Jun 1991

The message of PercyEDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana H. Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah D’sousa 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 D’Silva, Bakhtavar Batliwalla, Nowzer Batliwala, Bindu Pillai, Sugatha Kurup June 1991 Volume 13 Number 12 3 Readers’ Forum 13 Events and Personalities 19 Zoroastrians Abroad: Spreading the Good Word 21 The lonesome twosome by Parinaz Gandhi 33 The reaction to the BPP resolution by Arnavaz Mama 37 The orthodox response 41 Milestones 43 In Memoriam Cover: A scene from Percy, inset, Pervez Merwanji and Ruby Patel 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 subsaiption rates: Seamail Rs 200/US $ 12/UK £ 7 for one year, Rs 350/US $ 21/UK £ 12 for two years (please allow six months or more from the time of publication): Air mail- Rs 320/US $ 20/UK £ 11 for one year, Rs 600/US $ 38/UK £ 20 for two years. For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 5 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add £ 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 or C/0 H.L.Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K.Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001READERS' FORUM I,),It;, . f 1111»11 ill, ,, * t»»»iI J * »«< lit* »ti(**'* jlUIIU.t,, *».»»»•» Ii i irtMlKMili mill,»111,, UhlHl II. ,1, till I hl) Will Iltlllttlll)., '?Hl a gSb IBHi • ,»»? »»>» W’ •irt *¦ “X * 1*1 ISi ¦/‘r Rustom Pahelvan nor his exploits! Simi- eluding modern Turkey. For example, . “ ‘ ¦ there are the superbly preserved ruins of lar in parts of northern Syria and south- the beautiful city of Apamea (Apama), 1 em Turkey. The word “Bahram ” in ; Turkish also means a feast/festival. The front desk receptionist of one of the ho ­ tels where we stayed last month while who was captured by the Greeks in the touring Turkey by car was named Nil- oufer! However, all these Bahrams, Rus- • toms, and Niloufers are pure Muslims. Then there is the case of Zenobia, queen of Palmyra — a city-kingdom built for political and other reasons, on an oasis in the Syrian desert where caravans from India, Persia and even China stopped to refresh themselves on the way to Mediterranean trading posts numerical superiority of the Persian and eventually to Rome. The Romans, having amassed enormous wealth due to their numerous conquests, paid for the of vehicles scarcely realizing the impor- Chinese silk, frankincense, Indian spices tance of a crucial event that occurred and perfumes and Persian rugs with gold there which was to ultimately lead to the coins. Palmyra was besieged by Roman em­ peror Aurelian in 272 AD. Zenobia fought bravely and eventually retreated ruins of a town named Cirrus, or Cyrus, behind fortifications at Palmyra. Running The ruins are well laid out and even boast out of food, she sent urgent word to of complicated drainage systems. There is Shapour of Persia for assistance. When also an amphitheater showing perhaps Shapour did not reply she decided to go to ¦* larly, the name Behram/Bahram is popu- ii*« named after the Persian wife of one of Alexander the Great ’s generals, Seleucus Nicator. Apamea was a Zoroastrian lady final phases of Alexander ’s conquest of Persia (see Zoroastrians, Mary Boyce, pg 78). After the conquests, Alexander and many of his generals took Persian wives About 70 kms to the east of Aleppo, lies the Plain of Issos where Alexander defeated Darius III in 331 BC despite the army. Today modem motorways trav ­ erse these historic battlefields, occupants destruction of Persepolis. About 60 kms north of Apamea and an hour ’s drive from Aleppo, are the Readers' views are welcome on any subject of Interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers* Forum, Shapour did not reply she decided to go to a later Roman occupation of the garrison Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Persia personally to plead for help, but town. Very few tourists travel to these Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. was betrayed and captured while crossing ruins, their great and historic past wit- the Euphrates river by Roman soldiers on nessed only by serenely grazing sheep faster horseback whereas Zenobia had and the odd Bedouin shepherd with his chosen a camel for the long journey dog. through the desert. Zenobia was taken to Rome and in 274 AD exhibited to Ro ­ mans in a victory parade through the Hittite tablet from the eighth century BC streets, bound in chains of solid gold. She with distinct Persian markings of the is reputed to have ended her remaining asho farohar but without a head. The life in the comfort of a villa at Tivoli in original tablet, we were told, is in the Ankara Museum. A strange tale told to us by an old Kur ­ dish gentleman is that, even today, ’ there are some Kurds in the Caucasus moun ­ tains who worship fire! It was not clear. While motoring through Cappadocia in Turkey we came across a replica of a “In the matter of...” By their resolution dated April 29, 1991 (“In the matter of the late Ms Roxan Darshan Shah... ” Parsiana, March 1991) to assign a separate dokhma for Parsi Women married outside the religion, the the hills some 50 kms from Rome, ‘learned ’ trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet have done nothing more than practicing Zoroastrian. The name may put their official stamp of “Outcaste ” on merely show a Persian descent and not the our women. religion. Zenobia ’s portrait in battle gear Sad indeed. MsRasunazaiwalla is today printed on every Syrian I(X) however, whether they are Zoroastrians pound currency note, a rare tribute to pre-Islamic heroism. The ruined city of Palmyra can still be seen but there is hardly any evidence there of the Zoroastrian religion. Thpre of the earliest fire-temples outside the Armenian city of Baku have fire at which bodies were entombed. ground level which seems to be fed naiu- There are also many ruins from the rally by gas or oil from the earth ’s crust. We also learnt another interesting radius of the city of Aleppo formed part story from an old Armenian doctor. He of the Persian empire, reputed to stretch said that most of the Christian Armeni ­ ans were previously Zoroastrians. After Again, it is doubtful if Zenobia was a Ms RASHNA ZAIWALLA I . “The correct position?” This is further to the information pro ­ vided by Dr H. E. Eduljee of Oota- camund on “The correct position? ” (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, September are, however, several funerary towers into 1990). My landlord Mr Mahmoud Rus- tom is a Syrian. He is a retired professor of chemistry at the University of Aleppo, glorious past when this area i.e. 150 km When I asked him about his surname “Rustom, ” he could only say that it was of Persian origin. He had not heard of from India to the Mediterranean sea in- or merely pray in front of a fire. It must be jioted that there are many natural fires and steam eruptions due to volcanic ac ­ tivities in these mountains. In fact, some 3 Parsiana June 1991(It will be very difficult to detect breaches, as one Parsi lady boasted of having entered the Iranshah at Udwada 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 to Deserving Students. Apply to THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 324 Dr. p.N. Road, Bombay 400001. the Arab conquests they fled and con ­ verted to Christianity. There are some 70,000 Armenians in Aleppo today, most of them closely resemble Parsis in facial and the Wadiaji Atash Bahram unhin- features! However, we are told that 10- ’ ’ ' ’ ' ' ‘ 15 years ago there were 1,50,000 Arme ­ nians in Aleppo, but since then many (most of them males) have migrated to places of worship which will then quto- Canada and USA for better prospects, matically become known as the ‘liberal Except for a few who return to search for fire-temples. ’ Those very ‘orthodox ’ an Armenian bride, these males have amongst us could choose to avoid visit- married abroad with the result that there ing the ‘liberal fi’e-temples. ’ But for are hundreds of unmarried, well-edu ­ cated, highly eligible Armenian girls in Aleppo! They, without exception, prefer is a disagreement of views! to wait or remain single than marry out ­ side their community! In recent years some Armenian females have taken courage and migrated alone, leaving old even in their large and equally prosper- parent/s behind. Tt must be recalled that ous community there were not so many many Armenians, mostly men, were massacred by the Turks in 1915. Due to the above two reasons there are several families comprising only of mother and unmarried daughter/s in Aleppo. It is a sad reality, not much different from that facing the Parsis of Bombay! Incidentally, all different offshoots of the Christian faith with their individual A ‘death wish’ churches are represented in Aleppo: About a year ago a distinguished physi- Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Syr- cian, and very dear friend who deals with ian Christian, Coptic, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Armenian Catholic and Ar ­ menian Orthodox. All of them live in peace and harmony among themselves, but rarely mix socially with the Muslims who are in the majority here. Interre ­ ligious marriages are unheard of, the rare exceptions being male students returning observer of men and matters was per- with their European (German, French fectly right in making what I then thought or Italian) wives. Some European male was a sweeping statement, professionals working in Syria have mar ­ ried local Christian girls with blessings haunted me, as it would any one who has from the parents, but when they marry always had strong ethnic ties. I have Muslim girls they have had to convert themselves formally to Islam first! Regarding the Roxan Shah case, it seems to us from afar that our tiny com ­ munity likes to wallow in litigation and controversy when our very survival is at of history, stake! Our feeling is that every Parsi (girl or boy) who marries outside the that in being a Parsi he belongs to an eth- community must be notified in writing at nic group. If he turns to Christianity or the time of marriage that he/she will not Hinduism to satisfy his spiritual needs, he be permitted the use of the community ’s facilities such as dokhmas, housing colo ­ nies, etc. It is too late to construct new fire-temples for practicing Zoroastrians man is convinced of the divinity of who are married to non-Parsis. Instead Zarathushtra and wants to embrace leave the decision to permit entrance to a fire-temple or atash bahram to the indi ­ vidual panthaky or chief priest of the re ­ spective places of Zoroastrian worship, by faith and turns into a Zoroastrian. dered with her mangalsutra on.) In time, liberal priests may permit such Parsis (those married to non-Parsis) to enter heaven ’s sake let us stop this madness of filing law suits in courts whenever there Not long ago a modest and hardwork ­ ing Sindhi friend remarked to me as a matter of astonishment and 'sadness, that court cases and litigations as in the min ­ uscule Parsi community! Most cases, when necessary, were decided by a Sindhi Panchayet whose decisions, I was told, were fair and final. ARDESHIR B. DAMANIA Aleppo, Syria the terminally ill made an observation that this community of ours was suffering from a “death wish. ” Having lived out of the main stream of the community for many years one is able to look at things dispassionately and one has come to the conclusion that this acute Ever since, this conversation has therefore come to the conviction that if this ancient community of ours intends to perish by slow degrees, so, be it, but I do not think that we have any right to take our religion with us into the limbo Every thinking Parsi does understand does not cease to be a Parsi. He ceases to be a Zoroastrian. Similarly if any Englishman or Ger- Zoroastrianism he does not become a Parsi but remains an Englishman or a German. He only ceases to be a Christian 4 Parsiana June 1991This is a logical and undeniable state ­ ment that none can refute. I therefore see no reason why any in ­ dividual cannot be accepted into this an- archs with their non-Zoroaslrian Iranian It is only because of your failing to subjects. The Sassanian kings however identify the correct readership, because were not so tolerant, for they openly per- even today the majority of the Parsi com- secuted and converted the Jews and the munity is orthodox and middle-class. ’-------~----------------------- 7’.„„„..i Whilst you are touching on issues con- in his Shah Natnah says that the devout ceming only the affluent and richer class Khosrow converted the Turks and King who certainly will not mind shelling out Behram converted his Indian bride to Rs 80 or so to see their fading images History has been written and read and were not so tolerant, for they openly per- It is only because of your failing to cient faith of ours which was never Christians to Zoroastrianism and Firdausi meant to be an exclusive religion for the few. As Tagore says, “Zarathushtra was the first Prophet who emancipated reli ­ gion from the exclusive narrowness of a Zoroastrianism, tribal god or a local elemental god of na ­ ture. He was the first to teach that God oft repeated, but the lessons of the past was to be won by all, by righteousness and the crying need of the present is com ­ pletely disregarded by our so-called learned priests and pundits. By this sanc ­ timonious and bigoted attitude and treat ­ ment of our young who have married outside the community, we are driving our children and our grandchildren away subscribers) so anybody having a free read will also be deterred from subscrib ­ ing to such a magazine. My only advice is to be absolutely im ­ partial. E)o not touch any controversial issue. Give only the events, news and re- Trichur ligious topics in Simple terms and do not try to glorify the affluent only and Par­ siana'3 readership should increase. YEZDIP.F. PANTHAKI and love and not by sacrificial ceremo ­ nies. ” How can God ever be the private preserve of a few? He has to be univer ­ sal and he has to be all pervading. It is an absurd contradiction of history to say that our ancients did not prosely ­ tize. No less an authority than Prof Max Muller says that if the battle of Marathon and Salamis had been won and the Greeks had succumbed to the might of nity nor the religion to survive. Persia, the state religion of the entire orji s. adenwaujk civilized world would have been the reli ­ gion of Zarathushtra; that the Achaeme- nians, despite their excellent record of Whither Parsiano^ tolerance, betrayed the original religiou.s Though your magazine is of immense in ­ instinct of proselytizing as did Darius terest, I do not believe that your reader- with the Elamites, Xerxes with the ship ha.s dwindled because of our com- Greeks and the other Achaemenian mon- munity getting smaller. from our fold. Thi.s, over the years, has been a self-destructive process and, if continued, will help neither the commu- being published, you have totally failed to cover the majority of the community. It is a professional obligation to follow the code of conduct by not giving partisan views. Your one such article was “Injus ­ tice at Doongerwadi. ” By allowing such articles to be printed, you give allergy to the majority of your readers (to be frank all readers are not In Parsiana all articles are heartbreaking: all about quarrels within community and MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: ? Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) ? Banking CAIIB Course (Postal) ? Executive Secretarial Course >!< Private Secretarial Course Personal Assistant’s Programme (Working Stenographers) ’S' Shorthand & Typewriting (English/Hindi/Marathi) 5!^ Telephone Operating & Receptionist Techniques Electronic Telex Operating ? Electronic Typewriting & Word Processing English Conversation & Writing Skills 1 Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce Q0 D 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400001 Tel: 2871185 6 Parsiana June 1991 Ianjumans and punchayets; no lead or guidance from Asho Zarthosht, the Gat has, the Avesta, etc. or direction on the problems of the day. Rostamrostami Ohio, USA a[[good wishes an appreciatwe reader Parsee General Hospital It is quite understandable for Ms Yasmin Tavaria to file a suit against the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital for alleged negligence leading to a fatal result during a blood transfusion. The Parsee General Hospital, with its band of dedicated doctors, is a boon and a haven to poor and middle-class Parsis. There is many a person, in Government and out, who would like to see it made cosmopolitan. And this can well be made to happen, under the guise of “improve ­ ments ” in public interest, in the not too distant future, if we do not watch out! R. H. KOOKA A children’s Shah Namah Childhood is the time when a child is most receptive to outside influences. These impressions, retained as vivid memories, persist through life. They mo ­ tivate and propel him to achieve the ob ­ jectives of his inspiration. When I was a child, my friends and I used to crawl up on to the high bed and implore my old granduncle to tell us sto ­ ries of achievements of our elders, like Pherozeshah Mehta and Dadabhoy Naoroji, who were his contemporaries. My granduncle had the habit of using snuff and by the end of the story time, we would all be covered with, the snuff, and sneezing to high heavens. Still, the happy memories persist. In case of my friend, who is now heading a Zoroastrian revival in North America, what inspires him are the stories he remembers his father telling him about the sufferings the Zoroastrians had to un ­ dergo under the Moslem yoke in Iran. He remembers how he and his brothers used to crawl up on the high bed (note the per ­ sistence of a high bed in a Parsi life 50 years ago), and then onto the high stom ­ ach of his sleeping father and plead with him for stories. His father who had suf ­ fered first-hand would tell them the sto ­ ries and then he would break down and cry under the emotitMial stress. These are the impressions which are inspiring him to do such a formidable job. The Jews in our own lifetime worked, suffered, fought and died to build a new Israel. What inspired them were the sto ­ ries of achievements, real or imaginary, of their ancestors as glorified in the Old • Parswna June 1991I ter. These institutions, are situated at some distance from the homes of the chil ­ dren, charge heavy fees and fail to give the all-round development that children receive at home. There was some talk of having a fire ­ temple built at Godrej Baug. It will be a great boon to the community if instead a play hall is built where all the children between the ages of two-and-a-half and six years may be taken care of by some person trained for the purpose and having a natural love for children. Can the com­ munity not produce some Zoroastrian sis ­ ters of mercy who can do this service? The parents will be quite willing and happy to support the running of such establishments. d . r. edibam Violation of divine laws Suicide is murder of self — a living being, and mercy-killing (meaning inten ­ tionally putting an end to someone ’s life by means of poison, drugs, injections and the like) is murder of other living beings. Though in both these cases the intention is to give relief to the tortured living beings, yet mere good intentions are not enough to absolve oneself from the reper ­ cussions of wrong deeds committed in ignorance of divine laws. continued on page 44 r MATRIMONIAL MATRIMONIAL Correspondence invited from well-educated professionally qualified Parsi girls willing to settle in USA for 30-year-old chemical engineer cum research scientist, working and well-settled in USA. Visiting India mid-July. Apply with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (June/17-91) Parsiana GPO Box No 892 Bombay 400001 Correspondence invited from good-natured, young, affectionate Zoroastrian girls with a positive view of life. For a Chartered Accountant, 35 years, well-settled as a Manager in a reputed company. Fair, well-built, height 5’9", he enjoys reading, nature and physical exercises. Financially' well secured with own accommodation in Bombay. Please reply to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (June/18-91) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 1 Best Wishes From RUSY & PUR VIZ SHROFFEvents and Personalities Firdauz’ fatal fall offer, noted senior counsel Tehmtan R. “My son was a brave person who did not Andhyarujina. fear nature, ” said Ms Thrity Homi Taleyarkhan in an interview with Mid- Day of June 3, 1991 about her son Firdauz. “He was so much in love with the mountains that they finally claimed