Jul 1991

•V ** ‘ J i L J 1 K. ^-i a )< 2 ili 'i --. A t > v ••¦ ' j ‘ ^*****^i^*^BHB|B : s - A^ the >N1O awards function X'EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana H. Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez, Deborah 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 Juiy 1991 Volume 14 Number 1 2 Readers’ Forum 17 Events and Personalities 22 The WZO Roll of Honor by Arnavaz Mama 26 Zoroastrians Abroad 33 Bharda School: Beyond the three ‘R’s by Noshir Dadrawala 38 Impressions of the Federation by Aspi Moddie 42 Milestones Cover: The Police Band at the WZO awards function at Raj Bhavan Photograph by Rustom Havewalla, Homz Prints Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd, at C/o H.L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39lA.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. Cotor processing, Comart Lithographers: and black and white processing, Samir Process. All rights reserved. Phone: 2048730 Fax: 2042922 For editorial enquiries: 2048183 Telex 11-85710 RABO IN Annual inland subscription Rs 80 for one year (12 issues): Rs 140 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates: Seamail Rs 200/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/o H.L.Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K.Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 iREADERS' FORUM The second is Maj Gen R. Z. Kabraji, AVSM, who incidentally became the sec- remain in North America and do not at- 5',; tempt to desecrate, pollute or contaminate -------- --------------------j------------------ ;; our consecrated places of worship in ond officer from the Corps of Signals to India, they will at least retain their health, ' " ir if not their identity. IF p “Joining the Forces?” In her article “Joining the Forces? ” (Par­ siana, March 1991) Amavaz Mamai has Hussain and Dr V. V. Giri, attempted to trace some of the reasons why our Parsi youths are now declining to brought to take up a military career as they used to community, do in ^e past. However, apart from stat ­ ing reasons like parental objection, lack of a spirit of adventure, and unwillingness Your article, “The Gallant Decades ” to face hardship, etc, the potential benefits (Parsiana, March 1991) carries a photo- of a career in the military, both during graph on page 58. You may be interested service and even after retirement, have ¦ not been mentioned at all. I Even Aspi Moddie, an ex-serviceman I himself, in his article “Move over please, I Field Marshal! ” in the same issue, has not I touched on the career aspect. I However, what is most disturbing is I that even Field Marshal Manekshaw I (apro Sam), apart from the usual com- ’ ments and quips as reported in “Secun- '' “ derabad-Hyderabad Youth Fest: Action Please ” (Parsiana, March 1991) said nothing to make the youth want to join the Forces, by vividly pointing out the career advantages to be gained thereby, as only he could have done. In my opinion, apart from other rea ­ sons of a personal nature mentioned in Amavaz ’s article, there appears to be a lot of ignorance on the part of the youth and “Zarathusti: My Past... the community at large, as to what the In the article “Zarathusti: My Past, Our services have to offer as a career, and Future ” (Parsiana, March 1991) you have what the service officer is worth even af- highlighted a statement by Homi Mino- ter retirement. Brig n.b. grant cher-Homji, “The global Zoroastrian fo- cus may move from Bombay to North America. ” It certainly will, if Ali Jafarey gets away with his version of Zoroastrianism and his lucrative business of ‘conversion. ’ In less than a decade, the so-called the lives and achievements of our gaUant Zoroastrians of North America will be ­ come a global attraction, as the world wonders who these ‘UFOs ’ are and what sion: they believe in, if anything at all. The Otitm.ii,.,,, **»?»»•*•»»*» J® ft»**i ir ¦! $} Ervad DARIUS N. SETUNA I I?? I ill- command a Mountain Division in 1967 after Antia. As a brigade commander in the eastern sector, Kabraji won recogni­ tion for quelling the Mizo uprising, and was later successively Hon ADC General to two Presidents of India, viz Dr Zakir Both officers rightly share in the glory our microscopic Parsi ZUBIN R. KABRAJI Pune Readers' views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. ¦I ¦ i ter retirement. HR ¦ “The Gallant Decades” to know that these “ex-servicemen in While “The Gallant DeCades ” (Parsiana, daglis and ribbons ” are Brig E. J. Engi- March 1991) by Arnavaz S. Mama is neer, Comdre Lovji Mehta, Brig Soli quite comprehensive and revealing about Jambusarwalla and Brig Adi Irani. " Brig E. J. ENGINEER (Retd) l.y . L” 1--, 1- ___” ”¦ ' The first is Maj Gen S. N. Antia, giobaf Zoroastrian focus will certainly PVSM, who became the first officer from move from Bombay to North America, as the Corps of Signals to command a Mountain Division in 1966, then a rare privilege for an officer from the technical move from Bombay to North America, as the scientists will rush to unfold the origin of these multi-breed Americans. As long as they (the mixed-breeds) corps of the army. Parsi soldiers, sailors and airmen, at least ... , „ two names are conspicuous by their omis- ActlOn plCHSC Mr Homi Taleyarkhan rightly questioned the wisdom of Parsi charitable trusts giv ­ ing funds when the tendency among Parsi youngsters is not to return to India after their studies (“Secunderabad-Hyderabad Youth Fest; ‘Action Please, ’” Parsiana, March 1991). To this Mr Keki Gandhi, >»5 2 Parsiana July 1991honorary secretary of the Federation of a true disciple of Zarathushtra... Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India had retorted: “Is anything wrong in Parsis has become distasteful and unpalatable... thriving abroad? ” According to our religious literature the Is it the implication of Mr Gandhi that greatest reformist was I*rophet Zarathush- youngsters cannot thrive in India? There tra himself. His religion was a religion of are plenty of challenging jobs in India. By reform. It was a faith that wiped out false ......................... practices from a nation and introduced newer and better ways of living (page “In our community the word ‘reform ’ dint of hard work. Parsis have built a cer ­ tain status both in Bombay and in India, and the youngsters who go abroad could 279).” serve the country and the community bet ­ ter on their return to India. I have made a suggestion to the trus ­ tees of some Parsi charitable institutions ber 1990) that if one marries outside the that the trustees should introduce a clause religion one does not remain a pure Parsi, in the agreement that if the youngster whatever that is supposed to mean. This does not return to this country within a is the highest form of ungratefulness to period of six years (the maximum period the citizens of this great nation who gave required for a PhD degree), then the us shelter from persecution 1,300 years youngsters or their parents or guardians ago. In this whole sorry mess, compassion should pay interest at 10 percent instead has been the biggest casualty. This type of of the normal two percent on the loan, religious chauvinism must be totally up- This will make the guarantors think twice rooted from our minds. We must learn to before signing on the dotted line. “In the matter of the late Ms Roxan Darshan Shah... ” {Parsiana, March 1991) the BPP trustees have agreed to permit Dhalla ’s book; doongerwadi facilities to Parsi women married to non-Parsis provided that on their death, either their husband, brother, sister or other close relative submit an af ­ fidavit that she continued to follow the quote applies. Zoroastrian religion till her demise. piiiroze dossabhoy framroze Under Parsi law neither her non-Parsi Calcutta husband nor her non-Parsi children if any will be allowed inside bunglis so what ’s Have Dastur Kotwal and the Bombay the point in taking an affidavit from the Parsi Punchayet contracted to put an end non-Parsi husband? Secondly, the affida- to the Zoroastrian religion within one vit submitted by her non-Parsi husband generation? and her Parsi relatives may be contradic ­ tory, and hence it is best to restrict the af- It is a sad day for the community to read in a letter written by a 15-year-old girl (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, Novem- think rationally on issues like intermar ­ riage and religious ceremonies. I end by quoting further from Dr “He that cannot reason is a fool; He that will not, a bigot; He that dares not, a slave (page 380).” I need not spell out to who all, this last Our community has opened its out ­ going door but the incoming door is ( fidavit only to the Parsi relatives of the clos^ and locked, even to the dead body (Tirl Dr P. D. SUNAVALA nf n 7r»mnctrinn Indv Qpp.tina intpnnAnr 1 DrP.D. SUNAVALA of a Zoroastrian lady seeking interment in the tower of silence. “An injustice at...” Why not look at the basic problem of I am distressed to read about the injustice intermarriages? done to Roxan Darshan Shah by the high priests of the community. In this context Why do we not use available funds for I would like to quote from the Auiobio- weekly gathering of Zoroastrians and lead graphy of Dastur (Dr) M. N. Dhalla, who them on the path of Asho Zarathushtra? himself was a h.gh priest of our commu ­ nity. Dr Dhalla writes, “People must realize that the duty of a dastur is not the blind guardianship of ancient creeds and cus ­ toms merely on the strength that old is gold: nor is it to pamper popular shippers, our ideology as dualistic (Ahri- sentiments. Such an attitude may be man and Ahura Mazda) and so on. Who simple; it may evoke applause, it may is responsible to reply, defy and present gain cheap renown; but it does not behove the truth to them? the stature of a dastur who bears upon his rostam rostami asrabadi shoulders tfte responsibility of being ohio,usA girl. Where are the Dr Maneck Dhallas? Is the Vendidad the order of Asho Zarathushtra or the law of Sassanian time? In any book I read, whether it is writ ­ ten by our dull friends or clever foes, we Zoroastrians arc identified as fire wor- 5 Parsiana July 1991 With best wishes from Farah & Tanya) OUR WORLD OF VACATIONS—1991 Lala’s offer special holiday package tours, both Deluxe and Economy for individuals and groups. * Shimla-Manali * Nainital-Mussourie * Darjeeling-Sikkim * Nepal * Bhutan Kashmir* Delhi-Agra-Jaipur * Mysore-Bangalore-Ooty * Madras-Trivandrum-Kanyakumari-Kodaikanal * Bhubaneshwar-Puri-Konark Goa * Andamans * Lakshadweep ? * Note: Rail Tour booking closes 70 days prior to departure. Chalk out your own package. Stay where, when and as long as you like, according to your personal interest, time and budget. Lala tours * U.S.A.-Canada * Europe-U.K. * Kenya * Japan * Bangkok-Pattaya-Hong Kong-Singapore * Maldives-Sri Lanka * Mauritius * Australia * New Zealand Note: Subject to GOI/RBI approval. FTS/NTS passengers only. For detailed itinerary, contact us or your Travel Agent: H. K. LALA & CO. Capitol Cinema Bldg, Murzban Road Bombay 400001 Tel: 2045094/5744/3006 I have painfully gone through all the alle ­ gations meted out to our reverend high priests in various issues of Parsiana and all the suggestions of ‘saving ’ our religion through intercommunity marriages. I would like to give a suitable reply to such liberals. First of all, I am shocked to see the way the Parsi community treats our rever ­ end priests — poking fun at them and re ­ garding their statements as barbaric, hor ­ rifying, self-styled, threatening, insulting and one of them even going to the extent of stating that “Parsi sisters married to non-Parsis are being terrorized — every effort is being made to rob them of their honest right of worship... ” I wonder whether this lady is aware of the meaning of the word ‘terror. ’ As far as I can see nobody prevents a Parsi from marrying ajnon-Parsi but once a Parsi does that he/she would most cer ­ tainly and most rightly be prevented from returning back to the fold. If any Parsi feels that we are being terrorized, I would like to invite him/her to come to Punjab and see ‘real terror. ’ Sikhs here are pre ­ vented from cutting their long hair and beards however high the mercury may soar. Ladies of their religion are forced (at gun-point) to cover their heads with duppatas (though wearing mathabanas has become an age-old custom). Here militants see that in every Sikh house they have their Granth Sahib and prayers re ­ cited every day from it. If anybody tries to oppose them, they are liquidated. Take the case of Khomeini. Just be ­ cause Salman Rushdie wrote a book against the Muslims, a worldwide call was given to liquidate him. Now, that ’s terror! One of the readers has even suggested sending our priests to reeducation camps “while men and women with a better understanding of their religion take their place. ” The question is who-would run these education camps — illiterates like them? If these ‘literates ’ (who do not even know how to address such a scholarly priest) take the place of our priests, I shudder to even think what the commu ­ nity would be like in their hands. At this stage I am glad that at least a 15-year-old had some common sense to understand our religion and I see nothing horrifying in it (as some of the readers have put it). I am just 19 myself and let me assure you that I was not brainwashed into believing whatever I am writing here. The second point is of the constant complaint that our customs and traditions 6 Parsiana July 7991Another point of grave concern for the housing shortages, increased competition are unfair to women and are completely outdated. Why don ’t such people look community is the recent decision taken forjobs,workingcouplesneglectingchil- round and see the way the women in other religions are treated? Child marriage is silence for Parsi women married to non- intermarriages and potential loss of iden- one such custom still prevalent in India. Parsis. Why can ’t such people pool in tity, many Parsis are rightly concerned Women are burnt alive for not bringing money together and build a dokhma for about our community ’s future. enough dowry and many small girls have themselves rather than leech on to the been killed after birth just because girls community ’s property even after their ferent solutions. But, instead of discuss- are not wanted. The girls in our commu- death? ing alternatives in a mature, civilized nity enjoy the maximum freedom. In fact. The need of the hour is not conversion way, -some of us have become rigid and after staying for so long amongst non-Par- sis, I am really thankful to God for having whose word would be law and who can given me birth in such a broad-minded community. The third point of controversy is that by our Prophet. the Gathas do not contain any provision Patiaia Knowing that it is much easier to as far as intermarriages are concerned. , ... break than to build, we must resist the Everybody seems to be giving their own Righting OUF priorities temptation to break down centuries-old opinion as to what the Gathas actually It is said that the only constant thing in the traditions without understanding them, contain. I ask such people what they world is change. 