Dec 1990

I Federation salutes servicemen *> Se.s,**s<'>f; <« ¦' V' '•sx^ *'W^''-^£j£iSSfs I *i ^A*' rxx«^ C‘<’>-''^^ '*?¦ • ^ ‘> '^* ri.' ^¦ r . . H»M VV’*»4»" M***- -\ « V . s* '•'< •fc' 'H ? y K'* * J<^?^ ... ' ^''' . -¦' i‘ s»s I V i. y » ' ^:’ '' '%>'¦' .? ¦ ''V'R^.:^V.: ’.“¦' t \ ’.'*r>V'iS • ¦«» EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana H. Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shilotrl, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah Fernandes MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ' ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl D’Penha CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver OFFICE Rajendra P. Nayak, ' Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia Lewis, Rajaiakshmi Krishnan, Bakhtavar Batliwalla, Nowzer Batiiwaia I I I I L 2 Readers’ Forum 13 Events and Personalities December 1990 Volume 13 Number 6 19 Federation: Confronted by Controversies by Parinaz Gandhi 26 “We, the devout priests...’’ by Arnavaz Mama 29 Travels in Iran - 5 by Manekji Limji Hataria 33 Books 37 Milestones 39 In Memoriam Cover: Prayers at Teen Murti The Cavalry Memorial 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 reserved. Phone;2048730 Fax: 2042922 For editorial enquiries: 2048183 Telex 11-85710 RABO IN Annual inland subscription Rs 80 for one year (12 issues); Rs 140 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates; Seamail Rs 200 for one year, Rs 350 for two years (please allow six months or more from the time of publication); Air mail Rs 320 for one year, Rs 600 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 400001READERS' FORUM \ J S t * * ' (! O < * ‘ .»-»t * y I ? . ' » J 4 i • ¦k*o*Ht* > tit H»»( «*«y4***H »«»»»*¦»»» 9 ? Hit’! , . » r ' * »• i • ( » 4 > » ’ » I > » « , . . f » • » » < M 5 -¦ « • J » 1 ? > ‘ ^4 *0*5‘^*” ?t’f W’***’ ¦r f * * >' *' ’ ' ‘ ' I « » » » > < I r < i » K’.u: »»»»’• conviction by giving the right and proper to understand that people, especially viewpoint according to the doctrines, ~ practices, time-honored Zoroastrian be­ liefs and the Zoroastrian religious tenets. This viewpoint has been further endorsed denounced their Zoroastrian faith — and certified by all the other six learned hence are not entitled to any communal or and revered vada dasturji sahebs. So, religious rights. ’ when your editorial pundits quote that Your editorial pundits are totally Zoroastrians, who default on the base tenets of their religion by marrying out­ side the community, have deemed to have ( j ¦ t Your editorial pundits are totally “Whatever may be Kotwal’s feelings and wrong and presumptuous when they state, beliefs,” they must have the intellect to “Does he mention that in ancient Iran understand that it is not Kotwal’s personal Zoroastrianism enjoined conversion? r* feelings or beliefs but the feelings and be- n _ '_____¦ " " „ ” • That people were rewarded if they liefs of the entire Zoroastrian community brought non-believers into the faith? who are not yet trapped in the unfortunate Would Kotwal welcome such converts?” predicament of intermarriage. There is not a shred of evidence in history Bunyad pasbani (preservation of the of any form of conversion in ancient Iran hereditary seed) was a motto which our and the only ‘non-believers’ as it may forefathers cherished and strictly adhered seem, are the writers of this ill-conceived to — perhaps the very reason why we all Editorial Viewpoint, do not look like the Vasda prodigy ere- ” * ’ ’ . ated by the late (Dastur) Dr Framroze “The greatest danger of religious laws Bode. Right up to the first quarter of the current century intermarriages were un­ heard of until some rich and benevolent unreasonable.” Please permit me to en- Zoroastrian families defaulted by marry- . lighten them that any law, whether reli- ing outside their own race, thereby jeo­ pardizing the entire heritage of the Parsi Zoroastrian race of people. Our religious laws of purity are very Readers* views are welcome on any subject Mmple and clear. 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. Your editorial pundits further note, when applied to a civil state is that they are arbitrary, whimsical, cruel, unjust and gious, civil or criminal, is “arbitrary, whimsical, cruel, unjust and unreason­ able” to those who break it and therefore bear the consequences of their actions. On the point of ‘discrimination’ by the __________ ____________ trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, I nate or to pollute any single element of fully agree with your Editorial and would • Who has given any right or authority to the trustees of the Bombay Parsi ________________________ _ Punchayet to decide on matters of Parsi the bodies "to our consecrated dokhmas Zoroastrian religious practices and cus- and the very sacred and scientific ritual of toms? ¦ "_____ ; ; • Which court of law or act of parliament The most paramount crime of all has sanctioned this affidavit (the BPP lus trian philosophy and beliefs is that of the use of Zoroastrian women married mixing spiritual and physical genetics outside the community) as a legal docu- which, as we all know, hardly any other ment to act against Zoroastrian religious creature in nature ever commits. Even in the sacred scriptures of Islam called The such an honorable and fair publication Ahad Nameh the holy Prophet Muham- ¦ ¦ ¦ . We, as practising Zoroastrians, are forbidden to contami- nature — namely aab, hava, atash or ask the following questions: zameen (water, air, fire or earth) — and hence, our thousands of years old custom of disposing of our dead by consigning “Whither good...? ” 1 am deeply grieved and disappointed like dokhmenashini. many in our Zoroastrian community to Tl.. ------ ------------- . read the Editorial Viewpoint “Whither against Nature, according to our Zoroas- placed affi^vit forms at doongerwadjjor good thoughts, words and deeds?” {Par­ siana, September 1990). One would not have expected such a biased, prejudicial and misleading view- creature in nature ever commits. Even in tenets? point from the editorial pundits of once the sacred scriptures of Islam called The • How can such a document authorize such an honorable and fair publication Ahad Nameh the holy Prophet Muham- anyone — leave alone the trustees of the which was considered to be the ears and mad states, “I made the (inheritable) Bombay Parsi Punchayet — to desecrate voice of the Parsi Zoroastrian community. ] Firstly, for a Parsi Zoroastrian maga- I---------------- ------- , - zine like yours to insult the priesthood mixed birth, to pass to the religions head and wrongly condemn a high priest and a of your community (because) I heard the scholar of your own Parsi Zoroastrian Apostle of God saying: ‘The people de­ faith cannot be justified. Revered Dastur (E>r) Firqze M. , _ Kotwal, when asked for his opinion by Nameh by Cowasjee Nusserwanji Din- the trustees of the Bombay Parsi shaw). Punchayet on the issue of the late Ms t------------- Roxan Shah, showed great courage of religious scholar or an intellectual genius property of those belonging to the and defile our consecrated and sacrosanct Zoroastrian creed, but themselves of places of worship? Remember, there is no race without re­ ligion and there is no religion without ________________ priesthood. So before casting stones at scending from parents of two religions your own race, religion and priesthood — ..........................— -- ‘ '-------------------------Ervad DARIUS N. SETHNA do not inherit’” (Page 11 — T/ie Ahad please think twice. The Editor replies One does not need to be a profound Contrary to what Ervad Sethna states, the objective of the editorial was not to ma- 2 Parsiana December 1990 j i I!. lign the priesthood or any particular priest but instead to request them to view present customs and traditions in light of the overall message of Zoroaster and Zoroastrianism. 8^ -Y 1 'S’ a' st ¦ A3 ¦ L 4W4jWWI>T^ ¦o' -At­ Ervad Sethna erroneously states that j “there is not a shred of evidence in history of any form of conversion in ancient Iran and the only ‘non-believers’ as it may seem, are the writers of this ill-conceived Editorial Viewpoint” For the information of Ervad Sethna and others who hold this point of view, we quote from the judgement of Justices Daver and Beaman in the famous Pars! Punchayet Case of 1906 (Sir Dinshaw Manockji Petit and others vs Sir Jamsetji j Jejeebhoy and others) wherein both the ! plaintiffs and the defendants agreed that the Zoroastrian religion not only permits but enjoins conversion. The case dealt with the election scheme of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet as well as the issue of “whether a person bom in another faith and subsequently converted to Zoroastrianism and admitted not only public religious establishments White bearded Dastur Kcdkobad, into that religion is entitled to the benefit of the Parsis — for the benefit of all pro- son of Dastur Meherjirana, at the court of the religious institutions and funds fessing that faith. Who then profess that of Akbar mentioned in the plaint and now in the faith? Can it be said that only those who possession and under the management of are bom in it profess it? Certainly not. by Scott J. some years ago, in which it the defendants.” For we can easily prove (and this had was held that long-established usage The case in point pertained to the since been admitted over and over again overrode the canon law. The Zoroastrian French wife of Mr R. D. Tata whose before us) that the Zoroastrian religion religion forbade, as the learned Judge navjote ceremony was performed in Bom­ bay by the Shehenshahi High Priest Das- that its tenets not only permit but ener- tur K^khooshroo Jamaspji. getically enjoin the making of converts. It, therefore, follows that where a reli- Daver’s Judgement gion notoriously enjoins conversion, and “When the controversy consequent on the where devout members of that religion navjote ceremony of the French lady found public places of worship and burial stances of the case. But how does it bear arose, there was intense excitement for the use of those who profess that reli- on this question? I do not think it has amongst the Parsi community. Meetings gion, they must have contemplated — any bearing at all. There is a perfectly were held, committees were appointed, they must be deemed to have contem- plain and intelligible distinction between and learned men from the community plated — converts to the religion partici- were selected as experts to report on the pating in the benefits of such endow- various religious controversial questions ments. Any other view leads at once to latter is not, in strictness, a usage or cus- that arose. The committee of experts this practical absurdity, that you have a tom at all. It is, as soon as the proposition made their report. On this report, Mr great religion ordering conversion and yet is fairly stated, clearly absurd to reason Lowndes, for the plaintiffs, has placed refusing to allow converts any lot or part from mere non-use to the contrary af- great reliance. This report says that not in its public religious communion... (Page firmation. The Zoroastrian religion en- only is there nothing in the sacred books IX to X) joins making converts. But for many to prohibit persons professing other relig- “The defendants admit that their reli- years we have not made converts, ions from being admitted into the gion enjoins the making of converts. But Therefore, although we still profess that . Zoroastrian religion, but that the Zoroas- they say that since the Parsi emigration religion and revere all its essentials, we trian religion enjoins such conversions.” from Persia some 1,2(X) years ago, the In- rely on a custom of not making converts, (Page 50) dian Zoroastrians, commonly known as to abrogate the positive commands of our That is what the defendants Beaman's Judgement gious precept. And they rely on the ab- would say on this point, and it only needs “These trusts are public religious en- sence of all conversions, in the proper to be stated to be set aside as absurd, dowments and charities. They were sense of the word, to prove a custom ab- There cannot be a custom of not doing a founded not for racial or tribal, but for re- rogating one of the fundamentals of their thing. Circumstances may have com- ligious purposes. The founders ex hy- religion. In this connection, reference bined to render it undesirable or impos- pothesi intended them — since they are will probably be made to a case decided sible, and so a practice may have fallen For we can easily prove (and this had since been admitted over and over again was originally a proselytizing religion; held, infant marriage. But the Indian Zoroastrians were shown to his satisfac­ tion to have uniformly practised it He accordingly decided in favor of infant marriage. That no doubt was a very proper and just decision in the circum- a positive or affirmative, and a so-called merely negative custom or usage. The 4 Parsiana Dacember 1990 “The defendants admit that their reli- from Persia some 1,2(X) years ago, the In­ dian Zoroastrians, commonly known as Parsis, have never carried out that reli- religion, gious precept. And they rely on the ab­ sence of all conversions, in the proper They were sense of the word, to prove a custom ab­ rogating one of the fundamentals of their thing. hI I 'S a derstand that while they dared not prose­ lytize, they would have been only too glad to welcome influential converts from Hinduism and Mahomedanism. And this, I have no doubt, is the real ex­ planation of the Pandits and the Akbar story... (Page XIX) “The defendants, expressing as we now know the orthodox Parsi view, are prepared to overlook immorality, bas­ tardy — anything but alienage. They are ready to admit any and every Irani Zoroastrian about whose antecedents they cannot possibly know anything. But they will not admit the purest, most blameless foreigner, of whose character and conduct they may have the com- pletest assurance. They will admit all the "They will admit all the illegitimate children of Parsi parents, begotten of prostitutes or kept mistresses, but they will not admit the noblest, most exemplary foreigner" into desuetude. But as long as the cardi- overturned kingdom. They were in a nal dogmas of the religion itself have *• strange land, surrounded by strange remained unchanged, their efficacy, peoples, professing an unknown religion, where, as here, it is freely admitted, can- In these circumstances, it is easy to un- not be impaired, much less destroyed, by 4 inability or unwillingness to obey them. It is as much the duty of every pious Zoroastrian today to m^e converts as it was in the remote past As a general ab­ stract proposition, I think that is self-evi­ dent... (Page XI to XII) “Not only, as I have said, a widely- spread tradition, popular ballads extol­ ling the achievement as the crowning glory of the Bombay Parsis, but Mr (Jivanji Jamshedji) Modi himself — the most bitter, uncompromising opponent of conversion, the root and branch repre­ sentative of orthodoxy — even he writes an elaborate treatise, or, one might say, almost a book, to prove that the priests of Navsari are fairly entitled to the credit of having converted the Emperor Akbar... Lady Tata: controversy following navjole illegitimate children of Parsi parents, (Page XVII) begotten of prostitutes or kept mistresses, “Again we have the Ravayats or Re- versions; and, with certain reservations but they will not admit the noblest, most sponsa prudentum. These are answers of a secular rather than a religious kind, exemplary foreigner. Why? Because a sent by the heads of the Zoroastrian com- were quite ready to sanction and approve foreigner is outside the caste, and caste is munity in Persia, to questions put to them. In the face of all this evidence, it is an institution into which you must be them on points of religious dogma, ritual, idle for the defendants to contend today bom. Of the modem Parsi they say em- and so forth by Bombay Parsis. Both that the idea of conversion, although an phatically nasautur non fit. This is not questions and answers show, with unmis- integral part of their revealed and ac- religion, it has nothing to do with reli- takable clearness, that the question of cepted religion, had fallen so completely gion: it is essentially distinctly irreligious; making converts — both in the abstract, into disuse, that no member of the Bom- but it is pure, unadulterated oriental as a general question, and, more con- bay Parsi Zoroastrian community could caste... (Page XX) cretely. as to who wo^e fit and proper to ever have dreamed of regarding it as a “Either admission can be obtained to be made converts and how they ought to practical and living question... (Page the Parsi community by conversion, or it be made — was very much alive over the XVIII) cannot. It is simply puerile to pretend, whole period to which we need confine “I am quite ready to start with the as- for instance, that the Emission of such a our investigations. It is true that the Ra- sumption that the plaintiffs make, refined and cultured lady as Mrs Tata vayats may not command much respect, namely, that when the Zwoastrian exiles would do harm to a religion which opens That is not the point. The point is that fled from the Mussulman persecution, its doors to all sorts and conditions of questions were put by pious men about they brought with them to India, as their bastard children. It is still stupider to re­ conversion, and answers were received common bond — their ancient religion. I sist her claims on the ground that she was from the heads of the official hierarchy will go further and add that, at that re- not duly admitted. She was publicly in Persia, which most certainly did not mote time, they would probably have not admitted by a person corresponding in deny that conversions could or ought to only approved but welcomed converts if our religion, let us