tegrity — to the court, to his clients and to him. ” The 41-year-old advocate lost his life after he fell into an L-shaped, two-feet the Indian Express of May 30. wide and 60-feet deep crevasse on May ~ ' 24 while trekking in the Garhwal range of the Himalayas. Taleyarkhan is be- Bombay Samachar dated June 2, “At the ing to the Samachar, Firdauz not only lieved to have shouted for help but his |||||||||||^^ f participated in moun- companions were unable to assist him . taineering and rock and a few hours later he reportedly died jHHl climbing courses, but as the snow piled up in the crevasse. ™ 1978, had A talented lawyer, Firdauz had ap- unnamed peared for a number of cases before the peak 6181 (20,382 Bombay High Court and the Supreme feet) near the Khal- Court, the latest one being to challenge the development control rules for Greater jgK His father Homi Bombay. Secretary of the Bombay Bar i Taleyarkhan, former Association for three years, Taleyarkhan governor of Sikkim was offered the judgeship of the High former member of Court at the age of 39, but declined the the Minorities Com- ¦* mission, recalled in *** the Mid-Day inter- Indian Government when mountaineering expeditions from abroad visited India. As •'In a profession which has debased liaison officer, he had participated in a itself, and has, by and large, converted rescue mission that saved the lives of two itself into an unsavory business, Firdauz stood out as a lawyer of the highest in ­ members of an Austrian Himalayan expe­ dition, reads the Samachar. He had also served as the liaison officer to the his opponents at the bar, ” wrote noted Wolfgang Stafan ’s Austrian Expedition to lawyer Navroze H. Seervai in a letter to Dunagiri (23,184 feet) in the Outer Nanda Devi Sanctuary in May 1980. He himself Praising Taleyarkhan ’s legal acumen, climbed over 19,500 feet in a support role lawyer Berjis M. Desai noted in The in this unsuccessful expedition. Accord- ¦ $ 1 » Above: World Enterprise champions ' Tarapore (left) and Rao K Photo: Michael Rodrigues/ The Times of India I (Left) Taleyarkhan: "in love with the I mountains’’ Photo; Jam-e-Jamshed ¦ , view: “At the very i time the accident ¦ (took) place, I was in Delhi attending the funeral of Rajiv Gandhi. Little did I know that on my re ­ turn I would have to face another shock. ” — « El On the crest of a wave “It is unimaginable how many factors can young age of 40, he had attained heights go in your favor when they have to. This in his legal career. He had an extensive is my first world title, but I wouldn ’t re ­ practise in customs and central excise gard it as my best performance. ” Farokh cases including recent cases on the impor- Tarapore who, along with his crew Kelly tant principle of unjust enrichment in cen- “ tral excise matters. ” Desai recalled that, “Firdauz often mentioned to his friends Mid-Day of March 18,1991. that if he ever happened to die in the mountains, he should be left there. ” He was a member of several expedi- and, after 1973, the first non-Englishmen tions and acted as liaison officer for the to win the Enterprise title which had Rao, won the International Enterprise Championships ’91, was quoted in the With this victory the Tarapore-Rao duo reportedly become the first Asians 13 Parsiana June 1991hitherto been the exclusive prerogative of stood first in the discus throw and secopd British yachtsmen. Neither Tarapore nor in the shot put and javelin throw events, Rao are Enterprise class sailors. Thirty ­ year-old Tarapore sails in the 470 ebss whereas 28-year-old Rao ’s domain is the Laser category. _ _ _ The start was reportedly not very Making new meet records and winning smooth for the winners who, in fact, had different events at the 98th Annual Bom- to struggle to improve their performance bay Schools Athletic Meet in January ’91 according to the Jam-e-Jamshed of Janu ­ ary 13,1991. Sporting youngsters in the 100 m hurdles for girls under 15. Other Zoroastrians to feature in the J. K. Foundation-sponsored meet at the Braboume Stadium in January last were Ms Delna Avari of Convent of Jesus and Mary, Fort who stood second in the 400 m run for girls under 15 and Ms Anahita Balsara of Bai Avabai Petit High School who stood third in the long jump in the same age-group, the paper further in ­ forms. In the inters group 1,000 m cycling mass start for girls, Ms Pearl Irani of J. B. Vachha High School finished first while in the boys inters 3,000 m lap cycle race I Kaizad Mistry from St Xavier ’s High i School stood second. before they could maintain an edge over their competitors in the six-race world event in March ’91 sponsored by Modi Xerox. XI All Parsis sports Girls were to the fore rewriting records at the XI All Parsis Annual Athletic Meet, notes a press release sent by organizer Aspi Ustad. Altogether 15 new meet records w'erc set and two equalled. The youngest partici ­ pant of the meet, ihrec- year-old Ms Jenifer Mehemosh Chhor was the spectators ’ favorite participating in the under seven age-group and run ­ ning the race “till the last, getting a loud applause from tlie audience, ” ac ­ cording to a family source. Of the 570 competitors, 59 had come from Dahanu, Surat, Pune, Balsar, Ahmednagar, Vadodra, Nagpur and Na- sik. The 10-strong team from Calcutta was eight-year-old Ms Feroza Engineer could not make it to the event. Another who was declared the girls under-nine in- li S . I: Veteran winners “The honor of running a lap with the torch and lighting the flame at the inaugural ceremony ” of the 13th National Veterans ’ Athletic Championships was shared by i *' I f 86-year-old Jehanbax Kapadia and Ms \ T r _ Grace Chiramal. About 800 sportsper- l..-J. sons aged 35 and above from 12 states in (Above, from, left) Veteran sportspersons: India participated in this meet at Nanji, Kapadia and Mehta Calcutta ’s Salt Lake City Stadium in (Below) Interschool champs: Printer February ’91, notes a report in the Cal- (left) and Engineer cutta Gavashni, February-March 1991. Winning a gold in the 100 and 200 m flat races in the 85 plus age-group, Kapa ­ dia retained his 1989 world meet timings dividual midget champion, notes the Jam­ in both the events. e-Jamshed dated February 3,1991. In the two sprint events where she stood first. ¦ Ms disappointment was the absence of 20 sportsmen from Navsari who did not come as Navsari ’s prominent sports in ­ Setting a new meet record in the three two sprint events where she stood first, structor, organizer, social worker and km walkathon was Ms Lily Khan who Engineer from Girton High School member of the Gujarat State Sports Coun- also won a gold in the five km walkathon in the 45 plus category. In the 40 plus age-group Ms Zarin Rustomji won two silver medals in the nobar Garda of Udayachal School clock- 100 and 200 m flat races. Bagging four golds in the 35 plus age- meet record of 35 seconds. Girton High clocked 15.8 seconds in the 100 m and cil, Phiroze Jokhi, 32, was brutally mur- 34.3 seconds in the 200 m. In the 200 m run for midgets Ms Sa ­ dered just a day before the start of the two-day meet on February 16 and 17, 1991. 'The gathering observed a minute ’s ing 34.9 seconds also bettered the earlier silence to condole his death. As in the past, one event in each age- group was Ms Prochy Mehta who won School ’s Ms Delna Bhumgara came third group was kept open for participation the 100, 200 and 400 m flat races and in high jump in the midgets group, the from non-Parsis. The intention of the or- also ran for the team which won the dome reads. ganizers — The Nowroze Baug Play 4x100 m relay, Gavashni informs. In the intermediate girls section Ms Centre, Zoroastrian Physical Culture and Perinaz Printer of St Agnes High School Health League, Cusrow Baug United Another veteran athlete Ms Mani Nanji stood first in the javelin throw, second in Sports and Welfare League and Manch- who represented India at the 6th Asian Veteran Athletic Championships in Kuala and discus throw events. At the Mahar- Lumpur in November last won one gold ashtra State Open Athletic Champion- and two silver medals at that meet. She ships last year. Printer had stood second eyes. ” the 100 m hurdles and third in shot put erji Edalji Joshi Memorial Trust — waste enable “our children... to see the best of Bombay athletes run before their own 14 Parsiana June T991Ms Zenia Aryton set four new meet records in the 100 m run, 200 m sprint, 100 m hurdles and long jump, and equal ­ led her high jump record. She won the two-day show. The encouragement from AjitaUi, brother of cinestar Amitabh individual championship in the women ’s the owners of Wibs bread who distributed Bachchan, holding the infamous sixth category and was also declared the best free bread and buns to all the participants account in the Bofors case had been athlete of the year. was specially acknowledged. planted by government sources. Among the men, Poms Guzder win- Rashid Kersi Mirza hrdditig a junior This arbitrary decision by the non- ning five gold, three silver and two black belt in karate and reptxtedly rank- Congress Government meant a loss of IS g, . ’ to 20 million dollars in foreign exchange, wiSOTsm'."; “tw ** w •;«'.?*, according to the Mid-Day report And 2,^; the losses would have mounted even fur- ther had not Zaiwalla and Company, even after the termination notice, as ­ sisted die government in the Indian Oil case by helping it save seven million dol ­ lars after the arbitration stage where it was allegedly “complicated ” by the new legal team. Zaiwalla ’s help was also sought to challenge another arbitration award worth 10 millicm dollars. The reason purportedly offered by the Indian High Commision in UK for the discontinuation of the solicitor firm ’s services is the demand for higher rates and die refusal to work on panel rates, the paper reads. It is claimed however that the new legal firm engaged is being paid far more than what Zaiwalla and Company were given. Rated among the top 10 parent of law firms in Lon ­ don, Zaiwalla and Company is the first solicitor ’s firm to ever merit a visit from the Lord Chancellor (Britain ’s premier legal authwity) and operates from Chancery Lane, Lon- (Above): Youngest participant Chhor and ing 66th in the world in this martial art don ’s most prestigious legal address, ac- the organizers of the AU Parsis Annual Athletic and Cycling Meet (Below, from left): best athlete Guzder, all-rounder Mistry and karateka Mirza The Ustad brothers, Ihxni, Hoshang the Mid-Dqy dated January 10,1991. The and Aspi and veteran Jal Pardivala were newspaper ’s statemeit of apology had the key persons credited for managing the meanwhile insinuated that the story of was specially acknowledged. Rashid Kersi Mirza hrddiiig a junior © jSf was also felicitated at this meet cording to a write-up in Society of April At the All-Parsis Annual Cycling Meet 1991 where Zaiwalla has b^n inter- on March 17 at the Valabhbh^ Patd Sta- viewed. dium, Neville Pithawalla emerged as the fastest man on wheels. In the women ’s Zaiwalla and Company reportedly concentrate on three areas: marine and bronze was declared the best athlete of the section it was Ms Jasmine Arethna who admiralty; representing overseas govem- meet. Rayomand Elavia and Homiyar was the unrivalled winner. “There were Mistry were rated the best all-rounders no casualties, nor any accidents, ” trium- among men, the release notes. The other phantly claimed the organizers of the individual champions were: Kazveen meet. (girls under nine), Zenia Daruwalla Libel Suit COStS dear ments; and representing companies who choose London as their international base or as a forum of jurisdiction for Kazveen meet. their international contracts. Peddar (girls under seven), Feroza Engi- . “Most lawyers apply law. I like to neer (girls under nine), Zenia Daruwalla Libel Suit COStS dear change it Laws must evolve and prog- (girls under 11), Kamal Wadia (girls un- When solicitor Sarosh Zaiwalla success- ress, ” notes the low profile solicitor who der 13), Anahita Balsara (girls under 15), fully fought a libel suit against a Swedish has been practising in London for the last Mahir Mubaraki (boys under six), newspaper Dagens Nyheter on bdialf (rf 14 years. Raumin Deralaz (boys under eight), Karl his client Ajitabh Bachchan. he was Irani (boys under 10), Aresh Wadia (boys widely acclaimed by the public. But one Indo-Sovict bondS under 12) and Yohaan Wadia (boys under of his clients, the Government of India, In the rapidly changing context of global 14). Both the men ’s and women ’s team championships were won by the Manch- eiji Edalji Joshi Memorial teams. reacted by terminating die services of his politics, the developmental and security London-based firm of solicitors, MZs needs of India and USSR acquire great Zaiwalla and Company, reads a report in importance, according to Dr Aspy Phi- 16 Parsiana June 1991roze Rana, director of the international re ­ lations program at the Maharaja Sayajirao for standing first on an all-India level at University of Baroda. He was deputed to Moscow in October India ’s final examination and last year to attend the meeting of the joint awarded a silver medal for the best per- Indo-Soviet research committee. There, formance in company law, mentions his he was to present the leading framework bio data. paper for the Indian delegation, according was awarded the President ’s gold medal Surat Parsi Punchayet. An architect by profession. Danger has the Institute of Company Secretaries of explored different mediums and is largely was a self-taught artist who believes that art is “as much concerned with the way people feel about things as it is with the way things really are, ” notes a brochure re- ________________ „____._______„ leased at the time of his exhibition. to the Ahmedabad edition of The Times of Danger’s One man show He is a graduate in architecture from India of September 25,1990. “There is always something new, some- Baroda ’s Maharaja Sayajirao University, The Indian and Soviet scholars on the thing unexpected... ” in the creations of while his wife Rukhasana has done her high level research committee constituted by the Indo-Soviet joint commission will work out trends and project future possi ­ bilities for collaboration between these to 25 this year, informs Dr Ratan countries, the paper mentions. “There is always something new, some- artist Bomi Danger who held his first bachelors in fine arts from the same Uni- one-man show of drawings, paintings versity. and sculptures in Surat from February 21 Surat needs an art gallery, stated Dan ­ ger at the press conference before the ex­ Marshall, former chief executive of the hibition and declared that if land was made available to him, he would take care of the other requirements. After his suc ­ cessful show in Surat, the artist has inten ­ tions of exhibiting his works in Bombay, informs Marshall. I Choksi Home’s 25 Donations totalling Rs 4,25,000 from charitable trusts and philanthropic Zoroaslrians from India and abroad trusts President of secretaries His election as president of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India makes ||L Nowroze Jamshed Vazifdar the second H Parsi to be elected to this post, reports the H Jam-e-Jamshed of February 10, 1991. In ¦ the past he had served in various capaci- Hj ties on this national Institute. H Other bodies of significance with which Vazifdar is connected are the Com ­ pany Law Committee of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the core working group that made recom- 9 mendations to the government on matters S relating to the Companies Act, the Mo- m nopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, etc, reads his curriculum vitae. Ad- ditionally he has served on committees dealing with law, company affairs, bank- 9 ing and finance. 9 He is vice president (finance) and sec- 9 retary of Mahindra Ugine Steel Company 9 where his work involves supervision of ijf finance, accounts, banking, taxation, cost- ing and secretarial and legal functions of | the company. The company secretary has authored I various articles on company law, corpo- ¦ rate taxation, cost audit and manpower llj planning and has also contributed to pro- 9 fessional development programs and con- 9 ferences in India and abroad. In ’78 he 9 18 Parsiana June 1991 Rana international ties and Vazifdar: forte is company law. (Below) Inmates of the Choksi Rural Girls Home and Hangarsurrounded helped strengthen the assets of the Seth hyart Nanabhoy B. Choksi Home for Rural Zoroastrian Girls in Navsari on the occa- ___ sion of its silver jubilee. yH According to trustee ¦ Hormuzdiar D. Choksi, the largest donation of one lakh rupees came m from Canada ’s Zartoshty |9 brothers. The gift was made specifically in -•*** memory of the late Man- eckji Limji Hataria “who sacrificed his life to save a his co-religionists in 9| Iran ” from the tyranny of ¦ the Muslim rulers, as ac- 9| knowledged Mehraban ' " ._________Zartoshty. The Choksi Girls I Home, where reside about 35 poor I Zoroastrian girls from the rural areas of I Gujarat, looks after the educational and * religious requirements and meets the i medical and nutritional needs of the chil- I dren, noted an associate of the institution. I On the occasion of their silver jubilee , an entertainment program was organized I by the Home ’s superintendant Ms Gool ! Nimuchwalla under whose direction the girls performed a short skit — Doodh ma sakar, sang special compositions and did a lively garba dance, further notes L Choksi. I { I ¦ 1 ji J M Compiled by Roxana H. KakaZOROASTRIANS ABROAD L Spreading the Good Word ? Arnavaz S. Mama The California-based Zarathushtrian Assembly aims to spread the message of Zarathushtra worldwide A non-political, non-profit religious organization, the ZA has been accorded a tax free status but is yet to acquire a I “During the last few centuries, the accep- prayers and talks (in English and Persian) tance of persons desiring to choose the re- " “ ------ ligion has declined to the point where it has become more or less a hereditary and closed religion. (Thus) there has arisen a fresh desire to rekindle the propagating chief organizer Dr Ali Jafarey to Par ­ light and accept into the faith those who siana. The Assembly is beginning with English and Persian to meet the demand desire to emlx ’ace it. ” " " ' ~ With that preamble to its constitution. The Zarathushtrian Assembly (ZA) in ­ tends to “proclaim the message of festivals are on the cards. Chapters in Zarathushtra to a world in need of its en ­ lightening wisdom. ” Membership to the and Paris are also being planned, writes number of people have shown an interest newly formed association based in Cali- Jafarey. in joining the Assembly, half of them fomia is open to anyone who considers — - - him/herself Zoroastrian by birth or Spenta, a small, 24-paged bulletin pres- choice and has “knowledgeably per ­ formed his or her initiation (navjote/sad- basis. The ZA logo is based on the 2,500- reh-pooshi). ” Acknowledging Zoroastrianism as a “universal religion with a powerful mes ­ sage for the progressive betterment and Zarathushtra, explains Spenta: Its six happiness of the living world, ” the or ­ ganization harkens to the religion ’s “ac ­ tive propagating movement for 2,300 righteousness (Asha Vahishta), chosen years from the days of its founder to the dominion (Khshathra Vairya), progres- • fall of the Sassanian empire in 630 AD.” The existence of “persons who wish to ness (Haurvatat) and acquire knowledge of the Good Religion (Ameretat) — arising out of the divine in- and exercise their free will to choose it as their way of life, ” has led to the creation of this new organization where such indi- base of good thoughts {Humata), good America (FEZANA), Birdy has charged viduals may peacefully foregather (see words (Hukhta) and good deeds {Hva- the umbrella body with assisting “in box). rshta}. The circle round the altar, pene- propagating a destructive conversion pol- The inaugural function held on March trated by the converging flames, depicts icy:” 22, 1991 at the Ramada Inn at Beverly the good earthly life soaring high to a Hills in California began with bilingual blissful state beyond. ” followed by Zarathushtrian songs, din ­ ner, Iranian music and dance. Two hundred and seventy persons attended place for use as its headquarters. The the meeting according to a letter from its organizers are said to be busy writing and compiling a number of books in training classes for teachers and navjote for Zarathushtra ’s true teachings, candidates. Talks, fireside meetings, publications and celebration of religious Brawner, a member of the Assembly ’s Council of Elders, published in The Bom- other cities of North America, in London bay Samachar of April 28, 1991, a large According to a letter by