Jun 1989

fSJ> .m' -4! JUNE 1989 Rs 8 > I 7 5^-: ‘VI II I J £' .'’•i I S'*?’: jfii W! d*: .5. V t*, .•%t June 1989 Volume 11 Number 12 i • i. EDITOR Jehangir Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah Fernandes MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B.L. Arora EDP Rohinton Daroga CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver OFFICE Rajendra P. Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia Lewis, Rajalakshmi Krishnan, Bakhtavar Batliwalla 3 Readers' Forum 8 Events and Personalities 19 Zoroastrians Abroad 24 Petit Sanatorium: housing the homeless by Gustasp Irani 28 Scholars' interviews by Homi Rogers 36 The silent stars by Parinaz Gandhi 40 The railwaymen of Jhansi 4. 42 Milestones 46 in Memoriam Cover: Transparency by Varghese Fernandez 4 JI 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, Clo Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Phototypesetting, Ace ; color processing. Comart Lithographers; and black iand 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 liijoSHjojf untnt * * * ~ f t * V ... H11»•» iHM*’ i|n*> > Bi ** .BL uMW' tions of the Parsi woman of this to adjust all along the line: eating and generation. It is striking that in the mat- other habits, social life and entertain- ter of attitudes to marriage, the ment, living standards — even religion contemporary Parsi woman suffers and customs. And yet, there can be no from a peculiar blend of over-right- compromise about friends and values, eousness, a patronizing tolerance, a One had always thought that religion and confusing inconsistency, and an unreal- values had a close relationship. One or ity not expected of those who the other seems to have changed. hardheadedly postpone marriage till after 29. Let me illustrate from the evi- adjustments, she says “being a divorcee dence of these articles, before John or a widower will not be held against Knox ’s “monstrous regiment ” marches him. ” Mercifully, nothing said about his against me. track record: such sweet patronizing Look at this for over-righteousness at tolerance, the end of the twentieth century (one Beyond such a wide range of flexible i ! k 1 ' ; To the extent that “The ideal Parsi would have thought it was the end of the male ” portrayed on page 53 is a true Victorian era): “Premarital necking reflection of the research, he must be with her is fine, petting okay, but just below the angels, and all set for the beyond that point the male would be ill- House of Song. Poor chap, if only he advised to try his luck with her. ” Even was visualized as being more human, the Hindi films now are a lip ahead with kissing. But then the promise of propri- (Federation and trustees) go from here? ety: “After marriage though, he can The recommende(W)igger flats and fam- expect a fairly rewarding sex life. ” ily allowances? Its economics?. The Another over-righteous demand: “He premarital reality counselling to get should have an equable temper, but he adjustable Armaity to peg her expecta- should not smoke, drink or gamble. ” No tions to a gently falling, not a fallen trace of drugs yet in that Victorian angel; nor fear the consequences of ear- Readers' views me wekxjme on any subject of mind? ly sex education beyond necking? interest to the community and should be sent Now look at the inconsistency and I wonder what mamaiji (maternal to the Editor, Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 882, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing tor reasons of space and ciarfty. Unsigned letters or those without a (Fidelity ratios did not seem to figure in complete address wHI not be pubitehed. the research!) With these top virtues “DoCS ZoroaStrianism...” —. must come a postgraduate degree or I was glad to see Ali Jafarey ’s “Does . technical line, an income of over Rs Zoroastrianism teach reincarnation? ” Women ana marriage 3,000 per month, and a sense of humor. (Parsiana, March 1989). After I had Two cheers for all who helped Prof Yet in her rating, the things which go read your survey results under the same Homai Billimoria ’s Attitudes of Parsi with these — industriousness, drive, title in your August 1988 issue, I had a Youth (Females) Towards Marriage ambition, etc — get a low rating, question in my mind r^arding reincar- (“Women and marriage, ” Parsiana, Without these, one has to be a gifted nation and the Islamic tradition. When March 1989), and Ms Cashmera genius to make the grade. (As only 10 an Islamic scholar took up this issue, I Bhaya ’s survey of rural Parsis in south Gujarat (“The Deserted Villages, ” ibid). The more we know the less we 'feko desirables, and no mixed marriages, (bluff)! ” One cheer less for the omission of unmarried Parsi men, “partners of Now the juxtaposition of these desirable teachings of different religions and the broken marriages and interreligious high achieving men, and the low rating messages of saints and seers. In your unions ” due to “limitations of time and money. ” (I object to the purely biologic- “Economic aspects and ability to sup- reads: “Do you find the doctrine of rein- al male and female by demographers port a family, ” stretches credibility and carnation in Islamic tradition? ” Not a and sociologists as if they were reasear- ching in a stud farm!) The last of the ly. A case of the Brahmin, ecstatic to three cheers to Parsiana for the three hear the coin fall in his kamandal (col- articles on researches and researchers in its March issue. What comes through two of these three articles is the perplexing percep- So where do the ‘governors ’ ?1 1^ * 3 Parsiana June T989 Now look at the inconsistency and unreality. Her first three ratings are for grandmother) would say to all this. understanding, affection, and fidelity. aspimoddie percent of Parsi men are postgraduates, thought I’d find the answer to my query; if they are to go around as the qualified but no. I am not a linguist, nor a scholar of perhaps polygamy is the only answer!) religious beliefs. But I like to read the in the young ladies ’ responses of original questionnaire, question lid “Economic aspects and ability to sup- borders on ambivalence, to put it mild- single scholar in your inquiry has said ‘yes. ’ A negative reply is given by 24 scholars and six scholars have said lection box) but seeming to turn his face “can ’t say. ” away from materialism? I think the following passage in the Yet another hard one to swallow is Koran can be taken as evidence of rein- the waiting Parsi bride-to-be, prepared carnation. “How disbelieve ye in Allahwhen ye were dead and He gave life to you! Then He will give you death, then life again, and then unto Him you will return (Koran 2, 28).” I think it would be interesting if Jafarey and some of our journey will be by train, scholars who do not see reincarnation “ ‘ in Zoroastrianism and in Islamic tradi ­ tion were to say something on this POMt D. K. BALSARA “The highway rider” In “The highway rider ” (Parsiana, November 1988) you had written about Since I am a pensioner and my financfal my trip, on a moped, from Hyderabad circumstances do not permit such an to Pune. As a sequel, I am proposing to expenditure on my own, I seek sponsor- undertaken a journey on the same ship support to defray ±is expenditure, machine from Kanyakumari to Rest assured that the sponsor will Kashmir, a distance of 3,584 km which receive a meticulous account of the I propose to cover in 25 days, starting money together with any unspent bal- ance as this is an adventure involving a man-and-his-machine and not a jaunt to problems. The inefficiency and corrup- The sponsor will bear no responsibil- can tackle heights of 15,000 ft and if the roads are motorable in the sub-zero November weather, I will attempt a trip ‘^Religion of charity” I would like to second the proposal of to Ladakh, Kargil and Leh. My return the authors of the article “The religion - 7-... " charity ” (Parsiana, March 1989), to This entire odyssey will depend upon set up an organization which would be the help given by Parsi business houses responsible for collecting funds and and philanthropists to encourage me to applying them to charities of the venture all alone on such a trip at 66 donors ’ choice, years of age. I visualize an expenditure of Rs 12,000 to 15,000 for the entire trip, personally. However, I feel inclined to suggest that your magazine should tEde 155 this cause In the coming days, Parsiana will have to shoulder more responsibility towards the community ’s cultural and economic existence. Instead of digging out past glories of our forefathers, the magazine should - o . --------- •' —^"7— concentrate more on research into the November 1, 1989. ance as this is an adventure involving a various aspects of our community ’s My journey will take me through Madu- man-and-his-machine and not a jaunt to problems. The inefficiency and corrup- rai, Salem, Bangalore, Anantapur, Kur- make money. tion in the Parsi charitable organ- nool, Hyderabad, Nirmal, Adilabad, Nag- The sponsor will bear no responsibil- izations (if any) should be brought to Gwalior, Agra, Mat- ity regarding my life as I am adequately light. kot, Jammu, Batot and Banihal to Srinagar, quate precautions have been (taken) in If my machine is okay, if the manufac- I' turers, TVS-Suzuki, can give me the accident en route. green signal that their Champ moped hura, Delhi, Ambala, Jallandhar, Pathan- insured and so is my machine and ade- the event of my death on the road or any DADY c. PATEL.L Secunderabad Parsiana was perhaps bom when our community was too prosperous. Now it must view things from a different perspective. dinyar n.-jalnawalla Jalna FIRDOS & S. CAMBATTA CO. 'Cambatta Central', Bharat Bobins Ltd Premises Rakhial Road, Ahmedabad 380023 Agents in Gujarat for: M/s ION EXCHANGE (INDIA) LTD For INDION Water Softening Plants, Demineralisers, Cation & Anion Resins, Filters, Chemical Dosers etc ? ?? Sole concessionaires in Gujarat for: I M/s INGERSOLL-RAND (INDIA) LTD For Air Compressors and Vacuum Pumps 4 Parsiana June 1989t ? In aid of statistics craft, home science, nursing, munities. However, it is sad that Parsis occupational therapy, physiotherapy, are not taking full advantage of the edu- For statistical purposes, the Federation nutrition, studies in computer science, cational facilities extended to them, of Zoroastrian Associations of North typing-shorthand, telephone operating. Enrolment of Parsi children in Parsi America (FEZANA) would like to beauty culture and hair dressing, and established schools, which offer so know of Zoroastrians living outside the librarianship. This scholarship is not much in terms of real value to the com- large cities of the USA and Canada. £ ’ We would appreciate if their relatives arts, science or commerce. in India send their names and addresses to the undersigned at 3765 Malo Street, Brossard, P.Q. JAY IB4, Canada. Ms DOLLY P. DASTOOR Secretary, FEZANA Quebec, Canada science, given for degree-oriented courses in munity, is very poor. The Bai Dhunmai Cawasji High The fund benefitted 26 girls in 1985-86 School was established in 1934 for the to an aggregate of Rs 21,221; 20 in education of middle and lower-class 1986-87 (Rs 24,670); 22 in 1987-88 (Rs Parsi girls. Later on, boys were admit- 32,775) and 19 in 1988-89 (Rs 20,650). ted and with the passage of time, we are 32,775) and 19 in 1988-89 (Rs 20,650). Young girls from lower and middle- now a cosmopolitan, co-educational class families from Bombay and out of school where not even 50 Parsi children Bombay can avail of this opportunity are studying, even when all possible Learn a trade The Bai Dinbai B S. Patuck Memorial for help. For further information, con- financial help is extended to needy Scholarship Fund was established in 1967 .... under the auspices of Stri Zarthosti Mandal in memory of Bai Dinbai Patuck. Through its scholarships, Zoroastrian Hughes Road, Bombay 4(XXX)7. women are helped to learn a trade or a profession (non-academic) where train ­ ing is for a short period i.e. a year or less. After that the individual can earn a decent PstronizC Rarsi SChools income and be self-supporting. We have I would like to draw attention to a cer- in the past helped very many young tain trend in our community. During the women stand on their feet. nineteenth century, magnanimous Parsi This scholarship covers the diploma charities were established to care for- course in montessori and kindergarten the health and educational needs of the teachers training, and courses in handi- Parsi community as well as other com- tact or meet the undersigned personally students, at the Trust office C/o Stri Zarthosti ~ Mandal, _Sir Ratan Tata Institute, 35, welfare of our young ones in all Parsi _ ~ ~ . . managed schools should be brought to Ms B. s. TARAPORE light. This is not being communal, only community-minded; for the very same facilities are extended to non-Parsi chil ­ dren and will be continued hereafter. Dr (Ms) KETAYUN R. A. J. MADON Principal, Bai Dhunmai Cawasji High School Khandala If The opportunities available for the Administrator Edited by Amavaz S. Mama * With Best Wishes From STEELAGE INDUSTRIES LIMITED 7 Parsiana June 1989Events and Personalities easily gauge its productivity so that engineers could promptly set right the faults and optimize the fuel efficiency, notes a write-up forwarded to Parsiana. Seventy-three-year-old Sarkari is a fellow of the Institute of Plant Engineers and a member of the Combustion Institute. For the last seven years he has been functioning independ ­ ently as a consultant offering his services to companies like Reliance Textile Mills, Ahmedabad, Hindustan Antibiotics Limited, Poona, Morarji I Tree guide m “To help (people) to appreciate nature and preserve the greenery in the city, ” the || Homavazir ’s 11th Central Bombay Bharat H Scout Group have published A guide to ¦ the trees ofMancherji Joshi Dadar Parsi I Colony. Compiled by Bahadur Palkhi- I walla for the Scout Group, die 44-page podc- ¦ etbook is dedicated to the founder of ±e ¦ Colony, the late Mancherji Edalji Joshi. ¦ As per the study done by the Scouts, I there are about 600 roadside and garden ¦ trees in and around the Colony, and the I municipal garden department has been p planting new saplings every year on empty plots. Formerly, only one variety of a tree was found on each road and the road labelled according to the tree that distin ­ guished it. (e.g. Firdosi Road was known as the Indian Mahogany Avenue.) The guide carries a list indicating such equiv ­ alent names for different roads in the '“ta'llK process of planting new trees, purchased front b a. such a trend has not been maintained. As Pars, Colony, Dadnr. ^mtay a result, there is a mix of trees on every g Vachha Girls High , based firm Thermax Private Limited for road. For easy identification, some of *e Gr p, Bombay 400014 on over 23 years. He had joined as a con- trees bear nameplates. To ascertain the Scl^ool, Da ’ suitant where his nature of work identity of other trees, the tree-route Sundays included the design and operation of described in the booklet can be observed. . technique sterilizers, distillers, boilers, etc, and The positioning of the trees on different J* Tehmuraso Rustomji subsequently became technical director roads is explamcd iu the coutext of prom- Co^l au J^^^Sptar a tech- of the ’comAny, uotes his bio inent landmarks. - L aphieve substantial fuel A BE (Meeh) and (Elec) from the The handy booklet also gives a bnef = g recognized College of Engineering, POona, he has description of some of the popular and econo y research award taught at the Surat Polytechnic Institute, common trees, stating their flowering sea- by conferring o Research the^Victoria JubileeTechnical Institute, sons, the shape and size of their leaves, instituted by the National Research tne^^ bark, etc. There is also a short note on Develop^.^ Tward, conferred for Technology, Fowai, his bio data further "“Th^ont cover of the book displays a "the novelty, technical fusibility and notes. photograph of a rain tree by Ardeshir comtnercal ™biliV "/^is inventi^ Honor tO Wadia Khambatta. On the back cover there is an include a cash purse o . Family planning expert Dr Bomsi to donate m the Mancherii Edalji a certificate that was presented to him r Joshi Memorial Trust. The guide also shortlists organizations where nature lov- 'aS^ru^aSd biZ"k™ e^nomy in 25 industries. To monitor in STvS^ “ “ ““ “ ivised tools that could *5’ to' W r. fe, .a. E» Sfe'V r H Far left: !¦ providing greenery to Dadar Parsi H Colony Sarkari: optimizes fuel efficiency s Priced at five rupees, the book can be Gokuldas Mills, Bombay, Bajaj Auto purchased from B. A. Palkhiwalla, 785-A, "’-"a, ptc * . _ - __ 1___ /4nnAi/i Limited, Poona, and many others. ________ Before branching out on his own, 11th CBDA Scout Sarkari was working with the Poona- Unique technique Sarkari ’s efforts in developing a tech- appeal to donate to the M^cherji Eddji a Wadia is tnis year s rcvipicm ii.v x,. ' ------------- - ''"S’'"Mf’„^^tKchnique,Sarkan C. Roy National Award tor his ou«^d. tr^ cnccpcsfiillv achicve fuel ing contribution to socio-medical work Wadia is this year ’s recipient of the B. on wash's "to successMly ach.cxo fuel ing contributiot.to wms, and wont towarua cvonon^^y in 25 industries. To mon^r tn Indm notes The M.an Pos, May of nature and a cleaner ihn a™.ld wadia was given this award in recog- 8 Parsiana June 1989nition of his successfully carrying out companies like Tata Steel. nearly one lakh female ligations. His efforts in developing special instru ­ ments to make the operations quick, safe and effective have also been recog ­ nized. Some of his surgical instruments national champion in motor rallying and Engineer ’s interests lie in the field of communicative strategies, evaluation and monitoring of performance, and materials production for a learner cen- She joined the Council in 1965. A best teacher ’s award had been presented to skiing. Wadia is also the vice president In 1987, Wadia earned international of the Indian Association of Sports recognition from the Watumull Medicine, the Jame further notes. Foundation of USA for his commitment _ (Ms) Willy Engineer was honored with sequently did her masters in English an honorary MBE (Member, Order of and French from Bombay University. English studies officer of the British securing the highest marks in French, Council Division, Bombay, Engineer ’s the bio data notes. Engineer acquired a government, other recognized bodies Edinburgh University in 1977, and also and universities, and helping with pro- holds a Manchester University diploma grams aimed at the qualitative in the teaching of English overseas, her Apart from his achievements in the medical profession, Wadia excells in the field of sports too. On several occasions in the last 25 years he has been declared tered approach. 