Nov 1991

I I t .V. * •'^¦. - * ’«*¥9/ f -Aik • i*;*. •Jit & '••••f'>^ 1 /4 ¦. sw*- November 1991 Volume 14 Number 5 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Amavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana H. Kaka 3 Readers ’ Forum 15 Events and Personalities 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, BakhtavarBatliwalla, NowzerBatliwala, Bindu Pillai, SugathaS. Kurup Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd, at C/o H.L Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K.Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd, C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Lithographers; and black and white processing, Samir Process. All rights reserved. Phone: 2048730 Fax: 2042922 For editorial enquiries; 2048183 Telex 11-85710 RABO IN Annual inland subscription Rs 100 for one year (12 issues); Rs 180 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates; Sea mail Rs 260/US $ 12/UK £ 7 for one year, Rs 475/US $ 20/UK £ 12 for two years (please , allow six months or more from the time of publication); Air mail Rs 550ZUS $ 24/UK £ 14 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 290) for one year, Rs 1,050/US $ 45/UK £ 26 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 560) for two years. For Indian upcountty 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.LRochat, Navsari ‘ Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K.Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 20 Calicut Tidings by Parinaz Gandhi 23 Zoroastrians Abroad 31 The need for change by Noshir Vajifdar 34 Jimmy Bharucha: Propelled by horsepower by Yasmin Poonegar 36 Moving with The Times by Dara Kadva 39 Milestones Subscription Rates Increased Parsiana has been forced to revise its air mail and sea mail rates with this issue (see alongside) due to the sudden decision of the Government to raise foreign postal rates by over 80 percent. The inland subscription amount has been revised by a nominal Rs 20 to cover the high cost of paper and production. We appreciate the support our subscribers always extend to us and look forward to your continued cooperation.READERS’ FORUM . li'c, ,•,.. ¦ »*?» t , t Ji iX 'W ****»»>» w ? » • * I » 0 i' “ genuine, in my opinion, it is a from the tyranny of orthodoxy, masquer- ill I**! minor matter and such arguments shmilH ndina nnHpr i-AntnriAQ nf sIt »»«11 t <4 .t tt ? I iM>v} * minor matter and such arguments should ading under centuries of old and impracti- j -------- ----- 1----------------u. .L---------------------- ---- -¦ • ........................................... our calendar. It could similarly be argued that a per- j son born on a leap year day would have his/her birthday every four years, or that and others — to do the singular favor and »” he/she may not be able to celebrate his/ service to our community by jointly tak ­ ing up these and allied controversies in an l»»> ¦ I# ' it. r (tt.j L* not be brought in the way of streamlining cal religious dogmas. I earnestly appeal to our retired legal luminaries — Justice Dinsha Madon, Jus ­ tice Bakhtavar Lentin, Mr Rustom Gae he/she may not be able to celebrate his/ her wedding silver jubilee or golden jubi- _ ________________ lee because the jubilee year was not a leap appropriate court of law to give our fe- year. male Zoroastrians the needed personal The heavens are not going to fall if the freedom and identical rights and privi- varsi or the jubilee celebrations are done a leges as enjoyed by their male counter ­ day earlier or a day later. In the interests parts, as enshrined in our constitution. of our miniscule community all steps or m. d. disawalla should be taken to have a uniform calen- Bangalore dar for all Zoroastrians round the world. Dr P. D. SUNAVALA Mobed shortage it A A I- • XI- 1- While commenting on the BBC (Channel A stab in the back... Four) tv documentary The Parsis: The The statements made at the protest meet- Zoroastrians of Bombay, Mr Sohrab Na- ing convened on May 30, 1991 by the valshaw Patwa concludes, “Unwilling- Bombay Zoroastrian Jashan Committee, ncss on the part of young mobeds to lead the Athoman Mandal and the Dadar a hard disciplined life, and not lack of Jashan Trust are worth quoting for the funds, is responsible for the present pa- benefit of those who might have missed thetic situation (Readers ’ Forum, Par­ oat on the extravaganza. The meeting siana, April 1991).” Interestingly, such a was called to castigate the Bombay Parsi simplistic explanation is also put forward Punchayet ’s (BPP) majority decision per- by Dasturs Hormazdyar Mirza and mitting the use of the tower of silence to Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa, both of whom inter the bodies of Zoroastrian women married outside the fold (“A stab in the back... ” Parsiana, June 1991). One speaker asked the non-conform ­ ists to build their own separate dokhma torically we have had the oral tradition — (when thousands of living Parsis are in compare that with the Greeks who have dire need for a simple roof over their had the written tradition — and a lot of heads)! Still another speaker gave vent to historical facts are enshrined in the cere- his bile by expressing his last wish before monies most of which can only be per- d^j^ to bundle up all the trustees of the formed by full-time consecrated mobeds. -- 1 Sadly, the number of full-time mobeds J is declining gradually because the system Navroze for Shehenshahis, Kadmis and the faithful)! In yet another attempt to of payments is outdated, inadequate and 2, \ W / _ "----------------------------------------------------------- .--------------hence faulty. It is not economically vi- ^’>¦1 - ; 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. are language specialists. I disagree totally. The problem is purely monetary. The community must realize that his- “Shall we unite in 1992?” I fully endorse the suggestion to have a BPP and throw them into the Arabian Sea common Parsi New Year on Jamshedi (wonder if sea burial will be accepted by Faslis from March 21, 1992 onwards bring home their point of view, a com- hence faulty. It is not economically vi- (Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, August parison was made quoting the Vatican ’s able for a full-time mobed to survive in, 1991). The idea was originally mooted declaration of Jackie Kennedy as a public - - by a Parsi lady from Bombay in your col- sinner for having renounced the Catholic umns several years r.go and the thread faith while marrying Aristotle Onassis. was later picked up by Dr Jehan Bagli of The learned speaker did not realize that policy, a guarantee of workload, a pay • the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec while Jackie Kennedy had renounced her rate which is adequate and mutually (ZAQ). P ....... . - ..... Some time back, a high priest of expressed her abiding faith in the Zoroas- Bombay had objected to the change on trian religion while expressing her death grounds of difficulty in doing baj (pra- wish, yers for the dead) on the varsi (death an ­ niversary) of a person who dies on a leap and will go on and on unless sensible ceremonial workload to “fall to his lot. ” year day, because there would be no ‘Av- practical reasoning, a firm legal decision His income thus fluctuates from month to ardad Sal ’ for the next three years, and a change in our archaic thinking is month. Compare that with the secular Though the question raised by the high made to pull our small community out world which employs people on a time- this day and age on a flat, piece-rate basis. When a group of people are paid on piece-rate basis, it implies an employment Catholic faith, the late Roxan Shah had agreed upon. We all know that none of these condi ­ tions are fulfilled when it comes to reim­ bursing our hardworking mobeds and the Thus the sad controversy continues poor mobed has just to wait and watch for practical reasoning, a firm legal decision and a change in our archaic thinking is 3 Parsiana November 1991ESTD 1850 JEWELLERY 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 Donations for Deolali Agiary The Trustees of the Deolali, Nasik & Nasik Road Zoroastrian Anjuman shall gratefully accept small and large donations for their Platinum Jubilee Fund which is registered under the Income Tax Act 80-G. Cheques/ Drafts or Cash in the name of “Bai Ratanbai J. Chinoy Agiari Trust ” should be addressed to Mr Bomi M. Netarwalla, 216 Lam Road, Deolali 422401. 4 Parsiana November 1991 rate basis, providing not only a fixed are keenly interested in their heritage and monthly salary, but social security bene- are proud to be the living relics of an an- fits like medical cover, retirement bene- — - • fits, etc. This contrast is quickly observed by the smart mobeds who generally belong to the yozdathregar category. After a few Reunion in California years ’ stint they opt for the secular world On June 29, 1991, there was a special where they are well absorbed and well jashan and fundraising ghambar at the placed, earning attractive remuneration packages with social security benefits. Now, if the community wants to pre ­ serve the higher liturgicals (pav-mahat), it stan and Iran jointly participated to make has to upgrade the present piece-rate sys- the function a success (see also “Atash- tem of payments. We can upgrade the kadeh progress, ” Zoroastrians Abroad, system of payments by providing various Parsiana, October 1991). monthly stipends e.g. The Mobed Welfare Trust of P^istan provides stipends from eludes a two-storey house and several Rs 1,125 to Rs 225 per month to the acres of land in the eastern hills of San mobeds. The full-time mobeds also qual- Jose, was originally bought by the Arbab ify for medical cover and retirement bene- Guiv Trust in 1986. Arbab Rustom Ghiv, fits; the part-timers don ’t. We also have while attending a Navroze function held The Zoroastrian Religious Trust for by the Zarthosti Anjuman of Northern Udwada Mobeds which provides between California (ZANC) in 1980, had pledged Rs 150 to Rs 100 to the mobeds who prac ­ tise in Udwada. Instead of admitting that we have in ­ flicted a horrible life-style on our hard ­ working mobeds Mr Patwa states with until then were members of ZANC, great pride, “They also give liberal formed a separate group, called the Per- ashodad (tip) to these priests. ” Is this dig- sian Zoroastrian Organization (PZO), nified? Must a fully trained mobed de- which gradually wrested control of the pend on tips all his life? Would Mr Patwa funds pledged by Arbab Guiv, from live a life like that? ZANC, claiming that the money came If we want properly trained mobeds to from an Iranian donor. PZO has taken a perform proper ceremonies we must en- more active role in remodeling the prop- sure a proper system of payment. It erty, and starting construction of the ac- would not be out of place to mention here tual fire-temple building. ZANC and PZO that in Karachi the mobeds do not get tips have been using the existing property for and the panthaky ensures a proper wage religious classes and sports. rate per ceremony. The least that the Bombay Parsis can do is to give similiar president, Mr Tarapore, announced payments and plan a stipend system and ZANC’s collection of, more than provide social security benefits as well. $ 34,000 towards the construction costs We may try amalgamating the many of the fire-temple building. He pointed adarians that we have and selling off out that the contribution was due to the ef- some property to raise funds for this pur- forts of past presidents, M. Bhujwala, D. pose, failing which the ceremonial struc- Captain, D. Engineer, and J. Makujina. ture is bound to deteriorate further. To wAMcrv t nur^-Ai a sum up in the words of the late Mr T. R. Past president, zanc Sethna ’s Khordeh Avesta (pg VIII): “If usa we want really good priests we should contribute towards the salary of priests Parsi parakrams in London such that they could get as much salary as Recently I was fortunate to have been in- they would have, had they joined a gov- vited by the honorary secretary of the emment or private concern and not taken World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), up the priesthood. ” Mr Rumi Sethna, and his wife, to come to London and direct a play based on Pestonjee Na Parakram written by the late Homi Tavadia. I went to England in March and stayed with the Sethna family until August 5 when I left for India. I found that the people who were se- cient civilization. This is one of the things that makes us different. ]. D. K. COLAH Calcutta Arbab Rustom and Morvarid Guiv Dare ­ mehr in the city of San Jose in Northern California. Zoroastrians from India, Paki- The Daremehr property, which in- the amount of $ 350,000 for a daremehr and $ 150,000 for buying a plot of land to be used as an aramgah. Soon after, Zarthostis from Iran, who At the fund raising function, ZANC’s Mobed PAURUSASP DINSHAWJI MAGOL Karachi, Pakisun Whither Parsianal Some historical articles in Parsiana would be welcome. Parsis the world overI I I lected to perform were total amateurs, and also noticed that hardly any people attend living — first within the community. Af- most of them had never acted in a play the functions organized by the ZTFE with ter they succeed in it, they can do so in the before, yet their willingness and hard the exception of a dinner party when whole wide world and thereby glorify work ensured that the play was a total about 300 to 400 people attend. This ap- Zoroastrianism, but shorn of all the mean ­ success. After the first performance, pears to show that our Zoroastrians are ingless rituals. which raised well over £ 4,000 towards only interested in food. Also, the Parsis seem to be oblivious the office that the WZO is purchasing, it was decided that another performance that the reasons the existing president and should be held, and this money would go office bearers of the ZTFE do not associ- king, the valiant Yazdgurd Sheriar, by towards the WZO’s Gujarat appeal. The ate themselves with the WZO are purely stabbing him literally in the back when he second performance held at the Winston personal. was ready to fight the invaders further. Churchill Hall in Ruislip raised over £ 1,400 towards this project. The reason for my writing this letter is to inform the leadership of Dr (Ms) Shirinbanoo S. community at large in Bombay that Kutar, is doing in London, people overseas, especially in Britain, are very concerned about the state of our poor The art of living farmers and poor people in India. They ~ seem to work hard organizing functions and in fact are arranging a dinner-dance in November where they hope to raise at ancient Persians, least £ 10,000. During my stay in UK, I was pained to notice the internal squabbles of the com ­ munity in London. When we were per- degeneration caused by this fact (the Hin- forming the play, I was informed by the dus were aware of it) and preparing for re ­ friends of the present managing commit ­ tee of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Eu ­ rope (ZTFE) that if the WZO is organi ­ zing a play, they would totally ignore it. I The public at large should also know of what Firdausi calls the blackest chapter in their history, of the betrayal of their last I for one am impressed with the hard Actually a Roman Catholic priest was work that the WZO committee, under the good enough to arrange for his last Zoroastrian rites. In my opinion if the ancient Parsis had not committed the folly mentioned here ­ inabove, the refugees in India would have The deplorable dissensions within the reached greater heights under the liberal small Parsi community seem to be due to a lack of knowledge of the history of the ..... — ___ The bane of the Zoroastrians was consanguineous mar- The Celtic COIlIieCtion? riagcs. It might have been due to Egyp- I consider myself to be a Zoroastrian of tian influence. Instead of recognizing the sorts (though not biologically either Irani or Parsi). The question of what exactly is a Zoroastrian is important. In my view. DARAMADON attitude of their Hindu saviors. DrB.P.GODRJEJ generation of the community, some mem ­ bers of the community are adopting an Zoroaster, a product of his Fars tribal so- ostrich-like attitude. ciety, proclaimed both a theology and a The Parsis need to introduce the art of philosophy: a radical simplification of 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 7 Parsiana November 1991Later, since resentation, like a candle) is lit (our tem ­ porary ritual fire is like your home fire that is extinguished), our fire being lit MATRIMONIAL Gujarat-based Parsi doctor, aged 29,5'6", fair, doing postgraduation, seeks matrimonial alliance with well-educated Parsi girls, preferably in the