William The ZA communication organ is being ‘bom Zoroastrians. ’ Orthodox displeasure has, so far, been ently to be publish^ on a bi-monthly reflected in the letters of Ervad Jal Birdy, member of the Traditional Mazdayasni a year-old Achaemenian fire altar, depict- Zoroastrian Anjuman (TMZA) ing a blazing fire on a three ridged vase breakaway organization with approxi- which symbolizes the message of mately 150 individuals as members ac- “ \ cording to its president Tahamton' Aresh flames “represent the six principles of — and vice president of the North Ameri- life — go^ mind {Vohu Manah), best can Mobed Council. Birdy says he is writing on behalf of 300 Zoroastrian families. In his letters of November 11, 1990 immortality addressed to the community at large, and of February 2, 1991 addressed to Rohin- spiration (Seraosha) and radiating light, ton Rivetna, president of the Federation warmth and energy (Atar) from a triple of Zoroastrian Associations of North sive serenity {Spenta Aramaiti), whole ­ ness “We learned that there are full-time salaried individuals, supported by well- 19 Parsiana June 1991cized TMZA founder, Aresh: “The form ­ ing of the Traditional Mazdayasni Zarthoshti Anjuman on the assumptions mixed-marriages and discrediting our of the community. ” (The TMZA has that other organizations failed ‘to deliver time-honored beliefs and traditions openly. One such individual, Ali A. FEZANA yet.) Jafarey — a Moslem who has published j.................. his own interpretations of the Gathas and Meher now considers himself a Zoroastrian, has started an organization called The Zarathushtrian Assembly which is ac ­ tively engaged in the process of convert ­ ing anyone into our faith. Its aim is to enroll some 20,000 converts of all races within the next five to 10 years in this country alone. “Accepting 20,000 converts of differ ­ ent faiths and backgrounds into our tiny North American community of about 10,000 is not going to boost our suppos ­ edly declining numbers as some of us mistakenly think. It will destroy our identity and completely transform our re ­ ligion as well within a couple of genera ­ tions. It is like suggesting decapitation as a good remedy for a headache. “Some gullible Zoroastrians seem to be falling for Jafarey ’s preaching — we would be in great shape if we fo- hook, line and sinker. A few Parsis are even spending their retirement years con ­ vincing our community that accepting ans, namely ‘self conversion ’... converts is a good policy for us. Most disturbing of all is the fact that such Par ­ sis hold prominent positions in FEZANA. They are influencing tention on the family. After we have es- cemment, choose the Good Religion by FEZANA to actively support and encour- tablished strong ties within our families, their (own) free will, perform their age Jafarey and others like him to travel then we should worry about diverting our navjote, profess themselves as to Zoroastrian associations around the attention to our neighborhoods, our cities, Zarathushtrians, and apply for member­ country and spread their damaging mes- our countries and eventually this world, sage... “While we cannot stop others from 2Larathushtra whereas outside conversion following Zarathushtra ’s teachings... It is outrageous, and also saddening, to see Zarathushtra ’s message in the reverse di- some of our own people advocating poli- rection. It inclines us to worry about how a specific number of people into The As- cies which will send us down the road to to recruit people from other faiths... ” sembly. The more, the better. The As ­ self-destruction... Urging FEZANA to include a defini- siana in the course of an interview on established on the pattern of other mis- tion of the term ‘Zoroastrian ’ — as those March 5,1991, “Ali Jafarey is a Moslem, sionary religions which push, persuade, bom of both Zoroastrian parents and who Do you know what his PhD is in? It ’s in promise, seduce, allure, warn, and go to have undergone the navjote ceremony — chemistry... He has sworn to bring in 20 other great lengths to convert people, in its constitution, Birdy further states that to 30 thousand converts... We are a mi- The Assembly only introduces Asho the organization should serve only such nority in the world,but now we will bea Zoroastrians and should not accept any ­ one who did not meet this definition on do you think a Moslem wants to become a any of its committees or panels. Zoroastrian? It ’s because a Zoroastrian is Notes Birdy, “When we supported respected. We are respected today in the formation of FEZANA we were hq>- Iran. ” ing to create a central organization which would facilitate communication between Aresh in California precedes the forming called Zoroastrianism or enter their closed community members who are flung far of the TMZA. Ms Roshan Motivala, then religious centers. The ethnic Parsi and and wide on this continent; one that president of the Zoroastrian Association Irani groups can relax with what they pos- would keep us together as a community of California (ZAC), in an open letter to through these formative years. We were ZAC members on April 9,1988 had criti- to-do, influential but misguided Zoroas- not looking for an organization which trians, who have been devoting all their would embark upon schemes which go time and energy propagating conversion, against the sentiments of a large section applied for, but is not a member of the goods ’ in relation to rites and tradi- ) tions, is to bypass the true essence of the A third viewpoint is provided by Zarthoshti faith, and that is the pursuit of Amalsad, chairperson of ‘Vohu Mano ’ and the ‘Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni' way of life. ” Counters Jafarey: “None of the per­ sons working with and for the Assembly are salaried. All of them help and work chairperson FEZANA’s Helping Hands committee which is its youth based, social service arm. Offering what he terms as a “differ ­ ent and unique concept of conversion, ” Amalsad writes, “Instead of wasting our on voluntary and honorary basis, resources and energies worrying about “No ‘well-to-do, influential but mis ­ guided ’ Zoroastrian has financially helped The Zarathushtrian Assembly. So far, it is the founders and their families who are supporting it with whatever fi­ nances they can afford. The Assembly will eventually become self-supporting. “None of the Assembly members are • devoting ‘their time and energy propagat ­ ing conversion, mixed-marriages, and dis ­ crediting time-honored beliefs and tradi­ tions openly. ’ That is a mischief ­ monger ’s job. All they are doing is learn ­ ing, practicing, and teaching the true doctrine of the Gathas because they cussed our attention and time towards firmly believe that the Good Religion is converting ourselves into better Zoroastri- “Outside conversion diverts our attention from the strengthening of family ties...” converting other people into the Zoroas ­ trian faith, namely ‘outside conversion, ’ a timeless, universal religion meant for the entire humanity. “The Assembly does not convert any- “If we closely study the message of Zaralhushtra, it is crystal clear that he one but only ‘accepts* as members those has strongly urged us to first focus our at- adults only who, after due study and dis- 20 Parsiana Jur>» 19S1 are ship. This is more than what the Councils Self conversion follows the message of of Iranian Mobeds in North America and Iran require (of) one to become a Zar- gives us an opportunity to follow toshti... “No plan has so far been made to win to recruit people from other faiths... ” Aresh, another Jafarey critic, told Par- sembly is not a missionary organization siana in the course of an interview on Zarathushtra ’s divine doctrine to those minority in our own community... Why desirous of listening to it, and then leaves it to them to take the next step. “None of The Assetnbly members in ­ tends or will intend to call him or herself a ‘Parsi ’ or ‘Irani ’ in order to become a The running feud between Jafarey and member of the ethnic religious order sess in beliefs and funds, and maintaip continued on page 26 )i I L. CINEMA The lonesome twosome Parinaz Gandhi The film Percy brings home some truths about human relations and the community for those who are willing to listen We are nearly about to shut the MfSHBIIIlL W *1 music, or her refusal to ac- door on the salesman standing stitch on his outside with our usual curt re- buttons are some of ply... when we are reminded of > the artifices deployed to govern that scene in the film Percy her son. And Percy, who al- where the middle-aged Banu- J' ways respectfully addressed his bai goes from door to door .W * mother as “mamma, ” would trying to vend bhakras and never dare to defy her overtly other Parsi delicacies, encoun- \ ! even though he’d wait anx- tering rejection, dejection ¦ * - ' i 1 iously for the evenings when in her efforts to eke out an hon- B would go to the fire- est living. 'We see a young | temple so that he could take out couple speed off on a motor- father ’s old gramophone bike... and we can ’t help con- «^||bM|HHh|ta|^|^||||||||Bb||||^^H||||||||||| and learn to dance, book in trasting their companionship to hand, to the accompaniment of the isolation experienced by music. Percy, the hero of the movie, . Towards the beginning of who yearns to enjoy life, to delight in Left: Deboo in the title role of Percy the film they show Percy ’s father die. In music, to express his feelings to the girl with Patel playing Banubai the end, his mother dies. “Aay soo badhu he likes... depressing lagech (all this is depress- Many such commonplace encounters at the national film awards presentation in ing). ” “Why can ’t the achievement sto- in real life assume a new significance, 1990. ries of the community be presented? Why demand a fresh approach after a viewing The Parsi milieu in the 128-minute always show them in a negative light? ” of Percy. Images from the movie remain film effectively accentuates the theme: a These were some of the criticisms lev- with you long after the film was telecast on the national television network, long after you give up hope of a repeat tele ­ cast since the first viewing was marred due to technical interruptions at the Doordarshan end, long after the film was rejection, R: ‘-I W * The Parsi milieu in the 128-minute film effectively accentuates the theme: a mother ’s stifling love and concern for her elled against the filmmakers. The low- 28-year-old son, and the obedient son ’s difficulty in breaking free of his mother ’s shackles. The widowed mother ’s in.sis- „ tence on waiting for Percy to join her for defeatist attitude of the mamma ’s boy, the dinner on a rare occasion when he gets declared the best feature film in Gujarati delayed returning home after an evening middle-class backdrop for the story, the habits of the community as depicted through a constipated digestive tract, the inspiration that comes from the apparition of his dead schtx)! friend, the inconclusive 21 Parsiana June 1991“an absolutely endearing work, a near role as Percy ’s father, masterpiece. ” And the film has been ac- Prior to Pestonjee, the Parsi life-style' had been projected in Khatta Meet ha, an ­ other Hindi feature film. But since that tional film festival in Calcutta, the first film did not have a story line on the Par ­ film to be shown in the panorama section sis, nor any statement to make on the was Percy. Besides, it was also selected community, being an adaptation of a Turkish film, it is not considered appro- Contributing to the authenticity of the genre altogether, providing more of a motion picture was the Parsi Gujarati documentary narration on the religious ­ ending... were some of th© other points on which the film has been faulted. “It is not a film on the Parsis, ” repeats claimed as the best among the ones deal- Pervez Merwanji, director of the film, for ing with a Parsi subject. At the intema- the nth time. “It just happens that the cen ­ tral characters are Parsis. I’ve tried not to include the sociology of Parsis in the film. I’m not there to document the social for screening at international film festi- grouping, customs, rituals... Besides, here vals at Cannes and Mannheim, informs priate for comparison. On Wings of Fire are two perfectly honest, decent folk. Let the director. was a film that belonged to a different someone tell me what is negative about the characters. ” The film narrates the story of a young medium of expression; the Parsi director, mythological-historical background to boy who is trapped between the conflict- the story and script by Cyrus Mistry, the the community. ing ideologies of his parents — the irrev- camera direction by Navroze Contractor, For Merwanji, Percy provided him his erent, fun-loving father and the pious, duty-bound mother. His father dies while Roshan Kalapesi, the chief production film and therefore he says he “can never he is still a schoolboy. With no dominant controller Sorab Irani, the selection of a leave it behind. ” He is caught in the con- role model, no siblings and an overprotec- Parsi cast to play the Parsi roles. Since flicting emotions of “attachment to it ” and five mother, Percy becomes a recluse, a the film was in Parsi Gujarati, “I didn ’t non-inclination “to even talk about it. ” submissive son. There is a girl staying in have to speak Hindi and be a Parsi. I Pleased with the overall response to the his colony whom he loves but., all he could be a Parsi and act a Parsi, ” de- film, he would prefer not to view any one does is go to her wedding to see her get married to another man. He is happy at his clerical job at a small pharmaceutical concern where he can assert himself. Little does the straightforward Percy real ­ ize that when he righteously exposes the fraud of a colleague he is inviting trouble for himself. The dismissed employee takes revenge on Percy by assaulting him and ransacking his office, leaving him wounded and without a job. It is his mother who tends his wounds. Despite his sincere intentions and despite his mother ’s nagging about his unemployed status in their poor household, Percy just does not manage to sell Banubai ’s home ­ made goodies the way she did until her sudden demise. On her death, Percy, who harbors a secret fascination for western music and dance, is shown conducting an orchestra with a baton in hand. “No one seems to understand the last actment as Banubai, Percy ’s mother in the film, is, as was later conveyed to her. camera direction by Navroze Contractor, the art direction and costumes by Ms first experience as director of a feature z. .1 • fet K I elated Ms Ruby Patel whose brilliant en- I I scene in isolation: “Actually any one shot being singled out would mean a detrac- scene, ” believes Kurush Deboo who the film, is, as was later conveyed to her, tion from the whole. ” However, being the played the title role so convincingly that said to have missed an acting award by a perfectionist that he is, he refuses to toler- it is even presumed that he was consid- narrow margin. The last film on the Par- ate the “c halt a hai (let it pass)' attitude ” ered for the acting award, according to a sis, Pestonjee (directed by Ms Vijaya frequently encountered in India and refers write-up in the Indian Express of April Mehta with a lead star cast of Ms Shabana to one particular scene; “We spent hours 21, 1990. This is when “Percy imagines ...... .... he is free, independent and himself re ­ sponsible for his life, ” heelucidates. Dis ­ appointment with the film, as expressed ambience was captured. Pestonjee pro- by his relatives and acquaintances. Deboo vided an outsider ’s view of the commu- attributes to the “Parsi attitude of seeking nity and lacked the analytical approach, of “having a ball ” during the making of entertainment and amusement ” instead of were the comments expressed by film Percy. They do also remember the appreciating an art film. “Perhaps the non-Parsis appreciated Somewhere along the line it got diff- the film better, ” concedes Merwanji. used, but Percy was very true to the (The sub-titles in English helped them script and the subject... This film was one understand the story line.) The general from media showered it with accolades like Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher), to get the shot right. This is when Percy some artistes felt was a little contrived leaves the house in search of a job and in Parsi Hindi even though the Parsi his mother tells him not to return without finding one. ” Everyone, including Merwanji, talks the comments expressed by film Percy. were critics. "Pestonjee tended to be cynical, nearly 10 month.s of toil they put in, of ­ ten working more than one shift a day if the schedule demanded it. The coopera ­ tion received from the administrators of different institutions — like the Bombay nia who played a short but impactive Parsi Punchayet, the Dadyseth Atash the heart, ” maintains HosiVasu- 22 Parsiana June 1991 tScenes from Percy Facing page: The dismissed employee lakes revenge on Percy Top: Young Percy in awe of his father as his mother looks on Center: Bemused children show an interest in Percy. Accentuating the Parsi touch .‘script­ writer Mistry (in jacket) and director Merwanji (below) 23 Parsiana June 1991 i : “It was required to go before the camera, “he was all tlicre, ” emoting the nedgliiig Percy ’s fears and inhibitions. In fact getting back into the same emo ­ tional framework after each break is what needed the greatest adjustment from stage thespians Vasunia and Patel, used as they were to going through the entire gamut of emotions in a consequential order, was great fun doing a movie with Ruby after all the stage shows we have done together, ” adds Vasunia. If you ask him to identify his favorite scene, prompt comes the response: “My own death scene where I had to do nothing but lie on the bed, ” he roars with laughter. “But se ­ riously, tlie sccnc.s depicting loneliness of the mother and son really touched me, ” he specifics. It was the same loneliness and isolation he witnessed in real life during the shooting at Kharcghat Colony. A house in Khareghat Colony which served ¦-I'M « Hi Bahram at Fanaswadi, the K. R. Cama as Percy ’s residence was where most of Oricnkil Institute — also helped during the shooting was done. However it was the shooting, Merwanji acknowledges. The lead cast recollect their experiences whilst shooting Percy. Merwanji ’s ability is here that Vasania got to observe the to build an instant rapport with his unit - — members and creating a family atmos ­ phere is what has brought approbation to him and his wife Suzanne who was assis ­ tant art director of the film. “I was par ­ ticularly touched by the instant rapport one would clap encouragingly. Finally which Pervez had with the child Percy which scenes went into the film and how (played by Porus Irani), ” mentions Vasu- she came across on the screen Patel did nia. The little boy would be fooling not know because she had not got a around at one moment and as soon as he chance to view the movie on television. the neighboring houses that the actors fre­ quented when they had to change, and it life-style of the older generation. They were “totally of another world, ” he feels. Talking of the excitement and fun dur ­ ing shooting, Patel relates how after a par­ ticular scene was done correctly, every-MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial correspondence invited from well-settled Parsi Businessmen/Professionals with good family background for 28-year-old, slim, 5’5", beautiful, fair, well-educated, domestically trained daughter willing to settle in Bombay or abroad. Advertisement for better choice only. Reply giving full details with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (June/19-91) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited from slim, good­ looking Parsi girl, 25-30 years old, having a keen sense of humour and who is interested in the good life, for a Parsi boy, 32 years old, having his own accommodation and business. Bundly reply personally with a photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (June/20-91) Parsiana, GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 2S Parsiana June T991 "Koi jose ke (will anyone see it)? ” was the doubt oft expressed before the com­ pletion of the film. Now in fact there is a She"remembers making conscious efforts consistent pressure for exhibition to the to stay within the camera angles, substi- public because save one telecast which tuting magnified projections on the stage was marred and one screening in a cinema with subtle nuances and innocently house in Bombay during the week long enquiring at the time of dubbing "Aay festival of national award winning and scene kah gayo (where has this scene dis ­ appeared)? ” only to be told “kapai gayo (it was cut). ” Similar was Deboo ’s reaction when one scene where he thought he had given Development Corporation (NFDC) and a brilliant performance was cut, and re- BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) placed by a fresh take. This was the Channel 4. The only disappointment was scene at the time of his mother ’s deqth, - • - • reports Deboo. After the briefing from Merwanji, “In the first take, I literally bigger theater houses are finding it uneco ­ cried without glycerine. But Pervez said it is wrong, ‘Don ’t break down in the begin ­ ning. That should come later. ’ It was a being away in Dubai at the time of the telecast, accompanying her husband Burjor who works for the Khaleej Times. panorama films, many have not got a chance to view it. The film, made at a cost of Rs 18.5 lakh, is co-produced by the National Film the restricted exposure because “NFE>C don ’t have a distribution set-up and the nomical to operate, ” notes Merwanji. His solution; break down the big theaters and build smaller ones to accommodate 300- beautiful shot, wasted. ” With Percy, De- 400 people. The topsy-turvy tax angle boo got his first break in films just after and the imposition of entertainment tax in completing his training in dramatics un ­ der Ms Roshan Taneja, founder and for ­ mer head of the acting department at the Film and Television Institute of India Gujarat, ” adds Merwanji. (FTII). But Deboo is determined never to accept such a role again for fear of being titled Nada Brahma is a docudrama on typecast. His choice instead would be " ' roles like that of a psychopath, drug ad ­ dict, sex maniac, revolutionary... Until offers for the roles of his choice come to him, he is widening his experience play ­ ing the title role in a short FTII film No 13, a character role in director Mahesh directing a couple of teleserials. Bhatt ’s DU hai ki manta nahin (heart which refuses to listen), a villain ’s role in a romantic adventure, besides undertak ­ ing a couple of modelling assignments. Intimidated she may have been earlier when selected to do ^e full-length film Percy but the totality of the experience particular, Merwanji adds, “I am on the was so overwhelming that even Patel admits '"ke have c.hasko lagoch (it has cre ­ ated a craving) to work in more films. ” Maharashtra also need to be reconsidered, he insists. “My greatest desire is to see this film distributed in Bombay and After Percy, Merwanji ’s next venture one of the earliest traditions of Carnatic music. Among the other subjects he has handled during his 17 years in the film direction line: a form of martial art in Kerala, wildlife, extraction of sandal ­ wood oil... He has also tried his hand at He keeps “learning things along the way, enriching his experiences as a filmmaker. ” Brickbats have not deterred him and he says he is willing to consider making yet another film with a Parsi mi ­ lieu. With an appeal directed to no one in lookout for another nice story for another film. If you have one, why don ’t you pass it on to me? ” JOB OPPORTUNITY A Reputed and Progressive Parsi Co in Bombay requires: 1. EXPORT EXECUTIVE: Experience in Sourcing/Procurement, Pre/Post Shipment Documentation, Govt. Incentives, etc. necessary, preferably in items such as Packaged Foods, Spices, Household Commodities, Sports Goods, etc. Can also consider appointment on Consultancy/Commission basis. 2. SECRETARY: Knowing Stenography, Typing and Office Routine. Please write to: The Advertiser, Placement (June / 2-91) Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001SPREADING THE GOOD WORD far not a single orthodox authority has own ethnic brothers and sisters so that continued from page 20 come out with a clear, solid proof. Off- they stay strong within the ethnically their identity. Members of The Assembly mark interpretations are of no value, closed doors; unless they are afraid that shall never identify themselves with the They are only aimed at duping simple- religious education will help the younger traditionalists... tons. generation to realize and differentiate between the timeless teachings of Zarathushtra and the outdated modes of medieval life. “The uproar created is harming the tra ­ ditionalists instead. Many want to know the facts, and facts are not what the letters by the ‘concerned ’ present. They are full of lies and rumors aimed at rousing com­ mon sentiments, not making the wise...think. They also awaken many to th©rnS©IV©S with th© the question of conversion/acceptance. It .. . .. must be remembered that ethnic values traditionalists... drastically change in the North American milieu. The best way, therefore, for the execute. At the same (time), it hopes that other side will be to guard against other _____ _______ _____ . the storm created will eventually subside spite of condemning declarations, (such by itself. But if forced into replying, let it marriages) are increasing among Zoroas- ’ ' ’ trian pockets all over the world because of the circumstances. . still in its infancy, and its members have other side which, with its beliefs and tra- had no part in it. However, they can .............. .. never condemn it because they find no ---- ---------- — . trace in the Gathas or any part of the quite fragile. Instead of weakening itself lished anything against beliefs and tradi- - - - ¦_ *----- tions of the ‘concerned. ’ Essays and it will be more advisable for its members books by a scholar member are his per- to teach the truth a.s they see it to their their identity. Members of The Assembly mark interpretations are of no value. tons. “The Assembly will ignore all at- “It is a fact that an increasing number of Parsis and Iranis are turning in favor tempts (at) blasphemy on the part of per- of accepting ‘not-bom ’ Zoroastrians into the community. But that has no connec ­ tion with the Assembly or any of its mem ­ bers. It is a movement which has started from within the Parsi and Irani communi ­ ties, and is now well over half a century old. “Mixed marriages are as old as the history of Zoroastrianism. The differ ­ ence lies in the fact that in the past a non- Zoroastrian spouse was accepted if he or she wanted to become a Zoroastrian, but now he or she is refused admittance in certain orthodox circles. But again, in sons like Birdy. It has no time to react to them. It has its own constructive plan to Members of The Assembly shall never identify sure erosions eating into the community — alienating westernization, weakening family and community bonds, unprece ­ dented mixing with non-Zoroastrians... The Assembly, ever assail the sublime songs. It is the etc, etc — rather than to “cry wolf ’ about an organization which is not interfering in their traditional affairs. “So far the Assembly has not pub- be made clear. The Assembly is invulner ­ able. It has the Gathas, and no power can ditions based on the Vendidad and rele ­ vant Pahlavi and Persian literature, is A vesta, Pahlavi, and Persian literature by picking a quarrel with The Assembly, which prohibits a marriage between a Zoroastrian and non-Zoroastrian, and so sonal studies and are scholarly works. Rotary Screw Air Compressors Crawlairs and Blasthole Drills ,ra, 11' "I Water Well Drills J Portable Compressors Process Gas Compressors iwseRSOU***® gg ? B i Air and Gas Compressors • Construction & Mining Equipment INGERSOLL-RAND Ingersoll-Rand (India) Ltd., Maybaker House, S.K. Ahire Marg. Bombay 400 025I They should, therefore, be reviewed or hardly knows the meaning of what he tolerance, says Virasp Mehta, an old criticized only by a scholar in a scholastic prays, is anything but a scholar, and has friend and schoolmate from Karachi and manner, and not ridiculed by one who not a single publication in his name. It one of the founders of the Informal Reli- amounts to mud-slinging, and that does gious Meetings, a monthly newsletter de- not behove a person who calls himself a voted to religious and community affairs, follower of Asho Zarathushtra. ” Writing on ‘Spenta Mainyu ’ in An In- Jafarey further comments that Birdy ’s troduction to the Gathas of Zarathushtra, “letter and its consequences are not going a series of essays published by Ms Dina Paramount Principles of The Zarathushtrian Assembly This corporation, its directors, elders and members, are committed to the following Paramount Principles which shall govern to save the ethnic Parsi community in G. McIntyre, Jafarey notes, “The progres- the conduct of its affairs, and which shall North America. It is not The Assembly or sive mentality plays a vital part in human materially be changed during the exis- my person which poses a threat to the progress. One may be ‘a person of very tence of this corporation. community ’s existence. Not at all. It is small means (or) a person of great • The message of Zarathushtra was in- the engulfing American environment and strength, ’ but if he is righteous he has tended for all mankind, and admittance to the lack of religious knowledge that been promised the best... It is the progres- the faith shall not be refused on any basis would finish it for sure in two or three sive mentality that separates the two par- other than the lack of sincerity or commit- generations, unless, of course, it is ac- ties of mankind on earth — the righteous ment to the Gathas of the person desiring knowledged that ethics make one a who promote their world and the wrong ­ admission (as judged by the officers of Zarathushtrian and not ethnics. ful who retard their living. It is again the this corporation) and/or the failure to suc ­ cessfully attain such basic knowledge of severing to preserve and promote the the wrongful to seek truth and ultimately the religion as the board of directors may universal Good Religion of Asho become righteous... ” prescribe. • We recognize that the Gathas are the only source of Zarathushtra ’s teachings. Journal Rivetna makes a plea for “stay- and take precedence over all iater incon ­ sistent teachings, customs, rituals and tra ­ ditions. brought us all together on this continent, discerning, chosen by his or her own will • Service in the clergy shall be open to Indian, Pakistani and Iranian Zoroastri- to adhere to the divine doctrine pro- any qualified person and shall not be re- ans all bring our diverse cultures and cus- claimed by Zarathushtra over 3,728 years strict^ on the basis of heredity, profes- toms to making our North American com- ago in his guiding songs, the Gathas, who sion, religion at birth, or sex. munity that much richer. We have understands and practices the Primal Prin- • All persons shall be welcome to attend amongst us the liberal, the traditional, ciples of Life aimed at promoting and ad- any and all religious services and houses the thinker, the reformist, the ritualist — vancing the living world, who calls him of worship, without regard to race, caste, ~ ’ -- - - creed, sex, physical condition, color, na ­ tional origin, ancestry, marital status, physical handicap, medical condition or financial status. • We recognize men and women as Zoroastrianism in North America, we ceremony in which he or she will declare equals, and they must be treated as such must all pull together united as one. ” his or her choice of the religion. It is then by this corporation and its members. While in Bombay in January 1991 Prof that he or she can apply, become a mem- • On matters of religious interpretation Kaikhosrov Irani, professor of philosophy ber upon the approval of the application, and morals outside of the official teach- in City College, New York, had noted the and enjoy all the rights provide by the ings of the Council, each person shall “extraordinary mistrust and vituperation ” have full freedom of conscience guided, among the community in India and in cer- ^s individuals, by their own thoughts, and tain areas of North America ani com- the voice of God within them. mented sadly, “It looks like we are going • Acceptance of the above Paramount from the universal morality of Zarathush- circle, may associate themselves with The ..................... ~ Assembly by becoming “friends. ” Friends can participate in all Assembly activities would finish it for sure in two or three generations, unless, of course, it is ac- “What The Assembly is doing is per- progressive mentality which ‘enlightens ’ Zarathushtra. Full stop! ” In the May 1991 issue of the FEZANA Who is a Zarathushtrian? ing united. ” Writes Rivetna, “After Spenta defines the term as “Any person 1,200 years of separation, fete has who has, after considerable studying and brought us all together on this continent. Indian, Pakistani and Iranian Zoroastri ­ ans all bring our diverse cultures and cus ­ toms to making our North American com ­ munity that much richer. amongst us the liberal, the traditional. all types and shades of Zoroastrians. We or herself “Zarathushtrian, ” is a Zara- value and respect them all. We may each have our respective beliefs and con ­ victions. But when it is time to act for our common cause, the perpetuation of she will have to perform the “Initiation ” Zoroastrianism in North America, we thushtrian as an individual. However, to join The Zarathushtrian Assembly as a community member, he or constitution and bylaws of The Assembly. Those who are interested in the Good Re­ ligion, and those who, for certain reasons, are not in a position to be initiated into the Principles shall be a prerequisite to initial tra to some pre-2ferathushtrian morality. ” and continued service as a director or an elder of this corporation. Acceptance of person dedicated to the spirit of with the exception of elections and being the above Paramount Principles shall be a Zarathushtra,. who has committed his elected to administrative positions, prerequisite to initial and continued mem ­ bership in this corporation. Any director, elder or member who does not subscribe lem descent, Jafarey went to Karachi in to the Paramount Principles shall be re- his early youth and had most of his edu- Jafarey, as Irani described him, is a It may be noted that the terms Zarathushtrian, Zartoshti, Zarathushti, and Zoroastrian are the same, all derived from the different forms of Zarathushtra ’s moved from the office by the board, and cation there — learning Avesta and name: Zartosht in Persian, Zarathusht in from membership in the corporation; pro- Pahlavi under Dr Manek Pithawala, and Gujarati, and Zoroaster in English. The vided however, that no such person shall studying the Gathas under the liberal high Zarathushtrian Assembly, however, pre- be denied the right of due process within priest of Karachi, Dastur (Dr) Maneckji fers to retain the original and accurate the internal judicial processes of this cor- Nusserwanji Dhalla. Along with the form of Zarathushtra and therefore, 2fera- poration. scholarship, Jafarey also —— Dhalla ’s concepts of Zoioastrian love and personal abilities as well as his finances to the chosen cause. An Iranian of Mos- imbibed thushtrian. ” 27 Parsiana June 1991ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Valor in the Gulf wrote Irani in a letter to his friends. “His- they have because of the changed circum- With Zoroastrians being spread out all tory is being made and (I) am proud to be stances. So far they have only been awake over the world it is not surprising to find just where the action is. After an armful during two of the raids which were early that quite a few of them were involved or of injections and a mouthful of tablets affected by the Gulf War earlier this against the expected chemical and bio ­ year. Reports sent in to Parsiana mention that music conductor Zubin Mehta cancelled his concert schedule in New York and flew instead to Tel Aviv to be with the members of the Israel orchestra cial impact on those civilians who had as Saddam Hussain ’s Scuds fell on the opted to stay on in Riyadh was related by country. “Zubin wants to share (the or- ~ ch6stra members ’) danger and not just The Saudi British Bank: their glory, ” his parents conveyed the maestro ’s sentiments. Only miles away from the Iraqi border nobody expected the war to come to Ri- was Ms Farzana Irani who had to leave yadh; it was always to happen in some getting less in recent days in that only one her husband Kaizad in Illinois when she faraway desert with faceless warriors, was deployed to Saudi Arabia. They had Otherwise life goes on in a fairly routine been married only two weeks earlier, manner but as many people have left it is Having served the US Army for four a bit quieter socially and there are sev- years at Fort Carson, on her discharge eral temporary bachelors... she enlisted as a reservist at Danville and shortly thereafter got her activation or ­ ders to be part of Desert Shield, mentions the April ’91 newsletter of the Zoroas- business colleagues and institutions who trian Association of Metropolitan Chi­ cago. Her posting in Saudi Arabia was as records clerk in a petroleum mobiliz ­ ing unit in the US Army, mentions a news clipping sent by a family source, family makes its own and every choice high low, high low, we know we are un- One of the army barracks where she was der attack and the TV also tells you the working was hit by a Scud barely a few same; this is when you hear the terrific days after she was moved to a forward ‘whoosh ’ sound of the Patriots taking off base, states the write-up. to intercept and when they make contact Also on the reserve list was Lt Col there is a very loud explosion; depending Behrooz Irani of Nottingham. Volun- on how far away or close you are to teering before he was actually sum- things, the doors and windows rattle. All moned to do so, Irani was sent as anes- one can say is, ‘Thank God for the Patri- thetist to the 205 General Hospital in Ri- ots! ’ yadh after a brief training at Saighton “The system appears to be working Camp. Fifty-five-year-old Irani had in well, though there have been the occa- the early ’80s served the Royal Army sional problems. So far only two or three Medical Corps and thereafter returned to Scuds have caused damage of any kind civilian life working as a semi-retired and the casualty figure has been very, doctor until he felt he was required to very low — reportedly only one or two . work for the war victims. He was among people. Anyhow, we are all getting used the 700 men and women who geared up to it and some maniacs actually go out on for the 205 General Hospital “in a dirty, Behrooz Irani: work for war lheir balconies to have a look and video unfinished auport terminal...awaiting the victims Photo: Lt Coi Bin Coiiin the show going on outside and then fol- first British casualties of the Gulf war, ” low the Scud/Patriot to where it has according to press clippings sent by and decision is the right one — hindsight landed; a bit foolhardy and dangerous as Irani. Ultimately there were just 30 battle is always different, but then hindsight has one of the more likely ways of getting in ­ casualties plus another 170 non-battle in ­ juries which needed attending to at 205 not (have)...! on an explosion in the air or ground. I’ve General Hospital, as per the reports. “We are all fine and the children are seen a bit of it and it ’s razor sharp! — will “Greetings from the theater of war, ” also in good fettle and enjoy the freedom get one as a souvenir! Our gas masks ones i.e. 