1 Before being seconded to the British are patented and accepted by German- racing: In the first Himalayan Rally, he Council in 1963 by the government of based companies like Stortz and Diener, was adjudged the national winner. He Maharashtra, Engineer worked as an and Down Brothers of England. From has participated in the London/Sydney English lecturer at Elphinstone College among his various innovations, the rallies and the Asian Rally. Proficient in and Jogeshwari College of the Bombay Wadia Skin Clamp and the Wadia playing bridge, he has represented India University, notes her curriculum vitae. Elevator are frequently used in family at international meets too. He was a fine planning camps all over the world, it is marksman, had a private flying licence, reported in the Jam-e-Jamshed of May knows yachting and is now into winter her in 1987 by the Mayor of Bombay. 25. skiing. Wadia is also the vice president Her educational qualifications In 1987, Wadia earned international of the Indian Association of Sports include a bachelor of arts degree in recognition from the Watumull Medicine, the Jame further notes. English, geography and philosophy Foundation of USA for his commitment tvihi? p t? • from the Lucknow University. She had to family planning. Many individuals MUIS lOF Knglliecr won a gold medal in philosophy and have benefited from the 14 plus work- For upgrading the standard of English another for acquiring the highest marks shops conducted by him in subjects language and literature in India, Dr among the women candidates. She sub ­ connected with family planning. ................ _ . . ... _ . A postgraduate in obstetrics, gyne ­ cology and anesthesia from the Bombay the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth This time she won the Lady Modi prize University, the 54-year-old doctor has II, on April 27, 1989, notes a press for obtaining the highest marks in been practising surgery for over three release from the British Deputy High English and the French Government decades at the Grant Medical College Commission. presented her with ’^ bronze medal for and the J. J. Hospital, the Jam^ adds. He ..................... ~~ _ is a professor of obstetrics and gynecol ­ ogy at the Bombay University, and nature of work includes liaising with the PhD in applied linguistics from examiner in. these subjects at various ' ................ universities, notes his bio data. He is also consultant to government agencies like the Armed Forces, public sector improvement of teachers responsible bio data further notes. organisations like Air India and private for teaching English. Film on Saklatwala A documentary film on the life of Shapurji D. Saklatwala, the Communist Party representative on the British Parliament, is being produced for Channel 4 in London, notes The Indian Post of April 25, 1989. To be titled Comrade Sak, the film is directed by Chris Mitchell and stars Roshan Seth (who played Nehru in Attenborough ’s Gandhi) in the lead role of Saklatwala. Bom in 1874 in Bombay, Saklatwala married Sehri, an Englishwoman and reportedly had five children. He died in 1936 and was buried in the Parsi burial ground in Woking. His daughter serves as the film ’s adviser and appears in it as a commentator. The Post adds. lead responsibility for the Council ’s BBC COmmcnds Script work in the field of English studies At the BBC (British Broadcasting throughout western and central India. Corporation) World Service Play “A large number of professional visit- Competition 1989, well-known play- ors from the UK have testified to her wright and short story writer Ms Dina work and attributed the success of their Mehta ’s Getting Away With Murder was assignments in India to the trouble she one of the seven scripts to win special has...taken, ” adds the release. commendation. Nine hundred and two 1 I Wadia (left): demonstrates the use of a laproscope Engineer (center): high standards in English Mehta (right): writing on social issues . 9 Parsiana June 1989 In 1980 she was asked to take on the1 scripts on the theme of Pride and Prejudice had been submitted by writers from 95 countries-, according to a notifi ­ cation from the BBC World Service. Getting Away With Murder portrays three Indian women who have internali ­ zed the age-old conditioning of the notion of male superiority. It goes on “to depict how even the most independ ­ ent and career-oriented women allow themselves to be exploited by society, ” writes Ms Sangita Advani in The Times of India of May 7, 1989. Earlier, Mehta ’s play Brides Are Not For Burning had won her the first prize out of 500 entrieSfin a competition of a similar nature sponsored by the BBC in 1979. The BBC had subsequently broadcasted the play from London, The Times notes. The subject of most of Mehta ’s works revolve around social issues like what it means to be an Indian woman. “Her writing... is replete with startling lyricism and imagery, ” notes The Times : XjriXVXOXAA 4 I write-up. i 1 (Above left) Doctor: describes the deluge (Left) Khambatta: forte is town planning (Right) Dhalla: view of peace much earlier glaciation. R. J. Hawke. Paul Reeves, Governor General A teacher at the M. R Cama Athornan of New Zealand, gave the keynote address. Institute, Andheri since 1970, Doctor did The time of Jamshed? A research paper titled “Yima/Yama (Jamshed) and the Deluge ” was presented by Sam N. Doctor, a scholar of Indo- Iranian studies, at the All India Oriental Conference in Visakhapatnam at a session Institute, Andheri since 1970, Doctor did The delegates were expected to partic- in January, notes a press release. The his MA in Ancient and Middle Iranian ipate in any of the four prescribed Iranian section of this conference was languages after graduating in chemistry commissions on: disarmament and con- presided over by Zoroastrian scholar and physics from Ruia College in 1961, flict resolution structures; human rights Faribourz Nariman. notes his bio data. He has also done one and responsibility in the family; economic Over the past two decades. Doctor has semester ’s course work for a PhD degree and social development and ecological studied and written on a wide range of at the University of California at balance (where Dhalla explained the subjects, including archaeology and Vedic astronomy. Besides knowing French and German, he is currently studying Sogdian, in addition to Zoroastrianism. Sanskrit at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, , „ , _ Praying for world peace Berkeley, USA, where he studied Zoroastrian view on ecology); and non ­ Comparative Religion and Middle Persian violence and education for peace. At the prayer service in Mornington on the last day of the Conference, Dhalla recited adds the release. tTnying lOr WOriU peavc excerpts from the Avesta which were rele- His paper at the Oriental Conference At the fifth international meet of the vant to the theme of pgace, the release dealt with Jamshed, a king of the first or World Conference on Religion and Peace further notes. Peshdadian dynasty of Iran, who “is (WCRP), scholar Dr Homi Dhalla was , called Yima ViVanghana in the Avesta reportedly one of the few participants ArCnlteCtS CllBirmdll and may be equated with Yama (son of) selected from different countries to Architect and town planner Rusi Kham- Vai vasvat of the Vedas,” notes a sum- become a member of the organization ’s batta has been unanimously elected chair- mary of the paper. The paper scrutinizes international council, notes a press man of the Architects Regional Council, relevant passages of the Vendidad and release. Asia (ARCASIA) for a two-year term from - examines Tilak ’s theory of the Polar The Conference, where all the major 1989 to 1991, notes the Mid-Day of home of'the Aryans. According to Iranian tradition. Jamshed resided in the North Polar region during the epoch of the great deluge or 3(X) participants from 60 different coun- the visiting faculty of many institutes, was World Conference on Religion and Peace further notes. (WCRP), scholar Dr Homi Dhalla was reportedly one of the few participants become a member of the organization ’s batta has been unanimously elected chair ­ international council, notes a press The Conference, where all the major world religions were represented, was January 31, 1989. held in Melbourne, Australia from f January 23 to 27, 1989. There were about Architects (IIA), Khambatta, who is on glaciation (v^iously placed at 10,000 or tries. Of the 28 people representing the also the former chairman of the Board of 15,000 BC). It appears from Tilak ’s the- different religions of India, Dhalla was Architectural Education. Since his nomi- ory that Jamshed was witness to a minor the only Zoroastrian, the release notes, nation in 1972, Khambatta continues to flood or a severe winter storm (dated The inaugural speech at the Conference serve as member of the Western Regional about 3,000 to 3,500 BC), rather than the was delivered by Australian Prime Minister Committee of the Government of India ’s Past president of the Indian Institute of different religions of India, Dhalla was Architectural Education. Since his nomi- the only Zoroastrian, the release notes, nation in 1972, Khambatta continues to 11 Parsiana June 1989 Ift Sixteen nations were expected to par- pie, further notes BusinessWorld. ticipate in the meet on April 27 to ministry of education and social welfare, notes his curriculum vitae. uvipai«^ tu unv ...w. mnvA Khambatta is a fellow of the IIA since discuss topics like the new procedures IViazaa On me move 1973 and a member of the Royal Town to be adopted in the twenty-first centuty Mazda Textile Industries Ltd com- Planning Institute since 1957. He has also including the use of laser technology in fenced commercial production of been an associate of the Royal Institute of dentistry, adds the Mid-Day. texturising yam and weaving by British Architects for nearly 33 years. , end 1988, according to a press release Partner in Bhonsule Khambalta since 1 hcrmax S nCW partner company ’s managing director 1984, his noteworthy contributions Thermax Private Limited, reportedly Yezdi J. Master. The commercial pro ­ include town planning, building of indus- India ’s fifth largest exporter of engi- duction of twisting is scheduled to be ­ trial complexes, fertilizer factories, high neering goods and the leading private gin in the second half of 1989. The pro ­ rise and low cost residential buildings, sector boiler maker in India, has joined ject ’s total cost in the first phase is esti- and interior decorating. ____ Some of the companies and govern- North America, a world leader in boiler The company, notes the release, has ment undertakings which constitute knowhow, notes the BusinessWorld of been formed by the Mazda group of Khambatt^ clientele are: Siemens India, March 29-April 11, 1989. companies to take advantage of the Crompton Greaves, Godrej and Boyce, “The new joint venture has a great “yawning gap ” betweeit India ’s de­ Bharat Heavy Electricals, Steel Authority potential to change the entire face of the mand for and production of texturized of India and National Mineral Develop- steam generation industry in India, ” yarn. The 20 percent growth rate of the industry and India ’s potential for in ­ Thermax’s new partner hands with Babcock and Wilcox of mated at Rs 298 lakhs. North America, a world leader in boiler “The new joint venture has a great of India and National Mineral Develop- steam generation industry in India, ment Corporation, further notes his bio data. “ Union Bank’s GM Appointed as general manager of the Union Bank of India in April 1989, Ms Jer Sethna is the first lady from the Bank to occupy this top executive post, notes a -------- . . . press release. hour, the report notes. 4,50,000 t^^nes of the required yam Joining the Bank as a clerk in 1951, The life-extension technology that by 1990-91, the present texturising during her tenure of service Sethna has Thermax is acquiring simultaneously, capacity in India is only around 65,000 held several portfolios like advances will increase the life-span of 30-year- tonnes, states the release. (credit), accounts and administration, old boiler plants by another 30 years. Discussing the marketing of fabrics ' and grey yarn. Master says that sineq^^ the company already has “orders fot^ more than three years for the grey fab ­ rics and texturising yarn, ” and is situ ­ ated in Surat, the largest textile pro ­ cessing center in India, the manage ­ ment does not envisage any problems in marketing the product. Others on the directorial board, along with Master, are Erach Sadry, Farrokh Mehta, Pradeep Shukla, Sub- hashbhai Patel and Vinubhai Patel, further adds the release. A cut above the rest At her very first exhibition at The Oberoi, Ms Rutty Birdy ’s designer With a potential of earning foreign items made from a rare mix of leather exchange worth several hundred crores, and silk, were well received in the mar- Thermax Babcock and Wilcox Private ket. Now less than eight months later. Limited is aiming at a turnover of Rs 50 plans are afoot to open a new shop, crores in the next three years, Aga is Christina, in the New Oberoi Shopping quoted in the BusinessWorld. Arcade, which will have the backing of The equity capital of the company Ajay Verma of Park Exports Private stands at five crore rupees of which 60 Limited, notes a write-up forwarded to says Thermax chairman and managing director, Rohinton Aga. Under their prevailing technology, crease in the per capita consumption steam production was limited to 20 of cloth provide great scope for de­ tonnes per hour, but now, with the aid velopment in texturising and twisting of its new partner, Thermax will be able units, points out Master. While indus- to produce 300 tonnes of steam per try sources target a production of hour, the report notes. 4,50,000 tg|mes of the required yam The life-extension technology that by 1990-91, the present texturising will increase the life-span of 30-year- old boiler plants by another 30 years. planning and development, and secretary Sethna (left): banking portfolio to the board. She was made chief manager Master (center): texture and yarn in 1978, assistant general manager in 1980 Birdy (right): designs of her choice and deputy general manager in 1985. Sethna ’s own field of specialization is accounts and auditing. She has, in addi­ tion, attended several training programs on banking and is now on the visiting fac ­ ulty of the Bank ’s training programs, further notes the release. Dentist in. the chair stands at five' crore rupees of which 60 Limited, notes a write-up forwarded to Bombay-based orthodontist Dr Keki percent is Thermax ’s contribution and Parsiana. .... Mistry was invited to chair a joint meet- the rest by its foreign collaborator. At Birdy ’s foray into designing started ing of the Asian Pacific Dental present there are no plans to go public in 1986 at the age of 40 when slw felt a - - • ¦ z,,, u_..- j__u —J c.—iz. need to constructively utilize the free Aga. The new venture will create time on her hands and joined Park employment opportunities for 250 peo- Exports. The company dealt solely in Mistry was invited to chair a joint meet- the rest by its foreign collaborator. At Federation and the WHO (World Health as “we don ’t need the funds now, ” says Organisation) in Seoul, Korea, notes Aga. The new venture wiU create the Mid-Day of April 26, 1989. < . . 