'Therefore, we should After all, it is tradition and ritual that have actually gathered from them. Have neither be afraid of changes outside our help to keep religions* interesting and ¦ ¦ ... - alive. Just as we go to a doctor for medi ­ cal advice, so also we must go to our “learned ” dasturs and scholars for reli- by the BPP to reserve a special tower of dren, cosmopolitan living, increased silence for Parsi women married to non ­ Parsis. Why can ’t such people pool in This concern leads us to propose dif- death? The need of the hour is not conversion but a strong and all-powerful head priest self-righteous. Reversing this trend is almost as important for our survival, as making the right decisions. We must carry the unity we show in our concerns, into discussions of solutions. act as the torchbearer and lead the mis ­ guided community to the true path shown Ms SANAEA ANTIA Patiala they, even once in their lifetime, recited control, nor should we try to force the Gathas, leave alone understanding changes before their time. As an individ- their deeper meaning? The Gathas are ual or as a community, we should be alert highly complicated and spiritual hymns to all changes, weigh their effects, and gious advice. Being an engineer, lawyer, ' '" i accountant, priest who has not studied and minimize harmful effects. our scriptures, whether living in Europe With gloomy statistics of declining or US, does not qualify us to make reli- numbers, breakdown of social customs, gious decisions on our own. and even learned scholars are not fully react, if necessary, to maximize benefits capable of understanding them, not to speak of our “self-styled highly learned Parsis. ” OLD FOUNTAIN PENS Wanted by Collector. Will pay top prices. ALSO WANTED Old Photographs Old Toys Old Wrist-watches Old Postcards Old Cigarette cards Old Scent bottles Please write with details to: The Advertiser GPO Box No 402, Bombay 400001 9 Parsiana July 1991our community and light the fire of faith in our hearts, about our noble religion? MANliCK N. nilUJWALA Past-Prcsideni, Zanhosli Anjuman of Northern California tution representative in India before de ­ parture. This also happens to be the total amount of his special Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permit. Three weeks into the course the president of the college de ­ clared bankruptcy leaving this young stu ­ dent among 18 foreign students “hanging Satisfactory fulfilment depends out to dry ” in this foreign country. This It ’s a drcam many entertain and a few ful ­ fil. largely upon preparation, groundwork student applies to ZAC and is likely to and sound fiscal management. Yet some generate community sympathy and assis- studenls venture into the unknown hastily tance. The common denominator in these instances is the paucity of adequate groundwork, or shall I call it a burning desire to go abroad “by hook or by crook! ” Whereas student A is aware of the duration of study and need for addi ­ tional funding he is laboring under a de ­ lusion that “someway ” “somehow ” the rich Zoroastrians in USA must support Al the same lime, we need not ignore changes which affect us. Healthy discus ­ sions covering all aspects of our prob ­ lems, and a careful analysis of the pros and cons of possible solutions, w'ith in ­ puts from all segments of our community, ELduCHtion SbrOSd is the only rational approach. Discrimination against women must not be tolerated. But it can be corrected without sacrificing traditions, by remov ­ ing special privileges for men. If there is a leak in a pipe, it makes more sense to and ill prepared. Each year the Zoroas- close the original hole, instead of creating trian Association of Metropolitan Chi- anoihcr hole. Correcting and combining cago (ZAC) receives applications for fl ­ our calendars is another reform, which can be achieved with some goodwill on all sides. Other proposals need much more thinking and discussion. Will acceptance of non-Parsi spouses and converts increase intermarriages? Will conversions create a backlash from other communities, that could hurt more than it helps? Will new converts create further breakdown of traditions? When other minorities — Hawaiians, American natives, Fijians, etc., are regretting loss of racial identities, and trying to discour ­ age intermarriages, shouldn ’t we worry about losing our Parsi identity too? On May 31, 1991 I was invited to a party, and knowing that it was also Zarlhost-no-diso, I suggested reciting prayers in prophet. We all prayed the Atash. Nyaish full tuition, board and lodging expense to followed by its translation, and a ‘ Gujarati poem in praise of Zarathushtra. Parsi groups celebrate Christmas, but sadly, forget the birth of Zaraihushtra on Khordad Sal, and his death anniversary on Zarlhost-no-diso. Most Parsis have a very poor knowledge about our religion, and few regularly recite the basic kusli prayer. Do we have our priorities right? Be ­ fore we march forward with decisions to change our prayers and rituals, and con ­ vert others, should we not first educalc memory of our beloved nancial aid from six to 10 Zoroastrian stu ­ dents (and that number is growing). Some, indeed, may be caught in a genu ­ inely ill-fated situation needing amelio ­ ration. But in large part this is due to in ­ adequate budgeting and planning or to an ill-conceived notion that the community his education. He needs to be reminded in the US is thriving and will provide sup ­ port. Let me quote two live examples in illustration. Student A arrived in USA for a four- year undergraduate course with funding not exist then and does not exist now. enough for the first year only, and the ad- Our student B failed to check the validity dress of the ZAC to request for additional funding. He staled that he was advised at the Parsi Punchayet of Bombay that this is all he needed by way of funds; the Zoroasirian community in USA will take care of additional funding. He now wants that most Zoroastrians came to USA as students and paved their own way “win ­ dow washing ” and “dishwashing ” without the rich community support, which did of the institution and its educational value, falling prey to an uncouth busi ­ nessman, the likes of whom exist in any free enterprise society like the USA. Here are some golden rules for aspir­ ing students: • Plan ahead: A year or more before the intended date of starting at a US college. the lune of S 20,000 to $ 30,000 from the US Zoroasirian community. He does • Study all available data on all colleges promise to pay tliis back as soon as pos ­ sible after he starts earning! He does not want to earn his owm way through by material available on institutions in USA working during the summer, but rather to study and finish his education in two to two and a half years instead of the usual and all relevant information from at least four. Student B arrived in USA for a course in aviation engineering at an unknown, small (call it ‘fly-by-night ’) institution paying the full fee of S 17,500 to the insli- and universities and pick out die 10 best suited. There are volumes of catalogued and these are updated annually. • Obtain registration material, brochures 10 Parsiana July 1991 The 10 institutions and having . studied them thoroughly and asked further questions as appropriate, apply to at least five best suited to your individual needs. • Upon receiving admission material study it and wait for responses from as many as possible before committing to the one of your choice. • At this time develop a budget for ex ­ penses quoted for the full period of study — two, three, four years or whatever add­ ing an in nation factor of at least five per ­ cent each year and be prepared with funds equivalent to that amount at least, preferably 10 percent more, in the event of a misfortune. If you do not need these funds, so much the belter — but you should not run dry. • Do not count upon the Zoroastrian com­ munity in USA to support any of yourfor further treatment and rehabilitation. However, the estimated expenses for six tion of the collar-bone and loss of sensory months ’ treatment at the International Spinal Injuries and Rehabilitation Centre in the UK would come up to £ 47,000 which would work out to approximately Rs 18 lakh. Due to ill health and poor eyesight my husband took premature retirement in the year 1987. Since then he has been hospi ­ talized twice. At present, I am working with Bayer (India) Limited, Ahmedabad, with eight more years of service left. My son is only 24, confined to bed since the last 15 months. Treatment at the Centre aids paraplegic patients to live and accept life and become independent. They learn to look after themselves, take care of their own bladder and bowel movements and maintain a desk job. It is essential not only to have a source of income but to also ensure that the pa ­ tient enjoys and has a sense of freedom, looks forward to the next day, that he does not lie in bed and depend upon oth ­ ers throughout his life but can move out. Monetary aid or assistance in any form - sent to us c/o Ms K. Z. Engineer, P-2 Dalal Estate, Bombay 400008 — shall be Ms KATY M. SHROFF financial needs, unless you have friends dent on January 27, 1990. The nature of or relatives who have expressly agreed injuries suffered by him include disloca ­ te provide this support out of their own personal resources. The community and motor power below the waist result- here is young and growing. We maintain good upper-middle-class living through industry and economy, but we are not able to support students who come here financially ill-prepared. We do not have educational grants, endowments or scholarships as in India. We have our own agenda - our family and relatives, our senior years, our children and grand ­ children, our “emergencies ” and a little “luxury ” for ourselves. When the com ­ munity matures and is able to develop en ­ dowments for education, we may even be willing to request students to come over and be supported; but not at this time. A good amount of print material is available to intending foreign students to help them in preparation for this venture. Time spent in study and implementing ing in loss of bladder and bowel control, this will be time well rewarded. His employers, M/s Airfreight Lim ­ ited, have borne Rs 2,00,(XX) towards his medical treatment including a major op ­ eration and physiotherapy and have also agreed to bear 50 percent of the expenses from March ’91 to September ’91. He has now been advised to go abroad much appreciated. Dr (Ms) MEllROO M. PATEL Community Affairs Coordinator, ZAC Chicago, USA Plea for aid My son, Burzin Shroff, met with an acci- • Rotary Screw Air Compressors Process Gas Compressors W 9 1 Crawiairs and Blasthole Drills I’ 'I r bl Portable Compressors Water Well Drills IMfiEHSOLLflAMO ifii ? Air and Gas Compressors • Construction & Mining Equipment ? INGERSOLL-RAND Ingersoll-Rand (India) Ltd., Maybaker House, S.K. Ahire Marg, Bombay 400 025 V........... 12 Parsiana July 1991 IR.191.88Mankind The sight was sickening and disgusting. Yet heartrending. Death had beckoned the now lifeless form That lay sprawled on the ground. As the crowds gathered Opinions were showered While judgement was pending. “Who is it? ’’ I queried. . “I think it ’s Liberty, ” a voice replied. “No, it ’s Honesty, ” came a hushed whisper. “It could be Love, ” replied yet another. “You are all fools ” A voice booms. Making all heads turn around Raising heels above the ground. It booms over again with a fiercer sound. “Are you all so helplessly blind. That you fail to see it ’s Mankind! ” As silence lingered, heads were hung. By the bitter truth each one was stung. Came a question to every mind, “How can we call ourselves alive? ” Ms YASMIN SETIINA On the hill near Ganesha, by the sea, is our dokhma. The lower of silence and the pects. I missed the glowing atash pad ­ shah. The agiary, a period piece, was part of history. This part of Rajkot is the only agiary are under the protection of the Ar- remaining one of the old area and where chaeological Survey of India (ASI); the Parsis lived. Then on to Diu where otherwise all the stones from the “well ” would have vanished from this 400-year- the Parsis lived. Then on to Diu where we, the original boat people, landed first from Iran. There arc no Parsis now. Only old dokhma. The keeper encouraged me a name and only one name lingers, Ardc- shair. The palatial house in the bazar, now convert^ into the Mozambique Hotel, was Ardeshair ’s residence and the whole area with narrow streets and houses like Udwada was known as Parsi Vada. Our agiary, a remarkable old structure with wooden beams, a well, steps leading to past year, myself included, the terrace, a few trees, is now an old peoples ’ home run by the nuns. One feels touched. On the water front is a statue of a gen ­ tleman in Kathiawadi dress, holding a book and an umbrella — it has to be Parsi! Visited Nagoa beach, a paradise, on to come into the “well ” and admire the jali work in stone, all around the inner circle for drainage. All in black stones it was, purposeful and a work of art, almost. Some stones were already missing before the ASI took over. He informed me that quite a few foreigners come to visit this site, but there were only two Parsis in the Touring Gujarat’s hump My queries about Parsis in Rajkot led the proprietor of the tea-stall outside the rail ­ way station to narrate about them, spe ­ cially about one highly ethical doctor. Then he directed a rickshaw to take me to our agiary and dharamshala run by a jo ­ vial lady and her husband Nariman. It was a pleasure to meet and talk with our boys. Below: The pavis and channels of the working and taking temporary shelter Diu dokhma as maintained by the ASI here. Unlocking the agiary, I paid my res- On to the northernmost tip of the hump — Bet Dwarka, an island created for Lord Krishna. Inside the temple a Brahmin talked about a Khambata who had re ­ pelled the Pakistanis in the last war. At Porbandar, the birth-place of Ma ­ hatma Gandhi. Again, only one name of a real living Parsi was mentioned — Porus the island and met a man vending bread to Wadia — a powerful man, with holdings the foreign tourists staying in huts! He in gas, cement, etc, well-known in soci- also started with Ardeshair, who owned cty. all the agricultural land around. It had been sublet, and the tillers took over by law later on. The hotels on the beach were his, naturally! And someone talked about his son Jiru who was said to have left to march to some distant theater of war. In Porbandar there is a museum of the Right: The entrance and well of the Diu Agiary Photos: Rashid Irani 9* * « « « '3 ¦« r religious leaders and saints of India. Zoroaster ’s statue is there with his mes ­ sage. Interestingly the poet Sheikh Saadi of Persia is also represented, so “madar vatan, ” Iran, bags two. rasiiid irani Edited by Amavaz S. Mama 15 Parsiana July 1991I Events and Personalities Change in circulation Three years after the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) conceived a bimonthly both with a view to disseminating infor- newsletter for the community, the publi ­ cation made its appearance in May ’91. Eighteen thousand copies of the six-page process(es). ” printed newsletter. The Bombay Parsi Punchayet Bi-Monthly were distributed of view, Anklesaria notes in his editorial, free of cost to all the voters registered on the Anjuman Committee, residents in Parsi housing colonies, anjuman offices disseminate information and to do away throughout India, Parsi libraries and oth- with misconceptions; it will try its best ers, making it the widest circulating however not to enter into any polemics community publication. Edited by Rustom K. Anklesaria, chief executive of the BPP, the Bi- reaching out to the larger community Monthly is intended to replace the earlier with the intention to communicate more Quarterly Review of nearly 30 pages extensively and more effectively, and we les... Communities in which dissension reporting on routine matters concerning hope and trust that it will be an instru- different institutions run by the Pun ­ chayet. The front page message from BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla states, “Because of its (Quarterly's) restricted Punchayet, an institution by itself, man ­ circulation (1,200) and partly also be- aging 11 establishments, conducting 23 the avenues of some of the vital concerns cause of the prosaic nature of its con- activities and offering other services, of the day to our community. ” It has also tents ” the trustees sought to introduce a new medium to communicate on “mat- ters considered important and/or interest- of housing maintenance as its rent re- ing to the community. This would be ceipts fall short of the expenses incurred, ¦ other difficulties it faces, the operation of its merit-rating scheme and even a wam- comment-provoking ing to beware of swindlers! “The story of (the) Parsi Punchayet While reiterating the chairman ’s point having some millions and billions of rupees and the trustees not knowing how to use them, is itself a million-dollar mation and at times even initiating and stimulating “We would like to assure our readers of one thing; it is that the bulletin will try to myth, ” states the newsletter which plans to go into this subject at a later date. An interesting quote from Dr N. A. F. Moos that is reproduced in the newsletter or controversies. The Bi-Monthly hopes reads, “There is not a single major issue to be an experiment and attempt in in which our community has acted as one man or spoken with one voice... This can ­ ker in us is the root cause of all our troub- has revealed, have been swallowed up...al together... ” The newsletter is committed to its ment to bring us all closer. ” In its inaugural issue is conveyed the background of the 300-year-old “venture of fact-finding of what is hap ­ pening at the Punchayet and to explore (Left) At the inauguration of the Holiday Programme for Youth (from left) Ervad Ramyar Karanjia, Marfatia, Udwadia, Eruch Desai, Veera Udwadia, Rustom Anklesaria and Sheroo Master (Right) At the valedictory function (from left) Homi Taleyarkhan, Jamshed Guzder, Aban Petit, Palkhivala, Dr Aspi Golwalla, Homa Petit activities and offering other services. “We shall go into the working of some invited “constructive suggestions with a of these activities and projects in greater detail from time to time in our future issues, ” promised the editor. meantime, let us start with the bugbear of lication not interesting enough, please the community first, viz housing. next two and a half pages devoted to this subject present in a very readable and succinct style the work undertaken by the Making leaders of youth Punchayet over the years to make them “Don ’t ever be content with the' work the custodians of nearly 4,460 flats, its you ’ve done, but think that you have a annual deficit of Rs 16 lakhs on account