Mar 1989

MARCH 1989 Rs 6 < z z What do ParsJ women want \ from marriage? ¦¦ -tfi // 3i w £ I 1 1 I ¦ i ¦ IMarch 1989 Volume 11 Number 9 EDITOR Jehangir Patel I MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Gandhi I ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shildiri Varghese Fernandez, r Deborah Fernandes I MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel I ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry I ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE I Cheryl D'Penha \ CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L Arora i EDP Rohinton Daroga 3 Readers' Forum 7 Events and Personalities 13 Zoroastrians Abroad 23 The Federation at Calcutta by Parinaz Gandhi 34 The Year of the Snake by Gustasp Irani 40 The religion of charity f CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar 47 Does Zoroastrianism teach reincarnation? by Ali Jafarey ' MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver OFFICE Rajendra P. Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia Lewis, Rajalakshmi Krishnan, Bakhtavar L S, K Batliw^fla 50 Women and marriage J 55 Researcher Homai Billimoria 60 The deserted villages 65 The vision of Homi Bhabha by Russi La la 77 Alexandra School's 125 by Arnavaz Mama 84 Artist profile: Mickey Patel 90 Recipes from Gujarat by Bhicoo Manekshaw 99 Books J 104 Milestones 109 In Mernoriam Cover: Illustration by Mickey Patel r t,. 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. iMMMMREADERS’ FORUM I k Most of the drivers, firemen and is false, we regret having published the guards were Parsis who lived in Igat- remark. , puri. At that time there was a school ;j for Parsi boys and girls, and a dokhma “DoCS ZoFOastriailism...? ” about three miles away from the agi- Ms Aban R. Minbativala has express- ary. Now, I have been informed, there ed her views in a most splendid way for are only five Parsi families left. all those who have doubts about rein- FRAMROZE FARDUNji MULLAN camation (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, “ December 1988). Her article is most “The Federation offers... ” thought provoking. “As you sow, so A careful reading of the article “The shall you reap ” clearly indicates the Federation offers to intervene ” (Par- theory of reincarnation. siana, November 1988), creates an im­ pression in the mind of the reader that God punish a soul for no fault of his, I alone have been coming in the way of or bestow all that is good in life on one The Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian who is evil and does not believe in the Anjuman joining the Federation. The existence of Dadar Ahura-Mazda? Ev- statement, “The other major anjuman ery scrap of reason disappears from to still hold out is Bangalore, where the universe if evolution is considered the panthaky of the Dar-e-Meher, unnecessary. * Nadirshah Unvalla has reportedly threatened to resign if the issue of re- Karma - Life’s Problems in the Light joining the Federation is raised by the of Karma by A. H. Mody, in my Bangalore Anjuman, ” is a maliciously youth. I sincerely hope it will do the made, false and meaningless allegation same good to others. and recklessly reported without ascer ­ taining the truth or otherwise of the said statement. By making such false Readers ’views are welcome on any subject of publication with malafide intentions Interest to the community and should be sent and ulterior motives, you are trying to to the Editor, Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, ¦ - G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without a objection to such baseless and false complete address will not be published, publication and want you to tender an _ unconditional apology by publishing the same in your next issue. Ervad NADIRSHAH UNVALLA Bangalore Mt»»..... iMl'O'K MMkk,. MIKKIK MJ • > 11111 (111 111 • 1 ,in 11MK »MIMIM| iuiiiiiu Iw (UM s - • 1»»n uMHK I' Il ' H»1 ¦ KJ I nV* i*. ¦ syj I |ir*iHrii ¦(irrti*’ ¦iititfr ^v***>i Sbii :n.i Ur t i 4"^' .»•»»»'! ¦Ui*' ; (»»’• jU&j FRAMROZE FARDUNJI MULLAN Udwada The Federation offers... ” How can an all bountiful, merciful * I had profited from a small booklet, Jamshed R. Batliboi in Some stray * tarnish my image and reputation in the community. I, therefore, take strong “Romance with ...” In “Romance with the Railways ” by Joy Fernandes (Parsiana, December Parinaz Gandhi replies: 1988), the mention of Maneckji Dhun- If, in reporting the proceedings of the jibhoy Pithavala jogged my memory to Federation meeting, Parsiana gave the when I was 15 years old. My father was impression that Ervad Nadirshah Un- then a panthaki at the Igatpuri Agiary. valla was solely responsible for the Pithavala had paid my father all the Bangalore Anjuman not rejoining the expenses for my navar initiation at Federation, it is because this is a Wadi Dar-e-Meher, Navsari. general view held by many. The fact. Those were the good old days of of course, is that the general body of thoughts on life, chapter V, also clearly steam locomotives. All trains from the Bangalore Anjuman has voted not indicates the theory of reincarnation. Victoria Terminus, Bombay, were pul- to rejoin the Federation and the re- m* shirin meherwan cooper led by engines upto Kasara station, sponsibility for the decision therefore , ’ From there on, the trains were pulled rests with the Anjuman. If the report, ZorOSStrian way of life up the ghats to Igatpuri by two ghat that Unvalla has threatened to resign if In my opinion it is better to review and engines: one in the front and the other the issue of rejoining the Federation reform something that is not in the backing the last bogie of the train. was raised by the Bangalore Anjuman, Avesta, such as keeping a fire always 3 Parsiana March 1989i burning in fire-temples. In our villages in Iran there is no permanent fire in the temples. So we community, u ,. / J r ____ trees to provide the wood to be burnt Charity Commissioner of Jalgaon other Zoroastrians to contribute not by sacrificial ceremonies. He incul- oil ’’ Zoroastrian cated in his followers a passion for _ - ¦ . honesty and justice and encouraged JI- with the them to fight for a righteous cause, to ‘ stand up against oppression, to side have no problem regarding planting th/»rp> J T-. ¦B.T „ ----------- ------- “K wppivMiuii, lu :>IUC w b 1^ u under Reg. No. E-482. Cheques may with the weak against the strong So We should have weekly or monthly be drawn in favor of the Jalgaon deeply ingrained^ are these teachings gatherings (gahambars) and our scho- .Zoroastrian t_i ® „ uiese leacnmgs lars, mobeds and doctors should gaon 425002. preach and speak about the problems m. j. adajania of drug addiction, cigarette smoking, Trustee, Jalgaon zoroastrian Trust alcohol, etc and show our youths the Zoroastrian values way of Zoroastrian life, to live as our forefathers lived. ROST AM ROSTAMI ASRABADI Tehran, Iran Zo’’pas^ria^ Trust and mailed to Jal- that you can almost foretell how a Par- si will react to a given situation. Time and again you come across a Parsi Zoroastrian fighting for a “lost cause, ” ™ , carrying on a lone battle against what zarathushtra preached a positive and he thinks are the forces of evil. Unfor- kinetic doctrine. He taught that there tunately, much of the truth of Zoroas- was a perpetual battle between good ter ’s teachings, like that of all other New hattin Talvann J^tundranath Tagore says, religions, has been diluted by dog- { tJ The most important of all outstand- mas, rituals and ceremonies oroo- Xtted 10 OOO^suland"in Sh? '”® 8«"e««ions of PriesB L ' aiioneo iu,uuu sq ft of land in Shri gious reform brought about by keep their hold on the faithful Na^r'^un^er^Surve^*no^'^3/A/B^tn "‘¦s definitely the The most redeeming trate in our gar, under Survey no. 473/A/B to first man we know who gave moral genetic makeup are our “Joie de vivre ” and our sense of humor, hones ­ ty, integrity, justice and fair play. As enable the Jalgaon Zoroastrian Trust character and direction to religion fn rnncfriir'f a nrovor ___1 ... P of nearly EOOO sq ft. The construction thirsty sacrifices and ritual J " approximately Rs ligion from exclusive 2,00,000, which is a sizeable amount. Hence, the trustees of the above mentioned Trust appeal most humbly ______ _ to the philanthropists of India and be won by righteousness and love and iiiv jaigdoii z^urodsirian irust character and direction to religion di- to construct a prayer cum meeting hall vested it of all magical rites and blood- thirsty saerifi^s and rituals. He was long as we maintain these we', ^'ape^ Plinth ct^mes^rn ’ aLS^:??,, ’S! Tancrpated re- pie, can never perish. Then it maSters or or _ narrowness little if we intermarry or not of a tribal god or an elemental god of whether we are buried, burned na^re. offered to thff vultures when we die. Zarathushtra taught that God was to Dr h . s. adenwalla, I _ _______________ _ ___________ Trichur Edited by Arnavaz S. Mama i ¦5. 'OWAIJ. I XCARPKTIVi l-NOM <1, H&R Johnson (India) Ltd., Kakad Chambers, Dr. A. Besant Road, Worli, Bombay-400 018. 4 Parsiana March 1989 •S Tnksya.HIU.6,86Events and Personalities The electoral scene of the community. I shall mail my 1985 as per an understanding eventual- biodata/manifesto a few weeks later, ly reached with the CER in 1984. The Social worker and honorary treasurer My request - vote for me if my biodata case was initially decided by Justice H. of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian meets with your best expectations. For Suresh in 1987 but Suresh ’s simplified Anjumans of Ini^a Peshotan Nargol- the Prophet hath said, ‘Think with the scheme was challenged by four mem- wala has announced his cl ididature good mind, make your choice, decide bers of the F (donor) register in May for the next election to the Bombay and act wisely. ’ ” 1987 and, to date, the issue pends in Parsi Punchayet ’s (BPP) board of trus- Udwada High Priest Dastur Dr Hor- the High Court. tees. This makes Nargolwala the mazdyar Mirza has extended his sup- Thus, the Anjuman Committee or second contender for the seat due to port to Nargolwala in a letter to the general elections are already overdue, be vacated by chairman Dr Aspi Gol- Jam-e-Jamshed of February 5,1989. “I According to the original scheme, the walla. Ms Perviz Dotiwalla had am sure he will continue to do good seven year tenure of the Anjuman announced her decision to contest the work as in the past for the community Committee ended on December 31, vacancy in July 1988. at large and the priests in particular, ” 1987. Until the case is decided and a “I am offering myself as a candidate noted Mirza. new Anjuman Committee elected, the who respects tradition and believes in T’ ethnic pride (Zarthostipanoo}," writes tive in support of mobeds, being a Nargolwala in his letter to the Jam-e- prominent member of the BPP’s able jockeying for the chairmanship of Jamshed of January 29, 1989. mobed amelioration subcommittee, the BPP’s board of trustees, according “I was transferred to Bombaf' in He has also actively supported the to The Bombay Samachar of February 1962 after over two decades of fruitful Federation ’s paramobed scheme - 26. The chairmanship will fall vacant industrial and social welfare activity at which envisages training interested when Golwalla steps down. “The diffi- Tata Chemicals Limited, Mithapur. behdins or uninitiated athornans in the culty and danger begins when the On arriving in Bombay, apart from performance of Zoroastrian rituals, board is divided into two groups and working as a highly qualified senior barring the higher liturgical cere- the issues will be decided by the type technical executive with the House of monies - to help alleviate the pressure of new trustee who will be elected. If Tatas, I plunged into very useful social on the community ’s dwindling number the matter were to be resolved once work... of priests. and for all, it is all right with the com- Though Golwalla ’s term ended last munity; but the rumblings we have Udwada High Priest Dastur Dr Hor- the High Court. Thus, the Anjuman Committee or at large and the priests in particular, Nargolwala has been particularly ac- trusteeship election remains in limbo. In the meanwhil® there is consider- “Currently, I am a member of _ around 15 committees covering a October, the Bombay High Court de- been hearing go to indicate that even if dozen organizations. Three of these creed that he continue in office until a new trustee and a new chairman... are cosmopolitan. The rest are all Par- the election scheme appeal is finally adorn the board, the tug of war will si charitable trusts or committees settled. Ravaivping the Punchayet ’s continue, ” noted The Samachar. The appointed by them. As of today I de- 70-year-old electoral scheme to bring two likely contenders fgr chairmanship vote 10 hours a week to Punchayet- it into tune with current socio-political are Eruch Desai and Jamshed Guzder. related activities. If elected, I propose concepts was the battle cry of the The article suggested that someone to increase it to 20 hours a week - 10 Committee for Electoral Rights (CER like trustee Minoo Shroff, who “is not hours for routine work and another 10 - now renamed Committee for Econo- involved in any power controversy and hours to work of a fundamental nature mic Revival) during the last Anjuman (whose) track record is inspiring, ” requiring concentrated attention/gui- Committee elections in 1981. The Pun- should be made chairman “by com- dance from experts. I claim, in all chayet had submitted its revised mon consent ” to eliminate “inbuilt humility, my variegated experience of scheme to the Bombay High Court in tensions ” and enable “the board of Zoroastrian social work is of an excep- ------------------ trustees to work for the betterment of the community. ” Dharamshala ’s centenary The twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad celebrated the centenary of the Bai Pirojbai Chenai Parsi Dharamshala with a ghambar on January 29, 1989, notes a write-up by Ms Sanober Marker. About 1,000 people attended the function tional nature. “If I am elected, the only considera ­ tion on my part whilst making the deci ­ sion in all matters of the Punchayet, including the board decisions, would be purely on merits of the issues in- volve'd. Therefore...a vote for Pesho- tan is a vote for integrity, honesty, hard work and dedication to the prog- Nargolwala: announces candidature for trustee­ ship elections 7 Parsiana March 1989f'' i I 1 i t 'I j f' which was preceded by a jashan ceremony. The dharamshala building is strong enough to stand a further 100 years, said trustee Burjor Batliwala, a civil engineer by profession. Realizing that travellers need a place to stay in, philanthropist Edulji Chenai had donated his personal property and converted it into a dharamshala in 1889. The Bai Pirojbai Chenai Hall was added on in June 1893, having been built by the lady herself out of her own sav ­ ings. The Jamshed Chenoy Hall was built in May 1919, and the Edulji S. Chenai Pavilion \i,u,e „„ March 20 „89. He far-fe«;-„;;;h-a„-a'. JaH^er e^S lesT, ‘ OnX-:;.r d ‘he 60 boxfuls gathered their presence seemed to be a damper on tions and elocution^ competitions^for under the aegis of the Bombay Parsi the participants, most of whom were in school and college students twice a year. Encouragement, in the form of Gool Kiass and others - and compered by * as a unit. The entertainment also included mimicry artiste Popcorn who regaled the audience with the song and dance styles OTdowments for education and welfare of girls had come for the first time. There was an advocate, doctor, visualizer, o ,1 • -in others, who said they had not of various cine celebrities as well as the nJ a matching level among the boys, declamations of politicians. Popcorn is - , , ---- ------- - --- mo on Bombay ’s they found a worthwhile mate (and were entertainment circuit at the fete organized if the^economic and social conditions Hospital ’s platinum jubilee celebrations Ul-X •. . _. continue to lead a chicken and pulao dinner catered by Dr on Bombay ’s , . ---------- -- MW AWkV/ 5./A &U11I£,VVX not averse to raising two or three children by Modi for the B.D. Petit Parsee General --------- • were favorable), they said they were to in 1987. The evening ended with a (Ms) Katy Dalal. Amavaz S. Mama A spirit of competition as notes BPP chief executive Thirty-six Though the bureau has successfully united 25 couples in its six-year exist ­ ence, as notes BPP chief executive Thirty-six students from various Rustom Anklesaria, the depleted attend- schools, colleges and Parsi colonies ance had led to a tapering off of its activ ­ ities which at one time had included socials, dances and full-day excursions on participated in the brainstorm quiz contest organized by The Rustom Bang Association on December 18, 1988, notes a press release by vice One peculiarity of the marriage president Kumi Daroowala. The Asso- : pres- ciation also organizes competitions ence of parents at the functions. Though like the All Parsee Bonny Baby Con- for . .1 1 On-the-spot painting competi- - - ----- ---------iiiUdl. U1 WIIVIII wc Punchayet s (BPP) matrimonial bureau their late twenties and early thirties. 1 8 Parsiana March 1989F MW ** Ik iH • % ‘ * A 1 •s vT''- u I I ^2-‘ ||||||H October 9,1988, had “over 30 healthy, happy babies from all over Bombay ’’ participating in three different age groups, informed the release. The winners in the three different categories were: Master Meherzad WIB Bhagwadia (from birth to six months); Master Yohan Bhuri (six months to jflkl one year) and Master Keziyar Wadia I (one year to" three years), the release I notes. I At the competition, Daroowala I announced that The Rustom Baug I Association will enroll children be- I tween the age of two to three years at their pre-school nursery which is con- I ducted on the mezzanine floor of the I Neville Wadia Hall. The nursery, I which is specially conducted to pre- I pare children for entrance exams in va- I rious schools, has highly qualified I teachers, notes the write-up. Sessions I begin in June and December, but in- I formation regarding admissions may I be had from the principal at the Nevil- I le Wadia Hall on any working day. • Taraporewala crosses 100 prizes and scholarships, is given Reportedly the first Parsi centenarian annually to , newly-ordained nai^r- in south India, Kaikhushroo Siavax- maratabs and orphans by the Seth shaw Taraporewala celebrated his Sorabji Framji Titina Trust. hundredth birthday on September 28, Among the schools, the first prize 1988, as per information sent to Par- was won by the Christ Church High siana by Minoo Belgamvala. School team of Farhad Kerawala, Arzan Singpurwala and Cyrus Irani, in Bombay and partly in Bangalore. In The first prize among the various col- 1908 he came to Bezwada (now Vi- leges was bagged by St Xavier ’s. Their jayawada) and worked as a railway team comprized Feredoon Dotiwala, contractor for 24 years. He then took Ashish Kapadia and Cherag Sarkari. up civil contracts with the municipality For her colorful painting, The Bal- there. After a short stint with film dis- loon Seller, Shermeen Jal (J.B. Petit tribution work, the centenarian later High School) bagged the trophy for ran a litho press, the overall best performance in the On-the-spot painting competition held cember 1911, Taraporewala ’s marital on October 23, 1988, the press release life spanned 68 years, adds the letter, notes. Taraporewala retired at 79 yeafs of The 70 young artists were divided age, and since then has settled in Mad- into three age groups. In the five to ras with his two sons Firoze and Savak, eight year age-group Tarachand (J.B. Vatcha High School) was adjudged the winner; in the nine to 12 age-group Jal was declared the Burjor Patel has taken over as adver- best; and in the 13 to 16 category Sher- tising manager of the Dubai paper naz Nadirshah (Girton High School) Khaleej Times, notes The Afternoon walked away with the first prize, adds Despatch and Courier of December 6, the release. 1988. A noted Bombay theater perso- At the All Parsee Bonny Baby Con- nality, Patel was formerly The States- test Nazneen Khambatta was ad- man's business manager for western judged the most charming baby and India. Yohan Bhuri the bonny baby of 1987- 88. The contest, which was held on Taraporewala was educated partly Marrying his cousin Arnavaz in De- Zenobia notes Belgamvala. SPOTLIGHT 9 Parsiana March 1989 DORABJEE &SONS (Restaurant) (Conducted by: Mr MarazbanJal Dorabjee) Pune 411001 The South Gujarat University conferred Lthe honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (D Litt) and Doctor of Science (D Sc) on Pandit Firoz Dastur and Dr Homi Sethna respectively at its convocation held on January 28, 1989, notes a press release. Cyrus Cama and his teammate Amish Ved won the gold medal at the twenty- second World Cadet Class Yachting Regatta which ended on January 1, 1989, notes the Indian Express of the following day. They now join the ranks of world champions from India. ’’Fifth World Zoroastrian Congress “To 2,000 AD and Beyond ” will be the theme of the Fifth World Zoroastrian Congress to be held in “ombay at the Birla Matushree Sabhagar from January 3 to 7, 1990. The plans, as well as the subjects and speakers, are yet to be finalized. The inauguration is to be held on the even ­ ing of January 3 on the Cusrow Baug |flU/nc or 4.U_ _ _ ® World Zoroastrian Congre; Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka - ^vugicss lo De neld in Matushree Sabhagar from January 3 to 7, 1990. The plans, as well as the subjects and speakers, are yet to be finalized. The inauguration is to be held on the even ­ ing of January 3 on the Cusrow Baug lawns, as was the case with the Fourth ¦ SS. Lord ’s Central Matheran 410102 Situations Vacant Mountain Resort Hotel For bookings write or phone Bombay 318008/367776 or Matheran 28 BAI A.F. PETIT GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL 14 Pali Hill, Bandra, requires trained teachers for the Primary Section Stds I to IV and a P.T. teacher. Apply or meet the Principal at the earliest. For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324. GRANT ROAD, BOMBAY 400007. TELEPHONE; r,.,, ^90 991. TELEPHONE: 371403 appointed VALDERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 77 Parsiana March 1989ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Man of many parts Arnavaz S. Mama The whole occasion is like a Parsi sive of the known elementary parti- Mistry, who spent a short holiday in wedding. After the banquet there is a cles, says Mistry, struggling to explain January with his parents at Bombay ’s ball and people sit around at the a complex scientific concept in non- Rustom Baug, belongs to a family with fables, talking. Physicist Nariman scientific terms. “It is invisible and strong academic leanings; father Bur- L _r —. _ ------ Mistry, one of the most senior the banquet ma^fcllowedjhe distribu- during the eight-month experiment, advocates specializing in criminal law » A j_ ox_-i_ ... who has often been retained to plead - the government ’s case against smug- anniversary of Alfred Nobel. teracted visibly. ” The Nobel Prize was glers and other criminals, is the chair- The 1988 Nobel Prize for physics given to the awardees because it was man of the board of directors of the had belatedly honored Leon Leder- the first experiment that used neutri- Alexandra Girls ’ English Institution- man, Melvin Schwartz and Jack - • - - ’ Steinberger for the neutrino experi- sive of the known elementary parti- Mistry, who spent a short holiday in a complex scientific concept in non- Rustom Baug, belongs to a family with Mistry was describing the aftermath of interacts very weakly. For example. tion of the Nobel Awards in Stock- a trillion neutrinos went through holm on December 10,1988, the death the detector and only about 50 in- a trillion neutrinos went through nos to study “high energy weak in- brother Jehangir is vice principal of St teractions and also established that Xavier ’s College. . . ; ’ -------- ------~.e Keen on maintaining tradition, Mis- Columbia University. Mistry had challenge was that nobody thought try and his four children - Roshan joined the team, along with three (the experiment) would work. Since (22), Manek (21), Premila (15) and Jal other postgraduate students,at the in- “— • - — vitation of Lederman and the experi ­ ment became the subject of his doctor ­ al thesis. All the seven physicists 'and had spent two years at the Tata Insti- 1.............................................. ¦ ¦. ¦ ___________ _____ __________ Swedish Academy of Sciences to learning the basics of research in phy- University where he is senior physicist Stockholm where they were hosted at sics before leaving for the US in 1958. at the Newman Laboratory and a pro- the exclusive Grand Hotel, informed He credits this early training for the fessor in the physics department. His ’• _ opportunity of working with the Nobel current research deals with the consti ­ tuents of matter known as “quarks. ” - . - , . --------o---------- The time away from physics is spent the whole ^diplomatic corps present, months to run before completion in sketching or painting in oils or at the !? „ *1-.. piano, accompanying Manek on the violin and Premila on the flute during their informal recitals. (Roshan plays the harp.) Ithaca, in central New York state, is full of professional musicians, says Mistry. During his two-year stint as president of the board of directors of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, a body of professional musicians, he had to conduct a search for a music direc ­ tor, coming to know a lot of young musicians in the process. The young man they had engaged has since be ­ come the assistant conductor of the ! Boston Symphony Orchestra, notes Mistry with a touch of professional ela ­ tion... ivi tiiv iivuLiiiiv CApcir ICldVllUIlb dnu dlSO vSldDllSnCQ Indt ment conducted in the early 1960s at there were two types of neutrinos. The T K>r- 4^___ 1____ 1 t n______ . , , then, other experiments have used (10) - pray together, though his Amer- neutrinos. ” A science graduate from ican wife Virginia is a practising Ro- St Xavier ’s College, Bombay, Mistry man Catholic. There are not too many . - - T 1 T_:_ Zoroastrian connections for Mistry in their wives had been mvited by the tute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Ithaca, where he lives, or at Cornell Stockholm where they were hosted at sics before leaving for the US in 1958 f ’ ¦ — Mistry. < The white tie and tails ceremony laureates on the experiment that took was very impressive, said Mistry, with two years to prepare and eight more “It is, perhaps, the most important the summer of 1962. occasion for Stockholm, ” he noted. All the 1,300 guests had assigned seats at the banquet at the City Hall follow ­ ing the ceremony. Even so, the atmos ­ phere was not stiff, says Mistry: “Ev­ erybody was more human than you ’d expect, even the king and queen! The finest champagne was served. The student band from Upsala marched in with an army of bearers to serve ice cream. The university choir sang pop and funny songs... The hundreds of university students were the most live- ’ ly bunch at the banquet and the ball. ” J An essential element of particle physics, the neutrino is the most elu- ’ I Physicist, artist, musician Nariman Mistry speaks of the Nobel Prize distribution ceremony in Stockholm where he was a guest of the Swedish Academy of Sciences F I 13 Parsiana March 1989ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Community crisis management Crisis management expert Dr Firdaus Udwadia prescribes ’ positive thinking and communication within the community as the need of the hour Arnavaz S. Mama pect, you create... If the general ex- corporate head, ” counselled Udwadia. Though it ’s “very difficult to change and Industry to hold a one-day work- Udwadia. “Most families have a trade- “Both in crisis management and in life agining that scored the maximum introduction from Jews stating ‘This is there is a strong correlation between points. “If you imagine yourself a a good Jewish brain. Please put it to expectation and reality. What you ex- corporate head, you ’ll become a use. ’ I don ’t think Parsis give such let- pect, you create... If the general ex- corporate head, ” counselled Udwadia. ters of introduction to other Parsis! ” pectation is that we will die out, it will Though it ’s “very difficult to change While Udwadia says that in his 20 be a self-fulfilling prophecy, ” said Dr personal culture, ” Udwadia suggested years in California he has tried to'help Firdaus Udwadia, referring to the Par- the daily publication - regular and out Parsi students whenever he poss- sis ’ declining population. prominent - of the number denoting ibly could, he feels that the community A professor of civil and mechanical the total population of the community is too strongly “entrepreneurial and engineering who coordinates the cen- because one must “not just know the individualistic. Parsis forget that their ter on crisis management of the Uni- fact, but be alive to it, (and) repetition experiences must be communicated, versify of