medical profession. Apply giving full details and photograph to: prior polytheistic ideas. people couldn ’t worship abstract expres ­ sions of Ahura Mazda ’s mind, personifi ­ cations of these expressions occurred and with local woods such as oak, maple, etc. a complicated list of such beings devel ­ oped. al is I believe, a survival of the old Aryan lieve in the future advent of the true (as Also, we do strive to have good thoughts, words and deeds so after we cross over to summerland where the Celtic beings hold their court, the situation will be very posi- _ ___________ tive and enjoyable. So, as you can see, have no objection to defining one who Zoroaster ’s philosophy and theology are We do use sandalwood in a small way as a solar incense to purify the quarters of the circle during one ritual. We also be- The ritual approach to Ahura Mazda et 'ai la, 1 a oui .i.u. u.w U.K. . — ----------------------------- Fars tribal rituals prior to the advent of opposed to the Dark ’s false) Renovator. Zoroaster, albeit with a different focus. “ ' Some of these rituals require items not available outside of the tropical area. (How many mobeds could find a date palm in northern Russia, for instance?) I wishes to ritually approach Ahura Mazda alive and well here as well as in the Irani/ utilizing the Fars tribal rituals (and initia- Parsi community. We hope the above explanation will be understood as a way to build bridges and of similar people) the current descendants not as an attempt to usurp or oppose any The Advertiser Matrimonial (November/29-91) Parsiana, GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited for good-looking, fair, Parsi girl, 23/163 Hons Graduate. Write with complete details and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (November/30-91) Parsiana GPO Box No 892 Bombay 400001 utilizing the Fars tribal rituals (and initia ­ tion) as follows; One who resembles in physical features (since a tribe is a group G. ......... -------------— ’ . of the original Fars tribe, who is initiated authority of the local priests whom we by a Zoroasirian priest according to cus- regard as guardians of the revised Fars tom and fulfills ritually the requirements tribal ritual approach to Ahura Mazda. to a greater or lesser degree at a recog- Rev david brock nized agiary. This radical inclusiveness Ponimd, Oregon,usa would allow for intermarriage but conver- . . Sion could take place under certain condi- Agricultural adVlSCrS^ tions. After all. King Vishtaspa ’s conver ­ sion from the prior Aryan polytheism is not doubted, is it? Now what of us who accept Zoroas ­ ter ’s theology and philosophy, but cannot perform the revised Fars tribal rituals e.g. pensive! Well, since Ahura Mazda is the Bombay State; creator of the entire universe and com- ” mander of the Army of Light which is battling Ahriman and his forces. He obvi ­ ously must have subordinates (local com- „ „ . . manders). Why not consider all tribal development officer, Bomtoy State,^ beings (those of a positive nature, that is) *' '' as subordinates of Ahura Mazda? We consider the ancient Celtic tribal beings as subordinates of Ahura Mazda mology (1950-51). and responsible for certain battle zones I wonder, are there any youngsters in (seven in number) so we deal with those this line which was thus occupied by the beings. Our ritu^ (and theological) ap- Parsis of yore? g.b.kasad proach to these subordinates is different Ahmedabad but similar to the rituals you do; we have initiations, seasonal rituals (like gham- Turupur DharamSnSla bars) and, most important, we believe, as Tarapur, just 10 km from Bois^ implied above, in the battle between Light on the Western Railway, and about 130 and Dark revering Ahura Mazda as the km by road from Bombay, is a coastal vil- commander-in-chief. Also, fire is a part lage in Maharashtra. It has an agia^, a of our ritual: its place being in the south- dokhma, and an old Portuguese Fort, em part of our sacred circle, its guardians Toddy, a sweet, refreshing and healthy being Michael (who holds a red-hot drink, a favorite of the Parsis, is freely sword to defend it against Ahriman ’s available. Amidst these idyllic surround ­ minions) and Raocha (who holds the gen- " ' ’’ tier light of illumination). We also invoke regard as guardians of the revised Fars When I joined the Agricultural College in Pune in 1948-49 several Parsis were on high posts: •Sohrab Gandhi was the professor of hor ­ ticulture and horticulturist, Bombay State; pvxxw.... _ _____________________ _ -Dinshaw Daji was the professor of agri- S^ndalwood logs would be extremely ex- culture chemistry and agriculture chemist, •P. N. Driver was the professor of agri economics and agri economist, Bombay State; •Burjorji B. Jamaspajina was the poultry •Dr Khambatla was the principal. Veteri ­ nary College, Bombay; •Dr Eruch Vevai was professor of ento- I wonder, are there any youngsters in Tarapur, just 10 km from Boisar station km by road from Bombay, is a coastal vil- dokhma, and an old Portuguese Fort. ings, Seth Framji Sidhwa constructed a Dharamshala for the benefit of the Parsi Atar (along with Raocha) in our seasonal community in 1950. The Dharamshala is ritual when the ritual fire (or smaller rep- t ------ , . surrounded by-palms and other greenery, 8 Parsiana November 1991and passengers can get rest and a change of air, away from the rush, noise, and pol ­ lution of city life. Today, the Dharamshala faces severe financial constraints, and urgently re ­ quires donations for roof repair; distem- Parsis in Hindi films per and oil painting work; electric fix­ tures, fittings and wiring; partitioning of law-abiding, tolerant, educated and has an the mori (bathroom) in each room; pur- ability to laugh at itself, others should not drives a posh limousine. After a lot of chase of chairs, steel/wooden cupboards, bed sheets and linen; repairing of old steel cots/beds; providing washbasin and other amenities in the kitchen, etc. We appeal to all munificent Zoroastri ­ ans to donate generously and help save this beautiful Dharamshala. Any dona ­ tion, whether in cash or in kind, will be ticipate in such perversion, highly appreciated and gratefully ac ­ knowledged. Donations may be made by A/c payee as undecided, muddle-headed and impa- cheques drawn in favor of the “Cawasji Mobed Parsee Dharamshala, ” and sent to the undersigned at Tata Building No. 4/A, the daintily dressed Parsi dowager com- Flat No. 7, C. J. Colony, Sir Ratan Tata plains to a village doctor that she used to A tribute tO Mdiji Road, Tulsiwadi, Tardeo, Bombay sing like Lata and Asha till, by mistake. Vivid memories of childhood remind me 400034 (Tel: 4941413). she swallowed a spoon. Here follows a of the late Ms Shirinbai Muncherji Cama, Receipt for the donations will be word-play with vulgar references to the promptly posted to the donors. spoon. The doctor fools the Parsi “pa ­ tient ” into believing that the spoon is re- Trusiec moved and she leaves the dispensary in a happy mood. In Qurbani, a comic looking Parsi, Just because the tiny Parsi community is with wife and children in a ramshackle car, has a scuffle with the tough hero who DHANJISHAH K. SETHNA take a mean advantage and depict it in a horseplay and fighting mixed with vulgar- crass and vulgar manner. There are scenes in Hindi movies in which a Parsi is portrayed as a nincom ­ poop, a museum piece, a chatterbox and even as an extra-marital maniac. It is sad to state that Parsi artistes par- In the art film Gaman, the Parsi pas ­ senger of the taxi-driver hero was shown tient. In another film, Zulm Ko Jala Doonga, ity, the poor Parsi lands in a hospital where he is shown misbehaving with nurses. To conclude, in the words of film critic Firoze Rangoonwalla in a recent article in an English newspaper, “Will somebody call a halt to these silly antics? At least it should not happen in a country where the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi married a Parsi and their son Rajiv Gandhi too was a popular leader. BHIKHAJIM. ADENWALLA 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 10 Parsiana November 1991MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited from an educated, pleasant tempered, Zoroastrian girl, willing to settle in USA, age between 26 to 33 years. Please send correspondence with a photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (N ovemb er/31-91) Parsiana GPO Box No 892 Bombay 400001 LADY COMPANION FOR ELDERLY LADY IN MAHABLESHWAR *Wanted cheerful Parsi lady between 50 to 60 years in good health with no encumbrances and excellent references. *Work involves general assistance, supervision of servants, simple accounts and correspondence in English.' *Must be willing to do light nursing in case of illness. *Salary between Rs 1,500 — Rs 2,000 per month, all found. •PleasG write with bio data to: Mrs Putla Pheroze Dossabhoy, Race View Hotel Guest House. Mahableshwar 412806 ‘Initial interviews in Bombay. No personal visits or telephone calls until after that, please. 12 Parsiana November 1991 Maiji (revered mother) to the poor of the of public donations, gifts and charities, Parsi community. Widowed at an early age, Maiji's chal ­ lenging sense of duty towards her com ­ munity led her to establish the Cama Con ­ valescent Home for Women and Girls in 1903. Established at Land ’s End, Bandra, it became a place where poor, aged Parsi women, destitute young girls and children after the death of the founder. Initially, Ms Dhanbaiji Pesikaka, Maiji’s sister, and her daughters took over and func ­ tioned as trustees and caretakers of these two institutions. Other dedicated people who continued to work for these institutions thereafter were Ms Khorshedbanoo Parikh, Ms Jer- below the age of 10, neglected by their banoo Patel, Ms Mini Byramjee, Ms own families because of extreme poverty, “ ' " ' could convalesce after illness. Initially run and managed by this phil ­ anthropic lady out of her own funds, Maiji was subsequently joined by many like-minded philanthropic Parsi families, notably the Tatas, in maintaining the in ­ stitution. Encouraged by this response, Maiji established another Home in Matheran Bombay BrothcrhOOd where women and children who needed I suggest diat the name of the Bombay further convalescing were sent for change Parsi Punchayet Trust and Charities of air. Over the years so many Parsi fami- should be changed to the Bombay Broth ­ lies had taken advantage of this unique erhood Trust and Charities, institution that Maiji’s name became a household word. Her tender care and by five persons. We have seven trustees, love for the poor propelled her from door sou r. bauwala to door and office to office to seek help for the Home. A woman of extreme faith, Real progress? confidence, integrity and honesty, she There is a lot of controversy among Zoro- lived just one day at a time. Twenty-five years after the establish ­ ment of this Home for Women and Girls she established another Cama Convales ­ cent Home for Men and Boys in a rented There was progress and man stopped to bungalow in Bandra in 1930. In the early eat man and killed animals to devour their years this new Home moved from one “ ~ rented bungalow to another within this same locality. Around the time of the outbreak of World War II, the present abode of the Caina Convalescent Home for Men and Boys was established in a new structure realization. Instead of unlearning a nega- erected out of a munificent donation from tive thought, they harp on abstractions the late Lady Dhanjibhoy Bomanji in memory Dhanjibhoy (popularly known to the Par ­ sis as Dhanju Kalfati). Unfortunately to give up the practice of eating flesh it Maiji did not live to see it. Thus these two well-established insti ­ tutions came to the help of Zoroastrian turing the environment. They do not want men, women and children in need of a to bring about positive change; they change of climate, good food, rest and merely adjust to the environment and peace after their illnesses for periods ex ­ tending from one month to sometimes as long as six months. It was the basic con ­ cept of the founder of these Homes to pro ­ vide everything free and even now, though the managements have been changing over the years, the basic concept reincarnation, to face and accept reality, of charity has not changed. dorab pihrozshaw patel Many others dedicated their lives to these institutions, run and maintained out Tehmina Ilavia, Ms Shirin Patel, Dr Con ­ tractor, Mr and Ms Driver, Dhanjishah Kolaporewalla — all so very sincere, dig ­ nified and honest, who would leave no stone unturned to aid the poor and the needy of the community who came for succor to these institutions. PHEROZE ARDESHIR BANA ‘Punchayet ’ means any association run astrian scholars on the matter of vegetari ­ anism and reincarnation in the Gathas. The policy of Zoroastrianism is prog ­ ress. Pre-historic man was a cannibal. flesh instead. There was further progress when man took pity on animals and be ­ came vegetarian. The thinking of some scholars is warped. What I mean is they are not souls of a high degree who have achieved self and are not willing to face the reality and of her late husband Sir come to a factual conclusion. As the majority of laymen do not want becomes easy for some scholars to seek to justify the practice on the grounds of nur- claim to be practical. But this does not promote the environment. By and large Zoroastrians are honest and believe in righteousness and truth. I would urge them to go deeper into these controversial issues of vegetarianism and Edited by Amavaz S. MamaEvents and Personalities The BPP vs the BMC poration will please restrain itself (from) what The Times of India and The Bombay The community was rudely jolted awake taking any action whatsoever in this re- Samachar have printed in their issues on Sunday, September 15,1991 by a front gard without fully acquainting us with the dated September 17, 1991 to the above page story in the Indian Express pro- f . . claiming the Bombay Municipd Corpora- appeared in the press item is proposed to tion ’s intention to de- p sm ff’qiriB '>¦ JSSt molish over 700 illegal ./ f - .**iH religious shrines in the city, starting with 270 structures obstructing traffic on the roads and B’ sidewalks. Five of the offending were identified Zoroastrian agiaries at I Pilot Bunder Road, I Ghoga Street, Pheroz- | eshah Mehta Road, H Cawasji Patel Street f and Perin Nariman i Street. I Belying the com- I mon concept of the I Bombay Parsi Pun- I chayet ’s (BPP) func- !