May 1989

f MAY 1989 Rs 8 ?¦ i ' L ft w r y A is-' X PJ=: J ?s- r * ft r. IRJ.IREDITOR 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 May 1989 Volume 11 Number 11 3 Readers' Forum 8 Events and Personalities 12 Zoroastrians Abroad 14 How the Parsi dead are disposed 20 Allegations against the Madressa 26 When scholars deliberate by Homi Rogers 33 Books 38 Milestones 40 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 400001. Phototypesetting, Ace ; color processing. Comart Lithographers; and black and white processing, Shilpart. All rights reserved. Phone: 2048730. For editorial enquiries; 2048183. Telex 115710 RABO IN Fax 2042922 Annual inland subscription: Rs 60 for one year (12 issues); Rs 100 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates: Seamail Rs 130 for one year, Rs 245 for two years; Air mail Rs 275 for one year, Rs 525 for two years. For US cheques add $5 to cover bank charges. For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 4 for bank charges. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 or C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001. IREADERS’ FORUM acceptance of responsibility over five gen- advocate that since our Zoroastrian popu- erations - a quality of d^ication rarely lation is just a drop in the ocean, we witnessed in our times. should bring the children of alien mar ­ riages into our fold. , • 1 J 1 ** during the muktad you *T^&r&porC S ISlKim&rKS could go to Bangalore and hear one of Apropos your obituary on my mama Unvalla ’s lectures on our dharam (reli- (matemal uncle), the late Jehanbux Tara- gion); you will know how well-read he is i pore (“Tarapore ’s landmarks, ” Parsiana, on our religion. His late father Ervad !, March 1989) I may add that he gave away Festonjee Unvalla too was a great scholar! I more than two crores of rupees in charity, I have spent a few years at Bangalore and I a trait of his very few knew about He has I know the whole Unvalla family. I helped many with a handsome donation, I whether the needy one was a Parsi or of Parinaz Gandhi on “Surveying the com- I any other caste. Even to the Madras Parsi munity. ” The majority of our Parsis are in I Anjuman he has made several big pre- Bombay and mostly, both the husband I sentations. and wife are working members so by the I My father, Kaikhushroo Taraporewala time they come home they are dead tired. I (“Taraporewala crosses 100,” Parsiana, I March 1989) was so popular and charita- I ble in his heyday at Bezwada that he was I known as the “uncrowned king of the family. Yes, late marriages is the I Bezwada! ” prime reason for our fast dwindling popu- ¦ In the same issue (Readers ’ Forum, lation. I feel our Par^ punchayet should I “The Federation offers... ”) your corres- give good incentives to young married I pondent Ms Parinaz Gandhi ’s apology couples who have more than two children. " tendered to Ervad Nadirshah Unvalla, The punchayet should be in a position to — panthaky of the Bangalore Parsi Agiary, look after all the financial needs of the Readers* vIews Sre welcome on eny eubject of is not a sincere form of regret! To apolo- third child. The rate of fertility in Parsi interest to the community and should be eent gize, in plain words, for anything printed women is very low. Yes, our elders should to nw Editor^ Readers’ FOrum, Parsiana, without prejudice is not a shame. To me, think and find a way out to increase the tSSTiSd appears that Parsiana is dead against community. nROzr; tarapore clarity. Unsigned letters or those without e the Bangalore panthaky ever since an ear- complele address will not be pubHehed. Her controversy when he declined to . B ft- B Ms MITHOO COORLAWALA I read with interest the article by Where then is the time for begetting big families? In villages it is different where a lot of free time is available for expanding it appears that Parsiana is dead against community, die Bangalore panthaky ever since an ear- peform the navjote ceremony of children Dcntal Scholarship of an inter-community marriage (“Ob- Applications are invited from deserving Stacies to a navjote, ” Parsiana, February Zoroastrian students having passed the Std 1987). I personally feel that what Ervad XIl examination (HSC or equivalent) with minimum 75 percent marks in physics. I, for one, do not subscribe to inter- Chenai Dharamshala: pefsdnal commitment Dharamshala’s centenary Your report on the Bai Pirojbai Chenai Nadirshah Unvalla did was quite proper Parsi Dharamshala (“Events and Per- and the Bombay dastur should not have chemistry, biology, sonalities, ” Patsiana, March 1989) refers done the navjote without his permission. to me as “a cousin of the Chenai family. ” May I be permitted to offer a small cor- marriage although quite a lot of write-ups rection: I am not a ‘cousin ’ (that amor ­ phous word!) of the Chenai family but a great granddaughter of the founder, Seth Eduljee Chenai. ’ It would be appropriate to add that this - centenary celebration was mainly the achievement of the Trust ’s secretary- trustee Ms Roshan Patel (nee Chenoy), great great granddaughter of Eduljee Chenai. What Ms Roshan Patel has achieved unobtrusively over the years - the excel ­ lent maintenance and extension of this dharamshala and its sound financial man ­ agement - is awesome, and very much an unbroken personal commitment. In this case, it has been a direct devolution and 3 Parsiana May 1989 I I ftiiljDr SORAB M. JAVERI The scholarship is towards securing admission to a recognized dental college in south India for the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Applications giving details of name, age, sex, nationality and religion, at ­ tempts, parents ’ occupation and income should reach the undersigned at 8/31, Grants Building, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, Bombay 4(XXX)5 latest by June 30, 1989. The I^rsi Sena The impression created by the article “The Parsis: Fire on Ice, ” (Sunday Re ­ view of fhe Times of India, May 14, 1989) requires to be immediately corrected. It is a mistaken thought that the Parsi community is the richest. It is not. We have proportionately as much poverty in our community as there is in other sister communities Aqpgh there may be some pockets of the rich here and there. Again, closely connected as I am with the affairs of the Parsi community, I would like to point out that the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India which meets every four months in differ ­ ent parts of the country, and the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) are trying to do very conscientious work for the welfare of the community. These institutions con ­ duct welfare projects for various sections of the community, especially the young. Certainly they have problems, in spite of the fact that the community is so small (only 71,5(X) according to 1981 census and may be still less today) in number - problems pertaining to housing, employ ­ ment, education. Our main concern is depletion of population. It is due to young people not marrying; not for lack of spouses but lack of houses. It is also due to considerable migration for better opportunities abroad. If the young must go, they should only go for higher train ­ ing and return home to give the benefit of their knowledge to their own country. There might be differences of opinion on the solution of different problems. But these differences of approach do not mean that the community is divided or does not pull together. The discussions on various issues are always healthy and cor ­ dial at the Federation, punchayet and anjuman levels and agreed solutions are usually found. Another thing which must be made clear is that the funds referred to, do not belong to the BPP. They are only in the Punchayet ’s safekeeping and they are all earmarked by the donors. Many of the causes may be obsolete but the trustees of the BPP can do little unless they go to court to change the objectives of such trusts. It is a long process but deserves to be examined. I myself feel that from the funds and lands we have, we should give first prior ­ ity to poor and economically weaker families and not the well-off. The idea of first providing housing for the latter is to generate revenue to build for the poor. But by that time there may be danger of the funds and lands running out. Preferably, both projects should be taken up concurrently and I understand efforts are being made to do so. The Parsi community has always been admired by the Indian leadership for nev ­ er having asked for reservation or representation anywhere but always standing on its own feet. Gandhiji had particularly admired the community for this. * As for the trouble in the community on which the article is focussed, it is just T WAI.I/TOWALI. [ 'NCARl’KTI.Vi i'ROM h s ¦a ¦a ¦ 1 " ? H&R Johnson (India) Ltd.. Kakad Chambers. Dr. A. Besant Road. Worli, Bombay-400 018. TrUcaya.H IU 6.a6 4 Parsiana May 19893 5 making a mountain of what is not even a ty has been comparatively and proudly bring an awakening in our community molehill. The few Parsi boys who may free. homi j . h. taleyarkhan children and youngsters. Since 1985 it has have started Parsi Sena could certainly Member, Minorities commission. New Delhi arranging various competitions and render good service to the community by , , activities. their zeal and enthusiasm for the welfare KuStl WCBVing ClBSSeS jjjjs yg^j. recitation and elocution of its disadvantaged and deprived sec- The Bombay Parsee Association has been competition is scheduled for July 8; a tions. But their present approach is a holding kusti weaving classes for the last negative one. several years to ensure that the art of kusti As a matter of fact when they first weaving, so essential to the survival of our went to a trustee of the BPP, I understand religion, does not die away. The Associ- they were offered a hand of help. It may ation proposes to hold additional classes not have been to their satisfaction, but it is for young Parsi women and girls at certain schools in Bombay and elsewhere. If any equipment pertaining to kusti free. Member, Minorities Commission, New Delhi The Bombay Parsee Association has been competition is scheduled for July 8; musical talent contest for July 15; and an essay writing competition for July 22. Competitors are divided into five age- groups: from below six years of age to 21 years and over. The prize distribution will be held on October 28, 1989. We need four rolling trophies and donations to cover prizes and provide free not this Way, not the way of impulsiveness contact vice president Mr Vispi Dastur dinner (lagan nu bhonu) at our annual function cum prize distribution at Allbless Bang. You may donate for dinner expenses or for rolling trophies in pious memory of your dear ones to encourage the commu ­ nity ’s youngsters. For all details as well as entry forms for the competitions, please contact Ervad Fali S. Master, honorary secretary of the League, at Navsari Building, 240, Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Bonibay 4(XXX)1. Sir JAMSETJEfc JEJEEBHOY. Bart President, Iran League difficult to reach satisfaction fully to all. If there is glaring injustice done, then the matter can be pursued, to rectify it. But weaving is available for donation, please which nowadays characterizes youthful (on Tel 2870429) or honorary secretary —Mr Padam Cooper (on Tel 4122547). ardor. With their flair for espousing causes, vispi dastur they would do well to show how much has . been done even though much may yet Iran LcagUC Competitions remain to be done, like with all problems, all over the countsy. May I, in conclusion, request these the Parsi community of India and Iran, friends to change their tactics and substi- Then, for some time, due to reasons tute their methods of conflict and beyond our control, the League kept a low confrontation with that of cooperation profile and was unable to fulfil all its aims and consultation? Perhaps that way, they and objects. may secure better results than by creating bitterness from which the Parsi communi- community, the League is seeking to The Iran League, founded in 1922, has rendered yeoman service over the years to To rekindle the spark of service to the Edited by Arnavaz S. Mama For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324. GRANT ROAD, BOMBAY 4B0007. TELEPHONE: 37I4B3 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA Parsiana May 1989I Events and Personalities Cancer clinic at Masina notes a press release sent by Ms Mahrukh And, for those who could not make it tc Mobedji, program and press coordinator the ghambar, food was sent to theii of Zoroastrian Studies (ZS). While some homes, further notes the release. looked after the medical camp, another Balsara Hygiene Products Limited, as part of their public service program, have donat- looked after the medical camp, another Thanking the sponsors of the project - ed one lakh rupees to establish a cancer group was preoccupied with the variety Sir Dorab Tata Trust, the Pirojsha Godrej clinic at ‘•Masina Hospital, Byculla, notes entertainment program and the third Foundation, the N. J. Wadia Trust, Minoc The Afternoon Despatch and Courier of group was busy socializing with the Irani of Dahanu and Aspi Balsara oJ March 16, 1989. Started with the intention locals, inquiring about their general wel- Balsara Hygiene Products - ZS foundei of lessening the burden on the Tata fare. Gifts of cash and kind were also Khojeste Mistree also acknowledged the Memorial Hospital, reportedly the only distributed to the poor, the release notes, help and support of Ervad Framroze cancer hospital in Bombay, the clinic ulti- mately hopes to establish a cancer ward. Dr (Ms) Jeanie Bharucha and her team of Thanking ZS for arranging such a rare The clinic was inaugurated on March volunteers. Medicinal drugs were taken function, Mirza echoed the sentiments ol 11 by Jamshed Chacha, finance director from Bombay and the surplus left at the the locals saying, “We have laughed sc of Balsara Hygiene. The makers of Damanwalla Dispensary for future use. much in the last two hours as we have noi Promise products have also promised an For those who could not attend, special done in the whole year. ” additional donation to meet the expenses house visits were made, the release adds. for the maintenance of the Hospital, The A jashan in the evening by eight priests NavrOZC in BhavnagHF Afternoon notes. Over the years the com- was followed by a variety entertainment The Parsis in Bhavnagar, who number pany is said to have donated over Rs 50 program at the Kaiyoji Mirza Library only 82 as compared to their earlier 700, lakhs to the Indian Cancer Society. Hall. The items included skits, gags and try to keep alive the community spirit at Anti-cancer drugs at concessional Gujarati songs for adults and children functions organized by them. Jamsl rates, free treatment to the poor, acupunc- alike, specially composed for this occa- Navroze was celebrated by the Bhavnaj, ture, physiotherapy, occupational therapy sion. The items were presented by Dolly Parsi Anjuman with a jashan in the morn- and rehabilitation are services the clinic and Bomi Dotiwalla, accompanied by ing and a get-together in the evening will offer besides consultation, guidance, Dali Palkhiwalla on the harmonium and which ended with a dinner cooked by the cancer detection, surgery and chemother- the amateur artistes of ZS. Karate skills beautician sisters Hutoxi and Hakku apy, notes the write-up. were displayed by Ervad Zarir Bhandara Billimoria, notes a write-up by Minochahei Oncologist Dr Tehemtan Bhathena and his group from Navsari. Bharucha, reporting trustee of the will take charge of the clinic, serving it in One hundred and sixty-two people Anjuman. Those old and unable to attend an honorary capacity. He will be assisted attended the ghambar that same night A the program at the Bai Dinbai Dinshau by a tumor board of highly qualified rickshaw service was engaged to drop off Vakil Pavilion were also remembered by oncologists, surgeons, physicians, haema- the old and infirm people after the dinner, tologists and gynecologists, the paper adds. Prompt attention and regular follow-up will be a vital part of the cure and care of the patients at the clinic. The clinic will operate on Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. onwards, attending to 20 patients per turn. Those desirous of availing of the facilities at the clinic are requested to contact Sister Daruwalla on 8514889 or 8514890 (Out ­ patients Department), between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Patients will be treated on appoint ­ ment basis only, notes the Jam-e-Jamshed of March 26, 1989. Treat for Udwada locals Under the banner of ‘ZS Poor People ’s Project, ’ on March 18, 1989, 30 volun ­ teers arranged for a full day ’s activities for the residents of Udwada and Solfalia, The medical camp was conducted by Mirza with the presentation of a shawl. Dr (Ms) Jeanie Bharucha and her team of A jashan in the evening by eight priests NavrOZC in Bhavnagar sending them food at their residence. At the medical camp conducted by ZS in Udwada: Bharucha treats a patient ' MX K / • 4 8 Parsigna May 1989 ta^ > 1 1'3f 1 To a considerable extent the function ’s success was due to the efforts of the hon ­ orary secretary of the Anjuman Dr R. R. Mahuvavala who, at the cost of his medic ­ al practice, made the necessary preparations for the evening. The active support of Ms Nargish Billimoria was not overlooked either. Bharucha also acknowledged the donation of five thou ­ sand rupees made by Ms Zini Patel. Earlier, Patel had reportedly donated Rs 30,000 towards the Agiary Nibhav priests of -Yazad, in the early days, used From left: Umrigar, Cooper and Fund. The 98-year-old agiary ’s gumbaz to assemble all mobeds every 15 years Jussawala and hall had been painted with a donation and distribute by lots, certain villages and of Rs 2,500 from the president of the localities to them. The religious duties in notes a press release. In May last year, he Anjuman, Homi Billimoria, further notes these different localities had necessarily claimed the championship trophy at the the write-up. ,, Young Aibara felicitated to be undertaken to the satisfaction of its Matheran Youth Social Club-organized residents. mounted sports meet in Matheran. Ervad Yazdi Nadirsha Aibara was felici- MP RirSlS get together (children ’s) Hacks and was adjudged the tated as the new panthaky of the Nusser- The Doongajees, reportedly the only Parsi Best Child Rider at the Delhi Horse Show wanji Hirji Karani Dar-e-Meher located family in Ujjain, hosted 125 Parsis from at Cusrow Baug, at a function held on the neighboring anjumans of Mhow, February 9, 1989, notes a press release Indore and Ratlam to a lunch on March Amateur Riding Club (ARC), Bombay, sent by Ervad Fali Master. The function 12, 1989, notes a write-up by Navil coincided with the hundred and forty-third Marker, president of the Zoroastrian Connon School, Bombay, Umrigar nur- anniversary of the Dar-e-Meher. Youth Club of Mhow. tured a love for horses from a very young Aibara led a jashan in the morning after which a maachi was offered. The evening anjnmans, Tehmton Anklesaria, president rounds on the horses at Bombay ’s function presided by Bombay Parsi of the Ratlam Parsi Anjuman, volunteered Bandstand, he now