Dec 1991

*15 »'j»S i •S' i ii; I k ¦^’ t s 1*w »ll •fc. •%> <45 . %/’''' ‘ 2<<«: (.J' < <.z'«-.^ \H5: ?4«0 sb»v« ' *5'*- life •'.’Vi <,'' ¦' f*"' i;, 'Xs ". , « V > z * «¦ lai k w l.'^xV—-•, '-Jz 51 »’ *•> ! • \?s b .* »: 'X, »tf DECEMBER 1991 Rs 12 K.R.Cama Institute’s ‘Parasika’December 1991 Voiume 14 Number 6 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Amavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana H. Kaka DESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez. Deborah D'sousa MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl Sequeira CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B. L Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar MANAGEMENT Minoo Patel, Jasmine Driver 3 Readers’ Forum 10 Events and Personalities 15 Zoroastrians Abroad 20 Parasika -- The Zoroastrian Story by Arnavaz Mama 24 The Federation at Calicut by Parinaz Gandhi 32 Contractor’s concrete conceptions by Gustasp Irani 35 The Parsi and his Sherpa arsi by Aspi Moddie 37 Milestones OFFICE Rajendra P. Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia O'Silva, Bakhtavar Batliwalla, Nowzer Badiwala, Bindu Pillai, Sugatha S. Kurup Cover: Personal effects of Dr Dadabhoy Naoroji. Inset, mannequin in period costume Transparencies by Varghese Fernandez i I * i 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 55(VUS $ 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 upcountry cheques add Rs 5 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add £ 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 or C/o H.L.Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground flocr, 39 A.K.Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 IREADERS' FORUM . •>»>»!> *> I *»»»s»1 * I »r»•»»»!«» •41 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ » »• If »»«»»»•»»»» (ft »> i ?• in Ve/ufiddd 8.37, it is just the other way Punchayet, let us concentrate on the round; the Mazda-worshippers are given needs of the upper middle class who can an injunction to wash an unclean man afford to pay for the service, meals, with gomez, not with water Cpairi medical help and lodging. In short, let us yaozdaithita geush maesmana noit apo aim at sanatoria for the aged somewhere — and he shall thereupon wash his body in the suburbs of Bombay to cater to the with gomez, not with water ”). As such needs of the aged in Bombay and the words in the Vishtasp Yasht, as Gujarat, not barring anyone around the rightly suggested by B. T. Anklesaria, globe — comfortable, independent (The Yashts, Bombay 1925, p 308), are places where they can enjoy their old age an interpolation. Geldner ’s edition of the with dignity in a relaxed atmosphere. Avesta does not contain die said Yasht. »?; Da«ur(Dr)KAIKHUSROOM. JAMASPASA ::nu (iffp .»j ::r • t 5* r P »• »» iti Aged Zoroastrians abroad, given facili ­ ties similar to some extent to what they enjoy there, would be haj^y to spend “Anything can happen...” their twilight years in India in religious I fully support the jnoposd of Ms Dolly surroundings and pay for it. The Parsi Dastoor (“Anything can happen to you, ” Punchayet in Gujarat have beautiful ParsiafM, August 1991) to form an inter- buildings at their disposal which can be national Zoroastrian network (not only a renovated to meet the above needs pro ­ ladies ’ committee) through which Ztm- vided adequate funds were available to astrians from major pockets across the them through initial donations and, later, world can liaise with each other and take from payment by the inhabitants. A well up projects such as providing comfort- paid staff, nurse and manager would be able residence for the aged and infirm essential. Zoroastrians. The aim of the Zoroastrian Winter Our homes and infirmaries at present Relief Fund is to make life a little more are for destitutes, a place for the aged comfortable for those who are in the win- where, uncared, unloved, they are ter of life, dumped. That is the general outlook in I request the aged to come forward to Readers* views are welcome on any subject India; hence families who send their aged support this project and finance it too, if of interest to the community snd should and infirm to these homes are looked possible. HelpAge India has a construc- be sent to the Editor, Readers* Forum, down upon by the community. five approach in this matter and can Parsiana. Q.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. t _ vv Letters are subject to editing for reasons of spsce snd darlty. Unsigned letters or those without snsddress will not be published. The time is now ripe when, with guide us to the right track. Living for proper guidance from qualified persons, others should be the purpose of our life we work m a project which will provide after a certain age. m» kumij . daroowala comfortable living for the aged. Many Preiid<:nt,Zon««ri*n winter Relief Fund aged couples, in spite of being finan ­ cially independenL have great difficulty “Karachll The, “The Purifying...” in maintaining their independence. Due The letter by Mr Afshad Mistri (Readers ’ This refers to die comment “The Purify- to ill-health, servant and other problems. Forum, Parsiana, September 1991) ing Prescriptions ” by Ali Jafarey (Par- their day-to-day needs become impos- claims that the article, “Karachi: The siana, October 1991). sible to cope with when their children are cross-cultural bind ” by Ms Parinaz I wish to draw readers ’ attention that not with them. the word gomez ’bull ’s urine ’ occurs as a phone or doorbell, preparing tea or synonym of maesman — in Nirangistan breakfast, poses problems. Arrangements many Pakistanis come to Bombay for 37 and Pursishniha 9. See also Bartholo- may have been made for their meals but shopping, whereas hardly anybody from mae, AirWb.1108. Moreover, the fra- those may not be suitable to them health Bombay goes to Karachi fa* shopping. It vashi of the bull is wtxshipped in Yasht wise, or palatable at their age. is therefore not surprising that there are 13.86 and the consecrated hirs of its tail ~ ’ are used in rituals, see Visparad 10.2: “ayese yeshti... tashtai zaothro-baranai means a room with attached bath and Lankans, and a long wait is therefore varasai haomo angharezanai (I desire... the cups that hold the libations, and the their old age with friends in similar cir- hair that strains the haoma).' Jafarey ’s contention that Zarathushtra implores King Vishtaspa to wash his are met at present though much improve- have want^ to jump the queue. When hands with water, not with gomez, is also ment needs to be done to make life more there are so many people in the queue incorrect. The words in Vishtasp Yasht pleasant. Leaving this to the Punchayet one wonders why the bribe should be 31, are quoted from Vendidad 8.39. But and social workers connected with the demanded only from Mr Mistri. I don ’t 99 sible to cope with when their children are Even answering the Gandhi is all false. I do not think so. To begin with, it is well known that wise, or palatable at their age. These aged themselves would desire a long queues in the immigration office for comfortable home and privacy which Pakistanis, Bangla Deshis and Sri « service where they can relax and enjoy natural. Regarding his statement that the po- cumstances. lice inspector demanded a bribe of Rs The needs of our lower middle class 100, it is possible that Mr Mistri may 3 Parsiana December 19912 BETTER WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PRECIOUS POSSESSIONS SHINING BRIGHT. liver Instant Silver Cleaner Silver Sparkle’ cleans, polishes and removes tarnish faster than conventional polishes. Just dip and rinse. ‘Silver Sparkle’ cleans and polishes without removing silver. ‘Silver Sparkle’ is a real labour and time saver. believe that everyone would be keen to pay a bribe to the police. About the transportation system, Mr Mistri gloats that Parsis in Karachi have cars because their standard of living in Karachi is higher than that of Parsis in Bombay. Mr Mistri seems to be ignorant that many more Parsis in Bombay can also afford cars but do not buy them in view of the excellent public transport in Bombay. I once figured out that if one considers the loss of interest on capital for buying a new car and the normal maintenance charges and the price of petrol, travelling in a taxi costs almost the same as the cost for riding the same distance in a self ­ driven car. Besides you can relax more in a taxi and you don ’t have to bother about licenses and accidents. I know of some Parsis who travel regularly to of- fice and back in taxis. Regarding the question of Urdu as the medium of instruction in Parsi schools in Karachi, I definitely recall Mr Byram Avari proudly declaring at the Fifth World Zoroastrian Congress held in Bombay in January 1990 that it was be ­ cause of his intervention that M.s Benazir Bhutto restored English as the medium of instruction. In the light of what is stated above, to impute charges of blatant untruths and biased journalism is farfetched. I don ’t think there was anything in the article to warrant such strong criticism. Dr P.O. SUNAVALA With best wishes from Farah o s m nj (C to Mso avatoWe skl WT Made in undv convenient*®!' i stone on yen’ toe __ to silver. JHAVERI BROS. 1914 • S,Metro House,Dhobitalao,Bombay 400 020. Tel : 29 14 23,29 70 26. • 345,Abdul Rehman St.,Bombay 400 003. Tel ; 32 00 65, 32 61 96/97. “Identity in the...” I was elated as always I am, reading of the achievements of Ms Zerbanoo Gif ­ ford (“Identity in the mainstream, ’’ Par­ siana, July 1991). More biographies of this kind will serve our adolescents and youth. However, the sentence “Which Zoroastrian husband would let me do what I am doing? ” perplexed, even ap ­ palled, me! Did it apply to her “house as a dharamshala ” or to her work and achievements? In either case it is bla ­ tantly untrue. Zoroastrian hospitality is all-pervasive whether the guest is a Zoroastrian or a follower of any other faith. We see it diffusing out of every home of two Zoroastrian spouses in Ndrth America. If this is what she meant, Zerbanoo is seriously inexperi ­ enced in Parsi hospitality. If Zerbanoo implies that a Zoroastrian husband would have held her back from pursuing her social and political mission, this is again far from true. I am appalled sentence 4 Parsiana December 1991 & Tanyasome years past. in the Gathas are revealed, there will be With regard to Mr Captain ’s letter no room for controversies and misunder- (“Conflicting convictions, ” Readers ’ Fo ­ rum, Parsiana, April 1991) the commu- to think that any husband, of any socio ­ religious persuasion, should (would) be instrumental in stifling the ambition and achievements of his wife. There are hun ­ dreds of us Zoroastrian women, happily nity in the UK lives harmoniously and is married to Zoroastrian men, achieving no more misled by such inflammatory marriages, etc. our fullest potential in all professions, letters which appear from time to time. They complement and support what we The managing committee is of the opin- , do, not stop us from doing it! Zerbanoo ion that nothing positive will be gained Remembering Albara may well open her eyes and meet with us by providing a response, f....' . ' ‘ ...................._ ' — successful Zoroastrian families — on her next visit to North America. At the very least, her remark is a det ­ rimental message to young aspiring Zoroastrian women. standings which have divided and stag ­ nated the community for so long on the issues of conversion, children of mixed DARYOUSH JAHANIAN, MD Kansas Qty, Kansas, USA \ ¦¦ Rather, the In a short while it will be the third death members wish to continue to devote their anniversary of the late Ervad Nadirsha time and energy towards continuing the Aibara who had helped so many in their good work of the association. troubles by giving them the nirangs or short prayers. But we, who used to flock to him for guidance and advice and pour Ms MEHROo M. PATEL, MD , , OUT woes into his attentive ears, seem to Chicago, USA Whither Parsianal have forgotten to do something concrete I believe the overwhelming majority of to perpetuate his memory, your readers are Zoroastrians, but what is missing in your magazine is informative names of mobeds and dasturs whom we RUSl K. DALAL Honorary Secretary, ZTFE, London “Conflicting convictions” The managing committee of The Zoro ­ astrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) articles in the field of Zoroastrianism remember in our prayers, we should add wishes it to be known that our pre- _ sident Ervad Zal N. Sethna ’s letter dated the Gathas. The scholars of the Zoroas- July 19, 1990 to you covered the profile trian religion should be invited to write and progress of the ZTFE. This was about different topics so that your read- not printed. Instead the article titled ers become aware of their genuine faith service to the community. What do oth- “Conflicting convictions ” {Parsiana, and heritage. ers think of this idea? Ms n. k. plumber August 1990) carried extracts from his Although once you indicated that this letter intermixed with Mr Shahpur is not your goal, I believe you have an TehmillS nccds help Captain ’s and Mr Noshirwan Cowasjee ’s obligation to meet the ne^s of your Ms Tehmina Singpurwalla, a widow, opposing views pertaining to events of readers. If the teachings of Zarathushtra lives in a hut without electricity in I humbly suggest that along with the based on the teachings of the Prophet in his name near his Saheb ’s i.e. Dastur Jam­ shed Kookadaru ’s and so remember him in our prayers and give him the dasturpad, as he rendered yeoman and unselfish Although once you indicated that this ESTD 1850 JEWELLERY MATRIMONIAL MATRIMONIAL 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 6 Parsiana December T99i 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 (D ecemb er/32-91) Parsiana GPO Box No 892 Bombay 400001 Matrimonial correspondence invited from well-settled Parsi businessmen/ professionals with good family background for 29-year-old, slim, fair, personable, well-educated daughter with sound family background and resources.Reply giving full details with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (December/33-91) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Educa­ tion for Indian Merit Scholars. Excellent Climate — All­ round Education: All Academic Subjects — Technical Subjects: Work­ shop Technology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Car­ pentry & Fanning. Training in Self-Government through Elected Boys* Office bearers. Games — Physical Training —Daily Assembly with Con­ gregational Prayers — Weekly intensive Zoroastrian —Geeta-Koran classes — Ex­ cellent Modern Kitchen and Dining Room facilities —Airy Dormitories. Moderate Fees. Concessions to Deserving Students. Apply to THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 324Dr. D.N. Road, Bombay 400001. 