Aug 1989

'••• ^Jf*-^.*** •• AUGUST 1989 Rs 8 PaW> I •1 1 L r ‘ '^1.! tx e c i\ I fM 'K: M' 5^1; ¦ V r*«* I'.'W ,iV'. i.-® » *•' Li ^b^' ¦Wa I g V ¦i' S7j \' r t'V/ >¦ -fc 'l /'.?i t'^ r k F ( 5', f- i? a: 3 > 4i a » i « 1 J ' ^r&ees atBonifcay^SS ' 1769 - -- 'A August 1989 Volume 12 Number 2 BeDITOR Jehangir Pa^ MmaNAGING editor Arnavaz Mama BeXECUTIVE editor Parinaz Gandhi B ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana Kaka ^^ESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, gBbeborah Fernandes ^//MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel K^DVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D'Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala ' FINANCE B.L Arora EDP Rohinton Daroga CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar - "*¦ U MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver OFFICE Rajendra P. Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia Lewis, Rajalakshmi Krishnan, Bakhtavar Batliwala. Nowzer Batliwala 3 Readers' Forum 25 Events and Personalities T 40 Zoroastrians Abroad 50 The Parsis in the 1800s by Maria Graham 56 Studio Windsor: "Master" Stroke by Gustasp Irani 63 J. N. Petit School: "A second home" * 70 Comment: Jam6 daily closure 76 Business Takeoff from Bombay Airport 80 A theater affair by Geeta Doctor 88 Kuka: The accidental exhibitor by Homi Rogers 97 Recipes by Bhicoo Manekshaw 100 Books 103 Milestones 111 In Memoriam *. Cover: Parsees at Bombay, Jam Forbes 1769; Engraving by T. Wageman; Published by White, Cochrane and Company, Fleet Street, June 1, 1812. From the collection of Mr and Ms M- J- P- Mistri p 1 a, t Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd, at C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd, C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Lithographers; and black and whitd processing, Shilpart. All rights reserved. Phone: 2048730. For editorial enquiries: 2048183. Telex 115710 RABO IN Fax 2042922 Annual inland subscription: Rs 60 for one year (12 issues); Rs 100 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates: Seamail Rs 130 for one year, Rs 245 for two years; Air mail Rs 275 for one year, Rs 525 for two years. For US cheques add $5 to cover bank charges. For Indian upcountry cheques, add Rs 4 for bank charges. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 or C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001. I MBREADERS’ FORUM > M »»»«» J* 1 iU tai Institute (“When scholars deliber- Studies are doing so. "Ushta-te" to the ate, ” Parsiana, May 1989) Homi Rog- workers at Zoroastrian Studies. May ers has cited Prof Philippe Gignoux ’s you be blissfully happy for you are P ¦ criticism of my paper, that it “did not indeed doing the Lord ’s work! jL say anything new and was just a general Ms dhun shiavax nargolwala K compilation. ” Firstly, I would like to ask, who, “OutcastC milestones” (p when and where, has done a similar This refers to a letter written by Ms B. comparative study on the Zoroastrian M. Irani (“Outcaste milestones, ” Par- M and Tibetan Buddhist religions? Only siana, April 1989). K S. Hummel had approached the subject Firstly I would like Ms Irani to verify g in his Zervanishtische Traditionen in in a dictionary that the meaning of the B der ikonographie des Lamalsmus word ‘outcaste ’ is a person who has ¦ (Stuttgart 1967), on different grounds. been rejected or ousted from society. I B Secondly, to quote the works of think what she actually meant to convey B learned researchers such as Paul Pelliot, was, those people not belonging to the B Joseph Hackin, Rend Grousset, Alfred Zoroastrian religion. B Foucher, who have scientific backing ¦ but have been hitherto neglected by disfavor of Zoroastrians marrying out- B so-called scholars, is doing more than a side the religion. She also does not I mere “compilation. ” Used innovatively, want others to know about the happy I their work shows that Tibetan Bud- union of two people who obviou^ love fl dhism borrowed, many ideas from Zoro- one another enough to brave the odds fl astrian Iran. My new book. Des Dieux created by many in our community who ¦ de I’ancien Iran aux saints du Boud- think like her. I dhisme, du Christianisme et de I’Islam, * contains further evidence in support of centage of women was less than men; this thesis. Prof PAULDUBREuiL some people even say that there were no women among those who landed in Sanjan from Iran 1300 years ago. So, Ms Irani is obviously in complete When we first settled here, the per- Prof PAUL nU BRF.UIL Raaders’ viaws are walcoma on any aubjact of hiteraat to the community and should ba aant to the Editor, Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400 001. Letters are subject to editing tar rassons of space and Parsiana, May 1989. One covered the nages even then and we may not be the clarity. Unsigned letters or those without a deliberations of 25 savants on Indo- pure-blooded Aryans many of us would complete address will not ba publishad. Iranian historical and cultural studies at like to believe we are. Also I would like - , ¦ , the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute to mention that it has been proved that (“When scholars deliberate ”). The sec- too much intermingling among mem- ond reported the project undertaken by bers of a community as small as ours Zoroastrian Studies on March 18, 1989, produces retarded offspring. What is it in our religion that does Gladdening Zarathushtra I have read with interest two articles in there must have been intercaste mar- “The railwaymen of...” In “The railwaymen of Jhansi ” (Parsia- for medical aid, entertainment and food na, June 1989) Gustasp Irani mentioned for the poor and needy Zoroastrians of not allow conversion while all other that the past president of the Jhansi Par- Udwada and Solfalia (“Treat for Udwa- religions do? I would like to point out si Anjuman was Ms G. N. Dinshaw and da locals ” in Events and Personalities), that this was one of the conditions mistakenly speaks about her death. No doubt, scholarly discussions have imposed upon us by the king of Sanjan The fact is that Mr N. N. Dinshaw, their place in life. But as a simple for allowing us to stay on in his king- who was the president of our anjuman, housewife, I ask myself, which of these dom. At that time there were foreign has expired and Ms G. N. Dinshaw, his two groups must have gladdened the invaders who were forcing Hindus to wife, is very much alive. This lady is heart of my beloved Prophet Zarathush- accept other religions. And we are very helpful to our Anjuman and gives tra? Would it be those who discussed holding on to this at a time when our shelter to the priests coming to Jhansi the merits and demerits of the correct very existence is threatened! for jashan and death ceremonies from meaning of the name Zarathushtra? Or Ms reena kavina Delhi and Lucknow. ronny dick would it be those who lived his religiorr, , Jhansi with good thoughts, good words, and above all good deeds, and brought a ray “DoCS ZoFOaStriailism...?” Gustasp Irani and Parsiana tender their of sunshine, for however short a time, , In “Does Zoroastrianism teach reincar- RONNY DICK Jhansi ’ apologies to Ms G. N. Dinshaw and the into the lives of our less fortunate breth- nation? ” {Parsiana, March 1989) Dr Jhansi Anjuman. ren? Mr Palkbivala said at the Indo- Ali A. Jafarey purports to give “an alto- Iranian meeting, “Zoroastrianism has gether new view ” of the fate of the soul “When scholars...” been tried and failed, the religion of derived from “a closer look at the In his report on the International Con- Zoroaster is yet to be tried. ” Perhaps, Gathas.” Arguing that “the Gathas do gress hosted by the K. R. Cama Orien- the devoted workers at Zoroastrian not speak about heaven and hell, or of 3 Parsiana August 1989s I. 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Passengers only Subject to COI/RBI Approval For further details contact: H.K. LALA & CO. Capitol Cinema Bldg., 1st Floor, Murzban Road, Bombay 400001. Tel; 2043006, 2045094, 2045744 judgement... but only point to the refin ­ ing of the soul for an ultimate existence with the Godhead, ” he suggests that this “Zarathushtrian view ” was lost to the Zoroastrians but retained and devel ­ oped by the Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Gnostics, Manichaeans and Sufis. While Dr Jafarey ’s view is perhaps novel, it is certainly not Gathic. The Gathas are silent on many points of Zoroastrian doctrine, but heaven, hell and judgement are not among them. That the choices which individuals make, for good or for evil, have conse ­ quences both in this existence and at its end is one of the central themes of the Gathas. Zarathushtra recognizes the spenta nature of Ahura Mazda not only through his activities as creator but also through his establishment of a system of rewards for the good and punish ­ ments for the bad to be administered at the last judgement. (Y.43.5) Zarathush- tra ’s eschatological vision of judgement and salvation runs throughout the warp and weft of the brilliant tapestry of the Gathas. It cannot be removed without destroying the integrity of lhe fabric and denying the justice of Ahura Maz ­ da. Even as the Truth is to be saved and the Lie destroyed (Y.49.3), so also is it Ahura Mazda ’s purpose to destroy the adherents of the Lie and to save the supporters of the Truth (Y.51.9). While Zarathushtra promises the faithful the reward of dwelling with Ahura Mazda in heaven (Y51.15), he warns that the wicked will never join the righteous there (Y32.15). Those who refuse to serve Ahura Mazda will receive at the judgement that which is worse than bad (Y51.6), for their false teaching will place them at Igst in hell (Y51.14) where they will dwell for eternity (Y46.il). The Gathas never speak of a process whereby “(the souls) of the wrongful return until the wrongful are made wor ­ thy ” or “return until they turn into righ ­ teous persons ” as Dr Jafarey alleges. The passage to which he obliquely refers is, of course, Y.49.11. As cor ­ rectly interpreted by Dr Stanley Insler, the passage describes the punishment of the wicked in hell by their own souls which offer them foul food: “them shall their souls continue to encounter with foul food when they shall be true guests in the House of Deceit ” (cf. Y.31.20 and Y.53.6 where foul food also appears as one of the punishments of 4 Parsiana August 1989APPOINTED VALUERS OF JEWELLERY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA GAZDAR PVT. LTD. Taj Mahal Hotel Bombay Tel: 2023666 2023366 Ext 3204 Telegrams: “MANUSCRIPT hell). There is here no notion of the postmortem reformation of the wicked. Cinvato peretu is the point of no return. Salvation is only for those who declare themselves on the side of Ahura Mazda before coming to judgement (Y.30.2). Although a kinder and gentler doc ­ trine of universal salvation does occur in the Pahlavi literature (e.g. Zand- Akasih, 34.18-21), there is no trace of it in the Gathas. (As Irach J. S. Tarapore- wala remarked, “It would always be prudent not to import into the Gathas ideas which had developed in later ages, not even when they are supported by Pahlavi tradition. ”) Zarathushtra ’s doctrine as proclaimed in the Gathas is based on an apocalyptic eschatology. He hoped for the realization of the eschaton in the immediate future (Y.30.9) and consequently concentrated on the meaning and reality of the judge ­ ment on the last day at the expense of detailed descriptions of its mechanism. The Gathas do not speak of the resur ­ rection of the body or of the individual i judgement of the soul after death. For Zarathushtra, the justice of Ahura Maz ­ da, already clear to his prophetic vision, would be made manifest to all on the last day when he would lead the righ ­ teous to salvation (Y.46.10) while the I sinners, damned by their words and I deeds, are chastised by their souls I (Y.51.13) and placed ultimately in hell (Y.51.14). I In the Gathas there is also no indica- I tion of “the ultimate union of soul with I Godhead, ” a doctrine which Dr Jafarey I suggests was “lost to orthodox Zoroas- I trianism. ” Instead the goal of the righ- I teous is the attainment of wholeness and immortality (Y.45.5), a future life (Y.46.19) in heaven (Y.51.15), truth and I the hegemony of the good mind (Y.51. I 21), together with the other gifts of I Ahura Mazda and the Bounteous I Immortals. In other words, the righ- I teous will receive as their reward what- I ever is best (Y.47.5). The doctrine of I emanation from and re-absorption into I the Godhead is more a characteristic of I gnostic religions such as Manichaeism I than of religions such as Zoroastrianism I and does not occur in the Gathas. I Dr Jafarey states that he regards the I Gathas as “thought provokers, ” and one I cannot say that his allegorical exegesis I of the Gathic eschatology is wrong any I more than one can say that a Christian I exemplaristic interpretation of atone- J ment is wrong. But even as one can say WHAT? NEVER HEARD OF PARAGON TOY SHOP? MY GOODNESS! It’s a irtiop with a good selection of TOYS, DOLLS CYCLES, SCOOTERS, PEDAL CARS, EDUCATIONAL TOYS, PRESENTATION BOOKS, PUZZLES, NOVELTIES, ETC Established in 1943 in Calcutta Branch in Bombay since 1971 A shop known for reasonable rates & good service. Many families have been our regular customers for 3 to 4 generations now ADDRESS No 108, Heera Panna Shopping Centre (With car parking space) Bhulabhai Desai Road (Old Warden Road) Near Haji Ali Bombay 400026 6 Parsiana August 1989! 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Road, Bombay 400001 that Paul would not have recognized the exemplaristic claim that the death of Christ was only to set a moral example of selfless love as an adequate statement of the central doctrine of Christianity, so also can one say that Zarathushtra would not have recognized Dr Jafarey ’s interpretation of the Gathic eschatology as an adequate description of his pro ­ phetic vision of the ultimate demonstra ­ tion of the justice of Ahura Mazda. H. MICHAEL SIMMONS ®irector. Center for Zoroastrian Research Bloomington, Indiana, USA Dr AH A. Jafarey replies May I first make a few points clear: • The Semites and their akin neighbojs - Egyptians, Babyionions, and others believed, and still believe, in one brief' life on this earth; • The Indo-Europeans, and this includes the pre-Christian ancestors of modern Europeans, believed, and some still believe, in transmigration of soul; • Similarity of the eschatological beliefs between the apparently older Avestan religion and the post-exilic Judaism, Christianity and Islam constitutes one of the main factors that has led many scholars to state,that Zoroastrianism has greatly influenced the three Abrahamic religions; and • Some scholars (myself among them) hold that the influence has been recip ­ rocal and that Zoroastrianism has also borrowed many ideas from western reli ­ gions and cults. My studies show that the one-life theory is one of them. It is in this context of similarities that Dr Simmons and those with whom he shares his opinions take the whole eschatological question. They take it for granted that Zarathushtra taught the one-life doctrine of do good and reap good for ever and do evil and suffer evil for eternity. They forget that Asho Zarathushtra rose in a predominantly 8 Parsiana August 1989In Ahmedabad The CAMAis simply the best fl .0 8S I ‘ * A Garden Hotd in the heart of the city * Excellent Amenities ? Spacious Rooms with TV and Fridge ? MAJLIS, the Conference Room with all the facilities ? AAB-O-DAANA, invites you to a gourmet ’s delight RANGOLI, the only Poolside Restaurant in town SILVER LEAF, the Coffee Shop for the young at heart ? NEED WE SAY MORE Cams cares for you coma hotel Khanpur, Ahmedabad, India Tel: 25281 (9 lines) 10 Parsiana August 1989 Aryan environment away from Semitic and its neighboring influences; that he is original and unique in his doctrine and his sublime songs should be studied and understood first in their own con ­ text and then in their akin contemporary contexts; and that all the Avestan and Pahlavi details of the Zoroastrian escha ­ tology - from Vendidad and Yasht 22 to Menok Khirad and the vivid description of Arda Viraf - belong to post-Gathic periods of the late Achaemenian and still later times during which much of the two-way borrowings of ideas had taken place. They then give themselves the liberty to substitute Avestan terms and even Pahlavi words with their so-presumed equivalents of Biblical terms of heaven, hell, punishment, resurrection, salva ­ tion, and judgement, and if this does not appear to suffice, they make their footnotes to draw one ’s attention to the final judgement and other retributory formalities. With this in mind. Dr Sim ­ mons has plucked out a number of sen ­ tences, clauses, phrases, and words from the eStire “brilliant tapestry of Gathas,” arranged them 4n a desired order, substituted the original Gadde concepts with Biblical terms to make his deductive comments. Should one take every instance has cited (Y.30.2,9, 20; 32.15; 34.18-21;’ 43.5; 45.5; 46.10-11, 19; 47.5; 49.3, 11; 51.6, 9, 13-15, 21; 53.6), lead it and the preceding and following stanzas in full with the Gathic concepts restored, the entire picture will fehange and his hypothesis will fall apart. One will not then find the Gathas speaking about one single life of a short span, the eter ­ nal condemnation merely for a number of offenses committed during this brief period, the judgement at Chinvato Pereto, and dropping the wrongful off into a sadistically torturous hell below to feed on foul food and hear woeful words for all time to come. Instead, one will find them very guiding, particularly for the wrongful. One will see the living on this world as a part of an eternal life. Natural death, not mentioned in the Gathas, will appear justa transitory process. All the good and bad consequences of one ’s words and deeds, and even the prom ­ ised “future-life ” (Y.46.19), happen in this “fruitful, joy-bringing world ” (Y. 44.6; 46.19; 47.3; 50.2). Asho Zarathushtra, never speculative and imaginative, does not visualize for us a life beyond from which no one has Gathas,” arranged them 4n a desif^r^ —- It is not I who “regards the Gathas as ki (1072-91) who, on the recommenda- thought provokers, ” but it is Zarathush- tion of his vizier Omar Khayyam, so far returned to tell the story. His teachings lead one, the righteous soon- ,, . er and the wrongful after due suffer- tra who literally calls them by that commenced the civil year from March ings, to a social life and universal name - Manthra. He calls himself and 21, 1079. The Zoroastrian calendar was fellowship based on good mind (vohu his companions Manthrans, thought reintroduced as the basis for computa- manah), precision (asha), a good and provokers. And given my freedom of tion. ” chosen dominion (vohu khshathra vai- choice to “hear the best with my ears These statements are very confusing. rya), serenity and stability (aramaiti), and ponder over them with a bright While one says that the Fasli calendar intuition (seraosha), conscience (dae- mind, ” the Gathas are my guide and with March 21 as the New Year is the na) and many more primal principles Zarathushtra my Manthran. creation of Jalaludin and has nothing to of life (datao angheush pouruye), only I am sure that with more clear think- do with Zoroastrianism, the other writ- to progress to peace (rama), prosperity taken-for-granted attitude, er states that March 21 as the New Year is the Zoroastrian calendar which was reintroduced by Sultan Jalaludin Malek Shah Seljuki. Which of the above two versions is in “The Year of the Snake ” (Parsiana, correct? ms homai framroze bode I am sure that with more clear think- (hujyaiti), radiant happiness (ushta), light shall shine and illuminate us all. wholeness (haurvatat) and immortality (ameretat). This progress finally leads one to j in all its departments. ) All guest rooms and other outlets such as: •SUNSET ROOM •PATIO • POOLSIDE & LAWNS for parties •HEALTH CLUB •BEACHCOMBER BAR • JUBILEE ROOM for banquets •SWIMMING POOL • HEALTH CLUB & BARBER SHOP ' • and SHOPPING ARCADE hove been tastefully redesigr>ed and renovated with a touch of class by renowned architects like Messrs Talati/Panthaki Associates, Prakash Mankor & Associates and Vinod Mehra &. Associates. Old popular prices maintained. Single room Rs, 630 and double room Rs. 720 per day as fixed by G.O.I.. D O T. plus Government taxes as applicable. In its Silver Jubilee year, Sun-n-Sand changes over to a brighter, newer, swankier look. Come. Be our guest. 3 5 X. V \ 8 £ « '-’IE'nis never thought of orchard farming, abroad they claim to be able to think in universal brotherhood of man an because Indian agriculture concentrates and speak only in English. Just a few asked, “What is ^e caste of uoc. Is H on the cultivation of rice, wheat, bajra, years abroad, and the Parsi forgets his a Parsi, Hindu, Chnstiw or what. jowar, and sugarcane, especially in the roots! z. m. zend He further charged that there to Gujarat area, where the Parsis settled. . much controversy ^ongs^si &rc The Parsis' forefathers, the vigorous Declining numbers? astrian religious scholars. This tends t Iranis did farming with a vengeance. Parsi Zoroastrians will never extinguish baffle the other members of the con Every family had hundreds of acres i under the plough. With the coming of in Ahura Mazda the British, the Parsis left their lands -------------. for cosy 10 to 4 jobs in the Central from outside, why don ’t we convert our religion and he went on to sugge Bank. When the ‘‘Land to the tillers ” those Parsis who have their navjote per- that we should confess that we ai T M. ZEND as a community as long as we have faith munity who are consequently misguk ¦ ed and frustrated. According to th Instead of converting somebody critic there is no proper foundation i !' law came into force, they lost practical- formed in childhood but never practise groping in the dark. ly all their major holdings. their religion? Milk will not become He further faulted us on having thrt It was an Irani who started the first more white (pure) by adding water to calendars, on hiding our distinctr tea s^ing restaurant in Bombay city. it. Thoush the Quantity will increase, sudreh and kusti, on the inconsistent Again, the Iranis popularized bread in t,.^ -----j ....... _ . . Bombay. They were masters in the art no layer of cream. al ceremonies but peformmg the navj of making leavened dough by the sour Why are we so worried? If from a te and wedding ceremonies in the dough process. (The nearest the Parsis mere 1,000 from Iran we could turn our presence, etc. came to it was making bhakhras from figures into N00,000, then jwhy not _ toddy!) The Irani-owned Wibs has f knocked the combined bakeries of Bri- L------------ — r tannia and Modern for a sixer. Forty generation. Teach tl^m the value of the years ago the Rising Sun Bakery, bvuig .c...,. --------------- ------ ; "riizn- whose one partner was Mr M. Z. Kabir, does not only mean giving dole or foul language meaningfully (Parsis a used to send six-tier cakes to Singapore founding charity houses. Zoroastrian well-knpwn for that), would not su and Hong Kong on the P&O Liners. ’------------ Bachi should now write on the origins thers did. of the bread industry and the tea serv- ,ing restaurants in Bombay. . I wish Bachi had not struck a dispar- More COnSlStCIlCy, plCaSC their religion? Milk will not become it. Though the quantity will increase, - ------- - —-------------- the quality will diminish. There will be of not allowing non-Parsis at the fune no layer of cream. ' Why are we. so worried? If from a - t We, Parsis, believe in our praye tromT,0()/)00 to 1,00,600,000? All that and recite them without knowing f is needed is to persuade the younger meaning thereof, in the blind belief th being Zoroastrians. Zoroastrian value effect. If that be so, then when we u value means hard work like one forefa- vibrations also create^a bad influer on our aura? And if vibrations coi have such effect, then why do we i run tape recorders instead of hiri _____________________________ 7 ____ priests who are well-known fof sjl aging note in her article by patronizing- On a recent visit to Lonavla, I could not ping through the prayers? , ly labelling them as “jungli Irun(s), ” rebut the arguments of a so-called spir- Can these points be discussed opei a derogative term which she repeats lat- itualist who contended that there is not in the interests of the community, er in her article. My answer is: When a mnrh “stuff ’ in our relision. Ms c. r. mei pale, introverted, degenerated Parsi confronts a vigorous, active Irani whom he cannot comprehend, the Parsi conveniently labels him, and tries to run him down. It is this snooty attitude which has got the Parsis into trouble with Iranis in the USA. Another typical example of Parsi snootiness is that after a few years NEVILLE SARKARl Augusta, Ga, USA rebut the arguments of a so-called spir ­ itualist who contended that there is not much “stuff ’ in our religion. He alleged that Parsis do not believe Edited by Arnavaz S. Mama Gifts& —ITOttgy— MATRIMONIAL Good-looking, educated, Parsi girl, 26, in U.S.A, invites correspondence from suitable boys. Write to parents with photograph. The Advertiser Matrimonial (6) Parsiana GPO Box No 892 Bombay 400001 22 Pars/ana August 1989 The Friendly Gift Shop . for handicrafts, festive rpliginiis artefacts, executive desk sets, exclusive shell items, designer jewelry & specializing in wood & copper-enamel gifts. BOMBAY SWADESHI STORES LTD. (Mezzanine Floor) Sir P.M. Road, Bombay-400 001 ' STUDIO AKAR 6T/2660f Events and 11 Personalities f 1 World Congress program The Fifth World Zoroastrian Congress will be inaugurated by Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma, \^ce President of Ifldia, at the Parsi Gym ­ khana Grounds at Marine Lines, Bombay, on the evening of January 3, 1990. The topics chosen for the Congress are: Regional follow-up action on the recom ­ mendations of the Fourth World Zoroas ­ trian Congress and future priorities; Stud ­ ies of contemporary Zoroastrian societies in different parts of the world; Demo ­ graphic trends of the community and fu ­ ture implications for Zoroastrian institu ­ tions; Strengthening community organi ­ zations; covering aspects such as leader ­ ship, asset management, development, philanthropy and communications; Iden ­ tity problems of Zoroastrians in other reli ­ gious societies; Methodologies of religious education for pre/post navjote groups; and Survival of tradition in the twenty-first century. Workshops will focus on: Future prob ­ lems of young Zoroastrian families as per ­ ceived by the youth e.g. problems of mar ­ riage, children, adoption, identity prob ­ lems, etc; and Problems of the poor and the aged in our community. While the main sessions will be held at the Birla Matushri Sabhagar at Marine Lines, the workshops will be held at the SNDT College, down the same road. Admissions to the Congress will require a donation ranging from Rs 2,000 for pa ­ tron plus spouse, Rs 1,250 for vice-patron plus spouse, Rs 500 for a member of the reception committee with Rs 200 for member ’s spouse, Rs 100 for a delegate (local and overseas), Rs 50 for a delegate ’ s spouse, Rs 20 for a student and free admis ­ sion to a full-time practising mobed. Registration as a patron includes free admission (for the patron and spouse) to the gala dinner-entertainment and play. The four-page newsletter issued by the Congress Committee says that “Invita ­ tions to all the Parsi anjumans/associa- tions in India and abroad have met with encouraging response. It is expected that between two and four in the morning. She was living alone at her Civil Lines resi ­ dence, reportedly a posh locality where people could always be seen. The murder of Sorabji “has not only shaken the small Parsi community, but others too who are living alone, ’’ Dandiwalla wrote. Being financially “very well off with good bank balances, ’’ Sorabji had inher ­ ited wealth from her mother, mama (ma ­ ternal uncle) and her husband. Though she was known to have a secretive nature, it is believed that her assets included a LIC (Life Insurance Corporation) building complex which comprises a vast area of land with an empty building. The property in*Civil Lines is reportedly valued to be over 40 lakh rupees. None of her valuables seem to be missing. The reason behind the murder has not been pinpointed either. The Anjuman trustees have taken up the matter with the police authorities, the president wrote. Qantas executive killed Ms Aban Agha, an executive of the Aus ­ tralian airline Qantas, was stabbed to death by three unidentified men at her Ni- the inaugural function will be attended by about 3,500 persons. Approximately 1,200 delegates are likely to register for the plenary sessions. “Due to limited accommodation, you are requested to enroll as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. ’’ The theme of the Congress is “To 2,000 and Beyond. ’’ The Congress is being sponsored and organized by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet at the request of the Fed ­ eration of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India. The daily program is as follows: January 3: Inauguration at 5.30 p.m. January 4: Plenary sessions at Birla from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m; gala dinner enter ­ tainment at Parsi Gymkhana Grounds ai 7.30 p.m. January 5: Plenaiy sessions at Birla from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m; workshops at SNDT College from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. January 6: Plenary sessions at Birla from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m; continuation of the previous day ’s workshops, if necessary at SNDT College from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m; play at 7.30 p.m. at the Birla. January 7: Plenary sessions in the morning and concluding session in the afternoon at zammuddin residence in South Delhi on Birla from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. There will be a lunch break from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. during the Congress sessions. For application forms, contact or write to: The Joint Honorary Secretary, Fifth World Zoroastrian Congress, C/o The Parsi Punchayet Funds and Properties, 209, Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Bombay 4(XXX)1. Tel: 267421,267422, 267423. Murder in Allahabad On June 29, 1989, Ms Parveen Tripati walked into her mother ’ s flat at Civil Lines in Allahabad to find a cloth stuffed into her mother ’s mouth and her face muffled by a pillow. Ms Daulet Dinshaji Sorabji had been murdered. This information was sent to Parsiana by Capt Homi P. Dandiwalla, president of the Allahabad Parsee Zoroas ­ trian Anjuman. The postmortem report showed that Sorabji, also known as Ms Lahewalla, was murdered at her residence I September 15, 1989, notes The Times of India of the next day. She was murdered at around 7 o ’clock in the morning, it is reported. Agha suf ­ fered deep stab wounds In her stomach. On being taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, she was declared dead on arrival, notes the report in The Indian Post. Forty-six-year-old Agha, working as the district sales manager of the airline, was reportedly a divorcee, staying alone in her apartment. The motive behind the murder is not yet clear. The Times quoted Neeraj Kumar, deputy commissioner of police (south). Bengalee VC again Dr (Ms) Mehroo D. Bengalee has been renominated as the vice-chancellor of the Bombay University, notes The Indi­ an Post of April 22, 1989. She was L 25 Parsiana August 1989 *G Company Limited, notes The Economic Times of May 27,1989. Sethna, who was deputy chairman, took over the chairman ­ ship of these companies after the death of Naval Tata. He was first appointed direc ­ tor of the Tata electric companies in 1975. In addition to his association with the Tata group of companies, sixty-six-year- old Sethna is chairman or director of sev ­ eral public and private limited companies like Bombay Dyeing, Mahindra Ugine, German Remedies and the Cable Corpora ­ tion of India, to name a few. He also serves as consultant to the Bombay B urmah Trad- An important role that Bengalee will ing Corporation and is chairman of the given preference over the other con ­ tenders for the seat: the dean of the University ’s arts faculty S. D. Karnik, i Parle College principal R. G. Sohoni, |. MVLU college principal S. D. Mul- gaonkar and principal of Sydenham College S. K. Modak. In her second tenure, Bengalee plans to promote “all-round development of j, the University and the students. ” Top on ' her priority list features the develop- Agha (left): murder motive unknown ment of the Vidyanagari campus, Bengalee: second tenure plans introducing new research projects with UGC (University Grants Commission) pliable nature has also been criticized, aids and new vocational courses. Spe- /... 1—^—1—I --', ' ‘ L ’ _ . cial stress would be laid on starting have to play during the new tenure, local advisory board of the Bank ot Credit women-oriented courses, she said. according to a member of the Universi- and Commerce (Overseas) Limited, notes Welcoming her reappointment to the ty ’s executive council, is to take “a his bio data. post of vice-chancellor, K. K. Thecke- tough stance against the intervention of * —u.:., dath, executive committee member of the state and central governments in the Bombay University and College running the varsity, ” it was reported. Teachers ’Union, said that Bengalee had „ __ played a sympathethic role during the Tstfl pOWCr tor d6tnn3 teachers ’ strike last year. He also hoped Former chairman of the Atomic Energy Alwaye in Kerala. Deputy secretary gen- Government of India, Dr Homi Nusser- conference on the peaceful uses of atomic ' t t i Si Jf A public sector undertaking of the Gov ­ ernment of India to which Sethna has contributed substantially is the Indian Rare Earths Limited. He had the full responsi ­ bility for setting up the Rare Earths plant at leacncrs union, saiu uiai Dcngaitt iiau ___ played a sympathethic role during the Tstfl pOWCr tor Setnlia that she would play a similar role in^the Commission and principal secretary to the eral to the United Nations international examination boycott by the teachers. Government of India, Dr Homi Nusser- conference on the peaceful uses of atomic While she is recognized as being wanji Sethna has been appointed chairman energy, held in Geneva in 1958, he was “clean ” her ability to run the Universi- of the Tata electric companies - the Tata appointed member the study team on ty ’s administrative affairs efficiently Hydro-Electric Power Supply Company scientific departments constituted by the was questioned by some senior mem- Limited, the Andhra Valley Power Supply Government of India. Since 1959 Iw has bers of the University ’s senate. Her Company Limited and the Tata Power been with the Atomic Energy Estabhsh- Limited, the Andhra Valley Power Supply Government of India. Since 1959 he has Conference, Wedding or Party — Leave it in West End’s experienced hands. Your Favourite ‘The Gourmet’ Restaurant otters Executive Buffet Lunch • 16 delicious courses • From 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. every day. Including Sundays. Restaurant open from 8 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. Conference Plan Inclusive of: Room Rent, Buffet Lunch, Morning and Evening Tea. Ask for special concession offer for larger conferences. i I! I ¦I A LA CARTE in the soothing comfort of ’The Gourmet* or TAKE AWAY to the comforts of your home, or office Continental, Moghlai, Tandoori, Vegetarian I •ff .'i i West End Hotel zifi 45, New Mar! .. Tel . 299121 Lines. Bombay-400 020 ¦sex: 011-2892 BEST IN Gram! BESTHOTEL 27 Parsiana August 1989 -7 A NAVJOTL A LAGAN. A SILVER f OR GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY A FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY — OR ANY SUCH I HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR LIFE. i Celebrate them at West End Hotel, beautiful setting of the ) Terrace Hall. Choose the day and leave all the other problem to us.ment at Trombay (now known as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) as its chief sci ­ entific officer and later became the direc- tOT of the engineering group. Also a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency ’s scientific advisory committee for 15 years, Sethna became member of the United Nations ’ Secretary General ’s committee of specialists in 1969. Many engineering institutes in India and one in Sweden have Sethna on their Sethna (left): scientific backing to Tatas board of members. A fellow of the Indian Mody: mid-course change of career National Science Academy and the Indian National Academy of Engineering, Sethna, ve n to dale is the chairman of the board of ous Parsi-funded trusts like the Sir Ratan governors of the Indian Institute of Tech- lP.«.hhnv Chantv nology, Delhi, the bio data reads. In the field of education, Sethna was. nee on the selection committee for the ap- altematejnember on the board of manage- Bombay. He has also served as chancellor Hospital, among others, the bio data states. _ - -------- • ’ Sethna has many awards and honors to of Tatas which he joined over 17 ye ¦ further adds- The Government of Ind I had also honored Sethna with a Padn I Vibhushan in 1975. Mody’s to-to J “I might get involved in charity and soci ¦ organizations. I intend to do some writii I on the Zoroastrian scriptures. I am I qualified priest. ” These sentiments we ¦ expressed by one of the country s leadi: business executives, Minoo H. Mody, w resigned from the board of Tata Sons a from all executive responsibility of t The renowned scientist is trustee of vari- Tata group of companies last July . • "• " I “I had al way shad this dream of a mi Tata Trust, Sir Jamshetjee Jejeebhoy Charity course change of career, and thougn Fund, the Ness Wadia Foundation, mem- would do it at 50. Now I am 57. One is i tn me neio or euucauu.., a^u.»a wao, ber on the board of management of the Bai always able to do what one want^and th last year, appointed the chancellor ’s nomi- Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, and events overtake u^ said Mody in nee on the selection committee for the ap- alternate member on the board of manage- intervi^ wi._- ¦ _ pointment of teachers of the University of ment of The Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity nomicTimes August 25, 1989. HP also served as chancellor Hospital, among others, the bio data states. Mody s abrupt departure from the hoi at the North-Eastern Hill University and Svu.,.« ...v—j ----------------------------------------------------------------- -- . - . , worked as honorary professor of the his credit, the latest being the Pandit Jawahar- ago, came as a jolt to corporate circl Kurukshetra UniverXy^ lai Nehru Award presented to him this year The reasons cited for his resignation w Graduating with a bachelor of science for engineering and technological sciences. ‘ ‘personal and health /actors, but degree in 1942, Sethna did his BSc (Tech) Four years earlier he was presented the rumor^of diffefences betw^n him . two years later. He has been conferred an honorary doctorate in science and techno ­ logy by various universities in India. said Mody in interview with T. N. Ninan of The Et lai Nehru Award presented to him this year The reasons cited for his resignation w “personal and health ” factors, but X uul Wk*****.-* p---------------------- Dadabhai Naoroji Memorial Prize Fund other Tata directors kept surfacing. Award in recognition of his contribution in tracts from the intervie'w: the field of atomic energy, his bio data Q: There are reports of differences wil With Best Compliments From ZORO GARMENTS PVT LTD (An Eligible Export House Recognised by the Govt, of India) Manufacturers and Exporters of Readymade Garments, Made-Ups S. Fabrics Address : C-3, Industrial Estate Ambattur Madras 600058 Phone : 652416/652497 Telex : 4122059 ZORO IN Fax : 652989 28 Parsiana August 1989Tata Sons that led to your resignation. A: I know that there is all manner of conjecture about differences in policy. Of course there are differences, otherwise why have a board? But the Tatas are a very cohesive group, and the differences are more on detail than on policy. Q: There are reports that you did not see eye-to-eye with Ratan Tata. A: All imagination. There are all sorts of innuendoes. That people are happy to see me go, that there has been fraud and defal ­ cation, that I was blocking progress, etc. There are also reports that I am going to join Tata Limited in London, or Unisys in America, or the World Bank, and even that the government has asked me to head a corporation. All this is rubbish and I don ’t pay any attention to it. Q’ . Since there is the widely held belief that there have been differences with Ratan Tata, could there be smoke without fire? A: The fact that the story is repeated by 10 people does not make it more correct than if just one person says it. Often, the perception at the lower level is quite dif ­ ferent from the perceptions in the board room where you can disagree violently and yet be good friends at the end of the day, committed to a common course of action. Q: How do you propose to spend your time now? A: I want a change of lifestyle; less work pressure. So I am going to work for pleasure, maybe just three or four days a week, do some specific assignments for friends. Nothing full-time, involving the kind of pace I have been keeping. Right now I am planning a holiday for four or five months. In Rakhet or Mora. So, I am feeling exhilarated. Q-. Have you worked out your options in terms of work? A: Not yet. One possibility is that I will go for a year of study to the US, related to the social environment of business in India. I also want to finish work on my car. You know, it is a common hobby in the US to soup up your Volkeswagen bug. I am doing it too. I have souped up the engine from 1300 cc to 1800 cc, I have built a fiberglass Ferrari body, and I think three- quarters of the work is done. I expect to finish it in the next few weeks. Q'. How do you see the future of the Tata group, specially the question of it staying together as a cohesive unit? A: I think the group identity will get stronger, because there is very strong support for this identity from the managers in differ ­ ent companies. The group image helps customer acceptance of products; it heli the public image of the people who woi for the group. And now the group shan holding structure will also be increased, i we have tried to do in the case of Tai Steel. The factors that were weakenin group identity have been reversed, and th new trend will now gain in strength. Yc will see all this more clearly five yeai from now. ‘Steel’ing to the top Deputy director of marketing of Tat Steel, Jamshed Batliwala has taken ove as director of marketing from April IC 1989, notes the Financial Express c April 23, 1989. Batliwala was reportedly the fir marketing manager (operations) whe the marketing division of Tata Steel wi reorganized in 1981. His next postir was as chief marketing manager of Ind an Tubes until the company merge with Tata Steel and he was appointe the deputy director of marketing, note his bio data. Batliwala had joined Tata Steel in th office o? the resident director of ra' materials and sales in 1966, and durin his association with the company, ht worked at Calcutta, Cochin, Kanpui STOP LEAKAGE & FOUL SMELL JlllHIIIIIIIII iiii iii? Hiidi IJ Prayag India introduce for the first time a "Bottle Trap" with exclusive features ; * One piece structure making it leak proof. * Water seal 25 mm avoids foul smell. * Smooth interior finish avoids entangling of k fibrous materials, (e.g. hair). I* Symet does not promote algae inside f the trap. BOTTLE TRAP 'Design Registered NO MORE CHOKED fSt SHOWERS Colours INTERNATIONALiy ACKNOWLEDGED Prayag India ’s Symet Showers don ’t react with saline water. So no choked holes. Moreover the holes are nozzle shaped to give uniformally high pressure. 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UTO. 30 Parsiana August 1989Batliwala: marketing move the jury for non-feature documentary filmmakers who use the 16 mm fo films for the 1989 national awards, at ' '* the inaugural function of the film festi ­ val, noted The Indian Post of June 2, by poor exhibition facilities in cii 1989. 1 ” , , ‘ 3'"“ The government representatives did does nothing to help them by tele not take kindly to Sethna ’s “appalling ing the awwd-winning films^on I display of bad manners. ” But an unre- i f-u.,, instead of the 35 mm one, Sethna that the filmmakers were discoui halls, especially since the govern Romhav and Delhi, display of bad manners. ” But an unre- darshan. He further hoped tha He is also on the boards of Nicco pentant Sethna who has been making government would recognize th StSk Kumurdhub! nS Casting and films since 1942 on varied topics mm format as t! ts the s„ Eneineering The Tata Metals and including sanitary conditions, declared, way of making films in India, rep Strips, and^Bundy Tubing of India. “I hit them below the belt and I hope I The Post. Batliwala was formerly vice chairman get a chance to do it again. _ Endowment SChola of the Narrow Cold Rollers Association Despite the jury ’s recommendations laia Enaowmeni bvnum ofCEI and past president of the Cal- that all award-winnine documentaries A doctorate in international crop rei cutta-based Foreign Trade Associa- *’°President of.the Calcutta School of a popular time-slot for maximum vie- Music Batliwala takes keen interest in worship, Doordarshan had not done so, social ’and cultural affairs. He is also The Post quoted Sethna. He gave the being yachting, further adds the bio data. Sethna berates Doordarshan Iward),^ BhopaJ - Beyond Genocide ship byjthe J. N. Tata Endowmern The Doordarshan has deliberately not Ojest non-feature film, 1988), featured award-winning films which are critical of the government on televi ­ sion. This scathing observation was film, 1988). made by Homi D. Sethna, chairman of f ' J , mm format as it is the “most ser “I hit them below the belt and I hope I The Post. Despite the jury ’s recommendations that all award-winning documentaries should be screened over Doordarshan at the Louis Pasteur University, Fra within the shortest possible time and in Musfc ' Mlwal^tates keen interest in wership, Doordarshan had not done so, social ’and cultural affairs. He is also The Post quoted Sethna. He gave the enthusiastic about sports, his favorite example of films like An Indian Story degree in civil engineering at the h chusetts Institute of Technology, a; vanced studies in chest diseases American Educational Society in A ________ _____________ are some of the fields of special! (about the Bhagalpur blindings which Tata scholars will be pursuing in tl won the best film award for 1989), 1989-90. The 12 Parsi scholars, ar Bombay Our City (1981 best film the 90 selected for the prestigious s( ________________ " • HigherEducation of Indians, are; M Band Hain Sab (best ethnographic zadi). Batlivala, Histas M. Damania, film, 1988) and Pani (best educational N. Engineer, Xerxes P. Gazder, Za! 1733'. Kasad, Malcolm J. Kavarana, Dr R Bringing to light the plight of young Khajotia, Dr Kayoze H. Lashkari, 1 the best film award for 1989), Hr h ii 6'^1 Al. AC'S*! 400®' IO step ,v)rto9 - -A 1e\-. OOA A«.\- AAA 00^ 32 Parsiana August 1989 APM/ATS-J111 < With Best Compliments From xWlRGISII ART PRIVI'ERY PVT LTD 275-J, New Cama Building 2nd floor Tardeo Bombay 400007 Phone 388096 34 Parsiana August 1989 D. Madon, Farhad D. Panthaki, Ms Villoo FRCS (Fellow of the Royal Colleg( Patel and Farokh M. Shapoorjee. Surgeons) examination in general surg “It is heartening (to know) that this At the MS (Master of Surgery) exani microscopic community, which has con- tion, he had stood first from the . tributed so much to the development of Hospital in general surgery. India in almost every field, still produces Twenty of the 90 candidates are wor first-rate students in the face of harsh all- 33 come from low-income groups, n India competition and refuses to be swamped Malegamv ala. The total value of the by sheer numbers, ’’noted Dinshah Male- scholarships amounted to around gamvala, director of the Endowment Fund. 20,80,000. The Tata awards are loan s The distinctive accomplishments of five larships and are returned to the coi students in particular were listed by Male- in dollars, notes the director. gamvala. The J. N. Tata Endowment for the Hi A research associate from the Interna- Education of Indians, the first Tata t tional Crops Research Institute for the faction established by the founder Jan Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patel has Tata in 1892, is perhaps the oldest ec been invited to do a doctoral thesis at the tional foundation in Asia. Since its ir prestigious Louis Pasteur University in tion the Endowment has awarded Strasbourg, France. At the ICRISAT, funded scholarships of nearly Rs 3.20 cror by the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, 2061 scholars who today occupy her work was recognized by a French positions in India and abroad, infor professor who invited her to Strasbourg press release. and volunteered to work as her guide for her doctoral thesis. Besides this, the pro ­ fessor arranged a full French government scholarship for the four-year term for Patel. A first-rank civil engineering student for three consecutive years at the IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), Bom ­ bay, Shapoorjee has been admitted to the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Tech ­ nology (MIT), Cambridge, USA. The cost of his education is about $ 28,(XX) a year (approximately Rs 4,76,000). He has col ­ lected a sufficient amount for the first six to nine months from educational founda ­ tions in India and hopes to get a scholar ­ ship at the MIT after that. A Tata girl throughout, Jamshedpur- based Batlivala, working as labor officer recipient of the^ Best^ Preparatoi^ at TISCO (Tata Iron and Steel Company ‘h~ Limited) is trying for a full scholarship for gold award instituted by the S^ her doctoral studies in an American uni- Central Community College,Was versity. She is a first-class graduate in t , • . - . English literature from the University of The 23-year-old who is suffering f Bombay and is also a postgraduate di- hearing impairment since birth has ploma holder in human resources develop- made Artists Program Director ( ment 1.^----- ------------------ Institute. Khajotia, a specialist in chest diseases, is to go to Vienna to the American Educa- , e . fional Society for advanced training in this vala left for the States last S^h field He will complete the fellowship with the help of the largesse shoi exams in six months. The fellowship the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, 1 involves affiliation to the famed surgical Sethna Trust and other charitable faculty ofthe University of Vienna. It will tutions, according to the write-up also qualify Khajotia for a paid residency After completing her schooling post in one ofthe hospitals where he hopes St Columba High School, Bomba to gain further training and experience in joined Nirmala Niketan wher this field obtained her diploma in textile d Lashkari, who had won one of the UK Ing, the release Jnjther awards in the Overseas Doctors Training ----- -------------- ----- Scheme, has left for the UK to study for his for her paintings, it was reported ’r * * H * Poonevala: inclination for fine a Poonevala — best studei Ms Tanaz Erach Poonevala wai Attitude Student of the Year 198 ton, notes a write-up sent by the ft from the Xavier Labour Relations College where she is presently pui further studies in textile desigi computer science. Inclined towards the fine arts, P also qualify Khajotia for a paid residency several occasions has she won ak « r—-______ - Salt substitute of Ingersoll-Rand (India) Adar Nutrimetics Private Limited is re- t Far left: Setna (right) receiving the corporate award from Malhotra. Maloo and his Lo Salt: promises relief A creditable performance Limited Jamshed K. Setna received the portedly the first company m India to Corporate Performance Award, insti- manufacture a low sodium salt alternative, tuted iointly by T/ie Economic Times LoSalt. The name- ‘Adar, and the logo and the Harvard Business School Asso- - fire that distinguish this Company are ciation of India, at a function held in symbolic of the faith of its 29-year-old Bombay on April 29, 1989, noted The director Rohinton Maloo, notes a press Times of India the next day. Ingersoll- release issued by the promoters. Rand, a government recognized con- i cem exporting high quality engineertag o. iye help to the t?sTclS. ’uK “’Si p^reMta '^“Sng from U and had' ”^lans to «i. the tagg^d^tae ’^^a^ti^d toTou« Syp«.tension,highhl exemplary dedication and devotion. Besides being the principal of the J. J. School in Surat for 27 years, Dabu had also taught at the Surat Parsi Orphan ­ age, recalled Jejeebhoy. Remembering Dabu, Kotwal said the late Dastur ’s life embodied the good qualities that are taught in the Zoroas ­ trian religion. eion, and served the community with ® . 11*__ _______ z^^AznfirxT^ Dabu (far simple id( remembei Gandhi: sporting temper I i I :J -J k’ techniques ” which would help h future tournaments. Last year Gandhi had ranked among the juniors in the Gujarat Open Billiards Tournament. He member of the Gujarat state tear sisting of players like Geet Sethi Bhatt and Jaydeep Patel. To recognize the efforts e Ahmedabad-based Gandhi, the Ervad Nadir Turel. Keen on billiards Twenty-year-old Godrej Roosi Gandhi was 1 in M^ch 1989. Representing Gujarat, nominated him the this was Gandhi ’s first attempt at the sportsmam ______ national level, notes a pres^^ Gandhi ’s other inieresis umw “:1a.