12 Parsiana June 1989I J I die fabrication of PVC products like files, folders, shopping bags, etc. It was while offering to help out a client who required exclusive conference folders that Birdy came in close contact with leather. Using only the very best sheep napa leather from Indore and Madras, and crepe silk (which is more expensive than pure silk), Birdy has since created pieces like handbags (Rs 450-600), wal ­ lets (Rs 175-250), key chains (Rs 30), scarves, office items and stationery, notes the Mid-Day of October 25, 1988. For the future, the businesswoman plans to print her own materials and go into exports whape her creations can tap the market in the various high fashion houses of the world, the Mid-Day fur ­ ther notes. Panthaki receives award from Saraf Dastur (below): stamps singled out Philatelic gold when it was time for her domestic help to items worth Rs 3,000 were found among At the recently concluded India-89 World arrive, Panthaki answered the doorbell to the 14-inch gupti, revolver and two knives. Philatelic Exhibition in New Delhi, Vispi face a short and stocky man with a “hide- The Times notes. S. Dastur was awarded a gold medal and ous mask, wig and tote bag, pointing a Besides her head and thigh injuries, special prize, notes a press release. .12 bore country-made revolver at me.” Panthaki had been hurt on her left palm. ¦ ¦ I Besides her head and thigh injuries, .12 bore country-made revolver at me.” Panthaki had been hurt on her left palm. Organized by the Department of Posts and The thief, later identified as Homi and had gashes on her right cheek, near the Philatelic Congress of India, under the Framroze Patrawala, had reportedly vis- the right eye and lips. She was taken to patronage of the Federation of ited the house a few days earlier in the Nair Hospital wHBre she was given two International Philatelists, the Exhibition guise of a broker asking for Panthaki ’s bottles of glucose on account of excessive was reportedly the largest such meet ever father-in-law who was out of Bombay. held in India. It comprised 775 entries 1 * ¦ " ~ . bleeding. The open wound on the head i Pushing his way into the house, the had to be treated with 10 stitches, covering 3,800 frames (one frame con- brigand stabbed Panthaki on her right Panthaki was subsequently shifted to the sists of 16 single album pages, explains thigh and threatened to kill her two-and-a- Breach Candy Hospital where she was Dastur). The exhibits from all over the half-year-old son Kaizad. Her shouts for kept in the intensive care unit for two days world included a portion of the royal col- help resulted in her third floor neighbor and discharged 15 to 20 days later, lection of Queen Elizabeth II. coming down and enquiring after her wel- , ... Dastur ’s prize winning exhibit, con- fare. On being informed that there was a Bllllinoria S SlXttl gOlQ sisting of six frames, was from his robber in the house, the neighbor locked Judo champion Cawas Billimoria of research collection of India used Abroad the door from outside, recalled Panthaki. Maharashtra defeated arch rival Shyam - Aden: Victorian Era. Dr Jamshed Holding Kaizad in her arms, when the Singh Gujar of the Corps of Military Madan who received a vermiel — a gold robber demanded her valuables, Panthaki Police, Bangalore, at the Twelfth Men ’s plated medal - was among the five other surrendered whatever she was wearing. Senior National Judo Championships, winners from Bombay, states the release. The burglar then hit her on the head with winning the coveted gold medal and the Dastur, who is honorary editor of the butt of his gun. Bleeding profusely, India’s Stamp Journal and honorary sec- the 33-year-old housewife backed into the BilUmoria: six times national champion retary of the Empire of India Philatelic passage where a dinner wagon was Society, was recently felicitated at a func- stacked with crockery, and started throw- tion jointly organized by the Navsari ing plates and glasses at her assailant. “I Parsee Association, the Bombay Parsee must have thrown about 60 pieces of Association, the Youths Own Union and crockery at him, ” she says, the Progressive Group, adds the release. Act of rare courage For displaying rare courage and presence which faces the passage in the building, S of mind in fighting an armed robber who threatened to shoot at the neighbors if had broken into her flat at Beach View on they did not unlock the main door. Seeing Warden Road, Ms Kamal N. Panthaki was nobody oblige, he tried to escape from the awarded a certificate of appreciation and bathroom window. But noticing the large ? a cash award of Rs 1,000 by Bombay crowd gathered below, he must have had •— Police Commissioner Vasant Saraf, notes second thoughts, Panthaki surmises. By The Times of India of April 15, 1989. On the afternoon of February 8, 1989, came and nabbed the culprit. Jewelry Panthaki tried to lock her son and her ­ self in the kitchen, but Patrawala forced open the door and from the window this time, the police who were summoned I 5J? 15 Parsiana June 1989 ¦SiiN -Ji V.. ’1 national title for the sixth time in succes- f “ " “ sion, notes the Jam-e-Jamshed of Feb- hidden talent, the Central Government “to unearth Javeri, director of Youth Services, Rotary hiririor, tninn, » juulot Wrestler Abul Club of Bombay, at a function held on ruary 12, 1989. The Championships were Pithawalla of Navsari was awarded a February 13, 1989 in the School ’s held at Indore from February 1 to 4,1989, scholarship of Rs 6,0(X) per annum auditorium. in which 26 teams took part. plus a monthly stipend of Rs 150 by The best character student award is Billimoria, who beat Gujar in the the Sports Authority of India (SAI), given by the Rotary Club to one boy and finals of the open weight division, is notes the Jam-e-Jamshed of December one girl from Bombay every year reportedly the only judoka from 4, 1988. Pithawalla is the first Parsi whereas the best student award is annu- Maharashtra to win the gold medal at and the first ever wrestler from Gu- ally given to one student from each of 15 Indore. jarat to be so honored, the Jam^ adds, different local schools. Vaid had thrice Billimoria had in 1984 defeated Gujar / • • -- to win his first national title and since ling Competition for Sub-Juniors held boy student. He has a brilliant scholastic then these two Asian Games medalists ¦ — • have met at several training camps and bouts. • annum plus a monthly stipend of Rs 150 by jarat to be so honored, the Jam4 adds. At a National Sports Talent Wrest- before been selected as the School ’s best in Delhi last year, Pithawalla emerged record to his credit as stated in the as a 1 • • ¦ - Phiroz Jokhi of the Kanga Gymnasium in Navsari, the young wrestler also ex­ cels in athletics, the paper further vision. He had stood first in the open age notes. promising wrestler. Coached by write-up. He is very talented on the harmonica too, and has performed on radio and tele- i?, Weightlifting champion Representing Maharashtra at the forty- notes. group at a competition held to celebrate first National Weightlifting Champion- the Hohner Harmonica Club ’s golden ships, Neville Daroga won the inter-state oCllOlaStlC achievement jubilee in 1987. Besides, Vaid was the title, thus becoming the national champi- For securing the highest marks (91 per- former leader of the junior orchestra of on for the sixth time, notes the cent) among the Parsi students at the first the Bombay School of Music and has per- Jam-e-Jamshed of March 26, 1989. Da- year MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, * roga is reportedly the only Parsi weight- Bachelor of Surgery) examination held in lifter to have achieved this distinction, October last year, Ms Nina Dara Zaiwalla adds the Jame. was awarded The Nusservanji Jehangirji speaker and has won several prizes in Besides winning the inter-state title at Wadia Scholarship for the year 1988. The the meet in Jamshedpur held from scholarship is of the value of Rs 175 per February 16 to 21, 1989, the 28-year-old annum, notes a letter from the University weightlifter also won three additional of Bombay dated January 27, 1989.- gold medals in the 110 kg plus category - - in snatch (132.5 kg), in clean and jerk (170 ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary J.~\’_ J »l _ ___________ on', c T-j_______ \ ... _ kg, notes the Jame. Seabird champs At the Seventh National Seabird i Championship, Sheri Bamboat and his I crew Zarthus Karai and J. Chowdhary I were declared the winners and carried I away the sailing season ’s prestigious I Godrej Trophy, notes The Times of India I of April 18, 1989. I The closest challenger was Asiad gold medalist Farokh Tarapofe and his team of Cyrus Cama and M. Sharma who lost by a narrow margin, the paper notes. Petit High School for Girls in ’85 scoring formed on the mouth organ and violin in several public concerts, adds his bio data. The 16-year-old is also a keen public inter-school elocution competitions, adds the releaseitin his enthusiasm to preserve wildlife, he has been regularly contribu ­ ting to The Cub, the magazine of the Twenjy-year-old Zaiwalla passed her Sanctuary Group, his bio data further kg)'and for the total aggregate of 302.5 Education) examination from the J. B. notes. SPOTLIGHT Jamshyd N. Godrej, director of I Godrej and Boyce Manufacturing I Company Limited, has been elected I chairman of the Confederation of I Engineering Industry (western region) I for the current year, notes The Daily of I April 9, 1989. He has also accepted the I patronship of ELECRAMA-90, the first I ever massive exhibition on electrical, I electronics and allied equipment, to be held in VikhroH in January 1990, notes J The Economic Times of March 18, Jamshyd Godrej and his teammates 83 percent. She is presently studying for 1989. Nadina Naoroji and Daraius Shroff came her second year MBBS at the Grant third in the seven-seried races conducted Medical College, notes her bio data, by the National Seabird Association, j.................... under the aegis of the Royal Bombay many championship titles at the inter- Nari Katgara has been nominal^ as Yacht Club. First on the handicap side were Cyrus Heerjee and his team of Jehangir Jehangir reading and doing social work, and Framroze Lilauwala, followed by Adi Unwalla with - Jimmy Unwalla and Fall Unwalla. K. Mariwalla with H. Sabir and J. Bhandorwalla came third, the paper High School, Bombay, Zubin Mehemosh been adjudged Rally Driver of the Year adds. Vaid won the Rotary Best Character 1988 by the Federation of Motor Sports Vr^imo uzfAcilAv hnnnroH Student and the Best Student awards for Clubs of India, notes the Mid-Day of lOUng wreSiier nonorea 1988-’89. notes a press release. The tro- April 9, 1989. Under the new scheme introduced by phies were presented to him by Dr Sorab Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka Zaiwalla (left): medicine mettle Vaid: notable student I 11 Director of Travel Corporation of India A keen badminton player, she has won and partner of Jeena and Company, school and state level. Her other interests director of the International Airports as listed in the bio data include swimming. Authority of India (lAAI), for a three- year term, notes The Times of India of April 28, 1989. Commendable character Head boy of the Hindi Vidya Bhavan Motorcar rallyist Fhrad Bhathena has 16 Parsiana June 1989ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD . **¦ ! u" ( I Esfahan Darbe-Mehr A new Darbe-Mehr has been estab ­ lished in Iran. A joint project of the Tehran and Esfahan Zoroastrian Anju- mans, the Mehraban and Gohar Darbe- Mehr in Esfahan was inaugurated on November 8, 1988, informs Mehraban Kushesh of the Anjuman Zartostian Tehran. The venture was largely funded by the descendants of the late Mehraban Rostam Mehrabfni and Gohar Bahram Goshtasebpour. Mobed Fareidoon Shah ­ zadi. who has already devoted much bylaws, rules and regulations have been Council. Though only 18 of the approx- ....... "" adapted to fit the needs of North imately 70 practicing mobeds of North America, informs Gavashni. The news- America attended the meet, the jashan letter notes that the Council “is at the by the participants was “probably one service of not only the Iranian commu- * jgwwaBhu. > 'r if' r I Entrance to I the Mehraban I and Gohar I Darbe-Mehr I in Esfahan, I Iran parent organization in Iran, whose ence of the North American Mobed labor to the new Darbe-Mehr, is its offi ­ ciating priest, informs Kushesh. A large audience attended the inau ­ guration when the Atash Nyaish was recited and the afringan ceremony was nity, but the entire Zoroastrian commu- performed by six mobeds, writes Kush- nity. It is incorporated to provide the esh quoting a translation of an article community with an official body to be that appeared in the Fravahr Persian mag ­ azine. The ceremonies were followed by religious lectures and refreshments. of the first of its kind in North America, ’’ adds Birdy. The original aim of the conference was to establish guidelines for mobeds approached on questions pertaining to practicing in North America but the the Zoroastrian religion; a body to conference could liot pursue it because which mobeds of today and tomorrow of the small representation. Instead, the will be proud to belong. ” occasion was used for a “free inter- j - . .. Prime mover behind the formation of change of views. ” Among the topics Iranian mo bed council the Council, according to Gavashni, is discussed was a change to the Fasli cal- Iranian priests and priestly families in Mobed Faribourz Shahzadi whose endar, the shortening of religious ceremo- North America have elected and offi- father Mobed Sorab Shahzadi had nies, issues relating to non-Zoroastrian daily formed the Council of Iranian served the Dadyseth Agiary in Bombay, spouses, navjote ceremonies performed Mobeds of North America, notes a Ordained navar at the Iranshah at by non-mobeds, etc. press release dated May 1, 1989. The Udwada and maratab at the Dadyseth Opposition to the change of calendar non-political, non-profit organization Atash Bahram in Bombay, Faribourz was based on the argument that though was registered in California on March Shahzadi moved to Iran after his MBA the seasonal Fasli calendar was appro- 15, informs the release. from Wisconsin, USA. He was mana- priate to the northern hemisphere, it did Aimed at providing religious guid- ging director of Searle Pharmaceuticals not carry the same logic in the southern ance and direction to North America ’s Iranian Zoroastrians, the Council seeks the cooperation and support of the Zoroastrian community to create a spir ­ it of social unity in which individual Zoroastrians can survive and succeed, notes the write-up. A background to the event is provid ­ ed by the June 1989 issue of Gavashni, the newsletter of the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec. According to Gavashni, the seven-member Council Mobeds’ conference was formed by 13 mobeds and 60 “Although some pretty controversial Iranian mobedzadeh families who felt topics were discussed, sometimes with that questions from teenagers (like great emotion, the conference was han- “Why are our prayers not in a language died well by the chairman, Ervad Kobad help when the need arises. 1 The mobeds similarly felt illequip- the Council, according to Gavashni, is Mobed Faribourz Shahzadi whose father Mobed Sorab Shahzadi had served the Dadyseth Agiary in Bombay. Udwada and maratab at the Dadyseth Atash Bahram in Bombay, Faribourz Shahzadi moved to Iran after his MBA from Wisconsin, USA. He was mana ­ ging director of Searle Pharmaceuticals in Iran until the revolution of 1978 when hemisphere. It was also felt that the he migrated to California. intercalation of a day every four years Shahzadi - who says “Zoroastrians departs from the traditional intercala- come from all four corners of the earth.. We are not Iranians, Indians, Australians or Americans... We are all Zoroas ­ trians ” - was the only Iranian mobed to participate in the Mobed Council meet ­ ing in Montreal, notes Gavashni. tion of a month every J 20 years which was accompanied by certain ceremonies “which would be difficult if not impos ­ sible to undertake in this country, ” writes Birdy. The mobeds felt that the change would not be acceptable to those observing either the Shahenshahi or Kadmi calendars, notes Birdy and the mobeds were loath to take, a unilateral decision that would distance them from the practitioners of the religion in India to whom they look for guidance and all Zoroastrians can understand? ” “Can Zarolia (president of the Zoroastrian The mobeds similarly felt illequip- a non-ordained mobed perform the Society of Ontario), and the atmosphere ped to abridge ceremonies like the jashan navjote ceremony? ”) needed to be was friendly and cordial, ” writes Ervad and geh sarna and unanimously agreed answered by the community. Jal Birdy of the Traditional Mazdayasni to perform them the traditional way. The issue of mixed marriages, the initiation of their children and the pro- was friendly and cordial, ” writes Ervad Jal Birdy of the Traditional Mazdayasni The Council is based upon and bless- Zoroastrian Anjuman of California in ed by the Kankash-e-Mobedan, the his report on the March 1989 confer- 19 Parsiana June 1989 ! 1 I 41 i ! f I r 1'H i BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excel­ lent Climate — All-round Education: & b All Academic Subjects—Tedi- nical Subjects: Workshop. Tech ­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Farm ­ ing. Training in Sdf-GovenmcBt through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Games—Riysical Train ­ ing — Doily AssomMy with Congregational Prayers — Week­ ly intensive Zoroastrian — Geeta- Koran classes — Excellent Modem Kitchen and Dining Room facilities — Airy Dormi­ tories. Moderate Fees. Freeships and Concessions to Deserving Students. > Apply to — THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 324 Dr. D. N. Road, Bombay 400 001. cedures at funerals involving such families, was seemingly debated at length. While the conference was seek ­ ing to establish uniform guidelines, “any move which appeared to ‘legalize ’ such ceremonies ” was opposed by the premier David Peterson had noted in his traditionalists who urged the mobeds “to refrain from putting a ‘rubber stamp ’ on such practices ” on the ground that they would lead to the community ’s destruction within a few generations. Noting that “the pressures which we Secretary of State and Commissioner of face in this country today are probably its Public Service Commission, even greater than what our forefathers acknowledging the community ’s work must have faced centuries ago, ” Birdy, who espouses the conservative view ­ point, notes, “It is a fallacy to think we speeches of the six main speakers in a will increase our numbers by intermar- ifiages and conversions. ” The confer ­ ence, according to Birdy, urged mobeds includes reports on the first annual gen- not to buckle uqder the environmental “ pressure and “do everything in their power to check the gradual slide that is presently taking place among the Parsis through intermarriage. ” The Council also “overwhelmingly agreed ” that it will consider initiation along with the Congress. into the faith valid only when per- • “At tl^ present time most mobeds formed by properly ordained mobeds, writes Birdy. The majority also agreed nies but were ill-qualified to explain the to denounce any publication of Avestan religion to Zoroastrians or project a texts where the scriptures have been “ edited or changed. ZSO publications There are 24 Zoroastrian associations in the USA and six in Canada according to the Zoroastrian Directory of Canada and USA 1988 published by the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO). The publication lists the addresses and telephone numbers of 627 Zoroastrian families in Canada and 1,168 in the USA. The largest congregation belongs to Ontario (418) followed by California (397 - including the northern and south ­ ern associations of the state) and the Greater New York area (297). In its herculean task of binding the community together in North America, ZSO president Ervad Kobad Zarolia acknowledges the aid of the Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia and the Zarthoshti Anjuman of Northern California as also the associations of Alberta, California, Chicago, Houston, Metropolitan Washington, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania and New Jersey and of Quebec. There are now six dar-e- mehers in North America - two in Canada The Zoroastrian Scholarly Society of (in Ontario and British Columbia) North America (ZSSNA) has been and four in the US (one each in New York established under the auspices of the and Chicago and two in California). - - - - “Over the years, faithful Zoroastrians have made a significant contribution