8 Parsiana December 1991 Zankhaida village situated between Surat e.g. from Aden. The idea, in shrat, is to and Bharuch. In response to her q>peal, make optimum use of our resources, the World Zoroastrian Organisation without any prejudice or pre-conceived (WZO) are making arrangements for the notions. electrification of her hut. The provisions of the various trust Tehmina ’s income — from doles — deeds would have to be studied and Sc- totals Rs 150 per month. Living with her tions taken accordingly. Including mak- is a mentally unbalanced daughter, an- ing of cy pres applications, where neces- other daughter, who too is not in absolute sary. A committee of lawyers should be possession of her faculties, has been in- appointed to undertake this task and to stitutionalized at Nariman Home, Surat, m^e their recommendations for the ac- A third daughter is married into a voy tions to be taken. Through persuasion poOT family and lives at Avan Bang, and perseverance all trustees could be Navsari. prevailed upon to act for the greatest good The WZO is hoping to collect a rea- of the greatest number of Parsis. sonable amount for this very unfortunate Zoroastrian lady and her daughter, we mittee to consider the organizatitm the propose to invest the amounts received apex body, namely the Parsi Punchayet on behalf of this poor family and thereby with a view to amending its constitution, ensure that they receive a reasonable sum if found necessary, so that the objectives every month for their simple subsistence. Zoroastrians wishing to help are re ­ quested to send their chequesZdrafts fa- youth and professionalization in the apex voring ‘The World Zoroastrian Organisa- body is a must For any institution to tion Trust ’ payable at Navsari, India, to grow there must be complete accounta- the undersign^ at 1215, P. Jeejeebhoy bility and the rule of law should not only Towers, Dalal Sweet, Bombay 400023. DINSHAW K. TAMBOLY Member, WZO Managing Committee Another suggestion is to set up a com- set out above could be achieved as best and as fast as possible. Induction of prevail but should also seem to prevail. A very important part of professionalism is adequate data collection. Appropriate and suitable measures can best be taken when the data is accurate; we cannot pro- Community restructuring We need intelligent, dispassionate dis- ceed on the basis of old and antiquated cussions with the objective of improving data, the lot of our community. We should evolve a master plan to achieve our goals larly in the city of Bombay. Our trusts in a pre-determined period of years. We do own lands in the suburbs, but diey are have sufficient funds and even if more being faced with grave danger of en- funds are needed, it would not be diffi- croachment and governmental restric- cult to raise them. tions on the user. The trusts which own We have innumerable trusts and insti- such lands have limited resources. My rations. Except perhaps for the B. D. Petit suggestion is that these trusts should be Parsee General and Masina Hospi- helped in every way to protect and pre- tals, it may be worth considering shifting serve these lands and to obtain govem- all other institutions such as the Petit, mental permission for development. A Panday and J. J. Dharamshalas to the committee of dedicated legal experts suburbs so as to encash the fabulous val- should be appointed to undertake ‘opera- ues of land in prime areas and to use tion salvage ’ in Bombay and all over In- these funds for the betterment of the dia. I would also very strongly urge that community. in governmental matters we should take I also wish to suggest that a commit- the help of influential and eager-to-help tee of our dasturs may be formed to con- Zoroastrians such as Mr Homi Taleyark- sider shifting and/or amalgamation of the han. I understand that a very large area of holy fires of some of the agiaries, which land could thus be got released at Jogesh- have very little patronage or funds to maintain themselves, to other areas such as Godrej Baug, Versova, etc where our Parsi population is now growing. Over gethCT to discuss the problems of our half a dozen agiaries in the Fort area, for community, so that, by suitable action, example, may have been necessary in we can end them and achieve the goals bygone days when there was a large con- set out above. o. t. marfatia centratioq of Parsis there; to-day, the times and needs have changed. Shifting of the holy fire has been done in the 'past Edited by Amavazs. Mama Land is a voy valuable asset, particu- wan and Malad. My hope is that well-meaning, learned and wiser Parsis come to- set out above.Events and Personalities Crimes in Parsi homes Road, Bandra West, were more daring, anjuman vice president Dossu Gandhy Parsis who feel cocooned staying in Parsi Posing as men from a gas company, they recommended for implementation is localities do nevertheless have cause for entered the house when Tapia, her son granting old age pensions and bearing the fear too. Aspi and their servant were at home, medical costs of senior community citi- In recent times 66-year-old Dhanjisha Flashing choppers and knives they threat- zens, the release further reports. Ratansha Daruwala was found murdered ened Dilshad to sit quietly or else face at his flat in Jer Baug, Byculla in mid death. Awakened by the sound of voices Psrsi rcliCS CrumblC September. Two months later a Parsi Aspi came out of the bedroom and at- household on Princess Street was robbed tempted to throw the robbers off guard, of Rs l,60,(XX). The thieves who at- While a scuffle ensued, the servant ran tempted to rob a family in Bandra how- out and shouted for help which caused the Blitz of September 28, 1991. The disused ever did not meet with success. assailants to flee, leaving their arms be- tower had been taken over by the Ar- Even in the case of Daruwala ’s mur- I' ' ~' der, the motive is supposed to be robbery juries and no loss of property, the paper of for the house was found ransacked, two November 17 reports, cupboards pried open and valuables worth Rs 15,000 stolen, reports the Jam-e-Jam- APZA’s third time trustee shed of October 20, 1991. The two who “No trustee can ever do anything without accosted Daruwala first tried to gain entry the cooperation of all (the) members, ” into his house on the pretext of seeking a remarked Capt Homi Pirojsha Dandiwalla because they signify the earliest settle ­ job and when informed that there were no who was elected president-trustee of The openings, requested for a glass of water. When Daru'wala sought to oblige, the (APZA) for the third three-year term in dia their home, two followed him into the house and while the male criminal hit him, the lady accomplice gagged him with a cloth. Five stab marks were visible on Daru ­ wala ’s body. Police investigations re ­ vealed that the murderers were Mahindra getting the Baz- Chauhan and Ms Surekha Lagade, the Jam^ notes. The thieves who broke into Percy Rus- tom Harvat ’s house in A block, Sitaram the custody of the Building, Princess Street have not been Bombay identified so far. Availing of an opportu ­ nity to enter the house in the absence of er four decades) Percy ’s mother Khurshid, a housewife released for use term in office who had gone visiting the fire-temple for by the anjuman. two hours that morning, the thieves es­ caped with gold and silver ornaments. When Percy came home for lunch, two cupboards were found lying open and lease informs, they suspect a duplicate key was used to enter the house, the November 3 issue of initiative last year to invite non-Zoroas- Jam^ reads. The assailants who entered the flat of for the members. 46-year-old Ms Dilshad Tapia on 281h A part of the towers of silence in Diu caved in this year, unable to withstand the monsoon fury, reads a write-up in the assailants to flee, leaving their arms be ­ hind. The Tapias escaped with minor in- chaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1984 ever since the importance of this structure was brought to light by K. T. Satarawala, the then Lt Governor of Goa, Daman and Diu. The relics of the two dokhmas, a bun- gli and a fire-temple assume importance ments of Parsis after they fled Muslim Allahabad Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman persecution in Iran and opted to make In ­ succession in September last, according to a press release. During his ten ­ ure, Dandiwalla had succeeded in The agiary premises are being used by the Catholic nuns as a home for the aged — “certainly a much better homage to Zoroaster than let it collapse and disap ­ pear, ” the write-up further notes. Bank’s financial figures Despite go-slow and work to rule tactics adopted by the staff. The Zoroastrian Co ­ operative Bank Limited showed a net profit of Rs 15,62,292, an increase of four lakhs over the previous year, notes the 64th annual report and accounts brochure of the Bank. The staff union ’s demand for revision in pay scale allowances and The first paramobed to be employed in other benefits was not acceptable to the India was by the Allahabad anjuman dur- management and the failure to arrive at a ing Dandiwalla ’s presidentship, the re- compromisemeantadelayinthecompilat- tion of the annual accounts as the staff re- The Allahabad anjuman had taken the fused to sit overtime. The number of shareholders increased trian spouses to social functions arranged by 120 bringing the total number to 4,446. The deposits which now total Rs 7.90 crores record a growth of Rs 1.04 crores am Jashane Rooz Behram fund of Rs 1,06,000 (in Parsi 1'^ Punchayet for ov- k Iz >¦ 10 Parsiana December 1991 I ..4b ¦ Another scheme that the Allahabadover the previous year. The Bank ’s loans Rayons and a sports reporter and Umrigar and advances which are judiciously gran ­ ted to different classes of borrowers in ­ creased by Rs 89,21,715 over the previ ­ ous year. The new board of directors who will serve for the next three-year term are: Chairman J. J. Gandevia; vice chairman C. N. Dinshaw; managing director L. C. Mistry: and members at large R. A. Gagrat; H. D. Petit; T. R. Andhyarujina; Patel COmeS of age S. F. Engineer; Ms B. A. Keeka; D. K. Barely two days after he obtained his Contractor; K. N. Petigara; K. N. Wadia driving licence, 18-year-old Zubin Patel and R. D. Irani, notes a press release from the Bank. For the first time a new stage — zero time concept — was introduced where the amount of time taken to cover that stretch ? I is an officer with the Slate Bank of India. These three will now join the company of other Parsis who have served as cricket earned the participant an equal number of umpires: Dara Dotivala, Reporter and penalty points, notes a press release. Patel BomiJamula. covert the distance in 11 minutes, 58 In the meanwhile Rusi Jeejeebhoy seconds and was thus declared the overall continues as selector for the east zone of the BCCI, the Jame of October 6 reports. tors. winner as also the first prize winner in the category of scooters upto 110 cc. At the rally organized by Sportscraft and sponsored by Petrosil Oil Company Limited, Patel, on his Kinetic Honda, showed he had all that makes for an out- won the Gulf Scooter Rally, reports The standing rider. “Skill apart, the champion Times of India of September 16, 1991. displayed nerves of steel to ensure suc- Twenty-eight participants dared the 240 cess in a venture full of endurance and Cricket snippets km route from Bombay to Vashi on Sep- challenge all the way, ” acknowledged the Passing the examinations conducted by tember 15 to compete in the “toughest release, the Board of Control for Cricket in India rally ever, ” as voiced different competi- (BCCI) to select umpires were three Par ­ sis — Keki Darabshaw Dudhwalla and Adil Homi Palia of Surat and Jehangir C. W Umrigar of Bombay, notes the Jam-e- Jamshed of September 15, 1991. Scoring over 90 percent, the requisite necessary for passing this examination conducted . after a lapse of 10 years, the three were among the 44 who cleared both the writ- ? . ten and practical examinations out of the total number of 374 participants. Retired test umpires Piloo B. Reporter and A. M. Mamsahad coached the threeof them. The upcoming umpires in addition to their love for cricket also had their own careers to pursue. Palia runs a chemist ’s shop, Dudhwalla is a clerk in Baroda ? Retrospect on Arnawaz “To Arnawaz what mattered most was the growth and care of artists, ” noted her hus ­ band S. G. Vasudev, himself an artist, who is keen to perpetuate Amawaz ’s con ­ tribution to the art world — drawings, paintings and metal works. The exhibition at the Cymroza Art Gallery in Bombay featured a retrospec ­ tive of Arnawaz ’s works from September 24 to October 14, 1991. A special intro ­ duction was provided by the 18-minute- color film titled Arnawaz, dire ­ cted by noted actor Girish Kar- nad, wherein her contemporaries discuss the artist and the evolu ­ tion of her work, terminating with an impressive mural that she did for the Grindlays Bank in Madras three years before succumbing to cancer in early ’88 when she was 42 years old. The film and exhibition were under the banner of the Arnawaz Vasudev Charities Trust which has the principal objective of promoting art education, the brochure announcing the exhibition notes. <1 ¦kvTIJ A- 51 > Arnawaz (far right) and one of her creations (right). (Below) Shrikant Karani of Sportscraft (with mike) and scooter rally winner Patel 11 Parsiana December 1991 1 , Help Dosibai Orphanage Starting with six boys die Dosibai Parsi Orphanage in Navsari has shown a strength of 60 boys on the eve of its 70th year, notes a press release sent by S. K. Vajifdar. Boys from the poor Parsi rural families of Gujarat benefit from the free lodging, boarding, educational and medi ­ cal facilities provided by the institution. The students are additionally coached inI ^-5 /¦' • -'W? extracurricular activities like agriculture, sports, gymnastics and scouting. Managed by the A. H. Wadia Trust, background) the Orphanage has been augmenting its income from the crops and vegetables Meherjirana, Dastur Street, Navsari grown on its five acre plot of land. But this year they were not able to grow crops as their fence is broken. To build a new 2,000 foot fence as also to get the build ­ ings painted and whitewashed, estimated to cost seven and a half lakh rupees, the Trust has appealed for funds. Cheques orphanage. Annexes to accommodate the may be drawn in the name of “Dosibai Kotwal Parsi Orphanage ” and forwarded to the managing trustee Vada Dasturji further. Vazifdar (Jar left) with some of the boys of the Dosibai Orphanage (seen in 396445. The institution ’s first premises was the bungalow of the late philanthropist Seth been coopted to the All India Lions Coor- Byramji Nusserwanji Sirvai. He left his dination Committee. Among the projects legacy to Bai Dosibai Kotwal who subse ­ quently willed the property for use of an growing number of students have been added over the years, the release notes Delivery from heaven “Remember I love you, remember I care. I’ll always be with you all Though you don ’t see me there. The sacrifices we have made of generations three. Is worth it, to bring India into the 21st century. ” This last verse was part of a poem com ­ posed by 15-year-old Ms Goolnaz Ronny Dick as a tribute to the former Prime Min ­ ister Rajiv Gandhi. The five-verse poem titled From Rajiv Gandhi (Special deliv­ ery from heaven), is the imagination of Dick, a class 10 student of St Francis Convent, Jhansi. It reads like a message from the slain prime minister to the family with special directives for his widow Sonia and chil ­ dren Priyanka and Rahul, requesting them to complete the work he was unable to do. SPOTLIGHT Social worker Jimmy Patalwala has he is involved in is the Lions Cancer De­ tection Treatment and Research Centre, notes a press release. I Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka Tata Housing. Building magnificent new ideas in housing comfort. In keeping with their spirit of « innovation, Tata Housing has • designed a wholly different concept in living — a concept Ibat represents comfort at its -^•3 most luxurious, spacious apartments, splendid views, peaceful surroundings and excellent amenities. w] r fi. \ >2’ .0 Beautifying and enhancing the quality of living — the guiding philosophy of Tata Housing. Tata Housing Development Co. Ltd. D-20, Dhanraj Mahal 2nd Floor Ch. ShivajI Marg Apollo Bunder Bombay 400039 Tel: 2026607 2026427 2026566 Tlx: 011-3234 TAIN IN s I co < I uZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Learning to be wise The ZET appealed for community in- tion to the Avestan alphabet and grammar The directive of the Fifth World Zoroas- volvement, especially of teachers over the by Jal Amrolia (eight sessions); and An trian Congress in January 1990 to wide spectrum of Zoroastrian culture in- introduction to the alphabet and grammar anjumans worldwide to organize facilities eluding numismatics, art, music, law, of Modem Persian (Farsi) by Shahrokh for the religious education of Zoroastrians communication, poetry, myths, legend, (15 sessions). ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦¦ ' In their report after the completion of Chapter II the ZET noted that all the ex- The ZTFE managing committee set up penses incurred for the two chapters had has been taken up with the seriousness it literature, fashion, textiles, making of deserves by the London based Zoroastrian sudreh and kusti, authentic cookery, etc. Trust Funds of Europe ^TFE). The Con- _ . . gress had consider^ a formal, in-depth a Zoroastrian Educational Fund (ZEF) to been met from the fees paid by the partci ­ knowledge of the religion and history of enable the purchase of educational aids pants. Indeed, a surplus of £ 600 was'u til- Zoroastrianism as a necessary, perhaps and sought volunteers to organize and ized to purchase books for the ZTFE li- only, way of maintaining Zoroastrian publicize projects and help to type, print brary. The ZET also received donations identity. or photocopy educational material and including overhead and slide projectors, create a subject-wise catalogue for the board, cassette recorder and other educa- ” ¦* ’ ‘ . tional aids. The Farsi language course The introductory course or Chapter I conducted by Shahrokh proved so popular of the ZEP was conceived as a 20-session “bird ’s eye view on Zoroastrianism ” com- Accordingly, the ZTFE launched a three-pronged attack on Zoroastrian igno- Zoroastrian House Library, rance with the announcement, “The fate ~ of our Zarathushtrian faith is in our hands. ” A circular exhorted the commu ­ nity to “Remember; he who does not learn prising five modules; Zarathushtrian his- does not become wise! ” The three arms of tory taught by Writer, Prayers and rituals its crusade consist of the Zarathushtrian by Bhedwar; Zarathushtrian religious meanings accurately and avoid misunder- the relevance of Zoroastrian customs and practices especially in respect to the envi ­ ronment. They also stressed the need to participate in interfaith meetings. Chapter III of the ZEP began with a 12-session lecture cum tutorial module 1990 when nearly 100 members enrolled titled Introduction to the Avestan Deen for the course according to the ZTFE an- Debeereh (alphabet and grammar) by ¦ Amrolia, an SOAS graduate in Avestan lease noted that attendance remained at and Pahlavi. The fees; £ 12 per person; £ that he has been requested to continue. A point highlighted by Williams is the need to use Zoroastrian terminology in conversation and discussion to convey Education Project (ZEP), courses on texts by Vafadari; Languages by Vafadari standing. Mehta and Mehani underlined Zoroastrianism through the Birbeck Col- and Shahrokh; and Tradition and contem- lege of the University of London and ses- porap^ issues by Mistree, sions on Zoroastrianism for children. According to ZTFE committee member basis of “at least a generation, ” was inau- Malcolm Deboo the three courses have gurated with a jashan and a synopsis of some features in common — they are held the projected lectures on February 24, weekly at Zoroastrian House in London, they are based to correspond with the aca ­ demic year with Xmas, Easter/Nowruz nual report for the year. A later press re- and summer vacations and are open to I-------------2 J---------- 2----- Zoroastrians and non-Zoroastrians. The about 75 percent. 21 per family, participants are required to pay upto £ 30 Chapter II of the ZEP began Octo- For the benefit of those who find it per course, a concessional fee of £ 10 ber 4, 1990 with a lecture on the Con- very difficult to attend weekly sessions being charged to unpaid or low paid indi- secration of an Atash Adaran/Agiary there will be periodic open lectures. Bi- viduals and to old age pensioners. The by Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal. With 60 var is scheduled to talk on “The impact of professionals on the faculty are paid for sessions distributed between the autumn, Zoroastrianism on the Achaemenian dy- their participation while the volunteers spring and summer terms, as per their nasty ” on January 26,1992. have given freely of their time and ability, schedule, the syllabus outline of the .................................. .. To start with the ZTFE instituted the course included Zarathushtrian prayers Zoroastrian Educational Team (ZET) and rituals (eight sessions) by Bhedwar, ducted by Writer at Zoroastrian House on comprising ZTFE managing committee The Shah Namah of Firdaosi and its ori- behalf of Birbeck College. The two-hour members, teachers and students to create gins by Sheriar Mehani (six sessions); A weekly sessions on the Zoroastrian faith a framework within which a study of the personal recollection of contemporary began September 24, 1991 and explored community ’s heritage and culture could Iranian Zarathoshti history by Mehani and the main tenets, their longevity in Zoroas- ' be pursued. The initial team which for- Shahrokh (two sessions); Post seventh trian tradition up to the present times, and mulated the syllabus included Ms Yas- century Zarathushtrian history by Writer their evolution through the imperial posi- mine Jhabvala-Kansara, Farrokh Vajifdar, (four sessions of four hours each); Zara- tion of ancient Persia when it was ele- Ervad Rustam Bhedwar, Dr (Ms) Rashna thushtra ’s Gathas and their relevance by vated to the state religion. In the second Writer, Shahrokh Shahrokh, Shahrdth Mistree (four sessions); Zarathushtrian re- term beginning January 7, 1992 Writer Vafadii and Khojeste Mistree. Prof (Dr) ligious theology, philosophy and Ian- plans to study the contemporary Zoroas- A. D. H. Bivar of London University ’s guage of the Middle Persian period by Dr trians as a religio-ethnic minority in the School of Oriental and African Studies Alan Williams (five sessions); Enlivening old countries of Iran and India as well as (SOAS) has been a source of guidance the living tradition by Mehani and Ms overseas, the dynamics of migration and and support. Tina Mehta (eight sessions); An introduc- resettlement in alien environments. She The Project, conceived on a long term I Chapter II of the ZEP began Octo- per course, a concessional fee of £ 10 ber 4, 1990 with a lecture on the Con- Hard on the heels of the ZEP’s Chapter II came a 10-week extramural course con- IS Parsiana Oecamber 1991The first Zoroastrian House was estab- 1969 that the present premises at Com- payne Gardens were purchased, largely In the foreword honorary secretary because the immigration surge of the expects to analyze Zoroastrian diaspora in Funds of Europe fZTFE) published its Seth in 1724. Hard on the heels of the Europe and North America and iscuss fast Directory of Zoroastrians of UK and founding of the Anjuman came the acqui- “their present position as, arguably, the Europe 1991. According to the preface sition of the cemetery grounds at Brook ­ world ’s smallest religio-ethnic minority. ” by Ervad Zal Sethna, ZTFE president, it wood (in 1861). In what earnestness the project has bwn contains around 1,000 names. Sethna — - - undertaken can be guaged from the back- hopes that before long the directory will lished at Russell Road, Kensington in ground reading prescribed by Writer include the names and addresses of all 1929, partly from a £ 6,000 donation from Ms Mary Boyce ’s Zoroastrians — Their Zoroastrians in UK and Europe, paving Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji. It was only in Religious Beliefs and Practices and His- the way fw a proper census of the com- tory of Zoroastrianism (in two volumes), munity in the area. Stanley Insler ’s The Gathas ofZarathus- p - tra', R. C. Zaehner ’s Dawn and Twilight Rusi Dalal estimates the total number of 1960s rendered the old property inade- of Zoroastrianism and The Cambridge Zoroastrians around London and the quate. The 1979 influx from Iitui again History of Iran. Home Counties at 4,000 to 5,000 indi- meant that the Zoroastrian community Simultaneously with the ZEP Chapters viduals. Additionally Zoroastrian pockets had outgrown the size of Zoroastrian I and II,. 17 Sunday sessions on Zoroastri- of 50 to 80 strong dot cities like Birming- House but thanks to donations from anism for children were conducted be- ham, Manchester, Leicester, etc. Arbab Rustam and Ms Morvarid Guiv, tween November 4, 1990 and June 30, 1991. _ , _ _ . course covered an overview of history “The London Anjuman ” under the pres- port, an extension to the existing property from pre-Zarathustrian times to the Sas- tige and patronage of Dr Dadabhoy could be constructed in 1983. Already sanian dynasty, the tenets of the faith and Naoroji, the first Indian member of the the accommodation is proving to be short their comparison to the teachings of other British Parliament. Along the way the in terms of the present requirements and a religions, etc. The children were taught Aiijuman ’s name changed three times, the plea is made to look for larger premises, by Ms Niloofer Cooper, a professional present one being assumed in 1979 which Whereas the present Zoroastrian teacher and Ms Coomi Sutaria. is registered as a charity benefitting from House has a Setayesh Gah — a room tax exemptions under British law. The where the ceremonial fire is lit when nec- ZTFE directory earliest known Zoroastrian resident of essary — the community cherishes a In January 1991 the Zoroastrian Trust Britain was however Navroji Rustomji dream to build a full-scale agiary. of 50 to 80 strong dot cities like Birming ­ ham, Manchester, Leicester, etc. Dalal features a short history of the the families of Mehraban and Faredoon Divided into three terms, the ZTFE since its founding 130 years ago as Zartoshty plus other donations and sup- “The London Anjuman ” under the pres- For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 371483 Fax 3099648 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 16 Parsiana December 7997I I Eight pages of advertisements have no write-up. The ZET is said to be trying to six chairs. Community magazines and doubt helped to allay the cost of the qual- restore and frame them at an estimated journals are subscribed to. A number of ity paper, printing and binding of the di- cost of £ 2,000. bodes and other religious and cultural rectory which has been priced at £ 2. Another unearthed treasure comprises paraphernalia are available on sale. two boxes containing the minutes and rec- UK census ords of the Parsi Association when Sir Community activities April 21,1991 was census day in Britain, Munchetjee Bhownaggree was president In an attempt to improve the facilities at notes the ZTFE circular. As sections 10 including his handwritten letters to Zoroastrian House, an architecturally de- and 11 of the census form referred to Shapurjee Saklatvala and other members signed suspended ceiling with an in-built country of birth and ethnic group respec- and their replies. powerful extractor fan has been installed tively, the ZTFE managing committee ~ advised the community to describe their 19S7 thanks to a donation in memory of ceremonies are held. New chandeliers ethnic or racial group by ticking the box Prof and Ms Shapur Hormusji Modi, and ceiling fans also add to the comfort of marked “any other ethnic group ” and Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Zoroastrians attending the ceremonies writing “Parsi/Irani Zoroastrian ” as ap- Friday, the Library is stocked with sizable thanks to donations from ctxnmunity propriate. The idea was that if there were material on the religion and history of members. Next on the agenda is the com- sufficient such entries, the census may Zoroastrianism including biographies of plete rewiring of the old building at an es- be able to provide vital statistical infor- the Parsi sethias. For lighter reading there timated cost of £6,000. mation of the Zoroastrian population are translations of the works of Firdaosi, I The ZTFE Library was established in in the old assembly hall where muktad A group of young Zexoastrians led by in the UK. Omar Khayyam and Nizami, bodes on Navil Bajina has brightened up the main , Iranian gardens, art, sculpture and cuisine assembly hall with a coat of fresh paint. Zoroastrian House Library plus a collection of contemporary prize The young boys and girls thus sav^ the Uncovered in the attic of Zoroastrian winning novelists like Firdaus Kanga, Ms association hundreds of pounds, notes the House, under piles of dust were old vol- Bapsy Sidhwa, Rohinton Mistry, Boman ZTFE newsletter. umes of PiO'siana dating to the fir$t issue De^, eic. and photOjgraphs of the early 1900s de ­ picting the founding fathers of the asso- trian idigion, h^itage amd culture from ciadrai, notes a recent report on the ZTFE flie 2JET surplus mentkmed earlio*, the in aid of ZTFE. The play was performed Library forwarded to Parsiana by Mai- Library was gifted £ 2,000 by the Zar- by Akademia Repertory Theatre of India colm Deboo. The photogra^is were dis- toshty brothers and £ 1,000 by Ms Maki and was produced by Ms Yasmin and played at the ZET lectures, notes the Edulji towards the purchase of a table and Rumi Palsetia, writes the ZTFE newslet- Apsot from the new bodies on Zoroas- Larins Sahib was staged on September 14, 1991 at the Commonwealth Institute MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) >ie Banking CAIIB Course (Postal) sje Executive Secretarial Course # Private Secretarial Course ? Personal Assistant’s Programme (Working Stenographers) 9k Shorthand & Typewriting (English/Hindi^arathi) 9k Telephone Operating & Receptionist Techniques 9k Electronic Telex Operating 9k Electronic Typewriting & Word Processing 9k English Conversation & Writing Skills LATEST ADDITION: COMPUTERS Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce as D 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 4(X)001 Tel: 2871185ter. Depicting the legend of Sir Henry (Ms) Mary Boyce and is currently a PhD whether to convoi or not, but the real Lawrence and his role in the conquest of stuctent under Dr Philip Kreyenbroek at threat is that our children and grandchil- Punjab during 1846-47, the play was SOAS working on a thesis on the “Devo- staged at the recent Edinburgh Festival. -¦—’ ’ ***“ ” Despite the short notice, Ms Silloo and Kersey Jasavala turned the event into a boo helped Stewart with the exhibits and huge success by selling the tickets and displays, raising sufficient funds to cover general expenses. The event raised a generous St James ’ Court, one of the Taj Group of should live. The body is the temple of die surplus which has been donated to the Hotels situated at Buckingham Gate, Lon- soul and yet we disregard this simple fact ZTFE. don SWl, now provides a Parsi menu for and are encouraged to eat foodless junk navjotes, weddings and private parties up food... “In our social functions, we chum out ¦ dren are inbred with the western culture tional Life of the Zoroastrian Laity. ” of junk food, drugs, smoking and the Ms Coomi Sutaria and Malcolm De- gre^ for the almighty dollar. “Our ZOToastrian faith is a simple faith in the magnanimity of our creator and the choice He has given us as to how we .1 The Zoroastrian Cricket Club of Great to 250 people, notes the ZTFE newsletter. Britain clocked three wins in a row on the The hotel ’s general manager is Sam the same rubbish food... Never in 40 opening of the 1991 season defeating the Bhadha. years of attending our functions have I Tulse Hill Cricket Club, British Gas and , seen tables laden with fresh fruits, dried the Batt Cricket Club before losing the ChOOSing tO be healthy fruits and nuts, salads and crisp vege- fourth match to Life Tabernacle, informs Dr Keki Sidwa, president of the British tables. I suggest humbly to the committee the ZTFE write-up. Natural Hygiene Society was recently to change all that and give our children featured, with a three-page interview, in classes on good nutrition and how to take Long time Zoroastrian activist in London the August issue of Natural Health, notes *................................ ... and founder president of the World the ZTFE newsletter. An old-style Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), Bailey naturqiath, Sidhwa believes “your life- Hostage doctor Irani was elected trustee of the style dictates your health. ” Dr Sidhwa ’s Soon after the release of John McCarthy, Zarathushtrian Trust Funds on August 11, approach is to make the patient respon- the British hostage in Lebanon, Group 1991. Irani took the place vacated by Phil sible for his or her health. He feels his Captain (Dr) Fredoon Amroliwalla of the Medora earlier this year. life ’s work is not to give relief from the Royal Air Force (RAF) appeared on Na- ills like most doctors do, but instead teach tional Television News on August 9,1991 the spokesman reporting on McCarthy ’s medical examination and health. Amroliwalla ’s role in the hostage cri- care of their health instead. ” The ZTFE attained another cherished goal his patients to provide the optimum health as when its paid up membership crossed the conditions for themselves and not to be in l.OOOth mark, notes their circular of Octo ­ ber 1991. the same unhealthy position again. Sidhwa was the principal speaker at a seminar on “Choosing to be healthy ” at sis began with the formation of the RAF Friends ’Meeting House, London, on Oc- “ Aeromedical Evacuation Team at a few hours ’ notice. Amroliwalla was ap- A small exhibition depicting “Zoroastri ­ anism: Parsee Life in India ” was set up in tober 26,1991 discussing topics like fast- November 1991 by Ms Serra Stewart at ing, the ideal diet, loving and laughing pointed leader of the team which flew out the Library of the School of Oriental and your way to health, the value of exercise, to Cyprus and onwards to Damascus as African Studies (SOAS), informs the sunshine and fresh air, rest and sleep in “ ZTFE newsletter. There were items on Zoroastrian interest and photographs on display which were taken by Stewart on field trips whilst on a visit to Bombay and of the ZTFE, Sidhwa states that the threat Navsari. Stewart obtained her MA under Prof terfaith marriages, nor the question of to Damascus the next day and were driven in a Syrian motorcade to the British em­ bassy there McCarthy was then examined superficially and they were all'whisked back to their waiting VC 10, which was fitted up to hospital specifications and flew back to RAF Lyneham. After an overnight rest, Amroliwalla medically assessed McCarthy over sev­ eral hours of examination. The major con ­ cern in a hostage situation is Post Trau ­ matic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The care ­ ful re-introduction of the returned hos ­ tages to the demands of normal life is de ­ signed to prevent or at least minimize PTSD which can be quite disabling, ac­ cording to Amroliwalla. Similarly, Amroliwalla assessed Jacki continued on page 34 soon as the Foreign Office instructed them to do so. Only on their overnight stop-over in relation to diseases like cancer, heart dis ­ ease, etc. In his letter to the honorary secretary RAF Akrotin (Cyprus) did they get infor ­ mation that the hostage to be released was to our community is not the handful of in- the Briton McCarthy. They flew straight SxtVM- pHONt i®'’’ 18 Parsiana December 1991HISTORY COVER STORY Parasika —The Zoroas The K. R. Cama Oriental Institute's exhibition on Parsi history was a series of highlights and sidelights on the community Arnavaz S. Mama H ow would Khurshedji Cama and his illustrious contemporaries have reacted to the exhibition of Parsi history organized by the K. R. Cama Ori ­ ental Institute (KRCOI) and hosted by Bombay ’s Prince of Wales Museum (POWM), November 11-30,1991? A be ­ nevolent appreciation of the effort en ­ shrined? A sad reflection on the ignorance of their community about all they had done and stood for as perhaps echoed in the “ohs ” and “ahs” of the viewers? A deepening melancholy at the internecine squabbles and controversies, masked by the patina of culture? In other words, are coining of the expression swarajya. Sir “Ferocious (Pherozeshah) ” Mehta ’s up ­ holding of the dignity of the Bombay municipality; Firoze Gandhi — “one of the most forgotten of Indian nationalists ” — who, with C. Rajagopalachary had tried to make Indian public life ethical, as witness his uncovering of the Mundra scandal; and Mme Bhicaiji Cama who not only designed the flag of independent India but got an international European audience to salute it 40 years before India became free. While KRCOI president Jehangir Shroff welcomed the Governor, trustee and joint secretary Capt Homazdiar De­ sai traced the multifarious interests of Avestan scholar-editor- K. R. Cama and the long as­ sociation between the KRCOI and the Tatas who he said had do- united India where -everybody can live to nated the plot and share in the development. ” Earlier, POWM chairman, the octoge- we today a community that K. R. Cama, K. R. Cama - educationist and visionary Pherozeshah Mehta, Dadabhoy Naoroji, Sorabji Bengalee, Behramji Malbari and the others would have been happy to call like the sugar in milk — not seen but educauonist their own? sweetening. ” He referred to “this com- The exhibition kept the embarrassing munity ’s crucial role in every field ” and questions out of its purview. The vista hoped it “will continue to contribute to terminated with Indian Independence the development of a great India, a in 1947. ‘Parasika — The Zoroastrian Story ’ share in the development. ” helped build the struc- was the high water mark of the year-long Earlier, POWM chairman, the octoge- ture that houses the pbtinum jubilee celebrations of the narian art critic and criminal lawyer Karl Bombay-based . KRCOI. At the traditional inauguration Khandalavala had recounted the bright tute. Trustee Manchi by Maharashtra ’s Governor C. Subrama- niam, traditional sentiments were ex­ pressed. Subramaniam referred to vari- his grandmother: “I’m proud to be a OUS interests “dying to vivisect India un ­ der the guise of religion, language, etc ” and held up the Parsi community as “an presented his own listing of significant tion organized by the example for others to follow... You are Parsi contributions: Dadabhoy Naoroji ’s Delhi Parsi Anjuman Photo: Rashid Bamanbehram Insti- Khandalavala had recounted the bright tute. spots of Parsi history in India. To him Cama thanked all those this exhibition concretized the words of who had contributed towards the exhibition. Parasika ’s forerun ­ ner had been an exhibi- Parsi and I’m proud to be an Indian. ” Nani Palkhivala who shared the dais 20 Parsiana December 799/trian Story SirJamsetji Jejeebhoy's chair: HMS Minden; antique proofing machine from The Bombay Samachar Photos Varghese Fernandez Bottom (L to R): Ivory statue of Parsi girl; velvet, silk, and jari apparel (Courtesy: POW Museum): recreated fire-temple; The Wadias — rruister shipbuilders Photos; Rashid Bamanbehram 1arrival of the original boat people. Plaster of Paris casts of the frescos of Persepolis and Pasargade enlivened the section on the Achamenians, the Parthians and the Sassanians. A similar reconstruction of the Barot caves and of the sanctum sanc ­ torum of the fire-temple were well exe ­ cuted. An outstanding item in the ancient section was the information regarding the Majisthan — an institution akin to parliament in the time of Mithradates I (171 to 138 BC) which could elect or depose the emperor. Its upper house con ­ sisted of the royal family and the aristoc ­ racy; the lower house of wise men and priests. This little vignette epitomised the myr ­ iad other details unearthed by a devoted band of researchers so that the script al ­ most eclipsed the displays. There was the story of Ardeshir, Kotwal of Surat, who and hosted by the India International Cen- L to R: Khandalavala, Ms Subramaniam, resigned to face charges of corruption, ter in March 1989. Though KRCOI too Modi (behind), Shroff, was exonerated in trial and reinstated with put the community on display in a similar Subramaniam, Palkhivala, Desai and pomp and glory. On display was Akbar ’s effort to propagate Zoroastrian mores and Cama. Below: overview of audience charter granting land to Dastur achievements to sister communities in Photos: Rashid Bamanbehram Meherjirana and his family and a later one terms readily recognizable, the Bombay from Begum Noor Jehan to her perfumer exhibition was conceptualized as the un- and ‘the fruit ’ of the early 20th century Chandy Kamdin. folding of a historical narrative from the with mushrooming charities. household of Hormusji Bomanji Wadia advent of Zarathushtra to the materializa ­ tion of his teachings through the creation of nation-building institutions by Jamsetji Tata. The enormous panorama had been family in Surat (circa 1850) with the ad- compartmentalized in researcher Ms Ros- vent of European fashions in the apparel han Kalapesi ’s script under six heads: ‘the of young girls; the professional man of seed ’ from earliest times to the emigration 19(50 in his study with the mingling of tra- from Persia; ‘the planting ’ with the Diu ditional and European wear; and the sit- and Sanjan landings circa 756 AD to ting room of an affluent family in 1940 Akbar ’s incorporation of Zoroastrianism when traditional garas, daglis and phetas in the Din-i-Illahi — his own synthesis of were juxtaposed with European suits, the best aspects of all the religions of the dresses and hats and the nationalistic time; the ‘branching to Surat ’ where An- khadi sari and kurta-churidar outfits quetil Du Perron becomes the first Euro- sported by more nationalistic members of pean scholar of the Zoroastrian faith and the community. Parsis establish their genius for trade. According to the original conception, shipbuilding and liaison between the local period pieces like furniture, vases, chan- ' population and the British; the ‘branching deliers, clocks, paintings as also afar- proofing machine from The Bombay Sa­ to Bombay ’ in the 17th and 18th centuries with the building of the towers of silence, the birth of the punchayet, the establish- which would have restored the old com- tic rules could have come off the mani- ment of the naval shipyard and the incep- munity lifestyles to view. festo of an end 20th century press council: tion of the China trade; ‘the flowering ’ of It was not to be. Restraints of time. The language to be such as could be un- the 19th and 20th centuries when the space, money and personalities resulted derstood by the man in the street; the pa- wealth garnered from China prompts an ever more conscientious responsibility for garas, kors and tanchois, old sudrehs, troversies but to get expert opinion if nec- the well-being of fellowmen, leading to jhablas and topis; of the personal effects essary; news not to be tampered with or the provision of increasing educational of Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy and Dadabhoy twisted but to be factual. and medical facilities, the establishment Naoroji; of the model of the HMS Min- of the Press, the spearheading of demands den in all its glory. A truncated hull for political, social and economic reform; r s < 22 Parsiana December 1991 a-: L 10 R: Khandalavala, Ms Suhramaniam, Photos: Rashid Bamanbehram A bench from the To bring the social environment of the professed to be the seat of punchayet jus- times to life, Kalapcsi had envisaged four tice when the trustees had the power to tableaux — a kitchen in rural Gujarat settle disputes. An antique letter press (circa 1800); the bedroom of an average khadi sari and kurta-churidar outfits sported by more nationalistic members of the community. According to the original conception. ganiu, diva, ses, etc would have fallen machar evoked much interest but its into place in the sets of the tableaux founder Fardoonji Marazbanji ’sjournalis- which would have restored the old com ­ munity lifestyles to view. It was not to be. Restraints of time, instead in the showcasing of beautiful per not to involve itself in religious con- garas, kors and tanchois, old sudrchs. Early Deen Dayal photographs illus ­ trated the life and times of the sethias of ‘beached ’ on a sandy shore marked the Surat and the innumerable dewans of the 1sodes from history presented in lighter vein would not have been amiss and might have made the rest of the achieve- princely states. The gallery of reformers Manockji Cursetji; the Elphinstone Col- was 1 , ----- - . ... . .. . all — Dadabhoy Naoroji. But the others lege, the Victoria Jubilee Technical Insti- weie no less, each a man of enormous courage and genius. The Parsi Marriage Act of 1864 made bigamy an offense. The Parsi Succession Act ensured the rights of women and children. They were devoted Zoroastrians but their outlook encompassed all communities. Sorabji Bengalee sought to better the conditions of the Indian factory laborer; Behram Malbari ’s Age of Consent Bill sought to raise the marriageable age of girls. He campaigned for the widows ’ right to re ­ marriage and founded the Seva Sadan all, the Indian Institute of Science in Ban- Society to which battered and abandoned galore, paved the way for the creation of a women could turn for a new life of edu ­ cation and honorable employment. Sir Pherozeshah Mehta and Sir Rus- tom Masani established the independ ­ ence and the integrity of the Bombay Municipality; fire-eater Cama, exiled for which subsequently became Air India, sedition, lived out her life in France, de- J ’ ~ . signing the flag of Indian defiance; Din- Noshir Desai ’s photographs presented necessitated by “security reasons. ” It is shaw Wacha and Khurshed Nariman credible vignettes of an aging community, alleged that unregistered artefacts had proved their worth as staunch Congress it was Mickey Patel ’s irreverant illustra- workers; Ms Mithuben Petit carried Ma- .................... . hatma Gandhi ’s message of love to the Adivasis of Gujarat at her personal cost... led by the most redoubtable of them lege, the Veterinary Hospital and Col- tute (VJTI) and, the most spectacular of ments seem more human! Another aspect of Zoroastrian life that might have b^n appreciated by viewers of other communities was more informa ­ tion on Zarathushtra and his teachings (the script detailing this was said to have been obscured by a large traditional frame because Rusi Ratnagar ’s commissioned etching on glass, which accompanied it, did not appeal to some of the organizers). And the system of disposal of the dead in India, which is now perhaps unique in the civilized world, was disposed off (a model of the dokhma, on view at the inau- Tocal intelligentia which in time to come gural, was later banished). was to provide India with the required - - - expertise, even as the various Tata enter ­ services -— including the Tata Airlines had been “closed. ” When it reopened, several exhibits were allegedly changed. The closure was briefly explained as “I'm proud to be a Parsi and I'm proud to be an Indian" For three days after the ceremonial opening many a prospective viewer was prises provided the skeletal industrial disappointed to find that the exhibition Though Ms Sooni Taraporevala ’s and Noshir Desai ’s photographs presented necessitated by “security reasons.' been introduced into the exhibition — an action taboo with the Museum as its in ­ surance covers all items on its premises. In the course of the preceding months Aspi Moddie, chairman of the KRCOI celebrations committee, had registered his tions which broke the monotonous hero ­ ism of Parsi exploits in India and pro ­ vided the only vestige of the other crea- The education of native girls received tion which is also a hallmark of the com ­ an upthrust with the foundation of the munity, one dear to non-Parsi hearts — Alexandra Girls ’ English Institution by Parsi humor. Perhaps a few salacious epi- disenchantment witlr the proceedings and _________________________________________________________________________ resigned and was replaced by co-chair- man, solicitor Ms Keti Mehta. The community grapevine hummed with stories of personality conflicts be ­ tween Kalapesi and structural designers Dhalla, Ms Arun(»iattt= Nanavatti col- Ratao Batliboi and Company on the lected the artefacts, textiles, jewellery, one hand and the KRCOI and the POWM ________________ ‘ ¦ ¦- authorities on the other. The latter ac- Prince of Wales Museum and the staff of lection of the Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy fam- cused Kalapesi of high-handedness and, the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute, the ily being provided by Ms Piloo Cooper, more damagingly, of haphazard ways of exhibition was the joint effort of a num- Nargolwala and three of the ladies la- work and a shoddy presentation, sans '' labels, at the inauguration. Kalapesi claims the two institutions systematically undermined her schedule, not registering Behind the scene... In addition to director Dr Sadashiv Gor- akshkar, curators Dr (Ms) Kalpana Desai and Madhav Gandhi, and the staff of the memorablia, a vast amount from the col- Nargolwala and three of the ladies la- work and a shoddy presentation, sans ber of people, both professional and vol- belled and receipted every item; Ms Sh- untary. While this list does not pretend to ema Gandhi and Ms Meher Marfatia ed- be exhaustive, Tapas Sen provided the ited and checked the captions; the re ­ light effects; caligraphist Paradkar finely search team included, among others, Ms artefacts when presented for registration crafted the script; Prof S. A. Upadhyaya, Goolu Adenwalla, Ms Ami Sethna, Ms and then not releasing them when I director of the Bharatia Vidya Bhavan ’s Silloo Mistry, Ms Kitty Madan, Ms Jerry required for measuring, mounting, ! department of postgraduate research, Kumana, Ms Jeroo Mehta, Dr (Ms) etc. In the balance hang several lakh . translated the script into Hindi at short Bharati Modi; Ms Kamal Mulla, Ms Ner- rupees in unpaid bills, heavy hearts and notice; Jayant Chougle made the in- gish Readymoney, Ms Radhika Sabavala, bitterness. scribed copper plates; R. J. B. Architects Ms Mary Sethna, Ms Polly Shroff, Ms Plans to conserve the exhibition by designed the layout and presentation; Mithoo Coorlavala, Ms Shyla Boga, Ms way of a book or video were mentioned Sam Buhariwalla packaged and trans- Kitty Moddie, Ms Khorshed and Homi by KRCOI honorary secretary Ms Homai ported the artefacts; Ms Khorshed Billi- Vakeel, Ms Rukmini Santos, Ratan Bat- Modi. Doordarshan was said to have moria, Ms Honey Mani, Ms Piroja Nar- liwalla; Dr (Ms) Katy Dalal not only re- filmed the exhibition though it is not ¦ “ ............................. .. known when they will televise it. The visitors ’ book is largely filled with eulo ­ gies. Oh for a local Madame Tussaud to breathe waxen permanence into Parasika! i Vakeel, Ms Rukmini Santos, Ratan Bat- liwalla; Dr (Ms) Katy Dalal not only re- golwaia, Ms Nivedita Mehta, Ms Piloo searched but provided delectable Parsi Soonawala, Ms Silloo Mahava, Dr Viraf snacks after the inauguration... 