- un„is and music, funher adds yet Gandhi acknowledged that he gained lease^ —------------------------------ experience and learned temperamental compiled by Roxana h. Kaka reportedly the only young Parsi the National Billiards A second year commerce s Gandhi ’s other interests include and learned temperamental compiled by Roxana h. Kaka With best compliments from M/s M. Palloiy i & Co Private Limitec Industrial painting and coating, anti-corrosion vv'^er proofing and construction contractors 87, Abdul Rehman Street Bombay 400003 Tel; 324150/330306 Telex: 011-75871 MPELIN Cable: “PALLONJIM 38 Parsiana August 1989I ¦ I r- j h ft N UJ O z z (E (/) UJ O (E V w S w-' The “root” cause Parinaz Gandhi 40 Pars/ana August 1989 The threat to their identity compels young says Zoroastrians to saak their roots, researcher Dr Rashna Writer Zoroastrian religion and history, ” ins Writer. She is happy though that in interest is being taken to edu fhat does it say in the GathasT was the question frequently Writer by young Zoroastrians e..,. ,,Rashna West, an interest is being taKeniocuui posed to ( ) tUp children in religious matters thro Writer by young Zoroasm^s the youngsters living in the Western milieu during t Zoroastrian 1 course of her survey. The nsing generatio g complacent Pars wants “to consciously adapt Zriroasman- tag_ . i ism, intelligently and thoughtfully, to its SonSfwXTSTs^Ssisto Karachi whichih^s^a^history of relij Hinnells of te Univcisity of Manchester “^'^^’^^Xerest in the religion, I in a research study on the contemporary . , « I Zoroastrian community and its at^tatm I as a liuiicrillj ------------„ . . , „:„ronfc I the other hand, “Not a single Parsi in the migrants I subcontinent has asked me ‘What does it talks about housing. They feel if housing g is solved, all would be solved. Whether it I will lead to an increase in birthrate is any- L body ’s guess. ” I Whilst collecting data by intervrewing y°^g I Md"7n te Indian subcontinent, ' common i------- “There are no leaders; ” structure to overcome difficulties; are hardly any mobeds to enlighten a lay person on theological questions. When any change is <'''¦¦2’'' introduced, there is often a resistance in the name of ‘religion ’ and ‘religious prac- 's "XSSS.X- citing religion as an excuse^ thatwesee a itself she did 20 cumulative buildup of problem , views The findings on the comm the slim, young researcher, concern writ ¦ compiled into Th> large over her fair face. The rai.ng and Bntain willbe^omp lowering of the brows on her high fore- tiame. head and hand gesticulations reiterate the emphasis of her mellow-accented state ­ ments. Settled in the UK now, it is not ywr difficult U. ------------ understand the pulse of the migrants. In fact, it was her “latent interest in her Zoroastrian roots ” that made her accept work as a research assistant, she informed in an interview with Parsiana on Decem ­ ber 9, T988 when she was in Bombay to conduct her survey. “We know with evidence that, untor- ’ J lunately, tela^c ¦ oj*-K — ..J have forgotten the intrinsic aspects me in a research study on the contemporary as'a minority group in the New World. On played by Zoroastrians abroad, V attributes to the fact that the generati have been cast in an aliei ___ country where many of th< may never have heard of Zoroas ture, in a tity compels them to think, toanaly wantto go back to theri origins. F than be labelled as ‘Asian or Paki r Parsi tries to explain his exis Whilst collecting data ari;^ Vn, of Pe^ian origin. ’ Zoroastnans tn te Jnority group ’s integration--d refrain she encountered was: “There is no “There from assimilation — into the m|^ was the subject of interest fo#) Through her study she sought to pi the factors — like the migrants age, luiis. of birth, length of stay, level of s sought to be education - that could possibly cc with integration. Her sample con a cross-section of men and women, > single or married, of different ag the gartulous interviewees just wc Flame. ------ expected to participate in the Fiftl Zoroastrian Congress in Bombi — and share their findings v for the Calcutta-born Writer to come to light is the difference in a between the Parsis and the Iranis the Parsis, the Iranian immigrant plagued by an identity crisis and a rootlessness. They identify them Iranians before anything else. Si only moved to the West after i Iran Revolution and continue tcf T i s i 1 Iran, she prefers to classify them as “re- deal ofemotion on controversial issues but luctant migrants. ” But they face a prob- it has not come to grips with what to do lem of a different nature — adjustment to with a fait accompli, ” Writer seeks a Western society, especially because of the practical solution. language barrier. Unlike Parsis who think in English (probably best in a com ­ bination of languages), Iranis think in doors of the Zoroastrian religion to non ­ Farsi and they see the loss of language as a Parsi spouses, to children of women mar- serious threat to culture, summarizes Writer, ried outside the fold. Conversion however “Because of different cultural influ- is not yet perceived as a major issue in the ences, there is a certain lack of tolerance Indian subcontinent, says the researcher, between the Parsis and Iranis, ” Writer has Since the implications are far-reaching, noticed. “In matters of food, habits, customs decisions are often deferred. “However and dress, in sma|l aspects, they need to it is not a subject that will quietly build bridges. But none of these matters disappear, ” cautions Writer. are as minor as they ap^ar... ’ ’ Irani Zoroas ­ trians fault Parsis for mispronouncing words critical areas facing the community going through this sticky passage in history, ” . , . she emphasizes. “For adaptation to be It IS when issues are successful, what is urgently needed is the allowed to slide, citing religion as an excuse, that we see a cumulative buildup of problems Akin to the subject of intercommunity marriages is the issue of opening the “The time has come to look at the With compliments of Starlite Electrical works i I only their heads bowed in obeisance, for { • i t 1 ability to intelligently discuss and debate. Unfortunately we have lost that ability. It doesn ’t mean we can ’t hold opinions, but there is no need to be sworn enemies, ” she continues. Instead of different associations observ ­ ing their own independent constitutions which could lead to greater disorder espe ­ cially if one area was to recognize an individual as a Zoroastrian and another from the Avesta, for kissing portraits of look upon him as an outcaste. Writer has saints and prophets in sacred precincts, pointed to the need for an aj^x body to for prostrating themselves (supposedly an oversee, to help. The Federation of Parsi Indian influence) instead of the practice Zoroastrian Anjumans of India could per ­ prevailing in Iran of standing erect with haps serve as a model, she suggests, only their heads bowed in obeisance, for Professionals usually have reservations j adopting alien wedding rituals... about involving themselves in controver- Amongst the Iranian Zoroastrians, as sial socioreligious subjects. “It is not related by Writer, even though they do not that we lack individual expertise. Zoroas- favor intercommunity marriages, if their trians are extremely successful in the daughter were to marry a Muslim, they secular fields, ” says Writer, herself a would accept the marriage and the hus- political scientist by training who got a band within the community. Conversely, PhD from the London School ofEconom- Parsi girls are often left with no option but ics for herthesis on “Identification and to join the husband ’s ethnic group because Development of Soviet Strategic Inter- they are rejected by the community, their ests in the Indian Ocean. ” Subsequently children are spumed, and the husband she was awarded a fellowship by the Brit- ignored. As a result, the non-Zoroastrian ish Institute of Persian Studies. The re ­ sponse views the message of the religion search analyst moots the development of a as highly intellectual but the commu- think-tank where specialists from differ- nity ’s attitude as inhumane and impracti- ent fields could interact and arrive at solu- cal. Writer explains the psyche. tions; “The time has come to make-a Writer was surprised at the confession systematic categorization of problem of a middle-aged Zoroastrian who, after areas, ” she reiterates. years of marriage to a non-Parsi, said that “We need to have an overall iden- Electrical Engineers & Contractors FERN HOUSE 13, BEST MARC BOMBAY 400039 TEL: 241496,2873004 ~ ¦ ¦ ¦ t “We need to have an overall iden- he still felt guilty for letting his parents tity. ” At the same time, the common ­ down. “In every second home someone ality that binds the community together has married outside the community. It ’s should not be lost sight of. Rather than a major sociological phenomenon. We allow the commonality to be dissipated, must decide how to deal with it. The she advises, “It should be retained, nur- Zoroastrian community is spending a great tured and held with pride. ” I ( I 4 43 Parsiana August t989t « 1: ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD An anjuman in Germany There are 54 Zoroastrian families com ­ prising about 200 individuals in West Germany, wntes secretary Ms Farangis be suitable for the Center in a central Mistry and Mani Rao will take care of Zorabi of the German Zoroastrian anjuman area...with the money we have. Our total social affairs and hospitality. in a letter to Parsiana dated August 2, resources, pledged and in hand, are under 1989. Established on March 31, 1988 the $300,000 (of which $250,000 have been A Cemetery for ZAMW Fifteen lots at the Mt Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia have been do- we spend this much or more on the land nated to the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington by Ms Mehr- “If the Center is to meet its objectives banue Aidun, gratefully records Zoroas- of high visibility and accessibility to the trian News, the Association ’s newsletter many other Zoroastrians in Germany who those residing in the metropolitan area, it available for the burial of Zoroastrians at ------------------------J------------- c.--- a nominal price to be decided by the to be able to get to know them. ways. At the same time, to be able to Association. Aidun has also arranged so North American Center The actual scale and scope of the North meet ali zoning and setback requirements, previous and the present board has con- the religious subcommittee includes tacted several real estate agents (and) come Jehangir Morris and Hoshang Pavri. Farhad to the conclusion that it is nearly impos- Contractor and Mahrukh Morris are in sible to find a piece of property that would charge of ZAPA programs while Jehangir area...with the money we have. Our total social affairs and hospitality, resources, pledged and in hand, are under . _ Hamburg-based Zarathustrischer Verein pledged by the Arbab Rustom Guiv Foun- e. V. was formed to enable Zoroastrians dation towards purchase of land). Should in Germany to communicate with others all over the world and to enable their children to learn the religion and its tradi ­ tions. * ZoraW anticipates that ^ere may be people visiting Washington as well as of May-June 1989. The lots will be made may not haveyet been identified and hopes needs to be close in and near major high- ; ' ’ ' ' u. -v.-. . , ways. At the same time, to be able to Association. Aidun has also arranged provide all future services and facilities, that ZAMW has the option to purchase ample parking for large gatherings, and 100 adjacent lots at a discounted price. Ihe actual scale and scope of the North meet all zoning and setback requirements, American Zoroastrian Center “will depend a fairly large piece of property is needed: on the wishes of the donors and the will say two to five acres. How far can we go ZAMW’s new board of trustees was elected at its annual general meeting on March 4 to oversee its affairs until March 1991, notes the Association ’s April newsletter. Headed by Ms Shehemaz Joshi, the new “Once we have realistic guidelines and team includes Khodadad (Tom) Khosravi : as vice president, Rustom Kevala (vice need to get the ball rolling to find more president on the outgoing team) as secre ­ sponsors. If it is going to be the North tary with Fereydoon Keshavarz as joint American Center, we must get support secretary. Khershed Cooper continues as - 5 treasurer aided by Mina Aidun as joint so far. But several other large metropoli- Two past presidents of the ZAMW - Adi tan areas also need to build or enlarge Davar and Rohinton Tengra - have been of the Zoroastrian community, espe- into the suburbs to be able to afford two cially in the Washington DC area, ’’ to five acres of land, and still meet the according to the May-June 1989 issue of ‘nearness to Washington ’ criterion? Zoroastrian News, the newsletter of the * " _ _________ Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan (have) revised our plans if necessary, we Washington (ZAMW). - . Intended as a focus for Zoroastrian identity on the North American conti ­ nent and not just a meeting place for the from everyone in North America." The ________ „„ j„..„ ZAMW, the Center will provide for the Board has received very good vibrations treasurer. Parviz Kavoosi is trustee at large, dissemination of information to new so far. But several other large metropoli- Two past presidents of the ZAMW - Adi generations of Zoroastrians as well as to tan areas also need to build or enlarge Davar and Rohinton Tengra - have been the public at large. It is expected to their local centers. Will they support us? coopted by the elected board, provide opportunities for study and re- Can we support them? ’’ search into the religion, culture and heritage of the community as also to conduct ZAPA’s ncW team seminars and encourage participation in Farhad Cama once again leads the team comparative religion and theology. ~ _________ Conceived in three phases, the first Association of Pennsylvania (ZAPA), stage envisages the construction of a informs the Association ’s newsletter of library, offices, a large hall with mov- April 15, 1989. The elections held on board, able partitions, a prayer hall and parking March 18 for the 1989-90 board of direc- for about 100 vehicles. A director ’s resi- tors returned vice president Behram Kapa- _______ ______ dence and rooms for visitors comprise the dia, secretary Ms Zarin Balaporia and envisaged: a program committee, a cul- . a According to the Association ’s consti ­ tution and bylaws, no member may serve more than two consecutive terms in the same position, informs the newsletter, of office bearers of the Zoroastrian Having met three times since their elec ­ tion, the board will form several working committees each with one member of the -------, the rest of the members being drawn from the “rich pool of talented members. ’’ Initially four committees are second stage while the third stage encom- assistant secretary Ms Mahrukh Morris, tural and religious education committee, passes a public museum and darbe-mehr. Darius Jagus continues as treasurer and is committee for the North American Zwxjas- notes the detailed write-up on the project in the newsletter. A budget prepared in July 1988 had tor, Jehangir Mistry, Jehangir Morris, plus $50,000 as annual'recurring costs on completion of the project, the latter to be met by an equal potential annual income, ing of ZAPA on May 7, the subcommittees passes a public museum and darbe-mehr, Darius Jagus continues as treasurer and is __ assisted by Ms Hutoxi Contractor. The trian Center and a committee of elders, directors at large include Farhad Contrac- notes the newsletter. . r . . “ . - ° ’ “In order to grow, we need to develop estimated $1,150,000 for capital costs MslMani Rao,Adil Balaporia and Hosh- a curriculum that will educate not onlv nine c^nnnn ____ *_____ r*____ • ..... . our children but ourselves... We should not only invite guest speakers and schol ­ ars from other associations and univer ­ sities but also those within our midst who ang Pavri. Thereafter, at the first quarterly meet- However, the newsletter notes, “This budget were formalized, notes the newsletter of ________________ _____ _____ _ „„„ looked generous last year, but the cost of July 14, 1989. Thus, Hutoxi Contractor will study specific topicr^dT.sliare their land has risen significantly during the last and Adil Balaporia constitute the mem- knowledge with us... Youth must be acti- year, and is continuing to rise. The bership and fundraising committee, while vated towards greater participation. With- 45 Parsiana August 1989 1 1 li * I r1 |l 1 5 i a or religious values as they relate to impor ­ tant social, historical or literary issues, ” informs the newsletter. It is said that _ working on the theme Ignoring the good; a case against conse- out their input, the Association has no future. Cultural functions, religious dis ­ cussions and other activities must be ini ­ tiated for both adults and children, thereby Vania, who is reinforcing our community awareness T«r.r.r,nfTt the Zoroastrian News of May-June 1989. At Davar ’s suggestion a one-day workshop was planned to set priorities for I— what the general membership expects from the board, notes the newsletter. Of more than 200 families in the metro arex the Association currently comprises 75 dues-paying families, many of these not having attended a single meeting in years. The April newsletter speculates whether this could mean that ZAMW is Write-up. Child^n aged .0,0 .6^- newcomers to the Washington area can ­ not find out who to contact in order to join; whether non-Zoroastrians are unaware that they can join as associate members; or that the dues are too high for certain groups such as students. Ms Natalie Vania, a PhD candidate at the University of Maryland, has been granted geon the Charlotte W. Newcombe Fellowship **•“ *•' by the Woodrow Wilson National Fel ­ lowship Foundation-perhaps the first Zoroastrian to win it, notes Zoroastrian News. “The Fellowship allows a year of uninterrupted research and writing by stu ­ dents whose dissertations concern ethical issue of Manashni, the Associatii newsletter. The office bearers are Nc Irani, president, Ms Gooloo Katrak, president, Ms Villie Meher-Homji, st _ _______ tary and Ms Farida Irani, treasurer, v stipend of Ms Jeanie Unvala, Burjor Sethna ani Homaxi Irani - the youngest ever din at 22 - are directors at large. The managing committee has set ( ber 31 as the deadline for outstar membership dues after which non-ps and Zoroastrian values, ” writes Joshi in quentialism, ” will receive a ------ . $10,0(X). Navroz in Dubai Parsis in the United Arab Emimjes cele- • * brated the Shehanshahi new year with a . _ get-together numbering 350 at Dubai ’s may lose their right to votestan Hyatt Regency Hotel, writes Ms Meher office, receive the newsletter attend Bhesania fn a letter to Parsiana dated Sep- day school the Jjbraiy tember 12, 1989. Apart from a big raffle draw that in ­ highlighted by two skits staged for the first rejoining time by Parsis in Dubai, according to the indiv ’—u?' would also forfeit their right to subsi entrance fees to AZA functions. D< eluded an air .ickel, .he evening was .e« wanting .o rgoin would J fee of five dollars per fami individual, notes Manashni. The Association ’s new developme Zarathushtra in Dubai V 46 Pars/ana August 1989 cussed by .be six-mew^ planmu known legends connected with the Prophet, development committee of the Bau ^^yowigacl.^ acquitted themselves well. "X Ss preSed a comedy feamr- the fieighbors have Uen objecting ing Infants Primary School principal Ms Aarmity Patel, manager of Al Shirawl Airconditioning Kersey Bhesania and sur- 1 Dr Rashid Mehta who also directed The skit. An evening of dancing, punctu ­ ated by a good, meal, followed. Sydney snippets At its twentieth annual general meeting (AGM) on August 6, 1989 the Australian ¦ I /____ 1—1- South Wales electedits new directors, informs the September 1989 Association ’s use of the property v, had intended to develop. Accordin activities, including Sunday scho< currently being held elsewhere.,,^ The committee called a confOT June 27 between the XZK and ny ‘ ‘The conference lasted about 40 r during which one objector and tw the AZA (the consultant and i spoke, ” writes president Noshir Association (AZA) of New Manashni. “The councilors aske ft V A * / k ¦ I ¦ 1 j board of tions. The ‘feeling ’ at the end of t ference was that the committee is 1 favor the neighbors. ” Reporting on the ongoing battl writes, “The neighborshave lau more aggressive campaign than U They also decided to use the local It is apparent that the matter has very emotive. As it is in our interc a decision based on rational rati emotive factors, I tried to ir councillors on a one-to-one basi the proposed conference could tai 1 spoke to two councillors on th and could meet only one person this effort to meet them was successful, individual letters wei the six councillors on the plant development committee. ” Contesting reports in the loc Manashni editor Kersi Meher-Ho in a letter to the Hills Shire Tinu 25, “We have no quarrels with c residents in Annangrove. Being s ¦s'assia1' I ¦ P SSSSIS ^titudes of the Zoroastrian members are Manashni.In its Septemb^ issue Man^^ of Karachi. ''°RSng ’^to''T rnc'^m d—Sd^'lSushce has been done to Pursuant to a study undertaken !^ survey according to which ^O-S pe^cent ^^^shouirwe VaVe ’our ’own of human resources by'the undere of the Zoroastnans are^university g^adu and relocate? ’ The realists agreed ment of immigrants, a migrants e ates compared to the Australian aP warned that ment and qualifications board ha; of five percent, Meher-Homji^tes, ‘even if we win the appeal (chances 60 instituted, informs Manas/in/(Sep have we done wrong in Annang ove? even if ’89). Chaired by ex-Sydney ma; One noisy late night party m June 1987. p , neighbors will con- Nicholas Shehadie, the board gai :::SSu,<,^se„s..e ,.o a,ro„poueco„„ ho'usrh^S ta a™T ‘ “"'tTc °stakma,e is expeCed io be .e- Noting dtat “it is intperative “Ron Prior who is ‘dead against ’ our solved at an using our own property says in your ar- notes in its report on the AGM, “The demographic idealists said, ‘Injustice has been done to ILlvdliolo xiij __ xv- Usbvthe Council. We have done nothing Committee last year re assess the Why should we leave our own normal Australian and relocate. The stalemate is expected to be re- -L —1 C/v,..«*..»¦ J -----------------— , ing to be held within three months, accord- opportunity , ’ ’ Manashni advises - ¦ ’ * - 1 trian accountantsand other pro extraordinary general meet- join forces and respond now to this tide,-'It will create noise and traffic. It is Xm'SXl'sdenconsS als facing probits of into property matters ' totally out of character with the rural na- ¦“^^^tbisopinionistbetepon^ Ms Shema Kotwal, MsDinaz Mehta and Manashni also notes that a simil Ms Dolly Pochkhanawalla. The team will mittee has been set up at the Fedei in look at different properties like old churches, indicating “a strong pofitica warehouses, etc and research costs, zon- address and rectify this particul which includes Ms of qualifications by professional t a town planning expert who says, ‘ meeting place is in line with the environ ­ ment. ’ “Why should a layman ’s opinion gain precedence over that of an expert?... It is v._. certainly unfair to ask us, Australian citi- ing zens,tomovel . . regulations, council attitudes and lem. ______ ______ _ fromVhepropertywebought other relevant factors. compiled by Amavaz s. Mama Vriz/i Best Compliments From R. NOWROJEE & CO. Specialized in MICR Cheques and Multicolour Offset Printei Pallonji Compound Dadoji Kondev Cross Marg Victoria Garden Bombay 400027 Tel 8722550 8510617 48 Parsisna August 1989V 1!:? I- ni * 'i I' I CO\ FK STOK'i trad’tion This article has been extracted from ¦ the second edition of the Journal of A I Residence in India, published in 1813. I To maintain the original flavor of the I article, the language and style have I not been altered, nor have erroneous I facts been corrected. I This Journal is from the collection of I Jimmy Ollia, a noted authority on rare I books and lithographs, based in | Kftregaon Park, Pune. I November 20th 1809 - A few days ago I I was fortunate enough to make one of I a party, assembled for the purpose of I hearing from the Dustoor Moola Firoze 1 an account of the actual state of the I Guebres or Parsees in India. The Dus- I toor is the chief-priest of his sect in I Bombay, and a man of great learning. He passed six years in Persia, or, as he more classically calls it, Iraun, two of I which were spent at Yezd, the only place where the Mussulman govern ­ ment tolerates a Guebre college. His manners are distinguished, and his per ­ son and address pleasing. He is a tall, handsome man, of the middle age, with a lively and intelligent countenance. His dress is a long white muslin jam- ma, with a cummerbund or sash of beautiful shawl; another shawl was rolled round his high black cap, and a band of crimson velvet appeared between it and his brow. The fragments of the ancient books of Zoroaster or Zerdusht, still extant, have been introduced in Europe by M. Anquetil, under the name of the Zend.- avesta', and there is a good deal of interesting matter concerning the estab ­ lishment of Pyrolatry in Persia, in the Chevalier D’Ohsson ’s Tableau Histori- que de L’Orient, chiefly on the author ­ ity of the Shah Nameh of Firdousi. But I do not know that there is any popular account in English, of the pres ­ ent state of such of the Guebres as are settled in India; and as these people form the richest class of inhabitants in Bombay, I have taken some pains to collect what information I could con ­ cerning them, both from Moola Firoze and other individuals of the nation. It appears that there have been two legislators of the name of Zoroaster, one of whom lived in times of such femote antiquity, that no dependence 3iie The authoress praised the nineteenth century Parsis for their enterprise and liberality, but also claimed they had a vulgar air about them Maria Graham 50 Pars/ana August T9S9 can be placed on the traditions ceming him. The last flourished < as the reign of Darius, the son of byses. He appears to have reform religion of his country which, tl reason to think, was till that tir same with that of India, to hav< the first fire-temples, and to hav< ten the books of Guebre laws, of only some fragments remain. The Parsees acknowledge a principle under the name of Hoi and an evil principle under t Ahrimane. Subordinate to Hoi the ferishta, or angels, are charge the creation and preservation material world. The sun, the mo< the stars, the years, the months, days, have each their presiding angels attend on every human sc an angel receives it when it lea body. Myrh, or Mithra, is the i to . whom this important chi assigned, as well as that of judj dead; he is also the guardian of i 1 and presides over the sixth mor the sixth day of the month. Tl ferishta have corresponding ev who endeavour to counterat^ all their functions; they pan encourage witchcraft, and v hold converse with enchanters sexes, sometimes revealing ti secrets of futurity for malicic poses. As in other countries, < the ugly, and the miserable are tized as witches, and the Indi1 %K • ! m mins are regarded by the Guebres as powerful magicians. Fire is the chief object of external worship among the Parsees. In each atsh-khaneh, or fire-house, there are two fires, one of which it is lawful for the vulgar to behold, but the other, atsh-baharam, is kept in the most secret and holy part of the temple, and H is approached only by the chief dus- ¦ toor; it must not be visited by the light of the sun, and the chimneys for carry- ing off the smoke are so constructed as H to exclude bis rays. The atsh-baharam must be composed of five different kinds of fire, among which I was sur- prised to hear the dustoor mention that H of a funeral pile, as the Guebres expose H their dead; but he told me that it was formerly lawful to return the body to ¦ any of the four elements; that is, to bury it in the earth or ip the water, to bum, ¦ or to expose it, buPthat the latter only is I now practised; consequently, if the 1 atsh-baharam goes out, they must trav ­ el el to such nations as burn their dead, to 4' 1 j j ; ! i ‘li I,¦< I suvn nanons as ourn their dead, to I; 7 . procure the necessary ingredient to The date of the pictures is not certain but presumably pertains to the era. ‘Parsee ’merchant at ' Bombay (below right), ‘Parsee ’ lady and her daughter (below center) and ‘Parsee ’ priest (on next page) are 4 courtesy Jimmy Ollia.Dance scene and I father-with-son photographs are from I other sources. 