¦¦¦¦¦¦ —wsasraw lao tioning as slow and lethargic, th>; next JeejeebhoyDadabhoy (left) and morning Dr Aspi Golwalla had shot off a Godavara agiaries: "unauthorized strong protest to the municipal commis- places of worship?" sioner K. Padmanabhaiah in his dual ca ­ pacity as chairman of the BPP and presi- be taken without following normal proce- dent of the Federation of Parsi Zoroas- (' trian Anjumans of India. “We are of the view...that the Bombay The Afternoon Despatch and Courier “The agiaries located at the above- Municipal Corporation authorities may of September 25 did just that with a stated places have been in existence for have some false information or wrong “wardwise list of unauthorized places of many years past and our (Godavara) impression which requires to be immedi- Agiary (at Cawasji Patel Street) particu- ately corrected. If you so deem it neces- larly is almost 150 years old. At no time has the Bombay Municipal Corporation like to call on you...to discuss this informed us that our Agiary is an un ­ authorized structure and so far as we are ___ „_________ _______________ _________________________________ aware, none of the other religious response from the Corporation, The Times Matrimonial Court (PCMC) were duly places...of the Parsi community men- of India and The Bombay Samachar of elected on October 19, 1991. The 11 va- tioned in the press item have been simi- September 17 carried a disclaimer from cancies had been occasioned by the end of larly objected to. There has been no no- the municipality on the whole issue of the 10-yoar tonyroof tice of any such nature also served on us. demolishing illegal shrines. Pressing demise of the 11th. There were 38 nominations filed with edifices as details as to why any such action as has effect in this regard is correct and that there is no such contemplated or decided move on the part of ¦ the Bombay Munici- t pal Corporation. ” in Simultaneously, ¦ BPP trustee Jamshe^ H Kanga who also be- J longs to the Indian '1 Administrative Serv- 11 ice (IAS) spoke to ¦ Padmanabhaiah on the H phone, thereafter re- ¦ cording the conversa- H tion in his letter of ¦ September 18: “ State - H ments such as these ¦ published in national H newspapers, unless B they are controverted B immediately, give rise B to misunderstanding ...If (there) are any doubts in the minds of officers who have carried out such in ­ vestigation (s) on the basis of which they have come to this unjustified conclusion, we would be only too glad to set the rec ­ ord straight. ” 8 II SB :Si dures of notice, etc... “We are of the view...that the Bombay ¦ I worship belonging to various communi ­ ties. ” Parsi structures did not feature on sary, some of my colleagues and I would the list at all. Amavaz s. Mama matter... ” The matrimonial court Though the letter evoked no official Eleven new incumbents of the Parsi Chief tice of any such nature also served on us. demolishing illegal shrines. None of our five places indicated are lo ­ cated on the road or foothpath sites... “We urge you in the strongest terms municipal commissioner dated September September 30, according to a notification possible that the Bombay Municipal Cor- 18: “We shall thank you to confirm that issued by BPP joint secretary Ms Gool home the point, Golwalla put The Times' report on record in a second letter to the the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) by 15 Parsiana November 19911 ¦ jjk / ['i F fl . -,! * I retaining the direct right to vote for trus- I tees. An added proviso was a five-year I waiting period before being able to exer- I cise this right This last qualification had 1 been suggested to eliminate the risk of I padding the F Register at election time by I monied candidates. ! The appeal still lies unresolved in the I Bombay High Court. The Anjuman Com- I mittee remains in a state of suspended J animation. BPP chairman Dr Aspi 1 Golwalla and trustee Jamsheed Kanga continue on the BPP board under court orders although their terms have expired. The BPP is happy to receive donations though the donors ’ status as direct or indi ­ rect voters will remain in limbo until the issue is settled by the Court. To the credit of the Parsi community, donations have continued to come in, says BPP chief ex ­ ecutive Rustom Anklesaria, largely as donations to the B. D. Petit Parsee Gen ­ eral Hospital. A.S.M. I A question of survival Accounting at the B. D. Petit Parsee Gen- Instrumental music, songs, dances and mime were organized by a few talented children at the residence of Gul and Air Marshal Minoo Engineer on May 19,1991. The proceeds from this salon concert—Rs 6,000—were presented to the chief guests eral Hospital (PGH) under its many dif- Homi and Thrity Taleyarkhan (seated in the center), to be used for the poor ferent heads is being computerized in the Zoroastrian farmers of Gujarat. interest of tighter control and faster bill ­ ing, informs its administrator Erach Tata in the Jam-e-Jamshed of October 6, PCMC led the BPP to revive the mori- Kapadia. A Tata Unisys computer with 1991. Ms Bachan Kika and Ms Mithoo bund Anjuman Committee with the per- 12 terminals has been installed and by Wadia are the only two ladies among mission of the Bombay High Court, end September all patient registrations those elected. The remaining nine, in al- Strictly speaking the Anjuman Committee had been incorporated. The rest of the phabetical order, are Ervad Dhanjishah — the body which elects trustees to the 11 terminals are to be distributed be- Dastur, Dr Jehangir Deboo, Dr Cyrus board of the BPP — of 1981 ended its tween bills, accounts, cash receipts and Irani, Gustad Irani, Dr Viraf Kapadia, seven-year statutory existence on Decern- payments, the X-ray and pathology de- Bejan Katiak, Jal Mistry, Adi Mogrelia ber 31,1987. The 1988 general elections partments, the operation theater and and Pesi Paymaster. The Chief Justice of the Bombay High to which the revised BPP electoral Court has named Justice I. G. Shah to of ­ ficiate on the PCMC, notes the High Court ’s acting prothonotary Mecwan. Normally the PCMC functions mittee (then expected to reach the 1,500 floor, access to information will be re- twice a year. This year the earlier session figure as the 749 donors then on the F stricted. That is to say that individuals had been cancelled for want of the mini- Register required the election of an equal working with one terminal will not be mum 50 cases required, an irate sub- number on the E Register) to a manage- able to tap information dealing with scriber informed Parsiana. The next ses- '''''' " ” ' ... . . sion is scheduled for December 16,1991, informs Mecwan. the level of Rs 50,0(X) into a class of indi- the Hospital ’s managing committee who The responsibility to elect the dele- rect voters. This had incensed F Register looks after the accounts, only two or gates belongs to the Anjuman Committee voters, as hitherto donors of Rs 5,000 and three people will have the password that of the BPP (as of 1981), the BPP trustees above had enjoyed the direct right to vote and the Parsi specif executive magis- for trustees. trates (SEMs). The total electorate pres- Another aspect of Suresh ’s decision The software has been created by ently numbers 715 of whom only 96 has been that the minimum donation Kale Consultants who have experience in members arrived at the Sir J. J. Parsee qualifying for F Register membership was hospital computerization having provided Benevolent Institution building to cast raised from Rs 5,(X)0 to Rs 7,500. In the similar service to the Breach Candy their vote between 2.30 and 5.30 that course of sporadic hearings by successive Hospital and Research Centre, P. D. Hin- Saturday afternoon, as informs the appeal benches it had been suggested that duja National Hospital and other estab- Punchayet. The need to hold this election to the raised to Rs 15,000 with all such donors depended on the verdict of the High Court medical stores. Whereas all data pertaining to the Hos- scheme had been submitted in 1985. The pital will be entered in the main frame 1987 judgment of Justice H. Suresh cur- situated in an airconditioned chamber out- I. S. tailed the mushrooming Anjuman Com- side the Hospital ’s office on the first number on the E Register) to a manage- able to tap information dealing with able 200. Surcsh ’s scheme subordinated other aspects of the Hospital ’s workings, all donors to Punchayet charities below In fact, notes Zarir Bhathena, member of the level of Rs 50,000 into a class of indi- for trustees. Another aspect of Suresh ’s decision will open all the information available for review. this minimum qualifying donation be lishments. The 14 to 15 lakh rupee investment 16 Parsiana November 1991entailed by the installation of the com ­ puter is directly attributed to Bhathena ’s state the sources of funds for meeting the check the equipment are considered the connections. The donations have come Hospital expenses including medical aid largest carriers of the virus, according to from the Mani and Nariman D. Sahukar from employer, medical insurance as well Trust, Jal Shroff and the Hong Kong as details of family income including Charity Funds of Macau, he informs. earnings on investments, the ownership of Every morning a printout detailing the vehicles like car, scooter, tempo, etc and list of patients, their room/bed allotment details of residential accommodation, and the doctor treating them is provided to the receptionist at the entrance to facili ­ tate the flow of visitors seeking informa ­ tion. The printout also notes the position regarding availability of accommodation each day. The Hospital ’s response to requests for beds/rooms has. often been a source of dissatisfaction to the community. A ma ­ jor complaint has been that despite empty beds and rooms, patients ’ requests for transfers have been vetoed or that patients ' V > have been pressured to opt for more ex- I; pensive accommodation despite the . H availability of those at lower rates of pay ­ ment. In response to these complaints Kapa- dia explains that though beds/rooms may appear vacant, they are in fact booked by Bulsara: anti-virus defence patients who have delayed their entry (Right) Veteran athlete Mehta: into the Hospital. In some cases when record-breaking jump the patient is shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the family prefers to nity ’s increasing need for concessional maintain the room where relatives can relax as there is only sitting accommoda ­ tion for visitors outside the ICU, he adds. The Hospital has adopted a policy of Hospital as its haven in distress, even as seeking verification of the patients ’ fi- community goodwill remains the PGH’s nancial status by way of Income Tax re- biggest asset. a.s.m. turns, bank statements or similar docu- The form then requires the patient to floppy is used. Engineers who come to state the sources of funds for meeting the an article in The Week, September 1, 1991. In answer to Pakistan ’s Brain Virus which afflicted computers in India, 24- year-old Bulsara wrote the first Indian The rising wage bill and inflationary antidote three years ago. “The maximum running costs are militating against the PGH’s ability to serve the aging commu- / % ¦ KSIAl number of viruses are always released in the last quarter of the year, ” observes Bul ­ sara. In America this is probably because students have free ac ­ cess to the computers during vacation time. For the seasonal fluc­ tuation of viruses in CAN J ------------------ ... India, Bulsara has yet to find an answer. The Week notes. Record leap A massive leap in the triple jump event at the Ninth World Vet ­ eran Championships in Turku, Finland in July ’91 helped Ms Prochy Mehta break the old world record, according to a write ­ up forwarded to Parsiana. Earlier in Malaysia, Mehta represented India at the Sixth Asian Veteran Champi- medical treatment. But despite the short ­ comings and the strains they may cause, onships in the 35 to 39-year age-group the community continues to think of the where she stood first in the 200 and 400 m run and second in the 100 m run, notes the write-up. At the all-Parsis athletic meet in Bom- ___ , _____________ — _____ _____ bay this year, organized by the Federation ments. This, say the Hospital authorities. The ‘byte’ that CUreS of Zoroastrian Associations for Welfare is forced upon them because of the com- The fear of data being corrupted or lost is and Culture (FOZAWAC), Mehta was munity ’s tendency to use the Hospital a constant threat to the corporate world, declared the best woman athlete, the beyond the call of medical necessity. This is where Neville Bulsara ’s Red write-up adds. They say that the relatives of patients. Alert, an anti-virus defence system, certified by their doctors to be ready for serves as a life insurance policy for com- Airline history Created discharge, continuously procrastinate puterized bodies, notes a write-up in The The front page news item in the dailies of and postpone taking the patients home so Business and Political Observer of Au- August 2, 1991 announcing the privatiza- that many a patient who has recovered gust 6,1991. tion of a Soviet airline was a major break- continues to be fed and sheltered at the expense of the Hospital, sometimes over months. detect every known computer virus pro- sible for this development is 41-year-old In the admission form required to be viding complete protection even against Houston-based aviation management ex ­ completed by the incoming patient or the future viruses. Priced at Rs 4,500 apiece, ' relative, the managing committee has Red Alert can avoid false alarms, provide made a fervent appeal to community members to “come forward and accept admission to the higher class to which by reason of their resources they need to be admitted. It will be embarrassing that the virus, the write-up reads, the Administration judge the economic condition of each patient and fit him or through an infected floppy or program her in the appropriate bracket of and thereafter spread from one computer competition to clinch the deal worth 35 charges... ” terminal to another each time an infected million dollars over five years that gave The fear of data being corrupted or lost is a constant threat to the corporate world. This is where Neville Bulsara ’s Red Alert, an anti-virus defence system. Believed to be the first of its kind in through witnessed in the hitherto socialist the world, Red Alert claims to scan and economy of Russia. And the man respon- detect every known computer virus pro ­ pert Homi Davier. The newly constituted Baltic Intema- an optional password to prevent unauthor- tional Airline (BIA) “has been formed in ized leakage of information and in cases where infection has already set in, it can reconstruct and recover the file as also kill a spirit of cooperation between the west, as represented by my company (Davier is the president of Baltic International, USA) and the east, as represented by the Viruses can sneak into a system Republic of Latvia and Moscow, ” said Davier. BIA had reportedly to face stiff 17 Parsiana November 1991‘ ••*<**¦ i! B From left: explosives detective Patel; Swiss TV interviewee Bana and scouters 1 Dadachanji, Wadia and ' I Mistry I I been commended by different consul gen- Bana was of the opinion that Switzerland erals as also Interpol. A graduate from the Sir Cusrow Wadia them a 45 percent stake in the enterprise. The new venture “threatens to break Aer ­ oflot ’s monopoly over the Soviet skies, ” notes a write-up in The Times of India of ---------,------------- August 2. College, Nasik, Patel ’s first posting was a member of the European community. The new airline was to commence op- at the V. P. Road Police Station in Bom- thereby risking the loss of its traditional erations from October 1 this year with bay, mentions the bio data. It ivas his neutrality; and whether to stem the tide of daily flights to Copenhagen, Stockholm, training in explosives handling at the asylum seekers from Sri Lanka and East Helsinki, Hamburg and Tel Aviv. It also - t- , boasts a domestic network interconnect ­ ing 76 cities in Russia. By next year BIA uj --------- - ------------------ --------- T”. „ hopes to operate a Riga-New York flight the bungalow of the then chief minister of Arzan Sam Wadia and Kaizad Kersy Mis- seven days a week, Davier was quoted in Maharashtra S. B. Chavan, it is reported. try were two of the three patrol leaders the write-up. While the management per- . selected to head the 14-member Indian sonnel will be both American and Lat- Bana’S SwiSS tOUF contingent representing India at the 17th vian, the inflight crew will be exclusively Among the 24 foreign journalists invited World Scout Jamboree at Mount Sorak in Latvian. Of its total strength of 3,800 by the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs South Korea, notes a press release. There employees, 1,400 are pilots. to participate in the 700th anniversary were 21,000 scouts from 135 countries Davier himself was a traffic assistant celebrations of the country was Sarosh participating in the nine-day-long Jambo- with Air India in Bombay before he de- Bana, senior journalist with the Indian reefrom August 8 to 16,1991. - • • ¦ • ¦ • ¦ I Among the Indian scouts. Mistry and ‘ Wadia stood first and second respec- distinction of being interviewed by the tively. Both of them along with Swiss television for its pre-national day Marespand Aspandiar Dadachanji, who telecast, notes a press release sent by the too was a member of the Indian team, family. won the coveted Jamboree Adventure The week-long celebrations from July Award. Wadia also represented India at 28 to August 4, 1991, in which English- will however have to prepare itself for two major decisions in the foreseeable fu- Institute, Poona and the Police Training ture: whether to face isolation or become College, Nasik, Patel ’s first posting was at the V. P. Road Police Station in Bom ­ bay, mentions the bio data. It >vas his Indo-Tibet Border Police Training Centre European countries, that enabled him to detect bombs at the . US Consulate, the Air India building and Jamboree 111 Korea Maharashtra S. B. Chavan, it is reported. Bana’s Swiss tour by the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs South Korea, notes a press release. There to participate in the 700th anniversary celebrations of the country was Sarosh Bana, senior journalist with the Indian cided to pursue a career in the States. His Express. Being the only journalist known schooling at Campion and his graduation to have fluency in German, Bana had the from National College, preceded his entry to the Nagpur Flying Club from where he acquired a private pilot ’s licence. The Times reports. Police medal for Patel Deputy superintendent of police, Sam D. speaking journalists from USA, Canada, bombs and forged passports, was awarded USSR, Australia and Yugoslavia partici- the President ’s Medal on August 15, 1.. _----- . _ . 