owns a horse, Punchayet and Dar-e-Meher trustee Jam- to publish a directory of the neighboring Sultanat. In 1984, at the age of nine, he shed Guzder, also started with a jashan anjumans if all the data was sent to him. won his first trotting race at the Matheran which was performed at the behest of the He further stressed the need to hold ‘mat- Olympia Race Course, notes a write-up residents of the Baug. This was followed rimonial melas (fairs) ’ so that the Parsi from his family. This win encouraged by speeches and shawl presentations to 'youth could get a chance to select part- him to enroll at the ARC in October 1984, the newly installed priest. Guzder urged ners of their own choice. Many young and train under Jimmy Bharucha. eligible bachelors then announced that Even while in England on a holiday, they were seeking suitable Parsi spouses. Umrigar entered the Putney Horse Show, Talking on the subject of youth, where he won the coveted rosettes in Marker said that they should leave behind jumping, emerging tenth out of around their shyness and inhibition and work as active participants in community welfare. Anklesaria noted that to produce great excels in athletics and has reportedly bro ­ leaders like those of yore, the youth ken his School ’s high jump record. His should be given proper opportunities, other interests include listening to jazz inculcating in them a spirit of healthy and playing badminton,"-adds his father competition by honoring the outstanding Rumy. achievers. Honorary treasurer of the Mhow Parsi ‘Chip of the old block’ Guzder presenting shawl to Aibara Anjun^. Phiroze Ellava di^ussed van- Ms Ferhiz Jimmy Cooper of Poona OUS subjects like Parsi population, funds topped the inaugural batch of interior the young priest to follow in his late father and education, housing problems and designing/architecture course at the Nadirsha ’s footsteps and be worthy of the dearth of trees. He recommended Parsis M.M.M.S.I.D. College, notes a write ­ post of panthaky. to plant more trees on vacant land espe- up. Noting that a panthaky has to devote daily since they consume a very large Working with her parents ’ firm, a major part of the day in serving his percentage of wood in their fire-temples. Cooper Designers, Cooper is re- fire-temple with devotion and duty, Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal, high priest of the H.B. Equestrian rider Wadia Atash Bahram, said that he must Fourteen-year-old Neville Rumy Umrigar also impress the community with his quali- won his first gold - the championship tro- years, Cooper was keenly interested in ties of head and heart. Kotwal described phy for dressage (sub-juniors) - and a public speaking. She was instrumental the system of selecting panthakies, pre- bronze medal for hacks at the Tollygunj in helping the Nowrosjee Wadia Col- vailing in Iran even 1,100 years ago. The Chib, Calcutta, on December 15, 1988, lege (where she was a student), win 9 Parsiana May 1989 in February 1988. In 1987, he had been named the most promising rider of the A student of the Cathedral and John Youth Club of Mhow. In Older to better fr^ndship between local age. Though initially he enjoyed his 300 participants, notes his mother Zarine. Besides riding, young Unuigar also portedly looking forward to an .oppor­ tunity to study abroad. Throughout her school and college f I1 on March 29, 1989, notes The Economic^ Times of April 1, 1989. Turel is the: the first prize in the intercollegiate de- All-Parsi TT mppf bate competition after many years, adds the write-up. Jussawala completes 100 To felicitate Ms Gulestan Jehangir Association from January 26 to 29, 1989, appu.uicu u,. i..c auvisory ooara os Jussawala “who quietly and without any notes the Jam-e-Jamshed of February 12. Citibank for a period of three years, noted ostentation had gone through... 1(X) years Held at the University Pavilion, Marine The Economic Times of October 22i of her life doing good to all who came Lines, the meet had a record entry of 326 1988. She will give legal counsel to the along her path, ” a sizable number of participants from all over India, and was board. i friends and relatives visited her at her res- sponsored by Bombay Parsi Punchayet j idence on her hundredth birthday on trustee and chairman of Mazda Leasing, Themurasp R. Dnnngqji, chief executive March 14, 1989. In fact, family members Homi Ranina. of metals division of Ahmedabad Adj from London and the United States too Whereas Cyrus Jokhi of Poona won vance Mills Limited (AAM), has been flew to Bombay to celebrate this occa- the men ’s singles and mixed double titles appointed managing director of the samd sion, notes a press release forwarded to along with Rashna Damania, Bombay ’s company which has been renamed Tad Parsianal)mshah Malegamvala, Spenta Patel bagged the women ’s singles Metals and Strips Limited, notes '’•••“2* T'-x- ... ' ¦--------- Economic Times of March 18, 1989. j the higher education of Indians. with Meher Hodiwalla. Patel also came | The Jussawala Colony in Juhu, where second in the sub-junior singles. Percy Managing director of Fag PrecisioJ stands today a^sanatorium and residential Mehta and Shahroukh Balsara topped in Bearings Limited, Jal Patel, has beetf ui—. — J ' elected president of the Federation oi to the philanthropy of Gulestan. On the won by Zubin Panthaky while the junior Gujarat Mills and Industries, notes thJ death of her husband in 1951, she had doubles title was bagged by Panthaky and Financial Express of February 19, 1989? The first ever All-India All-Parsis Table seniormost director of the Bnnk. Tennis Tournament — APTAB-’89 — was organized in Bombay by the Mahim Ms Khorshed R. Javeri has been >. appointed on the advisory board of I doing good to all who came Lines, the meet had a record entry of 326 Whereas Cyrus Jokhi of Poona won sion, notes a press release forwarded to along with Rashna Damania, Bombay ’s director of the J. N. Tata Endowment for title and shared the women ’s double crown with Meher Hodiwalla. Patel also came blocks for needy Parsis, owes its existence the men ’s doubles. The junior singles was acquired a plot of land in his memory. Zarir Buhariwalla, adds the report. Paying her a tribute, the Jam-e-Jamshed of March 26, 1989 describes her as a Captain Colony Recreation Centre. Spe- a swxxwMnM J _ 1__ ____ . i i sense of discipline, integrity and charity ising junior Neville Irani, and to the new find of APTAB-’89, Anahita Davar, The te^am championship winners were The Vatslav Vorovsky Prize, the Sovie Union ’s highest international award il ‘remarkable woman with an ingrained cial prizes were awarded to the most prom- journalism, was presented to Blitz edito . . . . Russy Khurshed Karaitjia by USSl ambassador Viktor Isakov, notes the Blii of March 4, 1989. The award recognize “his journalistic activity aimed at preserv ing world peace and strengthenini Indo-Soviet friendship. ” towards others. ” f ' " Theosophy having influenced the further notes Jam^. Jussawalas very early in life, they settled in the Theosophical Colony at Juhu in SPOTLIGHT____________ Industrialist and businessman Edu|ji H. 1928, naming their house Besant Villa, Industrialist and businessman Edulji H. after the renowned theosophist Dr Annie Turel was elected chairman of the Besant. Jussawala served as president of Bombay Mercantile Co-operative Bank the Vasanta Theosophical Housing So ­ ciety at Juhu for 15 years and was even invited to become president of the Bombay Theosophical Federation. The second child of Avanbai and Dinshaji Shroff of Amraoti, she had stud ­ ied at the French Convent School in Amraoti. For her matriculation exam she came to Bombay, passing with distinction from the Alexandra Girls ’ English Institution. Jussawala ’s mother had also crossed the hundred-year mark, the release adds. Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka Matrimonial alliance invited from well-settled, jovial and good looking young men, age 27-35 years, for attractive 26-^year-old young lady (professional) very fond of travelling and outdoor life. Please apply to: Parsiana (Matrimonial 3) GPO Box No 892, Bombay 400001 WANTED HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR Qualifications: Medicol background with experience of 5 to 10 yeors in similar category in 0 large Hospital/Nursing Home. - Residential occommodation not available. Pay: Rs 6,000/- per month. Higher poy may be considered depending on qualification ond experience. FULLY TRAINED SENIOR NURSING OFFICER With administrative experience of 5 to 10 years for appointment of MATRON. Residential accommodation available. Pay and allowances os per scale ond commensurate with seniority ond experience. Apply giving full biodata and particulars of experience within 15 days. Jehongir Nursing Home 32, Sassoon Rood, Pune - 411001 10 Parsiana May 1989r ynRQASTRIANS ABROAD Refugee resettlement After 10 months of active negotiation, the special task committee e.* 2- 7- ’ of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) has signed an agree ­ ment with the US Department of Sute which will enable it to bring Jellow 1 Metropolitan Chicago (ZAC)- rnem^r ”of FEZANA’s Zarathushtee vey ’s 50 questions covered such topics as development, community welfare ari< 1 I s it i 1 Cost estimates, of the land alone range between 65,000 and 85,000 US dollars. has ’ collected *$40,000, but the project ,_L_j substantially greater funding. FEZANA adopted the Washington number of spears* at the Sixth North American April referred to the need for a darbe a project of the Zoroastrian '"z~J required to designate their priorities by their choice of answer - highly desirable, desirable, acceptable or to Association of Chi- to the Umted St^s, notes the Apri 1989 newsletter shortlis- newsletter of the Zoroastnan Association ton-rated items. Thus 54 ------- * - Metropolitan Chicago (ZAC)- families considered it highly desirable Association of Metropolitan Washington & .bala.cc bct^n philosophy. - Farshid Salamati assisted by Ms Shinn kiaiii iw ---- ---- . . , efforts of the various North AinencM vi^ associations on t — - ^nd^M^ich 1989. The Journa/ also with religious education among commu p^^ANA president Rohinton Rivetna will j acknowledges the successful involvem^t _ ._„:„tin8 a posi- represent North American Zoroastrians : of Khojeste Mistree, founder of the Religion i communities^and on the planning committee of the Council Bombay-based Zoroastrian Studies, in tive image to other communities a e - B.Haions this effort. The State Department ’s mam concern was that the refugees should not prove to on be a' financial liability on the government r “ by applying for welfare payments for a i- minimum of two years FEZANA was 1 ents were required to designate their priorities by their choice of answer - highly desirable, desirable, acceptable or ¦ special task force under ’chairperson Irani to coordinate and facilitate the Darbe Mehr project after a :^roastrian Congress in ’Toronto last April referred to the need for a darbe mehr in the nation ’s capital. Thus, what tS\he^ five' top-rated items. Thus 54 began as ethics, religion, mythology and history. They also considered it essential to pro ­ better literature for community and gumbaz as^ roni accoruuig vw education. The answers thus of I^ember 1988 demonstrated a substantial preoccupation this front, according to religious r Contributions are awaited in cash and ideas. So far suggestions have related to the design of the building - with a central ___ J in the traditional Zoroastrian modelTand a visitors ’ gallery displaying Zoroastrian artifacts. tive image to ------ governments, as also of providing a conti ­ nuity of trained mobeds and paramobeds on the continent, received 52 and 49 votes respectively. The need for Arne- f RgUgions held in Chicago jn a^oavaaw. .o. - 0030 Zoroastrtan youth to get ^zarnastrianism had been rep^ ,wu y.aas after arrival, culture, sports and social reasons was therefore required to pro- appreciated by 50 families. for a Parliament of World Religions scheduled for 1993, informs-the Journal. The Parliament will commeinorate and extend the principles of the original P^- that the refugees ’ 1893 where Zoroastrianism had been rep^ resented by Ms Sorabji ’s reading of “The ‘ religious system of the Parsis by Sir of North Jamshedji Jivanji Modi. A cospeaker was ’ the late Ervad Sheriarji Bharucha, a ' Zoroastrian scholar, who had presented a “‘’"e^rtT^l^tway in Ca- of ^S'lVaSXTrToec^S^s “‘R^^ a^rrhis wife Roshan are both nada. The Zoroastrian Society of (toto- suitable the very active in organizing the Parliament rio (ZSO) informs in its Janua^ 1989 septemteH whose charter is very similar to "‘ed To ”m ™ signatare of the officia- FEZANA’s, nous the 7ournu,. December. One of them is a computer ting . .^o fuU-time priest suitable forms for all the three occasions forms require the signature of the officia- "^e navjote form lists the name, age mi7^mer7fluent in English and look- The 1" ^n^e^f Only 24 of the 131 questionnaires mailed “®TOrMO°Sdpating more arrivals tati. ,»enu AssrciaTon^V MeUoHuu Antia has taken on the responsibility of birth and entry into . main fields of interest for the Association coordinating information on prospective form ^IcXed as also the — improvements/additions to the Arbab e^ptoyers and accommodation facilities, cause of death of tRe^^ Rustom Guiv Darbe Mehr, provision for a P/.. V, names of the next of km. professional priest and the institution of a ••A darbe mehr in Washington could well “™^Xs7'mtatag ‘"''““* „ I..,.™...;... ’.-come a national place of pil^inage ,he most favored improve- Fedemtion of and worship. ” With Washtnpon s unusu- 8 blend of extremely talented and ^nts to an extension of the parking lot (11 it the community at $50 per coordinating information on ] on behalf of the Society. FEZANA news Only 88 North American Zoroastrian ^come_ a families responded to a f---------- Zoroastrian Associations of North Arne- al ’ cir-Q fFF7ANAt survey seeking direction energetic persons... iti fuwre plans and fl.e ability ” to get .t underway, op,nes (see Parsiana, September 1988). The sur- the Journal. Only national place of pilgrimage for athravans in training. Zoroastrian Associations of North Ame ­ rica , from the grassroots for its the Journal. favor). Efforts to improve the accoustici 12 Parsiana May 1989of the main hall, and the construction of favored an off-site rental apartment, three rooms adjoining it to serve as addi ­ tional classrooms or children ’s rooms received only six and seven votes res ­ pectively. The suggestion to appoint a full-time priest instead of continuing to depend Interest in 2k)roastrianism is riding high in Chicagoland. The ZAC has been “swamped ” with requests for information on the subject from university students of afringan ritual was “initiated as a tool for comparative religions, notes the ZAC teaching English-speaking students the correct pronunciation and ritual details. ” Peterson, a ZAC member, is further Loyola University, the Moody Bible quoted as stating, “One goal of this pro- 3 ’ - __ __________________ Lj ject is to preserve the rituals with as much tional, and of course purely religious and cosmic... ” notes Joseph Peterson in The upon volunteers in view of the increasing number of Zoroastrians in the area, was shot down 15 to 6. Only two respondents favored the allotment of a two-bedroom Eleven members however wanted ZAC to support the trainees ’ university study in Afringan Service: the Zoroastrian Ritual comparative religions with emphasis on of Blessing as quoted by ZAC’s March Zoroastrianism. newsletter. Peterson, an American engineer who was inducted into Zoroastrianism in a controversial navjote in New York in 1983, states that this description of the , rental apartment to a full-time priest newsletter of April 1989. In March alone, while three replied in favor of purchasing groups from the College of St Francis, a priest ’s residence^ I ...................... As for the seminary project, it was Institute and a research scholar from the proposed that a 2,000 sq ft facility be built University of Ohio came to visit. Requests accuracy as possible. ” to provide a study where athravans in for basic information from local schools ‘training could engage in serious study and and colleges, and residents of the Chicago ZAC’s January newsletter informs that research and include living quarters for area come in every week. the text now in use for the religious clas- three individuals with a kitchen and an To inculcate a “positive identity for our ses for teenagers is Dastur Khurshed three individuals with a kitchen and an anteroom for learning the performance of religion, heritage and culture, ” president Dabu ’s Message of Zarathushtra. Ano ­ rituals. Five respondents favored the idea Kayomarsh Mehta personally conducts ther interesting sidelight in the same of a seminary building, and four agreed presentations to such groups and indivi- newsletter is a matrimonial advertisement that $20,000 from the present general duals so that a proper image is projected from a 34-year-old non-smoking, teetotal- fund be used to start the construction, among fellow Americans, it is noted. er, male Zarathushti with a PhD degree Nine respondents said ZAC should pro- seeking a good-losing, supportive, vide accommodation to the trainee ‘ athravans with host families while three social, psychological, dramatic, educa- among fellow Americans, it is noted. “Rituals, I believe, serve many functions: cheerful, family-oriented partner. . , „ , ¦ Compiled by Arnavaz S. Mama Conference, Wedding or Party — Leave it in West End’s experienced hands. 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Bombay-400 020 Tel: 299121 Telex: 01 1-2892 BEST IN Gram: BESTHOTEL 13 Parsiana May 1989 eaei r- TRADITION COVER STORY I H 'S I s t I A t the September 1988 executive council meeting of the Federation i of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, Parsiana circulated a questionnaire asking the delegates of the various anju- C mans, “What is the system followed by 1 your anjuman for the disposal of the i dead? ” The questionnaire dealt with fj issues like the number of deaths in the M anjuman, the mode of disposal, whether | non-Parsis are permitted to see the face of | the dead, the cost of performing a funeral, whether the priests perform the funeral ceremonies for those opting for burial or cremation, the number of families for whom the muktads are prayed each year, and so on. In addition to distributing the question ­ naires at the Federation meeting, 13 were posted to other anjumans and eight reminders were sent. The questionnaires were also sent to anjumans such as Bangalore and Udwada which are not members of the Federation. A total of 29 anjumans responded. Four anjumans did not respond, namely Ahmednagar, Pardi, Rajkot and Udwada. It is possible that the questionnaire may not have reached some of them. Not every question was replied to. To certain queries the anjumans have failed to give a reply probably because they were not in a position to do so. In the case of small anjumans like Vesu and Karanj which avail of the dokhma facilities at Surat, the responses indicated by Surat would be applicable to them too. Vesu does however have its own agiary. Similarly Sanjan shares a dokhma with Saronda and Davier and hence the details furnished by Saronda would also cover Sanjan. Of the 29 respondents, 19 listed dokh ­ menashini as the prevalent mode of disposal. Eleven anjumans replied that their mode of disposal was burial. Bangalore has the facilities of dokhma and aramgah. The number of deaths reported from the 29 anjumans comes to around 1,300 in a year, out of which Bombay alone accounts for about 1,000. Nine anjumans have professional nas- sessalars or khandhias, while in the others, volunteers, family members and friends carry the body. Nine anjumans said there was a sufficient number of vul ­ tures to sustain dokhmenashini. Ten anjumans indicated that they continue with dokhmenashini even though the ';¦> W • t. 14 Parsiana May 1989 a ^'4 How the Parsi dead arc disposed Oi the 29 anjumans in India who responded Parsiana's questionnaire, 19 cited to Pars/ana s questionnaire, ly ciiea dokhmenashini as the mode of dispose( j % representative who responded on its and Hyderabad, Surat, Thana, Vyara- behalf follow in alphabetical order: Agra, Songadh and Zai Bordi Porus Debara, youth trustee; Ahmedabad, Aramgah: Agra, Allahabad, Dahanu, Keki Pavri, president; Allahabad, Capt Delhi, Jabalpur, Jamshedpur, Jhansi, Homi Dandiwalla, president-trustee; Lucknow, Madras and Nagpur Bangalore, Behram Sidhwa, president; Dokhma and aramgah: Bangalore Baroda, Shavak Patel, Bilimora, Bombay, Ms Gool Tata, joint secretary; one option, Calcutta, Dali Bhesania, Dr Russi a.