51 Parsiana August 1989i i rekindle it. When the last atsh-khaneh was built in Bombay, a portion of the sacred fire was brought from the altar at Yezd, in a golden censer, by land, that it might not be exposed to the per ­ ils of the sea. The sun and the sea partake withfire ill VllXz uw*wi ------- ------------------------ prayers, called zemzeme, are repeated in a low murmuring tone, with the face turned towards the rising or the setting sun, and obeisance is made to the sea and to the full moon. The Parsee year is divided into t ------------ ... originally by the people, confirm^ heredft^. This Utfie council decides the government, and have continue hereditary. This little council decides questions of property, subject, howei^ to an i chait is jealous of its autlwrity, 1 in the adoration of theTGuebres. Their i fropn theif OWPI iT^rintends ^1 marriages and adoj prayers, called zemzeme, are repeated . -*— intn the state ( in a low mucmuring tone, with the face judgmenx turned towards the rising or the setting sun, and obeisance is made to the sea When the sacred books are found insufficient, the dustoors supply iviiw r *— •' * • * ;n appeal to die recorder ’s court; b^ appeal seldom happens, as the p^ consequently cautious in its decisioi| tions, and inquires into the state ( every individual of the community. I members would think themselves (U various places. ^a per«,u of a tolMiiaTdavs; but there is no divi- dusto^ Abah, on shore to ash raasy^ u poor ’man ate old enough X * toe into weeks. The festivals lum. ^T ^d a ^aw m to m^, whi^ in conformity to to Hi are to nowrore, or day of the new “ jJX VThe doo custom, is at five or six yearn year, and six following days; the first of following effect was dra P merchants subscnbe everi month; and the day on which the Ouebms ba« “ s„m to portion the child, name of to day and that of the month them for the sickness, they support to in agree when to same ferishta presides gons ’SLehe. «dual or to fam^ »d maintain “"^Pmsee marries hut one wife, -d toir families; toy " bofli of d excepting when he has no children; to Hm w they shall not toots and laymen. All religious ce then, with the consent of the first, he riages, a^ in their^drejanj festivals come under tahen^'^eq ’u^ri? with-iegito^^ chil- guage °f Gu^- ‘,™STnSJ toStes, Srusting"toalmant dren, but, if there be none, before all as one i^pte wi* “Vto suteistence and life of to d, other relations. The death of a father is tants, an y conditions I could not learn with certainty to observed as an annual festival, p* ^“tmg tta^cow. To to^ coMtiMS veneration of . body must not touch wood after death; it the . P faithful to Parsees for this animal. Every pmr is accordingly laid upon an iron bier, to and they have al y merchants employ kooli be conveyed to the repository for the then^protector . of dead where it is left exposed to the air The P^sees B _t n^^ ^jog^; and, wh< till it is consumed. vnvfnJed bv their own port- Parsee is dying, he must have a _dc repositories are square inclosures, sur rounded by high walls; the vulgar Par ­ sees i to see which eye is ---- -- the birds, and thence augur the happi ­ ness or misery of the soul. The sacred books are in the Zend and ‘Parsee ’ priest Pehlavi languages, both ancient dialects of Persia. The fragments of these which escaped during the troubles that fol- lowed the Mahomedan conquest of Persia, are all that the Guebres have to direct either their practice or their faith; and where these are found insufficient, the dustoors supply rules froin their own judgement. The chief doctrines of the remaining books respect future rewards and punishments, injunctions to honour parents, and to marry early, that the chain of being be not interrupt- ed, and prohibitions of murder, theft adultery. When the Guebres were driven from their own country by the Mussulmans, a considerable body of them resolved to seek a new land, and accordingly put to sea where they suffered great hard- ships. After attempting to settle in 11 lllVFWll. X i*v * *•**'’¦ — J . • 4- twelve lunar months, with Sunjum in Guzerat, are the nowroze, or day of the new them for the performance of their reli- as one people with the original inhabi ­ tants; and they shall abstain from killing people with the original inhabi- s , ,, 1 . ______ vni:««rT annual" fesfivaT* The ^d eating the cow. To these conations Parsee were to recefi faith; accordingly, as soon as the ch dren of a poor man are old enough OilU VOUU5 -- — the Parsees have scrupulously adhered, gm and they have always been faithful to The Parsees in British India enjoy every privilege, civil and religious. ^ev are governed by their own pan- Parsee is oying, ne must IJjr, or village council. The word his superstitiously watch the corpse, panchait Jj^er^ly a counm o moment of its separi e wb,cb eve is to. devoured by toofm« be conveyed to the repository for the every privilege, civil and religious. ¦ -c.; these were chosen that it arose from their haying saved from shipwreck in their eir tion to India, by the barking of the announcing their approach to the in a dark night The Parsees use some solem when they name their children, wh done at five or six months old. the muslin shirt is put on the first a« sacred fire is lighted, prayei repeated, and the name is given, their intercourse with European! persist in calling this ceremony tening, because it is performed the first or proper name is giyei second name is a patronymic; Norozejee Jumsheedjee, is Nor the son of Jumsheedjee. The Parsees are the richest in< als on this side of India, and mos great merchants are partners in 52 Parsiana August T989t With the compliments of M/sB.F. WADIA & SONS Timber Merchants & Sawmillers 142 Reay Road Bombay 400010 54 Parsiana August 1999 commercial houses. They have general ­ ly two or three fine houses, besides Lowjee, who came from Guzerat j those they let to the English; they keep work in the dockyard as a day-labourq a number of carriages and horses ’, but having genius and perseverance, I which they lend willingly, not only to made himself master of the art of sha Europeans, but to their own poor rela- building, and was employed by tl tions whom they always support. They Company as master-builder. He ra often give dinners to the English gen- transmitted his talents with his place! tiemen, and drink a great deal of wine, his grandson Jumsheedjee, who is ng particularly Madeira. The Guebre at the head of the dock-yard, wherd women enjoy more freedom than other visited him, and was conducted by hi oriental females, but they have not yet all over the Minden, the first line j thought of cultivating their minds. Per- battle ship he ever built, with the pri haps this is owing in great measure to of a parent exhibiting a favourite chit the early marriages which, in compli- It was singular enough at first to see j ance with the Hindoo customs, they the ship-wrights in white muslin dre| contract. By becoming the property of es, caulking the ship with cotte their husbands in their infancy, they instead of oakum. All the workmen j never think of acquiring a further share the yard are Parsees, and the greaS of their affection, and with the hope of number come from Guzerat, wha pleasing, one great incitement to men- they leave their families, and cornel tai improvement is cut off. Bombay for a few months or yea! Some days ago, we all spent an eve- saving their wages carefully, and mq ning with the family of Pestenjee ly subsisting on what they earn I Bomanjee, for they admit men as well chance-work, till they have amassed as women to the ladies ’ apartments. The women were fair and handsome, with pleasing manners; they were load- clever worknjan, but his son Noroze ed with ornaments, particularly the has more science, and I am told that largest and finest pearls I ever saw. Pes- tenjee ’s grandson, a child of seven years old, with his little wife, ttvo years to visit the great English yards, butj younger, appeared with strings of father cannot spare him from Boma pearls as large as hazel-nuts, besides The whole family, including Pestea! five or six long rows of the size of peas, and Hormuzdjee, the brothers of and beautifully regular, given to them sheedjee, speak and write Englism on their marriage, which happened a well, that if I did not see their <1 few months ago, on a lucky day and in f^ces and foreign dress, or read tl a lucky month; for the Parsees, like the unusual names at the end of a lettq Hindoos, regulate all their actions by should never guess that they were I the motions and configurations of the Englishmen. | stars, or rather by the interpretations of “' ~ the astrologers. It is not uncommon for some large people, but they hail a rich man to spend a lack (sic) of more vulgar air than the other nati! rupees (about twelve thousand five hun- they are extremely active and entero dred pounds Sterling) at the marriage ing, and are liberal in their opinil of a child. Streets both carpeted and and less bigotted to their own custd canopied with cotton cloth, confection- manners, and dress, than most natii ary and fruit scattered among the Of their hospitality and charitable ] populace, feasting for several days for positions, the following is an instal all ranks of people, processions and During the famine that desolated l| fire-works all night, and whole bazars illuminated, besides gifts to relations and dependents, account for the imm ­ ense sums spent on these occasions. The little bride and bridegroom, borne on an ornamented palankeen, covered with jewels and flowers, preceded by Almost all the houses and gan banners and musical instruments, and inhabited by the Europeans are followed by crowds of people, seem property; and Pestenjee told me thi like little victims going to sacrifice, at least I cannot help considering them in that light. The grandfather of Pestenjee w| ¦2^ .3 sufficient sum to go home and set in trade for themselves. Jumsheedjee ii draughts have very great merit, h young man testifies the greatest dea The Parsees are in general a hi in the years 1805 and 1806, the Pai merchant Ardeseer Dadee fed five tn sand poor persons for three montra his own expense, besides other libel ties to the starving people. The Pail are the chief landholders in Bonn received not less than £ 15,000 a-j in rents, and that his brother recei nearly ss much. Jcolonial type bungalow. ” Studio Windsor: ‘‘an impressive collection.’' ¦¦Re-creation” of a painting by Rubens. Clockwise from right: The Virgin on the Rocks: "idea! for a Lx ¦.w ’ ¦s • 'k'.t s f. STUDIO WINDSOR "Master"Stroke teAt Studio Windsor^ in Bombay^ one can buy a chip of history - painted reproductions of the Old Masters - at affordable prices Gustasp Irani k R K embrandt peers out from his from around Rs 8,000 to Rs 33,000 per the original in Europe, believe me, it self-portrait, his eyes alive even painting, hand carved frames in- was exactly the same; only the size dif- k in paint, ’^reflecting the story of eluded. That, in essence, is the con- fered a little. I can ’t say the same for his life, daring you to probe for the living cept of the gallery - the production all the other paintings. ” person that lurks behind the image, the and marketing of painted reproduc- Yet, there are certain standards that lines. One has not seen the original, but tions of the Old Masters at affordable Studio Windsor adheres to. “Unless the painted reproduction captures the prices. “We aim to capture the essence we are totally satisfied with a painting, enigma of the man, part of it at least, of the painting ’s history and its artistic it does not come out on our walls, ” Rembrandt is one of die many Old Mas- beauty. We are not copying the origin- says Phiroze. The present rate of re ­ fers of European painting, copies of als, we are re-creating them, ” says jects, he points out, is 60 percent to 65 whose works are on display at Studio Phiroze. He clarifies that the studio is percent. “We have to restore them the Windsor in Bombay. Not only is the con- not selling prints but original paint- best we can. It ’s not: ‘This has not cept and commercial scale of this new art ings, even if they are copies of the come out well, so price it lower and get gallery' novel, but on its walls, under the Masters, done by a team of 60 to 70 rid of it. ’ We are ^t sitting here to glow of floodlights, are draped slices of local artists. palm off things. ” art history. This is not mass scale reproduction. Rembrandt, Rubens, Leonardo da “We will not make two copies of the Total Involvement Vinci, Botticelli, Van Dyck... the collec- same painting, ” says a greying Jehan- Originally the studio had restricted tion of artists in the red carpeted galle- gir, when we meet him at his office itself to doing only paintings of the ry, located on the ground floor of near Fariyas Hotel at Colaba which period between 1400 and 1830. “That is Corinthian Building on Arthur Bunder also looks like a museum rather than a still our main identity, ” says Phiroze. Road, Colaba is impressive. Inside the builder/architect ’s business premises. He explains that generally they do not premises that also house the office of A buyer can be reasonably sure that do reproductions of the Impressionists, Vazifdar Builders Pvt Ltd, are treasures the painting he buys will be an exclu- the Cubists or the modern masters. But reminiscent of a miniature museum - sive reproduction of that painting done this does not prevent people from ask ­ paintings line the walls or stand by Studio Windsor. ing them to do special requests. Almost propped on easels. You are welcomed The Vazifdars ’ fierce pride in their on cue, a lady with a girl of 10 in tow by petite Ms Sherna Vazifdar who ush- studio is evident in the quiet passion turns and asks, “If we bring a picture, ers you into an office brimming over that underlines their words. In fact, will you paint it for us? ” with paintings. Here, her bearded hus- they expect that in time, the name of Phiroze smiles. He unwraps a sweet band Phiroze, dressed casually in a their studio will sell like that of a from a trayful on his desk and pops it short-sleeved shirt, holds court. Shema famous artist. But it is when they show into his mouth. “Earlier wq did not like excuses herself with a smile but you are you around the gallery that you feel to do special requests, ” he explains lat- aware of her presence, like a mother their real sense of involvement in the er, “but over the last one year we have hovering over her brood of children. paintings. Sherna, who has done a tex- been getting feedback on what the pub- “The originals of these paintings sell tile designing course, and till recently lie wants - the size, the style, the for millions of dollars, ” explains Phir- preferred to be a housewife, sums up artists, the period. Recently we have oze, one of the architects (pun in- the sentiment with, “I just can ’t stay at been entertaining requests, but not all tended, for he is a qualified architect home anymore; I’ve got to be here. ” from a family of constructors and buil- “When we sell a painting, as ders) of Studio Windsor. The other businessmen we are happy, ” says Phir- not compelled to buy the finished"prod- ‘ ’ uct. “If you don ’t like it, don ’t buy it. ” The main buyers of the reproduc- N t I 4 I) s i requests; we will do it only if we like it. ” The condition is that the buyer is S "I two equal partners are his father oze, “But, inside, we are not happy. Jehangir and wife Sherna. “For those We have grown attached to these millions you are buying a chip of his- paintings. ” He points to the reproduc- tions are hotels and business houses as tory; the artist ’s originality and the rar- tion of Rubens ’ Peace and War. “This well as individuals. Interior designers ity of the painting. How do you price one I won ’t sell, no matter what price and architects also patronize the gal- the Mona Lisa? It ’s just not avail- I’m offered. I’m keeping it for my- lery on behalf of their clients. “Decor, able. ” But copies are, and they are on self. ” He also singles out a portrait of imported marble, antique furniture - display at Studio Windsor. Francois I, King of France, by Jean nothing has the same impact as a The prices are modest and range Clouet, painted in 1540. “When I saw painting on the wall, ” says Phiroze. 57 Parsiana August 1989At Studio Windsor^ in Bombay^ one can buy a chip of history - painted reprc^uctions of the Old Masters - at affordable prices Gustasp Irani I R I^Vembrandt peers out from his from around Rs 8,000 to Rs 33,000 per the original in Europe, believe me, it self-portrait, his eyes alive even painting, hand carved frames in- was exactly the same; only the size dif- ¦ in paint* reflecting the story of eluded. That, in essence, is the con- fered a little. I can ’t say the same for his life, daring you to probe for the living cept of the gallery - the production all the other paintings. ” I^rson that lurks behind the image, the and marketing of painted reproduc- Yet, there ’are certain standards that lines. One has not seen the original, but tions of the Old Masters at affordable Studio Windsor adheres to. “Unless the pamted reproduction captures the prices. “We aim to capture the essence we are totally satisfied with a painting, enigma of the man, part of it at least, of the painting ’s history and its artistic it does not come out on our walls, ” Rembrandt is one of the many Old Mas- beauty. We are not copying the origin- says Phiroze. The present rate of re- ters of European painting, copies of als, we are re-creating them, ” says jects, he points out, is 60 percent to 65 whose works are on display at Studio Phiroze. He clarifies that the studio is percent. “We have to restore them the Windsor in Bombay. Not only is the con- not selling prints but original paint- best we can. It ’s not: ‘This has not cept and commercial scale of this new art ings, even if they are copies of the come out well, so price it lower and get galleiy novel, but on its walls, imder the Masters, done by a team of 60 to 70 rid of it. ’ We are ^lot sitting here to glow of floodlights, are draped slices of local artists. palm off things. ” art history. This is not mass scale reproduction. Rembrandt, Rubens, Leonardo da “We will not make two copies of the Total Involvement Vinci, Botticelli, Van Dyck... the collec- same painting, ” says a greying Jehan- Originally the studio had restricted^ tion of artists in the red carpeted galle- gir, when we meet him at his office itself to doing only paintings of the ry, located on the ground floor of near Fariyas Hotel at Colaba which period between 1400 and 1830. “That is Corinthian Building on Arthur Bunder also looks like a museum rather than a still our main identity, ” says Phiroze. Road, Colaba is impressive. Inside the builder/architect ’s business premises. He explains that generally they do not premises that also house the office of A buyer can be reasonably sure that do reproductions of the Impressionists, Vazifdar Builders Pvt Ltd, are treasures the painting he buys will be an exclu- the Cubists or the modern masters. But reminiscent of a miniature museum - sive reproduction of that painting done this does not prevent people from ask ­ paintings line the walls or stand by Studio Windsor. ing them to do special requests. Almost propped on easels. You are welcomed ITie Vazifdars ’ fierce pride in their on cue, a lady with a girl of 10 in tow by petite Ms Sherna Vazifdar who ush- studio is evident in the quiet passion turns and asks, “If we bring a picture, ers you into an office brimming over that underlines their words. In fact, will you paint it for us? ” with paintings. Here, her bearded hus- they expect that in time, the name of with paintings. Here, her bearded hus- they expect that in time, the name of Phiroze smiles. He unwraps a sweet band Phiroze, dressed casually in a their studio will sell like that of a from a trayful on his desk and pops it short-sleeved shirt, holds court. Shema famous artist. But it is when they show into his mouth. “EarlieCtve did not like excuses herself with a smile but you are you around the gallery that you feel to do special requests, ” he explains lat- aware of her presence, like a mother their real sense of involvement in the er, “but over the last one year we have hovering over her brood of children. paintings. Sherna, who has done a tex- been getting feedback on what the pub- “The originals of these paintings sell tile designing course, and till recently lie wants - the size, the style, the for millions of dollars, ” explains Phir- preferred to be a housewife, sums up artists, the period. Recently we have oze, one of the architects (pun in- the sentiment with, “I just can ’t stay at been entertaining requests, but not all tended, for he is a qualified architect home anymore; I’ve got to be here. ” from a family of constructors and buil- “When we sell a painting, as ders) of Studio Windsor. The other businessmen we are happy, ” says Phir- not compelled to buy the finished prod- ” ' ' uct. “If you don ’t like it, don ’t buy it. ” The main buyers of the reproduc- requests; we will do it only if we like it. ” The condition is that the buyer is two equal partners are his father oze, “But, inside, we are not happy. Jehangir and wife Sherna. “For those We have grown attached to these millions you are buying a chip of his- paintings. ” He points to the reproduc- tions are hotels and business houses as tory; the artist ’s originality and the rar- tion of Rubens ’ Peace and War. “This well as individuals. Interior designers ity of the painting. How do you price one I won ’t sell, no matter what price and architects also patronize the gal- the Mona Lisal It ’s just not avail- I’m offered. I’m keeping it for my- lery on behalf of their clients. “Decor, able. ” But copies are, and they are on self. ” He also singles out a portrait of imported marble, antique furniture - display at Studio Windsor. Francois I, King of France, by Jean nothing has the same impact as a The prices are modest and range Clouet, painted in 1540. “When I saw painting on the wall, ” says Phiroze. 57 Parsiana August 1989 I .............I i If ¦ J Self-portrait by Rembrandt (above left) A painting by Jacques Louis David, who was the first painter to the Emperor Napoleon (above right) A painting by Pierre Mignard (left) “Shift a painting and the complexion of the room changes, ” the architect in Phiroze asserts itself: “A home with ­ out a painting is like a well without water. ” He point$ out that modern houses in ||||||||| apartment buildings invariably have low ceilings and that, to a degree, accounts for the preference for hori- zontal canvases over vertical ones. ^B Phiroze points to the painting of The > Virgin on the Rocks. “That might be too large for an apartment type flat. But it would fit beautifully into a colo- nial type bungalow, ” which, he notes, is slowly coming into vogue again. The Vazifdars ’ involvement with. their paintings goes beyond the point of sale. They advise the buyer on where and how to place the painting. BH “Lighting and shadows are important. Frames play a vital role; they enhance ‘ _ the impact of the painting. We help size, who painted it and when, and of the painting. One of these paintings the buyer select the right frame. We where it is presently located is fur- is at the Louvre, Paris, and the other are keen that our paintings are display- i ed well. ” There is a vested interest in his table and selects a painting at ran- this,.a touch of professionalism in the dom. The Painter’s Studio by Ver ­ attitude. For, as Phiroze observes, a ................................... " well displayed painting serves as a good advertisement for the studio. “It the is for this reason that we discourage Vienna, the sale of seconds. People come in here and seconds. ’ We reply, ‘But we do. ’” The same professionalism is ex- ways is not very different from how sor seeks to re-create, its approach is tended to any buyer who might want Studio Windsor is structured. “What consistent with its aims. A team of 60 to know about the history of the ori- we are doing, was done centuries be- to 70 artists, all Bombay based, are fore, ” says Phiroze. He is referring to the fact that the leading artists of yore ran studios with large teams of pain ­ ters working under them. The Masters would guide their assistants and brush on the final touches to the painting. “Van Dyck started out as Rubens ’ assistant, ” Phiroze points out. Modern day researchers and experts are unable to determine the actual artist of many famous paintings - the student or the master, “feveals Phiroze. He illustrates with the example of The Virgin on the Rocks and the con- ginal painting. Information about its troversy that clouds the two versions the buyer select the right frame. We where it is presently located is fur- ¦ „ . nished freely. Phiroze consults a list on at the National Gallery, London. Ex ­ perts are generally agreed that one has been done by Leonardo da Vinci and meer, 1666; original size 47 and 1/4 in- the other by his student. But who did ches by 39 and 1/4 inch, presently at which is still a matter of debate. ; Kunsthistorisches Museum, Also a common practice then was that the Masters copied paintings of The choice, coincidently, is signifi- the great artists before them and art say, ‘We don ’t mind cant for the painting explains how the history is replete with such instances. Old Masters worked, which in many Given the period which Studio Wind ­ ways is not very different from how Museum, 58 Parsiana August 1989 »Madonna with St George by Corregio to express. Sometimes, a copy may have more artistic value than the ori ­ ginal! ” Studio Windsor, admittedly, is not month. “We have gone through the Studio Windsor, admittedly, is not weeding out process. We know what trying to outdo the Masters but aiming our artists are capable of. Some are only to match up to them. “It ’s a diffi- good at landscapes, some at figures, cult task, ” Phiroze concedes. “A mod- We know what to assign to each one, ” ern artist does his own thing, expresses Phiroze explains. his own creativity. We are compared to the Masters. ” Jehangir explains the Heart or Mind? difference between the abstract works Dadiba Pundole, partner of the Pun- of modem artists and the figurative dole Art Gallery at Fountain, Bom- paintings of the Masters. “These dole Art Gallery at Fountain, Bom- paintings of the Masters. bay, states that the little that he has paintings, ” he waves to the reproduc- seen of the works of Studio Windsor is tions that line the walls of his office, good. He points out that the nature of “they are works of beauty, done from the works at Studio Windsor falls out- the heart, ” he taps the left side of his side the purview of his gallery which chest. “Modern art is the work of the caters to the modern Indian artist. Re- mind, ” he taps his forehead. garding the artistic value of the repro- He further explains that true art ductions of the Old Masters, he states: appreciation goes beyond the layman ’s “It depends on what the artist is trying exclamation, “How beautiful! ” A se- Yoimg Michelle and Neville with parents Sherna and Phiroze,and Caesar I assigned to work on paintings which are finally touched up by four to five master artists who work under the direct supervision of the Vazifdars. “We are like the conductors of an orchestra, like Zubin Mehta, coordi ­ nating, refining and putting the final work together, ” says Jehangir. The final work they aim to put together is one as close as possible to the original. There are many problems in reaching this goal and one of them stems from the fact that art reflects the cultural backdrop of the artist. In the case of Studio Windsor, at least, the Indian-ness of its artists is discour ­ aged. “Indian artists tend to use brigh ­ ter colors and the features they paint have a distinct Eastern-ness. We have got to guard against this, tone down the colors, touch up the features, ” Jehangir explains. Studio Windsor, however, does not attempt to capture the toll that time has taken on the originals; the cracks and chipping of the paint or the mel ­ lowing of the colors. The reproduc ­ tions are obviously fresher and brigh ­ ter, but, as Phiroze emphasizes, with modern refinements in restoration techniques, the original colors used by the Masters are being restored again. “The museums in the West are flush with color, ” he states. The process, from assigning a paint ­ ing till the time it finally finds a place for itself on the walls, takes at least a I 59 Parsiana August 1989 *-WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM B.R.T. LIMITED Neville House J.N. Heredia Marg Ballard Estate Bombay 400038 rious art connoisseur and collector will the century, did excell in reproducing always have a professional art apprais- paintings of the Masters. The Indian er to assist him in his selection. He is Post's report in his files observes: “A looking for the paintings that have Parsi painter, J. Pithawala, who