1991 noted a report in T/ie o/Mt/za ized were visits to the federal capital of sible this once in a lifetime experience, two days later. During his 30 years of association with the police department Patel has worked on anti-sabotage as well as traffic regula ­ tory procedures. Among the new schemes he was entrusted to implement was the was in the ’70s when he had an opportu- Taxi Service Scheme at Bombay ’s Sahar nity to study agriculture there. This time. International Airport, notes his bio data. Notorious criminals as also rioteers in sensitive areas like Bhiwandi have been ...... —........- r -------------- u i, handled by Patel who has won 230 good ing information for future articles, the foreword to the 414-page paperback, emeries, 45 commendatory notes and write-up adds. With the use of charts, graphs and pic- cash gifts totalling Rs 17,000, according Known to be a picturesque country tures, the author, an einment homeopath, to his bio data. Additionally his work has “where nothing ever seems to go wrong, ” explains how iscador therapy effectively Patel, an expert in detecting explosive China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, pated, commenced in Zurich. Also organ- the flag march on the opening day. All the three Zoroastrians are enrolled with Sethna ’s 18th West Bombay Scout Group and credit their scout master M. B. Shroff and their parents for making pos- Beme, Lucerne, the cantons or member the release further adds, states of Switzerland, Lugano, Dissentis, the seat of the Rhaeto-Romanic culture The miStietoe CUFC and Geneva, the write-up informs. * • . . . \ ____ “It will fill up the lacuna and provide an Bana ’s past exposure to Switzerland alternative medicinal agent in the therapy — .... QanQgf, devoid of side-effects, ” Dr ................. _ ___________ ____ (Ms) Rita Leroi, director. Society for during his month ’s stay, he got a chance Cancer Research, commended the publi- to travel extensively and meet senior gov- cation of Dr Kershasp N. Kasad ’s recent emment officials in the process of collect- book Iscador Therapy of Cancer in the write-up adds. Known to be a picturesque country ‘where nothing ever seems to go wrong, ” 18 Parsiana November 1991uses the mistletoe plant to cure cancer. The mistletoe which is widely grown in France is made into different preparations from top left): Ghandy, Kavarana, that are administered as injections or Subawalla, Aryana, Udwadia, orally. The specific properties of iscador Khambatta, Kothawalla, are explained by way of selected extracts Morris, Lashkari, Munshi, Rana, from the book in Amrit-Mcmthan, a jour- Bhesania and Sethna nal devoted to ho- listic healing arts. The most signifi- cant of these is the activation of the de- fence mechanism of the body, retar- dation of tumor growth and overall improvement. In contrast to the other prevalent modes of cancer therapy which are immunosup ­ pressive, iscador reinforces natural immu ­ nity and restores the disturbed equilib ­ rium between the organism and the cell. Since it is non-toxic there are no compli ­ cations of drug intolerance, explains the author in the introduction to the book. Kasad had received his training in is ­ cador treatment at the Lucas Cancer Clinic in Switzerland and later pursued his interest in the subject by reading all the German and English science works available. Before setting out to write this book, priced at Rs 200 and published by Dr L«o Rebello for Progresive Writers Combine, Kasad had also undertaken ex ­ tensive research work. Presently Kasad is associate director at the Institute of Clinical Research, profes ­ sor at the C.M.P. Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bombay and visit ­ ing faculty member of Calcutta ’s National Institute of Homeopathy, reads the intro ­ duction to the author. The book is available from the author at Old Readymoney Building, 1, Clare Road, Byculla, Bombay 400008. 15 Parsis as Tata scholars “It is interesting that girls from well- placed families brought up in comfort take to working for the handicapped chil ­ dren. ” Dinshah K. Malegamvala, director of the J. N. Tata Endowment for the • Higher Education of Indians, was refer ­ ring to the three Zoroastrian girls who were among this year ’s ,98 candidates chosen to receive scholarships amounting to 30 lakh rupees from the Tata Endow ­ ment Ms Sonya S. Ghandy, Ms Behroze Irani and Ms Scherezade J. Khambatta have all opted to do their masters in spe ­ cial education for handicapped children at universities in the United States. The 19 Parsiana November 1991 1991 Tata scholars (clockwise 31 fourth Zoroastrian girl to be selected a Tata scholar is Ms Khurshid H. Rana who will be pursuing a PhD in biochemistry. Chemical engineering was a popular subject this year. Of the 11 Zoroastrian boys selected, four — Percy S. Bhesania, Zal Jamshed Sethna, Hoshang E. Subaw- alla and Kurush K. Udwadia — will do their masters in chemical engineering. Mechanical engineering is the subject that Farokh H. Kavarana will do his masters in, while textile engineering is Khushroo T. Satarawalla ’s choice. Yezdezard Z. Lashkari will study computer science, Zubin S. Morris, law, and Kaivan Mun- shi, economics. Darias R. Kothawalla will pursue anthropology, while Kay- anush J. Aryana will do his doctorate in horticulture, announces the press release. The specific achievements of some brilliant students have been delineated: Bhesania ’s area of specialization at the Purdue University will be ‘Reactor design and separation processes. ’ In addition to his academic distinction he is also good in games like chess, badminton, cricket, football and table tennis, reads the release. Kothawalla ’s talent at anthropology has earned him encomiums from his sen ­ iors at Pune University including a visit ­ ing professor from the University of New Hampshire. At the MA anthropology ex ­ amination conducted by the University of Pune, Kothawalla had stood first. A graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology, Lashkari has been honored by the University of Wisconsin with sub ­ stantial financial aid to enable him to at ­ tain his master ’s degree there in computer science. Morris will study jurisprudence at King ’s College in London, having passed his London solicitors ’ examination at the first attempt. After earning degrees in civil engi ­ neering and city and regional planning at the University of California at Berkley, Munshi returned to India in 1989 to take up work with the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research in Bombay. Selected a Tata scholar for the second time, Munshi will now be studying for his doctorate in economics at the Massa- chussetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Sethna ’s decision to take up further studies in chemical engineering at the Louisville University in Kentucky fol ­ lows his brilliant performance at the Anna University in Madras. Meanwhile Suba- wall a, agraduate from Pune, will pursue the continued on page 33INSTITUTIONS COVER STORY Calicut Tidings The lone Zoroastrian family in Calicut invites enterprising community members to settle in their city Parinaz Gandhi tu ne Mangaldas to nahi hoi (that our ans in their hometown was a new experi- numbers would increase and we would ence for them, says Nazneen. And the times when they miss the presence of other Zoroastrians the most is on festive To keep the community fervor pulsat- occasions when instead of celebrating ing in Calicut, the residents there make with others, they have to settle for He was made to stand a chained witness as the steady stream of 2k)roastrian visi ­ tors walked in and out of the Anjuman not be left with just you and I and Man- Baug property that he guards for The galdas); Calicut Parsi Anjuman (CPA). And he barked in protest, used as he was to the presence of only two Zoroastrian fami- concerted efforts. Come Sunday evening isolated gaiety, says Katy who has been lies. The guests who had converged on and it is time for the hambandagi ritual at in Calicut for the last 25 years but still the dog's territory were the delegates from different anjumans who had come to Cali- dining hall across the pathway when ei- cut in September last to attend a meeting ther of the two families stands host. And of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India. There are just four members of the Gujarati. This way the younger genera- Anjuman permanently stationed in Cali ­ cut which lies on the green belt in Ker ­ ala. They are the managing trustee of the than Gujarati, can associate with their childhood the numbers had already Anjuman, Darius Marshall, his wife Katy Parsi roots too. dwindled to 50. Yet Darius happily re- whois the second trustee and their two elder children, Zubin and Nazneen (the pear to be from the Zoroastrian main- younger son Farzan is not eligible to be a member because he is underage). Addi ­ tionally the seven-member Anjuman in ­ cludes Darius ’ brother Eruch who stays in Mangalore, and the Mistry couple Macky and Tehmi, based in Cannanore, at a distance of 90 km from Calicut. Be ­ sides the Marshalls, the only other Zoroastrians residing in Calicut are Er- vad Faredun Dastur, the priest employed by the Anjuman, and his wife Jini. After 27 years of service with the CPA, 78- year-old Dastur now plans to leave Cali- • cut and spend his retirement years in Udwada. The CPA is anxiously looking out for another priest. Not to attend to the agiary, for there is no atash adarian in Calicut. Not only to perform ceremonial prayers, for there are not sufficient num ­ bers to justify the presence of a priest. But, as conveyed by Darius, “The idea of a priest is ke aapri vasti vadhe and hu, and it is time for the hambandagi ritual at the prayer hall followed by high tea in the has memories of New Years celebrated in Hyderabad in the years before her marriage. In yonder days Calicut Parsis too had their share of merriment and social life. Though in the nineteenth century there are known to have been as many as 300 they maintain a register wherein all those present have to sign — preferably in tion, who are more comfortable with Malyalam (the state language of Kerala) Zoroastrians in Calicut, during Darius ’ Distanced the Mai'shall children ap- calls their monthly ghambars, the New stream. Thu.s seeing so many Zoroastri- Prayer hall in Calicut: draws the devout 20 Parsiana November 1991 9 ... 8 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ mti 4li Top row: The Anjuman property and the interior of the prayer hall Center row: Katy and Darius Marshall, and Ervad Dastur Below: Zubin, Nazneen and Farzan Marshall I Year ’s day schedule when families visited each other ’s homes in the mornings to partake of wine, hardboiled eggs, cakes, etc, then returned to their respective homes for lunch and after a slumber pre ­ pared for an evening out at the Marshalls or the Hirjees (the family of Bomi Hirjee, present advisor to the Jammu and Ka ­ shmir governor) where live music would be followed by dinner. Those were the days when Sohrab Dalal was the chairman of the Anjuman and Darius ’ father, Phiroze, the secre ­ tary. Used as they were to the British Regiment settled there, they had their distinct style: Dalal who was also the chairman of the municipality, would never move without his felt cap. Phiroze who was the honorary magistrate for petty crimes was invariably seen in a suit, even if he was riding a bicycle as was the popular mode of transport then, mentions Darius. The generation prior to this was the one which laid the foundation of Parsi fully recounted to each succeeding gen- business and industrial houses in Calicut. • The Dalals started the export of rose ­ wood; the Hirjees were famous for their falling, and why, it is not sure. Only this through Calicut who tried to elicit money aerated waters factory and their soda in is known that several married out of the particular was believed by some to be community, quite a few opted to settle in even more recuperative than medicine; T the Marshalls started the first rice, oil chi, and trade and business reasons boring anjuman. This has been made and coir factory in Calicut. Dr Kobad prompted others to move to the nearby possible due to the forcsightedness and Mugaseth was among the most respected vicinities. Even today there arc 10 fami- munificence of Dhanjibhoy Mugaseth medical practitioners and his treatment lies in Ooly, two in Coimbatore, and one who bought land on Sweetmeat Street and of a choking elephant was a story duti- each in Cochin and Cannanorc, notes donated it to the Anjuman. On this ccn- i eration in Calicut. At what stage did the numbers start Bombay, Surat, Bharuch, Delhi and Kara ­ chi, and trade and business reasons boring anjuman. vicinities. Even today there arc 10 fami ­ lies in Ooty, two in Coimbatore, and one each in Cochin and Cannanorc, notes Darius. Another reason for the decreas ­ ing strength of the Calicut Anjuman is that their membership is restricted to those residing close to Calicut. On this issue the matter had gone to court when one gentleman staying outside Calicut insisted on being made a member and questioned the use of the CPA funds by Darius ’ father who was then the presi ­ dent. On the court ruling that the Anjuman affairs were being well man­ aged, that gentleman was refused admis ­ sion to the Anjuman, briefs Darius. Now that Calicut, or Kozhikode, as it is rechristened, will be down to its last Zoroastrian family, it was suggested at the Federation meeting that the Federa ­ tion ’s name be included on the CPA’s records so that “if the birds fly away ” (referring to the Marshall children) and the Anjuman were to become de ­ funct, the commu ­ nity assets would not be lost. For the present Darius is not contemplating accepting this pro ­ position because he sees no sense in just adding names. What he looks forward to is the presence of more Zoroastrians in Calicut. Tourists, he knows, are attracted to Calicut ’s delica ­ cies — banana wafers and Malabar halva. But Calicut ’s “banana wafer economy ” has a better deal to offer in terms of busi ­ ness avenues and decent accommodation than Bombay, assures Darius. For those interested in doing the pre ­ liminary rounds of this area, at the Anjuman Baug there is a self-contained room let out to transit passengers at a very nominal rate of Rs 3 per day. Food facili­ ties, if required, can be provided at extra cost. In their eagerness to welcome Zoroastrians to Calicut, they are also learning to guard against swindlers. In the course of the last year, as recollects Dar ­ ius, there were three Zoroastrians passing from him on some false pretext. The financial soundness of the Calicut Anjuman is the envy of many a neigh- 21 Parsiana November 1991trally located property is situated the ar ­ amgah, the prayer hall, the priest ’s quar ­ ters, the transit accommodation room and the dining hall. The Parsi graveyard, sheltered by the trees and shrubs that en ­ compass it, shows the earliest tombs dat ­ ing back to the 1860s. Some may be even older but there is no way of knowing as these are unnamed and undated. The most recent burial was of Darius ’ mother who died this year. The prayer hall adjoining the aramgah is a rectangular enclosure with provisions on the porch where the kusti can be per ­ formed before entering its portals. There is no permanent fire kept burning therein. When the priest tends the fire before the weekly or memorial prayers the hall as ­ sumes a different look: the diva (lamp), the flowers, the portraits of the Anjuman stalwarts and the old grandfather clock gain lustre as the flames from the afarganiu leap to life. A death in one of the nearby towns, and it is Dastur who is asked to officiate at the ceremonies as usually the body is brought to Calicut. But very rarely do auspicious ceremonies come the way of Dastur. The last time he performed a navjote in Calicut was of one of Darius ’ children (now in college). Priest ’s quar- Sheltered graves at the Calicut aramgah ters and a monthly salary of Rs 2,300 from the Anjiiman plus medical allow ­ ance is what the Calicut priest is assured. Towards the maintenance of the Anjuman Baug property, the regular ex ­ penses incurred are on the salary of the caretaker, dietary and other provisions for the watch dog, oil lamps and sandal ­ wood. Yet, compared to the other anjumans, Calicut spends less on sandal ­ wood merely because its supply comes directly from the government auctions held in the vicinity, thereby eliminating the profit margins of middlemen. The main source of the Anjuman ’s in ­ come are the rentals from the shops that lie on the periphery of the Anjuman Baug, netting Rs 8,(XX)-10,0(X) a month. The building which accommodates these shops was constructed