-What is the preference of its members? Anklesaria and Adi Rabadi, trustees; Z>.-Why do the members prefer this partic- Dahanu, Zarthost Mubarakai, president; ular mode? Daman-Vapi, Dosabhai Oliaji, president; With the exception of Bangalore, none of Delhi, Lt Gen Adi Sethna, president; the other respondent anjumans officially Jabalpur, Ms Rubyna Tarapore, repre- recognize the choice of disposing of the I^Rentative; Jamshedpur, Homi dead by any other method. The prevailing Bodhanwalla, representative; Jhansi, mode of disposal is hence the only option Ronny Dick, president; Karanj, Pheroze available to such members which they I^^Karanjia, trustee; Lucknow, Boman pursue because of traditional, religious, Khodaiji, president-trustee; Madras, Dr scientific or sentimental reasons. And in M. Cooper, vice president; Mhow, Gp Bangalore, where dokhmenashini or buri- Capt Dhunjishaw Marker, vice president; al can be opted for, the preference is for Nagpur, Keki Bala, honorary secretary; dokhmenashini because the system is ~ Navsari, Dastur Meherji Meherjirana, “traditional and ancient. ” high priest; Poona, Dinshaw Anklesaria, In other anjumans, persons may, out of past president; Sanjan Committee, Rohinton DavierSvalla, presi- mode of disposal (like the public crema ­ number of vultures is insufficient. dent; Saronda, Homi Palsetia, managing torium in Calcutta) but the practice When it Comes to allowing non-Parsis trustee; Secunderabad and Hyderabad, recognized by the anjuman and which is to pay their last respects to a deceased Noshir Nagarwala, honorary secretary; in vogue for a long time is the one which Parsi, six anjumans said that they do not Surat, Dr Sam Bhacca, president; Thana, is largely followed. Calcutta however has permit this practice at all. One anjuman Rustom Cursetji, president; Vesu, shown discontentment with the prevailing permitted the face to be viewed from a Jamshedji Vesuna, managing trustee; dokhmenashini system: “A very (large) different room and 11 anjumans said that Vyara-Songadh, Dr Bahadur Jokhi, presi- non-Parsis would be allowed to view the dent; and Zai Bordi, Firoze Patel, trustee, dead, but only before the sachkar Dandi walla. Shavak Piroz Dandiwala, president; trustee; Question 3: If the anjuman has more than IPJ Jamshedpur, representative; president; In other anjumans, persons may, out of Stambh personal preference opt for a particular number now want some other form instead of dokhma. No birds come at present and the bodies are left to rot in the (prayers recited after giving the body a Question 1: Approximately how many open to be destroyed only by sun ’s rays, ceremonial bath and readying it for the deaths occur in your anjuman in a year? etc which takes months. ” funeral) ceremony. Eight anjumans had Around 1,000: Bombay no objections to the presence of non ­ Parsis in their midst until the body was lowered into the ground, so long as the 40 to 31: Ahmedabad family concerned did not mind. The cost of a funeral varies from Rs 500 to Rs 4,000. Outside India, the system of dokhme- nashini is followed only in Pakistan where Daman-Vapi, there is also a clamor for a burial ground. Jhansi, In Iran, where dokhmas exist, they are reportedly not being used as the prefer ­ ence is for burial. Elsewhere, Zoroas- trians opt for burial or cremation. According to the Government of Iran ’s census figures, the Zoroastrian popula- Question 2: What is the mode of the dis- tion in Iran is 90,891. If this figure is posAl of the dead? correct, then the method of disposal of the Dokhma/Aramgah/Cremation dead by burial is the one most favored by Dokhma: Ahmedabad, Baroda, Bilimora, Zoroastrians internationally. The name of the anjuman and the 60 to 51: Navsari and Poona 50 to 41: Surat Question 4: Does your anjuman have any professional nassessalars/khandhias? Yes: Ahmedabad, Bafoda, Bombay, Calcutta, Mhow, Navsari, 30 to 21: Secunderabad and Hyderabad Calcutta, Mhow, Navsari, Ppona, 20 to 11: Baroda, Calcutta, Delhi and Secunderabad and Hyderabad, and Surat Nagpur 10 to 0: Bangalore, Bilimora, Dahanu, Jabalpur, , Lucknow, Madras, Mhow, of volunteers.) Saronda, Thana, Vyara-Songadh and Zai Nd Allahabad, Bangalore, Bilimora, Daman- Bordi Vapi, Delhi, Jabalpur, Jamshedpur (“Thank 3 to 1 in two or three years: Agra, God, ” they say), Jhansi, Lucknow, Madras, Allahabad and Vesu Nagpur, Saronda, Thana, Vyara-Songadh and Zai Bordi (Even where nassessalars/khandhias are available, in some anjumans their efforts Jamshedpur, need to be supplemented with the services Madras, a: If yes, are their numbers growing/ declining/steady? Steady: Baroda, Mhow, Navsari, Poona, Bombay, Calcutta, Daman-Vapi, Mhow, Secunderabad and Hyderabad, and Surat Navsari, PPona, Saronda, Secunderabad Declining: Bombay (“But there is enough i I 1 15 Parsiana May 1989 u4 ¦'6, f strength available to execute the work sat- posed bodies, the number of volunteers is isfactorily ”) and Calcutta gradually declining. Ahmedabad: The anjuman has a sufficient Delhi: Members of the anjuman; friends No: Bangalore, number of khandhias. of the deceased. Saronda and Zai Bordi Jamshedpur: Members of the Jamshedpur Baroda: Yes, but not in good numben^ b: If the numbers of professional Parsee Association help. The system of ha- Mhow: Yes and no. Sometimes they c4fea khandhias/nassessalars are does the anjuman have a strategy for the future? Ahmedabad: The anjuman is very lucky in having a body of volunteers who have given free and unconditional services for the last several years and are going to give for many years to come. Bombay: All attempts at recruiting more man power are made. Calcutta: We are doing our best to pro ­ cure the services of suitable nassessalars/ khandhias from Bombay, Navsari, Udwada, Surat but our endeavors have not met with any success. Yes: Ahmedabad, Bombay, Daman-Vap Navsari, Poona, Surat and Vyara-Songad Bilimora, Calcutti declining, ving professional khandhias/nassessalars and sometimes they do not on account c is crude and smacks of ‘apartheid ’ in an ‘firing ’ exercises going on around th doongerwadi by the army. Secunderabad and Hyderabad: Ver small number. Thana: Can ’t say. The method of disposal of the dead by burial is the one most favored by Zoroastrians internationally Bilimon b: If your anjuman does not have suff cient number of vultures, do you continu with the dokhma system? Yes: Bangalore, Baroda, Calcutta, Mh^ow, Saronda, Secunderaba and Hyderabad, Thana and Zai Bordi Ahmedabad: There is no question < wanting to know whether we continu with the dokhma system; it is to be contii ued and will be continued. If the anjuman does not have otherwise enlightened community. khandhias/nassessalars, who carries the Lucknow: Volunteers who are members corpses? of the anjuman in the younger age-group “Volunteers ” seems to be the unanimous (generally up to the age of 45). answer of Allahabad, Bangalore, Daman- Nagpur: Way back in 1979, the president Vapi, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Madras, Saronda, and the honorary secretary took the initi- Thana, Vyara-Songadh and Zai Bordi, i Some anjumans have been more explicit: in sachkar, etc which is now taken over by Bangalore, Calcutta, Mhow, Sarondj Bilimora: Volunteers from Bilimora as willing volunteers. Secunderabad and Hyderabad, and Zi well as paid khandhias from nearby Bordi places such as Navsari and Gandevi. Calcutta: Volunteers. But in view of the of vultures in the area to sustain a putrid state of dokhmas due to decom- dokhma? c: c: If your anjuman does not have a suff cient number of vultures and y< continues with the dokhma system, whj happens to the uneaten body? ative in carrying corpses and also helping Decays by the natural elements of natun Question 5a: Is there a sufficient number Ahmedabad: Statistics show that no unej ten body remains in the dokhma who such a dokhma is properly maintained. 16 Parsiana May 1989¦J Thana: Sun, nature and other birds take care of the disposal. I Question 6: If your anjuman manages a dokhma, what measures are taken to keep it clean? Periodic cleaning: clearing of vegetation, sprinkling acid and sweeping bones is undertaken by all anjumans. But since the number of deaths within an anjuman and the personnel available to do the work may differ, the periodicity of the cleaning may also differ. While Bombay spares its nassessalars for dokhmas at Bangalore, Mhow, Thana and Zai Bordi to assist in their clean%ig work, Surat helps the neighboring anjumans of Baroda, Bharuch, Bilimora, Navsari and Udwada by lending its nassessalars. Anjumans which are dependent on volunteers from their own members are Daman-Vapi, Vyara-Songadh and Zai Bordi. Ahmedabad: Twice a year the dokhma is cleaned in the presence of some member of the Parsi Panchayat and, after cleaning it, lime is sprinkled in sufficient quantity to make sure that the bones also get dis- , solved in quick time. Calcutta: It is very difficult (to keep the dokhma clean). Nassessalars and volun ­ teers go every couple of months to clear ______________ the trees and bushes but the job is strenu- non-Parsis when they are dead? OUS and we are unable to keep the dokhma Lucknow: Non-Parsis view the dead body like the Parsis after the geh sarna (funer- of Gifts& Poona: Visits by trustees and a full-time caretaker (to supervise the dokhma cleaning). Question 7: Does your anjuman permit non-Parsis to see the face of the dead? Question 8: If yes, what method do you adopt to permit them to do so? a: View from a different room? b: View before the sachkar is done? c: View just outside the dokhma? d: Any other method? No: Bilimora, Navsari, Saronda, Surat and Vyara-Songadh View from a different room: Jabalpur View before the sachkar is done: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bai oda (depend ­ ing on the wishes of the family), Bombay, Calcutta, Dahanu Daman-Vapi, Mhow, Poona, Thana and Zai Bordi. View until the coffin is shut or the body is lowered in the grave: Agra, Allahabad, Delhi, Jhansi and Madras Jamshedpur: Yes. Any non-Parsi is wel ­ come to see the face of the departed soul. How on earth can a friend, co-worker, cit ­ izen suddenly become a harijan (outcaste) who cannot be permitted to enter the house or offer his respects to the departed soul? Don ’t we see the faces of suddenly become al) ceremony has been performed and pay their last respects as other Parsi s do at the place where the ravaan (corpse) has been kept at the ravaangah building or in one ’s own house. Although the anjuman has not ’ passed any such resolution, this is an I established practice which is in vogue for I more than 27 years now. 1 Nagpur: After the sachkar and up to the I geh sarna non-Parsis are not generally I allowed. But just before the body is low- I ered at the aramgah, it is exposed to one 1 and all for the last darshan (viewing). ® Secunderabad and Hyderabad: Provided » the family has no objection, non-Parsis 1 are allowed to do sezdo (pay their last I respects before the body) as do Parsis. Question 9: What is the cost of a funeral (including four days ’ ceremonies) in your anjuman? Rs 4,000-3,500: Daman-Vapi About Rs 3,(XX): Jabalpur (including the cost of praying the Sarosh at Navsari, W Udwada or Bombay as it is not prayed in « Jabalpur), Jhansi and Navsari B Rs 3,(X)0-2,(X)0^ Thana and Vyara-Songadh W About Rs 2,000: Ahmedabad; Bilimora, B and Zai Bordi (for 10 days ’ ceremonies) B Rs 2,500-1,000: Baroda About Rs 1,000: Agra, Allahabad, Calcutta, Dahanu, Lucknow, Madras, Mhow, Nagpur, w Saronda and Secunderabad and Hyderabad « Rs 3,000-350: Poona W Bangalore: Exact amount not known. « Bombay: As per charges prescribed by » the panthakies of the deceased. Free of a cost for four days (i.e. at the cost of the S Punchayet) for those really poor and B indigent. S Surat: Hearse is free, bungli is free, nas- R sessalars are free. People give as much as ¦ they can afford. B ¦ I I I i I I The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive gifts, reii^ous artefacts, executive desk %ts, exclusive shell items, designer jewelry & specializing in wood & copper-enamel gifts. BOMBAY SWADESHI STORES LTD. (Mezzanine Floor) Sir RM. Road, Bonibay-400 001 STUDIO AKAR 6T/2660 Question 10 a: Do your priests perform the funeral ceremonies for those opting for burial or cremation? No: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Baroda, Calcutta and Poona Yes (for those anjumans where only the aramgah is in existence): Agra, Allahabad, Dahanu, Delhi, Jabalpur, Jamshedpur, Jhansi, Madras and Nagpur Lucknow: For burial yes, but for crema ­ tion, no. Mhow: This problem has not faced our anjuman. But according to our panthaky- saheb, if there is only an aramgah then he would have no objection to performing the ceremonies for burial; but not for cremation. Secunderabad and Hyderabad: No, not in ‘a a 18 Parsiana May 1989for the first four days ’ ceremonies. Subsequent ceremonies, yes. Zai Bordi: We have no burial ground but anjumans are; Ahmedabad, Bangalore, at Dahanu sometimes we have to send our Baroda, Bilimora, Calcutta, Dahanu, Question 13: For how many families are priests (who) perform ceremonies at their Daman-Vapi, Delhi, Madras, Mhow, the muktads prayed for each year? own house. Nagpur, Navsari, Poona, Saronda, 50-80 families: Dahanu and Secunder- Secunderabad and Hyderabad, Thana, abad and Hyderabad Secunderabad and Hyderabad 40-49 families: Ahmedabad anjumans it appears that often prayers are in Vyara-Songadh and 50 years as in continued for more than a year. These Calcutta and Vesu. ? b: If the priests refuse, how do the fami- Vesu, Vyara-Songadh and Zai Bordi, lies manage? Volunteers pray: Bangalore, Calcutta and Question 12: For how many years after 30-39 families: Bangalore, Madras and Secunderabad and Hyderabad death do the families continue with the Vyara-Songadh Ahmedabad: Such families forego ... such muktad ceremonies? 20-29 families: Saronda, Thana and Zai funeral ceremonies in toto. The continuation of the muktad ceremo- Bordi Poona: Private prayers nies too differs from family to family, 10-19 families; Delhi, Jabalpur and Mhow depending on its wishes. Hence some None: Allahabad Question 11: What is the duration of anjumans like Baroda, Bombay, Jabalpur While the larger anjumans like Bombay prayers offered after death in your anju- and Jamshedpur have not even chanced a and Surat are in no position to hazard a man? guess. There are other anjumans that are guess, other anjumans have tried to give Since prayers are of a purely subjective more specific: an estimate on the basis of the count of nature, while one family may decide to About 5 years: Dahanu and Delhi the separate tables and vases (one vase per discontinue with the prayers after four 5-10 years: Madras, Navsari, Poona and deceased) that go on the anjuman table days, another family may want the after- Thana death prayers to be recited for generations About 10 years: Bangalore together. In anjumans like Agra, 10-15 years: Secunderabad Allahabad, Jabalpur, Jhansi and Lucknow Hyderabad, and Zai Bordi. where there are no facilities to offer Other anjumans have given a range Jamshedpur: 15 tables, 50 vases prayers, families have them recited in stretching from one to 12 years as in Nagpur: About 120 vases agiaries at other anjumans. Blit in other Mhow, 20 years as in Nagpur, 25 years as Vesu: 40 vases during each muktad. Bilimora: About 6 tables, about 350 vases and Calcutta: 55 vases Daman-Vapi: 2 tables^ 63 vases 10-15 1 I With Best Wishes From I STEELAGE INDUSTRIES LIMITED A r 19 Parsiana May 1989! INSTITUTIONS Allegations against the Madressa 1 Two Parsis have gone to court charging that inmates at the Dadar Athornan Madressa are being ill-treated •1 The Athornan Boarding Madressa at widely appreciated and admired. ” Sidhwa and functioning of the Madressa instead Dadar has always been held as a model also stated that the principal ’s wife, community institution. At a time when Jalamai, “is also employed as a supervisor most other Parsi institutions are facing ¦ crises of falling numbers and declining children day and night. ” Sidhwa alleged ent committee be appointed which will income, the Dadar seminary, situated that Bambot had visited the Madressa look into the working of the institution of rushing to...court. ” To show their bonafides, the trustees of and both of them take parental care of the the Madressa proposed “that an independ- _ ............... ... ’ ...............