Complete Issue
Jan 1990
I
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r
“•3
I-
t
Delhi IS the only region that is sup-
they serve as mobedyars and are later rec- world body by reconciling with the nosed to have conducted a survey tn
tomine the trend of mixed marriages and
it was revealed that while in the 1960s,
Associations 33.3 percent of all marriages were mixed
marriages, in the 1970s, the percentage
had risen to 66.3 with the number of fe-
forgotten by an oversight and as pointed
out by Ms MehCT Moos, there was no
representative view from the Gulf coun
tries at the Congress considering that
nearly 5(X) Zoroastrians are believed to
be settled in those areas.
Projectitms of demographic figures in
the next 30 years as worked out by soci
ologist Ms Ava Khullar reveal that
“Zoroastrians (37,476) in the rest of the
world (without Iran) will outstrip the
istan (32,217). “In Bombay in particular,
of a Union of Federations incoipo- the peculation of the community would
-------------------------------J---------------...2
He commended that a only possibility of a reversal of the de-
nity to adopt the slogan as coined by Pe-
shotan Nargolwala: “Parsi kaum Id yeh
hoi pukar, ham do hamar^ Char (this is
auspices of the World Zoroastrian Or- the plea of the Parsi community that each
-. u A • u gamcQtirtn iyr7r\\» -jlie WZO, cuvi- couple should produce four children).'*
North Amenca there is reportedly not a sioned as a global body, has not so far This fact of dwindling numbers ---------
ttere are two mobed councils! South Af- all representative groups and associations age age at marriage for a P^si girl is 26
nca is on the lookout for a mobed who because of the nature of its constitution and for a male is 31), no marriage and a
frailH tond frt ftiA _ __________ _____ «_ __.... « - - . ..'2 «
icj^lace of 15 Zwoastrian families re- viduals js it does to m^ber associa-
encouraged to take to priesthood. First gress, to reconstitute a representative _ __
they serve as mobedyars and are later rec- world body by reconciUng with the posed to have conducted a si^ey to de-
ograzed as regular mobeds. WZO, did not fructify.) Homi Mino- - - - - -
The concept of a globally acceptable cher-Homji had visualized a Federation
apex world body for the community was of W«ld Zoroastrian :____
reiterated by Bodhanwalla who felt that (FEWZA) and until that was forint he
such a body should be established not to was keen that World Zwoastrian Con- _________ __________________
grosses coordinate the diff^ent thinking, males marrying out being twice that of
actions and priorities so as to serve as a the males. The 1980 figures however
world body. show that the ratio of males marrying out
The world body would necessarily had increased considerably. Recom
encompass Zwoastrians in India, Paki- mended Khullar, “We must face the in-
sto, Iran, Europe, North America, Af- evitable and view it mwe positively...If
rica and die Far East — the seven regions this matter were considered coolly and
rqnesenting the different hues of a dispassionately, it would enable the ctxn-
Zoroastrian rainbow — as perceived by munity to keep the mixed families and
Bodhanwalla. But the Middle East was their children within the community.
Fighting for a right
is not a sin but
according to our
religion is our duty
and obligation ”
u
ccHistitution similar to FEZANA’s be cluiing trend in India is for the commu-
’ _ ’ ' " . . ' ‘ t a
cmistitution convention be held in Lon-
small family size (3.9 persons per family
in Greater Bombay in 1982), emigration
(Left): Representatives from different
regions who participated in the session
on "Regional follow-up action on the
recommendations cf the Fourth World
Zoroastrian Congress andfuture
priorities"
(Right): Participants at the session on
"Methodologies of Religious Education
for PrelPostNavjote Groups"
TO 2000 AND BSWn H
I
'4'
10 Parsiana January 1990
1Young and old delegates express
different views from the floor of the
house
adding the much needed children to the
community ’s depleting young.'
further stated, “We are taking an unreal
istic attitude towards adoption. A baby
(irrespective of its religious heritage)
brought up in a Zoroastrian home envi
ronment would leant the same values as
our children. But we choose to make this
a religious issue. ” In the view of Mino
cher-Homji, inter-faith marriages “are
gaining social acceptance...and though it
may be a little early to say so...these non-
Zoroastrian spouses and their children
may soon gain equality of religious ac
ceptance also. Already they are included
in Zoroastrian directories, they attend
most religious classes and ceremonies
(muktads being an exception occasion
ally), their names are included in reciting
various public prayers and in the tan-
darusti, they participate in our working
committees and their burial or scattering
of ashes is provided for in several
Zoroastrian cemeteries. ” In Iran too,
non-Zoroastrian spouses and children of
inter-faith marriages are accepted into
the faith if both partners agree. Further,
as informed by one Iranian speaker, Irani
ans don ’t believe in birth control unlike mitted restrictively to enter the atash bah-
the Parsis. An interesting fact was ram,” informed Ervad Rustom Shahzadi.
»9
She
•
J
f W
>7
¦'1
s.
Very often people try to pass off per-
“In Iran, non-Zoroastrians are also per- sonal knowledge as religious knowledge,
it was lamented. But in most cases, the
the Parsis. An interesting fact was ram,” informed Ervad Rustom Shahzadi. statement ‘I am a Zoroastrian ’ “is not
brought to light by Dr (Ms) Mehroo Patel Princess Margaret was the first visitcx and supported by adequate knowledge of our
of Chicago: The divorce rate is as high as thereafter it has been opened to “all the religion and its fxactice thereof in our
25 percent in inter-community marriages tourists, both Iranians and outsiders. ” daily lives, ” as compared to a statement,
(10 percent of the total recorded in Chi- (One of the Iranian trustees of the Yazd ‘I am a doctor ’ or ‘1 am a lawyer ’ which
cago) as compared to marriages within Atash Bahram later explained to Parsiana implies acquisition of formal knowledge,
the community where divorce is virtually that a glass wall separates the non- pointed out solicitor Ms Bapsy Dastur.
unknown. Zoroastrian visitor from the sanctum The religious and spiritual significance
The demography figure of Iran, sanctrmim.) “Religion by its very nature of the navjote ceremony is rarely under-
90,891 according to their official 1986 should remain still in its essence, yet stood by the child to be initiated into the
census, “gives hope of a revival and re- move with the passage of time, ” opined faith, stated Ms Farhiz Cooper of Poona,
surgence. ” But these figures are viewed Ms Khursheed Khurody, one of the youth because the parents and society attach
with caution for, in the beginning of this speakers representing FEZANA. “We undue importance to the social fanfare. In
century they numbered 6,9(X) and at the must be careful not to block the path of fact in a survey conducted by Writer, the
time of the last two Congresses their religion and cause it to become an instru- responses to her question, “Do you have a
strength was indicated in terms of 20,000 ment of repression, ” she cautioned before knowledge of Zoroastrian history? ” indi-
to 40,000. Since this is the first official continuing, “The oldw generation use cated that in India 80 percent of the youth
census figure from the country, it is pre- rituals and customs as a tool for power and 74 percent of the elders said that they
• sumed that tribes and clans practising and control. ” Referring to the “adultera- had no knowledge as compared to the
Zoroastrianism in remote areas, though tion ” that has seeped into the religion she North American figures where 33 percent
not in contact with the larger anjumans, said, “Let it not be said that the greatest of the youth and 17 percent of the elders
may have registered themselves as destroyers of Zoroastrianism were Par- said they had no knowledge. As ex-
Zoroastrians. There is also the possibi- sis. ” And for voicing her belief that plained by architecture student Ms Zeno-
lity of reclaimed Zoroastrians or “Asli “Rituals are only the mechanism and Ian- bia Rivetna from Chicago, “Whereas in
Zarthusthys ” who had per force to convert guage of religion. They are the media or Bombay, Zoroastrian youth can bask in
to Islam, now declaring themselves as symbols of religious ex^vession. They the reputation built by their forefathers, in
Zoroastrians. Even the Iranians are are not religion itself, ” she was almost the USA most Americans have nevw
even heard the word Zoroastrian. ”
Dearth of religious literature was time
Unlike the closed-door policy in India,
thereafter it has been opened to “all the religion and its practice thereof in our
tourists, both Iranians and outsiders.'
