Apr 1989

#*: ; 4 4 »4*< « • a i f • O' a J «•». « .¦'•x ‘«‘ >> : APRIL 1989 R& 8 ¦u a"^' ".ft. ^!S A 4«4k4-< o ‘0 o «—trS 4'c 8 ’ la, 8, • a g- ,n' .< '«>^U •Sea* r " ’il: '^e' iS 4 'I® a’ i»'| '4»-, '.5i \>1 lUj k»l }^- r r;s .x2 K-»'J 4^*84:. •4*a 4 ' '.(a: !4; I <1 -¦S', UOj I s * 4 A 1^4 .tf 44 8< >ai»4 ' > * * * e (5 • — <• » 44-* :4 , ¦ ;*.'5::iV 4-Sk44A<4^4-3 ‘•J • -4 >r 4; -0 , — »4. . 44_ ¦’-I’-’O 4^ "“•“ ® y’5«3 “« TsW.Tj »’W‘ ' fe' __'-,4|»a.-. A ~ 1^1:1 • 1^^*14 4*4- 4 ai4-4-4 -4 S4'»4'14'41444>'4 14^ 4- J48^i-i4ji4X-«:44-^ S4-8>4-i44 144 4 »-,- — 1. • 'a'i,<8^;sr;::2h5!' •4 -4..80Jia,4.aix.., 1 ° i-A4iga • -4 4* » m 4-tf 4-4 S _ . >'2 8 ia4«-4i4- 4 4--4 4-4 S 4 5,< ¦' !*’k"*'l .?¦ !, f^'.l /a aJ>| I IW -w 3 a— itA • ^•xV” -kt. o k » tM '**^*9; JcO ¦*<>. «. a" ¦<' k a 4 - ^0^00, *«6«-4.4 £. -1-84.4: 48- kK?jd B4.4«s| H -e-80-4.8,___ H >^.441.40-40 4a 4^ —4,4 —a 4 4 ^¦8§8.i’a«--i4.4X >T-o»8& OPf RATI ON T1S£K —liuM— . OraBMlOMWJI --- f 9 —t - *«• 8 •—^ ' I «• a 4-4 (4 (14 5«=S.T ' ' 1^ r4-i4l 4 . 3 “ 8 "4--4X1.4- »^<14_4- -: ' -, a •4 1.4-4 14 444 8 8 o fv o ** ; oApril 1989 Volume 11 Number 10 EDITOR Jehangir Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah Fernandes MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L. Arora EDP Rohinton Daroga CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver OFFICE Rajendra P. Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia Lewis, Rajalakshmi Krishnan, Bakhtavar Batliwalla 3 Readers' Forum 13 Events and Personalities 16 Zoroastrians Abroad 22 The Delhi Parsi Festival by Gustasp Irani 34 Girton's new plans by Joy Fernandes 39 Lessons in survival by Aspi Moddie 42 Chinoys' cheese culture 4. 46 Milestones 48 In Memoriam Cover: Illustration by Mickey Patel Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd, C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400(X)1. Phototypesetting, Ace and Span; 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: Searnail 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. 1 i - ¦*<¦11 —I m/inhit ituilrn 0? >¦ FWKDERS’FORUM -I J fun V w. - ¦ * ¦; " says samefUfe^fTibc ttfflaees are Jivanji Modi Hall at . the K. R. Cama ----- go^ tofisten to him? After all, he is a Oriental institute which has a seating madcap. Let him be. ’” Any elaboration on capacity of about 300, of which nearly go what Mistry meant would be superfluous. 250 seats were taken) let ’s see how the • Fiction: The report talks of “the lady in tape falsifies Mr Rogers ’ reporting. Mr K. question, ” alluding to Mistry ’s reference N. Dastoor, who moved the resolution in to her, who was the “prime mover in col- Gujarati, began by explaining: You may lecting 18 lakh rupees for the repair work call it a resolution or a representation at the Atash Bahram. ” {nivedan patra)... because at present we Fact: At our meeting, it was specifi- are only making a request to the trustees... cally pointed out by me that the trustees I place that before you...and urge you to of Ae fire-temple had themselves men- pass it not with a majority, but unani- tioned the total sum collected to have mously. ” Thereafter, Mr Mistry seconded been in the vicinity of eight lakhs. The it. And when those in favor were asked to sources for this collection were: the raise their hands, except perhaps Mr Ladies ’ Committee appointed for the pur- Rogers, there was hardly any one who pose, the clients of the various boiwallas didn ’t. Mr Dastoor then said: “So I take it and the frequent appeals made in the that you have passed this unanimously? ” Press. A thunderous applause greeted that • Fiction: Rogers states. “It, however, remark. Yet, Mr Dastoor went on to say, remains a moot point whether the struc- “Those who do not wish to support it may ture is really as sound as the COVP makes also raise their hands. ” Not a single hand it out to be, for, even Doctor in his speech went up! adi doctor conceded that the two porticos did come crashing down (sic). The repair fund was With reference to the report of the meet- used for the porticos, and will be needed ing for not shifting the atash padshah of for tiling the roof. ” the Seth Cawasji Behramji Banaji Atash Fact Had the porticos come crashing Bahram held on October 28, 1988 under down, it would have made front-page the auspices of CO^P (“Don ’t dethrone story in the entire Bombay Press! It ’s the padshahs, ” Parsiana, January 1989), I obvious that Rogers is not able to translate would like to make the following from Gujarati correctly. I had said, “What observations: was the main repair work to be carried E. . " ' ’ _ H interest to the (XMitmuntty and Jiwid be MTrt was the main repair work to be carried Ervad K. N. Dastoor, vt^iilst reading out to the Edlw, Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, out? The tiling of the roof, and the two the resolution to be passed by those who G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are porticos at the front and back which were were present at the meeting, did describe subiect to editing tor reaaons of space and - clarity. Unsigned letters or those without a compiele addrese will ixM be published. r 1 1 in a state of total disrepair. ” In fact, I had it as a “nivedan patra" and stated, for rea- even used the English word “disrepair! ” sons explained by the other speakers and Further, I had stated that both the works himself, that they were requesting the have already been carried out. “Now, all trustees not to shift the holy fire for mere that remains to be done is rangrogan cleaning and painting work. But at no “Don’t dethrone..(painting). ” So the “moot point ” is only a stage was the resolution reworded nor did After reading Homi J. Rogers ’ report on figment of Rogers ’ imagination. any member attending the meeting sug- the Council of Vigilant Parsis ’ (COVP) •Fiction: The worst distortion in your cor- gest any change therein^ meeting, held last October, to oppose the respondent ’s report is towards the end. ¦ ¦ Secondly, when Mr Dastoor requested shifting of the Banaji Atash Bahram pad- where he writes, “Doctor similarly the members present to raise their hands shah (“Don ’t dethrone the padshahs, ” beseeched... the audience to pass a resolu- if they were in favor of the resolution, it Parsiana, January 1989), I thought that tion, later reworded on observing a received unanimous sufiport as reported Homi must have nodded. But after scan- lukewarm response. ” And again, “The in the Jame Weekly of November 6 and ning it, I was convinced that it was a ‘resolution ’ was carried by a show of when Mr Dastoor requested the audience nastily slanted, nay, biased, report. The hands which, far from being unanimous, to raise their hands if they were not in least Parsiana can do when you send barely scraped a majority. ” favor, not a single hand was raised. Under someone to cover a meeting is to arm him/ Fact From where did he get the fib the circumstances, the mention in the her with a tape recorder, accompanied, if that becasue of a “lukewarm response, ” above report that “The resolution was car ­ possible, by a photographer, so that there the resolution was “reworded? ” ried by a show of hands which far from is no cause for later sifting facts from fic- Resolutions to be passed at protest meet- being unanimous, barely scraped a major- tion, which I now have to do. ings are thoroughly discussed and ity ” is totally divorced from the truth. It is • Fiction: Mr B. K. Mistry “introduced prepared well in advance! Besides, if you a calculated effort to misguide the mem- himself as ‘madcap. ’” If that is a Rogers ’ were to listen to the tape recording, you bers of the community and to belittle the joke, it certainly deserves a horse laugh! too will wonder like me, if Rogers has a efforts made by the COVP for an impor- Fact: (according to the taped version) totally different meaning of the word tant, sound, religious cause without Mistry - “There are people who ask me, “lukewarm ” in his lexicon! assigning any reasons or antecedents, if ‘Why are you holding this meeting?... As for his other fancy, about the ‘reso- any, thereto. Such an act deserves con- After all, do you think that because B. K. lution ’ “barely scraping a majority ” (the demnation of the highest order. 3 Parsiana April I wWhen Mr Adi Doctor, whilst requesting the audience to support the resolution, said that God would bless them, he only meant that for supporting a language and is regretted, just and good cause there is always a reward from God and he was not sug ­ gesting that they go out of their way and vote against their conscience. The repair jobs to be carried out con ­ sisted of repairing the roof, and repair/rebuilding of the front and rear porticos, all of which have already been “Don ’t dethrone the padshahs ” by Homi completed. In spite of opinions expressed Rogers {Parsiana, January 1989) has that no other repairs are called for, partic- prompted me to submit a few jottings. As Banaji Atash Bahram: in need of repair? ularly inside the building, if there are I have observed in my article in Jame (of December 12, 1988), some three or four which the chain of the chatri was passing, persons have created this controversy, the simplest course open to the trustees is Sometime ago, they were speaking in to invite opinions of independent Parsi terms of ‘shifting ’ (and ‘relocation ’), now architects of repute; such an action would they have come out with an edict concern- put to rest doubts about the soundness of ing ‘dethronement! ’ As far as I know, no inside the main atash bahram building had the building. Parsi, be he a trustee or a mobed or a lay- considerably deteriorated due to age and The atash padshah is the priceless spir- man, is interested in dethroning a holy gave an extremely shabby appearance not itual wealth of the community; the fire. Twisting of facts with an overdose of befitting the sacred atash bahram building trustees are merely the custodians and emotionalism will not help equate ‘deth- and it was essential to have the building managers of trust properties and funds, roning ’ with temporary shifting and painted from inside and also to paint the not the owners; boiwallas are the khadims reshifting of the holy fire carried out with woodwork of the roof members and to (servants) of the atash padshah and as requisite ritual precautions. attend to such of the V/ooden members of such they are supposed to be well-versed As indicated in the article mentioned the roof and the extensive wooden false worker in that behalf? The statement regarding the porticos was an unfortunate slip in the use of the An effective nivedan patra (application or request) bears the signatures of those who support it. If the resolution was - and was meant to be from the outset - a nive­ dan patra, it seemed hardly appropriate that it should have been put to the vote. I doubts, “whether the structure is really as sound as the COVP makes it out to be, ” might be dislodged and might result in the whole chatri coming down over the sacred fire. “It was also seen that the painting such they are supposed to be well-versed with customs and practices for preserving above, two important points to be borne in ceiling which had deteriorated, due to the sanctity of the holy fire and hence the mind are: age, aggravated by the leakage from the trustees, in their letter to the Jame, are • the need for temporary shifting of the roof, which had...been stopped (since) being unfair and unjust in blaming the holy fire as envisaged by an experienced 1986. boiwallas for delaying the repairs. engineer/arcbitect on the basis of his “It is essential that for full and proper The sacred fire was consecrated and expertise; and inspection and for execution of the work enthroned on December 13, 1845. The • the green signal given by scholar-priests in a proper and workmanlike manner, the holy fire was first shifted for major of international repute after considering sacred fire should be shifted and the repairs in November 1959 i.e. 114 years the pros and cons from the religious point building examined thoroughly, and the after it was enthroned. This very fact vin- of view. necessary repairs and the painting carried dicates the stand taken by the COVP. Surely and certainly, during this period of forwarded my article to the Press, I well over one century, Parsi workers must received a letter from one of the trustees underlines the necessity to shift the holy have carried out the work of cleaning and of Banaji Atash Bahram. Along with the fire and, in a word, it tells us that the painting: why then should the trustees letter there was a photostat copy of a cer- device on which the chatri is hung is sus- now hesitate to entrust the work to Parsis tificate dated October 10, 1988 from Sam pect. As against thif, one,pf the obstruct- and obviate the shifting of the holy fire P. Rao of Poonegar, Billimoria and ionists crying hoarse against temporary when no major repair inside the building Company, a reputed engineer who has shifting of the padshah assures us that a is called for? been rendering his services to a number problem of stability does not exist because In the end we hope and pray that wiser of Parsi trusts. Given below are excerpts a “priest swung on the hook! ” The absurd ­ counsel shall prevail and that the trustees from the certificate. Referring to his visit ity of such a contention is obvious. If will give up the idea of embellishing this to the fire-temple in question, Rao says: place of worship when all it requires is to be kept neat and clean, providing a serene pointed out to the undersigned that the graduates in arts, commerce and law can atmosphere befitting the status of a holy chatri (umbrella) over the sacred fire, speak with authority on this issue, public fire. SOHRAB NAVALSHAW PATWA engineer/arcbitect on the basis of his of view. It may be mentioned that after I had out. ” The opinion of the expert clearly stability of structures can be determined “During the inspection, it was also by a mobed swinging on a hook, and if which was suspended from the dome over and private bodies may as well dispense the kebla, was not moving smoothly with the services of consulting engineers/ Homi Rogers replies whenever it was required to be lowered at architects. As I see it, the question of At the outset, an apology for my errant fin- the time of sweeping the soot and that a ‘dethroning ’ would arise only if the trus- ger which typed an extra digit (“1”) before severe jerk had to be given before it would tees decide to succumb to the threats by the figure of 8 lakhs. In the same context, become loose and lowered... the obstructionists and postpone imple- may I reiterate that “the lady in question ” “There is a likelihood that because of menting the suggestion of the expert, in was described as the “prime ” mover in the jerk being given to lower the said cha- which case, as the latter has pointed out, collecting the funds and not the sole rri...some member (of) the dome, over the chatri may fall on the holy fire and I 5 Parsiana April 1989over knowledge and petulance over erudi- reptitiously accepted. Why should tion. The sooner the holy fire is shifted exchange of charity flats not be encour- j extinguish it in the process. In connection with the second point, it may be recalled that during the last few and the repairs carried out under the aegis aged openly? At each agiary, atash years, temporary shifting of the atash of the expert, the better for the commu- bahram, doongerwadi, slogans should be bahram fire was resorted to in the H. B. i , _ , r . j Wadia Atash Bahram, Bombay and in the particular. Iranshah at Udwada. Evidently, this could not have been done without the consent of Dastur Firoze Kotwal and Dastur Mr Yazdanyar A. Bonshahi under the Hormazdyar Mirza respectively. How- heading “The view in Iran ’’ (Readers ’ ever, Adi Doctor brings his hogs to a fine Forum, Parsiana, January 1989) writes market when, according to Rogers ’ that “Among the Iranian Zoroastrians it is report, he speaks disparagingly of the a sin if a person does not marry and does scholar-priests of the Atash Bahrams not produce children. ’’ Here in India, mentioned above. Thus we are con- < , strained Jo put two and two together. K. 3-. -- --------- „ lOon N. Dastoor, A. F. Doctor and B. K. and the population of the elderly is more. CongrCSS 1990 Mistry on one side and H. K. Mirza, F. What are our anjumans doing? At the recent meeting of the Federation of M. Kotwal, and K. M. JamaspAsa on the other. This would be the same as senti ­ mentality against sagacity, emotionalism Parsi schools were full of Parsi children against knowledge, and bravado against with caps on their heads. Marriages and profound scholarship. navjote ceremonies were performed in the nity in general and the holy fire in written: “It ’s a sin if you don ’t marry and FARiBOURz NARIMAN producc eight children for your religion to survive and exist. ’’ A few days back I was passing along Patel Agiary, Andheri, and saw a big crowd of Irani ladies. They were well- built and healthy, tall and of good Iranian stock. We still have that blood and genes present in us. We should wake up and encourage marriages and more children especially in Bombay and Gujarat, it is • as in Iran. R a. baria the opposite. Our number is decreasing “The view in Iran” What are our anjumans doing? Previously in Gujarat, a family of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India held seven and eight persons was common. in Bombay on April 8 and 9, 1989, the two topics which dominated the confer ­ ence were: the involvement of youth in all activities of the anjuman; and the more An important fact which emerges from bangs. Now the bangs have a deserted important problem of the dwindling the futile exercise of the obstructionists is - - ----- - that, in the absence of any scriptural evi ­ dence prohibiting temporary shifting of a tune with the times. Trustees only want holy fire, no amount of pseudo-mystical monetary donations and they favor clos- claptrap presented in highly emotive trap- ing and shifting agiaries. In Parsi bangs in pings can culminate in a victory of Bombay, exchange of flats are advertised tabled is, the Zoroastrian community as imprudence over prudence, ignorance on notice boards and donations are sur- seen in the twenty-first century. The items look. Why? Our trusts are full with Zoroastrian population. The conference money but the funds are not utilized in ' ' also discussed the agenda for the Fifth World Zoroastrian Congress to be held in Bombay i^the first week of January 1990. The theme of the World Congress as Best Wishes From RUSY & PURVIZ SHROFF 6 Parsiana April 1989pr to be discussed include subjects like social change, future Zoroastrian insti ­ tutes, attitudes to marriage, strengthening community organizations, problems of the poor and aged, religious education, traditions, etc. All the above items would make the Congress very interesting, and even enter ­ taining. However, the question to be asked is, for whom is the Congress planning these items? The specific question to be answered is, who is going to benefit from the results of these deliberations if there are very few Zoroastrians, and even fewer Parsis, left to enjoy them in the twenty- first century? The Ifentral theme of the coming Congress therefore should be growth. By growth, I am not referring to economic growth, social growth and the various other items associated with growth. I am now referring to our main, mundane problem, namely population growth for our very survival. If we do not address ourselves to this issue, it is possible that the Congress will arrive at brilliant solu ­ tions, but to the wrong problems. However, this problem of growth will automatically involve matters like conver ­ sion, mixed marriages, antiquated customs and rituals, etc - subjects which SO far have not been allowed to be dis ­ cussed and have always been shoved under the carpet. At the next Congress, we must be prepared to bring all these issues to the surface and discuss them frankly, without reservations. Who will now bell the cat? Brig N. B. GRANT (Retd) Pune Outcaste milestones I am a regular reader of Parsiana, and when I come across the marriage and birth columns what hurts me most is that your magazine prints the names of Zoroastrians who are married to outcastes. This will not create a good impression on young readers. What will they think? - That the community does not mind young Zoroastrians marrying outcastes as Parsiana proudly publishes their names. So it is my advice to Parsiana to stop printing the names of Zoroastrians who are married to other castes, and to print the names of only those Zoroastrians who are married within the community. The same applies to the births column. Ms B. M. IRANI Pune Scholarships available Applications are invited from first class or high second class (minimum 55 per ­ cent marks) Parsi graduates for award of gift and loan scholarships for postgradu ­ ate studies abroad and in India, preferably in engineering, technical, scientific, industrial, commercial and educational courses. Applicants must, as a rule, be less than 28 years of age at the time of applying. Final year degree students with brilliant academic records may apply without waiting for their results. Gift/loan scholarships for postgraduate studies abroad are subject to the Reserve Bank of India ’s foreign exchange regulations. Application forms are available from Mr A. D. Sarkari, Secretary, Education Committees, Parsi Punchayet Office, 209 Dr D. Naoroji Road, Fort, Bombay 400001. The last date for submitting the application forms duly completed is May 31,1989. A. D. SARKARI Helping hands On March 10, 1989 early in the morning at 5 a.m. I left my dear husband Dr Ratan Doctor at the Bombay airport, on his way to Korea via Hong Kong, least realizing when I waved him good-bye that it was the last tim? I was to see him alive. Within 12 hours I got the sad news that he had collapsed and died at the Hong Kong airport. MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: * Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) * Banking: C.A.I.LB. Course (Postal) ? Executive Secretarial Course * Private Secretarial Course ? Steno Secretarial Course ? Personal Assistants’ Programme (for working stenographers) ? Telex Operating ? Telephone Operating * Telephone Operating-cum-Receptionist Techniques * Shorthand and Typewriting ? Punch Operating and Data 5ntry PLUS Electronic Typewriting and Word Processing Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400 023 Tel. 2871185 Q0 ill. D 8 Parsiana April 1989Does the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Within hours my home was full of the names of officers and men who are friends, relatives and even casual retired, as also the surviving widows, and acquaintances, ready and willing to help to describe their present condition and us face this calamity. Friends, Parsis and how they manage? non-Parsis, stood by us, contacting their friends in Hong Kong to help us in our which is so keen to see Parsis join the hour of need. Gool and Fakir Jokhi of services, have any scheme to help them or Hong Kong, who had never heard of us, their widows? Or for that matter, does any let alone met us, started the proceedings other Parsi anjuman or institution in India to expedite the release of the body and care for retired personnel or their widows were very helpful, sympathetic and under- and children? Capt r. j . katila standing towards my son and my friend who had rushed to Hong Kong to bring Why CFCIDHtC? back the body. The Indian Embassy at 1 really fail to understand why some Hong Kong, the airport and hospital per- members of our enlightened community sonnel, the customs and police, and most want to cremate themselves. offices concerned Bbth at Hong Kong and Bombay gave their fullest support and should be good enough for us too. When cooperation for which we are extremely there are so many good things one can do thankful. in this world, why harp on cremation? I feel confident that while this sort of Why think of our body? It becomes a res- attitude prevails, there is no need to worry idue after one ’s death. I really fail to think about the future of the world we live in. Ms MINI RATAN DOCTOR What was good for our ancestors BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 We cannot put our decomposed body what is wrong with dokhmenashini. Why this talk that our pallbearers look at the exposed body of our womenfolk? Lest we forget... Are they not human? Have they not at one When I read an article in The Times of time or another lost their own mother, sis- India (March 12, 1989) on the subject of ter, wife or dear ones? war-widows, I wondered as to how heart ­ less the public are to those who have in water, earth or our sacred fire as these given their lives for their country. Their are the very foundations of our existence, wives and children are left to suffer Why think of our dead body when the totally uncarfed for because a man made need of the hour is to preserve our com- the mistake of his life in joining the serv- munity from falling apart ? Why cannot ices to defend his country. we think of the noble future of going to As far as Parsis are concerned, can you Iran where we once belonged? enlighten us as to how ex-servicemen, Ms shirin meherwan cooper widows, and children are taken care of? Is ________ __________________Secunderabad it possible for anjumans/punchayetS to list Edited by Amavaz S. 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N. Road,, Bombay 400 001.I Events and Personalities forget about it... Don ’t say things are going remembered the comment of his mentor from bad to worse. If you have courage. Sir Jamshedji Kanga, when Palkhivala, Training future leaders Effective communication, dramatics, visits to the Nehru Science Centre, the Haffkine stand up and change it, ” he challenged, then a raw apprentice, had wanted to know Institute, the Prince of Wales Museum and the Mint, a demonstration in rock climbing timate day of the program (April 28), jurist and river crossing, were some of the high- Nani Palkhivala extolled Zarathushtra ’s lights ofthe Holiday Programme for Youth dictum that a man must think before he can future will be bright when a true leader (HPY) conducted by the Bombay Parsi believe and speculated whether dogma- emerges to guide the country, as one surely Punchayet (BPP) through April 1989 for tism wasn ’t the real reason for the will, Palkhivala'said, “Some of you may the benefit ofthe young Parsis who had just community ’s decline. “Tolerance is be here to see the day when this country finished their ICSE (Indian Certificate of essential if the community is to recap- becomes one ofthe great economic powers Secondary Education) and SSC (Secon- ture its past glory, ” asserted Palkhivala. dary School Certificate) examinations. In a free ranging speech on the penul- what his prospects as a lawyer would be: “The top shelves are always empty. ” Emphasizing his view that India ’s of the world. ” Almost echoing Palkhivala, at the vale- With the objective of “molding the the skill to overcome its problems, but dictory function the following day, chief Parsi youth of today to become better do the akabars have the will to make the guest Aspi Balsara noted, “Boys want Indians of tomorrow, ” as defined by BPP right (and perhaps unpopular) decisions? ” to go to America to get a Green Card; trustee Eruch Desai, they were exposed Palkhivala touched a raw spot. but the real challenge and opportunity is to different career options. The briefing by outstanding members of different nal “boat people ” a thousand years before “The community has the resources, and 1 Recalling that Parsis were the origi- here, in your own country. ” ; Balsara, the small-scale entrepreneur professions, together with aptitude testing the Vietnamese, Palkhivala noted, “The whose Promise toothpaste and Odopic and career C9unselling, was intended to more hardship you undergo, the greater cleaning powder had dealt shin blows to widen mental horizons as much as to give is the incentive to go up,” and informed the multinational Hindustan Lever ’s es ­ an opportunity to the community youth the gathering that the Vietnamese account tablished products, recalled the time when to become acquainted in informal yet con- for the highest rate of admissions in US his father could not resist scraping ba- structive activity. universities today. “Education begins after nana peels to assuage a hungry stomach. Ofthe 108 participants who registered, you have left school or college. It ’s a From small beginnings, Balsara Sr went 90 attended regularly and 25 were selected continuing process; itneverends. If itends, on to create the sanitary fittings business for a special session in leadership training it means you are not capable of growth, ” at Bombay ’s Meadows Street that virtually at the Leslie Sawhney Institute for Palkhivala told his “fellow students, ” and led the market, recounted the son. Again, Training in Democracy, Deolali, informed Ms Diana Marfatia who, as coordinator of the BPP’s school counselling service, was also the coordinator of the HPY. At the inaugural function on April 4, well-known economist Dr Fredie Mehta told the youthful audience, “Every day is a struggle... As members of the smallest community, condemned/blessed to be Parsis...if you work for less than 17 or 18 hours a day, you are a dud. You must be distinctive to the point of being unique... ” The day ’s second guest speaker, M. R. Pai, who has spearheaded the consumer movement in India, complimented the Parsi Punchayet in bridging a lacuna in national life —the lack of specialized training in leadership. He told the youth that one who seeks to be a leader must have enormous love for the people, ac ­ cept them as they are and seek no appreciation —“Do the work required and On the penultimate day of the Holiday Programme for Youth (from left): Jamshed Guzder, Ms Coomi Desai, Palkhivala, Desai and Anklesaria t i 1 I i 13 Parsiana April 1989Managing committee members of the Parsee General Hospital: trying to provide the best that science can offer L when government stopped sanitary fittings imports in 1958, the Balsaras found them ­ selves becoming obsolete. So Aspi Balsara branched into airfresheners and liquid soap — Odonil followed by Odomos and Odopic. Balsara asked, “Why are (Parsis) afraid to start small? ” He noted that people had started with small enterprises in catering and travel agency work. “In catering you can serve food to the lady next door. All you have^to do is take the first step. ” In his concluding remarks BPP chief executive Rustom Anklesaria urged the duties in the Parsi Punchayet office right The COSt of medical relief youth to develop positive attitudes, to from the chairman of the trust to the peon. ” If every member of the community were decide for themselves what they want to The BPP views them as a small group to avail of the ‘Mediclaim ’ insurance do in life, unfettered by outmoded parental of “disgruntled persons ” whose main aim scheme for hospitalization, rather than restrictions. He simultaneously urged par- is to intimidate the Punchayet and to gain depend on concessions and free treat- ents, “Do not drive your children; let them benefits from the trust. The BPP claims ment, it would considerably lessen the grow ” and, in the words of Mahatma that Eric Dhatigara, who is also president burden on the B. D. Petit Parsee General Gandhi, suggested, “An ounce of practice of the city ’s Janata Dal student wing. Hospital (PGH), said Hospital president is worth more than a ton of preaching. ” wanted a Punchayet flat to be allocated Dinshaw Petit. He was speaking at the The HPY began as a brainchild of BPP to him as he was engaged to be married seventy-fifth annual general meeting of trustee and Bombay University vice-chan- and that he is a recipient of financial the HospitS on December 24, 1988. cellor Dr (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee. The lady aid from the Punchayet for his studies. Under this scheme,he noted^people up to was slated to attend the valedictory func- In regard to Farokh Patel the trustees the age of 70 years can pay a nominal tion but sent her apologies. An interesting stated, “He is unemployed and was given yearly premium and receive a substantial feature of the last two days of the HPY financial help by one of the trustees of insurance cover for room, board, nursing, was the precision and celerity with which the Parsi Punchayet, Bombay from his surgical and non-surgical treatment, the functions adhered to the scheduled own pocket as he said he was in dire need. timings. As Anklesaria complimented He was also offered a job in the Parsi day at the PGH works out to Rs 181, the Marfatia, her “capacity in handling the Punchayet organization but did not accept Hospital had reportedly treated 47 percent dais is worth mentioning. ” the conditions thereof. ” - of its 3,853 in-patients in 1987 - free or Amavaz S. Mama While the average cost per patient per the conditions thereof. ” According to a report in The Bombay on a concessional basis. In terms of treat- The Parsi Sena Samachar, the editor Jehan Daruwalla was ment days, free or concessional patients Well-intentioned youths or goons? Self- threatened with dire consequences when amounted to 60 percent of the total, said seeking publicists or selfless workers? The he refused to publish material handed to Petit. Approximately 234 in-patients and Parsi Sena arouses different emotions him by the Sena. 362 out-patients were treated at the amongst the community and outside it. Formed by three political activists, Eric the Sena leaders are capable of “stooping pancy per day was 82 percent, and Parvez Nariman Dhatigara and Farokh low to achieve their purpose. ” Their ................................... Gustad Patel, the Sena has been splattering purpose being “harassment of eminent dilemma of wanting to provide the best the walls of many buildings in Bombay members of our community who are that rpodem science has to offer and at the with the slogan “Join Parsi Sena. ” Their presently serving as trustees of the same time meeting the rising spiral of stated objective is to make the Bombay Punchayet. ” The Jame also stated that costs. To bridge the gap between income Parsi Punchayet (BPP) more responsive Farokh Patel, a life insurance agent, was and expenditure. Petit called upon the to the needs of the community. Alleging employed as a proofreader at the Jam^ community to donate generously, citing that “the administration and management and was “asked to leave for reasons we some telling statistics: Fees collected of the trust properties of the BPP by its would not like to disclose. ” The Jam^ from patients account for only 57 percent present trustees has become a byword editor RusiDhondy stated that he had “also of the total income of the institution; 95 amongst the present generation of Parsi been threatened with dire consequences percent of this collection is expended on Zoroastrians in Bombay for the corruption by the Sena, ” but that he was “totally un- staff emoluments. set in (sic), mismanagement, favoritism afraid of such threats. ” Acknowledging the donations from and last but not the least nepotism, ” the trio note, “it is for these reasons that there the Parsi Sena considerable coverage. In Elavia Public Charity Trust, P. E. Polson is an acute need for forming a ‘Parsi Sena ’ the meanwhile the BPP have served a legal Trust, Sorabji Byramji Bhabha Charity of youth of the community to join and notice on the Sena leaders for their de- and the Nanabhoy Jeejeebhoy Charity combine in a move to bring order, famatory statements and threatening Trust, the president also commended all discipline, straightforward discharge of behavior. those who work for the institution includ- A Jam-e-Jamshed editorial stated that Hospital every day, and the average occu- The Hospital Jie said, was caught in a The general Bombay Press has given trusts like the Khanbahadur Behramshaw 14 Parsiana April 1989 1ing the honorary visiting medicos, the resident medical and nursing staff, the office personnel and other employees. For the future, the institution has ambitious plans to develop its unused history. Shroff recalled that initially this several national and international journals, property after obtaining permission from the government. Petit added. The primary school building, which fare which falls within the purview of the was in a dilapidated condition, had been Government of India ’s ministry of health, constructed by the N. M. Wadia Charities She has written papers on family planning, in February 1937. Tracing the School ’s contraception, health services research in was one of the girls ’ schools started by and has been chosen to represent India at the first baronet Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy several international meets, the bio data in October 1850. further notes. Chairman and managing director of Tata Iron and Steel Company Ltd (TISCO) New building for school The Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Primary National awards fOF tWO School at Parel is, effective January Among the 12 men and three women cho- since 1974, in the same year that Russi 1989, functioning from its new premises and hopes to attract children from the neighboring residential localities. The building constructed by the Ahura Jamshedpur, reads the Indian Express of executive officers, notes the Business- Co-operative Hou^ng Society was inau ­ gurated by Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy on January 24, 1989, notes a press release signed by Khurshed Shroff, secretary of announced on India ’s fortieth Republic the Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Parsee Day.ThePadmaBhushanawardsarepre- Benevolent (JJPB) Institution, which runs the School. A variety entertainment program by the students and a project presentation on Maharashtra and its people, under the guidance of School headmistress Ms planning and Mody for his contribution to | Tehmi Patel and staff members, marked private sector management. I the inaugural occasion, adds the release. The primary school enrolls pupils from Medical College, Pune and president of the commissioned by BusinessWorld and nursery to standard four. Thereafter they Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society, conducted by Marketing and Research are admitted to the J. J. Boys ’ and Girls ’ Secondary School at Fort where they con- for over 40 years, she is responsible for Working with Tatas since 1939, the bon tinue until they pass their SSC (Secondary the Hospital ’s growth from 40 beds to 450 vivant reportedly featured among the six School Certificate) examination. Reportedly one of the oldest educa ­ tional foundations, the Sir JJPB Institution runs several schools in graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) serial. Moneymakers. It was subsequently Bombay and Gujarat. At present it runs degree in obstetrics and gynecology from published as a book, notes Gavashni, the three primary and two secondary schools the Grant Medical College. newsletter of the Calcutta Zoroastrian in Borpbay. and three primary and three secondary ones in Surat, Valsad and Navsari, the write-up notes. In his address, Jejeebhoy stated that Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, a WHO cutta, conferred him with an award for pro- the schools of the Institution were run on consultant on other allied subjects, and her moting the cause of national integration, modern lines and had well-equipped appointments include membership on the Gavashni continues. audiovisual aids. central council of health and family wel- The 71-year-old industrial magnate, who is director of several companies, holds a bachelor of arts degree in ancient history from Oxford ’s Christchurch College. sen for the Padma Bhushan awards this Mody was selected for the Padma Bh,ushan year were Dr (Ms) Banoo Jehangir Coyaji award,he also scored the highest among from Pune and Russi Hormusji Mody from India ’s 12 best and most respected chief January 26, 1989. The names of the World of March 29-April 11, 1989. This awardees who were conferred with the rating was on the basis of an opinion poll nation ’s third-highest civilian honor were a , If jje sented annually to persons who have made 1 a significant contribution to their field of endeavor. Coyaji was awarded the Padma Bhushan for her work in the field of family * '• & 15 Parsiana April 1989 Coyaji is professor emeritus at the B.J. also at Pune. Heading the K.E.M. Hospital Group, for over 40 years, she is responsible for > * , '¦> *¦) W * beds, and even chairs the Hospital ’s re- top industrial personalities of the world search center, notes her bio data. Coyaji ’s who were chosen by the British Broadcast ­ medical training was at Bombay. She ing Corporation (BBC) for a television The 71 -year-old obstetrician is a mem- Community ’s Religious and Charity Fund ber of the Scientific and Technical Advi- of December ’8S-January ’89. Last year sory Group (STAG) of the World Health the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Cal- central council of health and family wel- * i I Jejeebhoy inspects a model building at the inauguration of the Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Primary liked even “a stray spark from her welding School (Above) Padma Bhushan winners: Mody (left) and Coyaji Homage to Pochkhanawala As a tribute to an artist who would have* (to) burn a hole into the almost blank chap ­ ter of contemporary Indian sculpture, ” the Cymroza Art Gallery held an exhibition of the works of sculptress Ms Pilloo Pochkhanawala. The exhibition was on view from October 25 to November 10, 1988. Some of Pochkhanawala ’s celebrated works include the deceptively serene continued on page 45 il it Ijf Managing committee members of the Parsee General Hospital: trying to provide the best that science can offer 1 when government stopped sanitary fittings imports in 1958, the Balsaras found them ­ selves becoming obsolete. So Aspi Balsara branched into airfresheners and liquid soap — Odonil followed by Odomos and Odopic. Balsara asked, “Why are (Parsis) afraid to start small? ” He noted that people had started with small enterprises in catering and travel agency work. “In catering you can serve food to the lady next door. All you hav^ to do is take the first step. ” In his concluding remarks BPP chief executive Rustom Anklesaria urged the duties in the Parsi Punchayet office right The COSt of mcdicdl relief youth to develop positive attitudes, to from the chairman of the trust to the peon. ” If every member of the community were decide for themselves what they want to The BPP views them as a small group to avail of the ‘Mediclaim ’ insurance do in life, unfettered by outmoded parental of “disgruntled persons ” whose main aim scheme for hospitalization, rather than restrictions. He simultaneously urged par- is to intimidate the Punchayet and to gain depend on concessions and free treat- ents, “Do not drive your children; let them benefits from the trust. The BPP claims ment, it would considerably lessen the grow ” and, in the words of Mahatma that Eric Dhatigara, who is also president burden on the B. D. Petit Parsee General Gandhi, suggested, “An ounce of practice of the city ’s Janata Dal student wing. Hospital (PGH), said Hospital president is worth more than a ton of preaching. ” wanted a Punchayet flat to be allocated Dinshaw Petit. He was speaking at the The HPY began as a brainchild of BPP to him as he was engaged to be married seventy-fifth annual general meeting of trusteeandBombay University vice-chan- and that he is a recipient of financial the Hospifhl on December 24, 1988. cellor Dr (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee. The lady aid from the Punchayet for his studies. Under this scheme, he noted,people up to was slated to attend the valedictory func- In regard to Farokh Patel the trustees the age of 70 years can pay a nominal tion but sent her apologies. An interesting stated, “He is unemployed and was given yearly premium and receive a substantial feature of the last two days of the HPY financial help by one of the trustees of insurance cover for room, board, nursing, j was the nrecision and celeritv with which the Parsi Piinchavet Rnmhav from his snroiral and nnn.snroipal trPQtmonf While the average cost per patient per * was the precision and celerity with which the Parsi Punchayet, Bombay from his surgical and non-surgical treatment, the functions adhered to the scheduled own pocket as he said he was in dire need. '...... ' timings. As Anklesaria complimented He was also offered a job in the Parsi day at the PGH works out to Rs 181, the Marfatia, her “capacity in handling the Punchayet organization but did not accept Hospital had reportedly treated 47 percent dais is worth mentioning. ” the conditions thereof. ” - of its 3,853 in-patients in 1987 - free or Amavaz b. Mama ... . .. ’ r the conditions thereof. ” According to a report in The Bombay on a concessional basis. In terms of treat- The Parsi Sena SaznacAor, the editor JehanDaruwalla was ment days, free or concessional patients ; Well-intentioned youths or goons? Self- threatened with dire consequences when amounted to 60 percent of the total, said : seeking publicists or selfless workers? The he refused to publish material handed to Petit. Approximately 234 in-patients and j Parsi Sena arouses different emotions him by the Sena. 362 out-patients were treated at the ] amongst the community and outside it. ' ’ Formed by three political activists, Eric the Sena leaders are capable of “stooping pancy per day was 82 percent, andParvezNarimanDhatigaraandFarokh low to achieve their purpose. ” Their — ................... ’ Gustad Patel, the Sena has been splattering purpose being “harassment of eminent dilemma of wanting to provide the best 1 A Jam-e-Jamshed editorial stated that Hospital every day, and the average occU' The HospitaUhe said, was caught in a \ the walls of many buildings in Bombay members of our community who are that rpodern science has to offer and at the j with the slogan “Join Parsi Sena. ” Their presently serving as trustees of the same time meeting the rising spiral of j stated objective is to make the Bombay Punchayet. ” The Jame also stated that costs. To bridge the gap between income Parsi Punchayet (BPP) more responsive Farokh Patel, a life insurance agent, was and expenditure. Petit called upon the \ same time meeting the rising spiral of costs. To bridge the gap between income to the needs of the community. Alleging employed as a proofreader at the Jame community to donate generously, citing some telling statistics; Fees collected that “the administration and management and was “asked to leave for reasons we of the trust properties of the BPP by its would not like to disclose. ” The Jam^ from patients account for only 57 percent present trustees has become a byword editor RusiDhondy stated that he had “also of the total income of the institution; 95 amongst the present generation of Parsi been threatened with dire consequences percent of this collection is expended on Zoroastrians in Bombay for the corruption by the Sena, ” but that he was “totally un set in (sic), mismanagement, favoritism afraid of such threats. ” and last but not the least nepotism, ” the trio note, “it is for these reasons that there the Parsi Sena considerable coverage. In Elavia Public Charity Trust, P. E. Polson is an acute need for forming a ‘Parsi Sena ’ the meanwhile the BPP have served a legal Trust, Sorabji Byramji Bhabha Charity staff emoluments. Acknowledging the donations from The general Bombay Press has given trusts like the Khanbahadur Behramshaw of youth of the community to join and notice on the Sena leaders for their de- and the Nanabhoy Jeejeebhoy Charity 1 combine in a move to bring order, famatory statements and threatening Trust, the president also commended all discipline, straightforward discharge of behavior. those who work for the institution includ- j 14 Parsiana April 1989 IZOROASTRIANS ABROAD '‘You don't forget your country Arnavaz S. Mama A liberal Zoroastrian, maestro Zubin :Mehta bemoans the tendency of some Parsis in North America to forget their Indian roots “My father is a phenomenon any way you They call themselves Zoroastrians < look at it. Today ’s generation doesn ’t Parsis, but not Indians... You don ’t forgi know wh^t he ’s doing and has done. ” the country that has harbored you for Filial pride added an extra dimension thousand years! Is India just a trans to international virtuoso Zubin Mehta as lounge? Are we just passing through? Ar he responded to Parsiana s questions at mind you, these are the first generatic The Oberoi on April 27, 1989. settlers — not the children bom there (wh Mehta recounted with obvious pleas- behave this way). ” ure how the active 80-year-old Mehlli conducts his own orchestra, the American kusti in Vienna (where he studied musi Youth Orchestra in Los Angeles, taking but for practical reasons — they tore, tl it on tours with programs more ambitious replacements took too long to reach, e than those of his son. At a formal press — the habit withered away and “on stag conference a few days earlier, Mehta had it was impossible, ” he adds. At the outs answered a query — whether musical of their current tour, in Rome on Api talent in India is bom to blush unseen 13, Mehta tore his coat sleeve three tim in the absence of a school for music — and finally jettisoned thejtail coat on stag by citing the example of his father. A At the grand finale at the Brabour self-taught man with a certain amount of Stadium in Bombay, which coincided wi coaching from traveling musicians, Mehta his birthday, Mehta conducted weap^ senior (who had founded the erstwhile dagli. Bombay Symphony Orchestra) had been During the Bombay stays, he not or aided by Parsi charities, notably the Tata visits the agiary but makes it a point trusts, to study in New York, said Zubin. In his eleventh year as music direc ­ tor of the New York Philharmonic Dadabhoy Agiary in Colaba. This tir Orchestra and, concurrently, music direc- his plans had included a classical Bhai tor for life of the Israel Philharmonic, Natyam recital for the benefit of the you Zubin Mehta was on a tour of Europe musicians. An appeal, to the trustees 1 and India with the European Community permission netted a three-line rep Youth Orchestra (ECYO) and renowned declining the request. Mehta was indigm sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar. Their appear- at the curtness of the response as mu ance in India comprised one program each as at the message. “It ’s not like I’m treati in Delhi and Calcutta, and two in Bombay, them to a striptease (or) doing a vulg The tour was part of the Jawaharlal Nehru natak (play)! I want to show them t centenary celebrations, cosponsored by very best in Indian dancing! ” the European Community, its member countries and Oberoi Hotels International, controversial film Quest for Zarathushi the chain providing hospitality to the (later renamed On Wings of Fire) Mel musicians all along the way. “Nowhere wished the film was shown more outsi in Europe or America can you get such India. “In Europe they ’d be very int< service, ” Mehta complimented his hosts, ested... We didn ’t make it as a mov insisting, “A politician cannot judge a ho- It was meant to be a semi documents tel; nor can the tourists. The real judges for colleges, educational TV... For me are the artistes: we have so many demands, we are so fussy... ” Staunchly loyal to the country of his trian Studies), ” said Mehta as birth, Mehta is aghast at the stance some reminisced about the Navsari mohali Parsis in North America have adopted: which they had visited on location. “Wh “They don ’t think they ’re Indians. They (producer) Cyrus (Bharucha) came to n don ’t belong to any Indian association. I was going to do only the commenta Mehta says he used to wear the sudre feast the accompanying orchestra to traditional Parsi repast at the Jeejeebh Referring to his involvement with t was very educational talking to, argui with (costar) Khojeste (Mistree of Zoroi 16 Parsiana April 19891’ It developed (from there). ” ing Parsi musician according to Zubin is GcsturC that dldll t gcll A confessed liberal, Mehta sees no pianist Fall Pavri. Will they make it to Former judge of the Supreme Court harm in initiating a non-Parsi, who has the top? Mehta has hopes for them Pakistan and currently chairman of taken the trouble to study Zoroastrianism, provided they “work very hard, never feel Human Rights Commission, Dorab Pa into the faith, though “my friend Khojeste satisfied, never feel the work ’s been was his country ’s candidate for the vaci won ’t agree with me! ” He went on to relate enough... ” seat on the International Court of Just how he had arranged the navjote of his Another family member Mehta lists at The Hague. India, Ceylon, the Phil daughter Zarina in Los Angeles because with pride is his uncle, the dentist. “Freddy pines and Thailand had also fielc she ’chose to marry a religious-minded (Dr Mehta, a former president of the Indian contestants for the post. Parsi in Montreal (where, incidentally. Dental Association ) is 88 years old and Though Patel lost out in the inter Zubin ’s brother Zarin manages the he ’s still practicing! He may make it into tional diplomatic scramble to Indi Montreal Symphony Orchestra). Zarina the Guinness Book of Records asthe oldest candidate. Chief Justice of the Supre had been brought up as a Roman Catholic, practicing dentist! ” Court R.S. Pathak, in the election on Aj Having abandoned study in medicine How did Zubin ’s parents respond to 18,1989, The Times of India had predicl to piKSue a career in music at the Academy his out-of-community marriage? “I did it it would be a Pyrrhic victory for Inc of Music in Vienna, Mehta went on to twice! ” remarks the whiz kid with glee, in its lead editorial the same d had been brought up as a Roman Catholic, practicing dentist! conduct the Vienna and Berlin Philhar- “The first time they thought 1 was too Describing Patel as one who 1 monic Orchestras and returns to them for young. The second time they liked the “displayed exceptional legal courage « a session every year, earning the Vienna girl (Nancy) so much, (they just ac- acumen during the martial law years Philharmonic ’s Ring of Honor to com- cepted)! ” Mehta ’s two children — his country, ” the editorial noted that N memorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Merwan and Zarina — are by his first Delhi is missing a fine occasion to mi his conducting debut with that orchestra, marriage to Carmen which ended in a a gesture of good neighborliness (i France, Italy, India and Israel have con- divorce. ignoring the Prime Minister of Pakist ferred national honors upon him. He is After this tour, the Mehtas planned to Ms Bhutto s emotional stake in gett also credited with having built up the Los vacation in Rwanda, (in central Africa, the seat for Mr Patel, the only judge v Angeles Philharmonic during his 14-year southwest of Uganda) climbing perhaps had stqpd up for her father... New D< tenure as its music director. Innumerable 14,000 feet in search of gorillas. “My wife should, even at this late stage, rethink recordings are already behind him and plans such strenuous vacations, (it ’s only) stand as a gesture to *Mr Patel and there are plans for at least 20 more when I go back that I feel rested. When human rights record if not to his spon: recording projects in the next two years. I conduct my orchestra, I feel at peace! ” Ms Bhutto. ” Though Mehta ’s recent tour of the Soviet Would they try and make it to Bombay That the Pakistan government rh^ Union with the New York Philharmonic for the Fifth World Zoroastrian Congress concerted attempt to recognize Paftl (NYP) was reportedly a triumph, he plans in January 1990? “We plan our lives three an intemadonal level is attested to by to gravitate towards Europe when his years in advance. Next January is like day Tavleen Singh in her column ‘'Notes fi contract with the NYP ends in 1991: “I’ve after tomorrow... ” the Capital ” in the Indian Express of A done my bit...as music director. Now I . 16. Singh writes that Bhutto had sent ‘ want to conduct. ” Legalizing status quo brilliant young minister of the inter Keen to foster musical interest among The Australian Zoroastrian Association Aitzaz Ahsan to discuss bilateral mat the uninitiated Indian youth, Mehta had (AZA) of New South Wales has stopped and the possibilities of our Chief Jus insisted on a substantial portion of the holding Sunday school at AZA House in withdrawing his application to the In tickets being priced low (Rs 10). “I didn ’t response to a solicitor ’s notice from the national Court of Justice in favor want the usual group to come twice, ” he Baulkham Hills Shire Council. As of April, Pakistan ’s candidate Dorab Patel, said. It was also at his request that four the new venue is Thomleigh West Pri- Apart from his celebrated dissen young Indian musicians had been included mary Public School, notes AZA newsletter the hanging*of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, P in the orchestra (the ECYO’s 140 players, Manashni'of April 1989. is reported to have refused to comply \ aged between 14 and 23 years, are selected The Association is withdrawing its ear- the late General Zia-ul-Haq ’s requiren from over 4,000 candidates each year). Her application to the Council for per- of an oath of personal allegiance fi as noted the ECYO secretary-general Ms mission to develop the property. Instead, each ofthejudges of the Pakistan Supn Joy Bryer at the press conference. Among a new application — prepared by a Court and had resigned forthwith, as n< them was violinist Navroj Mehta, the son professional town planning consultant and editorial corresjMjndent Ashok Easwi of Zubin ’s first cousin Dadi Mehta who scheduled to be l^ged erenow — seeks in the course of a detailed article on lives and works in the US (Dadi, a pianist formal approval of AZA’s current activi- Parsis {Island, March 15, 1989). of repute, is the one who arranged for ties, notes president Noshir Irani. . . __ Zubin to study music in Vienna, acknow- DotbUStCr judgement ledges the the maestro), and violinist Zubin Legal hassles notwithstanding, AZA ac- Jamshed Mody has appealed to New Jei Behramkamdin of Bombay. Navroj ’s centuated Jamshedi Navroze bonhomie governor Tom Kean to review the ] brother Bejan was a very effective boy with a ’home-brewed production, Lafango, ceedings against the four teenagers ’ soprano, notes Zubin. Now an adult, Bejan with Irani in the starring role. Brimming fatally mugged his son Navroze on 5 is a very good cellist, one whom Zubin with satisfaction at the outcome of the tember 27, 1987, notes a report in wished to include in the current tour, but natak (play), a critique in Manashni scored Times of India of April 22, 1989. “He ’s like a rocket — nobody knows the production as “one of the best AZA The jury, comprising eight women where to find him! ” Another outstand- shows in recent times. ” seven men, decided that Luis Ace\ 18 Parsiana April 1939(16), ’Ralph Gonzalez (18), and Luis Nergish Nargolwala earlier this Padilla (17) were not guilty of murder or manslaughter but of aggravated assault, gun his UN career as inter-regional adviser embalming charges awarded them 10 years in prison (the maxi ­ mum punishment under the charge) on April 14, 1989. The sentences are “indeterminate ” so that a parole officer ing. As special technical adviser, Nar- The minS' ’caJs"and" caskeT ’^ouSg can, after some years, reduce the length golwala had been responsible for a large to $725 plus cremation ($160) and year. 1 ____ The international civil servant had be- books, cremation fee, coroner ’s fee and hearse, clergy and flower car, cards and Accordmgly judge Kevm Callaghan with the UN Centre for Housing, Building notes that it is more in line with Zoroastrian and Planning, after many dedicated years practice to have the geh sarna within 24 serving the Indian government as housing hours which eliminates the cost ($ 969) adviser to the ministry of works and hous- of visiting and service at the funeral home. The minimal cars and casket amounting of the imprisonment, notes the report. The number of the UN’s complex technical coroner ’s fee ($23) thus reduceV'the cos'! fourth offender, William Acevedo (18) cooperation projects in various developing of the funeral to $908. Embalming the was found guilty of simple assault and countries, recalls Habitat News. For the body ($95) depends on the requirements his sentence, which could be probation - ¦ of “time, health and whether you wish or six months in jail depending on the to keep the casket open, ” notes the booklet, judge, will be meted out on May 26, Ownership of a burial plot (three feet according to Therimes of India of April Nnronlv.,ntn- • feet) costs $550 and some “A slap on the wrist ” is Jamshed Mody ’s description of the verdict which has roused the anger and concern of the 10,000 strong Indian community in Jersey •' •' --VI lllK LllV City and the neighboring areas on the past nine years, he had voluntarily worked plot being $ 315 and 260 respectively. Though the ZSO has a plot in Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens, Mississauga, for scattering ashes, the Society encourages individual families to purchase adjacent Remarking oi^ Nargolwala ’s compe- plots. While the Service charge for “scattering ” is $35, it would cost $80.each time ashes are buried in an urn, approxi ­ mately two or three feet deep, and would fourth offender, William Acevedo (18) cooperation projects in various developing of the funeral to $908. Embalming the his sentence, which could be probation Nargolwala: human settlements adviser . by nine feet) costs $550 and cemeteries permit single or double burial, informs the book. If double burial is the choice, the first body is laid at a depth of nine feet and the second at a depth of six feet, the cost of preparing the waterfront west of New York. The Indians as full-time technical adviser to the United consider Navroze ’s tragic fate a part of Nations Centre for Human Settlements the rising, racially motivated violence they (Habitat) on a token remuneration of one have faced in recent years and had US dollar a year. organized protests and marches to bring T the trouble into focus. The prosecution, tence, total commitment and dedication however, failed to see any link between to UN ideals, the write-up refers to his the incident and the Dotbusters. It main- meticulous attention to detail and the thor- ____ tained that the fatal fight had begun with oughly conscientious discharge of duty, require the family to "p'u7chase\"plot taunts about the victim being bald. The A quiet, pious, noninterfering bache- The booklet also provides the names defence had argued that the death was lor and a vegetarian, as Ms Nargolwala and telephone numbers of mobeds the result of a street fight and that the portrays her brother-in-law, Nargolwala available for the funeral service and of A quiet, pious, noninterfering bache ­ lor and a vegetarian, as Ms Nargolwala and telephone numbers of mobeds defendants had never intended to kill is said to have contributed more than US volunteers to help bereaved families. Navroze Mody. $ 82,000 from his personal earnings to Other guidance includes information In his petition to the governor, Mody the UN’s humanitarian causes. about the Toronto Memorial Society, a has charged that the case was heard by non-profit organization dedicated to a tainted jury. The presence of five His- lllieral prOCCQUrCS maintaining dignity at low cost at funeral panics on the jury had earlier been The Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO) ceremonies as also the availability of death defended by Hudson county prosecutor has published a handy, six-page mimeo- benefits under the Canada Pension Plan, Paul de Pascale. graph booklet. Funeral Procedures, dis- the procedure for obtaining a death While there is no response yet from tributed along with the newsletter of certificate and tips on dealing with the governor s office, Mody has already January 1989 to help bereft families cope govemmentagenciesfor(helegalformali- filed “a civil lawsuit against Hoboken city with a death in their midst. Compiled by ties that follow a demise. and its police officers for failing to protect the Society ’s religious subcommittee, the his son against wrongful death, ” notes the publication lists the officials who must The Baimai Surti Foundation has been report. Nargolwala’s UN niche “Hira in Hindi means ‘diamond, ’ and formation readers are referred to appro- The fund be contacted — like the doctor, mobed established by Dhunjishaw Surti of and director of the funeral home in the Toronto in memory of his late mother, neighborhood. For legal or economic in- notes the ZSO newsletter of January 1989. ~ ’ 1 aims to provide “skills, those of us in the United Nations who priate professional advisers. There is a list equipment and machinery to enable the have had the privilege of knowing and of traditional Zoroastrian customs and re- less fortunate men and women in our com- working with him, for nearly a quarter quirements and directions on how the body munity to make themselves self-suffi- of a century, would be hard pressed to should be handled and readied. cient, ” notes the newsletter and assures think of a better name for him. ” The The arrangements and cost of the donors that “every cent of your donation accolade to Hira Nargolwala in Habitat funeral and the final disposal are also will go to the poor as all services are News (April 1988), the newsletter of the listed. A traditional Christian service with voluntary and there are no overheads. UN Centre for Human Settlements, casket is said to cost $ 1,855 and more Contributions, which would qualify for published when he retired at the end of and includes the cost of the casket, one tax exemption in Canada, may be sent March 1988, was forwarded to Parsiana day visiting and services at the funeral to the Foundation in care of Surti at 65 by Delhi Parsi Anjuman trustee Ms home, cars which include a limousine, continued on page 32 have had the privilege of knowing and of traditional Zoroastrian customs and 21 Parsiana April 1989 W6 FESTIVAL COVER STORY The easy chair, whose extended armrest Gen Adi Sethna, president of the DPA, Dark clouds of uncertainty, however, could be used as a footrest, was typical of the Festival was to provide “a glimpse of blur the future of the communky. The those found in Parsi homes. The empty < - ,----- , chair, but for a Sunday Jame tossed role we have played in the making of glory buj one even more crucial - •across the cane seat, was one of the exhib ­ its at the recent Parsi Festival in Delhi. The four-day Parsi Festival from March 18 to 21, 1989, organized by the Delhi achieve this end with panel discussions, Parsi Anjuman (DPA) and hosted by the India In^mational Centre (IIC), sought to sketch the missing Parsi. Like an abstract portrait done by a modern artist, the image was, intentionally or otherwise, --------- ;—• — ----- o--- ----------- --- -- sham and blurred in patches. In focus was said Eric Gonzalvas, director, IIC in his this goldmine to be depleted in the inter- the contribution of Parsis to the emer ­ gence of modern India and their integration into the national mainstream while retaining their distinctive character ­ istics. Painfully etched was the fact that ----- ----- they are probably the most aged commu- community ’s achievements. Politics, “The problem is not of spouses, but nity in the world and on the brink of industry, science, law, medicine, the one of houses, ” said Homi Taleyarkhan, extinction. There was little on the com ­ munity ’s origins and history in Iran, or their stay for a thousand years in rural Gujarat, or their Irani Zoroastrian cous ­ ins, or the controversies that plague them, or... For four days the Parsis were on parade at the Festival - the second in a series on minority communities - pro ­ moted and hosted by the IIC in its ot sugar in milk, said ur l . m. dingnvi, / program to foster national integration president, IIC, in his address at the inau- f through understanding. In the words of Lt gural function. i The easy chair, whose extended armrest Gen Adi Sethna, president of the DPA, our (Parsi) community ’s traditions and the question is not one of matching up to past - sur- modem India - not only for the people of vival. Repeatedly the problem of India, but for our Parsi brethren in Delhi depleting numbers cropped up throughout and outside. ” The organizers sought to the Festival. Speaker after speaker invari- , ably referred to the situation. Vasant cultural programs, an art exhibition, an Sathe, Minister of Energy, and chief guest exhibition on Parsi costumes, lifestyle and at the cultural programs on March 20 and books, food counters, a dhansak lunch 21 compared the Parsis to tigers. “We and Navroz dinner, and video shows. “It have an Operation Tiger, but what about was a short and quick expose of Parsis, ” these tigers? ” he asked. “We cannot allow address at the concluding day ’s function, est of this country. ” He promised to plead In all, the picture was bright. The withl the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Parsis have done well both as Parsis 'and Sharad Pawar to build a colony of 10,(XX) as Indians. Historic evidence bore this out houses for the Parsis - a suggestion that as speaker after speaker referred to the was greeted with a cheer from the crowd, community ’s achievements. Politics, “The problem is not of spouses, but armed forces, music, sport, in almost member. Minorities Commission, at the every field Parsis have played both impor- inaugural function. When the question of tant and pioneering roles. Naoroji, Tata, the Parsi attitude to dowry was being dis- Bhabha, Mehta, Gilder, Manekshaw - the cussed on the floor of the house. Jamshed list of names of eminent Parsis is endless. Guzder, trustee of the Bombay Parsi “In most fields they have made contribu- Punchayet (BPP), declared that it is 3^ tions much larger than their number... E. / Kulke views the Paris in India as catalysts of social change pinch j of sugar in milk, ”said Dr L. M. Singhvi, i / Gustasp Irani The Delhi Parsi Festival: The Swan I Song The depleting size of the community was the recurring theme at the Parsi Festival organized in Delhi 22 Parsiana April 1989 H stfH M. t:n- ?s • "¦ < ‘It ¦¦ • • * **8»< » . # J, ¦<» ’ « (nt;* * '?IX: ii*' fS:;*"- iJ;**- ‘2 * ••• LJ.- M a* A V i li I k fc e' 4** >¦ 7* n imposed on the Iranian 2k)roastrian refu ­ gees when they first set foot on the land over a thousand years ago. Yet, in the tab ­ leau presented on that very same episode, non-conversion was not among the five conditions laid down by the king. No one raised the issue. Apparently, the organi ­ zers and the audience felt that this was not the forum to discuss such matters. Dr Karan Singh, former central minis ­ ter, who chaired the panel discussion on Some of the spirited organizers (Below left): Sethna (with book) holding Sathe’s attention Karan Singh leafing through a book as amused ladies look on Parsi girl who calls the tune: “Give me a flat first. ” He added that the BPP is doing the best within its resources to meet the problem. Sethna got up to add that the policy determining flat allotment should be: “I give you a flat, you give me two children. ” “I am the voice of doom, ” was how sociologist Ms Ava Khullar referred to herself in the introduction to her paper “The Demographic Pattern of the Parsis. ” Her statistics on the population trends of the community were distressing. Over the two decades, between 1951 and 1971, the population declined by an average of 10 percent per decade: but in the subsequent 10 years, the fall was a full 20 percent. “Reproductive rates in all minority com ­ munities all over the world are higher than Sathe. “You have done enough sugaring, the majority community because they find Do some milking. ” The laughter subsided security in numbers. Parsis, as usual, go when the speaker urged, on a more seri- against accepted trends. ” According to ous note, for a “slow relaxing ” and a her, statistics verify that Parsis have the and thp arvpntanp? dubious distinction of being probably the of others into the fold. many Indians most aged community in the world. “An ' __ alarming situation pointed out by the 1981 ; census was that out of a total 71,630 dahi karech (colloquial denigration clear of major controversies. Parsis in India, 14,300 were over 65 years implying that the suggestion was What the organizers did care to and only 9,000 under 14 years. So the “corny ”),” hissed one member of the expkin were the Zoroastrian rituals. The decline, once it takes momentum, may audience. navjote, marriage and jashan ceremonies strike the community harshly and When the chief guest at the inaugura- were severely; I may also add suddenly. ” Quoting Dr Malini Karkal, Khullar ------ , . adds: “It may be possible to reduce the declaring that one of his daughters-in-law respiectively and then demonstrated by the fertility of rapidly growing populations, was of a Parsi mother and non-Parsi two enterprising priets of Delhi, Cawas but once members of a community have father and that a niece had married a Bagli and Dinyar Sidhwa. It was revealed enjoyed the advantage of non-marriage Parsi, the response was muted. Likewise, that in the Parsi wedding ceremony, the • " '----- ---------J'—-y final blessings to the married couple are in Sanskrit. Jungalwalla briefly sketched the ori ­ gins of man according to Zoroastrian mythology and the choice before him. was brushed aside when a Parsi spectator When Ahura Mazda asked man, “Are you claimed that non-conversion was one of ready to go down to earth and fight for the conditions that the king of Sanjan had I ? “Religion, rituals and customs ” ventured to suggest cremation as an alternative form of disposal of the dead. But even as he voiced the opinion one could sense his hesitancy, “Perhaps it is a matter Parsis have to discuss and decide upon. ” They “breaking of barriers ” and the acceptance did discuss it, but briefly, referring to the ___ ___ ; pollution of the elements and the origins will be happy to become Parsis. Probably of the dokhmas. Time was short and it you are afraid of that, said Sathe. Bahu — -——------—----------- - — ‘Now the time has come when you Parsis should be acting like the milk, ” said “1 seemed that the DPA had decided to steer implying that the suggestion was “corny ”),” hissed one member of the audience. When the chief guest at the inaugura- were first explained by Ms Piloo tion, Romesh Bhandari, Lt Governor of Jungalwalla, Dr (Ms) Sabar Havewalla Delhi, sought kinship with the Parsis by and young Ervad Ramiyar Karanjia was of a Parsi mother and non-Parsi father and that a niece had married a Parsi, the response was muted. Likewise, and low fertility, the process is almost when a non-Parsi member of the audience irreversible. ” One factor that contributes to the depleting number of Parsis is the growing trend of mixed marriages. having a Parsi wife asked why their chil ­ dren were not accepted in the faith, the hall was still, but for a lone cheer from the Khullar "points out that in Delhi, in the back of the auditorium: “Yea. ” The issue 1960s, 33 percent of all Parsi marriages were mixed, but in the 1970s, the percent ­ age rose to 66. good? ” He received an affirmative 23 Parsiana April 1989y I I a Jameyad Roz, Ava Mahino, is the birth anniversary of Dasturji Kookadaru Saheb, a great priest who has been source of solace and spiritual sustenance to thousands in our community. We, the Mazda Adarian Trust, are enshrining the Dasturji ’s hallowed name by constructing a Dar-e-Meher at Sanjan - the place where our forefathers first set foot on Indian soil. You will recall that the foundation stone of this Dar-e-Meher was laid on November 22,1987. It is rapidly approaching completion thanks to all of you who have so generously contributed towards this noble cause. Once more, we would lifee to appeal and request you to pay homage to this great man ’s memory and help us complete the Dar-e-Meher as per schedule, namely, March 1990. You could help with a ‘brick ’ donation of Rs. 100 or more. Or you could make a ‘slab ’ donation of Rs. 10,000 or more, and earn your family ’s name a permanent place on the sacred walls of the Dar-e-Meher. This is an opportunity for you to contribute and thus be a part of this worthy cause. After all, it’s a cause for us, a cause for you, a cause for the entire community. It - <» “ • 1 :m( %>- I 111 iL I BDaMaa TRUST To; MAZDA ADARIAN TRUST Offiman Centre, 14 A, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Qiowk, Bombay 400 023. ‘Tel: 24432§j. The outer structure is now ready; parts of the inside structure have to be completed, and a few finishing touches have to be added. As per our estimated cost of Rs.20 lakhs, we have already collected approximately Rs. 15 lakhs by way of generous donations. Now, we need just Rs.5 lakhs to complete the Dar-e-Meher, and fulfil the community ’s dream. This is a cause that concerns us all. I H I__I >-uiiiriouie a siao aonaiion oi Ks.__ __________________ ¦ 0 receive a list of items that I could sponsor along with their ¦ Ya, I would like to help complete the Dasturji Kookadaru Saheb H Memorial Dar-e-Meher at Sanjan. I would like to (please tick): 0 contribute a ‘brick ’ donation of Rs 0 contribute a slab' donation of Rs.__ ___________________ conesponding costs. '' Name: ____________ _ _________________________ I Address; (Block letters, please) I I H ----------- Pin: _ H Please find my cheque no. I for Rs _____ ____________ Tel: ___ dated ________ as my ccntribution. I s I (All cheques should be crossed and made payable to MAZDA ADARIAN TRUST.) 1answer. In ancient Iran the navjote cere ­ mony was performed at the age of 15 after the youth had passed a test before an i assembly of elders who could quiz him or her on any aspect of the religion. word ritual has acquired an unpleasant the Festival, spoke about his colleague connotation - but that really is ritualism. ” and friend Dr Homi Bhabha. He por- He explained that rituals are important to trayed a humane, eccentric genius fired man as they reunite him with the nebulous by a vision of the future. The Bhabha he divine and the solid earth. knew came in tail coats and bow ties to The post-dhansakh lunch session on hear Mozart on a gramophone. His moods “the role of Parsis in the making of were savage and only his mother could Modern India ” was chaired by noted tame him in his rougher moments. “He industrialist Sorab Godrej. To Prof K. N. Singh who spoke on Parsi management. Havewalla, a spinster, pleaded guilty for not performing a religious duty. “Our religion does not advocate sanyas (renun ­ ciation), ” she explained. Marriage, she stated, is of religious significance, a divine bond between two people. The — ------„------- , r- bond in certain cases is so strong, she community are its enterprise in starting that made Jndia s first ’’factor Apsara, a said, that when a partner dies, male or female, jora ni kriya is performed, that is the prayers are also said, on behalf of the spouse, whether living or dead. Karanjia explained that there are pri ­ marily three kinds of jashans: historic, to celebrate important occasions; thanksgiv ­ ing, for happy occasions; and solemn, to pay respect to the dead. The prayers and -------- ---------- . ceremonies in all the three forms of Sorabji, noted lawyer, informed his spir- country. He recall^ a conversation he jashans are basically the same. Later he explained the significance of the death ceremonies. _ . The session also dwelt briefly on lady profession. Sorabji confined himself to priests. Jungalwalla noted that the fields of music (the great jazz musi- Zoroastrianism advocated total equality cian Rudy Citti was none other than the ‘^hanks to the efforts of the BP^and the between the sexes and that in ancient Iran, 1 lady priests were the rule rather than the i _ exception. Karanjia explained that priests the Parsis who distinguished themselves national in Iran performed the higher ceremonies L. .1—... , and laymen, including ladies, could per- these professions as fortune seekers, but rous tendency of a small community that form ceremonies like navjotes, jashans, as healers. Not to amass fortunes but to shares a distinctive religious heritage, a etc. “There is nothing to stop them. I give cheerfully their services. ” He is opti- voice from the back of the auditorium know of a lady who performs the muktad mistic about the future of the enquired, “Which New Year? Fasli, ceremonies of her family at home, ” he added. Karan Singh pointed out the similari- son to despair. ” Sethna: impact of the Festival. ties between Hinduism and F “ j ~ " . . 7 Zoroastrianism. He also made a distinc- the Atomic Energy Commission, who Bagli, Sidhwa and Dastur (Dr) tion between rituals and ritualism. “The flew in from Bangalore specifically for Hormazdyar Mirza was very European in his outlook, but ___ _________ hidden somewhere was a deep love for his the ’distinguishing characteristics of the country. ” It was Bhabha ’s drive and vision • .................... *-------------------------------------- 1 new industry, its human approach to reality in the 1950s and set the country on worker management dealings and its hon- the path of self-reliance in the field of esty. “Parsis are less dishonest than other nuclear energy, communities, ” he observed. The crowd ¦ cheered. “It is a characteristic of our commu ­ nity that it has eccentrics and geniuses, understand the community better. “Apart We laugh at ourselves. We don ’t take our- from Bombay, Delhi and other major cit- selves too damned seriously, ” Soli ies, we are not known in the rest of the Godrej, in his summation, pointed out the importance of holding such Parsi fes ­ tivals for non-Parsis so that they ited audience. It is this eccentricity and had overheard: ‘“The Tatas are not genius that has thrown up both colorful Hindus, ’ said one man. His companion and leading personalities in almost every replied: ‘They must be Muslims then. The identity of the Parsis has now been acknowledged at the national level. Jungalwalla noted that the fields of music (the great jazz musi- Parsi Kavus Katilia), politics, law and Delhi Parsi Anjuman, the government.has medicine. A common trait found among agreed to make the Parsi New Year a . - ----- -----1 holiday, ” Taleyarkhan in these fields was thaC ’they did not enter announced. Characteristic of the fissipa- give cheerfully their services. ” He is opti ­ mistic i------- — -------- community: “From what I see of boys and Kadmi or Shehenshahi? ” girls in these fields today, I have no rea- (gelow left) son to despair. ” Sethna: impact of the Festival. Dr Raja Ramanna, former chairman of Presence of three priests (from left) 27 Parsiana April 19891 Projecting The Parsis Gustasp Irani ( The four-day Parsi Festival, held in Delhi, gave a glimpse into the life-style of a disappearing community FESTIVAL ----two elderly ladies kusti. Roda Deboo, in a was '^Tucked into a corner of the small exhibi- / tion room were t ... I spinning a 1------ ------ printed sari, explained that she brought up in Navsari but had noW settled in Bombay. Jer Kutar, in a white san, traced her childhood to Jamshedpur, but ^now resides in Delhi. “Between us we are J^ quite representative of the Parsis in rMlndia, ”said Deboo.Thetwo ladies laughed. We tried to get the interview along but they were exchanging notes. l must not teach children, whose mother tongue is not English, in the English medium. ’ The other schools toed the ~ we didn ’t, and so we were over ­ run by students. We said, ‘If their pa ­ rents w^pt them to learn English, why shouldn ’t they? ’ “By then we ’d begun looking around for new premises because Alpaiwalla House (a residential build ­ ing on the eastern side of Grant Road Station, where Moos had started the school) had become very dilapidated V4 , c ............—ucvause my ( and was inadequate for the increasing . '-’irton High School is housed is close by. ” At present, Dr Amin con ­ number of students, ” notes Ardeshir. an airy, four-storeyed building that ducts the height, weight eyesight and The management and ex-students contains classrooms, offices, a staff- hearing checkups, as well i a general (who formed the Old Girtonians ’ nming-room, laboratory, lib- examination every two years Ms Gool contains classrooms, offices. I — — ------ examination every two years Ms Gool Association) spent years collecting ’’"y’ history and geography Bharucha, ’^who has been the office funds to buy land, and eventually the large halls. But due to clerk for the past 28 years reiterates OGA Property Fund was allotted a paucity of funds, the building took the same sentiments. “This building plot on Sleater Road on which stood a -ru ~ fro® ’^4 to ’84. has taken our lives; to build fit! brick burnt-out factory. The school is run by a managing com- by brick, ” she sighs. “Before in thuj. “The government acquired it on our which consists, “as far as possi- old building, it was even more like > behalf, but you know how slowly a "‘^, 01 old Girtonians who are educa- home. We knew each and every one ' government office works, ” she says. explains Ardeshir. The even the parents. But of course this “By the time we got it the process of building from the building is more airy and roomy and acquisition had gone over the time V Property Fund, which is admi- the girls have the (place) to olav limit, so in addition to the eight lakh board of trustees - Ms There they were all cramped up ” rupees for the land we had to pay two A™eshir, Ms Nargesh Nani Palkhiva- Other changes, which are not as lakh rupees as compensation to the owners. ” Since the Fund did not not have the extra money required, they took a bank loan, and were left with ­ out any money with which to start con ­ struction. Gradually, however, by dint of much hard work and tenacity, the ground and first floors were raised, and the primary sections shifted to the 1 r___ ,, r V, , ------------******v*,*T*o uulluu V^aiiia, dC tor all of us, remembers Wadia. “We Mulla and Ms Katie F. Mehta, had to come here and supervise the primary, go back and teach the secon ­ dary, come back here...We know the railway bridge very well' ” y 1984 however, the new building cated members of the OGA Dr fMsl A was completed'with the help of dona- Armaity Amin, whose grandmother grand-aunts were pupils of Ms viduals as well as the proceeds of va- Moos, is one such person. Deeply nous fund-raising activities. (The attached to her old school, she is today secondary section had been shifted its honorary medical officer inr/^ nail) , J ' -- ----------a pail ui lliv IlLC never took donations for admis- throughout - it is like a second home a on our ' a 10 years to complete - from ’74 to ’84. The school is run by a managing com ­ mittee which consists, “as far as possi ­ ble, of old Girtonians who are educa ­ tionists, ” explains Ardeshir. The Other changes, which ( We were supposed to be ladylike, so we couldn't run and jump" Cama, Rusi Sethna, Adi j Girton has always had the gift of in- I spiring its ’ students with great love and 5 got , to loyalty. Many ex-students return as j teachers, and a large number are dedi- ons rrom charity trusts and indi- and grand-aunts were pupils of Ms viduals, as well as the proceeds of va- Moos, - ' - IS into the new building in 1976). “But school has been we 1------- ' ' “The a part of my life % 36 Parsiana April 1989 "a?' * ‘f ¦ A v». -j < ’p*4i ' ¦- . nrt'AV 1® i'il ft .4 rl' If their parents want them to learn English, why shouldn't they? II II I welcome, she feels, are in the area of almost every year - the majority opt i discipline: “The children are okay, but for secure bank jobs or do secretarial I nowadays...Maybe I’m old-fashioned, courses, points out Sanjana. “Current- I I like more discipline. These days they ly, we are concentrating on vocational i aren ’t even bothered if they lose their guidance. At the start of the ninth or fee card; they forget to collect them tenth standard, we send them to semi- ’ from the office... ’’ Wadia agrees with nars, and invite old Girtonians to I this. “In the beginning we were like a speak about their professions. Though I small family, knowing each other very a sprinkling of them do opt for special- I well. Discipline was perfect, and the ized courses, the majority of them choose either what will help them in their married lives, or will help them to earn quickly. ’’ But apart from fostering their pupils ’ scholastic development, Girton tries to inculcate deeper moral values in the girls. “We make it a point to give them a lot of spiritual know ­ ledge, ’’ Wadia says firmly. “We also I children learnt manners quickly. To- teach them what ’s going to happen in day we are larger, and supervision is the outside world and how to get along more difficult. ” with others, even in later life. Some- Another change is the drop in the times our students come back and tell percentage of Parsi students. In the us, ‘Miss, you ’ve taught us all this, but beginning, of course, Girton had an it isn ’t going to pay us. ’ But that is I all-Parsi student body. Then, a few de- what we expect of them - that they live cades ago, the percentage of Parsis up to our school Tnotto: ‘Courage, stood at 50 or 60. Today it is down to Simplicity and Honor. ’” about 30 percent, and the majority of the pupils are Gujaratis, with a hand- Above: The site at Sleater Road prior ful of Sindhis and Muslims. “The Par- ^he new construction sis want to go to Christian schools, and Left: The youngest pupil with the the Gujaratis want to go to Parsi oldest at the bhoomi poojan of the • schools, ” smiles Ardeshir. new building Of the students who pass the SSC Below (left): Girtonians pose with the exam each year from Girton - they re- late Indira Gandhi in Delhi I portedly have cent percent results Below: Scene from a school play 'T i . ( i b I H 1 a. 37 Parsiana April 1989COMMENT 0 a remarkable record of fresh minds, fresh interpretations. In the Middle Ages a great Jewish Egyptian scholar produced his Guide to the Perplexed, a philosophy of Judaism with a completely rational basis. Another made a Prepared Table of the whole field of Jewish practices and law in home, synagogue, business and law courts. Do Zoroastrians today need similar approaches for the perplexed? Though debarred on religious grounds from most occupations and offices for long spells of time, the Jews always believed in high intellectual standards and skills in whatever they did. One of the first decisions during Home Rule for the Jews in Palestine after 1918 was to establish the University of Jerusalem. In the old world, they had concentrated on' astronomy, astrology, medicine, lan ­ guages, diplomacy and financial affairs. As a result, when there were periods of tolerance, Jews rose ’to high office and influence in Christian and Islamic socie ­ ties. Emperor Charlemagne, some popes, Spain under the Moors, even the Grand Caliph of the Ottoman empire knew their worth and their talents and patronized them. At less exalted levels, the Jews were ' skilled carpenters, metal workers, jewell ­ ers and experts in making astronomical and its reformers. One tendency was to instruments. Even tailoring and shoemak ­ ing were crafts at which the community zoroastrians should learn from the Jews' sustained hattie against overwhelming odds Jb 5K ii ver 2500 years ago Cyrus the Great, the liberal ruler of the first great Mazdayasnan empire, liberated the Jews from Babylonian captivity and helped them rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. Now the Jews, after centuries of exile, suppression and extermination, are lib ­ erated as never before. But the Zoroastrian world, left to its last 1,00,000, fears ex ­ tinction within tl* next century. For Zoroastrians this is a time of multiple crises; a crisis of faith and of a meaningful worldview in a secular age (outside Iran); a crisis of identity (Who are we? What do we stand for?) consequent to dispersal in new environments beyond the old homelands in Asia; a crisis of values as body and soul decline, even in the homelands of Ir^n* India and Pakistan. In a recent report, the Tehran Anjuman has reminded us: “We must know that the culture of the majority has a strong attraction and dominates the culture of the minority. ” Where will we be by 2100 AC? Perhaps this is a time to look at the 1 unprecedented revival, after unprece ­ dented suffering, of the global Jewish communities. What relevance does its present liberated and prosperous state have for Zoroastrians today? i The strong core of religious education, regard Judaism “as a living, organic tra- based on the Bible and the Talmud, and dition, continually growing, continually exelled. sustained by educated rabbis, has sup- changing, yet in essence always the same, ported 300 generations of Jews hailing and represented in every age by its rabbis world leaders in every walk of life from from old Jerusalem and now dispersed and teachers; ” the other regarded the re- science to statecraft, epitomized by the in the far comers of the modem world, ligion as “fixed and immutable, with its Rothschilds (the family of international Jewish scholars and teachers were the final expression in a specific code of bankers), Albert Einstein, (recognized as community ’s heroes and torchbearers, laws, ” as noted Cecil Roth in A History one of the greatest physicists of all time) The Jews were sustained by high quality of the Jews. and Leon Trotsky (co-founder of the minds. From the sorrows of exile in old But these differences did not lead to USSR with Vladimir Lenin and Josef Babylon through Roman tyranny, both the marked splits evident between Shias Stalin). And this, despite the massive pagan and Catholic, through the killings and Sunnis or Catholics and Protestants, repressions and genocides by the Nazis of the Cmsades to Nazi genocide, that Perhaps Judaism was fortunate in not and Russians (both Czarist and Commu- core of the spirit and the mind saw them having Jewish states, in which religious nist) which wiped out no less than six through a long and terrible history. How differences could emerge as power million Jews and forced more into exile, far do contemporary Tkiroastrians lack struggles. Despite the conflicts between the most recent of many cruel diasporas such a sustaining core? What needs to the two schools of thought, a basic unity be done? Like all faiths, Judaism had its orthodox ..... < In our times, many Jews have been over the centuries. prevailed through the centuries. The fourth lesson of interest to us is The Talmud and its commentaries are the indefatigable adaptability of the Jews LESSONS IN SURVIVAL Aspi Moddie 39 Parsiana April 1989ij Il: I is Jews tended to move from despotic to the first and last condition of survival and freer states. When Czar and Kaiser, Nazi prosperity for minorities. Jewish population figures illustrate the two aspects of the move towards the cen ­ ters of gravity of human societies and to freedom. In 1918 Palestine had 60,000 Jews; by 1960 Israel had two million. Within 25 years the London figures grew from 47,000 to 1,50,000. In the US, in 1870, there were about 2,50,000 Jews; a century later they were about 5.5 million. The trend is clear. These have been the two roads to survival, growth and prosperity. Are world Zoroastrians following suit, though in much smaller numbers? And what about the other lessons of survival — a core of sustained religious education, unity with diverse interpretations; high educational standards, skills, and enter ­ prise; and adaptability? Would these be the answer to current Zoroastrian prob ­ lems, apart from the biological need to in all ages, in all places. In the early years they learnt Greek and moved into the Greek world. Later they learnt Arabic and and Commissar suppressed them, they became viziers, philosophers, astrono ­ mers and traders, flowing westwards to Spain with the Islamic conquests. In Though debarred Germany they learnt German and were among its leading scholars and scientists. They moved to America, and became its leaders in politics, the sciences, the arts, in industry and trade. Their great instinctive secret was to move with the center of gravity of human societies. Over the last 1000 years, this has led them from the Orient to the Occident, from the ghettos to a wider world. Though Jews were relatively small in number, Judaism became a world religion. Despite the differences in mother tongues and cultures, with no Jewish homeland, wherever there were Jews, a community grew around synagogue, school, Bible, Talmud, rabbi, and academies of learning. Denmark, Italy, England and America; Despite the worst ever sufferings of the apart from Israel. The Zoroastrian multiply? past century, Zionism is a world force experience of the early move to India, today. and now to other free countries of the Knowing only brief periods of toler- worldfrom Australia to the USA, indicates ance and long ages of persecution, the a similar choice. Ultimately, freedom is moved to the freer countries of Holland, 1000 years, this has led them from ient to the Occident, from the from most occupations and offices for long spells of time, the Jews always believed in high intellectual standards and skills 01 ii O| Crawlairs and Blasthole Drills T Rotary Screw Air Compressors i^ii I Portable Compressors Process Gas Compressors Aspi Moddie, belonged to the first batch of the Indian Administrative Service, is a scholar of history and economics with publications in both fields. Water Well Drills 1 X mssRSOiL***® ? s Air and Gas Compressors • Construction & Mining Equipment INGERSOLL-RAND Ingersoll-Rand (India) Ltd., Maybaker House, S.K. Ahire Marg, Bombay 400 025 IR.191.88 40 Parsiana April 1989r ¦ BUSINESS Chinoys ’ Cheese Culture fi' Good cheese, like wine and tea, is dif ­ ficult to define, yet an expert will know when he tastes one. “As a tea-taster knows what should not be in a tea, an expert knows what should not be in a cheese, ” s!^s Sohrab E. Chinoy, the man behind A.B.C. Farms Private Limited, Pune. “What you don ’t want are certain fungal infections and superfluous bacterial fla ­ vorings. The typical flavor might be there, but... ” a bearded, casually dressed Chinoy smiles. A good cheese has got to stand up to scrutiny and the cheese produced by A.B.C. Farms is Up to international stand ­ ards, according to him. Chinoy, who studied dairy technology in Germany and worked on farms there, does not believe in false modesty. “I know how to make cheese, ” he says, “and I make a bloody good cheese. ” Chinoy claims that his is one of the very Tew Indian cheeses that can compete in quality with what is available in Western markets. Production levels are low at present, an average of about 750 liters of milk are converted into cheese each day, but judging from the reputation the cheese has won for itself in Pune alone, the potential for growth is enor ­ mous. Though A.B.C. Farms also produce a range of dairy products like lemon lassi, butter, ghee, whipping cream, flavored yoghurt, and has even diversified into the production of mineral water, its fame is rooted largely in blocks and balls of cheese. The secret of A.B.C. Farms ’ success is the blending of traditional methods of M Marlene and Sohrab Chinoy: making cheese is a challenge PHOTO SOCIETY MAGAZINE Starting with milk, cheese and gradually marketing other dairy products, the A.B.C. Farms in Pune blend traditional methods with modern dairy technology Gustasp Irani V. i'' 42 Parsiana April 1989 .LJ cheese production with modern dairy Gouda gets its name from the province Farms ’ quality cheese is its supply of technology. Tucked away, beyond the bus- in Holland where it first originated, pure, wholesome milk - from its own tling building activity of Koregaon Park,, Almost all cheese names. Chinoy points 27-acre dairy farm at Dehu Road where in a factory that once served as a poultry out, are derived from their place of origin: they have 100 cows. The farm started in run, traditional wooden molds from Cheddar, Edam, Roquefort are all names 1976, with 25 heads of cattle, was the Holland lie alongside modern-day vac- of villages too. “Wherever there has been result of a dream to get away from the uum packing n^achines. While the a milk culture, people have dehydrated bustle of city life to the welcoming foreman stirs a batch of fermenting milk and made cheese, ’’ ’ cheese in large cheese tanks by hand, good Gouda, or^ X there is the hum of an electric slicer at the any good other end of the room. Inside the factory shed, in his cabin sits the lean and wiry Chinoy who exudes energy and enthusiasm. We witness the qprrent of his energy in the factory ’s small storeroom. The place is freezing. The shelves that line the walls are laden with cheese in different molds and sizes, from large 50 kilogram blocks to small 250 gram balls. Chinoy runs a finger over a fresh mold of cheese. He is all concentration as he feels the texture specification for Gouda, according to leisure, no time for the family or for any- between his fingertips. He tastes it. He Chinoy, is that in a cross section of three thing else; it is all consuming. ” He recalls energy "People^y would come for the milk and sample our cheese" says Chinoy. A embrace of unspoilt nature. In reality, for that matter however, “the dream turned into a night- 'T^cheese, has mare, ” according to Chinoy. “Every morning you got up to face innumerable problems. You did not know what would go wrong... it was a fight to survive, not to back out. ” Now as he looks back, he feels the effort was worth it: “Things eventually worked out for the better - but 10 years is a lot of time. ” His father Eruch, a dairy man and the moving spirit behind the establishment of the Dehu Road farm, comments, “Dairy to match up to certain specifications. The work is hard labor. There is no time for leisure, no time for the family or for any- checks with the storekeeper the produc- inches by four inches there should be a the "1930s when his uncle" Nusserwanji tion batch number and turns to consult his minimum of three to a maximum of five Govewala of Byculla Dairy Farm was amicable quality control manager, small round holes. known as the milk king of Bombay. At Jehangir Batiwala, who is also in charge Chinoy calls for samples which are that time cows were brought from the rich of general supervision of the works, presented on a large cheese knife that has pasture lands of Punjab to Bombay and Consultation over, he explains the impor- a handle at both ends. We examine the once they ran dry they were slaughtered tance of storage: “Cheese has to be stored holes and try a piece. It has a rich mellow and sold for their meat. Eruch ’s uncle was at temperatures below 15 degrees centi- flavor. Chinoy explains that the longer the appalled by this- wanton slaughter and grade, otherwise it starts to sweat and cheese is stored, the stronger the flavor, sought to change it. He bought land in spoils. ” Freshly processed cheese is Yes, he confirms, all good raw cheese will Sanjan where the cows were sent to con- stored in the cold room for a minimum of have holes. They are formed by bacteria three weeks (till it develops a hard outer which are one of the two necessary ingre- tion batch number and turns to consult his minimum of three to a maximum of five Yes, he confirms, all good raw cheese will Sanjan where the cows were sent to ceive, foal calves and return to Bombay with their udders full of milk once again, rind) before it can be consumed or used to dients in making cheese. The other is Chinoy senior was initiated into the fam- make other cheese-based products. rennet, an enzyme extracted from the ily dairy business at around this time, “The bloody good cheese ” that Chinoy fourth stomach of a newborn calf or dis- when land in Sanjan was Rs 20 an acre particularly refers to is his Gouda cheese, tilled from fungus that is cultured on (and Rs 50 an acre was considered an This is raw cheese. At A.B.C. Farms it is wheat in controlled conditions. A.B.C. exorbitant price): a time of primitive dairy i used as a base for manuacturing proc- F ' ‘ ................... essed cheese, both hard and soft and in a wheat, which makes its cheese a purely range of 18 flavors - garlic, jeera, capsi- vegetarian product (see box), cum, pineapple, wine, almonds to name a few. * cognac and SB Farms uses only the rennet obtained from techniques, a time scarred by a world war. The transition of the dairy tradition from father to son was not without its hic- A misconception in India is to classify cups. Chinoy junior recalls-that he wanted raw cheese as cooking cheese and proc- to be a doctor but the blood, gore and essed cheese as table cheese. Pfeople eat death he witnessed during his visits to only raw cheese in Europe, according to hospitals during the six months between Chinoy. Raw cheese, he concedes, calls Senior Cambridge (from St Mary ’s in for an acquired taste, but once a person Bombay) and college (K. C. College, develops it, he will never eat processed Bombay, up to inter-science) put that cheese. “From processed cheese you can aspiration to rest. He turned his sights on move up to raw cheese, but never the family tradition and obtained an Indian other way around. ” Marlene, Chinoy ’s Dairy Diploma from Bangalore. His quest wife who studied dairy bacteriology in for knowledge took him to Germany, her native Germany and now helps out at from the dairy pastures of Itzehoe, north A.B.C. Farms, side-steps the query. Do of Hamburg, to Berlin where he met .you like processed cheese? “I prefer raw Marlene who was studying dairy bacteri- cheese, ” she answers with a discreet laugh ology while he was acquainting himself and tosses her blond locks. with the latest in dairy technology. He finally obtained his masters in dairy tech ­ nology from Glenhausen. On returning to India, Chinoy started Pure milk One factor that contributes to A.B.C.T I ¦' , I ] J- I I I1 I I . i-1^ The cheese combination Cheese, according to Sohrab Chinoy of cottage cheese “it is a necessary require- A.B.C. Farms, Pune is either vegetarian or ment. ” Cottage cheese is referred to as a non-vegetarian. “Ninety-five percent of fresh cheesd. When it is further treated with bacteria it becomes a raw or hard vegetarian, ” he states. The cheese his cheese. “Bacteria is what lends flavor to was in end 1984. As Chinoy sees it, his greatest loss was the loss of time. He was determined to lose no more of this pre ­ cious commodity and buckled down to making a success of his local operations. His efforts were rewarded. Slowly, as his reputation in the market grew, so did all cheese produced in the West is non- company produces falls into the vegetar- cheese, ” says Chinoy. According to him ian category. The classification of cheese into vege ­ tarian ancMbon-vegetarian may be traced to the first stage in the process of manu ­ facture - starters. All Cheese in the West, including cottage cheese, uses rennet as A misconception in India is to classify raw cheese as there are millions of permutations and combinations. However, to be classified . , as a specific kind of cheese, Gouda or cooking cheese and Cheddar for instance, a cheese must have a specified set of bacteria. “The propor ­ tions may vary, some in higher starter. Rennet is either the enzyme or concentration and other lower, but all digestive juices found in the fourth stom- must be there. ” This difference in concen- ach of a baby calf, or enzyme distilled tration of bacteria. Chinoy points out, from fungus that is cultured on wheat in controlled conditions. To obtain good quality rennet of the stored for sufficient time for the bacteria non-vegetarian variety, or animal enzyme, the calf must be slaughtered before it is ten days old. Vegetarian cheese uses only rennet developing countries extracted from wheat. “You have to be preference is for proc --------------- . very careful when extracting plant rennet is primarily cheese that has been cooked, that comes in light and heavy varieties and « ,« _______________ __________________________________________ kirrk niicklitv mw msiniirA cheese, ” says Chinoy. At A.B.C. Farms this before it is marketed. The origins of this there is just jilain^ q i-. p * . job is done by Chinoy ’s wife Marlene who product are ---- 2— — —-- studied dairy bacteriology in Berlin, waste and trimmings from raw cheese. -------- -- — ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ • good enough to say that plant rennet is manufacturers in the developed countries is run by Chinoy s brother Kersi. used; the manufacturer must also be able collect the by-products from various fac ­ to say that animal rennet is not used, ” says tories, de-stench them, add an equal A matter of choice 1 J __________ lx fAt* mcinv into a cheap product which eventually years he did not forget his Zoroastrian finds its way into the markets of the devel- roots. Recently the family celebrated the '..g, .4,. 12. navjote of their nine-year-old son Zubin * But not all procesed cheese is made at a private ceremony at their residence in ________ Pune. They also-plan to initiate their twin fies. He points out that he too makes the daughters, Tina and Diana, aged seven J..4. e-- product. “Indians have developed a taste into the religion. “I know that there are the large vegetarian for processed cheese, ” he explains, almost certain priests who would object, says apologetic that he has to compromise his Marlene who is a Protestant Christian, raw Gouda to cater to the taste. He main- “and others who might have not liked me tains, however, that processed cheese will to be present during the ceremony. But we " " found one who allowed me to be present, ” she says by way of explanation. About the ceremony itself, she has no reservations: “It makes no difference to me. They (the children) will have to choose (which reli- to process the milk from the Dehu Road dairy processing unit in Oman, Muscat, gion they wish to follow). ” farm at their retail outlet which was orig- Under a joint venture project. Chinoy was Chinoy concurs. “There is nothing to inally located on East Street, Pune, to provide the knowhow; he also provided stop them from being Christians if they “People would come for the milk and the personnel who are still there. “We did want to; but if they do not have their sample our cheese. The process then was ----------- „ „ “highly improvised. ” In 1983 Chinoy only problem was that, after the job was them from being Zoroastnans tomorrow, channeled his efforts into establishing a done, his contract was terminated. That Chinoy takes pride in being a Parsi. In processed cheese as table cheese his product range. Today, in addition to his raw Gouda and processed cheese, kind of cheese. Cheese has got to be Chinoy produces paneer, cottage cheese, ¦ I Quarf, a fresh cheese used in confection- to act upon it and lend it flavor. ery. Mozzarella, which is ideal for pizzas. In the West, cheese is normally con- vegetarian starters for yoghurt and sumed in its raw form. It is only in paneer, and^hakka, which is used in the ____-_________ _ _____ ____---5 India *at the making of shrikhand which-is another of extracted from wheat. “You have to be preference is for processed cheese which his products. There is also mineral water else vou get a very bitter taste in the and as the name suggests, processed even processed, high quality cow manure^ dubious: the utilization of goods are marketed through A.B.C. Farms ’'* siuuivu uBixj _________ _________________ ________2__________ __ ' . retail outlet at M.G. Road, Pune and at Germany. “To be truly vegetarian it is not According to Chinoy, processed cheese Farmer Brothers, Dadar, Bombay which good enough to say that plant rennet is manufacturers in the developed countries is run by Chinoy ’s brother Kersi. used; the manufacturer must also be able collect the by-products from various fac ­ to say that animal rennet is not used, ” says tories, de-stench them, add an equal A matter of choice Chinov The cheese he produces is purely proportion of raw cheese and process it Though Chinoy lived abroad for many \ t • 4 1 • -1- ______X___ 11_. 41x4 ktc 7Arnactnon vegetarian and does not use animal ren ­ net, he claims. When Ms Diana Ratnagar of the oping world. Society for Prevention of Cruelty to F Animals (SPCA) came to plead with him from waste and trimmings. Chinoy clari- not to use animal rennet, she did not have to be particularly persuasive to get Chinoy to agree I „ population in India is a reality very hard to ignore. “It ’s the logical thing to do, to use plant rennet in India, ” says Chinoy. Rennet, he informs us, is what justifies always be second best because, after all, a cheese. Paneer does not use it, while in accounts for the different flavors of the same raw cheese is the real thing. Under a joint venture project. Chinoy was to provide the knowhow; he also provided stop them from being Christians if they a dinned good job, ” Chinoy states. The navjote done today it will certainly stop done, his contract was terminated. That 44 Parsiana April 1989fact, he points out that at A.B.C. Farms he has been able to provide meaningful employment to a number of fellow com- EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES continued from page 15 woman bagged the second place in the long jump and discus throw events, acquiring her national level best record J, munity members. He takes pains to stress Buddha, the fiercely vibrant Storm Swept, of 12.5 meters in the discus throw, notes that in addition to his family, many have the exuberant Kathakali, and Spark, a contributed to the success of the com- familiar landmark at Haji Ali in Bombay, pany. In addition to Batiwala, the quality control manager, there is A.S. Bhathena, asperation and exhilaration — reportedly training seriously, going either to Khalsa the partner at the Dehu Road farm, Parvez spurred her towards sculpture. “Art, ” the College, Matunga, or to University Mundroina, the production manager, late sculptress had noted in an interview Stadium at Marine Lines to practise her the write-up. About two months before the selec- Three basic emotions — boredom, ex- tions, Bombay-based Nanji takes her the partner at the Dehu Road farm, Parvez spurred her towards sculpture. “Art, ” the College, Matunga, Marazban Billimoria, the finance mana- with Bharati Kapadia, “is created because ger, Homi Dumasia, the shop manager, the artist has a vociferous appetite for self- Minoo Sarkari, the administrative officer, expression. ” and Behram Amalsadiwalla whom Chinoy describes a^ “a son of a farmer, Sheriar surpasses with the gift of common sense ... We got For having stood first in the FCPS a great amalgam here, ” says Chinoy. The family spirit, however, is not Surgeons - obstetrics and gynecology) allowed to cloud the vision that business examination, held in September 1988, Dr is a serious matter. It ’s not all cheesy Nozer Khurshed Sheriar has been smiles and and a happy family portrait, awarded the Dr Dina Patel Prize and gold “No bull shit, ” says a sign outside medal, notes the Jam-e-Jamshed of Chinoy ’s cabin. It ’s more than a joke. January 29, 1989. Sheriar had also topped (Fellow of the College of Physicians and ‘ Sheriar (left): obstetrical excellence Nanji: sporting spirit > Chinoy exudes efficiency and a pride in the MD (Doctor of Medicine - obstetrics throws, depending upon the availability his work which does not pemit him to and gynecology) examination conducted of the javelin and the put ball, compromise on his products, be they in January 1988. It was after she joined Pfizers in 1957 cheese, butter, mineral water or just plain milk. One customer comments: “He even rently a lecturer at the Nowrosji Wadia activities organized for the staff -of supplies you with an agrometer to test the Maternity Hospital and Seth G. S. companies and industries. Though she purity of his milk. ” Medical College. He is also known to does not receive any financial sponsorship, have presented various research papers at she competes because of an interest which conferences, for which he has been she had harbored since her school days awarded prizes, the paper notes. but had been unable to pursue due to Besides his scholastic excellence, financial constraints then. She comes from Sheriar has also served as director of a Sports inclined family (her father was International and Community Service, a cricketer and brother, a national athletic and as president of the Rotaract Club of champion). Bombay West. He was a founder member of the Youth Wing of the Bandra Parsi national level: “So far I have only won Association, adds the Jame. the silver, but after I win a gold. I’ll retire. ” SPOTLIGHT The 26-year-old gynecologist is cur- that she started takiffg part in sports r Lord’s Central Matheran 410102 Mountain Resort Hotel For bookings write or phone Bombay 318008/367776 or Matheran 28 45 Parsiana April 1989 Her ambition is to win a gold at the Veteran sportswoman ___________________________ Winner of five silver medals at the Inter- The Bombay University has conferred a national Veterans Meet held at Hong Kong doctorate degree on Prof Dolly Mistry in October 1988, 55-year-old Ms Mani of the Bombay Teachers ’ Training Eruch Nanji competed in the National College, for her thesis on “A study of Level Veterans Meet early this year in educational contributions of Parsis in Haryana, notes a write-up forwarded to India, ” notes the Jam-e-Jamshed of Parsiana. Nanji, who ranked fourth at the national meet, says, “I did try for a second place Dara D. Avari was appointed as general in discus, javelin throw and shot put, but manager of the Bank of India on January was very dis^ippointed when I didn ’t win. ” 19,1989, notes the Indian Express of Janu- Undergoing tough selection trials at the ary 22, 1989. state level, “It is only the first place winners who are qualified to enter the Clocking 24.4 seconds in the 200 m run, national level meets, ” Nanji explains. Zenia Ayrton broke P T. Usha ’s nine- While Nanji ’s forte is javelin, discus year-old national record at the Junior throw and shot put, she occasionally takes National Athletics Championships held at part in long jumps and sprint events. At Bangalore in February 1989, notes The the National Championships held in June Daily of February 25, 1989. last year at Srinagar, the veteran sports- Compiled by Roxana H. Kai^ December 18, 1988.jt; MILESTONES J iitfi sd, ! The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by anjumans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. It must be pointed out that this information is not always complete or consistent. According to information available to Parsiana from four hospitals, there were 13 births in Bombay in the month of March as agaiMt 78 deaths. Of those who died, 29 succumbed to heart disease. The other killers were old age and lung disease (eight each), pneumonia (six), brain disease and hypertension (five each) and cancer (four). Three victims each fell prey to diabetes and blood disease while two vic ­ tims each succumbed to septicemia and asthma. Isolated cases of kidney failure, bronchi ­ tis, gastroenteritis, shock and accident were also registered. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, it must be noted that in some cases, espe ­ cially in those of the very old, dfeath is often due to a combina ­ tion of several diseases. 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. AHMEDABAD Died Phiroze Hoshangji Vakil, father of Khorshed and Firoza and father-in-law of Adi Sethna and Navroz Vakil on March 31, 1989 t !' BALASORE, ORISSA Died Fall Cursetji Chandaru (66), of Calcutta, husband of Lily; March 2 BANGALORE Died Cowsi Gustadji Kharas, husband of Jini and father of Meher and Pheroza; March 12 BOMBAY Born A girl to Maharukh and Darayas Pajnigar; February 24 A girl to Ruby and Rajesh Salvi', March 1 A boy to Zarin and Hoshang Patel', March 2 A boy to Meher and Pheroze Dhanbhoora', March 8 A boy to Yasmin and Farrokh Chesan', March 10 A boy to Persis and Sarosh Mistry, March 10 A girl to Pervin and Phiroze Jamula', March 11 A boy to Mani and Kersi Bengali', March 13 A girl to Daulat and Goshtasb Jamasbi', March 13 A girl to Kate and Kaikhusroo Dinshaw', March 18 A boy to Parizad and Darayus Bajan', March 22 A girl to Tanaz and Rehan Karanjia; March 22 A girl to Veera and Yezdi Engineer, March 25 A girl to Roshni and Kersasp Aibara', March 28 Married Pearl Soli Me'wawalla and Rohinton Bejon Panthaky, February 18 Pearl Nadar Shroff and Homyar Jessie Mistry; February 28 Sanober Firoze Langdana of Surat and Nozer Homi Doctor, March 1 Dinaz Framroze Katrak and Aspi Minu Avari', March 2 Ketayun Eruchshaw Desai and Rustom Minoo Damania; March 3 Anaheeta Rusi Kharas and Vispi Jamshedji Engineer, March 3 Firooza Phiroze Baria and Parvez Framroz Kalwachwalla; March 4 Kashmira Dara Karkaria and Sarosh Minocher Dalal', March 5 Kashmira Jimmy Master and Rohinton Hirji Mewawala', March 5 Maher Homi Wadia and Malcolm Pesi Turner, March 5 Hutokhshi Noshir Patel and Pauruosaspa (Porus) Pessi Cooper, March 12 Pervin Tehmul Karanjia and Zubin Vispi Dalal; March 12 Nilufer Darab Pochkhanawala and Farokh Jehangir Mistry, March 12 Farida Firoze Bhesania and Cherag Eruch Tarapore', March 14 Armity Tahmurasp Ariyanfar and Shahzad Rustom Amuyan; March 15 Khurshid Sam Nagarwalla and Phiroze Jal Kotwai, March 16 Roxana Kersi Pithawala and Neville Phiroze Tantra', March 16 Roxanne Rustum Shavaksha and Percy Phiroze Madon, March 18 Benifer Minoo Writer and Farokh Tehmuresh Daruwalla', March 19 Shireen Farokh Udwadia and Jehangir Homi Sethna; March 19 Shehnaz Rusi Mullan and Rohinton Soli Shroff, March 24 Mahrook Framroz Irani and Firoz Khurshed Jamshedji of Thane; March 26 Anaita Navroze Vakil and Daraius Eruchsha Katila', March 26 Khurshid Dali Dastoor and Phiroze Pestonji Katrak', March 26 Khurshid Adi Irani and Xerxes Bomi Pithawalla', March 26 Shehnaz Bejan Bharucha and Minoo Rustomji Patel, March 30 Zinobia Pervez Bharucha and Godrej Cawasji Guzder, March 31 Died Cawas Sorabji Billimoria (62), residing at 1, Harbour View, Matharpakhadi, Mazagaon, 400010; February 27 Dhunmai Framroze Bharucha (88), 52, Union Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; February 28 Shapoor Sordb Irani (59), Harbour View, Matharpakhadi Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; March 1 Dhun Pesi Nariman (74), 1, Sleater Hse, Sleater Rd, 400007; March 1 Maneksha Dhanjibhai Nava (65), Village Rani Rajpura, Dist Bardoli, 394601; March 1 Dhunjishaw Pallonji Mandroina (62), B/11, Jer Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; March 2 Navajbai H. Dadiburjor (85), 3, Sir Ratan Tata Bldg, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; March 3 Maneck J. Gheyara (76), C/o R. Limboowala, Rusi Hse, Darabsha Rd, 4(K)026; March 3 Dhun K. Irani (63), 42/A, 404, Manish Nagar, Four Bglws, Andheri (W), 400058; March 3 Nargishbanoo Nusserwanji Panthaky (80), H-106, Yashodhan, Irla Bridge, Andheri (W), 400058; March 3 Minocher H. Sethna (88), 599, Sharma Nivas, J. S. Rd, Matunga, 4(XX)19; March 3 Ardeshir Hormasji Bulsara (82), 4/4, Mehta Bldg, Khan Est, Mahim, 400016; March 4 Aloo Jehangir Driver (72), 609, Singapori Bldg, J. S. S. Rd, 400002; March 4 Allan Aderji Elavia (80), D-29, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; March 4 Pirozsha R. Elavia (81), Sanjana Bldg, Forjett Hill Rd, 400036; March 4 Villoo Jal Bamji (80), Bhandari Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 4(XX)34; March 5 Zarin Homi Daruvala (48), 92, Hassa Mhl, Cuffe Parade, 400005; March 5 Meherwan R. Irani (62), Mubarak Manzil, Irani Rd, Dahanu Rd, Dist Thane, 400601; March 5 Darabshaw Aderji Bala (84), 5, Golf Links, Pali Hill Est, Khar, 400052; March 6 Ratanbai Bhicaji Elavia (74), 6/4, Wadia Block, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; March 6 Putlibai Mirujcher Lakdawalla (80), 5/14, C. J. Clny, Tardeo, 400034; March 6 Jaloo Dinshaw Paymaster (81), 24, Patkar Marg, Batliwalla Block, Hughes Rd, 400007; March 6 Homai F. Shroff (78), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; March 6 Amy Jehanbux Antia (64), Bakhtawar, 129, B. Nagar Rd, Yerawada, Pune, 411006; March 7 Cover Hooshang Bakht (Falamarzi) (57), C/2, Ness Baug, Nana Chowk, 400007; March 7 Manijeh Nadirshah Daruwalla (84), 7-B/8, Tata Clny Bldg, Tardeo, 400034; March 7 Freny Bomanshaw Patel (74), Goa Hindu Association Bldg, 358, Lamington Rd, 400007; March 7 Daras Dhunjishaw Sethna (84), 908, Cumballa Crest, 42, Pedder Rd, 400026; March 7 Nina Eddie Nicholson (38), Avabai Mans, 15, Henry Rd, 46 Parsiana April 1989* « t I* 400039; March 8 Room 24, Petit Widows ’ Chawl, Cinema, 400004; March 24 Phiroza Rustom Irani (75), Irani Fort, 4tXXX)l; March 17 Mehroo Dorab Guzdar (75), Wadi, Opp Savakasi, Old Bawadi Khorshedbanu Minocher Pandey C/12, Khalgdina Ter, A.K. Marg, Marve Rd, Malad, 400064; *' " * ‘ March 9 Ardeshir Bhicaji Sarkari (79), 32, Mahimwalla Bldg, Khetwadi, 12th Lane, 400004; March 9 Sheroo Dara Bhabha (69), Khushnum, 808, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; March 10 Darasha Minocher Lal (55), l/B-30, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Bd, Parel, 400012; March 10 Dilnavaz Dara Bapuna (60), 11, Batliwalla Bldg, Khan Est, ' Mahim, 400016; March 11 Temuras Cowasji Elavia (89), 51, March 19 Pandey Sanatorium, Wodehouse Jehangir Rustomji Daruwalla Rd, Colaba, 400005; March 11 Eruchshaw Hormusji Mistry (81), 721, Bhavnagri Bldg, Nanubhai Desai Rd, 400004; March 11 Cowasji Muncherji MullaFeroze 400012; March 19 (90), ‘A,’ Taj Bldg, A. G. Marg, 400036; March 11 Tehmina Jal Patel (72), B-14, Mistry Bldg, Opp M. D. College, Parel, 400012; March 11 Perin Kersi Irani (57), Room 16, 382, Pauvalla Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; March 12 Keki Burjorji Khapoliwala (83), ‘A,’ Empire Ter, Lamington Rd, 400007; March 12 Dali Manchershaw Dangore (64), 22-D, Sakarwadi, Nawab Tank Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; March 13 Amy Rustom Saher (81), 8, Hari Nivas, 19, Mathew Rd, 400(X)4; March 13 Pirojshah J. Vaccha (91), 0/3, Shapurji Bharucha Baug, Andheri (W), 4(XX)58; March 13 Villo Hoshang Marshall (51), 1/11, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; March 14 Dina Ratanshah Anklesharia (74), Diwan Bhavan, Manekpur, Vasai (W), Dist Thane, 400601; March 15 Jal Rustom Bengali (74), Damania Bldg, Chikalwadi, 400007; March 15 Khodayar B. Afghan Irani (43), Room 14, 37, Calicut St, 400001; March 15 Dinamai Hormusha Sahiwalla (86), 0/5, Bharucha Clny, Ldlubhai Park Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; March 16 Banubai Sorabji Kavarana (75), Room 24, Petit Widows ’ Chawl, (81), 202, Madhuvan Apt, Medona Clny, Borivli (W), 40(X)92; March 17 Perin Darabshaw Udwadia (78), Moghul St, Udwada, 398160; March 17 Sheroo Rustomji Mullaphiroz (76), Pehalvi Bldg, Opp Lamington Police Stn, 400(X)7; March 18 Sorabji Bomanji Colabewalla (91), Dubash Bldg, 627, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; March 19 Jaloo Ratan Dalal (77), 5, N. Bharucha Marg, 400007; KARACHI Born A girl to Farida and Rumy Khambatta; February 4 A boy to Meher and Zarir Doctor; February 14 A boy to Meher and Firoze 400036; March 24 Dhunjishaw Darabska Karanjia (63), A/14, Sorabji Bhabha Sanatorium, Opp Bandstand, Bandra (W), 400050; March 24 Cowasjee; February 26 Jerbanoo Framroze Mistry (79), E/12, Shapur Bang, V. P. Rd, 400004; March 24 Roshan Manekji Vania (72), ‘B,’ Reward Mans, Tardeo Rd, 400007; March 24 Eruchsha Framji Daruwalla (85), 7, Bharucha Bldg, Gilder Lane, Lamington Rd, 400008; March 25 Mehrbai Naserwanji Mehta (83), Died Jame Jamshed Bldg, 811/54, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; March 25 Faredoon Maneksha Bhabha (65), 12-B, Cawasji Petit Bldg, Block No 4, Nagpada; March 19 Hormazd Dadabhai Dotiwalla Cll), 3/38, Tata Mills Co^op Hsg (82), 36/A, Jer Bang, Victoria Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, Dady Pestonji Shroff (51), 51, Goolistan, 34, B. Desai Rd, 400026; March 19 Dady Hormusji Printer {53), 5/10, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; March 20 Rashidbanu Hirjibhai Daruwalla (80), 5, Mistry Bldg, Jame Jamshed Rd, Dadar, 400014; March 21 Rustomji Merwanji Driver (85), Lovely Home, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, 400005; March 21 Dinamai Navroji Bilimoria (16), 19/1, Panthaki Bang, M. V. Rd, Andheri (E), 400069; March 22 Nariman Jamshed Hasotia (84), E-11/10, Godrej Staff Qrs, Hill Side, Vikhroli, 4(X)079; March 22 Pirojbai Ardeshir Patel (78), 101, Bhimadiwalla Ter, Dhobitalao, 400002; March 22 Faredoon Edulji Sopariwalla (78), 17, Hill Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; March 22 Shirin Framroze Cooper (85), C/o Mr Soli Karanjia, 4, Bueno Vista No 9, Winoy Hall Lane, Colaba, 400005; March 23 Shavaksha Jivanji Mistry (86), 2/16, India Hse, Kemps Corner, Cumballa Hill, 400036; March 23 Aimai Jehangirji Bhavnagri (80), 72, Bhavnagri Hse, Khetwadi Main Rd, 400004; March 24 Gool Adi Gandhi (55), Room 9, Modi Hse, Near Dreamland 47 Parsiana April 1989 A girl to Diana and Cyrus Magol; February 26 A boy to Nina and Rony Dubash; March 1 Married Shenaz D. Gamwalla and Daraius R. Dubash; February 23 Freddy Bomanji Golwalla (74); February 5 Minoo Hormusji Canteenwala (74); February 6 Dinshaw Minocher Gamwalla (60); February 10 Fereshte Sharukh Petigara (26 days); Febnfery 13 Najoo Feroze Sethna (62); Rd, Byculla, 400027; March 26 Dhunjisha Framroze Nasikwala (67), Ullas, 17, Laburnum Rd, , ____ New Gamdevi Rd, Next to Mani February 13 Bhavan, 400007; March 27 Minoo Framroze Nanavati (74); Dhunbai Behramsha Italia (70), February 15 5, Kapadia Bldg, Panthaki Baug, Gaimai Maneckji Sethna (89); Andheri (E), 400068; March 28 Bachubai Jehangirji Bharucha (90), P-31, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; March 30 Darabsha Dhunjishaw Khambata (75), Jer Bldg, Khetwadi, 6th Lane, 400004; March 30 Sorabji Kaikhusro Shroff (89), l-A-20, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Parel, 400012; March 31 February 24 * CALCUTTA Born A girl, Sanaya, to Gool and Jehangir Ardeshir; March 27 LONDON Died Pheroze Engineer, husband of Freny, father of Mayerlene and Carl; March 10 MASHOBRA, SIMLA Died Kersasp Shapurjee Karai (72), December 19, 1988 POONA Died Khursheed Kaikhushroo Irani (72), 1119, Juna Modikhana, Camp, 411001; March 1 Manijeh Keki Feniwalla (69), 920, Synagogue St, 411001; DELHI Married Karen J. O. Me Donagh and Homi Keki Debara of Allahabad; March 17 December 22, 1988 Mehera Phiroze Naegamwala (88), 2/4, Canopus Apts, Boat Club Rd, 411001; March 20 Rustom Nadirsha Vakil (82), 3, Napier Rd, 411001; March 21 Shiavax Ratanshaw Balaporia (79), 8, Gulati Mans, Padamji Park, 411002; March 30 Roshan Lovji Malegam (61), 7, East St, Camp, 411001; March 30 HONG KONG Died Ratan Hormuzdiar Doctor, hus ­ band of Mini, father of Pervina and Viraf; March 10, 1989 JAMSHEDPUR Born A boy, Afsaan, to Molly and Rustom Kermani; February 21 Compiled by Roxana H. KakaT- IN MEMORIAM i I t I Group and Adi Marzban ’s unit. “Marzban was his main source of inspiration - his guru. But perhaps, Homi lived too long under the shadow of Adi... ” speculated The Samachar. Tavadia was given his first break on All India Radio and Bombay Doordarshan in Marzban ’s programs. Thereafter he successfully directed his own shows and children ’s programs for radio and television. Producing plays and shows was con ­ fined to Tavadia ’s leisure time, after he had put in his regular hours of service as an advocate. For 38 years, Tavadia was with the Bombay Port Trust. He had joined as a special grade clerk, was soon promoted to the officer ’s cadre, and when he retired, he was serving as deputy legal " I and , V ----- ------ — ™ —-w flS The Cusrow advocate assistant attending to court suits ’ besides legal documentation work. His early education was at Sr Xavier ’s School to remember the services rendered by its BA, LLB, and OS degree^fTom* the Tavadtas drama ! : . ; Died: Homi Pallonji Tavadia, 65, well- , ' ’ ' known playwright and dramatist, and frolic but also made f' ‘ . _ - - . 0“ 15, 1989 at Bang United Spwte Tid Wfare uZii f summarized his contribution at the con- ____ _________.cxavivi a ovuwi dolence meeting convened on January 21 after which he pursued his studies for his to remember the services rendered by its BA, LLB, and OS degrees from the managing committee member Tavadia University of Bombay and the Bombay audiences. Knawn to have dirciled ovpr itea' --------- -e-z ...w.,s„a Bar C^nml. Mangaldas, another humor mag azin^,. Indian Magicians. Performing magic feats with ease ever since he learnt the knowhow in 1940, his tricks, as also his study of Indian classical music and Western dancing enabled him to enliven his stage shows. Tavadia was a trustee of the Seth . . * A . ----------- ’ ‘JviTiug ao u^uuiy j which were not only full of mirth, fun and adviser. Thereafter he joined Mulla s ...UW, p..ywr.gni ana aramatist, ana frolic but also made us look at ourselves Mulla and Craisie Blunt^ cX fornter deputy legal advser of the with ridicule and humpr. ” The Cusrow advocatXS, the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital in Bombay following cerebral hemorrhage. Come festival time, and Tavadia was invariably found involved in stage presen- tations that promised to regale the and the Karani Agiary panthaky Nadirsha “One remarkable thing about Homi was he did not work merely for his pres ­ tige and glory. He tried to train, encourage and bring up many a young - ’ ------ 1 — Hlivrilivi IIUIIIUI write-up in The Bombay Samachar of and the house journal of the Society of . ¦ , . . , --------- - ------ixAcuiY a yuul stantly striving to balance creativity, and person who had latent talents, ” noted excellence, noted a resolution passed at Januaiy 23, January 22. Several educational institu ­ tions would invite him to coach their students for drama events which he did the condolence meeting on under the joint auspices of the Youths Own Union, the Parsi Medical Amateurs ______ _____ Association, the Lions and Lioness Club willingly, being keen to promote the child- of Byculla, and the Bombay Port Trust * ' Officers ’ Association. He took special interest m generating Gujarati play Pyar-ke-paho in 1941^ and : was a ren ’s theater movement in Bombay. Tavadia wrote his first three-act resources for the B.D. Petit Parsee his latest work t I i'i' .c.uurces lor me B.U. retit j-arsee his latest work was a serious drama Framjee Nusserwanii Parel Aeiarv Trus General Hospital when funds were Pankheru-pyasu premnu enacXedifsr lhe — ’ acutely needed, through dramatic per- first time last Diwali. Whether a comedy formances and gatherings organized in a or a satire, his plays sought to impart a masterly manner, ’ it was recorded in a message for a good, purposeful life His resolution signed by chairman Dinshaw plays have been staged in different cor- Petit. Since 1970 he had been officiating ners of India and even in London as honorary director of plays which are Chicago and Canada. While Moogi annually staged by the Parsi Medical. Me hr a and Behr ano bafat have been pro ­ Amateurs Association. These plays were duced over a hundred times, what his wife very popular with the community which Katy views as his most unusual play is PninUA/l CAAinn Tl____ 1 —I____ t hypocrisy prevalent in society. He had even been appointed examiner by the staging plays for this organization he was thesis in drama. " “wwiol able to net nearly four lakh rupees, it is mentioned in his detailed bio data. z-r behind it, directed by other theatrical concerns lite aavadia) did a lot for the furtherance of the Indian National Theatre, Chmaiiya the art of staging Parsi Gujarati plays Vidya Bhavan, Hilla Nariman Theatre or a satire, his plays sought to impart message for a good, purposeful life. His Petit. Since 1970 he had been officiating ners of India and even 7n 'tondon. an active freemason, and a managing^ committee member of the J.N. Petit Institute library.*" “With all his talents, accomplishments and achievements, Homi was an affable, modest person. He exuded good humor, self confidence and friendliness... (His thoughts) were always with the underpriv ­ ileged, the sick and the suffering, ” The Samachar paid him tribute. His end came all too suddenly. Remembers a family member: When his friends would caution him to reduce the pace of his activities, Tavadia would jocularly dismiss the topic „ .. ... recalling that a fortune-teller had told him Besses acting in almost all his own that he would live for 80 years and accom- plays, Tavadia also accepted roles in plays plish many more tasks! -....... Tavadia is survived by his wife Katy Bharatiya and son Behram. ______ Written by Psnn&z GsncUii Chicago and Canada. While Moogi - -------J —a—i.ivuivai, tnenru ana oenrano Dajat nave beea pro- Amateurs Association. These plays were duced over a hundred times, what his wife very popular with the community which Katy views as his most unusual play is enjoyed seeing outstanding Parsi physic- Gulab ek kanta panch which mirrors the lans and surgeons without their masks. His involvement with the Youths Own union spanned three decades, and by Baroda University to evaluate a doctoral own 48 Parsiana April 1989