say, to the Archbishop be made. As to the qualifications, I am — to use the phrase that has so often since of York. Everyone knew of it: leading < not now concerned with them. Nothing in been repeated — those converts would do citizens, English as well as Parsis, were what I may call the official or expert no harm to the good religion. They invited to be present at the ceremony, part of the case creates a very high opin- needed help, they needed countenance. The priest who ought to know says that ion of the intelligence of the good, de- they needed, above all things, powerful she was fully and regularly admitted. I vout gentlemen who liad to some extent allies. And no allies were likely to be really had no patience with the quib- the consciences of the Zoroastrian com- better disposed to them than such as had blings of the learned men who spoke for munity in their keeping. But it is undeni- been converted to their own faith. They the defendants, and, while evading the able that, rightly or wrongly, they, as were not then a dominant, but a servient, plain direct points, spent hours of our well as die recipients of the Ravayats, timid and scattered people, the mere time in trying to reconcile their own ab- were fully alive to the possibility of con- remnant and straggling fugitives of an surdly irreconcilable inconsistencies. ever have dreamed of regarding it as a “I am quite ready to start with the as- 5 Parsiana December 1990J The real, the plain point was simply this, eligible and desirable, much as members caste sentimenL But that defilement that notwithstanding anything in their are admitted into an exclusive club. Had would be definitely worse — more irrepa- sacred writings, notwidistanding their they been further told that this would be rable and far-reaching — if it touched the own published utterances to the contrary, impossible, that they must choose be- sacred sources of the whole communal notwithstanding the Ravayats, notwith- tween accepting any convert or (none) — and caste existence — the ancient places standing everything, they took their stand that accepting any meant accepting all of pure religious worship...” (Page not on religion but on caste, and when it crxivois indiscriminately; and had it XXVI to XXVII) came to a practical test, denied that any- been further pointed out to them that the Jicic sic one could become a memb^ of the Parsi probabilities were immensely in favor of community except by birth... (Page himdreds of the most undesirable people, Roxan’s accidental death and the equally XXII) for every single desirable person, offer- tragic controversy, arising out of Bombay “We were told, amrmgst other things, that one reascm why the ctmversion of ali­ ens to the holy Zoroastrian faith was no towards Dubras, its attitude towards the avail of the to)ver of silence for interring longer permissible in Bombay, if it evCT surrounding inferior Hindu castes, I can- had bem, was that unscrupulous Euro- not doubt for a moment that they would pean women would pretend to be ccm- have unhesitatingly said that, whatever September 1990 issue of Parsiana — verts, in order to marry eligible Parsi might be the abstract religious dogma, with the orthodox Viewpoint of Dastur young men, and so tha« would not be they meant their benefactions for their (Dr) Firoze Kotwal’s learned article “The enough husbands to go round. The Parsi own peq)le, the members of the Indian divine laws of God must p'evail,” and the maidens we 'nctt told would be deserted; Zoroastrian community, that is to say, opposite, liberal view in the editorial, and one high priest even assured us that, owing to this lamentable tendency, he close caste, were bom into it... No Eng- knew of a Parsi virgin of 40 still looking lish Christian would think of regarding a out in vain for a husband. This is the mer­ est absurdity... (Page XXV) “The religion — originally the princi- from a base trade; still less would he Dr Kotwal’s Irmg letter cannot be ob- pal, if not the only social and tribal bond deny to such an one rites of Christian jected to by anyone, including the liberals — had long since been converted also burial in a Christian cemetery. But in the — which incidentally includes the writer, into a distinctive caste badge. Being a Zoroastrain community, the conditions Dr Kotwal has consistently referred to his member of the good religion, it was are widely different. There, while the own personal views, duly endorsed by his doubtless at that time synonymous with religion and its ritual purity are still the colleagues in the Athoman Mandal. He being a member of what we may now, I think, fairly call the Parsi caste. The sub­ ject of conversion was unquestionably, elusiveness and the purity of the tribe or as a theoretical dogma, recurrently in the caste, that they have become practically doubted, air, but was growing constantly to be identical; and there is only this differ- more and more imperatively conditioned ence, that a modern orthodox Parsi by purely caste considerations. As I have would shrink with infinitely greater ligicxi — which has extra-terrestrial sane- said, I think it likely that had these loathing and horror from admitting to his tion — does exist in Dr Kotwal’s mind, founders of the trusts b^n asked whether temples and towers a person whose pres- Custom is a part of sociology, and hence they were prepared to %;cept converts, ence was a social contamination, than he of current social mores which includes, in they would have replied that they would would from admitting him to his table a constantly evolving civilization, voices not object to duly-accredited and wp- and the freedom of his family circle. No of individuals making up the population, proved converts. And what they would respectable Parsi would dreair^ of eating and hence politics, ultimately leading to have had in mind was a regular convoca- — tion of elders on each case as it arose, to decide whether the person proposed was defile him in what is really an essential for every single desirable person, offer­ ing themselves for conversion; looking to Parsi Punchayet chairman Dr Aspi the constitution of the society, its attitude Golwalla’s refusal to let Roxan’s family Roxan’s remains, have all led, inevitably, to a sharp division among the Parsis. The Zoroastrian community, that is to say, those who, as in the case of every other “Whither good thoughts, words and deeds?” — as well as some feverish be- hind-the-scene activity by both lobbies, place of wcxship desecrated because a must widen the gulf between the orthodox genuine believer happened to have come and the heretics, the liboals. from a base trade; still less would he mainspring of the communal life, they refers also to rites and customs, the are so intimately bound up with the ex- Vendidad and presumably other authori­ ties. Dr Kotw^’s scholarship cannot be The confusion, however, between human customs and the absolutes of a re­ with, say, a Bhungi. It would seem to legislation. Thus, custtxn cannot be in- him utterly impossible to do so; it would voked in support of religious absolutes. The orthodox view covers the subordi­ nate position, in society and in religion, of women. This is why there is the pseu- dobiological view about the Zoroastrian egg and the non-2^oroastrian sperm im­ plied in Dr Kotwal’s thesis. It also ex­ plains Why nayjotes of children of mixed marriages is performed without a mur­ mur, provided the father is Zoroastrian. Several fallacies arise her. However, the guiding principles of the religion put a premium on honesty, and that, presuma­ bly, covers intellectual honesty. Until the fait accompli by Dastur (Dr) Framroze Bode in the mid-1930s, no PM. 6 Parsiana December 1990navjote could be performed on any child of a mixed marriage. After some years, this custom changed and many Parsi tory and in the case also of well-inten- Zoroastrian fathers, who have had acqui­ escent wives bora into other religions, have had their children initiated into lished social custom has been totally con- Zoroastrianism all over the globe. Now, fused with the fundamental tenets of re- with a very few exceptions which occur ligion only because the individual has on the sly in the richer segments of the confused what he has been used to with Parsi community, a Zoroastrian mother what has been written in the Book. Cus- with an understanding or indifferent-to- religion, non-Zoroastrian father, is pre­ vented from following the mid-1930’s habits would have changed dozens or ety evolves and changes so will rites and example of Dastur Bode. Has the custom changed or is* it the re­ ligion? This writer’s favorite cartoon, handed down by prophets to human fol- from a 1930’s Punch, is of two pious Eu­ ropean ladies discussing the new-fangled modes of travel, and the clear-headed verse of spokesmen of God On aH but the lady saying that air travel is sinful, and last 30 or 40 years) has been particularly became almost irrelevant except for social that she will continue to travel by train as small, rarely exceeding perhaps a radius purposes. Urbanization of India has the good Lord had ordained! Poor Jains of a few hundred miles. Moreover, the changed substantially the role and social are still restricted by their orthodox peers guardians of the Word, the priests, were behavior of Parsis. In the past 30 years from covering long distances by any the only link in communicating the Word cheap airtravel and travel and emigration mode other than walking on the surface, to later generations. We have already The laudable attempt by two female seen some distortions and confusion tak- priests recently to acquaint the younger ing place at that level in the present cen- generations of Jains, who are bora and tury. brought up in the USA, with Jainism, drew nothing but condemnation from munications would have got multiplied a any sexual relationship before marriage hundred times in the one hundred or so on the part of two consenting Parsi generations which have passed from the adults? If so, is it to be condemned more, year the Word was first handed down through the Prophet. Perhaps each individual, even a most Parsi? And is that partially condoned if pious and ardent follower of our faith, the Parsi is male, and is the condemnation should pause and think before following greater if the Parsi is a female? And if to the letter the divine Word. Zoroastri­ ans have been directed in our Book to fight evil at any level, even at the level of demnation on a scale of 1 to 10? Like- the ruler. In our complex industrial soci­ ety, however, freedom of belief and ex­ pression and action on the part of any in­ dividual — as long as it does not harm another citizen’s legitimate interest — is a fertilization? What happens here if the fundamental right. There must be some “seed” of the anonymous donor is not of special divine support for this particular Zoroastrian origin? What machinery does freedom because societies of all hues and the Punchayef and the Mandal have for origin are rapidly converging on this ideal verifying these data in the few hours free state. This is why we Parsis abhor strife and violence in, say. Northern Ireland, Tian­ anmen Square, Punjab, Kashmir, Ayodhya and hundreds of places every­ where where one section of society im- privately and not openly for there to be poses its will on another through violence hard core evidence, no questions will be and not through the institutions of modem asked; but that if someone has the temer- civilized society. ity to get married, after putting up the On the other hand we, as Zoroastrians banns, under the Special Marriage Act, following the Word, are asked to fight then the verdict will be given on the basis evil with courage, presumably even unto of the Vendidad and similar impeccable death as is written in the Book. Now, Dr authorities. Kotwal will agree, tts good Zoroastrians their own Popes in India. Thus, as with parallels throughout his- tioned priests as guardians and interpret­ ers of the faith, the comfort of an estab­ toms, of course, change ever so slowly but steadily. Even so, customs and social we have to understand the spirit and not the letter of the Book, and modify our ac­ tion in the context of our present society. Thus, evil can be fought courageously in the High Court as Minoo Masani, Piloo Mody and others did during the Emer­ gency, and not by hiring a Kalashnikov and gunning down those whom we per­ ceive to be the errant members of the gov­ ernment. Do we then talk about the absolute as Dr Kotwal does or do we say that as soci- hundreds of times in the few thousand practices of the community? years that the absolute Book has been lowers of the faith. In almost all cases, the physical uni- The late ’50s, with oestrogen and stil- boestrol, as also availability even to fac­ tory workers of extensive motive power, changed once and for all the position of women in modem society. Gender thus 1 Almost certainly, then, errors in com- to the First World (Western Europe, North America and Australia) has further changed the total social environment for all Parsis of either sex. Does the Athor- nan Mandal condemn, as perhaps it does. Athfetic and Cycling Meet The 11th All Parsis Annual Athletic Meet will be held at the University Stadium, Marine Lines, Bombay on February 16 and 17, 1991, 1 p.m. onwards. The cycling events will be held on February 10, 2 p.m. onwards. This year noh-Parsis too may participate in open events in each age-group. Entry forms will be available at: * The Nowroze Baug Play Centre, E-18, Nowroze Baug, Lalbaug, Bombay 400012 * Naval S. Pithawalla, 584-85, Lady Jehangir Road, Matunga, Bombay 400019 * Secretary, Cusrow Baug Sports Pavilion, Colaba, Bombay 400039 The last date for submission of entries is February 3, 1991. 8 Parsiana December 1990 Square, Punjab, to the extent of excommunicating the per­ son, if it is between a Parsi and a non- both Parsis in such a relationship are of the same sex, what is the degree of con- wise, what is the reading on the scale if both are male? And if both are female? An extension of this puzzle is, what does a childless Parsi couple do about in-vitro available before the body is interred at the tower of silence? Or do we have a typically oriental an­ swer based on expediency? Such as: as long as a person conducts his personal life The truth lies elsewhere. Even Solo- bmon, or indeed our Prophet himself as a single individual, would find it impos­ sible to decide a myriad complex issues which emerge regularly in a very com­ plex society. This is why an individual’s wisdom has had to give way in human __ _____ _ _ _ ____ _ history to collective wisdom, which in politics and a lawyer to speak on law, harm anybody in this world” {Ava Ard- turn has a wonderful, truly divine sane- v‘-y ‘ ¦ - • ¦ .................. tion, the support of the broadest possible right to give his opinion on Zoroastrian electoral college. This collective wis- ' “ dom is then exercised through constantly evolving institutions which in turn reflect views and aspirations of a majority of the electoral college members. The opera­ tive words here are ‘evolving,’ ‘broadest base’ and ‘majority.’ That is what most of the enlightened world has discovered as being a solution which gets steadily closer to the ultimate truth than any other firmly stand behind him. solution. Patiala the fravashis of every holy being of the And that is why prevailing legislation, world. One such paragraph in the begin- legal verdicts, prevailing social mores are A Parsi male does not lose his identity or ning of this Karda notes, “For the wor- all relevant, notwithstanding Dr Kotwal’s religion after his marriage with a girl ship and glorification of the noble Lord stand, to the lives of all persons, pious as outside his community. Such a Parsi Ahura Mazda, of the Ameshaspentas, well as non-believers. male is accepted at every place of wor- and of all the brave fravashis of the pure’ Thus poor Roxan may yet pave the ship and ceremony while he lives and af- of those who lived in the pre­ way for Parsis and the Parsi Punchayet ter he is dead; but a Parsi female is de- Zarathushtrian era as well as bom in the entering the twentyfirst century with nied these rights! faith of Zaraihushtra, may the Zaota some pride and relevance. Otherwise we * ’ ' - . _ . shall follow the dodo very fast. VINCI J. WADIA Courts can in no way decide the fate of gehs and yashts we recite ''Namaz dadare our religion. The final verdict on reli- gehan daman" meaning: “I worship the gious and related issues would rest with creator of the entire universe... Grant me the high priests of our religion and the progeny which is self-supporting and voice of the community at large. which would be a blessing to all around; If a politician has a right to speak on progeny which would not ever desire to why should a scholarly priest not have the wisio' Nyaish^para 12). I The Lord Ahura Mazda acquaints us religion? The Bombay Parsi Punchayet with his power of creation in Hormazd and Dastur Kotwal were justified in tak- Yasht (para 7) thus “...Twelfthly, I am ing this stand on this issue. It is high time the Creator of all life, thirteenthly, I am the priests of our community put their the Lord Benefactor and fourteenthly, foot down and prevent undue freedom to one who bears enmity to none.” In para the followers of this faith. thirteenth of the same Yasht the Lord tells I appreciate that once at least a priest us: “I am One who looks after every- had the courage to speak out and let me body.” assure you, that I and the community will which would be a blessing to all around; In our Satumno Kardo the opening Ms FARIDA ANTIA para and other paras tell us to worship A Parsi male does not lose his identity or ning of this Karda notes, “For the As per Justice Sawant of the Bombay (chief-priest) recite 'Yatha Ahu Vairy o' High Court (now of the Supreme Court), and may his associate (Rathvi) recite it has been decided that a Parsi girl marry- 'Atha