(One of the Iranian trustees of the Yazd
»»
»9
Even the Iranians are
agreed that they will have to study this hounded with a flood of questions chal-
figure in greater depth. longing her assertion.
13 Parsiana January 19S0and again reiterated at the Congress. North American youths visualized a
However religious and Sunday school brighter future than the despondency
classes in different regions under the in- shown by the Pakistani and UK youths
spiration of guides like Ramiyar Kar- —«--- - - '
anjia, Ms Tina Mehta, Farrtdch Mistree i__ 1__
and Ms Piloo Jungalwalla are apparently validated ___________________
using novel and unconventional methods and expressed in their ” ritud, ” L x^x
to inculcate the teachings of Zoroastrian- Kaikhosrov Irani s umma rized the mes-
ism in pre and post-navjote age-groups.
Jungalwalla gave an illustration of how
diction plays an important role in our
prayers recited in a language we do not ___________ ___________ ___ _ ouu sui
understand. If instead of ‘ashem ’ we casuaUsm on die other. JUgidism insists i^Xement'to r^ve'it '
pronou^ the wad as ‘asem, ’ toe mean- that there be no change, and casualism is The proceedings of toe Fifth World
change atisfied with whatever change one may Congress, recorded on audio cassettes,
from nghteousness is toe highest good to find convenient, ” he tried to ward off will be sold by toe BPP, though at what
. conflicts between toe liberal and ortho- price it has not been decided!^ What is
5 “ fections. Ya sporadic outbursts pa- also not known is whetha these cassettes
throughout the Congress on will be edited before sale since a consid-
to Zo^tnan-fouml^ schrols, prefa- whether emphasis was being given to toe erable amount of time reserved for
liberals and toe influentials, on whetha speakers from toe floor was spent on un-
the conservatives were being denied their related issues and scant insistency
^ching of toe Zoroastnw religion and say, on whether disrespect was being maintained in toe time allowed to speak-
English as the medium of instruction m paid to traditions. Clarified Irani, “Tradi- ers
¦ ®’T' “ !• of Ihe dead Time and again, many in the a>idience
Wilde ^nonalism is ihe dead beUef of felt. •The subject is not exhausted, but
students nt school hnn TslAtmsit tlv* In/inrr ” **Tf ««tA zvMA&M M t-^A. __ . M .
scoring subject) or civics (whae, with
luck, passing grades could be obtained).
A J A.i_ a J* . - ’’’ -ww. wew uiv vlua iiiuiiiuis* nijiyiY or wnom
As regards toe long-tom future of toe view of a famous statesman was quoted, could not converse in English'^ Yet a
^ro^tnan community. Writer ’s survey Said Vera Mehta, “There is a difference general feeltog euptoria ^mS to
found that perceptions differed. While between watchdog duties and character - - -
40 percent of toe Indian youth and 28 i____L__2_ “ “. ____
pacOTt of the elders saw toe future as the left part of toe brain controls the
positive, in Pakistan toe figures were 9 t___/_________, ___ ; ..wxwxoxx.
percent for toe youth and 25 percent for charge of toe rational. “Anyone suggest-
toe elders, in North Amoica, 33 percent i~~
and 27 pocent, and in the UK 18 percent brain for anotho must be totally out of casion.
for toe elders but not a single youth could his mind!” Solicitor Dadi Enginea in a
visualize a positive future. This indi- lighter vein appealed to Guzder to con-
cated that on toe whole toe Indian and vene a special world congress on “Argu-
a
ments among Zoroastrians.'
Zoroastrians with differing philoso-
, - . phies and of divagent views availed of
The hfe of a religion is to be found toe Congress opportunity to distribute
*** and minds of toe believos, promotional literature befrxe and after toe
i in toe ethics of their craiduct Congress and during the recesses that in-
, „ variably exceeded toe time allotted.
Though there may be no want of leaflets
in toe conmunity, members did seem to
miss, as express^ at different points of
extrenies of rigidism on the one hand and Jam-e-Jamshed and sought community
*9
sage in a nutshell. While advocating the
use of the principles of respect and rea- _________ _____________ _ wx
son, Irani said. We thus avoid the two the ingress, the daily publication of the
that there be no change, and casualism is
tion is the living belief of the dead
students at school had been Islamiat (a the living.
If we open a quarrel bet- we arc. ” If that was the impression of
ween the past and the present, we will those who understood English ^ how felt
find that we have lost the future, ” the the 200 plus Iranians, many of whom
. . , _ . prevail during the four and a half days,
assassination. ” Explained Moddie, while culminating in a chorus sung by the
fiv. UA ..r .K. 2;, youth from different comas of the world
creative nature, the right hemisphere is in who displayed their ramaradgrig and
promised hope for the future in a farc
ing that you give up one part of the well song specially composed for the
oc-
KiH,,
I
f0^000
I /*
'}
In the words of Rivetna, “We have
been rejuvenated with nourishment to
sustain us for the next few years” and he
issued an invitation stating, “If the next
World Congress is to be held in Iran, the
one thereafter should mea in North
America.
An awakening seemed to dawn at this
Congress, felt many of those present To
quote Shahzadi, “Time moves on but we
do not. We don ’t realize when it is time
for change and when we do, it is us uall y
too late! ” Seeing the usud inertia to
wards change, another speaker summa
rized, “If we cannot prepare the future
for the youth, let us prepare our youth for
the future. ”
w
'J
Yoiuhs who participated in the session
on “Making Zoroastrian religion more
meaningful for the youth of today, and
involvementiparticipation of youth inter
se and with the community
organizations’’
14 Parsiana January 19905 WZC Social Functions
to. Ute. HoU
A recap of the formal inauguration of the Fifth Arnavaz S. Mama
World Zoroastrian Congress and its official entertainment
We, the Zoroastrians, are meeting in (BPP) — there was no supernatural sym-
this assembly for deliberation ot the holism attached to its fate!
problems of our life. Guide us, O Lord, I' ‘_____
on the path of purity and truth... ” High President of India R.° Venkataraman'
Priest of Udwada Dastur (Dr) Hor- Prime Minister V. P. Singh, Maharash-
mazdyar Mirza invoked divine help after tra ’s Chief Minister Sharad Pawar (who
quoting and translating from Yasna 43.3. was expected at the inaugural but con- ____________________________ vw......u-
The formal inauguration of the Fifth veyed his apologies) and Rajiv Gandhi, nity, ” BPP chairman and Federation
World Zoroastrian Congress, with the former Prime Minister and currently the president Dr Aspi Golwalla referred to
theme ‘To 2000 and Beyond, ’ was leader of the Opposition, were read out the “post- 1960 diaspora of the Zoroas-
underway at the Parsee Gymkhana by Homi Taleyarkhan, member of the trian communities from India, Iran and
grounds at Manne Lines on January 3, Minorities Commission. “Zoroastrians,
1990 as old and young squinted in the the world over, have come to be associ- _
glare of the setting sun. ated with the highest standards of and socioeconomic crossroads ” which
As Dastur (Dr) Kaikhusroo Jamasp- excellence...their traditional values and they now face. Advising the delegates to
Asa, High Priest of Bombay ’s Anjuman cultural mores have enriched the life of address themselves to the varied and
Atash Bahram, has noted so succinctly in many societies all over the world, ” complex enigmas facing the community
his Preview of the Congress, “We Par- noted Venkataraman. “Our 2toroastrian with understanding, tolerance, realism
sis are such individuals that our motto community has contributed in full meas- and Zoroastrian Vohuman Golwalla
sometimes seems to be, ‘Divided we ure to the building of the nation, ” com- noted, “If approached in that spirit, this
stand, united we fall.’” Hence, the esti- mented Gandhi. A message from the Congress should be one of our most his-
mated 1,000 plus, colorfully decked Speaker, Mahdi Karrubi, of the Majlis toric and productive so far... The prob-
corehgionists who had gathered together Shaory Eslamic (the Iranian Parliament), lems and difficulties we are facing today
top executives and judiciary, bankers, detailing Iran’s “holy war, ” was read require our close cooperation and har-
J *«««¦« A a A ..J*—2 e______ . * Ma KS M - *
Canada, Europe, India, Iran, Pakistan, 7 ' *
UK, US and even South Africa — would dissertation ended with the ver^ which,
need the active involvement of Ahura
Mazda!