was at what is known as the “master ’s time the president of the Bombay touch. ” He cites the case of Picasso. A.rt Society, was fairly noted and much “He has done over 6,000 paintings, appreciated for his copies of classical but it is the select few which are truly paintings. Pithawala was a popular artist outstanding that have made him and his works were even exhibited in famous. ” Britain. Many of his copies of the mas- Modern art, according to Jehangir, ters are with his family in Poona and is a distortion of nature. “The straight efforts are on to persuade the National line, the colors - black and white - are Museum to buy the paintings. ” not nature ’s creation; they are of hu- On® community that n^ds the least man creation, the starting point of civi- persuasion to buy the Vazifdars ’ copies lization. ” The ultimate work of mod- of the masters are the Parsis. “Our Par- ern art, according to Jehangir, is a si clients are generally well-informed and painting with “no touch of nature ’s have seen the world. They know what creativity. It is purely human we are doing here. Our paintings are creativity. ” well-appreciated, but well-appreciated Jehangir states that over the last 40 is a long way from the final plunge of years he has personally done over buying. After all we are not selling a 5,000 paintings and held a number of daily pick-up iteSi, ” says Phiroze. exhibitions of his own works. One of If the Vazifdars ’ paintings have won his works titled The Theft consisted of the approbation of the upper and only the frame with the painting cut middle-class Parsis, they have been out. Yet he has not been able to bring doing other work that has been well himself to sell any of his works. “They appreciated by the entire community - are like my children, ” he says and catering. “Our Hotel Heritage is the adds: “I’m not into this thing. I am an most popular place for small navjotes, architect. ” About 40 buildings con- weddings and fhmily functions. We have structed over a period of 48 years catered to thousands of Parsi parties on stand testimony to this. the terrace... Yes, authentic lagan nu Yet Jehangir ’s interest in art has bhonu (wedding feast) served on patras prompted him to create a new form of (banana leaves). ” Phiroze explains that painting which he classifies as Modern the bangs are too large for small func- Classics. These comprise primarily of tions of up to 125 invitees and these prints of classic paintings on which parties invariably land at the Hotel Her- modern art designs have been super- itage. When catering for these functions imposed creating a totally new visual, he does not lose sight-of the reality that < These creations will also be on view at “Parsis eat a lot and Iranis eat more. ” Studio Windsor and for the first time The other contribution the family has he has brought himself to sell his work made to the community is housing. - with his signature. These will be “Dad (Jehangir) was one of the pioneers priced at Rs 1,200, frames included, in the concept of ownership (flats)... The more expensive reproductions of and a large percentage of his clients the Masters will carry no signature, were Parsis, ” observes Phiroze. only the stamp of the studio on the back of the canvas. ‘master ’s president of the Bombay appreciated for his copies of classical 60 Parsiana August 1989 It if the Vazifdars ’ paintings have won * In terms of contribution towards the dwindling numbers in the community, the last two generations of Vazifdars Art and the I^rsis have limited themselves to two children Are there any Parsi artists linked with each. In addition to Phiroze, Jehangir Studio Windsor? Phiroze scratches his and his wife Daisy have a second child, beard and ponders. “That ’s strange, ’’ he a daughter Zarine, while Phiroze and says. “We probably have artists from Sherna have a girl Michelle and a boy every community on our team but no... Neville. The only reproduction they no Parsis ’’ But he draws our attention to hope to do in the future is paintings of one Parsi painter who during the turn of the Masters. hINSTITUTIONS On March 18, 1888 a young man of 32, § Jamsetjee Nusserwanji Petit died. While i he lived, his father Nusserwanji Ma- - nockjee Petit thought his son ’s dream of • building an educational institute for Parsi orphans was impractical. But now that his only son was no more, a bereaved father dedicated his resources and energies to ' making the dream a reality. Within six months, on October 19, 1888 he opened the Jamsetjee Nusserwanji Petit Parsi Orphanage at Lalbaug, Bombay, in mem ­ ory of his son. A hundred years later the I educational institute, now located on 17 acres of prime land near Poona ’s famous Bund Gardens and known as the Jam ­ setjee Nusserwanji Petit Technical High School, rededicated itself to serving the poor and the needy of the community. f “I sincerely hope that the School during its second hundred years will have as much success as it had during its first century and that the long list of eminent old boys will continue to grow, ’’ said Sir Dinshaw Manockjee Petit, Fourth Bar ­ onet, in his presidential address at the function last October to celebrate the i School ’s centenary when noted jurist Nani J Palkhivala waS the chief guest. Presently on the rolls are 121 boarders, all Parsis, and 1,000 plus day scholars, seven of whom are Parsis from Poona, all working to- \ wards their secondary school certificate •iV. I ¦¦ * ty* *1 'U !?• I J S '' J. N. Petit School: "A second home" Gustasp Irani (SSC). To them, the impressive two-sto ­ ried white building with playgrounds sprawled at its feet is a second home. More so for the boarders, all of them subsidized by the Nusserwanji Manockjee Petit Charity Fund, many dependent fully on grants to finance their stay at the School. The Petit Fund covers their education fee, books, stationery, clothes, uniforms, sudrehs, pyjamas, food, almost every need. “Expenses per child work out to a little over Rs 8CX) per month, ” says Com ­ modore L. S. Mehta (Retd), director of the School. “Parents may pay the full fees if they choose to or whatever they are able to. We would like them to pay some ­ thing, even if it is a token amount. ” At present, according to Mehta, the maxi ­ mum paid towards the upkeep of a student is Rs 100 per month. The total subsidy costs the N. M. Petit Charity Fund around Rs 16 lakhs per year, he adds. Despite the subsidy, four of the eight dormitories remain empty. “We can accommodate another . 100 to 150 boys, ” says noted industrially Jamshed Guzder, trustee of the Petit School and also the Bombay Parsi Punchayet. He points out that eight years ago there were about 180 Parsi students. The number has been slowly declining since then. As a result the School decided to advertise the facilities avail ­ able to Parsis in rural Gujarat. “The financial condition of a lot of Parsi agri- «' . * 1 « .e VI ! v» 2^ Si •'»SrSj There are spacious grounds and sufficient funds but not a sufficient number of Parsis avail of the educational opportunities at the J. N. Petit Technical School. ¦ 63 Parsiana August 1989 ¦ -1P E P n P g 0 I F c F d a c c c C c e c culturists there is, to say, the least, critical. They are totally dependent on the whims of the monsoons. As a result of our efforts we are now getting a lot more students from these areas, ” says Guzder. In July 1989,21 students were enrolled as boarders, right from kindergarten to the eighth standard. “Often they come here confused. But over the years their vision expands and they reach a stage of taking for granted what had, in the initial stages, seemed out of their world, ” says Mehta. For instance he points out that the food is better than they ever get in their villages- eggs, porridge and bread for breakfast; vegetables, daltrice and fruits for lunch; teatime snacks; vegetables, meat and sweets for dinner. Even if a child does not recognize the value of good education, his parents do. An unemployed Irani whose son is pres ­ ently studying in the Institute observes, “They look after everything; my son ’s clothes, food, education - everything. And thank God my son won ’t be illiterate like me. ” I < F. .t ”W"' y a p rr J Ife » iK s’ b- 64 Parsiana August 1989 -Ail >i 1 At the centenary (from left): Mehta, Lady Petit, Nani Palkhivala, Sir Dinshaw, Ms Palkhivala SONI STUDIO A typical day for a student starts at 5.45 a.m. and ends at 9.45 p.m. His time is structured: there is time for meals, for studies, for school, for games and for religious classes^oo. The religious classes are conducted by Ervad Minoo Karkaria, officiating head master, assistant director and in charge of the agiary on the School premi ses . The younger boys are taught the ' full navjote prayers and the older ones, the different aspects of the Zoroastrian religion. Karkaria, who is escorted every ­ where by his faithful dog, has been with the School for 30 years. “This School is a temple to me, ” he declares. Talking about admissions for day schol ­ ars, Mehta clarifies that “first preference is given to Zoroastrians. ” Room is made for them irrespective of classroom capac ­ ity. Entrance tests are only to determine the level the student is at and which class he will be ideally suited for. The problem that really is cause for concern to Mehta, however, is the size of the classes. Pres ­ ently, there are two divisions per class with around 45 to 65 students per division. “An ideal student-teacher ratio would be 30 to 35 students per class, ” says Mehta. Nevertheless, the results over the years have been encouraging. “Our results are as good or as bad as of any other school - from 75 to 100 percent pass in the SSC examinations. ” Due importance is given to technical (Far left and above) Workrooms geared to impart technical skills to students (Right) Youngsters being introduced to physical training and gymnasticseflucation: “the idea being that those boys atres, eminent sports personality Jal who are nPt inclined to do well academi- Pardiwala, Homi Bodhanwalla, special cally are exposed to technical skills from adviser to the chairman, Tata Steel, to tfie seventh standard onwards, ” says Guzder. name only a few from the long list of All students are expected to take two tech- prominent personalities. nical subjects. Machine drawing is com- The value of good education was recog- pulsory; the other optional subject can be nized even a hundred years ago. On the welding, turning, fitting or electrical wir- very day the Orphanage was opened, 89 ®g- applications were received for admission. In 1962 the School, that was till then according to the publication brought out exclusively for Parsi boarders, opened its to commemorate the School ’s golden doors to all communities but on the prin- jubilee. Soon the number of students rose ciple that they be admitted as day schol- to 300. Boys were classified as either ars only. “A large group of our non-Parsi boarders if they paid Rs 15 per month students are from the low income group, ” towards their upkeep, contributory foun- says Mehta. “The*trustees felt that to daries if they paid part of their keep and meet the objectives of the founders who foundaries if they were free. Apart from established the institution for underprivi- regular academic studies students were leged Parsis, the same set of aims should made to develop their skills in trade re- .zr carpentry. He adds, “We still remain a non-aided printing, cabinetmaking, tailoring and more. School. We don ’t take a single paisa from Just as a cheque of Rs 50,000, given by any government, municipality or zilla Nusserwanji Manockjee Petit to his dying parishad. ” son /Jamsetjee helped establish the J. N. Resolving matters concerning the School Petit School, many years earlier Nusser- and charting out the future of the institu- wanji had celebrated his son ’s navjote by tion are in the hands of the trustees and making a gift of Rs 25,000 towards build ­ members of the management committee ing a boarding school for Zoroastrians in who meet every month. In addition to Iran, notes the centenary memorial bro- Dinshaw Petit and Guzder, the two other chure. The son Jamsetjee was reportedly a trustees are Nanabhoy Jeejeebhoy and multi-talented man who mixed inherited Jehangir Taraporewala. The management business acumen with acquired literary committee members are: Ms Dosibai skills. His most famous literary effort was Jeejeebhoy, Ms Nergish Palkhivala, Ms the Gujarati poem Mahri Majeh,a de- Homai Pudumjee, Ms Khursheed Jee- scriptive work of nearly 4,000 lines jeebhoy, Rusi Sethna, Jehangir Daroga, which, according to a critic of the time, Homa Petit, Jehangir Petit and Framji Petit, initiated into the Gujarati language the “In its new garb, the present technical use of blank verse. He also authored training institute offers the inmates a way Kehvat A/a/a a collection of 10,000 of life which, compared to the original proverbs and translated the Vendidad orphanage in Parel, could be described as luxurious. ” This statement was made by the late Naval Tata, then a trustee of the daughter of Sir Dinshawji Manockjee Petit, h illustrious ex-students (who rose to be ­ come chairman of several Tata compa ­ nies), Tata reminisces about his school cording to the brochure. On the death of days in the centenary memorial brochure: his son he withdrew from the business “It was certainly a hard life for 3(X) poor world in which he, along with his brother, boys supported on an extremely slender the First Baronet, amassed a huge fortune budget for food, clothing and health by cashing in on the spiralling cotton prices care...Despite such limitations of ameni- on the inte,mational markets. These prices ties, let me make a candid admission that had been a direct rjesult of the American for the 300 boys, through the grace Of Civil War and the supply crunch that fol- God, it was a heaven. ” In addition to Tata many other well- known Parsis have spent their early forma- the fortune.s of many Bombay-based busi- tive years at the institution: the late Dastur nessmen — 1864-65 were depression years Framroze Bode, High Priest of the Fash in the city. But not so for the Petit Atash Kadeh, the late Dinshaw Avari who brothers. “Nusserwanji was one of the established a chain of hotels in Pakistan, very few individuals who saw the dangers Framji Sidhwa, who founded Globe The- ahead and escaped the fate which over- com- i be met when educating the non-Parsis. ” lated subjects like typing. ''We still remain a non-aided printing, cabinetmaking, tailoring and into Gujarati from its original Avesta. He was married to his cousin, Heerabai, School. One of the institute ’s most First Baronet. The couple had no children. Nusserwanji survived his son by three years, an emotionally broken man, ac- lowed in its wake. At the end of the Civil War, cotton prices plummeted and with it. ¦M 67 Parsiana August 1989 FROM A WELL-WISHERf [ f r F ( ( i < I ( I ( I I I took hundreds of less careful persons, ” observed Sir Petit in his presidential ad ­ dress. He added, “Nusserwanji amassed considerable wealth... but instead of keep ­ ing his wealth to himself he decided to share it with the less fortunate of the community. ” How dear the School was to the Petit family may be gauged from the fact that when in 1897 plague ravaged the city of Bombay, Nusserwanji ’s wife Dinbai took all the students of the school with her to Jehanbordi in Gujarat to escape the dreaded disease. Interestingly enough, the Avabai Petit School, v^ich started as an orphanage for girls, at Bandra was built in memory of Nusserwanji ’s only other child Avabai by her daughter Hamabai Mehta (nee Petit). Mehta financed the project by selling all her jewelry valued at over Rs 12 lakhs, according to the J. N. Petit School ’s golden jubilee souvenir. Since Avabai was mar ­ ried to Sir Petit ’s son Framji and since Jamsetjee had no children, the Baronet ’s family came to inherit the responsibility of caring for the two institutions. The Second Baronet, Avabai ’s son, en ­ sured that every child leaving the J. N. "Over the years they reach a stage of taking for granted what had, in the initial stages, seemed out of their world" Petit Orphanage would get a brand new set of clothes including a pugree, sudreh, kusti and shoes. It was his son, the Third Bar ­ onet, who really brought about signifi ­ cant change and improvement by shift ­ ing the premises of the Orphanage from Bombay to Poona. Guzder recalls how during a card game of bridge. Sir Sasoon mentioned to the Baronet that he had a piece of land in Poona that he intended to sell. “It was a spur of the moment deci ­ sion. The Baronet grabbed the offer. ” The move however was not hiccup free. “The plans had to be postponed for the duration of the Second World War when the British Government took over the brand-new building and established in it the Pre-Flying Training College of the Royal Indian Air Force, ” observed Mehta in his director ’s address. In 1948 the School finally moved into its new premises and, in doing so, dropped the title Orphanage in favor of Technical High School. “In my opinion he has built what is probably one of the best school buildings in the coun ­ try, ” added Guzder. For those presently enrolled in the School no efforts are being spared to better their lot. “We intend to give the children the very best education possible with good dedicated teachers, up-to-date vocational training and sports facilities. Computer technology, the subject of today, is going to be introduced in the very near future, ” said Sir Dinshaw in his speech on the centenary occasion. Though the N. M. Petit Charity Fund has a corpus of over one crore rupees to meet its present commit ­ ments, the new projects will need more funds. “We are a long way from our goal but by nagging and cajoling we will reach our objective (keeping in mind) the Petit motto ‘consequitur quodcqnque ’ which means ‘He attains what he seeks. Best Wishes From RUSY & PURVIZ SHROFF f 68 Parsiana August 1989i I i I 1 1 ¦ 1 COMMENT I The voice of orthodoxy Noshir H. Dadrawala A correspondent writes about his work experiences under darned present and former editor ¦ on me. Each article was an improvement I over the last. Under Adi ’s watchful eye, I many an article found its way into the I waste paper bin. It hurt sometimes. But I today when I sit back and reflect, I realize R that what Adi did was probably the right thing. Around this time I also came in touch with the managing director, Russi ' Dhondy, who is now also the editor. Over the years the articles Adi rejected, I got published through Russi. If Adi was shrewd and diplomatic, Russi was bold and uncompromising. If Adi would reject an article on grounds of stirring a hornet ’s nest or due to its lengthy nature, ; Russi would prevail upon Adi (mostly in my absence) and see the article through. If . Adi used the red and blue pen liberally, Russi never did, at least as far as my " i articles were concerned. If Adi was my mentor, Russi was the tower to lean upon. If Adi had the sobering effect, Russi was the driving force. Both managed equally well in bringing out the best in me. For years together the Jame boycotted the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anju ­ mans of India and its executive council meetings. I had my reservations too. However, I did not see any harm in cover ­ ing the deliberations for a widely read Parsi daily. I discussed the matter with^ Russi and within minutes he arranged meeting with Adi and issued an identity card making me an official representative and honorary correspondent of the Jame. Hereafter, there was no looking back. From the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) press conferences and Federation meetings to interviews with noteworthy Parsis, the columns of the newspaper were flung open J 1 My association with the Jam-e-Jamshed I would be welcome without prior ap- *' _ . . 44 __ ______ .X T z*««*z4a«* old. I still remember my name appearing meet Adi, one never required any appoint- in print for the first time and my reading it ment. One merely had to walk into his over and over again for days together, most untidy cabin. The name was one amongst four or five And so we met that day over a cup of others. All of us had won the weekly color coffee, amidst heaps of books, maga- contest. This relationship became more zines, crosswords, ballpens and a hundred meaningful when as a teenager 1 actually different odds and ends. Adi was attired in began corresponding with the then editor, simple baggy trousers and a shirt, the very the late Adi Marzban. The letters, pains- picture of a man at peace with himself and takingly written in ink with the choicest the world. Deep within him lay a store ­ stationery, dealt with subjects ranging house of knowledge, wit and, of course, liuHi iiiv - -------- ------- • r* 1 puage to the mysteries of the Bermuda other and this was the beginning ot a long interest and our writings stimulated each his death, other. He kept publishing my letters and 1' 1 kept writing. Then one day 1 decided to subjects like religion and politics. meet him in person. I was not sure whether time went by, journalism began to grow began when I was barely 10 or 11 years pointment. I later learnt that in order to old. 1 still remember my name appearing meet Adi, one never required any appoint- in print for the first time and my reading it ment. One merely had to walk into his And so we met that day over a cup of zines, crosswords, ballpens and a hundred meaningful when as a teenager 1 actually different odds and ends. Adi was attired in the late Adi Marzban. The letters, pains ­ stationery, dealt with subjects ranging house of knowledge, wit and, of course, from the proper use ot the English Ian- mischief. We developed a liking for each guage to the mysteries of the Bermuda other and this was the beginning of a long triangle. Adi was a man of wide and varied and rewarding friendship which lasted till 1 began writing on Parsi institutions; on Nergish Palkhivala presents a purse to Silla Marzhan (in specs) as Dr Aspi Golwalla applauds (Top) Jamsetji Jejeebhoy presents a casket to Nanabhoy Jeejeebhoy (in As pugree) as Noble (left) and Taleyarkahn look on I Photos: A. F. R. Sutter 70 Parsiana August 198SBuilders of Repute For Construction Works Of Good Quality RATAN SGRVEYOR &CO Engineers, Contractors & RCC Specialists Piramal Mansion Dr Dadabhoy Naoroji Road Fort Bombay 400001 Phone 269670 - For years it published free of charge the long obituary columns as also the long list of donors to me and some reports (mostly those of or at least in a state of suspended anima- Federation meetings) were published in tion. Parsis feel the pinch more than ever as many as three instalments. Many a before. The morning cup of tea is no battle was fought through the columns of longer the same to many aged Parsis. Jame but never will I forget the battle I While it has contributed to the rise and fought for the revamping of the Parsi Ward growth of many a worthy institution, it at Sir J. J, Hospital or the case of the has also played a major role in exposing Tithal and Bordi Sanatoriums (which had and bringing about the fall of several dubious fallen into disuse). Sometimes these ar- organizations. Like a mirror, it has for tides offended a few, but Adi and Russi years reflected the views of the orthodox stood behind me like a rock. section of the community. That it fal- A year prior to his death Adi began a tered on certain occasions, one cannot but spicy column under the pseudonym “Whip- admit. Yet Jame was, and continues to lash. ” It kept readers guessing as to the _ _________________________________ identity of the author. The column was in keeping with the author ’s ever mischie ­ vous nature, “twisting the tail ” of the community ’s leadership. But alas, Adi ’s failing health took its toll and the whip was consigned with Adi to its place of everlast ­ ing rest. Adi ’s death marked the end of an era. Witty and thought-poovoking editorials as also stimulating columns like “Personally Speaking ” and “My Mail Bag ” died a natural death. Under Russi s editorship, Jame's poll- be, the only truly Parsi newspaper of its cies underwent quite a few changes, kind. although the stand remained “medium Extolling the virtues of the newspaper orthodox. ” The columns, especially of at the felicitation function, former trusty the weekly, were opened to several new of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Dr Neli^ . contributors. While on one hand colurnns Noble called Jame “the voice of the com- on beauty, sports, health and films — munity ” and attributed a policy of me- contributed by professionals —flourished, dium orthodoxy to it in matters of religion sharp and at times unrestrained editorials and politics. She was also happy that on cases like the Masina Hospital led to while Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy, First Bar- legal battles. Interviews and book reviews onet, as the trustee of the Parsi Punchayet, received a further boost. I was given a free was instrumental in having set up the news ­ hand and I made the most of it. paper in 1832, it was in the fitness of Jame's services to the community have things that Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy, Seventh been many and varied. “Today after over Baronet, was the chairman of the a century and a half of struggle (Asia ’s present felicitation committee. The high- second oldest newspaper) has run out of light of the everting was the presentation breath. The Jame Weekly continues to of a silver casket and citation composed hold the fort and one hopes it wi 11 continue by noted Gujarati scholar Dr Ratan Marshall to do so for many ’ more years, ” noted of Surat and read by Dastur (Dr) Firoze Homi Taleyarkhan, member of the mi- Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. Wadia norities commission, at a function organ- Atash Bahram-to the ailing Nanabhoy ized at the Framjee Cawasjee Institute on Jeejeebhoy. But for this philanthropist, Sunday, July 30, 1989 to felicitate the the newspaper would have died almost a Jam-e-Jamshed. decade earlier. For years it published the long obituary A few weeks prior to the felicitation columns as also the long list of donors to program when the editor announced that charitable institutions like the B. D. Petit the daily issue oiiHneJam-e-Jamshed would Parsee General Hospital, the Byramjee be suspended until further notice, it sent Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution shock waves throughout the community, and others free of charge. On the other However, those who had been observing hand, apart from the elaborate paidast- the newspaper from close quarters were uthamna (obituary) columns, it had little only surprised that the newspaper had news value. Yet the daily had a place in managed to survive so long. The 157- Parsi homes and today when it is no more, year-old institution had been going througha bad spell for years. Multiple readership (four to six Parsi families sharing one copy of the Jame) and lack of sufficient advertisements which form the backbone of any publication worth its name, were two of the main causes responsible for the downfall. Business houses like Tatas, Godrejs and Wadias spend crores of rupees on ad ­ vertisements in secular newspapers and Doordarshan, but not on Parsi institu ­ tions. “To be secular does not mean you should not support Parsi institutions, ” asserted noted tax consultant and BPP trustee Homi Ranina at the function. On the other hand, the 4pck of Gujarati read- It was with poignant pain that the Parsi s Thesecharacteristicsslowlyandstead- ership within the community, lack of good read about the discontinuance of the Jam- ily took root in the Jame. Upto apointit umns, etc have ali been responsible for the decline in circulation. Today, the daily is no more. There are Most of the reasons for the failure of the bus. Its very virtue became its weakness, efforts to revive it and the community newspaper were beyond the control of the Consistency is commendable'butjoumal- would be none the more happy and grate- proprietors. Being a sectarian paper of a ism must keep abreast of times, inform ful. However, one has to face reality, minuscule minority, its readership was and mold the opinion of the readers. It The cost of newsprint has become pro- limited. Again, the Barsis increasingly must be alive and vibrant. Somehow, its hibitive. Even national dailies and evenin- took to English. Some went abroad, never task became more difficult and it became gers with huge advertising revenue and to return. The ever increasing costs of readership are feeling the pinch. The circumstances under which the newspaper had been established have proprietors to take the inevitable decision, changed over the years. Jame had been / ’ ’ _ ' ¦’ set up under the editorship of Pestonji upon us. Jam-e-Jamshed had its day. It for the community; it has given us our Motivala to defend the Punchayet against represented the ideas, ideologies and staunch journalists, writers and scholars. For 157 the whiplash of The Bombay Samachar, beliefs of the community. It was in fact the years, it has been the guiding light of the founded by Fardunji Marzban. Butsubse- voice and conscience of the Parsis. Ata community. quently, the Marzbans switched over to time when the winds of change were blow- Now the Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly the Jam-e-Jamshed and nurtured it for ing over the country under the influence struggles on. The task before its proprie- four generations. of western culture, there was a genuine tors is formidable and fraught with heavy Years ago, Pirojsha (Pijam) Marzban fear of the community being swept off its responsibilities. Parsis expect that the had said, the day Jame will give up its feet. At that critical juncture the Jame weekly should not go the way of the daily, orthodox stand, the newspaper will crumble, stood firmly for our tried and tested cus- Those at the helm of affairs will be judged Today the Jame daily has closed down toms and traditions. Its contribution at the bar of history. We are not talking (temporarily or otherwise) for reasons towards the unity of the community was about an ordinary newspaper. Let us bear Pirojsha probably never envisaged. immense. in mind that it is the second oldest newspa- Jame has to grapple with the times. If But even a good thing can be overdone, per of Asia; it has been the voice and the daily must be revived, efforts must The Jame clung too closely to the old conscience of a small but splendid com- first be made to generate sufficient reve- antiquated customs; it refused to move munity and its name is already enshrined nue on a sustained basis. This apart, the with the times and turned its back upon in the history of the Parsis. It must not be columns need to be made morenewswor- great and profound Parsi scholars and allowed to die. Mere brave words cannot thy, educative and informative. All the social reformers. It ignored the voice of save it. It is too late to make amateurish ingredients that go into making a good the creative minority of the community, attempts or experiments. There is no denying professional newspaper must be pumped Communities and nations bring about the fact that the present management has into it, in generous amounts. their decay in several ways. In an effort given the work of keeping the Jam-e- The Parsi community is an enlightened to escape the present they adopt two routes: Jamshed going, its full attention and dedi ­ community and has so far never been archaism, which is an excessive respect cation. It has, however, so far failed to do found wanting in supporting good causes, for the past; and futurism, an excessive the trick. Something more is needed. The Jame daily is one such cause. It concern for the future. We hope, wish and pray that Ahura needs the entire community ’s support — ‘ " ........................ from subscribers to advertisers. However, the community is also a very fastidious and demanding community, and the Jame cency over an accomplishment, management will need more than just fi- looking the challenges facing the nance and determination to revive the daily, munity or civilization. COMMENT A losing battle Adherence to old customs and hesitancy to move with the times took its toll of the Jam-e-Jamshed These characteristics slowly and stead- staff, failure to professionalize the col- e-Jamshed daily. This was not unexpected, rendered valuable service to the commu- For more than two decades the news- nity by holding up old morality, old paper had been fighting a losing battle, customs and traditions. But it missed the a hostage to orthodoxy^ The management made gallant efforts bringing out the paper and very limited scope for getting advertisements led the but all the factors were against it. . . ........................ Every Parsi will miss the Jame daily. At this point memories come crowding In its own time it has fought many a battle Motivala to defend the Punchayet against represented the ideas, ideologies and staunch journalists, writers and scholars. For 157 immense. i •••••- But even a good thing can be overdone, per of Asia; it has been the voice and Communities and nations bring about the fact that the present management has their decay in several ways. In an effort given the work of keeping the Jam-e- It concern for the future. Another factor which tends to hamper Mazda will give the correct guidance to progress is the tendency to rest on one ’s the proprietors of the Jam-e-Jamshed. oars. In other words it means compla- , over- com- Reprinted with permission from an editorial in The Bombay Samachar, 7«/y 9, 7959. 75 Parsiana August 1989BUSINESS From a trolley retrieval contract to the establishment of handicraft shops, Farida Mobedji has been strengthening her business hold at the Bombay International Airport i it I Q fn t/> m m X I R 1^ 9 ^3 BUSINESS TAKEOFF From Bombay Airport spices and eatables. ” mother Manize. The work involves In darly February this year, Mobedji ’s looking after the cleanliness of the cus- Mobedji is also interested in export of handicrafts, “on a small scale, ” she “Just as we Indians have a craze for for ­ eign items, it is the same with them (tourists), ” laughs Ms Farida Mobedji Era International was among the 15 toms hall at the Sahar airport. Planning who, after successfully managing a shops in the transit lounge damaged by to expand her horizon further, Mobedji trolley retrieval contract, has ventured the fire that swept through a part of the hopes to bag a similar cleaning contract to establish two handicraft shops - terminal. “It was designed in the shape at the Santacruz airport by the end of Chandragupt and Era International - at of a Rajasthani hut and sold exclusive the year. Bombay airport ’s international terminal Indian crafts, traditional dresses and at Sahar. objects in bronze, brass and silver. ” “Rajasthani blankets, silver jewelry Farida had anticipated that the restora- points out. Last October she held an and embroidered Rajasthani clothes, ” tion work would be completed by end exhibition at the Ripple Art Gallery at says Mobedji, “sell the most. ” A favor- August. Marine Lines to canvas orders. “Basi- ite with the foreigners is the beedi From where does she get her exclu- cally Indians are not interested in these which they call the ‘Indian cigarette, ’ sive artifacts? Farida travels extensively things, ” so the exhibition was not as she informs. One packet of beedi worth throughout the country in search of successful as she would have liked it tc around Rs 1.15 in the local market rare handicrafts and apparel for her be, she says candidly. “But I did get a fetches five to eight rupees, she cites as shops. The embroidered and patchwork small response from the staff of the an example of the price that the for- garments are from nearer home, made Canadian consulate. ” She is thus trying eigners are willing to pay for popular at a wholesaler ’s in Matunga where to get small export orders through her items. Other items of saleable value are Mobedji selects her own design and family and friends abroad. Indian musical instruments and Indian color combinations. The Kashmiri The young-entrepreneur finds her dolls which the Japanese are particular- goods are ordered directly from Kash- business very satisfying but she misses ly fond of. mir, the marble items from Agra and out on her social life, she says ruefully. “By end August I hope to have two to the brassware from Muradabad. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday three more shops at the Sahar termi- Apart from the trolley retrieval con- mornings she is at the airport supervis- nal, ” she adds. “They will be in the tract which she runs under the name of ing her staff as early as 7.30, as those transit lounge and like Chandragupt Voyage International, 27-year-old are the days earmarked for inspection they too will stock handicrafts, travel- Mobedji has recently undertaken a two- by the airport directors. Tuesday, ler ’s requisites and even medicines, year cleaning contract named after her Thursday and Saturday mornings are 76 Parsiana August 1989Mobedji at Chandragupt .1 4*1-? ¦J ¥ ¦ r i- F, kept free for her weekly rounds to buy little social work into her hectic sched- from Burhani College of Commerce artifacts for the shops. The rest of each ule. She says that she renders assist- and Arts. Her schooling was at the J.J. day is spent between Chandragupt and ance in different ways; helping those of High School at Fort where the only Era International, and ensuring that her staff who live in the Sahar slums thing she remembers being good at was the customs hall is spick-and-span, with family and welfare matters, get- elocution. After a two-year stint at the Coming home can be as late as 10.30 or ting children admission into schools President she joined Maharaja Builders even 11 p.m. and colleges, and donating blood fre- as a receptionist and received her first Though quite strict with her employ- quently. She is also a regular visitor at lessons in dealing with “the Mantra- ees (in the trolley and cleaning busi- Mother Teresa ’s home in Bombay and in laya, the municipality and the police. ” ness, Mobedji has about 500 employees July 1988 was appointed a special exec- If anyone brought out the latent poten- working for her, 120 of them being utive magistrate by the government. ' . - . - . women), they get to see the softer side "" of this career woman when she meets travel agency - Aftaab International - ledges. But management problems them at the monthly tea party she hosts, at Dadar in 1985 when she was 23 years forced her to leave the company. “Rich There, ^obedji gives a patient hearing old. Though it has since been sold, “in with (her) contacts, ” she set herself up to each one ’s grievances, and gets to know 1985 the travel business was the best as a liaison officer for Maharaja Build- their family members as well. She says business and there was not much com- ers. “Then I thought of starting a travel she makes it a point to be present for their petition, ” she says. “Also, I already had agency, ” she recalls. social functions and even visits ailing my liaison business, so I had the con- It was at this time that she saw an employees in the hutments. tacts. ” Today, four years later, Mobedji advertisement in the papers inviting The businesswoman also squeezes a recalls that she started her career as a tenders for Sahar terminal ’s trolley telephone operator at Hotel President retrieval contract. She bagged the con- after completing her twelfth standard tract and while she was managing the I trolley business, put in a tender for a I shop in the departure lounge. Thus I Chandragupt was bom and emboldened I by its sdfccess she later opened Era I International. “Handicrafts are the only I items saleable at the airport, ” she I insists. “People of all countries are g passing through, so Indian culture has • to be represented. ” Not very keen to reveal the financial I side of her business, she notes that she I took a loan from a bank to start the twc I shops. Tightlipped about her annual i turnover, Mobedji acknowledges die shops ’ profitability: “Otherwise I wouldn ’t go on with the shops, ” she avers. I At an interview with Parsiana or July 19, 1989, Mobedji, visibly moved, I says that she owes her success to hei I late father Rustom who was her guiding I force. “My sole aim was to provide him with all the luxuries of life. But four months before Chandragupt was inau ­ gurated, he passed away, ” regretted the daughter. Youngest among three brothers and three sisters, she took the responsibility 3 of supporting her parents after her brothers I and sisters were settled. I When asked how she feels about I being successful at such a young age, I she says, “It scares and thrills me. ” I Until now she has been ploughing back I her profits into her shops. “But by the I end of the year I will start to get returns from my two new shops. ” Once this materializes, Mobedji says, “I want to help my community to the maximum. It I needs so much... But 1 don ’t want to do I it in my name... ” tial for public relations in Farida, it was The plump executive had started a her boss Dhirubhai Sheth, she acknow- t ¦¦ !f 'M1 HEATER A theater affair Geeta Doctor I 80 Parsiana August 1989 From Parsi nataksio English dramas, Burjor Patel has helped professionalize theater jn Bombay ideal world actors, like royalty, Patel is like a child who has got onto a carousel that has never stopped spinn- Every once in a while, another masj^ slips into place. It is a magician ’s mask, ' a deadpan face in which the rubbery muscles have been trained to move in life-like grimaces. Behind the facade a pair of shrewd eyes are watching, wait- irig for a reaction. The look belongs to ___ __________ a master-magician, the King of Laugh- two "decades, as though he might ter, as Burjor Patel describes him, the doyen of modern Gujarati-English the ­ ater, Adi Marzban. In a written tribute, Patel notes, “Today ’s frontline perform ­ ers, directors >-and producers have, at one time or the other, passed through n an should only be viewed from a distance. Reality tends to destroy the aura that ing. gives them their special status. Most ’’ actors, sensing the danger, hide behind a variety of selves, masks, postures, per ­ sonas. Burjor Patel ’s persona is that of an ordinary, everyday sort of fellow. He looks, when he walks into the office at The Statesman where he has worked for over t have problems with his tax consultant, his digestion and his wife - an imagi ­ nary one of course; not the talented actress Ruby Patel whom he happens to have married in the best loved of theat ­ rical traditions, after first meeting her the hands of Adi Marzban... Although on stage. As he talks however, the L, ‘ '¦ ’ ' . ’ ; ‘ - ordinary-man mask slips away. The largest theater farnil^^ in the co^intjy. slow nasal drawl and the Walter Mat- hau mannerisms disappear to reveal a S person with quicksilver reactions and a P manner so animated that I begin to I think of him as a very handsome young L man. I am reminded of Pip, the Dicken- _ ¦ sian hero of Great Expectations. Burjor Burjor Patel has all the inwardness and I Patel’s "obsession with the theater:" I (top) playing the role of an Arab in I Bottoms Up; (left) with wife Ruby in I a scene from the I NT production, ¦ Lagan Khel he had no children, he has, perhaps, the He does not add that he was both son and heir-apparent to the Marzban magic kingdom. Until in the way of all sons - who must, as in the Greek myth, kill their father - he broke away and started his own theatrical company. strength of the man who would be the king of theater, yet for some reason is not. “I’m an actor of a kind, ’’ he says. “I am also known as a person in my offi ­ cial capacity as Branch Manager of Thea I Statesman. I’ve not acted for a long time now. I was an actor of the Parsi- Gujarati plays of the ’50s and ’60s. It was a golden age. Adi Marzban was at the height of his powers. I left him in I 1966. I don ’t act at all now in the I English plays. I don ’t think that the I kind of English that I speak matches I the kind of English that is required on I stage at the West End. At least I don ’t I have that kind of confidence. ” I Patel recapitulates his involvement I with the footlights: “I’ve done both I types of theater. I’ve done commercial I theater. Adi always had an eye on the 1 H could break through cultural barriers. I Patel pointed out that the audience for R the Parsi theater in Bombay also includ ­ ed the Gujaratis, Bohras and other com ­ munities. The comic revue with music and entertainment that is a feature of the current ’80s, as exemplified in Bottoms up, probably had its antecedents in these early skits. It is said that wherever the Parsi troupes performed, the seeds of theater were sown, that is to say the . conventions of a modern proscenium style theater. When they performed in Mysore for instance, the Maharaja immediately started a play group in the palace. This is an interesting reversal of trends; The Parsi drama groups made it possible for the middle-class to take part in theater, whereas traditionally it was the court that patronized such lei ­ sure activities. The process of commer ­ cialization also meant that a more professional theater was initiated a long . time back and is not merely, as is some- * times stated, a post Bottoms up factor. Even in the ’50s if a play ran for six full shows, the play could be said to have been a ’^great success. Actors had to bring everything - the makeup, the clothes, any props they needed. And, of ~ course, they had to put their hand to any 1860 But the Parsis had already estab- stage activity - lighting, prompting,^ lished their owh dramatic club, the keeping the accounts - that needed to b^ Parsi Natak Mandali, a couple of years done. box office and I learnt that from him. So we started the suspense comedies / F f L IS. ^8 Sli and thrillers like Hello Inspector and Catch me if you can, where you try to put a smile on the face of the audience. And I’ve done plays like Shadow Box where we had the best talent working for us but where we lost maybe 30 thousand or 40 thousand rupees, which is a big loss. “In a way we are in show business. You can ’t ignore what the audience wants. I would like to do plays like Bot­ toms up', I would like to reach out to larger audiences. I like to do fun plays but that does not mean that I am not serious about theater. There is a dis ­ cerning theater audience, which wants, I don ’t like to use the word ‘experimen ­ tal ’ but ‘artistic ’ plays For instance we Parsi Natak Mandali, a couple or years uoiic. did a Plav called ^rZwhere (Patel ’s earlier. The peculiar combination of Recalls Patel, My love for the thea- daughterj^Shernaz did the main role Gujarati and English they parodied was ter was from the days of school, the and then wQ ----------------J’ —... b ‘xv; a i,iw„a x-v.u,,,aii-siaiici, Deriuzeer. Indian cinema wrldxwde, Kuka s com- he would part-finance films on the “It was a classic film, and hence ran understanding that when completed only for six to eight weeks, ” says Kuka. and India Overseas Film Distributors they would be given to him for exhibi- Pvt Ltd with branch offices at Port of tion. This led him into distribution, Spain, Nairobi, Beirut and Singapore, “also by sufferance, ” and his company owned theaters and distributed Indian New India Pictures Corporation distrib- ---------......x.. v. rxa.au ..nuvnu m films worldwide. He thus enlarged the uted 12 pictures in the days when Kuka the evening show, and the Film Finance market for Indian cinema much before was bent on creating a market. ~ the government or the industry worked Today, the 1,200-seater Novelty towards this aim. With new taxation described by Kuka as “theater magnifi- policies, embargos on transfer of for- nHwnn + n 4-1. » T T * J* /“I eign exchange, and the demise of his and the box office clangs to the jingle of Around the World, and Kapoor ’s own partners-M. B. Billimoria, the Nater- money. In his office on the second floor magnum opus, the gargantuan, ill-fated Evergreen Pictures, the leg- of the eight-storeyed Novelty Chambers epic, Mera Naam Joker. endary Modis (Sohrab and his brother ........................... Keki who owned Excelsior cinema, which also Kuka managed for some time), etc - Kuka sold his shares in cin ­ emas abroad. Now, his interests are centered obtained Novelty from its previous love for books, culture and lust for around just two cinema houses - his _ _______ Mv-mm. lamti whuuihuhu flagship , theater. Novelty, situated at and renovated it into the cinema house nately died at the young age of 37 leav- Bombay s bustling Grant Road, and of his dreams, exactly 25 years ago. ing Kuka to absorb the knowledge and T renovated Krishna Inspired by the theaters he had seen philosophy of the Avestan and Iranian road, abroad on his freque nt visits. Novelty, scriptures from his professors. Kuka glories in his Persian roots: “It was a sheer delight seeing an ice-clad Mount Demavand, ” the legendary mountain in Iran where Zohak is believed to have been imprisoned, “and visiting the ruins at Persepolis. ” His trip to Iran was undertaken a.s a patron of the Iran League. “Our religion is marvellous, ” Kuka affirms, “though it has become a sham today, ” he admits. “We ourselves are responsible for this, ” he adds, advis ­ ing, like a teacher he may have been, that the young should study the true (he stresse.s “true ”) Zoroastrian religion and follow it. The lifetime spent in the film indus ­ try actually came to Kuka “by acc ­ ident. ” Born on July 28, 1907 at Bom- Kuka: surrounded by trophies and fnOfJtCfttOS Photos: Varghese Fernandez However, he made up with a vengeance when he opened a renovated ‘Krishna - A Dreamland ’ with not one but two jubilee hits - L. V. Prasad ’s Khilona in i was bent on creating a market. Today, the 1,200-seater Novelty, Corporation backed epoch-making Bhu- van Shome in the matinee. A few years later. Novelty screened India ’s first cent, ” attracts the best of Hindi films, 70mm film, the Raj Kapoor starrer money. In his office on the second floor magnum opus, the gargantuan, ill-fated are trophies given by thankful produc- The son of a humble mobed, a pan- ers whose films have celebrated jubilee thaky at an agiary in Harda (“a railway runs. The building, constructed by junction bustling with Parsi drivers and Kuka, houses many offices including guards ” as Kuka recalls it), Kuka has those of government bodies. Kuka come a long way. Kuka inherited his __ owners after a long-drawn legal battle knowledge from his father who unfortu- Bombay ’s ^busding Grant Road, and of his dreams, exactly 25 Talkies, in a lane across the road. I . 4- a I ¦ H >•*>; J ** ft L 91 Parsiana August 1989 S^>'r I i ! T BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Education for Indian Merit Scholars. Excel­ lent Oimate — All-round Education: All Academic Subjects—Tech­ nical Subjects: Workshop Tech ­ nology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance. Carpentry & Farm ­ ing. .Training in Sdl-Government through Elected Boys ’ OflEice bearers. Gomes—^Physical Train­ ing — Daily Assembly with Congr^tional 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 F. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building. 324 Dr. D. N. Road. Bombay 400 001. bay ’s Masina Hospital, to which he was to contribute much, Kuka signed up as a teacher at Bombay ’s Cama Athoman Institute after graduating in philosophy. “I was the only student in Surat to opt for this subject, and my professor used to give me lectures in the principal ’s room, ” Kuka recalls, adding with a chuckle that he even has a photograph of just the three of them in the room. His interest in philosophy brought him in close association with Prof P. A. Wadia, Principal D. R. Gadgil, whom he yet recalls in glowing terms, and Dr Irach Taraporewalla, whose translation of the Gathas Kuka had helped to co-publish. However, throat problems which would not allow him to lecture for more than two consecutive periods, called an end to his stint at teaching. Young Kuka, bereft of a job, and on the verge of matrimony, left for Ajmer where his brother-in-law-to-be, an ex-general manager of Calcutta ’s Madan Theatre, ran a cinema house called Majestic Talkies. For 11 months, Kuka worked with him, but left when he found the atmosphere too stifling, the little theater providing barely enough work for the two young men. Cajoled by a cousin not to dabble in the risk-laden business of film distribution, and coaxed by uncle Dhunjishah Madan, then a director in Tatas, to seek a secure job, Kuka en ­ rolled at the Davar ’s College and pas ­ sed the Institute of Bankers examina ­ tion to join as a clerk at the Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank in its foundling ye ­ ars. A little later, he joined the Western India Oil Company where, within three short years, he rose to the position of an assistant secretary, with an enviable pay packet and the perquisite of a car. But his interest in exhibiting films, kindled in Ajmer, continued to simmer within. He started to take theaters on lease, and run them as a side business. “My advice to the young, ” says Kuka determinedly, “is never be in service, for the root of the word is in ‘servi ­ tude, ’ which means slavery. ” No empty words these; for Kuka, when he found his business increasing, though not pro ­ portionate to give him the salary and benefits of his job, decided to throw up his lucrative service and concentrate on his fledgling business. “My employers tried to restrain me, even offering that I work just half-day for them for the same salary...but I had made up my mind. ” Kuka had taken the first step Burjor Framji & Co. Licensed Plumbers' Sanitary & Drainage Contractors MARINE MANSION 1ST MARINE STREET BOMBAY 400002. TELEPHONE 313207 92 Parsiana August 1989 1 Jf. IJ .. into writing his name into the annals of recall his nomination in Peshotan ’s his honors as lightly as his years. Cin- favor. ema in India is threatened by video The trusteeship of an ailing Masina piracy. The film industry is, pardon the Hospital fell into Kuka ’s lap in an pun, reeling under trouble. Many cine- Indian film history. For Kuka, “things just happen. ” Hav ­ ing contested — and lost — a munici ­ pal election, he who “would have been equally accidental manner. The Hospi- mas have shut down in the past three an educationalist, ” found the way paved tai, Kuka retells, was being sold, and months. “The future is bleak and dark, ” pack to his original love. Actively asso- the matter was in court. The sale for a admits Kuka. He is hoping that the dated with the Bharat Education Soci- paltry sum was stayed, and the court Government would step in and help ety for a long time, Kuka was offered order nominated ' Kuka as a trustee, rather than overburden theater owners chairmanship of the Society by his sup- Together with Lady Silloo Jejeebhoy, with taxes on property (65 percent), porters who felt that a man of his call- Dr Rustem Colah and others, Kuka entertainment (100 percent of ticket ber and means should be gainfully swung back the Hospital into an eco- value), and even a ‘show tax ’ where occupied in public work. The Bharat Education Society, whose chairman he remained for 25 lakhs for the Hospital ’s funds in 1986, umentaries as well as pay for it, instead years at > stretch, and to which he when Masina celebrated its platinum of receiving payments as they do for donated around Rs 1.5 lakhs, has jubilee. By then it had 260 beds as screening advertisement films. grown from a small class of 60 pupils against 65 when he had joined as a In addition to the above problems, into an institution of about 3,(XX) to trustee, Kuka noted. It also boasted of a Kuka is currently faced with a union 3,500 boys and girls with a montessori, Premature Children ’s Ward, complete threatening to get belligerent if its secondary and high school, a technical with incubators, which,, when started in claims under the Tambe Award are not school, and a college of physics and 1970, made Masina the second hospital paid. “Business is no longer a joy, ” economics affiliated to Bombay Uni- in Bombay to provide this facility, confesses Kuka. As long-time friend versity. Kuka smiles off hi^ contributions as and current chairman of the National “I do not seek honors, ” clarifies ordained by fate to allow him to “pay Film Development Corporation, B. K. Kuka, who has hence not thought it fit back the debt of gratitude ” to the Hos- Karanjia states: “Running a cinema is to contest the Bombay Parsi F*unchayet pital where he was born, had his tonsils like trying tq solve a crossword puzzle ] trusteeship elections. He claims, removed and, when admitted for an ill- in which the clues across do not syn- | |_1______ l_ xl. . A. 1. _ . . • _ 1. A. 1.