Southern California, Los creates awareness. We must communi- There is a premium on competitive- Angeles, Udwadia was in Bombay in cate that it is a community problem ness. The good side is that we are high March 1989 to participate in a family and needs community effort. ” achievers. On the down side, each one wedding and had been pinned down by Economic aid could then meta- is for himself, with little time left for the Bombay Chamber of Commerce morphose awareness into action, felt mentoring others. ” and Industry to hold a one-day work- Udwadia. “Most families have a trade- Describing himself as “apolitical, ” shop in crisis management at the off between economic benefits and the Udwadia said he was not aware of the Oberoi Towers. number of children. ” If aid towards work of the Federation of Zoroastrian Initially, the reticent Udwadia had child care, education, medical benefits Associations of North Amprira declined to be interviewed. He didn ’t were available, it might induce couples (FEZANA),nor had he attended any think he had any momentous state- into having one more baby, says of the North American Zoroastrian ments to make. But accosted with the Udwadia, and he does not believe it is Congresses. A member of the Zoroas- community ’s threatened survival (plus too late to begin even now. trian Association of California (ZAC) some gentle prfessure from father-in- Eventually, every family faces one along with his wife Farida, daughter law Jangoo Gagrat), Udwadia was cor- binding resource - time. One must Shanaira and son Zubin, Udwadia par- nered... “work at getting the child well ad- ticipates in social gatherings from time To explain the impact of imagina- justed. ” But with more and more to time. He was the first recipient of tion on life, Udwadia related an ex- mothers being required to work out- the distinguished alumnus award of periment that had been conducted in side the home, only additional “econo- the Indian Institute of Technology, the US where three basketball teams mic resources would ameliorate the Bombay. The US government has con- had been randomly selected. One was time constraints, ” he felt. ferred upon him the NASA (National made to practice for four hours every Comparing the Parsis to the Jews, Aeronautics and Space Administra- day; the second for four hours every Udwadia says our cultural heritage is tion) Award for outstanding contribu- other day; and the third was asked to “diasporic. ” But unlike the Jews, we tion to technological innovation, imagine itself scoring goals for four do not have an inbuilt mentoring sys- Reverting to the problem of the Par- hours every day. When the teams tern that helps to establish the younger sis ’ dwindling number, Udwadia sug- actually played against each other, it generation, especially in the profes- gests, “Ask your readers. They may was the one which had spent time im- sions. “I have often received letters of have lots of good ideas. ” * Comparing the Parsis to the Jews, Aeronautics and Space Administra- ¦ IS Parsiana March 1989!' I' ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD if: !1 f I r Fii I" a ’' ’ ¦ h IH ii "Lift out of order again” “We don^t want a new lift” *Vall Concord” "Concord services old lifts "Concord converts them to electronic elevators” w **But ours is ancient” ”Our pu^h buttons are missing” "Concord installs vandal proof self­ illuminating touch buttons” "Our doors don't open and close” "Concord "We don't can make them have a automatic” liftman” "Concord uses the latest technology, minimum maintenance” “This calls for a celebration” **Just call Concord” CONCORD ELEVATOR Telephone 2041830 2047460 C0N CORD Maintained & Supplied by Zaina Electric & Mechanic Works Prospect Chambers Annexe, 2nd fl D.N. Road, Bombay 400001 AZA’s property problems With the Baulkham Hills Shire Coun ­ cil having refused permission to the Australian Zoroastrian Association (AZA) of New South Wales (NSW) to develop AZA House, the community is left with two main options, noted AZA president Noshir Irani in Man­ as hni, the Association ’s newsletter of January-February 1989. Accordingly, an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) was summoned on February 5, 1989 to decide whether to litigate or relocate. The well-attended EGM heard several suggestions before adopting a four-pronged consensus plan, notes the March edition of Manashni. Accordingly, the AZA will withdraw the current application to the Council for permission to develop the property and continue the current self-imposed embargo on large scale activity involv ­ ing more than 100 members while re ­ commencing with Sunday school. The Association has also decided to engage a town planning consultant to survey the property to see if the Council ’s objections regarding civic matters ge^ be overcome and to advise what typp of structure would accommodate the Council ’s requirements. “Our immedi ­ ate goal is to get our current activities ‘legalized, ’” writes Irani. The Council had not only turned down the development application but the AZA has been informed that it is not authorized to hold Sunday school, or social and religious functions and meetings there. This has put a damper upon the property ’s use for navjotes, weddings or ’receptions by the com ­ munity on a rental basis. Even the EGH was organized elsewhere. I Despite these strictures, Manashni had SOSed for plumbers, electricians and carpenters for AZA House in its October issue, as also for more regulai volunteers to keep it clean. Notwithstanding the legal hassles with the Council and the neighbors. I “the atihosphere that prevails on £ I typical Sunday school day at the AZi^ I House (always the second Sunday o: I the month) is something unique, ’ I writes Ms Gooloo Katrak in Manashn I (November-December 1988). “Then I are these 40-odd kids, being taught ii I different rooms by four teachers; thei 16 Parsiana March 1989r •! -r' i i 1 ¦I LALA TOURS WE MAKE GREAT-VALUE HOLIDAYS KASHMIR Economy x Rs. 2,850/- With Delhi/Agra Rs. 3,850/- Rajdhani/Air Deluxe-Air NEPAL II Rail/Air ^ajdhani/Air Deluxe-Air Rs. 6,050/- Rs. 7,450/- Rs. 4,090/- Rs. 5,390/- Rs. 6,790/- SHIMLA-MANALI Rajdhani/Road Rajdhani/Air/Road Rs. 5,190/- Deluxe-Air/Road Rs. 6,590/- Rs. 4,090/- MYSDRE-BANGALDRE- DDTY II Rail/Road Air/Road Rs. 4,250/- Rs. 5,650/- NAINITAL-MUSSOURIE II Rail/Road Rajdhani/Road Rs. 3,025/- Rs. 3,650/- DARJEELING-SIKKIM II Rail/Road Rs. 4,250/- Deluxe-Air/Road Rs. 7,820/- SDUTH INDIA II Rail/Road Air/Road Rs. 4,500/- Rs. 6,100/- LAKSHADWEEP II Rail/Ship Deluxe-Air/Ship ANDAMANS II Rail/Ship Deluxe-Air Rs. 2,990/- Rs. 5,250/- Rs. 6,990/- Rs. 8,750/- there are the parents of the kids - some socializing and some toiling away in the garden. Also there are usually two mothers who are in charge of the House that day; cleaning away, serv ­ ing non-stop cups of tea-coffee to one and all. And some fathers... become expert handymen, attending to various heavy jobs around the property (on that day). Where would one find such a conglomeration of activities and togetherness? ” In the meanwhile, an open letter from Noshir Sachinwalla to all Zoroas ­ trians of Sydney and NSW in the March Manashni has urged the 190 Zoroastrian families in the area to donate one percent of their annual in ­ come on a regular basis Zoroastrian building fund. ” lo our MAURITIUS Rs. 5,890/- + Deluxe-Air U8 8 220/- IIT8 Passengers only BANGKDK, PATTAYA & SINGAPORE Rs. 8,290/- + U.8. 8 90/- Also with Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands Rs. 9,590/- + U.8. 8 120/- Also with Hongkong Rs. 12,690/- + U.8. 120/- Also with Hongkong, Manila Rs. 14,290/- + U.8. 8 150/- AUSTRALIA Brisbane, Surfers Paradise, Melbourne, Sydney. Canberra, Perth. Singapore Rs. 21,990/- + U.8. S 300/- Also with Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) Rs. 23,990/- + U.8. 8 300/- KENYA & DUBAI Nairobi, Bomas, Amboseli Park, Tsavo Park, Salt Lick, Mombasa, Sharjah, Dubai Rs. 14,990/- + U.8. 8 250/- EURDPE Rome, Vatican, Pisa, Nice, Monte Carlo, Geneva, Interlaken, Lucerne, Mt. Titlis, Paris, Versailles, London Rs. 22,290/- + U.8. 8 250/- Also with. Amsterdam, Madurodam, Frankfurt, Rhine Cruise, Innsbruck, Venice Rs. 22,990/- + U.8. 8 300/- AMERICAN ADVENTURE Driando, Epcot, Disneyworld, Los Angeles, San Francisco. Niagara Falls, Toronto, New York, Atlantic City, Washington D.C. Rs. 30,990/- + U.S. $ 300/- AMERICAN WEST CDAST Singapore, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Disneyland, Palm Springs. Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Rs. 30,990/- + U.S. S 300/- Since AZA membership has risen past 500, the Association ’s adult discussion group - an informal forum of adult members is focussing on a study of the community history of AZA mem ­ bers, notes group coordinator Perviz Kolsawalla in Manashni (November- December 1988). A seven-page que^ tionnaire has been prepared to hei^ collect information which will then be* transferred to a computerized file for future community historians, writes Kolsawalla. A published summary of the results will also aid intending migrants to know what to bring and what to leave behind, and avoid some of the pitfalls others before them have encountered, says Kolsawalla. The questionnaire - the third one attempted byJhe group, earlier ones having focussed on demography and religious and social definitions - will be mailed on request only , notes Kol ­ sawalla. Subject to GOI/RBI Approval, F.T.S. Passengers only. In collaboration with AIR INDIA,'ALITALIA, CATHAY PACIFIC, KENYA AIRWAY8, PANAM, QANTAS, SINGAPORE AIRLINES For further details contact: H.K. LALA & CO. Capitol Cinema Bldg., 1st Floor, Opp. New Empire Cinema, Murzban Road, Bombay 400001. Tel: 2043006, 2045094, 2045744 Cable: EDTOURS, Bombay Telex: 011-3680 LATO IN Manashni (November-December 1988) carries an advertisement of an entertain ­ ment agency named Wizbiz whose director is Adil Sarkari. Located at Pen ­ rith, NSW the comprehensive services that the agency promises to provide in ­ clude four types of dancers, four types of musicians (Indian classical and ^azal singers among them), lyric writers, choreographers, comperes and disc jockeys, theater artistes and directors, film and video editors, firework dis ­ plays, theme parties, barbeques, chil- 18 Parsiana March 1989i fl I- Ki! !ih; lih I r p P! t •« Burjor Framji & Co. Licensed Phenbers Sanitary & Drainage Contractors MARINE MANSION 1ST MARINE STREET BOMBAY 400 002. TELEPHONE 313207 20 Parsiana March 1989 dren ’s, disco, cocktail and moorat parties, APOOO brick by brick and let each singing telegrams (sic) and much more! brick be baptized with our love and our sweat, so that one day, however The youth group of Sydney has been humble our Darbe Mehr might be, it named Young Australian Zoroas- would stand out in this world as a true trians, writes Ms Homaxi Irani in the monument to Zoroastrianism, ” states March Manashni. The competition for a later, more euphoric, write-up. a visualized name and logo yielded only two entries, laments Homaxi. _______________________ _ The group will use both logos in turn trian Jamboree scheduled for June 10, and has split the prize money between 11 and 12, 1989. It will include the Kermiz Irani and Shehernaz Bilimor- Maidyarem ghambar celebration, according to an extract from the Rathaeshtar reprinted in Manashni. The venue is expected to be somewhere mid ­ way between Melbourne and Sydney singing telegrams (sie) and much more! Also on the anvil is the Great Zoroas- ghambar ia, the two entrants in the contest. Zoroastrian Victorians The Zoroastrian Association of Vic ­ toria (ZAV) comprises a small group and there is a commitment to keep the of 75 families mainly resident in Mel- costs to a minimum. bourne, according to its president Per ­ viz Dubash ’s letter to Parsiana. Dubash ’s current team includes vice president Shiraz Driver, treasurer Jal Pestonji, secretary T' Dubash and members at large Ms skills such as sudreh, topi and sapat Aimed to initiate a program that will bring Zoroastrians closer through reli ­ gious bonds, the Jamboree hopes to inculcate community pride, create Ms J Nergish friendships, impart knowledge and Aban Irani, Jamshed Bhathawala, making. “It is our very firm intention Percy Khadiwala, Shahryar Noushi not to make this a serious affair and and Viraf Bhavnagri. not to initiate debates or discussions The ZAV has decided to undertake on controversial aspects of our tradi- project APOOO (a place of our own), tions and beliefs. It is our fervent de- Four families have pledged 5,000 Au- sire to make this ‘Jamboree Fun and stralian dollars each, two have don- Learn ’ so tremendously successful that ated smaller amounts, while others it would become an anxiously (awa- have organized a kitty party, a film ited) annual affair in the future: It MB* night and a shopping tour by bus and also our hope to make it into an inte^ “the money has started trickling in, ” - ------ ' ’ ¦ notes Rathaeshtar, the ZAV’s newslet ter, currently in its second year of pub ­ lication. secretary making. “It is our very firm intention national Zoroastrian jamboree at a la ­ ter date, ” notes the write-up. Let us unite and build our Compiled by Arnavaz S. Mama. Gifts& —iMIttgiSi The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive reli^ous, artefacts, executive desk ' ler %ts, exdusive shell items, des^i jewelry & spedalizing b wooa & copper-enamel ^fts. BOMBAY SWADESHI STORES LTD. (Mezzanine Floor) Sir P.M. Road, Bombay-400 001 J STUDIO AKAR 6T/266OPOLITICS AND POLICY The Federation at Calcutta Parinaz Gandhi The achievements of the Calcutta Anjuman compensated for the low attendance at the Federation's executive council meeting S'l I si “considerable. ” The oft repeated refrain to reduce the Federation. In the absencer of the Federation From left: Anklesaria and Rabadi Below (from left) T Dittia, Bhacca, k Gandhi and Guzder For once the venue appeared more im- that this in no way questions Calcutta ’s meetings was turned down. Yet, the pressive than the meeting. The Edulji support to the Federation which is sentiment expressed did indicate a dis- Olpadvala Hall in Calcutta, where the “considerable. ” enchantment with the functioning of executive council meeting of the Fed- ~ ¦ - eration of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans the frequency of the executive council of India was held, stood testimony to meetings to two or one a year instead president Dr Aspi Golwalla and^onal what the Calcutta Zoroastrian Com- of the present three was voiced by vice-president Homi Bodhanwalla of munity ’s Religious and Charity Fund Anklesaria. He felt that at Federation Jamshedpur, the next item on the had managed to accomplish with meetings the problems of the smaller agenda was the election of a chairman perseverance, leadership, time and anjumans were not being heard and if from among the two vice-presidents effort. In contrast, the Federation given a hearing, no solutions were present: Bazun Dittia, president of the meeting on December 10 and 11,1988 being offered. Clarifying his miscon- Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secun ­ proved to be a damper with a record ceptions, the suggestion for fewer derabad and Hyderabad, and Dr Sam low attendance and often rambling dis ­ cussions on the first day which re ­ hashed much of what was said at ear ­ lier meetings. As Calcutta trustee Dr Russi Anklesaria observed, “This is perhaps the smallest crowd of all the meetings. ” This sentiment was echoed by co-trustee Dali Bhesania who re ­ gretted that “many were absent and many backed out. ” Altogether only 12 anjumans were represented. Even the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) had only one trus ­ tee, Jamshed Guzder, representing the seven-member board. While some felt that it was possibly the distance that had kept many members away, the representation at the meeting in Jam ­ shedpur in December 1987 had indi ­ cated that distance was not the decid ­ ing factor. Explained'the Federation ’s joint honorary secretary Keki Gandhi, “If Calcutta were to make it a point to attend meetings more regularly, other anjumans would reciprocate. ” In his subsequent sentence he emphasized * 1 J . •* 23 Parsiana March 1969Ffom left: Captain, Clubwala and Narielwala Below: Master i- Bhacca, president of the Surat Parsi advance rent and the monies advanced Q Punchayet (SPP). After Dittia prop- by companies like M.N. Dastur, Tatas fl osed 'Bhacca ’s name, Gandhi and a Japanese firm, a new building wholeheartedly seconded the proposi- was commissioned on the complex, tion, saying, “Bhacca by tradition Completed in 1985, this building now speaks very little. This gives me an houses the Olpadvala Hall on the opportunil^ to speak more. ” In re- ground floor, the anjuman office on sponse Bhacca noted, “I hope he will the top floor, and offices of the three be as brief as possible, though not as firms which had helped with the fi- brief as me. ” The executive council nances. was also concerned about the health of The 150-year-old defunct Banaji former SPP president Maneck Agiary in Calcutta, which had been change in rites. Since no reply has Gheyara who was then ailing in Bom- closed down a few years ago and in been forthcoming, the Federation ’s bay. The members stated that they whose courtyard encroachers had joint honorary treasurer Peshotan name, n 4 li: ¦I I'; SPP nances. The 150-year-old defunct Banaji , ? ! missed the active support and sea- mushroomed, has been surrendered to Nargolwala offered to approach the soned advice of the only surviving the government, it was reported. The High Priest directly if the Calcutta founder member of the Federation, sole surviving male member of the Anjuman would provide him with a (Gheyara passed away on March 3, family, who is now the trustee-in- copy of the^letter. 1989.) charge, has reportedly not been able The search for capable paramobeds In addition to the awards instituted to ward off the encroachers though he continues. Of the 30 candidates inter- by the Federation to encourage indi- rejected the community ’s offer to in- viewed for professional paramobed ' vidual excellence, outstanding per- tervene. The property is said to be training, only two were found suitable, formance by an anjuman should also worth crores of rupees. The anjuman mentioned Nargolwala, an acti^^ be recognized with an award, sug- was advised to send the relevant docu- member of the paramobed subconiA, gested Navroze Kanga of Ahmedabad. ments to the Federation so that Minor- mittee. This reinforced the need for Calcutta ’s Olpadvala Hall will, in ities Commission member Homi voluntary paramobeds from different 1 the coming year, become self- Taleyarkhan ’s assistance could be en- localities. In the meanwhile, objec- j financing for the first time, and in fact listed to help vacate the encroach- tions continue from some quarters on j generate additional funds to subsidize ment. “All of us at Calcutta should the designation and the attire of the s rent, education and medical costs of take the responsibility for the present ‘paramobed. ’ j the poor members of the anjuman, situation, ” said Gandhi. “We all The Allahabad Anjuman is still on j said Anklesaria. Briefing the delegates patronized the centrally-located the look out for a priest, noted its pres- j on the developments within the Cal- Mehta Agiary even though we knew ident, Capt Homi Dandiwalla. In i cutta anjuman and the problems en- that the Banaji Agiary was fighting for Ahmedabad, the mobed position is countered were trustees Anklesaria funds. ” stable and the dokhmenashini system - and Adi Rabadi: The fortune of the There are not enough vultures to de- continues welirdespite the demise of anjuman turned when Edulji Olpad- vour the corpses to justify the con- 45 vultures whose death is attributed vala donated valuable land in a prime tinuation of the dokhmenashini system to their feeding on the carcass of a locality along with his residential in Calcutta, testify the voluntary nas- dead cow which was possibly house. It was Olpadvala ’s intention sessalars who carry the bodies into the poisoned, reported Kanga. The anju- that the building be restructured to dokhmas. The anjuman would like to man secretary Dr Hafez Dalal in ­ serve the purpose of a community hall close the dokhmas and resort to burial, formed that a public relations subcom- in Calcutta, with the rest of the land and the priests would be agreeable to mittee in Ahmedabad ensures that the being used to build houses for the perform the last rites subject to community is kept informed of the de ­ community. The settlor has also empo- approval from the High Priest of the cisions taken by the governing body, wered the trustees to sell the property, Deccan and Poona, Dastur Hormazd- At present, census data of the Parsis in noted Rabadi. Since the building was iar Dastur, briefed Anklesaria. With Ahmedabad is being processed. too old to sustain alterations, the anju- all the priests owing allegiance to the A survey of the Belgaum Anjuman man was advised to demolish it and High Priest of Poona, they insist on conducted by Ms Ava Khullar re ­ build afresh. So the old building was waiting for his reply to the anjuman ’s fleeted a “fairly prosperous commun- rented out to a company and with the letter seeking his permission for a ity with no unemployeds. ” Sixty-two said Gandhi, the 24 Parsiana March 1989 nS fori »nt 11- . ........ urn j 1 ll ¦ 'I 11 SHA PUR JI lii'H': BORN 30.1.1887 OIEO 2.4 1971 I SHALL PASS THIS WAV BUT ONCE IF THERE IS AHV GOOD THiMG 1 CAM DO LET ME DO IT HOW. FOR I SHALL MOT PASS THIS WAV Aflt'iM JI n! It llii. assistant secretary Ms Sheroo Master. It was also found that the parents of the unmarrieds were more interested in seeking a match for their children than the candidates themselves. An insight into the world of spastics was provided by occupational therap ­ ist Ms Bakhtaver Ayrton, and the chal ­ lenges of teaching mime and theater to the deaf were explained by Ms Zann Chaudhuri. Care of the aged was an item introduced on the agenda for the first time. References to the disre ­ spectful and callous attitude towards the older generation indicated that some Parsis, in their old age, were being neglected by their families. Offers to host the next three Federa tion meetings have come from: Bom bay, on April 8 and 9; Madras, oi The mezzanine floor at the Olpadvala Hall , (Inset) A bust of the benefactor s,p,ember9 and 10; and Ahmedabad had an additional proposition: the on December 16 and 17, 1989. anjuman should employ enterprising Parsis and get into the tourist business. Special trips to Agra could be orga ­ nized by offering the tourists a ccvcl sight-seeing program and Parsi menu. This would only be possible if the day YoiHh Fest in early November aniuman was willing to convert a por- when 182 Zoroastrian delegates fror Parsis and get into the tourist business. Youths seek common sense “The fear of youths being reformist novel should be abolished, ” clarified Ankle saria, who was a witness to the four tion of the dharamshala into a guest 15 cities converged on Calcutta t share ideas, views and enjoy them selves in the sports and other entei house by opening its doors to non ­ Parsis after earmarking certain rooms . for Parsis. But Debar a, knowing the tainment activities organized for thu orthodoxy of the old members of the by the Calcutta Parsee Youth Lea^^ anjuman, doubted whether everyone “The youths are looking for commo would be agreeable, sense, he assured. Get-togethers organized by the .... z, r,; BPP’s matrimonial~bureau are no Ion- Frontage of the hall building (lejt) ger being held regularly because of the and plaque indicating the location of decline in the attendance, noted BPP’s the anjuman’s new premises percent of its 90-member population fell in the 15-60 age-group. The occu ­ pational pattern indicated that the j largest numbers were in business, fol ­ lowed by those employed in profes- ' sional and technical occupations, and finally those holding senior adminis- j trative, executive or managerial posi- S tions. I The small Agra anjuman with its li ­ mited population of 21 members is in desperate need of funds. “At one time I there was such a tourist influx (of Par- I sis) , but today the dharamshala is lying ¦" vacant, ” reported trustee Hosang Debar a. Since they are keen to keep i the trust building for community uses, I they are looking for a firm or company I which would hire their hall so that they I can be self-supporting. Names of I several firms and banks were sug- I gested by different members. Gandhi I 1 i 26 Parsiana March 1989 ’¦1 23f’ r '¦4- r I cians as corrupt. If we want favors we go to them, but if they cannot help, they are branded for ‘taking money, ’” Gandhi sympathised with the lot of a politician. This led, as at every meet ­ ing, to the counting and naming of the handful of Parsi politicians on the the scene - Homi Taleyarkhan, Homi Daji, Marazban Patrawalla, Rustom : Tirandaz, Rhoda Mistry and Noshir i Mehta. I Chaudhuri (left) and Ayrton (at with Taleyarkhan s push that I the mike) ® science student from Bombay was I able to secure admission into the * Fest followed the same trend, with the veterinary college in Trichur, reported same misconceptions surfacing as at BPP’s Master. And the usual doubts Should the youth bodies function as the earlier seminar in Delhi. To clarify that plague all parents — whether the an extension of the parent anjuman, or the misunderstanding that conversion child will settle in the new environ- independently as a democratic set-up? is not allowed because “we had made ment — were resolved with the sup- And if it functions independently, this promise to Jadava Rana, ” Gandhi port and encouragement of the three what about the constitution and finan- distributed cyclostyled extracts from Parsi families there, it was added, cial viability of this entity? There is no the Kisseh 1 Sanjan to support his What Gandhi has been trying to unanimity on this point because, as stand that it was only in the case of draw up for the last several years is a Anklesaria observed, “What is good language, attire, weaponry and mar- list of students who secured admission for one anjuman may not be so for riage processions that the Parsis had into professional colleges and the another. ” promised to adopt the prevailing cus- marks obtained by them, as also a list Whether the governing body of ev- toms of India. To give legal credence of students who w^e unsuccessful in ery anjuman should, “as a matter of to his view, Gandhi circulated extracts getting admission, and the percentage chance or a matter of right, ” reserve from the judgment in the case of Petit they scored. This would help ascertain one seat for a youth representative was vs Jeejeebhoy wherein it is stated, “It the demand for seats from the chief deliberated , upon at considerable ____________________________ _ minister ’s quota in different states of . India. In Andhra Pradesh, the chief we can t just minister was wary of allocating any dismiss topics because we believe and engineering colleges, that rules can't be changed at considerable length. There were different reasons cited for not pursuing this proposal: the general apathy of the youths; the difficulty in refuting claims for seats on the trust board by other Parsi orga ­ nizations, if reservations are made for the youth group; subject matter at board meetings not of relevance to the youth; youths getting involved in inter ­ nal politics that are inevitable in the functioning of any large anjuman. When summarizing the proceedings Zoroastrian today to make converts as tribute to the cost of training of five of the Youth Fest for the benefit of the it was in the remote past... They are students, at the rate of Rs 10,000 each, assembly at the Federation meeting, ready to admit any and every Irani in careers like aviation, for candidates the Fest ’s convenor Ms Aban Zoroastrian about whose antecedents who cannot raise their own resources. Medhora, on behalf of the youths, be- they cannot possibly know anything. A survey on the attitude of young seeched, “What we would like is your But they will not admit the purest, Parsi females towards matrimony has help in building up our awareness and most blameless foreigner of whose reflected their unrealistic expectations involving us in certain activities... The character and conduct they may have of the attributes in a spouse. This find ­ suggestion that would perhaps help us the completes! assurance... ” On the ing has led social scientist Prof (Ms) the most would be if the Federation issue of conversion and adoption “we Homai Billimoria to submit a correc- would agree to allow one delegate are pure cowards hiding behind the tive program. The co-sponsors of the from each city to be represented at mask of religion, ” stated Gandhi, matrimonial survey, the Federation each Federation meeting... Reasoned Kanga of Ahmedabad, and the BPP, have agreed to contri- “For today ’s youth, tomorrow is im- “Religion is not only a matter of the bute on a 40-60 basis towards the cost portant, ” mentioned Medhora. “If to- head but also of the heart. ” (Rs 50,000) of this package counselling day we don ’t sit, think and