23 Parsiana December 1991POLITICS AND POLICY The Federation at Calicut Parinaz Gandhi Despite the low turnout, the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India reviewed the changes taking place m the community and also examined its own role The cross-currents created in Bombay fol ­ lowing the revised decision of the Bom- ____ _ __________________________ ___ bay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees to tees are yet not out of the throes of the and would instead be ^verned by the permit interment of bodies of Zoroastrian problem. As per the trustees ’ resolution, common civil code. To amend section 21 women married to non-Parsis in a sepa- only women married under the Special of the SMA in this connection, rejxesen- rate dokhma at the doongerwadi has had Marriage Act (SMA) were to be permitted tatives were asked to come with a man- its effects on other anjumans too. The reports conveyed by the representatives of the understanding that they were practis- different anjumans at the ex- the Federation Parsi Zoroastrian India (FPZAI) on Sep- tember indi- cated that some anjumans have been making the necessary amendments in their con- stiution to recognize the rights of Zoroastrian women who have married out of the com ­ munity. The Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) constitution now clearly states that Zoroastrian women, so long as they have been practising From left: Marshall, Bhacca, Taleyar 2k)roaStrians at some stage, will be as- khan, Bodhanwalla, Gandhi, Sethna, sured burial rights at their cemetery and Dittia (behind the flowers) and Desai additionally their children will be permit ­ ted as members of the Anjuman if their i “ navjotes have been performed. The have been given to understand that even community, ” as expressed vice president Zoroastrian Club of Secunderabad is pav- under a marriage contracted under the of the east zone Homi Bodhanwalla who, • ing the way for ladies married out of the Christian or Muslim law, if one of the in the absence of president Dr Aspi rights. ! Another development in Secunderabad long as the other partner professes the re- is the initiation of a child of a Zoroastrian ligion under which the marriage is regis- mother and a Swiss father and the subse ­ quent letters issued to trustees of different tion joint honorary secretary Eruch Desai, fire-temples in India enquiring whether they would grant this child entry in to their fire-temples. In Bombay itself where the Roxan by the provisions earmarked for the com- Shah controversy first brewed, the trus- munity under the Indian Succession Act rate dokhma at the doongerwadi has had Marriage Act (SMA) were to be permitted _______ its effects on other anjumans too. The interment rights at die doongerwadi on date so that a decision could be t aken at the next Federation meeting in March 1992 in Bombay. (Incidentally, the amendments to the Inditm Succession Act as recom ­ mended by the Federation, so as to assure Parsi females an equal share as their male counterparts, have been passed in the 1992 winter sessions of both houses of Parliament. With monthly salaries of up to Rs 3,000 being offered to paramobeds, the financially weaker anjumans are finding it difficult to engage a priest. The host anjuman Calicut too is on the lookout for a priest al- .at though it does not have an agiary but only a prayer hall. Besides, they are. just a seven-member anjuman. And yet, they are “a little anjuman ing Zoroastrians. And now, the trustees with a very large heart and love for the J community to be granted admission contracting parlies is a Zoroastrian, he or Golwalla, was chairing the meeting as the she is permitted to retain his/her faith so seniormost vice president Belying the fears of some anjuman representatives, Calicut showed that even one family — tered, informed BPP trustee and Fedcra- the Marshalls — could manage the show: from hosting the two-day proceedings at Hotel Paramount Tower, arranging for the Actually once a marriage is registered under the SMA, the property of the con- board and lodging of the delegates, organ- tracting partners would not be governed izing the evening ‘fraternity ’ programs 24 Parsiana December T991 Isions, and improvement in communica ­ tion and problem resolution. Barring Dandiwalla who opined that rot? ” enquired Capt Homi Dandiwalia of the Federation was “moving at an ant ’s Allahabad. “You expect the trustees to wear the pugrees and do the ceremonies? ” and even planning a trip to Kappad where priests refuse to do lhe ceremonies of a Vasco da Gama is said to have first Zoroastrian lady married outside the com- landed in India. The green banner announcing the Fed ­ eration meeting was suggestive of lhe host town lying on the green belt of Kera- ala. But that does not mean that they get retorted Desai, green signals all along the way. Like some other anjumans in the south they are practice of inviting non-Zoroastrian voted to this topic. The first five aims facing a problem because the government spouses to all their social functions. The and objects seek to “promote contact officials refuse to recognize Parsis as a Poona representatives were not happy that amongst Parsi Zoroastrians of India,... minority group on the reasoning that the this controversial topic was being raised study and solve problems concerning government notification does not so stale. - . _ . _ munity, you would allow lhe body to pace, ” the rest seemed satisfied with the Federation ’s progress as the 24 aims and objects of the Federation were taken up Allahabad is now establishing the for analysis at the afternoon session de ­ practice of inviting non-Zoroastrian 1 ¥ 1 • It*' at the Federation meeting, which made Parsi Zoroastrians,... safeguard the inter- Bodhanwalla re- ests,... and promote...legislative...meas- - spond, “This is an ures likely to affect the...community. ” ¦ ' open forum so “In my view the Federation is a meet- Bodhanwalla spond, “This is an open forum so people have the right ing ground of community friends to speak (on subjects throughout India where even large bodies of concern to them). ” Federation joint hon ­ orary secretary Keki Gandhi, “The idea of useful discussion, ” insisted Desai. He an open forum is to impart information; not to thrust views on any anjumans. ” re- concern to (like the BPP) get to learn (about commu- Amplified nity matters from sister anjumans). We have not wasted a single minute of our time. Every minute has been spent on was particularly irked by Moddie ’s de ­ rogatory reference to a presidential re ­ mark made by Golwalla at an earlier meeting (when a commitment was sought From left: Aspi Irani, Nargolwala, Since Poona only has one operational from the chairman on the issue of the BPP Clubwalla, Jehangir and Hoof risk Bisney dokhma, how then would they be in a po- andRustomji sition to accommodate Zoroastrian women married out? “The logical reply is do what your trust deed allows, ” Desai Another objection expressed at the meet ­ ing was to the census findings ’ inclusion answered the Poona delegates. of Zoroastrianism in the list of ‘other ’ re- ~ ligions instead of a ‘major ’ religion. Included in the Federation family are Bombay and the possibility of non-Parsis 62 anjumans of which barely 12 were "As a community we have gone past the stage of The topic was digressing to the tMc Uj J?.,J? blue-collar workers" overlooking into a dokhma from the sur- represented at Calicut These concerned rounding highrise buildings when DPA permitting the adoption of non-Parsi chil- anjumans devoted one session to exam- president Lt Gen Adi Sethna interpolated, dren if after five years Parsi children were ine the Federation ’s orientation and its “We would like to commend the BPP de- not available) where he had said he would performance vis-a-vis the 24 specified cision. ” In light of today ’s Parsis having a “convey to the other trustees and come aims and objects. large number of non-Parsi friends. Far- back. ” Objected Desai, “Why shouldn ’t rokh Rustomji of Delhi suggested that lhe he say that? In the Federation no one BPP trustees should permit members of member is supreme. An individual mem- other communities to be present at the last ber comes with a mandate from his anjuman. (Moddie ’s statement stems from a lack of) understanding of the eth ­ ics of democratic functioning. ” The Federation was found wanting in presence of non-Parsis; and the removal not studying and not solving prob- decision making and implementation, of a body from a bungli to the dokhma by lems (concerning Parsi Zoroastrians)? ” according to Moddie. But as explained khandhiasZnassessalars (irrespective of Gandhi sought to ascertain the delegates ’ by Gandhi, “The Federation only has rec- * whether the sachkar is performed at or viewpoints in connection with the criti- ommendatory jurisdiction. Executive ju- outside the doongerwadi). However, the cisms which community activist Aspi risdiction is in the hands of the cooperation of priests in the after-death Moddie had publicly levelled against the anjumans. ” A rejoinder was to be sent to ceremonies is not guaranteed. This is be- Federation ’s working (see “Impressions Moddie though welcoming his criticisms cause the Punchayet only employs two of the Federation, ” Parsiana, July 1991). “as coming from a person who is con- priests to look after the sagri, the others In his nearly l,5()0-word critique Moddie cemed... for giving us a chance to evalu- involved in the after-death ceremonies had questioned the Federation ’s produc- ate our working. ” Gandhi addressed the work on an agency basis unconnected tivity and sense of accountability, and representatives: “Why do you keep com- with the Punchayet, explained BPP chief recommended clarity in its role and objec- ~ executive Rustom Anklesaria. “If the lives, formulation of policies and deci- president Lt Gen Adi Sethna interpolated, dren if after five years Parsi children were “We would like to commend the BPP de- Repercussions of the Roxan episode In case of a Zoroastrian woman married out of the community and opting for rites, dokhmenashini in Bombay, certain issues are confirmed: the use of a bungli at In favor of the Federation doongerwadi though not permitting the “Is there anyone here who feels we are ing to Federation meetings? What is the benefit you are deriving? How much of it 25 Parsiana December 1991 Iare you passing on to the anjumans? How mobed i _ ‘ “ niuch time are you devoting to make the anjumans like Allahabad whose paying tion. Federation progress? If not, start tomor- capacity does not exceed Rs 1,500. “If you give Rs 2,500 to a paramobed, row morning! ” • - ... “As the FPZAI is constituted today, for all intents and purpose, it is only a cere ­ monial body, totally ineffective to meet requirements were now greater as he had the problems of the Zoroastrian Parsis of to constantly work before the fire, the A request followed for intimation of the India... The FPZAI, in spite of its all-India Anjuman was unable to meet his request general pay scales of different anjumans connotation, only represents 10-20 per- and had perforce to allow him to resign so that emoluments of priests are on par. in cent of the total Parsi population of India, and recall the services of their earlier different regions. The bulk of 80-90 percent of the Indian paramobed, briefed Dandiwalla. Expect- Parsis have no voice or representation in the affairs of their community and are lit ­ erally on their own, ” was the observation of Brig Noshir Grant of Poona. His note on the subject — recommending that the Federation should study why the bulk of the Parsi population in Bombay and Poona are not becoming members of their anjuman, and change its constitution to ded with controversial issues — was cir ­ culated in advance. In Bombay, more than 50 percent of those who are eligible to vote have been I registered as voters with the BPP, in- \ formed Rustom Anklesaria. Poona would welcome eligible and interested Zoroas ­ trians to their anjuman, even though the trustees may not go out of their way to •- invite newcomers, mentioned Dinshaw Anklesaria of Poona. “The anjumans are - truly representative of people who are ? concerned and community minded, ” I noted Gandhi who then went on to cite the I Delhi statistics where 600 of the total 700 | are members of the anjuman and yet they face a difficulty in meeting the necessary quorum of 40 members at the annual gen ­ eral meetings. After the futility of broadening the, similar plea, Dandiwalla sought the Fed- base of anjuman membership was estab ­ lished, the Federation took up for delib ­ eration the need to increase the strength of the Federation ’s membership figure. But looking at the attendance in Calicut, ____ Gandfii questioned the need to increase Rs 1,200-1,500 a month especially when anjuman membership unless it is accom- there is no other income? ” questioned panied by active participation. Finally it Rustom Anklesaria. Before selecting a was agreed that though the Federation it- candidate for training, the paramobed self would not, individuals like former subcommittee should ensure that he has minorities commission member Homi other avenues of income, suggested Rus- Taleyarkhan and zonal representatives tomji. Gandhi reiterated the need for vol- could, if they so chose, induce the anjumans which were not members to join the Federation family. are creating problems for before consenting to the BPP’s coopera- capacity does not exceed Rs 1,500. J _ - When the paramobed engaged by the what do we pay a regular train^ mobed? ” Allahabad Anjuman demanded a higher was Ms Mani Clubwala ’s concern on be- pay scale claiming that his nutritional half of the Jal Phiroj Clubwala Dar-e- 1 Meher in Madras where she is a trustee. ing the present incumbent to soon make a Communication in circles People don ’t know, so they don ’t get in ­ terested; and because they are not inter ­ ested, they don ’t want to know. Refer ­ ring to this vicious circle was Sethna who was lamenting the inadequate circu ­ lation of community news. The informa ­ tion should be targetted not only to the members of the community but also to the non-Zoroastrian peers who influence the members, he emphasized. This problem was experienced at an official level too when anjumans like Madras and Calicut were confronted by authorities who refuse to acknowledge Parsis as a minority group and grant the applicable concessions. was therefore requested to get a govern ­ ment notification issued on this subject with clear directives that Parsis are to be listed in the minority category. A copy of this notification could then be used by the anjumans as and when required. Like overseas associations which make conscious efforts to create an awareness and understanding of the com ­ munity among the local populace by con ­ ducting TV programs