____ ..____ , _ A . . 1 • r it* . 11*1 - 1 • ¦.! .1 « . * -w ’ trustee had his cousin Rusi Kuka with ­ drawn from the contest against Maneck Hodiwala, as the latter was prepared to business by his two sons-in-law, wears it will have to modify itself. ” nomically viable unit, and recalls hav- theater owners are under compulsion to ing collected a record figure of Rs 10 show Films Division newsreels or doc- In addition to the above problems, though, that he might have become a ness later in life, “treated like a prince chronize with the clues down. ” “But I ’ when I was only a pauper. ” am optimistic, ” says a confident Kuka, i Today at 81, Kuka, assisted in his “Show business will never die, though J ¦fc THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES anditF'f cleaning machines / 1923-1989 Sixty-six years of clean service! DIANA-ECLIPSE For all your carpet and upholstery cleaning. ? ‘ Parag” 27, Peddar Road, Bombay. Tel: 4941987, 4945302 94 Parsiana August 1989 The Iranian names of boys an4 girls along with their meanings which originally appeared in Parsiana have now been reprinted in an attractive 24-page booklet. The book, which is priced at Rs 15,is available on sale at: Kaiser-E-Hind , 300 Perin Nariman Street, Behind Reserve Bank of India, Fort, Bombay 400 001. Faredoon and Burjor Sandalwood Shop, Princess Street. Union Press, 13, Homji Street, Bombay 400001.FOOD the same old way i' p 1 When tired of cooking eggs ; the same old way,. try one of these v recipes Egg-crting recipes Bhicoo J. Manekshaw BHOOJELA ENDA (Serves 3 or 6) Oil (2 tbsp) Butter (2 tbsp) Dried bread crumbs (I'/z cups) Onion (1 - finely chopped) Green chillies (2-3 - seeded and chopped) Coriander leaves (2 tbsp - chopped) Chilli powder ('Z tsp) Turmeric powder (‘/2 tsp) Garlic (1 tsp - chopped) Topping Eggs (6) Dried bread crumbs mixed with salt, pepper and chilli powder ('/2 cup) Melted butter (2 tbsp) Melt butter with oil and spread this mixture over the base of a baking dish or a shallow frying pan. Mix the rest of the ingredients and spread evenly over the butter mixture. Make 6 depressions in the mixture and break eggs in them. allowing the whites to spread. Mix rest of topping ingredients and scatter on top. Melt butter and sprinkle on top. Either bake in a medium oven with the dish in a bain mari (double boiler) or on a low heat in a frying pan covered with a lid. Cook either way till the eggs are just set. Serve with hot ghau ni rotli or garlic bread. EGGS BAKED IN ESCARGOT BUTTER (Serves 6) Correctly speaking, these are eggs ‘sur le plat. ’ These eggs are cooked so light ­ ly that they are barely set. They are cooked individually in individual shal ­ low baking china dishes with fireproof ears, or in copper dishes with handles. Escargot Butter (Escargot Butter is so called as it is used in serving escargots.) Eggs (12) Butter (100 gms) Salt and pepper (to taste) Garlic (6 large cloves - crushed) Parsley (1 tsp - chopped) Melt butter. Add seasoning, garlic and parsley. Put a little butter mixture in 6 shallow dishes which will hold 2 eggs each, and heat. Break 2 eggs in each dish. Cover with rest of butter mixture and bake in a hot oven (375° F) for 4 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately with hot toast, rolls or a hot baguette loaf. KOOTO PER ENDA (Serves 4-8) Fresh kooto (very small shrimps the size of a clove - 250 gms) Onions (2 large - chopped) Green chillies (4 - seeded and chopped) Coriander leaves (2 tbsp - chopped) Garlic (6 cloves - chopped) Ginger (l'/2 inch piece - peeled and chopped) 97 Parsiana August 1989 iUiHr' !| Turmeric powder {Vi tsp) Chilli powder (1 tsp) Cumin powder (1 tsp) Malt or Valsad vinegar (2 tbsp) Jaggery (1 tsp) Oil (3 tbsp or more if needed) Eggs (8) Clean kooto well by picking them and then washing them several times in run ­ ning water. Drain well. Heat oil and brown onions lightly. Add ginger, garlic and saute for a minute. Add all the pow ­ ders and kooto. Fry till all lhe moisture is gone from the fish. Add green chil ­ lies and colander leaves. Remove from fire. Place the mixture in an ovenproof dish or a shallow frying pan. Make 8 depressions in the kooto mixture and break the eggs in them. Bake in an oven (35O°F) or cover with a lid and cook on top of a stove on a medium fire till eggs are set. SOUFFLE OMELETTES (Serves 4) Eggs (8) Water (4 tbsp) Milk (4 tbsp) Salt and pepper (to taste) Butter (80 gms) Oil (8 , tsp) Separate 2 eggs at a time. Mix yolks with 1 tbsp water and 1 tbsp milk. Beat egg whites till stiff. Heat 10 gms butter with 1 tsp oil in an omelette pan (6" diameter). Fold whites with yolks light ­ ly, and pour into hot butter and oil. Allow to set at the bottom. Then with a knife make a depression in the center of the omelette and put the pan under the grill till it has risen and puffed up. Fold over and serve immediately. Repeat with the rest of the eggs. Stuffing can be added if desired. The stuffing must be ready before the ome ­ lette is made. The various stuffings and the quantities required per omelette are listed below. STUFFINGS Cheese Cheese (50 gms - grated) Prawn Fried prawns or prawns fried with turmeric and chilli powder (60 gms) Mushrooms Fresh mushrooms (50 gms - sliced and sauted in butter) Chicken Chicken (60 gms - boiled and cubed) cooked with sauce supreme (70 gms) Caviar Caviar (1 tbsp) Onion (1 tsp - finely chopped) Juice of lime (to taste) Foie gras Foie gras (50 gms - mashed with a little milk) Curried chicken Curried chicken (60 gms) Curried prawns Curried prawns (60 gms) Bon Appetit! Bhicoo J. Maneksfiaw, a graduate of the prestigious Cordon Bleu School of Cookery, London, and author of Vac Traditional Recipes of India, has been associated with many haute cuisine organizations in the country. I 1 With best compliments from Nariman Nallaseth- Private Limited |i Engineers & Consultants 27, Tamarind Lane Raja Bahadur Compound Apollo Street, Bombay 400023 Phone Nos 270066 & 272986 I 98 Parsiana August 1989F BOOKS Behind A)l*5f(5 Film Development Corporation of which ning through the collection of stories is the j 3 he is also the chairman. He has also served gossip mongering activity of Khush Khobar 1 as chairman of the Film Finance Corpora- which, unlike the characters in the book, | tion from 1969 to 1976. is unable to win the author ’s sympathy: Most of all. Masks and Faces reflects “Butlet metell youaboutA'/jMiA/CAa/jar... Karanjia the sympathizer. Be it Jimmy of At one time it had been the last bastion of The Better Man who sacrifices his love for the British Raj in India. Now its pages a friend, or the prostitute in No Statues for were full of weighty problems such as the Saints who helps Kersasp find a doctor to shamelessness of Parsi girls who wore ii abort the child his daughter is carrying, cholis (sari blouses) so abbreviated that it J J Alft fftces Gustasp Irani B the portraits are always executed by a was obvious that they put on neither loving pen. Even in the lecherous Sethji sudreh nor kusti and who were now begin- with his rolls of fat in The Man in Quest ning to sport the salwar-kameez which of a Gold Mine, there is something endear- wasn ’t a Parsi dress at all. Its pages were ing. Karanjia recognizes the human beings enlivened by controversies as to which of behind his characters and etches them with the three Parsi New Years was the correct the dexterity of his journalistic pen: viv- one to celebrate. It printed verbatim ac ­ idly, and in simple language. counts of divorce proceedings in the Parsi We see an example in this word sketch Matrimonial Court. Khush Khobar which of Mr Fraudfighter who campaigns against means 'Happy News ’ was a misnomer the consumption of alcohol in Gentlemen ‘Happy news is no news at all. ’’’ in the Bar. “Looking at him we couldn ’t take all that fire and thunder seriously, ments to the journalist-photographer with Five foot nothing, rumpled in a dingy, whorti she is getting emotionally involved: cotton suit, with a sola topi which he “There are so many funny things about 3 seldom took off and tennis shoes. His our community —so many sad things too — j features drawn, stretched down as if re- that need to be told as you are telling | fleeted in a concave mirror. His Hitler them... ’’ She ’might have been and proba- | moustache a rectangular smudge. Slung bly is, talking to Karanjia himself. For in over his shoulder, he carried a satchel, this collection, Karanjia is lovingly sketch- filled, I imagine, with all those petitions, ing the community, eccentricities included, I almost forgot-on his lapel he wore a and, in doing so, the portrait often over-. j medal. Presented to him bv Pone Paul at rides the excitement nf the events in the- 1 In An Awkward Thing, the model com- Masks and Faces, a col­ lection of short stories by B. K. Karanjia. Vikas Publishing House medal. Presented to him by Pope Paul at rides the excitement of the events in the r ¦ • — •• ¦ ¦ • " • " ¦ : : 7 _ „__ ’ India. So he claimed. Proud of that medal, Delhi, 110014. pp: 123. . „ Price; Rs 125. . Likewise in The Blessings of “Dhujti Observe the pride and fall, a physically Doki” Karanjia depicts the feeding habits crippling one, of trapeze artists in Two Remember the movie Pestonjee-N3s,&QT- of Parsis at weddings and navjotes through Mistakes, the bureaucracy of office sys- uddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, AnupamKher- his gate-crashing hero. “He arrived around terns in The Enquiry and the prostitute one of the few Hindi films that made a dinner time and paid scant attention to the striving for respectability in Julie is Dead. serious attempt at an honest portrayal of ceremony... He took good care always to In fact, “fallen women ’’ appear fre- the Parsi community? The film is based on occupy a strategic seat near the dining quently enough between the covers of the a short story The Cost of Dying by Burjor tables... those who wish to dine at the first book. In The Puppet, we have the story of Karanjia, first published in 1957 in The sitting at a Parsi navjote or wedding a young Parsi boy ’j disillusionment as his HlustratedWeeklyoflndiaandnowxepub- must needs possess considerable sprint- brittle fantasies of*a streetwalker crash lished in a collection of 15 short stories, ing skill, not to speak of shoving prowess. Masks and Fat es, by the same author. All “At the caterer ’s clarion calPCome on, _____ the stories in the hardbound 123-page book ladies and gentlemen, dinner is ready, humor in The Man in Quest of a Gold have originally appeared in various In- Bride ’s guests on the mill side, groom ’s Mine. Darabsha Daruwala has been sweet dian publications between 1957 and 1979. guests on the sea side, ’ there is a scramble talked into financing the next film Of the But for three, the rest have Parsi characters for dinner seats which in its spurt and famous director, ‘the Cecil B. DeMilleof and Parsi themes. sweep recalls the Allied forces seeking to India. ’ The unit gets ready, after endless There are other common threads that establish a beachhead at Normandy. Be- delays, for the moorat (inaugural) shot, have been woven into the fabric of the col- fore you can bat an eyelid the rows upon The lights are switched on, the cameras lection. In addition to Karanjia the Parsi, rows of cool long white tables laid with get ready to roll, the clapper boy gets into position... but there is a last minute hitch- there is no trace of any script or dialogue. Published in 1989 by j I 1 4'^ Pvt Ltd, 576, Masjid the time of the Eucharistic Congress in tale which are predictable enough. This sketching, naturally enough, ex- 1 tends even into the three non-Parsi pieces. Delhi, 110014. Pp: 123. a young Parsi boy ’j disillusionment as his around him. In contrast, we have high irony and have originally appeared in various In- Bride ’s guests on the mill side, groom ’s Mine. Darabsha Daruwala has been sweet one can recognize Karanjia the journalist plantain leaves become alive with jabber- ......... (a number of characters are journalists), ing, gesticulating men, women and chil- there is no trace of any script or dialogue. and Karanjia of the filmworld as film sets dren. ’’ The cruel part of the story was The spotlight is on the people behind the • “ ¦ cameras. It is this theme that runs through the book —that behind events are human beings who, in Masks and Faces, also In fact, another common thread run- happen to be mainly Parsis. serve as backdrops to events often enough, when the popular Parsi Gujarati/English Karanjia has edited Filmfare, Screen and daily Khush Khahar ran an exposure on is presently the founding editor of Cinema the hero ’s gate-crashing activities. in India, a publication of the National 100 Parsiana August 1989* MILESTONES The data on births, marriages BOMBAY and deaths has been compiled Born from information supplied by A girl to Yasmin and Kurush various anjumans in India and Chinoy, June 9 abroad, courts and hospitals. It A girl to Yasmin and Kali must be pointed out that this Kapadia-, July 4 information is not always com- A boy to Mini and Marzban plete or consistent. Ghista', July 5 This month ’s marriage list A girl to Aban and Jamshed includes civil marriages bet- Bapasola', July 6 ween Parsis as well as inter- / ' _ ~ community marriages contract- Mehta', July 12 Rohinton Rustomjee Inspector, Hoshang Phiroze Kharas (56), AprjJLL 10/62, Juhu Rajnigandha 'Sabina P Machado and Darius Gulmohar Cross Rd, 400049; 7a; AprilJuly 3 Keki Irani and Amirali Noshir Savakshah Dehnugara Sheela Singh and Minocher Rustom Masani', April X- Gulshan Rusi Siganporia and Jamshed Kharshedji A boy to Zarine and Framroze Sachinwala', April 10 ed by Parsis oven the seven- A boy to Pervin and Percy month period, January to July Dover, July 14 J. Kakalia', April 1 Gulshan Roshanali Rupanv, April L (55), 306, Rizvi Mhl, Bandra, 400050; July 4 Pirojsha Burjorji Karanjia {JI), N/23, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; July 4 Najamai Cawasji Makhania Rashmi Balkrishna Shrivaslava {SI), Hormuz Bldg, Sussex Rd, Byculla, 400027; July 4 Sarosh Burjor Mody, husband of Behroz and father of Gitanjali and Navaz; July 4 (cremated) Burjorji Cavasji Turel (89), Avabai Petit Bldg, Gilder Lane, Tardeo, 400008; July 4 Kaikhasroo Hormasji Dastoor (73), Jame-Jamshed Bldg, Jame-Jamshed Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 5 Temuras Nat^bhai Jangalwala {IC), Guzder Mans, Princess St, 400002; July 5 Jerbanu Rustomji Khergam- wala (99), Satyabhama Nivas, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; July 5 and Maneck Pirojshaw Bharucha'. April LL-—- 1989. Cases of uncertainty, A girl, Nazreen, to Shernaz and Tayunaz Engineer and Saleem where the names could not be Hormazdyar Hathiram', wholly identified as Parsi, have July 14 been omitted from the list. Heart disease claimed 21 of Dadachanji', July 17 the 106 Parsis who died in A girl to Pilloo and Sarosh Bombay. Sixteen succumbed to Ginwala', July 18 old age and 11 to lung disease. A girl to Tenaz and Firdash The other killers were pneumo- Karwa, July 18 nia (eight), cancer and brain A boy to Kashmira and .Yezdi disease (seven each) and kidney Dover, July 19 failure and liver disease (five A boy to Yasmin and Marazban each). Diabetes and hyperten- Merchant', July 19 sion claimed three victims each A boy to Goolshan and while shock, injuries, nervous Jamshed Pardiwalkv, July 19 disorder, blood disease and A girl to Kashmira and Yazdi anemia killed two persons Pir, July 20 each. Isolated cases of gastro- A boy to Persis and Percy enteritis, septicemia, lupus, Batliwala', July 24 asthma, bronchitis and malaria A boy to Nargis and Hoshedar were also registered. There Khambatta', July 27 were four cases of stillbirth A boy to Havovi and Kersi (including one set of triplets). Sethna', July 28 Two youths aged 16 and 29 A girl to Aileen and Nader were lost to the community. A Patel', July 30 centenarian also breathed her A girl to Zarin and Feroze last. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, it must Married be noted that in some cases, Anahita P Jamasji and especially in those of the very Khurshed P. Fitter, January A boy to Pinky and Rohinton Merchant', ApriL -21-— Janet Gregory D'Silva and Bahadur Jamshedji Hansotiw, April 24 ^huh Phiroze Katrak and Ardeshir Pestonji Cama', May 1 Meera R. Nayak and Darayns H. Mistry, May 2, . Maria BernddethToures Lobo and Polly Merwanji Dumasia', Ma}2_4 __ ~^rvin Savakshaw Jilla and Sunil Pandurang Balvalli', 8 — ’'Sakhtawar Pirojshaw Amroliwalla and Aspi Navoroji Aderji Kaikhusroo Majoo (85), Mistry, May 8 Benaifer A. Irani and Sanjay Mallik, May 19 Perveen K. Panthaky and Piyush N. Sanghvi', May 19 Maleka Mohsin Madraswalla and Jimmy Dali Palkhwalla', May 22 4, Mehta Bldg, Room 8, Khan Est, Mahim, 400016; July 5 Goolamai Framroze Palkhiwala (1^}, 796, Dosabhay Mans, Jame- Jamshed Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 5 - Hormusjee Dinshawji Tkisquin L. Braganza and Sam Bhandari (77), Batliwalla R. Sukhadia',M^ 22^ Agiary, Tardeo, 400034; July 6 Dinaz Homi iX^uwala and Far- Hilla Homi Deshmukh {'ll), rokh Dossabhai Turner, July 15 Tata Hsg Clny Comp, Parel . , - . - - 400012; July 6 old, death IS often due to a Hira Jehangir Mistry &nd Iqbal Died Rustomji Jamshedji Ghadiali Parin Savaksha Daroovala (84), {11), C,' Empire Mhl, residing at ‘B,’ 180-A, Khodadad Circle, Dadar, Lamington Rd, 400007; July 1 400014; July 6 — - — —------- Eruth Cooverji Rerawalla (54), (65), 33, Abubakar Mans, Near Baria Bldg No 3, Room 2, Regal Cinema, 400039; July 2 Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, " ¦ .............................. .. 400007; July 6 Manek F. K. Mirza (78), V-16, Dalal Est, Lamington Rd, 400008; July 6 Phiroze Rustomji Sachinwala (72), 1, Bharucha Bldg, Gilder Lane, Lamington Rd, 400008; July 6 Percy Hormusji Saher (38), 171, Baj Bldg, Khetwadi Back Rd, 400004; July 6 Phirozshah Rustomji Vajifdar Sukhia; July 31 30 combination of several diseas- Husein Mohdali Rupani', es. Febiuary'J If readers have any informa- Asha Baliram Jadhav and tion they would like published, Homji Dorabji Bilimoria', some proof to ensure the verac- February 9 ity of the report Would be PauTine Mullaney and Cyrus required. We are sure our read- Bahmani', February IL ers would appreciate this re- Binifer R. Nariman and Sunil quirement and cooperate with Kaa.y/ia/; February 11 us. Niloufer Tfapadia and Jacob —— Eapen', March. j5 —» Kamal S. Marshall and Imran M. Panjw, Marcli_L7 AHMEDABAD Clara Chang Lai King and Born " - ----- _ ' A girl, Mahtab, to Pericher and Pushpa Valrani and SEdrdkF'' Subrata Nundv, on July 7, 1989 inline Mullaney and Cyrus Jeroo Ardeshir Khamhatta r ' " " 7 ^ (65), 33, Abubakar Mans, Near Baria Bldg No 3, Room 2, Rusi Shavaksha Vakil (40), Meherbai Wadia Bldg, 275-K, Tardeo, 400007; July 2 Goolbai Kurush Bharucha (86), Allana Chmbs, Bomanji Petit Rd, 400026; July 3 Palanji Sorabji Bhesania (75), Happy Home, Forjett St II Minoo Russy Shrojf, March 20 Lane, 400036; July 3 . --------- 1 Gulestan Jehangir Jassa'wala Engineer, March 31 (100), Theosophical Clny, Poornima Pddam^i Bhatia and Juhu, 40{X)49; July 3 Binifer R. Nariman and Sunil 103 Parsiana August 1989r ‘C,’ Botawala Bldg, Tardeo, 400007; July 11 Kaikhushrow Rustomji Meherhomji (84), KI9, Sahar Co-op Hsg Soc, Andheri (E), 400069; July 11 - - - u j Te/imimj Behramji Shroff (88), Tiilsiwadi, Bhanji Rathod Rd, 101, Mody Bldg, Gamadia Tardeo, 400034; July 13 Clny, Tardeo, 400007; July 11 Hormusji Cawasji Siganporia Dara Ardeshir Adrianwala {Jl-)'> E-12, Jer Baug, Dr (88), Chawla Hse, Wodehouse Rd, 400005; July 6 Sheroo Eruch Bilimoria (65), 3/A, Satyabhama Nivas, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 4(X)034; July 9 Triplets of Dadi Noshir Kerawalla (stillborn), C/4, Captain Clny, Haji Ali, B’S^ ’£tLnshaw Shroff {li), ‘{il), TaW Mans, Kohinoor Rd, Byculla, Dina Lodge, 40, Garden Rd, Apollo Reel, 400039; July 9 Piroja Rustom Shroff (94), Nariman Bldg, M. Karve Rd, Cooperage, 400021; July 9 Rustomji Nas^wanji Dordi (84), 280/A, Khimji Nivas, Sopari Baug, Parel, 400012; July 10 Kapadia Hse, Trinity St, Dhobi Narielwalla Agiary Comp, Talao, 4(XX)02; July 10 Naigaum Cross Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 12 Behram Phirozshah Khambata 2, Room 12, Lalbaug, 400012; (64), 280/C, New Sitaram Bldg, Princess St, 400002; July 13 Baby of Pervez Eruch Poonawalla (stillborn). Tardeo, 400034; July 13 (72), E-12, Jer Baug, Dr Kety Fakirji Sutaria (73), 81, Dadar, 4(XX)14; July 12 Jerbanoo Marzban Dastur (88), 8/1, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; July 12 Shahera Manchershah Dastur (69), A/28, Shreyas Apts, COD Rd, Malad (E), 400097; July 12 Gulbai Hormusji Madon (77), July 14 Fall Jehangirji Randeria (61), 11/5, Mody Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; July 14 Hormasji Framji Bajan (77), 81, Kapadia Hse, Trinity St, Dhobi Talao, 400002 and 102, Zarina Co-op Hsg Soc, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 15 Dina Byramji Madon (85), 611, Pateti Block No 3, Jame- Jamshed Rd, Dadar, 40(X)14; July 14 Rodabe Minochare Majra (64), 3/3, Sir Ratan Tata Bldg, S. V. 400027; July 13 Perin Nariman Dalal (82), 405, Cumballa Crest, Peddar Rd, 400026; July 14 Pirojshaw Dadabhoy Daruwalla (90), 9/7, Tate Clny, Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 15 Tardeo Rd, 400034; July 14 Rustomji Bapuji Dubash (89), j Rustom Behramji Cardmaster (80), Motiwalla Mans, Gowalia Virbaijee Pherozsha Shroff Tank, 400036; July 11 .............. *' Alamai Phirozshah Governor (90), Agiary Ghawl No 1, Room 9, Dr S. S. Rao Rd, Lalbaug, 400012; July 11 Perin Framroze Madon (89), Azad, Oomer Park, Warden Rd, 400026; July 11 Kety Faredoon Master (75), (94), 280/A, Javalkar Mans, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parel, 4(X)012; July 12 ' - v' tl Eruch Burjorji Daruwalla (11), Freny Nusserwanji Keraiwlla Rati Villa, Motibai St, Tardeo, """ ' Rustom Navroji Mehta (85), Patel Bldg, Cama Rd, Andheri, Seva Sadan Annexe, Gamdevi, 400058; July 15 400007; July 14 Freny Dhanjisha Gotla (74), H/19, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; July 14 Jal Muncherji Kapadia (84), ‘B,’ Dhun Bldg, 312, Lamington Rd, 400007; July 14 (89), 25, Kerawalla Chmbs, 400007; July 13 Apollo Bunder, 400039; laaaa oenrum iiuru v/u), July 14 Irani Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Burjor Ratanshaw Panthaky ------ - - (59), Wadia Agiary Chawl No Khodadad Behram Irani {16), 174, ] Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 13 Manek Pirosha Mistri (83), Krishna Mhl, Marine Drive, 400020; July 15 Coomi Jalejar Pagdiwala (70), C/21, Meherzin, 109, Wode ­ house Rd, Colaba, 400005; July 15 Khushman Hoshang Desai (16), 614, Kasinath Bldg, J. S. Rd, lAobi Talao, 400002;' July 16 Bapuji Manekji Ghadiali (75), B/6A, United Chmbs, 347, M. Shaukat Ali Rd, 4(X)007; '1 THE COMMUNITY FARES WELL AT TATAS G^munity welfare is a social responsibility voluntarily accepted by Tatas many years ago. It was this sense of responsibility that prompted Sir Ratan Tata to finance studies into the causes of poverty in 1912, and the Tata Trusts to establish institutions like the Tata Memorial Hospital for Cancer Research and treatment and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. In fact, Tatas have gone so far as to turn the entire town of Jamshedpur into a model in community living. There are wide roads, tree-lined avenues, hospitals and family clinics, and schools which any community would be proud of. TATA ENTERPRISES S¥S *• •••••< I ...... ¦WT' ld4 Pars/ana August 1989h 11 f fij (78), Gulistan, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 26 Goolmai Rustomji Kerawalla (96), M/10, Cusrow Bang, S. B. Rd, 400039; July 26 Hormasji Fakirji Elavia (82), E-1, Shapur Bang, V. P. Rd, 400004; July 28 Jasi Shavaksha Kapadia (59), 284, Jupiter, Cuffe Parade, Khorshed Bappu Bhoot (67), Durlabh Bhavan, Jalbhoy St, Chami Rd.400004; July 23 Homai Fakirji Bhansali (74), ()I4, Panthaki Bang, H.S. Rd, Andheri (E), 400069; July 24 Cooverbai Bomanji Waghmar (99), Cowas Turner Bldg, 5, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; July 24 Minoo Byramji Billimoria (78), 400005; July 28 Ady Jehangir Dalal (43), Moti Jijoo Rustomji Lakdawala (78), Fire Brigade Bldg, Shivaji Mans, Ormiston Rd, 400039; July 17 Sorabjee Kaikhushroo Kharas (80), Ahmed Bldg, Gunpowder (91), Mody Bldg, Marzban Rd, Mazagaen; July 18 Homai Nadersha K^otwal (70), 21/A, Kapadia Bldg, Panthaki Clny, Andheri (E), 4(X)069; July 18 Savaksha Cawasji Saiwalla (82), 7, Padamji Bldg, Khan Est, Mahim, 400016; July 18 Khorshed Noshir Tantra (75), 3, Malcolm Baug, S.V. Rd, Jogeshwari, 400102; July 18 Rustomji Phirozshah Wadia (69), 404, Narmada Krupa Co-op Hsg Ltd, Bhayander (E), 401105; July 18 Jamshed D. Madon (87), Hormazd Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 19 July 16 Shirin Faredoon Irani (75), 28, Baimai Bldg, Jerbai Wadia Rd, July 19 Parel, 400012; July 16 Shirinbai Jamshedji Khariwala (86), 6/C, Hill Top, 49/49/A, Pali Hill, Bandra, 400050; July 16 Persis Jamshed Tangri (50), Mb, Fiona, Juhu Tara Rd, 400049; July 16 Naju Dara Pandole (65), Heliopolis, S. B. Rd, 400005; Sohrab Rustomji Sopariwala (49), C/31, Staff Qtrs, S.V.R. Engineering College, Icchanath, Surat, 395003; July 19 Goolcher Dinshaw Gamir (67), Munsif Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; July 20 ‘K’ Bldg, GPO, 400001; July 21 Jerbai Shapoorji Sabawalla Dhanmai Manekshaw Billimoria (93), Multani Bldg, Khambatta Lane, Khetwadi, ;iili 0. 