raiush ashat chit hacha. ing outside the fold under the civil mar- I ’ ' __:___________ riage act does not cease to be a Parsi even sal relationship mentioned so clearly in after such' a marriage. Then, why this our scriptures, where no one is barred or unauthorized prohibition accorded to our prevented or obstructed to associate with »» I wish again to emphasize the univer- “An injustice at... ” To the true followers of the Zoroastrian faith, the liberals have already advocated ddkhmenashini as a barbaric, outmoded daughters? us. and uncivilized way of disposal of the Zoroastrian religion is the first and the I quote Haptan Yasht: karda 8 (para dead. But when a non-Parsi or a Parsi foremost religion on earth to have pro- six) which runs thus: “We praise the re­ married to a non-Parsi wants to practise pounded the idea of peace, amity and turn of our athomans (Zoroastrian these “barbaric” practices, these same lib- f........................... - - - erals move heaven and earth and go all Our scriptures repeatedly express a keen away to the countries with the righteous out to fulfill their barbaric wishes (“An desire in almost all our nyaishes, that desire (to increase piety).” injustice at doongerwadi,” Parsiana, Au- are enjoined to be prayed daily (rojindi The Haptan Yasht is the oldest of the gust 1990). , . bandagi}, to have “the knowledge and yashts — rather considered next after A Parsi girl’s intimate relations with a fame of the excellent Mazdayasni reli- some years of the composition of four non-Parsi is enough to disqualify her gion spread over all the seven regions of Gathas. from practising Zoroastrian rituals and the world {hapta keshwar zamin) as in Where is any scriptural evidence other avail of Zoroastrian institutions. It is the final passages of Khorshed, Meher, than quoted above that could make us immaterial whether it is marriage under a Mah, Ava and Atash Nyaishes and the behave in such an insolent manner? specific act or whether it is an illicit rela- Hormazd Yasht. Who has/have given authority to keep tionship. After such a relationship a Nowhere do we exclude non-2k)roas- our people away from maintaining amity Parsi girl cannot and must not practise the Zoroastrian faith, as its effects be­ come null and void or may even prove harmful to her. It is the duty of the parents of such a bow in reverence and worship to relaxed thoroughly! This relaxation is girl to make it very clear to their child that GDd...and the entire creation, present as seen on very many occasions when the marriage to a non-Parsi is one-way traffic well as future. {Dibache — preface: trustees of the Parsi Punchayet also re- from where there would be no way back KhorshedNyaish)" main present... as if these rules do not to the fold. In all our daily prayers like nyaishes, exist for the bigwigs! Why then do we Zoroastrian religion is the first and the friendship with the people of the world, priests)... athomans who go farthest Our scriptures repeatedly express a keen away to the countries with the righteous gion spread over all the seven regions of Gathas. the world {hapta keskwar zamin) as in the final passages of Khorshed, Me her, than quoted above that could make HormazdYasht. ’............. J ' Nowhere do we exclude non-2k)roas- our people away from maintaining amity trians in our prayers. We extol the whole and concord with the people of the universe. “I worship Ahura-Mazda... world? Immortal forgiver of sins and one who For the highly affluent people, some showers love on the entire creation ... I of these so-called prohibitory rules are bow in 10 Parsiana December 1990 I I? I have such double standards? with the BPP. Look to the well-being of our commu­ nity and pray that there should be love. has no meaning if it is not blended widi our own just thinking. I remember when I was small my Did it never occur to the liberals or the peace and harmony among all of us. To Hindu friend had come to spend a day orthodox, lined up on either side in large that end we must start a dialogue among with me. In the afternoon our dasturji numbers including legal luminaries and our leaders. It is imperative that a happy brought bajrojgar chasni (consecrated religious head priests, that some day an solution be arrived at in the interest of our fruits) and, seeing an apple, my little incident like that of poor Roxan would dear community. jalolua happen? Should not these stalwarts of both sides have taken suitable steps, dur- “The divine lawS of God... ” ing this long period of 16 years, since In his letter (“The divine laws of God even today. May 28, 1974 — the date of the resolu- must prevail,” Parsiana, September tion which BPP chairman Dr Aspi 1990) Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal has the nahn, I was forbidden to touch any Golwalla cited as the reason for his re- rightly observed that the court of law can- non-Parsi. Thus I could not meet my old fusal to accept Roxan Shah’s mortal re­ mains at doongerwadi — to have arrived governed mostly by the principles of at an understanding among themselves as Common Law of England. We do not believers or infidels? to what should be done to avoid a contra- have our own code and hence when the Is the message of Zarathushtra limited versy in our beloved community? Did it not occur to any of the board of have no alternative but to apply the prin- seven trustees, either in the past or the ciples of justice, equity and good con- present, to take suitable steps in conjunc­ tion with the changing “reformist” ten­ dencies of the present generation? At the same time, was it not the duty also of the legal stalwarts and/or other on the path towards God. Mazda has re- “reformist” Parsis to have similarly an- vealed to us his message through religious? ticipated some trouble — similar to that Zarathushtra, which constantly guides of poor Roxan — during this long period and directs our conscience. Even in case of 16 years, and taken up the cudgels of the divine laws of God, the mere text BEJON DESAI Nasik friend asked for it. My mother, being orthodox, saw no alternative and refused to give the fruit. This incident hdrts me On the day of my wedding, after taking rightly observed that the court of law can­ not rule on issues of faith. We Parsis are ayah who wanted to embrace me. Do we have to treat non-Parsis as non- have our own code and hence when the law courts are faced with such issues they only to Parsis? (The Jews also thought the same and they believe their messenger is yet to come.) science. Is there no scope for just, reasonable But then Almighty God has given us and fair thinking in Zoroastrian theology? conscience which elevates us above His other creatures and this is our sole guide One great thinker has defined religion as ‘anything that elevates our soul.’ Is going to dargahs, mandirs, etc anti- DINYAR NAVROZ JALNAWALLA Jalha Edited by Amavaz S. Mama Wall -to -wall rNCARioiNC ilom Johnson . iliii;." H&R Johnson (India) Ltd., Kakad Chambers, Dr, A, Besant Road, Worli, Bombay-400 018. Trlkaya.HRJ.6.86> I Events and Personalities KRCOI’s platinum jubilee _ . . To make Bombay’s harri^ citizenry of Zoroastrian professionals delving into host population. more conscious of the intellectual heri- old books and magazines to unearth little “What makes for live and lasting in- tage that their predecessors so carefully known facts. Calls have gone out to all stitutions?” The question was posed by nurtured, the K. R. Cama Oriental Insti- — both within the community and with- management consultant Aspi Moddie at tute (KRCOI), in its platinum jubilee out — to provide stories with support ma- the inaugural function of the platinum year, has planned a series of functions— " ’ "" averaging two per month — over the en­ suing 12 months. The Firdausi Festival, chairing the project and more than a score pleting Zoroastrian community among the old books and magazines to unearth little terial on the contribution or character of jubilee celebrations on December 18, Parsi Zoroastrians, as well as articles of personal wear like period dresses, jew- to commemorate 1,000 years since the eiry, shawls, old textiles, period furniture, penning of the epic Shah Nameh, is 1990 at the Institute’s Jivanji Modi Hall. In 75 years empires and states and blue chip companies have risen and de- ... J artefacts, books, manuscripts and other dined, he added and held up two ex- scheduTed for Febniary 8, 1991 at the memorabilia for the display that aims to amples to ponder upon —the Society of Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy Agiary, Colaba, create a better understanding of the de- ' where talks by scholars, interspersed by j scenes enacted by students of several I participating schools, will culminate in a I grand contributory dinner. I An even more elaborate project is an I exhibition entitled The Zoroastrian Story * depicting 13 centuries of Zoroastrian | contribution to Indian thought and cul­ ture. Spanning approximately two weeks beginning March 21, 1991 the exhibi- < tion, to be held in die Coomaraswamy Hall .of the Prince of Wales Museum, is being coproduced by the KRCOI and the | Museum with its director Dr S. A. Go- I rakshkar and Ms Roshan Kalapesi co- I ¦¦¦¦ ¦ ¦¦ 5^BO ¦ S i . J 13 Parsiana December 1990 Jesus, popularly known as the Jesuits, I and Mitsui, the Japanese business house that has a commanding presence in al- I most every field of commercial activity. I As examples of long life they could not I be faulted, having been founded in 1540 ' and 1670 respectively. Furthermore, they are not CX) that were to meet the medical bills Ms Binaifer Jesia, one of die two partici­ pants representing India at the Tour de robbed of her money too. Though she managed to nab the alleged jet-setting YEH (Youth Ending Hunger). The 19- did not take ill immediately, it was after conman. The Indian Airlines officials year-old, along with Zameer Vahanvaty, reaching the Breach Candy Hospital were initially very reluctant to pass on undertook the 3,000- any information regarding her fellow mile long cycle tour commuter to Bhasin, but assured her that of the United States they would cooperate with the police. It which was meant to was Bhasin and another Khan victim who create awareness of identified the convict during a lineup. A the persistence of repentant Khan admitted that he could hunger and to call at- face prosecution in at least 46 cases, add- tendon to the United ing Aat circumstances forced him into Nations World Sum- this criminal line, further adds The TOI mit for Children in dated November 22. September 1990. Youths in the 13 to 22 age-group from different coun­ tries like USA, In­ dia, Australia, Japan, Great Britain, Can­ ada, Malaysia, Af­ rica and the Soviet Union undertook the . cycle tour from June 5 to July 21 this year. Adults too in the Jesia (left) and Vahanvaty: pedalling for age-group of 22 to 55 years joined the a cause Photo: The Da///Sebastian D Souza youths on this mission. The YEH with which Jesia is actively Indian Express, a statement denied by the involved, is the youth wing of The Hun- BBC’s (British Broadcasting Corpora­ tion) Channel 4, got talking to him. During the flight, Khan went out of quality and quantity) takes the lives of the way to request the purser to bring her ger-related deaths, she father added. with the crew which made Bhasin inter­ vene. She suspects that when she got up to check the overhead storage bin, the man must have drugged the coffee, reads The Times report. The loss of money was realized on the station, notes The Times of India (The Bhasin had left her leather handbag be­ hind on the seat. About 15 days after the event the of her ailing mother, she was reportedly Santa Cruz airport police station officers SPOTLIGHT Managing director of Industrial Boilers Limited, Rusi N. Engineer has been elected president of the Indian Boilers Manufacturers’ Association, - while Nauzer K. Desai, managing partner of Laxmi Boilers will officiate as the Asso­ ciation’s vice president, notes a press release. Association, - After six weeks’ training in the karate-do style in Okinawa, Japan, Sensei Hosi P. Batliwala was conferred a fourth degree Though Jesia crashed thrice during the where her mother was being treated that black belt (Yon Dan), notes the Jam-e- tour, “we kept on because of the team ' spirit. The stronger boys wouldn’t let you give up so easily,” she related. Prior to setting out on this tour, Jesia, an Arts stu­ dent at the Elphinstone College, had to ords was Maganlal Marwahwalla but sub­ she passed out, only to recover two days- Jamshed of October 14, 1990. He is now later, mentions the news report. Her fellow passenger on the executive class, who according to the airline rec- licenced to teach and grade students in this style of martial arts. Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka 18 Parsiana December 1990I 1 > POLITICS AND POLICY COVER STORY Confronted ’’^Controversies Parinaz Gandhi The issues pertaining to intercommunity marriage and adoption dominated the Delhi meet of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India the others did not broach the subject, ceedings lasted only one and a half days. “ ..........................- Despite all the well-meaning intentions gish Irani of Dahanu got up to speak, to observe a time limit for each topic, ul- Golwalla refused her permission, and 1990. The first pertained to the denial of upon her insisting on her right, he called admission to young Roxan Shah’s body to f . the towers of silence by the trustees of the which point Irani went back to her seat. Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP). The sec- ~ ond, whether adoption should be re­ stricted only to Parsi children, and the over the Poona Parsee Panchayat was not third and the most dramatic discussion of recorded as the meeting was adjourned Memorial. As a tribute to the late Lt Col all was over the constitution of the Poona and reconvened after the discussion was Adi Tarapore who was posthumously Parsee Panchayat (PPP) that forbids over. awarded the Param Vir Chakra (the na- membership to Parsi Zoroastrians married to non-Parsis. An open question and answer session Three controversial issues rocked the ex­ ecutive council meeting of the Federation When Federation award winner Ms Ner- of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India in New Delhi,on September 22 and 23, timately most present seemed to have their say, whether relevant or not, on the for an adjournment of the meeting at topic on hand. ¦ ¦ ¦ . Besides the morning jashan in honor The issue of adoption also ended on an of the defence personnel on September inconclusive note while the controversy 22, a special function to salute them was organized at Teen Murti The Cavalry over. This September meeting was hosted tion’s highest order for gallantry), digni- by the Delhi Parsi Anjuman which in the taries from the armed forces, anjumans ______ ____ words of its president Lt Gen Adi Sethna, and individuals offered wreaths. An un- was reportedly originally scheduled with is a “small but thinking anjuman.” usual sight was the presence of Parsi offi- “ ....................' ! cers: while those serving were bemedal- they neither believe in rushing into hasty led and uniformed, those who had retired decisions nor in indefinite procrastina­ tion, preferring instead to inform, edu- the members of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman When dealing with controversial issues (DPA) but was said to be later scrapped at the behest of the BPP trustees who did not wish to be examined on their controver­ sial decision to bar doongerwadi facilities cate and then arrive at a rational solution, to Ms Roxan Shah, a Bombay Zoroastrian said Sethna. married to a Hindu, who died in a tragic car accident on the Bombay-Poona Road on July 27, 1990. Aware that the DPA armed forces who were invited to Delhi “The issue raised is not simple. It is members were more liberal than their for the recognition that the community bristling with difficulties from the reli- Bombay counterparts, BPP chairman and Federation president Dr Aspi Golwalla notice the absence of member anjumans: ensured that except for a few select speak- “It is no use only paying fees. Member ers like former law secretary Rusi Gae anjumans must take an active interest and cision to bar Roxan Shah’s body from and former member of the Rajya Sabha attend Federation meetings. We miss being interred at the doongerwadi. “It’s Ms Roda Mistry (who had reportedly in- you...” always a lawyer (Desia is a senior partner timated in advance that they would like to Instead of the two days normally re- of the legal firm, Mulla and Mulla, speak on the Roxan Shah controversy), served for discussions, this time the pro- Craigie, Blunt and Caroe) who has to had their medals pinned on daglis. (A detailed report on this function will be carried in a forthcoming issue of Par­ siana.