Armed guards looked down upon the
gracious concourse [which not only in
cluded eminent dignitaries of the state
government and members of the interna
tional consular corps in Bombay but a
four-member television team led by Rich
ard Harris that was making a feature on
the community for the British Broadcast
ing Corporation ’s (BBC) Channel Four]
. from adjacent buildings and the Princess
Street flyover as Vice President of India
Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma valiantly tried
to release balloons expected to soar up
ward and cany their glittering message
of the Fifth Congress with them. Alas,
the getig glimmer rose a little, then
Uipped and faltered. Fortunately for the
organizers of the Congress — the Federa- i
tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of '
India and the Bombay Parsi Punchayet ‘ ”
Messages of encouragement from the
The Sun is a small flame, blazing in
the sky.
Greetings to the best and hcwiest ser
vants of God. ”
In his welcOTie to the Vice President,
the Governor of Maharashtra and “the
intellectual aristocracy of our commu-
Pakistan, ” and detailed the “demo
graphic, religious, cultural, educational
many societies all over the world, ” complex enigmas facing the community
community has contributed in full meas- and Zoroastrian '^Vohuman Golwalla
ure to the building of the nation, ” com- noted, “If approached in that spirit, this
ment^ Gandhi. A message from the Congress should be one of our most his-
coreligionists who had gathered together Shaory Eslamic (the Iranian Parliament), iems and difficulties vre ^ facing t^y
lawyers, doctors, academicians from out in Persian by Aflatoon Ziafat, the
mony, to have confidence in ourselves
Zoroastrian member of the Majlis. The and our capacity for performance, to be-
in translation, read,
“Emanating from the fire hidden in
lieve that with Ahura Mazda’s blessings
and the dint of energy, tenacity of pur
pose, grit and determination ingrained in
my chesty us, we shall keep the Zoroastrian banner
m*
’fl
18 Parsiana January r390
¦I
* ‘ «*%
1{
L1
r
S
ii*
Kii
¦pt
X
M
¦
late
I
I
Facing Page: Guzder, Golwalla
and Reddy with Sharma holding the
Congress souvenir which he had just
released
Left: Congress joint secretary Ms
Homai Modi with Taleyarkhan, Sharma
and the recalcitrant balloons
Center: Desai and Mirza — invoking
divine guidance Photo: Minoo Balsara
Below: a section of the audience
H always aloft And after all why should Parsis ’ diminishing numbers) it would be
T we not believe so? We are Parsis. ”
gl Fot the boiefit of the VIP invitees,
H ppp trustee and chairman of the Con- behalf of India,” the Vice President qioke
H giess Jamshed Guzder detailed the vari- of the Parsis ’ “nobility of character and
IB OUS subject-heads of the forthcoming de- conduct (as) characteristics developed by
liberations, providing the rationalization the precepts and teachings of Zarathush-
behind each — the need to involve the tra. ”
___ t A known scholar himself, Sharma
..;L c«»tury, make the religion meanin^ul to spoke of Avestan litoature as “a store-
them, cmisida* the implications of demo- house of wisdom ” and deplored the fact
•9
a very happy India! "
Welcoming international delegates “on
>9
||
I
J
“We Parsis are such
individuals that our
motto sometimes
seems to be,
‘Divided we stand,
united we fall
I »
17 Parsiana Janaury 1S90
youth who would inherit the twenty-first
them, ccMisider the implications of demo- house of wisdom ” and deplored the fact
graphic decline, etc. that “the modem generation cannot use
Noting his “fascination f« the ex- it ” He urged translation into contempo-
ploits of this small community (which rary idiom, “but carefully done so the
has) stood by the country in its moments original meaning should not be losL ”
of trial and tribulation, ” Dr K. Brahman- Senior BPP trustee and chairman of
anda Reddy, then Governor of Maharash- the souvenir and fund raising committee
tra, emphasized the Zoroastrian virtues of of the Congress, Eruch Desai, proposed
“integrity and loyalty... There is hardly the vote
«¦
'*2
L I
t
WE ARE
THE
FUTURE”
Gustasp Irani
22 Parsiana January 1990
to be converted to Zoroastrianism. The
health hazards as a result of close cousin
marriages? The problem, acccwding to
one delegate, was caused by overprotec-
tive parents: “If the only boy I’m allowed
to meet is my cousin. I’m going to fall in
love with him very fast ” At the other end
of the same scale, another participant was
quick to point out, are overpermissive
parents whose children marry out of the
community.
Conversion. Two of the four: groups
felt it was important enough to merit a
vote. While in one group, osily two out
of 20 reposed it, in another seven in 20
support^ it A Parsi girl married to a
non-Parsi complained that the leader of
her group, a publicly declared tradition
alist, did not permit a vote on the issue as
the leanings of the young people as
sembled were distinctively in favor of
conversion.
Conversion? The term, lest one for
gets, was used in a limited sense — the
acceptance of children of Parsi women
married to non-Parsi men. “If the chil-
Youths have their say at a workshopdren of Parsi men married out of the com
munity arc accepted as Zoroastrians, why
not the children of Parsi women married
to non-Parsis? ” enquired one young girl.
tion gap between potential employers and
students by inviting the companies to the
campus to speak of their needs and re
quirements so that the young men can
decide which subject to specialize in and
how to go about getting the job they de
sire. She recommended organizations or
industrial houses to take the initiative of
arranging such get-togethers —job camps
— where students can intCTact with poten-
“The need is to
____ _ ________ _ _ overcome the ABC
The equality of the sexes was probably of Apathy, Blindness
U»s»ongestargumen.U«pn«onvers™ COmplaCenCy”
of the community. One group leader re-
lamented that Parsi girls, “even those price. . . •
from the villages in Gujarat, don ’t want The youth insist on having their say.
to marry anyone except boys from Bom- They demand that there be proper youth
‘Tor over 1,000 shot back a Nagpur girl. “Beyond the Parsi Anjuman observed that whik some
office, commuting and the home there is regional apex bodies have complied with
¦ r a the recommendation of the Federation of
great ^ial life that Bombay does not of- Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India to
fer; clubs, get-togethers... ” Apparently appoint youth trustees, many have not.
impressed, a Bombay youth suggested. Further, many anjumans and punchayets.
But* we"do? ’~rOTli^ the Marazban Patrawala, have lost sight of
— - a .a____ ..^a_ •—__
some Parsi punchayets have started to
The give religious decrees. Trustees arc re
quired to administer the funds and prop
lobby offered...and yes, it does help solve
the problem of the rapid decline in the
Parsi peculation.
tichoe.990
2455
Total
na
na
na
North Europe Australia Western
World
na
na
na
15,640 76,126
23,970 72,871
29,630 69372
36,776 68,993
had increased ccmsideiably. It was found even today there are so many defunct
The Zoroastrians in India-Pakistan
and the socially prestigious occupations patterns among the Parsis show all the
characteristics of a highly literate, urban-
The findings of a few demographic ized and modernized society, i.e. late
surveys in smiler towns, as well as iiifor-
able partners within a very small com-
In 1881, almost one in three Parsis was
The scenario in the next 50 to 100
death takes over.