and interfaith dis ­ cussions, anjumans in India, even in small pockets, should make such attempts, stated Gandhi. Few Indian anjumans bring out regular newsletters; some are sporadic. Most anjumans however are non communicative, it was noted. Even the anjuman directories, listing the mem­ bers of the anjuman, could serve to bind the community, it was felt. Taleyarkhan From left: Balsara, Dandiwalla, Minoo Irani, D. Anklesaria and Kaizad Faradi eration ’s advice. An anjuman enters into a contract with the new recruit where the salary is prede ­ termined. But, “looking at the cost of liv ­ ing, can we expect a person to survive on 1 Paramobeds in a demanding position The Pardi Anjuman has offered to pay a monthly salary of Rs 2,500. The Jam­ shedpur Anjuman is even willing to go up to Rs 3,000. Such offers for a para- Land limitations Certain lands available to the community are not optimally utilized, for they fall in a zone which cannot be developed; or because the class of people for whom it was intended doesn ’t exist anymore; or because it was allotted by the govem- unteers from different anjumans to offer themselves for paramol^d training to make the paramobed scheme a success. The deficit in the Allahabad para ­ mobed ’s salary “will be financed by the ment on the specific understanding that it BPP and the Federation. ” This assurance be used for a earmarked objective. In from Gandhi prompted Desai, as the sole other areas like Bombay they are scout- BPP trustee in attendance, to jestingly remark, “You are not even asking me!” ing for land to build additional houses for the community from the magnanimous 26 Parsiana December 1991munity property do not always meet with dispute. In Bhuj, there is supposed to be overseas Zoroastrian. cooperation from the local members. For one lone Zoroastrian lady trustee in Only kathi growing or agricultural pro- Nadiad, the Federation body had decided charge of the fire-temple and adjoining duction would be presently permissible at the last meeting that unidentified land who feels obligated to look after the for the community land around Boisar graves which were distributed over the fire. In the case of both Dhulia and Bhuj and Tarapore. But Taleyarkhan hoped to community property and depreciating efforts would continue to impress on get the land user changed and the finan- f. ------ ------- 1. , '—- ¦ ¦ • Federation ’s name included on their land records in the future interest of the com ­ munity. Reiterated Gandhi, “This is a Zoroastrian Federation and wherever we need to fight for what is right, we will fight. ’’ donation of Rs 85 lakhs that came from an from the sale value of the land, could be these anjumans the need to have the cial prospects of the land improved. Value of land in Junagadh which the Fed ­ eration managed to retrieve in the ab ­ sence of a single Zoroastrian remaining in the area is also expected to appreciate considerably once it is declared as falling in an industrial zone. The Delhi representatives were won ­ dering whether they would be permitted to start a restaurant on the dharamshala relocated. But, due to some opposition, mittee headed by SPP president Df Sam premises and use the profits for the other the latest position, as informed Surat Parsi objectives of the trust In case of land Punchayet (SPP) executive officer and _ . _ granted by the government, the trustees active member of the defunct anjumans project of ameliorating the conditions of cannot put it to any other use, noted Se- subcommittee Sorab Katpitia, is that the the poor Parsi farmers in south Gujarat, cunderabad ’s Bazun Dittia; unless such a class of beneficiaries doesn ’t exist in which case a cy prfes representation may be made to the government for permis ­ sion to use it for an akin object, added Desai. Efforts by the Federation ’s defunct anjumans subcommittee to protect com- "This is an open forum so people have the right to speak" As you sow... The Federation ’s rural welfare subcom- Bhacca was given a standing ovation for accomplishing progress on its mammoth subcommittee Sorab Katpitia, is that the graves would be shifted to one comer of With the collaboration of the World the same plot, and the area thus vacated Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), assis- be sold so that the moneys could be put to tance in the form of engines, diesel community use. In Dhulia, the Federation pumps, pipelines, cattle, agricultural in ­ helped negotiate for a settlement between puts, accessories to supplement income, the anjuman trustees and one Zoroastrian, technical and scientific advice through securing for the trustees a compensation training programs has brought confi- from the sale of a portion of land under dence and hope to the impoverished life M.PMLOriJI & co PRIMWe LIMIT®- ’ Industrial Painting, Coating,Anti-corrosion Water-proofing,Construction, Diving & Offshore Contractors. 87, Abdul Rehman Street, Bombay 400003 Tel : 324150/336607 Tlx : 011 75871 MPEL IN, Fax : 022-2152998 28 Parsiana December 1991 J (! i of the farmers. ans. The effort and expenditure was Youth ventures The scope of this program should be worthwhile, the Federation office bearers Trying to make skilled artisans of Parsi further extended to include poor Parsi pastoral families in Maharashtra, pressed impact that donors overseas as also from Taleyarkhan. But when Bhacca and some others voiced their doubts as to whether funds generated for the Gujarat farmers could be channelized for the Maharashtra farmers, Taleyarkhan was insistent, stat ­ ing, “I’m speaking as the executive chairman of WZO. I’m going to give clothes to Dahanu. ” He was referring to the 101 bales of old clothes that were for ­ warded by WZO-London, just the freight clearance and inland transport costs of which would have depleted the subcom ­ mittee ’s resources had not the good of ­ fices of Airfreight and Kermani and Parsi colonies in Bombay (where the should not be attempted. As a community Company been put to use. documentary was shown on the cable we have gone past the stage of blue-collar The WZO video documentary, Unbe- service) were able to appreciate the dire workers. In the armed forces, barring the lievable (see “A portrait of poverty, ” Par- poverty of the rural Parsis. odd three or so, there are no Parsi jawans, siana. August 1991) projecting the plight of the poor Zkiroastrian farmers of south privileges granted to the adivasis can also Gujarat was not approved by all. While be assured to the Parsis. “Revenue offi- some were wondering whether there was any sense in projecting such an image abroad, others wanted to know whether of the second wife of the government, ” the recipients were genuinely Zoroastri- were convinced. It was due to the visual youth was Federation joint honorary treasurer Peshotan Nargolwala ’s objec ­ tive for advocating the starting of a train ­ ing center. But when Bombay ’s Gamadia Polytechnic Institute is not being patron ­ ized by Parsis and Surat ’s efforts to enrol students for technical courses did not make any headway, the chances of such an institute succeeding in Poona were re ­ mote, was the majority opinion. Emphasized Rear Admiral Keki Pestonji who had been invited to the pro ­ ceedings from his neighboring base in Cochin, “As a theoretical notion Peshotan Nargolwala ’s concept is perfect. But it His nutritional requirements were now greater as he had to constantly work before the fire I 1 poverty of the rural Parsis. Efforts are continuing see to that the only the officer cadres. Now if any thing is ¦ to be set up, there should be higher insti ­ tutions of le^aming... Our strength as a community lies in the professional and business fields. We need to establish money-making professional firms. ” Take advantage of our minority status instead cers always favor the adivasis even if we are in the right. We’re treated as the son.s lamented Nariman Balsara of Saronda. 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 I J 9o Parsiana December 1991zone who took over from Dittia. The vice of expecting the Punchayet to start a re- zone who took over from Dittia. The vice Taleyarkhan and Dittia have been des- volving fund for self-employment which president from west zone A will be Minoo ignated permanent invitees to the Federa- may not be feasible because of the vol- Irani (president of Poona), west zone B, tion in recognition of their services over ume involved, Pestonji was convinced. The activities initiated by the Zoroas ­ trian youths in different pockets ranged from social gatherings and competitions honorary secretaries while Nargolwala the day before, ” remarked Balsara but he to welfare work. Dahanu youth were pro- ——i.i.—— ..... ...... was not allowed to further comment on grossing with the new English medium Rplioinn anrl rpniiyntinn pre-election scene on the grounds school — Shirin Dinyar Irani I^eamers ’ ® that everyone has the right to campaign. Academy — that commenced its first year “Religion is not talk; it is realization. And Balsara also pressed for a notice of the of academic activity in June ’91, and were realization alone is its test of character. ” additionally contemplating organizing a The religion of Zoroaster in particular is motocross rally. The Delhi youth had intended more for practice than for and thus those representatives to the Fed- been concentrating on an interschool elo- preaching, summed up V. Panoli, Vedic eration cannot have their anjuman ’s cution competition in memory of the DPA scholar and author of 17 books, who was mandate to stand for election. Yet an- and Federation stalwart the late Shiavax Nargolwala. The Madras Association was to start a youth committee and the affairs of the anjuman after the ’91 elections Irani (president of Poona), west zone B, Bhacca, Sethna from the north zone and the years. Bodhanwalla from the east zone. “The elections took place yesterday, Gandhi and Desai were reelected joint but the lobbying has been going on since Religion and realization meeting six months in advance as some anjuman trustees only meet thrice a year "The anjumans are truly representative of people who are concerned and community minded" preaching, summed up V. Panoli, Vedic scholar and author of 17 books, who was invited as guest speaker at the Federation other request from Balsara: “In the min- deliberations. Though Panoli was more utes please don ’t use abbreviations like familiar with the philosophy of the FEZANA, FPZAI or fatakra (Gujarati Upanishads and the Gita, his study of term for fire-crackers); we don ’t under ­ comparative religions made him perceive Zoroastrianism as the “most practical reli ­ gion... ” “Zoroastrianism believes not in oppo ­ sition but only cooperation, ” stated Zoroastrian Anjumans of India. Panoli. “It exists by virtue of its own in ­ nate beauty and righteousness... If Those attending the Federation meeting Zoroastrianism has survived, there must be truth in it, for only truth can survive... Were a religion to believe in propaganda, and Peshotan Nargolwala from Bombay; the religion would stop when propaganda Darius Marshall from Calicut; Kaizad slops, ” analysed the scholar, appreciating Faradi from Dahanu; Lt Gen Adi Sethna, the Zoroasirian principles of non-conver- Keki Gandhi and Farrokh Rustomji from sion — “not disturbing the settled faith of Delhi; Aspi Irani and Pervez Irani from another. ” the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman; Homi Reflections on the life of the prophet Bodhanwalla from Jamshedpur; Ms Mani Clubwala from Madras; Minoo Irani and Dinshaw Anklesaria from Poona; Nari ­ man Balsara from Saronda; Jehangir surrounded by wonderful things. It is up Bisney and Ms Hoofrish Bisney from Se­ to the intelligent man to opt for shrayas cundcrabad; Dr Sam Bhacca and Sorab (spiritually motivated sellless activity) Kalpitia from Surat. The permanent in- which leads one to perfect freedom rdiher vitees present were Homi Taleyarkhan stand. ” So Gandhi patiently explained that FEZANA stands for the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North Amer ­ ica and FPZAI for the Federation of Parsi were: Capt Homi Dandiwalla from Al ­ lahabad; Eruch Desai, Rustom Anklesaria 'fic.K. expected to be more youth oriented as the vibrant new team took charge. Se­ cunderabad has been organizing competi ­ tions for different age-groups, undertak ­ ing social welfare work in institutions and Zarathushtra — “the epoch maker ” — offering its knowhow in terms of a model made Panoli add, “When you live in soli- constitution that could be adopted by the tudc, nature will speak to you... Man is youth wings of other anjumans. The Cali ­ cut youths, numbering only three, have no association. Even then “you youths can think in terms of what can be done for the youths in other regions. Make it a pqint than prayas (physical activity governed and Bazun Dittia. V. Paftoli was the guest to attend all-India Zoroastrian youth con- — - ferences, ” stressed Gandhi. As regards the Nagpur youth conference scheduled dur ­ ing the Diwali holidays of 1991, most anjumans had not received any intimation and the only thing known wa.s that out ­ standing professionals from the commu- . nity had been invited as speakers. by material rewards) which does not lead speaker. The Press was represented by one to ultimate glory. ” Parsiana. and BPP trustee Jamshed Guzder were reelected joint honorary treasurers. The five coopted members will include Nar ­ golwala from west zone A, Rustom An ­ klesaria from west zone B, Eruch Surti of Jamshedpur from the cast zone, Rustomji from the north zone and Clubwala from the south zone. The anjumans which will have a repre ­ sentation on the executive council are Ahmcdnagar and Nagpur from west zone Among the A, Baroda and Bhavnagar from west zone B, Allahabad, Agra, Delhi, Mhow and The elected eligibles Barring a few names, it was the same members, the same who had shown a steady interest in the Federation ’s work ­ ing, who were reelected to the Federa ­ tion ’s executive council. vice presidents, the only newcomer was Darius Marshall (managing trustee of the Lucknow from the north, Calcutta from Calicut Parsi Anjuman) from the south the east and Madras from the south. MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited from Parsi boys, up to 35 years of age, preferably vegetarian, having his own accommodation, for a Parsi vegetarian girl, 27 years old, 5'3", fair, B.Sc., working. Contact Tel: 8227152/8121187 (Bombay) 31 Parsiana December 793 JART Concrete Conceptions Gustasp Irani Architect Hafeez Contractor designs landmarks in India and abroad In the dense concrete jungle of Bombay, cook knows only one dish and the dancer Hafeez Contractor ’s structures dare to be only one dance you can ’t call either a different, almost brazenly so. They surge good cook or a good dancer. So also with over the nondescript buildings that honey- architecture; to be good you can ’t limit comb the city, thrusting themselves at the yourself to one style. ” He points to the sky. There is something very phallic in walls of his office which are covered with some of Contractor ’s work and like the photographs of his divergent creations: lingam of Indian mythology, they sym- apartment blocks, residential complexes, K. bolize the very source of his crea- nursery schools, factory buildings, office tivity. blocks, market places, farmhouses, clubs [ Contractor, like creativity, is and hotels. He has also designed the ipte- hard to define. He defies conven- riors of airline offices, airport lounges, tional compartmentalization. He is railway reservation counters, newspaper courteous; he responds to the offices, restaurants, penthouse suites... questions but we sense an under- The list goes on and on. His geographical current of restlessness against at- reach is equally wide: Bombay, Pune, . tempts to straightjacket him and Nagpur, Navsari, Bangalore, Delhi and his work with neat definitions. Momentarily the restlessness breaks the surface. “It is a very reflects his spirit — open and unre- naive way of looking at things, ” stricted. There are no cabins or dividing he responds when asked to single walls; just rows of desks and drafting out his most significant building, tables. Contractor operates from a draft- Then relenting, he replies: “My ing table, strategically placed at the head most significant building is the last one I of a stairway so that his energy surges designed, ” which, when he spoke to us, was one commissioned by the Tatas. “I don ’t look back at the past. I look at 85 strong — he meets his visitors, clients the future; at what I am going to create, ” he states. Likewise Contractor refuses to peg buildings, himself down by defining his own distinc ­ tive architectural style. “My distinctive fierce, almost visibly so. His deepset style is my own. I don ’t have to define it; it ’s for others to define. ” He goes on to draw an analogy between a good architect phone he doodles firm set lines that un- and a good cook or a good dancer. “If the consciously trace the columns of steel, concrete and building materials in his mind. “I dream more of buildings than of even faraway Mauritius. The design of Contractor ’s office itself across both levels of his premises. Here, within full view and earshot of his staff — and guests, conducts his business over the phone and, more important, designs his His commitment to architecture is eyes, his entire personality seem to radi ­ ate this energy. When talking on the 32 Parsiana December 1991 \ Contractor's doodles: tracing columns?girls, ” jokes the eligible and handsome better is your highlight, ” he observes. through his mind into bold lines on paper. 40-year-old bachelor. He could be the Yet it does not stop Contractor from Architecture may be one of the five prototype of Harward Rookh, the archi- consulting his junior architects, bouncing classic art forms, but to Contractor it is tect hero of the Ayn Rand novel The ideas off them. This time it is a concept more than that; there is a very practical ¦ • sidetoit. “Your work has to be judged by the constraints within which it is done. It ’s the difference between asking you to write a story in 10 words and giving you unlimited facilities and resources, ” he ob ­ serves. The constraints within which an architect works are the clients ’ personali ­ ties, tastes, resources cJid needs, for start ­ ers. In Bombay, there are the further con ­ straints of limited space and high con ­ struction costs. However, “even in Bom- Yet it does not stop Contractor from Fountainhead. But no, he has not read the book, in fact he does not read novels. “A waste of time, ” he says and a smile briefly cracks the intensity. He does read, though only architecture journals. The qualifications column of Contrac- tor ’s bio data sparkles in its monotony — first in his class in all his seven years of architecture studies. It was way back when he was in the fifth standard of school that he realized his commitment to the profession and pursued it with for a proposed office complex. There is a bay, just because of constraints, I don ’t singleminded determination. “I used to childlike quality in Contractor ’s enthusi- draw castles, forts, machines of war and asm as he outlines his views on the struc- things like AaL I did not know it was ture. “Don ’t you think it is very force ­ architecture till a teacher pointed it out to ful? ” he asks, me.” The teacher was Ms Gupta, a Parsi lady married to a non-Parsi. She was the not lost in the rigors of his work. We only one, according to Contractor, who sense his frustration with a subcontractor, had a substantial influence on his career. ‘ _ “Architecture is such a thing where day- from his creative process. Phone calls — the same functitm, located in two differ- to-day things can influence you, some- one international — puncture our inter- ent areas, would result in two different thing visual, a thing from your past... ” Yet view but after each interruption he picks buildings. He does not copy or repeat he'Stops short of singling out anything up where he has left off with no prompt- himself. “If your location is different, that could impose upon his creativity, ing. Only his hands betray his restlessness your situation is different, your surround ­ even the highlights of his own past. "The and impatience to return to his work, furi- ing is different, your influence is differ- very fact that you know that you can do ously condensing the structures that surge ent; everything is different. The building Constructions designed by Contractor: no element of repetition Your work has to be judged by the constraints within which it is done'^ believe that you can ’t design a piece of art. A good designer can do it. It depends on the architect, ” he states, adding as a rider that there are many in the trade who cannot even draw a straight line. Contractor believes that the location of a building is an important factor. Accord- and with us too, for having distracted him ing to him two structures meant to serve from his creative process. Phone calls — one international — puncture our inter ­ Contractor has a sensitivity which is k ’•V « k k _ 1 : T r. f JU iwood to concrete. Contractor draws our attention to a picture of one of hisbuild- you design is bound to be different too, ” he observes. Of course there are times when a _ building may not be all that Contractor blocks of architecture: from stone and would like it to be. “You ’ve got to be practical, flexible, ” says. Contractor, then adds: “Some jobs I will accept even if the client offers me less because I find them challenging. You do some work for the money and some for the love of it ” It is his ability to strike the right bal ­ ance between the flexibility of a businessman and the creativity of an artist that has enabled Contrac ­ tor to score above the common herd. Interior designing, according to Contractor, is not very different from architecture designing. “They both deal with the handling of material, ” he clarifies. “There is no end to doing up a home. In some, just doing the ceiling and walls is enough. In others, you may have gold inlaid ceilings and that is not enough for the client. He probably wants to have dia ­ monds inlaid in his walls too. ” The costs? They vary. Contractor believes a place may be done from Rs 600 to Rs 700 per square foot to Rs 2,000 per square foot de ­ pending on what work needs to be done Designing an inviting stairway and what the client wants. According to Contractor, there was once a distinctly Parsi style of architec- turistic science fiction movie. “You can ’t is enough opportunity in the country; ture which was quite like the colonial build a building like this with blocks of it is only a question of reaching out and style. “During' its time the design was stone and wood. Those materials had taking it. very honest. To do it today would be their own discipline. Concrete is more false, ” he says. It is not so much a change flexible; you can do a lot more with it but in trends as a change in the basic building it also has its own discipline, ” he informs us. Parsis, Contractor regrets, are losing their sense of discipline and ability to work hard. He attributes part of the problem to the fact that there is a very high rate of literacy and educa­ tion in the community as a result of which younger members of the community look down upon physi­ cal effort and working with their hands. “Parsi boys don ’t want to work hard any more. All they want is a job in a bank, free housing in a baug, going out to cinema houses with their friends in the evening, whistling at girls and their day is done, ” he laments. His distress stems from a strong sense of commitment to his roots and it was this commitment, in a larger sense, that prompted him to return to India after qualifying in architecture and urban development from Columbia University in the USA. “I returned because I wanted to. There is something like loyalty. Just because your parents are poor (and in this case he refers to India as his parents) you don ’t abandon them, ” he observes. The oft re ­ peated line that the country does not offer opportunity to the talented is a fal- ings that looks like something out of a fu- lacy for, according to Contractor, there turistic science fiction movie. “You can ’t ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD continued from page 18 1991. As part of his job Amroliwalla is banks, Damania has travelled all over the scheduled to spend January to March, world for research and exploration and for 1992, in Houston, Texas, studying Dop- germ-plasm collection missions intended Mann who has also been recently released pier Echocardiography at the famous to preserve land races (old farmers ’ in- from captivity in Beirut. Baylor Medical College. digenous seed varieties) and the wild rela ­ tives of crops that are threatened ’ by ge­ netic erosion. Damania recently led an international team of scientists from the Genetic Re­ sources Unit for a cereal exploration mission to Tibet. The team collected nu- informs that they routinely receive cases cultural Organisation (FAO) Dr Ardeshir merous barley and wheat samples from of aero-medical casevacuations from all Damania was interviewed for the BBC’s central Tibet, mostly growing above over the world and his role is to process Farming World radio program, informs them after arrival, besides running a Gen ­ eral Medical Unit of a Standard District Hospital. According to the ZTFE circular, Am­ roliwalla was to be promoted to the rank of Air Commodore from November 19, Amroliwalla considers all this to be part of his routine duty. He is the consult- Damania’s Gene Bank ant physician and he;id of the medical di- Aleppo based head of the Gene Bank (for vision at RAF Wroughton Hospital, seeds) at the International Centre for Ag- which is nearest to the main RAF base at ricultural Research in Dry Areas (IC- • Brize Norton and Lyneham. Amroliwalla ARDA), under the World Food and Agri- 4,000 meters altitude. Damania also found wild forms of some rare seeds in Tibet which he believes will be valuable the ZTFE circular. An authority on the preservation and propagation of seeds for growing better additions to the germ-plasm processed for and healthier crops, using genetic re ­ sources that include preserving seeds in air-tight containers at 22°C in the gene wheat and barley at the Gene Bank, adds the write-up. Compiled by Amavaz S.Mama 34 Parsiana December 1991COMMENT The Parsi and his Sherpa arsi Distinct microscopic communities^ Parsis and Sherpas are coping with threats to their survival and identity Aspj Moddie Few would have thought of comparing AD and, crossing the Himalayan passes more so after the early Everest expedi- the Zoroastrian Parsis with the Bud ­ dhist Sherpas except those who have migration which took half a century. The come in contact with both the groups. Despite being worlds apart in geograp ­ hical location, racial origins, socioeco ­ nomic allegiances, the similarities seem a re- Both Parsis and Sherpas lived quiet emising teeth in trade and industry, and markable sociological phenomenon, centuries of agricultural/pastoral obscu- the Sherpas in tourism. The relationship They provide useful insights into the rity; the Parsis from the eighth to the of these groups with the British was one experiences of minorities. Sociologist James Fisher described the Sherpas as “the most famous minority in a land these centuries, the Sherpas in their ity, integrity, loyalty and hard work in of minorities (Nepal). ” And because of remote Everest region were relatively their respective spheres. Later westerners the worldwide attraction to Everest coun- isolated from the mainstream of Nepali admired the Parsis for their philanthropy try since 1953, the Sherpas and Sherpa- life, yet retained trade and cultural and liberalism in Bombay, and the Sher- land have been the most researched of contacts' with Tibet, the country of their pas for their qualities of courage and any such small community and land in origin. The Parsis, in the earlier centu- the world. Having no magnet like the ries, were surrounded by a sea of Hindus Everest, the Parsis of India living largely and Muslims of Gujarat who partly influ- brought amusement to others as also to in mctropoli- enced their Ian- the members of their respective minori- tan Bombay, have been among the least researched. Their little lamp of Zoroastrianism has been the main attraction to the outside world. The first simi­ larity between the two minorities is that they are both diaspora munities. Whilst it is well-known that the Parsis came . from Iran to the v west coast of India in ships in the eighth AD, it is less well- known that the _ Sherpas migrated from Kham in east ­ ern Tibet in 1480 ¦ on foot, came into Khumbu in 1533, a tions of the 1920s and 1930s. That fa ­ mous Central Asian explorer and leader firstr generation of both settlements of the Lhasa expedition of 1904, Sir founded temples, the Parsis in Sanjan Francis Younghusband, once referred to and the Sherpas in Pangbochi, as sym- circumstances and religious bolic centers of their lives. “ the extraordinary influnce of the Euro ­ pean in Asia.” The Parsis cut their west- Both Parsis and Sherpas lived quiet emising teeth in trade and industry, and 18th century, and the Sherpas from the of mutual admiration. The westerners 16th to the early 20th century. During liked both the groups for their adaptabil- strength on high mountains. Both had a zest for life in their different worlds and com- century 35 Parsiana December 1991 iff ill] Wk “ ¦ II ¦ ?* ” ~ enced their lan ­ guage, dress and ties. Disproportionate to their small num ­ customs. did however re ­ tain a cultural- religious identity, tion of change. ” Both have had long tradi- recharged by the tions of intra-community help. ‘Rivayat ’ con- For both, the vehicle of change and tacts with Iran modernization was education. With the .after the 15th wider educational contacts, the new gen- ^century. eration of Sherpa children are -losing \ Strangely botli touch with the Sherpa language, and were catalysed learning more Nepali and English. It is |J into new life the same with Parsis who are losing fa- f r by western con- miliarity with Gujarati, and using English tacts: them Parsis besides other Indian languages. through trade Language is a potent vehicle of with the Portu- change. On that vehicle, both communi- guese, Dutch and ties began sizeable migrations to the English from the nearest metropolis — the'Parsis to Bom- 18th century on- bay and the Sherpas to Kathmandu. Ear- wards; and the Her, Darjeeling attracted the first Sherpas Sherpas through to mountain porterage, just as China and mountaineering, trekking and to ­ urism since 1907, They bers, both acquired a wider world recog ­ nition as distinctive microscopic commu ­ nities who were making good in a “tradi- con- trade Aden attracted an earlier generation of Parsis to trade. The process of educa ­ tion, modernization and migration, withtheir new windows on life, their new challenges, brought with them the inevi ­ table threat to tradition, identity, and sur ­ vival, both demographic and cultural. New life-styles in new locations have led to a thinning of links with gompas (mon ­ asteries) and monks in the case of the Sh- eipas; and with fire-temples and priests in the case of the Parsis. As a result, cus ­ tomary practices of grandparents ’ days become hard to adhoe to; festivals pro ­ vide fewer opportunities to get together, the priesthood is bound by ritualistic tra ­ dition, and their numbers dwindle for lack of a future. Both Parsis and Sherpas have known this phenomenon. Yet both have recently been seeking a renewal of their identities through their respective religions. The Sherpas ’ new-found wealth invested in their old gompas seems more visible than that of Parsis in their agiaries. While one bears high costs of oil in gompa lamps, the other, high costs of sandalwood in fire-temples. The Sherpas seem not to suffer from Parsi doctrinal conflicts. This is the compensation of still being in a simple society, undisturbed by the com ­ plexities of the modem, industrialized world. Bombay and Namche Bazar are still centuries apart. MATRIMONIAL Computer soft-ware specialist, trained in America, 28 years, and running own business in Delhi, desires matrimonial correspondence with professionally qualified young Parsi girls. Kindly write giving full particulars, bio-data and photograph (returnable) to: MATRIMONIAL Correspondence invited from parents of boys with professional background for daughter of 30 years, of good, cultured family in the teaching profession, having travelled and lived abroad. Kindly write giving full particulars to: The Advertiser Matrimonial (D ecember/34-91) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 The Advertiser Matrimonial (December/35-91) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 FIRDOS & S. CAMBATTA CO. 