for the Anjuman by Ardeshir Cooverji Dalal ’s family, liie Anjuman ’s liquid assets include Rs 2,70,0(X) invested in the current bank ac ­ count, as per their auditor ’s advice, Dar ­ ius provides the financial details. With the revised taxes and the amended law for charitable organizations requiring them to spend 75 percent of the year ’s income on the objects specified, or face taxation, the Anjuman comes to the aid of many de ­ scrying causes. While some of their charities are extended to Zoroastrian beneficiaries like the farmers of south Gujarat, they also see the need to donate to cosmopolitan causes. This is in the in ­ terests of maintaining harmonious rela ­ tions with the other communities in Cali ­ cut, explains Darius. Sm^l in numbers the Calicut Parsis are, yet equally determined are they not to be dismissed as an almost non-existent minority in the sea of Muslims and Hin ­ dus. As residents of a coastal town they hope that a new tide of Zoroastrian mi ­ grants will infuse fresh life in their affairs. SAVE LIFE.STAY 22 Parsiana November 1991ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Looking at intermarriage, dispassionately Huzan Kharas Fraser's doctoral research on intermarriage is aimed at providing the community with background data on an emotive issue Arnavaz S. Mama “Wherever I have spoken, whether in Bombay, Australia or the UK, the youth have been very concerned about the is ­ sues of conversion and intermarriage, ” says community activist Ms Huzan Kharas Fraser who has chosen the sub ­ ject of intermarriage for her PhD re ­ search thesis now under way under the guidance of Prof John Kinnells, scholar, writer and head of the department of in ­ terreligious study at Manchester Univer ­ sity, UK. The orthodox/liberal split in the com ­ munity ’s various associations worldwide has been a cause for concern. “As a mi ­ croscopic minority, unity is very impor ­ tant for us. Instead of being aggressive (let us) understand each other ’s point of view, ” says Kharas. This advice has been tendered by Kinnells and other scholars like Prof Kaikhosrov Irani and Prof James Boyd in the interest of the younger generation of the community which, put off by the disharmony, is quietly drifting away. Kharas has personally experienced ' the implications of the great divide and intractable partisanship ajtd she is keen to bring to the fore the issues and reasons behind them so that “people can look at the issues wjthout becoming emotional. ” Kaving chosen the subject of inter ­ marriage which has led to a particularly strident controversy in the past year, Kharas returned to Bombay for six months of field work after eight months of preliminary stu­ dy at Manchester. Kharas has divided her target population into three groups. The first group, the subject of a postal questionnaire, eludes all Zoroas ­ trian associations and anjumans world ­ wide. Numbering somewhat under 150 in all (less than 75 of them being in In- 0 in- I ¦H I r “The dia) the focus of the enquiry would natu ­ rally be India, particularly Bombay. The answers to the questions — provided by the main officers of the anjumans — are meant to reflect the official stand of the anjuman. These questionnaires did not provide — and were not expected to pro ­ vide — statistics, says Kharas. larger the anjuman, the more imprecise the statistics, ” she notes. The second population group com ­ prises the intermarried couples, inter ­ viewed singly by Kharas. Not only the spouses but their progeny above the age of 12 and the parents of the Zoroastrian spouse were targetted for the interviews. And, as a counterweight by which to measure the success or otherwise of the marriages, comparable unions between Zoroastrians were also researched. The idea was to find not only what the couple went through but also the background of the family and the level of religious awareness, details Kharas. The list of intermarrieds was a “snowball sample, ” says Kharas, as each family provided a list of the inter ­ married couples they knew. She has concentrated on couples where the Zoroastrian spouse is the female “as the problem lies with the women as they are not accepted (within the com ­ munity after such an intermarriage). ” Thus 60 of the 140 individuals she inter ­ viewed in this category were Zoroastrian women married to men of other commu ­ nities. In a number of cases she found that the parents were reluctant to talk and the girls felt apprehensive about making them relive the emotional strain they had undergone. She also found many children antagonistic in their attitude to the com ­ munity as a result of the social ostracism that they felt towards themselves. The third category consisted of un ­ structured interviews with prominent in ­ dividuals like Punchayet and fire-temple trustees, the liberal lawyers who have been involved in the recent controversy concerning the religious rights of Zoroas ­ trian women married outside the commu- 23 Parsiana November 1991nity like Rustom Gagrat, Dinsoo Zaiwalla level to tlie masters level. Each month either, ” she admits. In fact, Kharas says and Rusi Sethna, mobeds and dasturs she was required to submit assignments she was an indifferent student at school, “whose perceptions are important because and essays on various topics connected to but along with Ms Mahrukh Mobedji she of their community work, ” khshnoomists Zoroastrianism. Hinnells taught her to began children ’s classes at ZS and began like Adi Doctor and Ms Meher Master- pick out the facts. Prof Peter Halfpenny, to realize that a BA was not enough: it Moos. About 20 in-depth interviews have head of social research at Manchester provided no real expertise. Even in 1980- netted Kharas 30 to 40 tapes and Kharas University who is her joint supervisor, feels she has “learnt a lot from these interviews. ” She was, however, not as happy to training in statistics and computers. Her discuss her impressions of the findings mentors have put the upper limit of inter- until she had had the time to analyze them to her satisfaction. One of these level the emphasis is on indepth analy- where Prof Vera Mehta encouraged her to “impressions ” is that a number of women sis, ” explains Kharas. do her postgraduate thesis in social work, who have married out of the Zoroastrian community come from a very high eco ­ nomic background and have married men of equal- if not superior economic status. Another impression is that in most Kharas remembers being fascinated by cases there is very little knowledge of the Christian missionaries and though her religion. The controversy over the reli ­ gious rights of Zoroastrian women mar ­ ried out, sparked by the denial of Zoroas ­ trian funeral rites to the late Ms Roxan Shah, is more in the nature of a fight by “the amount of giving ” practised by against discrimination, feels Kharas. Kharas also found that “some people are so emotional that there ’s no question of an open mind. Only time and experi ­ ence can make them logical, rational. The intransigence of the Zoroastrian com ­ munity seems to be turning away the chil ­ dren of mixed marriages. Some inter ­ viewees felt that it may be a welcome development if rich Parsis can establish a she hungered was lacking, place where the children of mixed mar ­ riages can come to pray, to learn, she (ZS) as a young adult, she discovered in adds. The main solution to the problem is Khojeste Mistree, its founder, a person religious education, believes Kharas. It may be a year or more before the thesis is ready, notes Kharas. During the eight months in Manchester, Kharas says she was put through a crash course in Zoroastrian history, philosophy and back- community; study for the community... ground doctrine from the first year BA I’m not a linguist; not a religious scholar 81 Hinnells had invited her and Mobedji to Manchester but they didn ’t have the gave her a course in social research meth ­ odology. Over and above it all there was funds, she adds. After a desultory one year of evening MA classes in philosophy at Wilson Col- views at 100-150, “because at the PhD lege, Kharas joined the Nirmala Niketan sis, ” explains Kharas. Kharas, who says she enjoys reading Surprisingly, the secular institution en- on spiritual matters, considers herself dorsed her choice of topic — the plight of a social worker: “My main joy comes from serving people. ” Since childhood. the Zoroastrian clergy. The community ’s attitude was otherwise. The dasturs felt “where ’s the sense in research when there is no application; ” the mobeds themselves were overwhelmed by “the emotional trauma of their lives. ” They felt that the >9 schooling at ne Cathedral and John Connon in Bombay did not provide such exposure, by the time she had reached community was aware of their problems St Xavier ’s College she was enthused but unwilling to do anything about it, reminisces Kharas. the Jesuits and “looked up to them. ” Kharas ’ research laid bare a devastat- As in most other homes, Kharas found ing picture of poverty, apathy, ignorance that her parents, grandparents and priests and indifference. The findings of the could provide no cogent reasons to the random survey were first publicly con- many practices: “Why can ’t I wear a hal ­ ter-necked dress? Why must I wear a sudreh? ” She remembers the stories from the Shah Namah that her grandmother India in Bombay in May 1984. But there related but the doctrinal base for which veyed by her as a guest speaker at an ex ­ ecutive council meeting of the Federa ­ tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of When she joined Zoroastrian Studies with whom she could argue about vari- O'j^ things pertaining to religious beliefs ana practices. He made his young stu ­ dents feel ti»at “we need to dedicate our ­ selves to the community — work for the was no response from the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) or the Federation, “not even a note, ” in the following six months, recalls Kharas. So in January ’85, ZS arranged for an open talk to the community at Patkar Hall. “None of the BPP trustees came except Homi Ranina. ” artefacts ----- V'oo^’ .A( STOBES ETD. 400 001 PHONE Buying old color pictures, theater programs, movie hand bills, posters, collections, etc. We buy old M.G.M.. 20th Century Fox and other companies ’ movies, color pictures, theater programs, hand bills, movie posters, English actors ’ post cards, books, postal stamps, covers, cards, bank notes, picture post cards, cigarette cards, pocket watch, coronation books, match box labels, albums, large collections.Wanted top price will be paid. Please write immediately to: The Advertiser (Collections) Parsiana GPO Box No 892 Bombay 400001 24 Parsiana November 1991Also among the audience was the late same results. To be doubly sure, she ally taking good care of me, ” attests Naoroji Godrej, though he was not a BPP asked her social research guides to check Kharas. Known as the Zoroastrian Asso- trustee at that stage. Suddenly, a momen ­ tum was generated with Ranina pledging clean chit. Rs 20,000 for a mobed amelioration pro ­ gram followed by other pledges from the to the Nirmala Niketan for four years, Chester. Its current president is Maneck audience, narrates Kharas. Godrej do- teaching group counselling to postgradu- Mehta. Here too, according to Kharas, nated one lakh rupees quietly a few days later, she adds, leading to the establish ­ ment of the Athravan Educational Trust (AET) on which she functioned as man ­ aging trustee for nearly two and a half years before resigning — ostensibly for personal reasons. The community grape ­ vine hummed with various stories of a fallout between Kharas and the ZS trus ­ tees on the AET board. Not willing to ate students and group therapy, social lem to be solved you have to have factual jeopardize whatever benefits the project welfare administration and child welfare data, otherwise the solution will not start netted for the poor mobeds, Kharas has institutions to undergraduates. Her social at the grassroots. For example, intermar- continued to maintain a public silence on welfare work involved her with the Na- ried women say, ‘Where are the boys? ’ I the issue. tional Association for the Blind (NAB), would love to do more research. The Her findings on priestly poverty had Asha Dhan and the Holy Name School, present project will give me the tools and been much berated by certain sections At Manchester, a requirement for doc- of the community, her methodology toral students is teaching the undergradu- had been criticized and her conclusions ates, but so far Kharas has not been asked munity work has taught Kharas the value questioned. To vindicate herself, after to do so. of scepticism: “I don ’t know how much her MA Kharas did a census on mobeds The 40 odd Zoroastrians in Man- my research will contribute to the com ­ in which she also covered the mobeds Chester are a warm, friendly group who munity. I only hope I can factually bring of Gujarat The exercise produced the have made her feel “so much at home, re- out the various perceptions... ” her methodology and they gave her a ciation of the Northwest, the group meets four to five times a year and includes After the AET stint Kharas went back residents in the area surrounding Man- In most cases there is very little knowledge of the religion The 40 odd Zoroastrians in Man- Best Wishes From V: the community ’s insignificant number is posing a problem: in the younger genera­ tion there are more girls than boys. In ­ deed, according to Kharas, there are only two boys in the 16-25 age-group. Future plans? Kharas toys with the idea of a community census, the creation of a data bank, computer facilities for background information,,, “For any prob- techniques, ” At the same time, experience of com- RUSY & PURVIZ SHROFF 26 Parsiana November 1991ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Towards a new AZA House “One fact is becoming apparent that as tatives/successors — and two members our ( blessings of Ahura Mazda), the size of the the AZA at each annual general meeting hall and catering arrangements may cause (AGM). some problems in the future, ” notes presi- T"-, ___________ dent Purviz Kolsawalla of the Australian the powers and duties of the subcommit- Zoroastrian Association (AZA) of New tee as well as the board of directors and names ” by Dastur (Dr) Hormazdyar South Wales in the Association ’s 1 . . ...................... newsletter, Manashni, September-Octo- AZA property may be relocated or dis- ber 1991. One suggestion to circumvent posed of in future. the problem is to hold three New'Year functions — Fasli, Kadmi and Shehen- shahi — with members having the option the Foundation Committee and the drive vember 1990) and no one overseas cares a to attend one, two or all, he adds. to collect $ 40,000 from their own midst. New thinking on an extension to AZA Manashni editor Kersi Meher-Homji an- House now envisages demolition of the swers the question, “How will we main- existing property and the construction of a tain (the new) AZA House?... As the do- able than we are... Our Association is known and respected as The Australian community is growing (with the elected from among the general body of Zoroastrian Association... ” * The proposed name change had been publicized by The Bombay Samachar and The draft amendments also deal with the Fed Newsletter leading to an adverse comment on the “Mania of changing with the right to nominate their represen- lay down provisions under which the Mirza in The Samachar of May 12,1991. Commenting on the issue in Manashni, July-August 1991, editor Meher-Homji Hearkening to the 1978 decision to rued, “AZA wins a historic court case have “a place of our own ” which created (see “AZA victorious, ” Parsiana, No- hooL.. But a resolution which was de ­ feated... made headlines... ” In other news from Sydney, the AZA as a new structure at a cost of $ 2,97,000, in- nor members kindly contributed $ 104 a body has been granted exemption from forms Manashni. From a choice of four year in the early 1980s, we have decided paying any tax though individual dona- designs with seating capacity ranging to make it $ 200 a year in the 1990s. That tions are still taxable, informs Kolsawalla from 133 to 214 provided by architect means just $ 3.85 a week... Your precious {Manashni, July-August 1991). Laurie Glendenning, the AZA managing contribution will be kept as a sinking fund committee favors the one which provides for the maintenance of the building and The new Iward of directors elected at the the maximum accommodation. As versus the grounds. If we have surplus left, we ’ * the present covered area of 165 square may even think of extending AZA House meters with a seating capacity for ap- ' “ proximately 100 