to the quality of our life in Ontario and have preserved their traditions and beliefs for future generations, ” Ontario message to the Sixth North American Zoroastrian Congress in April 1988. The kudos from Peterson and the Lt Governor of Ontario as also messages, from Canada ’s Governor General, its and encouraging it to future endeavors, have been published along with the 112-page, illustrated souvenir, record ­ ing the event. The ZSO publication also eral meeting of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA), the meeting of the teachers of religious instruction and of the practicing mobeds of North America which were hosted by the ZSO I • “At tl fulfilled the role of performing ceremo- Zoroastrian image to non-Zoroas- trians, ” the mobeds had noted. It also pointed out that at their last me^ ing in November 1983 the priests had decided to perform the navjotes of chil ­ dren of mixed marriages where either spouse was a Zoroastrian. The report further states that everybody agreed that “there was a very urgent need for a full- time travelling priest who would be capable of revitalizing the religion. ” Viewed as one who would be well- versed in comparative religion apart from a thorough grounding in Zoroas trianism, sucK a mobed would trave from community to community educat ing the priests and arousing the interes of the lay people in the religion. The conclusion of the report on the meeting of lay religious instructors notes that the representatives would “try and improve ways and means of greater parental involvement (as also the) pro ­ fessional training of teachers so as to provide the best possible education in Zoroastrianism to our youngsters. ” FEZANA flashes Federation of Zoroastrian Associations 20 Parsiana June 1989I \ lx More than 30 Zoroastrians, many tradi ­ tionally clad, marched behind a FEZANA has protested the verdict of beautiful banner prepared by Yezdi ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ i Engineer as they participated in the acquitted the four teenaged assailants of Ninth Ethnic Festival on May 13, notes tlie late Navroze Mody of the charges of the June newsletter. “ZACites spilled all murder and manslaughter. Navroze was the ZAC newsletter. of North America (FEZANA), informs the ZAC newsletter (June 1989). The formation of ZSSNA was discussed at FEZANA’s second annual general the Jersey city supreme court which has meeting in March 1989. The Society - visualized as a small group of about six to 10 distinguished North American Zoroastrians Zoroastrian interests in religious aca ­ demic institutions such as the American Academy of Religion, notes the newsletter. Member associations of FEZANA urged to petition New Jersey Governor have been invited to submit the names of one or two individuals of demonstrat ­ ed and acclaimed! scholarship in the Zoroastrian religion to serve on the Society. The nominations were expected to reach FEZANA secretary Ms Dolly Dastoor by June 15. The Zoroastrian Association of Metro ­ politan Chicago (ZAC) has unanimou- over the venue, manning the display will represent fatally mugged in October 1987. stand, the ZBoutique, ZTasting Parsee Honoring the plea of bereaved father Pit Stop and the storytelling hour. ” ZAC Jamshed Mody, all associations and collected over $ 200 from the sale of individuals in the US and Canada, whether Zoroastrian or not, have been food, Irani tea and cookbooks on the occasion. Thomas Kean for a retrial. “If each North American Zoroastrian wrote a letter, the Governor would receive 10,000 letters, ” estimates the ZAC newsletter. ZAC’s interfaith service An interfaith remembrance service was scheduled to be held at the Arbab sly nominated its president Kayomarsh Rustom Guiv Darbe Mehr on May 28. Mehta and head priest, Ervad (Dr) Organized in collaboration with the Kersey Antia. worship committee of The Council for a Parliament of the World ’s Religions and hosted by the Zoroastrian Association With the resignation of Ms Kamal Tengra as chairperson of FEZANA’s of Metropolitan Chicago (ZAC), the funds and finance committee, long- two-hour program included the services • standing ZAC activist Jehangir Mobed of seven different faiths, notes ZAC’s has been invited by FEZANA president May newsletter. Specifically, the repre- Rohinton Rivetna to take on the respon- sentations included a Zoroastrian sibility. Mobed, an accountant with prayer ceremony, readings from the health institutions for several years, will Christian and Jewish traditions, a Hindu be appointed chairperson if Dastoor puja, Zen Buddhist meditation with a does not receive any objection from flutist, the African drum service and member associations by June 30, notes Islamic readings and chantings. Gifts& The Friendly Gift Shop for handicrafts, festive ^fts, reli^ous artefacts, executive desk ^ts, exclusive shell ite^ designer jewelry & specializing in wood & copper-enamel gifts. BOMBAY SWADESHI STORES LTD. (Mezzanine Floor) Sir P.M. Road, Bombay-400 OOi STUDIO AKAR 6T/2660 J 23 Parsiana June 1989 continued on page 48 Parents of a 27-year-old attractive, quiet, educated Parsi lady, working for a multinational firm, seek matrimonial alliance from qualified suitors. Willing to settle abroad. Write to The Advertiser (Matrimonial), Par^iana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 BIBLE FOR THE BEREAVED READ MESSAGES FROM AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SPIRIT WORLD Published By Ervad H. M. Pavri. Price Rs 25. Available from: 1) Bombay Ni Jashan Committee Navsari Building, 2nd floor, D. N. Road, Fort 2) Parsi Vegetarian Society Noble Chambers, 4th Floor, Janmabhoomi Marg, Fort Time - between 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm 3) K. Bomanji & Sons Sukhadwala Dadyseth Agiary, Fort 4) Eduiji Sukhadwala Banaji Atash Behram, Charni Road 5) Publisher, Mr H. M. Pavri Salpeker Building, Rani Jhansi Square, Sitaburdi, Nagpur 440012 B aIH 1 INSTITUTIONS COVER STORY PETIT SANATORIUM: HOUSING THE HOMELESS He is a retired engine driver and the the housing problem she «' railways have served him a mg his 87-year-old mother, is literally manent address who on the streets... Another family - hus- states, It s accommodation for wedding parties no per- students from Iran, and for young boys E I been squeezed out of the home. Having are drifting from who have come to the city to appear for - -------------- -.„„c con ­ stitute ±e ‘variable ’ segment. But the ladies on ^e allotment committee are ! ‘constant ’ group - those caught in the hapless sit ­ uation of having no permanent address As the number of city nomads grc^ <“ buy flats." group - those Suutatu tel Parsi fltn’^^TIJ^de^rBX: teXtS^"t^St^Sl^X "?,^Xey"%s1deT pite - The Framji Dinshaw Petit Parsi Sanatorium at Kemp ’s Corner. Over the years the old-world struc ­ ture, shrouded in a thicket of greenery, a relief from the arid concrete struc ­ tures that surround it, has served the community in more ways than just a sanatorium. The stately two-storeyed building is marked by arched corridors lined with large-armed easy chairs, spi ­ ral staircases, and high ceilinged rooms that have been temporary homes for families transiting through the city. The first halt for Parsis pouring into Bombay from all over the country, in the last two decades it has also served as a scheduled annual four-month stopover for the growing tribe of the city ’s sana ­ torium hoppers. “The meaning of a sanatorium, ” says Ms Nergish N. Palkhivala, trustee of the Sanatorium, “is that it is meant for those recuperating from illness or for those who need a change of air for health or other similar reasons. But because of the present housing problem (that the community is facing) we help out when we can. ” She takes pains to point out that first preference is still given to convalescents. Commenting on As we sit in on an allotment commit- 24 Parsiana June 1989 res- £5. 1Gustasp Irani tenants who would rather have kitchens. Despite the pressures, the Petit Sanatorium has refused u c degree of permanency to its occupants. A roof can be had here for only four separate the circuit begins again. The Petit Sanatorium too has I Built over 88 years SSBSSSS? Petit Sanatorium's - "nVaST:.-^\“rd5^a ‘t^ facilities are in K greater demand Bhaw.a ’IaLamrin ”11says mssboJ now than ever before cut to provide a months. Each case is reviewed after this Bhabha Sanatorium in Bandra which Kavarana has room for about 100 families Recently, however, the rhythm of the ...r. a cas ’¦earned about the reportedly Iluwcvcr some ot ise^s^tofoSr momh hs prem- allege high-handedness ises to tour months. It is a problem, ” **•----------- - - says Ms Khorshed Karanjia, a member a member of the allotment —t once occupant premises in the nude. 7? ; .f.Sanatorium has room to house of the allotment committee of the Petit th7Xr" ’k ’"“ *“8*“*Kn ’ea some ot addition to a room that is Sanatorium since 1964 Tn see thr * charges in their publication. The specifically kept aside for bachelors on thT SS four tnnihT • complainers claim a sharing basis: four to the room. fTmiJieT turn tT Je ‘"1 overlooked aTs^t'XXsS, “ ^rX'Te l':j£Sn air^^oiesTea",^;^^^ S; the empv g^o™"lSed m £oa “ V'rety'orthe™ck"£^^^^ ,30 rooms ttere opened and offered to ftie/dsl^d SaS^^ forXterTfom a room that is Sanatorium si on the balance four months in the year m X__ .. * ’ fr/'* ff , r Ml* 5 /¦ *'* * '¦s» a «k •M V committee. She points out that there was a case when an -----------------J---------------------------------- --- i*WV*W. However, some of the residents - - --------- 3 on the part of the management and the Bombay eve- ninger, Mid-Day, highlighted some of . - — that either their grievances are overlooked or they are ” •he.Panday' Sana.ori™ ta making life difficult both for their . , . co-residents and the authorities. “We the chanty of keep records. Once a person gets a ! black mark against his name, it ’s unlite- I ly that we will okay his application the I next time around, ” says Kavarana. To protect themselves from possible trouble, the trustees of the Sanatorium insist on a guarantor for each applica- ! tion. The guarantor must produce a legal and valid rent receipt in his or her name and must give a personal assur ­ ance that he or she will take the occupants under his or her roof and away from the Sanatorium if and when the need arises. * Behind these hard and fast rules are sympathetic and concerned women. Most of the cases they know perso nall y (having dealt with them for years), and Ae extension from two to four months in these cases is automatic. Kavarana has a list of the floating families since 1^9; some like Dhanjisha Faramroze Dhanidaduna have been drifting from sanatorium to sanatorium for the last seven years. On an average the list grows by five families every year. For Above: The Petit coat of arms Left. Occupants relax on the ground floor verandah Photographs:VargheseFernandez Extreme left: Facade of the Sanatorium viewed from the driveway Photograph:Sheena Parikh * 4 4 ?I i ( Frontal view of the second floor balcony Photograph: Varghese Fernandez new applicants there is a word of encouragement and advice. If the allot ­ ment committee members inquire after the families ’ future plans it ’s not to pry but to help. Not too infrequently a deserving case may find that the rent is paid personally by one of the ladies. More often there is useful guidance. “You had better apply soon at the Bhabha Sanatorium at Bandra. ” “Have you spoken to the Iranian Anjuman about the dharamshala? ” “Have you applied to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and/or TV on payment of an extra (BPP) for housing? Get your case reva- luated. ” They give gentle tips on how to learn the ropes of being a resident of Bombay with no permanent address. “There are three conditions when we have to say ‘No ’ to an applicant, ” says Palkhivala. “First, when there is no room. Second, when we get adverse reports on an applicant and there is def­ inite proof and reason to believe that the reports are not unfounded, and third, if the applicant is capable of staying out ­ side the Sanatorium. ” “We hate to say ‘No, ’ but there are times we must, even if the case is genuine, ” says Karanjia. Occupancy charges for the 24 ground “Over the years there has been an floor half blocks are Rs 50 per month and available only to those whose total family income is below Rs 1,000 per month. The 24 first floor half blocks are for those families whose income is between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 at a monthly compensation of Rs 170. Families earning over Rs 2,000 are offered the top floor rooms on payment are part of the floating population, ” says of Rs 300 per month. If for some rea ­ son, old age or infirmity, a family in the higher income bracket should opt for a half block on a lower floor, they will still have to pay the higher rent applica ­ ble to their income bracket. _ _ Only up to four persons are allowed ties, maximize utilization of its in each half block and single occupancy resources and help ease the housing is banned. Additional mattresses (not problem facing thrf community as best it all the rooms have two large beds) are provided on a monthly charge of Rs 20 Kavarana. “In fact, I encourage young married couples to use the Sanatorium; it improves their score on the BPP hous ­ ing scheme. ” * Presently the Petit Sanatorium is looking at avenues to improve its facili- can. The task, hov/ever, is not simple. The 12,500 square yards of land on each and minimal amounts are charged which it stands fall^under the Urban for parking of cycles, scooters and cars. The occupant is allowed to use his fan Land Ceiling Act. The trustees have applied for exemption from the Act to the relevant authorities. “We will have charge but bringing in one ’s personal to wait and see what conditions are stip- furniture is strictly taboo. ulated for the release of the land and The demand for accommodation is only then can the trustees think in terms greatest during the monsoons. “You of development. Anything before that is never know when a house is going to col- " ” ' ” ’ " lapse and Parsis will be thrown on the road in the middle of the night, ” says Kavarana. “We always keep a few rooms such emergency cases. ” premature, ” says Fali Poncha of Tata Housing who is hoping the trustees in an advisory capacity. The other problem is the land free during the monsoons for encroachment dispute. When the rear wall of the Sanatorium collapsed, the House collapse, according to the neighbor on the other side, builders ladies, is probably the largest single fac- Tulsidas V. Patel Pvt Ltd, rebuilt the tor contributing to the growth in the dividing structure - only in doing so tribe of city nomads. Retirement and they allegedly encroached on the loss of company flats is another factor. Sanatorium land. The trustees of the Sanatorium moved the courts and increasing number of broken families in obtained a stay order against the budd- the community, ” says Karanjia. “The ers on their construction work on the situation now is more chronic than 25 building known as Bella Vista III. “We years ago... are very concerned, but the matter is “The class of people using the sub judice now, ” says Palkhivala, and Sanatorium is better now than before, ” being a lawyer herself she would like to feels Karanjia. “Often there are young say no more on the matter. couples, some with little babies, who — - -------- ---------- — — Also a matter of concern are the 26 Parsiana June '989Palkhivala. The Sanatorium was built in 1902 in Singapore. As the longest serving trustee ond son of Sir Dinshaw Manockjee Nanabhoy B. Jeejeebhoy observes, “The ¦ A The first floor corridor Photograph: Sheena Parikh Governor of Bombay and opened to the public on January 24, 1902 by Lord Northcote, Governor of Bombay. Ten years later in 1912 Framji ’s younger brother, Bomanji Dinshaw Petit, built and dedicated the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital to the commu ­ nity. Even though the two institutions have distinct identities, the Sanatorium has been largely linked to the Hospital, housing those convalescing after hospi ­ talization or relatives of patients from outside Bombay admitted to the Hospital. Later as Parsis poured into Bombay from Gujarat, many used the Sanatorium as the first stop till they found a more permanent accommoda ­ tion in the city. Dr N. Hormasji, currently the secretary of the Sanatorium, recalls how in the early garage blocks that face the Bomanji “The place hardly generates enough 1930s he had stayed at the Sanatorium Petit Street and belong to the revenue to keep itself. The outgoings during his first visit to the city from his Sanatorium. Of the 12, the Sanatorium are enormous. It ’s a pity. This is such a native Surat. Another remembers the has got re-possession of one, and only beautiful old building, almost a city grand arches and imposing pillars of the one of the others, according to their monument and we don ’t have the funds Sanatorium when.