0| Clny, Gilder St, 400008; July 21 Noshir Ardeshir Adajania (70), 400036; July 25 301, Zera Villa, Sherly Rajan Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 22 Phiroze Dadabhoy (92), 6/5, Khan Est, Chhotani Rd, Mahim, 400016; July 22 Shirin Merwan Irani (80), Jehangir Mans, First Marine St, 400020; July 22 Nariman Khurshedji Antia (82), Bhesania Bldg, 327, S. B. Rd, Fort, 400001; July 23 Kaikhusroo Cawasji Bhathena (73), 785/B, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 23 Park, 400028; July 25 Neville Adi Khodaiji (29), Bhiwandiwalla Bldg, Wadia St, 400004; July 29 Tardeo, 400034; July 25 Dinshaw Shefiar Irani Soona Dinshaw Mody (75), 21, (Zainabadi) (75), 10/13, Sir Ashiana, 25, Nepean Sea Rd, Ratan Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; July 29 Faramroz Dadabhoy Jer Manekji Madon (87), Daruwalla (85), 3/5, Tata Clny, Minerva Mans, Grant Rd, Tardeo, 400034; July 26 400007; July 29 Mehroo Nesserwanji Goawulla Jer Rustom Mody (64), Editorial Assistant required for Candidates must have excellent command over English and should be able to edit, proof, rewrite and write Write giving full details to The Advertiser (Edit) GPO Box 892, Bombay /KXXXH ¦'CT o Crawlairs and Blasthole Drills Water Well Drills Ji j B Rotary Screw Air Compressors I' idseRSOtut**® Portable Compressors -•aiB T*' Process Gas Compressors ¦' 8 Air and Gas Compressors • Construction & Mining Equipment EJ INGERSOLL-RAND Ingersoll-Rand (India) Ltd., Maybaker House, S.K. Ahtre Marg, Bombay 400 025 IR.191.88 106 Parsiana August 1989r I !i Kavarana Mans, Dr Ambedkar CHICAGO Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 29 Mani Rustom Patel (68), 11/3, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; July 29 Sheryar Dadabhai Wadia (71), 9/1, Tata Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400034; July 29 Dolat Pestonji Balivala (78), H/1, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; July 30 Nergish Merwanji Dalal (56), 20, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 30 Tehmina Jamshed Dhabhar (76), 10/12, Blosom Clny, Marol, Andheri (E), 400059; July 3^ Burjorje Cavasji Elavia (60), E-29, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, Hoshang; July 3 400039; July 31 Framji Sorabji Wadia (74), 4/3, KARACHI Hirabai Block, Malcolm Baug, Died Jogeshwari (W), 400102; Afshad Khushro Mehta July 31 (25 days); May 1 Khorshed Faramroze Vania (78); May 5 Mithamai Behramji Boatwala (81); May 6 Gool Rustom Mirza (82); May <5 Mani Rustomji Mistry (73), 3 714/D, Baruram Chmbs, i Bhavani Peth, 411002; July 11 | Bahadur Mancherji Tata (80), ] 15, Divya Ngr, 411040; July 29 j Phiroze Jehangir Unwalla (75), I 129, Lullanagar, 411040; July 29 Pesi Rustom Irani (65), 121, Ja^hed Soonawalla', March 2 Homai Jal Boga (52); June 22 Mahatma Gandhi Rd, 411001; Goolbai Pestanji Sidhwa (91); June 22 Piroja Dinshaw Gotla (78); June 29 Dhunmai Nariman Sethna (87); Parvez Motawara, husband of June 29 Mithoo; March 21 Collector (83); May 27 Bom Tehmina Darabshaw Ghadiali A boy, Malcolm, to Khorshed (62); June 10 and Marazban Vandrewala', " July 19 DELHI Born A girl, Freyan, to Jean and Goal Kaikhushru Kanga (85); June 14 Meheramai Bejonji Vakharia (86); June 14 Alamai Behramji Aga (IS)', June 21 1 j ti ! L I DURGAPUR Died Savak Hirjibhai Ghadiali; April 29 July 30 QUEBEC Died GERMANY Died POONA Sylvia Eugenie Munshi, wife of Died Amy Pesiba Seervai (76), 21, Bund Garden Rd, 411001; June 1 Bomi Jehanbax Bhandara (68), 129/B, Bakhtavar Bldg, Ngr Rd, 411006; June 12 Rustom Pestonji Ghaswalla (79), 2/B, Store Yard Rd, Camp, 411001; June 24 Rada Ardeshir Satha (65), Bindra Hse, Irwin Rd, 411002; July 2 CALCUTTA Died Allamai Meherjibhoy Olpadwala, mother of Minoo; July 15 Mehroo Daddy Mazda, mother Pirojbai Rustomji Dastur (89); Allamai Erachshaw Baliwalla of Rohinten and Armaiti; May 23 (83), 602, Akasdip Soc, July 22 Tehmina Ruttonji Khadki, 411002; July 4 With Best Wishes From ¦r SYDNEY Born A boy, Zahaa, to Susan and Rashid Kotwal', May 14 CORRECTION In the death list carried in the Milestones column of Parsiana May 1989, one name was inadvertently mis ­ spelt. The name should cor ­ rectly read as Aban Pharokh ^unavala. The error is re ­ gretted. Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka STEELAGE INDUSTRIES LIMITED Hi 108 Parsiana August 1989IN MEMORIAM I DAMANIA: UWFUl RESPECT r r I Died: Firoze Darasha Damania, 54, leading senior advocate on labor and industrial law on May 27, 1989 at the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital in Bombay following cardiac arrest. “For the man responsible for many noted decisions of the Bombay High Court, ” as summarized by Chief Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee, a court refer ­ ence was made on June 8, 1989 when several representttives from the legal profession paid their tributes to senior advocate Damania. Mookerjee describ ­ ed Damania as being “unpretentious, firm in his convictions, clear in his exposition of law, and steadfast in espousing the cause he represented. ” A much sought after advocate in the Bom ­ bay and other High Courts as also in the Supreme Court, “he appeared inter ­ changeably and with no embarrassment both for the employer and the emplo ­ yee, for the industry and the trade union, ” indicating “the confidence tion of dismay). ”’’This statement'was reposed in him by his clients, ” said sen- substantiated by Andhyarujina who ior advocate Tehemton Andhyarujina said, “No one ever saw him lose his who had knbwn Damania since his col- Corporation of India and Diners Club, equanimity even in the midst of the lege days and was representing the medical centers like the B. D. Petit Par- most complex case and in spite of the advocate-general at the condolence see General Hospital, Masina Hospital gravest provocation ... He remained at meeting. and the Indian Red Cross Society, or all times an unassuming, jovial and “His reputation at the bar for honesty, educational institutions like the friendly person... Though pushing and integrity, intelligence and deep know- Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable enterprising, he was never petty and ledge was, even during his life-time, leg- Institution and the Queen Mary School, small-minded. He was unspoilt by suc- endary, ” Justice Bakhtavar Lentin of in times of dispute it was Damania ’s cess and uncorrupted by arrogance or the Bombay High Court paid his com- advice that was sought to tide them over conceit. ” pliments in a condolence message to an impasse between the management “He was humility personified and the family. Similar sentiments were and the employees. For several trusts even a clerk could have access to him expressed by Justice S. P. Kurdukar: and institutions like the Bombay Parsi without fear of causing him annoy- “He had appeared before me in a Punchayet, The Zoroastrian Co-opera- ance, ” remembers S. Y. Rege of Craw ­ number of cases and he was found to be tive Bank, the Indian Cancer Research ford and Bayley. Thetfe are several always straightforward, honest and well Society, he sacrificed his time and ener- juniors he trained and fostered and who prepared. He was most soft-spoken but gy to render honorary services. While are today well-established in ’ their own well determined. I do not recollect even all these institutions sent condolence fields. Says Dr (Ms) Roxna Subrama- a single incident when he was rough messages to the family, the Queen Mary nian Swamy, advocate. Supreme Court with the Court despite (having) suf- School, in addition, expressed its grati- of India, he was “so kind, helpful and fered an adverse order against him. ” tude on a hoarding prominently dis- full of goodwill to all of us juniors. ” Justice Sujata Manohar wrote to the played at Oval Maidan diagonally Many an aspiring lawyer benefitted family, “From the bench we shall miss across from the Churchgate Railway from the knowledge he imparted to stu- ' dents at the Government Law College The Parsee General Hospital con- where he was visiting lecturer. ' _ 1 Despite his work load he always in honor of Damania who had served on found time for reading - books, maga- the executive committee for 27 years zines and all the daily papers. His staff “giving sound advice and attending to members credit him with a photograph- engaged the services of Shri Damania in complicated cases, ” read a condolence message from the Advocates Associa ­ tion of Western India. “He was also associated with a number of unions (like the Transport and Dockworfcers Union, Maritime Union, Indian Pilots ’ Guild, Engineering Mazdoor Sabha, etc) and espoused and ventillated their griev ­ ances with conviction and sincerity... His contribution to the development of labor legislation is noteworthy, ” it was recorded. Before pursuing a matter in a legal court, Damania would first always attempt to bring about a compromise between the warring sections. He would never say ‘No ’ to anyone seeking his legal aid, informs one of the junior law ­ yers working under him, adding, “He never had a bad word for anyone... Even in the worst of si^ations you would never hear him say ‘'arre (an exclama ­ tion of dismay).' his responsible advocacy, sound knowl- Station, edge of law and courtesy to the bar and - the bench. He helped without bothering vened a condolence meeting on June 24 about any reward. ” Whether it was legal firms like Craw ­ ford Bayley and Company, Mulla and Mulla and Craigie, Blunt and Caroe, aU staff matters, especially negotiations ic memory: A glance at a document was government establishments like the with the staff union ’’ as recalled presi- enough for the detailed implications to "" ' . . • register with him. Meticulous and “Practically all nationalized banks up-to-date with his case records, he Bombay Municipal Corporation, busi- dent Dinshaw H. Petit, ness houses like Buckau Wolf, Travel 11.1 Parsiana August 1989if I i i! J fl J never believed in the practice of taking acumen. Since 1965-66 he set up his lengthen and the periods of rest be cur- work home, telling his wife Dinoo that independent practice, handling all tailed. “In recent years I saw her with “work is for the office. ” He made time branches of litigation, be it matrimoni- her back bent and her eyes almost blur- to view cricket and tennis matches, and al, commercial or accident claims, but red as she painstakingly wrote and to listen to Western classical music, his forte was labor and industrial law. rewrote proof and corrected it, ” added Very generous, he was most satisfied When his work pressure increased, he Gimi. Even after putting a paper to bed when others partook of his largesse. ' ' ‘ Damania ’s roots were in a humble Labour Courts and devoted himself to the matter, to change the text, to accommo- middle-class family. He graduated in High Court. In 1985 he was enrolled date some last minute insertion, remem ­ arts (from St Xavier ’s College) and in law (from the Government Law Col ­ lege). He was enrolled as an advocate went on vacation was in the Mazagaon Tinies of India. in 1957. Initially he started out on his Dock case which involved vital ques- legal career as an advocate assistant tions of wage fixation (including dear- lieutenants and could easily have spared with a dbminal stipend. Thereafter he ness allowance) in public sector herself at least some of the strain of became junior to Maneck Gagrat, a undertakings in India. editing a weekly and running a printing senior practitioner in labor and Indus- ~ trial courts where was laid the founda- Dinoo, daughter Ayesha and sons Sha- immersed in work taking the minutest tion for his industrial and labor max and Farzaad. chore in her stride, ” remembers free- withdrew from the Tribunals and she would not hesitate to reorganize the as senior advocate. bers her eldest daughter Bachi Karka- His last appearance before the court ria, a senior assistant editor of The “Though she had a staff of trusted Damania is survived by his wife business, she always remained fully KANGAS NAVROZ Died: Jaloo Naval Kanga, 67, publisher when she single-handedly managed the and editor of Calcutta ’s only bilingual paper and the press, fulfilling her (Gujarati - English) weekly, Navroz, promise to her in-laws that as long as on April 9, 1989 at Bombay ’s B. D. Pet- she was alive she would ensure its con ­ it Parsee General Hospital following tinuity. heart ailment, kidney failure and aller ­ gy to medication. “To a large extent the credit for the recorded in a resolution passed at the bond of unity and friendship prevailing Calcutta Parsi Anjuman-convened con- among the Gujarati speaking communi- dolence meeting on April 23. Repre- ty of Calcutta should go to Jaloo, ” not- sentatives on behalf of the Parsi ed an editorial in the Fed Newsletter of Zoroastrian Association, the Calcutta June 1989. It wasn ’t only the Parsis who Zoroastrian Stree Mandal, the Saklat felt that Navroz was ‘theirs. ’ The Guja- Physical Culture Institute, the Calcutta ratis, the Bohris, the Khojas, all felt a Parsi Youth League and the Calcutta sense of loyalty to this medium of com- Parsee Club referred to the help they munication. Barely a week after her had received from Navroz. For The lancer Charles Newton. “She was fully death, nearly 60 organizations - con ­ nected with education, welfare, medi ­ cine, sports, culture, business - got ing jobs but also the sale of tickets, together to hold a condolence meeting using her contacts. “We have realized adds. “Sometimes I called at the office in her honor. that such unstinted help and coopera- of Navroz early in the morning, only to Thanks to the Kanga family which tion was not only rendered to us but to find Ms Kanga reading the Zoroastrian regularly brought out Navroz for 72 each and every Gujarati institution in years without a break, Calcutta was Calcutta, ” the Club vice president not- better in spreading Gujarati than many ed. Music maestro Vistasp Balsara parts of Gujarat, acknowledged Dr credited Kanga for being “instrumental cent dedication ” to the cause of Navroz, Ratan Marshall, a prominent literary in promoting his career. ” Karkaria says, “The time that she did figure in Surat, in a written message. Kanga ’s association with the period!- running a weekly magazine; she was a cal spanned nearly five decades, receiv- person with a secular outlook despite always kept open. ” While some associ- ing her initial training at the hands of her tremendous affection for her reli- ates referred to Navroz as “her fourth her father-in-law, and after his demise gion and her community, and she was a child (she has three daughters) ” others shouldering the editorial responsibili- one-person institution, ” wrote Rusi ties while her husband Naval looked Gimi in the Navroz. after the administrative side. But the praises conferred on her relate specifi- Kanga ’s “willing assistance to all the Parsi institutions in various ways ” was 7?- A p 1“ a >7 Calcutta Parsi Amateur Dramatic Club conversant with all the technicalities of she helped out not only with the print- the printing trade, as also with editorial and publishing responsibilities, ” he scriptures or absorbed in prayer, ” New ­ ton recalls her commitment. Referring to her mother ’s “200 per- “Jaloo was not just one Parsi lady not have for the family, she had for young writers for whom our house was would enquire in jest, “Are you married to Naval or to NavrozT' Giving encouragement and exposure to young aspiring writers and to pro- cally to the last six years of her life press, hours of work would invariably mote the cause of the Gujarati language There being no demarcating bounda ­ ry between their residence and the 112 Parsiana August 1989J f I obiectives she sought to press are a financially paying proposi- can ’t be measured in terms of rupees. ” j Kanga is survived by her daughters I be Bachi Jehangir Karkaria, Yasmin Sudev 1 were the two objectives she sought to press are a imanciauy paying achieve through her print medium. “She tion but the daughters are determined ¦ v invariably gave (young writers) the that they will sell it only if they can be Bachi Jehangir harkari^ Yas pkas"rJof feeTng thekto'k fn print, ” assured\at the paper ’s long-standing Das a nd Persees Baji Antia. noted a tribute in Gavashni, the news- ethos will be continued by the next pro- letter of the Calcutta Zoroastrian Com- prietor. The principles that the Kangas TXT munity ’s Religious and Charity Fund. and Navroz known by were ±eir I Comments from several writers she “non-partisan, independent and bal- AX 1 helped shape and who remembered her anced approach and a great resect tor with nostalgia on her passing away have journalism as something more than just been printed in the April and May a profession. ” “Aavroz was not just a issues of Navroz. Arvind Parekh credits business or a means of livelihood to her for opening for him doors to new her, ” acknowledged Gavashni avenues. Champaklal Oza remembered In Bombay last year, the Abhivadan her as a ""top go la (machine gun) ” who Trust had organized a felicitation func- fired questions, and marvelled at her tion to honor Kanga on the occasion ot determination to continue reading Navroz completing 70 years. The week- despite her failing eyesight. He further ly, and especially its Diwali issue, was all the books at the library at Navsari sed by Jayantilal^ Mehta, (___ dare writes that if there was a late sub ­ mission of article, there would first be a be dty ’’ reprimand followed by an offer of tea. letter of the Calcutta Zoroastrian Com- prietor. The principles that the Kangas munity ’s Religious and Charity Fund. and Navroz were known by were their Comments from several writers she “non-partisan, independent and bal- helped shape and who remembered her anced approach and a great resect tor with nostalgia on her passing away have journalism as something more than just BATIIVALA’S CAMP avenues. Champaklal Oza remembered In Bombay last year, the Abhmaan her as a "topgola (machine gun) ” who Trust had org^ized a fejhcitation func- determination to continue reading Navroz completing IQ years. The week- despite her failing eyesight. He further ly, and especially its Diwali issue, was ventured to say that she must have read known to be so popular that, as expres- all the books at the library at Navsari sed by Jayantilal Mehta, “Without (from where she hailed). Kiran Raiwa- Navroz, not only Saturday afternoons . ^ased Parsi organizations, on dare writes that if there was a late sub- but Sunday and the whole week would fniinwinJViHnev failure mission of article, there would first be a be dry. reprimand followed by an offer of tea. Usually tt was on wrekends tha 1^- Pwsonal messages to the family «re ga would uT:X sX responribfe imU; ipiift-of 'our also sent by 83-year-old Dr Hira Lail Calcutta) more than anyone Chopra \^o for years conrtibuted to the probably knowing her priori- else during<he last 50 years, it was this popular Diwali issue, and Madhu Rye observed Raiwadare Despite her man. ” This tribute came from Dr Russi 'X XmXXXXrved hTzest Anklesarta who for 14 years had ga. Wrote Thaker from Calitornia, bne adventure nev- worked as co-trustee with Bathvala on was witty warm and womanly m the for I* md her sen^ol Mt^nm^ best possible sense. I am partial to her classical music as firmly believed that happiness for Ki^ also because she offered me refresh- ^PP grandchil- community members was the only ste#. dren with a love for Persian and Hindu to be aimed at; that humanity was the umn, and ot course never rejecieu any dren witn a love ror re of my writings. In those days I was very myology. others... An appeal for poor and also staging for affection, P | help never went past him without being rprnanitinn and all that. Jaluben was .Yet her breadth and answer^,; continued Anklesana giv- depth of reading as well as the capacity ing an insight into this brave and com- to retain knowledge impressed many. Several sources have referred to her Died: Ardeshir Kekobad Batlivala, 85, former trustee of the Calcutta Zoroas ­ trian Community ’s Religious and Char ­ ity Fund and actively involved in other 2 • ¦ ’ ” " -n May 21, 1989 following kidney failure and cardiac arrest. “If any single person has been ¦* • com- was witty, warm and womanly in the also because she offered me refresh ­ ments every time I brought her a col ­ umn, and of course, never rejected any for life and her sense of adventure nev- -------------------------- Karkaria. She the Calcutta Anjuman. As a trustee he only religion; that love was the greatest recognition and all that. Jaluben was the...only exclusively unique editor who tip paid me promptly... ” Kanga was particularly keen to pro ­ mote Gujarati When those with a Guja- -- which Fay con- Anjuman, “momentous decisions were rati upbringing neglected to teach tak^n for the benefit of the Parsis of STsXX sin? and known » all who were in regular eon- Calcutta, ” it "maha apraadh (great offence), ” recalls Dinesh Modi. X“a:: d"o::Tot ‘^:XX is: 2X™a^ to Ihe^hiSi S^^^^^ the maga dra Dosh^uggests the institution of a whose creation was made possib e z^e Karka- trophy to p^Tpetuate her memory; thanks to the largesse of indmduals ria In fact after their father ’s death, Yashwant Kadikar refers to his inten- and organizations. A detailed report of Ae iaughter^werrtX S get heF tion of dedicating his book to her; and the condo^nce meeting was earned in approval for a XtMaklover so that Hansa Vithlani talks of the only time Calcutta Gavashni, the newsletteof wouwJt have to overburden her- she had a pressing desire to collect an the Calcutta Anjuman, and in the bilin- self But instead of loosening her grip, autograph - “that of Jaloo Aunty. , gual weekly Navroz. she invested greater effort into the Karkaria remembers her parents weekly and popularized it even further philosophy; “You have to live for some- ---- -. Youth until “no one had the temerity to dis- thing beyond yourself. Materialism and president of the Calcutta Parsi Youth ?odge i?” says JS^kar^a S!cimula- rewfrds'^are not the only ends in life. League, president of the Parsi ^roas^ tion of ’around 3,000, Navroz and the You must be able to get satisfaction that trian Association, vice president of the to matriculation. Yet her breadth and answered,^ continued Anklesaria giv- passionate man. ” During his years as trustee of the tact with her. The editor has left a last- tion passed at "the condolence meeting ing impression on several minds; convened by the Calcutta Parsi Anju- why her daughters several poems were composed in her man on May 28, 1989. Batlivala is also wiijf iivi uauj, r ____ ____ nlnvintj a sipnificant role several minds; convened by the Calcutta Parsi Anju- “ Batlivala was in the forefront of sev ­ eral movements: He was the founder 114 Parsiana August 19891 h ii li ir I I I Calcutta Parsee Club, and president, ity. Nearly 20 years later a cub pack was ity and gentleness but his thoughts, his even at the time of his death, of the formed; a decade thereafter a bulbul ideas, and his actions were so far- Saklat Physical Culture Institute flock when girls were admitted to the reaching that the Parsi community of (SPCI). Above all, he will be remem ­ bered for starting the SPCI Scouts and Guides and making these groups two of the finest in Bengal, ” read the resolu ­ tion. Several officials from the scouts fed ­ eration, in addition to present and ex members of his troop, had gathered at the Olpadvala Hall to pay their homage to “Skipper ” as he was affectionately called. The notes from the Last Post and The Reveille, followed by a recita ­ tion of Avestan prayers set the tone for the function. Representatives from var ­ ious organizations with which he was connected recalled his outstanding con ­ tributions. Time and again reference was made to his commitment to the cause of the youth and the children, and his attempts to inculcate in them good citizenship, a sense of character and service to the community through the scouts movement. belonging to one big happy family; Calcutta, when he was co-opted as a and right till the end of his days never j made them feel needed and important, ” member of the Institute ’s committee, fai ed to attend meetings, wrote j informed Phiroze Mogrelia of the Thereafter he was elected as the scouts Anklesaria. He also maintained h^ SPCI. “Although in the early years secretary and physical education director, links with the Iran Society, as itsjconw,,? there was a shortage of funds, no boy was ever deprived of attending a camp because of his parents ’ inability to pay the camp fees, ” remembered ex-scouter Erach Medhora with nostalgia. “He formed; a decade thereafter a bulbul ideas, and his actions were so far- ’ ... . . . « -t • --- _.c Calcutta will benefit from them for gen ­ erations to come, ” wrote Ms Persees Antia in the Navroz of June 3, 1989. Batlivala ’s association with the com- \ munity was not restricted to Calcutta. For several years he was one of the vice presidents of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India and at the time of his death was a co-opted member from the east zone. ‘‘His con- j tribution to the growth and develop- j mient of the Federation was substan- j tial, ” noted an editorial in the Fedi Newsletter of June 1989. “He listened ; to everyone patiently and expressed his own views gently and politely but firm ­ ly. He spoke only when absolutely nec ­ essary and his words of wisdom helped in formulating the policy and programs of the Federation, ” the tribute contin ­ ued. He was a^ounder member of the first _ ____ _ Lions Club to be chartered in East months of his move from Bombay to India, working “hard at every project SPCI; and a later a guide company. Batlivala ’s association with, the par ­ ent SPCI began in 1936, within six secretary and physical education director. •n h 1 . The physical culture shows that he mittee member, even helping out finan- muchTooked-forward-to event. Later he several others who also benefited from was made general secretary of the Insti- his largeheartedness. As revealed by tute and in 1976 he was first elected as Alak Ghosh, vice president of Bharat held until his death 13 years later. bly slipped an envelope into (my) pock- “A lover of sports, a great athlete and et with the words, ‘If there is a needy _______ _ ___ _____________ While he gave his money freely, he Calcutta* Parsee Club, llis adminis- also spent great time and effort on col- •• ’ ’ • « J 1- -1-1— ______ _ ____ _______ was reportedly always willing to show and platinum jubilee celebrations com- his splendid sets and talk about them, mittees of the Club. _____________________ “Most of us today claim we have no His philosophy - nothing great can time for any sort of service to the com ­ be achieved without great labor - was munity. The world has become a rat organized for Navroze functions were a daily when the need arose. There were was made general secretary of the Insti- his largeheartedness. As revealed by cracn ivicui.u.a whh Hv.va.gia. ..v tute and in 1976 he was first elected as Alak Ghosh vice president of Bharat taught us to be honest, self-reliant, president of the Institute which post he Scouts and Guides, Ardeshir invaria- resourceful and above all self-deny- held until his death 13 years later. bly slipped an en^l^jnto (my) ...obedient, smiling...clean in body and a great administrator, ” from 1968-85 boy, give this to him. ’ ® y ____ .!• « _ 1____I_________ 1 WhiiA hA CTavA me resourceful and above all self-deny ­ ing...trusting, loyal, helpful...courteous mind, ” Medhora acknowledged. His Batlivala had served ^s vjce presklent of own example of self-discipline inspired I'— CJ— many. At camps, he would reportedly trative abilities were never have his own food until everyone "" else had been served. The troop completed its golden jubi ­ lee in 1986 and in its five decades of ..... ...........„ <=----------- . . - . a rot existence, over 300 Parsi boys and 100 be achieved without great labor - was munity. The world has become a rat girls are believed to have received their recalled by Dinsha Surti of the Parsi race, but Ardeshir made the effort to training under him. The scenario was Zoroastrian Association. “He was a rise above it, observed an editorial in quite different in 1936 when his appeal man who knew the pulse and heartbeat the ^Calcutta Gavashni of April-May to the SPCI that he be allowed to form a of the community, ” said Ms Khursheed 1989. He was also on the board of scout troop attached to the SPCI was Ardeshir of the Calcutta Parsee Youth Gavashni. He ran a successful busi- conceded to with some degree of cau- League when talking of their founder ness, hejaised ^family^ and^yet found tion. Permission was granted on the i . . _ condition that the activities of the troop Youth League as explained by Ardeshir should in no way interfere with the gymnasium _____ - . . „ have to raise his own finances without opinions. ” charging any fees for the scouting activ- "•••• • ; Utilized when he lecting coins, his cherished hobby. He was appointed on the golden, diamond member. His purpose in forming the time for scoutmastership and much - - - - • • * • ’ ¦ more... ” HI HU wav iiiivi.viv w.u. — was to “provide a forum for young peo- Batlivala is survived by his wife ium classes and that he would pie to meet and exchange views and Najoo and son Marzban. was to “provide a forum for young peo- “He lived a life of simplicity, auster- written by Parinaz Gandhi 116 Parsiana August 1989