We may face a situatiwi where Parsi
But, for these small and older commu- take their place. In another 100 years
If we add to this, the tendency to mi-
recognize the dangers staring it in the
face.
Yet, the community is closing all itsF.'
V
:C
seen a growing percentage of our young
women marrying outside. We are losing tics cautiously. This is because the Ira-
vital child-bearing capacity, but we nian Zoroastrians at the beginning of the • Non-Zoroastrian spouses and children
choose to keep our eyes shut and keep twentieth century had given a figure of of inter-faith marriages are accepted if
the women and their children out of the 6,900 poisons, and during the last two both partners agree,
community. ** “ ~ ‘
We find that due to late marriages, numbers were given betweoi 20,000 to
and possibly other factors, fertility 40,000; let us presume a mean of 30,000.
among Parsis is low, and yet we are tak- At this stage, since we do not have a reli-
ing an unrealistic attitude towards adop- able base or a clear picture of the past ^roastrians. ”
tion. After all, when a shortage of babies trends, it would be difficult to make number of ex-Zoroastrians i.e. Zoroastri-
is the biggest problem, it is next to im- meaningful projections of pqiulation
possible for childless Parsi couples, who trends in Iran,
want to adopt, to find Zoroastrian babies.
But there are enough innocent babies pears most promising — for where we are conditions which appear to permit their
available for adoption in this country. A groaning under the shadow of impending reverting to the faith, are rejoining. They
baby brought up in a Zoroastrian home extinction, Iran gives hope of a revival call themselves “Asli Zarthusthys, ” and
environment would learn the same val- and resurgence. Even if the figure of their navjotes are carried out publicly
ues as our own children. But, we choose 90,891 is approached cautiously, I think and sanctioned by the Zoroastrian
to make this a religious issue! we have to accept that the overall popula- Anjuman of Tehran.
tion has grown significantly. Some cx-
planations given by our Iranian friends the Zoroastrian Anjuman of Iran to study
are: this demographic phenomenon objec-
• There are some tribes and clans in re- lively so that we may have an authentic
We would like to consider these statis- centers were unaware of the presence of
their coreligionists in Iran fcr centuries.
World Zoroastrian Congresses, their • But what is most crucial and striking is
a renewed zeal to revive once again one
of the most ancient and venerated reli
gions of the world with “reclaimed
These are a growing
ans who, due to force of circumstances,
had converted to Islam but retained their
The Iranian pattern, at face value, ap- Zoroastrian fervor, and under present
We appeal to our Iranian friends and
In Iran
When we turn to Iran’s Zoroastrian
population at the {xesent time, we are
perplexed. The past and present figures mote areas of Iran, practising Zoroastrian picture of the population trends in Iran in
call for much clarification. According to traditicHis, ceremonies and rituals which the next two or three years.
the 1986 official Iran census, the figure may have been included in the census
is 90,891, showing Zoroastrians spread figure.
over 24 provinces of Iran, unlike the past ¦ The 1986 census has shown Zoroastri-
impressions. What is more, it is interest- ans living in many cities besides Tehran,
ing to find the age composition tilted most Yazd, Kerman (where 2kx'oastrians were
favorably on the side of the young, 0-14 known to be living) even though the In North America and the world
years age-group who constitute 47 per- Zoroastrians or their anjumans in these
cent of Zoroastrian Iranians, while the smaller places had not maintained con-
old-age group of 60 years and above, are tact with the Tehran and other larger fairly comprehensive North American
only 8.5 percent The productive age- anjumans. However, for a country which data as applicable to the rest of the west-
group of 15-59 years is a healthy 44 per- is not very large, it does appear some- em world.
cent what unusual that Zoroastrians in other The community in North America has
grown fairly rapidly in the last 30 years.
In the absence of a proper census, we
have a guesstimation of approximately
9,700 Zoroastrians in North America
< (1991). As Mr Homi Minocher-Hcxnji
i has suggested, the influx from Iran, In-
; dia, Pakistan, Middle East, Africa, etc is
likely to continue, and to this may be
added the immigrants from Hong Kong
and China in the 1990s due to political
changes there. By the end of the century
the population in North America is esti
mate to reach approximately 16,500 at
five percent compounded growth rate.
Presumably, the immigration rate
would slow down in the subsequent dec
ades, and so we have, thereafter, pro
jected at the rate of 2.5 percent up to
2021. Similar growth rates of 2.5 per
cent are taken for Australia, which has an
1 approximate population of 850 persons,
and UK/Europe having about 5,(X)0 per
sons in 1991. In the absence of clear
is not very large, it does appear some
what unusual that Zoroastrians in other
Among the Iranian Zoroastrians as a
whole, there is a strong sense of Zoroas
trian identity and a determination to ad
here to the tenets of the faith.
In the absence of exhaustive infcKmation
from the other regions, we may treat the
In another 100
years, instead of
need for housing,
houses may lie
vacant
95
A.
A
38 Parsiana January 1990fl
data and proven trends, we have had to go forge a Zoroastrian identity, rather than have a fairly accurate picture of the
by regional guesstimadons, and the pro- separate cultural-national identities as Zoroastrian population.
jections therefore have to be considered Parsis and Iranian Zoroastrians. To the The suggesticxi of holding a confer-
tentatively. extent that, with goodwill and a sense of ence chi demogrtphic and related issues
The flow of immigrants only changes give and take, this is achieved, die future is excellent as a starting point to create
the pattern of future population trends in of Zoroastrians in North America and awareness. This is not only a problem of
the world. What iS of greater importance elsewhere will get more secure. the young in marriageable and reproduc-
from the demographer ’s view point, is to dve age-groups but of the older genera-
see in what other natural ways the popu- Tentative global numbers dons also, for both display negadve atd-
ladon is likely to grow. As we have Putdng the various populadon figures tudes. Perhaps with awareness and fear of
seen, the population here is compara
tively young, most of them having mi
grated after attaining college degrees,
22-25 years of age, whereas others who
migrat^ earlier have young children. In
the absence of a Ixeakup according to
age-groups, it is difficult to state pre
cisely the size of the reproductive age
group (20-45 years). But it is obvious
that this group forms the major portion of
the population, and has the potentiality
of giving children to the community.
Age-Group Composition
Community Age-Group {in percentage)
65+
USA (1980)
UK (1980)
Canada (1980)
Greater Bombay
Parsis (1982)
0-14
22.3
21.0
23.0
113
15.1
9.5
12.1
192
total extinction, some rethinking may
emerge. As a practical step, youth
groups in the bangs as well as in towns
outside Bombay, should enumerate the
number in the 0-14 age-group, the pro
ductive 15-59 age-group and die aged 65
years and over in their respective areas.
Such a firsthand exercise will bring
home the true picture of how short we
are of young children.
__ ________________________together we would have by 1991, an sc- Are solutions possible?
Sinc^ they are a young group, they proximate global Zoroastrian population While the concern of the newer settle-
have given priority in all their future of 76,126. ments in the western world is institution
planning and decision-making to the However in view of lack of clarity on building and trying to keep the diverse
youth, for it is to the extent that the sec- the figures for Iran, we have deem^ it and thinly spread Zoroastrian community
ond, third and fourth generation will prudent to attempt projections separately as a cohesive and forward looking unit,
* ' ... ¦ in the old settled communities in India
and Pakistan, the concern is how to keep
the community alive and kicking so that
the institutional infrastructures, built
over the years, do not become defunct
ments in the western world is institution
However in view of lack of clarity on building and trying to keep the diverse
the figures for Iran, we have deemed it and thinly spread Zoroastrian community
maintain their Zoroastrian identity that for the populadon outside Iran, and con-
their future survival depends. sider Iran as a separate and special case
Their circumstances are forcing them till satisfactory clarifications are avail-
to rethink their religious position. They able.
aim to teach religion to the young not in We see the Zoroastrians in India-Paki-
a striedy orthodox or ritualistic style, but stan nose-diving from 75,030 in 1981 to and useless.