discuss. In the interests of the community ’s program. The service will be intro- tomorrow we will have no solutions, future, “youth associations should duced initially at Rustom Baug, a col- no community. ” motivate youngsters to participate in ony in Bombay, and thereafter ex- The approach to the discussions,on state and national politics... We unfor- tended to the community in different conversion and adoption at the Youth tunately see politics as dirty and politi- pockets. While the BPP has been continuing with its schemes to finance the coaching fees of students seeking admission into professional colleges, and the civil and defence services, it is as much the duty of every pious has, for the first time, offered to con- // 29 Parsiana March 1989 .1 1i '¦ "If today we don't sit, think and discuss, tomorrow we will have no solutions, no community mittee, when it was proposed that the SPP, the BPP and the farmer who was seeking financial aid contribute equal shares towards schemes that could provide relief to the agriculturist. Bhacca doubted whether the Federa ­ tion ’s rural subcommittee could come to the aid of even a few agriculturists, considering that sociologist Ms Cash- mera Bhaya ’s survey of the rural Parsis in the three districts of Bharuch, Surat and Bulsar had indicated that funds to Way out for children Are Parsi couples genuinely not in ­ terested in producing more children, or is there a lack of ability? And if there is a fertility problem, are there psychological inhibitions preventing the couples from seeking professional guidance even though this is made available to the community at the B.D. Petit Parsee General Hospital in Bombay? Ardeshir Batliwala, coopted member, east zone, lamented the atti ­ tude of the Parsi woman “who, even at there are not sufficient takers, the ser- the tune of Rs 84,24,000 were needed, the age of 35, thinks she is very young vice can be discontinued, but let if first Fifty percent of this estimate is be- when she has actually passed the fertil- be introduced, he recommended. “We lieved to be required for house repairs, ity stage. ’’ < may run into problems if we cannot get it was reported in the survey spon- Rather than “presuppose that there the necessary number of children, ” sored by the SPP and the World is a fertility problem in the commun- Eruch Surti of Jamshedpur expressed Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO). ity, ” Dittia felt that very probably the his concern and wondered whether The instance of a farmer in Bardoli couple is “merely seeking economic this facility could be extended to chil- who owned 40 acres of land but re ­ benefits. ” Quoting the response of dren of other communities. fused to pay one third the cost of get- youths who had been polled at the first If a well-organized set-up cannot be ting his son institutionalized at an asy- youth festival in Delhi, Gandhi repe- provided, then lonely widows should lum, was then recounted by Bhacca. ated their sentiment: “To hell with in- be approached “who would be very The BPP, the SPP, and the farmer had centives; we do not want to produce happy to look after children as hap- initially agreed to pool in equal more children. ” On a lighter note, he pened with a lady in Madras, ” men- amounts, said Bhacca. “We had to recommended that at maths classes in tioned Ms Mani Clubwala of Madras, fight a case for r^overy of the out- Parsi schools, addition and multiplica- standing amount. And as happens, if tion should be emphasized rather than Farmers in a web the BPP can ’t collect the amount subtraction and division, which the “If you are thinking of a partnership loaned by it, the buck is passed on to community can ill afford! with the farmer, think again, ” advised the Surat Punchayet, ” Bhacca The difficulty in looking after chil- Bhacca, chairman of the rural subcom- laughed. “Ultimately we were granted dren when both parents are working is an important reason why parents res ­ trict the size of their family, believes Master of the BPP. “This is where the day-care centers come in, ” Gandhi got an opportunity to reiterate the need to establish such community services in colonies like Godrej Baug. These cen ­ ters are recommended not with the in ­ tention of providing charity service, but dispensing personal care by volun ­ tary workers, psychologists, etc. If Medhora (at the mike) Below (from left): Hosang Dehara, Dolat Debara, Dalal and Kanga ¦s I r I iif' • • • t I t ? i \ a decree to collect the amount from him. But as luck would have it, the very day our representative went to collect our dues, the man died. Final ­ ly, we not only had to write off the amount but (had to tolerate) snide re ­ marks like ‘See, they ultimately killed him! ’’’ I Who needs a conversion formula? I The Surat Punchayet faced a problem I of another dimension: a child (of a I Zoroastrian father and his non- I Zoroastrian mistress), whose navjote I had not been performed, sought I admission into one of their educational institutions there. The matter was re- I solved by first arranging for the mar- I riage of the parents, then the navjote I of the child, and finally granting I admission to the child. “That is why I we are still orthodox but also accom- I modative, ” said Bhacca. I In Calcutta, a 16-year-old boy I whose father was a Zoroastrian was re- I fused admission to the Parsee Club on w the grounds that his navjote was not performed. “This practice is a sort of apartheid in my opinion, ’’ was Raba- di ’s view. :| i I I iiI In Calcutta there is not a single vulture devouring the corpses to justify the continuation of the dokhmenashini system While Dittia commented that mar ­ rying outside the community signified a “lack of appreciation for Zoroastrian values, ” Gandhi urged society to “accept inter-community marriages as a fact of life. ” “I hope we don ’t depart from this two-day meet without deciding on the navjotability of children (one of whose parents is a non-Zoroastrian), ” prop ­ osed Pesi Narielwala of Calcutta. “I hope we will be able to resolve this wretched ambivalence ” - some ner- ™,.ing,he„avjo,esofo„lychildreLt .nean •‘violating .he principle of free- rhUHr? h Others of dom of worship enshrined in the con- mobed subcommittee chairman Jam- children whose father at least is a stitution of India. ” The Federation shed Guzder, are “so difficult that Zoroastnan, yet others of children body decided to “recommend to the they can hardly be pronounced ”! whose mother alone IS a Zoroastrian. EP? ±c prc-cs ’L fi ” ” * - - pronouncea. ] According to Nargolwala, because the Federation be accepted. Zoroastrians belong to a patriarchal society, they are willing to accept into The paramobed pulse the fold children of i ' ' ".“.IL . ___ _ married outside the community. The and Madras indicated practice IS reverse among the Jews, opening for paramobeds in their anju- alternative: when praying Lw anjumans sup- mobeds should symbolically a 7 ported a mandate that if circumstances their mouths*with an elongated of a Zoroastrian mother and Jewish demand, they would not hesitate to father who was brought up as a Christ ­ ian because the parents believed that Hawkers spread their wares on the they i^ere not permitted to initiate the Banaji Agiary premises child into their respective faiths. Before submiting the proposed amendments to the Indian Succession Act as applicable to Parsis, the BPP had asked for time to gather the opin ­ ions of other community-based orga ­ nizations in Bombay. Gandhi in ­ formed that of the nine associations which the BPP had consulted, only two had replied. Of these, the Young Rathestars were seeking the imple ­ mentation of a safety provision in the Act, such that only a successor profes ­ sing the Zoroastrian faith can be enti ­ tled to a share in the deceased ’s proper ­ ty. Their argument was that it would ensure that the community property remains in the hands of the com ­ munity. “This means that we want to remove discrimination on grounds of sex (the proposed amendments as mended by the Federation are drafted * with the intention of granting females 1 a share in equal proportion to their « male counterparts) and introduce dis- ] crimination on grounds of religion, ” i Gandhi explained the inconsistency. I “This is private property and not com- I munity property, ” he stated, and the I introduction of such a clause would ¦ employ a paramobed. But where is the i elusive paramobed to be found? Abanj Medhora wanted to know whether^ females would be accepted for para-^ mobed training. The new principal of the Carnal Athornan Madressa, Dr RooyintanI Peer, as reported by Nargolwala, isl still upset at the ‘paramobed ’ nomenci- 3 ature which, he insists, cannot be used! for behdins. He has suggested alterna-l five terms like khadin (meaning ser-1 vant) and karabaran (meaning skilled 1 proposals as finalised by Peer ’s second main objection is to the J use of paddns (loose mask worn by I mobeds to cover the mouth while | A,, u 1. \ praying) by paramobeds because hel men who l^e While Allahabad, Calcutta, Gandevi feels that they should be used exclu-1 - - ----------3 an immediate sively by the priests. He offers ana practice is reverse among the Jews, opening for paramobeds in their aniu- alternative: when praying, para-J / coverl their mouths with an elongated sleeve | - a proposition not considered viable ! by the delegates. 1 “Can ’t we relax rules so that anyj generation of the priestly family can be| m trained as a mobed, irrespective of I M whether his father or grandfather was ! a trained as one? ” enquired Narielwala. 1 1 “Religion is not a club; and besides, I I even clubs change rules. We can ’t just 1 ¦ dismiss topics because we believe that | ¦ rules can ’t be changed, ” he persisted. 1 I Those present at the Federation meet-1 I ing were: Hosang Debara from Agra; I I Navroze Kanga and Dr Hafez Dalal | I from Ahmedabad; Capt Homi Dandi-1 I walla from Allahabad; Jamshed Guz- 1 I der, Peshotan Nargolwala and Ms | 1 Sheroo Master from Bombay; Dali I Blit 2.'^ Bhesania, Dr Russi Anklesaria, Adil 1 Rabadi, Pesi Narielwala, Ms Aban I I Medhora and Adil Master from Cal-1 I cutta; Keki Gandhi and Noshir Cap-1 I tain from Delhi; Ardeshir Batliwala, I ji co-opted member, east zone; Aspi Ira- 1 j ni and Pervez Irani from the Iranian I I Zoroastrian Anjuman; Eruch Surti, I i Rumi Battiwalla and Rohinton Pitha- 1 I walla from Jamshedpur; Ms Mani I Clubwala from Madras; Rustom Daro- 1 ga, co-opted member, north zone;! Bazun Dittia from Secunderabad- 1 Hyderabad; and Dr Sam Bhacca from i I Surat. The Press was represented byl i Navroze and Parsiana. I T 1 » 0 1! recom- 32 Parsiana March 1989A lary ear How Zoroastrian is the custo association of the Fasfi with animals and colors? i- ¦> «b> • • w * sa^, Jr TRADITION i ! The Year ! of the Znoke i i Gustasp Irani All agree that the roots of the prac- On March 21, from the burrows of don ’t believe that in Zoroastrianism obscure origins, the snake slithered up we could have a year of the snake. The tice are embedded in astrology, but to bask in the glow of Navroz and to system is probably borrowed from the there appears to be little by way of preside over the current Fasli year. Chinese. It definitely is not main- astrological records that can be classi- The whale, its term done, plunged into stream Zoroastrianism. ” fied as truly Zoroastrian. Manly P. the depths of time to return 12 years Yezdanyar Bonshahi of Khaze Book Hall in his book story of Astrology de ­ lator after the sheep, horse, monkey. Sellers at Grant Road, and member of votes a chapter each to the works of dog, hen, pig, mouse, cow, leopard the Iranian Anjuman, believes that the the Chinese and Tibetans, Hindus, and rabbit have taken turns in lending system is most probably borrowed Greeks, Romans, Aztecs in South their names to each successive year. from the Chinese. He points out that America and Arabs. Apart from pas- Where do these animals come from? in Malaysia, where a large number of sing references to 2Soroaster as an What is the source and significance of Chinese reside, it is also their year of astrologer and “Darius, Emperor of this endearing custom that Iranian the snake. In the matter of attributing Persia, who relied on his venerated Zoroastrians observe as an integral a color to each year, he is quite certain astrologer Al Hakim, which means part of their Navroz ritual along with that the custom is neither Zoroastrian ‘the wise one, ’” there is no further their fruit laden table? No one seems nor Iranian. “People phone the (Ira- study of Zoroastrian astrology. to know. There appears to be no au- nian) Anjuman and ask: ‘What color? ’ Al-Biruni, an eleventh century thority on the subject. Scholars believe They expect to be told a color. But astronomer and astrologer, lists the that there is nothing Zoroastrian in the there is none. So we make up a color, various animals that are associated linking of animals with calendar years. Last year it was blue because of the with the 12 Zodiac signs and the “Our religion scorns the snake. If whale. This year, because of the planets. In the book Elements of we see one, we are advised to crush its snake, we decided on green and green Astrology by Al-Biruni, edited by head. To have a year of the is a nice color! ” He admits that in this R.R. Wright, are listed groups of crea- snake...No, not Zoroastrian at all, ” matter of animals and colors his know- tures rather than specific animals that says Dastur Dr Firoze Kotwal, High ledge is, at best, an educated guess. Priest of the H. B. Wadia Atash — ¦ • Bahram. “All creatures, according to Zoroas- quiries about the subject met with a Zodiac signs and two planets. It is trianism, are either Ahuric or Devic, blank. The Iranian Anjuman office, open to debate if Al-Biruni ’s work can that is, they are either good or evil, ” members of the Iran League, and the be classified as Iranian, Zoroastrian, says Khojeste Mistree of Zoroastrian priests at the Dadiseth Agiary at Flora Islamic or Arabic. Studies. “The snake is Devic. Now, of Fountain, Bombay, confessed ignor- To the Iranian Zoroastrian, howev- course, we know that a snake has its ance of the origins and source from er, the origins are not important; the uses; it maintains .the ecological ba- which sprang the custom of associating custom is. Each year, on Navroz day, lance. But back in the Sassanian and animals and colors with the year, they welcome the new year and the Pahlavic times the priests classified all Ervad Dr Peshotan Peer and Ms animal that is to preside over it at that creatures as either good or evil. The Homai Modi, secretary of the K. R. exact moment when the sun crosses system was quite simple. The dog, be- Cama Oriental Institute, Bombay, the equator and moves into the north ­ cause of its loyalty, was Ahuric-, the turned the poser around: “If you find em hemisphere; the moment of the snake, because it was feared, Devic. I out something, will you let us know? ” vernal equinox. This exact moment. correspond to the various heavenly This is more than most other re- bodies. Hence reptiles, snakes and ser- spondents were able to offer. All in- pents are linked with seven of the 12 35 Parsiana March 1989when the Fasli year ‘turns, ’ is deter- King Darius in Persepolis which goes mined by pure astronomical science, by the name Takht-e-Jamshid, though Many phone the Nehru Planetarium or they have little or nothing to do with refer to the daily papers to pinpoint the king whose name they bear, the exact moment of the equinox “ “ ‘ which need not necessarily fall on contributes his mite to the misnomer March 21. This year the year ‘turned ’ when he writes that King Jamshid was on March 20 at 20 hours, 57 minutes crowned on the first day - navroz - of and 58 seconds (1ST). Iranian Zoroas- the year. “He probably was, ” says trians, as is their custom, prefer to Peer, “but his navroz corresponds to spend this moment in the embrace of the Zoroastrian calendar which is dis- their immediate family, in front of tinct from the Fasli calendar of Jalalu- their ‘table ’ and in prayer. The ritual din Malikshah. ” over, they sprinljle each other with rose water and offer one another a calendars is in the method of adjusting hand mirror to smile in; a symbolic way of saying, “Keep smiling through ­ out the year. ” Jamshid-e-Navroz... Jamshid-e-Navroz is a misnomer. According to Kotwal and Peer, the Fasli New Year and calendar have lit ­ tle to do with King Jamshid and less to do with Zoroastrianism. It is the crea ­ tion of the eleventh century Islamic King of Iran, Jalaludin Malikshah and his minister Omar Khayyam who, apart from being the author of the celebrated Rubaiyat, was also an astrologer and astronomer, among other things. The lunar calendar of Islam had its problems. Every 33 years it gained a for the extra quarter day that the earth full year over the solar calendar, which gains each year while revolving around to the people of Iran translated into the sun. The Fasli calendar accounts payment of one additional year ’s tax for it by adding a day every four years; every 33 years. The problem that the the Zoroastrian calendar by adding 30 rulers faced was that of collection, days or a full month once every 120 Since the best time to fill the treasury years. This is more than a technical was just after the harvesting of crops, matter. For one, during the reign of it was advisable to have a calendar that Jamshid and other Zoroastrian kings, was seasonal rather than one that was Navroz did not fall on March 21 each fluid over the seasons like the lunar year and, more important in Kotwal ’s calendar. Hence the need for a solar view, the Fasli calendar fails to qualify calendar. as a religious one. “The Zoroastrian According to Kotwal and Peer, the calendar is a purely religious calendar. New Year in Iran goes by a number of Every day has a name, every day has a names: Navroz-e-Jalali or Navroz-e- presiding deity. Our prayers are linked Malik (after the king who introduced to the calendar, ” says Kotwal. He the Fasli, seasonal calendar), Navroz- points out that .in the Fasli calendar e-Sal Juki (after the dynasty to which there is no name for that extra day that Jalaludin Malikshah belonged) or comes once in every four years. “What Navroz-e-Sultani (after the kings), if someone dies on that day; what Yes, it is also known as Jamshid-e- prayers do we say? Do we say his Navroz. “Anything big and important prayers once every four years instead and we tag the name Jamshid, Noshir- of every year? Nowhere in Zoroas- wan and even Zarathushtra to it, ” says trianism is there a leap year; the con- Kotwal. This arbitary attribution of the name Jamshid is not restricted to Zoroas- calation was done every 120 years trians alone, says Peer. Iranians in- when the month prior to the adjust- j dulge in it too. He refers to the ruins of ment was repeated. According to Poet Firdausi, in his Shah Namah, The distinction between the two 37 Parsiana March 1989 I. "Anything big and important and we tag the name Jamshid, Noshirwan and even Zarathushtra WHAT? NEVER HEARD OF PARAGON TOY SHOP? MY GOODNESS! It’s a shop with a good selection of r i I to it" TOYS, DOLLS CYCLES, SCOOTERS, PEDAL CARS, EDUCATIONAL TOYS, PRESENTATION BOOKS, PUZZLES, NOVELTIES, ETC Established in 1943 in Calcutta Branch in BombayTsince 1971 A shop known for reasonable rates & good service. Many families have been our regular customers for 3 to 4 generations now cept is non-existant in the religion. ” Historically, the Zoroastrian inter- ADDRESS No 108, Heera Panna Shopping Centre (With car parking space) Bhulabhai Desai Road (Old Warden Road) Near Haji Ali Bombay 400026r f Nobody kiiovv^ VOLir hoiisiiiy prohloins better than Sri Prastha. Only cit Sri Prastha, you cjot towosfiip witti di! oiodoro dinooitios aiid the kind of payniont sotieines til at prove it. Ht! of Cl • Pay Rs 15,000/- and book your flat. • Discount of Rs 10/- per sq. ft. for every additional Rs 10,000/-. • Balance payable in 41 monthly installments. • Earn minimum guaranteed return of 19% p.a. with quarterly rest. • Take advantage of Capital Gain Tax. • All payments by cheque only.^zv • 1,2, and 3 rooms plus kitchen flats. SRI PRASTHA NAIASOPARA (West) For details contact: Sri. Projects Management & control Pvt. Ltd. FORT. Rehman Bldg., 2nd Floor, 24, Veer Nariman Rd, Fort, Near Akbarallys, Fountain, Bombay-400 023. Tel: 2043079. WORLI: 68/69, Godavari, Pochkhanwala Road, Worli Bombay-400 025. Tel: 4944560. SITE: Station Road, Nalasopara (West). Contact Mr. Soli Panthaky at SITE between 11.00 AM 5.00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays. Booking and Information also available at (HDFC) HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION LTD. BOMBAY: Ramon House, 169, Backbay Reclamation, Churchgate, Bombay-400 020. Tel: 220282. PAREL: Damodar Hall., Annexe Bldg., Near Social Service League, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Bombay-400 012. Tel: 4136384. VASHI: HDFC House, Plot No. 82, Sector 17, Vashi New Bombay-400 703. Tel: 671206. to I I Peer, the last intercalation was per- I formed in the fifth century during the I reign of Piroz. The priests of that time, I Peer states, were great astrologers and ¦ they-foresaw turmoil in Iran and the destruction of the religion. To forestall I these events they suggested that an in- I tercalation of two months be per ­ formed. The king approved and the necessary adjustments in the calendar were made. But, as events eventually showed, this was not enough to pre ­ vent the fall of the Sassanian and with him, the Zoroastrian Empire. What it did do was to deny Noshirwan the Just the privilege of presiding over the in ­ tercalation 120 years later as the task had already been done by his grand ­ father Piroz. About 70 years after Noshirwan ’s death (580 AD) the Sassanian Empire collapsed and the calendar was set adrift in time with no adjustments made for that quarter day the earth gained every year. Peer goes further to say that navroz, or the first daywf the New Year (Hor- mazd roj of Fravardin mah) during the time of the Sassanians fell not around the time of spring or the vernel equinox, but around the time of the summer solstice, the longest day in the year. Al-Biruni and modern astro ­ nomer Padam Godrej are Peer ’s sources in this deduction. Since the calendar was set adrift in the sixth cen ­ tury with no intercalation or adjust ­ ments, the date of Navroz fell back to I around the vernal equinox and spring J in the eleventh century, the time when | King Jalaludin Malikshah and his | minister Omar Khayyam reinstated 1 the modified solar calendar. Kotwal refers tojthe fact that in 1992 the Fasli roj will coincide with the Kadmi and Shehenshahi roj and the plea by some members of the co mmunity to unify all three calendars into the Fasli one. His advice is: don ’t. “It will only create turmoil, ’’ he gesticulates to illustrate, “and only create more fac ­ tions in the community. As it is, we are so small... ’’ But he does not grudge the Iranian Zoroastrians their func ­ tion. “Definitely celebrate Navroz. Have a holiday. Be happy. There ’s no ­ thing wrong. It ’s all well and good... ” k But, Kotwal clarifies, “Do not confuse the Fasli calendar with a Zoroastrian religious calendar, which it is not. When you start doing that you are bound to create problems. ” I ¦j i s I 1 ! 38 ¦Parsiana March 1989 I»' COMMENT The religion of charity ¦» Writers Ali Jafarey and Noshir Dadrawala emphasize the Zoroastrian spirit of charity and the need to assist the less fortunate Scholar Ali Jafarey, editor of The Zoroastrian, the newsletter of the Zoroastrian Association of California, says that the Zoroastrian dictum of charity should be interpreted as re ­ habilitation of the underprivileged. Social worker Noshir Dadrawala, ex ­ ecutive secretary of the Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy, sug ­ gests that in proportion to their in ­ come, Zoroastrians reserve a stipu ­ lated amount for charitable causes. I clubs, parks, Jafarey: concept of charity Charitable institutions founded by Zoroastrians in the shape of temples, schools, libraries, hospitals, sanator ­ iums, poorhouses, low-rent apart ­ ments, clubs, parks, recreation grounds and various other public en ­ dowments may be found everywhere in India, Iran, Pakistan and now in some Western countries where a size ­ able Zoroastrian population exists. Human rights and social progress are two of the fundamentals of the Zoroastrian religion. And the idea dates back to Zarathushtra ’s announcement of his divine mission. The last line of the oft-repeated Ahuncvar (Avesta Ahunavairya or, as it is popularly called, Yatha Ahu), yim driguhya dadat vastarem, in translation reads: rehabilitator of the restrained. The key words are drigu and vas tar. Drigu - meaning restrained, con ­ strained, in Avesta and Sanskrit - is generally rendered as poor, weak. to W. 40 Parsiana March 1989B'ij I , .416. f ’ I 1 # *4 b* 4 h.ir ¦.--J i IK ¦ Left and inset: patients at the B.D. Petit Parsee General Hospital being entertained by youngsters Below: a feast for the poor 6*4^ c (4(»J «> ' \*rf ¦'’ a drigu - a righteous person, man or well as the daily prayers of the Zoroas- woman, who has been deprived of his trians are replete ^ith passages extoll ­ rights and uprooted from home be- ing philanthropy, and from the earliest cause of religious convictions - is period in Parsi history we find this sought to be rehabilitated by the value evident in the community ’s Zoroastrian religion to become again a ethos. R i productive and creative member of According to the Pahlavi Dinkard, I society. The importance of the concept five things are considered worthy of * for Zarathushtra may be seen from its merit: truthfulness, charity, skill, en- f inclusion in the Ahunavar formula, the deavor, and encouragement to others ‘I very motto of the Good Religion. It is here that we understand the needy, meek. In the Pahlavi and Per- true meaning of Zoroastrian philan- »9^ very motto of the Good Religion. in good deeds. In fact, the Dinkard goes on to explain that “to be charit- . ... --------- o ------------------- able is an act equivalent to promoting Sian versions it acquired the notion of thropy: it is the rehabilitation of the the Mazda-worshipping religion. ’’ a poor and needy person. One mean- persons who do not enjoy the rights And so, whenever there has been a mg of vastar (derived from vas) is in- they must have. It means eradicating call to the community for funds for its terpreted to mean shepherd, herds- the very causes which have turned various causes, it has been answered maU ’ agriculturist, or protector. The them into drigus. It means freedom promptly and generously. However, a need has been felt for a package of a poor and needy person. One mean- persons who do not enjoy the rights terpreted to mean shepherd, herds- the very causes which have turned man, agriculturist, or protector. The them into drigus. It means f.„2__ ^cond meaning is to settle, to inhabit, from oppression, absence of exploita- need has been felt for a package of This interpretation has many deriva- tion, genuine justice, full liberty, true philanthropy so that every Parsi can tives m Sanskrit, and yet every scholar democracy, effective measures, contribute his mite to all Parsi com- of Avesta has neglected this concept of mutual help, and selfless service in the munity causes and institutions which a ^tlement. name of God. need funds on a regular basis. This will .. reason why many take it _ ... . also help him to fulfill his duty to don- “They (Parsis) assist the poor and are national causes as a good citizen of In ­ dia. An added benefit is the exemption available to the donor under section ploying such as are needy and able to 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for ------- —o----------------— V.X uiv TTvziiivii and the two terms, things would change, teous charity to such as are infirm and children ’s funds set up by many of the ViQC kaan iicazl IH 2-., 4.1. — __ 1______1-1 _ 1_______ 4.*.. ’ _ J* Avesta (Yasna 10.13, 19.14, 27.13 that helping the poor means giving Dadrawala; philanthropic package ate to other humanitarian local and alms, a version of charity which im- ‘ '? '.J, L. __ _ plies only temporary relief. That is the ever ready to provide for lhe susTe" very reason why poverty has not been nance and comfort of such as want it. eradicated. How could temporary me- Their universal kindness, either in em- asures cure a chronic social ill? ¦__________ _ __ ____ __ _________ _ _____ _ Should we take the true meanings of work, or bestowing a reasonable boun- contributing to one of the women and the two terms, things would change, teous charity to such as are infirm and children ’s funds set up by many of the Drigu has been used 10 times in the miserable, leaves no man destitute of Parsi charitable trusts. The B.D Petit A:-- 10.13, 10.14, 27.13, .............. 