Feb 1989

n The Asiaji Phenomenon 'i 4 u ’X k |t' - «- \ ','>' n (< p t ¦« « I ¦'T-; r*7 '^; ¦s' >: ;S. L’T'S / [''•S’ .J hs&r I** k^ v » I 4' *5.^. '4' . ,T > .iWii » f.- A t ¦ - \ b >* *'* 14 •' “ f .C’^. ' L vi ¦’'' "'' M ** 1 JbiJ if ¦I ¦'>^ r>* £< 1'^ % B ’,1 • W'** k '¦’‘’k- i d^r'i 5^ 1'?'- 0 tl’ V I7W R" WP f February 1989 Volume 11 Number 8 EDITOR Jehangir Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah Fernandes MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel advertising 'MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L. Arora EDP Rohinton Daroga CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver OFFICE Rajendra P. Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia Lewis, Rajalakshmi Krishnan, Bakhtavar Batliwalla 3 Readers' Forum I 9 Events and Personalities 16 Zoroastrians Abroad: Karachi elections by Arnavaz Mama 22 The new-look Jame by Parinaz Gandhi ¦ 24 Meher roj at Aslaji's by Homi Rogers 34 'A world body of youth' by Persees Antia 41 A youth trustee in every city by Khursheed Khurody 46 Milestones 1 Cover: Devotees at Bombay's Aslaji Agiary Transparency: Homyar Mistry (Homz Prints) 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. For editorial enquiries: 2048183 Telex 115710 RABO IN Fax 2042922 Annual inland subscription: Rs 60 for one year (12 issues); Rs 100 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates: Seamail Rs 130 for one year, Rs 245 for two years; Air mail Rs 275 for one year, Rs 525 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 are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 or C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001. i IREADERS' FORUM »»r»»»> . .... t: I » ? I I < > < t , , . , . ,?»» O u hm • I. i.t > • > • 11) 11,1. I,»,»»»> I»J . t,, lt»«> t) ><« I) < >. ? . r» > •< (*1 ... ............. ?HMUnnn.T' mu! Injifl 'tufl I • who is now settled in Australia, had Federation, we have always categorically • joined the Great Indian Peninsula (GIP) pointed out that the decision was taken Railway and had served as assistant by the Anjuman and not one individual. * driver on electric locomotives. My We are aware of Ervad Unvalla ’s contri- ! brother ’s son-in-law was chief inspector bution to the Bangalore Parsi cominunity ' of carriages and wagons in the Southern and the sincerity with which he carries out ----- ¦ - his duties. His views on the Federation in nection with the railways ends. no way detract from his priestly duties Ms Fernandes has missed out one- im- and obligations. Otintrtt « (Oiitiirt **<»>•»*»> t ?» I* ft) •4 I • AT-: «*****: Vi VUl X iU^VU — ------ ?g**;, India Railway (SIR). And here our con- ;;5 portant point. Whenever the viceroy or L*i< iko travAllAft in mnct rasfts it the governor travelled, in most cases it was the Parsi drivers and guards who were called on duty to run the special trains. This was considered a great honor in those days. Intercommunity marriages It was with great disappointment that I read the news item “Bombay intercom ­ munity marriages 14 percent ” (Parsiana, November 1988). It was heartbreaking to read that 14 percent of the youth had been literally “lost ” to the community in Bom- Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian bay alone. If this is the rate of intercom- well imagine the rate of such marriages Ll Col DADY S. MAJOR (Retd) “The Federation offers...” The L_..„___ _____ Anjuman takes strong objection to the munity marriages in Bombay, one can paragraph in “The Federation offers to well imagine the rate of such marriages intervene ” (Parsiana, November ’88) in other metropolitan cities like Calcutta, stating that the panthaky of our Dar-e- Hyderabad, etc where the Parsi youth Meher at Bangalore, Ervad Nadirshah (being meager) are inore exposed to non ­ Unvalla, was responsible for our Banga- Parsis. * lore Anjuman not having joined the Fed- It is most ironical that the very P^sis eration of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans who had left Iran to save their religion of India. This is totally incorrect. We from being destroyed by the Muslims, would like to categorically state that at now do not even think twice before giv- our ceneral body meeting at that time, ing up their oldest and most respected KU uiw wiiiiiauvilty wim wv ««««« o ... to the Editor, RoMlers* Forum, Parsiana, an overwhelming majority of our mem- religion. G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are bers decided that they did not wish to join It is likely that by the end of this dec- subj^ to editing tor reasons of sp^ and Federation for various reasons. ade, it will be very difficult to find a ¦ “¦ ¦¦ “¦* “ “pure ” Parsi. It is high time the Parsis realize the grimness of this situation and undertake to control it before it gets too MsSANAEA ANllA Patiala f. S?-s.- Jcj I* . •fl Readers’ views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are bers decided that they did not wish to join clarity. Unsigned letters or those without a complete address will not be published. By making such comments in the ar ­ ticle, we feel that the good name of our panthaky Nadirshah Unvalla is being tar- “Romance with the... ” nishcd. For your information and for the late. I read the article “Romance with the information of your readers, Ervad Un ­ Railways ” (Parsiana. December ’88) by valla carries out his duties in all sincer- Joy Fernandes with great interest since i ' four generations of my family were con- Cv. ..... ......j.------ ------------- « - .,, . .„ . nected with the Indian railways. My yours should understand that the decision ion with his jaheb a^he used to call grandfather Merwanjee Major, and my to join the Federation is taken by the gen- ' uncle Dorabjee served in the Stores De- eral body and not by any individual, partment of the Bombay-Baroda and ° h Central India (BB&CI) Railway. My fa- The Bangalore Parsec Zoroasirian Anjuman Aibara ’s faith ity and is a respected figure in our For Dasturji Nadirsha Aibara, his passing community. A respected magazine like away must have been a wonderful reun- Dasturji Jamshed Kookadaru. But for all of us who at some time or the other came in brief contact with him, it was a sad Central India (BB&CI) Railway. My fa- THc Bangalore Parsec Zoroastnan Anjuman pnntopi ther Sorabjee joined BB&CI at a very * I had first come in h^ contact when early age as a guard of local trains and Parinaz Gandhi replies my son was very sick and dying at the B. within a short time was promoted as Nowhere in the article or in any issue of D. Petit Parsee General Hospital. It w^ guard of mail trains. He retired in 1930 on Parsiana have we ever stated that Er- 1981 and for me the world seemed to be reaching the age of 60 years. My brother vad Nadirshah Unvalla was responsible collapsing on all sides. Some kind lady in Merwan (known to all as M. Sorabjee) for the “Bangalore Anjuman not having the hospital told me atout him and the ned BB&CI as ' '___ __ ’ *'_ etatA’e Diners Club, till 1985, "'¦I'n she moved to Washington. The S have d , P Mehtas ’ two children, Sonya Bomi who have done so willingly and happi- Patel and Jamsheed, are also in the ly. It now seems that the usual Cowas- States *™’ *’**'* “¦ active Th Arse/ A. r 1 AA participation is perhaps the most diffi- nJS e . acknowledges Mehta. “Once ‘ "owever, h can open the door crediting Se hnas progressive thinking ,o „ew experiences, opportunities, or the trustees decision to approach activities and friendships, ” she adds, the government for land for a separate , . graveyard as per the wishes of the Integration in the UK? that the “The attitude of the black people to- KPATF had received the Karachi De- wards me as a white is far worse than ve opment Authority s sanction for the the attitude of the white people ever ... ... was when I was black, ” says Jaron Meanwhile, an invitation to the two Mehta: opportunity to shatter prejudice Yaltan, a Parsi from Ahmedabad who candidates to debate community issues under the auspices of the Zoroastrian the Bank as senior power engineer. Association of Pakistan (ZAP) was de- dined by Sethna as per the announce ­ ment of the ZAP president in the Parsi Sansar and Loke Sevak of January 21. The meeting at Hotel Metropole, open --------------- .v-h----k—kzx ..vw ...g uwv a u..c-uuuuay-a-ycar nngusfi- to ail Parsis of Karachi, was scheduled World Bank appointees in Washing- man ” at the age of 60. to be addressed by Cowasjee. ton, many from countries around the A dancer cum actor in Britain since* Defending Sethna ’s decision to opt world, shake down to the capital ’s way the past 42 years, this change has given converted to Christianity a long time ago. Writing in the Daily Mail of June The write-up then traces her involve- 13, 1988 Geoffrey Levy narrates how rnent with the various volunteer ser- Yaltan ’s skin changed color in six elec- vices, up to her elevation to WBVS trifying days due to vitiligo, a pig­ president in May 1988. mentation disorder that left him look- The WBVS helps the spouses of new ing like a “one-holiday-a-year English- Yaltan ’s skin changed color in six eiec- man ” at the age of 60. A dancer cum actor in Britain since* out of the debate, Avari noted that an of life and learn to cope and prosper in Yaltan a unique viewpoint. “With ev- open debate between candidates “is the new environment. “It is all too cry passing month as a ‘white man, ’he not only irregular and wrong but is easy to allow oneself to be sucked has grown angrier with his own people commercialization of the Anjuman down into a whirlpool of problems, in- because of what he perceives to be the election. Never before has this been dulging in a continual venting of com- refusal of many to integrate their lives done nor should it ever be done... The plaints, feeding on each other ’s prob- into this country, ” writes Levy, who National Assembly requires debating lems and wallowing in self-pity... quotes Yaltan as saying, “Our own powers; the trusteeship of the Anju- (But) by making an effort to meet and people are the biggest racists. I hate to man is for a person who can do com- learn about each other, we create the say this, but it ’s true. It is we who will munity work. ” opportunity to examine and . shatter, not mix with the English people. How biases and prejudices which we might many times have I felt that rejection in have brought along with us, thereby the last six years from people who did broadening our horizons and becom- not know I was Indian. ” ing more understanding and tolerant human beings, ” says Mehta. u ¦ • - - - WBVS flower a myriad organizations black. But as a white, that is precisely Yaltan, whose grandfather had been open debate between candidates “is ton, many from countries around the ------------------- - X5- ----- -------------- Mehta ’s involvement “Culture shock is being in a complete ­ ly new environment where nothing is familiar; everything is a new experi ­ ence... everything makes you ner- ________ ________ ________ _ vous, ” Ms Ruksana Mehta, the new and activities - the African connec- what the blacks do. ” president of the World Bank Volun- tion, the Asian cultural group, the Bi- teer Service (WBVS) - the first from a ble study and book project, the annual knighted for his services as a govern- third world country - told writer Jill champagne ball and children ’s Xmas ........... Roessner in an interview published in party, international cooking, the inter- the Bank’s World. November 1988. - - . The article in the World Bank ’s in ­ house monthly relates Mehta ’s initial __ _ _________ ______ _ ___ bewilderment when she reached lishes its own newsletter and holds Chelsea, writes Levy.' Washington DC three and a half years ---- ’----- ago when her husband Darius joined Referring to fellow Asians, Yaltan .. told Levy, “English people never Under the aegis of the 16-year-oid turned away from me when I was ment official in British India, has play ­ ed in films and theater with people like national arts and crafts fair, languages Ben Kingsley, Cristopher Cazenove, groups and support network being just and Dirk Bogarde and is an active a few among them. The WBVS, pub- member of the Conservative Party in seminars. An alumna of the St Joseph ’s Con- Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama 20 Parsiana February 1989f r MEDIA The new-look Jame Despite having to surrender their old premises, the proprietors of the 156-year-old daily, the Jam-e-Jamshed, are determined to keep the newspaper running Parinaz Gandhi ¦* After several anxious months of uncer- 1 1-, 1________1uu.nv., tainty, the readers of the 156-year-old December, regarding Jame'?, possible Gujarati-English community daily, the stoppage. Jam-e-Jamshed, were relieved to re- ~ ceive ’the February 1, 1989 issue of the new-look Jame. The editorial on its trenchment notices were issued to the