„ ¦ ......................._ ¦ ¦ : ::i income, the Dadar seminary, situated that Bambot had visited the Madressa look into the working of the institution adjacent to the renowned Five Gardens only once and that too only for five and in particular into the complaints complex in the Mancherji Joshi Parsi minutes while Pavri had never visited the which are made. ” The committee <( Colony, > recently constructed a three- Madressa nor come in personal contact appointed by the court on December 21, " storey annexe to house its priestly student with its management. Sidhwa further stat ­ body. Thus it came as a shock when newspa ­ per headlines bannered the allegation could “certainly have met the trustees as made by two Parsis that the Madressa also the principal...and could have person ­ children were being maltreated. Dr ally looted into the conduct, management Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Jal Contractor, Minoo R. Bambot, a medical practitioner, a former deputy commissioner of police, and Kekobad Savaksha Pavri, a former Madressa students recite prayers and noted lawyers Sohrab Morris, Dara inspector of police in Gujarat and presi- in unison (circa 1975) Zaiwalla and Firoze Damania (since dent of the Ahmedabad Parsi Punchayet, ^¦|||||||||||||||||¦|||^^ deceased). Bambot was subsequently moved a writ petition in the Bombay High appointed. Court alleging “malpractice in nature of || torture and ill-treatment and child abuse L which has become prevalent... ” The two B claimed that they approached the court ¦ “as a matter of last resort after all I attempts...for a better deal for helpless I child inmates of the said Madressa...failed I to evoke any response at all. ” I In reply, Farrokh Sidhwa, trustee and I honorary secretary of the Athornan I Mandal which runs the Madressa, denied T the allegations and stated that the Madressa ’s resident principal Ervad Rustom Panthaki is “a man of unimpeach ­ able character and his integrity, sincerity and dedication to the cause he is serving t has been of great use to the Parsi commu ­ nity in general and the students of the j Mat^essa in particular and has also been 1988, from names nominated by both par ­ ed that had the petitioners been interested ties consists of Dastur (Dr) Firoze in the functioning of the Madressa they Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. Wadia Atash Bahram, Dr (Ms) Nelie Noble, a social worker and former trustee of the The charge Bambot and Pavri alleged that the inmates of the Madressa “are subject to severe beatings with use of hard wooden rod and in fact one child by name of Mehernosh Erach Goolestan...suffered bone injury on the hand. ” The petitioners alleged that a seven-year-old child, Dara Jehangir Bharda was “badly beaten up as a result of which the said child had to suffer profuse bleeding from upper and lower lip. ” The petitioners alleged that the Madressa sought to victimize Dara ’s elder brother, Kobad, and the Madressa “began to search for ways and means to vent retribu ­ tion and either dismiss the said Kobad or compel his parents to remove him from the school. ” 20 Parsiana May 1989 bSidhwa stated that the complaints stated it was not possible to give such referred to two instances of boys, one of medical treatment at the institution and whom left the Madressa on account of that the boy ’s parents should do the need ­ differences between his parents and the ful. Finally Kobad was dismissed from the other who was “asked to leave on account Madressa “as a last resort ” when no of misconduct. ” The father of the first stu ­ dent, Erach Goolestan, had received his training at the Madressa and was keen his son Mehernosh also attend the same insti ­ tution. “The mother on the other hand, principal stating, “Since you have been : was not so inclined on account of her improvement was noticed in his behavior. A few months prior in February 1988, as Sidhwa noted in his brief, Jehangir Bharda had written to the Madressa ’s B! 1 a motherly attachment to the child and she herself being a school teacher. Consequently, from the date the boy was admitted he was not irS:erested in staying at the Madressa. Mehernosh completed his training for navar, that is, to become a priest, within four years of his stay at the Madressa. Once the purpose of training their son for navar was served, the mother insisted...the boy...be removed. The father was still not agreeable. As a result, the boy adopted a negative and defiant atti ­ tude and started neglecting his studies and disobeying at every stage. He used to make false complaints to his parents with a view to win over their sympathy so that he (could) be taken away from the Madressa gs early as possible, and unfor ­ tunately, relying on his allegations, the parents unnecessarily entered into corre ­ spondence with the principal. When the father met the principal and matters were pupil at the Madressa apologized and Right: New annexe constructed having good feelings for him (Kobad), he Madressa to discuss the matter about his would listen to you if you would persuade other son Kobad and met Dara also. He a I » ill i " J thanked the principal for taking care of his son during his stay at the Madressa, ” notes Sidhwa ’s affidavit. The other student Kobad Jehangir hir.i... Please send me an application form then brought (Dr Bambot) to the Bharda, according to Sidhwa, was dis- for admission of my younger son Dara in Madressa to see...Dara on October 15, missed from the Dadar Parsi Youth Assembly (DPYA) High School for “mis ­ conduct. ” The Madressa students attend the DPYA School for their secular stud ­ ies. Kobad was first asked to leave the DPYA School by April 1988 but was per ­ mitted to continue in the School after “great persuasion. ” Regrettably, “Kobad ’s misconduct continued ” and the boy was dismissed in September 1988. At this juncture the boy ’s father, Jehangir Bharda began to make allegations against the Madressa. The Madressa denied the alle ­ gations and called for a joint meeting of studies, had playfully flung a wooden Court by the end of June, though an exten- the father, the trustees of the Madressa and the managing committee on October 10, 1988. The father could not attend the meeting but on his behalf. Noble, K. R. Zaiwalla, a lawyer, and Kersi Makihatina, the uncle and guardian of Kobad, were present. At the meeting. Noble reportedly that his upper lip was badly injured, as Nadkarni and by Khushroo Zaiwalla stated that “Kobad needed psychiatric alleged, is false and baseless. Thereafter, instructed by Messrs Desai, Bergis and treatment. ” The Madressa representatives Dara ’s father...Jehangir, came to the Chinoy, solicitors. for admission of my younger son Dara in the Madressa... Please continue to have 1988 and after examining Dara ’s lip, the same sympathetic and kind feelings (Bambot) applied some medicine and for my son Kobad and if you would per- requested him to keep a small wad of cot- suade him, then he would surely listen to ton for 10 to 15 minutes and then to you. .Kindly exc&se me for the trouble. ” remove it. It was in such circumstances “The said Dara was accordingly admit- that the first petitioner had come to the ted in the Madressa in June 1988,” Madressa for the first time... ” continued Sidhwa. “After the students had taken their dinner on October 13, 1988 Sujata Manohar has held four to five they were getting assembled in the Study meetings at the Framji Cowasji Hall at Hall to go to their respective dormitories. Dhobitalao, the next one being slated for At that time a senior college student, who June 11, 1989. The committee is required looks after the boys during their evening to submit its report to the Bombay High The committee appointed by Justice duster in the direction of another senior sion may be sought, boy standing in the other comer. The said Dara came in between and his lip was instructed by Messrs Little and Company, accidentally injured. He was immediately solicitors, appeared for the Madressa sent to a doctor for treatment. The allega- trustees. The complainants were repre- tion that the said Dara was beaten up or sented at different times by advocate S. B. Rohit Kapadia and Aspi Chinoy, 25 Parsiana May 1989 1SCHOLARSHIP W; ith an unparalleled burst of enthusi- I asm, the K. R. Cama Oriental F Institute (KRCOI) brought all its latent I energies to play when for four full days in I early 1989, from January 5 to 8, its prem- I ises reverberated to scholarly discourse. I Conceived as a reappraisal of Indo- I Iranian historical and cultural studies, the I International Congress was the first ever I organized on such a large scale by the i KRCOI, as pointed out with a justifiable ’ glint of pride by its president, the ageing Jehangir Shiwff, who inaugurated the | meet. “Rarely, ” to quote Dastur (Dr) I Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa, High Priest of the I Anjuman Atash Bahram and chairman of I the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute I International Congress, “has there been a gathering of so many distinguished schol- ) ars. Some 25 scholars from India and between the heritage and history of the two countries which have been the cradle of some of the most ancient civilizations of the world. Homi Taleyarkhan, member of the Minorities Commission, kindled a five-wick lamp to inaugurate the Con- In keeping with the Congress ’ purpose, two speakers traced the various links r fc abroad presented papers on subjects ran ­ ging through history, art and architecture, archaeology, religion, philosophy, mythology and numismatics, from earli ­ est times up tp 1800 AD. The effort put in by the Institute ’s inde- gress and recapitulated the outstanding fatigable joint honorary secretary, Ms events and trends in the heritage of the Homai Modi, and the four different com ­ mittees (organizing, subjects, fund raising and hospitality) was sustained by the eru- papers put forth by Prof G. D. Shukla of dition of Dastur (Dr) Hormazdyar Mirza, Sardar Patel University, Gujarat, and Dr High Priest of Udwada, JamaspAsa and N. S. Gorekar of the Heras Institute, Prof S. A. Upadhyaya, director of the Bombay. Shukla traced the link between Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay and the two civilizations in various fields, elu- vice chairman of the organizing commit- cidating how each country influenced or tee. The generous financial patronage of was influenced by the other. Gorekar would be enough fodder for another paper the Tata Group, who from their various brought to light some lesser-known vigne- companies and trusts contributed Rs 40,000, the Indian Council of Historical Research (Rs 35,000) and the Bombay a book of animal fables, was translated architecture, were explored by three Parsi Punchayet (Rs 25,000) lent material from Sanskrit to Persian daring Sassanian speakers. Dr (Ms) Meena Talim, head of stamina. Backing the inputs of the KRCOI was reached European countries through Iran the activated citizenry of Bombay. Over and Syria. Even under Moslem rule in 173 people registered, according to the India, work continued on translating organizers: 69 as delegates and 104 as " ' observers, the former being entitled to a lunch with a soft drink and dessert, the latter being content with the back rows in Gorekar ’s paper led Pramod Pathak, the hall (though with diminishing attend- persistently questioning ‘observer, ’ to refer to people with a love for food and ance over the days the distinction ceased enquire whether there was any return traf- to exist) and a cup of tea or coffee with biscuits in the two, much deserved breaks between sessions. two nations. Taleyarkhan ’s views were echoed in ttes about the interest taken by the Persians in Indian literature. The Panchatantra, on this subject. The Indo-Iranian links in cultural his ­ tory, by way of manifestations in art and times. A book op the legends of Buddha the department of FSli and ancient Indian culture at Bombay ’s St Xavier ’s College, traced the early influence of the Achae- menians on Buddhist scriptures and paintings in India. Talim is confident that the Achaemenians migrated to India, and the Pali texts refer to Lichavis who were originally Persians. The J at aka Tales too Sanskrit texts to Persian, including trea ­ tises on medicine, music, astronomy, astrology, mathematics, legends... a wine who exposed their dead to be fic. Gorekar affirmed that there were devoured by wild animals. And the friezes many works translated from Persian to at Bhaja Caves, some 100 km southeast Indian languages, and stated that there of Bombay, depict a relief of Surya driv- WHEN SCHOLARS DELIB 26 Parsiana May 1989 .1 j j I I I The K. R. Cama Oriental Institute provided a plaform for 25 scholars of eminence to share their knowledge of Indo-lranian history and culture Homi J. Rogers cal conditions in Persia must have forced migration of skilled Persian artisans to the Mauryan kingdom. The affinity to Persian art in the pillars, the animals portrayed, the designs shown, confirm that it was the art of Persia that influenced India. Khand ­ alawala, a criminal lawyer of repute, let ophy at the Colorado State University, the case rest to a round of thunderous applause. The prosecution sought no clar ­ ifications, asked no questions. For once, a session wound up early. Dr Kalpana Desai, a longtime associ ­ ate of Khandalawala on the Lalit Kala Akademi and at the POWM, effected a of dramatizing ideology. When one danc- last minute change, and instead of reading a paper on the two Pahlavi inscriptions at Kanheri Caves (near Borivli, 40 km north the predominantly Parsi audience gath ­ ered, was on the Iranian aspects. The entire evening session on day one, for example, was on Avestan studies, with papers read by Prof James Boyd and Prof Stanley Insler. Boyd, a professor of philos- USA presented a paper put together by him and Ron G. Williams on “The noetic function of ritual repetition. ” Boyd explored the topic of ritual knowledge vis-a-vis the Afringan (the Zoroastrian rit ­ ual of blessing) prayer. “Rituals are ways es, one doesn ’t think and perform the steps; one ’s feet discover the rhythm. In the same way, ritual knowledge is gained ing a four-horsed chariot - an extension of Bombay) chose to put forth a paper on At the inaugural (from left): Shrojf, . an illustrated manuscript of Arrfa Viraf in Taleyarkhan, JamaspAsa, Upadhyaya possession of the POWM. Written in Parsi-Gujarati, with 102 illustrations, some of Mithraism which suffered a setback in the coming of Zoroastrianism, and whose followers could have migrated to India. Dr Karl Khandalawala, a director of of which were presented on a project- Bombay ’s Prince of Wales Museum or screen, the Arda Viraf dates back to (POWM) and a fabled lover of arts, 1660-70 when it was translated by a poet brought to his presentation the combined from Surat, Ervad Rustomji Pestonji, and skills of a man passionately involved with illustrated around mid-eighteenth century culture, and a lawyer putting forth his by an artist from North Deccan, judging case with scarcely a loophole. Now well by the style, motifs and colors used. The in his 80s, Khandalawala expressed his Arda Viraf (Namah) is a record of life in views on the Perso-Greco influence on heaven and hell as witnessed by a mobed Boyd ’s conclusion - original in its thought - was that rituals are a necessary perform ­ ance. What is necessary does not change. Insler, a professor of Sanskrit and Ancient Iranian Studies and Mirza Top row (from left): Yarshater, Talim, Palkhivala, Gorekar, Schwartz, Gignoux, Humbach and Modi Second row (from left): 'fnsler, Khandalwala, Lazard, Boyd, Havewalla, Irani, Jungalwala and Kashikar not by detachment, but by action. The action is not corporeal but cerebral. ” the Mauryas in India, and the Ashokan pillars in particular. With accompanying slides to illustrate his case, Khandalawala by Ajdeshir Babakhan, the founder king pointed to the absence of stone architec ­ ture and sculpture in India prior to Mauryan times, when unfavorable politi- of the Sassanian times who was sent for this explicit purpose to the other worlds ERATE of the Sassanian empire. The manuscript Ancient Iranian Studies at Yale in the POWM is believed to be the first University, Connecticut was also con- illustrated Parsi-Gujarati manuscript that has come to light. Though most of the papers presented traced the links between the two civiliza ­ tions, a few papers sought to concentrate only on one country. A heavier slant, though it may have been appreciated by cerned with Zoroastrian rituals with re ­ ference to the Prophet himself. “Helmut Humbach, ” Insler stated, referring to the German professor from the University of Mainz present amidst the gathering, “has confected a view of Zarathushtra and his works in terms of the Vedic texts of India, 27 Parsiana May 1989and has arrived at an interpretation of the Prophet which makes him to be merely a ritualist occupied with nothing more than the correct enactment of the prescribed cult rituals. ” Humbach was upset at Insler ’s interpretation of how he viewed Zarathushtra. But what Insler wished to stress, though unintelligible for many in the audience due to the extremely fast pace at which he read his paper, was that though the Gathas (the songs said to have been composed by Zarathushtra himself) abound in frequent references to rituals, a r Top: Dalal (left) and Desai Below: Shaked I fl “guarding in front, vanguard ” but “one society. “Yet in our times, considering the occupying front position. ” Prof Martin Schwartz, a professor at the Department of Iranian Studies, Uni versity of Berkely, California, present ­ ed a highly complex and original paper the Sassanian times was read by the on two methodological approaches to octogenarian Mirza. The subject was: the study of the structure and meaning “Ecclesiastical testament and royal edict of Zarathushtra ’s Gathas. Schwartz ’s of Sassanian times. ” In “Sassanian times, study pointed out the correlations that there were two groups of official func- exist between every radially equidistant set of stanzas, and the relationship of the central to the first and/or last stanza. Schwartz, who had xeroxed explanatory religious affairs, while another was in sheets for distribution, bounded with charge of royal and state affairs, and the enthusiasm as he put to use , the black ­ board to prove that every Gathic Yasna has a concentric ring composition. His paper concluded amidst a general round shed light on conditions of the different of applause, with Dr (Ms) Meher Master- classes in the Sassanian times. Prof Shaul Moos, founder of the Mazdayasnie Shaked ’s paper was a mine of information Monasterie, rushing armed with her on aspects of Iranian religion in the ear ­ books to further illustrate Schwartz ’s her Achaemenian period. Shaked, dean at claims, which she indicated were also the the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, basis for studies in healing by Avestan Israel, and whose entry in India had to be prayers. specially cleared by the organizers as a Humbach ’s treatise on Herbedestan visit for scholastic purposes only, dis- was heard with equal attention. Humbach cussed a suhgect which has occupied is held in great esteem by many generations of scholars. Sljaked con- Zoroastrians for his translations of the eluded that the Achaemenians were Gathas undertaken some 35 years ago. Zoroastrians, though they did not con- Well into his 70s and with a marted form to 2Loroastrian proscriptions as German accent making comprehension known to us today. Their method of dis- a bit more difficult than otherwise, posal of dead by burial in stone, and not Humbach had undertaken work on the in the ground so as not to defile the earth, Avesta-Pahlavi text of Herbedestan which had within it the concept of the religion, deals with the religious duties of athra- though not the practice. The Achaemenian vans, members of the Mazdayasnan kings did not observe Zoroastrian rules, or, (Zoroastrian) priest families. On the basis probably, argued Shaked, they were not in of facsimiles published in 1980 by Boyd force then. Also, there is the possibility and Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal (High that though the religious laws did exist. Priest of Bombay ’s H. B. Wadia Atash kings and nobility would have been change of cultural conditions as the reli ­ gion is defending itself, these guidelines are no longer valid, ” clarified Humbach. One more paper delineating life in tionaries, ” informed Mirza. One group, confirmed Mirza, citing texts and inscrip ­ tions, was in charge of priestly and two groups maintained separate official records. If Mirza ’s studies and the Herbedestan careful ’ examination of the terminology reveals that they are works of theological