lot more to achieve in life, ” was the view to improve its contents and perform ­ ance. ” And, a final request from the edi- “In the tor: “Even if you happen to find this pub- J5 The pass it (on) to your next-door neighbor or a friend. ” Pannaz Gandhi t > 17 Parsiana July 1991’***«^^ I Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Hall: architectural landmark does not make them accessible by setting up museums and galleries... A place like the C. J. Hall could be precisely the means to spread visual culture in a city sorely in need of it, ” it was stressed in The Times o//ndzfl of February 13, 1991. Several other city artists also supported Sabavala ’s stand Even the descendant of the founder, Hirji Jehangir, objected to the modified plans stating, “The proposed change of user would be without my consent. The Government of India, I am sure, will se- Palkhivala in his valedictory "address at hoping to make them the future decision- riously consider the consequences of such unauthorized deviation from the original plan and the state government would see that this architectural land­ mark of the city is utilized exclusively _ _ _ _ . for the purpose for which it has been Punchayet (BPP) for Parsi students who closed gates of the Sir Cowasjee Jehangir leased to the central government. ” had appeared for their school leaving Hall (C. J. Hall) ever since they had examination. Gaining in popularity each heard that it was supposed to be con- R it' .2 XJ ,5r«es^ message impressed by noted jurist Nani leadership training camp in Khandala, the Fifth Holiday Programme for Youth makers of the community, the organizers (HPY). The four-week long intensive program from April 6, 1991 through May 1 was Hdll, mUSCUTtl Or thester? organized by the Bombay Parsi Bombayites were used to seeing the informed. There are yet others like Jal Vakil, additional chief metropolitan magistrate, successive year, a record number of 136 verted into a museum of contemporary who question the Hall being put to use participants had registered for the Pro- art. But an announcement early this year for any purpose other than that intended gramme this year, according to coordina- that an auditorium was being considered by the founder. Stated Vakil: “It was tor Ms Diana Marfatia. In addition to on the ground floor in place of the sculp- meant for public meetings, concerts and adolescents from Bombay who registered ture and print galleries, slide projection other cultural activities of performing for this Programme, there were also rep- auditorium and cafeteria as originally artists and not for a museum of modem resentatives from Baroda, Panchgani, envisaged, disturbed the community of art. The Prince of Wales Museum for Bharuch, Gholvad and Khandala. artists in Bombay, reads a write-up in this purpose is just opposite. ” “Youth is one of the best phases in The Times of India of February 9,1991. The Ministry of Human Resources life which is hardly ever to be duplicated Artist Jehangir Sabavala had com- Development subsequently gave an as- in later (years)... so aim high, work hard, plained in the Press, “It is tragic that af- surance that it would pursue its earlier dissipate (your) energy not in disco danc ­ ing but in sports; it helps build character, ” stressed Dr Farokh E. chief guest at the inaugural function. ened public of artists and laymen will The sessions for the youths during the consider extraneous and almost frivo- art. But an announcement early this year for any purpose other than that intended that an auditorium was being considered by the founder. Stated Vakil: “It was on the ground floor in place of the sculp- artists in Bombay, reads a write-up in The Times of India of February 9,1991. Artist Jehangir Sabavala had com ­ plained in the Press, “It is tragic that af ­ ter so much delay... yet another spanner plan to convert the C. J. Hall into a mu- seems to have been thrown in the wheel, seum of contemporary art, it was re- Udwadia, and for an idea that Bombay ’s enlight- ported. ^^Bachcha doctor” is 75 following days encompassed subjects like lous. Yet one more theater! ” Another “The father of pediatrics in Madhya vocational guidance, leadership training, objection put forth was that “visual arts Pradesh, ” Dr Jamshed Nariman Poho- effective communication, personality de ­ velopment, religious knowledge and self awareness. Successful professionals from various fields were invited to share their experi- T ences with the youths. Workshops were I held in public speaking, parent-child re- I lationships and creativity, and project | work assigned to all to give them-a sense | of participation. Outdoor trips to the i Prince of Wales Museum, the Piramal I Sports Complex, the David Sassoon Hos- I pital. The Bombay Samachar press, the I mint and a braille press gave the young- I sters practical exposure to the different I institutions. I A group of about 25-30 select partici- I pants who showed leadership potential over the month were put through the remain elitist precisely because the state - cn , walla was accorded a special felicitation by the Indian Academy of Pae ­ diatrics , (lAP), Madhya Pradesh (MP) state branch, which organized its annual confer­ ence to coincide with its founder Pohowalla ’s 75th birthday. “Bachcha doc­ tor ” is how his Pohowalla being presented the felicitation address Photo: Dr P. K. Jain 18 Parsiana July 1991 I i 1I . Winners of competitions organized by Rustom Baug: (Top) Kolah (left) and Jennifer Mistry (Below, from left) Zubin Shroff, Zelda Mistry and Doongriwalla colleague Dr B. B. Ohri likes to refer to Pohowalla “for his gentle and childlike face and (for being) a most suitable doc ­ tor for bachchas (children). He (is) gentle in every respect but extremely fierce in getting things done for further ­ ing the cause of children ’s health, ” writes Ohri in the souvenir released at the 24th annual conference of the lAP, MP state branch wherein several of Pohowalla ’s colleagues have reminisced of his interac ­ tion with the patients and others in the medical fraternity. He is currently advisor in child health to the Government of Madhya Pradesh and is appointed professor emeritus at the M.G.M. Medical College in Indore where he was instrumental in establish ­ ing the pediatric department. He has con ­ tributed to the establishment of the Chacha Nehru Children ’s Hospital and tion competition which is considered the Baji Mistry and Malcom R. Kohla were Research Center with which he has been actively involved since 1980, notes his Daroowala, vice president of the Asso- bio data. His association with the World Health Organization (WHO) was in the early ’70s when he was deputed visiting Zubin Shroff ’s work was adjudged the baby in the birth to six months group, professor in Burma, Indonesia and Bang- best painting of the day, a press release ladesh, the bio data informs. notes. The Indore Parsi Zoroastrian Of the 51 participants at the elocution Anjuman of which he is the past president contest, Ms Zelda Mistry of Auxilium group, also felicitated Pohowalla on the Convent High School was adjudged the occasion of his 75th birthday for the services rendered by him to the commu ­ nity. The Navsari-bom pediatrician studied iors. In the extempore speakers contest and Maharashtra ordained as navars at Bombay ’s Grant Medical College and Doongriwalla once again stood first in and martabs in 1989-90 were present- was tutor in physiology at the Old King the seniors category and J. B. Vachha ’s ed silver medallions and additionally Edward Medical School. His interest in Ms Tinaz Bamji in the juniors. Alto- three prizes were instituted to recognize pediatrics was rewarded with a post- gether 11 prizes in the elocution compe- youths who had imbibed religious edu- graduate scholarship offered by the Gov- tition were won by the students of the cation. While prizes in the academic field emment of India to pursue pediatric stud- J. B. Vachha High School. were restricted to residents of Rustom ies in the UK. He is also a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the Na- Girton High School team of Ms Benaifer open to all Zoroastrian students. Some tional Academy of Medicine. He has Deboo, Ms Rukshana Fitter and Ms outstanding rovers and scouts were also contributed to over 100 medical publica ­ tions, further notes his bio data. Zoroastrian most prestigious, ” informs Ms Kumi adjudged the most healthy babies while the most charming baby title went to Ms ciation. Nazneen Cyrus Khambatta. Ms Taronish In the art and painting competition Kaizad Inspector was declared the bonny while Mistry and Kohla were the res ­ pective winners in the six months to one year age-group and one to three years The Rustom Bagh Association also best speaker of the day in the juniors believes in giving prizes for religious category and Ms Veera Doongriwalla of and academic distinction, the release fur- the J. B. Vachha High School in the sen- ther notes. Forty boys from Gujarat J. B. Vachha High School. In the interschool quiz contest the Baug, prizes in the technical line were Vahbiz Bhogal stood first in the stand- recognized. ard five to seven group. Activity High School ’s team of Ms Khushnaz QPQTI |GHT Ghadiali, Nekzad Shroff and Ms Pervin Fun time in Rustom Baug With a view to recognizing brains, Enty were the winners in the standard Representing Maharashtra, Cawas Billi- beauty and creativity in youngsters from seven to 10 group. In the third group moria won his eighth consecutive na- birth to 16 years of age. The Rustom of HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) tional judo title at the championship Bagh Association organizes competitions students, H. R. College ’s Anosh Irani, match held in Hisar, Haryana in March through the year. Among the different and Christ Church ’s Karl Vazifdar and last. He won a gold in the open-weight competitions held in the last quarter of Hector Mehta were rated the best, the category, notes a family source. 1990, the most popular was “the art and release informs. _________________________________ _ painting competition, but it is the elocu- At the bonny baby contest Ms Jennifer Compiled by Roxana h. Kaka 21 Parsiana July 1991AWARDS COVER STORY The WZO Roll of Arnavaz S. Mama To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the founding of the World Zoroastrian Organisation, 35 achievers were honored for excellence in their fields of endeavor Zoroastrian achievers — that legendary early to take their place before the arrival for greater awareness of^lhe Zoroastrian species beloved of Indian public speakers of the Governor. The police band in at- " . ............................... " ’' ' ’ — have been recognized by the commu- tendance struck up the national anthem nity with a spate of awards in the past as the dignitary ascended the dais, few months. Hard on the heels of the second awards distribution by the Fed- India in New Delhi in September 1990, work in the Indian context in conjunction amelioration: “We have seen the condi- when 19 Zoroastrians received due pub- with the Federation, the Bombay Parsi tions of our coreligionists with our own lie appreciation, the London-based Punchayet (BPP) and the Surat Parsi eyes. We (must) do what we can to put World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) Punchayet (SPP). He underscored the these Zoroastrian farmers back on their honored 16 men and women on March 2, growing poverty in the community — “It feet. Captain hoped to achieve this goal 1991, to be followed three weeks later by is not sufficiently known that 35 percent within adcca^e. WZO India ’s recognition of 19 outstand- ‘ ................. ’ '* ing students and sports persons. The dif ­ ference however between the three sets of awards is that the Federation awards have been created as a permanent fea ­ ture, while the WZO awards marked the occasion of the Organisation ’s 10th anni ­ versary. “Society i.s not judged by the wealth it possesses as by the status of its women, ” Maharashtra Governor C. Subramaniam commented approvingly at the sight of the “distinguished ladies of the community ” — five of them award winners — as he welcomed WZO mem ­ bers and guests to the glittering splendor \ of the Darbar Hall at Bombay ’s Raj Bha- ¦ van on March 2. The lush gubernatorial ¦ garden vied with the guests in color — m restricted to “the first 270 to accept ” the 8 WZO invitation as per the stipulation of I Raj Bhavan security — as they drove in 8 faith and underlined the Parsis ’ historical sense of integration as “Indians first and last. ” The WZO’s London president Shahpur In the course of his welcome address _ _________ _ _________ ______ chairman of WZO India Homi Taleyar- Captain buttressed Taleyarkhan ’s state- eralion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of khan touched upon the WZO’s social ment on the rural ^roastrians ’ need for tions of our coreligionists with our own growing poverty in the community — “It feet. ” Captain hoped to achieve this goal of the community live below the poverty The WZO has procured four lakh line ” — and referred to the depleting rupees which it is distributing to the population owing to migration and late farmers of Gujarat in the form of wells, marriage because of lack of housing, pumps, water lines, animals, etc. Bank Taleyarkhan also touched upon the need loans have been organized for poor fami- of the community live below the poverty 1 L,’ Clockwise from top left: Governor Subramaniam presenting the awards to Nellie Sethna (llomi Sethna andBachi Tamboli looking on), Bengalee, Dotivala and Antia 22 Parsiana July 1991 1Honor I I 'r .... ’ I I w Top row: Porch of the Darbar Hall at Raj Bhavan ond the Police Band on the lawn Second row: The awardees at Raj Bhavan (left) and at Allbless Baug Third row: The Governor with Dastur (left) and Daruwala and (in fourth row) withLentin (left) and Captain. Khurshid Mistry and Taleyarkhan looking on Raj Bhavan photos: Rustom Havewalla, Homz Prints Allbless Baug photos: Minoo Bhagalia, Homz Prints lies if they are so identified by the talatis (local government officials), the WZO’s India president Dadi Engineer enume ­ rated the nitty-gritty of the operation. Engineer was at pains to share the limelight with others — notably social worker Ms Silloo Kavarana whom he de ­ scribed as “the Florence Nightingale of the Parsi community, ” Dadi Mistry, the “pioneer in bringing the WZO here to India, ” and Noshir Dadrawala, editor ofHamazor, die WZO newsletter, before concluding with William Wordsworth, “small service is true service while it lasts... even as the daisy protects the dewdrop from the heat of the sun... ” Congratulating the award winners Subramaniam noted with a smile, “I per ­ sonally feel that there is one person who has missed the award today but who re ­ ally deserves an award and that is none other than my friend, the indefatigable and most enterprising Shri Homi Taleyarkhan who has held many high of ­ fices with great distinction and served the community and the nation in many ways. He is the moving spirit behind this award function and he has paid a price for organ ­ izing it because he cannot give an award to himself! Remarking on the quest for excellence that has driven the community to produce “giants of immortality, ” the Governor ac ­ knowledged, “They have proved that it is not the number that matters but the qual ­ ity. Today, unfortunately, in our quest for expanding rapidly, we sometimes tend to forget the need for promoting excellence One to the late philanthropist Shapoorji First row: Award winners at the Raj Jokhi of Hong Kong who built the 500- Bhavan (from left) Irani, Bharucha, flat Avan Baug in Navsari and promised Pardivala and Motiwalla and the result is, very often, mediocrity. ” Subramaniam traced the long line of Parsi pioneers in virtually every field of Rs 1.5 crores to the B. D. Petit Parsee Second row: (from left) Awardee endeavor from politics to social work to General Hospital before he died. The Balsara with Jamshed Guzder and Dadi journalism and the arts. Subramaniam other to the late Dastur Navrooz Mino- Mistry at the Taj dinner quoted the words of Sir Homi Modi, “Our chehr-Homji: “A symbol of humility, (Right) Dadrawala being presented to place in the India of tomorrow should be knowledge and noble virtues... Dasturji ’s the Governor secured on the grounds of merit and tal ­ ent... Instead of claiming all sorts of con ­ cessions as a minority, we should com ­ pletely identify ourselves with Indians, and make ourselves indispensable to the country, ” and added, “I feel that this is the of the WZO, was cited for her contribu- sanest advice that one could give to any tion towards the welfare of the commu- minority community in India. ” Surprised nity globally; Kaikhosrov Irani, professor being approaching him with a problem. ” to learn from Taleyarkhan ’s speech that of philosophy at City College, New York, Educationist Dr (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee, more than 30 percent of the Parsis live below the poverty line, Subramaniam hoped that “not only