front page stated: “Let us...remind daily ’s staff and workers. The red- our dear esteemed readers that since 1 W ZL___ long, we have been the target of which housed the rumormongers who got pleasure in de ­ meaning us by shouting from the roof ­ tops that Jame is closing down and yet we h^ve at all times staunchly denied _________ ______ _ avwn ua had., stowly but hence Jame closing down its printing and whose duties as*editor (surely) been totally involved in the pro- r------' ... cess ot fulfilling our ambition without printed by offset at the Onlooker Press much ado and here it is now, for all to ~ see where we stand today. “We have, time and again, clarified our stand that we had no intention of .. n^^aicu un January lo unless we can make our paper closing down our paper. If our readers this year. Its chairman for life will be more broad-based, and commercialize recall our editorial a couple of years the wealthy businessman and philan- it, the chances for the future are not back Jame for sale? Never, ’ we had thropist Nanabhoy Jeejeebhoy. The very bright, ” is Dhondv ’s view Plan- emphatically mentioned thaUaw^ will other two members on the board of ning to give his full attention to edito ­ at no stage be sold. We had also pre- d ---- — z z L" _ 2 ’ viously hinted to our readers in one of and elder sister Khorshed Daboo. ports, in some of the Bombay dailies in lishing better marital bonds, regular columns on law, sports and cinema, - - - besides other light reading. The edito- The rumors of the Jame being rial staff of Jame too has taken up -.i.nd abode at the Onlooker Press. In bringing out a community pub- — lication, “there are no bouquets, only ”?. . ®aMard House on Marzban Path, brickbats, ” ^as the experience of --- newspaper office Jame\ editor who believes he has and the printing press, was to be re- greyed considerably since taking over turned to the J. B. Marzban Trust that this challenge. “My legacy was most owns the property. The Trust has been unenviable, ” says Dhondy, who is re ­ taken over by Madhusudan Vakharia; quired to work seven days in a week' . — 1 “cj — - ------- ——M.1^ wuivv/i even en “ operations and having the paper compass placating disgruntled readers wound up or sold started when ¦4 who may be upset that a particular paidust (obituary), in the widely read column listing deaths, was not made mention of at the right time. “Unless we can make our paper more broad-based, and commercialize had thropist Nanabhoy Jeejeebhoy. The very bright, ” is Dhondy ’s view. Plan- at no Stage be sold. We had also pre- directors are Dhondy ’s mother'Je^ riZand TdvertTsing viousl^y hinted to our readers m one of and elder sister Khorshed Daboo. months, the editor is attempting to that we plan- As per the arrangement with project the weekly as. a professional ned to go in for modernization by en- Vasudev Shah of the Onlooker Press, and artistic publication. More than as a offset technology and m all Jame will be printed on a low-cost newspaper, he is keen to present it as a in Bombay ’s Sassoon Dock. The newspaper ’s ownership vests with the Jam-e-Jamshed Pvt Ltd, a new company floated on January 18 now ned to go in for modernization by directors are Dhondy ’s mother Jer, As 1 ¦ _____ _ ___ _ Vasudev Shah of the Onlooker Press, and artistic publication. More than a low-cost newspaper, he is keen to present it ' news magazine. “But not like Par- nature of offset technology. According siana," he was quick to clarify. to Dhondy, Shah ’s attachment toJame The price of the weekly will now be i will continue as before, notifies Dhon- .’^hich his business dy. He promises to offer a mixed fare of news, concerning the Parsis and other communities, in Gujarati as well as English. Dhondy is currently caught between crosscurrents. While on the one hand he has ambitions of cutting £------------------ 1 on C, TT WVXUV earnestness we have to confess to our basis despite the inherently expensive dear readers that today whatever we i ' ' ' have achieved is due to your unstinted to Dhondy, Shah ’s attachment to Jam^^e \... v. u.v wvvk.v wm now oe support and cooperation to keep your stems from a sentimental reason: he hiked to Rs 2.50, but the dailv ’s rates paper alive, for which we shall remain had bought his first printing machine ‘ ’ ever grateful to you. ” f---- ' ' ..ZJ. ;.L L. ’ The immediate future of Jame flourished. “People outside the com- seems secure. ‘'Jame as a paper will munity are more supportive than those never close down, ” was the conviction within, ” mentioned Dhondy who also of the young editor Russi Dhondy noted that the wives of these suppor- when talking to Parsiana on January ters, being unable to read the topical 23, 1989. The slim and spirited char- i ' tered accountant had accepted Jame's i ___ _ _______ editorial responsibility in February Jame. Featuring in the English section devoling more 1987 on the death of the doyen Adi --------- ’ - ’ ' Marzban, He staunchly refuted the re- dear readers that today whatever we news and community coverage items into the market of other Gujarati m Gujarati, read the English section of dailies, on the other, he is considering pages for the English- are reprint articles on themes as gener- reading subscriber. But he also real- al as health, child rearing and estab- izes that most of his avid readers fall 22 Parsiana February 19891 M 1 i ‘ I i into the 60-pIus age-group whose would constitute just the ideal market noted H. P. Mody, morning cup of tea must be accompa- for their product or service. If a small Wrote Sir Jehanghir Koyaji, “Liber- med by a copy of the Jame. “If I switch community publication were to com- alism might indeed seem to be the to four or six pages (out of a total of pete in the open market, “we ’d be heritage of the Parsi community which eight) in English, then I may lose these completely wiped out, ” realizes Dhondy. Jame has so well served. The succes- re^ers. ” The concern ’s main paying sector is sive editors...have been true to their TTie estimates, as stated by Dhondy, reportedly its jobwork division. Diver- liberal ideals and have never aban- indicate that in the next 12-month sifying into hotel supplies division doned them either to please the pow- period Jarnos deficit will aggregate which provides stationery and other ers that be or to follow the popular about Rs 10 lakhs. Though not very knickknacks to hotels mainly in Pune, fallacies of the day. ” optimistic about the next six months, and some in Bombay, Jame has man- As is the duty of the fourth estate, H a^ed to keep afloat. Jame has also been instrumental in H “My staff has been extremely good creating public opinion, “/azzie ’s lead E and loyal, ” acknowledges Dhondy, in communal matters always is taken ¦ though on the editorial side he misses up by the Zoroastrian community ex- fl the presence of youngsters who can cept (I beg your pardon) a desperately ¦ actively contribute to the running of a persistent tiny section - and /awe ’s fl paper. Until he can manage to find word becomes the final say for the Par- fl such staff, he has plans of appointing sis in matters social, political or reli- fl freelancers in different localities who gious, ” asserted Rattan Cooper. The W can file firsthand reports of community Gujarati daily has been described by I events. Dr Jehangir Tavadia as “a journal. ) Dhondy is keen to make the right bearing the name of the ‘Cup of Jam- U moves so that Jame can look for- shed ’ through which everything was ward to better days. But what happens made visible. ” I if he is unable to bear the losses? “If It was Fardunji Marzban, the found- 1 such a certain stage comes about, if er of the newspaper, who is credited U Jame has to change hands. I’ll offer it with introducing (jujarati printing in to The Bombay Samachar because the India. While on a sojourn at Daman, founder of the two papers (Fardunji he got 444 Gujarati letter types carved Marzban) was the same... People are in wood. He later sent these to Eng- under a misconception that the Jame land to have their steel replicas made, and The Samachar are at logger- With the import of these types, it be ­ heads, ” Dhondy clarified, and repe- came possible to commence printing of ated Samachar’s assurance that they books and periodicals in Gujarati, were willing to take over Jame rather His paper too made rapid strides af- than see it be closed. “Until now we ter having started out in a tin shed, . *¦ . . ¦------- ;----------- ------present Ballard who have committed themselves will from industrial houses, ” stated Dhondy. House, “on March 12, 1832 as a Mon- not back out. With a full page adver- ’’Jame should have run on profes- day morning paper, becoming biweek- tisement in Jame going at the rate of sional lines right from the beginning. ” ________________ \________________ .... , ”¦ . . (which along with the administrative for years, c/iaa/ya/carec/i (continue Kumpta Street office at Ballard trend. Estate) will be making a concerted drive to break even. And as another On the Jame journey ambitious project, Dhondy also has Vital tidbits of information concerning dreams of setting up advertising de- the newspaper, its style and its popu- pots in Andheri and Dadar. Advertise- larity can be gleaned from the diffe- ments usually come trickling in and rent opinions expressed in Jame's ly in 1838 and daily in 1853 It was not pouring in as Dhondy would have centennial volume. “As a Parsi paper, from its very inception the organ of the liked. There is just one Parsi adverbs- {Jame) has consistently pursued a poll- Parsi Punchayet and vehemently de ­ er Nush Wadia of Bombay Dyeing, cy of upholding the social and religious fended its members and other sethias who substantially contributes to usages of the community and resisting of the community when they were James advertising revenue, Dhondy the advance of modern ideas. Its poli- mercilessly attacked, ” recalled J.R B singles out the contribution. As he cy has brought it in conflict, on many Jeejeebhoy. himself admits, “Because of the Parsi- occasions, with the advanced section The evolution of Jame can be seen panu attached to community publica- of the community...In politics, Jame from Maneckji Kavasji Patel ’s vivid tions, most advertisers feel that their has pursued a strictly moderate policy comparison of the paper as it was dur ­ message will have only a limited reach, and has refused to be led away by the ing its golden jubilee, and as it stood tisers who feel that Parsi readers appear cramped to its critics. morning cup of tea must be accompa- for their product or service. If a small « --- k -------- ------ ------------- ^**L^x** uiuvvu JVVlll W UV i-IlV to four or six pages (out of a total of pete in the open market, “we ’d be heritage of the Parsi community which / 8 o ¦H n|o|iF --R/ 4 Ballard House:former home of Jam6 Dhondy is hopeful that the advertisers have resisted the offers (of takeover) where stands the not back out. With a full page adver- Rs 2,500, the advertising department The things that “we have been doing (which along with the administrative for years, c/iaa/ya/carec/i (continue un ­ staff will be operating from Dhondy ’s changed), ” Dhondy indicated /awe ’s ''Jame should have run on profes- day morning paper, becoming biweek- ¦^nul rinrhf ffr\m fk»o Kianinniv^r* ___________________ _____________ _ _____________________________ In bringing out a community publication^ there are no bouquets, only brickbats usages of the community and resisting of the community when they singles out the contribution. As he cy has brought it in conflict, on many Jeejeebhoy. himself admits, “Because of the Parsi- occasions, with the advanced section The evolution of Jame can be tions, most advertisers feel that their has pursued a strictly moderate policy comparison of the paper as it was dur- Conversely, there are also a few-adver- political upheavals...Its outlook may during its centenary year “Fifty years tisers who feel that Par<;i readers continued on page 38 23 Parsiana February 1989'I RELIGION COVER STORY " If ifs Meher roj, It must be Asloji's 1 24 Parsiana February 1989 Text: Homi J. Rogers Photographs: Homyar Mistry A- * n air of sacrosanct pallor hangs On an average, according to the san- over the 134-year-old Seth Aslaji dalwood sellers who frequent this , , Bhikaji Wadia Dar-e-meher. The beat, it is npt uncommon to have at silence is rent only by the sporadic barks least 1,500 to 2,000 people call on the of a dog and the constant shriek of a Aslaji Agiary, as it is popularly cockatoo. In front of the atash padshah, known, on every Meher roj. The fire- two worshippers intone their Khordeh temple is tucked in between a row of Avesta, their drone broken by the occa- houses in a by-lane, itself sprouting.^ sional crackle of the barely visible fire from a narrow street that breaks off* embedded between two rounds of kathi from the cinema-crammed Lamington (firewood). Road. The Aslaji Agiary, established In the anteroom, paved with pavis in 1855 by Seth Aslaji Bhikaji Wadia, (furrows), Ervad Faredoon Madon, was for long perceived as a fire- the hereditary panthaky (“our family temple for the residents of the neigh- has been tending the fire here for more boring Shapur (Bharucha) Bang, than 100 years, ” he says) aided by his Then, some 30 years ago, a lady of sons Cyrus and Pervez, is busy pouring untraceabk origins claimed to have oil into containers. [The single-diva seen a vision in the well in the agiary (lamp) glasses and the five-wick large complex. Her ailments soon vanished, bowls — the punch jyot divas or at least dissipated, as the stories ‘pioneered ’ at this agiary.] For, tomor- vary depending-upon the faith and/or row is the sixteenth day of the Zoroas- ' * trian calendar, the roj (day) of Meher. the Wadia family, will be converted falls on a laden Parsis (and Iranis) converging of Mushkil-e-Aasaan (the Muslim saint Parsi fortunes of the devout) that soon got ’t even reaches the 4,000 mark, as observers oil into containers. [The single-diva the punch jyot divas or at least dissipated, as the stories fervor of its tellers. ________ And the trickle of worshippers gent- And the adarian, once a private fire of ly turned into a flood. If Meher roj _______ - - ' Friday, over 3,000 people into a Zoroastrian Mecca with faith- congregate there because of the legend from all parts of Bombay, and even whose blessings are known to turn the India. “If you have not met a T— ----- '' friend for long, ” says Ms Bakhtavar entangled with the miracle. Jt Bandhniwala, a regular on Meher roj i-------- — . (and on Ashishvangh roj too, when and worshippers claim on the festival she prays at the well), “there is a very of Meherangan (the day of Meher in high chance that you could renew your acquaintance here. ” Devotees wait their turn to pay homage at the Aslaji Agiary the month of Meher, which in 1989 falls on March 7, according to the Shahenshahi calendar). What is the magnetism that draws the community to a lesser-known agi-f' . t' * 'I L. ' 4 5SMI » I On the day of Meher every month, the faithful converge at the Aslaji Agiary with a hope ond a prayer 'JSCl! <‘1 r' I Divas by the tray-loads at the Aslaji Agiary: an indication of faith Yet, few can ascribe any reason to worshippers, however, come because however, read the story on Fridays, they “like it here... It gives me a peace- which for the Muslim is a day tradi- ful feeling, ” as notes Behram Kavarana, tionally set aside fclr public prayer, ary situated practically amidst the who says he has been visiting the agiary The occurrence of Meher roj on a Fri- seedy surroundings of Bombay ’s mujra without a break for the past 40 years, day is treated with even greater rever- (nautch dance) performing district? except when indisposed or out of ence, and draws to the Aslaji Agiary a “It is purely a matter of aastha Bombay. larger crowd. (faith), ” says Madon. “People come Yet, few can ascribe any reason to To a small part of the community redolent with worshipful faith, and we the syndrome, “If it ’s Meher roj, it which scoffs at the display of blind cannot stop them, or curb their jusso must be Aslaji ’s.” Or, to the worship faith and the ostentatious offerings of (fervor). ” The faith, which Madon here of the agiary ’s patron saint diva battis and sukhad (sandalwood), speaks of, has by now crossed the Afsune Shah Faridun and the twin when other fire-temples are starved of seven seas. “I got to know of the agi- saint Mushkil-e-Aasaan whose frames the same, the Aslaji Agiary mystique ary when in Pittsburg, where I had are wreathed with garlands every is a cause of consternation. A letter in gone for further studies. A Parsi friend Meher roj, making them barely iden- the Jam-e-Jamshed which was carried there suggested the agiary as a possible tifiable. Even the panthaky, coin- under the pseudonym of ‘Mazda ’and cure for my constantly indifferent cidentally a namesake of the agiary ’s which ironically appeared on a Meher health, ” informs Ms Navaz Karanjia. patron saint, offers little by way of ex- roj, questioned the wisdom of lighting At her daughter ’s behest, Tehmina planation. “Faridun was a padshah (a innumerable divas to ward off difficul- Karanjia started visiting the agiary king) of Iranian times, ” says the ties, and the flocking.to this adarian, in which, she confesses, she found with panthaky who seems to know nothing preference to a neighboring agiary or great difficulty. “I must have asked at more about him. He is similarly tacit atash bahram, on every Meher roj. least 10 people for directions, ” laughs on Mushkil-e-Aasaan, merely providing Ervad Nader Turel, a trustee of the Tehmina. She regularly visited the agi- a translation of his nomenclature - 70-year-old Zoroastrian Radih (mean- ary for nine consecutive Fridays with “tider of difficulties ” - adding “He is a ing righteous) Society, and the older the same zeal as do those who believe form of Bahram Yazad, the angel of Parsee Vegetarian and Temperance in the novena, and even now, con- victory. Society, echoes Mazda ’s view. He be- tinues to go there every Friday. According to the late Ms Dollymai ratingly wonders how religious the Navaz ’s health improved, and she also Kaikhushroo Surti who had retold the community was before this chasko secured a first class first in her course, story (see box, “Mushkil-e-Aasaan ’s (fad) overtook them some 25 years “though whether it was due to Aslaji favors ”) of the woodcutter who had ago. “Would you say, ” he queries, or to predestined fate, ! cannot say, ” been blessed by the saint, for an “that the Zoroastrian in the ’60s was she admits. Ahmedabad publisher, Mushkil-e- not as devout as the one today because Others are more sanguine. A lady Aasaan ’s graces would be more power- he did not worship on Meher roj, or claimed to have conceived after she reg- ful if the tale is recounted by Parsis on revere Shah Faridun and Mushkil-e- ularly started visiting the agiary on Fri- every Hormazd and Behram roj, and Aasaan? days and Meher roj. Yet another claims on Tuesdays. Since the legend has to have been cured of cancer. Some many Islamic references, many Parsis, “On the contrary, ” informs Turel, “Mushkil-e-Aasaan is not a Zoroastrian 25 Parsiana February 1989I concept, ” a view endorsed by Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. Wadia Atash Bahram, and Dastur (Dr) Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa, High Priest of the Anjuman Atash Bahram at Bombay. “Would sitting around a plate of chana (grams), and narrating a story about a woodcutter wipe away our sins, or make us richer? ” asks Turel rhetorically. He regrets that the prop ­ agation of such myths is driving the religion further away from its pristine values of hi^ata, hukhta, huvarashta (good thoughts, good words, good deeds). JamaspAsa takes a similar view that a dogma preaching recri ­ mination or compulsion in worship cannot be true Zoroastrianism which, on the contrary, is a religion of free belief. “We pray to ask God to grant us what He thinks is best for us, not what we think we want from Him, ” elucidates JamaspAsa, discarding the tale as un-Zoroastrian. “It is very definitely an Islamic con ­ cept, ” avers Kotwal. “Even the meal of bhujan described is Moslem. ” Prob- Religious 'requisites’ on sale outside the Aslaji Agiary the narration with “ji-re-ji (yes). ” But alas, the legend tells us, all Mushkil-e-Aosoon's favors The legend of Mushkil-e-Aasaan, prayers, lit koprelni batti (lamp of unknown to most of the younger oil) and agarbattis (incense sticks), devotees at Aslaji but recalled by and laid out kabuli chana (gram), some elders, is of a woodcutter who khajur (dates), sakar (sugar), as en- was granted three fistfuls of sand joined by the spirits. Thankful for by Mushkil-e-Aasaan and Bahram the favors granted, he remembered Yazad (perceived of in some tales them by narrating their glories to an as two individuals, and in some as appreciative audience who intersperse one). This sand turned into pre ­ cious jewels,driving away the pover ­ ty of the kathyara (woodcutter) and turned to ashes when the woodcut- his starving daughter. ter left for “haj (pilgrimage to Mec- The girl, who for three days had ca), ” and his daughter, disregarding not had a meal, and for whom the his instructions, put off the weekly neighbor ’s bhujan (a meal of kid- prayers and rituals. The saints neys and liver roasted over a fire) turned malevolent: the sultan ’s was a delicacy, soon lived in a daughter accused her of theft, the palace-like house, dressed in finery woodcutter on his return was con- laden with jewels, ate the choicest signed to a dungeon, and the wealth foods, and attracted by her wealth vanished, only to return when the the friendship of the sultan ’s daugh- woodcutter, despite the imprison- ter, who considered her of equal peerage. The woodcutter mean ­ while diligently performed his favors of Mushkil-e-Aasaan., 1 merit, found a way to get his prayer accoutrements, and beseeched the ably, explains Kotwal, Bahram Yazad spect, its non-Zoroastrian genesis rarely trian College which is being set up at was entwined into the legend by the questioned. This is borne out by the Sanjan. Master-Moos, who regularly Iranian Zoroastrians who, having re- ' ’ ’ ' ' ...............J mained in Iran after the Islamic con- places, depicting the Assyrian bull, the Meher Yasht, claims to have been vi- quest, were forced to accept certain Persepolis ruins, the proverbial goblet of sited in 1982 by the winged horse, a Islamic beliefs to escape persecution, wine and assortment of dry fruits, and part of the same visual. “Such a horse The hotchpotch of different cultures, as the cherubs, bearing a mixed resembl- belongs only to Bahram Yazad, ” the Kotwal points out, passed into Zoroas- ance to the Christian angels and archangel of victory, depicted in the trian folklore and, being of Iranian ori- Hanuman. legend glorifying Mushkil-e-Aasaan- gin, was treated with circumspect re- “It is not an artist ’s impression, ” Bahram Yazad ’s achievements. Master- visual, commonly observable in religious updates the work authored by her on ¦ W i i ' I I & ! r 26 Parsiana February 1989 Hanuman. “It is not an artist ’s impression, ” counters Dr (Ms) Meher Master- Moos, who reads the tale every Thurs- Moos, a leading Ilm-e-Khshnoomist, day, except when she is “unclean, ” and founder president of the Zoroas- claims that the reading has definitely helped her. “The more you cogitate on the story, the more you find in it, no matter how many "times you have read it, ” she adds with a rare conviction. According to Master-Moos, there were no fire-temples as we know them today in ancient Iran. Fire burned atop col ­ umns, which she hypothesizes was fed by the abundant natural gas below. “The bull portrayed stands at the entr ­ ance of Persepolis, and the bull columns shown indicate Mithra worship, ” Mas ­ ter-Moos attempts to justify the picture as a true representation. The worship of Mithra is, however, yet another bone of contention in Zoroastrian theology. While some are willing to accept Mithra worship as a f J Zoroastrian concept, other scholars believe that Mithra was a pre- iIb Zoroastrian deity, rejected by Zoroas ­ ter when he preached his monotheistic religion. Hence, there is no mention of Mithra in the Gathas. Yet, as age-old customs die hard, Mithra has been introduced as a \ J__ Mithra, later contracted to Meher, was lord of the pastures, and since pastoral life begins at dawn, Mithra became synonymous with light, and quently, as worshipped today, the The festival < " '____ observed on Meher roj, Meher rnah, or any feslival in honor of Mithra, is not mentioned anywhere in the Aves- ta. The earliest reference to a celebra ­ tion of Mithra/Meher is in the Shah Namah. Quoting the epic in his writ ­ ings, Dastur (Dr) Hormazdyar Mirza of Udwada states, ascended the Iranian throne after overthrowing the dreaded monarch re- Zohak on the first day of Hormazd in 1’ ¦ -------- was Faridun who instituted the mer f gan, and celebrated it as a national fes- ----- , -t was probably on Meherangan that Zohak Agiary. was conquered. It is this Shah Faridun with the epithet “Afsun-e, ” translated by Turel z.onak on the first day of Hormazd in ments of his behdihs (laity). No the month of Meher. Adds Mirza, “It nirangs are offered, no miracles prom- ------------ sum- ised. Even the Meher roj influx is festival and jashan of Meheran- taken by him dispassionately, and with "----------------¦" a counter-argument that people do come on other days too, to the Aslaji His critics speak in hushed tones ab ­ out the raid on the adarian by the in ­ come-tax authorities where, allegedly, . was found stashed under the afargan Container bearing the fire) pedestal. ni chain (golden goose) situation by pioneering the burning of divas, parti- are all devoted cularly the five-wick divas. “The place is ablaze with lamps, ” writes Mazda. “In the event of a fire taking place. ______ Z J 1 1 X ®-----------------------n CIO a Iiaiiuilcll tival. ” But according to Kotwal it aptoH tri K^^UzZk*- .xrr^r^ fit conse- sun. as “efficacious, ” who is worshipped by currency worth thousands of rupees ParRl^ ainnn \i/itk \4iir>Ubn a. _____ ___ i . « « . . _ * Parsis, along with Mushkil-e-Aasaan In fact, on the popular photograph i ’ " figures of Shah Faridun, Mushkil-e- Aasaan, Dastur Kookadaru and Prophet Zarathushtra equal space. “Shah Faridi.n 11,u credit it must be said, m me event oi a nre taking place, n throne J shudders to think of whal would faith, he has done little to light the tin- happen. ” “It is not necessary to have derbox of the already weakened senti- divas in an adarian, ” says JamaspAsa, yerentially carried by many Parsis, the They accuse him of exploiting the sona Shoh Foridun and his nirongs V 1^5 « Faridun lived,according to Dr Meh ­ er Master-Moos,in 9500 BC. A Pish- dadian king, Faridun was born of paladins in an athravan (priestly) family, and, says Master-Moos, traced his ancestry to Jamshed Pad ­ shah. Also referred to as Thraituna, informs Dastur (Dr) Hormazdyar Mirza, Faridun was known as a great healer, and the chanting of his nirangs (incantations) would, according to Master-Moos who con ­ siders him the world ’s first environ ­ mentalist, “cleanse the body of druj (evil forces). ” One of his nirangs is reproduced spiritual salvation, under the visual of him seated “in Fl ___ ZL_____ 1 ____ typical Persian fashion, ” to quote of the nirang, stating that it is grarn^ Master-Moos, “holding - ------- —• .. . in his hand. ” “Aa vanghudaao van- ghuim parendim y az ma ide" runs the line with an ; " that if the same is chanted through- out the day, 'jchalta ne harta farta and Master-Moos that Shah Fari- (while walking or ambling), ” the re- dun had with his spiritual prowess citer will have no pecuniary prob- probably woven many nirangs, l^ems all his life. “These are only what he decries is the practice of four words out of the nine secret ' ' words, ” says Master-Moos, stres- ____ sing that they would bring about liance on them. (incantations) 28 Parsiana February 1989 j! I > 4 Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal doubts the veracity a scimitar matically incorrect, and could not have been so worded as its transla ­ tion would read: “We worship to alluring footnote good giver of prosperity. ” ''1 - ¦ While Kotwal agrees with Mirza dun had with his spiritual prowess ' woven many nirangs, rnany latterday priests issuing nirangs, and the community ’s re- mildly criticizing those who rush to have the divas placed in front of the atash padshdh and in the main hall, and in the process, reserve-the divas and the position, days in advance. “At yhe Iranshah too, ” argues Mazda, “only one diva is kept lit in front of the holy fire... Would you light a diva in every room of your house? ” “Light a lamp in your heart: mold your life - that is more important, ” advises Kotwal. Be as it may, the beeline to the Aslaji Agiary continues. This is quite in contrast to its early days when the private fire-temple was built for the use of the Wadia family. On the founder ’s death, his wife Dosibai sold the land together with the agiary to their nephew Sefb Jehangirji Bejanji Vakil. The present structure was built by Vakil in memory of his late son Pes- tonjee. Until his death he maintained the building at his own expense. Thereafter his three sons, Rustomji, Shapurji and Merwanji laid aside estates yielding Rs 453 annually to maintain the agiary. On January 15, 1937, as per the directives of the Bom ­ bay High Court, this private Dar-e- meher became a public property. And the devout have been coming with their offerings to the fire, to Shah Faridun, to Mushkil-e-Aasaan, to... The links of Meher roj to Shah Fari ­ dun, though not known to any of the devotees encountered, lie rooted in the epic Shah Namah. But what binds Mushkil-e-Aasaan to Shah Faridun is more important, ” advises .the diva here on Meher roj has miracu- votees to feed it on every Meher roj at lous powers ascribed to it, Daruwala least. has been coming here “on 99 percent unknown, except perhaps that like the latter, Mushkil-e-Aasaan too redresses people ’s difficulties. Equally inde ­ cipherable is the nexus of the divinities of Meher roj.s." with Aslaji Agiary. “Probably, ” says Burjor Screwvala, a frequent visitor to with blessings (khudai ni meher chhe) to the last fading hours of the evening, the agiary, “it is because the panthaky here says some prayers in honor of Shah Faridun on every Meher roj." But what brings him here unfailingly on every Meher roj is not the panth- aky ’s said prayers, but a tradition. “An elderly gentleman told me years ago to visit the agiary on every Meher roj, and I^ave done so. But, yes, I do find peace of mind, ” avers Screwvala. Similarly, a young Parsi student claims to visit the agiary ever since “my grandmother told me about its efficacy. ” For Adi Daruwala, a scorer at Parsi Gymkhana, the visits started when he could, many devotees feel, be the on Meherangan. Kaikhushroo Aspand- had a vision of two priests sitting on an reason for prayers being offered as iar Irani, who has been selling sukhad idhora (stool) and telling him to do thanksgiving or for a boon request on here for the past 15 years with his four diva and daran (holy food) on every Meher roj. Ms Nargesh Daruwala to five helpers, grosses on Meher roj, Mohor or Meher roj. “I am not clear alludes the association to the word by his own admission, around Rs which of the two days they actually “dar-e-meher ” used to describe a fire- 1,500. Of particular demand is the 33- said, ” confesses Daruwala, but since temple, and thus enjoining the de- sali (33 pieces, probably one for each Whatever the reason, it is a large and motley crowd that assembles here The association of the word Meher from the crack of dawn on Meher roj me "Was the ZoroQstrian in the '60s not os devout os the one today because he did not worship on Meher ?" much after the day ’s penultimate boi (prayers chanted at the time of chang ­ ing gahs or periods of day) has been performed. The small agiary, which can barely accommodate 200 people at a time, has long queues forming out ­ side in the lane. And for the Parsi beg ­ gars, and sandalwood sellers, manna overflows. Nargesh Daruwala, who sells san ­ dalwood outside the agiary on every Meher roj, claims to earn around Rs 75. An aged Parsi claims to collect alms worth around Rs 100 on any Meher roj, and four times the amount 1 Best Wishes From RUSY & PURVIZ SHROFF 30 Parsiana February 1989yazata) ni manyala nu sukhad (wish ­ granting sandalwood). The sandalwood shop at the corner of the lane run by the Mehta family, claims to have sold the manyata salts for as little as 15 paise initially. Now, each salt costs 75 paise. Manyata bhi moghi that gayee (even wishes have be ­ come costlier), ” jests Jamshed Mehta who does a roaring business, being the only established sandalwood outlet here. Yet, there was a time when his father had seriously considered selling the shop for it yielded very little busi ­ ness. The^deal fell through, and Fali Khandaria rues that he did not pay the additional Rs 1,(XX) demanded. The Meher roj phenomenon, de ­ spite the covert disapproval of the community ’s high priests, is on the up ­ surge. Irani, who sells sandalwood at the Doongerwadi, and at many agiaries on their salgirahs (birth anniversaries) says that every month he always sees many new Parsi faces thronging here. Mehta concurs, adding that “It is the younger lot which has started coming - and many have not come earlier. ” Mehta inter ­ prets this as “a very good sign, ” as he sees a religious revival in the commun ­ ity, especially amidst its younger set. JamaspAsa on the other hand laments, “Asking for miracles is like a drowning "Asking for miracles is like a drowning mon clutching of o straw" man clutching at a straw. ” They may deny it outwardly, but it is the sup ­ posed efficacy, and the hope of a mira ­ cle that continues to draw the popu ­ lace. And seeing the miracle wrought upon one ’s contemporaries draws fresh converts. In modern times, torn by strife and difficulties, chasing an ever-shrinking rupee, the younger generation needs a miracle. And, as one of them argues, “Is it not better that we seek a miracle from our own faith, than from visits to a church, or from babas and fakirsT' Would Shah Faridun with his time- tested nirangs, and Mushkil-e-Aasaan and Bahram Yazad, in conjunction with Meher, the oldest and supreme- most of Iranian gods, provide the panacea? Only time will tell. Till then, kilos of sukhad will be offered; some, after being tapped reverentially over the well, or touched to the bough of the tree overhanging the well, and even pecked initially by the panthaky ’s cockatoo, depending on the idiosyn- cracies of the Parsis. And every Meher roj, an old Dodge, the likes of which you would otherwise not see on Bom ­ bay ’s roads, will cause a traffic jam on the narrow street. A baby Morris parked beside a moped, will bridge the generation gap. And a two wheeler, with a side-car accommodating the archetypal Parsi family, will, if it is a Thursday, also take a halt reverenti ­ ally at the Sai Baba temple across the road. Just in case... Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B.Cursetjee's Sons (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. ! Telex: 5824 DBCB IN Darabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay - 400 038. Grams: 'DEADWEIGHT' Phone: 260021 (4 Lines) (Dock Office: 262230) i i ! Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Mangalore, Bhavnagar, Bedi-port, Navlakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla. Also sole Government Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhavnagar. 32 Parsiana February 1989I SEMINAR • % I I I I ’ , 1 'A WORLD BODY OF YOUTH' gathered together, and encouraging to see that today ’s youth were trying to learn the tenets and values of our faith. He said that in an attempt to blindly ape the West, we have spurned the very faith and culture that had pro ­ duced individual work over the years, work which had benefitted all, even those outside the community. As a re ­ sult of this, we now face a number of problems; prominent among them are; diminishing numbers, lack of know ­ ledge of the faith, and difficulties in maintaining internal and external stan ­ dards in life. However, Dastur was hopeful that the growing awareness in our youth might yet save the commun ­ ity from extinction, being as they are, young, adaptable and willing to listen to different points of view. Whereas the term ‘Zoroastrian ’ was tur, the internationally renowned steel melding, thej. term ‘Parsi ’ was divisive A festival conjures up images of peo ­ ple having fun, playing games and generally living it up. But when the Calcutta Parsee Youth League de ­ cided to hold a Youth Fest in celebra ­ tion of their golden Jubilee, they de ­ cided to do things a little differently. Along with the fun and games, the Youth Fest also had daily sessions dur ­ ing which the stalwarts of the Calcutta Parsis and* delegates were invited to speak on and discuss the problems that face the community today. The All India Parsee Youth Fest - Calcutta, opened on Saturday, November 5, 1988, with benedictions from different faiths. Speaker of the West Bengal State Legislative Assem ­ bly and the day ’s chief guest Hashim Abdul Halim lit the diya (lamp) and one delegate from each of the different cities She also introduced Dr Minu N. Das- represented lit a diya too. Ms Khur ­ sheed Ardeshir, president of the consultant, who was the presiding as it tended to discriminate against Ira- Youth League, gave a brief introduc- officer for the day. In his inspiring nian Zoroastrians, according to Das- tory speech outlining the aims of the speech, Dastur said that it was gratify- tur. He also commented that a policy Youth League and of the Youth Fest. “ on Persees Antia •* * ** < a, ¦'¦9 « « ing to see so many young Zoroastrians was always better- after a group had discussed it together with goodwill^M* assuming that there was a base of real . I knowledge for fruitful discussions to I take place. It could be a therapeutic I shock to see how ageless, modern, and I still applicable to modern life were the I principles enshrined in the Gathas, I said Dastur, enjoining a study of the I Gathas. He felt that “only from know- I ledge can there be a strong thrust, only I from proper self control can there be a I right direction and only from enlight- I ened progress can our community be- I nefit. ” Halim, in his address, said that the Zoroastrians were among the very few . people who came to India in peace. However, they made it their mother ­ land adopting its customs and tradi ­ tions, and there has been no sphere of activity where their presence has not been felt. He further added that the problems faced by the youth are the same everywhere in the world and must be seen in the right perspective for solutions to emerge. His message 4 fl n- *> I* . 'MT : <3 The Calcutta Youth Fest focussed on all topics from conversion and reservation to drugs and employment 34 Parsiana February 1989I ‘£ ILLmPAIlSEEyOUTHfEST. CALCUnA-19BB a s -a JOii fie 0 ss'-u? At the inaugural of the Fest (Facing page) Sharing music on the night of the campfire thought-provoking statements. Earlier she tried to separate the concepts of religion, ritual and belief, and express ­ ed the need to put the academic dis ­ cussions at the Youth Fest into prac ­ tice. She even had the courage to re ­ mark that if Zarathushtra had been alive today he would have been appal ­ led at the way we were practising the religion he had taught. If the present priests were unwilling to accept 4 change, then it was necessary to train a change, then it was necessary to train new generation of priests, people who had a modern and present-day way of thinking, she added. Since the topics on the very first day . . - on earth today, decided to delay the next day ’s"session you y give the leadership that is so He ^vocated that parents spend a lit- and hold group discussions. The topics y ” tie time explaining the effects of drugs to be discussed were interreligious The octogenarian founder of the to their children and teach them to ------’ ¦ ¦ Youth League and a retired trustee “no. ” He also warned against domes- of the Calcutta Zoroastrian Commun- , ‘ \ ity ’s Religious and Charity Funds drugs. As a small intellectual commun- . ' -------- •->----------------------------------- ? -..AWAA lAiuiiiagvs aiivuiAi livu address, said that it was out of a desire not allow drug addi^^tidn to get the bet- be encouraged, but individual freedom to do something for the younger gen- ter of us. He added that youth was the of choice should not be condemned or eration that the Youth League had most crucial period, both formative ostracized, of pleasure for him to see it grow from human being was either made strength to strength. marred. _____ Ms Mehru Dastur, recounted her accepted into the faith. On adoption" to the youth gathered at the hall that Godrej Engineer referred to the youth mnrn.nn .q maligucd uud misuudcr- were so hotly debated, the organizers looks forward to you. India depends stood human beings — ¦ . ... .. on ]— . . .... necessary. ” 1 morning was, “India is proud of you. t- and hold group discussions. The topics say marriages, conversion, adoption of ¦ non-Zoroastrian children, and plan- ,tic help who were often the source of ning youth activitiqs to help solve the ---------- problems of the community. Interreligious marriages should'not (CZCRCF) Ardeshir Batliwala, in his ity, we cannot, should not, and dare younger gen- ter of us. He added that youth was the of choice shoild^^ot b ’^condemZ'd u J x u J V “ . . ------ ’ ------ ------------ -------- - —’ '''US the overwhelming been created, and it had been a source and dangerous, and in this period a opinion emerging from the group dis- nf nlpasiirp fnr him tn cAA it fvr>m humor, homo. ,,,o„ „:»i__ __ __ __z-'u-ij o o r . . - ------ ------ cussions. Children, whose any one ba- strAu^th to strength. marred. rent was a Zoroastrian should be All of us have free will; our faith Ms Mehru Dastur, recounted her accepted into the faith. On adoption does not tell us that everything was experiences as an organizer of the the majority were of the view that if preordained and we just had to go North American Zoroastrian Confer- ............. through the paces, noted Cushrow Ira- ence in Los Angeles. Towards the lat- ___ „.v.. mviv was nu ni, the first guest speaker at the Youth ter part of that day ’s session CZCRCF reason why they should not be made Fest. The basic principles that Zoroas- trustee Dr Russi Anklesaria spoke on Zoroastrians. Another proposal which trianism^Reaches us ye: first, that the topic of migration and the difficul- found favor was the formation of " second, a concern for our fellow men; felt however, that though the environ- third, a concern for truth - a Zoroas- ment was different, it did not mean trian s word is considered his bond; that the religion too had to become ment opportunities, Adi Rabadi and finally, the equality of the sexes, different. He added that the religion CZCRCF trustee and director of M n’ In a nutshell, Zoroastrianism was was not being handed down to the pre- Dastur Ltd, noted that the real or the children were adopted when they were very very small then there was no Fest. The basic principles that Zoroas- trustee Dr Russi Anklesaria spoke on Zoroastrians. Another proposal which ------- — —vji iii-giaiiviii aiiu iiic uiiiivui- luuiiu idvor was luc lormatiou of a Ahura Mazda created a good life; ties faced by those who go abroad. He world body of youth to serve a defi- - nite purpose. ment was different, it did not mean Speaking on the creation of employ- „ ---------- -------- c ment opportunities, Adi Rabadi, and finally, the equality of the sexes, different. He added that the religion CZCRCF trustee and director of M N In a nutshell, Zoroastrianism was was not being handed down to the pre- Dastur Ltd, noted that the real issue humanism at its best. On the subject of sent generation in the same way in was quite the opposite - there was a interrehgious marriages, he said that which our parents had taught the reli- need for more youth to fill the oppor- we should look upon this subject with gion to us. tunities available to them. He said that understanding, sympathy and compas- During the discussion that followed, his firm had not come across a single Sion. Migration is not a matter for somebody asked a very pertinent ques- qualified Parsi engineer in the past 25 grief, he felt. If Zoroastrians leave In- tion: Who is competent to make deci- years. Parsi applicants mainly compris- dia to make a new life for themselves sions on our behalf? Anklesaria sug- ed commerce graduates Recently ap- m other countries, they thereby enrich gested a world body to solve the prob- plicants have been seeking openings at the culture of those lands. Humanity lems, putting all Zoroastrians on the the computer center but even here demands that we conduct our affairs same plane, following the same rules, there were few with real qualifications ’ with modesty and decorum, recogniz- Ms Khursheed Khurody, a delegate said Rabadi and suggested that we dis- ing that there are other points of view from Bombay whose outspokenness suade our youth from seeking employ- too, he emphasized. and refreshing views probably stem ment right after graduation and en- Speakmg on the problems of drug from the fact that she has spent a large courage them instead to raise their addiction. La Martmiere principal part of her life abroad, made many qualification to professional levels. He 35 Parsiana February 1989 us. 1 During the discussion that followed, his firm had not come across a single years. Parsi applicants mainly compris- and refreshing views probably stem ment right after graduation andt J t 1 i * J M * i sr*/ ¦gt s -r I I »• / I 4 » it I-* A section of the audience at the Olpadwala Memorial Hall added, that the reservation of seats was not a policy for an enlightened and educated community like ours. He felt that such a policy would only cause ill- feeling towards the community. Rusi B. Gimi had very much the same to say, adding that Parsis should strive to ­ wards setting up their own businesses and should have more children. Once again the talks created a fu ­ rore in the hall, with some delegates feeling that the entire system of re ­ servations should be done away with. Others felt that in view of the size of the community we should have a re ­ servation policy. Rabadi explained that it was not possible to have re ­ servation of seats for only one minor ­ ity community; all would have to be included and only the Hindus would be left out. Ultimately it would make no sense at all. Besides, he felt that our conscience, would not allow us to accept a seat which rightly belonged to a better student. Some delegates also felt that a bureau should be set up to provide proper guidelines and consul ­ tancy for people wishing to set up their own businesses, as such facilities would give them the courage to leave their secure jobs and go ahead. Rabadi felt that it was not really worthwhile to set up an advisory panel to guide young people, especially in small com ­ munities; maybe in Bombay ’s large community it would work. Gimi felt that in Bombay, Parsis were reluctant to leave the city in search of or to avail of opportunities elsewhere in India. Rabadi concurred, noting that this was why we found so few Parsis entering the administrative and armed forces. Later that afternoon Pagal Olympics were held at the Olpadwala Memorial Hall. This item was thoroughly en ­ joyed by all the delegates who were quite unaware of the fact that the reputedly sedate Calcutta Parsis could dish up such fun-filled fare. The Pagal Olympics contained events like shot- put with a cotton ball and javelin throws with a straw. Pretty tough when you think about it, but lots of fun, you can be sure. The next day Kushroo Kiash spoke of the problems faced by the Calcutta Parsis with regard to the disposal of bodies at the dokhma. Rapid develop ­ ment of the area as well as other fac ­ tors were reportedly discouraging birds from coming to the dokhma here. He pointed out that it would not be long before other Parsi communi ­ ties in India would face the same prob ­ lems. While some delegates later ac ­ cused him of betraying a trust by re ­ vealing what he has seen inside the dokhma premises, others admired his courage and felt he was right in bring ­ ing the problems out into the open so that others would be aware of it and would try to find a solution. Rabadi informed that they had spoken to the priests at their agiary, asking them if they would do the last rites if the dokh ­ ma grounds were converted into a bu- rial ground. One agreed but four did not. However the dissenting four stated that if the authorities in Pune gave their permission, they would not refuse. Accordingly, a letter was writ ­ ten stating the problem at length, and the alternative system they wanted to change over to. They received a re ­ sponse stating that since it was such a grave issue they would discuss it and then come back with a reply. Eighteen months later that reply is still awaited and the situation in Calcutta worsens. Cyrus Meherji, eloquent and poetic, spoke of the true purpose of the nav- jote ceremony, the significance of the sudreh and kusti and the basic purpose of life and death - according to our Zoroastrian faith. He commented that we find the time to send our children to art classes and piano lessons, for guiding and for swimming, yet we are reluctant to spare an hour a week teaching our children the meaning of the religion. At another point he stated that God did not require offer ­ ings of fruit and flowers, or incense and sandalwood, since He Himself was the creator of these things. In the de ­ bate that followed, it was interesting to hear the reaction of at least one prog ­ ressive Bombayite to the fact that ordinary working men in Calcutta are\^ often requested to volunteer as khan-*i dhias and carry the bodies inside the dokhma. She was also assured that even professional nassessalars do regu ­ lar duties at the fire-temple. During the evening games, the dele ­ gates were divided into teams for bas ­ ketball, badminton, carrom, table ten ­ nis and even an advertising game. Much later a dinner dance was held at the Olpadwala Hall for the delegates and a restricted number of Calcuttans. The hall was packed, and Astad and his band played till well after mid ­ night. At the open house on the final day, the floor was open to all speakers, de ­ legate or not, to express their views. Ms Persees Antia spoke briefly on the problems at the dokhma in Calcutta and felt that rather than looking at ex ­ isting methods like burial aqd crema ­ tion, we should try to find a new uni ­ que solution, keeping the principles of the religion in mind. Ms Navaz En ­ gineer opined that as our Parsi com ­ munity follows the laws of a patriar ­ chal society, it automatically follows that the child will adopt the faith of the father and not that of the mother. Ms 36 Parsiana February 1989i Meher Khambatta spoke, from first ­ hand experience, of the problems faced by Parsi couples trying to adopt Zoroastrian children. The difficulty is that the Parsis have no adoption law nor any agencies where prospective parents may register themselves and where couples who do not want any more children can place such un ­ wanted babies for adoption. She agreed that such Parsi babies coming up for adoption were very very few and felt that even if a non-Parsi child was adopted there should be no res ­ trictions placed on making such chil ­ dren Zoroa^rians as they would have grown up in Parsi Zoroastrian homes and would have the beliefs and values of their parents. Later the Parsi troop of the Bharat Scouts and Guides arranged a camp ­ fire at the Calcutta Parsee Club. There was entertainment galore, both by the members of the troop and by the dele ­ gates themselves. Some were well pre ­ pared with scripts and costumes, others gave impromptu demonstra ­ tions of talent which were just as good. Grim portraits are painted of the im ­ minent death of the entire community. Seeing the vibrant young people so aware of the problems, so determined to find solutions, one felt that the out ­ look was not really that grim at all. The Youth League did a wonderful job organizing this Fest. While mur ­ murs of dissent were heard among the audience, commenting on the fact that the delegates seemed mostly ignorant of religious matters or of social prob ­ lems faced by the community, it must be remembered that it was a Youth Fest. “Where were the solutions? ” some ­ body asked. “What is the point of talk ­ ing and arguing? What has been achieved by this entire exercise? ” Khursheed Ardeshir summed it up well. She said the ideas are flying, peo ­ ple are thinking and talking and arguing. They have been made aware of the fact that these problems exist. For the moment that is sufficient, be ­ cause it is not the youth that will bring about social change at the present time. It is the stalwarts of the com ­ munity who will have to take the initia ­ tive. The ones who wield administra ­ tive powers are the decision makers and, to a very large extent, only the cooperation of our priests will enable us to make these changes. THE NEW-LOOK JAM^ continued from page 23 ago, the Jam-e-Jamshed was a mere flysheet. Now, every day, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the en ­ terprising editor of this paper produces not a newspaper, but a heap of news ­ papers, a huge production of news and information and knowledge upon ev ­ ery possible subject. The Saturday issue of this paper weighs at least half a pound. And that is what the public now expects from the JameJ' In later years, Jame too, like the community, has been waning in size. From a broad ­ sheet, it has been made into a tabloid. As summarized by S. S. Dubash in the centennial publication, “From grandpapa to grandchild, the paper passes and thus old Jame should have been the order of the day for a long, long time until other fraternities sprang up to supplement or replace its unabated grip...As a Gujarati morning daily it has few compeers of such a wide favor to- count, if not for its general policj^with all, at least for its peculiarly Parsi news and Parsi charac ­ teristics which other newspapers do not provide or possess. ” * ll®i 0| B! o ,4^0, Crawlairs and Blasthole Drills nn™ig- F Water Well Drills Rotary Screw Air Compressors i- -| A IHKKSOU.***® L *» Ir !• Animated discussion at workshops 41 Parsiana February 1989 1 I 4 1 1 i Iorphtmage to reveal the , and under the circumst- most understood that intolerance does not make for a true Zoroastrian. Similarly, with conversion, the general agreement was to allow con ­ version to the religion, but there can be no conversion to the race. This cut out the possibility of conversion purely to share the benefits of our reasonably wealthy community (as the benefi ­ ciaries of long-standing trusts are re ­ quired to be Parsi-Zoroastrians). On the subject of adoption, we learned that the law says that if we adopt, the adopted child shares all the rights and benefits of the parents. Also, it is illeg ­ al for an parenthood ances, most felt that an adopted child, regardless of color, caste or creed, should be allowed to be brought up as a Zoroastrian with full Parsi rights. The choice of adoption and upbringing is personal. We cannot deny another m.N. Dastur (sitting in center) with speakers and participants at the Youth Fest man his rights. Several solutions were posed for the more leisurely. The slackness, apathy munity, ” Dr Minu Dastur ’s opening practical involvement of the youth, and late arrival of a few led to delays in speech set the tone of the ensuing dis- some of these being marriage bureaux, the deliberations which otherwise cussions. The chief guest H. A. Halim Sunday schools to teach young chil- would have proceeded at a clipped- (how wonderful it \4^s to be addressed dren about the religion, younger and pace. A possible suggestion for the fu- by a non-Zoroastrian at a Zoroastrian more modern teachers to train our ture is to restrict participation to a festival) talked of Zoroastrians as new priests and, perhaps most impor- select few and put a greater emphasis being “great contributors... felt every- tant of all, the formation of an ail- on the age limit of 18 to 40 years. It where. ” He took Calcutta as an exam- was disappointing to know that some pie. From a population of over 10 mil- were present only for fun and games lion, the Parsis number only 1,500. and it was shocking to find that yet Yet, they are a significant group of another group was totally unaware people whose presence is felt and that the purpose of the trip was confer- wanted. “India would be a happier ences and seminars. They arrived pre- place if there were more Zoroas- pared for a football match. The poor trians, ” said Halim. “But do not be punctuality and inattentiveness on the the cause of segregation. India has second day was not the fault of the Muslims, Hindus and Parsis, but not organizers. A lot of younger members Indians. The responsibility of the Some were present only for fun and games; another group was totally unaware that the purpose of the trip went dancing all night and painted the youth is to unite. ” WdS conferences townred. consequently, the following “How and why do Zoroastrians and seminars town red. Consequently, the following morning, buses arrived empty at the abroad start centers? ” questioned Ms conference center and became a cause Mehru Dastur. The aiTswer is isola- of great annoyance to everyone. tion. Zoroastrian communites over- Though games and sport are crucial seas probably started off with just a India youth committee. I think that for a healthy life, some of the recrea- few families, and their need for identi- there was 100 percent agreement on tion time could have been channelled ty brought them together, particularly the need for youth trustees in each into games for the mind, such as a quiz in the USA. She talked of the youth in city. They could slowly form a national competition on the history of the reli- America and how active they are, par ­ committee and eventually a worldwide gion. At times the atmosphere tilted ticularly in bridging the generation body that would make uniform deci- more towards festivity, than the im- gap. Ms Dastur ’s words gave us hope sions. The need for a single religious portant subjects being discussed. But and encouragement. head was ruled out. One group even still, the participation was tremendous " suggested keeping vultures as pets in and all enjoyed the activites. order to breed them and another said that “when we run out of vultures, we- troversial issues in the name of peace, conference. Discussing the topic for should release lions into the dokhmas but now your open, bright minds are the day, “Community development to devour the bodies, just like the Ro- tackling controversies and problems, and its survival, ” his message was mans did! ” Therefore, we must hand down to you direct and appealed to the youth. He The second day of the Fest opened and boost you to work for the com- delivered his speech with outstanding I Cusrow Irani, managing director of The Statesman,was perhaps one of the “We elders have not discussed con- most popular speakers in the whole I 43 Parsiana February 1989] I *• t I is creditable that their knowledge is far greater than that of the average Parsi child in India today. Nonetheless, Anklesaria did talk of perhaps a better survival, in the future, for Zoroas ­ trians abroad than in India, with a brief word that “orthodoxy is not wrong, but it must change with the times. ” Hoshang Sabhavala and Porous Karanjiawalla were just two of the de ­ legates who participated actively, with a sense of urgency in wanting to be involved in the decisions concerning the community. The discussion also highlighted the inconsistent policies adopted at the agiaries, depending on the opinion of the panthaky: some allow entry to the child of a non-Parsi father and Parsi mother; others do not. “There should be a universal code, ” said nearly all the delegates. “It is not right that each fire-temple has its own rules. ” Not employment opportunities, but education and qualifications are lack ­ drug Adi Rabadi, ’^ho spoke on the topic ’Education and Employment. ” i Several youths disagreed with this only ,O bickering, a'very pronrinen. ’fe: ^iffe.n^e^VcTrdesrr^aikr.o'. “hem .“^".Sr'rup.io: :nd"~ “„7.h' ’e his rights, said Irani. Intolerance gets nities, but their links with ZoroSrian- - ^<111 ™ oy a small com- you nowhere. If a Parsi ries out of the community, that is her Russi Anklesaria, trustee of the Cal- Youths enjoying the dinner hosted by the Rabadis clarity and captured the complete eluding with the words of the Buddha attention of those present. Stressing the importance of discus ­ sing social problems, such as mixed __ _____ marriages, rationally and dispas- problems of today ’s youth - (’ sionately, Irani noted that there is addiction and the generation gap - often a tendency for discussions to get amidst pin drop silence. Adolescents emotional and subjective. This leads and young adults are sensitive, and in- “He who conquers himself is the greatest one. ” ."'ith the ing, Recording' ’to CZCRCF trustee sionately, Irani noted that there is addiction and the ^generation . ,. ---- - munity. Nonetheless, the pride that we thinner, ” opined Dr felt came first, and both Rabadi and Rusi Gimi who had similar views were woman mar- personal preference and if the couple cutta Zoroastrian Community ’s Reli- Je^pect d and"weUTapZded' should so wish, their children should ________________ K .I be given the right to be Zoroastrians. The same applies to migration. No man can hold another back if he should wish to leave. “In fact, ” said Irani, “those Zoroastrians who have migrated are doing better for them ­ selves and their community than we are in India. ” Irani alluded to the dif ­ ferences between religion and cus ­ toms. The problems of migration, in ­ ter-marriage and other issues such as our death ceremonies are not religious issues. They are social customs that we have created, and customs in the name gious and Charity Funds. Personally, I of religion that cause hardship and would disagree with the latter half of hate certainly need to be reviewed and this statement as I have met the changed. Religion should not be res- “ ( ¦ ¦ i.e. those who follow the teachings of practice of the religion is far greater Zarathushtra, we will not be intolerant than one would expect. In California, of anything, which includes mixed children six years old go to Sunday marriages and migration, he said, con- school to learn about their religion. It job of 44 Parsiana February 1989 How many of us set aside even 10 minutes a day or week to sit and contemplate the teachings of our prophet? K. Kiash and C. Meherji spoke on Parsi Zoroastrian religious and social customs - a session moderated by J. Dastoor. Kiash talked at length on the death ceremony. Hpre is someone who regularly volunteers to carry the bodies of the deceased into the dokh- mas in Calcutta, a job that most of us would not dream of performing. Kiash talked to us on his practical experi ­ ences and handed down firsthand in ­ formation on the towers of silence in Calcutta. He spoke first of the cere ­ mony itself and explained the signifi ­ cance of the prayers recited for the dead. He explained our beliefs on the ™ , - concept of heaven, hell and the bridge . • . ~ „ — Zoroastrian youth of London and of the separator. Many of us learnt for i I California, and their knowledge and the first time that mourning is kept at a minimum as it causes hindrance to the progress of the soul. Kiash then went on to talk about the a nassessalar or khandhia.“Usually, they are not allowed to re- but we have all failed to look within The last day of the festival consisted veal what goes on in the towers, ” he ourselves first, to capture the essence primarily of discussions by the dele- said, “but it ’s about time we bring it of our religion. gates, moderated by Noshir Wadia. out into the open. ” A short while How many of us set aside just 10 Here, Rustom Anklesaria from Poona back, an arm was found in someone ’s minutes a day or week to sit and con- deserves special mention. During the nearby garden and that ’s not all. Kiash template the teachings of our prophet? discussions, all around him thought talked to us about the most horren- How many of us even know the how diligently he was dous scenes of half-eaten bodies lying teachings of Zarathushtra? queried only to discover, that he had written an fening the limbs. “The stench is un- amazda Khodai is the Pahlavi transla- bearable, ” he said, “let alone the sight tion of Kem Na Mazda (Avestan)? of a body with eyes plucked out and And that Zoroastrianism, as do other delegates ’ mood crackling bright at the one limb off. ” K’"*’’’ •'*" —¦- —’------- ' ' . . • n- .. . ... —------------------------------------------- of Frashakente (God realization), a We simply want to state of being where there is no evil _ * * • li A oHcnlllf/a xxzKra*-* fka alert the minds of our youngsters, to probe and search for solutions" The last day of the festival consisted How many of us set aside just 10 Here, Rustom Anklesaria from Poona minutes a day or week to sit and con- deserves special mention. During the even know the how diligently he note- taking . _ „ , ---------------------—1 ....--------- 1 rotting for days and rigor mortis stif- Meherji. How many know that Ahur- ingenious song putting together all z .u.. c.T-i . . aspects of the festival. Further, his sense of humor and dramatics kept the Kiash carried his own religions, teaches us to achieve a state bonfire that evening. He is a young ' man of extraordinary talent who de ­ serves full credit for having brought (i.e. absolute goodness), when the this four-day conference to such a de ­ soul unites with the Fravashi. Meherji lightful close. And so do the young went on to tell of how rituals and cere- Scouts and Guides and other talented monies arose with sessions of com- people who came forward courageous- munal prayer, and his brief explana- ly to perform on bonfire evening, tion on the differences between Undoubtedly, it is quite safe to say Shahenshahis, Kadmis and Faslis was that there is no shortage of talent, most informative. “We don ’t want brains or looks within the community, father ’s body into the wells, an act hasty solutions, ” he said. “We simply Provided we have the knowledge and which deserves complete credit and want to alert the minds of our youngs- maintain the right balance, we shall admiration. ters, to probe and search for solutions; have the best of both worlds, orthodox our Parsi youngsters, who are amongst and modern. But jf we give way to the world ’s most cultured and best emotional and subjective attitudes, we - our join our hands and use our brains to essential, shared values-our courtesy. Undoubtedly, it is quite safe to say “We don ’t want brains or looks within the community. O O 1 Zb Al7ZA O B 1 B r ,, X-1 B« T Lb « • .B. 4. Ib. 1 __ _1 J _ . 1 which deserves complete credit and want to alert the minds of our youngs- maintain the right balance, we shall admiration. . . Nature gives to nature; nothing can be more scientific or sensible, he con- ____________________________ ceded. But today, with high-rise build- educated people. I simply urge that we shall risk the fragmentation of- ings and congestion, the method is no ’ ........................ longer efficient or hygienic. Calcutta is keep up the good name our forefathers our care for the wider community and short of pall bearers too, as are most created. ” our obligations to each other. So let other places in India. An afternoon of outdoor sports and the Calcutta experience be a motiva- Changing this system is not going games followed at the Parsee Club, tion to the youth, to use the initiative against our religion as disposing of Dinner and dancing was next on the and drive that was apparent in every bodies is not a matter of religion. It is a agenda, followed by a good night ’s one of them, to step forward and start ritual or custom that has been adopted sleep. (Well, for most of us anyway, playing an active role in the commun- 4 J . _ , * r\ ' III LI will liii Uil » and used by man for centuries. But as There were those who danced through ity. Without this we will only deterio- ItT* 1 OcK COl/C z^«i e' n «*« r->. 4-Lb ...w 1 .n.1^ 4- _ J .1.1____ _ ___ 1 .>1_. ...x 1 •.« .«• .< w->. • Kiash says, “If customs and rituals are the night and then slept through the rate, but with this, the Parsis will performed in the right perspective, following day - mentally at least, if not create the outstanding name that then keep them. We don ’t want physically.) once associated with the community. I re- was change for the sake of change. But since circumstances change, so should some customs with them. ” And a cus ­ tom that is now outdated, inefficient and unhygienic certainly warrants change. We need a method by which bodies can be disposed of swiftly and hygienically. Most were in agreement with this. Meherji talked on religious scrip ­ tures, rituals and ceremonies. Here again, we had another outstanding speaker who captured the hearts of all present. An enlightened man, Meher- ji’s words were simple and precise, his message powerful. “Go and seek God within yourselves before you argue and bicker with one another, ” he said. “How many of us learn the translation of our prayers? ” he pinpointed a ma ­ jor flaw in the Parsi community. We talk of change and argue over customs. SALES OFFICERS We are a marketing Company promoting industrial products of leading manufacturers from Japan. For both our Bombay and New Delhi offices, we plan to appoint additional Sales Officers. The assignments are in the varied industries - Polymer Fibre / Yarn ! Film, Engineering, Electronics, and Textile Engineering. The objectives are to promote sales of sophisticated chemicals ! equipments ! components needed by Indian Industry, but not yet made in India. Please write to us immediately about yourself-age, qualifications, other interests, work experience (preferably 2-3 years with knowledge of keyboard for word processing and sales analysis on computers), salary last drawn and expectations, with a recent photograph to: GPO Box 509, Bombay 400001 45 Parsiana February 1989 Ip MILESTONES ) i The data on births, marriages A boy to Behroze and Shahrukh and deaths has been compiled Mody ; January 2 from information provided by A boy to Zarine and Viraf various newsletters and AzJay'azzza ; January 5 anjumans in India and abroad, A girl to Nina and Pheroze courts and hospitals. It must be Engineer; January 6 pointed out that this information A boy to Dinaz and Farokh is not always complete or con- Mistry; January 6 sistent. A boy to Kash/nira and Noshir This list of Bombay marriages Pestonji; January 6 includes 23 civil marriages be- A girl to Rashna and Neville tween November 1988 and Janu- Mistry; January 7 ary 1989, seven of which were A. boy to Nilouffer and between Parsis. Ratanesy Dang-, January 9 Heart iHsease claimed 20 of A girl, Trzj/za, to S/zzrz'n and the 86 Parsis who died in Bom- Merwanji Batliboi; January 12 bay. The other major killers A boy to Farida and Percy were old age (10), pneumonia Pare^/z; January 12 (nine) and lung disease (eight). A boy to Niloofer and Dadi Others fell prey to cancer and Wadza ; January 14 brain disease (seven each), A boy to Nilamani and Nagraj hypertension (five) and sep- Huilgol-, January 16 ticemia and liver disease (three A boy to Hilla and Rustom each). Asthma, blood disease Bharucha; Jannary and accidents claimed two vic- A boy to Kathleen and Homi tims each. Isolated cases of kid- C/zoZ/zz'a; January 17 ney failure, Parkinson ’s disease, A girl to Ferzin and Mehernosh diabetes, shock, hemorrhage, Colsawalla-, January 17 diarrhoea and bronchitis were A boy to Nilafoer and Jamshed also registered. Two babies and Meherhomji; January 18 a 24-ycar-old girl were lost to A girl to Roda and Rohinton the community. Sahiar; January 18 In the break-up of deaths ac- A girl to Tina and Hoshang cording to illnesses, it must be Vayzyi/ar ; January 18 noted that in some cases, espe ­ cially in those of the very old. Press -, January 19 death is often due to a combina- A girl to Ruby and Cyrus tion of several diseases. If readers have any infonna- tion they would like published, Zubin Bharucha ; ianoary 24 some proof to ensure the verac- A girl to Kashmira and Kerman Mahiyar Pirojshaw Wellington-, ity of the report would be re- E/avza ; January 24 quired. A girl to Aban anfl Farokh ______________________________ Nanavati; January 24 A girl to Homai and Homi Shroff-, January 27 Farida R. Adrjjania and Neville Jal Balsara; November 30 Jasmine-Elke Pervez Ghyara and Divesh Wadhawan; Persis Eruch Kaka and Ilormuzd Behram Irani-, December 6 Smita Y. Patil and Shiroy Percy Daruwala-, Dooember 11 Binaz Burjor Bhaya and Samy Jehangir Choksey-, December 18 Kashmira Pheroze Dalal and Porus Homi Daruwalla-, December 20 Nargish Minocher Bhathena of Surat and Keki Maneckshaw Barsiwala-, December 22 Geeta Ramesh Macwana and Dara Adi Patel-, DoBa mber^ Neelam Rusi Jijicawna and Keki Phiroz Pagdiwala-, December 24 Roxane Jal Mehta and Yezdi Naval Dordi of Cambridge, USA; December 26 Jasmine Paeterasp Patel and Igbal Daljeet Singh-, DpremK-r TA Zenobia Homi Katki and Nitin Vijay Seth-, Ducuinbii 30 Benaifer Manchershaw Davierwala and Marzee Naval Tarapore-, December 31 A girl to Pervin and Keiky Meher PTnroze~Baria“anS Paorusp Rustomji Ghandhi; January 1, 1989 Zenobia S. Irani and Uday K. Nair; January 1 Tinaz Framroz Bhomisha and Vankadia-, January 21 A girl, Manaz, to Rashna and AHMEDABAD Born A boy, Rohan, to Anu and Ro inion Talati of Bangalore on October 24, 1988 Married Munira Abbas Shaikhally and Jamsheed B urjor Banaji; BANGALORE Died Behramji Savakshaw Sidhwa (80), husband of Silla, father of Homai Faredoon Anklcshwaria and brother of Goola Khurudy, Freny Makuji and late Hilla Karkaria and Rustom Sidhwa; January 8, 1989 BOMBAY Born A girl to Firuza and Firdush Mogrelia; January 1 Farida Janvihed Tatna and Vijay Rao Banja-, November Ft Lina Maria Camperoy and Neville Keki Golvala; ,Nnvffmber2ff Kalpana Joseph Naidu and Jimmy Dali Fitter; N«wembcr25"' Yasmine E. PareEvala and Kayomerz L. Mehervanjee; November 27 Smita Arun Goil and Cawa.v Munchershaw AJfinwalla; No*ciiibu 30 Jiinuary 1 Tanaz Hirji Mewawala and Cawas Kersasp Billimoria-, January 2 Roozbeh Kaikhushroo Dossabhoy of Jabalpur and Jimmy Bomansha Davar-, January 2 Kashmira Pesi Kerawalla and Noshir Rustom Mehta; January 2 Shalini De Souza and Za/ze^r Mehli Lalkaka- Ta piiary 3 Dinaz Baji M'lstry and Naozer Phiroze Vankadia-, January 3 Armin Framroze Anjirbag and Nosherwan Dhunjibhoy Sethna-, January 5 Firuza Dorab Charna and Cyrus Eruch Ama ria of Poona; January 8 Simonil Freddy Vachha and Marazban Jamshedji Bhumgara-, January 8 Parinaz Rusi Toddywalla and Minoo Kersi Gandhi-, January 8 Daisy Hoshang Daruwalla and Phiroze Soli Navdar-, January 8 Yasmin Aspi Irani of Thane and Farahad Khodi Irani; January 9 Khurshid Rustomji Wadia and Dinshaw Soli Mistry -, January 10 NaheedRatan Lalkaka and Hormazd Soli Sorabjee; January 10 Mahrukh Rohinton Mobedji and Hoshedar J. Cooper; January 11 Zenobia Rusi Fraser and Homiar Rumi Daruwalla-, January 13 Anahita Rusi Mehershahi and Neville Hoshang Mody-, January 13 Parwana Behram Irani and Marazban Pesi Chhor-, January 14 Zenobia Homi Tavadia and Rumy Eruchshah Mamlatdar; January 14 Roshni Merwanji Poonawalla and Aspi Noshir Davierwalla; January 15 Kashmira Fall Tavadia and Sheriar Khodayar Irani; January 15 Yasmin Jehangir Tarachand Shavakshaw Mogrelia; January 15 Perviz Eruch Dastur of Poona and Kaipushin Jehanbux Raimalwalla-, January 15 Niloofer Noshir Bhathena and Firdos Tehmurasp Balsara -, January 16 Parizad Nariman Morris and Shapur Gew Irani-, January 16 Yasmin Rustom Zxindbaf and Behram Rashid Zandbaf-, January 17 Zenobia Minocher Fanibanda and Khushroo Minocher Boyce; January 18 Sunder Damodar Naik and Hoshang Dorab Nazar-, January 18 Bano^Benaz Bakhtavar Lentin and Minoo Darab Dastur-, January 19 Tina Tehmasp Bhagsvagar and Keki Merwan Irani -, January 19 Tanaz Dadiba Zaiwala and Bezan Minoo Karadia-, January 19 Farida Khushroo Bharucha and Parvez Keki Umrigar -, January 19 Durriya Abbas Chinwala and 46 Parsiana February 1989f Marzban Clny, Gilder Lane, 400008; December 31 Jerbai Ardeshir Adajania (15), Dilawar Adi Baliwalla; January 21 . Jehanara Bahadur Badhni and Faredoon Darabshah Bhathena-, 573, UmrigarHsc, Chira January 21 Armaity Cabinetmedeer and Christopher D'Rozario-, January 21 . iiiah Mehli Pavri wnAAref Rafique Khan-, Ja^^parv 2t — Hutokshi Jehangir Edulji and Sami Sorabji Mistry-, January 21 Secunderabad, 500005; Zenobia Ker si Tamboli of ' Thane and Godrej Bejanji Sachinwalla-, January 21 Shemawaz Peshotan Poonawalla and^^obad Nariman Batliwala; January 23 (78), M-5, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Phiroza Minoo Bhavnagari and Rd, 400039; January 2 Darius Khurshed Kapadia-, January 23 Kamalrookh Minoo Bhaya and Zurvan Honu Marolia-, January 23 Kim Dara Hormusji and Darayus Keld Khodaiji-, January 25 Anahita Phiroze Deboo and Kali Soli Driver, January 26 Dilnavaz Beheram Irani and Jamshed Homi Karanjia of Karachi; January 26 Maharukh Khurshed Kavarana and Zubin Byramji Laher, January 27' Kaishirin Merwan Tirandaz of Poona and Behruz Jamshed Mazkoory-, January 29 Yasmin Nozar Amrolia and Adil 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; Firoze Patel of Gholvad; January 29 Farida Nariman Khory and Veeraf Phiroze Chinoy, January 30 Hufrish Pervez Charna and Rohintan Cowas Patel-, January 30 Khushnuma Cali Pardiwalla and Khushru Dali Tampal; January 30 Parizad Maneck Mistry and Darius Dossu Ghandhi-, January 31 Bazar, 4000Q2; January 1,1989 Baby of Daisy Freedy Spencer (stillborn), C/8, Malbari Bldg, New Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; January 1 Meher Soli Cardmaster (58), 205, Akbar Rd, Tarbund, January 2 Darabsha Manchershaw Pedder Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; (74), T-9, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; January 2 Sawaksha Hormasji Wadia (71), N-36, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; January 17 Mani Dhunjishaw Mistry (78), 2/17, Readymoney Bldg, Sir Ralan Tala Rd, Tardeo, 400034; January 17 Maharukh Homee Nowrojee (24), 781, Mancherji Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 17 Dadabhoy Rustomji Vajifdar Colaba, 400005; January 8 Neville Manchi Katki (38), U-7/5, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; January 8 Faredoon Burjorji Patel (78), 44-A, Batliwalla Villa, Sleater Rd, 400007; January 8 Sheheriyar Hormusji Dadrawalla (64), Atur Apts, Opp Fariyas Hotel, 400005; January 9 Eruch Nusserwanji Mehta (47), (87), Shandilya Villa, 41, Jame Jamshed Bldg, 54/811, January 9 Honu Sorab Boyce (76), Boyce Hse, 15, Vatcha Gandhi Rd, New Gamdevi, 400007; January 11 Nadarsha Navroji Aibara (56), F-46, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039;January 12 Minoo RatanjiNanji (62), Boyce Bldg, Chikalwadi, Grant Rd, 400007; January 12 Koomi Yazad Pardiwala (61), 7/C, Kakad Est, Worli Seaface, 400018; January 12 Kaikhusroo Behram Irani (84), 13, Chaina Hse, Mazagaon, 400010; January 13 Alamai Rustomji Guard (87), Tehmi Ter, 805, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 3 Sarvar Rustom Irani (47), Dubash Bldg, Near Novelty Cinema, Grant Rd, 400007; January 3 Behram Ardeshir Langrana (68), Room 16, Panday Sanatorium, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, 40()005; January 3 Rusi Nadershah Bharucha (11), 44, Malkani Manor, 16, Pedder Burjor Jamshedji Poonawalla Rd, 400026; January 4 Shirinbai Dinshah Davar (74), 40/B, Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 400007, January 5 Fakirji Manchersha Ilathi (84), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, January 6 Byramji Khodabax Irani (80), Sultan Manzil, 177, Bora Bazar St, Fort, 4(K)001; January 7 Sheran Kaikhusroo Lalkaka (91), Jehangir Mans, First Marine St, 400020; January 7 Dinsha Dadabhai Patel (53), 19/B, Malegaowalla Bldg, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; January 7 Rati Maneckshaw Canteenwala (79), G-30, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; January 8 Sakarbai Barjoji Daruwalla (88), 133, Petit Widows ’ Chawl, Mody St, Fort, 400001; January 8 Phiroz Nadirshah Doctor (65), Society Bldg, 654, Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 8 Sheroo Faramroze Fanibatula (58), Society Bldg, 730, Died ShchraJ. Bajana (70), residing al 201, Mistry Chmbs, Opp Strand Cinema, Colaba, 400005; November 19,1988 (cremated) Ilillamai Narirrum Dastur (98), Wyoming, Little Gibb's Rd, 400006; December 31 Vira Phiroz Gandhi (77), Bglw 1/2, Swadeshi Mills Qrs, Jchangir Vimadalal Rd, Parsi Sion, 400022; December 31 Darabshah Jamasji Siganporia (78), 6, Malegamwala Bldg, Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 8 llomi Dinsha Irani (63), Sea View Ter, Opp Sassoon Dock, 47 Parsiana February 1989 Worli Seaface, 400025; January 17 Behram Pirojsha Daboo (89), 3, Hormazd Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; January 18 Fardoon Davar (60), Dadar India Garage, DrAmbedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; January 18 Rustomji Kekobad Shroff (75), Giriraj, 11, Anasty Rd, Off J. K. Barodawala Rd, Cumballa Hill, 40(X)26; January 18 Peggie Dorab Adenwala (74), 16-A, Shreyas, Sleater Rd, 400007; January 19 Amy Farokh MakiDalal (75), Raja Ram Wadi, 11, Hill Road, Bandra, 40^50; January 19 Kaikhusru Nanabhoy Bharupha (94), Bharucha Bldg, Gilder Lane, 400008; January 20 Jaiji Ardeshir Chirujy (74), M-36, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; January 20 Noshir Hormusji Dubash (64), 71, Rewa Apts, B. Desai Rd, 400026; January 20 Dinamai Kaikhushru Patel (82), S-12, Dalal Est, Bombay Central, 400008; January 20 Manekbai Nadirshah Avasia (90), Soonawalla Bldg, Proctor St, Grant Rd, 400007, January 21 Hosang Bomanji Ghadiali (52), A/2, SirShapurji Bharucha Baugr Andheri (W), 400058; January 21 Hormasji Jamshedji Kotwal (86), Nicholson Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; January 21 Khorshed Maneckji Mistry (84), 34-1-B, Takshila, Mahakali Caves Rd, Andheri (E), 400069; January 13 Adi Jehangir Master (63), Sidik Ibrahim Mans, Liuninglon Rd, 400007, January 14 Nariman Navroji BilUmoria (89), 629, Homavazir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 15 Jer Jamshed Madon (78), Hormazd Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; January 15 Manizeh Phiroze Bamji (65), 14, Bhandari Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; January 16 Perin Ardeshir Bhiwandiwalla (75), Hatfield, 61, Pali Hill, Bandra, 400050; January 16 Maneck Sorabji Chapkhanawalla (62), P/18, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; (80), 402, Namdar Hse, Opp January 16 Khurshed Sorabji Dotiwala (75), Jamasp Tata Blocks, 38ih Rd, Off Turner Rd, Bandra, 400050; January 16 Phiroze Ardeshir Pastalda (80), Room 4, Kasinath Bldg, Kasinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; January 16 Homi Pallonji Tavadia (64), M-24, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039;January 16 Dinamai Cawasji Bharucha Bandra Police Sin, 400050; January 21 Amy Faredoon Baria (62), Pandole Bldg, Sleater Rd, Opp Mithaiwalla Fire-temple, 400007; January 22 Mani Maneck Dumasia (66), P. B. Mody Bldg, Parel Tank Rd, 400012; January 22 Jamshedji Hormusji Hataria (85), G-50, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; January 22 Hilla Sorabji Kapadia (19),)! ‘1 *B,’ Shireen Mans, Tardeo, 40(X)07, January 23 Dins haw Naserwanji Patel (72), Mohamedi Minar, Khetwadi, 14th Lane, 400(X)4; January 23 Noshir Nadirsha Rabadi (70), 21, Dubash Block, Hughes Rd, 400007; January 23 Katy Sorab Chehna (70), 8, Jamasp Tata Bldg, Bandra (W), 400050; January 24 Sorabji Jamshedji Kanthanna (75), 2, GoolDhrm-Abad, S. V. Rd, Jogeshwari, 400102; January 24 Mehernosh Eddi Pherozsha (jin days)j<|Keshav Bhavan, Khetwadi, 7th Lane, 400004; January 24 Gulnar Merwan Irani (72), NergishMans, Patel Pada, Dahanu Rd, 401602; January 25 40(X)36; January 31 Mani Jehanbux Lakdawala (76), 14, Wadia Bldg, Opp Hindmata Cinema, D. Phalke Rd, Dadar, 400014; January 25 Rustomji Dinshaji Pavri (70), Umrigar Bldg, 573, Chira Bazar, 40(X)02; January 25 Najumai Nasserwanji Pir (78), C/o Ms Perin F. Asli, 10/A, Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 400007; January 25 Sheroo Manekshaw Mistry (70); 4-A, New Dubash Bldg, ___________ Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; brother of Framroze and Shera January 26 Rusi Navroji Tawadia (70), iK, Sir Dorab Tata Bldg, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; January 26 Banoo Nadirshaw Kerawala (76), A/5, United Chmbs, Grant Rd, 400007; January 27 Perin Shiavax Doctor (52), T-3, Dalal Est, Lamington Rd, 4(X)008; January 29 Ovenair Kaikhushroo (90), 104/A, Dariya Mhl, 80, Nepean A boy to Cashmira and Adil Sea Rd, 40(K)06; January 29 l ehmina Sorabji Mirza (86), Mirzan St, Udwada (Dist Bulsar) and C/o A. M. Bhadha, Meherwan Bldg, Uranwalla St, Grant Rd, 400007; January 29 Manekbai Shavakshaw Singpurwala (92), 2123, A. H. Wadia Bang, Parel Tank Rd, Rustom Feroze Boga ; 40(X)33; January Sohrabji Sheriyarji Anklesaria (93), B-24, Vellard View, Haji Ali, Tardco, 400034; January 30 Manekshaw Phirojshaw Engineer (83), 18-A, Saravasar Bldg No 1, Marzban Clny, Gilder Lane, 400(X)8; January 30 Piroja Pirojsha Ichaporia (88), Farishta Rustom Mondy and Room 65, Kasinath Bldg, Cadell Rashid Noshir Anklesaria; Rd, Mahim, 40(X)16; January 30 December 8 Zenia BejonMalbari and Adarbad Rohinton Minwalla; December 25 Room 65, Kasinath Bldg, Cadell Rashid Noshir Anklesaria ¦ P-* “ ’ ¦ ............ Jehangir Cursetjee Kapadia (84), Laxmi Niwas, 604/C, Lady Jehangir Rd, Parsi Colony, Dadar, 400014; January 30 Dadi Meherwanji Patel (53), 781, M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 40(X)14; January 30 Bapai Minoo Mistry (63), 43, Malhotra Hse, Karelwadi, Thakurdwar, 4(XX)02; January 31 Afanefa/iaw Rustomji Mistry (75), Bhabha Sanatorium, Bandra Band Stand, 4(XX)50; January 31 Sorabji Savaksha Pochkhanavala (90), Phirojsha Bldg, 70/C, Gowalia Tank, CALCUTTA Died Tehmurasp Dorabji Patel (65), brother of Framroze, late Jerbanoo Pavri and Tehmina Shroff; January 19 Died Jemi Meherwanji Daroga (85); December 5 Dhunmai Feroze Hansotia (80); December 17 Dins haw Byramji Avari (86), father of Byram, Havovi Shiavax Dadabhoy and Dinaz Minoo Bamjee; Ciecember 18 Noshir Jehangir Golwala {&))¦, December 21 Dhunmai Jamshed Minwalla (80); December 21 Rustomji Hormusji Cooper (89); December 22 Dara Nadirs haw Dirishaw (67); December 26 48 Parsiana February 1989 DELHI Died Boman Shapurji Engineer (71), of Dehra Dun, husband of Mehru, fatlier of Hutoxie and LONDON Died Soonu Hodivala, wife of Jimmy, mother of Kairbaan and Cyrus, daughter of Jeroo and late Adi Modi and sister of Siloo Keki Limboowalla and Kekoo; December 19 Adi Daruwala; January 7 MADRAS Died J ehanbux II ormazshah Tarapore November 29 SECUNDERABAD Married Gulnar F. Jilla and Cyrus K. Viccaji; September 16 Dinaz Phiroz Parakh and Darayus Shapoor Che noy; December 22 HOUSTON Married Thrity Irani of Poona and Kersi Engineer; November 6, 1988 Shernaz Randeria and Kurush Bilimoria of Victoria, Australia; December 18 MELBOURNE Born A girl, Tanaaz, to Arnavaz and Aspi Chubb, sister to Serena; December 29 KARACHI Born ONTARIO Married Meher Mehta and Ronnie Langdana -, January 21, 1989 Died Jerbanoo D. Taraporewalla (about 87); August 28 Khorshedbanoo M. Wadia (about 80); September 14 Khujesta M. Bastawalla (about 85); September 15 Rattimai S. Plumber (about 82); September 22 ManeckD. Mistry (about 55); October 17 Zeiwbia Rustam Ranji (about 78); October 29 Freni Rasheed Chenoy (about 85); November 2 Cooverbai Sohrabji Debara (about 96); November 7 Rattanbai Kaikhushroo Taraporewala (about 75); November 8 Rustom Cawasji Sahiyar (about 80); November 14 Il Uta Faridoon Amin (about 78); November 20 Najamai Dhunjishah Dittia (about 91); November 20 Naval Hormusjee Colah (about 72); December 4 Nargish T. Lakdawalla (about 86); December 14 Naval B. Cooper (about 80); December 24 Meher S. Cardmaster (about 57); January 2,1989 Dinshaw R. Toorkey (about 86); January 5 Nerges R. Aibara (about 75); January 8 Minocher Rattonji Parakh (100), husband of Coomi; January 30 Irani; November 7 A boy to Anahit and Eddie Shroff; November 30 A boy to Armin and Mondeg ar Mancherji; December 25 Married Dilshad Sam Mavalvala and September 2 Rashrui Boman Dalal and Rarzad Kersi Daroga; October 20 Nilufer Behram Cooper and Rointon Hoshang Shroff; October 27 Natasha Rustom Patel and Zubin Farokh Mavalvala; November 24 Died Sam Chinoy, husband of Katherine, father of Kelly, Shannon and Diana, and brother of Minoo; November 22, 1988 Mary Guzdar, mother of Betty Hoshcdar Madon; November 22 WEMBLEY, UK Born A boy to Hufris and Cyrus Palkhiwalla, brother to Jeshad; December 15, 1988 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka Editorial Assistant required for Candidates must have excellent command over English and should be able to edit,proof, rewrite and write Write giving full details to The Advertiser (Edit) _________ CPO Box 892, Bombay 400001