^s a child, he stayed office, is being used for the purpose for to maintain it as we should, ” says there briefly with his parents who were which it was rented out - parking a car. Palkhivala. transferring residence from Aden to All the others have been converted into — - auto-mechanic workshops and soon memory of Framji Dinshaw Petit, sec ­ notices will be served on the offenders. ( ’ Already the Sanatorium has stopped Petit. Framji was to succeed to the bar- Petit Sanatorium is by far the best in collecting rent from two of these onetcy conferred on his father in 1890 terms of location, building and adminis- garages. by the Queen-Empress. In his book tration. ” Legal tangles, the problem of Maintenance of the building is anoth- Memoir of Sir Dinshaw Manockjee dealing with the Urban Land Ceiling er pressing issue facing the trustees. Petit, S. M. Edwardes writes how Parsi Act authorities and more are all part of and Hindu stockbrokers and merchants the trustees' tasks. In addition to Sir gathered in front of the seashore near Dinshaw M. Petit, Fourth Bart, presi- the Churchgate Railway Station to offer dent, the other trustees are Rustom S. • prayers for Framji ’s recovery from a Vatcha, K. N. Suntook, A. B. K. serious illness. There were simultane- Dubash and J. H. C. Jehangir. Assisting OUS prayers being said at the H. B. them in unraveling the tangles are the Wadia Atash Bahram. A similar bene- secretary Dr N. Hormasji, assistant sec ­ diction had been sought for the Prince retary E. Sahiar and manager of the of Wales, in 1871. Though the Prince had Sanatorium B. E. Mehta, recovered, Framji did not. He died four days later on August 9, 1895 during his tee also include Siloo Narialwalla, father ’s lifetime. In his will Framji Phiroza Kanga, Soona Panday and S. bequeathed one-fifth of “the clear resi- Pawwalla. due” of his estate to Parsi charity. His wife Avabai and eldest son, Jeejeebhoy case. He is living as a paying guest and - later known as Sir Dinshaw his landlady has made it clear that she is Manockjee Petit, Second Baronet - not going to welcome his wife. She lives used this amount to build the with her uncle who is in no position to Sanatorium in his memory. The founda- house her husband. They would like to I tion stone was laid on February 24, move in a week after their marriage, I 1899 by William Barron Sanders, that is after they return from their hon- I eymoon. There is something naive I Busts of Avabai and Framji Petit flank about their optimism; one hopes it will I the entrance to the Sanatorium survive the harsh realities of Sanatorium I Photograph; Gustasp Irani hopping. The ladies on the allotment commit- 1 They sit down tO consider the nextSCHOLARSHIP At the International Congress on Indo-lranian studies convened by the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute in Bombay in early January, Parsi ana interviewed some of the foreign scholars as and when the opportu­ nity arose. Their area of research, the reason for their interest in the sub­ ject and their views on community issues are conveyed in this series fea­ turing Dr Ehsan Yarshater, Dr Helmut Humbach and Dr Shaul Shaked. SCHOLARS' INTERVIEWS % -'¦i , * ¦' J c 1 “Religion is a matter of faith, not argument Homi J. Rogers 28 Parsiana June 1989 rhe director of the Center for Iranian learn about Zoroastrianism, the ancient Studies at Columbia University, New religion of the land in which you were York, USA since 1961, Professor Ehsan born? Yarshater edits the University ’s A; I did my doctorate from Tehran authoritative reference work, the University in Persian language and liter- Encyclopaedia Iranica (Elr), which has ature. I then went to England, and met been described as “a treasure house of the late Professor W. B. Henning, a information on every aspect of the life leading Iranologist. I studied Old and and history of the Iranian peoples, their Middle Iranian languages and literature lands and culture. ” Concurrently, the under Heni#ng and Professor Mary multilingual Yarshater is general editor Boyce, and got my second doctorate in of the Persian Texts Series, Persian these subjects from the University of Studies Series, Modern Persian London. This was followed by my lec- Literature Series, al-Tabari Translation turing on Avestan and Ancient Iranian. Project and the Persian Heritage Series, studies at the Tehran University. My Co-sponsored by UNESCO (United professor was Ebrahim Pour-daund, a Nations Educational, Scientific and well-known scholar and a great admirer Cultural Organization), the Persian of the Zoroastrian religion. Most Parsis Heritage Series has published 37 vol- in India would recall him: he received umes so far in English, French, many honors from the Zoroastrian German, Italian and Japanese. The community here (in India). When he books include Levi ’s translation of the died, I succeeded him in his chair. Shah Nama.h and the two books of the Denkart. Q: So when did you leave for the USA? Bom in Hamadan (old Ecbatana, capi- A: First I was a visiting professor at the tai of the Medes) in Western Iran, to a University of Columbia from 1958-60. businessman-cum-teacher father (“He In 1961 they started to develop Iranian learnt Esperanto, and promoted it ”) and studies and an endowed chair was estab- an artistically, and intellectually endowed lished. I was invited to occupy it and mother, Yarshater lost both his parents at develop Iranian studies at the a young age. University. Since 1966, I have been In an hour-long interview with Par- director of the Center for Iranian siana, he spoke of his life and works. 4 Studies, and since 1981, under my edi­ torship, the Center has been bringing Q: Could you tell us about your quest to out the Encyclopaedia Iranica (Elr). While strict adherence to rituals may not help the religion to keep pace with the changing times, self-advocated reforms could weaken the fabric, says Dr Ehsan Yarshatera Q: What is Elr all about? And how much planning and reference goes into each issue? J A: Each volume of Elr appears in eight ___11_J 2?_ • 1 a A. Like most Islamic historians, Tabari Q: What are your views on Parsis in follows a Zoroastrian tradition which India? places him 258 years prior to Alexander ’s A.' Though this is not my first visit to . -.^ 2 ^^2 22. the country (I had come once earlier, - a great many scholars have but purely as a tourist), I am very happy pages challenged this date, placing Zoroaster at about this trip. Being an Iranian by It nut a much earlier period. birth, I feel a natural affinity with the Parsis. It is an extraordinary communi- I a minority so contemporary of Cyrus the small in number and so great in terms of intellectual achievements, academic skills, and commitment to philanthropic work? . X. -------o-t invasion of Pfersia, i.e. around 590 BC. soft-bound parts called fascicles. Each But recently fascicle is of 112 double-column in large format, and is brought out every two months by Routledge of l aisis n is an London. The first fascicle Encyclopaedia Q: Tabari ’s date would make our ty. Where can To™nd came out in 1981. Planning for the same Prophet “ ---- " " was started in 1972...Since 1985 we have Great? doubled the pace and bring out six (fasci ­ cles) in a year. a /I; That ’s what many believe him to be. Q: But, would you agree that Zarathushtra was born much earlier, say around 6000 BC, as many Parsis, » 1 Q: So, the Elr is ongoing task? A: Yes, and a very meticulous one. For _________ _ instance, 13 scholars wrote on separate especially in India, believe? aspects of the life and works of philoso- pher and scientist Avicenna. The material published in Elr is often first ­ hand research. Sometimes, it takes as much as five to six years for a subject to be researched and published. The Elr thushtra does not depend on his date, but have the deals with various aspects of the life and history of the Iranian people, their arts, monuments, Zoroastrian scrip ­ tures, Islamic rituals, Persian classics and modern novels... There are 33 edi­ tors on the project, each taking care of a specific field. I have the largest pri ­ vate collection of books on Iranian studies (over 6,000 titles) in the USA. The library has been placed at the dis ­ posal of the Encyclopaedia's editorial office. Q: But the community is growing smaller. Could conversion be the solu ­ tion to prevent further dwindling of - . ....... ...... ^ources, Jhere is^no evidence to place A: Religion is a matter of faith, not argument. I respect people ’s feelings, even if they should believe that Zoroastrian mantras (chants) cannot — .1.3 same potency if recited by those not born as Zoroastrians. Although personally I do not subscribe to hard and fast viwws on religion, I appreciate the fact that it is the persist- , . - .----- ence of those followers of a religion him around 1500 BC to 1200 BC. (This who consider rituals sacrosanct, and A: Except for a, quotation in Greek numbers within the community? Zarathushtra as far back as 6000* BC. The date would place him practically in the Stone Age. The greatness of Zara- on his message... Q: Is there any consensus? A: There is no complete consensus. But the leading scholars in the field place 1 • _ _______ ______ ____________ _ date indicates that he was alive prior to would not allow any modification of them, that has helped preserve the „ „ __ minority religions in the face of adverse Q. Besides Tabari s translation, any fortunes. Naturally, times change and, other projects? sometimes, a new vision is required to A.-I am bringing out a series of ' ’ ' graphs called Collected Lectures __ ____________. min- Iranian Studies. These are elaborations self judge of what is needed and what is into books (from) a group of five lec- not, the fabric of the religion would tures delivered each year by eminent soon weaken. . ) our invitation. The project has been on since 1980. mono- on deal with exigencies of the period. But if every individual should consider him- T jj 9 - :------- >,.vuv U.V v.auviQttuiis sen juugc ui wnai IS neeaea ana what is 4 v.c n . •. u lee- "ot ’ the fabric of the religion would A.- Yes, Dasturji (Kaikhusroo) tures delivered each y* ' ¦ *^1151^11 wuuiu JamaspAsa (High Priest of the Anjuman scholars (who accept) Atash Bahram) should have it. He had contributed to Elr, and we always send out a contributor ’s copy. 0.' Is it possible to see a copy of Elr in Dasturji (Kaikhusroo) Q: What do you feel about debarring of non-Zoroastrians at fire-temples? . J J • -------- - -------------- viivvi^i^guiu LiiaL naS legends and ancient stories of Iran. Do to be honored. In Varanasi, where I you believe that the miracles stated went during my first trip to India, I was therein actually occurred? Q. You have written books on Persian A: A matter of faith once^again that has Q: Besides the Elr, are you working on any other project? A. I am the general editor of a complete A: Prophets who become heroes, and which annotated translation in 40 volumes of spiritual leaders who lead their people Tabari ’s History. Tabari is the most r ’ went during my first trip to India, I not permitted to enter certain temples LU’.i were open only to Hindus. Even . the Catholics do not admit non- ii^ ’^uite theirjmagination, would nat- Catholics to holy Communion. I would, ----- express their admiration, dis- They seem so well preserved here as ____ ______________________Will xw Ui X in leaders. They find ordinary words and Iran. The unfavorable religious climate common events inadequate. Therefore has done much to reduce their prosper- yolumes have they express it in the guise of legends, ity there. 3"a ’„"<5 “-"y »f legends, ftople .hough, like .o v^isi. aXiZe^teZl- world and his work includes the narra- want to express their admiration, dis- Thev seem so well a of creation to 915 AD The original was leaders. They find ordinary words and Iran. The unfavorahlp rp]ioinii« riitrtQt published in Holland in 16 volumes. Of the translation, nine ’ ’ already been printed, three should be myths, allegories and metaphors. To out soon, and 15 volumes are with the printers. Q: When, according to Tabari, was Prophet Zarathushtra born? take these literally, would miss the Q: You have been inside the Yazd fire ­ point. I should pay attention to their temple. Are non-Parsis allowed inside intention. Their intended meaning is fire-temples in Iran? true; their literal interpretation often is A: Very rarely; but essentially it is not. nrnhihitpH prohibited. 31 Parsiana June 1989t Humbach tho+1, ur neimut Humbach believes i" its pristine form would help revive the faith People are going away from piety Highly respected for his thesis on the Galkas, Dr Helmut Humbach has been Bombay, ,he u,l. unmt.ak “bU Geman, recalls his first trip 24-and-a- half years ago. For him, the current visit O • Whnt Hr. i • . was like a homecoming, being amidst dwind^bJo^ i® Fiends like Dastur Kaikh “ S Z<>^'»^tFians in JamaspAsa, High Priest of the Aniuman 4 Thic ¦ u Atash Bahram, whose friendsh/p and Un^n support Humbach ••hold" inPh^S ““ T •*«« ^y it. esteem." A professor of Indo-Europeln KrXv -Sc' '*8"’ comparative linguistics, Humbach con- Thfs Unues to live and work in Mainz, having e Stom aTh™ declined the chair of Iranology offered L hSe/^^ ’ * ’’ ’’“Pl®"- to him at Hamburg University. Fighting a fever which forced him to ct- vjmaA cancel a dinner appointment with 4 m conversion be the answer? JsmaspAsa, Humbach '*• -------- from his hotel room in south Bombay. stuaies a predetermined one? Yes. I had decided to do so even Q. Do before my graduation. I was interested r in. My personal contacts with Dasturiis nn^ ’ Powers. Knowledge of iWpXS ’Z"X“"“ Q: Your version of the Gathas has been much appreciated. Can why? German, recalls his first trip 24-and-a- half years ago. For him, the - JamaspAsa, High Priest of the Anjuman Atash Bahram, whose friendship and comparative linguistics, Humbach con- 32 Parsiana June 1989 tion. It is a new interpretation - some times only of details, elsewhere of things Human ties are being destroyed by it. . ! are no longer interested in beget ­ ting progeny. The credo ’ ' ' ¦ - ih ?' conversion be the answer*? - • - o comment. It is for a central organization like the World Zoroastri^ Organisation (WZO) to help keep thF you feel that rather than having more Zoroastrians, it is better to have Q: What r “/ i_ 2,„„ particularly Germany, offer more in opportunities does Europe you reckon je« for siniTta A.’ The Gathas are for addressing Ahnra z a ja J help, and Mazda and as apostrophes by man My inTettine fe.lln^ influence to help method was to compare siLiP vorJ J ? necessary for Also, education in A.’ Well, I am r; .; j, (candidly) have little influence in r --- - " getting fellowships, so necessary for i™ was to compare single verbs educatiorabroad and grammatical forms with Vedic and aoroad. . , ----------- younger Avesta texts. I reckon that ‘1“’^ different made me understand the nuances of lan ­ guage better. It also made me reject the scholars that Ahura Mazda is the same as Varuna. p.- The above book is now 35 years old. In light of the continuous I you feel the need to update it? J A: Yes. I am WOrlfl'na r>n o caz. and German from that imparted here, and the stu- - -t would be community to a month, and expose the students'inter ­ ested in Zoroastrian studies, to him. y would know what to expect. I < ------------ *• my services to me community. dents may get frustrated. It more advisable for the consider inviting a scholar here for ested in Zoroastrian studies, to him. research, do would be pleased to offer Yes. I am working on a second edi- Homi J. RogersI Conversion may create new problems Dr Shaul Shaked marvels at the ability of the migrant Parsis to respect tradition and yet adapt to the New World conditions Being a member of the Jewish commu- “ nity which is fast vanishing all over the have also written a book in Aramaic on familiar? world, and has, like the Parsis, experi- amulets and magic bows. A.-1 have been witness to the Parsi dias- enced a diaspora (rather, diasporas). Dr pora in the West. It is remarkable how Shaul Shaked has a rare empathy for Q: As an authority on the Sassanian this group has managed to balance ritu-. Parsi ’s and their problems. The 66-year- period, do you think there was conver- al with survival. They have lots of^ old professor of Ancient Iranian Studies sion to Zoroastrianism in those times? problems — their struggles with tradi-^* at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, /’*'«•••• _ , . . Israel was born in a Jewish family in : Hungary, left the country within a year India, for historical reasons, of Hitler ’s coming to power, and grew up in Haifa, in north Israel. Judaism studies in December 1990. I Parsis abroad with whom you are more amulets and magic bows. A.- The Sassanians did convert. Proselyti- tion on one hand, and their adaptation zation in Zoroastrianism stopped only in to the New World on the other. It is tru ­ ly fascinating that they have managed to find the solution and exist as a commu- Q: Do you think conversion would help nity. The Jews have faced a series of in solving the community ’s problem of diasporas (yet) have failed to find the Q: How did you get interested in Zoro- shrinking population? proper solutions. Despite being a com- astrianisni? A; Conversion would solve many prob- munity in exile, the Zoroastrians have A: I studied Arabic and Semetic Ian- lems. In orthodox Judaism, we do it managed to retain their ethnicity, guages, and was attracted to the study of with great care. There is a long period Iranian language after my postgradua- of training for the incumbent before he Q: Our religion^leaders, however, do tion degree. The Hebrew University was or she is accepted. Conversion only for not seem to take kindly to the migr ant then expanding, in particular, their the purpose of marriage, or with any community. Asian Studies program, and I was finan- ulterior motive is not accepted. The per- A: There is unfortunately an absence of cially assisted to go to London, where I son ’s behavior is checked. In America, good mobeds in the community. There did my PhD in Iranian studies, (he however, Jews make converts easily. I is a lack of priests capable of leading in researched the wisdom of Pahlavi lit- ¦*- ¦¦¦- . ... erature) under the late Prof W. B. Henning and Prof Mary Boyce. or she is accepted. Conversion only for not seem to take kindly to the migr ant ulterior motive is not accepted. The per- A: There is unfortunately an absence of son ’s behavior is checked. In America, good mobeds in the community. There \ 1 do not want to pontificate, though. I the spiritual sense. take a very chary attitude; conversion may create new problems. Q: Talking of spirituality, do you believe Zoroastrianism is a dualistic Q: You are known for your translation Q: Is this your first contact with Parsis? religion? of the Denkari. Any other notable pub- A: No. I have met Zoroastrians in A; The Gathas are not very dualistic in lications by you? England, New York, and have had thdm nature. Yet, every monotheistic re ligi on A: I have edited a volume of Irano- visiting me in Israel. I have also met has a dualistic element in it. Judaism is Judaica (1981-82). It traces links some of your scholars earlier when they a monotheistic religion, but dualism is between the religions and heritage of attended the Irano-Judaica conference present in it. Evil is regarded as a prom- Iran and Judaism. Before long, the sec- in Jerusalem. ond volume should be out too. I propose to hold a second conference on Irano- Q: And what are your views on the inent aspect of religion. Hence dualism in 2k>roastrianism is a futile debate. Homi J. Rogers 34 Parsiana June 1989t DRAMA The Silent Stars Parinaz Gandhi Coordinating the talents of deaf and voicing actors, Zarin Chaudhuri has international recognition for promoting the theater of the deaf in India won The theater lovers assembled in the Chaudhuri that has brought them recog- nackvarn naci romp __ _ ® but of a different kind. There stage, no elaborate backdrops, no fancy inception 15 years ago, Chaudhuri real costumes. Nature ’s scenario — —- • rales' ^“"i. I*'?