34.5, 53.9, 57.10, Yasht 10.84, 11.3, Avesta passages in Pahlavi Pursishniha 26 and 44). These references show that relief, ’’ observed Rev. J. Ovington in Parsee General Hospital ’s Women and 1689. Children ’s Fund is one such example. Philanthropy runs in the lifeblood of With this end in view we have work- every Parsi. The ancient scriptures as ed out a model philanthropic package 41 Parsiana March 1989 ! I 5- [' fL aor I—¦I ¦¦¦ 1—1 — I —I r ‘irr Cusrow Baug: one of the several housing colonies for Parsis in Bombay founded by the Wadia family ities, 40 percent to regional and/or national and international charities, ! and 20 percent for ad hoc donations for natural calamities, charity shows i for good causes, medical aid to deserv- | ing individuals, donations for religious causes in Bombay or outside, etc. We have shortlisted a few of the many organizations which work for the Parsi community, for your guidance, with suggested amounts for distribu ­ tion totalling Rs 1,000. The ‘A’ Group consists of Parsi community causes and institutions, and includes: • Byramji Jeejeebhoy Parsee-Charitable Institution, 33, M. Karve Road, Bom- of Rs 1,000. This is only a model and who seeks happiness for others (Yasna bay 400004 (imparts highly subsidized each individual may modify it accord- 43.1).” Let this sincere prayer be on education, free text books, lunch,etc ing to his preferences. Further, while every Parsi lip: “May generosity pre- topooranddeservingParsistudents)- the model is for Rs 1,000, it goes with- vail over niggardliness in this house Rs 100 out saying that the donor may divide (Yasna 60.5).” • padarYouth A^embly^Pcr- the amount or multiply it as he/she ’ ' ¦ < . _ - thinks fit. --------------------- Considering today ’s busy lifestyle, the combined monthly income of a and welfare of the community ’s youth) this exercise of making donations to family after tax, divided by the num- - Rs 50 various causes could be done by each ber of members. The rate of contribu- • Jam-e-Jamshed Charity Fund, Bal- The minimum annual contribution viz Hall, 800 Jam-e-Jamshed Road, of each individual could be based on Dadar, Bombay 400014 (education ¦ ¦ ¦ » family after tax, divided by the num ­ various causes could be done by each ber of members. The rate of contribu- Parsi once or twice a year, either on tion couiu range num one anu a nan lam nuu^v, manguiviv his own birthday or that of his loved percent for families with a monthly per Bombay 400038 (provides doles of^ ones, the New Year, or a death capita income of less than Rs 1,500 to cash, clothes and grain to the poor and anniversary. Whether it be once a year six percent for those earning over Rs needy) - Rs 50 or once in two years, whether on the 2,500. •DadarAthornan Madressa,651-652, Fir- lines of the philanthropic package out- Personal preferences play a very im- dausi Road, Mancherji Joshi Colony , lined here below or otherwise, it is portant part in deciding who the be- Dadar, Bombay 400014 provides time we rededicate ourselves to the neficiaries would be. As a broad academic and priestly eduration with sublime teachings of our great guideline we would suggest the follow- boarding and- lodging fatties, to boys prophet: “Happiness comes to him ing pattern: 40 percent to Parsi char- coming from priestly families) - Rs 50 tion could range from one and a half lard House, Mangalore Street, Fort,, percent for families with a monthly per Bombay 400038 (provides doles of^ six percent for those earning over Rs needy) - Rs 50 ......... ....... Personal preferences play a very im- dausi Road, Mancherji Joshi Colony, neficiaries would be. As a broad academic and priestly education with our ing pattern: 40 percent to Parsi char- coming from priestly families) - Rs 50 42 Parsiana March 1989 A stall atKhareghat Colony symbolizing the enterprise of a handicapped Parsi youth who started running it Right: Parsi ladies at Patuck Institute are encouraged to earn their livingT! • Bomanji D. Petit Parsee General fare, health and rehabilitation schemes • Prime Minister’s Relief Fund (for relief Hospital, Bhulabhai Desai Road, for India ’s 45 million aged people) - in cases of natural calamity) - Rs 50 Bombay 400026 (provides all forms of Rs 50 . United Nations International Chil- medical treatment to Parsis) — Rs 50 • Sir J.J. Hospital, Bombay 400008 dren’s Emergency Fund, Regional • The Bombay Parsi Punchayet, 209 (probably the largest public hospital in Office for South Central Asia, UN- Dadabhoy Naoroji Road, Bombay Bombay, founded on Parsi charity, and ICEF House, 73, Lodi Estate, New 400001 (it has a large number of objec ­ tives, covering every facet of the com ­ munity) - Rs 100 The total donation for category ‘A’ would amount to Rs 400. The ‘B’ Group consists of local and national causes and includes: • Indian Cancer Society, 74, J. Wadia Road, Bombay 400012 (to prevent cancer moffelity by preventive check ­ ups, assistance to cancer patients in va ­ rious ways, research on cancer, etc) - therefore deserving the continued sup- This will require the service of at least Rs 50 port of the Parsi community) - Rs 50 one person. Those interested in * / Sickle Cell Society • National Society for Equal Opportu- rendering honorary or semi-honorarv The daily prayers of the Zoroastrians are replete with passages extolling philanthropy Delhi 110003 (looks after the needs of children all over the world) - Rs 50 The total amount donated to categ ­ ory ‘B’ charities is Rs 400. The writers would welcome readers ’ views on the subject of this article. It is also proposed to set up an organiza ­ tion which would handle the adminis ­ trative work of collecting donations from prospective donors and passing them on to institutions of their choice. } port of the Parsi commumty) - Rs 50 o/ Bombay^PO^ Box 7284, Rajawadi, mties for the Handicapped, ‘^India, thalassaemie, a genetic disease, the (renders assistance to individuals and * 5ocjefy for Equal Opportu- rendering honorary or semi-honorary o/ armoay, ru box Kajawaai, nities for the Handicapped, India, service for this purpose may contact: Bombay 400077 (to help patients of Postal Colony Road, Bombay 400071 Kaiyos T. Marfatia or Noshir H. Dad- treatment for which includes lifelong institutions for giving aid to the hand ­ medication and blood transfusions) - icapped) - Rs 50 Rs 50 • National Association for the Blind, 91 • HelpAge India, 1, Jai Singh Road, M. Gandhi Road, Bombay 400023 - New Delhi 110001 (to institute wel- Rs 50 rawala, 10 / 33 Shiv Sagar, Worli Hill Road, Bombay 400018. Tel 4932948. "Concept of charity, ” edited from an article by Ali Jafarey in The Zoroastrian (February-March 1988) M.NUSSERWANJI &CO. TRANSPORT CONTRACTORS & FLEET OWNERS Head Office: 94, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Poona 411001 Grams: Timber. Tei: (0212) 64891 & 66422 BOMBAY - PUNE - BANGALORE - MADRAS 44 Parsiana March 1989i RELIGION I DOES ZOROASTRIANISM TEACH REINCARNATION? All A. Jafarey The souls of the righteous cross over chinvat pul while those of sinners return to be purified I i a this eschatology which, in its earlier vato peretu), the crossroads'of good y \ ' " . - • • . . ....... . ... . . ianity, and subsequently Islam and belongs to an “evil-ruling, evil-doing, evil-speaking, evil-conceiving, and However, a closer look at the evil-thinking ” person, it turns back be ­ cause it has really been dwelling “guest ” in the house of wrong (49.11) Parsiana, (August 1988) has presented guarded by dogs; ascending to four please the soul of the living world by a very good panorama of views ex- stages of paradise or being thrown into his wise and righteous actions in order pressed by scholars of Zoroastrianism four layers of hell, or being held in to usher in a new^ra, and attunes his on the interesting and somewhat con- suspense in hamistagan until the final soul to the good mind (28.1,4 and Yas- troversial issue, “Does Zoroastrianism resurrection of soul and body, with na 29). His soul turns to divine p'rinci- teach reincarnation? ” The result was, heaven or hell as the final goal. It is a pies of righteousness and the good No, say 25 of the 29 scholars who re- picturesque eschatology, based on pre- mind for help for himself and his com- sponded tO' Parsiana's questionnaire Zarathushtrian Aryan beliefs and panions. When oppressed, the soul on the subject. ” Had the mail, sent to Gathic conceptions, and developed complains to God for help (29.1). an old address of mine, got to me, my and elaborated through Avestan and Soul and conscience upbraid a response would have been “No, but... ” Pahlavi ages after the Gathic era. It is wrongdoer at the sorting bridge (chin- Here is the reason for that ‘but. ’ this eschatology which, in its earlier vato peretu), the crossroads of good Reincarnation - and its more gener- stages, influenced Judaism and Christ- and evil (46.11, 51.13). In fact, if it al synonym, transmigration - means ianity, and subsequently Islam and belongs to an “evil-ruling, evil-doing, passing of a soul into a new body or Bahaism. .... .. ’ new form of life, especially in a new I’ ' ‘ human body. It is an idea and a belief Gathas (Yasna 27.14 to 34.15 and 43.1 cause it nas really Deen dwe lling as a held, among others, by the Egyptians, to 51.22 and then 53.1 to 54.1) and “guest ” in the house of wrong (49.11). the Greek philosophers, the Gnostics their closest supplement Haptanhaiti Souls of the righteous, eternally strong, and the Manichaeans in the past, and (Yasna 35 to 41) gives an altogether are guarded by Ahura Mazda in His the sophisticated Hindus, Buddhists new view. abode (45.7, 49.10). The wrongful, and Jains and some simple animistic A study of all the instances found in especially the superstitious, rituahstic religions to this day. A look at the the two scriptures shows that the soul priests and princes are upbraided by A vesta and Pahlavi writings will be is created and given a form by God their souls because they dwell aU along sufficient to make a negative state- (29.1). Men and animals, in fact the in the house of wrong (46 11 49 11) ment. There is no reincarnation or living world, have souls (28.4, 29.1, They experience repeated ’ failures transmigration m Younger Avestan 39.1). Soul is associated with conscien- (47.7). The singers of Haptanhaiti join in texts, Pahlavi scriptures, and Zoroas- ce, intellect, teaching, choice, by venerating the soul of the living tnan Persian books. It is as simple as thoughts, words, and deeds (45.2). world, their own souls, those of their that. On the contrary, they speak of The soul grows strong through right- domesticated animals , and particularly the soul leaving the body; remaining eousness (45.7). It attains “good “the souls of law-abiding, righteous per- near the body for three days; depart- happiness ” by consulting the good sons, bom in whatever land, both men I ce, intellect, teaching, < ______ __ ____ droughts, words, and deeds (45.2). world, their own souls, those of their ----- - - J/Ul The souls of law-abiding, righteous per- the soul leaving the body; remaining eousness (45.7). It attains “good I “ ' ’ “ ' ' ....................... ing for its ultimate destination on the mind (vohu manah) and understand- and women, whose consciences *^e fourth morning in company of daena ing the reality of life through right- growing, have grown, or shall grow ” (conscience), a beauty or hag of a eousness (44.8). In fact, a progressive (39.1,2). lady, only to be judged by three yaza- man ’s soul accords with righteousness Thus, soul is a principle, faculty or tas (Mihr, Srosh and Rashn); crossing (34.2). Therefore Zarathushtra, in his force, created by God and streng- or falling down the chinvat pul opening prayer (Yasna 28), aspires to thened by righteousness. It may be I ! ! 47 Parsiana March 1989 II The wrongful, remaining behind, are ultimately refined too, to be led to perfection and eternity clarified here that soul is not tife ani- only to return until they turn into and the ultimate union of soul with mating force in the Gathas. It is ushta- righteous persons (46.11, 51.13). Godhead lost to orthodox Zoroas- zifl which, when breathed into a physic- It may be made clear here that trianism, but retained, transformed al body, gives life (31.11, 33.14, 34.14, whether the verb paiti-yeinti is taken to and developed by Hinduism, Buddh- 43.16). In Yasna 55, tribute to the mean return or approach, the Gathas ism, and Jainism in the east, by Gnos- Gathas, death is said to be the separa- do not give the slightest chance of in- ticism in the west, and by Manichae- tion of consciousness (baodhanh) and terpreting it to fit with the common ism on the Iranian Plateau and the physical frame. The soul, if be- notion that those not crossing the around, only to emerge in a form of longing to a righteous being, lives eter- bridge fall down into hell. Does it Sufism under Islam? The second ques- mean another life? Zarathushtra, di- tion is: Did the Gathic refinement and vinely logical as he always is, does not the reunion of soul with the Godhead describe a vivid picture of a world and the Buddhist shunya give some of from which no one has physically re- the Sufi orders, with their roots deep turned to tell of his experiences. He into the coexisting Zoroastrianism and does speak about the consequences of Buddhism of pre-Islamic days in Cen- our thoughts, words, and deeds - bet- tral Asia, the blended belief that the ter for the good and bad for the evil, soul remains in this world until it is Yet he does not draw a line between refined enough to rise and be merged life and after-death. In fact, life does into the Godhead (fana fi-Allah)? not part with death. It is, indeed, a Although we know for certain that continuity. And death, a natural pro- Zarathushtrian teachings did find their nally in the divine abode; but if it be- cess, is a transitory passage, perhaps in way to east and west and influenced longs to a wrongful individual, it tern- an anesthetic state, to eternity, Indian thought, Greek philosophy, porarily resides, as a guest, in the finality. and other knowledge-seeking circles, a world of wrong. In other words, only Zarathushtra speaks but only once satisfactory answer would warrant the souls of the righteous cross over of parahum or future life (46.19). The deeper studies of the subject. the sorting bridge, and those of the stanza reads: “Whoever truly accom- wrongful return until the wrongful are plishes through righteousness the com- elusion is that the Gathas do not speak refined to be worthy of the crossing. It plete renovation of life for me, about heaven and hell, or of judg- may be pointed out that there is no Zarathushtra, as is the will of God, de- ment, or of a physical or spiritual re ­ indication of the soul, moved enough by serves the desired future-life in a fruit- surrection, or of reincarnation* and evil actions to complain or upbraid, ful, living world as a reward. ” This being subjected to consequences of does not seem to allude to a heaven. It good deeds and evil actions. The re- is the fruitful, living world in which we I 1 But whatever the outcome, the con- not describe a vivid picture of a world Divinely logical, wards and reprimands, more mental live. Garo demana, the house of song- ZafSthUShtFa ClO6S through one ’s daena, conscience, than interpreted to mean paradise as physical, are for the person endowed against drujo demana, house of with faculties of thinking and discern- wrong - is explained in the Gathas as ing. Also there is no sign at all of the the house of the good mind (vanheush - i • i souls remaining behind to reincarnate demane, mananho - 32.15), in which from which no one into any form. Zarathushtra wants us all to “offer • k* ' 11 But what is the sorting bridge, chin- Him our devotions ” (45.8). The house naS pnySICaily vato peretu or as commonly called, of wrong is the house of worst mind in rPtlimPfi chinvat puH It is mentioned thrice in this earthly life of exploitation and the Gathas. It is the bridge which sepa- destruction (32.13). The Gathas say rates Zarathushtra and his companions that while turning to good mind and transmigration (samsara), or release from the wrongful people. Speaking of righteousness leads one onto the path (moksha), or emptiness (shunya), but the earlier failures in his divine mission to perfection and immortality and only point to the refining of the soul for and the ultimate success in Yasna 46, places one in the “house of song ” to an ultimate existence with Godhead. A Zarathushtra states: “Omniscient live with Ahura Mazda, the wrongful, final word of caution: the Gathas, as re ­ God, whoever, man or woman, shall remaining behind, are ultimately re- peatedly said by me, are the guide. They give me what You know to be the best fined too to be led to perfection and are thought provokers (manthras). They in life - rewards for righteousness, eternity. In fact, the sublime songs re- stimulate our thoughts, point to the right power through the good mind - I shall peatedly emphasize progress, perfec- road, then leave it to us to search, to accompany him and her in glorifying tion and immortality as the goal of life, research, discover, determine, know such as You are, and shall, with all of to reach - rather to return to - Ahura and comprehend the truth. They want them, cross over the sorting bridge ” Mazda. The house of song or the us to think, speak and work for prog- (46.10). Then he turns to the priests house of good mind are but allegories ress, perfection and immortality, in and princes who are bent on des- for the ultimate mental state of a right- order to refine ourselves to dwell with troying life with their evil actions, and eous person. our loving God in a state of songful says that they are upbraided by their A question arises now: Was the life. May the Gathas guide our souls to souls when they approach the bridge, Zarathushtrian view of the refinement our goal - Garo Demana. 4 ! I 49 Parsiana March 1989 I 9,t I i : ji V I; i I DEMOGRAPHY The two-kilogram, 445-page report confirmed what has been known all along: There is likely to be a decrease in the Parsi population because of the trend towards late marriages and the adoption of the small family norm. The study, titled Attitudes of Parsi Youth (Females) Towards Marriage, by social scientist Prof (Ms) Homai Billimoria was commissioned by the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anju- mans of India and the Bombay Parsi Punchayet to ascertain how strong the bonds of*marriage were, the number of children desired, and so on. The findings, based on a survey of 100 young Parsi women, further indicated that married couples did not want to have more than two children due to inadequacy of housing and other eco ­ nomic reasons. In fact, 44 percent of the married women found it difficult to look after children as they worked full time. Generally, it was considered dif ­ ficult to bring up children these days due to problems in educating them, shortage of servants and other difficul ­ ties. Quite a few unmarried respon ­ dents wanted one child only and only eight percent felt that others should have more than one child. X To stem the tide of declining num- y bers, the report - released by Federa- • tion president and BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla at the executive council meeting of the Federation in Ukai in April 1988 - offers a number of recom ­ mendations, some tentative and open to further study before they become ; policy goals of the Punchayet . The first ' suggestion is that the Punchayet. , should consider building bigger houses < , in place of the two-room tenements it « is constructing at present which, according to the report, “may adverse- \ ly affect the growth of (the) Parsi population. Married couples living in such houses may decide not to have children or only one child instead of the usual two. ” Another suggestion aims to assist those who have deferred having addi ­ tional children because of economic constraints:' by providing family allo ­ wances to deserving cases. “However, this needs further research and deep consideration, ” the report notes. “What would be the criteria? Would it be per capita income, or a flat allo- r SO Parsiana March 1989 WOMEN AND _ MARRIAGE Gustasp Irani .t « * t I i i I \ t t s H { ¦K \ 1 1 t ; 1 I r A I 7 ’ / ;! \ ¦•a A t z V' 1 ’ i » '' < f A V ¦* ‘ 1 > f « * "'i Iwance? On what basis would a couple mic reasons for not having more chil- be eligible? Would they really ha*ve dren firmly r Z?eM ‘’s^S one more child if they could afford it?" out diffi*culties bri„X up , ; Il ekilrli-ow. 1---- u;_____ i 9 further study, had perforce to be left out. ” However, by excluding divorced and separated women, the sample, in light of the third objective of the sur ­ vey - to determine the marital adjust ­ ment of those married - is incomplete. It is not really surprising that all the respondents are maritally adjusted; 50 percent fall into the well adjusted group and the other half into the ad- ing.heai.hudr;?y;;nrp^^^^^ Snro"' ’nor.SmSrmar^ai" ’ to marriage; two, the expectations of marriages ” i women from marriage and their attitudes to sex and family size; and to determine the marital adjustment of those already married. A total sample of 100 young Parsi women in the age-group of 18 to 35 was selected. Fifty of the sample group were married and the other 50 unmar ­ ried. The criteria for selecting the mar ­ ried sarnple (taken from the Registrar children and looking after them when pre-marital, working. „ ...----- i What about the fourth and fifth women whose expectations of the . . “«* 1’ ¦ high. Simultaneously, the Parsi male Also recommended is i.._ _ __ reality-oriented counselling for Parsi women whose expectations of the man ..... ...at .ugisucai.y win oete they hope to marry are probably too the survival and growth of the high. Simultaneously, the Parsi male i----- should be encouraged to boost his <___________ Schfv«7n torn. runchayet m terms of career guidance three main objectives: one determin- and counselling, and financial assist- i ’ ’ one, oetermin- ance for higher/technical education for t. .... deserving candidates. The Punchayet Parsi IS also advised to act as a catalyst and, a.k... along with otlfer community-oriented finally, organizations, encourage human re ­ source development programs to boost enterprising youths. Finally, the report recommends sex education programs “at all levels starting from the high school level, ” and family coun ­ selling services along with dav-cArp ppntprc Qnri . "7“ '’“¦‘¦H*'- vianvii liulii me registrar - ------------------- ---------- which would not only faK^he burXn High'"S3urrt'*was*that ’thadjustment. Expectedly, on the working mother. butX mo mSied fo ’ aXs, J?"’' '’5 " eo-=——- encourage Parsi couples to have a and the rest fmm rPP.^ “a faulted for excluding young unmarried second child at best. The question of made bv the married because of the limitations having more children is notk issue as the counsellors worLg for IhrsPP «em 'J'Xh M ”"‘‘'"8’ the majority of the respondents (92 Efforts were made trx cA fk * reinforce the pre-conceived percent) indicated that their ideal pie was fairlv evpniv d ’ notion that the unmarried Parsi male is family would comprise of just two chil- the citv of Bomhav A *^*d^ causes of the commun- dren. Only eight percent wanted^three ^^ortf ‘The sT^ple “(The) Parsi woman has or more children. When asked about whole, was middle clas7fand1 heitPr expectations regarding the man the number of children other couples off than the rest nf thp marries. Perhaps the expectations should bear, only six percent opted fm Tty Yet ” It adds “one rS T "'''’ a- '' figures of three or more. Therein liS important reasons fo° o, “* the tale; the issue is not the inability to chUdren was economic " Rv'"* harder, have more children but the desire to tion then the nrohkm more educated. (Other- have a few. To another question than\he ri^S^sXsTs ' asking the married women why they Excluded fmm fit c u or marry out ^f the commun- did not want more childr^ ’ yoX marttran^ "S' - The opinion seems to be a trifle answers were to be indicated on a list malef and nartners of specially since the male has not Of multiple-choice responses provided, riages and imer-religious^unLns The the opportunity to state his Twenty-two percent attributed accom- report laments “Tn view ATk r ‘ Silently he must examine what modation as the chief constraint and tions of time and finaX^eQ ^^h counterpart expects of him another 32 percent mentioned econo- rerX asnli “ wi ”X '? “P order to win --- -....... c community again. What are these expectations of the Parsi female? When asked to rank the qualities most wanted in their spouse in order of priority, the unmarried Parsi woman ranked understanding and accommo- child that logistically will determine -- —3 com ­ munity? The report does not elaborate on the subject. As it points out, it is an re- the survey . Nineteen of the unmarried respondents were selected from the list 1 51 Parsiana March 1989 The issue is not inability to have more children, but the desire to have a few I 7’^1 die ‘"'u ’ oneofthemaincausesoftheconui;™: i'y’’ "O's- “(The) Parsi woman has .. , ****jz*xw«- vaui luulc, UC in tion, then, the problem is more acute wise) the Parsi Excluded from the -- --------- mar ­ riages and inter-religious unions. The report laments, “In view of the limita ­ tions of time and finances, these in- ano strive to r terestmg aspects, which no doubt need favor with the What the Parsi woman looks for first in a spouse is understanding and affection, ¦ ¦ community again. What according to a recent survpv Affection- CIII ouivey ate was ranked second. ‘Fidelity ’ ranked third. On the other side of the scale ‘industriousness ’ ranked twen- I I i i IThe ideal Parsi male 5 Li i If it won ’t be a stylish marriage. If you can ’t afford a carriage, ... then forget about the marriage. some though he must have gentle- in financially by working; if needed, manly and social poise. He frowns she will be willing to change her on womanizing and is devoted to his wife. He is well educated, prefer- He is loving, considerate, under- ably with a post-graduate degree in standing and supportive of his wife. He need not be particularly hand- food, social and even religious prac ­ tices and not hold it against him. However, he should not expect her to change her values or friends; yes, male friends, included. Pre-marital l-r any professional or technical line, and earning over Rs 3,000 a month. He is talented, intelligent and has a necking with her is fine, petting sense of humor, though there is no okay, but beyond that point the great pressure on him to be overly male will be ill advised to push his industrious or ambitious. He should luck. After marriage, though, he have an equable temper but he can expect a fairly rewarding sex should not smoke, drink or gamble. He need not be particularly reli ­ gious and will be expected to look after his wife and children, provid ­ ing for them financially. He could expect a supportive and accommodating wife. She will chip hopefully before ’tie ’s extinct. life. He should not expect a dowry but he is free to accept one if it is given. Being a divorcee or a widow ­ er will not be held against him. If he is lucky the punchayet will give him a flat in one of its bangs... ! WMEHl f second (28 points), closely followed by turbing factor for those who dis- personality and character attributes approve of girls marrying out of the like presentable, good character (22 community. points). Economic aspects like well settled and ability to support family was Prof P. Ramchandran, with con- scored only 9 points. The expectations tributions from the faculty members of of the ideal partner then, if one goes ~ by the unmarried women ’s response, are not limited to industry, earning capacity and educational qualifica- jwanti Trivedi, who was engaged as a tions. The young, unmarried Parsi research assistant, was assisted in data male needs more than a post graduate collection by Ms Diana Marfatia, Ms degree and a salary over Rs 3,000 to Kamal Shroff, Ms Roda Pardiwalla win his lady fair - he has got to be and Ms Jeroo Billimoria. Prof Noshir humane. " When he does win a Parsi bride, he will find in her an accommodating and also acknowledged by Billimoria for |L adjustable partner. According to the “his inspiration and continued sup- report most of the unmarried women port. ’’ In summing up, the scope of this ‘ex ­ ploratory survey ’ limits it from coming up with comprehensive findings or concrete proposals. It is a start. The chief consultant for the study the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and the Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work, notes Billimoria. Ms La- Kaikobad, convener of the Federa ­ tion ’s school counselling project, is tieth out of 22 options. ‘Drive towards are willing to change their eating and accomplishment ’ managed a fourteenth and ‘ambition ’ only a tenth of entertainment, their living stan- rank. dards and even their attitudes to reli- In a similar exercise to determine gious matters and Parsi customs and, though, a painstaking, professional the concept of the ideal spouse, once that too, with minimum resentment to- again the unmarried respondent wards their husbands. They are not placed the greatest emphasis on in- willing to compromise where friends teractional and emotional qualities or values are concerned. Though the done before the problems facing the like loving, understanding, consider- report does not deal with inter ­ ate, humorous, helpful, (55 points) religious marriages, this revelation ab- Mental qualities like educated, out Parsi girls ’ readiness to accommo- talented, intelligent came a distant date and adjust could be a dis- poor other habits, their social life and forms effort, the first step of data-based facts to start building upon. As it points out, more research and study has got to be community come into sharper focus. But that should not be an excuse for the leading institutes of the community to defer acting upon it. I 53 Parsiana March 1989 i¦ 1 I b demography Surveying the community Parinaz Gandhi Wc know what makes the Parsi mar- uence on rehmarv iq5^o Tho ? i_ riage tick. Why the marriage does not cial researcher whose rotnnHF makers who are planning ways and tick is still not known though it is prob- was matched bv her rnnnd^ed r to induce couples to increase ably because of the very high dXnds Ld waThAir L hr ! Referring to and expectations of the comX"^ the demographic study of the Parsis in which insists on high living standards a verv small tend^nn t ’ Gujarat, by the US-based demog- and ‘must have this and that/ ’’ Xd Lrital s?x in the en2^n, Gould who, sociologist Prof (Ms) Homai Billimor- mav increase Tt will d ®“t ‘t m her research on the community ’s de- ia who had uiiler^en a rSi r”L See the figures,, found that housing study on the “Attitudes of Parsi Youth the degree of freedom ahn space was not correlated to marriage (Females) towards Marriage. ’’ chUd ” BiHimoria clar- Contrary to the general impression The nreminm • • u.. a* ” saying is that lack of there is not much fear of “westerniza- and a kitchen It is nnt ^y h®’" f^lt that '"jagaa kah i^ve bi «em is the space) ’’ for another , stated 61-year-old ^^oul^b" JherC ’^^e^om^^^^ , Billimoria does however mention are based on an ex- dence on February 22, 1989 The f- ’ • was matched by her rounded features the < community nape of her neck, continued, “There is ~ *3 a ’ ¦¦ ; _____ _ noted marital sex in the community. But it on uwivt VII rcurudry zz, lyoy, lhe so- cial researcher, whose rotund figure .he demographic study of thrS 5' S ~ -pKrDrYM^Keu^u^Touid'S: may increase. It will depend . ................. gap and space was not correlated to n 1^1 I flllT n I II Zi /Y** A z~^ V A Ja -* ------ .1 allowed to a child. ” Fpv---------------------------- . TTiiaiiaiii amnno high housing is not the main reason for cou- .®“- P'“ procreating; but for want of limoria. Keeping this requirement in *¦ existing values, ' < Billimoria in an interview at heri-esi- While a lack of housing is not the main reason for a declining community, it does restrict the size of the family, says researcher Ms Homai Billimoria 55 Parsiana March 1989 mona to the community ’s decision that these findings V* ^*4 r.- ,4? ¦> a ¦w*?1 ploratory survey of the 100 females in- plained Billimoria. terrogated and cannot be compared with a sample survey, where the sam- tion of the community is going to de- This attitude of delaying marriage pling procedure adopted would have cline very rapidly (seeing that the until “Mr Perfect ” comes on the scene been more representative of the gener- females are in no hurry to get married would be representative of the unmar- al population. But the latter procedure at a young age), ” <’ would have doubled the cost for the sociologist. “Mind you, the study nev- but probably of the other urban towns Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anju- er aimed at reaching this conclusion, mans of India and the Bombay Parsi Punchayet which sponsored the study. While no conscious attempt was made to reach the middle-class stratum of the community, it so happened that most of the respondents fell in this category. In the responses received to the questioi|^aire, Billimoria sensed no ‘holding back ’ of information. _____________________ Also omitted frorn the survey were but this fact came across ” very glaring- the divorcees and those married out- ly to the researchers. Her prognosis graduation and postgraduation d^ree r’ J * i 1 • - .. . . - • • - - - --- - . - ing the marital adjustment of the com- the fate of other endangered species! degree for the rest of their lives. munity was one of the aims of this Many said that “Marriage is not the “ sion to marriage, ” belives Billimoria, “There is no doubt that the popula- “provided they find ‘the right man. ’” tion of the community is going to de- deduced the ried Parsi female not only of Bombay Instead of causing a rift, living with in-laws contributed to a greater degree of marital happiness and cities of India too, rationalized -J Billimoria. The Women in such areas being well educated, career- oriented and basically self- supporting, have “other alternatives besides marriage to improve their prospects. Very rarely do you find girls opting for marriage directly after passing their SSC,” she noted. The inherent fear that “mar ­ riage is a risk ” worries all matrimonial candidates so they are keener to get a side the community. And since gaug- for the community ’s future: sharing rather than be saddled with a marital munity was one of the aims of this Many said that “Marriage is not the To match their educational qual- j study, the views of these ladies would only thing in life, ” repeated the resear- ificatibns, they insist that their suitors : have provided an insight into their cher. However, not a single woman too have a postgraduate degree concept of matrimony. “Comparing from the 50 unmarried respondents in appended to their name, and a mini- the married females with the divorcees the 18-35 age-group (who constituted mum earning capacity of Rs 3,000. would have been in the nature of a half the sample surveyed) categorically Quoting figures from Dr Malini Kar- different study altogether, ” so they said that she did not want to get mar- kal ’s demographic study of the Parsis, were deliberately given the miss, ex- ried. “There is nothing like an aver- Billimoria pointed out that* only 10 X’J 1 PROTECTION & INTELLIGENCE SERVICES Ahura Mazda Agencies (Manpower Consultants) H.P. Enterprises (Courier Services throughout India) 2501 /I, Bazar Gate Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel 267178 Bombay Poona Consultancy Services Pune 411001 Partner Mr. Dady P. Hataria Mr. Jal B. Contractor Deputy Commissioner of Police (Retd.) Federal T rade Agencies Tel: Res. 822-1581 Federal Trade Agencies 250, Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel 261926 56 Parsiana March 1989 bI 1 '1 ¦t With compliments of Starlite Electrical Works Electrical Engineers & Contractors FERN HOUSE 13, BEST MARG BOMBAY 400039 s percent of the Parsi males are sup- ty of the Tata Institute of Social Scien- posed to be postgraduates. Under such ces (TISS) last year. After schooling at circumstances, “considering the St Anne ’s High School, Bombay, she availability, the expectations of the graduated in philosophy and psycholo- Parsi females are very high, ” Billimor- gy from St Xavier ’s College, did her ia maintained. And if both the part- MA in sociology, followed by a diplo ­ ners in a marriage are earning, why ma in social work from TISS and final- should there be a precondition that the ly an MA in social work from the Uni ­ man must draw Rs 3,000 and over, versity of Chicago. It was the Dorabji questioned the social scientist. Mem- Tata Trust which gave her the scho- bers of other communities manage a larship for her first research. Thereaf- house comfortably on a much lower in ­ come, she continued. Late marriages are correlated to ******* -- ------- ------ -- -------- -------------------- * — the replies given by the 50 married re- fare. A founder member*of the Indian spondents who constituted the other Sociological Society, Billimoria has half of the sample. It is assumed that also served as member and secretary the later the marriage, the greater the on the Research Advisory Committee maturity and the decision-making abil- of the Indian Council of Social Wel- ity of the individual, explained Billi- fare. Her daughter Jeroo is in the USA moria. Though she married at the age studying non-profit management and of 33, Billimoria advocates early mar- son Rustom works for the Housing riages in the interest of community sta- Development Finance Corporation, tistics. “However, this does not mean She lost her husband Merwan three that those who get married at a young years ago. age won ’t be as happy. ” The BPP s school and family coun- There was another myth shattered selling programs are being monitored, by this study; instead of causing a rift, by Billimoria who is working towards living with in-laws contributed to a improving the performance of students greater degree of marital happiness. - from select Parsi-founded schools in J Billimoria attributes this factor to the Bombay - both at school and at home. working mother phenomenon where a The counselling program will now be woman can pursue her career with her broadened so that sex education can mind at rest when she knows that there be imparted at the school level, and is a family member looking after her children be taught to nurture only child in her absence. realistic marital expectations. The The findings of the survey should be findings of the marital survey also made public, recommends Billimona. Before the community can plan any follow-up action, the views of com- I should be ascertained which would ched on an experimental basis at Rus- only be possible if 10,000 to 12,000 tom Baug. At these centers, not only I copies of the edpcational-sociological the school children, but their families I report are published and distributed to and the group within which they in- I those interested. If a charity trust or an teract, will be counselled too. We I OlgailXXjCXVAWXX vwwiv. • £--- * * -• I lication, most libraries would welcome tion for ^youi^ adults at the baug I such a report, she was sure. ’ • ” - - I For Billimoria, this survey was of I special interest for it is the first time I concerned her community. Through would indicate the basic ancillary facb I tiiv yvaij Oiiv.. UUJ —f,--------- , ¦ , _ . , I adoption, juvenile delinquency, child to comprise nearly 20 percent of the I welfare agencies and institutions for total Parsi population m Bombay. A I the socially handicapped, sponsored change in the ^comm^mty birth fi- better care of the aged should, hope ­ fully, be within the reach of the com- considering questioned the social scientist. Mem- Tata Trust which gave her the scho- ter Billimoria got the confidence to undertake other research projects and ________ — was even conferred a United Nations ’ happier marriages, it was seen from fellowship for training in social wel- * *1 t* . A. 1*_____J___ ___ «. TM/4in« The BPP’s ^hool and family by Billimoria who is working'towards 'a J 58 Parsiana March 1989 wcmcir. ccn pursue her career with her broadened so that sex education can mind at rest when she knows that there be imparted at the school level, and .... . ... . _ realistic marital expectations. The prompted Billimoria to recommend the establishment of community cen- 1V.1IV.T, _____ , _ __ ____ -- ___ ters. Sponsored by the BPP and the munity and non-community members Federation, the project will be laun- should be ascertained which would ched on an experimental basis at Rus- onlv be possible if 10,000 to 12,000 tom Baug. At these centers, not only report are published and distributed to organization could sponsor the pub- could perhaps start supervised recrea- level, ” added Billimoria. Recently, the researcher was com- ? _______ _________ missioned by the World Zoroastrian that the subject matter of her study Organisation to ^ubmit a scheme that the vears'she has researched topics like lities required by the aged who are said welfare agencies and institutions for total Parsi population m Bombay. A bTthe United Nations or the United gures may not be probable but taking 1____AX_____ _ ./-wf 4-Ua States. A director of various research pro ­ jects , Billimoria retired from the facul- munity . I A I ':,{,r DEMOGRAPHY I i I 1 h W hen Ms Cashmera Bhaya December ’85), the highest concentra- started on her socio-economic tion of Parsis is in Surat where there survey of the rural Parsis in south Gu- j jarat in 1984, she visited 337 villages lages. In Valsad, there are 231 families firms the high ratio of the aged in the where Parsis had been known to reside - -------- • -- - . as per the previous survey conducted lies in 12 villages. 50). The reproductive age group, 15 to by Maneck Mistry in 1967. Over a 't'*-- -----’ -¦ ¦" ... period of 18 years, she found, all three districts is traces of the community had dis ­ appeared from 128 of these villages. The declining trend, if one accepts Bhaya ’s findings, will continue. of Parsis in these areas was 3,881. As reflected in the findings, the The findings of the survey, spon- Hence over the last 18 to 20 years the ratio of married Parsis to non-married sored by theAVorld Zoroastrian Orga- population has declined by 1404. If Parsis is almost 1:1, a significant factor nisation, London and the Surat Parsi the trend persists, in the next 20 years which has contributed to the decline in Punchayet (SPP), were first made pub- 1* , , •' ' '' r ---------J — ---------MB auA k>< ijvuuiu VIVZII A. 1 KWAI VO, he in The Bombay Samachar of Parsis left. Bhaya attributes the de- Bhaya reports that the community, far Septernber 4, 1988. As per the in- cline to “low fertility rate, decline in from being illiterate peasantry, is fairly formation collected from 684 families economic conditions, and migration. ” well educated. Only 68 adults (17 from the three districts surveyed - "----- *’-------- ‘ ** ' ' ' ’ " ' — - . - Bharuch, Valsad and Surat - over a period of a year and a half (June ’84 to Gujarat for the period 1981 to 1985 ¦ centage of children (17 percent below tion of Parsis is in Surat where there the age of 14) amongst the Parsis of are 400 families spread over 129 vil- this region. The high death rate con- in 68 villages and in Bharuch, 56 fami- community (38 percent over the age of lies in 12 villages. 50). The reproductive age group, 15 to The total population of Parsis in the 49, constitute only 45 percent when, 2,477, which works according to Bhaya, it should be be- out to an average of approximately 3.6 tween 50 to 55 percent. The Parsis, in members per family. In 1967, accord- Bhaya ’s words, are “a biologically de- ing to Mistry ’s survey, the population dining community. ” of Parsis in these areas was 3,881. As reflected in the findings, the . Hence over the last 18 to 20 years the ratio of married Parsis to non-married there will be only a little over 1,000 the rural Parsi population figures. —'j cline to “low fertility rate, decline in from being illiterate peasantry, is fairly economic conditions, and migration. ” well educated. Only 68 adults (17 Records show that the total number males and 51 females) have had no for- of Parsi births in these three districts of mal education. ---- . ------ ------- -----------i By occupational distribution, the was 131, compared to 233 in 1964 to community is primarily agrarian. Fifty- 1969. Deaths over the same compara- six percent (or 507 people) of the 914 tive period were 118 in 1981 to 1985, as gainfully em^oyed are involved in against 84 in 1964 to 1969. The low agriculture, but often they are under ­ birth rate is reflected in the low per- employed as there are more hands till ­ ing a plot of land than is required. This i ployment in the villages. Only 55 peo- < pie have indicated that they are unem- j 4 is due to a dearth of alternative em-lies is deplorable. The majority of the Only 17 families have indicated that houses are over 90 years old, leak dur- they are satisfied with what they are getting, while 118 say that it is not houses are over 90 years old, leak dur ­ ing the monsoons and badly need re ­ pairs. Seventy percent were found liv- enough and would like more. Moreov- ing in pucca (permanent) houses, 25 per er, another 125 families have applied ' cent in kutcha (temporary) houses and to the body for financial assistance. five percent in huts. Seventy-six fami ­ lies are without the facility of electric- “At present much of the help rendered ity, tap water or flush toilets. to the various families is in the form of Many of the needy are desperately monetary doles. However, continua- clinging onto the last remnants of their tion of this form of help would gra- ancestral homes and lands that are dually lead to the creation of a class of \\ slowly slipping away from their grasp, idle families dependent upon com- The rot, according to the introduction munal charities, ultimately turning /cof the report, set in with the post- them into parasites. Though the sys- \ Independence imposition of prohibi- tern of doles cannot be abolished com- tion. The Parsis in these areas were pletely, it could be restricted to the seriously affected by the new law as aged, the physically and mentally dis- most were engaged in the trade of tod- abled and the widows/widowers with dy tapping and distilling of liquor. The no source of income. But only giving inability to adapt to the new raj and ployed. Of these 34 are matriculates the changing times was the commun- and 21 are graduates. Of the effective- ity ’s chief failing; its slow eradication ly employed, 25 percent are in service, from the face of rural Gujarat was in- 14 percent have their own business, evitable, there are 26 mobeds (poorly paid and economically depressed as one might aiding 135 families, 125 with monetary expect) and 17 rickshaw drivers. The help and 10 with material support like study showed that the mobeds are very free education, books, grains and - few in number; not sufficient to cater clothes. There are 55 families that to the needs of the laity. The fact that have no other source of income, not • ** 38 percent of the population is aged even remittances from children and re- and retired and has no intention of latives, and live entirely on doles. being gainfully employed accounts for They are elderly bachelors/widowers the low unemployment figure. Also, (15), spinsters/widows (32), all staying the main occupation of these Parsis alone, or elderly couples (8). Their being agriculture, generally all family economic condition, According to members are absorbed in managing Bhaya, “is in a very pathetic state and I the land. This also applies to those calls for immediate attention. ” who conduct a business for their liveli- hood. The housing condition of these fami- out to Rs 800 or Rs 66.66 per month. Currently, the Surat Punchayet is The average yearly assistance that families get from the Punchayet works In her conclusion, Bhaya had noted, 4 •J Over 18 years Parsis have disappeared from 128 villages in three districts of south Gujarat Gustasp Irani The Deserted Villages 61 Parsiana March 1989 ¦ 'irt ¦¦t i H li J 15 GALLERY CHEMOULD Jehangir Art Gallery *Art Exhibitions ’V ‘Pictures - Framing (Also at Chemould near Parsi Daily) Bombay 62 Parsiana March 1989 them a few rupees per month would neither help much to ameliorate their condition nor ensure that the donated money is being utilized in its proper way. It would be better if the Pun ­ chayet supplemented the monthly monetary aid with grains and clothes at least three times in a year because the amount given per month at present is too meager for the poor families to survive even at a subsistence level. “Also, when many of the houses were visited at dusk, the menfolk were found to be lying in a corner of their rooms, high with alcohol. Perhaps some inquiries could be made into such houses, and the money given to a responsible family member who would not waste the aid received on alcohol. As an alternative, such families could be helped in kind. ” The merits of Bhaya ’s effort, with the data tabulated in 19 charts, are that it gives some degree of focus to the nature and scope of assistance re ­ quired by the Parsis in the three dis ­ tricts of south Gujarat. She does not clutter up the report by devising gran ­ diose schemes and recommendations, nor does she dilute it with a bleeding heart message. She concludes with the advice: “Efforts could be made in a way in which the burden on charitable institutions is lessened in the long run and these families reach a stage where ­ in they can maintain themselves. ” One thinks of the prosperous community of Zoroastrian Irani agriculturists in Dahanu and wonders if they might serve as role models. The World Zoroastrian Organisa ­ tion, London and the Surat Parsi Pun ­ chayet should be congratulated for sponsoring the effort. Bhaya too was keen to record her appreciation to the SPP and WZO for the cooperation ex- tendedito Professor Noshir Kaikobad, president of the Maharashtra Council of Social Welfare, who guided her through the survey-, to Dr Ratan Mar ­ shall, special officer of the SPP, who helped operate the survey; and Prof Harish Doshi and Dr Pravin Patel, de ­ partmental heads of sociology at the South Gujarat University in Surat and Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda respectively, who acted as con ­ sultants to the survey. Now, it remains to be seen how the community as a whole acts on it. It would be folly to dismiss the entire re ­ port as an academic exercise and therefore an excuse for inactivity. White Cloud Filter Pads Pvt Ltd Pioneer Manufacturers of Finest Quality machine-made Filter Pads in the Country 412 Gultpkdi Road Pune 411037 Phone 432236 Grams Filter Pads -4SCIENCE o in mathematics. The first years of his research work n August 8, 1928, a young Indian tripos and thereafter went to work as a of 18 was writing from Cambridge research student in theoretical physics to his father in Bombay, “I seriously and passed out first class with a tripos say to you that business or a job as an engineer is not the thing for me. It is totally foreign to my nature and radi- coincided with a remarkable period at i cally opposed to my temperament and the Cavendish Laboratory, Cam- I opinions. Physics is my line. I know I bridge. It was a period of great interest shall do great things here. ” and excitement in the world of theore- Homi Jehangir Bhabha was plead- tical physics. Bhabha was selected to .. ing with his father to allow him to an Isaac Newton Studentship in 1934 I switch from an engineering to a I mathematics tripos. Father and son pean centers of theoretical physics. He I struck a bargain. If Bhabha got a first studied at the Niels Bohr Institute of I class in engineering, he could do two Theoretical Physics in Copenhagen, I years more of mathematics at Cam- the Mecca of theoretical physics; with I bridge. In June 1930 Bhabha obtained W. Pauli in Zurich and with Enrico I a first class in the mechanical sciences Fermi in Rome. and travelled to the principal Euro- The The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research: picturesque premises Vision of llomi Bhabha Russi M. Lala The scientist who laid the foundation for India's nuclear program, also established its pure research institute A-V* ^1 «3b! iir! {1I& a KS| 'Umlin U'jk® ul'I ’l ..’9 ¦* wl 3 Ti If ¦ ¦ * ” wi ! 1 I i'" ///, 65 Parsiana March 1989r' From the age of 17 to 29 Bhabha studied and worked in the West, and nowhere in the world could he have found a finer atmosphere for his study than in Cambridge in the 1930s. With two exceptions, Bhabha ’s papers at Cambridge were written by him alone. A mathematical physicist, he lectured at Cambridge from 1935 to 1939. For him it was a fruitful period. In 1939, Bhabha published two im­ portant papers. One reported the ex ­ istence of a hitherto unknown fun ­ damental particle in the penetrating component of cosmic radiation. The second gave thci^quantum theory of this particle which has since been cal ­ led the Meson. The first paper ex ­ plained the production of ‘showers ’ by the penetrating component through the agency of ‘collision electrons. ’ The process was named after Bhabha. All these ‘great things ’ he achieved be ­ fore he was 30. He also found at Cam ­ bridge the time to design and paint sets for plays and operas as well as to paint and draw for his own pleasure. He was fond of track-running and tennis. At the age of 30, Bhabha came on a holiday to India. While he was here, World War II broke out and he was unable to return to Cambridge. In 1940, through a grant from the Sir Dorab Tata Trust, he was appointed Reader at the Indian Institute of Sci ­ ence at Bangalore, and two years later he became professor of Cosmic Ray Research. ITie five years he spent in Bangalore were important years in his life in many ways. Professor M.G.K. Menon, who succeeded Bhabha as director of the Tata Institute of Fun ­ damental Research (TIFR) said: “I believe this was the period when he found his mission in life; he became aware of the role he could play in the development of India. ” As Bhabha contemplated at Banga ­ lore on issues concerning the develop- energy, ” he wrote, “has been success ­ fully applied for power production, in say a couple of decades from now, In ­ dia will not have, to look abroad for its experts but will find them ready at hand. ” Closing the letter he said: “The scheme I am now submitting to you is but an embryo from which I hope to build up in the course of time a school of physics comparable with the best anywhere. If Tatas would decide to sponsor an institute such as I prop ­ ose through their trusts, I am sure that they would be taking the initiative in a move which will be supported soon from many directions and be of lasting benefit to India. ” When Bhabha spoke of nuclear energy at that time, he was not aware that work on the atomic bomb was already far advanced and that 18 months later the world would awaken to the first atomic blast at Hiroshima. All that he knew was that nuclear fis ­ sion (the splitting of the atomic nuc ­ leus) had been achieved and his mind was already engaged in working out means for its use, not for destruction but for the generation of electric power. The minutes of the (Dorab Tata) Trust record: “After discussion of the financial implications of Dr Bhabha ’s proposal as embodied in his letter, the trustees decided to undertake the responsibil ­ ity. They were of the opinion that this founded, and they have already ren-. responsibility should be shared from dered useful service in that field. If they are shown that they can give still more valuable help in a new way, I am quite sure that they will give it their most serious consideration. ” Bhabha wrote, on March 12,1944, a formal letter to Sir Sorab Saklatvala, chairman of the Sir Dorab Tata Trust. In this letter, which he wrote at one sitting, he described his vision for the India of the future, “...when nuclear IZil III ter I \ k I Kenilworth: TIFR’s first location ment of the country, the inadequacy of scientific facilities in India came .sharp ­ ly into focus. On August 19, 1943, he wrote in a letter to J.R.D. Tata that “lack of proper conditions and intelli ­ gent financial support hamper the de ­ velopment of science in India at the pace which the talent in the country would warrant. ” He mentioned that he himself had an idea of accepting, at the end of the War, a job at Cam ­ bridge or Princeton but had come to the view that, provided proper facili ­ ties are available, “it is one ’s duty to stay in one ’s own country ” and build up schools comparable with those in other lands. Tata replied, “If you and/ or some of your colleagues in the sci ­ entific world will put up concrete prop ­ osals backed by a sound case, I think there is a very good chance that the Sir Dorab Tata Trust... will reqjond. Af­ ter all, the advancement of science is one of the fundamental objectives with which most of the Tata trusts were the outset with the Bombay University and the Bombay Government - both in respect of finance and administra ­ tion. It was remitted to Professor Choksi under the general direction of the chairman to explore the possibili ­ ties of such cooperatiofr with the uni ­ versity and the government. Dr Bhabha was present at this stage of the The Royal Bombay Yacht Club Tf s j zflfc tt rfliliiiuiiiimiiiiinitiiiSI II III II MH ¦'•¦¦ ' ;•• •:¦ 5'V -‘I 3] 67 Parsiana March 1989 us H ¦I nr r i H tn lei fc / I I lifl ffl kfor progress. ” recalled that the room on the first In 1948 the Atomic Energy Com- Professor Kosambi, the well-known floor, where her son had worked as mission was formed with Bhabha as mathematician, was one of the first to director, was the very room in which chairman and in 1954 the Atomic be invited to join. N.R. Puthran, a he was born. Puthran, who worked Energy Department of the Union young accountant, joined the Institute with Bhabha for the next 20 years, re- Government with Bhabha as secret- when it had a staff of six. He recalls calls that in all those years, he cannot ary. These offices he held concurrently that Peddar Road in those days had recall him ever losing his temper or with the directorship of the Tata Insti- mostly gracious bungalows with hardly raising his voice. He gave so much of tiite which he was busy developing, a couple of buildings more than two himself that all those who worked with However, he clearly demarcated the ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ........................................... . respective roles of the Atomic Energy Bhabha enjoyed the goodwill and Establishment (AEE) which was com- recalled that the room on the first storeys high. Bhabha ’s aunt was very him felt they had to do the same. fond of her nephew and Bhabha was f always served tea in the finest china- unquestioned confidence of the trus- ing up at Trombay, Bombay and the ware of the house. The nearest tees, as he was later to enjoy that of TIFR. The function of the AEE (later teashop was at Gowalia Tank, half a Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Sir the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre - mile away, and for the convenience of Sorab Saklatvala told the accountant, BARC) was to undertake research of a the then small 'MFR family, Ms Pan- “Cheques and other routine papers technical or semi-technical nature, day allowed the use of her staff and should be put up to me for signature so aimed at solving problems arising in , kitchen to serve their refreshment that Bhabha can spend his time on sci- the design and construction of atomic needs. On Parsi New Year ’s day, the entific affairs. ” Dr John Matthai, one reactors. The TIFR was to undertake TIFR family feasted on traditional of India ’s most distinguished adminis- research in all aspects of atomic scien- Parsi delicacies. Ms Panday ’s warmth trators, assisted in the formulation of ce without reference to immediate and kindliness pervaded the Institute administrative norms. utility. and made them all feel that they were In September 1949 the Institute Bhabha was planning the expansion really part of a family. 