“with greater stress on scriptural and 32,217 in 2021; while in the western A multipronged approach is required
Gathic ethics and philosophy and know-, world, mainly as a result of expected to save a dying community which is in a
ledge of comparative beliefs of contem- immigration, the population is estimated state of inertia and apathy. Fresh ap-
porary faiths ” sq that the young, though to go up from 15,640 in 1991 to 36,776 proaches towards social and religious re
in minority among friends and col- in 2021. It is highly significant that form, chaises in organizational struc-
leagues of other more dominant faiths, Zoroastrians in the rest of the world (ex- tures, in thinking and behaviour patterns,
can, with pride, proclaim their Zoroas
trian identity.
In view of increasing mixed mar
riages, they have also to accept spouses outside Iran is likely to be 68,993 by Zoroastrian.
and children of such marriages and try to 2021. To this we may add aixjther 700 Since, from the demographic point of
keep them within the fold. The alterna
tive would be to lose both the existing Hong Kong. This would raise it to 69,693.
families and future children. , . .
Here there are two strains, the Parsi tions with a heavy heart. From a peak of these squarely.
and Iranian Zoroastrians. The Iranian 1,14,890 in undivided India in 1941, we Housing or no housing, large house or
Zoroastrians have brought to their new
homeland the same strong religious fervor 69,693,80 years later.
and, following the example of their 1'21 J .
mobeds in Iran, are taking into the faith Shireen Jejeebhoy. certain attitudes, they need to te under-
cx-Zeroastrians and spouses and children stood and an effort made to modify them,
ol Iranians married to non-'ZiOroastrians. Creattiig scwtofencss ttS CTYSispwwris iV to
A happy situation would be marriages We need to set up a Demographic Cell in attitudes towards something as personal
between Iranian and Parsi Zoroastrians. Bombay to monitor and keep updating as marriage and children. As Dr (Ms)
As Iranians are more inclined to have population data received from all the Malini Karkal said in her 1982 Su^ey of
larger families, this would be an added global regions with qualified demogra- Greater Bombay: “Experience in the
advantage. phers and social scientists analysing and field of fertility has shown that it may be
It is imperative though, that the two indicating trends, so that by the next possible to reduce fertility of rapidly
groups consciously work together and World Zoroastrian Congress we may growing populations, but once members
We see the Zoroastrians in India-Paki-
eluding Iran) will outstrip the peculation etc could Iving a revival of the old spirit,
of India/Pakistan in another 30 years, of the active pursuit of life and all that is
The total world Zoroastrian peculation good, and above all, a pride in being a
2021. To this we may add another 700
for South East Asia, Africa, Middle East, view, the marital and fertility patterns
. and attitudes to adoptiexi are the main
We can only contemplate these projec- stumbling blocks, we need to, tackle
1,14,890 in undivided India in 1941, we
are faced with a world population of only small, the average Parsi couple tends to
'¦ 27 * restrict the number of children to one or
All projections are courtesy Ms two. As these are basically problems of
39 Parsiana January 1990of a community have enjoyed the advan- munity. The social stigma regarding this higher socioeconomic strata, i.e. highly
tages of non-marriage and low fertility, should go. I would seriously suggest that educated career persons, who tend to
the process is almost irreversible. ” But we every eligible persoi register with the marry out because they are unable to find
are a community of survivors and we are Matrimonial Bureau run on discreet and suitable partnCTS within the community,
j----- --------------------- -----------------v. . .. . .. ~ . — ...
radical remedies. P
The community as a whole accepts have been made through this channel,
without censure late marriages or no mar
riages among its young. Among Hindus, Incentives
Muslims and Jews, tremendous pressure The community needs to consider if suit- situation that prevailed earlier in Gujarat
is brought, especially on girls, to marry able incentives may prove effective in where Parsis married “dubras. ” It has
between the age of 20 and 23 years, encouraging early marriages and larger also been seen that mixed couples tend to
which is the most fertile age. We need to families. There are cases where such have more children due to the difference
adopt such an attitude and taing positive measures have shown positive results. In in attitude of the non-Zoroastrian spouse,
social pressure on our young to marry “ ~ “
early.
Parsi parents display negative atti- effective,
tudes and actually discourage their
daughters from marriage until they have the community on what would prove ef- community to keep the mixed families
experienced a career, and sots, till they fective and wakable for them. Commu- and their children within the community,
are well established professionally. They nity organizations must then do some se- adding the much needed children to the
further encourage marriage only when a rious thinking regarding raising and allo- community ’s depleting young,
partner meets all the expectations, i.e. eating funds for such incentive schemes,
house/car and so on. Many a young giri
may be induced to marry a premising that has an in-built incentive e.g. for West to move in a unified manner in the
young Parsi with good career/business couples who have started their own busi-
prospects, but who has not reached the ness, there is such an in-built incentive to
desirable economic status, if parents are have more children for working and car
encouraging and supportive, and give tying on the business. A very strong ar- together and build strong links by social
help, if possible, until the couple can en- gument fa Parsis to start businesses, intermixing and combined cultural and
joy the lifestyle it desires. This is com- Working hours would be more flexible if religious activities so that the young may
mon practice among Hindus even if it the wife wishes to help in business, so get opportunities to find life partners
involves staying with in-laws until the that instead of a rigid 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from within the Zoroastrian fold. Iranis
couple is in a position to set up home in- white collar job, the wives could divide in India, as elsewhere, show attitudes and
dependently. Women with careers may time between raising children and help- behavior patterns diametrically opposite
be encouraged to pursue these with mar- ing their husband in business according to Parsis, and their example could well
riage and not make it a reason for delay- to convenience. The white-collar office give food for thought to all who are both-
ing or not marrying. jobs with fixed salaries, need for both ered about the survival and upward mo-
Similarly, many a young couple, espe- partners to work and rigid working hours, bility of the conmunity. They tend to
cially with working wives, may be will- are greatly responsible for couples being marry early. Parents and elders often
ing to have a second and third child if unable to raise larger families. help in arranging these, and families are
parental support and help is assured. —
Parents and grandparents in other com- community is rarely discussed. Couples Belgaum, perhaps the only babies and
munities share the burden of child-care without children should be encouraged to little children within the community
as a normal practice. Could we not per- avail of the facilities of the Fertility were from Irani families,
suade our elders to do so? Clinic at the B. D. Petit Parsee General I have tried to identify and highlight
Children should be treated as the com- Hospital, and success stories of couples the critical problem areas where immedi-
munity ’s most precious asset and the who have been positively helped should ate attention needs to be given. It is now
anjumans and organized groups must q)- be publicized and praised. for the community as well as each of us
preciate, honor and help those couples
who give them to the community. Child child, by paying for the education, health est of the community ’s survival in mind,
care centers need to be set up at conven- costs, etc, giving the child the affection Let us accept the motto — adapt or
lent places — in Bombay evoy bang of a special aun^ncle. This sponsorship perish,
could have one — where working moth- may even encourage Parsi couples to
ers may leave their children. Elders, have one more child if such support is
unmarried and poa Parsi women could ensured fa the child ’s upkeep,
help these centers, thereby gaining some
remunerative employment as well. muim uiv wBiinitAniLjr, ..