*™ difficult for professional dramatists to contacts developed by her durine her "T’ “‘Ike a living from suge shows, a lucra- early days in wtthm the performing group the histri- tive deal is ^t of the question for the Lhaudhun has onic talents of its star cast. Never mind that almost all the perforrners were .................. finance, she tries to compensate thro- participating in summer programs and thT ’ language ugh exposure to the best talent on the there. And one of her most talented stu- and the vocal assistance by voicing international circuit. “It ’s an impetus to actors had all contributed to the produc ­ tion - signalling the arrival of the ^^i^huri: breaking the sound barrier India. And, BH|HH||||||H|||||||I indicated that each the thunderous depending on degree The driving band of deaf who call themselves The Action Players (TAP) is Ms Zarin Chaudhuri. is the silent effort of these pioneers under the stewardship of backyard had come to witness drama, ------------- ------ ; was no was un- havenewpeoplecometothem,especial- '^hen they ’ve not had a chance to r' " work under different teachers and directors, ’’ says Chaudhuri. Convincing sponsors and using the India. Directing this group since its ¦ ¦ 7- . _____ 1- izes that in a country where it is part-time amateur artistes who consti ­ tute her troupe. What they miss out on been able to invite some star performers from the United States to tour India. A few of her students had the benefit of dents was selected to perform at the international theater festival for the deaf in Japan last year. Accompanying the Indian delegation on such trips as artis ­ tic director, Chaudhuri serves the purpose of a buffer for her trainees cast in an alien environment. In their sound ­ proof world, cut off from their fellow deaf due to differing languages and edu­ cation styles, Chaudhuri ’s familiar presence is reassuring while preparing for new roles. “Since deafness is an invisible hand- 36 Parsiana June 1989 '. i "¦r Chaudhuri (sitting far right) and her troupe: bound by a common sign ing, computers, electricals and teaching. Like its artistes, TAP too has evolved. Initially it was just into mim ­ ing. But after coming in contact with the American National Theater of the Deaf (NTD) which extensively uses the idio ­ matic American Sign Language (very advanced among the sign languages of the world), in India too they have started combining the use of mime and sign language on stage. This modifica ­ tion, Chaudhuri felt was essential after being convinced by David Hays, the founder of the American NTD, that miming “tends to get associated with the deaf ’ accentuating their handicap and differentiating them from the hear ­ ing populace. The emphasis at the Oral School had been on lip reading to pre ­ pare them for interaction with the she brought the children on stage in An hearing society. Along the way, some of the students learnt to speak, albeit with Originally it was the deaf who sought some defect, and fiost picked up sign “Actually it is a combination of lip tion with Ms Dhun Adenwalla, the Mime, some of her associates with nor- reading, mime, finger spelling and sign founder of The Oral School for Deaf mal hearing ability insisted that she language that lends for more compre- Children in Calcutta, whose “raw teach them mime too. So, “the world of hensive communication, ” believes knowledge of deaf needs ” Chaudhuri hearing was opened up” for the hitherto Chaudhuri. In America where sign lan- respects. In a bid to provide a near- isolated deaf children at the time of her guage is so well-developed that it can be normal education to her deaf daughter first experimental show in 1974, when opted for as a second language in Dinaz, Adenwalla started the school for she had a mix of voicing and deaf schools, it may be practical to rely the deaf. And, by inviting Chaudhuri to actors. This presentation was under the exclusively on one medium when com- conduct lessons in mime for her school auspices of the British Council where municating with the deaf. But in India students, Adenwalla ’s motive was to Chaudhuri works as cultural activities where there are so many languages spo- prove that the deaf can be integrated in officer. In 1977 she combined the tai- ken, a separate sign language would be society; can be employed; and can be ents of the two groups to produce Sense needed for each vernacular language helped to lead fulfilling lives with and Nonsense. Then came You Light Up and hence difficult to coordinate and encouragement and the right support My Life, followed by Prime Time Mime systematize. For the present, students at from family, school and friends. and Funny Folk. the Oral School and Jheir respective When talking of her own involve- families realize that^'knowledge of English is a prerequisite for those using sign language. But even that does not suffice. Most of them have difficulty in understanding the weekly news bul- reference to her dramatis personae, and letin telecast by Doordarshan on Sun- icap, we tend to minimize it. But it can be awful, this complete isolation from Evening of Mime. language, emotions, people, ” Chaud- r huri reiterates. Her own perceptions of to learn mime from her. But after the language, the deaf were heightened by her interac- successful enactment of An Evening of from family, school and friends. Addressing the delegates at the exec ­ utive council meeting of the Federation ment in theater, the serene look on of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India Chaudhuri ’s comely features seems to in Calcutta on . December 11, 1988, suggest that personal achievements are Chaudhuri urged those present to be of little importance. But the remotest conscious of the lose usage of the term i ‘deaf and dumb. ’ ‘‘It is antiquated and there is no restraining her now. The day afternoons. unnecessary, ” she insists, as it seems to sparkle in her eyes, her expressions and To give an example of how even the signify that these people are stupid and gesticulations convey that the success of most profound messages can be con- cannot be communicated with. In a sep- her students matters most to her. veyed by the deaf, ChaudhuriJakes the arate interview with Parsiana that same day, Chaudhuri admitted how she her- sparkle in her eyes, her expressions and her students matters most to her. In the present company of TAP there phrase ‘I love you. ’ With the fist facing are 11 deaf actors, two of whom are Stu- the opposite person, the pointing self was surprised to find that she could dying at the Oral School preparing for upward of the little finger would indi- easily ‘converse ’ with the deaf students their ICSE (Indian Certificate of cate ‘I,’ the index finger and the thumb despite her earlier reservations. With her flair for teaching mime and the deaf students ’ natural talent for enacting scenes, within eight months branch into careers like fashion design- Secondary Education) examination, two voicing actors and Chaudhuri. The sen ­ ior members have, or are proposing, to in perpendicular position would indi ­ cate ‘L’ for ‘love ’ and the stretching of the thumb and the little finger in oppo ­ site direction would stand for ‘U’ - 37 Parsiana June 19891 ‘You. ’ Thus the simultaneous raising of ‘‘ I,, --co__ the little finger, the index finger and the appoint^ ” prompter^ thumb would convey ‘I love you. ’ ~ Many prefer to keep their distance from the deaf, not knowing how to break the sound-silence barrier. Zarin however insists that even if one is not familiar with the sign language, com ­ munication is still possible with them. She cites the example of her little daughter Ujaala who refuses to learn the sign language and yet is at total ease in the company of the deaf students, often accompanying the troupe on tours and in the process almost having the entire script by heart. Zarin ’s significant contribution to the creation of the deaf theater in India was not pre-planned, she admits. “Things just fell into place. ’’ Ever since she can remember she was interested in drama. _ _________________ _ During her school days in Bombay ’s extensively and being featured on the Queen Mary ’s, the love for speech and drama was given to her by her elocution teacher Ms Mary Sethna, she remem ­ bers. As a teenager, it was the story of Joan of Arc that had a lasting impres ­ sion ( *' ¦ ¦ “ ' her schwling, she joined Ebrahim aF- hoarding at Marine Lines which fea- — - ----- - uj. upj>iviiuvv, tuivu iiti ivi ycais. every iime sne helping out backstage, and remembers passed by, she would consciously lower the biggest compliment ” of being her head hoping people wouldn ’t identi- fy her with the picture, Zarin now During her college days at St Xavier ’s, she was active with the drama group and simultaneously enjoying the taste of being a popular model on fy her with the picture, Zarin recalls with amusement. Though Zarin ’s parents were as enthusiastic about her career in the the ­ ater as she was, they did not have a theatrical background themselves. Her mother Mehru taught at different times at Hill Grange, New Activity and Green Lawns, being among the first lot to be trained by the well-known educationist Mme Maria Montessori at Adyar in Madras. Her father Minoo, to whom impromptu entertainment came effort ­ lessly, was employed at the India United Mills. With their support and the scholar ­ ships received from several trusts (including the rare distinction of being among the first fellows of the J. D. Rockefeller III Fund), for four years she studied theater in the United States “coming under the umbrella of some very powerful theater minds ” like Paul Bater. First she was at the Brandeis University, then at New York at the H P. Studio and later at the Dallas Theater Center from=gwhere she worked on her thesis which was recognised by the tured her for years. Every time she Trinity University. - ¦ On returning to India, there was a Even if one is not familiar with the sign language, communication is still possible with the deaf demand by industrial houses like J. K. Wools, Khatau, Bombay Dyeing, etc doing stills and live shows, travelling cover of several women ’s magazines. But while fascinated by the attention conferred on her, Zarin Engineer - as she was known in her maiden days - was also wary of the publicity. She par- on the young mind. On completing ticularly remembers the Khatau kazi ’s Theatre Unit as an apprentice, Best Wishes From RUSY & PURVIZ SHROFF 38 Parsiana June 1989 w ii iuu a uwva yperiod of disillusionment when she dramatist Irshad Panj at an. Invariably Chaudhuri ’s drama is richer by it. Ever didn ’t know how to use her talents, the- the audience would include many deaf since she has taken to directing, Zarin ater being in its infancy and cinema who would later go backstage and seek has stopped performing on stage herself being purely escapist. She got her first out the performers. Chaudhuri got an for she is of the view that if she were to break when she was invited to conduct opportunity to understand the psyche of do both, “you can ’t do justice to either. ” weekly classes in mime at the Film and a deaf person when preparing for the Irrespective of whether she is acting or Television Institute of India in Pune, role of Rosa, a deaf girl, in Goa. She directing, Zarin feels she is happiest “as Gradually she started involving herself was then a member of the theatrical long as I am doing anything for the the- with theater movement in her country, group, Yatrik, in Delhi. She would ater. ” And, in the case of the deaf being popular among Bombay, Delhi make frequent trips to the government theater, seeing the performers accepted and Calcutta theatergoers. It was at one school for the deaf till she got to under- as an equally creative segment of socie- such play that she met Krishna Kumar stand their views and approach. Besides ty and being shown due respect has Chaudhuri (Puncec) who seven years being a landmark in her personal life, brought meaning to her life too. later was to become her husband, the play was important for it was “the The seasoned Players are now ready Puncec was also into theater, but the last first ever to be staged at the New Sri with their next drama Patol Babu, Film time he went on stage was the first time Ram Centre in Delhi ” which was later Star (based on a short story by Satyajit he was cast aga^ist Zarin, remembers to be the hub of cultural activities in the Ray). Unfortunately it hasn ’t been the wife. She worked on radio produc- capital city. Chaudhui i can still vividly staged so far for, on its opening night tions as well as TV presentations. When recall the goose pimples on stage from last year, Puncec died, succumbing to for a year she had come “under the spell the chilly winter wind which found its kidney failure. The composed Zarin of the creative genius ” Adi Marzban, way into the yet-to-be-completed audi- realizes that the show must go on. Zarin says, “I learnt from Adi what I torium. The commitment from her side hadn ’t learnt anywhere. His ability for After their move to Calcutta in 1971, matches the enthusiasm of the rest of creative writing was extraordinary. His and a subsequent invitation to work for the troupe. Even on a Sunday afternoon actors would be rehearsing Act I when the deaf, Zarin immersed herself in the she was in a rush to keep her appoint- no one, including Adi, knew what Act II deaf theater movement. TAP was con- ment with the drama aspirants. They was going to be. He had tremendous ceived in Calcutta in 1973 when the would be looking out for signs... for courage, I wouldn ’t say cheek... ” performers were all students at The cues of her arrival?in the midst of their Her association with the deaf had Oral School for Deaf Children, animated conversation, exchanging begun some years prior in the late ’60s, Learning from her different encounters notes on the experiences of the bygone when doing mime shows with noted with dramatists of world ranking, week. MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: * Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) * Banking C AIIB Course (Postal) * Executive Secretarial Course * Private Secretarial Course * Personal Assistant’s Programme (working Stenographers) * Shorthand & Typewriting (English/Hindi/Marathi) * Telephone Operating & Receptionist Techniques * Electronic Telex Operating * Electronic Typewriting & Word Processing * English Conversation & Writing Skills Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400001 Tel: 2871185 as ,A> 39 Parsiana June 1989I LIFE-STYLE management is a problem. In addition from Jhansi helped them out by provid- to the tuition fees they have to meet the ing them with meals. “Parsis come to day-to-day living expenses. “They ’ve visit Khajuraho and Shiv Puri, but they got to stay somewhere. Maintenance prefer to stay in hotels, ” says Dick, itself costs a fortune. If you are living “Even though the dharamshala charges on a salary or pension you can ’t afford it; more so if you have two or more chil- There was a time when it was every lit ­ tle boy ’s dream to be an engine driver. For most it remained a dream; for some the dream became a reality. In the heart of India where rail lines, the arteries of dren, ” says Dick, the country ’s communication network, converge, reside a community of rail ­ waymen - the Parsis of Jhansi. _____, Only three of the 26 families here admission into are not connoted with Ae railways, iorji lupccs lur nci capna- oniy time me place witnesses activity is ^ys Ronny^Dick, presided of the tion fees. But since her father died when jashans are performed or at times ent strength of the community, to apply to charitable institutions to body, Dick states, is kept at'the dharam- aMordmg » Dwk, IS 82, from the age provide her with interest-free, easy shala before it is carried to the of bw to Sn Twenty I^sis mcluding repayment loans. community aramgah or cemetery which eight engme dnvers, hold jobs with the Migration of Parsis from Jhansi is was donated in 1894 by Merwanji Edulii railways and many more are retired rail- i"“’------j..... •» waymen. The retired group will swell, i, _________________________ “Within the next five to 10 years, 15 to the city. If anything, financial 18 of us will have retired, ” says Dick. Except for R. Rustomji, track inspec ­ tor and F. Pestonji, engaged in the railway workshop, both 24 years old, young Parsis are no longer keen to fol ­ low in their father ’s ‘tracks, ’ professionally at least. “We are third generation drivers, ” says Dick ’s elder brother Jamshed (see box. The Parsi of Jhansi), reflecting the pride the older gener^ion took in the railways. But “our children are not interested in join ­ ing the railways, ” says Ronny. The enchantment of the iron horse on rails is a thing of the past At the end of the line, however, there . are harsh realities. “Financially we are COntGITiplSting rdlSIHQ reSOUTCGS tO maintain not well off. After retirement we will have no other source of income but our pension, says Ronny. “We will have to straints have slowed down the stay on in Jhansi, ” he adds. “Who ’s got J. . _ . _ - can ’t even get a scooter garage for two Rs 5 per bed per day, no one uses it ” As a result, the eight-room and one . hall guest house has fallen on lean Dick illustrates the predicament with times. The premises were donated in the example of a young girl, a science 1930 to the Parsis of Jhansi by Hormasji graduate, whose sole hope of getting J. Lala of Kanpur in memory of his :r.to a medical college is by father Jehangir S. Lala of Surat. The rmsing two lakh rapees for her capita- only time the place witnesses activity is recently, the only avenue open to her is of death in the community. The dead to apply to chmitable institutions to body, Dick states, is kept at the dharam- the example of a young girl, a science Migration of Parsis from Jhansi is _________________ ____________ inevitable, according to Dick and it is a Boyce. “We want to build a boundary