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. and there were friends for dinner as well along with their kids so we all scampered into our logical attacks, we have been dodging the dreaded Scud Missiles. We jokingly refer safe room and had a laugh whilst the Pa- to these almost nightly attacks as the ¦ScudExpress ’ from Baghdad... ” The physical, psychological and so- triots went off overhead! Since the war started on the 17th we have had Scud at ­ tacks on most days after the 19th with one or two lulls. The first few days had much more intense raids i.e. four or five mis- 2^arir Cama, deputy managing director of siles each time and the alarms would go off at say 11.30 p.m., 3 a.m. and then “Most people here — especially the again at 5 a.m. which was very exhausting Saudis — were very shaken by the Scuds: as one can ’t get back to sleep immediately after the all clear sounds — but it ’s been or two missiles come over at one time. We hope this means that either the mobile launchers have been taken out more and more and also that because of surveillance and attack and destroy tactics, they are “What is wonderful is that we have finding things a lot more difficult. You received telephone calls and messages all have probably seen on TV what it from all over the world from friends and have been concerned about our safety: many have given well-meaning advice; but the choice to stay has finally been ours and I believe in this matter every looks like and I can assure you it looks even more awesome when you see it above you. The procedure is as follows: First we hear the siren wailing and know that a possible launch has taken place; if the tone of the siren then changes to a 28 Parsiana June 1991 Lt Col Behrooz Irani: work for war victims Photo: Lt Col Bill Collin is always different, but then hindsight has the benefit of 20/20 vision which we do jured is the shrapnel which flies around not (have)...! “We are all fine and the children are I iJ --------------------------------- < At the function in Karachi in honor of three Parsi women (from left): Darius Kandawalla, Goal Minwalla, Meher­ bano Marker, Minoo Bhandara, Mani Cowasjee, Hoshidar < Kotwal and Jehanbux ¦ Mehta have also finally arrived so we have this Saddam. ’ In the words of Star Wars — for nearly a quarter century Tchmina additional and, I believe and hope, psy- may ‘the Force ’be with him! Bhandara was among the three ladies etiological comfort; Shelialla has in any event done a marvellous job of sealing up all the windows and doors and AC vents fore; one has a ear constantly for the and our British soldier friends tell us that is really more than sufficient. When the siren goes and we are in the “safe room ” we switch on and listen to BBC or the US looking over their shoulders when this is Desert Shield as they tend to be very prompt in providing news about the Scud launch and then simultaneously have their reporter advising what is happening — Three women venerated same with CNN TV. It ’s interesting see ­ ing how other people are reacting to the did not know where she was going. So, a situation simultaneously. It ’s also incred- rickshaw driver in Karachi took her to the ible to be able to see on TV what is being doorstep of “Mehra Aunty ” as the kind- launched at you as a live show! The won ­ ders of electronics never cease to amaze me; the kind of precision bombing that we have seen the Cruise missiles achieve is accommodated at the Minwallas ’ resi- astounding i.e. within 10 meters of their dence. This story was recounted at a and her reply to the manpatra (scroll of target. We also have a system whereby function organized by the Zoroastrian honor) addressed to her that added lustre friends ring around to each other to keep Association of Pakistan (ZAP) to honor to the evening. She urged philanthropists in touch at this time to warn each other as three “venerable ladies of Pakistan to set up a fund, similar to the social se- well as to ensure everyone is safe — for (Minwalla, Tehmina Peshotan Bhandara curity schemes of the West, to support those of us who have chosen to stay I be ­ lieve the bonds of friendship have grown the services rendered by them to the Par ­ in different ways; I certainly have a very brave.wife and kids! It ’s also got me to finally buy-a cordless telephone so that we don ’t have to keep dashing out of the March 8, 1991 at Hotel Metropole to co ­ room when the phone rings... “Our basement parking lots are used as night-time shelters! I play a lot of tennis and certainly the war has done wonders secretary Mancck Wania. • for all the practice 1 can have — not that working hours are any shorter, but some ­ how one has more time with less social duties. More importantly, the war gives a lot more time for the family. Nyresa and Women ’s Association, for helping form ticals. She is the mother of Jamshecd Yashan are both fine and wonderfully the Pakistan Lioness Club, for chairing Marker, Pakistan ’s former ambassador to oblivious of what is really happening the Cyrus Minwalla Colony, for serving around them; however, Nyresa does sus- on the committees of the Jchangir pect some of the seriousness; Yashan has Rajkotwalla Baugh Trust and the H. M. a simple belief that his ‘He-man ’ sword, Khajurina Trust, in true manner down his back, will ‘kill may ‘the Force ’ be with him! “The one thing which has been af- publicly acclaimed, for Jiaving given her fected is that sleep is not as easy as be- time and monetary help selflessly. Based on her life, a television drama siren and so one also has ‘siren ’ dreams Baijee was written by the dramatist Bano but not in the traditional mode! I think Qudsia, mentions the write-up. it will take people some time to stop The tenthborn of Khan Bahadur Ardeshir Mama, the founder of the Mama Parsi Girls ’ High School in Karachi, she is the mother of two well-known figures: popu ­ lar author Ms Bapsy Sidhwa and former member of the Pakistan National Assem- There was a mentally deranged lady who bly, Minoo Bhandara. Due to ill health she too was absent on that day but had sent a message with her son recommend­ ing that when doing charity, “the left hand must not know what the right hand gives. ” It was the presence of the distin ­ guished 90-year-old Meherbano Marker all over when they hear the wail of a siren. ” hearted Mehra Cyrus Minwalla was known by the community. Until a home was found for the disturbed lady she was and Meherbano Kaikobad Marker) for the growth of the community. She was disappointed to note that few Parsi youth joined the forces or the federal services and that even fewer returned to their sis of Pakistan and to the other communi ­ ties in our country. ” The felicitation was scheduled for homeland after studying abroad. As per the release, among the distinctions she has received are: the Coronation Medal from Queen Elizabeth, Tamgah-e- incide with the Woman ’s Day celebra ­ tions throughout the world, notes a report of the proceedings sent by ZAP honorary Khidmat and Tamgah-e-Pakistan from Barely 20 the government and the Woman of the Year Gold Medal from the Business and Professional days prior to the function Minwalla ex­ pired but nevertheless she was posthu- Professional Women ’s Association, mously recognized for being a perma- Their family business. Marker Alkaloids, nent member of honor of the All Pakistan is reputed for manufacturing pharmaceu- Women ’s Association, for helping form the United States. Several other Parsi and non-Parsi or ­ ganizations sent messages and represen­ tatives to the ZAP function on March 8 Chairperson of the Lahore Anjuman to expres.s their support, add.s the report. 29 Parsiana June 1991losophy of happiness unto others: “Like Having sailed through the Karachi Uni- Khorshed Yazad (the sun) you brought versity ’s bachelor of commerce exams light and comfort and a variety of first class first, Ms Khushnuma Da- When Ms Khorshedbanoo Hoshang Din- shaw completed a century in early 1990, the lone Parsi publication in Karachi — Parsi Sansar and Lake Sevak — greeted blessings...hope and happiness, ” wrote rabshaw Bhada is studying for her mas- the event with a special four-color cover Minwalla. ters in business administration (MBA), issue with congratulatory messages from Referring to Khorshedbanoo ’s enthusi- notes a Parsi Sansar clipping forwarded a host of Zoroastrian associations. Re­ ported the Pakistani daily Dawn of Feb- N, M. Yazdani notes, ruary 6, 1990, “Khorshedbanoo could “...she would be personally there rightly be called ‘an angel to those in dis- To help them in their time of need, to see tress. ’ She soothed the sorrows of the to their despair widows and the orphans, housed the Do we have another like her with cour- homeless and helped without causing any age and flair? ” humiliation to the receiver. She visited hospitals to see the needs of the inmates and yet she found time to pay her daily sent us a newsclipping from the Business ucha ’s “water saver ” invention — an en- visit to the Parsi fire-temple...with her Recorder of January 9,1990 reporting the daughter-in-law. ” Billed as one of the oldest Parsi fami ­ lies in Karachi, the Edulji Dinshaws, now in their fifth generation, as per the members and brokers of the Karachi Record of July 11,1990. Dawn article by Ms Kaity Khambata, Stock Exchange and the country ’s corpo- C have richly endowed the city. Bom to Dr rate sector, ” Daver strove to protect the home in Scotchtown, N.Y., Bharucha re- K. N. Spencer, after whom the Spencer “small shareholders and advocated wide alized that the incessant flow of water was Eye Hospital is named, Khorshedbanoo dispersal of share holdings of listed com- married her cousin Hoshang. Sending greetings from the Karachi Zoroastrian Banoo Mandal, its then presi ­ dent Ms Mehra Cyrus Minwalla ex­ tolled Khorshedbanoo ’s personal phi- Minwalla. Referring to Khorshedbanoo ’s enthusi ­ asm for social work, a versified tribute by to Parsiana by Rustomji. Bhada, a prod ­ uct of the Mama Parsi Girls ’ School, had secured eighth position at the Secondary Board Matric examination and stood first class first at the inter commerce exams, notes the write-up. Flushing success From Karachi, Behram S. H. J. Rustomji Third grader Ms Diana Xerxes Bhar- death of the paper ’s former assistant edi­ tor Z. S. Da ver. “A well-known figure among the vironmentally sound way to flush a toilet — won her encomiums from the school to the national level, notes a write-up by Pe­ ter Schoenberg in The Times Herald- Observing the flushing problem at her due to the kinked metal chain. “I thought panics, ” said the write-up. if we could replace the chain with some- “His indepth analysis and comments thing else that wouldn ’t kink, water on balance sheets and annual reports... were widely read and appreciated, ” notes the paper. wouldn ’t keep flowing. I replaced it with a nylon (fishing) line. It saves a lot of water, ” explained the student who, with 30 Parsiana June T991 M.PkLLONl & CO PRNKK LIMIT®- Industrial Painting, Coating,Anti-corrosion Water-proofing,Construction, Diving & Offshore Contractors. 87, Abdul Rehman Street, Bombay 400003 Tel : 324150/336607 Tlx : 011 75871 MPEL IN, Fax : 022-2152998 J/i, 1} J •’I * A J '•-RW B, _ Affiliates of 100th Toronto, the all-Zoroastrian scout group I lender trading and development for Kcy- ¦ Corp, as reports Key Noles, the bank ’s newsletter. Earlier, Pundolc was senior vice president, credit administration of Key Bank of Idaho. His responsibilities in the new job en ­ tail developing, implementing and man­ aging lender training programs for all KeyCorp banking and non-banking affili ­ ates, notes the write-up. Using a variety of techniques includ ­ ing classroom training, videos and a newsletter, the director will coordinate training efforts using existing personnel in addition to lenders from various affili ­ ates who will act as trainers. Pundole is said to have 16 years of Present at the inaugural function scheduled for March 24, 1991 was Jal Khan, reportedly one of the first members banking experience behind him. Begin- to enrol in the CBDA way back in 1927, and his wife Pcrin. A girl scout unit is being planned, fur ­ ther reads the release. the help of her teacher, first outlined her invention in writing, then drew up a sketch and later constructed a working model of her device. Her water-saver was adjudged best in ­ vention at her Pakanasink Elementary School in Circleville and also acclaimed As chief financial officer and vice presi- at the state and regional levels fetching dent, finance and administration, of Cata- her a $ 200 savings bond for a prize. She was thereafter summoned to Washington DC to compete with 44 other growth, joint venture and strategic alli- regional winners in the national “Invent America ” competition sponsored by the from the company, forwarded by a family who is planning to write a book on street non-profit US Patent Model Foundation. The competition “stimulates creativity and develops problem-solving skills in catalytic process technologies for use in students (from) grades kindergarten the manufacture of chemical and petro- through eight, ” according to the write-up. “We salute Diana and all of our young inventors, their teachers and schools. The established corporations, ” as noted the of The Saudi British Bank. “I once spent enthusiasm and creative thinking demon- company executive vice president Ri­ strated by this year ’s participants is proof cardo Levy. “To grow we need to be as that America ’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive in our nation ’s youth, ” acknowl ­ edged the chairman of Invent America, J. Morgan Greene. ’Ministering finances ning with the Bank of America, he moved on to the Idaho Bank and Trust Company, mentions Key Notes. Pundolc has under­ gone his navar and maratab training and now resides in Albany, New York with his wife Judy, further informs a family source. lytica, Inc, it fell to 47-year-old Hoshi Popularizing Street food Printer to monitor the company ’s business“Forget recipes! People are too slavish with recipes...my recipes are far more ap- ance agreements, noted a press release proximate, ” states Ms Niloufer Ichaporia source. Catalytica which develops advanced leum products is an entrepreneurial com ­ pany in an industry “dominated by well- snacks and picnic food from near and far. “Discovering and learning about street food has become the focus of her exten ­ sive travels, ” notes the write-up featuring Ichaporia in Arab News sent to Parsiana by Zarir Cama, deputy managing director three months in Hong Kong where I ate on the streets every night, real feasts for the equivalent of $1,” she claimed. An ­ other favorite of hers is the green papaya creative in the business vehicles we use to capitalize on our technology as we are in our science, ” Levy gave the rationale for salad prepared by vendors in Thailand, inducting Printer as vice president in early 1990. Prior to joining Catalytica, Printer, a mechanical and electrical engineer by these traditional dishes on their menus, training, was holding senior positions but they never come out right, ” believes “Their skill is the product of generations and generations of repetition... Some res ­ taurants have tried to introduce some of Toronto’s Zoro Scouts The 100th Toronto, an all-Zoroastrian scout group with 20 scouts and 15 cubs has been sponsored by the Zoroastrian with Xerox Corporation and had also the San Francisco resident. Occasionally Society of Ontario (ZSO). served as consultant on cash manage- she teams up up with other chefs or lends An offshoot of the original 100th ment issues to the White House, as per a helping hand at restaurants to prepare Bombay, now renamed the Homavazir ’s 11th Central Bombay Bharat Scout Group US Army, Printer ’s academic back- (CBDA), the initiative to start a similar ground includes a masters in business group abroad was taken by the CBDA’s ex-scouters Maneck Sattha, Noshir Das- toor, Freddy Mirza, Noshir Mirza and PuFldolc’S Key pOSitiOM Jimmy Mistry who now reside in Canada. “The corporate lender training program is Fellow Zoroastrians helping them Include an important step to maintain consistent Phiroz Dastoor, Adi Mistry and Shccraz Pardiwalla, the release notes. served as consultant on cash manage ­ ment issues to the White House, as per the release. A former lieutenant of the exotic dishes for special occasions. “It is an interesting challenge to give people food that is new and intriguing, but it is important to ensure that it is not too for ­ bidding, ” she adds. The array of street food in western countries is due to the immigrants who have introduced new products and spread their popularity, she mentions. On her administration from Stanford University. high quality in the lending process, ” notes Kersasp Noshir Pundole, director of frequent trips to India, the Bombay-born 31 Parsiana June 1991Next Door and the near psychopath in Burn This." Bamji ’s special skills: guitar, piano, singing, various dialects, volleyball and racquetball. He is also into community happen, ” This is the similarity between theater and has performed representative journalism and theater as perceived by film/video roles in It’s a New World, The up direction, according to the publication “Something that really shook (me) was Intercom of spring 1990. Since August being out in the desert where there was no last Bamji has been awarded a scholarship road, in the vast expanse of sand... People to study at the prestigious Folger Institute lived there all the time in huts. The Confident that his journalism training who completed her international surnntjer internship at the Pushkar Lake Valley in Ichaporia now indulges in street food Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and Dilip oner in Benf, the golf pro in The Boys which was once “forbidden ” territory. Vengsarkar, further mentions the paper. She also marvels at the respect Indians , have for food. “Once I was struck by a Life IS a Stage vendor who, starting his day, lit a stick of “You can guarantee that every day you go incense; a simple ritual in which the act of into work something new and bizarre will selling food becomes an act of worship. ” .................................... Besides her interest in art and anthro ­ pology, Ichaporia ’s present preoccupation Firdous Bamji who after his graduation in Freeman Case and AIDS, Should you be is with launching a line of lath salts made journalism from The University of South tested?." with Indian fragrances with the support of Carolina opted to become a professional her biochemist husband David, according actor with subsequent intentions of taking Intcms in the dCSert to the report. Priory’s pride With 22 fours and a six, opening batsman Zubin Bharucha batted to a glorious 159 in Washington DC, informs a family women had to walk miles just to get wa- runs in the Surrey Championship Division source. ter, ” noted Ms Sarvar Firdaus Kothavala One of 1990 noted a local newspaper. Playing for the Reigate Priory team, 19- will help in his future career, Bamji re ­ year-old Bharucha was unbeaten till the ferred to the two ingredients of success he Rajasthan in August last year, end when he became out in the final over, imbibed — “organization and diligence. Along with the other opening batsman. Without these two things you are not Tiku Patel, the pair displayed good tim ­ ing, hitting boundaries as they progressed taught me that. ” to an unbeaten partnership of 224 runs, it is reported. As proficient in bowling as he is in batting, the young cricketer, in another Theater Association Festival in Moscow game during the Championship, took the in January ’90. first of three slip catches “...this one being by far the best, ” the paper notes. Described as “Priory ’s fine young In ­ dian overseas player (and) one of the fin ­ est in the League, ” Bharucha also doubles ter: that thefe ’s always something new, vent the desert sand from encroaching as coach. When in Bombay, he is known that you can always find something dif- to play the sport with veteran cricketers ferent. ” At the time of announcing Trus- Along with Ms Gayatri Menon, Kotha ­ vala joined a team of 20 researchers going to get anywhere and journalism whose main aim was to find ways to pre ­ Kothavala: studying a new environment He was a member of the University troupe that was invited to perform The Fantasticks at the International Amateur “The thing that really turned me on to theater was Jim Thigpen and the Trustus Theatre, ” acknowledged Bamji. way he directs, his whole concept of thea- “The onto the marginally productive land of the Pushkar Lake Valley, notes a write-up in tus Theatre ’s First Professional Company The College Street Journal of October 19, in 1989 their newsletter outlined the per ­ formances of their popular cast among whom was listed Bamji: “A fine young dition laid down by the World Bank and actOT you ’ll remember as Torch in Beirut, the punk kid in Talk Radio, the gay pris- pyjwi I^ivuuvvu .VUU.U,. chrumunja, a kind of native grass, is now - being planted on the sand dunes in the desert to prevent the sands from shifting. All-rounder crick­ eter Bharucha (inset) in action ¦ K ¦imbmmibhhnhi ^ WHHHH WHi 7^ 1990. The findings had to generate em­ ployment for the local womenfolk, a con- the Ministry of Environmental Affairs, financiers to the project. The project produced results. Sac- WHMMraor**"' the write-up notes. The grass has been ¦¦M V traditionally used to make baskets, foot ­ stools and chairs by the locals. Kotha ­ vala and Menon were of the view that the LMMMMBlWHHHMHOHHi research team help the local women to form producer cooperatives to market their wares and thus “help defeat outside exploitation of their labor. ” Kothavala is majoring in international relations and geography, Menon in eco ­ nomics, at Mount Holyoke College, Mas- sachussetts, USA. Last year Kothavala had the distinction of being included in the Who’s Who Among American College Students, informs her mother Ferzin.POLITICS AND POLICY The reaction to the resolution Neither the orthodox nor the liberal factions are appeased by the Punchayet resolution on the Roxan Shah controversy Arnavaz S. Mama t As anticipated, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees ’ decision to permit Zoroastrian women married to non-Parsis the right to be interred in a tower of silence has roused the ire of both the liberal and the orthodox groups. While the response of the liberal group has by and large been restricted to ar ­ ticles, letters and editorials in the commu ­ nity Press, the orthodox group organized a meeting at the Birla Matushri Sabhagar on May 30, 1991 where they passed a resolution condemning the BPP trustees. Among the speakers billed to address the gathering was surprisingly BPP trus ­ tee Homi Ranina who along with his co ­ trustee Dr (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee, vice- chancellor of the Bombay University, had voted against the Punchayet resolution. Although both were slated to talk at the meeting, only Ranina was present and no explanation was offered for Bengalee ’s absence. The meeting of May 30, at which the ’ crowd reserved its largest applause for derogatory remarks made against the BPP trustees, passed an almost unanimous resolution asking the BPP to “revoke forthwith its resolution dated April 9, 1991 ‘in the matter of late Roxan Darshan Shah ’ as it has committed a breach of the trust conferred on it by the community; otherwise the trustees should vacate their office of trusteeship (see “A stab in the back... ” pg 37).” “My liberal friends say ‘change with the times, ”’ said Ranina. “‘Yes, change with the times (I tell them) but in your personal life ’... My advice to the liberals is ‘Start your own dokhmas. Put your hands in your own pockets. ’ The Tatas, the Wadias, the Godrejs, the Petits, the fabulously rich ” can support these insti ­ tutions, he challenged. The editor of The Bombay Samachar which has spearheaded the liberal move ­ ment, while terming the resolution as “a step in the right direction, ” noted it was “very much belated, and still has one or two points which are untenable from the point of view of law, religion and expe­ diency as well as economy {The Bombay Samachar, May 5, 1991).” Letter writers like Ms Homai Bode, Ms Bhicoo Manekshaw and Noshirwan Cowasjee also attacked in The Bombay Samachar the BPP resolution. “The fe­ male is punished, shown discrimination, insulted, humiliated but the male in the same situation remains unaffected... Why a separate dokhma for their bodies after death? A separate dokhma is kept only for criminals and those who commit sui ­ cide. These ladies are practising Zoroas ­ trian Parsis and there should be no dis ­ crimination whatsoever, ” stated Bode. While expressing the same sentiments Manekshaw noted in addition, “The reso ­ lution could have been taken a step fur ­ ther by the trustees if they had included »> said Ranina. <(« one more point i.e. at the death of such a lady or her immediate family, her hus ­ band may be allowed with her children to attend the funeral and other religious ceremonies. ” The most vocal liberal Zoroastrian from UK, Cowasjee, termed the resolution “an insult to the dead... shameful ” and a decision “to please (the) voters and (the) orthodox. ” Cowasjee fur ­ ther suggested that the BPP should in ­ stead keep a separate dokhma for “con ­ signing the ‘pure ’ bodies of the ortho ­ dox. ” The BPP resolution concerns, a Parsi woman married to a non-Parsi, under the civil marriage act or any other legislation which permits the parties to retain their religion prior to such marriage and who continues to follow the Zoroastrian faith. The resolution permits “the use of doon ­ gerwadi facilities on her death on the ba ­ sis of an affidavit made by her husband,, or any of her parents or her brother or sis ­ ter or other close relations to the effect that she continued to follow the Zoroas- triap religion till her demise. ” The body would be consigned to a dokhma “specifi ­ cally earmarked for the purpose ” and the family would have to make their own ar ­ rangements with any priest to perform the funeral ceremonies, as per the resolution. According to the community grape ­ vine, the trustees were anxious that a resolution of such a nature be adopted unanimously. When trustees Ranina and 33 Parsiana June 1991body of a Zoroastrian woman married to a non-Zoroastrian, Madon noted, “When there is a death in the family, it may take place in the middle of the night. At that time has someone to run about getting an affidavit prepared, stamp it, affirm it, then bring it to doongerwadi to be filed? I would suggest that what should be more than sufficient is a declaration to the same effect by a next of kin. To insist upon anything else is to show lack of common sense and realism. ” He also challenged “this dichotomy between Parsi male and Parsi female ” and asked, “Why does the BPP not insist upon a similar affidavit in the case of a Parsi male who has married a “Whipping up hysteria and forcing non-Parsi or those Parsis — some of them such issues by exploiting religious senti ­ ments are not in die best interests of the Bengalee remained unshakeable in their considering the consequences about their opposition, the resolution was ultimately future course of life and should not create adopted by a majority vote. Public opinion remained agitated. A major thrust was the publication in The priesthood is being dragged into these Samachar of February 10, 1991 of a let ­ ter to Dr Aspi Golwalla, chairman of the board of trustees, from Dastur (Dr) Hor- mazdyar Mirza and Dastur (Dr) Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa dated December 29, 1990. The two respected scholar priests were at pains to correct the slant that the joint declaration of the seven High Priests, published in Gujarati in the Jam-e-Jamshed of October 27 had created in the minds of the community (see “The controversy continues, ” Parsiana, Octo ­ ber 1990). The seven Dasturs ’ joint mis ­ sive had stated in unqualified terms that a Zoroastrian woman who married outside community and its religious beliefs and the community ceased to be a Zoroastrian attitudes. We also emphasize the need during his lifetime? ” and had no religious privileges within the for religious stability. Statistics point to “As an individual and presumably as community. The December letter clari ­ fied that “the opinion expressed (on Octo ­ ber 27) is based only on the Zoroastrian religious practices, traditions and cus ­ toms, without taking into consideration for some ulterior motive. ” the constitution and the laws of the land. ” — - When the October 27 opinion was published, the community was unaware of an earlier opinion given by Mirza and Madon of the Supreme Court and Justice howsoever learned. ” Added Lentin, JamaspAsa to the Punchayet dated Sep- Bakhtavar Lentin of the Bombay High “While everyone is entitled to his opin- tember 24, 1990 which was “written in Court. ion, I fear that in attributing ‘next to adul- the interest of our community as Zoroas- _ . trians as weU as citizens of India. ” Re- outset, “Both my daughters have mar- marry outside the religion and branding gretting that the trustees had made no at- ried non-Parsis with our consent and co- their children as ‘illegitimate in the tempt to formulate guidelines for the operation. We would not have consented Zoroastrian religion, ’ perhaps the worthy community on the basis of the opinions nor would they themselves have perhaps High Priest momentarily forgot the basic ' ¦ ¦ ¦ gf jj^g Zoroastrian religion — crossed anybody ’s mind that by doing so Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni.” ¦ ~ i The pressure was maintained. Rustom Referring to Dastur Gae of Delhi who had retired as secretary Kotwal ’s letter wherein he states that to the Government of India Law Minis- there is no custom or usage to support try, in the course of a full-length article marriages between Parsis and non-Parsis, unnecessary difficulties for the commu ­ nity. It is a matter for regret that the types of controversies from time to time... “\Ne have always sought justice in matters religious under the law” very eminent in life — who run after vari ­ ous godmen such as Saibaba of Shirdi or Satya Sai Baba or who ran after Rajneesh a dwindling Parsi population, especially a human being, I do not endorse and am in India. Let us therefore work in unison and harmony in all community affairs. Let us not make Zoroastrianism a religion noted Lentin tersely and suggested that ¦’ the issue be “set at rest once and for all The Samachar’s campaign was further by a judicial interpretation and decision, strengthened by the outspokenness of two instead of it festering on interpretations respected retired judges — Justice Dinsha and edicts of priests and individuals, Madon of the Supreme Court and Justice howsoever learned. ” revolted by the treatment meted out to the body of the unfortunate Roxan... ” Madon noted forthrightly at the very tery ’ (whatever that means) to those who outset, “Both my daughters have mar ­ ried non-Parsis with our consent and co- of high priests and scholars whom they agreed to do so had the thought at all had polled in 1964, Mirza and Jamas- < , ....................... pAsa wrote, “Since the doongerwadi either of them would cease to be a Parsi grounds rest in the hands of the trustees Zoroastrian. ” Referring to r_. of flie Punchayet, it is incumbent upon you all to settle this matter in the best interest of the community... “In our long history in India, we have Madon writes, “Surely, with due respect. maintained, “When a Parsi female mar­ ries a Hindu under the Special Marriage always soughf protection, direction and Dr Kotwal is ignorant of our history. He Act (SMA) she does not automatically ¦ " become a Hindu, simply because some ceremonies relating to a Hindu marriage Justice in matters religious under the law does not seem to be aware that the favor- of the land. If we deny this authority, we ite wife of Khosrow Parvez was Shirin, a are liable to forfeit our right to protection Christian... History shows that in all are also performed at the time of her and justice in such matters in case of communities the priests have been, with marriage. However, if she makes a pub ­ misdeeds against our religious institu- ' ' ’ ’ ’ ’ ‘ ‘ tions. In our opinion it is our duty to re ­ spect the constitution and law of the land. If we find any law repugnant or harmful, we have constitutional means to been from any priest. Incidentally I have will be taken as professing the other reli- alter or remove it: But we have no right also become a navar maratab from gion (The Bombay Samachar, March 3, to challenge or arbitrarily defy it in the Navsari. ” 1991).” name of religious practices... Referring to the then interim measure Earlier, in The Samachar of February “Our co-religionists marrying outside of tlie BPP that an affidavit be filed by the 24, recapitulating the sequence of events the community must be doing so after next of kin before the acceptance of the doughty solicitor Rustom A. Gagrat had ¦ I marriage. However, if she makes a pub- very few exceptions, obscurantists, ritual lie declaration that she has ceased to be- bound, bigoted objectors to any innova- long to the Zoroastrian religion i.e. she tion or reform and whenever religious has renounced the Zoroastrian religion reforms have come, it has hardly ever and has accepted another religion, she been from any priest. Incidentally I have Navsari. ” Referring to the then interim measure 34 Parsiana June 1991POLITICS AND POLICY It A stab in the back ft Misuse of trust and disrespect towards religious principles were the charges levelled against the BPP trustees by the orthodox groups Parinaz Gandhi The pamphlet publicizing the meeting proclaimed, “Parsi Zoroastrians! You have been betrayed! BPP (Bombay Parsi Punchayet) commits breach of trust. ” It went on to list the threat to the commu ­ nity from intercommunity marriages and the BPP resolution permitting the use of doongerwadi facilities to Parsi women married to non-Parsis. Refer- ring to the resolution as “a stab in the back of the Parsi com- munity, ” the conveners — the Bombay Zoroastrian Jashan Committee, the Athoman Man- dal, and the Dadar Jashan Trust — called on the faithful to at- tend in large numbers the pro- test meeting on May 30, 1991 at Birla Matushri Sabhagar. This meeting has been con- vened not against any organi- zation or individual but to re- • spectfully uphold the time- honored values and to obey them, outlined Ervad Parvez Bajan in his introduction in Gujarati. He read out a mes ­ sage from Dastur Kekobad Dastur, High Priest of the W Iranshah Atash Bahram in S Udwada, declaring the BPP K * resolution to be against the reli- m gious principles and reiterat- 9 ing that religious rules made t by Zoroaster were sacrosanct. |||| Bajan also quoted from the B works of the late scholars Er- vad (Dr) Minocher Karkha- B[ Kotwal presiding at the protest meeting at Birla Matus hri Sabhagar nawalla and Jehangir Vimadalal to indi ­ cate that “Parsis are legitimately proud of their blood. ” Presiding over the day ’s deliberations was Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. Wadia Atash Bahram, who Bajan introduced as one "j^n^ hath pakri ne kaum ne dharam no rasto i o f 'rs. ¦¦I it' dekharyoch (who has led the community on the religious path). ” Earlier Kotwal had sent a letter congratulating the BPP trustees for denying young Roxan Shah the right to have her body consigned to the Towers of Silence following her death in a tragic accident on July 27,1990. On the Punchayet ’s subsequent resolution he ¦¦¦¦¦ castigated the trustees for “chut-chat ane nakhod (tear- ing to pieces, destruction) to our buland (colossal) institu- “The trustees may hold any individual opinion. It doesn ’t concern us. Difference of opin- ion is bound to be there in any community, every family. But as trustees, the protection of our religion and community becomes their responsibility, ” believed Kotwal. His percep­ tion of a trustee was “one to whom something is entrusted. The intentions and wishes of the settlors should always be respected. To maintain their iman (faith) is the work of trus ­ tees. This is daylight robbery of iman.” Kotwal, who ad ­ dressed the gathering in Gujarati, stated that he was speaking in his personal cap ­ acity, “as a representative of the community, of you and not as a representative of the Wa ­ dia Atash Bahram. ” “This property does not be- lOTg to us. We’ve not donated a single rupee (towards) the purchase of the doongerwadi land or the consecration of the 37 Parsiana June J991From left: (Top row) Ranina, Dhalla, Merchant (Bottom row) Sethna, Unvalla, Doctor II dokhma... Can we challenge the intention of the benefactors? ” questioned BPP trus ­ tee Homi Ranina. He, along with co-trus- tee Dr (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee, vice-chan ­ cellor of the Bombay University, had dis ­ sented against the majority trustees ’ de­ cision to permit a Parsi woman married to a non-Parsi the use of the dokhma sub ­ ject to the marriage having taken place under the Special Marriage Act (SMA) and a family member filing an affidavit that she continued to profess the Zoroas ­ trian faith. He then went on to state that the first dokhma, the Mody dokhma, had been consecrated in 1669 but the trust deed was codified only in 1884. “What (then) was the intention of Mr Mody? Were there any marriages outside the community then? Could he have even remotely thought of the dokhma being used by someone who has married out ­ side? The answer is ‘no ’... “We must protect and effectuate the wishes of the donors, ” asserted Ranina. He then referred to the difference of Indian woman. _ opinion among the high priests as to Ranina, under the Foreign Exchange others. “I want each one of you to con- whether the constitutional law or the reli- Regulation Act, a foreign wife of an In- sider whether my views are right or gious law should have a bearing on the Roxan Shah controversy. While Kotwal had said that “Courts have no jurisdiction over the community in matters of reli ­ gion, ” High Priests Hormazdyar Mirza doongerwadi to a person married outside the community would interfere in the Also, according to performance of religious ceremonies by Indian citizenship while the same privi ­ lege is denied to the foreign husband of an Regulation Act, a foreign wife of an In ­ dian male enjoys better privileges than wrong, ” urged Ranina before assuring, the foreign husband of an Indian woman. “I will still continue to try to convince Further, when the views of scholars my co-trustees to reconsider... ” like Prof Kaikhosrov Irani and Ms Dina McIntyre are taken into consideration and Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa had opined, (by the BPP) and the views of “our own “We have no right to challenge or arbi ­ trarily defy (the constitution and the law of the land) in the name of religious prac- ------,, „ „ tices. ” There is some “confusion that the our community, ” claimed Ranina. In To decide on the merits of a racehorse legal view should prevail, ” maintained defence of Kotwal in particular, Ranina they believe in studying its pedigree but Ranina. “Is there really a dichotomy be- continued, “It is very unfortunate that a ‘ tween the religious and legal view? ” he section of the Press came down on him. ter of a century ago... He’s expressed the Tata Memorial Hospital ’s Radiation same view held by the high priests in Medicine Centre and daughter of the 1964” where it was accepted that by her late scientist Karkhanawalla. She viewed " ------ marriage as “a formation of a compound ” as versus “a formation of a mixture. ” To illustrate this point she cited the ex- ‘My question ample of iron filings and sugar which ------ *¦» can be combined to form a mixture. The Ranina distinctive feature of a mixture is that its Bengalee had also been scheduled to speak but neither did she make an ap ­ pearance nor was any explanation of- high priests are not accepted... means the fered for her absence. trustees are denigrating ecclesiastic au ­ thority, denigrating them in the eyes of Iron sulphide tices. ” There is some “confusion that the our community, ” claimed Ranina. L. T- ---1----- - — ----- when it comes to marriage they conven ­ iently forget this, said Ms Aramaiti Dhalla, former scientific assistant at the asked, before citing section 21 of the He only reiterated what was said a qu^- SMA which states that when a Parsi mar ­ ries under the SMA, he or his children will not be governed by the rules of Parsi intestacy as spelt out in the Indian Suc ­ cession Act. “This effectuates the reli ­ gious view. Why (otherwise) have only band... goes out of the Zoroastrian reli- Parsis been left out ” from the application gion and the Parsi fold... ’ of this section? “My co-trustee (Eruch is; ‘Is any present trustee competent to Desai) gave a long reply running into 33 " ” pages but this point was not answered. ” The discrimination meted out to Zoroasuian women married outside the community while permitting concessions to Zoroastrian men married to non-Parsis Ranina excused by citing a couple of whether just an affidavit was sufficient magnet that attracts iron. other sexist laws in India where the for- proof of a person ’s professed religion; when iron and sulphur are brought to- eign wife of an Indian male is permitted and also whether permitting entry to the gether, they form a compound, iron marriage a Parsi woman marrying a non- Parsi ‘embraces the religion of her hus- i»>9 speak on religious issues? wanted to know. constituents can conveniently be sepa- His chief reason for dissenting from rated without causing any change in the the BPP resolution, Ranina specified, nature or properties. Thus it would be was that it went against the mandate of i»ssible to separate iron filings from the trust deed. 1 He further challenged the sugar in the mixture with the use of a However, 38 Parsiana June 7991ficult to say that the same religion enjoins that on a marriage to a non-Parsi the per ­ son concerned would renounce the faith. ” Reiterating that “the High Priests and the scholars quote no direct authority of any religious scripture to the effect that on an intercommunal marriage a Parsi family where it would not prevent the renounces the faith, ” Desai places the present case off the purview of the Su ­ preme Court ’s 1962 judgment in the case of Saifuddin vs the State of Bombay on which the protagonists of the orthodox view lay great stress. In that case the court had held that the protection of ar ­ ticles 25(1) and 26(b) of the Constitution covers not only matters of doctrine and belief but extends to acts in pursuance of the religion including rituals, obser ­ vances and ceremonies. Desai also relies on the opinion of of her husband from the house. ” Justice Y. V. Chandrachud: “If a Parsi Desai quotes the opinion of the late Zoroastrian female