September 18 Rustom Jehangirji Ghyara (78), Satya Bhama Niwas, Kasinath Rd, Tardeo, 400007; September, 19 Roda Darabshaw Patel (50), Tapia Bldg, Charni Rd, 400004; September 19 Adi Bejdnji Tarapore (64), 113-104, Swamp Nagar, Kanpur 2(^001; September 19 Behram Dhanjishah AdarBoman (68), Vinser Chmbs, Cawasji Patel St, Fort, 400001; September 20 Phiroze Jahangir Dumasia (69), 347-C, United Chmbs, 13-A, Charni Rd, 400007; September 20 Minoo Framji Mobedjina (79), 1/5, Dhanbai Wadi, Dadabhai Rd, Vile Parle (W), 400056; September 21 Nargesh Jehangirji Dalal (82), F/13, Ever Shine Apts, , Versova, Andheri (W), 400058; September 22 Goolbai Manekshaw Dastoor (88), Ratan Tata Institute Hostel, Hughes Rd, 400007; September 22 Hormazd Behram Irani (82), Room 47, Ahmed Bldg, Gunpowder Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; September 23 Merwan Kaikhushroo Irani (82), Devidas Mans, Dinbai Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; September 23 Nergesh Behram Bilimoria (60),Nowroze Baug,Lalbaug, 400012; September 24 Shirin Ratanshaw Mistry (80), 4, Patel Chmbs, Gunbow St, 400001; September 24 Burjor Nariman Pundole (60), 4, Clover Apts, 27, Sleater Rd, 400007; September 25 Shavaksha Behram Tukina . (88), V/9, Dalal Est, Opp Bombay Central Stn, 400008; September 25 Aloo Darabshaw Naterwalla (67), 4/3, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; September 26 Adi Sorabji Engineer (78), Block L, 1/1 Sunder Nagar, Malad, 400064; September 27 Allan Framroze Gaji (85), 3, Central Bldg, Near Kalbadevi Post Office, 400002; September 27 Koomi Nadershaw Karanjia (68), Room 13, Pushottam Bldg, Play House, 400004; September 27 Dina Dhunjisha Mithaivala (65), F-29, Cusrow Bang, S.B. Rd, 400039; September 27 Dolly Rustom Virji (70), 14, Sea View Soc, Four Bglws, Andheri (W), 400058; September 27 Keki Hormusji Cooper (68), 91, Mint Rd, Fort, 400001; September 28 Dadabhoy Burjorjee Daruvala (90), La Fleur, 30th Rd, Bandra, 4000^; September 28 Sarosh Rustomji Khambata (50),‘R,’Dalal Est, Lamington Rd, 400008; September 28 Dhanjishah Noshirwan Bilimoria {^3), Jesia Bldg, 797, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 29 Pali Kavas Lavaji (58), Room 7644, Chansa Villa, Malcolm Bang, Jogeshwari, 400102; September 29 Darius Adi Bhiwandiwala (44), 8, Fair Heaven, Andheri (W), 400058; September 30 Gool Burjorji Dav ar (66), Wilson Bldg,Dr Ambedkar Rd,Dadar,400014; September 30 Adi Dadabhai Mistry (68), Adam Mhl, 147, Tardeo Rd, 400034; September 30 BORDI Died Behramsha Pestonji Driver (77), husband of Frenymai; September 14 CADILLAC, MICHIGAN Married Farida Patel and Richard Tinker; July 16 CALCUTTA Married Madhavi Bali and Ruzbeh Baman Irani; August 25 CINCINNATI, OHIO Died Homi J. Kapadia, father of Aban Wadia; June 11 DELHI Died Banoobai P. Variava (88), mother of Noshir and Soli; July 27 KARACHI Bom A girl to Vahista and Ardesher Kavasji; July 11 A girl to Nazneen and Percy Bharucha; August 10 A girl to Mah-Zarin and Pervez Taraporewala; August 30 Died Sakarbai Pestanji Kolah (84); June 12 Feroze Dinshaw Gotla (51); June 15 Perin Erachshaw Tarapore (70); June 25 Najamai Jamshedji Magol (89); August 5 Perin Gustadji Dinshaw (74); August 15 Jamshed Khurshed Minwalla (45); August 16 Sam Jamshedji Dubash (60); August 19 Gustad Pirojsha Confectioner (62); August 20 Dara Ratansha Hataria (75); August 20 Mogri Cowasjee August 30 4, MHOW Died Nariman Rustomji Elavia (75), of Nagpur; August 22 NAVSARI Died Manecksha Faramroz Unvala, father of Aloo Jijina; July 11 NEW SOUTH WALES Bom A boy, Danesh, to Vera and Farokh Ostowari; June 10 POONA Married Roxana Fardoon Irani and Shahbehram Rustom Rabani; May 17 Parvin Homi Dumasia and Faramroz Manekshaw Baria; May 19 Farida Coover Mehta and Viraf Burjor Daboo; May 19 Somya Jalnawalla, daughter of Yasmin and Khushro of Ahmednagar and Mehrab Noshir Irani; August 8 Died Kharmen Ardeshir Irani (77), 875, Dastur Meher Rd, 411001; July 5 Pirojshaw D. Daruwalla (80), 14, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; July 19 Dadabhay Pestonji Katrak (91),100,Gidni Park, Salisbury Park, 411001; July 19 Adi Cawasji Mehta (87), 189, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, 411001; July 23 Mani Kharshedji Soonawala (94), 353, Boat Club Rd, 411001; July 29 Khorshed Motoo Motabhai (45), 609, Sachapir St, 411001; August 23 Jamshed Naorowji Sarkari (68), 431/2, R.V.D. Gultekdi, 411001; August 31 SECUNDERABAD Born A girl, Aruiisha, to Collette and Naushad Vakeel; July 21 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka 48 Parsiana October 1988