the poor of the Par ­ si comunity but all poor Indians can cro ­ ss the poverty line by the next century. ’’ The award to textile designer Ms Nel ­ lie Sethna, credited with the revival of the Bombay, unleashed an ovation that dying art of Kalamkari textile printing in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, con- • lained human interest and drama. Rolled Jerry Kumana to read out the formal cita ­ to the foot of the dais on her wheelchair — Nellie has struggled for 20 years with multiple sclerosis — by her husband just creating awareness. The Bombay World Bank, the Asian Development Homi Sethna, the noted documentary pro- Samachar has been an instrument of so- Bank, the United Nations Industrial De- duccr, Subramaniam graciously de- cial change, ” read the citation to the velopment Organisation (UNIDO), the scended from the podium to present the award to Jehan Daruwala, editor of the United Nations Conference on Trade and award to a thundering response from the 170-year-old Gujarati daily. Honored for Development (UNCTAD) and other de ­ audience. Two of the awards were posthumous. mission in life was to spread the light of Zoroastrianism far and wide, ” noted the thropy ” was perfumer Dadi Balsara of citation. Two awards were accepted in absentia. Dr (Ms) Shirinbanoo Kutar, chairperson upon as a father figure by the entire Parsi community in Dubai ” that he has “never been known to turn away any human Singapore. It was said of businessman Cavas Motivala of Dubai who is “looked for “being instrumental in spreading the vice chancellor of Bombay University true message of Zarathushtra. ” The announcement of the award to Justice Bakhta war Lentin whose name claimed as very useful and practical by has become a byword for social con- experts in psychology, counselling and science and unshakeable integrity in guidance all over India. ” Plastic sur ­ geon Dr Noshir Antia ’s contribution to the eradication of leprosy and rehabilita­ tion of those afflicted was acknowledged, as was noted steel technologist Minu tion. Dastur ’s signal position as a steel plant “Be it social reforms, fund raising or engineering consultant recognized by the seemed to refuse to subside, making it difficult for mistress of ceremonies Ms 24 Parsiana July 1991 “has written and published about 12 books in her field...which have been ac- his “outstanding and international contri- velopmental agencies, bution in the field of industry and philan- Veteran sports educationist Jal Pardi-ik IteWwW ’ 7i’ ¦¦"J- mated to run into more than 80 lakh rupees. In this youthful assembly, however, Golwalla chose to emphasize other issues as he appealed to the youth to marry within the community and to return to India after studying abroad “because 80 percent don ’t return and 50 percent of them marry outside the community. ” Golwalla also acknowledged an 80 l^h rupee donation from a Toronto Parsi. The money was meant for the construction of Left: Dastur Meherjirana, Taleyarkhan, Golwalla, Engineer, Tamboli and Zal Contractor with president of the WIO Youth Wing Dr Burzin Khan presenting a vote of thanks at Allbless Baug Below: Section of the audience at Raj Bhavan vala and renowned equestrian Jimmy Bharucha who “trains dogs and horses, both as a hobby and as a profession ” were honored. So too was social worker and founder of the Youth Hostel Associa ­ tion of India Ms Perviz Dotivala and the young archeologist Ms Roxana Irani working on the reconstruction of early Parsi history in India through an archeol ­ ogical perspective. Ms Thrity Taleyarkhan presented Subramaniam with a memento of the oc ­ casion while Dinshaw Tamboli, vice chairman of the executive committee in India and the moving force behind the WZO’s rural amelioration campaign, voiced the thanks of the Organisation to the Governor for not only agreeing to pre ­ side over the occasion but “for suggesting that we hold it here (at Raj Bhavan) ” and his secretary Joseph John who helped delegates to attend at Allbless Baug. with the arrangements. Golwalla was at pains to explain the After the Governor ’s departure the ambivalent relationship between the Fed- gathering shifted to the lush lawns where snacks had been laid out. The same night Dadi Balsara and his wife Christina ' hosted a Parsi dinner at the Taj Mahal WZO constitution and have declined to Hotel for the awardees and other guests. Three weeks later the venue shifted to Allbless Baug as president of the Fedcra- ‘ . tion apd chairman of the BPP Dr Aspi vides one vote per member, whether it be Golwalla presented awards on behalf of an individual or an anjuman/association). the WZO to students and sportspersons. The evening, organized by WZO India ’s Youth Wing, had coincided with a meet ­ ing of the executive council of the Federa ­ tion in Bombay that weekend. In defer ­ ence to the WZO request, forcefully con ­ veyed by Taleyarkhan and Engineer to Golwalla, the Federation ’s dinner at the help ameliorate the conditions of Zoroas- Ripon Club was cancelled to enable its trian farmers in Gujarat, a project csti- one building at Godrej Baug. According to Golwalla, the donor had made only two requests — a flat for his sister and free ­ dom from publicity. In his welcome address Taleyarkhan oration and the BPP on the one hand and the WZO on the other; the Federation/ BPP have been sharply critical of the had stressed “the need for integration among ourselves... It is important that join the body unless the rules are suitably Parsis, irrespective of whatever organiza- amended to provide due weightage to anjumans (the WZO constitution pro- tion they work for, should work together in harmony. ” Engineer recapped WZO’s work with special emphasis on the rural welfare project. Among other areas of Said Golwalla, “The BPP is not a member activity Engineer referred to Ervad Ra- of the WZO. We don ’t agree with their constitution. good work. Therefore the BPP and the Federation have agreed to help. ” Golwalla was, of course, referring to the combined effort of the three bodies to myar Karanjia and Ervad Rooyintan But (the WZO) is doing Peer ’s commitment to undertake the edu ­ cation of mobeds, the planned survey of the aged in the community and their needs under the guidance of Ms Silloo Kavar- ana, and exhorted the youth of his organi ­ zation and others among the audience in continued on page 27 25 Parsiana July T991ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD “Identity in the mainstream” To UK based Zoroastrian Zerbanoo Gifford politics is a means of fighting the evils of ignorance, poverty, inequality Arnavaz S. Mama Referring to Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta and the other worthies of a by- tions ‘Year of Peace, ’ a member of the gone era, Zerbanoo said, “Those people interfaith campaign to promote centers of didn ’t get on by fighting about who should come into a hall or shouldn ’t... If somebody comes to my Center and wants to sit in the front row, you give them the best seats! ” Zerbanoo ’s comment related to the controversial new rule enacted by the orthodox lobby in the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe preventing non- Zoroastrian spouses from attending cer ­ tain religious ceremonies. In the Liberal Party newspaper Gifford had written about her “religion and why we go into politics to fight evil in terms of ignorance, greed, poverty, the status of women. ” The lady adds forthrightly, “You decide for yourself what ’s right and what ’s wrong... If you ’re confident doing things you don ’t have time to waste arguing. I am so busy (practising) good thoughts, good words, good deeds... If (others) practice bad thoughts, they ’re building their karma, ” she shrugs. “In the past Parsis were involved in mainstream char ­ ity. What isn ’t Parsi in Bombay? (Now) everything is derelict, unclean... ” Zerba ­ noo was obviously affected by the state of worship for non-Christians in the UK and affairs she found here during her brief a member of ADiTi, the charity which “People like to think of themselves as ex- for Shelter, a founder trustee of the Urban elusive. It gives them an identity. I prefer Trust, a British patron of the United Na- identity in the mainstream. ” Ms Zerbanoo Gifford, advisor to Prince Charles ’ Youth Business Trust and personal advisor on community af ­ fairs to Paddy Ashdown, leader of Brit ­ ain ’s Liberal Democrats, was comment ­ ing on the way some Zoroastrians behave in.India and the UK. “Let people know what Zoroastrianism is in simple terms... Last week Dad and I (were in the) color supplement of The Sunday Times (of London). It had an impact. People don ’t really know who we Zoroastrians are. ’ ‘Dad ’ is Bailey Irani, the founder president of the London based World Zoroastrian Organisation and Zerbanoo is the energetic author of the recently published The Golden Thread, a book codifying the achievements of women of Asian origin. The first edition is said to be fully sold and the royalty on the book is committed to Warwick University ’s Center for Research into Asian Migration which she cochairs, notes an article in In­ diamail of August 15, 1990. The Cen ­ ter ’s function is to record the unrecog ­ nized contribution of Asians to their adopted homelands. Zerbanoo ’s aim in life is to emulate her hero Dadabhoy a member of ADiTi, the charity which visit in early March this year. “As coun- . Naoroji ’s feat and be elected to Britain ’s supports and promotes South Asian dance cillor in Harrow I can make an impact. House of Commons as a Liberal MP. In in Britain, notes an article in Libas I nt er- her two attempts so far she has lost to national, a magazine she once edited. Cecil Parkinson, the Tory Party presi- “We must be at the forefront of British live and work in such a beautiful environ- dent, but not before ensuring a substan- political life, discussing the future of the ment my soul is uplifted. It does affect tial increase in the Liberals ’ share of the National Health Service, trade and Indus- your spirituality and the way you look at vote in a predominantly conservative try, education and foreign affairs, ” she the world. ” constituency. told Indiamail. To Parsiana, Gifford re- Calling herself “a middle-aged woman The outward-looking Gifford (Zerba- lated parts of a radio speech she had made (who has) to channel (her) energies in noo ’s husband Richard is a well-known in England detailing how “my religion solicitor) has been the London organizer has affected my politics. ” clear the garbage, create creches. But here? Where would I start?... Because I 26 Parsiana July 1991 told Indiamail. To Parsiana, Gifford re- the most constructive way, ” Zerbanoo (41) refuses to be drawn into communitycontroversies. She considers the refusal public transport and found it sadly lack- of religious rights to Parsi women ing. She became incensed that nursery married to men of other communities as schools were few and far between when a form of ignorance and evil beyond she felt that their provision should be the words of Lord Alfred Tennyson, “To comprehension. Staunchly Zoroastrian, statutory. She experienced every mother ’s strive, to seek, to find and not to yield. ” Zerbanoo says her home in Harrow, nightmare of trying to push a baby buggy Middlesex is open to every Zoroastrian along cracked and sagging pavements... who comes visiting and asks, “Which Zoroastrian husband would let me do list of needy people desperate to be in- what I’m doing? Every Zoroastrian who comes, stays with us. Our house is galvanized her into action. ” a dharamshala. ” Their two sons have imbibed the Zoroastrian way of life. But dog began with a stint at Shelter, the though she would like to, Zerbanoo has organization that is concerned with the engineer Zubin Mistry of IIT, Bombay, desisted from doing their navjote: “I don ’t problem of young people who sleep Dr Kayomaz Kapadia and Dr Rumy Patel want people to get het up. It isn ’t worth out because they can ’t afford the rent, were recognized for outstanding results in it, ” she says. “(It ’s) a big problem when interest medical examinations. Veterinarian Dr Zerbanoo is said to be one of three rates go up,” she says. Since then she (Ms) Khursheed Mama ’s award was re ­ Asian advisors — and the only woman — to the Youth Business Trust. Meant to help those below 26 years of age to set mentary candidate from Hertsmere and Meher Mistry and Ms Rukshan Vakeel in up in business with an initial capital of Harrow East. She succeeded Lord arts and Roxanne Hakim in law were £ 5,000, the Trust also provides a varied Avebury as chairperson of the Liberal other outstanding students honored that professional backup, she says. Initially Party ’s Community Relations Panel and day while Farrokh Khambata did the the Asians were not applying, says Zerba ­ noo, becau^ they didn ’t know about it. ethnic involvement As member of the Among the sports personalities WZO So the Trust launched a major publicity Status of Women Commission, Zer- honored were regular denizens of the campaign and fund collection drive with a banoo submitted a paper on “Women sports pages of India ’s national dailies: dinner hosted by Prince Charles for the and the Law. ” “I want every single cyclist and sailor Ms Geeta Kumana, ath- Aga Khan which netted five million organization in the country to have lete Ms Zenia Ayrton, cyclist Ms Jasmine pounds sterling in one evening, she says. . . . _ . - Another Zoroastrian she has inducted on experiences, our opinions and energy Mirza, swimmer Ms Jeannie Madan, it, Ms Thrity Shroff, is the nation-wide are there to work for a better Britain for yachtsmen Lt Farokh Tarapore and Cyrus coordinator. all, ” Zerbanoo told Indiamail. “She Cama and third generation squash cham- Zerbanoo ’s next big date is May 15, 1992 when she plans to organize a dinner ing others to succeed, ” notes Libas. Ex- category were athlete Yohan Wadia, mo- in the House of Commons to celebrate plaining her commitment to the Liberal tor sport champion Rustom Patel and the centenary of Naoroji ’s election and Party, Zerbanoo had told Fionnuala Ms Jerjadaity Homavazir for elocution. . the installation of his portrait and statue McHugh of Options (June 1986): “I like “ in the National Liberal Club, which is their philosophy and I also like the idea ing of the WZO documentary on the the Liberal Party headquarters. There of motivating people to work in the plight of Zoroastrian farmers in Gujarat will also be a program on Dadabhoy ’s community, to change themselves. I and a subscription dinner to which the involvement with the Irish Question wanted things to be done and thought economically weaker sections of the com- and his friendship with Charles Stewart I’d better do it myself, so I became munity had been invited. THE WZO ROLL OF HONOR continued from page 25 The mood of the occasion had been set by a jashan followed by Karanjia ’s reflec- was appalled to find there was a waiting tions on prayer. One who prays regularly not only acquires “spiritual fortification ’ eluded in the Meals on Wheels rounds... It but enjoys “overdraft facility on the bank of Ahura Mazda in case of need, ” assured Zerbanoo ’s campaign for the under- Karanjia. Heading the youthful roll of honor was has been the Liberal councillor for ceived in absentia by her mother Yasmin Harrow, the Liberal Alliance parlia- Mama of the Casa Montessori school. Ms thereafter chaired the commission on community proud in the field of catering, ethnic involvement As member of the of Women Commission, Zer ­ banoo submitted a paper on “Women at least one Asian on its board... Our Arethna, young karate champion Rashid experiences. all, ” Zerbanoo told Indiamail. sees her role as a catalyst in encourag- pion Jehangir Pundole. In the younger ing others to succeed, ” notes Libas. Ex­ The evening proceeded with a screen- Parnell; the famous Irish nationalist. If involved in local government. ” she were to get involved in the petty infighting in the iZoroastrian community, how would she have the time to make idea about women going to aerobics an impact on the wider community, she classes and health farms is all nonsense, asks. I think if anyone wants to lose weight In an article titled “A voice for the and glow, they should go on an election I . voiceless ” in the Times Group News ­ papers dated February 1987, Lis Birrane noted, “An impassioned humanitarian- dom of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, ism and vision are the hallmarks of this and the Asian Times award for achieve- remarkable woman who has already ment and service in 1987. made the most amazing impact on the political arena... Her political awaken ­ ing began when, as a young mother Club Annual Award in 1990. Her bio with two small boys in tow, she found data records her recreations as “collect ­ life seemed to be an obstacle course of ing antique embroidery, sleeping and all problems. At that time she relied on The hustings come naturally to Zerba- noo. Says she, “I love elections. This campaign! ” Zerbanoo has been awarded the Free- The NRI Nehru Centenary Award came her way in 1989 and