importance, not empty ritualistic litanies. Insler ’s conclusion stressed that Zara ­ thushtra raised the worship of God from a mechanically ritual realm to a fully spir ­ itual and developed realm. If Zoroastrian rituals occupied at least two scholars, Iranian linguistics formed the subject of three papers. Prof Gilbert __ __ Lazard of L Ecole ftatique des Hautes Bahram), Humbach has taken up the text considered outside this parameter. The stand of Prof Philippe Gignoux of Sorbonne University that the troika of good thoughts, good words and good deeds has been lent by Semetic religions around the beginning of our era, namely for the ritual of confession of sins, was met with indignation. Management con ­ sultant Aspi Moddie, chairman of the KRCOI’s hospitality committee and mem ­ ber of the organizing committee, questioned the links between precept and practice. And Prof Kaikhosrov Inuii of City CoU^e, New- Etudes, Sorbonne University, Paris sought to answer “What kind of language is reflected in the so-called Pazand? ” From the data gathered by him, Lazard sug ­ gested the hypothesis that in the first Islamic centuries the Iranians used to pro ­ nounce Pahlavi just like their usual colloquial language, and in this way a tra ­ ditional reading of Pahlavi texts was established which was continued by the Mazdians in India, and reflected in Pazand transcriptions. Rev Dr Gikyo Ito of the University of Kyoto, Japan, con- text discuss the problems of voluntary and York, wondered how in the kusti prayers, 1 the Zoroastrian could ask for forgiveness written in late Sassanian times. Last for sins yet to be committed. " Director of the Center of Iranian Studies at Columbia University, New York, Prof Ehsan Yarshater presented a paper titled “The feared child in Iranian for critical review. The 18 chapters of the It is the mystics who have generally seen the future more clearly than the intellectuals tributed a paper on the Pahlavi Hndlg, compulsory conversion, having been which was read in his absence by Ervad ' Ramiyar Karanjia, while JamaspAsa translated in 1915 by Sohrab Bulsara, made an equally short contribution on Humbach ’s study and probable translation middle-Persian pesobay, arguing, on what of this work could provide the community may seem rather inconsequential to a lay- with answers to a priest ’s duties, his con- man, that the word did not mean duct and his association with all facets of mythology. ” Stringing together a number 28 Parsiana May 19891 Soma, concluding that the nectar-like dentials have international standing. Yet, despite the wranglings and per ­ in their rituals was not a mushroom, but a sonality clashes, the Congress was a big step taken by the KRCOI to “provide a of myths in various parts of the world, Yarshater spoke of the fate of a child who drink used by Indian and Iranian priests was assumed or predicted to be a threat to the future of the ruler. The tale of plant, belonging to the Ephedra species. Romulus, founder of Rome, reared by a Recent researchers have however expressed platform for introspection, and to she-wolf, is similar to that of Faridun the opinion that Soma- Haoma could be a strengthen the bonds between scholars who, as per the Shah Namah, was brought form of Jinsheng, the miraculous health giv- up by a white cow when his mother fled ing herb. persecution by Zohak. Yarshater narrated _ . . . a string of legends concerning the birth of ogist, presented an interesting paper on a ‘feared ’ child, his annihilation, a mirac- Sothi, a site in Rajasthan, which she had vis- ulous escape, and eventual return as a ited along with her mentor. Dr Amalananda throughout the proceedings that some sovereign or paladin. Witness: Cyrus the Ghosh, the director-general of the Archaeo- were being trampled upon. Great; Faridun, founder of the Pfeshdadian logical Survey of India in the early ’50s. dynasty; Zai, son of Sam, brought up by an eagle; Shapur, son of Ardeshir, found ­ er of the ^ssanian dynasty. Yarshater could not have expected a barrage of questions to his survey, with delegates enquiring on the Cinderellaesque element of the myths, and questioning the Freudian concept, or the socialistic relevance of such tales. Yarshater concluded, in view of the many questions, that the tales were more Similarly, Dr Katy Dalal, the archaeol- who study in the field of history and cul ­ ture, ” to quote Shroff. That it was not always a tie-binder between scholars was only incidental: men of wisdom have their own egos, and it was very discernible For example, a paper, by Prof Paul du Breuil, of the Columbia Pacific University ’s School of Arts and Sciences, on “A study of some Zoroastrian and Buddhist eschatological features ” which was read out in his absence by author Ms Piloo Jungalwalla was criticized by Gignoux as a paper “which did . not say anything new, and was just a general com ­ pilation. ” Gignoux, himself, was much criticized by the scholars and delegates folkloric than mythic, and the motifs adapted Dalal ’s paper put forth the stand that, present who disagreed with his contention themselves to the needs of society. based on the wares found in Sothi, the ori- that the triad of manashni-gavashni- Paucity of time was one main stum- gin of the Harappan culture could perhaps kunashni was not explicitly attested in the bling block in the Congress ’ proceedings, lie in sites lite at Sothi, and these sites of Gat has, and t^e formula does not belong Though the organizers had allowed 100 the Indus Valley Civilization should be exclusively to Zoroastrian Iran. Similarly, minutes, divided mostly between two referred to as Sothian, rather than Kot- < speakers, per session for each of the four Dujian Kalibangan or Harappan. sessions in a day, it was not uncommon for one speaker to exceed his time despite her lecture - came through the exquisite lation and interpretation of the Gathas. " the vigilance of a chairman. So, when Dr Parsi cuisine, complete with sev (vermi- A lot more feathers were ruffled on the C. G. Kashikar of the Tilak Maharashtra celli) and rawa (a sooji lite preparation in last morning when Jungalwalla presented Vidyapeeth in Pune spoke longer on milk), that she served up for the four days a short unprogrammed paper on “Some “Soma and Haoma, ” Dr (Ms) Sabar of the meet. reappraisals ” where she criticized Wes- Havewala of Delhi had to condense her paper on “Gayamaretan (Gayomard) and heavier from a comparatively spartan word Zarathushtra to mean “he who Manu ” and to present only a synopsis of no-rice lunch on day one, to the Parsi drives camels, ” or “possessor of golden her study to conclude that the Iranian favorite of dhansak with kachumber camels, ” instead of “golden light. ” A vis- Gayamaretan and Indian Manu were one (onion salad) and a choice of two desserts ibly distraught Insler replied that it was and the same person. by the last day - reportedly due to the the message of Zarathushtra, propounded by Western scholars through their studies, that should merit attention, and not their translations of the^Prophet ’s name. Jungalwalla also lamented on distor- "Zoroastrianism has been tried and failed. The religion of Zoroaster is yet to be tried" on the same evening a very disturbed Humbach left the premises in a huff after Dalal ’s Iranian contribution - amiss in having felt slighted by Insler on his trans ­ A lot more feathers were ruffled on the . The lunches became progressively tern scholars for their translations of the Thus, Prof Kaikhosrov Irani of City efforts of Prof Meher Pavri of the College, New York, had to answer a quiv- Zoroastrian College. Consumed every er of questions on the controversial and afternoon in the most exotic of places - much-debated topic of “Good and Evil in the KRCOI’s Library - the aroma of far- Myth and Philosophy in the Traditions of chas (fried chicken with a coating of egg) tions of translations in English of the Iran and India ” so that Shaked was unable downed the mustiness of the volumes simplest phrases. She cited Ushta-te, the to elucidate the diverse Zoroastrian customs locked away securely amidst glass show- phrase popularized by Zoroastrian Stu- of Sassanian times. Irani, a professor to cased cupboards. It must be truly to the dies, as an example. “The full signific- Schwartz who chaired the session, discussed speakers ’ credit that despite the heavy ance of the phrase Ushta-teargued the emergence of the philosophic notions repasts, an afternoon session was heard Jungalwalla, a Cambridge scholar in of good and evil, and the ethical require- with just as much attention. English, “would be ‘May you be blissfully ments of religious life in the traditions of The array of scholars suffered from happy, ”’ and not ‘May happiness be to Iran and India. “Zoroaster grasped this the absence of Prof John Hinnells of you ’ as is being currently translated. “Is fundamental moral notion of good and Manchester University who did not attend this how English is spoteh: May happy evil, and made morality the basis of reli- and Dr James Russell (associate professor birthday be to you? ” queried Jungalwalla. gious striving and justification. ” of Iranian Studies, Columbia University) On the whole, the four-day meet pro- Sometimes one aspect of the subject and Khojeste Mistree (founder of vided for stimulating fare. Nariman predominated. For example, Kashikar ’s Zoroastrian Studies) who were not presentation on “Soma and Haoma, ” spent more than nine-tenth of the time on with just as much attention. The array of scholars suffered from happy, ’ ? 9, 30 Parsiana May 1989 invited. Particularly noticeable was the absence of Kotwal whose scholarly cre- Bagwadia, a chartered accountant by pro ­ fession, was glad he attended, as “at least something would register. ” Ms HomaiIP Bode, “SSS5SE a teacher at the Cama Athornan Madressa ----------------- --------------------------- ¦" — at Andheri, renewed his ties with scholars Di+iiQl knOWledoe iS under whom, or with whom, he had stud- HI LU a l_ M IW vv i c y ied during his sojourns abroad. 931060 nOl DY aescnucu u.c ------- rr —- Typical Bombay flavor was provided plp-i-Qz>U|Y|gi-|f butbV have attended. ” An exhausted but exulted by Peshotan Nargolwal^ a contestant 06X960 TTiei IL, U y accepted with gratefulness a trustee for the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, action well-deserved memento presented to her calling upo^the gathering at me rad ot _________ t,y the JWCOI trustees for her efforts, and =p;:.X5S= S“’tH= sSSSSS Zoroastrian Religious Trust fo' orEurTA'MJid'iKs°o oS b^kftL, by the KRCOI should help the Mobeds, being at pains to point out P subjects of rest of the community to gather knowledge ^SueSi^tJiiK^hieh It invariably invited comparison... deemed to^be separate from the arts but essence of the religion is more important S?n^,'Tn “^dem .lutes, be treated “ thought aloud: “Where do we go from so. As the evening shadows lengthened on wife of the late Dastur (Dr) here? ” The KRCOI is not for any branch As the evening shadows lengtnenea on wife of the late Dastur (Dr) ne g, branches of art, architecture, numismat- Tata director, Nam Palkhivala, ^put t e gained not by wisdom of ages packaged in four days, made no effort to disagree, and the schol ­ ars continued to enjoy the bonhomie that they had shared with one another, barring a few cases. An elated Yarshater described the Congress as “the happiest I from the Gathas to the Sassanian times be integrated approach, Palkhivala ’s speech lingered: Zoroas- than of Europe. Moddie also pointed out / With the compliments of P. S. KUKA Chainnan GOODWILL THEATRES PVT LTD OWNERS NOVELTY CINEMA (THEATRE MAGNIFICENT) Rendezvous of the Elite 32 Parsiana May 1989BOOKS NAyjOTE by Choice, not Chance Homi J. Rogers I Fravarane: I Choose For Myself The Zoroastrian Religion by Ali A. Jafarey. Published in 1988 by the Califoniia Zoroastrian Center, Rustam Guiv Oar-e- Mehr, 8952 Hazard Avenue, Westminister, California 92683, USA. 100 + photographs. meaning of the prayers uttered. make his own decisions, strengthens his Divided into six simple chapters, claim that Zoroastrianism is a religion of Fravarane elucidates the salient features choice, and not chance. Like many of the Zoroastrian religion, the evolution Zoroastrians in America, Jafarey argues of navjote, and the manner in which it is that Zoroastrianism is the first missionary Our Religion Book II: The Navjote by Piloo performed today both amongst the Parsis religion known to mankind which for var- Nanavutty. Illustrated by Mehroo J. Wadia. Reprinted in 1988. Pp; 20. Price: Rs 10. Our Religion - Activity Book II: The Navjote And Me by Pareen Lalkaka. Illustrated by Tenaz Irani, 1988. Pp: 24. Price: Rs 10. Both the above books published by the ceremony up to the age of 15 years, and the religion all those who, of their own Delhi Parsi Anjuman, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002. and the Iranis. Until recently, Jafarey ious reasons, not stated by him in the informs, the Iranis performed the sadreh- book, “has become almost a hereditary pooshi (as navjote is referred to by them) religion. ” Fravarane hence welcomes into “nowadays, the age limit has disappeared free will, choose the good religion of and even pregnant women and elderly Mazda-worship “ancKwant to have their persons have been initiated. ” The age initiation performed so that they .are limit of 15 may shock the conservative formally accepted as full-fledged mem- For most Zoroastrian parents in India, navjote is a beholden duty to their chil- Zoroastrian community in India where bers of the community. ” To that extent, dren that must be completed before the even the navar (initiation into priesthood) the book may be anathema to the tradition ­ child is nine. And for the child, it is a rit- ceremony is performed before puberty, bound Parsi. ual of reciting prayers learnt by heart in However, Nanavutty, attributes the elas- three different and forgotten languages ticity of seven to 15 years to Zarathushtra Zoroastrian is prepared to pardon Jafarey, (Gathic, Avesta and Pazand), which are ------------------------------------------------- Fravarane has a lot of fresh insights to barely understood by him or her, and, in A1X100Cl th© iTdOiS offer on a ceremony that dated back to many cases, by even the parents. Yet, it is ,_ pre-Zoroastrian times. Its presentation this now compulsory ceremony for any ­ one born into a Zoroastrian household that the Prophet called the turning point in one ’s life: the day of choice when the per ­ son embraced the religion of good thoughts, good words and good deeds. The initiation into the Zoroastrian fellow ­ ship was celebrated by proclaiming the If, however, the steeped-in-orthodoxy Among the Iranis, I I pri uaoii laii viiiivs. ivo j-ri voviiiaiivii the age limit for the and matter is excellent. Jafarey has sadreh-pooshi " " ‘ " ceremony has disappeared and even pregnant Fravarane (Jasa me avenghe Mazda) WO 1X1© PI have been prayer. “I, with my appreciation and con- • ¦. • . i victions, choose for myself to be a 1111113160 worshipper of the Wise One and a --------------------------------------------------- Zoroastrian. ” himself who prescribed this ceremony The guide also traces the historical' The operative word as Ali Jafarey puts “be held after the person has learnt the development of the languages of the . forth in his book under review is "'frava- meaning of the kusti prayers, and can prayers. The need for including Pazand rane" - “choice. ” Jafarey ’s guide for the recite them by heart. The Tir (Sirius) prayers was felt by a religious authority initiation ceremony and Nanavutty ’s new Yasht says that 15 is the age to be invested “who did not approve of the faithful pray- book for children. The Navjote, the sec- with a girdle, though the Venidad, a later ing (in Avesta) without understanding. ” ond in her Our Religion series, should Avestan book, warns “that a man or He comments sardonically that “in recent help in enlightening the community. Jafarey ’s work in particular should go a sacred girdle and the shirt would fall an long way in rekindling knowledge about easy prey to demons... ” the relevant philosophy of the ceremony, its description in original form and subse- ended age of initiation, when an quent institutionalization, and the individual could judge for himself and Persian or Gujarati. ” himself who prescribed this ceremony brought to the reader ’s notice the 11 stan ­ zas of the Fravarti prayer (Yasna 11.17 to .12.9), which along with the Haptanhaiti, Fshusho-Manthra, and Hadhaoktha, are next in antiquity and importance to the Gathas, having been composed by the Prophet ’s immediate successors. The Fravarii is a collection of common and personal declarations made by initiates to the faith, and contains a gist of the reli ­ gion ’s true beliefs and credos. woman of 15 years walking without the times no authority has thought of continu ­ ing the tradition by either substituting or adding to the Pazand part of the prayers... in one of the languages the praying person understands best - English, modern Jafarey ’s documentation on the open- 33 Parsiana May 19891 To meet this purpose halfway, Jafarey which need correct definitions. The read and explained to give a proper has transliterated and explained in simple kisseh-i-kerfeh on the sudreh, meaning the interpretation. yet true-to-original prose the Iranian and pocket of good deeds, is held by Dinyar, “ ----- , Pareen Lalkaka ’s workbook. The Parsi kusti prayers, and the Din-no-Kalmo writes Nanavutty, “offering Ahura Mazda Navjote and Me, a companion piece to her (Formula of Faith) in the five appendices all the little good deeds I tried to do dur- sister Nanavutty ’s book, could also be that constitute more than half the book. ing the day. ” The kisseh-i-kerfeh is not a improved upon. Fill in the blanks, spot the Twenty-nine photographs - taken by receptacle for endeavors at good deeds, odd man out, connect words to visuals, the author - add to the value of the book, but good actions actually performed. And describe the pictures, and place in A dozen of these photos are of artefacts the prayers havp either not been meaning- sequential order is all that Lalkaka ’s preserved at various museums all over the fully explained, or, as in the case of Doa workbook offers. There should be many world. The other photographs show the Taridarusti, been wrongly interpreted as a more ways to involve a child and test his right way to girdle the kusti, as practised prayer recited by Dinyar “blessing my or her comprehension of the facts learnt by Iranis and Parsis. mummy and daddy and all people all over from the reader than offered by Lalkaka, Fravarane recreates the navjote cere- the world. ” The Tandarusti is not a prayer herself a trained psychologist and voca- mony as an impressive gateway to the where the reciter blesses, but one in tional guidance advisor. Zoroastrian religion. Whether the com- which he invokes the Lord ’s blessings for “ munity at h«me will be as open as the one ’s parents, one ’s kinship, and the sadly on verbal activity. A ‘do it yourself ’ Council of Mobeds in Tehran, where, the Universe. approach might have been more appreci- author states, all qualified persons desir ­ ous of accepting the Zoroastrian religion fie disappointing though the visuals are an reef knot (tied twice during the kusti) in are accepted, is a moot point. But, if at improvement on her earlier book. In the daily activities, etc. A workbook should any point of time, it becomes so, Jafa- absence of a comprehensive guide for the strive to give physical shape to the written rey ’s work would qualify as a primer. “ In contrast, Nanavutty ’s little book - though primarily aimed at the Zoroastrian child - offers little by way of furthering an appreciation of the navjote ceremony. Narrated in first person, it recreates the navjote day of a boy appropriately called Dinyar, “friend of the religion. ” Nanavutty, unfortunately, decides to con ­ centrate more on rites than religiosity: “The rhobed now gives me a sacred bath... After my bath, I wear a white pyjama... A large shawl is wrapped round my shoul ­ ders... My mummy and my aunts make a ring around me to put on my new clothes... ” Children like to hear a tale where they can visualize themselves as Understanding Management by c. Northcote Expensive plant? Up-to-date equipment? The stress in Lalkaka ’s workbook is Nanavutty ’s second work is hence a tri- ated by the child: ideas on how to use the Zoroastrian child, Jafarey ’s work could be word; make book knowledge practical. Profits Makcth a Man(agement) Gustasp Irani * the hero or heroine, but Nanavutty has, Parkinson and M. K. Rustomji, illustrated by R. K, -pherg „„ question about it - the most Strangely, underplayed the relevance of the ceremony and the meaning of the prayers, in favor of the action involved in the ceremony. Dinyar, she states, recites a Unlike some of the laws of management Laxman. Published by Vision Books Private Limited, 36-C, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001. Pp: 198. Price: Rs 45. important assets of any business are its human assets. It is true, a manager has to deal with machinery, buildings and inven ­ tories. But it is even more true that he can part of the Fravarane prayer before put- Murphy ’s Law, Parkinson ’s Law, Peter ’s only deal with these assets through ting on the sudreh. The prayer recited Principle, to name a few - C. Northcote people. ’’ first is the Din-no-Kalmo while the Parkinson and M. K. Rustomji ’s book The third principle of common sense is Fravarane prayer Uasa me avenghe Understanding Management defies easy, that the first principle is more important Mazda) is recited after tying the kusti. crystal-like definition. The scope of the than the second. “The welfare of the The two prayers are not the same. book is vast, seeping into all the various employee is important, but not as impor- The Fravarane prayer, so pivotal to aspects of managing an organization. Yet, tant. as the profits, without which the Jafarey ’s work, is described by Nanavutty if one must reduce it to some concise enterprise will fail, throwing everyone out simply as a prayer “telling everyone that statement, then probably it could be said of work. ” from now on I belong to Ahura Mazda for to be dealing with management by com- ever, ” sans the appreciation and convic ­ tion that lie harbored in this prayer. The wistfulness is even greater because profits. “Profits are not just something The cover illustration by R. K. Laxman Nanavutty had written 30 years ago a little nice to have or a goal to be aimed at. shows the manager as a puppeteer, booklet, Fravarane, offering to the chil- Profits are a necessity. Without profits, an manipulating his workers. But manipula- dren information about the religion, the organization will wither and die. ” tion can be dangerous, even disastrous, navjote ceremony, and a simple transla ­ tion of the kusti prayers. There are some other concepts too important assets? Factory building? walk behind them. ’ That ’s what wise old The undercurrent that flows through mon sense. the 198 pages of the paperback indicates The first principle of common sense is how to deal with people and make profits. The second principle of common sense “A manager ’s main task is to ensure that is human resources. “What are the most his men do a good job... ‘To lead people. 34 Parsiana May 1989t f f' may decide to drop in. ” The book is full of these insights —172 in all - direct, compact and devoid of goals, it can get snared in a mesh of red pomposity which makes for pleasant read- tape. “Collecting documents for the rec ­ ords is all very well but business does not exist for the records. It exists to peform a service and to make a profit. ” The authors almost entirely forgotten. ” When an organization loses sight of its ing and is also easy to relate to. But do not be deceived. Commons sense, to use a tired and exhausted expression, is not a common thing. For instance, the chief point out that “people start a procedure executive who is flooded with papers and with very little hesitation and it goes on with work; “He is very busy. But what is and on...long after the need for this proce- he contributing? Hardly anything. He has dure has passed. The surprising thing is no time to think and plan ahead. No time that it is far easier to start a procedure to innovate. He is much too busy just than to stop it. ” They give the instance of better results would be produced if mana ­ gers concentrate on the areas which produce results rather than doing things million pieces of paper forms, cards, que- just because they have ’been done previou- ries, etc. sly...The other important step for effectiveness is to do first things first and the role of management within the struc- other things, if possible, not at all. Or let ture of an organization itself. It does not someone else do them...Things which are reach out to explain how a manager can really worth doing require adequate function when dealing with the larger time. ” environment within which he operates - The example of Harry Hopkins, other organizations and institutions, pri- .. . J vate and government. How does one, for World War II, illustrates the point made ii ....... above. “(He) was a very sick man, he was < working. ” According to the authors, “Far Marks and Spencers: when they decided . ' ¦* to do away with detailed records of each item in their stores, they also got rid of 30 Overall, the book seeks to understand Lao-Tzu said many centuries ago. He went on to say; ‘People don ’t notice the existence of the best leaders. The next President Roosevelt ’s adviser during - best, people honor and praise. The next, people fear, and the next, people hate. When the best leader ’s work is done, his dying. But he did enormously valuable people will say, ‘We did it ourselves. ’” i ' In 15 chapters, the authors show how anything except to the core of a problem... this' task of leadership can be achieved the basic essentials. ” effectively. The chapters cover almost every department and aspect of an organ ­ ization. Some of the topics included are leadership training of its executives. “An Rustomji is not around to do that. He died authority and leadership, hierarchy, dele- enormous amount of time and money is last September. The answer probably is in gation, the structure of an organization, spent training executives in specialized one of his many other books which are paperwork and red tape, human relations subjects such as chemistry, physics, law being translated into various languages and advance planning. There are no easy X plus y minus z equals successful mana ­ ger formulas. What you find are gems of work. And training for that seems to be Rustomji ’s message is universal commonsense insights. Open any page at random and you encounter simple but relevant truths, as “direct as a kick in the pants, ” Sir Peter Parker, chairman, British Airways, is quoted, in the back cover blurb. For example, page 35: “Who comes to whom? You will be amazed at the amount of heat generated by an apparently simple matter such as this. A thinks B should Come to him... but B thinks he is the man who is higher up (in the hierarchy). The good Messages from and Knowledge about the Spirit gion does not teach reincarnation. World by Ervad Hormazd M. E. Pavri. Published in 1989 by the author, Salpekar Bldg, Jhansi Rani Square, Nagpur 440012. 147. Price: Rs 25. For quite some time now, the matter of journey into the unknown? Ervad reincarnation amongst Zoroastrians has Horniazd Pavri, an ex-panthaky of the 1 boost to the ego of the person whom he August 1988 issue, Parsiana ran a survey Nagpur, aims to put forth the replies as visits. Moreover, it keeps him on his toes amongst 29 scholars from India and received by him and his family members because he never knows when the boss abroad, 25 of whom opined that the reli- straight from the mouths of the deceased. instance, d^l with the labor unions, gov ­ ernment bodies and their red tape, and of course corruption which is part of the work because he was too sick to attend to Indian system? The answer is simple - a matter of common sense. But, then again, we need a Parkinson and Rustomji to spgl^ it out for us before we appreciate ho's^H One area where an organization can benefit is by investing in management and simple it really is. Unfortunately, and accounting, but supervision is per- and reaching out to a greater audience: haps the most important part of their though the languages may differ. The Spirit Lingers leader has a wonderful way of getting over this. He just doesn ’t bother about proto ­ col. He goes right over to see people in their own offices. Not only does this give him a better idea of what is going on, but, more importantly, it gives an enormous been a subject of active discussion. In its Hirabai Noshirwan Mulla Dar-e-meher at So, what then happens to the soul of a Zoroastrian after the three days ’ prayers have been said to wish it bon voyage on its 36 Parsiana May 19893. It is hence, by its very nature, a work that firms that there is a Chinvat Pul - “a long of life after death. Pavri, however, antici- could well open the floodgates to yet straight road across from you, a sort of pating the scepticism, has quoted from another controversy within the highway. ” The soul of the departed is scientific authorities like Albert Einstein, community. guided over the bridge by its spouse, Oliver Lodge and Shaw Desmond, and Now, the Pavris of Nagpur proclaim in regardless of the number of years they has appended a bibliography of 33 books their 147-page book that they have been in have been separated from each other mor- to support his theory that death is only a constant touch with the deceased, and tally. There are seven planes in the other gateway (or get-away) from the material have received assurances from them: “In world: the first three being hell; the this (spiritual) world, we are doing our fourth, a kind of purgatory where “exist- duties without fail. So we get the permis- ence is dark, cold and unpleasant; ” and and importance to a Zoroastrian reader is sion to visit our dear ones. If it is not good the top three being heaven, the seventh the interpretation of the theory of reincar- for us. How could we have come? ” plane being the divine realm of the great nation. According to Coomi, “God will According to Raymond, another publica- gods of heaven (hence: seventh heaven?), send back a soul if it wants to be reborn, tion on life after (|path quoted frequently The spirits contacted are normally in the to suffer. ” This is in keeping with the fifth and sixth planes where there is an Minokherd, where, we are told God gives atmosphere of warmth, brightness, purity the option to the spirit to stay near Him and music. As time advances, they move and progress, or return to earth, experi- into the seventh plane, become one with God and cannot be spoken to. We learn that spirits do not have any The Zoroastrian custom of laying out a repast for one's dead on thei . • a I luuviluu VI it/it, Liivugii van luuvii oaj rojgars does not see, feel and hear us. They have very sen- seem as wasteful to the astral and celestial worlds. What is, however, of particular interest ence sorrow or happiness again, and return. Barring the experiences put down by p shape, or form, or color. They cannot be the Bhavnagari family in 1981 (published touched or felt, though they can touch, by the Godrej Printing Press) of their I- seances with their sons who perished in a sitive taste buds, and enjoy ‘eating ’ the motorcar accident, there are few such same dishes as when they were alive. The books recently published by Zoroastrians. ~ spirits, Pavri avers, can smell and eat, not Dastur Jal Pavri ’s wSrk The Zoroastrian in the book, Raymond, the only son of Sir in the physical sense, as they do not have Doctrine of a Future Life was published Oliver Lodge, the great scientist, told his stomachs, but by their senses, which give way back in 1926,- and Dastur Sanjana ’s father repeatedly: “If people only knew them the pleasures of eating. Hence, the Spiritualism Through Zoroastrian Eyes,, how we long,to come, they would call us. ” Zoroastrian custom of laying out a repast in 1929. Much water has flowed under the The Pavris first had to bear the loss of for one ’s dead on their baj rojgars (death Chinvat Pul since then. their 36-year-old sister-who succumbed to anniversary days), or remembering them a brain hemorrhage, then their eldest sis ­ ter became a victim of breast cancer, and, days of the year) does not seem as waste- been quoted at the expense of being repet- within eight months, yet another sister, ful as many reformists would argue. itive. Tighter editing could have made the Coomi, died of brain cancer. She was just “ 36, “the first Indian and Parsi lady to get us of the daily life of spirits, spent mainly into the Indian Revenue Service, ” and her in prayer, talking and being with angels, death cut short a brilliant career in the and in pursuit of betterment to reach a Indian Civil Service and created a void in higher plane. Spirits have certain charac- r the family. “Prayers, rituals, religious cer- teristics like recognizing relatives and three days prayers have been §aid to Pavri ’s work is a trifle too personal, with scented roses on muktads (the last 10 and the sittings for over two decades have ful as many reformists would argue. Through nine chapters, Pavri informs What happens to the soul after the emonies did not give any solace... friends, and commenting on them, their Something tangible was needed. ” Enter dresses, just like living mortals. They are, the Ouija board. Pavri informs, just as possessive about \/vish it bOH VOVaCI© On July 2, 1967, the Pavris having their belongings as living beings. Coomi, . • x received a message from Coomi that she for example, refused to have a plot of land O H I tS J O U T H ©y I 0*0 did not want to speak to them at a com- purchased by her sold to anyone, empha- II nknn\A/n? mercial spiritual center (there is one at sizing that it was meant only for her Ul Iv3 Ul ll\l IkJVVI I . Opera House in Bombay, in line with brother. Allbless Bang), had the first sitting in their home. Today, some 600 sittings later, and personal, and even a figment of one ’s tion to proofreading could have with free conversations with their imagination, probably to serve one ’s own eliminated typographical errors. Despite departed sisters, their brothers-in-law, end in certain cases, Pavri supplements some of its shortcomings, including the and from 1978 onwards, their mother, the the observations within his own family rather unwieldy title, said to have been Pavris have gained a fair picture of life with those reported by others in similar dictated by Coomi herself, and readers ’ amongst the spirits. This they have put circumstances. To some extent, spirits scepticism, the book is recommended, to forth in a book, not with any intention of have the power of prediction, and Pavri quote Russy Karanjia, editor-in-chief of creating a controversy, but with a view to quotes a few examples which, he claims. Blitz, who contributes a foreword, “to all bring awareness to the readers, “specially members of my community who labor under misguided beliefs and dogmas. ” Pavri ’s recording of messages con- If many of these incidents sound too book more readable. A little more atten- have saved him and his relatives from seeking the meaning of life, the signifi- tension. cance of death, and consolation for the One may scoff and not accept the very separation of the living from the dead. ” concept of another world, or the existence Homi J. Rogers 37 Parsiana May 1989MILESTONES The data on births, marriages A boy to Farida and Sarosh and deaths has been compiled Aibara; April 15 from information provided by A girl to Prochi and Mehli various newsletters and anju- Bhada; April IS mans in India and abroad, courts A boy, Jamsheed, to Rashna and and hospitals.lt must be pointed Hoshang Tata; April 15 out that this information is not A girl to Kaizad and Mhelly always complete or consistent. Of the 78 who died ,in A boy to Jasmine and Kersi Bombay, 21 succumbed to heart Palsetia; April 21 disease, brain disease claimed A girl to Shahnaz and Farsheed nine and cancer and old age Irani; April 25 claimed ^ht victims each. The A girl to Tanaz and Adil Katrtdc, other killers were lung disease April 25 (six), kidney failure and pneumo- A girl to Pumoor and Burzis nia (five each), hypertension Taraporevala; April 27 (three), and burns and septicemia (two each). There were isolated Married cases of Parkinson ’s disease, nervous disorder, blood disease, suffocation, jaundice, diabetes, Sunnu Jangoo Godrej and accident, bronchitis and liver dis- FirdoshCawasNogama of South Mistry; April 30 ease. A four-year-old and a Africa; March 23 stillborn child were also lost to Raslma Noshirwan Variava and the community. Meherdad Noshirwan Dastoor, In the breakup of deaths March 24 according to illnesses, it must be Pervin Hormusji Wadiwalla and noted that in some cases, espe- Kaizad Rustom Inspector, daily in those of the very old, April 1 death is often due to a combina- Shenaz Kavas Buchia and Daran tiott of several diseases. Kooverji Rajwadewala of Bulsar, If readers have any informa- Gujarat; April 7 tion they would like published, Kamal Fardoonji Merchant and some proof to ensure the veracity Shavaksha Jamshedji Katila; of the report would be required. April 8 We are sure our readers would Mahrukh Minoo Rana and appreciate this requirement and Rohinton Ardeshar Zciiwala; cooperate with us. April 8 Farzana Shiavax Poonawala and Neville Faramroze Dumasia; April 10 Farida Dhunjishaw Balsara and Khushroo Minoo Master of Poona; April 11 Soonoo Jamshed Parbhoo and Hoshang Minocher Netarwala; Bhumgara; April 19 Shareen Shiavux Vakil and Marbin Rustom Colah; March 9 BOMBAY Born A girl to Afreen and Zersis Daruwalla on March 23, 1989 A boy to Kamal and Homi Surti; April 14 March 28 Avaan Pheroze Karanjia and A boy, Farhad, to Amy and Yazdi Jamshed Rustomji Vakharia; Aibara; March 29 A girl to Mini and Pesi Pandole; April 3 A boy to Parvin and Shapur Javanmardi; April 6 A boy to Tannaz and Hoshang Nikorawala; April 6 A boy to Khurshid and Aspi Antia; April 7' A boy to Daizy and Adil Crawford; April 10 A boy to Zenobia and Rohinton Jimmy Dady Patel; April 16 Bhamgara; April 11 Dinaz Kersi Rana and Kerfegar A girl to Homai and Ardaviraf Jamshed Cooper, April 17 Zaveri; April 13 A boy to Yasmin and Cyrus Billimoria; April 14 April 14 Mahrukh Framroze Batliwalla and Viraf Pesi Chinoy; April 15 Pervin Rustomji Amrolia and Keki Jal Bulsara; April 16 Mahdjabin Kamran Rahathbadi and Sohail Mohabatullah Mohabaf, April 16 Kashmira Naval Santok and Jal Rusi Olia; April 16 Jasmine Hosqng Debara and Maharukh Manchersha Fulwadiwala and Navroze Godrej Wadia; April 18 Firuza Hoshang Pastakia and Homyar Tehmurasp Mistry; April 20 Farida Rusi Adajania and Neville Jal Balsara; April 22 Shenaz Murzban Unwala and Dinshaw Faramroz Variava; April 23 Pinky Keki Patel and Khurshed Minocher Daruwalla; April 25 Doelat Pulad Puladi and Bahram Hormezdiar Bastani (Allahabadi); April 28 Aban Behram Havewala and Karl Pesi Kerawalla; April 28 Shiraz Aspandiar Irani and Darius Rustom Shroff, April 28 Shehemaz Hormuz Chubb and Adil Jamshed Patuck, April 29 Mahrukh Darabshaw Gubba of Surat and Rohinton Rustomji Shiraz Rustom Khorshedi and Jehangir Nariman Morris; April 30 Niloufer Jehangir Khambatt a and Hormazdiar Pirosha Rustomjee of Victoria, Australia; April 30 Died Parvez Ardeshir Motawara (54), residing at 12, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; March 21 Ardeshir Meheraban Beruzi (75), 4/31, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; March 31 Dhun Jamshedji Bhesania (73), Kasinath Bldg, Kasinath St, Tardeo, 400034; March 31 Siloo Rumi Umrigar (46), B/32, Shakti Sadan, Lamington Rd, 400004; March 31 Goshesp Homi Colah (84), C/o R. D. Wadia, 124-B, Twin Towers, Veer Savarkar Marg, Prabhadevi, 400025; April 1 Dhun Motabhai Contractor (65), 804-C, Rati Lodge, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 1 Gulan Minoo Dubash (65), Flat 2, Shirbanu Bldg, A-111, M. Karve Rd, 4(XX)20; April 2 Shiavax Dorabji Pavri (80), 44/B, Batliwalla Villa, Sleater Rd, 400007; April 2 Hoshang Munchersha Doctor (76), Windsor Chmbs, Cawasji Patel St, Fort, 4(XX)01; April 3 Homi Munchersha Malu (82), 66, Great Western Bldg, 37, Maharashtra Chmb of Commerce Lane, Museum, 400001; April 3 Dinshaw Hormusji Kutar (75), Khorshed Abad, 658, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 4 - Ratamai Pestonji Dastoor (85), Flat 2, Mehta Bldg, Panthaki Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; April 6 Mani Manek Mehta (80), D/8, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; April 6 Nariman Cawasji Panthaki (83), Daruwalla Hse, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 6 Framroze Jehangir Patel (89), No 3, Azad Ngr, 46/962, Veer Elesai Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; April 6 Aaban Farokh Soonawalla (45), 22, Mehta Mhl, Dadar, 400014; April 6 Hiraji Maneksha Boatwalla (54); 18-A, Jal Darshan, 51, Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; April 7 Perin Rustomji Hilloo (73), 2, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; April 7 De^ulat Navroji Icchaporia (90), 739, Cama Bldg, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 7 Khorshed Kaikhushru Irani (73), 31/32, Shanhville, Malcolm Baug, S.V. Rd, Jogeshwari (W), ^ 400102; April 7 Eruchshaw Merwanji Kharas (86), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; April 7 Kersasp Sorabji Meherhomji (48), R. Jairajbhai Bldg, 28, Forjett St, 400007; April 7 Jerbai Phiroze Pundol (82), 21/A, Sleater Rd, -400007; April 7 Homi Jeevanji Wadia (78), 114/G, Dattani Park, Western Express Highway, Borivli (E), 40006^ April 7 JalRustomjiDesai {(tl), Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; April 8 Soli Cawasjee Mama (64), Albless Bldg, 691, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 4(X)014; April 8 Rumi Manchershaw Umrigar (48), Shivlila, Girish Talao, Vasai 401201; April 8 Jaloo Navel Kanga (69), 12/B, Band View, 665, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 9 Avabai Dadabhoy Motiwalla (91), Landsend, Dongersey Rd, Malabar Hill, 400006; April 9 Behram Sorabji Mowdawalla (67), Pervez Lodge, 16th Khar Rd, 400052; April 10 Dinabai Pestonji Deboo (73), 29, Dadachanji Bldg, Marzban Clny, Dr A. Naik Rd, 400011; April 11 Dhunmai Gustaspa Karkaria 38 Parsiana May 1989I f*' (91), B-5, Rustom Baug, Victoria Chmbs, 347-A, Grant Rd, Rd, Byculla, 400027; April 11 Seroo Darabsha Avasia (72), 3/6, Darabshaw Framji Bharucha B. S. Panthaki Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; April 12 Boman Jamshed Irani (69), 275-0, Umrigar Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400007; April 12 Tehmina Mahiyar Irani (15), Meher Mans, Jamshedji Petit St, 400007; April 23 Grant Rd, 400007; April 12 Phiroze Framroze Tavadia (68), 13, Ratan Tata Clnv, Bldg No 3, 400064; April 23 Ratan Tata Marg, Tardeo, 400034; April 12 Keki Ardeshir Vesuna (76), 14, Krishna Nivas, Roshan Ngr, BorivliXW), 400092; April 12 Mani Jehanbux Cooper (71), 511-C, Davur Bldg, Adenwalla Rd, Matunga, 400019; April 13 Piroja Phirojshaw Irani (78), 598, Wadia Bldg, Girgaon Rd, 400002; April 14 Tehmas Shavaksha Tata (80), C/o Lane, 40(X)04; April 25 Ms Freny Crawford, Dhun Villa, Meherbano Ardeshir Medjakar 615, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 14 Tehmina Shapurji Hansotia (63), Jasmine Homi Jokhi (4), 29-A, 4, Shroff Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400607; April 15 Katy Jal Rivetna (52), 32, Kashinath Bldg, 7th Khetwadi Lane, 400004; April 15 Dhunmai Jehangirji Siganporia (86), ‘C,’ Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar (77), 5, Ajanta, Chimbai Rd, Rd, Byculla, 400027; April 15 Tehmina Dinshawji Surty (78), 220/B, The Reward, Tardeo, 400007; April 15 Dolly (Dorabji) Sorabji Battiwalla (83), Ghatalia Mans, 803-D, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 16 Kersasp Maneksha Katrak (69), Dinu Villa, 631-B, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 16 Dosabhai Jivanji Shroff (76), 27, Nariman Sorabji Golwalla (85), Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, 400007; April 16 Hughes Rd, 400007; April 28 Alan Dara Vandrewalla (65), 73, Mehra Temurasp Govadia (70), West View, Lam Rd, Deolali Dist, Nasik, 422001; April 18 Dhunjisha Dinshaji Elavia (IGi), Boman Hse, 2, Homji St, Fort, 400001; April 19 Merwan Khodadad Irani (47), Mackawee Mans, 7, Rustom Sidhwa Marg, Fort, 400001; April 19 Aloo Khurshedji Patel (70), 7-C/13, Tata Blocks, Tardeo, 400034; April 19 Bachamai Sorabji Sodawaterwala (79), 22, United 400007; April 19 (70), Jeevan Complex, Khetwadi Main Rd, 40(X)04; April 21 Jimmy K. B. Tavaria (47), Ml, Tomco Officers Qrts, Tata Hsg Soc, Wadala, 400031; April 21 Armeity Aflatoon Irani (42), 21, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, Married Spenta Wania and Faramarz Khambatta; March 16 Pervin Sukhiya and Daraius Rabadi', March 26 Died Tehmina Edulji Chowna (75); March 1 39 Parsiana May 1989 Tehmina Behramji Irani (72), Nawab Manzil, Wadia St, Daulat Rustom Rubux (71), Dahanu Darshan, Dahanu Rd, 401602, April 23 Gulbanoo Pirojsha Sethna (93), Roshan Mans, 664, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 23 Dadi Cursetjee Driver (76), 689, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 24 Shirin Savak Banaji (78), Prabhakar Sadan, Khetwadi, 12th (78), 73, Vijay Chmbs, Tribavan Rd, 400001; April 25 Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; April 26 Homi Navroji Kanga (74), ‘V,’ Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; April 26 Temulji Eruchsha Khambatta Bandra, 400050; April 26 Co'omi Eruch. Contractor (74), 285, Chaturbhuj Bldg, Samaldas Gandhi Marg, 400002; April 27 Kaikobhai Jehangir Engineer (85), Dwarka Bldg, 13th Rd, Khar, 400052; April 27 Mehroo Dhunjishaw Mistry (68), 66, Blue Heaven, Mt Pleasant Rd, Malabar Hill, 400006; April 27 23/12, Prafulla Hsg Soc, Dutta Mandir Rd, Deshkunar Wadi, Kandivli (W), 400067; April 28 Noshir Kekobad Mobedjina (13), 2/5, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; April 28 Hirabai Bomanji Tijoriwalla (84), Nawab Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; April 28 Bomi Burjorji Basla (48), D-16, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; April 29 Dinamai Ratansha Desai (91), Pandole Bldg, Opp Mithaiwalla Agiary, Sleater Rd, 400007; April 29 Aloo Eruchshah Karanjia (67), Kotwal Hse, Sleater Rd, 400007; April 29 Banoobai Jamshedji Mistry (87), 13, Shiv-Neri Bldg, Old Bombay Agra Rd, Thane, 400602; April 29 Darabsha Jamshedji Noble (78), Noshir Sohrabji Sidhwa (81); Noble Bldg, 151, Nanubhai EJesai Rd, 400004; April 29 Baby girl of Parvez Darabsha Tadiwalla (stillborn), Multani Bldg, Khetwadi, 400004; April 29 Soona Jehangir Dastur (89), New Bhivandi Hse, Cumballa Hill, 400036; April 30 CALCUTTA Born A boy, Khushrav, to Dolly and Hosi Davar, April 2 A girl to Tehmina and Gautam Ghosh-, April 28 Died Savak Hirji Ghadiali (58), husband of Mani and father of Farokh and Farhad; April 19 CHICAGO Born A girl, Malisa, to Mahrukh and Bob Kravich', April 5 A girl, Alysha, to Rashne and Rohinton Shroff, April 20 KARACHI Born A boy to Dinaz and Rohinton Irani', February 14 A girl to Alla and Burjor Rustomji-, March 9 March 2 Kaikhushru Sorabji Kotwal (84); March 1 Mahrukh Homi Irani (37); March 21^ Sarosh Khodad Irani (83); March 27 Khorshed Bejanji Khajotia (96); March 30 MIDDLESEX, UK Born A boy, Darius, to Stella and Gev Eduljee-, March 9 PENNSYLVANIA Died * Dhunmai Gandhi, mother of. Mani Rao; February 22 POONA Died Nariman Shavaksha Bextor (86), 9, Alexandra Rd, Ghorpadi, 411001; April 18 Keki Jamshedji Feniwala (79), 920, Synagogue St, 411001; April 22 Fardoon Dinshaw Irani (82), 1981, Convent St, 411001; April 26 Mani Rumi Irani (48), 9, River View, Koregaon Park, 411001; April 30 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES The Iranian names of boys and girls along with their meanings which originally appeared in Parsiana have now been reprinted in an attractive 24-page booklet. The book, which is priced at Rs 15,is available on sale at: Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Behind Reserve Bank of India, Fort, Bombay 400 001. Faredoon and Burjor Sandalwood Shop, Princess Street. Union Press, 13, Homji Street, Bombay 400001.t His scholarship was progressive, yet pro- declared that the traditional system found. His oratory skills could hold the should be replaced with an alternative attention of the most listless listener. His mode of disposal, ^n the famous chanting of prayers would gladden the Bangalore Aramgah case, he lent support hearts of the non-ritualists. But because to those favoring the aramgah rather than he had chosen to follow the religion of the dokhma and, on the basis of his brief, Zarathushtra according to his interpreta- the court decided that the aramgah should tion and convictions which did not find coexist with the dokhma. favor with the prevailing beliefs and cus ­ toms, Dastur Framroze Ardeshir Bode ’s popularity was limited. His decision to be consecrate the Fasli Atash Kadeh in his cremated, which he had conveyed in writ- own distinctive way. Further, when the ing to his wife Homai nearly 15 years ago, trustees appointed him dastur of this fire- further estranged him from the clergy, temple, his critics viewed this as simply some of whom felt that as a priest he had sacrilegious. Also, in the forty-ninth year no right to opt for this mode of disposal of his life when he chose to marry Homai overruling the traditional dokhmenashini who had left her first husband to join the system. They wondered whether this rebel priest, the community thought that would set a wrong precedent for the the act was not befitting a spiritual head, community. Till the end, some bitter critics refused to As a result, at the Chandanwadi address him as ‘Dastur ’ or ‘Dr ’ Bode and Electric Crematorium on February 1, 1989 there were barely a score and more friends and relatives who had come to pay Engler, an associate of Bode ’s at the their last respects to the former high Philosophical Research Society, Los priest of die Fasli Atash Kadeh. Probably, Angeles, who wrote of the priest, news about his death that same morning “Statements he made years ago have had not spread far. Yet, this scant attend- assisted me Song the way. They still sur- ance was in marked contrast to his heyday face and remind me of the'direction to when gatherings would assemble in large go. ” Ervad Kersey Antia of Chicago who numbers to hear his provocative talks also ranks among the liberals of the com- even though there was a constant threat of munity ever since he performed the^ the meeting being disrupted. Ervad Homi navjote of American engineer Joseph^ Turel, a trustee of the Cama Athoran Peterson, acknowledged, “He was so ill Madressa, remembers one such meeting and helpless for so long (Bode was suffer- when, as a young boy, he had jumped over ing from Alzheimer ’s disease for the last a wall to avoid confrontation. eight years) but it was only with his pass- But why was Bode hounded? Why did ing away that I realized what a vacuum his he evoke so much antagonism, so much passing away has created in the communi ­ controversy? At a time when the commu- ty among the progressives. It is so sad that nity was governed by customs and we have no learned dastur of his caliber traditions, he incited members to question with the progressive views he braved half Fr9inrOZ6 Bod6 trofid relevance, when Zoroastrians con- a century ago. At a time when we need , sidered themselves God’s chosen people many more like him, we have none.” a revolutionary path who alone were entitled to the Prophet’s French scholar Dr Patti du Breuil who THE REBEL PRIEST IN MEMORIAM J rz-* Bl Favored by the liberals and frowned upon by the orthodox, Dastur Parinaz Gandhi 40 Parsiana May 1989 In a period when sanctity and ceremo ­ nial purity were the norm, he chose to insisted on referring to him as ‘Mr ’ Bode. But there were others like Esther sidered themselves God’s chosen people many more like him, we havejione.” who alone were entitled to the Prophet’s r.-------------------------- --------------- message, he dared to perform, on a mass describes himself asl “a faithful follower scale, navjote ceremonies of illegitimate of Dasturji Bode whbm I do not hesitate children of Zoroastrian men and their to place among my masters, ” says, “The non-Zoroastrian mistresses in the village ill-informed people who (criticize) him of Vansda. These navjotes which have have thus shown their complete ignorance since been labelled as the “Vansda navjo- of Avestic matters and, above all, of the tes ” received censure from the true spirit of the Zoroastrian religion community. To the Zoroastrian lot who which he so remarkably incarnated. ” believed that offering dead bodies to the vultures was the ultimate good deed, he In a paper contributed to The Voice Universal of Sussex, UK, Bode had writ-1 ten io 1970, “Zarathushtra brings the was due to the inspiration provided by Subsequently, Bode performed the ashir- message of freedom and liberation from Bode whom he used to meet regularly. In vad ceremony for the couple at their darkness, ignorance, superstition, ritual- 1942, when Bode along with Dastur request. During his 26-year stay in the ism... He does not demand blind Minocher JamaspAsa and other priests United States, Bode performed the ashir- following... He says; give ear, listen, pon- performed 77 navjotes of people in the vad for many Parsis who had married der with the light of your shining mind age-group of 7 to 77, there was an uproar non-Parsis, including maestro Zubin and with expanding awareness, decide, in the community and a public meeting Mehta. He was convinced that the ashir- — vad ceremony showered the couple with blessings which, according to the scrip ­ tures, cannot be denied to even a criminal. refused As an ordained minister. Bode was invited to perform the wedding ceremo ­ nies of many Christians and Jews who had heard his discourses at their Sunday prayer meets and were impressed by his thin g wrong in performing the navjotes of “No one condemns the Mazagaon philosophy. What is rare is that he was children of Zoroastrian fathers and their navjotes (performed in 1882 by five das- once invited to perform the wedding cere- non-Zoroastrian mistresses staying with turs and four priests, including Dastur mony of a Christian priest and his performed 77 navjotes of people in the vad for many Parsis who had married der with the light of your shining mind age-group of 7 to 11, there was an uproar i discriminate; each man must choose his was convened to censure their action, faith for himself. ” According to him. From this group of 77, some, it is Zarathushtra has declared his mission to believed, later discarded their sudreh- be: giving “spiritual illumination to each kusti when they were anyway i_------ and every living soul and to lead all living admission to fire-temples. According to beings onto the path of faith in God. ” another source, some of these new initi- Bode was condemned because he ates subsequently even married into openly declared that he did not see any- children of Zoroastrian fathers and their navjotes (performed in 1882 by five das- them. On the appeal from the fathers of Kookadaru) which were of a similar Christian bride in the priest s own church such children in Vansda, a village in nature where, in fact, the mistresses were in California, remembers Homai. Gujarat, social worker Burjorji Bharucha not even residing with the Zoroastrian Even after Bode took up residence in personally investigated each case history men, ” points out Homai Bode. But the United States in 1954, on his tri- _ _ ___ _______ ___________________ ¦' ¦ -----annual trips to India he would invariably genuinely seeking to enter the High Priest of the H. B. Wadia Atash pass on his message, through lectures, to audiences that were interested. Until 1980 he continued on the governing board of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute whose condolence message described him as “a scholar of eminence, a progressive J reformist, one who lived according to his S understanding of the teachings of our Prophet. ” 1 Bode ’s talks were marked by elo- I quence of language and powerful I delivery. He never needed to refer to his I notes during his talks. Ungrudgingly, even ? high priests like Dastur Hormazdyar I Mirza and Kotwal, who did not agree with I his views, conceded that his oratory was I exceptional. Said Mirza, “No doubt he I was a learned man, but he did not listen to I the views of the majority of the communi- R ty. ” Since Mirza and Bode “could not see H eye to eye in public, ” Mirza did not wish I to comment further. Kqtjval was more ¦ forthcoming. He complimented Bode as I “a good man, helpful in every way, a H teacher at Zoroastrian seminaries...He ¦ made good efforts to preserve the V 2Loroastrian tenets. ” Kotwal however did not hesitate to add, “He was bestowed with intelligence, had zeal, his prayers could win over your heart... but unfortu- another source, some of these new initi- athornan families. “No one condemns the Mazagaon nature where, in fact, the mistresses were Gujarat, social worker Burjorji Bharucha not even residing with the Zoroastrian and was convinced that the would-be initi- according to Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal, ates were i c Bode (sitting on chair, third from left) with the staff and students of the Dadar Athornan Madressa including Master (rear row, extreme left) and Pant ha ky (rear row, third from left) religion. Bode believed that there was no Bahram, the earlier navjotes were per ­ formed with due care and in keeping with the prescribed rituals for which they were nately he made false utilization of these endowments ” without considering how _ his doctrines would offend the sentiments tioned in his bio data, he even performed of the devout. Had he heeded the voice of navjotes of an Iranian-Muslim and a Jew the majority, he would have been vener- accorded the sanction of the community. Bode went a step further. As men- reason why the children should suffer for in Oregon, USA as also of a German lady ated, would have left his name behind. Supporting the same view, an editorial comment in The Bombay Samachar of February 19 notes, “Had he remained a the acts of their fathers, remembers Ervad - a Christian married to a Parsi - who, Ko^al pointed out. Fali Master, secretary of the Iran League, after studying the Zoroastrian scriptures. Master admits that his own involvement was keen to get her navjote performed on and participation in community activities her first wedding anniversary. 41 Parsiana May 19891 conformist, practised and preached strict believed that “Prayers are for the living, adherence to old, outdated customs and not for the dead, ” he opined that it was superfluous ceremonies, it would have irreligious not to perform the death cere- been roses, roses all the way for him. But monies of those who have opted for he would have none of it... He staked his cremation. In fact, the priests who per ­ career, his reputation, even accepted formed the afterdeath ceremonies for some time initially but with their convic ­ tions, they were able to ignore the criticisms. When the issue of the disposal “could have taken our alat, but he had that of the dead bodies had become a heated pride that he could do everything on his t own, ” was Kotwal ’s main cause for com- Bangalore, with one section opting for plaint. The Fasli Dastur served the Atash burial and another for dokhmenashini, it Kadeh for 14 years without taking any was Bode ’s knowledge of the scriptures remuneration. “We lived from the eam ­ that helped solicitor Rustom Gagrat win ings of his ashodad and other the celebrated case in favor of the i----- account for the additional day in the leap year) or his claims that he had been able to create a new Fasli alat (liturgical appa ­ ratus used in religious services) were dismissed by other priests like Kotwal who insist that no one today knows how to social ostracism for... he firmly believed Bode were also reportedly ostracized for make his own alat. Though the wealthy that the great Zoroastrian religion was some time initially but with their convic- might have subscribed to this theory, meant for the people of the whole world; tions, they were able to ignore the Kotwal does not deem it possible. Bode that anybody who wanted to enter the fold should not be denied admission... Till the end of his days, he neither regretted, controversy within the community at relented nor resiled from his stand. ” ~ No samast anjuman meeting was sum ­ moned to^onor the late Dastur. There was fear that a requisition made by his --------- _ „ . . • • u- supporters would result in a counter- the celebrated case in favor of the investments, maintains Homai. Within a resolution from his detractors causing aramgah proponents. Though pressure couple of years he had made the^agiary embarrassment and disharmony within the community. His wife is indifferent “Framroze is dead. It won ’t matter to him whether he is praised or cursed. Our thinking is all warped. We hold (condo ­ lence) meetings to lavish praise but when the person is living there are not even two good words for him. ” The lone traveller was constantly “in search of truth and facts. He never thought of himself. He had the courage to express his views in written and oral form. If he felt that a statement is ‘not the truth ’ or ‘this is not religion ’ he would say so. But he would never say ill about any ­ body, ” Homai took pains to point out. The system of disposal of the dead has to change with the times. Bode firmly rec ­ ommended. Though he personally Petit family) appKiin^hirn dastur of the (Left) Bode performing the ashirvad ceremony for Zubin and Nancy Mehta At the North American Zoroastrian Symposium: Bode expresses his views brought upon the aramgsdi supporters self-supporting. A select clientele had . . . . . ...... T- .--- !--- •-- fact that the two systems of disposal coex- panthaky system had been adopted and ist in Bangalore today is largely due to Bode ’s advice. Just as some could not tolerate Bode ’s independent approach to religious issues, disregarding the voice of the majority, there were also others who strongly lob ­ bied for him. And often, such support depends upon its ability to free itself from would come from affluent individuals stagnant traditions and unessential accre- which angered the populace even further tions. ” In the consecration of the and alienated him from the community. Rustomfaram Adaran at Dadar too, There were not many to appreciate the had given a hand. four months ’ efforts he put in for the con- “ ' ~ " secration of the Fasli Atash Kadeh in _ Bombay. But, he had the blessings of the Anjuman Atash Bahram in Bombay Petit family. Hamabai (daughter of the where he had first started his yozdathre- gari. Subsequently he even served as secretary of ±e institution and almost till the last years of his life continued as trus ­ tee in an otherwise orthodox bastion. In fact, Homai ’s offer to tender a resignation was brought upon the aramgah supporters seii-supporang. scicvi viieuicic u¦ .tk ,«?»>«*. ? *** i»mthe initiative of starting the Mazdasnan keep his mind open. In India we do not movement to benefit young Zoroastrians. know what discussion is, ” was Homai s The activities of this group were also view. She remembered Bode despondent ­ ly saying that he thought “The Parsi community is great but it is not enlight- because certain legal formalities so demanded, she explained. It was only subsequent to joining the Anjuman Atash Bahram at the age of 19 frowned upon by the orthodox segment that Bode got a chance to pursue secular nu vxxixv»xxv..>x.x ------------------ - - . . , j ™’* education His early years had been spent ing of whose policies Bode was involved ened. They close their minds. They do "nera wh^ there was no sch^l. co^iderably ™s the Boys ’ Town Public «™t to see what t^s are. ” Stmlar^ After coming in contact with Sohrab School in Nasik where he was founder Master rememters the savants advice Marshall, principal of the Imperial High trustee till his demise. As noted by the “Listen to everybody ^d finally do w School, Bode was able to complete the School ’s trustee Keki Mehta, “He was a your conscience says. course of education of seven school stand- man of convictions and he stood by them The reformer realized tha ards in 20 months. The initial against all odds. Very few dastuijis have Zoroasrtians want to mmntainteeir ide breakthrough achieved. Bode then went done so and our community will surely tity and survive in the New World, they on to acquire a BA degree in Avesta from miss him. ” should move with the times_ the Bombay U«iversity and a master ’s Among the books authored by Bode An honorary member of the London movement to benefit young Zoroastrians. An educational institution in the fram- School ’s trustee Keki Mehta, “He was a yoiw conscience says. ” man of convictions and he stood by them _ *— ------------ — - _ j te"so**Mid*our community will surely tity and survive in the New World, they me oomoav uwvcisuy miu a ixiaow. Among the books authored by Bode - , • x diploma and gold medal in Oriental and were Man, Soul and Immortality and Parsi Association, Bode was also instra- Ancient Iranian languages and literature. Songs of Zarathushtra which he had mental in the s^ing up of an association His PhUdegree came much later in 1957, coauthored with Piloo Nanavutty. His in Californiat. Thefirst Zoroastrian asso^ from the^ Sacramento University, manuscript on The Zoroastrian Doctrine ciation at California was conceived during California, informed Homai, for a thesis of the Soul was unfortunately not printed the fomiUes he had submitted on Aurobindo. because he did not get a chance to revise among the three Zoroa^m 1 - - residing there, informs Homai. The mtlux When residing in the States, Bode was came later and soon there was not one, on the faculty of The Philosophical but three Zoroastrian groups asserting Research Society Inc, East-West Culture their strengths. In a condolence letter sent Society, Krotona School of Theosophy by the president of the California and the Cultural Integration Fellowship Zoroastrian Center, Bode was described icsaa «x Ashram. He officiated as consultant or on as “a man who dedicated his life for the of his the board of governors in institutions like cause of promoting asha and despite all the Beverly Hills High School and the the opposition to his reformative move, California Institute of Asian Studies. He carried on the mission to the last. ” was also a founder member of the Union Though Bode did enjoy an occasion^ 4 1* < J^ITwwxxxlx.^_____ ______ _ because he did not get a chance to revise " White *me* Surat-born Bode himself the text before he was incapacitated, had received his yozdathregari training at the J. N. Petit Orphanage (his father was the panthaky of an agiary in Badnera), for several years he tutored at the M. F. Cama Athoman Institute, Andheri and was even the principal of the Athornan Madressa at Dadar. As remember some cS ex-students like Master, “He gave us won ­ derful training. His discipline and straightforwardness were remarkable. ” ui.v „ —----------—r r . . life. Though the present principal of the for the Study of Great Religions in game of cards and soci^izin^is life Madressa Rustom Panthaky was very Oxford, England. otherwise centered around his biwks^ His young when Bode was the principal there. Frequently participating m panel dis- grasp of religious subjects was ‘"-Jeptte he still holds the impression that Bode cussions on television in the USA where He was a vegetarian by choice and had could command respect and give respect, he was asked to impart his knowledge of 1957 worked as joint What is particularly imprinted on ,------------------ - Panthakv ’s memory is Bode ’s early mom- opporunity to perform a jashan cermony o ¦ x. j • u- ing chanting of the Gathas, every day and a wedding ceremony in Bombay for a member of the Tagore Society and in his after his bath, in a mellifluous voice that was a “very good influence on us chil ­ dren. ” Bode ’s recitations C— used to be regularly aired over the All whether in England or Germany or India Radio and he was also invited to join France or Russia. Conferences on the his- Gandhiji at prayer meets. 1 , _ . Bode was the honorary secretary of the humanistic psychology were all i^^llec- Gatha Society and in the weekly classes lix«i ovix>xx. ’x»..».. f-. ~~ , r - x- d.;* Ux. that he conducted, he imparted the tenets Bode. He spent a year in Iran as the cul- Pjjysiological functionj^ But unUl he of the Zoroastrian religion. When work- tuxcxx vvu..av.xv. — ------— -—- - ing for this cause he came in close Culture Society and had even been invited objectives He lived his life truthf y Zociarton wiU, Irach Taraporewala and to Athens to speak at the 2500 years birth ¦*" Behramgore Anklesaria; the latter he con- celebration of the philosopher Pythagoras, sidered his guru. Reviving the Rahnumae He particularly looked forward to the a?^<Iua\%l7fo'unde'd ”b? die ’States whei^e topics, ’osually pose is to •TUnk creatively, constni- Dadabhoy Naoroji), and during his tenure concerning religion or life or science ^vely, rattondly, as secretary until 1956, Bode had an would preoccupy the group for hours in a dependently with your head, love telly, opportunity to come in close contact with post-dinner session, recollects his wife, universally and joyously with your heart; Sk Rustom Masani, industrialist At these meetings, “There was difference and live dynamically by usmg your hands Phirozeshah Mehta, and many others, of opinion but never argument. Each to serve mankind m the cause of unity and During the Second World War, he took speaker would assert his own point, yet peace. ” Zoroastrianism, Bode had even had an of the International Vegetarian Conference. The secular scholar was also the n\m Altars of the East by Lew Ayres, prime went visiting Shantiniketan, He was a familiar figure at the Rabindranath Tagore ’s international uni- of the Gathas International Oriental Congress meets versity near Calcutta. Born at the turn ofjthis century. Bode XXaxxv^ vzx x.x..,., — died at the age of 88. In the last few years, to^'^of religions, Mithraic studies, he was not conscious of the happenings _______ I---”--' around him and had to be constantly tudTtimdants fo7tiTe scholastic-minded attended to for performing the simplest ....................... ¦ " ¦ —*¦’ was tural counsellor of the Ancient Iranian 80 he was very active in pursuing his and usefully. I don ’t think anybody can do more than that, ” asserted Homai. _______ _________ As Bode himself had once summarized ^930 (the oldest informal discussion group meetings every the message of Zarathushtra, a man s pur- concerning religion or life or science ctively, rationally, originally and in- would preoccupy the group for hours in a dependently with your head; love fully. JI 43 Parsiana May 1989CER Blood D^nor Contacts Should anyone require a blood do- Edil J. Katrak, 18/B, Sky Scraper, ZONE VIII nor the Committee for Economic Bhulabhai Desai Rd, 400026, Sewri, Lalbaug, Parel Revival (CER) lists the people in Tel: 8221717 Jeroo B. Bharucha, Flat 20 2B, the different zones of Bombay with Maki R. Majra, B/9, Godrej Baug, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Sw J- ------- " "¦ Bhatankar Rd, Parel, 400012, Tel: 446106 Hoshie J. Dehoo, 32, Parel Tank Rd, Tata Clny, Parel, 400012, Tel: 4130446 the Comtnittee for Economic Bhulabhai Desai Rd, 400026, Tel: 4933538 Adi M. Mistry, 204, Pradeep, Plot 32, Worli, 400018, Tel: 4935750 ¦ i f whom the Blood Donors Dimdoty Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400006, is available. "^^1- 8124189 Navaz M. Mehta, G/2, Spenta, B.G. Kher Marg, 400006, Tel: 8115466 ZONE XII Juhu, Vile Parle, Andheri, Versova, Sahar Katty E. Engineer, Garda Bldg, Panthaki Clny, Andheri (E), 400069, Tel: 6342485 Jeemmy D. Khan, 0-1, L Tata Hsg ZONE I Fort, Hut^ma Chowk, Ballard ----------- - . „ , .r, .-v . wn Estate, Churchgate, Sachivalaya, Jiji Nusserwanji, 21,'Ma\banB\dg Zarin B. Kapadia, B, Tata Mills Marine Drive New Khareghat Clny, Babulnath Maharukh S. Batliwalla, 92 , Steel Rd, 400007^ Hse, Flat 11, ‘G’ Rd, Marine Drive, 400002, Tel: 256447 Khursheed F. Madon, 5/17, Has- anali Bldg, Jeejibhoy Dadabhoy St, Tel: 8227412 Fort, 400001, Tel: 265315 Daisy H. Mehta, Empress ZONE V Court, 126, Backbay Reel, 400020, Grant Road, Tardeo, Gowalia Tel' 221087 Tank, Nana Chowk, Haji All ZVrtzer 7. fiMc/na, Empress Bldg, N. P. Lane, Grant Rd, 400007, Tel: 377089 Percy B Chhapgar, Sir Ratan Tata Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, -------- 400014, Tel: 4138270 Pervina R. Doctor, 759, Rd No 7, 400103, Tel: 664676 Parsi Clny, Dadar 400014, Tel: 8227560 Adi J. Shroff, 102, Aderbad, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007, Co-op Hsg Soc, J. Bhatankar Rd, Parel, 400012, Tel: 449302 Farokh B. Kasad, Flat 27, Bldg 3, Centre, Lallubhai Park Rd, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033, Tel: 4133593 Nariman E. Mehta, P/2, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012, Tel: 4134244 Andheri (W), 400058, Tel: 245070 Ext 14 Malcolm K. Patel, 3, Cama Bldg, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058, Tel: 6281420 ZONE II Dhobi Talao, Girgaon, Marine Lines Yasmin R. Bhagat, Master Chmbs, Clny, Bldg 8, Tardeo, 400034, Cinema Rd, 400020, Tel: 259063 Bond E. Dadahhoy, 635, Mistry Bldg, J.S.S. Rd, E)hobi Talao, 400002, Tel: 314740 Gulshan T. Dalal, 21, Kala Niketan Bldg, 95, Queens Rd, 400020, Tel: 290940 Percy S. Wadia, Old Sitaram Bldg, 204, S. Gandhi Marg, 400002, Tel: 250731 ZONE IX ZONE XIII Dadar, Matunga, Wadala, King Jogeshwari, Goregaon, Malad, Circle " Mahiyar G. Dastoor, 616, Jame KSndivii, Borivli, Dahisar LzVy K. Aihada, A 6/6, Flat 3/8, Jeevan Bima Ngr, Opp Shanti Ashram Bus Depot, Borivli (W), Tel: 4949883 Freddy D. Tukina, 30, Kasinath Bldg, 7th Khetwadi Lane, 400004, Tel: 4121443 Tel: 383349 Mithoo J. Jesia, 191, Jame Shyam A. Wadia, 326, Karim Bldg Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, Grant Rd, 400007, ” ' Tel: 371394 Homi S. Talati, 17, Malcolm Baufy,^ Jogeshwari (W), 400102, Tel: 6280394 ZONE III Museum, Colaba, Cuffe Parade Dilhur H. Daruwalla, 92, Hassa Mhl, Dalamal Park, 223, Cuffe Parade, 400005, Tel: 215033 Armaity C. Ghaswala, D/4, Amarchand Mans, Madame Cama Rd, 400039, Tel: 2020209 Silloo K. Kavarana, 59, Wode ­ house Rd, Colaba, 400005, Tel: 215989 Rummy P. Khan, R/16, Cusrow Baug, S.B. Rd, 400039, Tel: 240610 ZONE VI Lamington Road, Bombay Central, Jacob Circle, Delisle Road Zarine M. Amalsadvala, C/3, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004, Tel: 359756 Zarin H. Mistry, Hira Manzil, Gilder Lane, Opp Navjivan Soc, 400007, Tel: 375686 400014, Tel: 4121571 Nariman Khursedji, 724, Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014, Tel: 4121436 ZONE XIV Powai, Bhandup, Vikhroli, Muliind, Ghatkopar, Thane Darayush S. Bamji, X-103/11 Godrej Stn Side Clny, Vikhroli, 400079, Tel: 589241 Ext 4377 Bomi R. Boyce, C/610, Usha Ngr, Village Rd, Bhandup, 400078, Tel: 5611685 In addition, the CER has also dis- ZONE IV Hughes Road,'Malabar Hill, Walkeshwar, Cumballa Hill, Warden Road, Peddar Road Khurshed D. Doctor, B/6, Khar- eghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007, Tel: 8228161 44 Parsiana May 1989 ZONEX Sion, Mahim, Bandra, Khar, Santacruz Nozer R. Balsara, Flat 6, Bldg 5, Khan Est, M. M. Chhotani Rd, Mahim, 400016, Tel: 462590 Huffish S. Contractor, 4/11, Mehta tributed copies of the Blood Bldg, M. M. Chhotani Rd, Mahim, Donors Directory to the following: 400016, Tel: 455766 " Zarin D. Malegam, Edvin, 189, Perry Rd, Bandra, 400050, Tel: 6407082 Maharukh M. Wadia, Flat 2, Bldg Dadabhai^Naoroji Rd, Fort, 5, Khan Est, M. M. Chhotani Rd, Mahim, 400016, Tel: 466072 • Blood Bank, B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital, B. Petit Rd, A.K.Marg,400036,Tel;8223212-14 • Bombay Parsi Punchayet, 209, 400001, Tel: 267421-23 • Indian Red Cross Society, Pro ­ vincial Head Qrts, Town Hall Comp, Fort, 400001, Tel: 2861524 • Lady Hirahai Cowasji Jehangir Dinyar M. Jivaasha, 401, Sibylle Health Unit, J. N. Gamadia Bldg, Apts, 65, Worli Hill Rd, 400018, “ ZONE VII Mazagaon, Dockyard, Byculla Meher K. Gazdar, 7/2, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027, Tel: 8721916 Rustom S. Mehta, A/31, Jer Baug, Byculla, 400027, Tel: 8514346 ZONE XI Sam M'. Pardiwala, 12/1, Rustom Worli, Prabhadevi Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, . Arvsnni 400027 Tel' 8726558 Apts, 65, Worli Hill Rd, 400018, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007 Rohinton E.'pithav^^la, 22/C, Na- Tel: 4931431 . Tata Blood Bank and Transfusion wab Tank Rd Mazasaon 400010 l^aiyos T. Marjatia, 10, Shiv Sgr, Service, J. J. Group of Hospitals, tS ra™ ’ g ’ Worli Hill Rd, Worli, 400018, Byculla, 400008, Tel: 830943 1 Cl. oO / Worli Hill Rd, Worli, 400018, '....T* ’