marries a non ­ noted, “Instead of prolonging this unfor- and tenets of the Zoroastrian religion, ” tiinate controversy, I respectfully suggest Desai states, “This theory proceeds on the to the trustees to resolve that in view of basis that all ladies married to non-Parsis the legal position, Parsi Zoroastrian ladies stay along with the members of the married to non-Parsis are entitled to the husband ’s family. Times have changed same rights as all other Parsis, male or now and in the majority of cases such female, without any discrimination or any couples stay apart from the husband ’s humiliation. ” Another noteworthy development was senior BPP trustee Eruch Desai ’s ‘note for my colleagues ’ dated February 4, 1991 which was published in instalments by The Samachar and the Jame. The 34- paged note is a thesis examining the issue chronologically from the historical, reli ­ gious, social and legal angles. Notes the trustee whose electorate was basically orthodox, “changed circumstances and a different air require a different approach. ” Referring to the Parsi girls who marry religion, either in the presence or absence outside the community, Desai asks, “Would our decision to ostracize them v. „ ..v,.. reverse this trend of such intercommunal Dastur Khurshed Dabu, “when a couple I Zoroastrian male under the SMA 1954, it marriages? I have no doubt that it will (Parsi girl with alien husband) undergoes t would be impermissible to draw the in- not. For the religious ardor and Parsi- a marriage under the SMA, there is noth- ference from the fact of such marriage panu is no more a reckoning force with ing to show that either of the two is re- that she has renounced the Zoroastrian the young ones of our community as it nouncing his or her allegiance to a par- religion. ” The verdict of Justice Sawant was in the days gone by. ” Noting that the trustees ’ duty was the admitted to the Zoroastrian fold by the structing the BPP to enrol ladies married care and custody of the community ’s navjote rite, continues to remain a to men of other communities “on the funds and institutions including the Zoroastrian then she is a Parsi Zoroas- 1 Electoral Register meant only for Parsi doongerwadi facilities, Desai observes, “If we deny them the facility when in view as beneficiaries, such a person. ”—'point that an intercommunity marriage fact they are entitled, it would tanta- Desai mentions that Dabu had cited a implies no automatic renunciation of the mount to a breach of trust on our part. If case in Nagpur where a girl married to a faith, notes Desai. “If this is the position we allow them to make use of these fa- non-Parsi sought the use of the fire- that we have accepted, how can we take cilities if in fact they ae not entitled to temple. “The then chairman of the a different stand now?... Subject to avail the benefits thereof, it would also anjuman there (who was later on ele- proper checking, excepting the present be a breach on our part. ” He examines the Rivayat of Kaus Court) gave it as his opinion that she re- comes to mind where such ladies married Kamdin, the Gathas (Yasna 53.5-5), the tained her title to worship within that outside have been denied such a facility Vendidad XV-II 62-65, the opinion of temple, ” writes Desai and adds, “It is (interment at doongerwadi) on an ap- the late Dr M. D. Karkhanawala and that doubtful whether in a more secular soci- proach for the purpose made by the rela- of -some high priests and scholars who ety today an Indian judge would rule oth- have observed generally that “those who erwise. ” Desai also mentions the three marry outside the community were nei ­ ther looked upon as a part of the commu- Parsi girls married outside the commu- that the settlors and donors of the Parsi nity, nor were given any benefits of the nity were consigned to the Tower of Si- Punchayet Funds, especially the Towers community ’s institutions, ” and adds, lence after performance of the funeral of Silence, understood a Parsi Zoroastrian “Our experience in respect of the above ceremonies. He then updates his chro- to mean one who was a child of Zoroas- has rather been to the contrary. History nology to include the aforementioned trian parents whose forefathers came from ’ has recorded the marriages of Zoroas- opinion of Dasturs Mirza and Jamasp- Persia. “I would only add that even a trian kings to alien princesses and such Asa. Parsi girl who is married outside the com- marriages have not converted (these) Zoroastrian kings into (non-Zoroastri- ans)... ” Coming to “the opinion of the priests Zoroastrian religion does not only permit (which) is also based on the theory that the environment in the house of a non- Parsi wherein a Parsi Zoroastrian woman marries cannot in any way permit her to rigidly follow the rites, customs, rituals or non-Zoroastrians into the faith it is dif- “To insist upon (an affidavit) is to show lack of common sense and realism” Zoroastrian wife from practicing her own a marriage under the SMA, there is noth ­ ing to show that either of the two is re ­ nouncing his or her allegiance to a par ­ ticular faith. If she, bom a Parsi, duly of the Bombay High Coiat in 1981 in- trian. The founders of all charities had in |Zoroastrians ” further underscored the view as beneficiaries, such a person. ” Desai mentk>ns that Dabu had cited a vated to tte Bench of the Bombay High case of Roxan Shah, not a single case Court) gave it as his opinion that she re- tives, ” he adds. Referring to a letter from co-trustec cases cited by Dabu when the bodies of Ranina of January 28, 1991 Desai agrees Parsi girls married outside the commu- opinion of Dasturs Mirza and Jamasp- Basing his arguments on the High munity does not cease to be a child of Court judgment of Justices Daver and Zoroastrian parents whose forefathers Beaman in 1909 Desai observes, “The but even enjoins conversion and it was only after the advent to India that a cus ­ tom has been built up not to convert. If, therefore, the religion permits non-Parsis came from Persia, ” writes Desai. A contention of Ranina was that the Davar-Beaman judgement did not go into the merits of the case and that their defini ­ tion of Parsi Zoroastrian was based on a concession by the then trustees of the Parsi Punchayet as an eminent Parsi — a 35 Parsiana June 1991of the community. Apart from the fact leges. The laws of purity of the Zoroas- that it will also be impossible for us to im- trian faith forbids intermarriages mbc- plement the same, particularly so far as ing of physical and spirUual genetics (sic) cemed, we cannot take a decision that during their lifetime they will be free to member of the Tata family — was in ­ volved. Countered Desai, “If that were to be so, they would have given the conces- . sion straightaway and not taken steps their right to enter the bunglis is con- which resulted in litigation. ” “In my view, ” writes Desai, “by pas ­ sage of time and consequential establish ­ ment of custom and usage, we have ac ­ cepted the position that, unlike the view held by the High Priests of our commu ­ nity, a male or a female who married outside the community did not renounce his or her 2k)roastrian faith. In fact, in a ----------- -------- . _ similar way, we have not denied such Zoroastrian Jashan Committee forwarded Punchayet Funds and Properties seem to males and females the entry into our doongerwadi lands and even in the bun­ glis where the four days ceremonies are ------—------------------------- . . . , being performed. Even if we decide, in scholar priests whose religious opinion democracy, but loss of our faith, loss of accordance with the views of the High was “based on the Zoroastrian religious our priesthood and loss of our identify can Priests who hold that there is no distinc- ’ ’ ’ tion in this behalf between a male and female, we will have to go the whole hog ing to the Parsi Zoroastri^ religious be- with this decision and such a decision 1’ ‘ . would set at nought the law of the land scriptures (not cited), customs and tradi- „ . --------•--------- a non-Zoroastrian, he or she is deemed to have renounced the Zoroastrian faith and is considered as a cardinal crime against nature. ” “The above precept and belief have have'such access, but after their demise been upheld strongly by all the devout we will not allow their dead bodies such dasturs, scholars and stalwarts of our ... will not allow their dead bodies such dasturs, scholars and stalwarts of our access either in the bunglis or in the Zoroastrian religion since time immemo- Tower of Silence. ” rial and the same have been certified and The orthodox front issued a ‘warning ’ confirmed once again by all the seven and a ‘notice ’ jointly sponsored by the revered Vada Dasturji Sahebs of today. Athoman Mandal and the Bombay Regrettably the trustees of the Parsi to Parsiana by Cowasjee Dinshaw, presi- have ignored the spiritual guidance, ” dent of the latter body, on February 20, reads the ‘warning. ’ “We can always re- 1991. In contrast to the letter of the two place unworthy trustees by due process of scholar priests whose religious opinion ( never be replaced. ” Desai, who had anticipated that his note would “displease the hearts of many li^fs, precepts, tenets, doctrines, holy a supporter of mine during the two terms of my election as trustee, ” and “notwith ­ standing the threats of intimidation and violence from some anonymous quar ­ ters, ” is satisfied with “having done my practices, traditions and customs, ” the ‘notice ’ states, ‘‘Please note that accord- established as per the foresaid case of tions — once a Parsi Zoroasuian marries Petit vs Jejeebhoy in terms of which Parsi (men) who marry outside the com- ---------------------------------- munity are not debarred of this facility. It ceases to be a Parsi Zoroastrian. Hence he duty by not letting my heart rule my head, will be difficult for us to sustain the deci- or she does not have any Zoroastrian If the former were to prevail, it could pos- sion if we restrict it only to the ladies communal or religious rights or privi- sibly result in a breach of trust. ” or she does not have any Zoroastrian communal or religious rights or privi- Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B. Cursetjee’s Sons (Bombay) Pvt Ltd Darabshaw House, Bgllard Road, Bombay 400038 Grams: DEADWEIGHT Telex: 6824 DBCB IN Phone: 2610021 (4 lines) (Dock Office: 262230) Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Mangalore, Bhavnagar, B^l-port, Navlakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla Also sole Government Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bed!) Bhavnagar 36 Parsiana June 1991this “malpractice, ” according to Sethna, “the most guilty is the priesthood, possi ­ bly because of poverty, corruption... ” “I “This matter which should have been Bangalore support handled with decency and decorum is sulphide. Once “a chemical union ” has they are creating problems, ” said Mer- taken place between iron and sulphur, chant amidst thunderous applause. separation of the two is not easy. Like- wish every Parsi has this last wish, ” sup ­ wise in a marriage which implies “a ported one male member of the audience, physical, mental and spiritual union, ” a wife is expected to merge with her hus- handled with decency and decorum is As time was running out, the next sched- band and not retain her separate religious brought to the streets by a section of the uled speaker Adi Doctor volunteered to identity, she added. The claim of a Press and a couple of lawyers (not of the skip his speech and permit Ervad Nadir- Zoroastrian lady married to a non-Parsi BPP),” he specified. “Lawyers lie with shah Unvalla, who attended on behalf of to retain her own religion is “absurd and impunity, ” stated Merchant, “because the Bangalore Anjuman, to express his untenable... If she had genuine love for they are not obliged to say the truth, solidarity with the. organizers. (Letters z In favor of the resolution: (From left) Bajan, Unvalla, Shroff, Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, Dinshaw (Below) Support from the audience Z her religion she would never have mar ­ ried outside. ” Convinced that the prin ­ ciple of unseen disturbance or defilement would apply if the body of a Zoroastrian lady married outside the community were to be brought to the dokhma, she further questioned the logic of the trus ­ tees in demanding an affidavit from a family member. Is the wearing of “the JL sudreh and kusti (going to) serve as an identity card (to permit entry to the They are licensed liars... ” had been sent to anjumans throughout doongerwadi)? ” she asked. Forewarning of “racial suicide ” if India inviting support to the orthodox “the five wise men (BPP trustees) ” per- stand against the BPP. But barring Ban- sisted with their decision to permit inter- galore, there was no reference to the ment of the bodies of women married other anjumans. On behalf of the Delhi outside the community was Ervad Darius Parsi Anjuman a reply was sent with a . . I copy marked to Parsiana stating that If concessions are allowed, it would encourage rather than restrict “God-fear ­ ing people from marrying outside ” the fold, feared businessman and philanthro ­ pist Dinshaw Merchant He conceded Sethna, a champion of orthodoxy even however, “These are days of equality of when he was based in the UK. In the they believed “that the trustees of the sexes. Why should a girl be heaped with past such bodies were placed in a chotra, BPP have acted with due deliberation indignity when a boy can marry from a an unconsecrated well, used mainly and taken a decision in the best interest Negress to a princess and his place in the for persons of doubtful identity, prosti- of the Parsi Zoroastrian population they — L. --J?” He failed to tutes and criminals served with capital represent. ” They therefore did not wish to associate themselves with the meeting, section which is trying to change the rules The organizers also had to deal with to suit their vested interests. The entire counteractive publicity when the presi ­ dents of the Rathestar Mandal and the • dokhma be assured? ” understand why so much weightage was punishment. “There is only a certain given “to the last wish ” of Ms Roxan Shah. “Is it possible to fulfil the last wish of all people? ” he queried before race needn ’t pay for these selfish people. specifying, “I also have a last wish. After The only solution is for them to separate Zarthosti Bhaibandh Mandali disclaimed I die, the next day all the trustees of from us and form their own institutions having ever been consulted before their the BPP should be bundled and thrown and resting places, ” he advised. Identify- organizations were named among the 11 into the Arabian Sea. This will be an in- ing power of money and the indifference bodies who were to meet to review the stant solution because instead of solving, of the laity as factors responsible for BPP decision.) 39 Parsiana June 1991In connection with a Zoroastrian lady the BPP for flouting the intentions of the colleagues continued to keep their hands whose first marriage was to a Parsi, the settlors, for disregarding the ecclesiasti- second to a European, Unvalla related cal authority of the Zoroastrian high how he had then sought the opinion of 14 high priests to determine whether she should be recognized as a Zoroastrian. The general verdict was that she had gone outside the religion, reported the Parsi Zoroastrian institutions... ” The BPP Bangalore priest. Only one high priest — trustees were further called upon to re ­ Unvalla intended to conceal his identity voke their resolution of April 9 or vacate but finally the name “Dabu ” (the late their office of trusteeship. The conveners Dastur Khurshed Dabu, former High of the protest sabha (meeting) were also Priest of the Wadia Atash Bahram) es- authorized “to initiate such action before caped his lips — is said to have opined any authority as they may be advised in that if she didn ’t give up her religion, she order to prevent the Bombay Parsi should be allowed inside religious places Punchayet from implementing the deci- of worship. Citing parallels from other sion taken by the majority of the trus- religions. Unvalla mentioned that when Jackie Kennedy married Aristotle Onas- sis, the Vatican declared her “a public Punchayei. ” sinner for having renounced the Catholic ~ faith... Her condition was described as ‘in a state of spiritual degradation. At the end Of nearly 125 minutes “an overwhelming majority ” supported the do so. And as the video shooting of the resolution proposed by Cowasjee Din- audience with raised hands was in prog- shaw, president of the Bombay Zoroas ­ trian Jashan Committee and seconded by hand (up) please. ” Jehangir Shroff, chairman of the Athor- nan Mandal. The resolution denounced »»» NAME ADDRESS CITY up until their protest was lodged. Seeing the auditorium nearly packed to its 1,200 capacity. Doctor commented how this “historic memorable meeting ” priests, and urged instead that “a Parsi lady marrying a non-Parsi cannot claim to continue to be a Parsi Zoroastrian, and had assumed significance for possibly is not entitled to the use and benefit of being the only protest sabha in the last several decades to receive such wide ­ spread support. On behalf of the ortho ­ dox lobby he avowed, “This meeting is the first step... ” ices... which is clearly in breach of the trust deed of the Bombay Parsi The enthusiastic audience, several of whom had come by chartered buses, had raised their hands in support of the reso ­ lution even before they were invited to ress. Doctor admonished, “only one The dissenters, barely eight to 10, disregarding shouts of “shame, shame ” from their audience MATRIMONIAL Correspondence invited by well-placed Parsi parents, having family business in Agra, for their double graduate son aged 29, height 5' 7", from well-placed parents of decent family, having well-educated daughter, home loving, and beautiful up to 26 years of age. Agra Telephone No 61536 Please reply to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (June/21-91) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 For a liberal point of view subscribe to KAISEREHIND Fill out the application form and mail along with your payment to Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 Annual Subscription Rs 20. Cheques to be made in favour of Kaiser-E-Hind. Add Rs 4 for outstation cheques. ?1 year subscription for Rs 20 Send me ? 2 year subscription for Rs 35 ? Cheque enclosed (sub+Rs 4) ? Money order sent PIN CODE STATE AND COUNTRY 40 Parsiana June 1991MILESTONES The age of Bombay ’s Zoroas ­ trian brides (as listed in this is ­ sue) ranged from 21 to 44 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of ages divided by the total number of brides) being 26 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 26 and 51 years, averaging at 32. From among the 85 Zoroas ­ trians who died in Bombay, heart disease was the major kil ­ ler claiming 17 lives, nine being over the age of 80 years. Fifteen victims fell prey to lung disease and pneumonia and 12 to old age and general debility. Diabe ­ tes and brain disease took six and five lives respectively while hy­ pertension (four) and cancer (three) were the other killers. Three patients succumbed to ac ­ cidents and two each to shock, high blood pressure, septicemia, anemia and bronchitis. The iso ­ lated cases registered last month; Parkinson ’s disease, bed sores, nervous disorder, tumor, kidney failure, uremia, bums and malnu ­ trition. 