was followed by the Asian City that (it) entails! ” I 27 Parsiana July 799/ MATRIMONIAL Correspondence invited from cultured, good-natured gentlemen, professionals preferred, aged about 28 to 35 years, for cultured, professionally qualified girl, aged 29, fully proficient in all domestic chores. Please respond to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (July/22-91) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD — a regular feature — follow the Shehen- shahi and Kadmi calendars. Aresh pre­ fers to steer clear of the move for calen ­ dar reform unless the dasturs are willing to take the decision: “You and I are not able to do it. Religion is the dasturs ’ pre ­ rogative. Leave it to them. Nobody can guide us better, ” he advises. The TMZA’s religious classes include the teaching of navjote prayers by Ervad Hoshang Bhadha to 18 to 35 children while general religious education for 50 to 60 youth and adults is provided by Ervad Jal Birdy. There is a lot of interest in the Gujarati class that TMZA vice president Noshir Jesung conducts be ­ cause it enables people to read the prayers, says Aresh. Another TMZA feature is the holding of discussions on the Shah Namah. The TMZA has ap ­ plied for membership to the Federation of T^roastrian Associations of North Amer ­ ica (FEZANA) which is working “for the betterment of the community, ” and ex ­ pects to join it, says Aresh. One way to keep the community California (ZAC) and finally to founding going, according to Aresh and his wife . ............. / Gordafrid, is to inculcate the young into religion, the community ’s religion. (We community affairs. And that means that the children are required to attend com­ munity functions and classes — no excep- “Children have to be pushed. When you give them a choice, it becomes a problem. Then the whole We must keep among ourselves 911 Arnavaz S. Mama Fearing change, Tahamtan Aresh, president of the breakaway Traditional Mazdayasni Zoroastrian Anjuman, fights a rearguard action “We Zoroastrians have the funds. We ’re still a rich community. Don ’t let ’s get the TMZA, says Aresh. “I felt this is my involved with conversion. Let ’s spend it i on our youth. They ’re the next generation... ” Affluent Iranian busi ­ nessman and president of California ’s breakaway Traditional Mazdayasni Zoroastrian (TMZA) Aresh is one of the most vocal and trenchant of orthodox Zoroastrians in North America. Aresh says he has always been deeply concerned about the authenticity of Zoroastrian religious practices in the North American environment. In addi ­ tion to the sandalwood, loban, kustis, etc bom of both Zoroastrian parents (who) which most Zoroastrians based abroad are wear the sudreh-kusti at all times. (So) we • known to ferry on the homeward lap, don ’t have to worry about outside influ- Aresh says he carries taro (bull ’s urine) to California. His one bete noir is conver ­ sion, another is intermarriage, as vouch ­ safed in the interview with Parsiana on March 5, 1991. The belief that Zoroastrian customs are being watered down and its practices all over North America and even the UK, being changed had led him into contro ­ versy with the Zoroastrian Association of Anjuman Tahamtan authenticity were) getting too much into conversion, marriage, bickering about who ’s right and who ’s wrong. I felt this must stop. If this world is an excuse, ” Aresh enunciates is the religion we ’ve his concept of family upbringing, been given by our forefa- “ thers, we shouldn ’t argue ter Scheherazade (21) and son Zaal (17). but stay on just one path Son Rohinton (25) is now married and i.e. Zoroaster ’s and the relocated in Australia. The environment Zoroastrian When we (TMZA) have do not wear the sudreh and kusti are not ghambars and jashans we welcome. The Areshs believe, “We must don ’t police to find out if keep among ourselves. Then we ’d be a (each one who attends) is a Zoroastrian. much smaller, much respected commu- The TMZA is strictly for Zoroastrians nity. ” An area of community work that Aresh identifies is help for Zoroastrian youngsters in the world of sports. Ac­ cording to him, “There arc no funds for sports in the community. There are kids who can excel (and) the community is not even aware. ” His answer to the dwindling numbers of the community is to provide matrimonial service on a large scale with associations all over the world participating in the effort. The Areshs weighed in on the side of inter ­ arguments, tions allowed. The Aresh household includes daugh- religion. is strictly conservative. Zoroastrians who ences. (We ’re a) very close community, ” notes Aresh. The TMZA, which began with 50 in ­ dividual members, now numbers 150 and is growing, according to Aresh. Its mem ­ bership is not only in California but from he claims. The Anjuman ’s ghambars and jashans 28 Parsiana July 1991 Ithe orthodox in the recent controversy re- i " ............. ~ „ garding the religious rights of Parsi spell, while conducting his own business women mamed to non-Zoroastrians, Aresh was also involved in community sparked by the Bombay Parsi affairs and says he started the Zoroas- Punchayet ’s refusal to accept the body at trian International Cultural Association doongerwadi last July of young Ms in Tehran with Kaiomarz Mehta which Roxan Darshan Shah who perished in a benefitted Parsis and Iranis with an In ­ highway accident Noted Gordafrid, dian background who had flocked there “When the girl married outside, she knew that she was breaking the rule and she has to take everything that comes with it. ” I . ................................................... Areshs believe that intermarriage is but the first step to open conversion. Says sought safety as a refugee in Pakistan Aresh, “If you open the door, how are you - - - •«’»' - < going to control (who enters the commu ­ nity). You ’re not selling seats — you ’re selling the community... Pahela aapra loko ne sadro kusti peheravo ni. Pacchi ___ ____ ____________ , beejaone sharu karo (First convert our professor of Iranian Studies at Columbia own community into staunch Zoroastrians University: “I think James was respon- who wear the sudreh and kusti at all times. Then go on to the others). ” Gor ­ dafrid is sterner in her attitude towards those who seek an entry into the faith: “They are the squatters. They will come into your house and throw you out. ” The hefty Iranian, Bombay bom and vently, “We need to get our community educated, has spent only 12 years of his together. This ego business should be life in Iran before moving west in the wake of political changes. During that the Bombay ESTD 1850 JEWELLERY at the instance of Shah Rezashah Pahlavi. During the long Iran-Iraq war when Like other orthodox thinkers the Zoroastrian boys were becoming cannon „ ' t fodder and many an Iranian Zoroastrian and India, “Tahamtan was the first per ­ son to get three Iranians into the US,” says Gordafrid. Thereafter, FEZANA took it up, she adds. Aresh is happy to share the honor with Dr James Russell, sible with his influence in Washington to get this ball rolling. He showed us the way... “If the rich people got together, this community wouldn ’t have any problems today, ” believes Aresh, adding fer- out... ” Well-reputed firm for buying guaranteed gold ornaments & jewellery. We pay highest price for old gold & jewellery ornaments. (Approved Valuers by Govt of India for Jewellery) M/s Framji Rustamji Choksey 253 Sheikh Memon Street Bombay 400002 Tel 325422/342639, Resi 251118 Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B. Cursetjee’s Sons (Bombay) Pvt Ltd Darabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay 400038 Grams: DEADWEIGHT Telex: 5824 DBCB IN Phone: 2610021 (4 lines) (Dock Office: 2612230) Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Mangalore, Bhavnagar, Bedi-port, Navlakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla Also sole Government Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bed!) Bhavnagar 29 Parsiana July 1991ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD The growing Kankash The Council of Iranian (Kankash-e-Mobedan) of North America upon all the information. I also liked ev- celebrated the second anniversary of its foundation with the Jashneh Ardibe- hestgan at the Rustam Guiv Darb-e-Mehr we went in front of a big crowd; ” while tion of some of the original family mem ­ in Westminster, California on April 13, Bahram Banki writes, “I don ’t want to bers to the US, is scheduled for publica- 1991, informs a press release. The admit this, but now I realize that my reli- tion by end 1991 as Sidhwa told The Sun- jashan was scheduled to be followed by gion is more interesting than I thought it day Observer (May 19-25, 1991). The the navjote of six Zoroastrian children. was. ” years between saw the publication of The The Kankash had also organized a The bilingual Payk's 23 pages are in Bride in 1983 and of The Ice-Candy-Man summer camp for the religious education English, the rest in Persian. Apart from in 1989 — both belonging to a more dra- of Zoroastrian youth. The camp, with news of the Council ’s activities — which matic genre, eerily recapturing the devas- the theme “Know your past — learn includes publication of the Khordeh taring sounds, smells and aftermath of the about your religion, ” is the second Avesta in the English script and the trans- Partition of India. The Bride, which deals hosted by the Kankash. Scheduled over literarion and interpretation of the with the conflicts generated by clashing the last five days of June at the Arbab Gathas by Mobed Firouz Azargoshasp — social traditions, is expected to be filmed Rustam Guiv Darbe Meher in San Jose, this edition of the Payk contains the Eng- the camp was organized to cater to two lish transliteration of the Havan Gah and cept for the fact that you guys didn ’t get the arrival of a pioneer Parsi family in La- Mobeds together and make sure that you agreed hore. The book ran into four hard cover editions, one each in German and Russian eryone getting together to say prayers, but and as many in paperback. A sequel titled we should have known the prayers before The American Brat, pursuing the migra- Bahram Banki writes, “I don ’t want to admit this, but now I realize that my reli- was. ” The bilingual Payk's 23 pages are in English, the rest in Persian. Apart from 1 by the well-known Ismail Merchant- James Ivory team, according to a report in separate groups of 20 participants each, articles on the festival of Sadeh and on Pakistan ’s Friday Times of April 4-7, far- one between the ages of 10 to 15 years “ and the other between 16 to 25 years. The registration charges for the two groups were $ 95 and $ 65 respectively. The daily program included group prayers, class instruction on the meaning pursuits and has earned a remarkable po- .............................................. sition amongst the English writers in Pakistan, ” reads the citation to the Sitara- lier she had been appointed Bunting Fel- i-Imtiaz, the national award conferred low at the Mary Ingraham Institute of education as a Zoroastrian cultural heri- warded by Sidhwa. tage. Apart from the novels, Sidhwa has a number of published short stories to her A sitara for Sidhwa credit. Awards and honors have fol- “(Ms) Bapsy Sidhwa is devoted to literary lowed. She received a National Endow ­ ment for the Arts grant of US $ 20,000 for creative writing in the US in 1987. Ear- of the sudreh-kusti and the daily prayers, an understanding of basic Zoroastrian tenets like the Fravahar, the Amesha _ _ Spentas, Asha, an acquaintance with the upon her by the President of Pakistan in Radcliffe College and received the Paki- scriptures, a historical perception of March this year. Zoroastrianism, the life and times of ‘T Zoroaster, an understanding of the calen- IHgl dars as well as the social and cultural as- pects of the community heritage. Substantial rime was also allowed for sports and games, indoors and out, for volunteer work towards the rebuilding of |H| the Darbe Mehr, gardening, etc. The 99 participants were expected to cook their own meals and keep the premises clean, hh the accent all along being on team work. ^9 This time, as on the first occasion, the camp was to be commemorated by the planting of a tree. The reaction from the participants at •* the first camp have been publish^ in the Sidhwa: respected work winter 1991 edidon of Payk-e Kankash, the Council ’s publication. Writes Babak Parsi, “The things I liked about the camp were that we were all together just like a family. I learned a lot from the classes that taught us about Zartosht, and I espe ­ cially learned a lot when we tied the ko- shti together, even though I didn ’t know how to tie (it); ” Armita Jahanian says, “Classes were excellent. Games, tree planting, everything was great; ” notes Farhang Shahzadi, “I liked the camp ex ­ It was a rather grand and ceremonious stan Academy ’s National Award for Eng ­ lish Literature in 1985. A mother of three grown-up children, Sidhwa (nee Bhandara) is an active social worker who has been the Pakistani dele ­ gate to the Asian Women ’s Congress and participated in the International Writers Conferences in Berlin and in Erlangen, West Germany in 1988. “A true citizen” Murzban Morris has been admitted to the prestigious US Naval Academy at Anna ­ polis, Maryland, informs his Bombay based uncle, solicitor Soli Morris. Ad ­ mission to the Academy — on which was based the Tom Cruise starrer An Officer and a Gentleman — is eagerly sought and restricted to the cream of each genera ­ tion. Morris, who was nominated to the Academy by New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley, hopes to be a surgeon in the 1 30 Parsiana July 1991 occasion... I’m thrilled. The medal is pretty and it is gratifying to know that your work is respected, ” writes Sidhwa in a letter to Parsiana, adding that she had been told that this was the highest honor Navy ’s trauma unit, writes Alys Bennis in received so far by a member of a minority The Sentinel of December 5,1990. community in Pakistan. The distinction seems a logical sequel Karachi bom, Lahore bred Sidhwa to a host of achievements. Earlier this shot into prominence in 1980 with the publication of The Crow Eaters, a hilari ­ ous, s ___ -- year he had represented the State of New Jersey on the United States Youth Pro- sometinies ribald novel celebrating gram funded by the William Randolph! to deal with a radically different culture, were the qualities sought among the can ­ didates, writes Kevin Richardson quoting Hearst Foundation, winning a $ 2,000 spend the rest of the time with their re ­ scholarship. The Program enables 104 selected delegates to “participate in a week of in ­ tensive study of the federal government For the International Exchange Program, Youth for Understanding International and the US Senate in particular, ” noted the finalists are selected from a pool of Exchange which runs the project. Ms Angela Stewart in The Sunday Star- Ledger of December 30, 1990. Stewart quotes Morris ’ Spotswood High School principal Peter Karycki who referred to Morris as “one of the best and brightest ” students he has ever seen, “a true citizen, in the true sense of the word. ” Earlier Morris had been selected to participate in the Youth for Understand ­ ing International Exchange Program which enabled him to spend two months in Kobe, Japan, attending an exclusive school there along with the teenage sons of his host. Morris and Ms Carina Flynn were the two high school juniors selected from among New Jersey ’s semifinalists. They thus belonged to a batch of 100 of Morris: keen perceptions the most proficient teenagers, selected two each from the country ’s 50 states, who congregated for a four-day orienta ­ tion course in Washington DC, including essays and a daylong interview. Aca- a reception at the Japanese embassy, demic success, leadership potential, ex- They then proceeded to Tokyo, whence tracurricular activities and community they fanned out across the country to involvement as well as a perceived ability spective host families. High Schools across the country vie to nominate candidates to these programs. Ms Amy Jones, spokesperson for the more than 1,400 applicants on a state by state basis on the worth of eight submitted Spotswood High School instructors have showered accolades on him. “Murzy is one of the most active stu ­ dents we ’ve ever had here at Spotswood: president of his class, managing editor of the school paper, student council presi ­ dent, model UN delegate many times, de ­ cathalon of knowledge (academic team) member, jazz band, marching band, base ­ ball and track, math and science league, national honor society and engineering team member. Outside of school Murzy is active in Boy Scouts, is a church volun ­ teer and has always worked part-time, ” writes Jaffery Rosen of the Social Studies Department. “A uniquely outstanding candidate, ” who “never misses a dead ­ line, ” is “keenly perceptive in matters which relate both to language and to hu ­ man nature, ” are only some of the compli ­ ments bestowed on the son of Fred and Zahver Morris. Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama '.¥b WaLLTO WALL LNCALI’ILLINC i'ROM JOHNSON, :Ss <$• s'? HI >Sx •jj. H&R Johnson (India) Ltd,, Kakad Chambers, Dr, A. Besant Road, Worli, Bombay-400 018. Trlkaya.HRJ.6.86 31 Parsiana My 1991INSTITUTIONS Instilling the right values in its students, the 100-year-old Bharda New High School boasts of a recoil number of outstanding alumni Beyond the three Noshir Dadrawala standard of education and spe ­ cial emphasis laid by the School on extra ­ curricular activities set the School apart sound body) ” has always been the ideal from the rest, ” he continued. Over the years the priorities have been According to the principal, “Mans Sana in Corpore Sana (a sound mind in a of the School. Compulsory drill, gymnas ­ tics, athletics, cricket, sports, games, retained. The principal Adi H. Mulla, in boxing, NCC (National Cadet Corps) and his seventies, sees extracurricular activi- RSP (Road Safety Patrol) have helped ties as a means to bring out latent talent in students and help build an all-round per ­ sonality. “Our students, ” explains Mulla, “They are all very eminent in their own “have been made aware of their responsi ­ bilities to the handicapped and the poor Gagrat effortlessly recollected memories sections of society. Our Junior Red Cross, of a bygone era. “The School in my the Interact and Scouts groups have taken “What do Justice Bakhtavar Lentin, Soli Sorabjee, Russi Mody and Minoo Masani have in common? ” a friend asked us the other day at a party. “They are all Par ­ sis, ” we hazarded a guess. “What else? ” the friend pressed us. maintain physical fitness of our stu ­ dents. ” Ex-student and chairman of the School ’s board of management, Rustom fields, ” we made a second attempt. As we were unable to think of any other common factor our friend victori ­ ously declared: “They all share the same up a number of social service projects, alma mater ” — Bharda School. ‘ <-------« A few days later we read in the news ­ papers that the Bharda New High School was celebrating its centenary. “Bharda School was once upon a time the largest School in the entire com ­ monwealth, ” noted former student Das ­ tur Meherji Meherjirana of Navsari. Apart from these, our students have col ­ lected, during the last three years, a sum of over two lakh rupees for public organi ­ zations such as the National Association for the Blind, Children ’s Aid Society, In ­ dia Sponsorship Committee, Red Cross, of a bygone era. days, ” he said “was at the peak of its glory. There were elocution competitions (Shakespeare only) and a debating society in which even ex-students could partici ­ pate. There were also elocutions in which students were expected to speak extem ­ pore on a subject given to the boys just Social Education Committee and the Above: The Bharda New High School armed forces. ” with founders Bharda (left) and Mariban 33 Parsiana July 1991A* “We reference material in its modest library. There is also a teacher ’s library contain ­ ing over 3,000 books. Apart from the usual equipment found in schools, the Bharda School has telescopes, a spectro ­ scope, geological specimens, astronomi ­ cal slides and an orrery. The 1,500 students of the School rep ­ resent a very wide cross-section of soci- ety. Mulla how- ever laments the lack of Parsi pa ­ tronage. have just 30 Parsi students at the moment, ” he be ­ moans. He sees the Parsi fetish for patronizing Anglo-Indian schools and mi ­ gration oTParsi families from the Fort to other localities in Bombay as the two main reasons for the decline. One sunny afternoon, we visited the ahead. ” By way of example he narrated School situated in the heart of the city ’s an anecdote from the life of the incompa- busiest commercial area and just a stone ’s rable Mulla Nasrudin. The practical Nasrudin sometimes took people for rides in his boat. One day he was hired by a scholar to ferry the learned man across a very wide river. As Farokh Master, also a former student of soon as they were afloat, the scholar the School, “Education is not just book asked, “Have you ever studied gram- learning, which we do in most of our schools and colleges. It is an exercise to our intelligence — the basic gift nature life has been wasted. ” has bestowed on man — which should nothing. Soon a terrible storm blew up. strengthen the fabric of our personality. Nasrudin ’s cockleshell was filling with The education I have received at the Bharda New High School indeed wid ­ ened my thinking and helped me to be ­ come what I am today. ” Thrice during the interview Mulla stressed the School ’s emphasis on char ­ acter building and national integration. “We attempt, ” said Mulla, “to produce student told us. “The Bharda New High Principal Mulla: inculcating values individuals who are not only educated but cultured as well. Inculcation of val ­ ues is so necessary for a stable and pro ­ gressive civic life of the society. This can be carried out successfully only dur ­ ing the formative years of a child - at home by parents, and in school by pri ­ mary teachers. ” “The average school, ’ another ex-student of Bharda, “even in this age, adopts the ‘mug and the jug ’ ap ­ proach where the teachers, reputedly the a school can possess. Some of the natural women in a mad, mad rush to an elusive fount of knowledge, pour into yawning science specimens are considered to be destination. Within the portals of the receptacles, the young students, (a fixed) unique among school museums. School, all was quiet, everything was or- quota of canned information. Obviously, To foster and encourage literary tastes ganized and everyone seemed to have a such a student is ill-prepared for the life the school houses over 7,0(X) books and purpose. A A classroom and corridors: an integral part of the Bharda New High School (Right) The engraved School motto Photos: Varghese W. Fernandez five minutes before the competition. ” According to eminent homoeopath Dr mer? ” Nasrudin replied in the negative. “In that case, ” said the scholar, “your Nasrudin said water. He leaned towards his compan ­ ion, “Have you learned to swim? ” This time the pedant replied in the negative. “In that case, ” Nasrudin declared, “all your life is lost, for we are sinking. ” This parable delightfully pinpoints the futility of the education system, the ex- Ji i ¦ .? 3 Ikrx-- <- awf IB "i. Sr •• ’ 34 Parsiana July 1991 * School, in contrast, ” he continued, “is an outstanding exception, one of the few schools in this country which endorses (author Alvin) Toffler ’s .view that the il­ literate person of the future is not one who cannot read, but is one who has not learned how to learn. ” Pointing out the special features, the fice we muttered a silent prayer for his heart. His office window offered a pano ­ rama in striking contrast to the School. throw away from the imposing Victoria Terminus station. The School has changed little over the years. The three storeys we climbed to reach the princi ­ pal ’s office took the wind out of us and while we waited to be ushered into his of- mentioned principal said, the School has a small museum which is considered by compe ­ tent authorities to be the best museum that There on the road below were men and To foster and encourage literary tastes1 renamed the School, Bharda New High School has given the city of Bombay School. ” After Bharda ’s demise Marzban nothing less than 12 mayors and six sher- carried the burden of running the School iffs. Among legal luminaries Bhulabhai with the help of his two sons Behram and Kaikobad Marzban sat on a bench under Rustom until his death on August 4,1933. the dim flicker of a gas lamp, discussing educational trends of their time. “The seeds of The New High School which opened its doors to young seekers of knowledge on Friday, January 3, 1891 were sown that fateful evening. ” The initial batch of students was a cos ­ mopolitan group comprising students from the lowest to the highest strata of society. Within a few months the num ­ ber increased to 900 and it went on from strength to strength until it reached its peak in 1928 when, for a short time, it had 2,600 students on its rolls. Ex-student and former chief metro ­ politan magistrate Jal Vakil reminisced about his school days way back in the first post he holds to this date, quarter of this century. “The School then, ” said Vakil, “had only seven stan ­ dards. Seventh standard meant matricula ­ tion and the end of school life. In our and has since been managed by the “In our days” According to Mulla, one historic evening towards the end of 1890, two young Uni ­ versity graduates, Jalbhai Bharda and Desai and Homi Seervai have been for ­ mer students of the School. Sorabji Pochkhanawala (the founder of Central Bank of India), Sultan Chinoy (a pioneer of the oil industry in India), thes- “Bharda School was plans Adi Marzban and Sohrab Modi also once the largest School in the entire Commonwealth” A former student of the School, Mulla share the same alma mater. Besides it can boast of educating two high priests of the Parsi community: Dastur Meherjirana and Dastur Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa of the Anjuman Atash Bahram. The School has also been called the ‘Nursery of Cricket ’ in India. It has an unsurpassed tradition of excellence in sports, and cricket in particular. It has informs that he joined the School as assis ­ tant to the principal in 1946 and became joint principal along with his uncles won the Harris Shield Tournament 25 Behram and Rustom Marzban in 1958. ““ — • ¦ —- He was appointed principal in 1969 which times and the Giles Shield Tournament nine times. On five occasions the School has won both the championships in the In 1954, the Bharda New High School, which was until then a proprie- / ' ... tory concern, was converted intoj trast ‘early dayVofthel'ch^ol _ J 1 1 u.. Photo: The Bharda New High School Magazine, School we devoted the first six months of Bharda Marzban Educational Trust. The Golden Jubilee Number the academic year to elementary studies and the remaining six months for ad ­ vanced studies. We also had a weekly ranking system and the boy who stood first for the week would enjoy the privi ­ lege of occupying a seat on the first bench in the first row. Students vied with each other to enjoy this privilege. Also, in our days, it was an all-boys School and there were no lady teachers either. Most of the teachers, of course, were Parsis. “In our days, ” continued Vakil, “there was no school uniform. There were a large number of Hindu, Muslim and Parsi students, but communal harmony and brotherly love was the order of the day. School timings were 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on week days and 11 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Saturdays. Kaikobad Marzban, who was also a member of the senate of the Bom ­ bay University, used to lay great empha ­ sis on English literature and history. Even where dramatics was concerned, we staged only Shakespearian plays. ” Vakil also remembered with amazing . clarity the nomenclatures attached to vari ­ ous teachers in his days. “There was one ‘Mr Ghambhir (serious) ’ who had a pecu ­ liar way of conducting his class; a fire ­ brand science teacher nicknamed 'Tikkhu Marchu (hot chilli) ’ and a podgy maths teacher called ‘Dudh Pav (milk bread). Mulla paid rich tributes to the memory of Bharda and Marzban: “Jalbhai passed away on July 18, 1921 and as a tribute to his life-long partner, Kaikobad Marzban A drawing class and gymnasium in the S I 35 Parsfana July“that almost 30-40 percent suffer from Rustom Gagrat with Adi Mulla as the ex ­ poor hearing abilities. ” Sometimes the ecutive director. The other members of same year. It has given to India a number of cricketers of whom seven have repre ­ sented the country in test matches. Vijay cause of poor performance may be lack of the board include Jaisinh Vithaldas, Ms Merchant, Keki Tarapore, Nari Contrac ­ tor, Rusi Surti, R. J. Jamshedji, Polly rivalry, or just plain indifference. Umrigar and Budhi Kunderan are some of the names that immediately cross one ’s School has, during the 100 years of its School since 1964, is the vice principal, mind. Out of these seven. Merchant, existence, been a pioneer in many “As a trustee, ” noted Cama, “I hold a Umrigar and Contractor have captained spheres of education^ activity. Among unique status in the School. My father, the Indian teams. other things, it was the first school to father-in-law, husband and son have all make drawing, excursions and practicals been former students of the School, an integral part of the school curriculum. It was also the first to have regular ‘lan ­ tern lectures ’ (a . forerunner of modem owned by the School. It was occupied on affection and attention at home, sibling Banoo Cama, Jehangir Gagrat and Jehanbux Gandevia. Adi Mulla ’s wife True to its motto “Ever New, ” the Gool who has been associated with the School has, during the 100 years of its existence, been a pioneer in many When my son joined the School I noticed that the main School building was not Equipped for the future The year 1975 heralded a change in the educational pattern with the state intro ­ ducing the 10-h2+3 system. The Bharda audiovisual education) and introduce a rental basis. I worked hard to raise New High School which accepted stu- ‘Shakespeare declamation. ’ Further, the dents at the +2 stage was one of the few schools to be recognized as a junior col ­ lege for the science and commerce facul ­ ties. Also in the same year, for the first time in the history of the School, girls en- each student, make vocational guidance a and provided the School with interest-free tered the portals of what was till then a part of the curriculum and hold the first loans for buying the building. The united purely boys ’ institution. In order to cater vocational guidance conference and ex- effort worked and the main building fi- to the higher standard of science educa ­ tion — both at the school and at the junior School for having RSP recognized by the The smaller building adjoining the main college level — chemistry and biology traffic department and vested with powers building, which also accommodates the laboratories were commissioned. The audiovisual department can boast of all the latest equipments like optical these firsts was communicated by Mulla ing in use too where today stands the fa- lantems, slides, public address system, a during the course of his speech at one of mous Vithal Bhelpuri House. stereophonic tape recorder and 16 mm the centenary celebration programs. “Recently, ” she added, “Nari Pavri of projectors. Suitable educational films and slides are regularly shown to students of all classes. “The School, ” according to a member of the staff, “continues to maintain the high standards of education set by the il­ lustrious founders. In the last academic year, their results at the SSC (Secondary with single-minded pursuit of its goal. ” School Certificate) public examination were 100 percent. Most of our students pass with distinction or in the first class. Every year, on an average, our students know what makes for leadership and for dramatics; modernizing their existing secure 150 distinctions in individual sub- adopt an approach of curiosity and crea- audiovisual equipment; and setting up an jects. This number reached its peak once tive inquiry, the School guides them up-to-date gymnasium, a music library; with 220 distinctions. ” According to an ­ other senior member of the staff, “The re- teachers. As a senior teacher summed it, Mulla sees a very bright future for the suits of the Junior College have also been “the School teaches them to think for School. “We shall continue to lay strong very satisfactory and have been improv- themselves. ” emphasis on character building and ail ­ ing steadily year after year. At the HSC ~ (Higher Secondary Certificate) examina- stands at 38 with an additional six in the computer laboratory at a cost of six to tion held last year, the results of the com- . — merce section were 100 percent and that of the science stream 78 percent. According to Mulla, cumulative rec ­ ords kept by the School are a great boon to students. Performance and medical data is meticulously noted. The moment a student shows a decline in performance, the teachers and counsellors probe into branches, but also qualities like adaptabil- the cause. Sometimes it is due to simple ity and dedication, reasons like poor eyesight or poor hear ­ ing. “It may surprise you, ” said Mulla, money for buying over the building. I School was the first to start a provident helped organize charity shows and dance fund scheme for its staff, arrange for medical inspection of all its students, maintain a detailed cumulative record of chant and Jaisinh Vithaldas came forward each student, make vocational guidance a programs which netted about Rs 1.25 lakh. Then former students Vijay Mer- vocational guidance conference and ex ­ hibition. It also goes to the credit of the