} A large number of observers, includ­ ing a substantial representation from the The deadly decision armed forces who were invited to Delhi ‘ was to bestow on them, made Golwalla gious and legal point of view,” said Fed­ eration joint secretary and BPP trustee Eruch Desai referring to the trustees’ de- We miss you...” Instead of the two days normally re- 19 Parsiana December 1990 1handle a difficult job,” he continued when this subject, with the consent of the BPP trustees, was brought up for discussion, subject of intercommunity marriages. When clarifications were sought for the According to the constitution of the BPP’s stand, Desai pointed out, “We are Poona Parsee Panchayat a Zoroastrian not happy taking the decision in the man- male married to a non-Parsi female or ner in which we did. But imagine the having a non-Zoroastrian mistress cannot rules. When it was explained that Shah’s case was discussed with the permission of the BPP trustees, Desai added, “The Poona principles challenged initiate changes. “Even clubs and In Poona there is a further twist to the gymkhanas have their own rules,” rea­ soned Keki Pavri of Ahmedabad. But Mehta refused to take ‘no’ for an answer, insisting that if Roxan Shah's case could be discussed so could the PPP plight of the trustees who have to decide be a member of the anjuman. There is at the dead of the night when it is hu­ manly impossible to convene a meeting, especially when some of us trustees hap­ pened to be away for the weekend... We Bombay, it is Zoroastrian ladies married as trustees are bound to follow the dic­ tates of the trust and the head must rule the heart. The intentions of the settlors must be carried out in spirit.” He then members of the anjuman. “This is dis- read out a statement issued by retired Jus­ tice Y. V. Chandrachud whose opinion apparently supported the BPP stand. [As Noshir Grant appealing to the Federation reported in “The Controversy Continues” (Parsiana, October 1990) there were two drafts prepared by Chandrachaud, the sec­ ond of which justified the BPP’s deci- jurisdiction over the matter,” replied sion.] “If married under the Hindu Mar­ riage Act, it makes no difference in prin­ ciple whether the couple was first married under the Special Marriage Act or the Hindu Marriage Act... We are still in a affairs of any anjuman, the Poona subject quandary. Religious views have also to would not be touched unless authorized be considered but we are coming to the by the local Punchayet to do so. Of a to- end of the tunnel and expect to see the light very shortly,” coricluded Desai be- however no bar to membership if a male with a Zoroastrian mistress opts to be a Federation is for the larger good of the member, is the interpretation. While in larger number.” Finally Gandhi volun- " .. - J teered to intervene in his individual ca- outside the community who are denied pacity and added, “The Federation meet­ certain rights, in Poona, even the men wWnh ..me « married to non-Parsis are not accepted as crimination against men which is much worse,” pointed out PPP trustee Brig to intervene before the issue is taken to court or highlighted in the Press. “You have come to a court which has got no Federation joint secretary Keki Gandhi before raising a point of order that as per the Federation constitution which pre­ vents it from interfering in the internal 1 ing which was adjourned now resumes. Selective adoption If non-Parsi children were to be taken up tal population of “7,000 Zoroastrians in Poona, barely 700 are members of the fore clarifying' that these views may not Punchayet. There must be a reason for reflect his personal opinion. A woman should not be deemed to have renounced the Zoroastrian religion continued Grant. if she was married under the Special Marriage Act irrespective of whether she the J. N. Petit Institute in Poona and one goes through a symbolic wedding rite to of the ex-servicemen to be felicitated at appease the elders, explained Gae. Such Delhi, walked up to the mike: “The per- a marriage cannot be considered a Hindu marriage for the condition necessary to be married under the Hindu Marriage that will not help the Parsi cause... Are Act is that “both parties must be Hin- you prepared to settle it?... You perhaps dus.” He made a plea for the BPP trust don’t know the things going on in the deed to be examined to ascertain PPP — one trustee trying to throttle an- “whether such a lady would be entitled other lady trustee. (This allegation was to a dokhma/c/wfra.” however subsequently denied by one of The Secunderabad trustees tided over the PPP trustees who was not present for Clockwise from top left: Mehta, Noshir such a slippery situation in the past, con- - - - veyed Bazun Dittia, vice president of the Federation, by telling the relatives of the UN uses its influence to call countries to ’ Zoroastrian girl married to a non-Parsi T who were keen to bury the body in the brother’s keeper?” Replied Gandhi who Zoroastrian cemetery that they would not informed that he too would be adversely involve themselves with any decision. They however left it open to the relatives to help themselves to the key if they the woman I love’ even though it would orthodox segment in Bombay (the largest found a priest consenting to say the mean having to swim against the tide.” concentration of Zoroastrians in India are prayers. Ultimately the lady was buried He further impressed upon Mehta the in this city) would never forgive the Fed­ in a Christian cemetery but the relatives need to mobilize public opinion in Poona eration” if it were to authorize adoption of were upset, he narrated. in his favor for only they had the right to non-Parsi children. “We trustees have to the others not joining. It’s for the Federa­ tion to see that this doesn’t take place,” Commodore Lovji Mehta, director of son affected by these rules is myself. I can make a laughing stock of the PPP but this Federation meeting.) The Federation Grant, TTitlia, Nargolwala, Desai and is like the United Nations (UN) but the Guzder line... Are you going to say I am not my for adoption by Parsis, the orthodox fac­ tion would “consider this as a backdoor attempt at facilitating conversion,” Desai had clarified in his note on the subject of affected were he to stay in Poona: “When I got married I said *1’11 marry adoption circulated to the members. “The need to mobilize public opinion in Poona in his favor for only they had the right to 20 Parsiana December 1990 Ii* as an invitee. “Should we change a major From left: Sethna, Golwalla, Gandhi and law for such a small segment (say 2,000) Bhacca or should we spend funds for expensive invitro fertilization? And what about the consulted? Don’t you think ours is the trauma to the adopted child when the par- wear two caps... we are what we are and what the majority thinks we should be,' he added. Keeping in mind the “strong orthodox segment” the BPP trustees decided that trauma to the adopted child when the par- most humanitarian religion? Should we they would support an adoption bill for ents’ religion is denied to him?” “If the not then take a decision in a humane fash- Parsis only if adoption is restricted to a child is not allowed to follow Zoroastrian- ion?” she pleaded. child of Parsi parents “to help the child ism, surely we (the community) will lose The difficulties faced by potential to have a religion as well as the benefits the parents also and not just the child,” Zoroastrian emigrants because there is of the community funds and properties.” rationalized observer Ms Mini Grant from no law on adoption in the community It was understood however that if after Poona. were recounted by Gandhi. Under the five years they find that Parsi children are not available for adoption, they would reconsider their present decision. Said Gae, “For the last 10 years this has been lying in cold storage. It was in 1981 that I moved a resolution that Parsis should be entitled to adopt non-Parsi children though the rights to the religion need not be granted to the child. The Samast Anjuman in Bombay supported this. But this was an exercise in futil­ ity.” Four high priests went up to the then Prime Minister saying they were not in agreement and because of the divided opinion “we are still vacillating.” Even in 1981 there were no Parsi boys available demographer-sociologist Ms Ava Khul- for adoption as was borne out by the late Maneck Gheyafa who was then the presi­ dent of the Surat Parsi Punchayet (SPP) marry after they have passed their prime dren for adoption. Golwalla assured, “We which ran the orphanage there, Gac con- fertility stage, “It is totally unrealistic to tinned. “Gheyara had said people don’t expect children from within the commu- want to adopt girls,” Gae added. It was nity to be available for adoption.” The recommended that the demand and Supply position be ascertained before contem­ plating any further action which made Minorities Commission member Homi biological parents will not be wanting for through the Lok Sabha this session, as Taleyarkhan comment that the BPP stand comforts. But then anonymity, which reported by Taleyarkhan. Once it is ap- was “a delaying process.” Grant expressed his fears, “Even after a adoption law, would be lost, causing pos- wait of five years we will be faced with the same question; so why wait?” “The incidence of infertility in the community is 10 percent,” according to gynecologist Dr Nozer Sheriar who, as a Federation award winner, was attending »» child is not allowed to follow Zoroastrian­ ism, surely we (the community) will lose the parents also and not just the child,” rationalized observer Ms Mini Grant from When Gae referred to the sentiments Guardians and Wards Act which applies of even poor Parsis who consider it “un­ u It is no use only paying fees. Member anjumans must take an active interest” ethical to give up children for adoption,” lar elaborated that seeing the late mar­ riage trend in the community when many to Zoroastrians, in certain cases problems have arisen when the adopted child was refused immigration while the rest of the family was accepted, Gandhi explained the need. “To prove their bonafides are the BPP trustees prepared to make a commitment?” Before the next execu­ tive council meeting they should decide: whether they would agree to adoption of children of Parsi mothers and non-Parsi fathers; whether they would commit themselves to adoption of children of unknown or non-Parsi parentage if it is found that Parsi children are not available for adoption; whether they would accept a time frame of less than five years to ascer­ tain regarding availability of Parsi chil- will convey to the other trustees and come back.” In the meanwhile, amendments to the Indian Succession Act as applicable to BPP has offered an assurance to families who give up one child for adoption that Parsis have been passed in the Rajya the other children remaining with their Sabha and the Bill was expected to go Similarly would otherwise be assured under the proved, under the amended Act women will be granted equal rights as men in cases of intestate succession. The only difference is that while a deceased son’s widow will be entitled to his share of the sible complications at a later stage. Besides, giving undue weightage to the orthodox opinion was not valid, con­ tinued Khullar. “Most of them are in the ancestral property, a deceased daughter’s 6()-(- age-group who don’t want to adopt, widower would not be so entitled. Their- Havc those in the relevant age-group been rational fear is that in the case of Parsi 21 Parsiana December 1990girls married to non-Parsis, the property an all-India Zoroastrian youth body. But the meet were ones over which they would go into the hands of another family, since many anjumans do not even have a would have no decision-making author- another community. local youth association constituted, the ity, Golwalla enquired, “Wouldn’t you urgency for organizing such before con- like to leave these to the elders? stituting a federation of youth bodies was Jehangir Bisney, president of the Twin stressed. Cities’ Zoroastrian Youth League (Secun- “The youths shouldn’t feel totally in- derabad and Hyderabad) explained that the purpose of introducing these topics was to dispel the “vague notions that iH Rewarding record This year saw the institution of two new Federation awards for excellence. The Lt Col Adi Tarapore Memorial Award by dependent,” Taleyarkhan was wary, the DPA for distinction in the military “They should maintain continuity with field in memory of the gallant soldier who the elders. A youth body should not lead youngsters have on certain subjects” and laid down his life for the nation, and an additional award in the field of sports do­ nated by Singapore businessman Dadi Balsara who hosted the awards distribu­ tion function at The Taj Mahal Hotel on September 22 and was also expected to address the Federation meeting the next day but ultimately could not make it. The 19 who were conferred the Federa­ tion awards for 1988 and 1989 were: Russi Mody and Dr Farokh Udwadia (professional competence); Jehangir Medhora and Dadi Bhote (small scale entrepreneurship); Dr Sarosh Wadia, Ms Homai Modi and Ms Nergish Irani (so­ cial and community service); Dr Ratan Marshall (study of Zoroastrian history, culture and scriptures); Brig Farrokh Bal­ sara and Lt Gen Faridoon Bilimoria to fissiparious tendencies between the feed them instead “with detailed infor- ' elders and the youngsters. Since some of the topics scheduled for »9 mation.” A panel of speakers from vary­ ing age-groups and different fields of “What ails the community... ” 1 z “The the race from dying,” he con­ tinued. good of the community lies in directing all ' energies to the child-bearing age-group Udwadia (left) and Irani without neglecting the aged,” he reiter- Detecting the “death wish in the commu­ nity,” eminent Bombay physi­ cian Dr Farokh Udwadia was concerned: “We can see the writing on the wall. But what arc we planning to do?” When he brought up this ated. A moral obligation to produce chil- issue at the Federation’s awards distribu- dren should be imposed on new allottees tion ceremony on September 22 where he of Punchayet flats, he advised. “The fact was present in his capacity as an award winner, the organizers invited him to ad­ dress the Federation delegates the next follow the dictates of day and discuss his approach. , „ He emphasized the the trust (( We are bound to (military); Ms Zenia Ayrton, Cyrus Cama and Ms Firoza Batliwala (sports); Dr Nozer Sheriar and Ms Zarine Karanjia (student); Prof Dinyar Pestonjee (educa­ tion, research, science and technology); Ms Navaz Bhathena (adventure); Pundit Firoz Dastur and Ms Meher Contractor (performing and fine arts). Taleyarkhan has volunteered to find a sponsor for an award in the technical branch of industry. The suggestion that the Federation awards include a new category for youth was accepted with hesitation for, as explained Gandhi, “We can’t institute an award unless it is funded. Whoever suggests should also find sponsors and give guidelines for this award.” that we are dwindling should be stressed in every home of every Parsi...” Several delegates and invitees partici­ pated in the discussion that followed. But for the most spontaneous outburst was from an indignant Ms Nergish Irani, a commu­ nity activist of Dahanu who as a winner of the Federation award was attending the executive council meeting as an observer. “I don’t think we are breeders... cattle or Youth gearing for action “Action please” was the theme of the Fourth All India Youth Festival in Se­ cunderabad, October 26-28, 1990. One of the important subjects to be discussed at the youth meet was the formation of He emphasized the need “methodolog y... strategy... sc ientific treat­ ment” of the problem. “For an effective methodology we need to know what ails the community. It is so easy to say the need is for more houses. But is there a plan?” he enquired. He volunteered to sheep,” she countered. “In my personal write a paper dealing with the problem on scientific lines: “wherein you have back­ ground, methodology and projected re- to allay her apprehensions before pro- suits.” The prevalent attitude, he feared, was almost like that of a hypothetical medical case. “I would compare it, for example, to a patient lying in the ICU and the pa­ tient knows he is very ill and says, ‘Doc­ tor, I think I am going to die,’ and the doctor holds his hand and says, ‘Yes, I know you arc going to die. I am trying to help.’ He goes on saying,‘I am trying to community, she regretted. “A woman help,’ and the patient goes on saying, ‘I chooses to marry the man she loves, am going to die,’ and willy nilly he will Though I married a Muslim, I continued die.” The B. D. Petit Parsee General Hos­ pital has become geriatric and half the wards on the first Boor and the nursing home rooms are going vacant, he pointed Zoroastrian... Ritualism does not produce out. Zoroasirians; it’s the values,” sheempha- “Our objective should be to prevent sized. opinion women in many ways are far su­ perior to men,” acknowledged Udwadia ceeding to emphasize that any action should be based on sufficient facts. On a related issue Irani expressed, “A woman provides the soil — theAvomb. A seed is sterile unless it is nurtured.” Children of Zoroastrian men married to non-Zoroastrians are ungrudgingly ac­ cepted into the faith while not children of Zoroastrian women married outside the to remain a Zoroastrian... And yesterday (when the award was presented to her) 1 was very proud to be acknowledged as a 22 Parsiana December 1990i I With land or without Insecurity and fear grips the Zoroastrian tenants in the cantonment areas who arc facing eviction notices after years of oc­ cupancy. And since land records are not traceable, the problem seems to be com­ pounded. One Parsi tenant in Mhow, re­ ported Gp Capt Dhunjishaw Marker, when asked to vacate after residing in a bungalow for years, got a stay order from the court. Marker suggested that in the interests of all such cases a representation be made to the government. Taleyarkhan offered to take up the matter with the gov­ ernment if he was fed with facts on a col­ lective basis instead of individual cases being cited. It is not only the residents of canton­ ment areas who arc adversely affected. Under the new provisions of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Oc­ cupants) Act, any tenant in a bulling owned by government organizations, public sector undertakings, etc can be evicted and the tenant would have no right to rcdressal if the government claims that it needs the premises for its own pur­ poses. On behalf of tenants of govern­ ment-owned buildings in Bombay, noted advocate H. M. Seervai has taken up this case in court, appealing against the spirit of the new enactment. Such an enactment would adversely affect many Zoroastrians using premises for residential purposes, or as offices for Ptirsi organizations. specialization, including a contingent from the Zoroastrian Studies, were to ad­ dress the youth. HI quested to give an age-wise distribution of the Zoroastrian community to enable the demographers to have a correct pic­ ture on the basis of which they can pro­ ject accurately. The Fedwation’s rural welfare subcom^^ jnittee, which includ^~two~n6rhiti^s of the World Zoroastrian Ofgahisafidn (WZOJ is making steady progress on amelioration of Parsis in rural areas. Those in the villages of Dharamjjuri, Khambhla, Mandvi and Mangrol have been assisted with improved irrigation fa­ cilities, levelling of fields and provision of water pumps and sewing machines so that they are not induced to migrate to the urban areas. Rs 1,40,0(X) from the collec­ tion of Rs 6,75,500 by the rural subcom­ mittee of the Federation has already been expended. A special documentary film at a cost of Rs 17,000 has been produced to give an idea to Zoroastrians overseas of the living condition of Parsis in the rural areas where their circumstances compel them to share their huts with animals. Davar Kavasji Modi of Surat and Din- shaw Tamboli of the WZO were specially lauded for their commitment to this work. Seeing the trend of “rural areas being taken over by unruly elements” Irani of Dahanu made a plea for the preservation of Udwada a.s a heritage zone before in- Another area which threatened the com­ munity status was when the latest j ‘Census report of India did not show Zoroastrians as a distinct religious mi­ nority but included them in the category of ‘others.’ Again, it was Taleyarkhan who took up the issue with the director general of census and was assured that Zoroastrians would be listed as a sepa­ rate community. Federation joint treas­ urer Peshotan Nargolwala then suggested that the census department be further re­ F 45 Clockwise from top left: Taleyarkhan, Anklesaria, Katpitia, Ro da Misiry, Tamboli, youth delegates Bisney, Debara and Kavarana, Khullar and Gae Bottom: Bhlwandiwala Hall, venue of the Federation meeting ? F it >11 _ - SMR . « 23 Parsiana December 1990 I Hiidustrialization destroys the natural peace of that territory. “Most Zoroastrian house.s are being taken over by non-Parsis,” she added. eration in India, briefed BPP trustee Jam- shed Guzder, chairman of the Congress. When Nargolwala complained that the summation did not carry detailed discus­ sions, Talcyarkhan lamented, “In some cases even the chairman’s views have not been included.” The final report may also 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. The Federation succeeded in claiming land titles to properties - in Junagadh, Suren- dranagar, Cambay and Nadiad — owned by include a summary of every paper pre- Parsis of once thriving but now defunct anjumans. In Nanded and Bhopal, the community would have very possibly lost obtain a commitment from their respcc- out on the lands there were it not for the live anjumans to the following subjects timely intervention of the Federation. And pertaining to the recommendations of the yet, now these anjumans are reluctant to ........ get the Federation’s name included on the “Th i Q i Q land records even though the Federation’s ' * only intention is to avoid future complica- Cl i S C f IITI10 3t i 0 H tions, reported an exasperated Sorab . . Katpitia, chief executive of the SPP and against men which is the key person responsible for protecting miir'h XA/nrco community lands in Gujarat and else- IIIUGII WUloc where. Since there is already a dispute among the trustees of Boisar, Katpitia did not deem it advisable to intervene and spend the Federation’s scarce resources to re­ trieve properly there. Though Hubli and dertaking of a socioeconomic survey; de- Dharwar were feared to be near-defunct veloping a concern for the global commu- anjumans, preliminary investigations re­ vealed that they were progressing satisfac­ torily and there was no need for the Fed­ eration to intervene. For land disputes in Bina and Hosangabad it is yet to be estab­ lished whether the Federation’s involve­ ment is necessary. The Jhansi Anjuman was asked to help out with the preliminary investigations. Additionally there are other properties recommendations and implementations of in Gadakh, Gwalior and Amritsar which have been brought to the Federation’s no­ tice for necessary action but which the overworked all-India body has not been able to undertake for want of suitable per­ sonnel willing to work on a permanent ba­ sis. Katpitia felt, “There’s a limit to it. If broached through a letter by Rohinton we take up all the issues it would be diffi­ cult to concentrate.” For retrieving prop­ erly in Nizamabad it is the Secunderabad Anjuman’s help that has been solicited; and for the Khandwa property, the Mhow Anjuman’s. sented al the Congress. Gandhi wanted the representatives to u >> 24 Parsiana December 1990 Fifth WZC that were brought up at the Federation meeting; adoption of a com­ mon calendar; introduction of a fun and learn process in religious education; un- nily instead of just the local community; appointing a focal member to interact and maintaining communication links with other anjumans and the Federation; and making optimum utilization of trust funds for the betterment of the community. Instead of the proposed Inter-Regional Zoroastrian Congress Committee (IRZCC) monitoring the progress of the Congress the Congress, the executive committee of the Fifth WZC will coordinate with dif­ ferent associations, it was decided. While the threat of the IRZCC eclips­ ing a world body was no longer per­ ceived, the subject of a world body was Rivetna, president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North Amer­ ica (FEZANA), forwarded to individuals for their response. He suggested a draft constitution for a world body, similar to that of the Indian Federation or FEZANA with a pyramidical structure where the “building blocks arc the associations and federations.” Regional chapters however have been introduced “to resolve govem- Time to report The summation of the Fifth World Zoroas­ trian Congress (WZC) will be finalized af­ ter each Federation throughout the world mental and foreign exchange barriers.” evaluates the report prepared by Aspi The constitution also provides avenues Moddie who was on the organizing com- mitcc of the Congress. Every Federation will be given an opportunity to submit its views, and thereafter the ultimate finaliza­ tion of the report will be done by the Fed- for reconciling with the WZO which, giv­ ing equal wcighiage to individuals and as­ sociations, is not considered truly repre­ sentative. Il is only after Rivcina sends a conlinucd on pai^e 40RELIGION We, the devout priests Arnavaz S. Mama A memorandum signed by 130 mobeds denies any religious right to Zoroastrian women married to non-Zoroastrians While steps are still afoot to resolve the such persons, or to encourage them di- The controversy arose when Roxan differences between the two opposing rectly or indirectly. Such ceremonies are Darshan Shah, a 26-year-old Parsi girl factions in the Roxan Shah controversy, not proper for maintaining the commu- married to a Hindu, died in a tragic car 130 priests have signed a memorandum nity’s interest. accident on the Bombay-Poona highway and her parents sought to consign her such persons, or to encourage them di- not proper for maintaining the commu- supporting the stand taken by Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal condemning intercommu­ nity marriages and barring of religious trian method other than that of dokhme- rights to those who marry out of the com­ munity. “We, the devout priests,” starts the ished tradition of not performing the nec- “If the dead bodies of Parsi Zoroastri­ ans are disposed of by any non-Zoroas- body to the towers of”silence. The chair- man of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), Dr Aspi Golwalla, denied use of the towers of silence facilities to the fam­ ily on the ground that she had married out memorandum published in Gujarati and essary death rites as proper...” of the community and was therefore not a translated by Kotwal for Parsiana, The meeting, called by the Athoman practising Zoroastrian (see “An injustice “show our full sympathy and feelings of Mandal on November 17, 1990 at at doongerwadi,” Parsiana, August cooperation towards me meeting of the Albless Baug, had been presided over by 1990). She had however married under samast athoman anjuman (the entire Dastur Kekobad Dastur of Udwada and the civil marriage act and was professing priestly assembly)...(and) declare our full addressed also by Dastur Kaikhusroo Ja- the Zoroastrian faith, according to her support to the opinions given in 1964 by maspAsa, High Priest of the Anjuman family. the learned Dastuiji sahebs and scholars Atash Bahram and by Kotwal. to the trustee sahebs of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, to the opinion given by Das- turji (Dr) Firoze M. Kotwal on August 22, 1990 and to the memorandum done unitedly by all high priests of India in the Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly of November 4, 1990, addressed to the trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet. We declare that a Parsi Zoroastrian woman married to an alien man through any rite goes out of the community and religion on her marriage; such women cease to be mem­ bers of the Parsi community and Zoroas­ trian religion, and so they cannot make use of any religious institutions like the houses of worship, towers of silence, etc or take advantage of them and no reli­ gious rites can be performed in behalf of them. “It is against the commandment of the Zoroastrian religion to perform the navjote ceremonies of children bom of marriages of any sort between Parsi Zoroastrians and persons of alien faiths, or to perform marriage ceremonies of nashini in places where the towers of si­ lence exist, we consider the long-cher- Drafl of the BPP affidavit to be completed on Rs 10 stamp paper and attested by a public notary I..., residing at..., do hereby solemnly affirm/makc oath and say as follows: 1. That I am the husband/brother/ fath- er/mother/next of kin of the deceased (Mrs. X) who expired on... 2.1 hereby affirm that the late (Mrs. X) who was a Parsi Zoroastrian, was mar­ ried to (Mr. X) under the Special Mar­ riage Act, 1954 only. 3.1 further say that till her demise the said (Mrs. X) continued to follow the Zoroastrian religion. 4. I further say that all arrangement will be made by us for the priests to perform the funeral and the ceremonies of the deceased at the Tower of Si­ lence. Signature Dastur Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. Wadia Atash Bahram, had in a contro­ versial letter justified the Punchayet’s decision and termed those who had mar­ ried out of the community as “living next to adultery” and said their children were “illegitimate” according to Zoroas­ trian scripture. The iSinchayet has already introduced affidavit forms at doongerwadi for use in the case of women who had married un­ der the Special Marriage Act (See “The Controversy Continues,” Parsiana, Octo­ ber 1990). To be signed by the next of kin of the deceased, the form (see box) needs to be certified by a public notary to attest that the lady continued to profess the Zoroastrian faith even after her ex­ ogamous marriage. The BPP trustees also invited repre­ sentatives of both shades of opinion for a joint meeting at the Punchayet office. The meeting on November 24 was said to have been attended by approximately 10 representatives of the orthodox groups, including Kotwal, as versus lib- 26 Parsiana December 1990eral solicitor Rusy Sethna, Ms Smita criminatory against the concerned women Crishna (n6e Godrej) and Ms Meher and felt the offer was not much of an im- Amarsey (nee Tata), the latter two as provement over the earlier suggestion of representatives of the 32 ladies married placing dubious bodies on the chotra. under the Special Marriage Act who had petitioned the BPP to ensure their right to its failure to publish the opinion of Y. V. be interred in the dokhma in the event of Chandrachud, retired Chief Justice of the their death (see “The Controversy India, whom the BPP had consulted on Continues”). the issue and whose legal opinion is be­ speaking on behalf of the board, trus- lieved to be directly contradictory to the tees Eruch Desai and Jamsheed Kanga notions of the priests. were reportedly emphatic that an accept­ able solution had to be found and sug­ gested that one of the two dokhmas cur­ rently in disuse, be pressed back into ken the story in the first place. Although service to accept the remains of Zoroas- the information filtered out in time, its trian women married to non-Zoroastri- authenticity as well as the spirit of the ans. Some of those present are said to suggestions and counter suggestions have found the suggestion acceptable; would have washed brighter all round had others did not. The question of perform- a more open approach been accepted, ance of ceremonies remained open as the mobeds felt they should hold another the demand for a reexamination of the meeting to ascertain the views of the way obsequial ceremonies at doonger- priests. Even on the liberal side, the offer fell short of expectations. Grand old liberal, solicitor Rustom Gagrat decried it as dis- Gagrat has further faulted the BPP on To none of these meetings was the Press invited. Particularly grieved was The Bombay Samachar which had bro- A fallout of the present imbroglio is wadi are now being managed by an “agent” under the auspices of the BPP. “Why have our panthakies been eased out of there?” Gagrat wants to know. MATRIMONIAL 24-year-old Parsi lady journalist seeks matrimonial alliance with well-settled, s(x;iable Parsi males between 26-32 years. Please write with full details and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (28) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 28 Parsiana December 1990 MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited from eligible young Zoroastrian girls willing to settle abroad for a good-looking, tall, highly educated, well-settled Zoroastrian bachelor with good bungalow accommodation, arriving shortly in Bombay. Please apply with photograph which will be returned immediately. Write to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (29) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 Travel in comfort by AMBASSADOR NOVA (Maximum Four Persons) Door-to-Door Service BOMBAYAJDVADA/BOMBAY Rs 1,500 (lump sum) Contact RUMAR TRAVELS 424, Chitrakar Dhurandhar Marg, Khar Bombay 400052 Tel No 6485251 Booking three days in advance. Cash on order. WANTED Administrative Assistant For Editorial Department of a Monthly Travel Magazine . Write giving full details to: The Advertiser (Admin) GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001I I ? • ? HISTORY TRAVELS IN IRAN; 5 Support from the sethias Manekji Limji Hataria The plight of Iranian Zoroastrians moved the Parsi sethias to personal commitment to their cause This is the fifth of six instalments of Ma- nekji Limji Hataria’s Rishale Ej Har Shiyaate Iran. - The Zoroastrians of Iran lived undo^ the eruddin the condition of Zoroastrians in publication, tyranny of Islamic rule. Many influential Iran improved to a great extent. Many charitable and religious works were done by the Bombay Parsis for the betterment of the Zoroastrians in Iran. The and philanthropic Parsis helped the Gujarati original, rendered into English Zoroastrians of Iran in many ways. by Jamshed M. Bilimoria, has been Houses were constructed for the poor abridged, edited and recollated by Par- who had no abode; old and dilapidated There were other Parsi sethias who did siana (courtesy K. R. Cama Oriental In- atash bahrams and agiaries in many cities much for the betterment of the Iranian stitute to whom the translation manu- were leoaired. Three dokhmas were con- Zoroastrians but their works were not script was gifted). The author went to Iran in 1854, at the behest of the Society for the Amelia- dharamshalas by Jamshed M. Bilimoria, has been Houses were constructed for the poor atash bahrams and agiaries in many cities much for the betterment of the Iranian were repaired. Three dokhmas were con- ~ structed in Yazd, Sharifabad and Tehran published and manifest. Their charities for the comfort of the departed ones; J were constructed in ration of the Conditions of the Zoroastri- Tehran, Yazd and Khorramshahr for the ans Amelioration Society), to report the con­ ditions prevailing there at first hand. He returned only once to In^, for an 18- month spell, at the end of the first 10 of Persia (otherwise known as the Zoroastrians of Iran. were boundless but their names were never made known to the public. The trustees of the Bombay Kadmi The poor were Anjuman’s ghambar fund arranged to helped monetarily; even food, clothing send Rs 600 annually to Iran and gham- and other useful articles were distributed bars were started in Kerman and Tehran amongst the needy Zoroastrians of Iran. The hateful Jazia tax, which was im- years. The book is largely a publication posed by the Muslims on all non-Mus- of the speecfKS he then made to acquaint lim residents, was to a great extent re- the Parsis in India with the wretchedness duced for Zoroastrians by the forceful out of their own pockets. Sir Jamsetji of their Iranian coreligionists and to seek influence of the Bombay Parsis. This Jejeebhoy, first baronet, once sent Rs 500 help to further the cause of Zoroastrian Jazia tax amounted to thousands of rupees worth of cotton cloth for the use of poor amelioration in Iran. Having devoted per head per year. Those who could not Zoroastrians there. He also donated Rs the rest of his life to the task. Hataria afford to pay this tax were obliged to con- 5,(XX) to be used for defraying the mar- died in Iran in 1890, mourned to this day vert to Islam. The Parsi Anjuman of riage exposes of poor Zoroastrian guls by Iranian Zoroastrians who almost wor­ shipped him as their savior (see "The redeeming of a community,’’ Parsiana May 1990). . . In the earlier instalments Hataria de- came to Bombay where they could earn a among the Zoroastrians of Iran. scribed the ruins that attested to Iran’s decent living. First, the Jazia tax was re- The late Seth Framji Cawasji Banaji ancient glory, the miserable conditions duced in the case of the Zoroastrians of had started a fund for the maintenance of in which the Zoroastrians survived after Iran and later it was abolished altogether, the atash bahram of Yazd and he sent the Arab conquest, the spirit in which All this was due to the efforts of the large amounts of money every year for ¦ ' ‘ “ ........................ ’ ¦ sandalwood for that fire-temple. The late Seth Merwanji Framji Pan­ day and his late wife Hirabai were instru­ mental in arranging the marriages of a number of poor girls in Iran. They also for the Zoroastrians. Sad to say that the trustees later on stopped remitting this amount of Rs 600 and some philan­ thropic Parsis and Iranis sent the amount Bombay helped their coreligionists in Iran of Iran. Thus 12 poor Zoroastrian girls in every respect. In some cases secret ar­ rangements were made for some Parsis to were helped in their matrimonial affairs. He had even sent a number of books on flee from Iran secretly; such runaways religious subjects to be distributed free came to Bombay where they could earn a ' “ decent living. First, the Jazia tax was re- they celebrated the milestones cf tfleir Zoroastrian sethias (rich traders and in- personal lives and the political and eco- dustrialists) of Bombay, many of whom nomic intact of the intervention of In­ dian Parsis with the Iranian administra­ tion. actually visited Iran several times espe­ cially in the days of Shah Naseruddin who was a very considerate king. Under Nas- 29 Parsiana December 1990 II provided a house to a blind Parsi woman Seth Minocherji Kama’s son, Seth formed all Zoroastrian rites and ceremo- who had only the road for her abode. At Framji Minocherji Kama followed in the nies up to the present time. For the bet­ great expense he stopped cow slaughter footsteps of his father and continued terment of the Zoroastrians of Iran, our in Iran. Seth Merwanji Panday’s charity helping the Zoroastrians of Iran and ful- Parsi sethias of Bombay were mainly re­ in Iran, for the benefit of the Zoroastrians filled all their needs. sponsible, and the Zoroastrians of Iran there, was boundless. He had paid school f and college fees for many Zoroastrian Stu- ranged to send ^ndalwood from Bom- dents of Iran and provided them with nec- bay to Iran for the atash bahram of Yazd. essary books and stationery articles. He He left no stone unturned to see that his had encouraged the Zoroastrians of Iran coreligionists in Iran continued to live as _______________________________ to continue wearing the sudreh under the Zoroastrians and followed the traditions the Arab occupation of the country. Muslim rule when wearing the sudreh of the ancient Zoroastrians, in spite of The Parsis of India had done much to was forbidden by the Muslim Sultans of Muslim domination in the country. improve the living conditions and other Iran, and often sent sudrehs, kustis and Seth Behramji Noshirwan Datra was matters connected with the life of the other articles of need for the Zoroastrians another Parsi Zoroastrian who did much Zoroastrian population of Iran. of Iran. The Panday family became well- f-—- ------ -> -____ • .... known for their charity both in Iran as j ’ ’ —. . . well as in India and all their charities were while he himself lived a very simple, fru- Seth Minocherji Kama’s son, Seth formed all Zoroastrian rites and ceremo- , 3 nies up to the present time. For the bet- in Iran. Seth Merwanji Panday’s charity helping the Zoroastrians of Iran and ful- Seth Rustomji Ruttonji Wadia ar- also deserve praise and congratulations for maintaining their Zoroastrian spirit and continuing to follow the good reli­ gion. Thus our good religion was pre­ served in Iran for hundreds of years after of the ancient Zoroastrians, in spite of Seth Behramji Noshirwan Datra was to improve the condition of the Zoroastri­ ans in Iran. His charity was boundless StiU, much remains to be done. The attention of King Naseruddin of , , — Iran was invited to look after the small for the good of the Zoroastrian commu- gal life. Zoroastrian population in Iran with a re- nity. Seth Panday spent his entire life in The charities made by the Parsis of quest not to harass them any more, for helping the Zoroastrians of Iran and of India in general and those of the Parsis of Naseruddin was a good and considerate India. Bombay in particular were countless and Another philanthropic well-wisher of many charities were secret. Particularly, our community was Seth Minocherji Hor- ' ........................ musji Kama. He obtained permission from the Muslim Sultans to allow the Par­ sis to perform their marriage ceremonies according to our Zoroastrian rites. He succeeded in all his efforts of helping his coreligionists in Iran. The charities made by the Parsis of quest not to harass them any more, for ruler. He agreed to allow the Zoroastri­ ans to follow their own religion and did not include them in the Muslim popula­ tion of Iran. The Parsis of India drew the attention the repair of atash bahrams and agiaries in the different towns of Iran was done secretly so that the Muslim rulers might not know, but after years their results of Queen Victoria of England to the plight were manifest. The Zoroasirians who of the Zoroastrians in Iran and the British survived in Iran secretly followed their Resident of Iran (Iran was then a own religion. They prayed and per- subsidiary state under the British order) Rotary Screw Air Compressors Crawiatrs and Blasthole Drills ,aas,| |- -| Process Gas Compressors Portable Compressors ? / Water Well Drills i! X Air and Gas Compressors • Construction & Mining Equipment Q INGERSOLL-flAND Ingersoll-Rand (India) Ltd., Maybaker House, S.K. Ahire Marg. Bombay 400 025 30 Parsiana December '990 Iwas also informed by the Parsis of Bom- The old tower of silence at Kerman in a ruinous condition. Most of them bay about Muslim terrorism and re- was in a very dilapidated condition. A were destroyed by the Arabs with a view quested to look to the safety of the fund was raised to construct a new to terminate the Zoroastnan religion; Zoroastrians there. The Zoroastrians got dokhma beside the old, broken one for others succumbed to the forces of rature. - - .... .... ---------- r-i.---------. These ar? required to be re-built and The old tower of silence at Kerman was in a very dilapidated condition. A quested to look to the safety of the fund was raised to construct a new resting the dead. The tower of silence at Kanatkasoon is of clay walls and the maintained well, walls give way every now and then. So I good protection from the British Resi­ dent. Many Parsis fi'oih India visited Iran, nauj —----------------- -- ----- w - . saw personally the plight of the Zoroas- if a new tower of silence is constructed Dadiseth sent money and material to re- trians Aere and with the British Resident *----------------*^«*’** -h. at Muharaka and m or- they tried to improve the prevailing con­ ditions. They promised the British Resi­ dent that they would pay all the expenses .. necessary for improving the conditions adarians. It is imperative to raise a suit- of their coreligionists. Some of them were lJ— -- t*:: — allowed to go out of Iran towards the religious abodes. West, to Armenia and Bulgaria where In Khorramshahr, there is a vacant they could follow their religion uninter- plot of land adjoining the adarian. Mus- rupied. lirns often collect there for holding their In the vicinity of the atash bahram of meetings and conferences. If this plot of Yazd, the Parsis purchased a plot of land with the intention of building a dharam- shala in future. That proposed dharam- shala is not yet constructed. In the vicinity of die atash bahram at Kerman there was a house owned by a in Iran is very acute. Those who are Muslim. This has been purchased by the there are not very enlighten^ and they Parsis and is now used as a dharamshala are not even well versed with some of for housing poor Zoroastrians and also our rites and customs. There is a great . . . for the temporary sojourn of Zoroastrian need to improve the condition of the of the trustees and the adanan is in a sad travellers. Long ago, the iate Seth Ardeshir with the stone walls, it would facilitate build the adarian at Mubaraka and in ot- the Zoroastrians of that place. ‘ In the whole country of Iran, there are, today, two atash bahrams and 17 aWe fund for the" maintenance of these that said plot of land and the construc­ tions thereon have gone out of the hands der to obtain money for its maintenance, he purchased land nearby and let it on hire so that the rent could be used for the maintenance of the said adarian. Today In Khorramshahr, there is a vacant land is purchased and a public hall is built for the use of the Zoroastrians, it would be a blessing to the large Zoroas­ trian population of the city. The problem of availability of mobeds in Iran is very acute. “ Arrangements were made for some Parsis to flee from Iran to Bombay where they could earn a decent living MATRIMONIAL Fair and good-looking Parsi ladies (divorcde/widow no bar) in the age 40-50 years interested in matrimonial alliance with educated Parsi widower owning flat at Dadar and earning over Rs 5,000 per month may please write with copy of photograph to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (27) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 32 Parsiana December 1990 mobeds there: to educate them properly plight If it is not repaired on time, it is so that they may be better able to serve likely to collapse some day. the community. The late Seth Noshirwan Koyaji got It is necessary to create more facilities an atash bahram built at Yazd and for its in Tehran so that some of the Parsis from maintenance purchased a plot of land India can go and earn their livelihood named Bag-e-Chinaar and gave it on there and be a help to their coreligionists hire. But the party using the land refused there. to pay root and became the owners of the Many old, disabled and weak people land. Thus the income for the mainte- are to be found in Iran among the nance of the said atash bahram stopped Zoroastrians. They are totally helpless and the atash bahram is now in a sad The late Seth Khurshedji Cawasji Ba- naji gave a donation for the construction of a public hall where religious ceremo­ nies could be held and the hall could be used for other social gatherings. But the and they live by begging and die of star- plight; it requires immediate attention, vation and helplessness. Some provision ’ j must be made to provide them with the necessities of life such as food and cloth­ ing. Many of our religious places were de­ stroyed by the Muslims. By the efforts mobed in charge utilized it for the pw- ... .... r ----------------------1------------------- their descendants and thus no trace even of the name of the donor is to be seen or found. This is a sad story. The adarian at Khorramshahr which was renovated recently by the efforts of Many of our religious places were de- of the Parsis of India many of them have manent use of his family members and been rebuilt. But there is a need for hos­ pitals and dispensaries for the Zoroastri­ ans wherever they dwell in Iran. Lastly, some provision must be made to provide suitable education to the re­ maining Zoroastrians of Iran: they must the Parsi Anjuman of. Bombay, appears be taught some art so that they can come to have been constructed by some philan- out of their captivity and earn a decent thropic Parsi of India whose name is not living for the betterment of their fami- " ’ ’ lies. A request is made to the Mazdyas- nan ancient religious monuments like atash bahrams, agiaries and adarians which are to have been constructed by some philan- to be found or traced at present Now it is the joint responsibility and duty of each and every member of our commu- Anjuman to endeavor to preserve the nity to try and preserve these ancient re­ ligious monuments and edifices in our fatherland, Iran.I I 4 BOOKS An air of mystery Ranjit Hoskote Stone to Fruit by Hoshanj Merchant. Published in erable — whilst the road ahead is SUg- ]"¦................................. --------------------------------- ’ Gardens, Calcutta 700045. Pp: 72. Price: Rs 60 his forerunners’ acts, a new note is struck in The Parsi Saint Homaji’s Memorial Day. The ethos of saints and miracles (“incense and prayer”) is sought to be left behind, as reminiscent of a tor­ mented childhood. The poet’s persona has already abandoned the ways of his people and even as the saint’s judge out­ lived him, the secular self outgrows and survives the icons of “the simple.” In this subversion of the traditional, too, a subtle crossplay occurs: to what ex­ tent, one is led to wonder, is the rejection On the other hand, the explicitly titled of the inherited belief-system a self- 1989 for Writers Workshop by p. Lal, 162/92,,Lake gestcd, the element of make-believe, the d.». nn ® ’ . . ZU 4u D zfl u v\ ‘ device of rationalization are also alluded (hardback). Rs 40 (flexiback). The cumulus of an experience ranging over four decades and three continents Gandu Bagicha, Hyderabad develops willed act? Might not this rejection of informs Hoshang Merchant’s first collec­ tion of poems. Stone to Fruit. The poet’s Parsi ancestry, for instance, colors many of the poems; feud-ravaged Iran, where boys as cherished delicacies. The over­ Merchant worked briefly, haunts the vol­ ume as a sharp, stinging presence. Con­ siderable parts of the book are also sexual encounter is treated in, say, the Merchant is also preoccupied with molded by the contours of Hyderabad Satyricon of Petronius Arbiter, or in the that overriding terror of modem times — where the poet now lectures at the Uni- Babari episode of Zahiruddin Babar’s the monolithic apparatus of the State, versity. Tuzuk-i-Babari. is somehow absent here, and the realm of the political which it Inevitably, as with all cumuli, there There does, to be sure, prevail a sense of personifies. are treasures, and there is detritus. The transience, but it is attended by a furtive- these of the reticent individual’s private diversity of Merchant’s subject matter is unified and imparts a degree of coher­ ence by certain recurrent themes. And irony. After a point, no feeling seems to The finest of these is, arguably. Two yet, it is the indiscriminate inclusion of have been invested in the expressions Poems, translated from the original Per- ¦ " ¦ Sian of Saeed Soltanpur who was exe­ cuted as a subversive in Tehran in 1981. The close, throttling presence of the to. into a drum-beating hymn to the left more distant ancestors be a gift of the hand (as Auden might have had it), with more recent ancestors who have, by the its stifling imagery of the rump, and of poet’s own admission, made him a mod- ........... “ • em? Such deft half-tones lend Mer- powering sense of transience, the pathos chant’s poems an air of inconclusion and and the wistfulness with which the homo- mystery. sexual encounter is treated in, say, the Babari episode of Zahiruddin Babar’s Tuzuk-i-Babari, is somehow absent here. The savage invasion by transience, but it is attended by a furtive­ ness, and a resignation, sometimes, domain underpins the political poems of which partakes neither of pathos nor of Stone to Fruit. _ irony. After a point, no feeling seems to — - unevenly conceived poems under each devoted to this experience, and all that theme which- brings the volume, ulti­ mately, to grief. Chief among the poet’s preoccupa­ tions is a half-ironic, half-hopeless evo­ cation of homosexual love. Of course, _ _ any observation that one might make on reminded of the passage in Marx’s Eight- acting from a distance. In the second this issue is liable to be colored by eenth Brumairc. “Men make history, part of the poem, there are actually “sol­ heterosexual prejudice; but even so, some relatively objective inferences may please... the tradition of all the dead gen- be drawn. Holi in Hyderabad is spun < _ ' delicately around a moment of self- brain of the living.” More than a hint of “Come awareness in the midst of a violent festi- Tom Paulin marks Secunderabad sans With a lot of tears val. Surrounded by the sound of shared. Light, written by Andhraite candlelight— With a lot of blood.” communal revelry, the poet stumbles even as Paulin’s The Other Voice is by '' upon his own loneliness, his own iden- Anglican firelight, tity, with all its attendant ambiguities. The poem opens with the frank: “Walking down the street of banglesellers Pleases the woman in me.” Seeing that the god of love holds every- ’ one else in thrall, and ruefully admitting his own exclusion from that blessed of the past, and also its more enduring, to balance between the poetic and the band, the poet goes home —only to wake abiding qualities, the poet realizes how journalistic; precariously, it hangs be- ¦ tween a fiery but orderly expression of overflowing emotion, and the fatal ten­ dency to comment on such dread acts of shadow of his heritage, he is “the modem/ the State as confirm, from time to time, my ancestors made.” our hatred of it. The unfortunate desire to strike current affairs while they are hot. remains is a reiterated litany to “boy­ lovers.” The personal past as shaper of the State stalks every line of the threnody, present is extended, elsewhere, into an At first, the wood in which the poet overshadowing figure. One is forcefully seems to be, is cold, and death is a force reminded of the passage in Marx’s Eight- but they do not make it just as they diers/in the forest,” and the poet-revolu- ¦ tionary knows what is about to befall him, erations weighs like a nightmare on the as he invites his love to the fwest: brain of the living.” More than a hint of Tom Paulin marks Secunderabad sans Like an album held over from colo­ nial times, the poem catalogues the benchmarks of a vanished culture: “It is a bow to the violin bow To Haydn and village lamplighters In whose afterglow this century lives.” Looking over the mild eccentricities One cannot read Two Poems without being overcome by a deep and tearful sorrow. Stark and simple, these lines in­ spire a grief akin to that brought about by the last war poems of Georg Trakl — a grief poured over that entire sacrifice of life which goes into revolution, the waste of life which brands tyranny. However, political poetry often fails up to the Other within his I, the second the age of his grandparents is by no means self. With this awakening comes a rec­ ognition of his particular road to the ec­ stasy apparently denied him: “In bed I find my hand through the haze Dipped as if in- red.” Ibe subtlety of the statement is consid- dead — but continues to exert its influ­ ence on the hie et nunc. Living in the Whilst here the reader takes away the impression that the poet is a prisoner of can only lead to what one would call the 33 Parsiana December 1990 1•:-x->:-:-: “editorial in verse.' With the best of intentions. Merchant is unable to lift What Happens in China above this level. Witness, for instance, the sententious, even somewhat grammati­ cally awkward: “It is tile shades of May 68 What is its legacy?' The poem goes on in the same vein: the acute, almost photographic attention to details which had distinguished Secun­ derabad sans Light becomes an impedi­ ment here, highlighting, as it does, the flatness of the poem. Among the flaws of the volume is the persistent echoing of Eliot: at every turn, practically, one comes upon a marker p^.NewDdhi noora.'^*231 Pria?^9*5’"’'’ mountable barrier for his wheelchair, he from one or aSlOther of the master’s * is forced to sit all day at the British Coun- works. Rabindranath in ihe Island of “I didn’t just live with my family, I also cil library because his attendant does not Birds is consummated by a coda which lived with osteo.” This sums up in come to fetch him. People around him owes its rhythms to The Hollow Men and one brief sentence the theme of Firdaus are either indifferent or overly solicitous, the Choruses from "The Rock." Simi- Kanga’s semi-autobiographical first “When you can’t do some things,” larly, stray cadences, snatches of dia- novel. Trying to Grow. It tells the story of Daryus muses, “people feel you can’t do logue recur across the bode, that remind Daryus ‘Brit’ Kotwal, a boy bom with os- anything.” one of The Waste Land, Prufrock, and teogenesis imperfecta or brittle bones, a some of the smaller sketches. Merchant’s own rhythms tend to be him in constant fear of breaking his unvarying, often comprising a succession of short, hard lines, alleviated occasion­ ally by the fwmal device of rhyme. Or ily and other people, how he (teals with the thoughtless insensitivity and some- else, the lines are relatively longer, but the world around him and, finally, how he times downright maliciousness of human nevertheless monotonously fluid. comes to terms with his disability. beings: “When I say men, I mean - men. Moreover, the poet very often de­ scends into reams of words which, easy matter, though blessed with a won- osity and blatant rudeness of passers-by imageless, powerless, degenerate into derfully supptxtive family and a small when he goes out with a girl, crude re- clichds (as in “memory/which plays circle of understanding Mends, he still marks and unkind speculations being tricks”, from The Longest Day in the had to face the unpalatable fact of being made in full hearing of the couple. Year}, or into empty wordplay, as in dependent on other people for innumer- these lines from the same poem: “Time never stopped Nor was it obliterated The world became god’s play Play of a day...” There is a certain bathos in the col­ lapse from the rather Upanishadic-Bibli- cal ring of the first two lines, into the which his infirmity heaps on him. On the your kid, it’s being tire kid in question.' rhymesmithy of the next two. This ba- one hand he tries to deny his condition. But the book is not in the least senti- thos lurks behind many of the poems in Stone Uf Fruit, and to a poet of Mer­ chant’s undoubtedly serious concerns, it can only represent a dangerous self-in­ dulgence. ' Hoshang Merchant is lecturer in poetry and sur­ realism at the University of -r Hyderabad. He completed his MA in Anglo American literature from Occidental College. Los Angeles. The 43-year-old's I book on French-born American I author Anais Nin won him a doc­ torate from Purdue University llndianal. Reorinted with permission from Kaiser-E-Hind, August 1990. i« Living zuitft oste.0 Madhulika Varma Toi««g to Grow by Firdaus Kanga. Published in hicher than tile floOF DOSeS an inSUT- lOOn U«> D..K1««kaM. C1_C ..Lxn o 1990 bv Rsvi Da/al PuMithef, 51-E, SujM Suigh comes upon a marker Pa*. New Delhi 110003. Pp: 235. Price:^95. Some of the finest passages in the debility which stunts his growth, keeps bode describe Daryus’s feelings of frus­ tration or pain when confronted with bones, and confines him to a wheelchair, people or events that make him face the It explores his relationships with his fam- fact that he is diffoont. He encounters comes to terms with his disability. Growing up for Daryus Kotwal was no Not someone like you, Brit.” Or, the curi- Daryus’s disability also leads to a per- able things we take for granted: being manent sense of insecurity, forcing him to able to reach things on shelves, going to constantly evaluate the reactions of even the bathroom, getting a glass of water quickly, etc. Causing greater anxiety than this de- my son, did I mean it?’ That’s a question pendency, though, is his attitude towards Sera fought all her life... if there’s one himself, to the fears and insecurities thing worse than doubting if you love those closest to him, like his mother: “ ‘When I said that bit about really loving w one hand he tries to deny his condition, often succeeding in forgetting that he has mental or maudlin in tone ~ far from it. It a problem - till he passes a mirror. On has a certain self-deprecating humor the other hand he Ls morbidly sensitive which seems almost defiant, irony being about the reaction of other people. “I used to keqi pain at a distance. Daryus, was scared of the way handicapped who has beOT nicknamed ‘Brit’ (short for people looked... the hesitant gait and ro- brittle) by his sister Dolly, is constantly bot-stiff movements of the blind, the loll- referring to himself as Osteo Brit, a sar- ing heads and strangulated speech of the donic defence mechanism. And Kanga spastics. Whenever I saw them I won- has made this ironic, self-mocking tone dered if I seemed as ugly and pathetic, the cornerstone of his style. I’d shudder and turn my mind away.” However, this quality of nonchalance Kanga is able to, very tellingly, record and understatement, though it makes the the minutiae of living with his condition, novel extremely readable, is also a limit- He has difficulty getting in and out of ing factor. Kanga appears to be walking a taxis and cars; a lift stopping four inches tightrope between depth and sentimental- I 34 Parsiana Deconrtber 1990A definite plus point is well-to-do Parsi ones) to call their parents by their first names, and one is not sure ___ ____ whether family conversations in Indian He makes gentle fun of life around homes include the uninhibited discussions ity, and in his unexceptionable resolve to put down. . avoid the latter, he runs the risk of losing Kanga’s clever use of words and neat turn the former. The determined lightness of of phrase, often for comic or ironic effect. __ ;_________ y r:. J _ - . of his subject, and while one applauds his him: the Parsi community from which he on sexual matters that we hear in the intention of avoiding self-pity and making comes, the characters he meets: “She Kotwal family. Passages like these, as light of his situation, one feels that he has wept in words, like someone from a well as some of the descriptions of Udipi • - - • • ¦ • ------—. restaurants and Parsi fire-temples lead There are some unashamedly one to suspect that Kanga had his eye on _ I the Western audience, which is perhaps his aunt Jeroo thought, as a teenager, that justifiable but which makes the writing she was pregnant and had to have the that much less authentic for Indian read- ___________________ facts of life explained to her; or the fight ers. certainly capable of such depth, a fact between his parents when his father tri- Notwithstanding jhese limitations, toe bucket, fondly imagining that it would human being struggling to cope with life match their blue bathroom. as it is dealt out to him. On toe basis of For all that, there are certain sections this most promising first novel, one is that somehow do not ring true, and most sure that Firdaus Kanga will grow from of these have to do with dialogue. There strength to strength as a novelist, are several instances when Kanga has not his tone is at variance with the poignancy intention of avoiding self-pity and making comes, toe characters he meets: “She Kotwal family. Passages like toe^.^ as light of his situation, one feels that he has wept in words, like someone from a " let slip toe opportunity for a deeper explo- comic strip. ‘Boo-hoo,’ she sobbed, ‘Boo­ ration of human psychology: toe hopes, hoo-hoo.’” fears, frailties and motivation not only of hilarious incidents such as the one when his protagonist, but of the people around him. This is all toe more sad since Kanga is ----------------------------------- - , ... certainly capable of such depth, a fact between his parents when his father tri- Notwithstanding these limitations, toe which is evident from several beautifully umphantly brought home a bright red book is a moving, honest depiction of a evocative passages of sensitive writing bucket, fondly imagining that it would human being struggling to cope with life which feature through toe novel. match their blue bathroom. as it is dealt out to hinri. On toe basis of As a corollary, we find that toe pro- For all that, there are certain sections this most promising first novel, one is gression of Daryus as a human being in his effort of trying to grow is not ade­ quate. In spite of the self-realization and self-acceptance, at toe end of toe novel he remains fundamentally toe same. Perhaps and his conversations are a trifle stilted, this is also due to toe episodic nature of “The Muslims,” says Daryus’s mother, the narrative which precludes a system­ atic development of character. Stylistically, toe novel is light and cleverly constructed; the language flows betrayal, nay, high treason.” with a crafted ease that makes for absorb- '* ing reading so that toe book is difficult to caught the rhythm of colloquial speech Firdaus Kanga is a freelance writer who uses ® . his handicap to his advantage - ........ writing books on the disabled. After his first novel, the 30-year- old was commissioned by Bloomsbury London to write a second book, titled Heaven on “are the traditional, nay, the historical enemies of the Parsis. And to give your­ self to one of them is a shameful act of Wheels. Content-wise it is unusual, to say the f least, for children in Indian families (even September, 1990'. .*1 Reprinted with permission from Kaiser-E-Hind, FIRDOS & S. CAMBATTA CO. 'Cambatta CentraT, Bharat Bobins Ltd Premises Rakhial Road, Ahmedabad 380023 Agents in Gujarat for: M/s ION EXCHANGE (INDIA) LTD For INDION Water Softening Plants, Demineralisers, Cation & Anion Resins, Filters, Chemical Dosers etc ? ?? Sole concessionaires in Gujarat for: Ff? M/s INGERSOLL-RAND (INDIA) LTD For Air Compressors and Vacuum Pumps 36 Parsiana December 1990r r MILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged be­ tween 19 and 49 years, the arith­ metic mean — the total of indi­ vidual ages divided by the total number of brides — being 26 deaths includes one Jal Umrigar. years. The corresponding figures He was reportedly a pavement for the grooms were 25 and 62, averaging at 32 years. As compared to 28 births in Bombay there were 72 deaths in November, fell prey to heart disease, while 1990) requested his next of kin, pneumonia and lung disease if any, to get in touch with the claimed 13 victims. Old age and Doongerwadi ’s supervisor, general debility took seven lives, ~ ' septicemia claimed five and brain disease, four. Three vic­ tims each succumbed to hyper­ tension, stroke and accidents while liver disease and cancer claimed two lives each. There were isolated cases of uremia, nervous disorder, gastro intesti­ nal bleeding, tuberculosis, diabe ­ tes, gastro enteritis, meconium (discharge from the bowels of a new bom baby) aspiration, uri ­ nary tract infection, tumor, high marriages/deaths they would like Rustomji Arddesaria-^ovemba8 blood pressure, kidney failure published, some proof to ensure Bakhtawar Yazdi Mistry and and anemia. A seven-hour-baby the veracity of the report would Rumi Burjor Battiwalla; succumbed to anencephaly (ab- be required. We are sure our November 8 sence of the brain). Two babies, readers would appreciate this re- Nilufer Dhanjishaw Fanibanda aged two days and two months quirement and cooperate with us. and Vispi Cavas Damania; November 8 Soona Jamshed Mehta and Rusi Hiraji Patel; November 9 Roshni Daraius Amaria of Poona and Purvez Marteck Umri­ gar, November 9 Jer Jehangir Tamna and Sorab Nadirshaw Dubash; November 11 Jeroo Keki Mistry and Aspi Minoo Forbes-, November 11 Dilnavaz Minoo Katpitia and Minoo Dorab Mehta; November 11 Huffiz Keki Elavia and Rumy Dara Sethna; November 11 Ereen Firoze Mahableshwarvala B, Sunawalla Bldg, Opp Tardeo and Mehernooz Minoo Pithawalla-, November 12 Farida Agar Malaowalla and Khushroo Hoshang Sukhadia-, November 13 Arnaaz Behram Dumasia of Delhi and Vistasp Phiroz Antia; November 14 Yasmeen Jemi Zaveri of Vapi and Sarosh Jal Medhora of Daman; November 15 Pearl Adil Vadoliwala and Kaus Peshotan Peer; November 15 Hutox'i Jehangir Bagli and Vispi Jamshed Panthaki; and four youths (aged 20, 24, 28 and 33) were also lost to the community. The oldest to die was a 101-year-old lady. This month ’s list of Bombay Afsarkeshmiri Dhemeri; November 30 A boy, Arzan,to Zarin and Viraf Godrej, brother to Yohan; November 30 November 28 A girl to Farzana and Shahrukh Golwalla\ November 29 A boy to Homayoun and dweller who died on the streets on October 30, 1990 and was in- tered at the Doongerwadi on A girl to Navaz and Darayus November 3. A report in the Eighteen patients Jam-e-Jamshed (November 4, Marolia; November 30 Married Bakhtawar Nariman Patel and Cyrus Phiroze Shroff; October 28 The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled Pervin Shapoor Yaktai and from information supplied by Jehangir Kersi Irani; various newsletters and anju ­ mans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information Jamshed Cooper, November 2 is not always complete or consis- Hutokshi Marzban Bode and Kurush Minoo Mehta-, November 1 Behroz Jal Rivetna and Farrokh is not always complete or consis ­ tent. In the breakup of deaths ac ­ cording to illnesses, especially of November 2 the elderly, death is often due to Huffish Merwan Falhazada and a combination of several dis­ eases. If readers have any births/ Navaz Rusi Vakil and Zarir Sheriar Khodabux Raisr, November 4 be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this re­ quirement and cooperate with us. AHMEDNAGAR Bora A boy, Nawazish, to Dilber and Faroukh Master, brother to Pheroze, on September 24,1990 BOMBAY Bom A boy, Riyan, to Dilshad and Paurushasp Mody, July 2 A girl to Aban and Aspi Edulkaka', November 1 A girl to Pervin and Behram Irani-, November 2 A girl, Ava, to Bakhiawar and Dhuryi Titina-, November 3 A boy to Homai and Pervez Kar- anjia; November 5 A girl to Binaifer and Homiyar Mistry, November 5 A girl to Parveen and Aspi Iram-, November 8 A girl to Persis and Gev Fitter; November 10 A boy to Tinaz and Farokh Balaporia; November 12 A boy to Kashmira and Hiri 'i Elav 'ia-, November 13 A girl to Parizad and Adil Mist'ry; November 13 A boy to Nazneen and Dinyar Balsara; November 14 A boy to Zenobia and Dinshaw Gohvalla-, November 14 A girl to Behnaz and Bahram Pashutanizadeh; November 14 A boy, Perseus, to Aban and Vistasp Patel-, November 14 A girl to Kety and Dara Palsetia; November 15 A boy to Madhvi and Rumi Urtwalla-, November 16 A boy to Kashmira and Mackie Gamadia, November 18 A boy to Tasmin and Jimmy Coma-, November 19 A boy to Maharukh and Manek Katpitia; November 19 A girl to Paruchisty and Hoshang Tavadia-, November 20 A boy to Khorshed and Rohinton Pagdiwala; November 21 A girl to Shernaz and Dinyar Turel; November 21 A girl to Sanober and Adil Bharucha; November 22 A girl to Rashna and Naozer Baldawala; November 27 A boy to Meher and Gev Karai-, 37 Parsiana Docember 1990 November 18 Rashna Dinshaw Patel and Khushroo Hoslue Amroliwalla; November 23 Teenaz Noshir Colabavala and Dinyar Dhanjishaw Siganporia; November 23 Afsaneh Diayar Salamati and Cawsi Keki Randeria; November 24 Malu^ookh Soli Sheriar and Rumi Horru Tangri; November 24 Navaz Mehar Gimi and Pesi Adi Bhomisa; November 27 Farzana Jamshed Irani and Merwan Rustom Irani of Thane; November 29 Died Jal Umrigar (56), address unknown; October 30 Farokh Fardoonji Tarapore (77), B/15, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 4(X)026; October 31 , Khorshed Burjor Dastur (75), Ramesh Bldg, Powalla St, Charni Rd, 400004; November 1 Edi Jamshedji Mahava (69), Boyce-Malegaumwala Bldg, 669, Katrak Rd, Wadala, 400031; November 1 Nergish Bomanshah Mistry (80), 2, Shanker Sagar, Soj^a College Rd, 400026; November 1 Sakarbai Rustomji Batliwala (80), M/34, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 4(XX)39; November 2 Phirojshah Cawasji Billimoria (81), Indian Surveyor Bldg, P. Demello Rd, Fort, 400001; November 2 Jehangir Sorabjee Ghadiali (83), Mancherji Seth Bldg, 262, Tardeo, 400007; November 2 Gulnar Nariman Irani (78), Police Sm, 400007; November 4 Sorabji Bcmanji Irani (79), Zaveri Bldg, Opp Albless Baug, Chami Rd, 400004; November 4 Rusi Pestonji Khambatta (53'), N/1, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; November 4 Keki Dinshawji Doctor (86), A/5, Bldg no 11, Govt Qrts, Haji Ali, 400034; November 5 Alamai Khurshedji Wadia (85), 15, Manisha, Kastur Park, Shimpoli, Borivli (W), 400092; N'I November 5 Homi Shapurji Mehta (90), 127, Cumballa Hill, Kemps Comer, 400036; November 6 Adi Rustomji Mody (65), Haji Mohammed Bldg, A. K. Marg, 400036; November 6 Khorshedbanoo Horr isji Shroff (jib), 3, Marine Chmbs, Marine Lines, 400020; November 6 Ardeshir Naoroji Vatcha (86), 19, Shanti Niketan, L. J. Rd, Mahim, 400016; November 6 Pirojbai Burjorji Karaiyia (101), N/23, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; November 1 Pali Manecksha Khambhatta {75), 162, Mistxy Bldg, Khet- wa^ Back Rd, 400004; November 1 Khorshed Jehangir Mistry (84), Meherally Mans, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; November 7 Homi Pestonji Sethna (78), X-101/15, Godrej Staff (Jrs, Vikhroli, 400079; November 7 Roda Dhunjisha Bdmji {77), Laemerade, 14th Rd, Khar, 400052; November 8 Keki Framroze Randeria (71), R. C. Sethna Bldg, ParelTank Rd, 400012; November 8 Nariman Pestonji Davierwalla (61), Victoria Bldg, Bazar Gate St, Fort, 400001; November 9 Cawasji Jehangir Batliboi (84), Pleasant Park, 48, Ridge Rd, Malabar Hill, 400006; November 10 Pali Horru Dalal (43), D-8, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; Novanber 10 Shirin Jehangirji Vimadalal (91), Kismat, 122/A, S. B. Singh Rd, 400005; November 10 Freny Gustadji Anklesaria (64), Ratan Tata Hostel, Hughes Rd, 400007; November 11 Rustom Fardutyi Desai (89), Rock View, Raghavji Rd, 400036; November 11 Cyrus Pesi Gubba (24), 1/1, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), Bandra (W), 400050; 400102; November 11 Nargish Dhanjisha Waghchhi- pawala (28), 10/B, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; Novanber 11 Firoze Rusi Kuka (33), Vevai Villa, 686, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 12 Pesi Nusserwanji Mohta (61), B/2, Shirin Mans, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; November 12 Tehmi Minoo Pastakia (63), 6/1, Khan Est, Mahim Stn Rd, 400016; November 12 Nadir show Fardocmji Bhujwala (69), Camp Bhuj, Kutch, 370001; November 13 Soli Jehar^irji Fitter (54), Room No 12,127, RPF Clny, Mahalaxmi, 400013; November 13 Minocher Bomaryi Ichaporia (79)r Windmae, Cuffe Parade, 400005; November 13 Ruzbeh Adi Kapadia (20), 654, Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 13 Maru Phirozshaw Daruwalla (75), 28/12, Phirozshaw Ngr, ViWiroli, 400079; November 14 Mehera Sorabji Chothia (87), 3/3, Jehangir Mans, Anandilal Podar Marg, 400020; November 15 Coomi Gustadji Mistry (79), Patel Charity Bldg, Forjett St, Gowalia Tank, 400036; November 15 Manchersha Navroji Daruwalla (75), Sidhva Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; November 16 Nariman Hormasji Gandhi (89), 17/A, Anand Ngr, Forjett St, 400036; November 16 Jalejar Cawasji Urrwigar (86), 166/1, Maqbool Bldg, Hill Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; Novonber 17 Piroza Framroze Mistry (80), Sethna Bldg, 689, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 18 Jahangir Pestonjee Pathan (89), C/o C. J. Majai, 44, Pali Hill, Bandra, 400050; November 18 Parvez Ktukhshru Sakalat (50), 603, Jatan Apts, Malad (E), 400097; November 18 Freny Pirojshah Palkhiwalla (70), C/4, Bldg No 7, Tata Blocks, Sir C. J. Clny, Tardeo, 400034; November 19 Kali Nawroji Pundole (65), Ratan Manzil, Fazul Rd, Colaba, 400005; November 20 Burjorji Manchersha Nariman (75), 11, Hill Rd, Rajaram Wadi, November 21 Dinshaw Hormusji Petit (87), Ram Mans, Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; November 21 Ruzbe Jiju Sachbtwala (2 mths), 14, Abbasi Bldg, Opp Falkland Post Office, 400008; November 21 Dara Dadabhoy Batliwalla (66), G/9, Shqjur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; November 22 Sheriar Behram Jamshedian (76), 2, Laichand Bldg, Oliver Rd, Colaba, 400039; November 22 Hormusji Nusserwanji Todiwalla (90), D/10, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; November 22 Ardeshir Byramji Wadia (73), 554/C, Kanaiya Bhuvan, Chira Bazar, 400002; November 22 Eruch Beyrooji Arya (91), R/4, Motlibai Wadia Block No 1, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; November 23 Gaimai Phiroze Bharucha (85), 4, Rocky HiU Flats, N. DaNioIkar Rd, 400006; November 24 Hormusji Cawasji Kudianawala (86), A/2, Sterling Apts, Peddar Rd, 400026; November 24 Minoo Fardoonji Zavery (61), 5/1, Tata Clny, Tardeo. 400034; November 24 Baby girl of Sanober Adil Bharucha (2 days), 9, Patel Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; November 25 Baby of Patricia F. Pithawalla (7 hrs), 42, H/57, Indian Airlines Clny, Kalina, Santacruz, 400050; November 25 Virbaiji Nawroji Adenwalla (89), 85, Old Petit Mans, Sleater Rd, 400007; November 26 Sotmamai Rustomji Billimoria (76), E, Bhiwandiwalla Ter, Dhobitalao, 400020; November 26 Jahanbux Burjorji Bhatheiw (47), Mottibai Wadia Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, 400007; November 27 Homai Rustamji Irani (70), 749, Mithoo Villa, Rd No 6, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 27 Shireen Nawroji Nariahvalla (88), Jasmine Lodge, 82, Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; Novanber 27 ShavakshcM Erachshaw Cooper (76), Talaty Bldg, 194, Khetwadi Back Rd, 400004; November 28 Godrej Kaikhusaroo Sahukar (75), Palkhiwala Hse, Dhobi ­ talao, 400002; November 28 Jerbai Dinshaw Bokdawalla (82), Keki Hse, 659, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 29 Nowrojee Cawasjee Hormusjee (84), Band View, 665, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 29 Faredoon Behramsha Kerawalla (80), B/16, Alka, Caesar Rd, Amboli, Andheri (W), 400058; November 29 Chandan Pestonji Warden (88), BZ33, PipewalaBldg, S. B. Rd,' Colaba, 400005; November 29 Mitha Bomanshaw Surtee (80), 51, Hill Rd, Opp Bandra Ice Factory, Bandra (W), 400050, November 30 KANPUR Died Roshon Adi Mercfumt; September 1 NAGPUR Died Piroja Sohrab Masirut; September 16 SURAT Died Bamanshaw Hormusji Mehernosh (72), Bibini Wadi, Saiyedpura, 395003; October 30 Minocher Edulji Bhesania (75), Pundole Block, Shahpore, 395003; November 3 Sorabji Rustomji Bhamgara (80), Maachli Pith, 395003; November 7 Rodabeh Sorab Sanga (83), Mohta Mohalla, Rustompura, 395002; November 8 Jal Jamshedji Elavia (63), Kharva Mohalla, Nanpura, 395001; November 13 Phirozshaw Kaikhushru Dastoot (74), Pushpa Apt, Maachli Pith, 395003; November 16 Kashmira Aspi Sumadia (12), Man Sahel Hse, Bhavnagri Mohalla, 395003; Novanber 17 BRENTWOOD, USA Married Van Anh Nguyen and Nariman Mirui Dastw, August 18 SAN RAMON, CALIFORNIA Died Keki Mistry, husband of Nergish and father of Niloufer Vania and Kersi; July 1 VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA Bom A boy, Zuben, toNilufer and Hormaz Rustomjee; September 14 TOTALS (for this Issue) Births: Boys 17, Girls 15 Marriages: Parsi 26 Intercommunal 1 Deaths: 84 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka 38 Parsiana December 1990 iIN MEMORIAM r < 0 ’ * * L Marshalli men and machines f “The sky is the limit,” was one of the Marshall himself would personally study handed over to different members of his phrases oft repeated by Jeejeebhoy the applications and grant aid to those family. “Considering that he had built up Nanabhoy Marshall, the founder and whom he felt were deserving, his son the business himself, he Was remarkably chairman of the Rs 15 crore Marshall Shiamak speaks of his father’s charitable uninterfering,” mentions Shiamak. “His Group of Companies as he set about es- disposition. He was rather keen to do- tactic was to throw you to the wolves so tablishing his chain of industries. Today nate towards solving the housing prob- that the responsibility was all yours.” the 15 companies that fall under the JNM lem of the Parsi community. But since banner are a testimony to the founder’s the terms for the donation were not mu- “will, dedication and firm resolve never tually acceptable to the Bombay Parsi Company came to be recognized as a to accept second best,” noted an edito- Punchayet and the family, he was sorry leading manufacturer and supplier of en- rial in the October ’90 issue of JNM Top- that this dream of his could not take gineering products, energy management ics, the house journal of the Company, shape, informs Shiamak who manages systems and other high technology elec- Almost until his demise on July 19,1990 the company’s steel department and Sim- following cancer, the 94-yearTold chair- monds Marshall Ltd from his base in man continued to keep a fatherly eye Bombay, over his industrial enterprises even though towards the end he preferred to farming in India” was how The Poultry their careers,” noted a condolence reso- concentrate his energies on the Marshall Charitable Foundation that he had estab­ lished and his poultry farm in Deolali. Deolali. Experimenting with chicken The perceptive industrialist “always Initially starting with a small corpus was just his - hobby in his early days got his way through winning and influ- of three and a half lakh rupees, presently which later took the shape of a full- encing people,” remembers his son-in- the Marshall Charitable Foundation has fledged business catering to the egg law Darius Forbes who, based in Poona, about Rs 36.5 lakhs in its coffers, accord- needs of five-star hotels in Bombay, looked after JNM’s Spirax division and ing to a Company spokesman. Since its clubs and restaurants, mentions a press Cambridge Industries. JN had a reputa- . _ . . . - . _ tion for befriending all whom he met and Poultry was a subject that preoccupied was most comfortable when he had him even when he had crossed the 90- people around him. “We often found Under the leadership of JN, as the founder was respectfully referred to, the tronic instrumentation. “Many look back to their early days under Mr J. N. Marshall as the poiod “The grand old pioneer of poultry which made the greatest contribution to Times described Marshall who had lution passed by the board of directors of founded the 75,000 egg layer unit in the Marshall Group. Deolali. Experimenting with chicken inception in 1976, the Foundation has release from the Company, been receiving stipulated monthly dona­ tions from Marshal companies like J. N. Marshall, Spirax Marshall, Simmonds year milestone. However, the reins of him having supper at home with a total Marshall and Cambridge Insauments. his industrial concerns he had willingly stranger, someone he had encountered on 39 Parsiana December 19901 r his walk that evening,” recounts Forbes. media in which JN started trading. On His interest in tr’.velling enabled him completing his graduation in economics media in which JN started trading. On his grandson Naushad Forbes. In fact, he claimed that for three years he supported .. „ , .. ' ------ ------------------- ------------- his family, in style, on his daily bridge his collaborators overseas. For 30 years his brother Maneckji were given Rs winnings at the Willingdon Club wHhnnt o k. 10,000 each by their father to establish. Naushad added. ¦ ’ ’ He was a regular frequenter at the Re- . form Club in Ahmedabad, the Parsi ferred to speculate in the stock market at Gymkhana in Mahableshwar, the Bom- equipment indi- Bombay and closed down their Ahme- bay .Gymkhana and also the Ripon Club, dabad office. A fall in the stock market As chairman of the Ripon Club in its to promote his business connections with and history from Wilson College, JN and without a break, he regularly visited his ] _________________ ___ principals — Spirix in the UK and themselves as partners in business. They SKODA in Czechoslovakia. ‘ • acted as their distributor before he took to manufacturing p'—------- - -— genously. _ Product diversity gives one greater made JN take to business again with his centenary year, he donned Rs 25 000 flexibility, he believed, as he set about newly constituted firm, J. N. Marshall ------- supplying wheels and axles to the Indian and Company, transacting with his prin- Railways, acting as agents of plywood cipals AEG India Electric Co Ltd, companies, providing pickers to textile SKODA and many other international and mills all over the country, manufacturing national firms, diamond tools or specialized nylon self- f" locking nuts for the automobile industry, the Proprietory High School and later at that his well-earned money was used ef- fectively. States his daughter Maharookh, “He will be one to be remembered for sports.^ He excelled in bridge his...business acumen, coupled with com­ passion and a readiness to help anyone in distress or in need.” The industrialist is survived by Maha­ rookh and Shiamak. JN first got good business orders but later JN pre- towards the Club’s activities. JN liked to dress well and be seen in the best circles. Equally conscious was he of his responsibility towards the poor. Just as he strove to get maximum returns Sihce his school days, he was first at from his industrial pursuits, he saw to it “JN’s decisions seemed abrupt, but the the New High School (subsequently re­ quickness was born out of his years of named Bharda School), JN was inter­ ability in decision-making,” wrote edu- < ' ' canonist Bejon Desai in his biography of and billiards and was good at tennis and JN. A “relist as well as an idealist,” chess too. His bridge bidding was con- J. _ ......... sidered so confounding that when anyone asked him which convention he played, he would confidently answer, “The summarized legal luminary S. R. Vakil, when referring to JN’s approach in life, in his foreword to Desai’s biography. ____ _________ Coal and lubricating oil were the first Marshall convention, of course,” recalls Written by Parinaz Gandhi CONFRONTED BY CONTROVERSIES continued from page 24 reconsidered draft’ officially to the Fed­ eration that the matter will be taken up for discussion. ___ _ _ „ „ After a stalemate for several years, the towards the costs incurred on leaving the Aspi '* Golwalla, Eruch Desai Jamshed ’ WZO has verbally made a fresh proposal: ,>•••¦ — - - the formation of a council of anjumans BPP’s original stipulation was to give Nargolwala from Bombay; Marzban Bat- within the WZO. This will be taken up for monthly help of Rs 175 to families whose livala and. Yezdi Batlivala from Calcutta- Lt Gen Adi Sethna, Zal Nowsherwaiyi, Keki Gandhi, Dadi Mistry, Noshir Cap­ tain, Farrokh Rustomji and Homi addicts. tor and Adarbad Motafram from Ajmer; A new scheme is on to induce couples Capt Homi Dandiwalla from Allahabad; to produce more children by contributing Dhanjisha Dumasia from Bardoli; Dr child at a day-care center. Though the Guzder, Rustom Anklesaria and Peshotan BPP’s original stipulation was to give Nargolwala from Bombay; Marzban Bat­ j discussion after a detailed written pro- monthly income is less than Rs 4,500, posal is received by the Federation. In Gandhi suggested that this gift should not 1986, the WZO’s proposition of a bi- be considered a relief, but reward or rec- .xu^iuu.ii anu xwuu cameral system had been rejected by the ognition to be shown irrespective of the Taleyarkhan from Delhi; Eruch Dumaaa Federation. family income. Meanwhile, the findings and Kerman Dumasia from Dumas; Aspi of the BPP survey correlating housing Irani and Pervez Irani from the Iranian with fertility are expected by February Zoroastrian Anjuman; N. A. Batliwala ’91. and Kerman Batliwalla from Jabalpur; B. '¦ It was left to Desai “as the last remnant Balsara from Jamshedpur; Ronny Dick, of the BPP (his co-trustees had left ear- Ms Dinaz Bhagat and Neville Dick from monthly income is less than Rs 4,5(X), Shortage of social vorkers The main problem for the BPP at present is finding qualified social workers to im­ plement their different schemes. “To en- of the BPP (his co-trustees had left ear- Ms Dinaz Bhagat and Neville Dick from thuse Parsi youngsters to take to social lier)” to wind up the discussions, and Jhansi; Dr Meherji M. Cooper from Ma- work, the trustees were considering subsi- i* -¦ - - dizing a three-year degree course at TISS visions for the delegates. Recommending Mhow; Jamshed Cassad from Nagpur; (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) for a that the delegates should be “constructive Brig Noshir Grant from Pune; Dr Sam ' student who signed a three-year work j • ¦ " - bond, mentioned Rustom Anklesaria, i * J___ 21"_______, chief executive of the BPP. While the there may be interludes of unhappiness preference would be for Parsi social but the common goal should be the well­ workers, they were willing to employ being of the community.” and Kerman Batliwalla from Jabalpur; B. thank the DPA for making excellent pro- dras; Capt Dhunjishaw Marker from visions for the delegates. Recommending Mhow; Jamshed Cassad from Nagpur; in their approach, tolerant...” Desai Bhacca, Sorab Katpitia, Percy Variava, summed up, “We may air our differences, Cyrus Turel, Freddy Mistry, Nevil Patel, Firoz Amaria and Nevil Chothia from Surat; Bazun Dittia and Jehangir Bisney . . _ , from Secunderabad and Hyderabad; Jal even non-Parsis. Post walla from Visakhapalnam; Boman Helping the drug victims in the com- Those attending the Federation meeting Cama and Ms Roxanne Kavarana from munity is a long-s'anding project of the i ~ ~ ~____2 ' 9PP on which the) have spent lakhs but from Agra; Keki Pavri and Porus Kar- successfully treated only four of the 20 anjawalla from Ahmedabad; Firoze Doc- I 40 Parsiana December ^S90 were: Ms Dolat Debara and Porus Debara ' Vadodara; and Dinshaw Tamboly from the WZO. The Press was represented by Parsiana.