persons, the new estab ­ lishment would have 238 square meters and seating capacity for 214 persons, and Meher-Homji. This design also offers the best utilization / of space for the prayer room and library, has also been drafted into the articles re ­ kitchen and store, plus easier availability stricts the term of office of a director to for future expansion, notes Kolsawalla. A rough copy of each of the four blue- tion to office again only after a year ’s president Noshir Irani has convinced the prints with relevant statistics has been cir- moratorium, informs Kolsawalla. AZA’s solicitors to write off the out- culated to the general body of the Asso ­ ciation whose choice and suggestions are name of the Association from The Austra- successful appeal to the Land and En- awaited. lian Zoroastrian Association to the Zara- vironment Court, informs Kolsawalla This newsletter also features the draft thustrian Association of Australia was de- {Manashni, March-April 1991). “The amendments to the AZA’s articles of as- feated (48 to nine) at the EGM itself. A management committee has paid off all sociation, provided by their solicitors, contributory factor may have been 20- our debts and our Association is back in Messrs Cashman and Partners. It con- year-old Jehangir Meher-Homji, a student the black, ” he adds. A dispute with the cems the setting up of a subcommittee of of ancient history at the University of auditor who had hiked his charge to supervisprs of the AZA House property, ~ ’ representing the major donors and AZA members. The resolution to establish such a body had been mooted by Peshotan and classical historians who call us Claims Tribunal, notes Kolsawalla. . Katrak and Nawzer Ostowari at the ex- Zoroastrians, deriving from the Greek traordinary general meeting (EGM) of phrase meaning ‘golden star ’ — hardly an Cyrus Pestonji emerged with a triple April 14,1991 as had noted Kolsawalla in ’ “ the March-June 1991 issue of Manashni. The five-member committee is ex ­ pected to comprise the representatives of (of the) two Persian Wars... It is the well as the mixed doubles events, informs the three largest donors — currently, the Greeks who kept our religion so well re- Manashni. Arbab Rustam Guiv Trust, Faridoon and membered due to their ancient accounts. Mehraban Zartoshty and the Ostowari This step towards fundamentalism is dan- A painting titled Buffalo Dance by Shema family who will be permanent members gerous as it will make us less recogniz- Kotwal won the first prize in the modem AZA’s AGM on August 4, 1991 recon ­ firmed Purviz Kolsawalla as president. His team now includes vice president Adil Sarkari, secretary Dinsha Palkhi- walla and treasurer Gustad Kadwa. Ms Amawaz Minbatiwala, Zarir Mehta and Another resolution at the EGM that Percy Ukaji are members at large. Meher-Homji continues to oAllManashni. in die next decade or so. ” The fund rais ­ ers are Ms Shirley Mahableshwarwalla, Akhtar Ostowari, Noshir Irani, Tim Desai two years. He is eligible to stand for elec- With charm and negotiating skill, past moratorium, informs Kolsawalla. The third resolution, to change the standing debt of $ 4,614 arising from the name of the Association from The Austra ­ lian Zoroastrian Association to the Zara- Sydney, who reminded the gathering, “It $ 4,000 in contrast to the earlier agreed is not our enemies who call us 2toroastri- sum of $ 880 was also successfully laid to ans. It is the general body of academics rest by Irani at the Registry of Consumer insult. It is misplaced patriotism to call crown in the Indo-Australian Table Ten- the Greeks enemies. Remember, it was nis Tournament held on July 14 after win- the Persians who invaded first in the first ning the men ’s singles and doubles as 28 Parsiana November 1991SITUATION VACANT art category at the Ku-Ring-Gai Society copying, packaging and postage. Award Exhibition, informs Manashni. Wanted post-graduate teachers in science with B.Ed, preferably ladies, for higher secondary section of Firdaus Am rut Higher Secondary School, Ahmedabad, run by Parsi Minority Management. Starting salary consolidated Rs 3,031. Apply with bio data and copies of testimonials to*. The Principal, Firdaus Amrut Higher Secondary School, 15 Cantonment, Ahmedabad — 380003. “The Dictionaries are put on Zara- thushtrian Public Domain which means that I have retained no copyright on the Avesta-English Dictionaries Apart from his other professional and Dictionaries and they could be freely community compulsions, Kolsawalla has copied and used by all the students of prepared the first computerized Avesta- Avesta. The only request I make is that English and English-Avesta Dictionaries, no money be charged except copying “The last dictionary was prepared and costs and (that) my name be mention^ as printed at the turn of this century by Er- die compiler. ” Kolsawalla further notes vad (Kavasji Edalji) Kanga. This diction- that he is intending to update the Diction­ ary is out of print and it is not possible to aries on the basis of future information purchase a secondhand copy of it, ” writes from religious scholars. He also invites Kolsawalla in Manashni (September-Oc- donors/philanthropists to publish and dis- tober). So, with the aid of a photocopy of tribute the work to the community with- Kanga ’s dictionary provided by the Bom- out demanding any payment for himself. bay Parsi Punchayet, together with assis ­ tance from other sources, Kolsawalla has that he has begun his next project on prepared his Dictionaries of more than Zarathushtrian Public Domain — a com- 1,200 pages on an IBM compatible per- prehensive study of the Gathas with each sonal computer using Lotus 2.2 software, verse transliterated into English, accom- The three high density diskettes are panied by more than 15 authentic transla- available from Kolsawalla at 16 Tenison tions by western and Zarathushtrian Avenue, Cambridge Park, NSW 2747, scholars, together with his own compre- Australia at a cost of seven Australian hensive commentary. dollars for local demand (US $ 10 over ­ seas) to cover the cost of the diskettes. In the meantime Kolsawalla informs Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama M.PMLOmi & co PRIMKre LIMITED- Industrial Painting, Coating,Anti-corrosion Water-proofing,Construction, Diving & Offshore Contractors. 87, Abdul Rehman Street, Bombay 400003 Tel : 324150/336607 Tlx : 011 75871 MPEL IN, Fax : 022-2152998 30 Parsiana November 1991COMMENT The need for change Survival implies adaptation of the community's attitudes to the prevailing physical and social environment Noshir Vajifdar Ms Roxan Shah (nee Nazir), who died in or retarded, like time which relentlessly we must insist on praying at funerals in a highway accident in July 1990, has ticks on. Customs and traditions also Avestan, then get one of our scholars to unwittingly carved for herself a place in change with the passage of time, as write an Avestan prayer which is suitable the history of the Parsis in India. Her pointed out by Ms Homai Bode in her for the occasion. death has exposed the hollowness of the letter to Parsiana (“Whither good claims of our priesthood who are sup- ~ posed to guide us in spiritual and reli ­ gious matters. [Roxan ’s body was denied Within the last 50 years, our views on in ­ interment at the doongerwadi by the termarriage have altered considerably glomeration of old history, ancient cus- Bombay Parsi Punchayet — an act and today marriages between different toms and archaic criminal law, and also publicly defended by Dastur (Dr) Firoze communities and religions do not gener- contains some unusual chapters on how Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. Wadia ate shockwaves of the same intensity as to bury a dead dog and how to dispose Atash Bahram Bombay, triggering off a before. off cut hair and nails, etc. To parrot the long controversy and a new policy at the doongerwadi.] In all religions the priests distinction between athoman and behdin tents, is the height of ridiculousness and have, from earliest times, dominated the will be removed. We call ourselves a cas- is tantamount to making a mockery of laity, with hints of divine displeasure and teless community and yet we maintain God. dire retribution if their dictates are not this distinction. We are all God ’s chil- accepted and followed. Even today, we dren and there are no ‘chosen people ’ in have the Papal Empire and the Muslim His eyes. This distinction has been main- fundamentalists as examples of this dic ­ tatorial attitude, which aims at blunting own purpose and assert their (doubtful) the reasoning powers of the average per- superiority. Today hardly anyone bothers posed alongside numerous other bodies son with threats of divine punishment which class you belong to. in different stages of decomposition, as a and often, of worldly punishments as well. Ahura Mazda ’s vast and boundless which we understand, whether it be Eng- creation is governed by the Law of Asha. This is not only the Law of Righteous- prayers were written centuries ago and if system. In some dokhmas, the stench of ness but is also “the changeless eternal translated, would not fit in with the mod- rotting bodies pervades the atmosphere. Law of God, His First Plan according to em idiom, and in some cases, their irrele- Why can ’t we change over to crematori- which all this universe has come into being and obeying which it is progress- is our funeral prayers, which actually are ing towards its destined fulfilment. ” It a portion of the Ahunavaiti Gatha. This has “a deep spiritual significance indicat- ] . ing the Law which governs the entire < creation... the Law of progress, move- entreat Ahura Mazda to show mercy and ther by gas or electricity. And what ment, harmony, goodness, justice and love to the deceased ’s soul, or to give greater offering can you make to the fire, love. It is an all-embracing spiritual Law strength and fortitude to those left be- if fire is involved, than to give your own which governs everything and everyone, hind. It is not known how this portion of body to it? Hundreds of bodies are everywhere. ” (Quotations from Dr Irach the Gathas came to be accepted as a fit- burned in India daily — are they defiling Taraporewala ’s Ahuna Vairya and The neral prayer. Perhaps the priests knew the fire and hurting Ahura Mazda? If Argument of the Gathas.) nothing more suitable and did not under- you want to be charitable in death, offer your body to a hospital, which can make use of it to save other lives. The dokhma Another case in point is the Vendidad thoughts...? ” Readers ’ Forum, March ceremony, which can only be performed 1991), and they will keep changing, by a martab — a navar not being fit enough to do so. The Vendidad is a con- I envisage that in time to come the Vendidad, without understanding its con- Another subject awaiting change is the dokhma. We are continuing an anti ­ quated system which in today ’s setting is tained by the priesthood only to suit their bizarre and gruesome. To think of leav ­ ing our dear ones ’ bodies naked and ex- Another major change which will in- last act of charity to vultures (which may evitably come is to pray in a langauge or may not be there), hardly behoves a civilized community, whatever argu- lish, Gujarati, Hindi or whatever. Our ments may be adduced in favour of the vance would be exposed. A case in point urns which dispose off bodies cleanly in a few hours? The argument against this mode of disposal is that fire is de ­ filed. However crematoriums do not use fire but heat, which is generated ei- portion has nothing to do with death or a dead person, and there is nothing in it to entreat Ahura Mazda to show mercy and ther by gas or electricity. nothing more suitable and did not under ­ Progress, change and movement are stand what they were praying. We just inherent in Nature and cannot be stopped accept it as correct, like meek lambs. If 31 Parsiana November 1991supply, why should not senior citizens be made to perform ceremonies? They may religions, to enable him to widen his out- As we see, a good many of our priests be more knowledgeable than many today are able to parrot prayers and per- our priests, even if they may not be system has also created a class of ‘un ­ touchables ’ among us, like Harijans or outcastes, who are shunned by the rest of the community. Is this humane behavi ­ or? All our priests are navars (some are even martabs) and they attain this status before they reach puberty. The average age of a fresh navar would be around 12 years, but some have become navars at a younger age. Once a boy becomes a navar, he is said to have achieved the rank of a priest and can perform most of our religious ceremonies. How can priesthood be conferred on a child and how can he be considered fit to act as a priest all through his later life? To be ­ come a navar, he memorises a few Aves ­ tan prayers which he does not under ­ stand, and is acquainted with some de ­ tails of our ceremonies, like jashans, etc. - ---------- - --------- . But how much of our religion does he they are doing something holy. But of < SSi.M X=1=S enough to grasp the Prophet ’s teachings to priesthood. and to compare them with those of other At a time when pnests are in short worship Him. our priests, even if they may not be communication with form a few gestures pertaining to the athomans. Prayer is a Ahura Mazda. We cannot ask someone else to plead for us before God on the pattern of a worldly lawcourt. We must say the prayers 'and perform the essential ceremonies ourselves. During muktad days, a layman pays Rs 2,000 to have a lota (pot-bellied vase) placed in an agiary for a dear departed one. It would be more satisfying to one ’s conscience to have a vase or a lota in one ’s own home, with a few flowers in it, and to offer daily five minutes of sincere prayers to Ahura Mazda, invoking his blessings on the These are just a few of the practices we follow which call for a change. But as demographers have given us only 50 \Ne call ourselves a casteless community and yet distinguish between athornan and behdin ceremony involved. There is a craze among some of our families to press their deputed one. sons into navarhood. They believe that what value is such navarhood without a ¦ • lieved in God but did not know how to At a time when priests are in short worship Him. SERSON Electrolytic Capacitors For All Electronic Applications From 12 VDC To 350 VDC Mafmfaciurerx: Serson Industries Pvt. Ltd. Plmpri P.F.P.O., Poona-lt. Cable: Etchfoil Poona-lS. Phoec: 911X19 32 Parsiana November 1991EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES continued from page 19 same course at the Oklahoma State Uni ­ versity. “To lift up the best and most gifted, ” was Jamsetji Tata ’s aim who started this endowment in 1892 in memory of his wife Meherbai, notes the release. Students from all over the country and from all strata of society are selected for educa ­ tional assistance giving them “opportuni ­ ties for growth, personal and profes ­ sional... ” Lottery and welfare “The government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) has once again granted us a lottery to raise funds for the developmental ac ­ tivities ” of the Indian Council of Social Welfare (ICSW), Andhra Pradesh chap ­ ter, announced its president Ms Roda Mistry, in the Quarterly Newsletter (Vol ­ ume 1, Number 2) of the organization. The credit for obtaining the government sanction goes to Mistry, a former member of parliament The first lottery ever conducted in the erstwhile State of Hyderabad was also by the Council and the proceeds used to ­ wards constructing a radium and cancer hospital, it is reported. Presently the Council is concentrating on building a residential college of social work, and endeavors through its Newslet­ ter to bridge the gap between the ICSW and other voluntary associations of a like nature, the Newsletter informs. The other relief measures undertaken by the ICSW under Mistry ’s president ­ ship are work for the cyclone and riot victims, health camps, dnig counselling and a free legal aid cell for women. SPOTLIGHT____________ For the third consecutive Olympic Games, Aspy Adajania, president of the Amateur Boxing Association, has been appointed jury member. Adjania will of ­ ficiate at the 1992 Olympics scheduled to be held in Barcelona, notes the Jam-e- . Jamshed of September 1,1991. Popular astrologer Bejan Daruwalla was invited to Virginia, USA, to participate in ‘Future Vision. ’ The four-day conference on ‘Prophecies and Predictions of the ’90s and Beyond ’ was scheduled from Novem ­ ber 7 to 10,1991, notes a press release. Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka 33 Parsiana November 1991 THE RECOFID Hanoz Gandhi of Glen Rock grew up flipping through the pages of scientific journals and tinkering with and fixing household items. Student ’s dream to come true at MIT Gandhi scored third among the New Jersey students who took the exam in May. Through the Columbia Science Honors program, Gandhi took college ­ level courses in particle physics, chaos theory, astronomy and computer pro ­ gramming. “I got a good base in sub- ------------------ -----------h School graduate said. high school, ” he said. Gandhi grew up flipping through the Gandhi, who graduated third in his pages of scientific journals and books and class of 385 students, was Ridgewood By Pearl J. Park Record Staff Writer As a freshman at Massachusetts In­ stitute of Technology this fall, Hanoz Gandhi will be making a childhood dream a reality. “I’ve wanted to go to MIT since I was 5 _ _ years old, ” the recent Ridgewood High jects 1 would have never gotten into in School graduate said. ' Gandhi grew up flipping through the tinkering with and fixing household items. High’sdelegatetothe New Jersey Boys State conference and attended the Governor ’s School in the Sciences in the summer of his junior year. A Boy Scout since the sixth grade, Gandhi recently achieved the highest rank. Eagle, which he has been work ­ ing towards in the last two years. For the community project requirement for the Eagle badge. “I think a teacher once called me a ‘mad scientist. ’ I like to experiment. He is particularly interested in an as­ pect of physics called fusion reactions, a possible future energy source. “The con ­ ception still has things to overcome, but it ’s in the forefront of technology, ” said Gandhi who lives in Glen Rock. As member of the chemistry and phys- _ ics teams and Junior Engineering Techni- Gandhi organized a public^lecture about cal Society (JETS), Gandhi has participat- < „ .................... .-----i *- ed in science competitions throughout high encourage people to become donors school. by providing accurate information. “There’s a shortage of organs, and there are waiting lists, ” Gandhi said. n organ donations. He said he hoped to Riogewood ’s JETS team ranked third in the state. On the chemistry II exam, SCHOLAR OF THE WEEK HANOZ GANDHI Class of 1991, Ridgewood High School Age: 18 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Boy Scouts; Order of the Arrow; youth helper at the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York; science club; chemistry team; Junior Engineering Technical Society; marching band; math team. LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: achieved the Eagle Scout rank. NEXT STOP: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. QUOTE: “I think I’ve had some great teachers... My parents wanted both me and my brother to succeed. My brother and I know that they ’re behind us.” AdvtPROFESSIONS Propelled by horsepower Yasmin D. Poonegar Jimmy Bharucha's feats with horses and dogs made him popuiar in the show worid of Bombay (except in the monsoons). ” During the six-month training period, I teach them is a comprehensive course where the good behavior, manners, etc, ” he ex ­ Life has been hard but sweet to Jimmy art of horsemanship for the Royal West- Bharucha — equestrian, dog trainer and em India Turf Club. Started in 1987, it ballroom dancing instructor. Hard, be- i , cause this diminutive man of few words young boys undergo two years of eques- plains. “I have always loved dogs and has had to struggle for every success trian and educational training under his horses, ” he says, but he started training earned; and sweet, because he seems to eagle eye. He mentions some of his dogs after a perswially harrowing incident have enjoyed the struggle, every inch of promising Parsi pupils like Ms Mahrukh in his life. Apparently many years ago, the way. Life got sweeter some months Irani and Malcolm Kharodi who he certain men entered The Amateur Riders -- - ..................... • * Club and started manhandling him. It was decided that he be provided some personal security. “I refused and instead suggested that they allow me to train dqgs, ” he says. From then on, Bharucha became a professional dog trainer. For ­ tune too started coming his way and “money showed a friendlier response, ” he believes. His training methods are simple, but learned through experience. “I never mis ­ treat my dogs or horses. I treat them like children with a firm but caring hand. Would you ever beat your children? ” he asks emotionally. Ferocious Dobermans and melting eyed cocker spaniels trot away from his Dog Training Centre and into dog shows. “You have to discipline them and educate them as you would a three-year-old child. You have to use a Horses and dogs are an integral part of lot of love and affection, and a lot of bis- • • cuits — for motivation of course, ” he says tably serves us sherbet in glasses that with a twinkle in his eye. ___ ; ¦ ¦ ¦ • His own motivation has come from tures of Alsati^s look down from the within himself. The eldest of nine chil ­ dren, Bharucha ’s early life was spent among horses. “I grew up in the saddle, so to speak. ” And while he was studying ago when Bharucha was among the 35 hopes will distinguish themselves, selected for the World Zoroastrian Or ­ ganization ’s award for outstanding Zoroastrians. “I have always managed to turn my hobbies into my professions, ” says Bhar ­ ucha as we relax in his airy Cusrow Baug flat. The room itself bespeaks one of Bharucha ’s lifelong interests turned pro ­ fessions. Large mirrors cover one wall and the furniture is gathered neatly along the sides leaving the central portion free. This is where Bharucha, a very spritely and active 76, conducts his ballroom dancing classes today. Living in a com ­ fortable state of semi retirement with his wife Katie, Bharucha ’s days are far from empty. Until recently he was the secre- Swords become play tools for tary of The Amateur Riders Club (which Bharucha's dog has a membership of around 1,300) where he taught riding, jumping, tent _ _ . pegging, horsemanship and dressage, his life. It is hard not to notice. He hospi- Even today, “I am up and about at 6 a.m. i ", . , . almost every day, ” he claims. His first have red horses painted on them, and pic- h ¦ fc? ¦ 1 1 destination is the Mahalaxmi Race Course where he spends more than a few hours riding himself, and training nine to 10 apprentice jockeys in the demanding six dogs with me to train through the year walls of his living room and even his en ­ trance door. “I usually have about five to 34 Parsiana November 1991at the Wadia College in Pune, he ran his tales of his feats with horses in the film first race as a professional jockey when "" he was 16, he informs. “I wasn ’t a suc ­ cessful jockey, even though I won some (along with my horse Attaturk) by climb ­ Cusrow Baug, a large number of them tend to be from the Parsi community. He world and at society gatherings. “On the night of October 14,1952,1 made history enjoys these interchanges with the . - younger members of his community and races, ” he admits disarmingly. Having ing the flight of stairs to the Ballroom of maintains that it has helped him to start a ................ more intense involvement with his own people. “I was never very religious. Of course, I used to go to the agiary and do my kusti and say my prayers. But I basi ­ cally believed in being a man of God and His experience with training horses doing what I could within my small lim- for the film world was both sweet and its, ” he says. “But some time ago I was sour, however. He stood in as stuntman immersed himself with his equestrian Bombay ’s Taj Mahal Hotel, ” he claims, pursuits however, Bharucha let his edu- Once on the stage for the charity func- cation take second place. Instead of tion, both rider and gelding danced well graduating to a professional career, he rehearsed waltzes, tangoes and quick- opened his own riding school in Pune steps, where he shared his love for horses and riding with his students. To better equip himself for this, Bharucha sold off a sour, however. He stood in as stuntman introduced to the World Zoroastrian Or- profitable saddle making business he had for the “top heroes of the day...For the ganisation, and got to hear about their ------- - . .................. ...... projects for the dirt poor rural Parsis, ” he adds. As a result, he signed up to become a life member. With a new-found mis ­ sionary zeal, he urges us to do the same started — for Rs 10,(XX) — and went off biggest film I did, Jhansi ki Rani, where I to England to train as a riding instructor, was filming with my horses for nine “I appeared for the British Horse Society months, I did not get paid. I was always a exams — got a first class too! I came back poor businessman, ” he avers. As a result, to Bombay and started a riding school at Bharucha decided to sell off his horses in and spread the word around. About the The Oval. I had about 12 horses and used 1953 and move on to greener pastures, to keep them at the Wellington Mews, ” he Having the grace and finesse that comes notes. with a slight build and long years of danc- His next international training ground ing with his horses, he started to indulge was Vienna. “I was then the first and in his hobby of ballroom dancing a bit only Indian to have been admitted to the more seriously. Once again he went to Spanish Riding School in Vienna. There England, this time to study at the Alex I learnt and taught high school riding Moore School for Dance Instructors. “I under the directorship of Col Alois came back to India and started a dance Podhasjsky. ” With all these certificates school at Frederick ’s Hotel, and till today and show riding and jumping qualifica- I give performances for friends and teach tions under his belt, Bharucha came back a few students in my home, ” he says, to India and started using his talents pro ­ fessionally. He became the horseman people have memories of learning the par excellence in the show world of tango or the foxtrot with Jimmy Bhar- Bombay, and even today loves to recount ucha. Located as he is in the heart of His students are varied. Many young 35 Parsiana November 1991 Training a horse at the Oval Photo: Bhawsar Photos Bharucha gives a demonstration at a society gathering Photo: laj wemofies controversies that are currently raging in the community, he has only this to say: “No comments. ” But he seems to believe that one should do more and talk less and things will take care of themselves. “I like simplicity, ” he concludes. He philosophizes with the same ease with which he does the samba or a tango: “I believe in being what I am and not trying to be like somebody else or grasping for more. Self denial, to me, is one of the greatest gifts God can give a human being. I have a good life and nothing to complain about. Being rich is not every ­ thing — it only brings material assets — the greatest asset is good health, peace of mind and contentment. The moment I put my head on my pillow, I fall asleep. TTiat is what life is il about... ” __ IBUSINESS Moving with W ®tn££( As the Times of India Group launched new publications, the Byramjis, as their bookbinders and distributors, were witness to the expansion Dara Kadva But that system did not last very long Comparing the agency business then mined days in advance rather than on the and now, Pheroz says that in the past the night of the printing, ” Pheroz says. In The binding department was once thought its distribution rights. Three years later control the daily print order in his capa- of as the family ’s preserve. It began from they became the distributors for The city as both superintendent of the book- day one at The Times of India, in 1838, Weekly and in 1939, the company also binding department and the distribution when Sorabji Bookbinder started work- became Bombay city ’s distributor for The agent “At the beginning of World Warn ing in the binding department of the Times daily. Some time later they were in 1939,1 would come to the press daily newspaper. Five successive generations appointed the sole distributors for all the at 2 a.m., go through the news in the have, since then, continued the associa- publications of the Group. At that June- pages, determine its importance and ac ­ tion. Sorabji was followed by Pestonji ture, both Pheroz and his father, Kaiko- cordingly give the print order, ” he recalls, in 1840, Cawasji in 1855, Byramji in bad, left the binding department and took 1880, Kaikobad in 1904 and finally over the growing distribution business. “It after Independence. The Audit Bureau great-great-great grandson Pheroz in was the then general manager, J. C. Jain, of Circulation emerged. “Circulation 1936. (Byramji ’s tenure at The Times was who asked us to select between the bind- now is treated as a highly classified se- the longest — 65 years.) ing and the distribution department. Natu- cret and its real figure is known only to a Pheroz Kaikobad Byramji, who, in rally, we chose the latter as it was more few individuals in the establishment. January 1991, completed 55 years of un- lucrative, ” Pheroz recalls. The print order itself is nowadays deter ­ interrupted association with die Times of India Group, the premier publishing con ­ cern in India, has much to recall about sole agents themselves controlled distri- 1940, The Times of India, Bombay edi- publishing and the newspaper business, bution and had no subagents. Such cen- tion, had a circulation of 40,000, which He remembers that in the ’30s, before tralized control over distribution had quite was considered high, the Sunday News (now Sunday Review) a few advantages. According to Pheroz, was launched, there was an eight-page the system changed about 20 years ago. tract with the Group called ‘vendors on tabloid pullout each Sunday in The There are now multiple agents and suba- commission. ’ The commission itself has Weekly. It was discontinued in 1941 gents who sell other newspapers and pub- shrunk progressively since 1947, while when The Sunday News of India was lications too with the result that loyalty to the volumes have increased considerably, launched. This was manag^ by a sepa ­ rate subsidiary of Bennett, Coleman and doesn ’t exist like before. Co Ltd. The paper was run until Decem ­ ber 31, 1950 when the subsidiary com- would eagerly await the arrival of the then, gradually kept going down. The pany closed down. The Sunday supple- copies and run for distribution as soon as present level is just 2.5 percent of the ment has, since then, appeared under dif- they got their hands on them. Their motto price for the distributors, ” he points out. ferent names and formats as a part of the was, ‘The earlier you reach, the better you The vendor gets 25 percent. main daily. sell. ’ But now the boys do not distribute In 1923, when The Evening News of until all the publications reach them, ” he The present abode India was launched, the family formed says. He also proudly mentions that. The imposing Times building at Bori Kaikobad Byramji and Son and acquired when he first joined The Times, he used to Bunder was completed in 1901, he says. His distribution company has a con- any particular publication or publishers “In 1939, for instance, the commission was one-third the sale proceeds. It came “In the olden days, distribution boys down to 30 percent in 1948 and has, since 36 Parsiana November 1991nTHl 1,1111 I I'll I''' !gi| III'; w! IM I ' ik' !g hili!i!l II I' SI I I I iliii® I I ! li ~»iMi 1 Then, for a decade till 1901, The Times operated from The Bombay Samachar building on Cawasji Patel Street. “The present building stands on a huge and disused cemetery and special permis ­ sion had to be obtained from the Munici ­ pal Corporation to start construction work, ” Pheroz remembers. His father had told him stories of how skulls and bones were found whilst the digging work was in progress and the scared laborers had to be persuaded repeatedly to continue the work. He recalls that a part of the building was at first rented out to the Bombay Swadeshi Co-operative Stores, then under the chairmanship of Dr Dadabhoy Naoroji. Pheroz also remembers starting the Times Co-operative Society in 1936 with barely 200 members. The figure has now grown to 2,228. Nearly 20 years after moving into the new building, the first new publication to be started was T/ie [riMES OF IMPI A. £ EXCHANGE PRESS ' il !l 1 i! I;: 'ilH I The premises at Churchgate from where operated The Times until nearly 1890 created space problems, Pheroz recalls. However, until its own building was constructed. The Times is known to have operated from several places in the Fort area. Until about 1890, it was housed in an old building in Churchgate from where on January 17, 1880, the first issue of its In those days it was a one-storey, pent ­ house structure. The present six floors and the adjacent building were added dec ­ ades later. Much of the construction was done during and after World War II when Weekly Edition was launched. This later the increase in the number of publications became The Illustrated Weekly of India. Pheroz Byramji: once controlled The Times ’ print order Left: Publication work extended to binding of accounts ledgers ” Evening News of India in 1923. Pheroz credits The Evening News with pioneering I film journalism in India when Ms Clare Mendonca started a weekly page on films in 1936. Filmfare, the first film magazine iSgm in the country, was launched only in ml March 1952. According to Pheroz, the Times press once even printed English novels during wartime for free distribution among sol ­ diers. Even municipal ledgers, school .. ;^] 37 Parsiana November 1991Ito. textbooks and postage stamps of princely states were printed along with magazines and periodicals of other publications. This practice was stopped in 1975. Sports being an integral part of Pheroz ’s life, he has donated trophies for cycling, women ’s hockey and inter ­ school sports. He is a life member of the Western India Football and Hockey Asso ­ ciations, of the Cricket Club of India, the Sprinters ’ Club and has been president of the State Cycling Association and of the Times of India Officers ’ Club. An abid ­ ing interest in Freemasonry - ever since his initiation nearly 35 years ago - has placed Pheroz among the higher hierarchy in the Scottish Constitutions of the Dis ­ trict Grand Lodge of Western India, the United Scottish Royal Aroh Freemasonry of India and Ceylon, and the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland. Right: A miniature version of The Times of India of January 8,1932 and the prevailing mode of transport Below: composition and hand press units Photos of Timos'working from 4 Progress of Seventy Years it- t^2 > 1 I K 38 Parsiana November 1991 HOMES na £ ©rats! ifdn^ia 'UL'i: OTMUMBim ' CNILDBSM SCHOOLS BNOUMD 9*tt7s; wa 17. VOL. XCIV, CUOMAN-B QTY it HALL UNES pwnm «aM«Ti0Mt WPAAO IMOVD) ACOOWWnATtOH' ’^*-«n^sssr* CgRTlFlED NET SALES BH WtM W tMU CMU» BHM W M* •«¦*¦ tMU AMT — HtoW M *—w to ¦otoiaw. wtmit —. «tiH»to t anww wtoto L g cox cmai BOIWAY FWOAV KING’S M fcTO. lMC0iniLW.I il8irtl£:•- DOLLAR R AMOii^ HiMMW. awL »iaa Es9:' a UXm> TUESTINO MV co. 