nally became the property of the School. to stop traffic and report offenders to the School, continues to remain a rented authorities for suitable action. The list of building. ” There was earlier a third bui}d- the centenary celebration programs. According to a teacher we interviewed Hong Kong has donated a sum of five at the School, “It is a typically Indian in- lakh rupees to the School for buying stitution organized to function for India ’s about 10 computers for the computer diverse needs. ” Supporting the teacher ’s laboratory. Computer training will equip statement, an exceptionally bright student our students with new skills to face the added, “The School combines diversity in challenges of a modem world. We will action and unity in purpose and works however need more funds for maintaining the computers and the laboratory. ” Their To ensure that their students are able to centenary plans also include improving embark on a voyage of self-discovery, to the School hall and erecting a proper understand and develop motivation, to stage with curtains and lighting facilities adopt an approach of curiosity and crea ­ tive inquiry, the School guides them through highly qualified and dedicated and, renovating the School building, teachers. As a senior teacher summed it. themselves. ” The present strength of teachers round development. We hope to start a A pre-primary section. There are also eight lakh rupees. ” teachers in Western and Indian music, physical training instructors and qualified librarians. The success of any institution depends on teamwork and for successful team ­ work its members must possess not only skill and mastery in their respective On the administrative side, the School has a board of management headed by Explaining the School ’s policy, a board member said, “The institution works to activate productive human tal ­ ents with a view to defeating sterility and stagnation which sometimes accompanies the love for tradition. The institution also works to defy the Indian mind which turns its back on India ’s past history and culture and follows the symbolism of the West which might be of doubtful use and value in India. ” 36 Parsiana My 1991COMMENT Impressions of the Federation Low productivity, in ternns of decisions taken and implemented, is making the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India ineffective, alleges the author Aspi Moddie in the Fed Newsletter, or in the track rec ­ ord of the Indian apex body. youth matters seemed to be: • the nature of their participation in com ­ munity institutions; • their response to reservation of seats in But first, some internal impressions at the engineering and medical colleges; Bombay meeting in March 1990: 43 per- • their procreativity in the light of demo ­ cent felt there was “too much talk and too graphic trends; and little action. ” Whilst 90 percent felt they • mutual reflections of youth and non- had a chance to talk, 48 percent or about youth. At Jamshedpur, in December ’87, it was agreed to defer a proposal for a youth Chairman?) “Waning attendance ” was federation, “till youth bodies at the also noticed over time, and this is largely anjuman level started functioning effec- At the meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India at New Delhi, September 22 and 23, ’90, re ­ spected physician Dr Farokh Udwadia Internal impressions seemed to detect “a death wish in the community. We can see the writing on the wall. But what are we planning to do? ” In response to Dr Udwadia ’s ques ­ tion, in shared concerns for the commu ­ nity ’s future, and in the spirit of the Fifth half felt “the proceedings were dominated World Zoroastrian Congress ’ important by a handful. ” (A correction needed, Mr recommendations to strengthen commu ­ nity institutions, I am attempting to ana ­ lyze the results and quality of work of the borne out by the first four meetings hav- lively. ” By September ’88, at Bombay, last eight Federation meetings since De ­ cember ’87. The attempt will be as fac ­ tual and objective as possible, with no names, to avoid personalizing the issue. ing an average of 108 man-days, and the the Federation recommended every latter four only 80. Does this reflect bore- anjuman to have a youth representative, dom with mere talk, low productivity, and By March ’90 at Bombay, a view was low results? Does the F^eration need to expressed that youth was “too immature reorganize itself for more productive and inexperienced to be entrusted with work? It has given an impression partly of responsibility of anjumans! ’ a talk-shop, and partly of a stage. f At New Delhi, in September ’90, youth were asked, as they had no decision-making authority, “Would you like to leave these to the elders? ” The trend seemed regres- 59 Productivity On the assumption of two days per meet ­ ing (the last,one and a half), delegates and invitees accounted for 748 man-days of Main areas work over eight meetings and three years. Attendance and man-days varied consid ­ erably from a high of 130 (South Gujarat) years. They concerned youth, legal, reli- gestions at such Federation meetings was to a low of 52 (Calcutta). So the average gion and religious education, awards, mi- man-days per meeting works out to 93. It norities aspects, property/assets, and so- is reported that each meeting costs at least cial/demographic. Of these, legal, awards cember ’88)! Rs 20,000 so the total expenditure works and minorities aspects seemed to receive out to about Rs 1.6 lakh or more, exclud ­ ing contributions to dinners, etc. In view of the general impression, including that attention, some indication may be given cutta, youth said they were looking for of delegates (which will be quoted later), of the trends of discussions and actions “common sense ” in dealing with commu- , the productivity in terms of positive deci- over eight meetings and three years. nity matters. At Bombay, in early ’90, sions taken at Federation meetings is ex- they asked, “How many youth-oriented tremely low. It ranges from 0 to 28 per- Youth schemes have been floated? ” Then, “you all til ink, never act. ” The Federation was I was able to identify about seven broad areas of discussion over the rambling sive. And yet one of many tangential sug- that youth should be encouraged lo enter state and central politics (Calcutta, De- On their part, in the South Gujarat the least attention, as may be expected, meeting, youths from Delhi, Thana and As the other four naturally received more Hyderabad reported progress. At Cal- of delegates (which will be quoted later), of the trends of discussions and actions over eight meetings and three years. Youth cent. Nothing to write home about either Over these eight meetings, the major 38 Parsiana July 1991 I ! i I s I i icouple married, having the child ’s navjote about disposing the dead; • kathi/sandalwood growing; • training of non-athomans; accused of passing the buck to anjumans. At Delhi, September ’90, youth felt they done and then granting admission to com- were “more united ” than the rest. As for procreativity, there were desul ­ tory comments about economic incen ­ tives. In March ’90 it was said the Bom ­ bay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) was to con ­ duct a survey of flat allotments and resul ­ tant procreativity. “You can certainly get promises, but will they keep it? ” was the sceptical remark. There was hardly any student re ­ sponse to reservation of seats promised from any quarter for being so ill-prepared matter in Thane was the first case of the by chief ministers frorri their quotas in despite a Bombay High Court judgement Federation intervening in anjuman mat ­ engineering and medical colleges. Also, a decade ago, and mounting tension on ters, when trustees appear to have acted in January ’90 there were only two aK)lications to the BPP for the tutorial being unable to handle conflict with an- services it sponsors. There seems need ticipatory management. ~ ~ to investigate this more deeply. One of ­ fice bearer complained, “Everyone comes without doing homework. Some issues are being repeated (Bombay, March tress) was challenged, especially as the nity activists! ” No sign of such activity ’90).” That goes for all areas of work. So, on the whole productivity on youth the total Parsi population of Pune. In the the wood for the trees! — the “representatives of tomorrow ” — case of Secunderabad, the decision to Mention must also be made of concern munity institutions. A proposal for equal rights for men and women was favored There is no trace of any follow-up or deci- by the Federation. complained of a decade ’.s delay on adop ­ tion. At Delhi (’90), controversy over the “deadly decision ” on Ms Roxan Shah Jabalpur and Surendranagar were saved, flared up and the fat was in the fire. The The question unasked and unanswered BPP trustees seem to be between the devil seems to be: What will be done with these and the deep blue sea, with no sympathy properties in future? The Divecha Trust A senior member sions on these. The best record seems to be with “de ­ funct or near defunct anjuman ” properties and lands. Lands in Junagadh, Diu, despite a Bombay High Court judgement Federation intervening in anjuman mat- a decade ago, and mounting tension on ' this issue ever since — a classic case of against the interests of beneficiaries. Ex­ cept for subabul plantations in Navsari, the Federation meetings did not throw up success cases with kathi and other woods. In the May ’88 meeting, it was anticipated that finance would come from “commu- The Poona Panchayat ’s membership rule discrimi ­ nating against a non-Zoroastrian wife (there is no bar against a Zoroastrian mis ­ Panchayat represented only one-tenth of since. Apparently, a case of not seeing has been almost zero. Is there a basic lack of trust and understanding inter se? Religious matters Religious matters natu ­ rally had the most sus­ tained attention, but again, a lot of desultory remarks with hardly any result. The most sustained subject was that of paramobeds. A proposal for the spread of paramobeds in less affluent fire-temples evoked “non-committal responses from most anjumans. ” meeting in At the South case of Secunderabad, the decision to for the "bhayanker garibi (grinding pov ­ erty) ” of rural Zoroas ­ trians in Gujarat. A program was to be ini ­ tiated after 1988. Some doubts have been ex ­ pressed. For example, “If Kohlis can make a living on the same sized land, why can ’t Parsis (May ’88)?” At the March ’90 meeting, the hat was passed around for funds, and Rs 30,000 collected! Here are some ob ­ servations of senior delegates and office bearers over the years: At Jamshedpur, one Gujarat, there was a dispute over the term Federation session: "partly a talk-shop, vice president said, “We must get down to ‘paramobed. ’ Allahabad seemed to be the partly a stage" doing things. ” At Bombay, another trus- primary candidate for a paramobed; yet tee said, “Let ’s make the meetings more until early ’90 it was still waiting for one, inter the body of a Zoroastrian lady mar- business-like. ” Another vice president at as was also Mount Abu. At Calcutta it was asked, “Where is the elusive para- • . mobed to be found? ” The topics of conversion and intermar ­ riage were raised at Calcutta (December up a number of ad hoc ideas: ’88). Here too it was alleged that there was “a kind of apartheid ” when a 16-year- old son of a Parsi father was refused ad ­ mission at the Club because his navjote had not been performed. Punchayct overcame the problem of ad- • “shortage of vultures ” in Calcutta, but Responses mission rights of a child of a Parsi male no directive from the High Priest and his non-Parsi mistress by getting the of Pune as to what should be done inter the body of a Zoroastrian lady mar ­ ried to a non-Parsi in the Parsi cemetery Dejhi called for a “better agenda, no was left to the relatives and the priest. Over these years, in religious matters, the fertile minds in the Federation threw • a Zoroastrian delegation to the Azer ­ baijan atashgyah; • sale of religious caseties and books; • chair for studies in ZoroasU'ianism and The Surat comparative religion; jumping from one point to another. ” At the March ’90 Bombay meeting a Federa ­ tion officebearer himself is reported to have said, “New projects should not be taken up as existing ones move at an ant ’s pace. There is too much digression. Slick to topics. ” Other expressions were, “a vessel adrift ” and “loo much hot air. ” Why has the Federation not been effec ­ tive? How has its productivity been so 39 Parsiana July 1991low? These questions call for answers Federation ’s majority view. This letter tributed within two weeks, not on the eve of the next meeting, as seems usually the case; • better conflict management to reduce the social costs of conflict is a crucial community need; the Federation should involve non-offi- cial leaders of the community in various fields to contribute to-the Federation ’s thinking and working. Better cooperation from more anjumans; investigative re ­ porting by the community ’s Press; and involvement of all concerned persons, la ­ ity and priests, is also desirable. If the “death-wish ” is to be unwished, the Federation has to get more serious and purposeful about its business, justify costs, man-days spent and productivity. from the Federation primarily, from the needs serious consideration. anjumans also, and from the concerned • The Federation and its office bearers members of the community. May I offer need to organize themselves for result- some brief suggestions, with due modesty oriented work to fulfil their expected and regard for the persons concerned. • The Federation should spend a half day at least at its next meeting — with some preparatory work — to bring greater clar ­ ity to its role and objectives, and to for ­ mulate clear policies on major issues. In the absence of these, it becomes a victim of adhocery, with no clear sense of direc ­ tion. Problem resolution is a major part of leadership. A leadership which, for outdated reasons, debars itself from “con ­ troversial issues, ” especially when the community itself is involved in them, ex ­ cludes itself from problem-solving. • On February 25, ’91a member of the munity, besides the one in India. This accountability for results. The anjumans Federation had addressed the secretary involves: a greater sense of accountability themselves have to become more active to with regard to the Federation ’s represen- for results and better communications; help the Federation become more func- tativeness, and a change of its constitution • higher productivity in both decision- tional. that presently bars raising of “controver- making and implementation; sial questions. ” The lid on controversial issues has been taken off by many youth congresses, as well as the Fifth World Zoroastrian Congress with no serious ad ­ verse effects. So also should the Federa ­ tion have authority to direct or at least seat driving and monopoly of talk. Min- counsel anjumans to conform to the utes for follow-up actions should be dis- A leadership which debars itself from "controversial issues," excludes itself from problem-solving roles, national and inter-regional, with a sense of responsibility to the global com- and develop a psychology of wider public involves: a greater sense of accountability for results and better communications; • higher productivity in both decision- • setting up subject-wise specialist sub ­ committees to deal with issues, facts, con ­ flicts and decisions between meetings; I • better chairmanship (whoever is in the I chair) is recommended as also less back- I Management consult­ ant Aspi Moddie has been actively involved in community affairs and has written several papers on manage­ ment of community as­ sets. For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 371483 Fax 3099648 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 40 Parsiana July 1991MILESTONES A scanning of the intercommu ­ nity marriage registers at the asthma, respiratory failure, 1am- Old Customs House revealed 17 intercommunity marriages and two civil marriages contracted (deposition of fatty substances in between Parsis over the four- the arteries), liver disease and month period February to May Alzheimer ’s disease (a degenera- 1991. The age of ZOToastrian tive disease of the central nerv- brides in Bombay (as listed in ous system, characterized by pre- this issue) ranged between 20 mature senile mental deteriora- Cooper, June 24 years and 43, the arithmetic tion). In the case of three deaths, mean (the total of individual ages the coroner ’s report was still divided by the total number of pending. As compared to a 99- brides) being 25. The corres ­ ponding figures for the grooms were 23 and 51 years, averaging at 29 years. There were 88 deaths as compared to 34 births in Bom ­ bay. The major killer — heart disease — took 32 lives, while pneumonia and lung disease claimed eight and septicemia and brain disease, six each. Among the other killers, old age apd general debility took the lives of five patients, bronchitis, four and hypertension and can ­ cer, three each. Two victims each marriages/deaths they would like succumbed to hemorrhage and published, some proof to ensure Febru&ry 5 diabetes. There were 14 isolated the veracity of the report would Pinki Minoo Irani and Brando cases registered last month: fe- be required. We are sure our Bakshi; February 8 ver, tuberculosis, malnutrition, readers would appreciate this re- Fereshte Dhunjishaw Sethna nervous disorder, epilepsy, toxe- BOMBAY Born A boy. Shahpur, to Ferzana and Aspi Pader on April 10, 1991 A boy to Nilufer and Farokh Mistry-, May 18 A girl, Tina, to Jeroo and Jimmy Dastur-, May 22 A girl to Persis and Feroze Sethna; May 31 A boy to Nurshafreen and Phiroze Dadachanji-, June 4 Twins (girl and boy) to Homa and Shapoor Piroozmard-, June 4 A boy to Shehnaz and Hornuiz Cooper, June 6 A boy to Parvin and Chinnakavanam Govindraj; June 6 A girl to Kashmira and Percy Irani-, June 6 A boy to Homai and Sorab Irani-, June 6 A girl to Havovi and Yazdi Karkaria-, June 6 mia, bed sores, dehydration, A boy to Pervin and Perses Bilimoria; June 20 inectomy (removal of the lamina A girl to Dinaz and Meherrtosh of the vertibrae), atherosclerosis Dhunjisha; June 20 A girl to Kamal and Boman Moradian-, June 20 A boy to Shehernaz and Adil Patuck; June 22 A girl to Jasrrune and Darayus year-old woman, the youngest to die was a 35-year-old man. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by Billimoria; June 28 various nev/sletters and anju ­ mans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not always complete or consis ­ tent. In the breakup of deaths ac ­ cording to illnesses, especially of Mahi Pal R. Gupta-, February 1 the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several dis ­ eases. If readers have any births/ Maharookh Pheroze Bharda and Shabehram Keki Irani-, the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this re ­ quirement and cooperate with us. and Ravi Krishnan-, February 10 Manorama Mirpagare and Homi Minocher Commissariat; February 14 Shenaz Dinshaw Patel and Aspi Faredun Bharucha; February 15 Anuradha Ashok Gokarn and Fall Keki Langdana-, February 24 Arma Varghese and Neville Eruch Choksi; March 7 Mehroo Boman Cursetji and Rajesh Prafulchandra Madeka; March 11 Nina Rajput and Carl Shapur Sethna; March 13 Bhavna Permanand Billimoria and Mehernosh Hoshang Bacha-, April 5 Kirtida Prabhudas Patel and Keki Jalejer Unwalla; April 16 Kamal Sam Aibara of Ahmedabad and Khushru Keki Ukaji; April 25 Yasmin D. Vatcha and Urvax K. Dhanda; April 29 Maharukh Baji Minbatiwala and lyenger Gopalachari Krishnaswamy; May 1 A boy to Armaity and Sarosk Pagdiwalla-, June 6 A. boy to Farida and Rusi Patel-, Jvnel A girl to Binaif er and Aspi Hilloowala-, June 8 A boy to Pervin and Keki Balsara-, June 9 A boy to Anahita and Kali Driver, June 9 A girl to Phiroza and Mehernosh Surti-, June 11 A girl to Radhika and Zubin Dubash-, June 12 A girl to Smita and Cawas Affinwalla-, June 14 A girl to Tanaz and Rajeev Das-, June 14 A girl to Behnaz and Darayush Irani-, June 15 A boy to Manize and Tirandaz Irani-, June 17 A girl to Dilnavaz and Farokh Master, June 18 A girl to Tanaz and Farokh Nadir show-, June 18 A girl to Freny and Neville Patel; June 24 A boy to Farida and Dinyar Dumasia; June 26 A boy to Nilima and Pallon Daruwala', June 27 A girl to Dilnaz and Homi A boy to Behnaz and Firdosh Irani' June 28 Married Goolrookh Adi Contractor and Rashmi Chandrashekar and Jehangir Behram Palkhivala-, February 3 Dolly Navsoo Solanki and Joseph Rozario D’Souza; May 2 Nilufer Faredoon Kerawalla of Ahmedabad and Firdaus Jamshed Marfat 'ia-, May 3 Ashish Dhunjishaw Khambatta of Navsari and Jamshed Phiroze Pithawala; May 5 Ashesh Parvez Palia and Dinesh Madhukar Arondekar-, May 7 Neeta Rai and Kayomaz R. Dastoor, May 10 Taruna Phiroze Bhathena and Heckter Kavasji Engineer; May 10 Niloufer Sam Batlivala and Jam- sheed Pesi Banaji; May 11 Jinoo Jiim Panthaki of Bangalore and Sarosh Rotan Daruwalla; May 12 Nilufer Firoz Sigar^joria and Sheriyar Boman Parva of Lonavla; May 14 Freny Faram Gotla of Navsari and Honuar Pesi Goiporia; May 16 Maharukh Billimoria and Mukundan A.; May 16 Huttoxi Dorabji Kalyaruwalla of Panchgani and Porusasp Rusi Vesuna; May 16 Khushnama Soli Mistry and Jamshed Pesi Mohta; May 18 Ava Tehmurasp Vakil of Bhavnagar and Khushroo Homi Dubash; May 19 Pushpa Ahiye and Tehmton D. Taraporewala-, May 21 Rashna Naval Engineer and Kersi Ardeshir Katki-, May 24 Monaz Aspi Mistry and Darius Rustom Iraru-, May 25 Farida Dmshaw Sigat^zoria and Jal Pestonji Ghiara of Thane; May 26 Perviz Adi Sanjana and Dinyar Jehangirji Hilloo; May 26 Kamal Cyrus Wadia and Kersy Jamshedji Italia of Hyderabad; May 26 Bakhtawar Piloo Katrak and Neville Soli Karbhari-, May 26 Jeroo Dadi Billimoria and Kayumars Faredoon Mehta; May 26 Gulshan Burjorji Bhagwagar and Cyrus Kyas Mody, May 26 Zenobia Bomansha Pagdiwalla and Pheroze Jehangir Unwalla-, May 26 Meher Phiroze Mama and Khushro Fredoon Mehta-, 42 Parsiana July 1991May 27 Farida Cawas Wadia ol Bulsar and Adil Minocher Sahukar; May 28 Jasmine Ardeshir Irani of Panvel and Shiraz Rustom Mubarakai', May 29 Jasmine Jehangirji Vazifdar of Kalyan and Yazdi Godrej Rustomji of Kalyan; June 1 Kamalrukh Eruch Nanji and _ Farhad Tehmurasp Colah; June 5 Daisy Homi Todiwalla of Poona and Jimmy Furdoon Mehta-, June 7 Died Jal Hormusjee Billimoria (78), residing at Pallonji Hse, New Chami Rd, 400004; May 31 Dolly Dhanjishaw Bhurekhan (67), H/3, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; June 1 Dow let Firoz Damania (69), Ali Manzil, Nusserwanji Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; June 1 Perviz Nariman Malesaria (65), Readymoney Block No 7, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 1 Kersi Kekushroo Birdy (72), Harding Hse, Gowalia Tank, 400026;June 2 Tehmina Pestonji Chinwalla (75), Barzor Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; June 2 Framji Merwanji Mavji (75), Zaveri Bldg, Opp Allbless Baug, Girgaum, 400004; June 2 Dhunmai Rustomji Mistry (80), Captain Bldg, Chikalwadi, Grant Rd, 400007; June 2 Katie Adi Mistry (60), 513, Rajni Mhl, Tardeo, 400034; June 2 Jer Palonji Dadachanji (91), Forjett Hse, Forjett St, 400036; June 3 Bomi Iliraji Engineer (60), B/21, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400005;June 3 Ratansha Cawasji Italia (83), 18, Avabai Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; June 3 Jal Framji Sutaria (75), 7/3, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, . Byculla, 400027; June 3 Mehru Pirojshah Talati (70), 661, Sereneham, Rd No 12, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 3 Amy Viraf Dhalla (52), Royal Ter, 58, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; June 4 Bomanji Ardeshir Dubash (87), 36, Nepean Sea Rd, 40(X)06; June 4 Ilomai Nadirsha Dubash (75), Kabraji Block, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; June 4 Jerbanoo Kaildiushroo Irani (81), Old Wadia Chawl, Chandanwadi, Chira Bazar, 400002;June 4 Piroja Pestonji Panday (99), 307, Cumballa Crest, 42, Peddar Rd, 400026;June 4 Jahanbux Dhanjisha Fitter (15}, G/5, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012;June 5 Pervez Jehangir Mehta (55), 301, Mistry Bldg, Opp Pork Market, Dhobitalao, 400002; June 5 Roshan Rusi Mehta (70), Willie Mans, 297, Tardeo Rd, 400007; June 5 Noshir Navroji Darukhanawala (61), 5, Todiwalla Hse, Chinchpokli Lane, Bandra, 400050;June 6 Noshir Dhanjishaw Paymaster (60), Amroliwala Hse, Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, 400013; June 6 Ilillamai Eruchshah Daroowala (84), Shobha Sagar, 592, Dr Am- bedkar Rd, Bandra, 400050; June 7 Pirosha Dadiba Nanji (82), 18, Jamasp Tata Block, 38th Rd, TPS 3, Bandra, 400050; June 7 Khorshed Nussenvanji Nikorawalla (75), 105/B, Adarsh, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; June 7 Pesi Kavasji Ravji (44), Nana Bldg, Gilder Lane, Tardeo, 400034;June 7 Dinshawji Jehangirji Surty (94), Roshan Boman Mistry (61), B, The Reward, Tardeo, 400007; June 7 Roshan Manecksha Tabak (10), 8, Doctor Bldg, S. B. Bharucha Baug, Andheri (W), 400058; June 7 Homi Dosabhai Bilimoria (72), Krishna Ngr, 2137, Attabhai Rd, Bhavnagar, 364002; June 8 Minocher Rustumji Mithaiwalla (Shroff) (i3), ^125, Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 400007; June 8 Minocher Sorabji Patel (82), 16, Dubash Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; June 8 Dhun Rustom Vatchaa (95), Jer Mans, Forjett St Cross Lane, 400036; June 8 Kaikhusru Torak Demeri (65), Harbour View, Matharpakhadi Rd, Mazgaon, 400010; June 9 Dhun Rustomji Doctor (72), 782, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014;June 9 Pesi Kaikhosruw Mavji (73), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; June 9 Dossy Meherhom Meherhomji (87), Sugra Manzil, B.E.S.T. Marg, Electric Hse, 400039; June 9 Pallonji Dorabji Parekh (^1), dll, Dhanbaiwadi, Dadabhai Rd, Vile Parle (W), 400056; June 9 Ratan Jamshedji Antia (74), Seervai Bldg, Wimbridge Comp, Sleater Rd, 400007; June 10 Banubai Dhunjishaw Churigar (88), Contractor Bldg, 268, Soparibagh Rd, Parel, 400012; June 12 Banoobai Maneckshaw Randelia (90), Room no 8, 162, Mody St, Opp Fort Market, 400001; June 12 Mehr an Rustomji Karbhari (79), 6/13, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; June 13 Banoo Sorabjee Medhora (19), A/(A, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400026; June 13 Erach Shapurji Mistry (90), 4, Clover Apt, Sleater Rd, 400007; June 13 Framroze Bejonji Aspar (88), A, Empire Ter, Nusserwanji Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; June 14 Nergish Jamshed Vatcha (82), Pallonji Hse, New Chami Rd, 400004; June 15 Daddi Jamshedji Writer (68), 4A/21, Takshila, Mahakali Caves Rd, Andheri (E), 400093;June 15 Balmad, 20, Maratha Mandir Rd, Bombay Central, 400008; June 16 Tehmurasp Rustomji Panthaki (65), E 7/4, Pirojsha Ngr, L. B. S. Marg, Vikhroli, 400079; June 16 Yasmin Noshir Wadia B/4-124, Sai Ngr, Yari Rd, Versova, 400061; June 16 Amy Noshir Gandhi (67), Willie Mans, 297, Tardeo Rd, 40(X)07; June 17 Aspi Rashid Irani (67), United Chmbs, 341!A, Grant Rd, 400007;June 18 Shapur Rustom Irani (85), 94/D, Room 18, Madhav Bhavan, Parsi Wadi, Lower Parel, 400012; June 18 Mona Vicaji Zaveri (90), AK), Nadirsha Bldg, Babulnath, 400007; June 18 Perin Pesi Aderboman (66), Karanjia Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007;June 19 Rattan Horru Bharucha (79), 7, Nirmala Mhl, Bomanji Petit Rd, 400036; June 19 Nariman Nanabhoy Daruwala (88), Dubash Bldg, KashinaCh St, Tardeo, 400034; June 19 Bapai Eruch Kateli (70), 16, Faruk Mans, Pitha St, Fort, 400001;June 19 Naval Furdunji Parekh (90), 504, Cumballa Crest, Pedder Rd, 400026;June 19 Behram Jdfhshedji Taraporewala (75), 5/B, Old Wadia Chawl, Chandanwadi, Princess St, 400002; June 19 Ala Behramji Zaiker (87), Sheridan Hse, Gowalia Tank, 400036;June 19 Banoo Ardeshir Irani (82), 25, Shabbir Bldg, Mehalla Patel Agiary Lane, Grant Rd, 400007; June 20 Roshan Kaikhushru Antia (58), 28, Hughes Rd, 400007; June 21 Maneck Rustomjee Cooper (38), Petit Block No 2, J. Petit St, Balaram St, 400007; June 21 Nerghesh Jal Engineer (69), Nariman Bldg, 162, M. Karve Rd, 400021; June 21 Dhunjishaw Manekji Working- boxwala (70), 19, Jeevan Sudha, Juhu Lane, Andheri (W), 400058; June 21 , Fredoon Manchershaw Mistry (87), Dr Jal Vakil Bldg, 752, Dr Ghanti Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014;June 22 Naju Manekshaw Daruwalla (66), Apate Bldg, Opp Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Chowpatty, 400007;June 24 Piroja Jamshedji Daruwalla (79), 3, Wadia Bldg, 6, Babulnath Rd, 400007; June 24 Noshirwan Bhikaji Dubash (73), 9/9, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004;June 24 Pariborz Homi Moniri (35), M-3/52, Cama Park, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 24 Dhunjishaw Faramroz Gonda (80), Divecha Blocks, Mody Clny, Pune, 411001; June 25 Boman Dosabhoy Mistry (77), AfflA, Bomanji Dhanjibhoy Bldg, Nawab Tank Rd, Mazgaon, 400010; June 25 Nariman Rustomji Pavri (73), Huseni Bldg, Comer of Grant Rd, 400008; June 25 Eruch Dhanjibhai Tata (78), 104, Jupiter U, Versova Cross Rd, 4 Bglws, Andheri (W), 400058;June 25 Nariman Pattanji Balsara (81), 43 Parsiana July 199177, Jehangir Mans, Hughes Rd, 400007;June 26 Tehmi Meher Bhandara (61), 761, M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 26 Tehmi Daraius Bhappu (73), 12/4, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 4(X)027; June 26 Ratemshaw Kaikhushroo Bharucha (75), Devidas Bldg, 5, Dinbai Petit St, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; June 26 Ranibai Rustomji Dartowalla (75), 1/8, Azgarali Bldg, Vakola Pipe Line, Santacruz (E), 400055; June 26 Khushru Boman Irani (44), 6, Maneck Bldg, 112, Lamington Rd, 400008; June 27 Homi Sorabji Pagdiwalla (80), Bhatia Co-op Soc Bldg, Princess St, 400002; June 27 Jehangir Mancherji Vaid (71), 11, Albran Place, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; Jime 27 Mam Burjor Ga^walla (70), 6/B, New Mistry Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 4(X)007; June 28 Roshon Munchershaw Makhonia (75), Room 2, Railway Hotel, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, 4(KX)04; June 28 Gustasp Pirojshaw Antia (90), M/16, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; June 29 Perin Jal Avari (80), C, Banoo Mans, Cumballa Hill, 400036; June 29 CALCUTTA Born A boy, Arash, to Gulnar and Cyrus Dcstur; May 31 Married Nilufer Noshir Tankariwala and Rajiv Patkar; March 11 Priscilla Galstaun and Kershasp Anklesaria, son of Dolly and Darius; May 4 Died Arash Cyrus Dastur; June 15 JAMSHEDPUR Married Merlyn M. Rao and Firdose N. Anklesaria; March 15 Died Khushru R. Devitre (83), Parsi Hostel, Straight Mile Rd, 831001; January 7 Banoo N. Narielwala (85), 15-B, Parsi Clny, Pipe Line Rd, 831001; January 9 Kaikhushrow C. Panthaky (88), 8. D. Rd (East), 831001; January 21 Nariman D. Narielwala (93), 15-B, Parsi Clny, Pipe Line Rd, 831001; March 1 Hirabai J. Jokhi (84), Kutar Block, Parsi Hostel, Straight Mile Rd, 831001; March 19 Kurtwar K. Koyaji (69); March 25 Pesi E. Tarapore (48), 52, Straight Mile Rd, 831001; April 11 POONA Died Pilloo Dadrdfhoy Sukhia (62), Gool Villa, Pudumji Park, 411002; May 9 Rustomji Pestonji Adariyanvala (96), 193, Synagogue St, 411001; May 14 Naval Jehangir Mehta (82), 1, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; May 22 Tehmi Edulji Navasariwala (67), Gurunanak Ngr, Bhavani Peth, Poona College, 411002; May 22 Shirin Nusserwanji Chinoy (86), 1, Synagogue St, 411001; May 28 Dina Manecksha Billimoria (64), B/3, Paramount Apts, 1981, Convent St, 411001; May 31 Danesh Adi Irani (30), 8, Kahun Rd, 411001; May 31 Maneckji Cawasji Seth (84), West View, Nathan Rd, 411001; May 31 Jamshed Rustomji Billimoria (68), 4, Sholapur Rd, 411001; June 1 Dolly Khodadad Irani (63), 13, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; June 1 Shapoorji Meherji Kharas (IJ), Parikh Tower, Fatima Ngr, 411013; June 1 Cyrus Manchershaw Variava (63), 59, Sant Ngr, Swargate, 411001; June 4 Merwan Dinshaw Irani (78), 895, Synagogue St, 411001; June 8 Tehmi Ruttonji Keravala (80), 597, Sachapir St, 411001; June 19 Jehangir Hormasji Coyaji (87), 489, Rasta Peth, K. E. M. Hosp, 411001; June 23 Keki Jamshedji Dorabji (Ghadiyali) (66), 9, Wellesly Rd, Synagogue St, 411001; June 28 Rati Minoo Khambatta (78), 383, Godrej Bldg, Bhavani Peth, 411002; June 29 SURAT Born A girl, Parizad, to Jesmine and Mehernosh Baria; March 31 Died Bejonji Sorabji Chacha (85), Mohta Mohalla, Rustompura, 395002;June 1 Eruchshaw Munchershaw Dangore (62), Parsi Mohalla, Nanpura, 395001; June 1 Marzban Jehangirji Ichhaporia (45), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; June 1 Pestonji Kaikhushroo Sarkari (76), Badri Mans, Stn Rd, 395003; June 2 Neville Kaikhushroo Chiniwalla (28); June 15 Banubai Savaksha Ichhaporia (66), Gam Ichhapore, Dist Surat, 395003;June 17 Dinshaw Nusserwanji Kapadia (66), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; June 17 Dhunmai Horrrutsji Rangoon- wa//a(68), 12/2673, Bibini Wadi, Saiyedpura, 395003; WANTED Immediately, mobed, preferably with family, for the Calicut Parsi Anjuman at Calicut, Kerala. Attractive salary with free housing having modem amenities — . medical expenses — provident fund — bonus — leave travel allowance once in two years. If application found suitable he could be interviewed in Bombay. Apply to the Managing Trustee Calicut Parsi Anjuman Care Motor Accessories Co Vellayil Road Calicut 673032 (Kerala) June 21 Bachamai Burjorji Jabbar (80), 351, Popat Mohallo, Nanpura, 395001; June 28 KARACHI Died Khorshedbanu K. Bhagaria (78); May 1 Kety Dara KrAwal (70); May 2 Nadirsha Sohrat> Rustiunji (72); May 22 Tehnuna Rustem Daroga (86); May 30 Rusi Burjor Dhatigara (69); May 31 PETAWAWA, ONTARIO Born A boy to Nawas and Chen Patrie; April 18 TOTALS (for this issue) Births: Boys 19, Girls 19 Marriages: Parsi 29 Intercommunal 20 Deaths: 127 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka 44 Parsiana July 1991