'Cambatta Central', Bharat Bobins Ltd Premises Rakhial Road, Ahmedabad 380023 Agents in Gujarat for: M/s ION EXCHANGE (INDIA) LTD For INDION Water Softening Plants, Demineralisers, Cation & Anion Resins, Filters, Chemical Dosers etc ? ?? Sole concessionaires in Gujarat for: M/s INGERSOLL-RAND (INDIA) LTD For Air Compressors and Vacuum Pumps 36 Parsiana December 1991MILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged be­ tween 21 and 54 years, the arith­ metic mean — the total number of individual ages divided by the total number of brides — being 26 years. The corresponding fig­ ures for the grooms were 24 and 58, averaging at 31 years. As compared to 40 births, there were 66 deaths in Bombay in November. The major killer was heart disease claiming 14 lives, while eight patients fell prey to pneumonia/lung disease. Diabetes and cancer took five lives each while four victims each succumbed to hypertension, tuberculosis, brain disease and old age/general debility. The other killers were kidney failure (three) and septicemia and an­ aemia (two each). Embolism (obstruction of a blood vessel by the impact of a solid body or an air bubble), gastro-enteritis, gan­ grene, haematemesis (vomiting of blood), asthma, nervous disor ­ der, jaundice and primary lesion (pathological change in body tis ­ sue) were the isolated cases reg­ istered last month. A stillborn baby boy and a seven-month-old BARODA Died GoolArdeshir Vania (82) residing at bfB, Parsee Clny, Jamshedpur, 831001 on August 75, 1991 BOMBAY Born A boy, Rohan, to Mina and Faramroze Bagli; August 16 A boy to Khushnuma and Aspi Mehta; October 14 A boy to Rashna and Porosp Baria; November 1 A girl to Jehanara and Faredoon Bhathena; November 1 ‘ A girl to Aban and Kiran Deohans; November 2 A boy to Brinda and Yazad Darasha; November 3 A boy to Mahrukh and Rohinton Mistry; November 3 A girl to Sanober and Harmoz Dasti; November 4 A boy to Dinaz and Persy Medhora; November 4 A girl to Khurshid and Darayus female child were lost to the community. In the case of three deaths, the coroner’s report was still pending. The eldest to die last month was a 102-year-old lady. The data on births, maniages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anju­ mans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not always complete or consis ­ tent. For example, the birth fig­ ures for Bombay are supplied by four hospitals; births in suburban hospitals and private nursing homes are not included unless individuals send us information together with a copy of the birth certificate. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, es ­ pecially of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. Mistry; November 5 A boy to Hamshed and Sheri Bamboat; November 9 A boy, Neville, to Veera and Ruzbeh Barsivala; November 9 A boy to Dinaz and Peryez Havaldar; November 12 A boy to Thrity and Burjor Daruvala; November 13 Twins (boys) to Key an and Firdos Limzerwala; November 13 A boy to Hufrish and Mernoz Shastri; November 13 A girl to Mehroo and Percy Mehernosh; November 15 A boy to Khurshid and Mac Spenser; November 15 A boy to Diana and Yezdi Engineer; November 16 A boy to Mahrukh and Hoshi Jassawalla; November 16 A boy to Ayesha and Mahiar Mehta; November 17 A boy to Kashmira and Shahrukh Vmrigar; November 18 A girl to Roxana and Kersy Golla; November 20 A girl to Kashmira and Rayomand Bhesania; Novembar 22 A boy to Shernaz and Kerman Gagrat; November 22 Twins (girls) to Veera and Rohinton Mehta; November 22 A boy to Shalini and Zaheer Lalkaka; November 23 A boy to Kayandokht and Rustom Shahlori; November 23 A boy to Urvasi and Bomanshaw Cooper, November 24 A boy, Karl, to Arnawaz and Pervez Rustomkhan; November 24 A boy to Kusum and Parvaz J ilia; November 25 A girl to Gulistan and Bomi Mehta; November 25 A girl to Mehroo and Mehernosh Fitter; November 26 A girl to Shernaz and Sammy Marfatia; November 26 A boy to Farida and Coover Contractor; November 27 A boy to Soona and Rusi Patel; November 27 A girl to Dilnawaz and Meherndsh Khambata; November 28 A girl to Armin and Hector Kharadi; November 29 Married Dinaz Darab Marolia and Adi Shapur Tata of New York; September 14 Yasmin Nariman Panthaky andViraf Dinshaw Irani; October 21 Yasmin Darius Anklesaria and Rushad Tehemton Udwadia; November 9 Dilshad Jehanbux Cooper and Erachshaw Kersi Dubash; November 10 Behnaz Aspandiar Phooredahmubed arid Firdos Faredoon Irani; November 10 Vahabiz Pestonjee Bharucha of Rajkot and Jehanbax Jal Doctor of Ahmedabad; November 11 Maneck Darabshaw Variava and Yazdi Burjor Pundole; November 12 Roxan Minoo Kapadia and Cyrus Dara Bharucha; November 14 Kashmira Soli Nilgiriwala and Khushru Dhunjishaw Ichhapojria; November 14 Shahnoor Jamshed Sumariwalla and Mehernosh Rustom Mehta; November 15 Gulshan Behram Anklesaria and Firdaus Beji Shroff, November 15 Monaz Dinyar Bhathena and Adil Hoshang Kavarana; November 16 Roshan Minoo Readymoney and Dara Bapooji Bhandari; November 17 Amaziz Jimi Jesia and Rustom Shapur Irani; November 17 Hutoxi Adi Mody and Hormuzd Darius Mistry; November 17 Roshan Dali Framna and Neville Behman Avari; November 18 Sahernaz Sam Daruwalla and Sharukh Behman Avari; November 18 Paricher Jangoo Kapadia and Percy Dadi Vapiwala; November 18 Havovi Mbioo Merchant and Hosang Dhunjisha Fitter; November 19 Maharukh Dinyar Talavia oi Nagpur and Rustom Phiroze Kotwal of Nagpur; November 19 Dinavan Navel Mulla and Ardeshir Sam Mehta; November 20 Dhun Dara Vania and Hoshang Bhimji Patel; November 21 Roshni Minoo Katrak and Percy Phiroze Siganporia; November 21 Ruby Ardeshair Mohta and Rusi Nadirshah Wadia; November 21 Rashna Khurshed Pardiwalla and Adil Jal Pooniwala; November 22 Farida Minoo Baria and Keki Mehervan Palkhivala; November 23 Bakhtawar Nariman Katgara and Jimmy Aspi Godrej; November 24 Farzana Nozer Surti and Dicky Rattan Vajifdar; November 25 Niloufer Homi Minocher and Viraf Bezon Aga; November 26 Shiraz Noshir Namerian and Pheroze Sohrab Tafti; November 26 Arnavaz Sapal Mehta and Parvez Homi Bhandari; November 28 Anahita Phiroze Sethna and Kersasp Sapal Mistry; November 29 37 Parsiana December 1991Armine Adi Joshi and Hosheder Eruch Ichhaporia’ , November 30 Ketayun Boman Khosravi and Kersi Behramji Sui of Uran; November 30 I Died Behli Noshirwan Motiwala (68), 74/A, Florida Apts, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 400050; October 31 Jer Jamshedji Mehta (87), 663, Shroff Panday Bidg, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 1 Homi Manekji Havewalla (70), 2/25, Sethna Bldg, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; November 2 Adi Sovak Kotwal (53), B/1/9, Navajbai Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; November 2 Freny Adi Kotwal (46), B/1/9, Navajbai Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 4(X)016; November 2‘ Meher oo Framroze PeUrawalla (65), I/l, Mehta Bldg, Panthaki Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; November 2 5, Firoze Irani Chawl, 286/C, Sopari Baug, Parel, 400012; November 4 Dalnaz Farokh Patel {1 mdis), 3IZ6, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; November 5 Farida Khodaram Irani (55), Pushpa Niwas, Uranwalla St, Grant Rd, 400007; November 6 Hilla Rustomji Mehta (74), 5/18, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; November 6 Rutty Khurshedji Amalsadiwalla Naval Ardeshir Patel (63), (61), Batliwalla Bldg, Chikalwadi, Tardeo, 4(X)007; November 3 Freny Ratan Bhomisha (63), Soona Bldg, Chikalwadi, Grant Rd, 400007; November 3 Shera Darayas Patel (68), 50/C, Malani Sonbai Sadan, Bazar Rd, Bandra, 400050; November 3 Pallon Dinshaw Shroff (JO), 23, Venus Apts, Cuff'e Par^e, 400005; November 3 Lovji Dinshawji Siganporia (74), Daulatbanoo Sorabji Q/1, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; November 3 Homai Behram Aderianwala (81), E/3, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; November 4 Homai Savakshaw Doctor (66), 6, Wadia Block, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; November 4 Padam Jehangirji Gheyara (79), 42, Jal Darshan, 51, Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; November 4 Soli Nuserwanji Mohta (66), Kotwal Hse, 1st Cross Lane, Sleatcr Rd, 400007; November 4 GARO FOR SALE One original violet coloured <3aro in very good condition, embroidered all over in white creeper-like small flowery design and 3" border of birds and flowers all around. For viewing call: 2863797/2861361 or write to; The Advertiser (Garo) Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 Tart^torewalla (65), 6I\3, Gamadia Clny, Tardco, 400007; November 6 Rotan Hormusji Todiwalla (55), D/10, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; November 6 Dinbai Hormusji Miraporewala (102), 4/4, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; November 8 Piroja Bahadurji Nanji (10), E/31, Jer Baug, Dr Amb^kar Rd, Byculla, 400027; November 8 *1 The cards you pick today will decide whether Gita goes to school. I I 1 Or back to work. ’%s3 I 4 r i ? * ’¦ v* When you buy a CRY product you ’re not just buying a beautiful work of art, you are really helping a child like Gita. She will read and write one day, thanks to you. For CRY will help transform your money into a better future for her. To date, CRY has helped over 40 voluntary agencies bring food, shelter, health-care and basic education to over 4 lakh underprivileged children all over India. CALENDARS Rs. 17.50 DIARIES Rs. 75 CARDS Rs. 3.50 - 4.50 Available at books/stationery/ deparunent stores. Sales Tax extra 25, Gover Road, Lox Town, Bangalore 560 005. Tel. 569355. »¦' . * st «v ‘-J' Gift a child a future. CHUD RELIEF AND YOU Anand Estate, 189-A, Sane Guruji Marg, Bonibay-400 Oil. Tel: 896472/896845 Community Facility (Complex, 45, Poes Road, Bapu Park, Kotla Mubarakpur, Teynampet, New Delhi 110 003. Aladras 600 018 Tel. 619160/694790. Tel. 451548 39 Parsiana December T931Jinee Dinshawji Mistry (84), A/13, Shakti Sadan, 161/63, Lamington Rd, 400007; November 9 Maneck Percy Morris (53), Gandhi Bldg, Wadia St, Tardco, 400034; Novenaber 9 Najatnai Rustomji Poonawakt (81), A/53, Trangil Treat, Yari Rd, Versova, 400061; November 9 Makamai Kharshedji Kharadi (80), 613, Dinshaw Bldg, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 10 Jamshedji Cawasji Billimoria (90), B/2, Shapur Baug, V, P. Rd, 400004; November 11 Meherbanoo Rustam Eranee (85), 4, Ram Mans, Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; November 11 Rohinton Bejoryi Godiwalla (58), B/13/13, Sai Niketan, 345, Mount Rd, Mazgaon, 40(X)10; November 12 Meherbai Byramji Governor (92), New Petit Mans, 101, Sleater Rd, 400007; November 12 Ratanshaw Framroz Nariman (11), R/32, S. B. Bharucha Baug, Andheri (W), 4(X)058; November 12 Honu Adarji Shroff (69), Soona Bldg, Chikalwadi, Tardeo, 400007; Novonber 12 Male child of Farida Cherag Tarapore (stillborn), 23/51, Contractor Bldg, Victoria Gardens, Byculla, 400027; November 13 Nergis Firoze Irani (80), 286/D, Sopari Baug Rd, Parel, 400012; November 14 Fall Kawasji Ktmga (51), G/1, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; November 14 Ketayun (Bibi) Sheriar Irani (90), 7/C/14, Sir Ratan Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; November 15 Mehra Homi Irani (73), Salsette Parsi Association, Andheri (E), 40(X)98; November 15 Nariman Darabshaw Elavia (71), 12/2, New Palasia, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452001, C/o Perin J. Shroff, 726, August Kranti Maidan Rd, 400036; November 16 Ketty Minocher Ghadially (72), B/1, S. B. Bharucha Baug, Andheri (W), 400058; November 16 Sorab Shapursha Dalal (71), Yasmin Villa, Sopari Baug, Parel, 400012; November 17 Bandra (W), 400050; November 25 Burjorji Nasarvanji Jijirui (15), 17, Ahura Apts, Gunpowder Rd, Mazgaon, 400010; November 26 Fardoon Dmshaji Khambatta (69), 14/2, Rustom Baug, Navalsha Pestonji Driver (lA), Cama Bldg, 22, Marazban Clny, Gilder St, Lamington Rd, 4(XX)08; November 17 Meherban Rustom Jehani (Irani), (75), A22jA, Dubash Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; November 17 Firojsha Ardesho' Khajotia (15), Victoria Rd, Byculla, 46(X)27; 17, Tarachand Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; November 17 Bahadur Sorabji Patel (81), SO/C, Malani Sonbai Sadan, Bazar Rd, Bandra, 400050; November 17 Nowroji Kekobad Soonawala (84), Clo H. M. Unwalla, 103, Aderbad, Hughes Rd, 400<X)7; November 17 Jidiangir Cawasji Marolia (12), E/10, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; November 18 Rhodabeh Rustom Pavri (84), 631, Dinoo Villa, M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 18 Shavak Pirojsha Dadachanji (61), 603, Bakhtavar, Opp Colaba Post Office, 400005; November 19 Dinyar Darabshaw Daruwalla (43), Captain Bldg, 275, Tardeo, 400007; November 19 Minocher Rustomji Sadri (79), A/38, Peace Haven, St Andrew’s Rd, Bandra, 400050; November 19 Dara Pirozshaw Dubash (66), 7 Apts, 19, Pali Mala Rd, Bandra, 400050; November 20 Ratanbai Ardishir Gadiwalla (73), Shirin Manzil, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; November 20 Mehroo Nadirshaw Photographer (68), Master Chmbs, Cinema Rd, 40(X)20; November 20 Putlibai Ruttonji Mehta (86), Dhunbad, Sleater Rd, 400007; November 21 Dolly Khurshedji Bharucha (54), C, Khalakdina Ter, A. K. Marg, 400036; November 23 Adi Merwan Iraru (47), Sm Oholvad, Dist Thana, 401702; November 23 Hoshang Faramjee Mistry (51), Merwanji Cama Park, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; November 23 Homai Honu Munshi (81), MATi, S. B. Bharucha Baug, Andheri (W), 400058; Noven\ber 24 Keki Jalejar Billimoria (62), B/4/701, BlueBird, KARACHI Married Anahita Eruch Balsara and 302, Sushilla Bhavan Co-op Hsg Behram Sheriar Faroogh’, Soc, Vasai (W), 401201; November 1 November 27 Roda Adi Lalkaka (73), 10, Kartar Bhavan, Minoo Desai Rd, Colaba, 400005; November 27 Dhunmai Hormusji Katrak (96), C/5, Dalal Est, Lamington Rd, Bombay Central, 40(XX)8; November 28 Rati Jehangir Sohrabji (58), «12, Nirmala Mhl, B. Petit Rd, 4(X)036; November 28 Ardeshir Bomanji Irani (16), Rippon Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 4(X)007; November 29 November 26 Hosang Hormusji Chesson (68), JAMSHEDPUR Born Twins, Neville aoANUdta, to Merlyn and Firdose Anklesaria’ , July 12 Died Khorshed B. Aibara (61), Hormazd Villa, Loyola School Area, 831001; June 9 Phiroze M. Kapadia (83), 10, Lake View Rd, Dhatlddih, 831001;June 22 Dorab N. Batliwala (64), 5, HIG Clny, Adarsh Ngr, Sonari, 831011; August 13 Goolbanu K. Panthedty (83), 8, D Rd (East), 831001; August 16 POONA Died Rustom Dosabhai Mody (19), 145, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, 411001; November 4 SURAT Died Goolbai Dinshawji Hansotia (81), Parsi Falia, Gam Dav, 394810; November 2 Ratanshaw Nusserwanji Antroliwala (75), Gam Antroli, Taluka Mandvi, Dist Surat, 394160; November 4 Motamai Sorabji Ichhaporia (11), Parsi Wai Ichhapore, Dist Surat, 395003; November 4 Piroja RatanjiAllu (86), Maachli Pith, 395003; November 15 Ardeshir Pestonji Dhalla Dehalla Mohallo, Rustompura, 395001; November 27 UK Born A boy, Soroush, to Sima and Khodadad Mehraeiir, June 24 A boy, Perzad, to Veera and Borru Daruwalla', July 17 A boy, Ramin, to Farideh and Ramin Felfelli; August 1 A girl, Zarina, to Ruby and Nauzer Siganporia, sister to Zubin; August 18 A. girl to Gulshan and Dinyar Persha', September 27 A girl to Rukhshana and Mehernos Daruwalla, sister to Benaisha; October 6 Died Ratan Jehangir Dotiwala (89), 70, Croydon Rd, Beddington, Surrey; June 26 Khodadad Kermani (55), 14, Beach Lawns, Finchley, London, N.2; July 15 Adie Minocher Writer (59), 22, Silverfields, Broxboume, Herts; July 17 Cherag Noshirwanji Anklesaria (54), 98, Lavenham Rd, London, S. W. 18; July 20 Banubai Digaria (87), 3. Warden Rd, Rayners Lane, Harrow; August 16 Natasha Bapuji (22), daughter of Homai and Keki; October 4 Tahemton J. Bhumgara (73) of Zanzibar, husband of Aloo and father of Eircen Talati, Mehroo and Rrzeen Appleby; October 14 VIRGINIA Bom A girl, Jennifer, to Denaz and Kerman Jasawalla-, November 13 TOTALS (for this Issue) Births: Boys 30, Girls 19 Marriages: 35 Deaths: 85 Compiled by Roxana H. Kaka 40 Parsiana December 1991