question oHime Wore dl Parsis leave wall around the land adjacent to the —A., yr —_ X- I aramgah... ” says Dick. But lack of funds THE RAILWAYMEN OF JHANSI Gustasp Irani A community predominated by railwaymen, the Parsis of Jhansi are community assets and interests process, stay on in Jhansi, ” he adds. “Who ’s got Already the community has no the money to buy a flat in Bombay? You priest. Since 1969 they have had to rely can ’t even get a scooter garage for two on Lucknow and Delhi to loan them the lakhs there... In Jhansi, where the value j of land is less, we can afford to buy a the brief period 1973 to 1975 Ervad * I on Lucknow and Delhi to loan them the services of their men of God, though for plot of land and build on it with our Dastoor served the community before retirement compensation. ” Therein lies moving on to Nagpur. the paradox that faces the community — One scheme under consideration to the old trapped in a city from which the lure a priest to Jhansi, according to young want to escape. Dick, is to build a shopping center on “The future is bleak - for our chil- the dharamshala land and use the rent dren. ” Yes, Dick clarifies, for the generated to pay for his maintenance. In children. The standard of education in addition, the revenue from the proposed Jhansi is poor and children from here shopping center will also be used to do not get the required percentage in repair and maintain the dharamshala , all-India board examinations to get Jehangir Baag, which has fallen into admission into medical, engineering disuse. Dick points out that the last time and other professional colleges. Dick the dharamshala was used was in points out that even to send children to October 1988. There was a couple who Bombay and Delhi for special courses ‘ ~ like computer programming and hotel retirement compensation. ” Therein lies the paradox that faces the community - ¦ P- 40 Parsiana June 1989 had come from Bombay. Since there were no catering facilities, a Parsi lady .’r f 4 r "7 J* • •¦VWiI*- I THE PARSI OF Ghaziabad and a complete physical later corrected as per his sug- and medical check-up, Dick and his gestions. J colleague Lala Ram were allowed I one trial run with the empty train ways, ” says Dick. “Our feedback on ,1 before its inaugural run. the track and other conditions is M “Driving a superfast or any diesel most important. ” Dick has been serv- 1 involves a lot of concentration, ing the nation ’s communication d You ’ve got to concentrate on the foot network since 1955 when he joined ¦ plate, on the electric gadgets, the as a fireman. In 1958 he graduated to I speeds (to be maintained along) dif- a shunting driver and two years later I ferent portions of the (route). You ’ve to a goods train driver. It was a long got to know the track conditions like wait till 1977 before Dick was “Drivers are the eyes of the rail- JHANSI When the prestigious Shatabdi a map in your mind, ” says Dick, entrusted with passenger trains. In Express set wt on its inaugural run Steam engines, by contrast, involve 1980 he moved from steam engines on July 10, 1988, a soft-spoken, hard labor and, according to Dick, “a to diesel engines and by 1983 was bearded Parsi, Jamshed (more popu- little more art. .You ’ve got to get the plying the Delhi-bound superfast larly known as Jimmy) Dick, was one maximum production from the loco- of the two engine drivers who piloted motive with the minimum input of the train. Hurtling at speeds of up to effort. ” 140 kmph (double that of other Driving, be it diesel or steam express trains) down the track engines, is an art form Dick has mas- l ¦ ¦. ¦ ¦ ' ¦ . ............... Shatabdi is supposed to be the fastest certificates and awards for fuel econ- Grade I drivers too. Godrej, the eld- train in India. “I love a good run. You omy and punctuality are testimony to est, is a mail train driver on the feel as though you are the strongest his skill. The financial rewards that Northern Railways afid Ronny, the person on the track, ” says Dick when came with these awards were paltry - youngest, is with the Central, describing the sensation of power Rs 20 to Rs 100 - but to Dick, “The Railways, Jhansi based. and speed characteristic of the 4,(X)0 awards are important, not the The ‘tribe ’ of Parsi drivers from horse power engine at his command, amount. ” He also shows you letters Jhansi includes K. Maneckji, also “Senior drivers refused to drive of appreciation he received for qualified to drive the Shatabdi the train. They were afraid... the avoiding derailment of the 22Up Express, D. Billimoria, P. S. Bhaga- track conditions... the speed. I Express and for repairing the failed lia, D.K. Mistry, J.K. Bhagat and R. accepted the challenge and volun- locomotive of the 6Up Express in 14 Kaikey. Then there are the Parsi teered, ” says Dick while explaining minutes and bringing the train in on guards, inspectors and workshop how he was selected over his more time. There is also a commendation hands, 20 in all, including the driv- senior colleagues. After a 15-day for pointing out the defect in the lay- ers. They constitute Jhansi ’s Parsi special training program at out of the Jhansi rail yard which was knights of the iron horse on rails. July 10, 1988, a soft-spoken, hard labor and, according to Dick, “a to diesel engines and by 1983 was trains. “I am a third generation Grade I driver, ” says Dick. “My grandfather and my father were also Grade I drivers. ” He clarifies that his ' two between Delhi and Jhansi, the tered and takes pride in. Numerous brothers Godrej and Ronny are Driving, be it diesel or steam working women and housewives are enrolled as honorary lady members on ||||||||H (Far left) Outside UH the dharamshala: Members of Jhansi of 2 ^r rnonth each. Anjuman with children who ¦9 attended Sunday ¦R Sc/zoo/ in 1982 j (Left) Ronny Dick * ' CICVICU L/ILA as UIV IIVVT pivsiuvill U1 stands between desire and execution of September for a term of three years objectives. which may be extended to five. The oth- Funds available with the JPA are er office bearers are; secretary Ms M. those it collects as membership sub- Anklesaria; committee members K. B. scriptions. All the families of the city Pestonji, P. B. Pestonji, M. Maneckji, are members of the Anjuman, says Ms P. Maneckji, R. P. Icchaporia and G. Dick, and they pay Rs 10 per month per Rustomji. The seventh seat on the com- family to the central body. “When a mittee is vacant at present, male member starts to work, he is auto- matically eligible to become a full will have to see that the community member of the Anjuman, ” even though train does not derail as it chugs forward his own nuclear family may yet not have to an uncertain future of dark tunnels materialized, says Dick. Additionally, and unstable bridges. The last general body*meeting of the JPA was held in July 1988 at which Ms G. N. Dinshaw-Phiroze was re-elected president. However, on her death in August that year, the community elected Dick as the new president in The task ahead of the JPA is grim. ItMILESTONES The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled Kelawala; May 22 from information supplied by A girl to Arnavaz and Eruch various anjumans in India and Irani; May 24 abroad, courts and hospitals. It A boy, Zaal, to Roshni and must be pointed out that this Percy Lakdavala; May 29 information is not always com ­ plete or consistent. Of the 81 persons who died in Bombay, 29 fell prey to heart disease, while 12 died of old age. Brain and lung disease Taraporewala of Vangam and claimed seven victims each. Five succumbed to pneumonia and three to hypertension. Other killers like blood disea ­ se, high blood pressure, kidney Rustomjee of Victoria, failure, cancer, septicemia and Australia; April 30 diabetes claimed two persons Benaifer Burjor Daruwala and each. Isolated cases of bed sores, accident, tuberculosis, malaria and liver disease were registered, together with one Firdosh Maneck Bhamgara; case of stillbirth. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses,, it must be noted that is some cases, especially in those of the very old, death is often due to a combination of several dis ­ eases.,, If readers have any informa ­ tion they would like published, Adil Phiroz Daruwala; May 7 some proof to ensure the verac- Taubon Behram Irani and ity of the report would be req- Faredoon Minoo Irani; May 7 uired. We are sure our readers Pervina Sohrab Daruvalla and would appreciate this require ­ ment and cooperate with us. A boy to Yasmine and Percy A boy to Navaz and Bohman Irani; May 31 Married Shehnaz Rohinton Merwan Kekhasroo Irani of Gholvad; April 25 Niloufer Jehangir Khambatta and Hormazdiar Pirosha Sarosh Dinshaw Printer; May 1 Shernaz Pallonji Mehta and May 4 Farishta Ardesher Irani of Panvel and Farokh Khodayar Meherbani; May 5 Havovi Marzban Irani of Dahanu Rd and Hormuz Aspy Sarfabadi of Dahanu Rd; May 5 Maharukh Noshir Gazdar and Yazdi Homi Khambatta; May 7 Bakhtawar Jehangirji Pithawalla and Kaivan Mehervan Bodhanwalla of Pune; May 11 Kashmira Tehmurasp Baria and Rumi Aspi Irani; May 11 Shernaz Jimmy Elavia and Dinyar Minocher Kodia of Surat; May 11 BOMBAY Bom A girl to Dinaz and Ravi Parkash; May 1, 1989 A girl to Meher and Cyrus Rupa; May 5 A girl to Khurshed and Vistasp Mehernaz Nariman Adajania Patel; May 6 and Paurushp Baji Patel; A boy to Pervin and Homi May 11 Irani; May 9 Ketayun Furdoon Mehta and A girl to Meher and Khushroo Shahrukh Adi Bamanbehram; Damania; May 11 A boy, Malcolm, to Mehernaz and Daraius Rustom; May 13 A boy, Maazyar, to Anahita and Hormuzdyar Engineer; May 15 A boy to Dhun and Rayomand Manize Barjor Maloo and Kolah; May 15 A boy to Lyla and Homi Dhunjibhoy; May 19 A girl to Aban and Hoshedar Contractor, May 21 A girl to Daisy and Aspi Medhora; May 21 May 12 Farzana Khodabux Shahriari and Abadan Faredoon Irani of Gulbarga; May 14 Kashmira Ardeshir Irani and Farokh Bomanji Irani; May 14 Tirandaz Darab Irani; May 14 Veera Kaikobad Dastur and Jamshed Rusie Rustomjee of Sydney; May 14 Jasmine Aspandiar Shahparast and Bahram Keki Siganporia; M&y 14 (51), E-12, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400Q39; May 4 Rustom Jehangirji Heeramanek (86), Ratan Mans, 35, Forjett St, 400036; May 4 Jehangir Bomanji Irani (70), 43, Sangeeta, Arther Bunder Rd, Colaba, 400005; May 4 Putlibai Dinshawji Nargolwalla (90), Hirjibai Sethna Bldg, Chikalwadi, 400007; May 4 Keki Jehangir Ayem (85), Jer Mans, 19, Guzder St, Girgaum Rd, 400002; May 5 Pheroze Ardeshir Gimi (76), 12, Jer Mans, 70-B, Gowalia Tank Rd, 400036; May 5 Bejonji Nawroji Kanga (72), 618, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 5 Naval Hormusji Tata (85), Tata Hse, Waudby Rd, 400001; May 5 (cremated) Shirinbai Sorabji Vesuna (72), Girifaj Bhavan (Yazdan Bldg), Stnlld, Kalyan, Dist Thane, 421301; May 5 Noshir Pestonji Wesmawalla (78), Band View, 665, Lady Jehangir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 6 Bachamai Savekshaw Desai (87), Nana Parsi Wad, Bulsar, C/o P. S. Desai, Bldg 3, Kasinath St, Tardeo, 400034; May 7 Noshir Bapuji Sarkari (62), 19, Laxmi Niwas, Khetwadi, 12th Lane, 40(XK)4; May 7 Soonima Kaikhashru Sethna (85), 13, Wodehouse Rd, 400039; May 1 Tehmina Framroz Hilloo (80), Mohomedi Minar, Khetwadi, 14th Larte, 400004; May 8 Amy Mehernosh Kajanwalla __ (58), Pundole Bldg, Grant Rd, Banoo Jal Irani (62), Sea View 40()007; May 8 Ter, 67, Wodehouse Rd, Goolbai Rustomji Katrak (77), Col ’aba, 400005; May 1 C/35, Meherzin, Wodehouse Baby of Keki Nariman Cooper Rd. Colaba, 400005; May 8 (stillborn), 15/5, Rustom Baug, Jal Cawasji Engineer (78), ------------- - Dreamland, Opera Hse, 400004; May 10 (cremated) Mehrwanji Framroz Desai (85), Roshan Deep, 1st Rd, Khar, 400052; May 11 Nariman Meherjibhai Sethna (87), 24, Swashraya Soc, 47, _ -----------------------------Juhu Cross Lane, Andheri (W), Freny MuncherjiVajifdar (12), King ’s Bldg, Dr Amb^kar Rd, Parel, 400012; May 3 Zarine Pallonji Contractor Havovi Dinshaw Lalla and Rohinton Noshir Viccajee; May 14 Thrity Sorab Merchant and Vispi Homi Bhathena; May 15 Roxana Fall Colabawala and Behram Sam Mistry; May 15 Persis Eruch Kaka and Hormuzd Behram Irani; May 16 Yasmin Sheryiar Vajifdar and Hoshedar Eruch Carnac; May 18 Parizad Rasid Gorimar and Bomi Ardeshir Karkaria; May 19 Firuzi Rumi Dandiwalla and Hormaz Minoo Master; May 19 Shernaz Keki Pervez and Nitash Eruch Lala; May 20 Shernaz Furrokh Hataria and Jehangir Eruchsha Dalal; May 21 Dinaz Dara Dastoor and Hoshi Keki Siganporia; May 21 Arnavaz Pirojsha Badhniwala of Balsar and Percy Baji Buhariwala; May 22 Pearl Cawas Todiwalla and Poras Tehmurasp Balsara; May 25 Yasmin Barjor Kelawala and Homi Sorabjee Sopariwalla; May 28 Shanaz Viraf Contractor and Hormazd Dhanjisha Mehta; May 29 Died Najoo Nariman Katrak (62), residing at D-5, Kakad Est, Opp Podar Hosp, 400018; April 30 Dhunmai Ardesnir Khan (84), 7-A, Tata Blocks, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; April 30 Victoria Rd, 400027; May 2 Jal Jehangirji Daruwalla (79), 604-A, Nagardas Nivas, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; May 2 Marzban Rustomji Khan (75), 506, St Anne ’s Apt, Pali Mala Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 2 Goola Nuvroji Bharucha (87), Tarachand Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; May 12 42 Parsiana June 1989r (87), 36/A, Peer Manzil, Amrut Dhunjisha Sorabji Bhathena (78), ‘C,’ Tapia Bldg,, Jalbhai Ngr, M. V. Rd, Chakala, St, Opp Railway Hotel, 400004; May 12 Dara Dinshawji Chinoy (82), 11/7, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, 400027; May 12 Rustom Eruchshaw Irani (73), A-3, Ness Baug, Nana Chowk ~ - - - - - 400007; May. 18 Marazban Merwanji Driver (71), Perin Villa, Malcolm Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; May 16 Homi Sorabji Magra (84), 722, Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 18 Shavak Framroz Vajifdar (83), Block 4, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; May 12 Adi Sorabji Lacca (80), F/15, ___ Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004;. Jogeshwari, 400102; May 19^ May 12 Tehmina Bejonji Karanjia (87), Minoo H^mji Panthekay (86), ‘B,’ Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 72-A, Sheridan Hse, August 40(XX)7; May 19 Kranti Marg, 400036; May 12 Villoo Meherjee Lelinwalla Ketty Sorabji Anklesharia (80), (83), ‘A,’ Yasmin Apt, Pferry , Bandra, 400050; May 20 Hirabai Jehangirji Minbatiwalla (80), 632, Samarth Wadi, Hanuman Ngr, Kandivali (E), 400101; May 20 Putla Dara Press (67), 599, Sharma Niwas, Jame Jamshed Rd, Matunga, 400019; May 20 Daulat Murzban Writer (78), 2, Moola Rd, Kirkee, Pune, 411003; May 13 Roshan Aspi Driver (43), Nicholson Bldg, Wadia St, 400034; May 13 Hirabai Rustomji Hira (88), C/16, Vatcha Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo Rd, 4(X)034; May 13 Kakashru Jamshed Mehta (JI), RJ'il, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, Captain Bldg, Chikalwadi, 400007; May 13 ________ _ Roshan Behram Desai (54), 4, Room 23, Bldg 10, Tata Clny, Meher Villa, Malcolm Baug, Tardeo, 400034; May 21 Jogeshwari(WX 400102; May 14 Shavak Ruttonji Mistry (76), " . . “ '1, 74-A, West Minister, N. S. 400012; May 20 Adi Dadabhoy Mehta (53), Tardeo, 40(X)34; May 21 Bapsy Parvez Ginwalla (70), 555, Kanaya, T P. S. Ill, Khar, Manikar Marg, Chunabhatti, 400052; May 14 Sion, 400022; May 21 Shernaz Adi Irani (32), Happy Meherwanji Rustomji Divecha Home, Forjett Cross St, (78),Baimai Bldg, Jerbai Wadia Gowalia Tank, 400036; Rd, Parel, 400012; May 22 May 14 Minoo Navroji Ichhaporia Kela Nussarwanji Khar as (51). (65), Mulund Sidivinayak ' ” - - Bldg, Mithagar Cross Rd, Mulund (E), 400081; May 22 Khoshru Rustom Irani (69), Poonawala Cottage, Lawrence 6, Tata Clny, Ratan Tata Rd, 400034; May 15 Bahadur Khurshedji Mistry (76), 4/A, Gab Villa, IKLA Lane, Vile Parle (W), 400056; Rd, Deolali, Disf Nasik, May 15 Bejon Dinshaw Birdy (92), Chaman Chmbs, Barrack Rd, 400020; May 16 Bapaimai Rustomji Cooper (75), Satyabhama Niwas, Kasinath St, Tardeo, 40()034; May 16 Rusi Phiroze Gandhi {S'!), 2/2, Cawasshah Kaikhushru Swadeshi Mills Qrs, 4 Bglws, Bharucha (81), 9, Toddy Ter, Chunabhatti, Sion, 400022; ------ May 16 Phiroz Sorabji Mehta (JI), ‘B,’ Ratanbai Navroji Masani (97), Petit Bldg, Dinbai Petit St, 9-A, Fish Market Lane, Adamji 422401; May 22 Moti Gustad Irani {10), 303, Beach View Apts, 77, Chinbai Rd, Bandra, 4{)0050; May 22 Dinbai Ratanshaw Book- Binder (87), 1?), Prabhav, T. P. S. Ill, Rd 2, Santacruz (E), 400055; May 23 Dhuswadi, Dhobitalao, 400002; May 24 Petit Bldg, Dinbai Petit St, f *, "C ___ ' ' Balaram St, 400007; May 16 Peerbhoy Market, Dhobitalao, Mellasha Eduljee Saher (78), 3, Banajee Hse, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; May 16 Meherbai Burjorji Vajifdar 400002; May 24 Amy Burjor Mody (80), Seaface Park, 50, Bhulabhai Desai Rd, 400026; May 24 Alloo Darab Bhesania {19), 44 Parsiana June 1989 B-7, White Rose, 4, Perry Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 25 Shirinbai Manekshah Mistry (89), Makwal Mans, Gunbow St, Fort, 400001; May 25 Sarah Rustom Miigaseth (93), B-11, Queens Apt, 59, Pali Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 25 Dadabhoy Jehangirji Nazer (66), B-3, Contractor Bang, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; May 25 Jal Dadabhoy Patel (81), Haji Habib Bldg, Cumballa Hill, 400026; May 25 Dhun Phiroze Mogrelia (69), 12, Habib Hse, 293, Grant Rd, 400007; May 26 Jerbai Manekshaw Nanji (82), Jame Jamshed Bldg, 811, Jame Hilla Sohrabji Mehta {Sly, Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, April 5 400014; May 26 ’ Firoze Darasha Damania (54), D-12/A, Shapur Bang, V. P, Rd, Jamshed Navroji Sethna (78); 400004; May 27 April 10 Rustomji Bejonji Deboo (75), Meheryad Pirojsha Dubash H-20, Cusrow Bang, S. B. Rd, (5f^; April 13 400039; May 27 - . . Mehroo Sohrabji Kapadia (71), Albless Bldg, Chikalwadi, 400007; May 27 Firoze Ardeshir Khambatta (68), F-17, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 27 Adi Bejonji Sadrawalla (67), 764-F, Sarosh Court, Tilak Rd, Dadar, 40(X)14; May 28 Keki Eruchsa Sethna (80), Band View, 665, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 28 Khorshed Dhunjishaw Daruwala (72), 275-B, Captain Bldg, Chikalwadi, 40()007; May 29 Ratan Ardeshir Karanjia (85), 3/20, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; May 29 Mehra Ratansha Dhalla (87), Rusi Villa, 55, Peddar Rd, 400026; May 