'There were two cases of stillbirth. The youngest to die was a 20-year-old boy as com ­ pared to a 93-year-old woman. *1116 data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anju- mans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not always complete or con ­ sistent. In the breakup of deaths, according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ maniages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. BOMBAY Born A boy, Zubin, to Diana and Ker­ man Kadva on February 17, 1991 A girl to Mahrukh and Cyrus Kotwal-, May 3 A girl to Dinaz and Maneck Sahiar; May 4 A girl to Ketty and Cyrus Bomanbehram-, May 6 A boy to Shahnaz and Shahrukh Irani; May 6 A girl to Daizy and Homi Kotwal-, May 6 A girl to Armaiti and Cyrus Shroff-, May 6 A girl to T^nobia and Rusi Darji; May 7 A boy to Farzana and Neville Dumasia, May 7 A girl to Daisy and Berges Fitter; May 7 A boy to Shireen and Dinyar Lala; May 7 A boy to Meera and Mahadeo Prabhu; May 7 A girl to Arnaz and Godrej Mistry; May 9 A girl to Khorshed and Marzban Antia-, May 10 A boy to Zenobia and Zubin Lakdawala-, May 11 A boy to Gulshan and Percy Patel; May 17 A girl to Navaz and Cowsi Writer-, May 17 A boy to Parveen and Rajeev Hemmadi-, May 22 A girl to Binaif er and Kaiwaan Patel-, May 22 Married NHoofer Dadi Daruwalla and Jehangir Rusi Shroff, April 28 Nilufer Keki Wankadia and Gev Hormasji Irani-, May 3 Kaenaz Bejan Bharucha and Cyrus Rusi Engineer; May 5 Ruby Jal Kateli and Dinyar Cavasji Nakra of Visakhapat- natn; May 10 Hutoxy Jal Lahewala of Surat and Nauzer Jehangir Nicholson-, May 10 Parizad Aspi Irani and Hoshedar RrUan Wandrewala-, May 16 ZenoZn'a Minoo Behramkamdin and Mehernosh Jehanbux Karkaria of Poona; May 18 Kashmira Rusi Mehershahi and Kurush Minoo Daruwalla of Poona; May 19 Maharukh Dinshaw Irani and Jehanbux Kharshedji Palsetia-, May 20 Villoo Soli Bharucha and Micky Ratan Umrigar, May 20 Died Dockdu Maneckshaw Bamji (78), residing at Room no 39, 133, Mody St, Fort, 400001; April 30 Rustomji Nowroji Kharas (85), B/20, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; AprU 30 Tehmina Rustomji Cozwnzjsa- nar(75), 31B/21, Takshila, Mahakali Caves Rd, Andheri (E), 400069; May 1 Dhunjisha Burjorji Daruvala (91), 461-463, J.S.S. Rd, 400002; May 1 Baby boy of Dinaz Deenyar Jehani (stillborn), 7, Pundole Bldg, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; May 1 Kashmira Cyrus Jokhi (39), 4/13, Panthaki Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; May 1 Minocher Dosabhai Khajotia (83), 35, Karelwadi, Thakurd- war, 400002; May 1 Pirojsha Framroze Wadia (57), F/3, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; May 1 Aloo Hormusji Bhamgara (72), 19, Ropa Lane, Chandanwadi, 400002; May 2 Jamshed Meherwanji Gazdar (62), Gazdar Hse, 45, B. Desai Rd, 400026; May 3 Homi Ruttonji Kotwal (81), 6, Wadia Hse, 22, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 3 Rustomji Jehangirji Dalal (78), Khurshed Mhl, 725, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 4 Jal Manekshaw Kolah (76), A, Gool Mhl Sleater Rd, 40()007; May 4 Nergesh Naoroji Bhogal (72), Dr Kerawalla Bldg, 307, Tardeo Rd, 400007; May 5 Amy Dhunjisha Daruwalla (78), Wadia Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; May 5 Dinshaw Rustom Irani (75), 5, Gul Manor Bldg, Opp Tele ­ phone Bhavan, Strand Rd, Colaba, 400005; May 5 Alamai Darabsha Khambatta (86), B.A. Engineer Bldg, 815, Parsi Cbiy, Dadar, 400014; May 5 Dinshaw Merwanji Mistry (82), 13, Tata Bldg, Dhanbaiwadi, Dadabhai Rd, Vile Parle (W), 400056; May 5 Bapai Mahiyar Nalladaroo (75), 680/8, B. Palamkote Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 5 Jer Rustom Sethna (77), 46, Colaba Rd, Off 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba, 400005; May 7 Hormasji Dinshaji Davierwalla (84), Ivorine, 154, M. Karve Rd, 400020; May 8 Piroja Eruch Mistry (83), 4, Clover Apts, Sleater Rd, 400007; May 8 Behram Ardeshir Irani (38), 15/A, United Chmbs, Grant Rd, 400007; May 9 Piroja Jamshed Dhabhar (85), 2, Ness Baug Annexe HI, Nana Chowk, 400007; May 10 Hormusji Kaikhushru Mody (80), 'iS/N, Usha Sadan, South Wing, Cokba, 400005; May 10 Keld Rustomji Munshi (10), 259, Shroff Chmbs, Bazar Gate St, Fort, 400001; May 10 Piroja Nariman Balsara (83), 77, N. S. Patkar Marg, 400007; May 11 Jehangir Dinshah Bamji (75), Madhuban, 323, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, Fort, 4(X)001; May 11 Jal Sorabji Patel (76), 77/B, Gopal Mans, Turner Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 11 Freny Soli Wadia (70), 9, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 11 Framroze Bomans haw Engineer (iO), Khush-Villa, 621, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 12 Freny Dinshaw Katpitia (90), Windsor Chmbs, Cawasji Patel St, Fort, 4(KX)01; May 12 Soonamai Savaksha Toddywalla (80), 511/C, Adenwalla Rd, Matunga, 400019; May 12 Nader Burjorji Fitter (67), 2, Readymoney Bldg, Tardeo, 400034; May 12 Kaikobad Jehangir Dastur (92), (>02lC, Lady Jehangir Rd, Matunga, 400019; May 14 Soli Nadirshaw Patel (72), 107, Mahavir Apts 11, J. P. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; May 14 Khorshed Dinshaw Talaty (69), Mody Hse, Near Eheamland Cinema, 400004; May 14 Alamai Ratanshaw Bhathena (80), C/68, Bhiwandiwalla Ter, 400002; May 15 Behram Navroji Mory (50), 5, Godrej Bldg, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; May 15 Shirinbai Cursetji Chandaru (93), Hormuz Bldg, Sussex Rd, 400027; May 16 Meher Kersasp Kongo (93), Bhagat Manor, 787, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 16 Eruchshaw Rustomji Mehta (95), E/18, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 16 Khusroo Ratan Patel (37), P/23, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 16 41 Parsiana June 1991Burjor Shavax Paymaster (67), 524, Sandhurst Bldg, Opera House, 400004; May 16 Bhikhamai Nadarsha Bhoja (77), 12/B, Cawasji Petit Bldg, Marzban Clny, Lamington Rd, 400008; May 17 Nargis Cawasji Kutar (89), ^S/Al, Karel wadi, Thakurdwar, 400004; May 17 Dinarrtai DhanjishoM/ Mehta (88), 29, Dadachanji Bldg, Dr Nayar Rd, 400011; May 18 Soona Nariman Engineer (81), 12, Doctor Lentin Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400007; May 19 Roshan Daraius Mukadam (62), Gai Bldg, 646, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 19 Manijeh Ratanshaw Patel (84), S/4, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 19 Minoo Cowasji Vania (68), 654, Firdausi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 19 Jerbanoo Kaikobad Contractor (86), G/55, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 20 Burjorji Jamshedji Driver (86), Tapia Bldg, Jalbhai St, Chami Rd Junction, 4(X)004; May 20 Rashnabanoo Phirozshah Irani (51), 16, Nadirshaw Sukhia St, Fort, 400001; May 20 MehlU Ardeshir Mehta (75), 10, Ness Baug Annexe No 3, Nana Chowk, 400007; May 20 Soonamai Framroze Contractor (86), 75, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 21 Mani Nowroji Gilder (88), 17, Perry Cross Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 21 Banoobai Bejonji Karanjia (68), ParsiPunchayet Staff Qtrs, Doongerwadi, Kemps Comer, 400036; May 21 Jehangir Hormusjee Secretary (92), 10, Apna Ghar, S. B. Rd, Colaba, 400005; May 21 Baby boy of Rashna R. Mehta (stillborn), E/10, Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri, 400058; May 24 Homi Rustomji Wadia (81), Silverene, 63, Worli Sea Face, 400025; May 24 Ratan Rustomji Buhariwala (82), J/1, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 25 Nozer Hormasji Cowjiva (56), E, Dalal Est, Lamington Rd, 400008; May 25 Framroze Cawasji Hodiwalla (68), M/11, Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; May 25 Shera Noshir Vajifdar (73), Sheri Hse, Gunbow St, Fort, 400001; May 25 Cyrus Dhunjishaw Avari (20), B2/29, Bachani Ngr, Malad (E), 400097; May 26 Dolly Pirojsha Kavarana (85), Banaji Bldg, Forjett St Cross Lane, 400036; May 26 Aalamai Maneckshaw Mistry (76), Widows ’ Chawl, Old Mody Shirin Jimmy Captain (47), .. 813/14, Bhavani Peth, 411001; April 15 Dinyar Cawasji Todiwala (jlT), 16, Queens Garden, 3/5, 411001; April 17 Ardeshir Kaikhshru Parekh (79), 29/A, Khan Rd, 411001; April 18 Perin Adi Wadia (89), Navdhan, 929, Synagogue St, 411001; April 23 Alloo Keki Karbhari (91), Ahura Soc, 12, Salisbury Park, 411001; April 30 St, Fort, 400001; May 26 Sohrab Pirojsha Shroff (90), Ratan Mans, Forjett St, 400036; May 26 Rusi Dhunjishaw Daruwala (62), 3, Readymoney Bldg, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; May 27 Faramroze Mane her sha Antia {IS), 598/B, Wadia Bldg, Girgaum Rd, 400002; May 28 Behramji Burjorji Bhathena {^1), Patel Bldg, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, 400012; May 28 Jehangir Dorabji Postwala (85), Bhesania Bldg, Fort Market, 400001; May 28 Pheroze J ale jar Chinoy (70), 170, Bazargate St, Fort, 400001; May 29 Maneckbai Jehangir Karkaria (85), 4/11, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; May 29 Nerges Dinshaw Kasad (77), l-B/20, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; May 29 Perin Ratanshaw Marolia {lt[), Mohamedi Minar, 14 Khetwadi Lane, 400004; May 29 Tehmi From TamboU (70), Boyce Bldg, 671, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 29 Sheran Jal Cassad (77), Gemfrina, 630, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 30 Alamai Homi Hatteria (79), C/o Rita Mehta, 271/C, Dhan Lodge, Javji Marg, 400007; May 30 Pirojbai blavroji Mistry (95), Shroff Hse, 42, Sleater Rd, 400007; May 30 Sheramai Jamshedji Panthaky (80), A, Sidhwa Bldg, Balaram St, 400007; May 30 Banoobai Ruslomji Vadiger (84), 14, Snch Sadan, 163, Colaba Rd, 400005; May 30 Ally {Avabai) Dinshaw Dastur (91), 12, Thakur Nivas, 173, J. Tata Rd, 400020; May 31 Rustomji Nawroji Hathi (82), Kerawalla Bldg, 789, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 31 CALCUTTA Born A boy to Manekami and Rohinton Chiara-, March 27 POONA Died SECUNDERABAD Married Perveen Chinoy, daughter of Roshan and Dinshaw and Viraf Sorabji Mehta', January 27 SURAT Died Pervez Ardeshir Fatakia (35), Nargol, Via Sanjan, Dist Valsad, 396001; May 26 Dolly Kobad Bodha {'ll), Sethna Bldg, Maiharpakhadi, Mazagaon, Bombay 400010; May 27 Sarosh Keki Variava (45), Amroli, Dist Surat, 395003; May 29 THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES The Iranian names of boys and girls along with their meanings which originally appeared in Parsiana have now been reprinted in an attractive 24-page booklet. The book, which is priced at Rs 15, is available on sale at Kaiser-E-Hind 300 Perin Nariman Street, Behind Reserve Bank of India, Fort, Bombay 400001 Faredoon and Burjor Sandalwood Shop Princess Street Union Press 13, Homji Street, Bombay 400001 CHICAGO Born A girl, Athena Elizabeth, to Dhun and Ashley Tellis ; March 29 KARACHI Died Behramji Dadabhoy Mama (85); April 1 Homi Kawasha Bonderla (70); April 10 Aspi Rustamji Sethna (65); April 11 Homi Jhanbux Vatcha (59); April 20 Minocher Jamshedji Katila (IK)', April 30 VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA Born A boy, Zaal, to Benafsha and Sarosh Khariwala', February 20 A girl, Kashmira, to Dhun and Jimmy Daruwala, sister to Juristine; February 25 CORRECTION A boy was bom to Mona and Navroze Seervai on January 10. The father ’s name was mistak ­ enly printed as Hormasji in Parsiana, February 1991. The error is regretted. TOTALS (for this issue) Births: Boys 10, Girls 13 Marriages; 11 Deaths; 93 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka 42 Parsiana June 1991IN MEMORIAM Final salute to CURSETJI Parinaz Gandhi roborating on his thorough and meticu ­ lous ways, Cdr Madhu Dhavale who had served as Cursetji ’s flag lieutenant (equivalent to the better known ADC des ­ ignation used by the army) added, “He wasn ’t one to take decisions in a hurry... He was one of those intellectuals... (who “Very conscientious and very popu- cons. ” And despite his authoritative posi ­ tion “never ever would he bother his sub ­ known Cursetji since his early childhood ordinates with personal requests. ” “Probably Jal ’s finest hour was as vice A retinue of retired and serving, senior tigious training ship (TS) Dufferin... Re- known to “go into it at great depth, more and junior officers had gathered at the calling these achievements was VAdm than necessary, ” opined Lalk^a. Cor- parade ground outside Bombay ’s INHS Rusi Ghandhi who acknowledged, “Ev- Asvini Hospital on the morning of Janu- ery step he climbed on the promotion ary 30,1991 to pay their last salute to the ladder was achieved by sheer hard work 71-year-old former chief of the naval and merit, not by flattery or by backbit- staff, Adm Jal Cursetji, who had died the ing. ” preceding day following cardiac arrest. As the body lay in state on the customary lar, (Adm Cursetji) inspired confidence. gun carriage, wreaths were offered, arms He was fair in his dealings with others was always wont) to weigh the pros and reversed, three volleys fired and finally and very discreet in every way, ” re- the buglers sounded reveille to symbol- marked Cmdre Dorab Mehta who had ize that life has to continue. The last journey of his mortal remains having “travelled by the same tonga was to the Towers of Silence. However, (horse carriage) to the same school in chief (of the naval staff) when he master- the milestones reached by Cursetji dur- Jabalpur ” and having worked on parallel minded the 1971 Indo-Pak War opera- ing his 40+ years with the navy are re- naval assignments thereafter. Cursetji ’s tions... True to his selfless spirit he man- corded for posterity in the naval annals, considerate attitude was also referred to aged to get awards and recognition for his He was the first to be appointed hydrog- by RAdm Sarosh Lalkaka who described entire team, ” credited Ghandhi. Cursetji rapher to the Government of India, he him as “very soft-spoken and pleasant. commanded India ’s first aircraft carrier Even if he had to tick off somebody, he Above: Cursetji in uniform as chief of INS’Vikrant, he was the first Indian to be would do it in a nice way, not by shout- naval stajf appointed naval attache in Washington, ing. ” he was the first to pass out from the pres- II Below: Military funeral accorded to Any work that he undertook, he was Adm Cursetji Photos; western Naval Command 43 Parsiana June 1991 Ihimself was conferred the Param Vishisht do well. ” bers he had urged young Parsis to join the Seva Medal by the nation for rendering Cursetji ’s first experience of a major armed forces saying, ‘There is a lot the “distinguished service of the most excep- battle was World War II when barely two services can offer. ” tional order. ” Thereafter he was ap- years after completion of training he was As a mark of tnbute to the “liberal pointed head of the Western Naval Com- on a destroyer which was part of a force officer, die Federation of Parsi Zoroas- mand as flag officer commanding-in- that attacked and sank the first German trian Anjumans of India, at its executive chief which in turn led to the highest ap- submarine of the War. Thereafter he was council meeting on March 23, 1991 ob- pointraent in the Indian Navy when he “commissioned as acting sublieutenant served a moment ’s silence. served as admiral for a three-year tenure, in 1940 and (later) commanded HMIS “It is a pity that the Government of His promotion as admiral, on March 1, Bombay which was deployed on convoy India did not make use of his experience 1976, came during the difficult days of escort and anti submarine duties, ” re- and talents after his retirement as he had the emergency declared by the then prime minister Ms Indira Gandhi. When his term was due to expire, it was the Janata Government that was in power. None of the naval personnel credit any WSlnvesiigator, WSRajput. single individual for specific accomplish- T . . Cursetji ’s first experience of a major battle was World War II when barely two years after completion of training he was on a ( that attacked and sank the first German submarine of the War. Thereafter he w'as in 1940 and (later) commanded HMIS Bombay which was deployed on convoy escort and anti submarine duties, ” re ­ counts Hands Call, the Western Naval so much to give. But it is a greater pity Command newsletter in a tribute to Cursetji in its February ’91 issue. His sea going commands included INS Khukri, that the community did not use his ster ­ ling services, ” regretted a senior naval officer. Since his retirement he is said to have devoted his time to the various eco ­ logical and environmental groups of the city and to the Senate of the Bombay before joining TS Dufferin. Il was he who University. Reading and western classi- “was responsible for inspiring at least a navy was increased, that the standard of score of youngsters from Jabalpur, in- single individual for specific accomplish- Born in Jabalpur, Cursetji studied at ments. However it is generally recognized the local St_Aloysius High School that it was during Cursetji ’s term as admi- “ ral that the budgetary allowance for the efficiency improved, that the conditions eluding myself^ to join the then Royal stricted his activities. for the personnel were upgraded. “He al- Indian Navy either directly or through Being an avid letterwriter with wavs fought for the legitimate rights of TS Dufferin,” mentions Ghandhi re- beautiful handwriting, ” he maintained a regular and vast correspondence all over the world. Links that he had forged dur ­ ing his cadet and midshipman days, dur ­ ing his popular bachelor days in Coonoor and during his official assignments were His “re- cal music were his other interests. In later years, his bronchial problems re ­ ¦ ................. - Indian Navy either directly or through ways fought for the legitimate rights of TS Dufferin,” mentions Ghandhi re- younger sailors and officers, ” Mehta re- .............................................. membets. “The size and strength of your navy trainmg. has to be sufficient to fulfil the task assigned to it, ” was his philosophy as conveyed by him at the time of taking over as admiral. As regards preparation ranks, ” Cursetji had remarketl at the ter- for battle, he noted, “When you go into combat you ’re pretty keyed up. There is nothing routine. Anything might hap- membering how he had sought Cursetji ’s guidance before proceeding on his own “There has been an appreciable num ­ ber of our community in the services and an equally high number in the higher carefully nurtured by him. ' ” *- ------ -* ¦*-- —¦ served and non-gregarious ” nature not- centennary ceicbralions of the Bombay withstanding, he was reputed for having Parsi Punchayet in 1982 when he was among the 15 eminent Parsis selected to pen. You don ’t have much time to think receive a scroll of honor on a silver sal- of anything else. You just hope you will ’ “ ' ver. But observing a decline in the num ­ “kept up his friendships. ” The admiral is survived by his wife Navaz, and daughters Meher Darius Ra- faat and Rashida RaghuveCr. A Zoroastrian lady, a great lover of natural death. dogs, had a pet dog, stately and beautiful / ' ' ' '. . . in every way. Through the mistress, the < . dog became a divine healing patient for tremendous effort for “individualization READERS’ FORUM continued from page 11 When a being takes birth, the soul ac ­ cepts the divine plan of suffering to a cer ­ tain extent for itself during that particular life. Towards the fag end of the animal ’s life, knowing that it is good for its spiri ­ tual progress. But when there is no har ­ mony between the soul and the outer per- s.__ 1. -I - \ \ ’ (emotional) and mental bodies, these rise rally, the owner of the dog was going i..________ „__________ „ - is cut short by suicide. In such a case, the She was going against the opinion of doc- and her family, victim suffers much more in the other tors and friends by refusing to put the dog world and has to repeat the remnants of to sleep on my and my colleague ’s ad- the same suffering in the future lives on the physical plane, maybe with interest. In -------- „ _ case of mercy-killing, those who have by several people. The poor lady ’s faith fecting individualization during this very been instrumental in cutting short any- in our wisdom started shaking and she life only and she would have had to suffer ¦ ¦ - . herself, paying back for her wrong deed which, though of charitable intent, was ......................... We based on ignorance. obliged her and prompt came the mes ­ sage, “Ask after 15 days. ” When the fortnight was about to get over, the dog breathed its last, dying a Edited by Amavaz s. Mama After this. Divinity deigned to reply and explained that the animal had made a — the budding into a full-fledged human being with a distinct, individual soul, body ’s heart would bleed at the sight of from the state of animalism which entails the suffering animal — blind, with flesh ’ rotting all over and in great pain. Natu- life it suffered so very much that any- a group soul — and during this process had voluntarily taken upon itself die suf- ____ _______ _ _ fering of some of its brethren dogs and in rebellion against the soul and the life through excessive emotion^ upheavals, even some of the suffering of its mistress is cut short by suicide. In such a case, the She was going against the opinion of doc- and her family. ¦" • • ’ J If the owner of the dog had put the ani- ¦- mal to sleep by way of mercy-killing, she She was accused of cruelty and would have incurred the illwill of the dog for aborting its spiritual progress in ef- sonalities in the form of physical, astral vice. similar unjustified allegations were made in our wisdom started shaking and she body ’s life have to face repercussions of pleaded that for her peace of mind we the crime of murder. should ask Divinity and get a reply di- During my practice as a divine healer rectly, particularly for this case. for 21 years, I have had several cases which have made me aware of various facets of spiritual truths and the following is a relevant one: Ignorance of divine laws is no excuse. Ms NERGESH F. DAMANIA 44 Parsiana June 1991