Sep 1990

paW SEPTEMBER 1990 Rs 8 r I ^1 «Mbx. ’ ’t r w. V^ ’ .A r 4 . * «y-s\ • z •S'*? "'''•wi , z. \ ?• '’•Q W¥ ¦wS •A. 'C. Dastur Fif(>ze Kotwal on die offensive «sSeptember 1990 Volume 13 Number 3 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana H. Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah Fernandes 3 Editorial Viearpoint 4 Readers’ Forum 13 Events and Personalities MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D’Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver OFFICE Rajendra P. Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia Lewis, Rajalakshmi Krishnan, Bakhtavar Batliwalla, Nowzer Batliwala 19 Zoroastrians Abroad 27 “The divine laws of God must prevail” by Dastur Firoze Kotwal 30 Interview with Dastur Firoze Kotwal by Arnavaz Mama 34 Travels in Iran - 2 by Manekji Limji Hataria 36 Milestones 38 in Memoriam Cover: Kotwal addressing a meeting 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 white processing, Samir Process. All rights resen/ed. Phone: 2048730 Fax: 2042922 For editorial enquiries; 2048183 Telex 11-85710 RABO IN 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 400001EDITORIAL VIEWPOINT I Whither good thoughts, words and deeds? 'Religious laws' must be viewed in the overall context of the Prophet's message Zoroastrianism controversy that surrounded the denial of stresses that of all the virtues, righteous- The tragic death of Roxan Shah and the the right against evil. Zoroastrianism gates both men and women who marry controversy that surrounded the denial of stresses that of all the virtues, righteous- out of the faith, he particularly states that her right to be interred in the towers of ness is the most desirable. The Ashem “such women do great damage to the silence forms an unfortunate chapter in ....................................................... ' the history of the Parsis in India. But in its wake it has opened another more bit ­ ter and divisive embroglio following a _ frontal attack by a Bombay High Priest eousness in Dr Kotwal ’s letter? Where Punchayet by demanding that ‘such on Parsi women and men married to non- does he state that whatever may be stated women ’ give in writing that they are Parsis. Dastur (Dr) Firoze M. Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. Wadia Atash Bahram has said, “a union between a Mazdayasni and non-Mazdayasni...hurts and distresses Ahura Mazda ” and has labelled all children of intercommunity Priest ’s analysis? unions “illegitimate in the Zoroastrian “ religion. ” Whatever may be Kotwal ’s feelings haps even chapters of certain scriptures, and beliefs, keeping in mind his position E — - ------ I as religious leader, he should have been Zoroastrianism havoc mullah rule has created in Iran and brought non-believers into the faith? churches and ashrams of other faiths? other countries that follow ‘religious Would Kotwal welcome such converts? Why not ask it of all those who do not laws. ’ These messiahs claim the laws Would he exhort a man or woman marry- wear a sudreh/kusti or who smoke a ciga- are made by God and they are carrying ing a non-Zoroastrian to convert their rette or who go about bareheaded? Why out His ‘orders. ’ In fact the laws are spouse-to-be into Zoroastrianism? Or not ask all the bereaved families if the man-made (mullah-made, so to say) and would he then label such a marriage departed souls were not sinners, gam- they are executed by whim and fancy, ‘adulterous? ’ biers, drug addicts or thieves — all the The only difference ^tween a Khomeini and a Saddam Hussein is the beard and robe. are arbitrary, whimsical, cruel, unjust Why not transpose the Chinwad Dastur Kotwal puts his case forward and unreasonable. One can argue that Bridge to doongerwadi and let the trus- as a lawyer. He states what he wishes to even our civil laws are so. But then a per- tees, guided by the high priests, sit in be known. ‘Religious ’ laws cannot be son in India or Britain or in the U.S. judgment on each soul and determine if applied by only quoting chapter and stands a better chance of a fair trial than they were Zoroastrians? verse of various scriptures. They have to his hapless counterpart in Iran, Iraq or be viewed in the overall content and Pakistan, message of the prophet and his disciples. Zoroastrianism stresses l thoughts, good words and good deeds, position in the Zoroastrian tradition to Zoroastrianism says fight on the side of bolster his argument. While he casti- Vohu and the Yatha Ahu Vairyo, the first Zoroastrian religion. ” Such men, we pre ­ prayers any Parsi or Zoroastrian child sume, do not. learns, talk of following righteousness. The discrimination is carried further Yet where is the eniphasis on right- by the trustees of the Bombay Parsi I I ! does he state that whatever may be stated in any book or scripture must stand the Parsi Zoroastrian and have not mamed test of morality, of justice, of right and under other religious rites such as may wrong? deem them to have converted to another 2k)roastrianism emphasizes charity, religion. Why has such an undertaking But where does charity figure in the High not been demanded of men who have married out? They too could have been married under Hindu or Muslim laws, amongst others? And why demand an undertaking only Does he mention that in ancient Iran, from those, who have married out? Why ¦ ¦ I enjoined conversion? not ask it of all Parsi Zoroastrians who more circumspect. We have seen what That people were rewarded if they pray and worship at the shrines, temples. To him Zoroastrianism is what is writ ­ ten in selective sentences, verses, per- ‘adulterous? ’ ' 1 The greatest danger of religious laws wrong doings that would ‘hurt and dis- when applied to a civil state is that they tress Ahura Mazda. ’ are arbitrary, whimsical, cruel, unjust even our civil laws are so. But then a per ­ son in India or Britain or in the U.S. if such criteria were applied, only the bodies of the very young and a saint or two would rest on the weather-beaten good ditions that relegate women to a lowly stone of the dokhma. For there are many Parsis in our community but very few Zoroastrians. Kotwal cites several customs and tra- 3 Parsiana September 1^0READERS’ FORUM ' t f M 4 » k > ) » > #• « i I * I < M ) r» < ) '»«»!?» » . »r*>>>’ M ttt»* »* fI ‘ M > » - in - , ( t • »»»«•( ... F. * I ? *»>» ... dm i.tt f • S’**/*-*' I**'*,; * iiwr- tnt*’ V I would request you and Mr Irani to (Ms) Rashna Writer had carried out an correct an error regarding the relationship indepth research on the future of the of certain parties mentioned in the report. Ms Thrity Poonavala is no longer the daughter-in-law of Savak Patell. After prime importance to preserving our pre- the demise of Mr Burjor Savak Patell she cepts and religious practices. Sadly this married her brother-in-law, one Mr very thing Mr Noshir Vajifdar of Ooty Poonavala, and has a daughter. Mr Savak Patell is very much alive, and mentally and physically fit. Apart Indians. Why should we anglicize our from his late son Burjor he has two sur- religion? Why should we allow spiritual viving, married daughters. They are his apathy of some people to dilute our family and not a remarried widow. sacred trust? f. j. desai Coonoor, Nilgiiis Zoroastrian race worldwide. For the race to survive, the research findings gave wants us to condemn. After all, Ooty is in India and we are KERSIFARAMJI D,M.A1. Ahmedabad 1 refer to “The Well Placed Anjuman ” (Parsiana, April 1990) wherein some views which I have expressed have raised “The Well Placed...” In “The Well Placed Anjuman ” (Par­ siana, April 1990) the president of the a few eye-brows. In particular, some have Nilgiris Zarthosti Anjuman has deni- declared that the absence of a dokhma, grated our religious practices, dokhmas, agiary and a permanent mobed in the j dasturs, agiaries, and even the holy fire. Nilgiris being considered fortunate is a He has labeled all these as “dogmatic sacrilegious statement and shows the pressures. ” Since the above views are published as part of the Nilgiris Anjuman story, I, as a pressed in that article are my own per ­ member of this Anjuman, would like to sonal views and not the views of the Readers'views are welcome on any subject express my disappointment towards the Nilgiris Anjuman as a whole or of its trus- of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. >»* Nilgiris Parsis in a bad light. I therefore want to make it clear that the views ex- Anjuman trustees and the president, Mr tees. My views are based largely on prac- Noshir Vaj i fdar. tical considerations and on the basis of the In the Nilgiris we have a very small position of dokhmas and agiaries prevail- Parsi community. Like in many other ing today in many parts of our country, such small places, it is neither justifiable and the difficulties the community is fac- nor practical to have mobeds and agiaries. The Anjuman has been providing excel ­ lent service to the local Parsi community “Dorabjee Trust land...” during all kinds of occasions. But never- The article “Dorabjee Trust land(ing) in theless, it is rather distasteful when the dispute ” (Parsiana, June 1990) has given president, on behalf of this Anjuman, Karachi (where every student wore a a shock to all concerned to know how starts preaching alterations in our religion Parsi cap) and have been influenced by charity funds are swallowed up. It is also for the sake of convenience. personal contacts with scholars of emi- very shocking to know that the champion I have been residing in the UK for over nence like Dastur (Dr) M. N. Dhalla, and custodian of charities viz the joint 25 years and along with the Nilgiris Manek Pithawalla and later. Dr Iruch Tar ­ charity commissioner permitted the sale Anjuman, I also belong to the Zoroastrian aporewala (in Calcutta). of such property. Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), London. I have received requests from some of The niggardly sum of Rs 9.75 lakhs was fixed by the joint charity commis ­ sioner for a most centrally situated prop- religion in its original form. We encour- for my two books: Let Us Pray — to erty worth over one crore rupees. The age our children to respect mobeds and Ahura Mazda and Teach Me To Pray to amount of Rs 41 lakhs illegally obtained visiting dastur sahebs from India. Re- be sold at the K. R. Cama Oriental Insti- should be deposited in Court and the in- ' " - - - - - vestment interest distributed to the poor pleted a series of enlightening lectures on Parsis of Surat and Pune instead of the the significance of our religious practices ond edition printed locally, with a few wrongdoer taking the benefit and fritter- and prayers. These lectures were given ing away the amount. by various scholars, some of whom were Kudos to Mr Gustasp Irani for bring- Zoroastrians from Iran, ing out this scandal wherein the trustees themselves want to enjoy the charity in- the Department of Comparative Relig- stead of poor Parsis. ions, Manchester University, and Dr ing in finding mobcds. I am not an irreligious person: if I was, I would not be spending my time, energy and money in writing books on our relig ­ ion. I was brought up in a Parsi school in 4 Parsiana September 1990 I have been residing in the UK for over Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), London. The great majority of Parsis settled in the your readers for copies of my books, and 1 West do respect and try to preserve our am happy to state that I hope to arrange religion in its original form. We encour- visiting dastur sahebs from India. Re­ cently the ZTFE has successfully com- tute very shortly. Teach Me To Pray was in short supply and I have just had a sec- additions and changes. These books are not being sold with a view to profit — their only purpose is to spread the true Two years ago. Prof John Hinnells of spirit of our religion among both Parsis and non-Parsis. n h. vajifdar OotacamundI I “The correct position?” M. S. Petit has asked for information on some correct position? ” Readers ’ Forum, Par­ siana, April 1990). What is the connec ­ tion, he asks, between Darius of Ponius in the first century BC and Darius the continued down the centuries; in the six- Great of the sixth century BC? Who icenlh century the secondJking of the Sa- were kings Faridun, Farokhzat Kersasp of Azarbaijan? I shall try to enlighten him. ___ from India to the Mediterranean Sea. It origin of the men; they say nothing about was divided into provinces ruled by sa­ traps. After Alexander defeated the Per ­ sians in 331 BC, many of the satraps and means unusual for Muslim Iranians to governors of the outlying provinces set have names like Shapur and Fcridun. up their own kingdoms. One of these The last prime minister under the Shah was Ponius, south of the Black Sea, in " modem Turkey. (The ancient Greek name of the Black Sea was the Pontic 5asp, mentioned by Mr Petit, I have not Sea). The kings were Zoroastrians and come across their ^es in my scanty so were many of the high officials and reading of Azarbaijan history. They some of the Iranian settlers, but the mass ....................... '*¦'* of the population were indigenous, fol ­ lowing their local religion. The most would have been Muslims, famous of the Pontic kings was Milhri- ' T' " ' ‘ become Persianized. A minister of one of the Ghaznavid rulers was Bahram b. questions that puzzle him (“The Mafinna. One of the Buyid princes was “ ~ Fana-Khusrau, son of Majd al-Daula. A Kakuyid prince was named Faramurz b. ‘Ala ’ al-Daula. This Persianising trend icenlh century the second king of the Sa- and favid dynasty was named Tahmasp. The Iranian names borne by the princes and nobles of the eleventh cen- Thc Achacmcnian Empire stretched tury and after merely show the Persian their religion. In fact, all these men were fervent Muslims. Even today it is by no have names like Shapur and Fcridun. was Shapur Bakhtiar. As for Faridun, Farokhzat and Ker- They were probably local rulers in that region and, in the eleventh and twelfth century, famous of the Pontic kings was Milhri- Mr Petit says that in the eight century dates VI Eupator (c 121-63 BC); the last most of the Zoroas^-ians in Persia (my of the line was Darius (39-37?). italics) migrated to India. I must correct Many of these rulers, of Ponius, Cap- this staiemenL The largest number of padocia, Commagene, claimed descent mights I have seen mentioned in Parsi from the Achaemenians. Darius is a tradition is 18,000 who are said to have fairly common name in the Achaemenian come in five ships. Thi.s figure is suspect dynasty. We have Darius the Great (522- as it would require each ship to carry 486 BC), Darius Ochus (424-405 BQ^ 3,600 persons ’. Another tradition says Darius Codomannus (336-331 BC). that about 450 families came to India, A similar situation prevailed after the which will mean about 2,000 persons — a Arab victory at Nihavand in 641 AD. more reasonable number. ileeduljee Some of the governors of the provinces, Ooucamund specially in Trans-Caucasia, Gilan, Dailam (the scene of the recent devastat- WZiO 311(1 ttie vOngrOSS ing earthquake in Iran) and Tabaristan, The proceedings of the Federation of set up their own kingdoms. The court Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India and the officials as well as most of the ' ' population of these states were Zoroasiri- ans and all were Iranians. Over the next _ _ _ three to four generations, first the masses erly ” {Parsiana, February 1990). and then the rulers and the nobles con- I was surprised to read in it the com- verted to Islam but they still retained ments made by Mr. Jamshed N. Guzder, their Iranian names. namely, that he/they do not recognize the Taking the eleventh century AD as an World Zoroasirian Organisation (WZO) to the WZO to attoid the Fifth World Many of these rulers, of Ponius, Cap ­ dynasty. We have Darius the Great (522- more reasonable number. meeting held al Madras during the last quarter of 1989 have been reported in great detail in “The plight of the eld- I was surprised to read in it the com- . example: A ruler of Arran was named and therefore had not sent an invitation Anushirvan b. al-Lashkari. In Tabaristan to the WZO to attoid the Fifth World one of the governors was Manuchihr b. Zoroastrian Congress (5WZC) which Qubus who was a strict Sunni, was held in January of this year. When Manuchihr ’s brother was named Dara some of the delegates protested at this and his son was Anushirvan Sharaf al- Ma ’al-i. The rulers of Sharvan had names like Anushirvan and Manuchihr but were strict Sunni. situation, Mr Guzder went on to say that invitations had been sent to the chairper- ___ ____________ son of WZO, Dr (Ms) Shirinbanoo S. descended from Yazid b. Mazyad, a Kutar and the president of WZO Mr chief of the Arab tribe of Shaiban. This shows the extent to which the Arabs had Shahpur F. Captain in their individual capacities. Further, Mr Jamsheed Kanga 7 Parsiana September 1990 BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Educa ­ tion for Indian Merit Scholars. Excellent Climate — All­ round Education: All Academic Subjects — Technical Subjects: Work ­ shop Technology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Car ­ pentry & Farming. Training in Self-Government through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Games — Physical Training — Daily Assembly with Con­ gregational Prayers — Weekly intensive Zoroastrian —Geeta —Koran classes — Ex­ cellent Modern Kitchen and Dining Room facilities —Airy Dormitories. Moderate Fees. Concessions Students. to Deserving Apply to THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building 324 Dr. D N. Road Bombay 400001 ! iEvery year ZAGNY holds a luncheon Stated that the Bombay Parsi Punchayet constitution of the WZO Ltd, which is a (BPP)/Federation was not treating the company limited by guarantee registered get-together in honor of the Udwada “WZO as a pariah ” and that they cooper ­ ated with the WZO in matters of finance. Sir, to say the least, I find these state ­ ments and the thinking behind it to be amazing. The WZO has not been func- truly representative world body of tioning very ' successfully since the last Zoroastrians and therefore the Federation 10 years (sic) and to mention that this does not recognize WZO Ltd as such a body is not recognized tantamounts to not truly representative world body. How- recognizing reality as it exists. Will Mr Jamshed Guzder, or Mr Jam- sheed Kanga or any other trustee of the does not come in the way of the Federa- BPP or official of the Federation please reply to the following points: • Is the World Zoroastrian Congress plementing any projects meant for the holy places, for helping the athomans meant for all Zoroastrians or not? welfare of Zoroastrians. and for giving assistance to nassessalars, • If it is for Zoroastrians, then how could / the BPP/Federation refuse to invite the 5WZC, we would state that FEZANA WZO? • Are we to assume, by some strange North America), Zoroastrian Trust Funds quirk of imagination, that WZO is not a of Europe, Zoroastrian Anjuman of 5,000 to five holy places for kathi, Rs Zoroastrian organization? (We all know Tehran, Iran, Karachi Parsi Anjuman, 5,000 towards helping deserving Parsi that WZO is a Zoroastrian organization of Pakistan and the Australian Zoroastrian peasants and Rs 5,000 towards the better ­ eminence). Association of New South Wales were • On the one hand, Mr Guzder states that requested to nominate panelists for the he does not recognize the WZO and on plenary sessions and participants for the food grains, staples and necessities. the other hand Mr Jamsheed Kanga rec- two workshops. These request letters Dr sam s. biiacca ognizes its existence so far as financial were issued bv Mr J. N. Guzder in his President, Parsi Panchayat Board, surat assistance is concerned. Why this dichot- < omy? ] I recall that at the opening ceremony I of the Fourth World Zoroastrain Con- shops and panelists from each country gress, the chairman of the BPP, Dr Aspi should be chosen by its national federa- Golwalla and Mr Guzder, a trustee of the tion or by the major representative BPP had openly congratulated Mr anjumans/association if the national fed- Shahpur F. Captain for the formation of eration was yet to be formed, the WZO and expressed delight at his presence that evening. Is this not recog ­ nition? Do I detect tinges of jealousy and nation of Rs 46,760 from the members of politics? Ms B. J. prniAWALLA the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) and other fellow Dr Aspi F. Golwalla, president of the Zoroastrians. This amount is to be used Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anju- for the Kathi Fund of Iranshah and for mans of India, replies helping poor mobeds, nassessalars and The organizational structure and behdins. Ms B. J. PrniAWALLA organizational structure i^gSs in the UK, have been outlined in its Atash Bahram when Zoroastrians make memorandum of association and articles their generous donations. Our Udwada of association. These are not in conso ­ nance with the Federation ’s concept of a ever, such non-recognition of its truly representative character should not and tion joining hands with such a body in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill in im- anjuman is grateful to our fellow Zoroas ­ trians of America. KAIKOBAD PHIROZEJIDASTOOR High Priest, tanshah, Udwada The Surat Parsi Panchayat received a donation of Rs 46,760 from the members of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) and other fellow Zoroastrians. The amount is to be util ­ ized for building up the kathi fund of welfare of Zoroastrians. As regards the invitation to the deserving Parsis, etc. —. . ___ . —Accordingly, Rs 14,400 have been (Federation of Zoroastrian Anjumans of distributed to 45 Parsi priests, Rs 16,450 to 164 poor Parsis, nassessalars, etc, Rs two workshops. These request letters were issued by Mr J. N. Guzder in his capacity as chairman of the 5WZC at the request of the subjects committee which had decided that participants in the work- ZAGNY’s assistance The Udwada anjuman has received a do- Gift Shop rr, .1 ¦< Gujarat to have a road named after him, notes The Times of India of June 5,1990. The stretch of road from Alkapuri to ning tea. For visitors who wish to use the facilities only for a bath, a meal, a few ___ _ winks and check out the same day, the I says Jehangir M. Irani, manager of the charges are Rs 35 per head. The meals I Dharamshala, adding, “The donatione in nnnmitv and nnal- ¦ were made in liters of paint. Twenty li- p ters from X, 20 liters from Y. For in- stance Ms Naju Daver (who is famous for her embroidered garas) donated 60 liters. ” Labor and other raw material costs like lanpi (undercoat), were borne by the and pillow case for each guest. Covering Udwada Anjuman which runs the estab ­ lishment. The damages? A modest Rs 15,000, plus another Rs 500 to replace all The donations are wholesome both in quantity and qual­ ity, claims Irani, who adds: “I personally do all the marketing. ” Also a matter of pride is the ‘sweet watef that comes from the Dharamshala ’s well. The charges include a fresh new sheet sheets and towels, however, are not pro ­ vided. In winter Irani has a few blankets which he rents out to guests at Re 1 per 13 Parsiana September 1990Among the future activities planned president of the People To People Intcr- for the children are sessions explaining national ’s (PTPI) Bombay Chapter, on the significance of the jashan ceremony October 14, 1990 in Washington, notes a where through active participation and rit- press release from the Bombay chapter, present Dharamshala building goes back ual gestures the children will learn to T.™ ..Ill „ 1---2. ..J 1' 80 years. '___ - ---------- 1----- ' Prince Hotel which later changed hands and also its name to Reza Shah Hotel. At that time, the original Sodawaterwala Rustomji. Dharamshala, located near the station, had been donated by the founder to the Par SI SFIOOkerS meet Udwada Anjuman. i_____ Government of Bombay purchased the organized by the Federation of Zoroas- property under one of its development trian Associations for Welfare and Cul- schemes — Morarji Desai was chief min- l_- ister then — and the Udwada Anjuman India participated, notes a press release walla who, for ¦ nearly 10 y^, has been used the proceeds from the transaction to buy over the floundering Reza Shah Ho­ tel property and relocate the Sodawater ­ wala Dharamshala there. For years the Dharamshala provided Gymkhana on June 7,1990 young Marzdi food and shelter for visiting Zoroastrian Kalyaniwala emerged the winner, devotees. There was a time, however, E. , when due to neglect the establishment FOZAWAC organized the Second A^- went to seed before it was nursed back to I „ ~ * health. Now Irani proudly claims: “We athletes participated. The trainees bene- are probably the best Dharamshala in ‘ - dwada . ’ ’ Oususp Irani blanket per night. If the Dharamshala is packed to capacity, there may not be enough blankets for all. According to Irani, the origin of the „ ______ __1 .............. ¦" ’ ¦ > The function will coincide with the Then the structure housed understand the message of the ceremony, birth anniversary of President Dwight They will also be encouraged to depict Eisenhower who had set up PTPI after the Zoroastrian themes through art, informs Second World War to promott world peace through international unaerstand- ing. US president George Bush as honor ­ ary chairman of this organization is ex- Around 1955, the In the first all-Parsi snooker tournament pected to present this award, informs the ¦ “ release. The international headquarters de- ture (FOZAWAC) 60 players from West cided to confer this award on Limath- sent by Dara K. Parakh, general secretary associated with PTPI on its global and of FOZAWAC. The tournament was ' • — , . r conducted by the enthusiastic Percy Wa- dia. In the final round at Bombay ’s Parsee local projects. He was also chairman of the drug abuse committee which organ ­ ized REACH ’89, it is further reported. Ad Club’s new president Earlier, in the month of May, The newly elected president of the Adver- , ~ • * ¦. tising Club, Bombay is Sam Balsara, letic Coaching °Camp where about 170 chief executive and managing partner of __ _ ___ ¦ ~ ’ Madison Advertising Limited, notes The fitted from the coaching given by Dara Afternoon Despatch and Courier dated with the Club spanning more than 10 _ __ _ _____ ________ years, Balsara has served as vice presi- “One liule bov not yet two years old, letes were chosen to receive year-round dent, honorary treasurer and honorary his han(E and swayed his t^y he s^g suits and shoes. Among the prize winners publication Solus. the monajat (intimate conversation with Ms Amaz Irani was adjudged the best God) at the top of his voice! ” He was one junior trainee, of the members of The Little Farohars C who had regaled the Delhi Parsi Anjuman Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee Joshed organiz^ w^ on (DPA) on the occasion of Jamshedi C___________ . ‘_____‘ Navroze, writes Farrokh Rustomji, honor- Jamshedji jicknovdedged the contribu- ary secretary of the DPA. Monajats in 1 Doomasia and Adille Sumariwala. The June 27, 1990. During his asswiation Iranis of Wibs presented T-shirts to all the The Little Farohars participants. Further, 20 promising ath- Stood right in front of the group, clapped training and, additionally, gifted track secretary in addition to editing the Club s his hands and swayed his body as he sang suitsandshoes. Among the prize winners publication Solus. ¦ - • .............. ¦ ’ 1 He is a regular speaker at advertising seminars and forums and a contributor to On the last day of the camp Bombay business journals. One of the seminars he _ • —--- T---- u-j ------ “Advertising Works ” Guzder and " sports enthusiast Dinyar where through case studies the effective ­ ness of advertising was proved. As mem­ ber of the Doordarshan Committee of the Gujarati, composed by the late Rustom and supported their efforts in training Advertising Agencies Ass^iaUons of Saklath of Calcutta, were sung by the " ‘ ‘ children aged two to 11 years with musi ­ cal accompaniment provided by one of tional level, further reads the release, the mothers. The Little Farohars are a group about 20 children who are being taught to revere and understand the Zoroastrian prayers from an early age, informs Rus ­ tomji. This religious class for children, conceived by the DPA, meets every alter ­ nate Saturday at the Anjuman premises under the guidance of Dr (Ms) Sabar Havewala of Nehru University and author Ms Piloo Jungalwalla. They are taught prayers, told stories from the Shah Na- mah, are encouraged to talk on the life of Zarathushtra and are also urged to ask questions. Farohars, was conceived by Ms Dhun Bagli, manageress of the Mengusi Parsi Dharamsala. tion of FOZAWAC in promoting sports. Parsi youngsters to compete at meets not dia he looked into the problems relating to only at the state level but also at the na- the industry. His advertising agency, Madison, is credited with handling campaigns for of Limathwalla feted some of the country ’s largest business The Eisenhower Centennial 1890-1990 houses like Tata, Godrej, Bfiie St^ and Special Recognition Award will be pre- The name. The Little ____ 3___.............. ........... . ¦ Longines of Switzerland. Prior to that he sented to Kersi Limathwalla, former was with Mudra Communications from where he resigned as vice president after contributing substantially to Mudra ’s fi ­ nancial growth, notes a press release. Before entering the advertising field the 39-year-old executive was in market ­ ing. He postgraduated in management from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Man ­ agement Studies, ’ and before that had studied at Bangalore ’s Bishop Cotton Boys ’ School and St Joseph ’s College of Commerce. He was first with Sarabhai before he moved on to Cadbury as general manager, further notes the release. Limathwalla (left) and Balsara 14 Parsiana September 1390For the lost cause Experienced insurance executive Adarbad Maneksha Wadia took over as managing director of the Loss Prevention Associa ­ tion of India Limited (LPA) this year, notes The Economic Times of June 30, standing performance in his medical Motor Sports Clubs of India, further adds 1990. During his tenure he will focus on the Association ’s main objectives: To publicize the causes and the magnitude of felicitation function, outstanding dignitar- losses and to create an awareness of the ' need for loss prevention; to provide edu ­ cation and training; to provide consul ­ tancy and advisory services; and to build and maintain a data bank on loss preven ­ tion. A non-profit organization, the LPA Medical College which is affiliated to the was had passed the MD (Doctor of Medicine) the last Himalayan Rally, on reaching examination in January 1990 with distinc- Germany they were hosted by the organ- tion, Patel, who hails from Nasik, was izers A. M. Motorsport. Part of their lauded by the group with a silver salver travel expenses were sponsored by Vijay and a citation in recognition of his out- Mallya, chairman of the Federation of exam, standing second in the University The Observer. of Bombay, notes a press release. At the Welfare Centre’s 50 ies of Nasik and Patel ’s former teachers The Dadar Parsi Welfare Centre and associates recollected the achiever ’s (DPWC) which is in its golden jubilee distinctive academic career. year organized a ball, a fashion show, a At present, the 26-year-old doctor is a boat cruise and a dinner-and-dance to teaching registrar in obstetrics and gyne- raise funds for its future projects, notes a cology at the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal press release. The additional FSI (floor space index) set up 12 years ago. Ideally they Medical Council of India and the Univer- that they reportedly have at their prem- sity of Bombay. A member of the Bom- ises at Munsif Building from where they bay Obstetric and Gynaecological Soci- conduct their different activities is pro- ety, Patel has presented several papers on posed to be used by constructing two ad- gynecological subjects which have been ditional floors. The DPWC intends utiliz- published in scientific journals, mentions ing the space by starting a creche for in- his bio data. His plans for the future in- fants of working mothers, a hostel for elude building of a hospital in Nasik. working girls and students, and commer- Navaz rallvintv ahrnarl computer classes to rehabilitate INavaz, rallying aoroan educate the deserving, notes the re- Upcoming Indian woman rallyist Navaz lease. Bhathena enjoys the distinction of being The Centre is presently concentrating invited to participate in the prestigious qh running its Ranina Day Nursery Hunsruck Rally in Germany, notes The where 120 children from different / • * ¦ d I w; The Centre is presently concentrating Wadia (left) and Patel nuiiMuuK ivaiiy iii vjciiiiaiiy, iiuics i ric where 120 Children from different com- would like to prevent all losses, whether Sunday Observer of June 17, 1990. The munities from two-and-a-half to fiye of insured property or otherwise, and if Rally, ranked among the best in the years of age are, through education and that is not possible to minimize the impact world, is a part of the European Champi- recreational activities, kept occupied of such losses. The LPA’s activities onship circuit where the competitors during the day. Additionally, the mainly concern losses due to fire, dam- have to drive on asphalt roads. Mother ’s Club involves the parents in the ages to cargo and road accidents, notes an At the Rally held in Trier about 150 activities of the institution. The indus- information brochure. This Association is km from Frankfurt, Bhathena and her trial section runs the tailoring and em- sponsored by the General Insurance Cor- navigator from India Anita Nanjapa were broidery classes, cooking and music poration of India, National Insurance given a Mitsubishi Starion supposed to classes. Company Limited, The New India Assur- be a dream car known for its speed and Founded in 1940 by Kaikhushroo ance Company Limited, The Oriental In- reliability. During the event, the pair Nanabhoy Ranina, the DPWC had as its surance Company Limited and the United ‘ ............. ' India Insurance Company Limited. Prior to joining LPA, Wadia was asso ­ ciated with the Oriental Insurance Com­ pany and the General Insurance Corpora ­ tion from 1951 to ’89 serving in various safety senior positions. He started his career with the then Oriental Fire and General Insurance Company. The 57-year-old ex­ ecutive has also served as deputy chair ­ man of the Bombay regional committee of the Tariff Advisory Committee (Gen ­ eral Insurance). He is presently on the di­ rectorial board of Lakshmi Starch Lim ­ ited, notes a press release from the LPA. Doctor felicitated The Parsis of Nasik, Nasik Road and Deolali organized a special felicitation function at the Neterwalla Hall on July 1, Hunsruck Rally who had reportedly been bay Stock Exchange for the year 1990-91, 1990 to honor Dr Rumi Dhun Patel who impressed by Bhathena ’s performance at continued on page 29 onship circuit where the competitors during the day. have to drive on asphalt roads. j ' • At the Rally held in Trier about 150 activities of the institution. The indus- km from Frankfurt, Bhathena and her trial section runs the tailoring and em- given a Mitsubishi Starion supposed to classes, be a dream car known for its speed and were also provided with a service car and aims the promotion of physical, mental two mechanics for maintenance. and moral education of the less affluent They went to Germany a few days in members of the community. Some of its advance to prepare themselves for the activities like the running of the clinic new racing conditions and to undergo a were transferred to the Bombay Parsi -‘¦-*7 training course. Though Punchayet (BPP) and other projects Bhathena ’s only aim was ‘‘to finish the delegated to enthusiastic workers. . - To conduct its proposed activities, the course. event, ” realizing that the experience ' • • ¦ * would be totally new to them, they could Centre hopes to collect by way of dona- not succeed, notes a family source. They tions a target sum of thirty lakh rupees, had every intention of offering competi- Those desirous of donating can send in tion to the women participants. However their contributions to 'The Dadar Parsi they had to give up mid way after meet- Welfare Centre, Imperial Mahal, Khoda- ing with an accident where fortunately dad Circle, Dadar, Bombay 400014. they escaped unhurt. Yet just participat- ing in the meet they considered ‘‘an SPOTLIGHT achievement. ” R. K. Daruwalla and Y. H. Malegam Invited to Germany by Henning have been renominated public representa- Wunsch, one of the organizers of the lives on the governing board of the Bom- 16 Parsiana September 19901 ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD KARACHI The cross-cultural bind Operating within an Islamic milieu, some Parsis in Karachi are adjusting to the environmental demands while others are opting for migration Parinaz Gandhi ¦ ¦ " I The Rs 20,00,000 expected to be net- have a different car model; the variety ted from this housing project will go ¦ ¦ , towards the corpus of the Anjuman. Even the “The Anjuman is rich in property but has always been poor where its cash re ­ sources are concerned, ” mentions the of their car. And every family seems to “Have you reported to the police? ” Friends, well-wishers, and even first ­ time acquaintances accost you with this lends color and dimension to the wide, question. Their intention is not to make well-laid-out Karachi roads. F you feel like a criminal but to remind residential colonies for the Parsis are so you that you are now in Pakistan and, as designed that there are rows of independ- per the rules applicable to visitors from ent bungalows occasionally interspersed first Review/Newsletter of the KPATF of neighboring India, within 24 hours of with a few squat apartment blocks as in 1988. “What has happened in the case landing in Pakistan you are supposed to the case of the Parsi Colony or the Cyrus of old buildings managed by the intimate the police of your arriv^. '" -- - - - - ¦ ~ Try telling your well-meaning guardi ­ ans that you will undertake this mission the first thing next morning and their events. And since each housing colony is immediate concern is to arrange an es- ’ cort and vehicle for your conveyance. You soon realize that there are not many public conveyance options available to an individual in Karachi. In the days of the 2,800-3,000 strong community in the tram, the conditions were different, Karachi. The population statistics are but today a visitor is forewarned: don ’t provided by Byram Avari, trustee of the are being expended “on the maintenance try to step into a bus; never take a cab if Karachi Parsi Anjuman Trust Fund of buildings, ” informs Major Gustad you are alone, and especially if a female; (KPATF). Nanavati, trustee of the KPATF. Funds if you sit in an autorickshaw be very • alert. It is not surprising that most Parsi colonies. Jamshed Baugh may not have the families there own at least one car. Very rarely does one see a Parsi walk three-storeyed buildings. Conversely the tended to for nearly 30 years, he adds, down a street unless it ’s a shopping ar ­ cade. In fact, if a resident of Parsi Col- _ ony wants to drop in on another resident has grandiose plans for a swimming pool, Sezdegah Ravan, the Noshirwan Naman, from the same Colony, he will use the cafetaria, airconditioned auditorium and buildings at Jamshed Baugh and the car. But this year, ever since a Parsi lady sports facilities. The going rate for the 46 Lodhanwalla Home at Anjuman Bagh. 99-year lease plots was Rs 1,80,000 for There are still more areas that need to be 600 sq yds and Rs 4,00,000 for 1,000 sq Minwalla Colony. Further, a colony may Punchayet is that some tenants who can have its own park/garden, reading room/ afford to pay more, refuse to accept even library, multi-purpose hall for community a measly rent hike of Rs 25,” observes Cyrus Cowasjee who was a contender at the last trusteeship elections in 1989. This attitude on the part of the old resi ­ dents is believed to be frustrating the in- thus well-equipped to hold its own inde ­ pendent functions, there may be five par ­ allel functions on an occasion like Jam- shedi Navroze dividing the loyalties of tentions of the trustees to allot flats to young couples waiting to get married. Most of the Anjuman ’s resources Among the more recent residential are being utilized for repairs, improving ; water situation in Punchayet as many amenities for its residents in the buildings, etc — things that were not at- Dinshaw Avari residential complex under Among the renovation work undertaken construction on the Doongerwadi grounds by the Anjuman was the repair of the But this year, ever since a Parsi lady sports facilities. The going rate for the 46 Lodhanwalla Home at Anjuman Bagh. was compelled to surrender her car at 99-year lease plots was Rs 1,80,000 for There are still more areas that need to be gunpoint in broad daylight, they no 600 sq yds and Rs 4,00,000 for 1,000 sq looked into like the tarmac road for longer feel safe even within the confines yds, informs Avari. Anjuman Bang and the repair of 19 Parsiana September 1990Khajurina Building at Garikhatha. The KPATF has enough money to f keep everyone clothed, it is maintained. In Cowasjee ’s estimate, the majority of the community falls in the middle-in ­ come bracket and there are barely 50-60 families which would classify as poor. Organizations like the Karachi Zarthosti I Banoo Mandal help create self-employ- ¦ ment for women. As a whole, the Kara- chi Parsis perceive themselves as being I “more khaanaar-peenaar and majaa kar- naar (eaters, drinkers and merry-makers) than the Bombaywa/Zas. ” So reputed are j they as merry-makers that Justice Rus- tom Sidhwa, recently appointed judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, noted in the course of his address at a felicitation function organized in his honor by the KPATF, “Remember, the community will not be able to survive on whisky and soda, or even salamaties (ceremonial toasts) or New Year eve dances... ” Bar- D. M. Wadia Dar-e-Meher at Garikhatha point they will not economize — after all ring socializing and partying there are not Below: The sagri at the Farvardian the cracking of a coconut at the first at- many avenues for recreation or entertain- tempt is an auspicious omen! ment in the evenings. Unless accompa- a supporter of the Minwallas and the While in their early 20s, or even be- nied by a large ^oup, a video at home is Cowasjees; and Beach Luxury or Avari fore, many youths seem to have selected preferred to a cinema house and the un- Towers if you favor the Avaris. Meals their life partners although they may be ruly crowds. After sunset, women are are always buffet style with alcoholic in no hurry to get married, preferring to never comfortable travelling alone, irre- drinks taboo under the Islamic rule, complete their education or to get migra- spective of whether they own a car. When it comes to observation of rituals tion clearance. “In the last 20 years, at In terms of dress, the Parsis are as however, they are not willing to take any least 6(X)-700 young people have mi- modemized or westernized as their shortcuts. They know exactly which song grated abroad. If they have a chance to counterparts anywhere else in the world Never have they been compelled to don presented gifts or brought to her in-laws ’ burkhas! They may be in dresses, pants, sal- wars or saris. But come wedding time, a trip to Bombay is a must to purchase trousseau saris from the all-time favorites. A recent fad is to include in their collec ­ tion a gara from Naju Daver ’s even if it means booking The younger generation are well ac- months in advance. "Ml cultured to the Muslim life-style: they And while in Bom- »»»»»« ,4 have a good command over Urdu and bay, they love to can even relate to the Muslim psyche — purchase khaaraa bar hTOz they had no sympathy for Salman (brown, berry-like ' ** Rushdie after reading his book and felt fruit, salted), targola (palmyra fruit), house, and sing it they will at length, the Muslims were justified in condemn- titori (sprouted beans with distinctive bit- .They even have an audio cassette with ing him. Yet, openings in the West ter taste) and cashew nuts. Dry fruits at wedding songs by Ms Perveez Dastur on beckon them. reasonable rates arc available aplenty in one side and religious prayers by Ervad “Unfortunately by default we have Karachi, yet they miss the cashewnuts Pessi Magol on the other, to fall back on. been relegated to second class citizenship and they enjoy sitting in on a traditional Flowers being so prohibitively expensive (in Pakistan), ” declares Avari, represent ­ wedding repast served on plantain leaves in Karachi, their floral decorations are not ing the minorities on the Pakistan Na- in paats (long tables set out in rows). Their own functions are almost invari ­ ably held at hotels: Metropole, if you are though Karachi is on the coast; yet on this D. M. Wadia Dar-e-Meher at Garikhatha a supporter of the Minwallas and the » is to be sung when the bride-to-be is to be live in a freer world where knowledge and enterprise give better results, why shouldn ’t they? ” believes Cowasjee. That community funds should be di­ rected towards scholarships for foreign education, is the opinion of several who would like to see better prospects for the youth. One-third of the community in Karachi is supposed to be under 21 years of age, informs Avari. Advocating “utili ­ zation of Anjuman resources for youths... ” was young Anita Sethna who had topped the graduation batch in home economics. ¦ 'siev.w^' one side and religious prayers by Ervad as elaborate. In fact, coconuts, a must for tional Assembly. The white stripe against every occasion, are very expensive even the green background on the Pakistan na ­ tional flag is meant to denote the minori- 20 Parsiana September 1990Sethna C( Unfortunately, the community as a whole is not interested in its own welfare” Maneckji Nusservanji Dhalla, the late Tehmurasp Sethna and Faredun Dadachanji. Even today there are men of learning like Ervad Godrej Sidhwa but the present problem is finding a regular supply of priests whether from Lahore or India to attend to the two agiaries there: the Hirjibhai Jamshedji Behrana Fire- Temple in the Saddar locality and the Seth Dosabhai Merwanji Wadia Dar-e- Meher in the Garikhatha locality. The trians, Avari elaborates. When religion could not be taught in schools, different Zoroastrian associa ­ tions took it upon themselves to impart faithfuls may have their reasons for fre­ quenting one fire-temple more than the ties who had been assured equal recogni ­ tion in the eyes of a predominantly Muslim rule, Avari continues. “It is diffi ­ cult for microscopic minorities like ours to get the required exposure unless religious instruction. Ms Amavaz Din- assistance...is made available by the shaw started the Friday School where other, but largely they are satisfied with government, ” maintains Avari who could youngsters were taught the essentials of both. An occasional murmur of discon- not understand why the originally five the religion using the Montessori tent: “There is never a maachi going seats reserved for Parsis at the N. E. Din- method, informs Ms Gool Talati of the spare on Behram roj in this particular shaw Engineering College have been re- Zoroastrian Association of Pakistan. The agiary even 12 months hence! ” duced to one. Friday School is a variation of the Sun- There is no striking difference of architecture or elevation between the agiaries in India and Karachi except that method, informs Ms Gool Talati of the Zoroastrian Association of Pakistan. The Friday School is a variation of the Sun- In Parsi-founded and Parsi-managed day School for in Pakistan, like all Is- schools, the medium of instruction was compulsorily changed to Urdu until Pakistan ’s erstwhile Prime Minister Ms Benazir Bhutto mentions Avari. children could not be taught their own re- . ligion in the two Parsi schools, Bai Virbaiji Sopariwala Parsi High School for Boys and the Mama Parsi Girls ’ High School, where the only option of ­ fered was Islamiat or civics. Even the law of evidence is so framed that the testimony of a single Muslim carries more weight than the statement of 100 Zoroas- lamic states, Friday and not Sunday is the restored English, Further, Zoroastrian ii lii ii ii « ir . .ta- •¦¦I- 21 Parsiana September 1990 < mitted entry to the fire-temple. And if there is a death in the community, a to passers-by. Just as there are few opting for full- time mobedi, khandhias are also hard to weekly holiday. With a similar aim of the ones in Karachi display notices in promoting knowledge and understanding English, Gujarati and even Urdu an- of the 2k)roastrian religion, the Informal noiincing that non-Parsis will not be per ­ Religious Meetings made its debut in 1975. The thirst for spiritual knowledge has board posted outside provides the details been activated since many decades. In 1910 was founded the Young Men ’s Zoroastrian Association with the intention of spreading religious knowledge, instill- come by. When the two dokhmas had to ing morals and promoting friendship, be cleaned after 15 years and the local The Association ’s Literary Union inter- community ’s own efforts were met with ests college students. Scholar-authors of scepticism, khandhias were requested for eminence who made waves on the inter- from Bombay. “For the first time cranes national scene are the late Dastur (Dr) were put into operation to clear the dokhmas ” and to transfer the remains of dead .bodies to the astodans (pits), re ­ ports Avari. Recommending cremation as a mode of disposal on practical and fi ­ nancial grounds instead of fearing it will pollute the fire, Cowasjee questions. Above: H. J. Behrana Fire-Temple at Saddar Left (top): Buildings at Anjuman Bagh Left (below): Karachi 7Mrthosti Banoo Mandal premises at Parsi Colony“Where are the khandhias to be imported I from? ” Assuming that khandhias can be up 11 years later. By 1859 the Sopar- and prevention of voting by proxy on the imported, where are the vultures to be iwalla Boys ’ School had been established ground that the two concepts were incon- imported from? Reportedly since 1963, and 1925 saw the setting up of the Mama gruous. The matter continued in court for there have been no vultures in the area. Girls ’ School. years before reaching this compromise. The two dokhmas on the hillock are Officially, the KPATF came into exis- There is no place on the archaic KPATF positioned just across from each other and tence in 1918 when its constitution got constitution for a woman trustee, informs Maneck Wania who has been relentlessly 1849 and the Wadia Dar-e-Meher came chi were recognition of the secret ballot Girls ’ School. Officially, the KPATF came into exis ­ tence in 1918 when its constitution got while on one side of the drop lies the the sanction of the court in response to an Cyrus Minwalla Colony, on the other application made by some members of struggling to improve the constitution, side are acres of vacant land where will the community who felt that instead of working out a model format on demo­ spring up the Dinshaw Avari Colony, managing separate movable and immov- cratic lines. The shutters of the sagri at the Farvardian able properties, they should be “consoli- The electorate as a whole became dis- are drawn; there is no full-time attendant dated into one trust with a common enchanted with the electioneering proc- there. scheme for its management and control, ess when donations were used to pad the Fortunately for Karachi, there is very scanty rainfall. Except on a rare occasion side are acres of vacant land where will the community who felt that instead of working out a model format on demo­ managing separate movable and immov ­ able properties, they should be “consoli- scheme for its management and control, and of proper rules... for the election of Donors ’ Register and in the process out- trustees, ” as mentions the constitution, number those on the other registers of the Different trust properties whether for the Anjuman Committee: in Karachi, the maintenance of the dokhma, homes for rules permit donors gifting beyond the the aged, housing schemes, priests ’ wel- minimum qualificatory Rs 5,000 to fare and research fund were consolidated, nominate members to the Donors ’ Regis- There were different trustees in charge of ter. Thus, when significant donations of these trusts, albeit some being common. Rs 25 lakhs from the KPATF trustee Dr Seven of them offered to relinquish their Burjor Anklesaria and Rs 18 lakhs from trusteeship rights and entrust the manage- Dr (Ms) Soonamai Sethna were made ment to the five — F. E. Punthakey, Jam- towards the Punchayet ’s housing proj- shedji Sopariwalla, Khan Bahadur ects, entitling them to nominate nearly Nusserwanji Mehta, Nadirshah Dinshaw, 800 members, it threw the electoral reg- and Khan Bahadur K. H. Katrak — who isters totally out of balance, constituted the first board of trustees of the Anjuman. Though the earlier set of trustees may factors like Jehangir Kothari who is said have voluntarily relinquished their trus- to have named every member of his fam- teeship, of late, each successive election ily in his will but ultimately left his estate has spawned conflict with increasing ani- to the “orphans of the world ” which en- mosity between the supporters of the two titled the Parsis to claim a share. The when there is a heavy downpour, when, of influential rival families of Karachi — the promenade in the affluent Clifton locality course, life in the city is paralysed, on Avaris and the Cowasjees. On the present of Karachi bears Kothari ’s name, thanks other occasions the sun ’s scorching rays board of trustees, in addition to Avari and are sufficient to dry up the bodies. A Nanavati, are chairman Dr Burjor Ankle- vaguely unpleasant odor can be discerned saria, Dhunjishaw Ghadialli and Rustom in the atmosphere. A strong lobby favored Sethna. Recent changes to the constitu-- through military contracts and real estate, the setting up of a burial ground adjacent tion accepted by the community in Kara- is supposed to have been one of the most to the dokhmas but since that was not per ­ missible as per the municipal laws, the Karachi Development Authority was per ­ suaded to sanction a two-acre plot of land for those in the community who may wish to opt for burial, Avari provides the back ­ ground information. The dokhmas that caused a major rift in the community (see “Burial ground • for Karachi? ” Parsiana, December 1988) have been in existence since the last cen ­ tury. The Ghadialy Dokhma was conse ­ crated in 1847 and the larger Anjuman Dokhma came up in 1875. We are in ­ formed by Sidhwa that the Parsis have been in Karachi from the early nineteenth century. The census of 1881 showed a total population of 73,000 in Karachi of whom nearly 1,000 were Parsis. The Behrana Fire-Temple was consecrated in Jamshed Baugh: one of the residential colonies B. Minocher-Homji Parsi General Hosptial (below) In the past too the community had benefitted from the munificence of bene- to his contribution to Karachi. Edulji Dinshaw, who arrived penniless in the nineteenth century and made a fortune 22 Parsiana September 1990r * This lethargy is referred to by Parsi founded schools: Mama Parsi Girls’ High School (left) and Bai Virbaiji Sopariwala Parsi High School for Boys K»* . . l - I K held the national billiard ’s title for several years. In the ’30s it was Meher Dubash Cowasjee too: “Unfortunately the com- • ¦¦ ¦ munity as a whole is not interested in its own welfare. ” When his father Rustom who ranked among the top Indian tennis players. In yachting it is Byram Avari, his wife Gospi and Rustom Sethna who have was the chairman of the Anjuman, he won international events. The Karachi had offered the community the right to vote for trustee on payment of Rs 5. The community rejected the suggestion, say- ticipating Parsis. ing it was very costly. “A cinema ticket As ship-chandlers and stevedores then cost Rs 3.12,” he informs. “It is not _ ____\ 2 Z__ ' „¦ the money part but the interest of the nized as one of the largest in the private community which is reflected. One must sector with Rustom Cowasjee named be willing to pay to have a say in the man ­ chairman of the Pakistan Shipping Corpo- agement of a trust fund whose property is in n ” One strand that is an essential part of the Karachi Parsi fabric is the Parsi San- , , _ sar ane Loke Sevak, the only community tion, ” observes Brig Jal Golwalla, man- ager of the KPATF who after 40 years re ­ turned to Karachi to take up residence there. In early 1989, soon after the last trusteeship election, the climate in Kara ­ chi was such that be it an informal gather ­ ing or a celebration, whether the discus ­ sions concerned the religious sentiments of the community or the politics of the nation, invariably the topic would veer towards the community ’s politics and ul ­ timately culminate in a debate tetween The the supporters of the Cowasjees and the of the Saddar area. The maker of modem English and Gujarati bilingual may not Avaris. Karachi, as Jamshed Nusserwanji Mehta have a wide readership base in Karachi Only a few community projects like came to be called, had served as mayor of but many ex-Pakistanis, now settled the rehabilitation work for the Ir^ian ................................... — refugees seeking shelter in Karachi es- wiu ___ ............................. ¦ caped criticism. Otherwise, more critics m'l^ern'well^pfan^^ well-endowed monthly. Running at a monthly loss abound than workers. “Those who have metropolis. Active in the freedom of Rs 3,000, the only time the publication the time should get involved in commu- struggle was Rustom Sidhwa who subse- gets advertisements is when there is a war nity work, ” advises KPATF tn^tee Rus- quently became a senior member of the in the community, he states candidly, tom Sethna who maintains, “Lack of Sind Provincial Congress Committee, Otherwise people couldn ’t be bothered, neo tn mien, municipal corporator and, eventually, that is unless they need a maid or require mayor of Karachi before he left for India, to advertise gher nu bhonu (home 1_ achieved distinction. Minoo Mavalwala Parsi Sansar good enough! outstanding merchants who “made money and gave money. ” At the time of Inde ­ pendence over half of Karachi was, or had Parsi Institute has been active in promot- been, owned by his family, it is reported, ing sports among the enthusiastically par- Edulji, as also his son Nadirshah, are be- ¦ • • lieved to have donated lakhs, helping build homes for the homeless, educational Cowasjee and Sons came to be recog ­ institutions, hospitals and dispensaries, i-------------------------- - ------ . .... - . • u The Parsi General Hospital in Karachi, sector with Rustom Cowasjee named be willing to pay to have a say in the man- founded in 1941, is named after Boman- < shaw Minocher-Homji. Its size may be ration, one-tenth the size of the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital in Bombay but the Parsi medicos who have passed through its por ­ tals have a special loyalty to it as evinced by noted ophthalmic surgeon Dr Jamshed Wania, an international celebrity, who is persistent that a visitor should not leave Karachi without seeing the Hospital. There have been several others whose commitment to the growth of Karachi has extended beyond community loyalties. Pestonji Ghadiali, among the first arrivals in Karachi, was a successful banker and landlord who is known to have niade a . notable contribution to the development says its edilor Meherji Dastur. “If they have a chance to live in a freer world, why shouldn’t they?” newspaper from Karachi. Of its 1,000 subscribers, 30 percent are non-Parsis, have a wide readership base in Karachi Karachi for 11 consecutive years during abroad, avidly look forward to recei- ’ which time he transformed the city into a ving authentic Parsi news from this bi- ‘It is not (valued at) 10-12 crores... ” “The entire atmosphere in Karachi is vitiated by people working in opposi- of Rs 3,000, the only time the publication the time should get involW in con^u- gets advertisements is when there is a war i . communication is giving rise to misun­ derstandings. Everyone means well. ” 1 uuxuiuvu uviv.V ....____ ~ _______ o - crisis should get resolved. We In the field of sports too. Parsis have catering service) in which case they find unconsciously reflect his infectious opti- - ’ ¦! mism, in Urdu: “Inshallah! ” 23 Parsiana September 1990! ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Washington center The Zoroastrian Center and Darb-e-Mehr ZAGNY newsletter of May 29,1990. project in the Washington DC area has received a shot in the arm with the for- in Canada, makes its formal debut with on the Dar-e Meher, including a mation of the Zoroastrian Association Ervad Kobad Zarolia at the helm. The monthly outlay of $ 1,200 which and Vandsar Committee. Feraidoon three other office bearers are vice presi- includes $ 500 for the caretaker, Iraj Aidun, Rostam Jahanian, Dariush Jaha- dent Ervad Jal Birdy, secretary Ervad Jal Mobedshahi, §^300-400 for utilities and nian and Fereshteh Farahmaud have vol ­ unteered to run the organization with Khodarahm Shahryary as director and at large, informs the newsletter, coordinator. “Lack of a central location for our re ­ ligious functions shall prove to be fatal to practicing mobeds — was resolved by a the mazdiyasna faith, ” writes Shahryary majority decision in favor of all mobeds maintain the Dar-e Meher. ” Tarapore ’s in an open letter to Zoroastrians repro- in North America being acceptable mem- letter urges Sarfeh to endorse the estab- duced in Pake e Mehr. Referring to the practice of tithing (a set percentage of FE7ANA Journal of September 1990. income being donated monthly or annu- “ ally) among other religious groups, of the body is defined as an individual communities together and facilitat(ing) Shahryary urges the Zoroastrians of who is duly ordained through the tradi- North America “who are proud of our 2,500 years of civilization, ” to do like ­ wise. The committee ’s mandate is to find a suitable location and building with the change to accommodate Iranian mobeds, “Since in Orange Country and Bay Area gathered donations, registering it and the further notes the Journal. two organizations existed, one with ma- darb-e-mehr as a nonprofit organization under US law and then devolving the to officiate at religious ceremonies is completed institution over to the Zoroas ­ trian Association of Metropolitan Wash ­ ington. The Rustom Guiv Trust has donated $ 2,50,000. The center will be named af- Astad Clubwala with Ms Ivy F. Gandhi the property for their religious and social ter Guiv or whoever donates the maxi- — -------- ------------------------------------- —----- —i-"” mum amount to the project. Along with the letter of appeal, the Vandsar commit ­ tee has circulated a form wherein indi ­ viduals may indicate the amounts they Davar, Jamshed Ghadiali, Ms Hutoxi would like to contribute in lumpsum or at Kandawalla and Ms Amavaz Patel, specified time intervals. A plaque at the . Center will record for posterity all dona- The narrowing gap / tions of $ 5,000 and more. first constitution and bylaws, states the newsletter of June 1990, quoting PZO president Esfandiar Anoushiravani, notes The nonprofit organization, registered that the PZO has spent $ 80,000 so far in Canada, makes its formal debut with Feraidoon three other office bearers are vice presi- Panthaky and treasurer Ervad Nozer $ 300 for insurance. Kotwal. Ervad Cawas Desai is member Tarapore speaks of the invitation from the PZO to ZANC to join in support of the Dar-e Meher which was acceptable to the The issue of membership — whether all mobeds could be members or only latter ’s members “if a joint committee could be formally set up to manage and in North America being acceptable mem ­ bers of the Council, notes a report in the lishment of such a committee which would represent the entire community of “Furthermore, a mobed for the purpose Bay Area Zoroastrians, “bring(ing) both fund raising efforts. ” Sarfeh ’s response of May 7, repro- tional ceremony of navar. ” As the navar ceremony, as practiced in Iran today, is a duced alongside, refers to the 99-year modified version of the traditional ritual, lease of the Dar-e Meher (whose owner- the definition may need a corresponding ship vests with the RGF) to the PZO: A list of mobeds available and willing jority Iranis and one with the majority Parsis, it was logical and fair to lease it being compiled for distribution accord- to the Irani group, not forgetting that the ing to the ZAGNY newsletter. capital had originated from Iran. So we have a lease agreement with them on the The ZAGNY board for 1990-92 is led by condition that all Zoroastrians could use as vice president. Edul Bamji is in charge needs, provided they follow the rules, of funds, and Noshir Langrana and Ratan Sarfeh advocates a supervisory commit- Vakil share secretarial responsibility, tee to oversee the management, repair. The four members at large are Ms Kamal renovation, expansion, etc of the Dar-e Meher on which ZANC could have a rep ­ resentative participation. agreement with the PZO, the lessee, all Zoroastrians living in the Bay Area can 2Larthoshti Anjuman of Northern Califor- enjoy the place. It really hurts my feel- nia (ZANC) president Erach Tarapore ’s letter of April 16, 1990 to Dr Rostam Sarfeh, honorary president and trustee of and festivities in non-Zoroastrian estab- the Rustam Guiv Trust and Foundation (RGF), as reproduced in Pak e Mehr, “After an ings when I read in your newsletters that ZANC is holding some of your meetings N. A. Mobed Council The Third North American Mobed Con- . ference was hosted by the Zoroastrian the Rustam Guiv Trust and Foundation lishments while our generous donor has Association of Greater New York (RGF), as reproduced in Pak e Mehr, supplied us with such a beautiful man- (ZAGNY) at the Arbab Rustam Guiv hints at rapprochement between the Parsi sion. ” Darbe Mehr on April 13 and 14, 1990 and Irani Zoroastrians of California. Sarfeh explains his cautious response when five mobeds from Toronto, two Nothing that “the Dar-e Meher (in San in the context of the RGF’s confrontation from South Jersey, one each from Penn- Jose) has been completely remodelled to Sylvania, Montreal and Los Angeles serve as a community center for the en- with the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY, whose joined their eight fellow priests from the tire Zoroastrian community, ” Tarapore membership is 95 percent Parsi, as he ~ notes in the letter) over the Arbab Rus ­ tam Guiv Darbe Mehr in New Ybrk. Greater New York area to iron out the adds that the PZO (Persian Zoroastrian remaining kinks and accept the North Organization) has single-handedly borne American Mobed Council ’s (NAMC) the costs of this renovation. The ZANC ZAGNY has opposed the Foundation ’s 25 Parsiana September 1990I 1 attempts to register ownership of the New would be maintained in English with burgh to have a small place, to call it a York Darbe Mehr which is legally vested translations as required. A prospective ZAPA center, ” writes ZAPA secretary in the Zoroastrian community of New maintenance schedule for the Dar-e Ms Zarine Balaporia in the Association ’s York. Sarfeh has denounced the Meher, for four to six months, would also newsletter, acknowledging the donation community ’s ownership as a trick played by ZAGNY’s office bearers on the late Guiv and himself. “Please try to undo the harm done by ZAGNY and let us develop the spirit of $ 75 per day for groups of up to 50 and The team includes vice president Behram fraternity and unity in the community, ” writes Sarfeh. A joint operating committee, compris ­ ing of the entire executive committees of $ 50 must be paid. There is no charge, rectors at large Jim Jagus, Jehangir Mis- both organizations, has been mooted ac ­ cording to the ZANC newsletter. An conducting Sunday School, atash kadeh is being planned at an esti ­ mated cost of $ 1,20,000 — PZO has Shazad Contractor is vice president of $ 75,000 available from the cemetery fund given by the Guiv Trust, informs the newsletter. The remaining money may be forthcoming from ZANC, includ ­ ing the $ 30,000 collected towards a pro ­ jected Zoroastrian center when the joint operating committee is formally estab- ZAPA HoUSC in the offing lished. At the joint meeting of the committees of the two organizations on April 25, it March 21, 1990. It has a budding library was also agreed that proceedings and with books and tapes on Zoroastrianism, minutes of the joint operating committee “It is the dream of most of us in Pitts- has be laid out and tasks assigned in advance of $ 1,000 towards the project from Mani to the listed volunteers. The PZO’s charges for the use of the Dar-e Meher hall and facilities amounts to rent (1990-91) board of ZAPA directors. and Murli Rao. Farhad Cama presides over the cur- $ 200 for up to 170 people. Reservations Kapadia, assistant secretary Ms Rashna need to be made at least a fortnight Mistry, treasurer Dariaus Jagus, assistant ahead. A refundable cleaning deposit of treasurer Ms Hutoxi Contractor and di- however, for use of the Dar-e Meher for try, Jehangir Morris, Farhad Contractor, Hoshang Pavri and Rushitum Mistry. Between them they man the Associa ­ tion ’s five subcommittees. Jehangir Mis- the ZANC executive committee for try and Ms Zarin Balaporia: the member- 1990-91 with Perviz Malbari as secretary ship and fund raising committee; and Zareer Bhathena as treasurer. Ms Jehangir Morris and Hoshang Pavri: the Katy Doctor, Ms Perin Marawala and Ms religious subcommittee: Farhad Contrac- Parveen Wadia are members at large. tor and Jim Jagus: the program subcom- mitte; Ms Hutoxi Contractor and Ms Rashna Mistry: the social and hospitality subcommittee. Murli Rao, Jim Jagus and The Zoroastrian Association of Pennsyl ­ vania (ZAPA) completed nine years on Hoshang Pavri have volunteered to serve on the standing committee of the ZAPA House project. Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324. GRANT ROAD. BOMBAY 400007. TELEPHONED: 371483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 26 Parsiana September 1990 i i k !¦ t; I! i; i' I I i I ! j i 1 i ) i I I U. .RELIGION The divine laws of God must prevail According to the High Priest of the H. B. Wadia Atash Bahram, the court of law cannot rule on issues of faith Dastur (Dr) Firoze M. Kotwal The Zoroastrian religious tradition has The trustees of the Bombay Parsi The Zoroastrian religious tradition has a Zoroastrian girl marries a non-Zoroas- Punchayet requested Dastur (Dr) Firoze always been that a girl upon her marriage trian, the same religious practice has to M. Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. Wa- not only takes the name of the husband, be logically extended so as to deem her dia Atash Bahram to give his views on but is also deemed to have embraced his to have embraced the religion of her hus- the religious issues raised by the contro- religion. band. versy surrounding the death of Roxan As you are aware, there is a religious The fact that our religion puts great Shah and the denial of her right to be in­ terred in the towers of silence. As Dr Kotwal has stated, have no objection to my views being made pub- our religious prayers and ceremonies, lie," Parsiana publishes his letter in toto female members of the priestly class are so that readers may judge for themselves referred to as osti and those of the laity behdin Mithibai behdin Hormasji. It is his point of view. are referred to as behdin. If a Parsi girl also a very old religious practice never to from a priestly family marries a behdin, recite a non-Zoroastrian name in any her religious title changes from osti to Zoroastrian prayer. Both these religious practices have been followed from times immemorial. To marry outside the fold is next to adultery since the marriage is not solem ­ nized according to the rites and customs of the Zoroastrian religion. A girl is given in marriage “in accordance with the law and custom of the Mazda-wor- shipping religion ” (awar dad o ayin i din not only takes the name of the husband, but is also deemed to have embraced his As you are aware, there is a religious custom even amongst Zoroastrians, be- emphasis on the religion of the husband tween those belonging to the priestly of a married woman, is evident from the class and those belonging to the laity. In fact that, in all religious ceremonies and prayers, the husband ’s name is always a suffix to the wife ’s name - for example. I was very happy to learn that the trustees refused to offer the bungli facilities at behdin and, after her marriage, she is re- doongerwadi to the relatives of the late ferred to as a behdin. Conversely, if a Ms Roxan Darshan Shah who wanted her girl from a behdin family marries a body to be consigned to the towers of si- member of the priestly class, the reli- lence. I must congratulate you on this gious title of the girl changes to osti and bold decision. However, I am concerned to read the letter as published in The Bombay Sama­ char that the trustees have taken a tenta- . tive decision to permit the mortal re ­ mains of a Parsi lady married to a non- Parsi to be consigned to the towers of si ­ lence if she had got married only under the religious title of the husband she mar- the Special Marriage Act and not under- ries. It can never be different in the gone the nuptial ceremony or rites under Zoroastrian religion. other religions. In my opinion, this deci­ sion is contrary to the customs and tradi ­ tions of the Zoroastrian religion which have been prevalent in the past for sev ­ eral centuries. she is referred to as such. In other words, she ceases to be a behdin upon her mar ­ riage to a member of the priestly class, viz an osta, an ervad or a dastur. There ­ after, in all religious ceremonies, her i mazdayasni), so declares the marriage name is prefixed by her religious title benediction. The Vendidad, chapter 18 which essentially has to be the same as paragraph 62, prohibits union between a You will agree with me that if, ac ­ cording to the Zoroastrian customs, tradi ­ tions and precepts, a girl takes the reli ­ gious title of her husband upon marriage within the community itself, surely when paragraph 62, prohibits union between a Mazdayasni and a non-Mazdayasni: “Such a union hurts and distresses Ahura Mazda. ” A woman who marries outside the Parsi community often claims that she wears the vestments of the Zoroastrian religion, viz sacred shirt and girdle (sudreh-kusti), and hence she is still a 27 Parsiana September 1990Zoroastrian and is entitled to participate in all Zoroastrian ceremonies and to the last rites on her death. We firmly hold gion and, therefore, religiously she has that, from the religious point of view, her ceased to be a Zoroastrian. If a Zoroas- claim of being a Zoroastrian is hollow, trian male marries a non-Zoroastrian un- hypocritical and full of pretensions. A der the Special Marriage Act, the mar- woman marrying outside the community riage has no religious sanctity. In the cannot observe the rules of purity as laid Zoroastrian religion, a marriage can only down by the Zoroastrian religion. She be solemnized between two Zoroastrians Punchayet to uphold the religious tenets cannot perform ritual ablutions (padyab- when the ashirwad ceremony is per- and traditions, irrespective of the legal kusti) and do prayers ifarziyat and formed. Any other mode of marriage is position emerging after the enactment of bandagi) in a non-Zoroastrian environ ­ ment. When she bears children of a non- Zoroastrian seed itokham) and partici ­ pates in Zoroastrian ceremonies, such women do great damage to the Zoroas ­ trian religion. Another very important point which needs to be highlighted is that when a woman marries a man belonging to an ­ other religion, she moves into his house ­ hold where the religious ceremonies are performed according to the religion of the husband. Therefore, when a Zoroas ­ trian girl marries, say a Hindu, and enters his household, she is considered part of his family and is expected to participate religion though, in view of the Special deemed to have renounced her religion in the poojas and other religious ceremo- Marriage Act, the child does acquire all and accepted the religion of her husband, nies which take place in the Hindu the rights as, legally, the marriage is rec- she has to be treated as a non-Zoroastrian household. It may be possible that she ognized. In the past, there have been from the date of marriage, irrespective of may not actually participate, but that controversies regarding the performance the fact that her marriage may be legally J . .. ... . ...................... under the Special Marriage Act and, legally, she may not be deemed to marries a non-Zoroastrian is deemed to past practice and continue to do the have embraced the non-2k)roastrian reli- same. If religiously this is not possible, any action taken in the past would have to be ignored because that was not in conformity with religious customs and traditions. I would, therefore, strongly exhort the honorable trustees of the Bombay Parsi not recognized in our religion. Hence, a the Special Marriage Act. If, according child bom in such a situation is consid- ' ~ ered to, be illegitimate in the Zoroastrian to the Zoroastrian religion, a Zoroastrian woman married to a non-Zoroastrian is A Zoroastrian woman married to a non-Zoroastrian is deemed to have renounced t jfe her religion does not change the religious position of navjote of such illegitimate children, since she is expected to follow the reli ­ gion of her husband. It is for this reason that her children are also expected to be bearing on the true tenets of the Zoroas- brought up in the religion of the father, trian religion which only recognizes a the only exception being under Judaism marriage between two Zoroastrians after on law. Hence, only the religious view which follows the matriarchal religious the ashirwad ceremony is performed. has to be taken and the legal view has to pattern. All other religions are patriar- It has to be emphasized that the be ignored. The religious view demands chai and both the wife and the children dokhmenashini ceremonies at the towers that a Zoroastrian lady married to a non- are expected to follow the religion of the of silence can only be performed strictly Zoroastrian ceases to be a Zoroastrian male member of the family. in accordance with Zoroastrian tenets, upon marriage and, therefore, she is not There is no custom or usage to sup- practices and precepts. The legal position entitled to the after-death ceremonies as ^rt marriages between Parsis and non- emanating from the Special Marriage per the doctrine of dokhmenashini. Hence, her mortal remains cannot be consigned to the towers of silence. Issues of faith and identity of a micro ­ scopic community like the Parsis, cannot In certain cases, they were performed. However, these controversies have no have renounced the Zoroastrian faith. I may point out that the dokhmenash- ini ceremony is based on religion and not the ashirwad ceremony is performed. It has to be emphasized that the be ignored. The religious view demands ------ ---------------- ------ ------------ J that a Zoroastrian lady married to a non ­ Parsis. A custom has legal sanctity only Act has no bearing in such a situation. If, when it has been followed and transmit- according to religious precepts and prac ­ tices, a Zoroastrian woman ceases to be such when she marries a non-Zoroastrian and is deemed to have embraced the reli- be settled by court judgments, but by the gion of her husband, her mortal remains upholders of religion who are the high cannot be consigned to the towers of si ­ lence after performing Zoroastrian rites. I am aware of the fact that, in the past, in two or three cases the mortal remains of and practices. Traditions are as important a Zoroastrian woman married to a non- ted from times immemorial. It should be definite, widely acknowledged and prac ­ tised without obstruction from any mem ­ ber of the community. The Parsi commu ­ nity has the right to enact laws for the . preservation of its identity and customs which have enabled it to live and flourish so long with distinction. While I am aware of the provisions of a Zoroastrian woman married to a non- as religion, and they are duly eulogized the Special Marriage Act, which permits Zoroastrian were consigned to the chotra as the Law of Zarathushtra and the good persons belonging to different religions (a sparsely used spare enclosure where Mazdayasni religion in many places in to have a legally valid marriage, I would ‘doubtful ’ cases are consigned ). In my Avestan scriptures. like to stress with all the emphasis at my opinion, this was a wrong act on the part It is for this reason that the priestly class, as represented by the Athoman priests. Courts have no jurisdiction over the community in matters of religion and its long-cherished customs, traditions ’doubtful ’ cases are consigned ). In my Avestan scriptures, opinion, this was a wrong act on the part command that such a marriage has no of the trustees looking at it from a purely sanctity in our religion. In other words, religious point of view. Therefore, it Mandal, has rightly taken the view that a religiously, a Zoroastrian woman who would not be correct to accept that as a Zoroastrian woman married to a non ­ 28 Parsiana September 1990A child born in such a situation is considered to be illegitimate in the Zoroastrian religion Zoroastrian is not entitled to the after- ever, the laws of the religion are immu- EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES death ceremonies as per the tenets of table and do not change with the vicissi- continued from page 16 dokhmenashini and, therefore, no priest tudes and exigencies of time. The funda- should perform such ceremonies. The mental laws of the Zoroastrian religion notes the Financial Express dated July 8, fact that some priests may surreptitiously cannot be changed merely to serve the 1990. perform such ceremonies, as has been pressures of the so-called broad-minded done in stray cases in the past, does not mean that what was done is sanctified by the religion. I would, therefore, humbly request the honorable trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet to reverse their tentative deci­ sion which has been communicated through the Press, and to take a bold and courageous view as sanctified by our re ­ ligious tenets and precepts, namely, the mortal remains of a Zoroastrian lady married to a non-Zoroastrian cannot be consigned to the towers of silence and that the after-death ceren.onies in confor ­ mity with the tenets of dokhmenashini the legal position and the religious view, cannot be performed either at the bunglis the divine laws of God must prevail, or anywhere else. I may mention that laws made in a country are changed from time to time, sometimes depending on political pres ­ sures. Further, judgments may vary and may even be conflicting as different judges may take different views. How- public, if you think necessary. and liberal Parsis of today, nor can they Blitz editor Russy Karanjia was pre ­ sented the Lala Jagat Narain Award by the Haryana chief minister B. D. Gupta on July 8, 1990. The presentation to the journalist was at the annual conference of the Haryana Accredited Press Reporters ’ Union in Kurukshetra, notes The Daily of July 9,1990. General officer, commanding-in-chief, central army command, Lt Gen Faridoon Noshir Bilimoria has been appointed be changed in view of the Special Mar- colonel ofthe Fifth GorkhaRifles, notes the riage Act. If there is a conflict between A/jJ-DayofAugust29,1990. Ms Maher Dinyar Dhondy of The Al- I believe you are taking the legal lahabad Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman pre ­ opinion of an eminent judge. I would re- sented a paper on Zoroastrianism at the quest that my views be placed before him Parliament of Religions, notes a press re- so that he is made aware of the practices lease from the Anjuman. The meet was and conventions of our religion. I have organized in All^abad on March 18, no objection to my views being made 1990. Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka With Best Compliments From STEELAGE INDUSTRIES LTD Manufacturers Of steel Furniture, Bank Security Equipment, Fire Resistant Cabinets, Fire Alarm/Hydrant Systems Address: Post Box No 16213 Opp Post Office Mazagaon Bombay 400010 Phone: 8512960-61 Cable: “STEELAGE” Telex: 011 75728 STMX IN Fax: 8512954 29 Parsiana September 1990 JRELIGION COVER STORY If you want to come ba “Baddhi cheej khudarate karaveli che says he explained his stand to BPP trustee sense of “adulteration or corruption, ” (everything is unfolding according to a and AET (Athravan Educational Trust) quoting Ben Johnson ’s “The adulteries of divine plan), ” believes Dastur (Dr) cotrustee Homi Ranina when the latter art... ” — a secondary usage of the word Firoze Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. sought his opinion. Ranina suggested which The Shorter Ojrford Dictionary of 2 J------ When circum- Kotwal send his views to the Punchayet in 1953 dates at around 1673 and labels ob­ solete. Kotwal says he has used the word in the sense of “religious infidelity. ” Wadia Atash Bahram. When circum- Kotwal send his views to the Punchayet in stances reach a crisis, nature provides for writing and, since the High Priest was its resolution, he maintains. The statements refer to his own in ­ volvement in the current controversy re ­ garding the right of Parsi Zoroastrian can Zoroastrian Congress in Houston, women married to non-Zoroastrians but provided the secretarial facilities to en- professing Zoroastrianism, to be con- able him to do so. Accordingly the letter signed to the dokhma. Kotwal ’s strident was typed, signed and despatched barely This is understandable when a Zoroas- criticism of interfaith marriages con- a day before Kotwal ’s departure. trian male or female, instead of marrying tained in a letter to the Bombay Parsi ~ _ Punchayet (BPP) applauding the trus- stance of The Bombay Samachar, Kotwal fold, takes on another from an alien tees ’ decision to refuse such interment to says, “They talk only in terms of law. But church. This is an act of adultery in a the late Roxan Shah (n6e Nazir) has law is such a thing that of five judges, strictly religious sense. In the Gathas stung the liberal sections of the commu- three will see things one way and two, (Yasna chapter 53, para 3) too, nity into a barrage of denunciation in the another. When the community ’s exis- Zarathushtra tells his youngest daughter columns of The Bombay Samachar. tence is concerned, religion is more im- Pouruchisti to choose as her lord a core- Speaking to Parsiana at his residence portant than law... The community has the ligionist who follows the path of Ahura on October 10, 1990 Kotwal recounted right to formulate laws for its own preser- Mazda and who is possessed of the good the events that led him, who “never in- i ' ..... . terferes ” in what people do, to frame his freedom of religion. Otherwise the com- (Ay/w). letter to the Punchayet. He said he was munity will die... Religious laws are im- (High much disturbed when the trustees ’ in- i terim decision to permit such future use same opinion... The Bombay Samachar the Anjuman Atash Bahram) concur with of the doongerwadi facilities for the calls us fanatics and gives us advice. But my opinion and* cite the same references interment of Parsi Zoroastrian women when they are stung, they lose patience in their reply to the trustees of the BPP in married to non-Parsis was published in and use foul language. ” Kotwal is par- The Bombay Samachar dated August 19, ticularly grieved that the orthodox section 1990. The tentative decision, based on of the community has no longer a publica- the proviso that the lady ’s next of kin f furnish the necessary assurance that she they had one, they would have effectively custom of the Mazdayasna religion of ~ __ Sasanian times. Without its invocation, Kotwal justifies his association of the no Zoroastrian union can be sanctified term “adultery ” with marriages under and that is why high priests do not do the Kotwal the Special Marriage Act of 1954 in the navjotes of children even of Parsi fathers pressed for time in view of his impending departure for North America where he Moreover, he adds, “The Vezu/iddd, was to attend the Seventh North Ameri- Chapter 18, para 62, uses the Avestan ~ ~ (adultery) for a union with a non-Zoroastrian male or female by a per ­ son professing the Zoroastrian religion. a day before Kotwal ’s departure. Referring to the staunchly liberal a life partner from within his or her own vation under the constitutional right to mind (Vohu Mana) and righteousness ....................... _ “ ¦ , Dasturs (Hormazdyar) Mirza, . „ I Priest of Udwada) and mutable. All our High Priests are of the (Kaikhusroo) JamaspAsa, (High Priest of 1964.” Unlike the Special Marriage Act, the ashirwad ceremony, says Kotwal, is a tion to propagate its own point of view. If solemn contract according to the law and had professed and practiced the Zoroas- silenced The Samachar, he claims, trian faith even after her marriage, was contained in the BPP’s letter responding to solicitor Dinsoo Zaiwalla. 30 Parsiana September 1990The Zoroastrian who flouts community traditions to marry out, must remain out, maintains Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal Arnavaz S. Mama ck, I want to stop you to be some relative, son or daughter mar- the Fravardin Yasht where exceptional women are mentioned, but with their names coupled to those of their hus- Chhokri bahar pann^ tau teni kriya ma bands. shun bolai (when a girl, marries outside the community, how do we take her name married outside the fold, because from the purely religious viewpoint these children ried to a non-Parsi. A married woman ’s are illegitimate, Kotwal justifies his stand, name is coupled to that of her husband. Kotwal castigates the mobeds who per ­ form such navjotes as “greedy ” and deri ­ sively labels their association with “rich, liberal-minded behdins ” as “a mar- riage of convenience. ” I Kotwal says that when the news of I Roxan Shah ’s demise and preference I for dokhmenashini was revealed. Er- I vad Aspi Dadachanji, the panthaky of ¦ the Vachaghandhy Agiary at Hughes I Road who is the family priest of the I Nazirs, rang up to enquire Kotwal ’s I opinion on whether the ceremonies I could be performed for her. When he ¦ heard Kotwal ’s strong dissent, he I doublechecked with JamaspAsa and I reportedly got the same response, in- I forms Kotwal. These opinions were I passed on to the priests who officiate 9 at doongerwadi. Thus, when BPP ¦ chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla enquired ¦ if the priests were willing to perform B the necessary ceremonies, their re- selves). ”’ fusal strengthened the Punchayet ’s g Kotwal does not believe in the stand vis-a-vis the Nazirs, says demographic projection of the com- Kotwal. munity according to which the Parsis “We have no power over agiaries w India will have reached a point of . or doongerwadi, but if there is religious in the ceremonies)? Along with Behdin no return by 2021 AD. “It ’s all foul play, abuse and we are asked, I will give my John? Behdin Tom? ” The same problem a scheme (to bring in the children of Parsi opinion. The BPP should keep a sub- does not arise in the case of a man who women by non-Parsi fathers, then the committee of the three Bombay High has married a non-Zoroastrian because his spouses and then other converts) which Priests. It would absolve the trustees name is always coupled to the name of his must be exposed. If two boatloads of from deciding on subjects beyond their father, informs Kotwal. people from Iran could lead to the present ken... “Look at all those connected with the liberal line of thinking. There is bound their fathers, Kotwal cites the instance in I I sj rS 4 5 31 Parsiana Septembeir 1S90 ’ ill •V-S! According to Kotwal, the trustees stumbled onto the right decision in the Roxan Shah case because they had I forgotten the earlier occasions when I such cases had been accepted at I doongerwadi and been consigned to I the chotra. “What ’s the use of being ¦ consigned to the chotra?" he asks. ¦ It ’s still a kind of ostracism, he ob- I serves. It is better to go according to H the prescription of the husband ’s ¦ community, he adds. I In this context he refers with ap- ¦ proval to the decision of the late Na- I val Tata to be cremated. “He was an H extremely nice man. But he was mar- I tied to a foreigner... But when the ¦ BPP trustees called a condolence ¦ meeting, I told Ranina, 'Trustees oe J akkal nu lilaon kidhu chh^ (the trus- ! tees have made fools of them- selves). Asked why the names of married girls community, where is the question? Like may not be coupled with the names of individuals, communities too have their ups and downs, A great many have emi- :'i 'ii-I you fitting judgement. Here life is imper- f^ect. If not, what is the sense of a spiritual world? This world is incomplete but very grated. There is the housing problem, nathi (Big names don ’t frighten me), ” re- Provide housing to marrying couples and plies Kotwal, insisting that rules are rules, see. In any case, better a small commu ­ nity than one that is wiped out in a few generations... In the second century AD Iranian Zoroastrians went to Afghanistan and the Punjab where they had small with the problems of good and evil, kingdoms. All of them were wiped out They are the doctrinal source; they con- because of intermarriage. If you open the tain the metaphysics of the religion. _ , doors now, in two to three generations Would you find geometry in a poetry to be changed, there will be opposition there will be nothing left of the commu- book?” he asks in an attempt at reducio with tenacity. You cannot change such nity. ” ad absurdum (reducing to absurdity) the customs. The voice of the people is the According to Kotwal there ha.s been no significant change in circumstances to condone intermarriages: “Jamsetji Tata, and charity. Dadabhoy Naoroji and others were in the UK for years. They remained with non ­ Parsis on a fraternal basis. Why do you have to marry? ” Asked what a parent should do when a daughter presents a choice between a religious prescription — Kotwal is un- very fine individual but a non-Parsi and a moved: “You can go round without cov- Parsi boy of poor moral stature, Kotwal ering your head, but you can ’t pray with- counters, "Beeja Parsi na chhokra chhej out doing so, ” he emphasizes. nahi su (Does the community have no ' other boys to offer)? The Parsi commu ­ nity is not barren! ” _ „ .... Accepting the “problem of daughters what of those who frequent mosques, ber 12, 1990 the High Priest says that it — I have one too, ” Kotwal counsels that dargahs, temples, churches? Why should was his duty to participate. Now that he if such a daughter chooses to marry out- such Zoroastrians, whose loyalties are has entered this public fray, he “will not side the fold, “give love as a father, but divided on the religious plane itself, be let go. I don ’t want future generations to as far as the community is concerned, tell then allowed to continue as full-fledged say that these dasturs permitted the com­ ber, ‘No, you ’re out. ’ The Special Mar- members of the community? Responds munity to wither away... The BPP trustees riage Act does not say that they can come ....................... ' ’ * and participate in the community ’s relig ­ ious practices. I do not want to invade devil worship, heresy, etc be removed your privacy, but if you want to come back, I want to stop you. ” Kotwal justifies his stand on the basis of injunctions in the Vendidad. But what essential. Do good deeds here to get a do the Gathas say on these subjects? good place there... '"Gathas are sacred hymns. They deal “Whatever customs and traditions are unopposed, have been going on from times immemorial, (have) unobstructed usage, if any such custom or tradition is book?” he asks in an attempt at reducio ad absurdum (reducing to absurdity) the implication that the spirit of the Vendidad voice of God... is alien to Zarathushtra ’s message of love “There are Parsis in the USA who maintain fire on a 24-hour basis. My When the Dastur is reminded that one-hour lecture in London was heard by there are other injunctions in the Vendi­ dad, other venerated customs that we no longer follow — e.g. Parsis no longer preserved the religion. Now, with free- cover their heads at all times as per the dom, you want to marry out? ” Referring to a public meeting sum ­ moned by the Council of Vigilant Parsis (the COVP which, on the issue of the filming of On Wings of Fire — the Cyrus Bharucha-Zubin Mehta production on the message of Zarathushtra — had severely 150 to 200 people in pin-drop silence. Under persecution, Iranian Zoroastrians And if Zoroastrians who have married non-Zoroastrians may no longer be counted among the religious community, and publicly castigated Kotwal) on Octo ­ may be obliged to call a samast anjuman meeting (which they alone can summon, to ascertain the view of the community on this issue). Religion is not the property of a few trustees. It ’s the property of a Kotwal refers to the Samast Anjuman Meher Yazad come sooner to you to give whole community. ” Meeting of 1919 when, he says, orthodox and liberal Parsis had joined in endorsing the resolution that girls who marry out of the community must stay out. This reso ­ lution does not deal with the men who many non-Zoroastrians. However, Kotwal concedes, "Paachle baarne thi purusho goosi gaela chhe the men have reentered the community through the ‘ back door), ” averring that even at that time there were unprincipled scholars and mobeds who accepted such men and ' their progeny. “Even though there is no confusion in rituals regarding a Parsi man, I fully support that a Zoroastrian man who is united in marriage with a non- Zoroastrian, his religious life is vitiated and therefore he should be kept out. ” Does this not vilify some of the finest Parsi families — those to whom the Parsi community is indebted in immense measure: the Tatas, the Wadias, the Pe­ tits...? "Hun kai eva motta nam thi darto Kotwal: “At the uthamna ceremony we pray that sorcery, sinfulness, wickedness. from Zoroastrian lives. If you do not come back (spiritually into the fold) may non-Zoroastrians. MATRIMONIAL MATRIMONIAL 33 Parsiana September 1990 Smart, mature, attractive, divorced Parsi lady, 42, holding a high profile job, seeks suitable alliance with mature, well-settled Parsi men aged 45-55. Divorcee/widower no bar. Write to: - The Advertiser Matrimonial (20) Parsiana GPO Box No 892 Bombay 400001 London-settled, ' currently Dubai-based, Parsi boy, 30 years, seeks alliance with slim, pretty Parsi girls. Reply with photographs to; Mr D. Patel PO Box 12859 UAEHISTORY TRAVELS IN IRAN: 2 A millennium of misery Manekji Limji Hataria Though harassment thinned the ranks of Zoroastrians in Iran, it failed to annihilate their devotion to the faith This is the second of six instalments of aces and valuable libraries and other im- day some of the Muslims of Iran keep themselves aloof from the Parsis, never touch them or their belongings and refuse Manekji Limji Hataria’s publication, portant monuments. These hoards were Gujarati original, rendered into English Islam upon the people at the point of the to sell them the wares from their shops. It by Jamshed M. Bilimoria, has been sword. They brought nothing but poverty is very difficult for the Parsis to keep their abridged, edited and recollated by Par- and ruin. The slaughter of thousands of individuality there, as their estates and siana (courtesy, K. R. Cama Oriental In­ stitute to whom the translation manu­ script was gifted). - , - . . . The author went to Iran in 1854 at the came things of the past. Under the tyran- cently research scholars have found out behest of the Society for the Amelioration nical rule of the Muslim Sultans, the num- *............................................ ’1 forgot their human characteristics and Rishale Ej Har Shiyaate Iran. The totally illiterate and uncultured and forced ^by^Ja^hed m". Bilimoria, has "been sword. They brought nothing but poverty is very difficult for the Parsis to keep their people led to the spread of various conta- properties have gone into the hands of the gious diseases. The natural beauty of the Muslims and for the sake of their personal country and the healthy atomsphere be- safety, many have embraced Islam. Re- that a group of our co-religionists still sur ­ vive as Zoroastrians and live in distant . ...._____ ______— _____ mountains in Central Asia. They belong ration Society), to report the conditions behaved like senseless brutes. Family to the ancient ^yanian race, ^ssessing prevailing there at first hand. He re­ turned only once to India, for an 18- month spell, at the end of the first 10 hell. pation and how they satisfy their needs years. The book is largely a publication A time came when Zoroastrians in and necessities of life, and still maintain of the speeches he then made to acquaint Iran were tyrannized and forbidden to their ancient religion taught by prophet the Parsis in India with the wretchedness have their own mode of worship. Many Zarathushlra. of their Iranian coreligionists and to seek had to embrace Islam for life. Women help to further the cause of Zoroastrian i------------------------------- — amelioration in Iran, j " ’ _ ' the rest of his life to the task. Hataria i. , died in Iran in 1890, mourned to this day ministers were slaughtered mercilessly be dwindling. When the Arabs got their by Iranian Zoroastrians who almost wor- along with many non-Muslims. It was a sway over Iran, the Zoroastrians were shipped him as their savior (see "The period of bloodshed and we can well slaughtered mercilessly, their houses redeeming of a community," Parsiana, imagine the sorry plight of our co-re- were burnt down and they were robbed of May 1990). In the first instalment Hataria wrote of Iran’s ancient glory and described the of the Conditions of the Zoroastrians of ber of dacoits and robbers increased; men Persia (otherwise Imown as the Amelia- f ' * ' * “ happiness departed and the ‘Garden of Kayani blood; but no precise details are Paradise ’ turned into the most veritable available about their vocation and occu ­ pation and how they satisfy their needs A time came when Zoroastrians in “ I The inhabitants of Kerman and Yazd _ _____ 1 I and children lived in fear of the Muslim are mostly Zoroastrians and they have Having devoted maulvis (religious heads) who harassed suffered much at the hands of the Arabs all non-Muslims. All good and learned and Muslims. Their population appears to imagine the sorry plight of our co-re ­ ligionists engulfed by that ruthless ad- their valuables and other belongings, ministration. Rape, arson, fire, house-breaking and all The ancient Iranians ruled over the other possible crimes were perpetrated by the Muslims. There was unspeakable cru­ elty. One can well imagine their sorry ruins he witnessed as he criss-crossed the country of Persia for thousands of years country in pursuit of his goal. and the traces of their power are still to be seen in that country. In spite of this plight; yet we have been able to preserve our ancient religion of Zoroaster, and the Muslims have not been able to prevail trians but some other race. They think upon us. that those Zoroastrians who reside in Iran even today are the descendants of some When the country went into the hands of many Muslim rulers believed that the the Muslims, hordes of Arabs, Mongols, past sovereigns of Iran were not Zoroas- Tartars and other barbaric tribes overran the country causing destruction and dev ­ astation everywhere. Robbers and daco ­ its destroyed our ancient temples, pal- Even the Parsis who left their father- land, Iran and came into India (Hindus- uncultured race called Maajus. To this tan) were not happy in the beginning. 34 Parsiana September 1990They suffered much under the Muslim wheat and pulses which they ate with round their waists a thick cotton belt tyrannical rule; but determination to pre ­ serve their good religion made them abandon everything — their lands, es ­ tates, houses, farms, wealth, etc — and fish was for the more fortunate ones They were forbidden to put on any other they migrated from their land of birth only. Dried fruits (mevo) was available headgear. They put on high boots made of with tears in their eyes. Their faith in but only rich people could afford it. leather which they called patawa or God and determination to preserve their The houses of the Zoroastrians were cupps. In winter, some people put on religion granted them relief in the end built of clay with thatched roofs. They woollen socks also. and they were able to settle down in Hin- were small and without upper storeys. As time went on, the Zoroastrians took dustan. Most of the houses were in a bad condi- up other occupations also like weaving At present the Zoroastrian population tion. They were closed from all sides and carpentry. Some worked as laborers ~ in the fields owned by the Muslims. The beast of transport was the mule. There were peddlers who carried ar ­ ticles like sewing thread, needles, spices, pieces of cloth, etc in large bags on their shoulders and moved about from place to upon the fields at any moment and carry place selling their wares. Many went into away the crops. On their fields they naan (a kind of bread). They often sub- which they called kamarband. They al- sisted on vegetables like cabbage, cauli- ways kept their heads covered with a flower, or garlic, onion, etc. Meat and thick cotton or woollen handkerchief. but only rich people could afford it. The houses of the Zoroastrians were were small and without upper storeys. Most of the houses were in a bad condi- the inhabitants were never safe. Their main occupation at that time was of Iran is no more than 10,000 and the with one small door in front. There was Muslim population is more than a crore, always a fear of robbery and burglary: the ratio being 1:1,000. Those who im ­ migrated into India became safe, particu- lary under the British regime, but those agriculture; but even in this there was no who were left behind in Iran underwent security. The Arab hordes could pounce terrible times and suffered beyond de­ scription. The Parsis of India did much in the past to improve the conditions of mostly grew wheat and vegetables as their co-religionists residing in Iran, but these articles made up their staple diet, the Muslim maulvis being adamant, no good ever came of the effort. Muslim tyr ­ anny did not abate and the Zoroastrians in Iran continued to live in a state of bond ­ age because of their religion (mahzab). In Arab dominated Iran, the condition dare not expose their sudreh- and kusti. preciated the Zoroastrian way of living of the Zoroastrians was pitiable. Their Many a times, when a kusti was not while the more fanatic ones tried to de­ food was simple, consisting of rice, available, the Zoroastrians wrapped stroy the Zoroastrian tribes in Iran. trade, selling wool, woollen clothes, cot ­ ton, silk, wheat, oil, dried fruits, nuts, etc and made good business. They started The Zoroastrians covered their bodies exporting the above articles to other with khadi-like materials in summer and woollen blankets in winter. They wore sudreh and kusti which were actually Zoroastrian way of living and working prohibited articled under Arab rule. They better than their own. Some of them ap- countries of Europe and Asia. The Arabs and Muslims found the A TRIJLY BEAUTIFUl, WAY TO SHOW YOU CARE. ffPuT Mi Send a friend a classic from a set of 10 Greeting Cards or a 12 / leaf frameable Calender with pen & ink sketches that caffture the grandeur of Bombay’s past DBBDI r t The Research Society for the Care, Treatment and Trainin g of Children in Need of Special Care Ador House, 6 K. Dubash Marg. Etembay - 400 001. S 2871O8Q 224819 I I 35 Parsiana September 1990MILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides in Bombay — as listed in this issue — ranged between 19 and 25 years, the arithntetic mean (the Elavia; August 6 total of individual ages divided A girl, Farzana, to Jeroo and by the total number of brides) Adil Olpadwalla-, August 7 being 22 years. The corres- A boy to Behroze and Rumi ponding figures for the grooms Mistry-, August 9 were 23 and 47 years, averaging at 33 years. As compared to 16 births in Bombay there were 86 deaths. Mistry-, August 14 Twenty-six patients succumbed to heart disease while 16 fell prey to pneumonia and lung dis ­ ease and eight to old age and Chinoy; August 18 general debility. Other killers were brain disease (six), diabe ­ tes and cancer (claiming five lives each), hypertension (four), Appoo-, August 21 septicemia (three) and kidney A girl, Mahafreen, to Pearl and failure and gastroenteritis (two Homyar Mistry-, August 21 each). Liver disease, anemia, bronchitis, senility, suffocation, urinary tract infection, malnutri ­ tion, diarrhoea and hydrothorax Gilder; August 24 (an effusion resulting from fail ­ ing circulation — as in heart dis ­ ease or lung infection) were the isolated cases registered in Au ­ gust. A three-day-old infant suc ­ cumbed to brain hemor ­ rhage, another, nine weeks old, succumbed to gastroenteritis. The oldest to die was a 99-year- old woman. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by Died various newsletters and anju ­ mans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not always complete or con ­ sistent. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, espe ­ cially of the elderly, death is of ­ ten due to a combination of sev ­ eral diseases. If readers have any births/ August 1 marriages/deaths they would Bachoobai Jamsetjee Dorabji like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure August 1 our this requirement and cooperate with us. The corres- readers would appreciate Maharukh Fall Driver (43), 502, Sinclair Apts, 95, Hill Rd, Bandra,-400050; August 1 Maneksha Sorabji Hodiwalla (86), Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; August 1 Parvez Manchershaw Irani (83), 286/D. Irani Hse. Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parel, 400012; August 1 Dinbai Pirojshaw Mandorina (85), 11, Mody Bldg, Gamadia BOMBAY Born A boy to Khurshid and Sharookh Satarawalla on July 31, 1990 A boy to Iletal (Daisy) and AJay Chokshi; August 2 A boy to Nina and Pheroze Engineer; August 3 A girl to Farida and Rohinton A boy to Lilly and Hoshang Motafram; August 13 A boy to Benaifer and Nozer A girl to Dinaz and Ravi Parkash-, August 14 A boy to Rupi and Viraf A girl to Jeeny and Dhiren Deso, August 18 A boy to Mehroo and Kersi A boy to Pearl and Kersi Baria-, August 22 A girl to Farida and Jehangir girl to Maharukh and Mehernosh Hakim- August 29 Married Farida Noshir Bacha and Ratan Phirozsha Avari; August 3 Meherengiz Adi Irani and Adil Keki Hiramanek-, August 27 Azita Ardeshir Frouhar and Ariz Marzban Irani of Thana; August 28 Hilla Jehangir Kolah (87), residing at Empress Court, M. Karve Rd, 400020; July 31 Mani Jamshedji Palkhiwalla (84), 4, Jer Mans, Off Turner Rd, Ratanji Cawasji Vajifdar (81), Bandra, 400050; July 31 Daulat Sorab Canteemvalla (75), 5, Cama Bldg, M. F. Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; (87). B, Yusuf Mans. 204, Khetwadi back Rd. 40(X)04; Clny, Tardeo, 400007; August 1 Minoo Edulji Mohta (65), M/9, Dalal Est Apts, Bombay Central, 400008; August 1 Jerbanoo Sheryarji Govadia (76), 9)17, Tata Blocks, Tardeo, 4(X)034; August 2 Horru Ardishar Driver (77), 12 AJ6, Panthaky Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; August 3 Phiroze Jehangirji Balsara (84), 12/3, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; August 4 Fall BurjorJi Dastur (76), 12, Malegamwalla Bldg, Mahim, 4(X)016; August 4 Gool Minoo Kutar (60), Sett Hse, 31, Agiary Lane, Fort, 400001; August 4 Behram Kaikaus Rabadi (7^), 47.!A, Empire Est, 400036; August 4 Rustom Behram Faroodi (66), Room 9,422!A, Dubhash Bldg, Grant Rd, 400(X)7; August 5 Soli Dossabhai Mehta (64), 16, Dubash Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo Rd, 4(XXX)7; August 5 Meherji Kaikhushru Mistry (60), 41, Yashodham Enclave, Film City Rd, Goregaon, 400063; August 5 Shilla Faramroz Dover (73), 808, Aimai Manzil, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; August 6 Female baby of Navaz R. Guard (3 days), Pallonji Mans, Cuffe Parade, 4(XXX)5; August 6 Sarvar KhodadadNazmi (85), 124, Bara Bglw Rd, Ward Walvan, Lonavala, 410401; August 6 625. Nariman Bldg. Dhobitalao, 400002; August 6 Homai Jal Balsara (78). Sayaji Najugi Block. Balaram St. Grant Rd. 400(X)7; August 7 Gohar Framroze Patel (70), 101. Namdar Hse. 89. Hill Rd, Ban- dra, 400050; August 7 Nadirsha Behramji Writer (90). Ahmed Bldg, Gunpowder Rd, Mazagaon, 4(XM)10; August 7 Naoroji Pirojsha Godrej (74), 40/D, Ridge Rd, 400006; August 8 Banoobai Pestonji Lelinwala (89), Sea Breeze, 105, Seven Bglws, Andheri (W), 4(X)058; August 9 Aimai Pirojshah Mistr-y ^0), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; August 9 Alamai Rustomji Balsara (90), B/34, Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 400007; August 10 Alamai Darabshah Bulsara (82), Gold Coin, 104, Tardeo Rd, 400034; August 11 Najamai Cawasji Mehta (87), King Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parel, 400012; August 11 Tehmina Jehanbux Mehta (80), 12/A, Silver Palace, Pali Mala Market, Bandra, 4(X)050; August 11 Dolly Ardeshar Ravji (65), Shery Hse, Cawasji Patel St, 400001; August 11 JalNaswanJi Tara (84), Puran Niwas, Radio Club, Colaba, 400005; August 11 Ava Aspi Bharucha (9 weeks), Nagardas Nivas, 604/A, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 4(MX)14; August 13 Dolly Burjorji Billimoria (51), Q/10, Shapurji Bharucha Clny, Andheri (W), 400058; August 13 Dinamai Cooverji Dotiwala (81), 688, P. A. Hormarjee Bldg, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; August 13 Pirojshaw Dadabhoy Driver (75), Depak Mhl, Maganlal Ngr, Grant Rd, 400007; August 13 Freny Sorabjee Kanthanna (75), F/2, Gul-Dhuna-Abad, Jogesh- wari (W), 400102; August 13 Gustad Rattanshaw Dastoor (81), 15, Kohinoor Rd, Dadar, 400014; August 14 Gool Bomanji Mistry (84), 14, Chateau Marine, Marine Drive, 400020; August 14 Dhunjisha Nasserwanji Santok (69), 659, Keki Hse, Wadala, 4(X)031; August 14 Hosang Jamshedjee Mistry (80), 2/1, Varsova-View, Four Bglws, Andheri (W), 400058; Augiist 15 Nasurvanji Navroji Goawalla (89), Goawalla Bldg, Camp Deolali, Dist Nasik, 422001; August 16 Jerbanoo Nawroji Photogra­ pher (95), Master Chmbs, Dhobitalao, 400020; August 16 Bejon Eruchshaw Sukhia (69), S/5, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; August 16 Tehmina Ratansha Vazifdar (85), D/15, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; August 17 Shiavax DhanJibhoy Chavda 36 Parsiana September 1990I. L L (79), Master Chmbs, 1, Cinema Rd, 400020; August 18 Armaity Burjorji Umvalla (80), Khalakdina Ter, August Kranti Marg, 400036; August 18 Nergish Rustom Amrolia (82), G/14, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 40(X)12; August 19 Naja Keki Billimoria (yi), B/11, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; August 19 Mehramai Meherwanji Gazder (86), Reward Bldg, Next to Ganga Jamuna, 400007; August 19 Tehmina Vickaji MeherHomji (82), Vaswani Mans, BEST Marg, 400039; August 19 Hoshang Dosabhai Batliwalla (65), Kotwal Hse, Sleater Rd, 2, Cross Lane, 400007; August 20 Dinshawji Behramji Palkhiwalla (75), 2/A, Sonawalla Bldg, Tardeo, 400(X)7; August 20 Soli Rusi Patel (75), Room 21, Bhabha Sanatorium, Bandra, 400050; August 20 Tehmina Nadirshaw Peshotan (83), 41, Maneck Abad, 5, Setalwad Rd, Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; August 20 Homai Pestonji Driver (69), 43, Trinity St, Dhobitalao, 400002; August 21 Dina Ardeshir Ranikhetwalla (74), 21, Shangrilla, Opp Colaba Post Office, Colaba, 400005; August 21 Meherji Jamshedji Vakil (89), Roxana, M. Karve Rd, 400020; August 21 Shera B. Keyanuinesh (Irani) (73), Park Darshan, Lallubhai Park, Andheri (W), 4(XX)58; August 22 Dara Naserwanji Madon (69), 241, Chandra Mhl, Princess St, 400002; August 22 Ratanbai Meherjibhoy Mehta (83), 17,TarachandBldg, Gamadia Clny, 4(K)007; August 22 Perin Nadar Vazifdar (86), 7, Uranwala Mans, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parel. 400012; August 22 Banoo Eruch Babara (65), Devdas Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; August 23 Kaikhushroo Burjorji Jamina (84), 3, Readymoney Bldg, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400007; August 23 A la Jamshed Mama (84), 6/A, Hill Top Apt, Pali Hill, Bandra (W), 40(X)50; August 23 Keki Framroze Pastake (74), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; August 23 Jamshed Burjor Working- boxwalla (85), Baj Bldg, 171, Khetwadi Back Rd, 40(XX)4; August 23 Framroz Dinshawji Dastur (67), 8B/32, Navjeevan Soc, Laming- ton Rd, 400(X)8; August 24 Jamshed Behram Irani (42), 3, Adarbad, Hughes Rd, 400()07; August 24 Eruch Behrcunji Master (71), A/34, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 4(XX)12; August 25 Hirabai Dossabohoi Shroff (90), Ahura Apt, Gunpowder Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; August 25 Pestonji Dinshawji Chinoy (75), Shapoorji Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; August 26 Dolly Jamshed Irani (64), Bage Khoda Shenaz, Gholvad, 401702; August 26 Jamshedji Cawasji Katrak (95), Fairy Manor, R. Sidhwa Marg, Fort, 400001; August 26 Godrej Phiroshaw Postwala (65), 81, J. P. Rd. M. A. Patel Bglw, Andheri (W), 400058; August 26 Rati Dady Daruwalla (59), Imperial Mhl, Khodadad Circle, Dadar, 4(X)014; August 27 Phiroze Faramji Hathiram (76), Habib Hse, Grant Rd, 400007; August 28 Framroze Sorabji Italia (79), 641„ Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; August 28 Dinamai Jamshedji Kapadia (85), F. S. Parukh Dharam ­ shalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; August 28 Vinnie Dara Bhagwagar (52), Ness Baug, Aimexe-3, Nana Chowk, 400007; August 29 Sheherbanoo Manchersha Tara (99), 1, Habib Court, Colaba Causeway, 4(X)039; August 29 Maneckshaw Bomanji Void (86), 11/174, AzadNgr, Jai Prakash Rd, Andheri (W), 4(X)058; August 29 Motibai Dinshawji Engineer (88), 18, Irani Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; August 30 Firoz Jamshed Jilla (61), Navdhan Rahivashi Sangh, Khar, 400051; August 30 CALCUTTA Born A boy, Zamyad, to Senober and Cyrus Meherji", July 15 MADRAS Died Arjasp FramrozeTaraporewala (88); April 15 POONA Married Moushumi J. C. Basu and Zubin R. Kabraji', January 1 Died Pali Soli Commiseriat (31), Hira Manzil, Navjivan Soc, Gilder Lane, Bombay, 400008; August 30 Kaikhusru Dhanjishaw (92), \n. Guru Prasad. Bund Garden Rd. 411001; August 31 SURAT Died Jehangir Pestonji Dhalla (72), Dehla Mohalla, Rustompura, 395002; August 1 Savaksha Darabsha Katpitia (62), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; August 3 Shehroobai Shapoorji Mehta (77), Gam Kim, District Surat, 394110; August 19 Horrd (Hormazshaw) Manekshaw Tadiwala (83), Rani Talao, Bharband Wad, 395003; August 22 Sheroo Dinshawji Subedar (65), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; August 26 ? ? ? CHICAGO Died Jehangir Balsara, father of Nauzer; July 10 KARACHI Born A boy to Toranj and Behr am Irani-, June 2 Died Neryosang Kaikobad Rabadi THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES The Iranian names of boys and girls along with their meanings which originalty 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 40(1001 Foredoon and Buijor Sandalwood Shop Princess Street, Bombay 40<XX)2 Union Press 13, Homji Street, Bombay 40(XX)l (66); June 12 Khorshed Rustom Dalal (68); June 23 Villie Nusserwanji Cooper (60); July 1 Aloo Bhikhaji Kharas (78); July 21 Bhikhu Sohrabji Merchant (76); July 21 LANSING, Michigan Married Mahnaz Khosravi and Parviz Soroushian-, August 18 LONDON Married Ava Meherwan Mehta and Vispi ManeckJamooji', August 4 MONTREAL, Canada Married Jasmin Bhedwar and Neville Vapiwalla of London; July 28 OTTAWA, Canada Born A boy, Percy, to Benifer and Anupam Chohan, brother to Devin; May 6 QUEBEC, Canada Married Zenobia Mahava and Jehan- bakhsh Jusawala ofToronto; June 29 Died Dolat Balsara, wife of Fall and mother of Adil and Niloufer; May 31 TOTALS (for this issue) Births: Boys 12, Giris 7 Marriages: Parsi 7 Intercommunal 1 Deaths: 101 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka 37 Parsiana September 1990IN MEMORIAM 3 I 5-^ Parinaz Gandhi ^rts, desk was a study in concentra- broadcasting, not the other way about, ” *’''y •” Talyarkhan had earlia clarified. In 1934 “There is not a signing activity he did he created history for the All India Radio bUe s^rte md was its first promoter. He by-ball ^mmentary in the match between in which he Parsis and Mohammedans played at the His written word could score many a sports page with a team\ /early days of writing He god. His voice had a powerful delivery of specialist writers, ” wrote\ /even mooted the formation • which could stump a commentary lis- sports critic K. N. Prabhu-X X of the first sports joumal- tener. His racy descriptions could inspire That was when he was with the^^ ^^/ists ’ aggnriatinn in India many novices who were new to the Free Press Journal. Rememba?^....».--*^s own columns, he knew, ‘helped horses. Such was Ardeshir Furdoonji columnist M. V. Kamath who was then a boost the sales of the pqiers to which he Sohrabji Talyarkhan, popularly known as junior reporter, “Around 8.30 D.m. he and coitributed. And though AFST never Bobby or by his initials AFST, who was his team...would literally march into the lost a grip of his subject until the end de­ regarded the pioneer of sports journal- office... He wore shorts, socks and shoes, spite failing eyesight, his long-time regu- ism in India. and an open short-sleeved shirt and in his lar readers felt that “the quality of his A day before he breathed his last on right hand there was a tin of cigarettes. I writing steadily declined until at times he July 13, 1990, at the age of 94 at the don ’t ever remember seeing him walk... I became almost unreadable... But no one Cricket Club of India (CCI) clubhouse was often reminded of a wrestler moving would have darciH to correct him. AFST’s where he resided, his regular column ap- towards the wrestling pit. That was the copy was sacrosanct, ” observed Ka math peared in the Bombay afternoon daily, sports desk. AFST hardly spoke. The “It was my writing that took me into Mid-Day. And the day after his crema- ‘ ... tion (he had wanted no religious last rites, tion... ” Talyarkhan had earUer clarified.' In 1934 he had earlier specified) his last column ‘ __2 2, 2__ 22_ _ ___________ appeared in the English section of the not touch. He was interested in automo- (AIR) by broadc^ting the first ever balb Gujarati daily, TAe BomZtay Sa/«flc/wr. |-i«-— —* ¦ ' " .................... “Public awareness shot up...sports himself had a sports car L. ,. 2.2.2. 2.^ ...... < writ^ were finally taken seriously — a would drive up to The Times of India ev- Bombay Gymkhana. He, who was con- specialized brand of journalism had come ery day to personally hand in his sports sidered the uncrowned king of sports to stay. His writing also began haying a column, ” notes The Afternoon Despatch commentators — fen* being the first to marked influence on the functioning of and Courier of July 16 in an article titled broadcast on hockey in the world the first the autocratic sports federations and or- “Memories of AFST.” to do football commentary in India and ganizations of the day... This was the ma- He is known to have writtai under his for taking cricket to the comers nf'I ndia jor victory of (Talyarkhan ’s) lonely col- name, his initials and various pseudo- by his Solo ball-by-ball descriptions — umn, states a cova story on AFST in nyms like Willow when he was reporting was dropped by the AIR when he refused The Illustrated Weekly of India of May on cricket and Pinza when it was racing, to share the mike with others. Yet a quar- 20, 1990 projecting the doyen ’s consum- “We had to handle him with great care, he ter century later, on the invitation of AIR, ing involvement in all sports affairs, be it was touchy about many subjects. But he did agree to act as the special com- hockey, cricket, football... over the years he became friendly, gener- ments man for “prophetically the last- “To Bobby must go the credit of rais- ous, encouraging, ” notes the write-up in ever test at the Braboume Stadium in ing the tone of sports writing and the stat- The Afternoon. In fact many scribes like 1973.” But there too he had stipulated his ure of sports journalists for it was Bobby Kamath and Dom Moraes credit Talyar- who gave Bombay its first complete khan for encouraging them during their ‘Memories of AFST?' i ________________ He is knovm to have writtai unda his for taking cricket to the comers of India Photo: Vivek Sarambalkar The lllustraieti Weekly af India 38 Parsiana September 1990 Iconditions: he would not do any live known as ‘the I specialist ’... That ’s the commentary, and also he would only ac ­ cept the mike from the hands of former ace cricketer Vijay Merchant. Talyarkhan “prided himself on the fact radio, in the Press, at public meetings, he soccer barefoot. And later, not seeing, an improvement in their performance, he ego in me —and I have a great deal of it. ” He knew the perils of communal chided, “The Indian footballer, now prop ­ cricket and through a campaign on the erly shod — and for this I may take full ~ . ! marks — seems oblivious of the fact that that he was the only one who did not need single-handedly stqjp^ the pentangulars boots are intended to kick with, not to have a script for his AIR programs. He even though his efforts caused consider- merely trap and pass and push... Our foot- fought for autonomy and he was looking able resentment then. Reasoned Talyark- ball has gone soft... And we still suffer forward to the day when... he could come han, “Mine was a plea for communal san- from the grave disability of not being back with his independent views, ” notes a ity in sport. So I fought against those able to kick with either foot... ” report in The Times. wretched quadrangular and pentangular Originally he was very opposed to With the advent of Doordarshan in matches. The very idea of Hindus play- Bombay, he started his program Looking ing Muslims was anathema to me. So I cricket, ” but when he saw them practice Back, Looking Forward, “telecasting opposed them with all the strength at my seriously and regularly, and their stan- sports talks for about seven continuous years which were as interesting as his ra ­ dio broadcasts, ” it was recorded in a com ­ munique from the Bombay Parsi Punchayet chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla. Talyarkhan was among the coterie of eminent Parsis felicitated by the Punchayet on the occasion of its tercen ­ tenary in 1982 at which function he had remarked that he felt privileged to belong to this microscopic community which had given so much to the country without demanding anything in return. I In the sphere of racing he was the first I to introduce ‘bend-and-finish ’ pictures in r the Indian Press that helped identify the I winner at a glance. His commentaries on I racing had become legend and he enjoyed I the distinction of having a race named af- I ter him — The Talyarkhan Club — an I honor reportedly bestowed on only a se- I lect few. Invariably he would be invited I to conduct the auctions at the annual I bloodstock sales. I During his career spanning over 70 I years, there were some who noticed that I “he trod on many toes...had many a tiff I with authorities. ” On many occasions, I like “all self-righteous persons he tended I to overstate his case which sometimes I * proved counter-productive. ” Others were I of the opinion that he was the “most ver- I satile and fearless sports critic and com- I mentator our country has known. ” Any I action that he perceived was a wrong I move, spurred him to write. Labelled • I the “sanitary inspector of sports, ” Tai- 1 yarkhan commented in the interview with I The Illustrated Weekly, “I think it ’s I wrong, therefore I draw attention to it. I It ’s not for nothing that I’m jocularly | Originally he was very opposed to women playing “the men ’s game of command. ” He also directed a successful dards improving, he revised his opinion, tirade against the Indian team playing mentions Ms Aaloo Bamji, former presi ­ dent of the Bombay Women ’s Cricket Association. In sports circles his initials AFST came to be equated with “Always For Sporting Times, ” notes a write-up in the Jam-e-Jamshed of July 22. “For him any Indian winning international honors was the greatest joy of his life. He always had a soft comer for the Anglo-Indians, Christians or Goans as he used to refer, and of course Parsis, all minority commu ­ nities which produced several outstand ­ ing sports celebrities but who hardly gained due recognition at the national level. For them he was a champion fighter as he was for the poor adivasis or the Services spoilsmen coming from tiiC lower rungs of society, ” the write-up elaborated. While some became his adversaries, there were others who appreciated his worth. Compile his writings into a book for posterity, suggested Nana Chudasama, the sheriff of Bombay. “The richest tribute to him will be to name the commentary box at the Wankhedc Sta ­ dium (the present venue for international cricket matches in Bombay) as the A. F. S. Talyarkhan Box,” proposed Polly Umrigar, former captain of the Indian cricket team. Sports journalism wasn ’t a planned career for Talyarkhan. After completing his schooling from Cathedral and John Connon School, he joined St Xavier ’s College only to leave that institution and join Sydenham College. From there he proceeded abroad to study law, tlicrcafter veterinary science... “Quite possibly that Photo: P. M. Shirodkar The Illustrated Weekly of India posterity, suggested 39 Parsiana September 1990sheer love of words, words, words — and anis were then already well-established Dadar Parsi Youths Assembly and the never long words, I can assure you — and it was only if their prayer books were other organizations with which he was . ’ affiliated got together on June 3Q, 1990 to • ¦ ’ - and it was only if their prayer books were coupled with an intense interest in games out of stock that the Union Press broks eventually caused water to find its own ’ " ~ ’ level, ” Talyarkhan had admitted in the _____ _ interview with The Illustrated Weekly. with the prayer books, they turned their In additon to editing the fortnightly The sports doyen was considered “a energies to printing calendars. Briefs bulletin of the Bombay Parsi Association, natty dresser and a stickler fw etiquette. ” Actually, “in his last days AFST had be­ come very touchy about his appearance and was most unwilling to be photo ­ graphed... ” After the death of his wife Jessie May six years ago, it was his fnends who regularly dropped by to keep him company. And his sense of humor was active until the end. Barely 10 days before his death, in a cordial letter to M. K. Vajifdar, a fellow-student at Xavier ’s though one he wasn ’t acquainted with, he described himself as a person “who al ­ ways forced his way even where he demand for the Kadmi and Fasli calen- should not enter... ” dars too. And then came the popular util- When summarizing the landmark ity calendars where the Gregorian calen- developments in his career, AFST re ­ marked, “What else, through my scrib ­ bling can I claim to have achieved? There that would interest Parsis. _ are quite a few things, believe me... but T ' then... well, memory hasn ’t yet slammed condolence letter; “From Aden he the door on me. ] because I’m killing time before time kills me. ” were sought, Rohinton continues. Feeling pay tribute to Chinoy ’s commitment to they had reached a stage of stagnation the Press and his other interests. with the prayer books, they turned their In additon to editing the fortnightly Rohinton: For he todt a keen interest in sports too. Dur- two years the ing his youth, it was as a physical cultur- mold for the cal ­ endars would be ctxnposed but they would hes- complicated by angina and a cerebral at- titate to go into print being un- ist and cyclist that he made his mark, says a family source. In later years, his health problems tack, did not permit him to participate ac ­ tively in the running of the Press. Even certain of the then he enjoyed making a trip to the Press public response, once in a while and reminiscing about Once started Shehenshahi roj calendars, there was they bygone days. As the one responsible for the the running of the Union Press, the Mum­ bai Mudrak Sangh had felicitated him some years back, informs Rohinton. Zoroastrian tenets and rituals Chinoy observed himself and was keen to keep __ __ _________ alive these practices. Notes a family mahs, almanac details and other features source, he would donate towards the cost of organizing prayer recitation and kusti weaving competitions. He was particu- ______________ ___________ ____ larly loath to see Parsis turn to dargahs I do go on simply brought the idea of printing an English and babas in the hope of haying their calendar with Parsi months and days wishes fulfilled. To inspire faith in the which till then was not known in India... Zoroastrian religion, he printed the book- In Aden he was a member of our ances- let Bhali murado ichwani ejmati nirango tral firm Cowasjee Dinshaw and Brothers which prescribed different prayers for working in the printing department, different difficulties. To perpetuate Chi- There this young and tall man had created noy ’s memory, another edition of this a very good impression amongst Europe- booklet was brought out by the Chinoy ans, Asians and Africans by his good family, with the intention of disuibuting 500 copies free of cost, says Rohinton. ity. ” Chinoy is survied by his wife Perin, Before joining the firm in Aden, Chi- son Rohinton and daughters Hilla Sabaw- _ _ noy had not had any experience in the alia, Villoo Mehta and Bakhtawar fied Its printing activities into the publi- printing line. Straight out of Sir J. J. Bhagwagar. p.g. dar was supplemented with rojs and Remembers Cowasjee Dinshaw in a Chinoy’s press(ing) works Died: Parvez Dossabhoy Chinoy, 79, for ­ mer partner of Union Press who diversi- 1____ cation of Zoroastrian prayer books and School from where he had completed his calendars, on June 22, 1990 in Bombay, matriculation examination, he proceeded following cardiac arrest. l ------ - Chinoy inherited the Union Press, said to sikhiya (he learnt the hard way), ” states be one of the oldest presses in India, from Rohinton. After his stint in Aden, he re- his uncle Pirojshaw Kharshedji Gove- wala. At that time the Press specialized in printing dictionaries, law reports and the uncle at the Union Press. daily time-tables set for the judges of the Among the community institutions Bombay High Court and the City Civil that he was most keen to promote, in fact Court, mentions Chinoy ’s son Rohinton, ' ' **" presently the proprietor of the 133-year- , _ old Union Press. However, when the cial worker Ratan Kakalia in The Bombay courts went on vacation, he found his machines lying idle. So, to make opti ­ mum use of his infrastructure, he acted on the advice of Ervad Jal Bajan and com- the Dadar Parsi Youths Assembly, the menced printing of prayer books. Zoroastrian Association, the Mevawalla But the sales were slow for the Kar- Agiary and the Readymoney Trust. The There this young and tall man had created noy ’s memory, another edition of this Asians and Africans by his good family, with the intention of distributing manners, soft-spoken ways and punctual- " “ Before joining the firm in Aden, Chi- - - _ ;__ ¦' . to Aden where “maar khai, gaar khai ne Chinoy inherited the Union Press, said to sikhiya (he learnt the hard way), ” states turned to Bombay and was with Ideal Printers for a while before joining his daily time-tables set for the judges of the even more than his Press, was the Dadar Parsi Grih Udyog, notes an article by so- Samachar. He helped them raise funds, save costs and even create employment opportunities. Besides, he was trustee of 40 Parsiana September 1990 MATRIMONIAL Tall, fair, 22 years, graduate girl from a decent family invites alliance from well-settled respectable boys around 27 years. Please reply to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (19) Psrsidnd GPO Box No 892, Bombay 400001