'The Institute soon outgrew these sq.ft, premises adjoining the Gateway working on the blueprints of the Ato- small premises and one day the build- of India, previously occupied by the mic Energy Establishment at Trombay ing had to be vacated for demolition. Royal Bombay Yacht Chib. In 1962, which included designing the landscap- Puthran recalls that, on their last day they moved to their present premises ing of its gardens. there, Bhabha ’s mother, Meherbai, in the south-east of Bombay, over- The Yacht Club could not serve as a came to Kenilworth and nostalgically looking the Arabian Sea. permanent home for the growing Insti- In September 1949 the Institute moved into the picturesque 35,000 of the TIFR at the same time as he was /ia [pollution control ] THE OLDEST INDIAN CONSULTANCY GROUP IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROL NOW IN ITS 28th YEAR y TEL.; 23 40 52, 24 20 76 i i ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIAL CONSULTANTS (INDIA) PVT- LTD- RAHEJA CENTRE, 13th FLOOR, NARIMAN POINT, BOMBAY- 4000 21 telex: 0 II-6841, cable; contrapoll 71 Parsiana March 1989tute. Space large enough to accommo- dens, the art collection, or, most im- century AD) which included a large date the Institute of the future was portant, the scientific programs and its Vishnu; and several wood carvings, being examined. The only land high standards - they all bore the un- He personally supervised the hanging Bhabha found spacious and suitable mistakable imprint of Bhabha ’s perso- of paintings and the placing of the enough was in the extreme south of nality and genius. other works of art. He was proud of Bombay in an area belonging to the Ministry of Defence. He applied for it. The Ministry of Defence, then headed by Krishna Menon, initially turned down the request. Bhabha went up to the Prime Minister, and through Nehru ’s intervention had the land re ­ leased, and started constructing on it a magnificent structure of 2,50,000 sq. . . _____ _ ft. He was intensely involved in the dfaVV KiS 9tt©ntion tO conditions of work and amenities for architecture, design and structure of .. ... . ................ the building. Th^ architect, Helmuth Bartsch, was to say later: “In the past I had always worked for my clients. This is the only time I have worked with a client. ” Bhabha converted what was once a site for coastal batteries into a paintings in the 1950s and early 1960s stantial grants made by the Govern- large expanse of green lawns and a of artists who were later to become ment of India. These buildings have, small casuarina forest extending famous - Husain, Chavda, Raza, therefore, been made available to the almost to the sea front. Gaitonde and many others. He had a staff of the Institute by the people of For Bhabha, the Tata Institute was sculpture of the head of Einstein India through the taxes they have to be a ‘Centre of Excellence ’ for the fashioned by Jacob Epstein; a Rajas- paid. country. What put it in a class by itself than temple pillar of the ninth century “ was his close personal attention to ev- AD; fragments of sculpture of the have a sense of personal pride in these ery detail, be it the buildings, the gar- Chola period from South India (tenth buildings, which have been given for Bhabha was a lover of art and a pat- the new building. Some months before it was completed, on February 28, 1961, he issued the following standing order: “These buildings are as fine as any corresponding buildings to be found anywhere in the world and no pains have been spared in providing the members of the Institute with as good / / A member who sees another not using the buildings properly should their comfort and general well-being as are to be found anywhere today. The buildings have been paid for by generous grants from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Government of ron of artists. He bought scores of Bombay, and above all, from very sub ­ the proper conduct in such matters f r “Each member ipf the staff should J FHAQRANTLY YOURS SIKKIM AROMATICS a division of SIKKIM DISTILLERIES LTD i ¦ t 73 Parsiana March 1989 Rangpo SikkimI; London, wrote: “India has lost a prophet and a guide in Dr Bhabha who single-handedly at the start, set the na- years later the building is as good as new - it has not even been repainted. Bhabha ’s mind ranged over a wide spectrum of human endeavor - the arts, music, science and industry. Way back in 1952 he was thinking in terms of using solar energy for air- conditioning in Bombay. He was very keen that the finest foreign scientists should visit India and lecture at the TIFR and among those who came at his invitation were several Nobel Prize _ _ winners in physics, including profes- his trusted friends, Ms Jessie Maver, sors Niels Bohr, W. Pauli, P.A.M. Bhabha had said, “I know quite clear- Dirac, P.M.S. Blackett and Sir John ly what I want out of life. Life and my Cockcroft. emotions are the only things I am con- The whole of Sunday, January 23, scious of. 1 love consciousness of life his close group of scientists and admi- But the span of one ’s life is limited, nistrators worked with him. He spoke What comes after death no one knows. his use, and it is his duty to take per ­ sonal interest in their proper mainte ­ nance and to see that he himself uses them in such a way as to maintain their quality and cleanliness and so as not to cause inconvenience to others. Certain normal and elementary good manners with regard to the use of the buildings and the fixtures and furniture in them must be observed. A member, who sees another not using the buildings properly should draw his attention to the proper conduct in such matters. If any person continues to misbehave, the matter should be reported to his superior. “The strictest norms of cleanliness __ .. . ¦ should be maintained throughout the 1966, Bhabha worked at the TIFR and and I want as much of it as I can get. buildings, more especially in the lava- his close group of scientists and admi- But the span of one s life is limited, tories. Feet should be wiped on a mat nistrators worked with him. He spoke What comes after death no one knows, before entering the building, and to them about his ideas for the rapid Nor do I care. Since, therefore, I can ­ marks from dirty hands should not be development in India of science, tech- not increase the content of life by in- left on the walls. Lavatories should be nology and industry. He was to leave creasing its duration, I will increase it used properly and kept spotlessly that night for Europe and, as was their by increasing its intensity. Art, music, clean. ” practice, they were all present at the poetry and everything else that I do, Bhabha wanted to create in India airport before he left, in case he had have this one purpose - increasing the something much more than a scientific last-minute instructions to give. He intensity of my consciousness and .... " ThepersonalityofBhabh^wassum- was flying over Mont med up by Lord Redcliffe-Maud; Blanc, °it crashed into the frozen “Affectionate and sensitive, elegant ¦ :igins uf I'lic Alps. and humorous, dynamic, one of the The following day The Guardian, very few people who enhance life^ tion ’s sights on the highest peaks of . 1---- 1----- ,, K7_... technology. ” The New York Times re ­ called that only a few days earlier the Indian atomic scientist had said that India was only 18 months away from nuclear capability. The paper called the TIFR “the biggest Indian research laboratory. ” At the age of 24, writing to one of he had have this one purpose - increasing the institute. He wanted to establish a cen- took off for Geneva. Early next morn- lif^ ” ter for research that would radiate to ing, as his Air-India plane, the Kan- the rest of the country, standards as chenjunga, high as any to be encountered any- El... where. What is heartening is that these heights of the Alps. standards are still maintained. Twenty * J !) ii’ i I j. 3. With Best Wishes from PETROSIL OIL COMPANY LIMITED Apeejay House 3, Dinsha Wacha Road Bombay 400020 "PIONEERS IN HI-TECH LUBRICATION Gram: "ORANCEDISC" Tel: 220818 TlX: 113520/116857 (Associates of GULF OIL INTERNATIONAL CO. U.S.A.) 74 Parsiana March 1989 I*1 whatever the content of their living... Bhabha, then only 27, met her father Whatever he set himself to do, he did Jawaharlal Nehru. Said Ms Gandhi: as a professional - but one who work- “The life of a politician lacks many ed for love; restlessly creative, enhanc- of those warm moments of sensitivity ing life because he loved all forms of that other people take for granted in it- ” their eve-ryday life... I know that Homi One of the men that Bhabha left be- Bhabha opened one such window ’ for hind to continue the atomic program “The life of a politician lacks many Bhabha believed that while the government should support scientific instikitions financially, they should not be placed under government control my father, and he always found it. No matter how tired my father was, no matter how late it was in the night, he always found time for Dr Bhabha, not only because the problems which Dr Bhabha brought were important and he wanted to give them urgent atten ­ tion, but because he found at the same time it was relaxing and it was an en ­ tirely new world. “The stature of a man can be judged by the width of his mental horizon. Homi Bhabha was a man who bridged the generations - he bridged the old and the new, the West and the East. He was equally at home in the world of science and in the world of the arts. For, he was a creator and a doer - a was Dr Homi Sethna. Sethna called his man of thought as well as a man of guru “...a man of outstanding dimen- action... India owes him a very great sions, a giant among men. He was an deal. Amongst his many activities, he engineer par excellence and a scientist, founded this Institute of which we are an intellectual of rare calibre, a savant all so proud, the TIFR.” of art and culture, a sensitive artist himself, and an inspiring leader and an distinguished works of art, including a architect of'modern India. Above all Picasso, paintings of some of the finest he was a visionary who looked far into Indian artists of whom he was a prime the future and tried to shape it... He. patron, as also an impressive array of laid firm foundations for self-reliance his own paintings and drawings. The in nuclear technology. ” TIFR and the Bhabha Atomic Re- It was J.R.D. Tata who ensured that search Centre are also his legacies. Bhabha ’s genius would flourish in In- Perhaps his richest legacy is in the dia rather than flower in Cambridge or large number of trained scientists who, Princeton. Barely overcoming his alongside him, embraced the vision of characteristic modesty , Tata was to say a new India . about this in later years: “Of all the activities in the creation of which I ceeded Bhabha at the TIFR and later have played some role, in this case a became secretary of the Union Minis- very minor one, there is none of which try of Science and Technology, says: I am prouder today than the Tata In- “Homi Bhabha sought to create the stitute of Fundamental Research. ” It right environment and right conditions is perhaps a small but significant fact for work. He succeeded in enthusing that for three successive Sundays the those who worked around him with chairman of Tata Sons who also ran the same spirit of dedication in nation- Air-India came to the TIFR with al endeavour which motivated him, Bhabha for discussing the model, de- and to set standards of quality in all sign and details of an auditorium for that they did. This viable, self- the TIFR. This was completed after generating group of trained personnel, Bhabha ’s death and is named after him. the scarcest commodity in a develop- Jawaharlal Nehru gave Bhabha his ing nation, products of Homi Bhabha ’s utmost trust, support and confidence, inspiring and warm leadership, are his In her speech at the inauguration, on richest legacy to India. ” November 9, 1968, of the Homi Bhabha Auditorium, (the then) Prime the years to unfold. Minister Indira Gandhi disclosed that -------------------------------------------------- it was on board a ship in 1937 that Reprinted from The Heartbeat of a Trust Bhabha left a personal collection of Professor M.G.K. Menon, who sue- Much was to flow from this legacy in 75 Parsiana March 1989 Celebrate Navroze at Railway Refreshment Room Railway Hotel Bldg R.M. Roy Road Bombay 400004 PERMIT ROOM BEER PARLOUR 1 JI i i i i I I ' iINSTITUTIONS 1 I Love Alexandra 55 Arnavaz S. Mama ? ? ? , Teachers, parents, students and alumni of the Alexandra Girls' English Institution combine to create a trust fund to ensure the continuity of the 125-year-old school Bl fin Pl IS ?! Vitin 'll “The Alexandra Girls ’ English Institu ­ tion has withstood the storms and stresses of the yea^. (There are) stal ­ warts here...not even a brick ofthis edifice can be shaken... ’’ Bombay University ’s cellor Dr (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee ’s words of resonant praise gladden ­ ed the hearts of three generations of women sporting “I love Alexandra ’’ badges who had congregated at the Birla Matushree Sabhagar on August 31, 1988 to ring down the curtain on the school ’s one hundred and twenty ­ fifth year celebrations. A cosmopoli ­ tan institution since its inception, the celebrations had begun on September 1, 1987 at a very private function where the priests of five communities recited a few prayers each to bless the institution. Alexandra (below), a part of her Gothic past with a bust of the founder framed into the new structure vice-chan- i -M I ¦ IXIIi 11 11 i'l' s i I > i I I ' .1^ ' iE 5 were outstanding social service - to Guzder, Chama and Banoo Pavri, secretary of I I The nostalgia had been harnessed the sets (for . Chama and Banoo ravn, secretary ur j through a series of functions - ^bhc ® b^rgish the ex-students ’ association, was a ges- j concert, movie premiere, and dinner had to be hire , menfber ture of appreciation from the trustees 1 as weU as the publication of a souve- Chamawhtch Xied to have caught the j nir. The aim was to create a corpus celebrations comm . P „ unaware. Responded Guzder whose annual yield would help manv appreciated th _____ N—cpntimental catch in her throat, 4 hociTng .o U.e help of their alma ma- oiDomDay,aiiu k -------- ter while much of the onus of fund- auv.. « x..... . raising was borne by parents. Ms Hilla plimented the principal on her im- Guzder, honorary^ Secretary of the measurable contnbution to the suc- I 10 us assuivx. x,xo ____ celebrations committee, had cheerful- cess of the celebrations, fcnoinppr who has invcstcd 40 years of ly devoted all her free time to the orga- _ sustained effort into the Khool, the nizing work^ As for Qtaira "ho tea s „„„„d 40 II H of Bombay and also provWette^ ^<:'±t ‘^^^:h*'o^th such “a fSte institution ” and com- ties essential for contemporary eouca- r tion. “We ’ll be very cautious, very i judicious in using the amount you have nrpuicxi, «.... .....g,.... -----—------------ £• j ,, but soon he found that he got stuck his point: “This is a drawing, this is a gentlemanly, poised or refined, with it. “I got branded and stamped. I drawing and this is a drawing, ” he would say, the very characteristics was expected to churn out the stuff, would rant. “Damn it, use your head, which, according to Patel, Rustomji but I grew out of it. I started to com- use your eyes. What is the relation be- personified! - - - ’ . • .n,, T, z 1 z jjjg third individual to leave a marked impression on the young Patel use your eyes. What is the relation be- personified! press what I had to say in a single frame, tween you and the object? ” Patel re- one comment, one image,|no words. ” calls these meetings. “The man was . , Patel did not study art, not in a for- savage. Probably, he figured that I was Khushwant Singh. At that time, mal sense. “I liked to draw and it upset would not show up next week, but I he had taken over as the editor of Yo- people at home, ” he says. For a year, would. ” jana, a fortnightly magazine created to after finishing his schooling in 1955, he Another person who influenced publicize the government s five-year attended evening art classes at the De- Patel ’s work was Khusro Rustomji plan program. “He was very daring. Ihi Polytechnic, now known as the De- of the Indian Police Service (IPS), in He gave freedom; he had the ability to Ihi College of Art. These classes were charge of Prime Minister Jawaharlal risk... ” Patel recalls. primarily for professionals but Patel Nehru ’s personal security. He was also In addition, Patel has done cartoons 87 Parsiana March 1989 ' 1a en- One of Patel ’s desires is to do some countering is his own determination work on the Parsis. He is not referring not to compromise his work. A con- and illustrations on a freelance basis display in West Berlin, Tokyo, Hava- initiated into the Zoroastrian faith, for a number of publications - India na, Bratislava and Switzerland. In In- Patel phoned a number of people from Today, The Statesman, The Illustrated dia he has participated in 17 exhibi- his sick bed for help, but somehow, for Weekly of India, The Times of India, tions of which six were one-man some reason or the other, nothing Reader s Digest, Signature, Parsiana, shows. But perhaps, his greatest satis- came of it. He then phoned Rustomji. the list is endless and spills over into faction is when his works form part of “The effort just to pick up a phone and institutions like Air-India, IBM (Inter- collections, be it in New York, Lon- talk into it was exhausting. You don ’t national Business Machines) and UN- don, Havana, Bombay or Delhi. They realize how much it takes out of you ICEF (United Nations International could be on view at museums, corpo- till you are down with a heart attack. ” Children ’s Emergency Fund) amongst rate houses, banks, airlines, or be in- Rustomji agreed right away. He orga- others. He has also contributed to eluded in the personal collections of nized everything. “Everyone was magazines in Australia, Hong Kong, the famous or even the unknown there. We had no problems, ” Patel re ­ Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, London and buyer who hangs it up to beautify his calls. Bhutan. In 1979, he was appointed bedroom or living room. One problem Patel keeps cartoonist for Business Standard, Cal ­ cutta, in 1984 for Patriot, Delhi and in 1987 forV/ie Indian Post, Delhi. He to the images that Parsis lend them- stant criticism is that his work is not has also worked as creative consultant selves to. “I'm tired of that. I want to Indian enough. “It ’s devastating, not to UNICEF, World Bank and to a get past that and capture the elusive being the seductive Indian. Buyers and number of advertising agencies. After and the abstract - the last gasps of the viewers expect you to be one - the ero- graduating with a BA in Economics community. ” He has done some illus- tic Indian, sleeping under a tree. My from Delhi, he has worked in a num- trations for a piece that Rustomji of tragedy is that I am unable to go ber of advertising agencies in capaci- the IPS had written on the Parsis, but against the tide of reality, ” Patel la- ties ranging from illustrator to creative unfortunately, the effort has not seen ments. To him painting is a very urban coordinator and art director. He has the light of print as yet. This was done activity. “If I am not in a city, as a done animation films for Hindustan a little after the navjote of his children painter I am lost. ” When exposed to Thompson Associates, Lintas, UN- Rishad and Ria in 1982. the beauty of unspoiled countryside ICEF, Shyam Bencgal and the Chil ­ dren ’s Film Society. Participating in 11 international ex ­ hibitions, Patel ’s works have been on ported the idea that the children be pete with nature? ” He recalls the ceremony. He had and a rural setting he feels no urge to been laid low by a severe heart attack paint. “Painting is its own reality and and his non-Parsi wife Sunila sup- has its own identity. How do I com- Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B.Cursetjee's Sons (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. Darabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay - 400 038. Grams: 'DEADWEIGHT' Phone: 260021 (4 Lines) (Dock Office: 262230) Telex; 5824 DBCB IN Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Mangalore, Bhovnagar, Bedi-port, Navlakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla. Also sole Government Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhavnagar. 88 Parsiana March 1989FOOD « ( / 5 7 ' i Kl! f PEAR-^ 7/ salt.) The meal ended with ice cream and fresh fruit. The next day, we set out for Bhar ­ uch on the invitation of Kapadia. Though Bharuch is only 25 miles away from Surat, the journey took three hours instead of less than an hour. This was due to very heavy truck traf ­ fic, road blocks due to accidents on the way and narrow roads. And all this on the main highway! Bharuch, the oldest seaport of In-- dia, is a most delightful town - no hur ­ ry, no pollution, and where is available the freshest of seafood, vegetables and fruits. The Parsi wad (locality) with its narrow winding lanes is situated on a kindly arranged for an alternative the Parsi anjuman which provides food hill. The countryside was full of sugar- accommodation which was to be our for the Parsi girls ’ and boys ’ schools, cane fields and banana and mango base in Surat, in case we could not, for home for the aged, and the hospital, groves. We were taken by Kapadia to some reason, stay in the dharamshala We later met both Bhacca and Katpi- Khushru Cama s home by oot there. As the train steamed into Surat tia and thanked them for all the trou- through the quaint little lanes. Ms station, we heard Rutty ’s name being ble they had taken but declined the Dhanbai Cama gave us a taste of Bhar- announced with a message stating that accommodation reserved for us as it uchi nasto (breakfast), with Bharuchi car number SO and SO was waiting for —-------------------- ... -------------- , — us outside the station. A young man to a dinner of delicious Mangalorian herbs an(Tdry fruits), masalana saanna from Gujarat Nylons had come to re- prawn curry, dal, parval (local veget- (large prawns), ghau ni-garam garam ceive us in the car. We were swiftly able of the gourd family) and rice, rotli (freshly made unleavened bread), driven to the residence of the manag- (The parval was cut into fours, and gharub noo achar (roe pickle), bb^k- ing director of Gujarat Nylons, lightly fried with only turmeric and ras (sweet snack), and ravo (semolin^ Annand Bhardwaj, and his charming I ‘b) 7/ I I / I !i was asKed by Ambassador Homi Taleyarkhan, member of the Minorities Commission, to write a paper on Parsi cuisine for an ency ­ clopedia on the Parsis which will be brought out by the Commission. Although I had enough material, I wanted to visit some of our cities and towns where we had first settled after landing at Sanjan and get some recipes of the genu ­ ine, robust Parsi food from the inhabitants there. My friends Mahaperviz E. Dhatighara and Rutty Y. Kapadia sport ­ ingly agrfcd to accompany me. We started our odyssey to Gujarat by the Deluxe train (AC Paschim Ex ­ press). Yazad, Rutty ’s husband had accommodation which was to be our for the Parsi girls ’ and boys ’ schools baav 111 uuiai, iii v. ww.u -------------- ------ — o 1--------- ---------- r , w » i_ ' U f ? some reason, stay in the dharamshala We later met both Bhacca and Katpi- Khushru Cama s hoine by oo Station, we heard Rutty ’s name being ble they had taken but declined the Dhanbai Cama gave us a taste of Bhar- 1 0 w w was quite unsuitable. We went home mova ni acoori (scrambled eggs with to a < Annand Bhardwaj, and his charming wife Manju. Although we were com ­ plete strangers, they threw open their home to us and helped us in every way to make our journey not only success ­ ful, but most comfortable. We can never forget their kindness and gener ­ osity. Tlie lunch was an excellent Gujarati vegetarian one, with toover ni dar (len ­ til), tarela bheeda (fried okra), papeta noo sag (cooked potato), kera noo raitoo (banana and yoghurt combina ­ tion) and chaval (rice). A simple unfus ­ sed meal cooked to perfection! The meal tailed off with delicious alphonso mangoes from Ratnagiri which is the home of the best variety of alphonso mangoes. We rang up Dr Sam Bhacca, presi ­ dent of the Surat Parsi Punchayet, to tell him that we had arrived. I had in ­ formed him earlier regarding the pur ­ pose of our, visit. He put us in touch with Sorab Katpitia, the chief execu ­ tive of the Punchayet who, in turn, sent us to the late Erachsha Kapadia, a delightful man who was the president of the Bharuch anjuman. In the even ­ ing we visited the Central Kitchen of SENTIMEN' Time-tested popular Parsi dishes, when sampled in the towns of Gujarat, have an incomparable flavor, says master chef Bhicoo Maneksha It Bhicoo J. Manekshaw o d? no o 90 Parsiana March 1989 E < oMiffir ID liiJ> - a nasto which we will not easily ago in Parsiana that one of the agiaries to delightful Bharuch. forget. .And the kind lady also packed in Bharuch was going to be shut down. Back in Surat we were invited by a bottle of gharub noo achar for us to I do hope that this is not the one, as it Bhacca to have breakfast and lunch at take home. is so very beautiful. If we cannot pre- the Central Kitchen. We were given In Bharuch, they store rain water in serve it then a government agency meva ni acoori quite different from Ms a very ingenious way. The rain water, should be asked to take it over and Cama ’s, and gurchan, made with liver, after it washes down all the dust from preserve it as a national monument, the roof, is collected in an under- — ¦ - ground tank called tanku. It is said that used dokhma with a lot of land sur- atash bahrams and ordered our Surti before the British raj, when the rounding it. The late Kapadia wanted biscuits from the Dotiwalla bakery, nawabs were ruling, young Parsi girls to plant mango trees so that the land We also ordered baglu, a speciality of were hidden in these tankas and be- could yield some profit. Besides the Surat made with the lightest, and I hind the secret doi|^rs of the agiary, lest mango trees, kathi trees could also be mean really feather-light, pastry from they be abducted in the raids. planted as there is so much need for rice flour. Layers of this transparent One beautiful agiary is situated on a the baval wood for our fire-temples, pastry (which flies off under a fan) are hill overlooking the Narbada estuary. And this also could bring in a fair filled with almond or pistachio paste. withAnkleshwarinthefardistance.lt amount of revenue for the Bharuch It is so called because baglu in Gujara- is over 800 years old. We were told Anjuman. ti is a cygnet and the fine layers of the that during the monsoons, the river come right up to the base of the hill. The scene from the garden - the broad of Bharuch has been converted into who makes the baglu, but he will not river flowing with the sea in the far her gracious home. It previously be- teach it to anyone. distance - is superb. Sitting there in longed to the nawabs of Bharuch. A We returned to the Central Kitchen the quiet of sunrise or sunset, one can magnificent carved screen stretches for lunch and were served with khattu feel at peace with oneself and the right across the large drawing room, gosht (lamb cookecFin curds) and bha- world. Praying in an atmosphere The garden has a quaint little patio jidana ma gosht (lamb cooked with spi- which has an air of complete purity, overlooking the river and the delta, nach and peas). one can surely cleanse oneself of ev- with a typical Gujarati swing. We had The next day we went to Navsari - erything negative from within - mind, to refuse her kind invitation to stay the home of the ‘greats ’ in Parsi his- body and soul. I had read some time overnight and reluctantly said farewell tory. The road was beautiful with ave ­ nues of large trees. Again, through Yazad Kapadia, we were at the beauti ­ ful guest house of the Tatas - Tata Bagh - which was Jamsetji Tata ’s home. It is a large, sprawling old- fashioned bungalow with a gorgeous verandah. The house, typical of the upcountry style, had bedrooms at the sides, and the drawing and dining room in the center with steps leading down to the kitchen. The house is sur ­ rounded by a wadi ot-mangoes, chi- koos and other trees. The long car ­ riageway to the house is lined with giant Rusty Shield Bearers which were in bloom. The trunks of these trees were covered with huge money plants. Dara Deboo the young, dedicated president of the Navsari Anjuman came directly on being contacted by us. Soon after, we had the honor of the visit of Vada Dasturji Meherji Meher- jirana and his gracious wife Meher, along with two other ladies. They wanted to know in what way they could help me. When I explained the purpose of our visit, Ms Meherjirana took over and I was given all the in ­ formation I needed. Later, all of them. took us round Navsari, a beautiful. It can also be made with a mixture of There is also a 1,000-year-old dis- meat and offal. Later we visited all the We were later taken to the beautiful pastry remind one of the down of a home of Ms Vakharia. The former fort cygnet. There is only one man alive AL JOURNEY 5^ a 9 J Parsiana March 1989 t ! 1 $ jwWh ¦ ha :W '1*?VI > 4 r * sprawling town. We visited the house where J. J. Tata was bom, and then on home to see the Bhavana to the famous Kolah brothers from What was most fascinating was the sil- where we bought all our pickles, etc. ver velan (rolling pin) with a bell in it; The Vada Dasturji hosted a lunch for and the patio (board for rolling out the us at the Parsi boys ’ orphanage. Tamo- dough), also of silver or stainless steel. ta per enda (eggs spread over a tomato How lovely to hear the tinkle of a little gravy), masala ni murghi (chicken in bell as one shapes a rotli\ We were spicy gravy), dar chaval (rice and cur- given excellent mango kulfi from the ried lentils) and kulfi (frozen dessert of Kohla shop. We watched sunset from thickened milk). We were served by the Dandi beach (where Mahatma the boys of the orphanage. Then we Gandhi had defied the British Govern- visited the old peoples ’ home. Later in ment ’s salt law) and eventually re- the evening we went to the atash turned to Tata House. We were over- bahram to attend a beautiful jashan whelmed by our kind and gracious where prayers were recited by at least hosts and, after thanking them, left for 20 priests - a ma^pificent experience. Udwada the next day. The Atash We saw the image of the first Dasturji Bahram there is impressive and it was Meherjirana on the marble wall - it a wonderful experience. Later we had was not just the grains in the marble - breakfast of fried boi (a type of fish), something quite inexplicable! All levtano patio (spicy concoction of along the rest of the walls were pic- anchovy), with a bottle of tari (sap of tures of the ‘Parsi Greats. ’ It was the palmyra tree). wonderful to see the portrait of my un ­ cle Sir Dinsha Mulla, my dear friend Oliaji ’s Hotel Duke ’s. Lunch was of Sir Dosu Bhiwandiwalla, Sir Pher- bhejani' (brain) cutry, fried masala ozeshah Mehta, all the Tatas, Sir Jam- qhops and palav (rice cooked with setjee Jeejeebhoy, etc. The portrait of meat and spices). The evening was the first Dasturji Meherjirana with spent at Daman which is full of charac- outstretched hands was most impress- ter, full of Portuguese influence - the ive. I have been told that this is how a fort, the churches, the market place. bandagi should be prayed as this pro- We bought substantial Goa Port in duces a certain magnetic power in the plastic packets! Dinner comprised body. taaja boomla (fresh Bombay ducks - We went to visit Dasturji Antia ’s vasans. Onwards to Devka, and Dosabhai cleaning machined •' 1923-1989 Sixty-six years of clean service! DIANA-ECLIPSE For all your carpet and upholstery cleaning. ? “Parag ” TI, Peddar Road, Bombay. Tel: 4941987, 4945302 FROM 93 Parsiana March 1989r I For Fresh: MAFCO’S Mutton, Beef, Pork and Vegetable products VENKY’S Chicken, Legs, Breast and easy to cook products AL KABEER’S Mutton, Khima, Brain, Trotters, Veal, Beef and Meat products SHALIMAR’S Pork products Remember L.' TARACHAND & CO 80, Sleater Road N. Bharucha Marg Grant Road (W) Bombay 400007 Ph: 383691/389531 We give free home delivery Bulk Orders Accepted fried), taaja levta (fresh anchovies - fried), kharia (trotters) and tari. (I don ’t think we Parsis think much of a balanced diet, but it was superb!) According to Oliaji, who is an expert in Parsi cooking, in a classic oomberyu (dish baked in an earthen pot), there should be only kaari (black) papri (a vegetable), vaal (a type of lentil) ajmo (a spice), salt and oil. And one may add quails, whole eggs with shells, or chops. Kaker is a plant that grows at the root of the papri- plant, and its leaves are used to cover the mouth of the oomberyu matku. Mango or banana leaves can be substituted. Our last leg of the journey, before returning to Surat, was Valsad, the ancestral home of the Manekshaws! We were told to contact Rusi Shroff, the president of the Parsi anjuman, in Mota Parsi Wad. Every urchin on the road knew where Rusi Shroff lived. We arrived there, complete strangers. Keki, Rusi ’s brother, met us. We told him the purpose of our visit. I asked him to name the specialities of Valsad. He said '"bhansakh and curry chav al." I said that I was not interested in dhan- sakh as I had an excellent recipe from my grandmother which included mosumbini- chhal (rind of the swe^ lime). He said, “It must be rubbish^ This was the first time that Bhicoo* Manekshaw was caught with her mouth open! I could not believe that this young man sitting opposite me could speak to a stranger in this man ­ ner, but then, this is the straightfor ­ ward way of the people who have no pretensions. I could see from the cor ­ ner of my eye that both Mahaperviz and Rutty were trying very hard not to giggle and to keep a straight face. So I said, “What ’S* so special about youi dhansakh?” Just then, Aloo, his sister- in-law (Rusi ’s wife) walked in. Keki explained to her the purpose of oui visit, and from then on it was plair sailing. Aloo most generously gave ol her time and delightful recipes, includ ­ ing one for dhansakh\ She even gave us the special dhansakh no mosaic (combination of spices) to take home and a tiffin carrier full of dhansakh anc kachoomber (onion salad) made b] her. Keki took us to his friend ’s hotel We haei the dhansakh with some lefl over tari from Devka. I agree with Keki: Mamaiji's dhansakh was not £ patch on this superbly cooked one. ' 94 Parsiana March 1989i can honestly say that I have never tasted dhansakh like the one made by Aloo (hold your horses, the recipe is coming later) and Keki was quite justi ­ fied in his blunt remark. The hotel proprietor would not charge us a pen ­ ny, saying that not only was he a friend of Keki ’s, but he had the greatest re ­ spect and regard for Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and cannot charge any relative of his. (Three cheers for Sam - we have at least one ‘great ’ from Valsad!) I requested Keki to take us to the old ancestral home of the Man- ekshaws and an older home also be ­ longing to the grandfather. We visited Keki ’s wadi, and then proceeded to Tithal. We were given a whole basket of chikoos to take with us. We thanked him and Aloo for all their kindness and returned to Surat. Our host and hostess had arranged a dinner party for us where we met many interesting people. We saw di ­ amonds being cut and polished, bought Surti ghats (a type of silk) and returned to Delhi with achars (pick ­ les), vinegar, biscots (salty local bis ­ cuits, normally relished with a cup of tea), chutneys and ghats\ It was sad leaving Gujarat. One ex ­ periences a deep sense of belonging. It was for the first time that I, who have j travelled almost all over India (my : husband being in the air force), was able to hear our language being spoken by every one throughout the state. Even Sikhs with beards spoke . fluent Gujarati! Everywhere one J went, people were kind, helpful and ; polite. ' I don ’t know where my roots lie. There is no one left to ask. My grand ­ parents from both sides were in Bom­ bay. But in the eight short days we spent in Gujarat there was a great sense of satisfaction in being there and feeling part and parcel of the land. ii J RECIPES FROM OUR GRASSROOTS BHARUCHI MEVA NI ACOORI Eggs (16) Pure ghee (8 dsp) Sultanas (25 gms) Mixed almonds, cashew nuts and charoli (cheronji nuts) (40 gms) Salt (to taste) Scramble eggs, and when nearly done, adds sultanas. Remove from fire and add previously blanched, slivered and lightly fried almonds, cashew nuts and charoli. Variation: Add leelu lasan (green gar ­ lic), chopped coriander and chopped green chillies. SADHNA MASALANA Large prawns (1 kg - shelled) Garlic (18 - 20 cloves') Cumin (1 dsp - freshly roasted and powdered) Red chillies (medium hot, powdered - approximately P/2 dsp - but adjust to taste) Salt Qo taste) Til oil (for shallow frying) Extra chilli powder (2 tsp) Turmeric powder (2 tsp) Sour limes (2) Wash and dry prawns. Rub with extra chilli powder, turmeric and salt. Grind together garlic, cumin and chillies. Heat oil and fry the masala, add prawns and cook together till the prawns are just done. Serve with slices of lime and hot ghau ni rotli. VALSAD DHANSAKH Toover dar (16 kg) Red pumpkin (150 gms) Gourd (dodhi - 150 gms) Potato (1) Brinjal (1) Onion (1) Fenugreek (methi) leaves (4 small bunches) Green chillies (to taste) Curry leaves (2-3 sprigs) Mint (a few sprigs) Chilli and turmeric powder (1 tsp each) Dhansakh powder (1 dsp) Charbi dar (fatty) meat (1 kg) Meat fat (1 piece - most essential) Tomato (1 - sliced) Jaggery (1 small piece) Masala to be fried Onions (3-4 - sliced) Whole cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise {badian), leeli huldi (fresh turmeric - a few, whole) Dhansakh powder (1 dsp) Ground masala Cumin (P/2 tsp) Garlic (6 cloves) Ginger (2-inch piece) Coriander seeds (1 tbsp) Boil together the first set of ingre ­ dients (except tomato and jaggery) un ­ til the dar is cooked and the meat is tender. Carefully remove the meat and push the rest through a colander (the easier way is to process in a liquidizer, but the texture is lost) with a wooden spoon. Keep aside. Heat about 100 gms ghee or oil. Brown the sliced on ­ ions with all the whole garam masala. Add the dhansakh masala and the ground masala. Fry well and combine with the dar and the meat. Add toma ­ to and jaggery and simmer for a few minutes. Note: Sambhar no masalo can be added if desired. Serve with browned rice to which star anise has been added. DODHI MA GOSHT (Recipe given to me by Kekashru Bhikhaji K>mana who is a caterer in Valsad.) Meat (1 kg) Dodhi (Vegetable marrow - 1^6 kg) Dry red chillies (4 - whole) Cinnamon, cloves and cardamom (1^-^ dsp) Garlic (2-3 cloves - pounded) Onions (3-4 - cubed) Ghee (75-100 gms) Sait (to taste) Ground masala Ginger (2-inch piece) Garlic (6 cloves)- Green chillies (4-6) Heat ghee and brown the meat well. Add the rest of the ingredients (dodhi cut into thin slices) and cook on a slow fire without water till meat is tender. DEVKA - TARI MA MURGHI Chicken (1 - jointed) Onions (3-4 - sliced) Cinnamon (1 small piece) Cloves (4-6) Pure ghee (2 tbsp) Onions (2-3 - cubed) Potatoes (4 - peeled and quartered) Salt (to taste) Curry powder (2 tsp) Chilli powder (1 tsp) Tari (toddy - 1 bottle) Turmeric (1 tsp) Ground masala Ginger (li/2-inch piece) Garlic (8 cloves) 96 Parsiana March 1989Green chillies (4-6) Heat ghee, brown sliced onions light ­ ly, add ground paste and rest of masa ­ la. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken and saute till brown. Add tari (about Vz bottle at first) and the potatoes with the onions and simmer till chicken is tender, adding more tari if needed to make a thick gravy. Note: If tari is not available, use beer instead. This recipe needs ghee - not oil. SURAT GURCHAN Liver, kidney, heart, lung (1 each - cut into small pieces) Mix with leelo ^tmasalo of freshly ground ginger, garlic, green chillies, and sooko masalo of powdered red chillies, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves and cardamoms. Heat oil and cook gently till the gur- chan is done. Note: Can add tari and cook till a thick gravy remains. With Best Compliments of LEVTA NO PATIO Levtas (12 - can use fresh boomlas or eels) Turmeric powder (2 tsp) Til oil (100 gms) Chilli powder (1 tsp) Vinegar (1 ttisp - optional) Ground Masala Cumin (2 tsp) Garlic (1 whole pod) Green chillies (4-6 - seeded) Garnish: chopped coriander leaves, chopped green chillies (seeded) and chopped leelu lasan. Cut off the heads and tails of levtas and gut them. Rub with turmeric and salt and keep aside for about 15 minutes. ; Heat oil on an iron lohri (griddle), add ground masala, and fry for 1-2 mi­ nutes. Add levtas and chilli powder. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes. ' Do not use a spoon, do not shake or turn the Z his shop and join him in his import- have permitted a tower of silence in export business. Cyrus ’ world sudden- Queens - even in Flushing Meadows, where they dumped everything else. ” And there is a delightful witticism on the trinity of good thoughts, good words and good deeds. “This is not theology, this is advertising copy. The good religion, they call it. That ’s not fearful respect for his mother, as does _ _____________ __________________ an ethical doctrine, it ’s self ­ Percy in India, the fictional hero in the _____________________________________ congratulation. ” Yet, it would be in ­ film that is being made in Parsi- ly seems to be up in arms against him. teresting to note that Aberjinnian calls Gujarati. Irani appreciates Western All his objects of quiet affection - the Cyrus a puritan. “American-raised classical music, and does not hesitate bookshop, the Greek restaurant, even Zoroastrians are all becoming puri ­ tans. ” The Rug Merchant is quintessential- American-raised /z it ’s i to criticize apro Zubin Mehta for his Marge ’s pet shop - are downing shut ­ lack of introspection. And, like many ters. His family is of little help. If only in the community, he is yet a bachelor, he could do something, wrench him- ly Zoroastrian in flavor. All the char- not having accepted the idea of an self away from his introversion, he acters are identifiable. Their gestures, arranged match in these times, and in could solve his financial problems, his their words, have a ring of familiarity, this place (the USA), nor having loneliness, and his spiritual yearnings, as if we were looking into a mirror, plucked up enough courage to find a all in one stroke. The dialogues are crisp, earthy, with girl of his choice, and woo her. With the dexterity of a Carpet weav- not a didactic note to them, even when He is too gentle for New York ’s er, Lopate coalesces all the different the discussion is on the serious prob ­ changing milieu, where aggressiveness strands and brings them to a sudden lem of the community ’s decreasing Lopate ’s novel is ribald and rumbus ­ tious at times, serene and sensitive at in selling is called for, as displayed by and startling climax. But what charms numbers, his Jewish friend George Aberjinnian, most in Lopate ’s narration is the quiet ’ or his punk, hooked-on-drugs nephew skill with which he has woven into a Eddie. Irani faces a mid-life crisis as simple scenario the many nuances of others. Cyrus Irani is the most improb- his new landlord trebles the rent of his life for the Zoroastrians in America, able of heroes a novel could ever have I 99 Parsiana March 1989 1J > i » IT I speaks, in most cases, directly to his devotee, though at times he may pass on his message through a flute, a lake or a lamb. His language is simple enough, uncluttered by profound sym ­ bolism or imagery. He is a practical God who is not indifferent to the prob ­ lems of everyday life. He often comes across as a divine physicist. For ex ­ ample; “Reciprocity is Nature ’s law Bharucha. Volume of verse,Tp 56. Published by Time does not flow in circles It travels straight and never retracts, Once gone, it is lost forever. ” He is a God who needs no temples. DIVINE VERSES had; so detached from his environs, buried between his Tabrizes and Isfa- hans, dreaming about his ancestral home at Kirman, in a pistol-toting metropolis. And yet, Lopate manages to keep the reader rivetted to the life and days of so disengaging a person. The woof and wa^ of Lopate ’s tale Gustasp Irani highlights the myriad facets of a cul ­ ture unknown to the Western world, making The Rug Merchant a minor classic. It is no magic carpet to Amer- ______ ___ ______ ica, but an engrossing tapestry on New 60, flexiback Rs 40. York, and the Zoroastrian psyche in . the West. Gracious Lord of Being, f » Thrity Bharucha ’s first volume of ¦ tion of devotional poems. One hesi- they seek him out with a sincere heart. " _ ___ __ ___ __ 1 poem 21, one of the songs of praise and glorification of longer ones in the collection of 27; HIV Lvid. Dhazucha ’spcc~2rr.cre. “Look there, you said ... k They record her discussions with a re- They are building there a temple for ¦ - me - / protectively behind every sorrow. They need to house me ... ready to dab away the tears. They are You bring me gifts - in exchange for sage which Bharucha hopes “shall sur ­ vive the whirling of transient time. ” The God of Bharucha ’s poems To You: My Gracious Lord of Being by Thrity Writers Workshop, Calcutta. Price: hardback To You: My Gracious Lord of Being, Phillip Lopate is a teacher at the University of Hous­ ton’s Creative Writing Program. A personal account of his teaching ex­ perience Being with Chil ­ dren earned him a Christ­ opher Medal in 1975. His collection of person­ al essays, Bachelor ­ hood, received the Texas. Institute of Letters ] _, award for die best nonfiction book in 1982. Ld- personal poems with a universal mes- pate has also authored Confessions of Summer, • - • • “ ’ " his first novel, and two collections of poetry. His works have been recognized with different grants. I verse is, as the name suggests, a collec- All he expects of his^devotees is that tates to classify them as psalms which For instance in are i _ the Lord. Bharucha ’s poems say more. Look there, you said ... W latively accessible God who hovers me - what you wish. Do you not realise; worship is not V business? Come to me with outstretched arms ¦I SALESMEN & SALES MANAGER An International Company in the field of Telecommunications is looking for bright young men to train in the selling of these products in India and overseas, as well as a Sales Manager to oversee their functioning. Salesmen Sales candidates should be articulate and presentable. Preference will be given to those having a college degree and five years of selling experience. Sales Manager Candidates must have experience in selling Industrial products and managing a sales force. All jobs based in Bombay. Candidates will- have to travel in India and abroad. High remuneration plus attractive perks for the right candidates. Please send your bio data in confidence to: The Advertiser (Telecommunications) GPO Box No 892, Bombay 400001. 101 Parsiana March 1989f ir and I shall hold you in mine own: Come to me with an open heart, and I shall fill it with love. ” This God needs no temples. All he expects of his devotees is that they seek him out especially when the sentiments ex ­ pressed are often unmistakably female. In today ’s world of growing feminism, her God could surely have been less chauvinistic. Throughout the 56 pages of the book, there are sprinklings of correc ­ tions done by hand. Undoubtedly, Bharucha would have been happier if are He is not particularly a ‘Zoroastrian ’ God - Ahura Mazda - though he does talk about good thoughts, good words, good deeds, and of the choice that man must make. He frowns upon the . ------------ ----------------------------rr ------ act of sanyas (renunciation of worldly With a sincere heart her work had been spared the mutila- life): tion. She is probably not complaining “Fool, you told me, oh foolish, foolish too loudly, though. To have poetry man ... row, the yearning; then find the Lord, published is creditable, and this does Knowledge does not come from don- record his consoling message and final- not apply to India alone. As one ning saffron robes ly sing his praise in the last verse. All American literary agent commented: ¦ You only enter^in laziness in my but the last poem end with the line “Getting poetry published is like name " ~ ~ Realization comes from living life. ” “Gracious Lord of Being, ” which trying to market chickens ’ beaks. ” accounts for the title of the book. It also explains why some verses seem It is when she is living life that Bhar- forced to fit the pattern. ucha turns to her Lord and sometimes The poems are not as stirring in away from him. On the birth of a their imagery and symbolism as one child, the death of a loved one, in the might expect, considering that they are face of false accusation, in the betrayal dealing with a being as undefinable of a trusted one, in unanswered and infinite as God. The striving de ­ prayers, in undefined sorrow and long- speration to capture and trap the ing. His divinity is everpresent. omnipotent in words is missing. In- One notices a predictable pattern in stead one finds honest simplicity. the structure of the poems. They start with the problem: the pain, the sor- The poems are not as stirring in It is surprising that Bharucha should have her God address her as a man, Ms Thrity Bharucha, 39, has been writing poems, short stories, articles and middles since 1968. Her works have been published in various newspapers and Jr magazines. For many W years she edited Con- tact, the magazine brought out by Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, whjgre she lives, holds a full-time job with Tata Chemicals Ltd. She is married to a lawyer and has two sons, aged 14 and 6. ? She also With the Compliments TATA ENTERPRISES W3 Parsiana March 1989i 1 MILESTONES J The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information provided by various newsletters and anju ­ mans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. It must be pointed out that this in ­ formation is not always com ­ plete or consistent. Heart disease claimed 21 of the 72 Parsis who died in Bom­ bay, lung disease claimed 11, while pneumonia and old age claimed sin victims each. The other killers were cancer (five), brain disease, diabetes and hypertension (four each) and asthma (two). Bronchitis, blood disease, ulcer, liver dis ­ ease, gastro enteritis, nervous disorder, kidney failure, bed sores and gastric bleeding claimed isolated victims. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, it must be noted that in some cases, especially in those of the very old, death is often due to a combination of several dis ­ eases. If readers have any informa ­ tion they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. AHMEDNAGAR Died Mehru B. Mehta (62), mother of Merwan, Mernosh and Behram on December 20, 1988 BOMBAY Born A boy, Neville, to Shema and Sharukh Bharucha', January 30, 1989 A girl to Ruby and Noshir Colah', January 30 A boy to Armaity and Neville Arjani, January 31 A boy to Dinaz^ and Nozar Kanga', February 3 A boy to Madhu and Farukh Chikliwala', February 7 A boy to Meher and Jehangir Bhandara; February 9 A boy to Khursheed and Edul Vajifdar; February 10 A boy, Areez, to Beroz and Rumie Gazdar, February 12 A girl to Shirin and Rustom Banker; February 13 A girl to Viloo and Tehmurasp Patei, February 15 A girl to Armaity and Adille Sumariwalla', February 15 A girl to Bukhtawar and Pilton Kothawala', February 16 A girl to Khurshid and Mahiar Panthaki, February 18 A girl to Nina and Kersi Daruwalla; February 20 A boy to Maneja and Cyrus Irani, February 21 A boy to Zarin and Arsheesh Wadia', February 22 A boy to Tanaaz and Neville Shroff; February 23 A boy to Farida and Cyrus Mehta-, February. 25 A boy, Daanesh to Kashmira and Bejan Kalyaniwalla-, February 27 Married Khurshid Behram Irani and Khushroo Rustomji Irani of Poona;January 2 Soonu Minoo Pavri of Navsari and Firoze Tehmurasp Jagirdar; January 2 Phiroza Navroji Kharas and Aspi Homi Saklatwala', January 2 Binaifer Phiroze Mistry and Percy Temool Kandawalla\ January 3 Azflzw/ Dinshaw Irani and Sam Keki Billimoria', January 9 Zarine Adi Lam and Jamshed Adi Unwalla', January 10 Yasmine Keki Rabadi and Farshid Piroj Kapadia of Middlesex, UK; January 12 Kamal Bomi Mistry and Zubin Sam Mistry January 14 Kashmira Ardeshir Mody and Yezdi Dinshaw Amrolia', January 15 Jasmine Bejanji Mehta and Nozer Navroz Sutaria', January 16 Zarin Tehmas Manekshaw and Farrokh Dhunjishaw Bharucha', January 17 Farida Eruchshah Minbatiwala and Dadabhoy Behram Unwala', January 18 Meher Sarosh Mevawalla of Vasai and Farokh Rusi Daruwalla', January 22 Tanaz Minoo Wadia and Firoze Keki Irani', January 24 Rashna Fardoon Irani and Fardoon Behram Irani, January 27 Maharukh Rusi Bagwalla and Hoshang Barjorji Gandhi, January 28 Nilofer Ardaviraf Daruwala and Firdosh Jehangir Sethna', January 29 Kim Dara Hormusji and Darayus Keki Khodaiji, January 30 Hutokshi Furdoonji Mahva and Jimmy Behram Zaiwalla', January 31 Roshon Peshotan Bamanji of Govandi and Neville Homi Deboo; February 2 Jerbanoo Kaikobad Randelia and Khushrow Rustom Mirza; February 2 Meher Darabshah Bavaadam and Nevil Darasha Lail; February 3 Anhaita Manek Chama and Khushroo Jal Khambata', February 4 Anahita Bomi Mandviwalla and Aspi Erachshaw Elavia', February 5 Pervin Adi Aga and Behram Rustom Irani, February 5 Putli Noshir Dubash and Keka Rashid Irani, February 5 Freni Adi Wadia and Neville Sam Patei, February 5 Hutoxi Jal Solai and Daraius Faramroze Aibara; February 7 Khurshid Phiroze Mistry and Firoze Fall Cooper, February 7 Tehmi Minoo Master and Burzin Sohrab Morris', February 9 Khushnama Keki Tavadia and Zubin Jamshed Davar; February 10 Rashna Hoshi Kotwal and Homy ar Nariman Sanjana; February 9 Bakhtavar Rustom Rao and Faredoon Naval Desai, February 10 Dilnavaz Firoz Tantra of Nagpur and Zahir Minoo Mevawala', February 10 Nargis Phiroze Balsara and Mehernosh Rustomji Bhagwagar; February 11 Jeroo Faredoon Mistry of Vashi and Godrej Minoo Billimoria', February 11 Roxan Noshir Kavarana and Kersi Dinshaw Bhada; February 12 Roda Dhanji Irani and Adil Polad Irani, February 12 Jasmine Jehangir Pastakia and Khushroo Aspi Irani, February 12 Dinaz Adi Chinoy of New Delhi and Cawas Gayomard Kharadi, February 12 Villoo Jal Sahiyar and Adil Jamshed Mistry-, February 12 Jessica Noshir Mistry and Jasper Noshir Kateli, February 13 Yasmin Hoshang Marshall and Rummy Piroze Khan', February 14 Daizy Jal Sethna and Homi Nariman Kotwai, February 14 Yasmin Pheroze Kharas and Rumi Bahadur Palsetia-, February 14 Persis Adi Sui and Vaspas Kali Patei, February 14 Tina Jimmy Umrigar and Pesi Dady Shroff, February 14 Aloo Jal Vakil and Jimmy Jehangir Billirhoria; February 16 Peryin Yezdi Sattha of Ahfnedabad and Pervez Jehangir Irani, February 16 Jeroo Noshir Bajina of Poona and Pesi Vicajee Patei, February 16 Zaver Farrokh Dalal and Baji Homi Sepoy, February 16 Aban Nariman Chhor and Mahernosh Nariman Umrigar, February 17 Binaifer Naval Amrolia and Kaiwaan Russi Patei, February 18 Nilafer Nariman Confectioner and Nozer Sorab Dastoor; February 19 Tehnaz Jamshed Faroogh and Farrokh Rustom Irani, February 19 Khurshm Noshir Patel and Khushroo Bomi Master; February 19 Rashna Dhunjisha Ratnagar and Nariman Sorabji Mehta-, February 21 Hufrish Phiroze Pooniwalla and Behram Keki Nagporwala-, February 21 Aloo Ardeshir Artist and Minoo Pestonji Polson -, February 21 Nifriez Jamshed Contractor and Rohinton Jehangir Jassawalla', February 23 Nergisk Minocher Bhadha and Vispi Eruchshaw Katila; February 23 Jacqueline Framroze Mistry and Berzis Ratansha Marolia-, ,1 i J J ,1 1 1 3 104 Parsiana March 1989February 23 Hufrish Pesi Deboo and Mernoz Pesatanoji Shastri; February 23 Tanaz Burjor Patel and Rohan Firoze Bulsara-, February 24 Freny Ardeshir Ranikhetwalla and Behruz Dinyar Cardmaster-, February 24 Shirin Faquirji Contractor of Gandhidham, Kuteh and Tehmtan Jal Patel-, February 25 Firuze Naval Daruvalla and Kerman Fall Shroff -, February 26 Hutoxi Meherji Afhnshi and Phiroze Dhanjishaw Vandrewala-, February 26 Farahnaz Sheriar Falahati and Esfandyar Khodayar Yazdani of Panjim, Goa, February 26 Parinaaz Kaikoo Irani and Sheriar Behram Khosravi-, February 27 Daisy Shiavax Marolia and Pervez Rustom Sidhwa-, February 27 Arnawaz Jivanji Tadwalla and Hoshie Rustomji Mevawala of Poona; February 28 Died Nadirs haw Shapurji Bhoja (19) residing at 12-B, Kawasji Petit Bldg, Marzban Clny, Gilder Lane, 400008; January 31 Cawasji Darabshah Hansotia (71), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; January 31 Meherbanoo Shapurji Irani (85), 12/8, Sir C. J. Clny, Tardeo, 400034; January 31 Perin Rustomji Batliwala (75), B-305, Kailash Apts 293, Balasis Rd, 400008; February 1 Framroze Ardeshir Bode j (88), 110, Heera Meher, / Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, / 400005; February 1 / (cremated) / Phiroze Kariman Daruwalla (68), 62, Daruwalla Hse„ Parel Village Rd, Parel, 400012; February 2 Sorab Pestonji Kutky (fl2), Patel Chmbs, 9, Rustom . Sidhwa Marg, 400001; February 2 Jamshed Boman Najmi (70), 11/B, Laxman Apts, Azad Lane, S.V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; February 2 Minoo Shapurji Wadia (82), 617, B. Cooper Bldg, Dhobi Talao, 400002; February 2 Banoobai Hormusji Kaka (85), B-10, Tardeo Chmbs, Kasinath St, Tardeo Rd, 400034; February 3 J er Sorabji Solai (60), Room 13, Bai Mai Bldg, Jerbai Wadia Rd, Parel, 400012; February 3 Roshan Burjor Guzder (54), Themi Ter, 74, Turner Rd, Bandra, 400050; February 4 Putalibai Dinshawjee Cooper (74), C/o Hilla.Jamshedji, Room 15, Anil Bldg, Dhobi Talao, 400020; February 5 Meherbai Savakshaw Mistry (75), in, B. S. Panthaki Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; February 5 Sheroo Pirojshaw Shroff (13), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; February 5 Bomi Minocher Deboo (46), Room 52, Hirabai Petit Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; February 6 Homi Dossabhai Kharas (77), 81, Navyug Mans, Grant Rd, 400007; February 6 Nerges Ardaviraf Taraporevala (68), A/4, Ness Baug, Nana Chowk, 400007; February 6 Jinee Rustamji Bharucha (66), 696-B, Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 7 Jal-Cursetji Billimoria (13), 6, Jehangir Mans, First Marine St, 400020; February 7 Ardeshir Rustomji Busha (81), C-17-18, Mohanlal Mehta Market, Grant Rd, 400007; February 7 Najamai Kaikhushroo Jalanawalla (79), Rustom Court, Annie Besant Rd, 400018; February 7 Nargesh Dhunjishaw Jassumani (12), M-29, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; February 7 Nadir Framji Mehta (85), Jaiphal Ter, 31, Forjett St, 400036; February 7 Pesi Jijibhm Suntoke (65), 17-B, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; February 8 With best wishes from a reguiar reader IT' 705 Parsiana March 1989I' < J I Perin Jehangir Wadia (64), 5, Proctor Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; February 8 Nergish M. Amaria (76), Mancharam Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; February 9 Sorab Jal Pardiwalla (33), Annexe 3, Ness Baug, Nana Chowk, 400007; February 9 Shapoorji Cowasjee Satta (68), 17, Kala Niketan, 95, M. Karve Marg, 400020; February 10 Homai Edulji Writer (71), 4, Todiwala Bldg, 28, Sun Mill Rd, Lower Parel, 400013; February 11 Roshan Savaksha Dubash (58), Gadiwalla Hse, 17, Gilder Lane, 400008; February 12 Dina Ratanshaw Balsara (70), (57), C/610, Usha Nagar, A-25, T.M.C. Qrs, Sion Trombay Rd, 400088; February 13 Cooma Ardeshir Deboo (74), Bai Ratanbai Tata Bldg, 38th Rd, Bandra, 400050; February 13 Pheroz Hormusji Hathidaru (78), 31, Sion Mans, Sion, 400022; February 13 Pirojshaw Merwanji Bacha (80), 2, Habib Court, S.B. Rd, 400039; February 14 Gbolbai Ardeshir Bhathena (95), 6, Malbari Bldg, New Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; February 14 Homi Dossabhai Ichhaporia (65), 6-B, New Mistry Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; February 14 Shirin Kersasp Dordi (91), Dhun Hse, 6, Tejpal Rd, New Gamdevi, 400007; February 15 Fall Shavakshaw Kapadia (58), Akash Apt, Makhmali Talao, old Agra Rd, Thane, 400601; February 15 Freny Burjor Nariman (65), 269, Nariman Hse, Dr Cowasjee Hormusjee St, Dhobi Talao, 400002; February 15 Meherbai Peshotan Sethna (88), A-12, Rustom Baug, __ _ _________ Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; (94), 9, Fems' Mans, iToThu T February 15 Rd, Bandra, 400050; Nariman Hoshang Batly (75), February 21 89, Khorshed Villa, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; February 16 Jalejar M. Gundevia (90), Nawab Manzil, 18, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; February 16 Sana Dhunjibhoy Darukhanavala (94), 22, Vacha Gandhi Rd, New Gamdevi, 400007; February 17 Ratamai Hiraji Gandhi (86), Polson Bldg, 731, Vimadalal Rd, Dadar, 400014; February 17 Rata Navroji Kabir (69), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; Febmary 17 Jehangirji Naoroji Engineer (86), A-22, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; Febmary 18 Shirin Sorab Talati (88), 3, Hampton Court, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; Febmary 18 Russi Kaikhushroo Boyce Kerbanoo Pestonji Gora (80), 18, Manban Bjdg, Khareghat Amavaz Rusi Kaikobad and Adil Rustom Bankwallw, January 6 Toranj Tehmurasp Khursigara and Behram Jahnbux Irani', January 12 Perveen Minocher Gandavia and Zarir Zal Pohwalla', January 15 Dosi Jina Bhadha and Bomi Minocher Anklesaria', January 26 Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; February 22 Avabai Behramjee Mody (89), Rehmat Manzil, Veer Nariman Rd, Churchgate, 400020; February 22 Sorabshaw Sapurji Merchant (70), 11/3, Sai Kripa, Khush Villa, Ratlam, MP, 457001; February 23 Homi Merwanji Kheshvala (76), C/o Bahadur C. Amrolia, 18, United Chmbs, M. S. Rd, 400007; February 24 Firoze Rustomji Panday (89), A,’ Banoo Mans, Cumballa Hill, 400036; February 24 Kaikhashroo Nawroji Patel (68), C-17, Natraj, Sodawala Lane, Borivli (W), 400092; February 24 Gaver Ardeshir Irani (85), Nand Bhavan, J.P. Rd, Andheri, 400058; February 25 Kola Pesi Majoo (68), Ava Mans, Tardeo Rd, 400007; February 25 Dhanmai Burjorji Baria (79), Hari Niwas, 19, Mathew Rd, 400004; February 26 Putlibai Ratanji Hathikhanawalla (93), Zaveri Khandelwal Marg, Bhandup, 400078; February 19 Kali Kaikhushroo Cabinetmaker (65), H-12, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; February 19 Hormusji Sorabji Daroowala (90), 27, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; February 19 Baji Cowasjee Mehta (67), 32, Mahimwalla Bldg, Khetwadi, 12th Lane, 400004; February 19 Bomansha Edulji Mistry (76), Bldg, Opp Albless Baug, R. G/6, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, Mohan Roy Rd, 400004- 400012; February 19 Mehroo M. Postwalla (76), Makavi Mans, Gunbow St, Fort, 400001; February 19 From P. Tamboli (81), Boyce February 26 Bldg, 671, Parsi Clny, Dadar, Homai Rustomji Mistry (65), 400014; February 19 ~ Shirinbai Cawasji Mullan (93), ‘D,’ Shree Bhatia Co-op Soc, Princess St, 400002; February 20 Sorab Merwanji Postwala (80), 5/3, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; February 20 Mani Gev Wadia (65), 65, Pheroze Villa, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400060; February 20 Noshirwan Byramji Motiwalla Mohan Roy Rd, 400004; February 26 Sorabji Hormusji Mistry (75), 7/D, Dadiseth Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; E-36, Cusrow Bang, S.B. Rd, Colaba, 400039; February 27 CALCUTTA Born A boy, Rustom, to Kashmir a and Rumi Patel', February 22 Married Frenaz Modi and Kersi Mogrelia-, February 19 106 Parsiana March 1989 Rd, Bandra, 400050; CHICAGO Born A girl, Nicole, to Niloufer and Mike Hagen', January 4 Aloo Dosabhai Sukhadwalla (70), D/8, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400054; February 21 February 22 Goolbai Cavasji Davar (81), Kotwal Hse, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; February 22 Died Dhunmai Gandhi, KARACHI Married Shermin Aspi Khambatta and Jal Juli Kaikobad', January 5 Died Behram Munchersha Billimoria (73), January 2 Natasha Fredie Sethna (3)', January 2 Najamai Nariman Khambatta (85); January 5 Rusi Meherwanji Patel (70); January 15 Pirojbai Nadirsha Sukhia (87); January 16 Sarvar Mahiyar Allahbadi (85); January 24 ONTARIO Born A boy, Cyrus, to Parizad and Za/izr Antza; January 3 A girl, Amy, to Yesna and Teosar Bhesaniw, January 29 PENNSYLVANIA Born A boy, Malcolm, to Parinaz and Khodadad Irani', October 7, 1988 POONA Born A boy to Hufriz and Khushro Dastur, January 17, 1989 Died Hoshang Minoo Rustomji (34), 955, Dastur Meher Rd, 41100T; December 2, 1988 Behram Boman Irani (69), 3, 1 i ! ! Jamshedji Petit St, Grant Rd, ‘ Bombay, 400007; December 12 Shirinbai Jehangir Irani (83), 613, Sachapir St, Camp, 411001; December 20 Najamai Naval Naigamwala (88), 480, Rasta Peth, 411001; January 12, 1989 Daulat Minocher Forbes (94), 30, Koregaon Park, 411001; February 3 Minoo Savaksha Daver (85), Bakhtavar, 129, B. Nagar Rd, 411001; February 16 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka J *IN MEMORIAM D V.-»J I ied: Dinshaw Byram Avari, SI, |hh|||^|||||mh|||||||||||||||||||^^ losing a pioneer of the hotel in ­ founder of the Avari chain of dustry in Pakistan, the chairman of the hotels in Pakistan and president of the Pakistan Hotels Association recol- Karachi Parsi Anjuman Trust Funds, lected, “As the proprietor of the on December 18, 1988 in Karachi, fol- H Beach Luxury Hotel, he was one of lowing cardiac arrest. the founder members of the Pakistan The guiding principle of his life as Hotels Association, ” and had served recounted in a resolution passed by the Jw member of its executive commit- Samast Anjuman of Karachi was: ] tee and as its vice chairman for many “Contented with what I have, but dis- years. contented with what I am. ” It was this Though he had suffered more than philosophy which spurred him to bet- ; one heart attack in the last year, Avari ter his business prospects, improve the " ' . S was hopeful of attending the centenary lot of his community, and envision a , < j celebrations of his alma mater, the J. progressive future for his country, N. Petit Orphanage (now the Technic- Pakistan. al High School) in Pune, wrote educa- On his death, Karachi ’s daily, the tionist Behram Rustomji. In fact, he Business Recorder of December 20, had just gone for a medical check-up noted, “Karachi has lost one of its to condole the death of Avari. There before leaving for India when a mas- most prominent citizens who was wit- were many whp narrated their person- sive cardiac arrest made him breathe ness to the metamorphosis of this city al experiences with the hotelier- his last. Reportedly, his school days from a small town of a couple of lakhs philanthropist at the meeting at the and his humble beginnings were an ex- of people to a sprawling nerve center Katrak Parsi Colony. “Dinshawji was perience. he never allowed himself to and the largest industrial city of Pakis- a self-made man endowed with vision forget in his lifetime and took pride in tan. ” Nearly 3,500 citizens of Karachi and foresight. With the dint of energy frequently referring to them publicly, are estimated to have assembled at his and tenacity of purpose... he rose to The Navsari-born Avari 'was residence to pay their last respects to great heights, ” wrote Dr Aspi Golwal- orphaned at an fearly age. Thoughout Avari before his body was carried to la, chairman of the Bombay Parsi Pun- his school, and college life at the Towers Of Silence. chayet. Sydenham, Avari had known trying In personal messages of condolence sent by the President of Pakistan Ghu- termination, integrity and enormous provided with scholarships but there fam Ishaq Khan and Prime Minister benevolence ” is how John Hinnells, were days in my life when I had no ­ Ms Benazir Bhutto, Avari was referred professor of comparative religion at thing to eat and I slept hungry. ” With to as an “illustrious ” man. In a letter, the University of Manchester, de- an educational background in com- theGovemorof Sind, Justice Qadeerud- scribed Avari. “The Zoroastrian world merce, Avari started his career in din Ahmed (Retd), recalled his asso- at large will be the poorer for his de- Bombay with the Sun Life Assurance ciation with Avari spanning four de- mise and yet is the greater for his life, ” Company of Canada on the meager cades. Syed Qaim Ali Shah Gilani, the Hinnells continued. salary of Rs 75, recalls the Samast chief Minister of Sind, remembered Avari was a life member of the World Anjuman resolution. Soon he became Avari ’s services “for the welfare of Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) and the highest selling agent in the pres- humanity in general and the Parsi chairman of the WZO Committee for idency of Bombay. His efforts were community in particular. ” Pakistan from the outset. “This shows recognized by the Company which Messages from institutions and indi- clearly his recognition of the fact that asked him to open an office in viduals in different corners of the the need of the hour for the commun- Karachi. When he successfully hand ­ world were read out at the Samast ity was to have a world body to look led this task, his authority was ex- Anjuman meeting convened by the after its interests globally, ” noted a re- tended to the provinces of Sind, Karachi Parsi Anjuman on March 11 solution sent by the WZO. Baluchistan and the North West Fron- chayet. “A person of immense courage, de- times. As he used to admit, “I was Avar i s towering achievements Parsiana March 1989T newspapers criticizing the owners for would often say, “The palm should j ft! lift 1 tier Province, Punjab and Afghanistan. i Aspiring still higher, Avari, at the treating their guests like dogs, making never face up, always down (symboliz- age of 42, invested his life savings and, them stand and eat food! ing giving), ”, remembers his son with the help of a loan, bought the Bristol Hotel for one lakh rupees. The laboration with Hilton International, English seller taught him and his wife opened the Lahore Hilton at Lahore pital, Avari would host dinners at his Khorshed the ropes of the hotel busi- city in 1978 and dedicated the new hotel absolutely free of charge to raise ness for six months. Thereafter they hotel to his late wife Khorshed. funds for the institution, the Hospital managed independently. His busy life I” would start at four in the morning, was Avari Towers-Ramada Renaiss- nimity. going for marketing to meet the Hotel ance, inaugurated in 1985. Its build- “Since the last several years on our requirements. ing, the tallest in Karachi, was built Parsi New Year ’s day, a fair is held at Convinced that there was a scope after weathering several legal and the Beach Luxury Hotel where the for first class hotels in Karachi, he de- financial storms. Surrounding the whole community gets together and cided to build the Beach Luxury on hotel is Avari Plaza which houses the the proceeds of the fair are donated to Queen ’s Road which was then marshy offices of multinational concerns in Parsi charitable organizations, ” ack ­ land. Those were the days of Partition, when many minority community members were leaving Karachi. It is he had introduced the Avari Travel would even arrange to hire buses at said that the first Governor of Sind, on Agencies in 1978. his expense to bring poor Parsis from hearing of Avari ’s proposal, had sug- “Dinshaw Avari was not a person different localities to these functions, gested to Khorshed that Avari get his but an institution who, by his personal Only last year, he arranged for a din ­ head examined! Nevertheless, Avari pioneering zeal in building up a chain ner-dance on Navroze eve at Avari proceeded with his plans. The 150- of magnificent hotels, shared its profits Towers in aid of the Banu Mandal ’s room plush hotel with banquet halls, with the community, (and took) an ac- Diamond Jubilee Higher Education swimming pool and other lux- tive interest in the civic, business. Loan Scholarship Fund. uries was the first to introduce the buf- cultural and charitable activities of the Until his end, he served as president fet system in Karachi. Initially, people country, ” remembered^Rustomji. His of the Young Men ’s Zoroastrian Asso- could not reconcile themselves to this doors were always open to any and ev- ciation and the Jehangir- P. Dubash concept, and there would be articles in ery one who needed his assistance. He Health Culture Institute, Karachi. He At considerable cost, Avari, in col- Byram. For the B.M.H. Parsi General Hos- " His latest addition to the hotel scene trustees put on record his magna- • Queers Road which was then marshy offices of multinational concerns in Parsi charitable organizations, ~ , this prime locality. nowledged the Karachi Zarthosti As a corollary to his hotel business, Banu Mandal president. In fact, Avari ibji I ({' •! ¦ i I i 1 fi i ii' !ft ii :: n ti I! WmimilWIWiNiHMHIIIIimilllM .... . .... ii:!iiiiiii!;:l iUSUUS) !}! liiliilHWHiiyillMOi iiiji! t :x With Best Compliments When In Bombay Contact I; ii LEACH &WEBORNY For attending to your laundry. They are Launderers & Dyers of repute. They will also attend to your carpets for cleaning or dyeing. * * * 66, Off E. Moses Road,Worli, Bombay 400018 Phone: Head Office 274294 Factory: 4924384,4925644 :s: 110 Parsiana March 1989I was also most regular in his attendance here, the construction activity is ex- at the Karachi Parsi Railway Ghambar pected to Fund and the Parsi Jashan Fund. C._ LI___ _____________________ Due to his religious leanings, for 45 rent community organizations got consecutive years he provided kathi at together to felicitate the doyen, the Seth Dossabhoy Wadia Daremeh- ”” er at Karachi. To the H. J. Behrana with which Avari was involved. He uw mv wa». l^isich io rendered assistance was a freemason, the founder member all, as everyone has something to con- and guidance, as noted their trustees, c* C!"*; For the Dastur Dr Dhalla Memorial Deaf and Dumb Centre at Karachi r ¦ • _______________________________¦ the organization the cost of his Society as also on the Society for Pre ­ valuable time and (extended) excellent vention of Cruelty to Animals, Avari facilities of his hotels to the visiting served on the managing committee, scholars, of Zoroastrianism, ” his coii- He was vice president of the Pakistan tribution was refcrded. Avari had also National Committee of The World served on the managing committees of Constitution and Parliament Associa- educational institutions like the Bai Virbaiji Soparivala Parsi School and The Mama Parsi Girls ’ School. He was particularly concerned ab ­ out the welfare of Zoroastrian fugees from Iran. He organized committee in which the Zoroastrian trusts of Karachi brought together to support, house and fund the refugees, ” noted the Samast Anjuman resolution. It was stated in a letter from the Sir Jehangir Kothari Trust that “his piety and generosity were infectious. ” A message from the Jehangir Ra- jkotwalla Baugh Trust referred to his conduct of affairs: “As chairman (he) showed that everything as far as possi ­ ble can be done with consensus. He always listened to the others ’ view ­ points and respected them. He never allowed anyone to go away from the meetings without satisfaction. ” Yet, his own appointment as chair ­ man ( " came during a tumultuous period in the history of the community in gineer and philanthropist, and former Delhi, Madras and Colombo. SjJTof factions, one seg- sheriff of Madras, on November 29, “Commencing as a small contrac- tharlh 1988. tor, he rose to secure a contract of 25 mined that the vacant chair should not Many prominent landmarks in Mad- crore rupees in 1975, believed to be be occupied by Avari. Equally insis- ras and the rest of the country stand a the biggest single civil contract in In ­ tent was Avan s son Byram who made witness to Tarapore ’s ingenuity as an dia, ” mentions the write-up. A found- hl engineer. He is known to have been er member of the Builders Association had to then face a tough challenge to like the Indraprastha Indoor Stadium win the trusteeship elections against at New Delhi, the docks for the retired Justice Dorab Patel. - One of Avari ’s most important con ­ tributions to the -Anjuman was _________________ ______ ___ spearheading the development of the ka and other places. It was Tarapore providing loans for hous^e constrac- Association of World Federalists, The commence. English Speaking Union of Pakistan, On hi^dghty-fifth birthday, diffe- the Pak-Kuwait Friendship Associa- 4_. . Other organizations. Since 1941, he had been appointed Justice of There were other associations too the Peace. : His approach to life was: “Listen to of the Rotary Club of Karachi and the tribute towards one ’s development. ” His success in life he attributed to his promoted the aiinsjif On the Sind Red Cross/Red Crescent daily prayers, rituals and ceremonies " - - Qf Zoroastrian faith. When faced with difficulties, he had a positive atti ­ tude: ‘Be brave and face the blast, as storms come but soon they pass. ’ Avari is survived by his son Byram and daughters Havovi Shiavax tion of Colarado-USA, the World Dadabhoy and Dinaz Minoo Bamji. re- “a various were Tarapore’s landmarks ft:- from Cape Comorin to Trivandrum, note the written tributes paid to the engineer by hisr associates Minoo k Siganporia, Keku Parakh and.Dilla I Naladaroo, as also Marzban Giara I who forwarded the memoirs to Par- K siana. His company was also- commis- sioned to undertake civic works for well-known institutions in Madras such as the Reserve Bank of India, the United Commercial Bank, the Custom House and the Central Excise Office. Several steel, aluminium, copper, ce ­ ment and fertilizer factories were con ­ structed according to his specifica- V "v n • . • ------ notes the press release. The Taj, »J Parsi Aiquman Died: Jehanbux Hormuzshah Tara- Group of Hotels too had enlisted his „4 pore, 87, leading construction en- help in designing their structures at Karachi. Split into factions, one seg- sheriff of Madras, on November 29, tor, he rose to secure a contract of 25 Many prominent landmarks in Mad- crore rupees in 1975, believed to be tent was Avari ’s son Byram who made witness to Tarapore ’s ingenuity as an dia, ” mentions the write-up. A found- evftrv pffnrt tn opt Etc i _______ i . _ „ . > xvwnv* J : , . . , _ , . * ----------- ,4V vrwvzix Vi xxxvmuvi me OUIIUCIS/\5SOViaUOn k ® X®" though Byram himself involved in the shaping of monuments of India, he was conferred the presti- had to then face a lonah challenn. KV. 4k. ------------4k„ in 1975, notes the press release. For 35 years Cochin Shipyard Ltd, and building Tarapore served as president of the masonry and earthen dams for pro- Egmore Benefit Society Ltd, Madras, jects at Tungabhadra, Hirakud, Farak- one of the largest financing companies priine and surplus land at Doongerwa- and Company^ a firm jointly founded tions*.'****^ ?k c 4 A • 7 “------------------------------- --------------------This respected member of society stated the Samast Anjuman resolu- a role m the laying of runways at the was appointed sheriff of Madras in the llZAH ¦ InZ'A tnA J X... !__ _ -1 fr a a v* . At the time of rebuilding the Phiroj 5 di into a residential Parsi colony, by him and his father, that had played etni-AzI _ 4. ____ I ..... - r J tion. Once the plots are allotted to Trivandrum, Kolar and Bangalore those interested in purchasing land Airports, as also a national highway ) J J Parsiana March 1989 i I! Clubwala Memorial Hall in 1980 for ly imparts education to 3,000 children. School and the College of Engineer ­ use by the Parsis of Madras, the fund- He was also the chairman of the Chen- ing, Guindy. Tarapore always enjoyed , raising committee of the Madras Parsi napuri Annadana Samajan in Madras playing a game of bridge. “My worries Association was chaired by Tarapore. which feeds, clothes, houses and edu- and tiredness go away when I play A corpus of nearly six lakh rupees was cates nearly 400 destitute and bridge, ” he would say. raised on this occasion. Not able to orphaned boys. Among his recent acts Tarapore had lost his daughters spare sufficient time for anjuman mat- of charity was the establishment of Dinoo and Roda in a car accident in ters, his philosophy was, “Since I can ’t The J.H. Tarapore Foundation to give 1951, and his wife Dhunmai died five devote time to the anjuman, I help by financial grants for education, medical years later. The commercial complex cash. ” On religious issues he claimed relief and the alleviation of the suffer- that Tarapore built at Madras in 1960 that he was not an orthodox. “I don ’t ing poor. To the Sri Satya Sai Trust, and which houses the office of Tara- . go to the agiary, ” he had told Parsiana Tarapore had donated Abbotsbury, a pore and Company was named Dhun in 1985. 1 ¦ ¦ - . . ...................... - - - - ....... The education and welfare of chil- acres of land on Mount Road, dren was one of his greatest concerns. He ran a school for girls in Madras. Named after him, the school reported- He studied at the Christian College pore Towers complex. prized property with a hall and several Building after his wife, it is reported. _____ r 1__ ___ _____ : r. __J. Nearly 25 years later, he left another Born in Dharwar, Karnataka, Tara- impression on the Madras skyline by pore received his education in Madras, building the city ’s prestigious Tara- ! 1 '4 Bharoocha ’s ‘Happy Home ’ /il s iff! ii I I if' ¦¦ I ; !!! ! I I rO ! which the National Association for the Blind was conceived. Her contribution to the cause of blind welfare was nationally recognized when she was conferred the prestigious Rustom Merwanji Alpaiwala Award, writes Desai. Widowed at a young age (her hus ­ band Sohrjrt) was an eminent architect and the first president of the Indian Died: Coomi Sohrab Bharoocha, 90, floor of a chawl at Worli. Realizing Institute of Architects), Bharoocha versatile social worker who was parti- that such a locale would not contribute immersed herself in different move- culafly committed to promoting the to the healthy development of blind ments, working for the betterment gf. education' of blind children, on De- children, she persistently approached society. The National Society fo^ cember 30,1988 in Bombay, following the chief minister of Maharashtra until Equal Opportunities for the Hand- ’ cardiac arrest. she was granted a plot of land on Dr icapped, the Maharashtra State “Her dedication, her perseverance Annie Besant Road where today Women ’s Work Guild, and Parsi trusts in promoting a cause dear to her heart, stands the commodious building. like the Parsi Amelioration Commit- her judgment of people and problems. To prepare the blind students for tee, Stree Zarthosti Mandal and Anaj her in-depth study, her considered de- their ultimate integration into sighted Mandal, Parsi Punchayet Fort Welfare cisions on all problems of importance society, she insisted that they be edu- Centre, the Sir Ratan Tata Industrial and her practical approach ” were cated at institutions for the sighted and Institute and the Sir Sohrabji Poch- Bharoocha ’s attributes recalled by be provided with facilities for extra khanawalla Institute for Poor Parsi Capt Hormazdiar Desai, who was a curricular activities like scouting. Ladies could count on Bharoocha ’s close associate of hers. In a eulogy to sports, games, music and other recrea- contribution as an office bearer or an Bharoocha, Desai credits her with de- tion. Bharoocha herself had an apti- ordinary member. She had worked hs veloping the Happy Home and School tude for music. She had studied both an honorary dressmaking instructress ” for the Blind in Bombay, which today instrumental and vocal Hindustani in several institutions. is considered a model institute. classical music, was a talented pianist. Oriented towards art from the be- For her service to the School for and had also taken vocal courses at the ginning, Bharoocha opted for painting over 51 years as honorary secretary London Music Higher International and drawing at the Sir J.J. School of and trustee, Bharoocha was remem- Academy. In fact, barely a week be- Art after passing her Senior Cam- , bered at a condolence meeting in her fore her death, ‘maiji ’, as she was bridge examination from Queen honor on January 30, 1989. It was affectionately labelled by the children, Mary ’s School. She had also studied proposed at the meeting that as a mark sat with them to sing Christmas carols, cooking, nursing and hygiene. Her in- of her love for the blind children, the Happy Home School be renamed after ing, she was quite firm in discipline, her. ' - - _ . On taking over this appointment at the School, not only had Bharoocha mittee that organized the first Provin- end: a month prior to her death, she set upon the task of finding new pre- cial Conference for the Blind and had had pleaded with her niece to be taken ’ mises for it, but she also gave it a served on the executive committee to the Christmas and New Year ’s eve sound administrative set-up. T^e in- which organized the First All India dances. ___________________ _______ stitution was then located on the top Conference for the Blind in 1952 at written by Pannaz Gandhi .Z Though very loving and understand- terest in books was chiefly on the sub ­ ject of comparative religious studies, remembered Desai. A talented ballroom dancer, she re- Bharoocha was active on the com- tained her love for dancing to the very 112 Parsiana March 1989