Parsi youth shy away from “arranged the trend of mixed marriages cannot be De^i an^rr^yist ^o has worked
marriages — hopmg to meet the right stopped completely. We must face up to
man/woman — leading often to a late the inevitable and view it more positively,
marriage or a choice from another com-
in a desperate situation which calls for confidential lines by the Bombay Parsi They naturally choose partners who are
—------- "— PunchayeL Some v^ good matches equal or better in education, occupation
and income levels. Parsis many among
the highest socioeconomic groups of
other canmunities. It is no longer the
some East Europ^ countries e.g. East This has been noted in North America
Germany, incentives have been fairly also.
If this matter were considered coolly
Our youth must discuss this and guide and dispassionately, it would enable the
Such a course would also enable the
But the best inducement is the one three groups India-Pakistan, Iran and the
same direction.
But the ideal scenario would be for
Parsi and Iranian Zoroastrians to come
The issue of infertility within the started early. In a recent study done in
Clinic at the B. D. Petit Parsee General
Childless couples may sponsor a to think about it, keeping the larger inter
costs, etc, giving the child the affection
Ths text is abridged and edited from a paper
presented by.Ms Ava Khullar in the session on
“Demographic Trends of the Community and
Future Implications for Zoroastrian Institutions"
at the Fifth Worid Zoroastrian Congress. A
..... . I
with the Center for Study of Developing Socie
ties, Ms Khullar has conducted surveys of
pockets of the Zoroastrian community in
We have seen that it is Parsis from a Belgaum, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, etc.
While every effort may be made to
keep marriages within the community.
40 F>arsiana January 1990
I
ikb
5WZC DEMOGRAPHY
What the
population in India rose from 56.96 per
cent in 1881 to 69.87 percent in 1981.
Apart from the low birth rate, losses
due to the following causes can be as- Immediate line of action recommended
sumed: approximately 120-150 per year • Call an AU-India Parsi Demographic
on account of outmigration, 80-100 per Conference in Bombay in April or May
year on account of students going abroad 1990 under the auspices of the Federa-
and not returning to India, 40-50 pa* year tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of
on account of mixed marriages.
During 1977-1990 the birth rate re
mained around 12 and the death rate All-India Parsi Demographic Center in
around 22 resulting in a negative growth South Bombay with a small staff.
rate of 10 per 1,000 of the population. • The Center should work out a global
The birth rate of 10-12 per thousand is a picture of the Parsi population.
very low birth rate. The Bombay Parsis • This picture should made up-to-date
have experienced much higher birth rates one year ahead of each Congress. It
of 20-25 per 1,000 in the past, a few dec- should be presented in the form of a stan-
ades ago. The low birth rate is due to: no dard format.
marriage, late marriage, late consan
guineous marriage, mixed marriage, pau
city of children, working wives, prema- The corpus of the Bombay Parsi
ture deaths for reasons of ill-health, abor- Punchayet (BPP) has grown over 50 pcr-
tions, stillbirth, financial crunch, hous-
The Parsi community in Bombay is ing shortage, conversion to other faiths.
heading for a steep decline in population. Given such losses the actual growth rate 1989. For the future, there is need to
close to -1.7 percent per annum. The works out to -16.8 or -17. widen the net Income has grown from
community is in a demographic trap. _
Any year, after the turn of the century, the out for a 20-year period from 1961 to
all-India figure will drop below 1981 on a “moving average” basis.
50,(XX) creating problems which will re
quire assistance from government agen
cies.
To the best of my knowledge, only Bombay will be almost halved in the cent and 14 percent interest bearing de
one group, the people of the German next 35 years. There is strong reason to posits. The expenditure has increased to
DemcKratic Republic, have overcome believe toat the negative growth rate of
such a situation in the past From zero the magnitude of 1.70 percent per an- Nargolwala: losses will mount
growth they have gone over to a positive
rate of growth. The discipline and patri- [
otism of the East German people plus the
tremendous incentives provided by the
state made this change over possible.
Can we duplicate their example? It is
very much an uphill task. The whole of
Europe is aging. We, who have accepted
a western way of life and living stan
dards, cannot be an exception to the
trend.
num is expected to continue, if not in
crease further.
figures
foretell
India.
• As a result of the Conference, set up an
Peshotan Nargolwala
The BPP’s financial position
cent in 10 years, from Rs 6.05 crores in
1979 to Rs 9.67 crores on March 31,
The figure of -16.8 has been worked Rs 69.83 lakhs for a 12-month period in
1979 to Rs 1.99 crores for a period of 15
months ending March 31, 1989. Income
If the growth rate of -1.70 percent per is expected to grow in the coming dec
annum is to continue for the projection ades because of well-planned invest-
period, the Parsi peculation of Greater ments, from low interest bonds to 13 per-
An analysis of the
possible repercussions
on community
_ . institutions in Bombay
Jhe declining numbers , ,
Zoroastrians immigrated from Iran to as the number of
Indic in the eighth century. However, -w . . , •
there is no information regarding their zoroastrians continues
numbers till the census enumeration in
1881.
The number of Parsis in Greater Bom
bay rose till 1961 but showed a decline in
1971 and (Mice again in 1981. The per
centage of the Zoroastrian population in
Greater Bombay to the totd ^roastrian [
to dwindle
]
41 Parsiana January 1990at toe Golvad schools because of toe de- an average of 3.5 persons per flat, half the
a small extent to match the increase in in- at the Golvad schools because of the de- an average ot 5.3 persons per iiai, rum me
come. Steep increase in expenditure cline in birth rate and migration of popu- population of Greater Bombay would be
on property maintenance is expected as lation to the cities. But there is ex- staying m BPP and other
taxM and repair costs escalate. Elemo- plaining why there is a steep decline in Around 2021, the accommodation prob-
synary help extended to beneficiaries has the number of girls as cwnpared to the lem will ease considerably wh^ oiff
lation to the cities. But there is no ex
plaining why there is a steep decline in
staying in BPP and otoer charity flats.
taxes and repair costs escalate. Elemo-
SS^^mtwra'I^ coSmC^m 526 U iTinterelting to observe that girls po^lation comes down to 25,0M and
in 1979 to 568 in 1988. The amount have maintained an equal standard with 5,600 chmty flats are available^
given has risen from Rs 251 lakhs to Rs the boys in toe field of education. As we ' - - ’ * -
4 7? lalfhg During this period the popula- decline in numbers, we must stress on
tion has declined by approximately quality. It is felt that sranewhat higher
5,000. During the same period grant for expenditure on selective fields in educa-
marriage expenses has doubled and for tion wiU considerably benefit the commu-
obsequial ceremonies halved. Medical nity. It is gratifpng to note that more
grants have remained toe same. t ’ 7 " * “
Assistance offraed to Parsi farming turned by toe students,
families in Gujarat is a healthy feature.
It will stabilize toe farmers in Gujarat Housing
and prevent their out-migration to Bom
bay. The Surat Parsi Punchayet keeps a
^*^e°functiSrS ”the Health Unit at otoer 800 flats on the above stated lands now ra for the BPP, toe W^a Trasu
Gamadia Colony is satisfactory and at no
loss. Thirty-eight men and 30 women
stay at toe Parukh Dharamshalla. Four
teen ladies and seven men pay up to Rs
1,000 per month for a special room facil
ity. The rest are non-paying inmates.
This establishment is losing about Rs
Zoroastrian Population of British India
(excluding Aden and Burma) from 1881 to
1941 and for independent India from 1951
to 1981
Year Total In Greater Percentage of
Zoroastriara in
Greater Bombay
56.96
52.84
51.73
53.41
54.02
55.94
52.45
61.56
6933
70.86
69.87
Bombay
89,808 47,458
93,637 48,437
99,412 53,100
1881 85314 48397
1891
1901
1911
1921 1,01,075 54,600
1931 1,08,988 60.965
1941 1,14,890 60358
1951 1,11,791 68,816
1961 1,06,184 70,065
1971 96,735 64,667
1981 71,630 50,053
3.50 lakhs a year. This is basically a so
cioeconomic problem calling for assis
tance from a high grade economist.
The Doongerwadi too incurs a loss of
around four lakh rupees per year. The
number of deaths which is presently
around 20-25 per week will go down to
10-12 pw week by 2021, causing a cOTre-
sponding decline in income. Even if the
charges for the use of the Doongerwadi
facility are increased, chances are that
the losses will continue to mount due to
higher labra* costs. A close watch on the
functioning of Doongerwadi is required
both from financial and religious view
points.
A^ decline in attendance was expected
ta P^^na Januaty i990
quirk of fate to bring about a solution to
the housing problem!
With the passage of time the buildings
will become old and in need of heavy
repairs. The cost of repairs may escalate
..«j. — — e___ J—<5_______________ 3-5 percent per annum. The formula for
tiiM 98 percent of the loan amount is re- sharing of repair costs, applicable to
Wadia Baug flats, should be tried out in
all Parsi colonies and improved upon if
possible. Around 2011, 2021 and 2031,
are 3,800 flats under the control of some buildings will be more than 100
the BPP and the R. N. and N. N. Wadia years old and will have to be torn down
Trusts. FSI (floor space index) fra an- and rebuilt It may be necessary from
is avaiiflblp Othc/ Parsi trusts could and the tenants to joinfly buUd up finan-
have FSI for another 1,000 flats. There- cial resources fra a Housing Reconstruc-
fore total available FSI for additional tion Fund. It is suggested that the Bom-
construction could be 800t- 1,000 = 1,800 bay Parsi Punchayet arrange for toe
flats. This plus 3,800 flats makes a total preparation of a Housing Plan covering
of 5,600 flats. the next three to four decades so that it
The rate of construction of new flats can keep track of what is happening on
in toe past seven years (1983-89) has the housing front. A modest construction
been between 35-40 flats per year. Can target of 100 flats per year may be kept
we increase this rate to 100 flats per year in mind. The possibility of saving prime
over a decade or more, say the next 18- Parsi pre^rties in toe suburbs by prevent-
20 years? At toe rate of construction of ing their frilling into non-Parsi hands
100 flats per year, it will take 18 years to should also be considered.
craistruct 1,800 flats. That is, by toe year
2011 the community will have 5,600 Pars! managed schools
flats available for occupation. Thus be- According to an article by Prof K. C. Sh-
tween now and 2011 it is necessary to eriyar published in toe Navroze issue of
monitor construction of flats and speed it Jtm-e-Jamshed dated August 26, 1982,
up, specially to occupy vacant land and there are 20 high schools under Parsi
save on costs. A monitoring agency will management, toe majraity of them in
have to be established. In 2011, toe Parsi South Bombay. Of these only three
population would be around 30,000. At schools are for boys, nine schools are fra
«
Parsis in Greater Bombay, projections up to 2021
year Population Births Deaths
in Bombay
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
55,454
54,051
52,684
51352
50,053
49306
48,785
48,051
47329
46,764
46,037
45,443
44,815
44,165
43315
636
648
646
655
'550
462
486
570
601
500
580
620
550
550
1059
1047
1084
1074
997
983
1020
1092
966
1027
974
1048
1000
1000
Crude
Birth
Rate
113
12.0
12.3
12.8
13.0
9.3
10.0
11.9
12.7
10.7
12.6
13.6
12.3
12.5
Crude Growth
Death
Rate
19.1
19.4
20.6
20.9
19.9
19.9
20.9
22.7
20.4
22.0
213
23.1
22.3
22.6
rate
-7.6
-lA
-8.1
-6.9
-10.6
-10.9
-10.8
-7.7
-11.3
-8.6
-9.5
-10.0
-10.1
Excess
Deaths
over Births
423
399
438
419
347
521
534
522
365
527
394
428
450 estiinated
450«itiniatedgirls and eight are coeducational institu- ies and four atash bahrams. They are end of this apprenticeship he becomes a
tions. Four schools have junior college serviced by about 180 full-time mobeds full-fledged mobed.
facilities. A total of about 18,000 stu- and 100 p^-time mobeds. Many full- A scheme fOT training paramob^ un
dents study in th^e schools, of which time mobeds are in the old-age group der the guitUnce of the Federation of
about 3,400 are Parsis (19 pacait). To- (60+). The two madressas in Bombay Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India is
day the number of Parsi children would must produce at least a dozen mobeds also being tried out. P^amob^ can
be 3,(XX). per year frw the next 10 years or so to work on their own, or in conjunction
The Bombay Parsi population was replace and build up the ranks of the with regular priests, and perform prayers
around 70,000 in 1961, and has since mobeds. The younger athornans prefer and rituals which our scripture permit
' been declining at the rate of 1 pCTcent to to take to other professiois where re- This step will specially mitigate the
1.25 percent per year. So Parsi atten- wards are higher and where they can hardships on the mofussil fire-temples,
dance in Parsi schools all over Greatw have greater flexibility in their personal The paramobeds could also SCTve Zoroas-
Bombay should be declining. Let us find lives. A salary of Rs 2,000 per month for trian communities abroad.
' out if from 3,400 in 1982, it is 3,000 to- a mobedi aspirant does not tqipear attrac
tive any more. The Athravan Education Parsi professionals
Trust has also not produced the desired According to our estimate there are about
results. 5(X) Parsi professionals i.e. doctors, law-
The scarcity of mobeds will not affect yers, chartered accountants, tax advisers,
the seven atash bahrams in Western India cwisultants, etc all concentrated in South
in the initial stages. About a dozen of Bombay. It will be necessary to make a
the financially weak agiaries will be the survey of the professionals first and ad-
first to be adversely affected. The fire- vise them to form a Parsi Professionals
temples attached to the colonies and the Organization,
bangs will not be affected very much as . . -r_
girls and eight are coeducational institu-
facilities. A total of about 18,000 sto- and 100 part-time mobeds. Many full-
(60+). The two madressas in Bombay Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India is
out if from 3,400 in 1982, it is 3,000 to-
Pars! trusts should
see to it that more
Parsi parents are
attracted to their
schools
The top-level Parsi professionals will
not be affected by the decline in popula-
day in 1989. Anything below 3,000 could the population in these bangs will remain
be due to shift of population to the sub- f ’ ’ .
urbs. ..VW.— -...— — ------- — - _
schools in Greater Bombay is likely to wiU be seriously affected when the total populaUOT declines. In gena^, the pro
decline from 3,000 in 1990, to 2,400 in Parsi population of 40,0W at present (te- “ ' ’ ’ - *«- --’J’
2011 and to approximately 1,800 in r
2031. Assuming the average number of percent to 30 percent of the temples may
births at 500 pCT year for the decade 1980.-
90 and assuming a child remains in a ----------------
school for 12 years, there should be 6,000 that have served the community for over Some Parsi professional wgaiuzaUons
Parsi children to^y in all schools of a 100 years will cease to glow. At this will be bought over by non-Parsi profes-
Bombay. The fact that of these, 3,000, stage, the BPP must appoint a “Best Re- sionals because the son of the proprietor
i.e. 50 percent, are in Parsi-managed sponse Committee ” to go into all aspects may select another discipline in educa-
schools is some achievement for which of the problem taking into account the ' —
these schools should be justifiably proud, views of global bodies and their contri-
Parsi trusts should see to it that Parsi- bution to the problem. The BPP must en-
managed schools provide extra facilities sure that the funds received from the sale
like career guidance, tuition assistance fw of these properties are gainfully utilKed
those who need it, special assistance for for the benefit of the mobeds in particu-
? the brighter students, etc, so that mwe and lar and for the community in general.
more Parsi parents are attracted to our This ccanmittee should be chaired by an
schools. I am certain, but for the falling eminent, impartial lawyer and every deal
birth rate over the last three decades, should be examined,
more children would have been attending
Parsi-managed schools.
Parsi trusts must include Parsi princi- - ,
pals, Parsi vice-principals, other teaching determine the availability of mobeds. If to inherit the business as he has no issue
staff and good quality educational con- sufficient mobeds are available, well and or his only child has settled abroad.
- ... . „ ... -------- .-------- Under the above circumstances, the
Parsi Professionals Organization may, if
___ _______________ fairly constant. The fire-temples outside tion. The middle-level and the level be-
The Pa^fMtendance in Parsi the wbit of Parsi residential localities low will be adversely ^fected as the Parsi
____ _____ _ fessional consultation at the middle and
clines^to 25,000 by 2021. Around 25 lower levels takes place yay much on
communal lines. The Parsi professionals
face closure. will, therefore, feel the pinch when their
______________The fires in some of the fire-temples Parei clientele declines,
school for 12 yetffs, there should be 6,000 that have served the community for over
stage, the BPP must appoint a “Best Re-
The number of
deaths which is
presently around
20-25 per week will
go down to 10-12
per week by 2021
Between 2005 and 2011 when the
situation becomes critical, high priests
and community leaders should meet and tion or because the prc^rietor has no one
_______ ___ ___ sufficient mobeds are available, well and or his only child has settled abroad,
suitants on their boar^ to provide suit- good. If after providing adequate incen
able educaticMial opportunities to stu- tives, sufficient mobeds are not avail
dents who come to their schools. These able, can the “Iran” pattern of training possible, conduct a rescue operation and
schools must not lose their Parsi-man- be adqited in Bombay? Of course, see to it that another Parsi Professional
aged character. They should provide proval from all quarters including high takes over the handictqiped unit. Can
employment opportunities to Parsi priests will be necessary. The distinction Parsi enterprises be saved from falling
youngsters in the field of education. ' ’ .u. n i
Religious institutions and personnel
In the city of Bombay there are 44 agiar-
between athomans and behdins for the into non-Parsi hands, specially when
mobedi profession has been eliminated around 2021 there may not be more than
in Iran. A behdin mobed works in Iran 200-250 professionals working in the
for the first 10 years as mobedyar. At the field?
43 Parsiana January 1990Parsi managed hospitals
The Parsi population of Greater Bombay
will decline from 40,000 in January 1991
to 25,000 in January 2021, i.e. an ap
proximate reduction of 5,000 per decade.
The hospital beds available for the com
munity will be as follows:
B. D. Petit Parsee General
Hospital
285 beds
Masina Hospital
(The total number of beds are
215 of which 40-50 are, or
would be, made available for
the community)
The possibility,of
mechanizing
operations at
Doongerwadi
without hurting
religious feelings
can be explored
>
40 beds
caretakers of bunglis, malis (gardeners),
cleaners, and 15 variable employees like
nassessalars and others. I am infexmed
that there is very little scope to alter the
manpower complement even though the
number of bodies to be disposed of per
week will be halved. The financial loss
per year fix* maintaining the Doonger
wadi will mount from the current loss of
five lakhs per year, to an unbelievably
high figure assuming a labor cost in
crease of 10 percent per year.
The income at Doongerwadi will de
crease as the number of bodies to be dis-
The Parsee General Hospital has re- posed of will go down from year to year
ceived a princely donation of Rs 1.50 and there will be resistance to increase in
crores from Shapoorji Jdchi of Hong charges at the Doongerwadi.
Kong. It is suggested this donation be “
utilized in two stages: construct a sepa
rate building and centralize diagnostic religious feelings can be explored. 0th-
and medical facilities like pathology, X- erwise families may have to carry bodies
Ray, ICCU, ultrasonographic imaging to the site of disposal as is the case in
and other sections under one roof; and mofussil areas and the West.
I am thankful to Prof (Dr) S. Para-
ture into a three-storey structure after suraman of the Tata Institute of Social
25 beds making the necessary changes in the L- Sciences, Dr (Ms) S. Parasuraman of
---------- shaped building. the International Institute of Population
Total 400 beds The right course of action would be to Sciences and Dr (Ms) Shireen Je -
For a population of 40,000 at present, complete the first at the earliest The sec- jeebhoy, social science research consul-
it works to one bed for 100 persons of the ond stage is likely to increase the capac- tant, for the guidance I have received
population. This could be die highest ra- ity from the present 280 beds to 400 beds from them in preparing this paper,
tio of beds to a unit of population for any
civilized society in the world. The com
munity is lucky in matters of schools,
housing, hospitals, temples, etc gifted to money on the second stage the interest
us through the innate wisdom and gene-
Parsi Lying-in Hospital
(A modem 15,000 sq ft fully-
equipped 50-bed Hospital
proposed at the present site. It
may take five to six years for
the project to be completed
anticipating early clearance of
all sections)
The possibility of mechanizing opera
tions at the Doongerwadi without hurting
J. J. Hospital
50 beds then convert the present two-storey struc-
400 beds
1
in the future. This may not be necessary
if this Hospital has to serve the Parsi
community only. Instead of spending presented by Peshotan Nargolwala in die ses
sion on demography at the Fifth Worid Zoroas
trian Congress. A retired chemical and indus-
. . . . trial engineer, Nargolwala is now occupied in
rosity of our forefathers. ized to reduce the c^ierational deficit social work and has evinced a keen interest in
Of the four hospitals mentioned above, which is likely to be Rs 15-18 lakhs for demography.
The text is abridged and edited from a paper
from the amount thus saved could be util- ___
ized to reduce the (^rational deficit social work and has evinced a keen interest in
I shall discuss the impact of decline in 1989-90, and improve amenities for
population on the Parsee General Hospi- medical and other staff. Of the deficit
tai, as for decades to come it will consti
tute the main hospital facility for the com
munity.
working of the hospital are observed and gratuity payment reserve fund. It is pru-
the situation needs to be monitored care- dent to provide the 70 percent for depre-
fully.
Occupancy was close to 90 percent
for the 15-month period ending March in two broad categories: from Parsi trusts
31, 1989. Charges were increased from and institutions, which may increase and
May 1,1989 How this change will affect from Parsi individuals. This would de
occupancy, specially on ground and first crease with the decline in population.
floors, has to be observed. With the de
cline in population at the rate of over 17 Doongerwadi
percent in a decade, occupancy may
come down to 50-60 percent around
2021. Occupancy at Parsee General will population is 30,000, assuming a death
go down further due to shift of Parsi rate of 20 per 1,000, the number of
population to northern suburbs in the deaths per year wiU work out to 600 per
years to come and, the functioning of the year i.e. 12 deaths per week instead of
reconstructed Parsi Lying-in Hospital in the current figure of 20 per week.
South Bombay with 50 beds, five to six
years hence.
amount at present of Rs 10-15 lakhs, 30
percent is operational deficit and 70 per-
The following trends in the cent is on account of depreciation and
elation and gratuity reserve fund.
Donations to the Hospital are received
It has been stated that at present there are
1,000 deaths per year. When in 2011 the
The Doongerwadi manpower consists
of 25 fixed employees, including the
1
44 Parsiana January 1990
INDIA’S NO 1 ASTROLOGER
BEJAN DARUWALLA
Visits England & America
Ma y - June 1990
To arrange in-person consultation
Write/Telegram by May 10th latest
FOR LONDON
Bejan Daruwalla
CZo S. Pochkhanwala
48, Grand Drive
London SW 20
ENGLAND
FOR USA
Bejan Daiuwalla
C/o B. Davis
2221, Tenth Street
Colombus
Georgia 31906
USA
Exact itinerary to be arranged
according to demand
NQ. READINGS BY MAIL
ASTROLOGY/NUMEROLOGY
PALMISTRY/I-CHING
◆ ◆ ◆
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