30 Fredoon Bapuji Kerawalla (76), C-14, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, 400027; May 30 Jal Sheriyar (89), 1^, Baria Bldg, Mody Cross Lane, 400001; May 30 CALCUTTA Died Ardeshir Kaikobad Batlivala (85), husband of Najoo and father of Marzban; May 21 Jehangir Shapurji Gazder (80), brother of Veera, Banoo and late Hilla and Roshan Nazir, May 26 KARACHI Died Khurshed Siavax Gandhi (60); April 4 Hoshang E. Gorana (78); April 10 Rustomji Bejonji Deboo {15), Jamshed Navroji Hazari (78); April 14 Ardesher Meherban Sanami (90); April 15 KaityHomi Mehta (88); April 30 MHOW Died Dhun Jehangirji Cooper (54), Plowden Rd, 453441; April 7 POONA Died Mehroo Jal Mistry (84), 5, Parvati Villa Rd, Camp, 411001; May 11 Meherwan Kaikhushru Irani (52), 889, Booth St, Gawli wad, 411001;'May 17 Behramshaw Mancherji Bhathena (91), 2407, East St, 411001; May 25 Dinoo Rustomji Bhesania (Fisher) (72), 10, Coyaji Rd, 411001; May 29 ^ompileJ by Roxana H. Kaki la Editorial Assistant required for Candidates must fiave excellent command over English and should be able to edit,proof, rewrite and write Write giving full details to The Advertiser (Edit) CPO BOX 892, Bombay 400001IN MEMORIAM I: Sorabji Kookadaru Memorial Agiary Trust (DJSKMAT) trustee Homi Ranina said, “Many preach, few practice what they preach. Aibara did, and therefore inspired confidence... he inculcated dis ­ cipline and religiosity. ” Aibara was the founder teacher of the prayer classes conducted by the League and had always praised the League for its religious activities, said Dr Dinyar Gamadia, the League ’s president. Questioned about their assessment of Aibara as a priest, Udwada High Priest Dastur (Dr) Hormazdyar Mirza referred to him briefly as “a good soul, ” while Dastur (Dr) Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa, High Priest of the Anjuman Atash Bahram, refused to comment. Seemingly disdaining the popular upsurge, Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal of the H. B. Wadia Atash Bahram coun ­ tered, “God does not see how many people attended the funeral... the ques ­ tion is, was the work acceptable to God? ” While dismissing condolence meetings generally as “a hoax (and) false praise, ” Kotwal says, “Two minuj^ tes ’ silence is all that ’s required. * Nonetheless, Kotwal described Aibara as a '"yakin wala manas - one with devotion and faith in the religion. ” Analysing Aibara ’s contribution, J Kotwal continued, “Hitherto nirangs were not used as there was no one to guide the people. He had the time and the enthusiasm to do this. Moreover, his intention was paak (pure). Such a man, if he does bhalai (tries to help), gets success. He taugjit prayers (at the CAM where Kotwal too was principal); he was very good at it... I had told him to take up a panthak (parish), get to meet peo ­ ple. At my suggestion he went to the Sodawaterwalla Agiary. At Cusrow - fter the geh sarna on January 13, 1989 they filed past the body, three abreast. Even so, it took the assembled mourners-who _i had overflowed the Hodiwalla Bungli, the Albless Bungli and the gents ’ pavilions onto the hastily laid out chairs in the open, with many continu ­ ing to stand - over 40 minutes to complete the sezdo. Countless others had paid their respects during the 27 hours that elapsed between the fatal heart attack and the funeral. In death as in life, Ervad Nadirsha Aibara, 56, panthaky of the Karani Agiary at Cusrow Baug and joint prin ­ cipal of the M. F. Cama Athornan Madressa (CAM) at Andheri, attracted Parsis of all age-groups. Their over ­ whelming presence at the funeral attested to the special affection this charismatic mobed had won by stoically listening to tales of woe for the last 17 years and delving into Zoroastrian spir ­ itual literature to provide nirangs (incantations) to sustain the suffering soul^. Aibara drew his inspiration from the late Dastur Jamshed Kookadaru whom he always referred to as "Saheb." He had claimed that the response he made to those who sought his advice were the i words and instructions communicated by the Saheb;Aibara disclaimed any personal understanding of each case. Every votary received a photograph of the Dastur along with King Jamshid, Shah Afsune Faredoon and/or prophet Zarathushtra (which he called “taaviz”) and meticulous instructions on how to recite the cyclostyled prayer formula, almost always being, “Hun dooa karas Aibara was particular about ritual purity (I shall pray for you). ” and did not approve of any infringement ~ of the traditional rule in his agiary - the trustees of the Karani Agiary and the votary was required to wash, say the Cusrow Baug United Sports and kusti and worship the holy fire before Welfare League recorded the meritori- Baug he reached higher acclaim... joining the queue of people waiting to ous services Aibara had “rendered...to ~ consult him. The sessions often lasted the Zoroastrian community at large and from 10 in the morning to 1 pm, to the Karani Agiary and the residents depending on the length of the queue, of Cusrow Baug in particular. ” At the work. People have different tempera- Each supplicant ’s name was noted on a meeting at the Cusrow Baug pavilion, ments, different beliefs. If we do not sheet of paper; Aibara ’s parting words Karani Agiary and Dasturji Jamshedji satisfy them, they go elsewhere... hence M ne A THE AIBARA CHARISMA Arnavaz S. Mama The condolence meetings held by the There was no fight or argument between us but a divergence of approach. ” “What work he was doing (was) good Ervad Nadirsha Aibara was praised by those who benefitted by his spiritual help and criticized by others for creating a Kookadaru cult 46 Parsiana June 1989> he rendered yeoman service, ” attests Aibara ’s portrait was unveiled in the on the Madressa campus in 1968-69, Ervad (Dr) Pfcshotan Peer, president of Karani Agiary Hall at a function Aibara approached them for a flat for the Parsee Vegetarian and Temperance attended by the Agiary trustees. his young family, recounts Turel. He Society and panthaky of the Tata Agiary “Nadirsha got his knowledge and his was asked if he would be able to afford in Bandra. Peer was referring to Aiba- (early) inspiration from his uncle the rent which was then over Rs 300. ra ’s faith-healing within the ambit of Marazban Aibara ” who was a scholar Aibara, who then earned between Rs Zarathushtrian prayers. priest in Surat with a cupboard full of 300 and Rs 350 from the same organi- zation, was a very sentimental man. He was very disappointed and made up his mind to go to Sodawaterwalla (Agiary) to better his prospects, ” remembers Turel. “He had been made to run from “Nadirsha got his knowledge and his was asked if he would be able to afford (early) inspiration from his uncle the rent which was then over Rs 300. ‘Dr Gamadia had accepted Aibara ’s handwritten books on religious matters, including eight copies of the Vendidad, informs Homi Turel, scion of the Goti Adarian ’s Turel family at Surat and cur- "God does not see how many people rently a managing committee member of CAM. Marazban had severed ties with pillar to post, ” attests Peer, his family and, in the interests of ritual purity, did most of his own housework. Extremely straightforward like his men- attended the funefal...the Unlike other Zoroastrian scholar priests, Aibara had no formal education . . -“‘**6**v*vzx xmv ma mvii- beyond the Gujarati texts, had made no question is, was the tor Marazban, Aibara became a original study of the Avestan texts, work acceptable to qualified) mobed at a notes Kotwal. Ranina described him God?" humkalam (totally qualified) mobed at a very early age (he reportedly performed however as an “intensely perceptive thinker (who) made many a scholar feel ashamed. ” Kotwal credits him with intu ­ ition and a desire to learn. In 1986 with the strength of the his first nimngdin at the age of 13), said Turel. So young was he when he came to Bombay as an instructor at the Cama Madressa, in answer to an advertise ­ ment, that the trustees wondered if he CAM reduced to two students and the would be able to fulfil his assignments, says Turel, adding that he was probably the youngest teacher at the CAM. He taught rituals and bhantar (Avesta contribution to the welfare of patients, ” asserts Ervad Pali Master, secretary of the Athornan Mandal and the Karani would be able to fulfil his assignments, cavernous building resounding with Agiary. “No one else was willing to lis- says Turel, adding that he was probably silence, it seemedt only a matter of ten to people ’s kuthlas (tales of woe), the youngest teacher at the CAM. He weeks before the institution ’s fmalxlo- Moreover, Aibara was a very hot- taught rituals and bhantar (Avesta sure. Turel says he fought a war on two tempered man... Ultimately people prayers) and the subjects were Aibara ’s fronts to keep the institution going - accepted (the value of his work), ” added forte. As notes Ervad (Dr) Rooyintan getting Aibara, by then a heart patient. Master who attributed the Karani Peer who has succeeded Aibara as joint to agree to the proposition of taking up Agiary ’s current high level of patronage principal of the CAM, “(I am) known as the joint principalship of the Madressa forte. As notes Ervad (Dr) Rooyintan getting Aibara, by then a heart patient. Peer who has succeeded Aibara as joint to agree to the proposition of taking up from the community to Aibara person- being well conversant with rituals. This ("Mahne tahmaru naam joiyech. On the ally contributing 10 to 15 thousand 1 rupees annually to its maintenance, 1 apart from the largesse of richer bene- thregar mobeds... Everyone remembers him with respect. ” “Except for his gusso (anger) he was a righteous, pious person (who) prayed for hours together with great chokhkhai I owe to him. We were 45 students strength of your name I’ll get the boys, ” *' ' ’ he reportedly told Aibara) and getting then, ” recalls Peer. “He made us yozda- factors. mm wmi itapcvi. A A 1— Mazdayasnie Monasterie and “Except for his gusso (anger) he was Manne tahmaru Zoroastrian College founder Dr (Ms) a righteous, pious person (who) prayed An Meher Master-Moos at the condolence for hours together with great chokhkhai Ictai II JUiyGCn. kJ 11 meet and businessman-philanthropist (ritual purity). He always carried a th© StTGriOth Of VOUF Dinshaw Merchant in a letter to Jam-e- small mat on which he stood to pray, ” • / ?¦ , ; ¦ - name I'll get the boys" Jamshed (January 22) have spearheaded a move to confer the title of dastur post ­ humously upon Aibara, and to include his name in the Parsi prayers along with ly if he felt convinced that the students those of other illustrious dead. The call has been seconded by Gulrukh Chinoy and 13 others in a paid advertisement in the Jame of February 11. Though proficient in navar-maratab prayers according to Kotwal a dastur requires to " be a man of learning, Master-Moos notes that Kookadaru too was “only an ervad in his lifetime. He never received a shawl. It was only after his death that the honor was conferred upon him. laugh. Before his demise he had moved to the Anjuman Atash Bahram. His portrait hangs in the main hall... ” On April 18, roj Jamyad mah Avan, the birth anniversary of Kookadaru, says Turel. Very particular about pro ­ nunciation and pauses, Turel remembers Aibara lashing out physical- were deliberately ignoring instructions, the trustees to agree to his appointment. The trouble erupted because several of In two years the strength of the student the boys (including Turel) came already body rose to 11, says Turel. . • • ; Before secular studies had been dis- from the Dadar Madressa (which at that continued, leading to the institution ’s time offered no secular education), and unhappy decline, the boys used to could not adjust to Aibara ’s demands, attend the neighboring Madhavdas The case finally went to £he principal Amarsey School for their normal school education. Now the school declined to admit the Madressa ’s boys once more. When Aibara and Turel went in person to plead the Madressa ’s case, Aibara chanced upon a Parsi teacher whom he had helped with nirangs at some earlier time. The lady the trustees to agree to his appointment. 47 Parsiana June 1989 for adjudication, recalls Turel with a Acute monetary restraints alone caused Aibara to quit the CAM where he came every morning from Grant Road, says Turel. When the Cama trus ­ tees built their first residential buildingir ii Muslim prayers; ftat Aibara was ment and the boys ’ normal, secular education was reestablished. While at the Madressa, Aibara saw to it that the students and their instructors were served the same fare and that the chil- h H: 11 I i I \ ! page, verse and line from different hungry for power and pelf. ^riptures, enabled him to help not only A particularly disappointing episode Zoroastrians but people of other faiths, for Aibara had been the Cusrow Baug using their own literature which was not residents ’ veto of his planned expansion familiar to hiin. The correlation of of the Karani Agiary (“A ‘milestone ’ had cvc,v.h,„g provided for dreir r^ have to continue wit* ’ j ---- .. Fifteen days before his dea± Aibara work), ” which Aibara ; ttaS JSce a'«^b? ‘Sii^ “Sa^^ discha^e for 17 years, is now the herit- Agiary on every Hormuzd and Behiam on Ws hS tad^^T ’JrS^ K “ '** which he conducted alternately with A * Ardibehest znaA, Nergish has been mak- Master-Moos. tne muktads in August, Aibara specu- '— ’----- iz- - .. lated every now and then that his end may be near, says his wife Nergish. He __ _______ _ ovuuvwto ^uv , had his convictions (and) stood upfor and le^rS c P“*aky at the Karam what is right. He took bouquets and did at Cusrow Baug) thl a New York \ Saheb s work brickbats with equanimity, ” attested resident reportedly flew into Bombay DJSKMAT etc Aibara hadjelated to ftirsiuno how The Zoroastrian Society of Ontario paW davs befL L 5^™;^ people returned the photographs tribute to Aibara ’s memory two days -Hun W t *“ a* ’®®- after his demise with a,sarZno-karl, /mi “ endeavor to help) with performed by the mobeds as its news to ll a reprimand to stop his ’Wng (toe). ” toerXS. ' Sy iSlSl md tem tonT ’CS that “there are Some time before he died, Aibara s ’:‘w:' ’'SridSh “rcS U' iawrr:Sv^rs' ’:rto«d wXd to get\XV aSi^^^ O"' Msh priest bear a son on March 28. The date did least expecting the fatal end at 12.45 pm. Somewhere along these last few weeks) Aibara even instructed his fami ­ ly to schedule his funeral 24 hours after his demise! 1057 ft '“t™"' a'ith ftrrato in ------------- ------------------ ,„uuon oea 1987 Aibara had iTOOimted how he had ily confirmed that Indira had written to predicted SSb" Xws ’S; 1?72 vSrio^'f '“S’-) fy h« «le itn nzrangs in \912. Visions of been other allegations - that the mrazigs gish and sons Yezdi and Homyar. zoroastkiAns abroad continued from paee 22 At Its May meeting ZAC commemo rated advance of the purchase if the Mover ’s Day with its head priest Ervad i fasti inaye^ io“5 ,;i7'“XTthSe^?J‘ newsletter. President Kayomarsh Mehta College of Arts and Science. of Engineering student Afshin Sadeghi of In the fifth and final year of his under the A^h Nyaish. Based upon ±e series Northwestern University has been nom- graduate deX VLchi^^^^ ' - report ­ notes ZAC s ^une schools in the US — Naval Rustomiee is com^te for a $ 25,0(X) scholarship cost of $io?6()6~ notes thHuneneSt- --------- ¦ .ter. in response to Rustomjee ’s qipeal room and board for assistance, ZAC president Kayo- scriptures, enabled him to help not only using their own literature which was not residents ’ veto of his planned expansion familiar to him. The correlation of of the Karani Agiary (“A ‘milestone ’ w^on, voice and mess^e: “Afarw iiaaki round our necks, ” Parsiana, March , , * M. OVrUAW VFL Uliliappx** have to continue with my unfinished ness was that few young people wnrVV’ ss,h;r.k A strove so hard to attended the religious lectures at the now the herit- Agiaiy on every Hormuzd and Behr am Master-Moos. Yet, such was the impact of Aibara ’s successful tour of the US and Canada in ing herself available to anyone seeking spiritual help. _________________ _ i„ He had a lot of detractors. (But) he 1984 (where he had distributed niranss ri hie a4.aaJ______ _ t i . . . a® on the religion just as he a reprimand to stop his (farce). ” letter informs. had questioned, “Do you want to start a not coincide with the calculations of the new cult? ” Another had suggested, doctor who had scheduled the delivery There shouldn ’t be any agent between more than a week later. That Amy went - you and Ahura Mazda. ” (Nonetheless, into labor on March 28 and Farhad was among those who requested a taaviz bom the following day, has done much * was the late Indira Gandhi, then prime to assuage the family ’s grief at Aibara ’s minister of India, said Master. The fam- sudden death. It was almost as he had Aibara is survived by his wife Ner- event of personal trips to India. The Another Zoroastrian to make it to the appeal promises reimbursement in ] --------------- - prayer the winter quarter of foe 1988-89 aca- rrt-A V 'a w- j j- • * ,----------- room committee chairman Ervad Pfesi demic year was Neville Rilimnrin 22 of ™ impending informs ZAC. Billmoria is in hi) second Northwestern University ’s dean ’s list for MNavSiz to:“7N“^S:a.t ”by S; XTugtai: TecTu^4S- “- e-f'y ou/““”?Si.eciuz.l attention of the old and young alike. “Our repeated attempts to get sandal- and our estimates- show that our present from his university. cfz\z*v* urill t%A J 1___.<.1. _ _ « t* .A.. - stay, Mehta ’s speech riveted audience Arts and Science, a svuwis in me us — rxavai Kustomjee is newsletter He will now be eligible to finding it difficult to meet the year ’s r.nmrw^tA fnr a C nnn ___u- __ _ /**«a o J r *T J. }?------r7~ a**ard. He has already earned a scholar ­ wood shipped from India have failed ship towards tuition i ... '^Afs“S?'br«her Armin bod. ™-\Mehu has conmered dre dean'a. .he year," informs d.e nlwsleto. S of wta^LSXfrllfJ^toto members to help college, entered foe US two and a half resolve foe logistical problem of a con- purchasing and ferrying sukhad in foe notes foe newsletter. are their way through possibilities of helping the talented hon- intAraH fk/i TTC a-.J •*v*i .—-------— ors student. The community ’s help has dnuing supply for di darb. mehr behalf.' Compiled by Arnavaz S. Mama 48 Parsiana June 1989