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A«.«.umL LTD e=SrS«.5=- TOMRMHOrLMOlB mm WOTicm ' mtumtnaiji _ utmMnqDoai !*JBi HAM A MPMIB BATI HOW BRTM TOU* nMBm AM® BOOK BABJT TO VISIT IRAQ MH.L cm«> AA«k WniBI Mt* **M* VNA -RK MAO BACWATB. TAL'RUB AMD UMPUM OHWr m vmu4MunT> wAGONBun owu dour M DAVS INDU TO LOMXW >• UAT8 mOIA TO LAJNWn g«=g —— jThSS'sa. w ^¦^1' jtto. .'i eoaawAU. teaia*. " sixafSTsaar* D BBOUn HViaM. ssyi m AAAimnA mauma Apto uvea. am*au • (A. sxSi^ uri ' Hieroz, today, has but few regrets. He is shifted to the new Suburban Press in would very much have liked to, “die with Kandivli, he would like to spend his post- his boots on, ” like his father and his retirement days in Khandala where he I grandfather. But this he knows may not owns a bungalow. I be possible. For once the Times Group ’s ! circulation and distribution arrangement Edited and reprinted from TA« lUurtrattd WttUy of India, Weekend, March 23-24,1991i; ( MILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides — Ion), myasthenia gravis (muscu- Hoshang Irani; October 19 as listed in this issue — ranged lar weakness), nervous (hsorder, between 19 and 33 years, the arithmetic mean (the total num ­ ber of ii)dividual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 26 years. The corresponding fig ­ ures for the grooms were 24 and boy were also lost to the comm- 41, averaging at 31 years. unity. A centenarian breathed her Kayomerz Fatakia; October 23 As per the data available from last. A boy to Shernaz and four hospitals, there were 33 The data on births, marriages Tehmtan Dumasia; October 27 births recorded in October in and deaths has been compiled A girl to Ava and Bombay. There were 69 2^roas- trians who died during this time in the city. Twenty victims fell prey to heart-disease, 11 of and hospitals. This information is whom were above the age of 80. i ' The next killer was old age and tent In the breakup of deaths Married general debility taking 10 lives according to illnesses, especially Kamal JehangirjiVadiwalla and while six patients fell prey to brain disease, five to canc^, four to septicemia and three to diabe ­ tes. Kidney failure, asthma, ane ­ mia, accidents, and pneumonia marriages/deaths they would and lung disease claimed two lives each. Among the isolated ensure the veracity of the report and Kaizad Adi Merchant-, cases registered last month: aci- would be required. We are sure October 12 dosis (depletion of the body ’s our readers would qjpreciate this Huzan Firoze Fraser and Homi alkaline reserve), hypertension, requirement and cooperate with Dady Motivala; October 12 colitis (inflammation of the co- us. Kiyan Minocher Dumasia and Jamshed Rusi Jesia-, October 15 Simonil Yezda Ginwalla and Dinyar Dinshah Madon-, October 15 Kamal Dhunjisha Mehta of Kanpur and Viraf Phiroze Del^ of Nasik; October 17 Jasmine Aspi Elavia and Piran Behram Doctor, October 17 Meher Noshirwan Tata and Nozer Rustomji Machliwalla; October 18 Navaz Dosabhai Mistry and Kombiz Sirouse Hakhamaneshy-, October 19 Farzana Kobad Khar as and Sarosh Phiroze Irani; October 19 Dilnavaz Rustom Apthedai and Rustem Jal Iretni; October 20 Thriti Behreon Bhamgara and Jehangir Kedieshru Bewha; October 24 Persis Seen Balseira and Viraf Burjor Mory; October 24 Dinetz Sorabji Sigar^oria and Farhad Soli Nezvdeir-, October 25 Najoo Manekshaw Belief and Mehernosh Minoo Dumeisia; October 26 Sanober Behreim Ireini and Khurshed Framroze Titina; October 26 A boy to Khorshed and bed sores, ventricular fibrillation Jamshed Mehta; October 19 (uncoordinated quivering coii- A boy to Kasmira and traction of the muscle), arthritis, Dcaius Chinoy; October 21 tumor, epilepsy and tuberculosis. A boy to Parizeid and A premature baby and a stillborn Adil Elchidema-, October 23 A girl to Niloofer and The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by Neizer Deimania; October 28 various newsletters and anju- A boy, Kayomarze, to mans in India and abroad, courts Thrity and Percy Billimoria-, ------ October 29 not always complete or consis ­ tent In the breakup of deaths of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several dis ­ eases. If readers have any births/ Minoo Ratansha Medhora; OctobCT 10 Bepsi Piroj Fitter (Pithawala) and Cyrus Fall Bhevucha; October 12 like published, some proof to Ketshmira Behreim Chhapgar ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would qjpreciate this US. ALLAHABAD Bom A boy to Gopa and Dinsha Framjee, brother to Dolly, on October 9, 1991 BOMBAY Born A boy, Cyrus, to Dolly and Rustum Mehta-, July 31 A girl, Daisy, to Kamal and Rusi Rustomji, August 27 A boy to Behros and Farrokh Cooper; October 1 A girl to Anaheeta and Vispi Engineer; October 2 A girl to Cover and Adi Irani; October 4 A boy to Firoza and RohintonArefi October 5 A girl to Yasrrun and Percy Maloo-, October 5 • A girl to Bakhtawar and Farokh Panthaky; October 5 AgirltoATumt and Rusi Mistry-, October 6 A girl to Nilufar and Vispi Daruwalla; October 8 A girl to Hufrish and Sheriar Raisi; October 8 A girl. Pearl, to Roshni and Vispi Dadachanji; October 9 A lx)y to Roopina and Kai Nicholson-, October 10 A girl to Kashmira and Minoo Titina; October 10 A boy to Huafreed and Adi Kotwal-, October 11 A boy to Shireen and Kaikobad Mistry-, October 11 A boy to Parizad and Darayus Bajan-, October 13 A girl to Farida and Yezdi Khambatta-, October 14 A girl to Jasmine and Hormuzd Masani; October 14 A girl to Kamal and Prasun Sengupta; October 15 A boy to Arnavaz and Khushroo Tarr^ore; October 15 A boy to Rashna and Firoze Wadia; October 15 A boy to Pinky and Rolunton Dadachanji; October 16 A boy to Navaz and Bohman Iraru; October 16 A boy to Rashna and Bhikhu Variawa-, October 16 A boy to Khushnum and Shawn Gill-, October 17 A boy to Dolly and Parvez Palsetia; October 18 A girl to Niloufer and Kezad Daruvala; October 19 A girl to Homa and Died Roshen Hormusji Kaka (57), residing at B/10, Tardeo Chmbs, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 4(XK)34: September 30 Dinaz Keki Vazir (52), Wadia Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; October 1 Tehmi Sorabji Cooper (82), Sahil Apts, 14 Altamormt Rd, 400026; October 2 Sarwar Faredoon Irani (70), Sana Bldg, Khetwadi 11th Lane, Grant Rd, 400004; October 2 Bachubai Cawasji Kharadi (86), 654/7 Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; October 2 Sillo Homi Sutaria (63), E/32, Cusrow Baug, S. B, Rd, Colaba, 400039; October 2 Frenny Sored) Bhoot (78), 27, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; October 3 Minoo Khurshed Palkhiwala (70), 22/A, Old Vacha Hse, Maria Hill, Gunpowder Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; October 3 Firoze Faramroze Patel (61), Patel Poda, Dahanu Rd, Dist Thana 401602 and Spenta, Little Gibbs Rd, Malabar Hill, 400006; October 3 Bhikhaji Dhanjisha Variava (77), 17/D-34, Rustom Baug, Byculla, 400027; October 3 Jerbai Nusserwanji Dastur (94), 131, Hormazd Apts, August Kranti Marg, 400036; October 4 Goolbai Bhunjibhoy Patel (74), 608, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; October 4 Khushroo Bamordi Irani (75), Chaman Chmb, Near Metro Cinema, Dhobitalao, 400002; October 5 Dhunmai Scan Aga (73), A, Banoo Mans, Cumballa Hill, 400026; October 6 Faredoon Zend Irani (80), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Pd, 400(X)7; October 6 Byramji Burjorji Patel (89), 782, Patel Bldg, Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; October 6 Minoo Jehangir Presswalla (87), 190/A, Lamington Rd, 400007; October 6 Nergish Nanabheu Sethna (74), Athmas Bldg, Cumballa Hill, 400026; October 6 Phiroze Noshiwan Mistry (71), 6/8 Colaba Land Hsg Soc, S. Bharucha Rd, Colaba, 400005; October 7 39 Parsiana November 1991Merwanji Nanabhoy Pootiawalla Uranwalla St, Grant Rd, (67), B/1, Petit Block, - Balaram St, 400007; October 7 Homi Rustomji Deshmukh (83), 1/A, Tata Hsg Soc, Parel, 400012; October 8 Pereen Pirojshaw Ichaporia (40), A/119, Daury Ngr, Opp Vakola Police Stn, Santacruz (E), 400005; October 8 Baby of Gulshan Jarrtshed Kutar Marine Lines, 400002; (stillborn), 658, Parsi Clny, '' ' Dadar, 400014; Octobers Baby of Armaity Adille Sumariwalla (premature), C/18, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400026; October 8 Khorshed Pestonji Umrigar (82), (82), 16/?^ PavwaUa Bldg, 14th Khetwadi Lane, Mohmadi Minar, Grant Rd, 400004; October 8 Firoz Dosabhai Master (53), Golvira, Manor Rd, Palghar, Dist Thana, 401404; October 9 Hormusji Muncherji Master (83), Nicholson Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; October 9 Dhunmai Phirozshaw Patel (100), 811, lame Jamshed Bldg, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; October 9 Goola Jehangir Mugasheth (82), No 3, Tardeo, 400034; 111, Monalisa, St John Baptista ~ Rd, Bandra, 400050; October 10 Dinshaw Minocher Dabu (85), 23, Ratan-Abad, Tukaram Javji Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; October 11 Dharyishah Nadirshah Mistry (70), 4/9, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parsi Clny, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; October 11 Shirin Novroji Patel (72), 9, Bai-Mahal, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; October 11 Kekushru Nusserwanji Sahiyar (88), Zaveri Bldg, Grant Rd Comer, 400007; October 11 Allanmai Dossabhoy Gandhi (98), 66/D, SoonaijiTen, Gowalia Tank, 400036; October 12 Mehra Rusi Nanavatti (80), Pervez Mans, Cumballa Hill Rd, 400036; October 12 Khorshedbai Hormusji Patel (87), 13, Kashinath Bldg, Cadell Rd, Mahim, 400016; October 12 Khodi Sheyar Irani (58), 18, Ardeshir Cawasha Sidhwa (82), E/13, Jinwalla Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400034; October 12 Coomi Shavakshaw Mistry (75), 10, Merwan Bldg, 400007, October 13 Tehmi Erach Mehta (92), 8/A, Mehta Bldg, Captain Clny. Tardeo Rd, 400034; October 14 Faredoon Aspandya Irani {55), Chirag Bldg, Matharpakadi Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; October 15 Freny Jehangir Kharas (73), Marine Mans, 1st Marine St, October 15 Maneck Framroze Mistry (66), D/1, Jer Baug, Byculla, 40()027; October 16 Piroja Sovak Mistry (86), India-Hse No 2, Kemp ’s Comer, 400036; October \1 Cooverbai Maneckshaw 'Wadia Marzban Clny, Gilder Lane, 400008; October 17 Jolly Minoo Karanjia (56), 1/3, Lady Ratan Tau Bldg, Guru Nanak Rd, Bandr a, 400050; October 18 Minocher Pallonji B had ha {14), Merwan Bldg, Uranwalla St, Grant Rd, 400007; October 19 Homai Minoo Crawford (58), Shirin Manz, Dinbai Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; October 19 Savaksha Bomansha Sethna (Elavia) (87), Tata Clny Bldg October 19 Homi Seriar Elavia (89), China Bldg No 5, 1st Carpenter St, Mazagaon, 400010; October 21 Khodadad Khodabux Irani (65), 11, Bomanji Hse, Mazagaon, 400010; October 21 Dara Dhanjishaw Patel (81), B/16, Rustom Baug, Byculla, 400027; October 21 Framroz Ardeshar Shahukar (79), 1, Kismet, Opp Sassoon Docks, Colaba, 400005; October 21 Perin Phiroze Jaorawalla (60), C/13, Rustom Baug, Byculla, 400027; October 22 Perin Fali Khambata (75), C/o 14, Venus Apts, Altamount Rd, 400026; October 22 Ardeshir Nadirshah Dubash (85), 13, Kabraji Block, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; October 23 Cam a Bldg, Gilder Lane, Tardeo, 400004; October 23 Kuvarbai Framroze Kerma (87), Koti Kajumbar, Bharuch, 392001; October 23 Katy Nusserwanji Mistry (58), 40 Parsiana November 7997 September 14 Piroja Bapuji Bharucha {i5), Talukdar Bldg, 177, M. G. Rd, 411001; September 29 Ardeshir Sorabji Bhathena (83), 4/14, Five Star, Bund Garden Rd, 411001; October 6 B/3, Deep Sagar, Bank of Baroda Soc, Andheri (E), 400069; October 23 Roshan Keki Bharucha (82), 7, Forjett Hse, Forjett St, 400026; October 25 Shirinbai Faramroz Bhesania (85), 42, Shroff Hse, Sleater Rd, 400007; October 25 RattanbaiCawasji Poonegar (87), Batliwalla Bldg, Chikalwadi Zoroastrian Clny, Tardeo, 400007; October 25 Maneck (Manekshaw) Dinshawji Baria (78), 8/6, Rustom Baug, Byculla, 400027; October 26 Piroja Sorabji Daruwalla (84), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; October 27 Freny Hormusji Doctor (83), Sadanand Bhavan, Linking Rd, Khar, 400052; October 27 Khorshed Nesserwanji Dustur (83), Indira Bhavan, Watcha Gandhi Rd, Gamdevi, 400007; October 27 Goolbai Dossabhoy Paul (85), Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; E/5, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, '' Colaba, 400039; October 27 Nadirsha Rustomji Choksi (82), A/1, Tardeo Chmbs, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; October 28 Tehmurasp Byramji Daruwala (91), 664 Roshan Mans, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; October 30 Pervin Noshir Engineer (50), 46/C, GowaliaTank Bldg, August Kranti Marg, 400036; October 30 Dinamai Cooverji Medhora (73), 22/5, Godrej Staff Clny, Agra Rd, Vikhroli, 400079; October 30 CALCUTTA Died Homai Adi Pardiwala, mother of Freny, Keki. Piloo and Rohinton; October 3 Meherbai Munchershaw Medhora, mother of Amy, Dally and Roshon’ , October 19 POONA Died Banoo Feroze Engineer (80), Right Flank Lines, 411040; September 3 Sovak, Manchershaw Charna {12), Talukdar Bldg, 177, M. G. Rd, 411001; September 6 Hila Maneckji Merchant (60), 426, Elphinston Rd, Kha^, 411003; September 11 Roshon Hoshang Pundole (65), 18, Devia Nanagar, 411001; SURAT Died Minocl'ier Pirojsha Daruwalla (75), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; October 4 Goolbai Nusserwanji Dehmigara (80), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; October 14 Banumai Burjorji Disawalla (72), Popat Mohallo, Nanpura, 395001; October 23 Frenymai Hormusji Soladoctor (85), Parsi Baug, Gopipura, 395001; October 23 Jamshedji Hormusji Panthaki (66), Nariman Home and October 26 Pilamai Hormusji Patel (78), Bibini Wadi, Saiyedpura, 395003; October 30 **? CHICAGO Born A girl, Carmin, to Bakhtawar and Cyrus Press’ , October 1 A boy, Eric Michael, to Niloirfer and Mike Hagen’ , October 21 KARACHI Died Khorshed Rustamji Ghaswalla (81); August 1 Dadabhoy Hormuzd Tengra (78); August 16 Goal Jimmy Dinshaw (83); August 25 Piroja Behramji Divecha (88); September 6 Nalibai Jamshedji Daroga (95); September 12 Pesi Sukhia (80); September 18 Rustom Homi Dudha (27); September 21 Goal Rustom Patel (81); September 27 Khurshed Dadaiba Sopariwala (70); September 30 TOTALS (for this issue) Births; Boys 21, Girls 18 Marriages; 17 Deaths; 93 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka